bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protocol for A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Studies on the Use of Brain Natriuretic Peptide and N-Terminal Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in the Diagnosis of Cardiopulmonary Edema in Acute Respiratory Failure
Authors: Terayama Takero , Taniguchi Takuya , Imai Ryosuke , Anan Keisuke , Yoshida Takuo , Ando Koichi , Okamori Satoshi , Okada Yohei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Dyspnea with bilateral pulmonary edema is common among patients in emergency departments (EDs) or intensive care units (ICUs). For the initial management of patients with this condition, cardiopulmonary edema (CPE) must be differentiated from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in clinical settings. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are useful in distinguishing these conditions. However, current data about the use of these indexes are limited. Hence, we planned to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the accuracy of the two indexes for the diagnosis of CPE.Methods We designed and registered a study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. This study aims to determine the diagnostic accuracy of BNP and NT-proBNP based on the standards of the methodology of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy and the Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies in reporting the findings of this review. We will search PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Library, www.clinicaltrials.gov, and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Randomized controlled trials and observational cohort studies reporting the accuracy in diagnosing CPE among adult patients with dyspnea and bilateral pulmonary edema will be included in the analysis. Two reviewers will independently screen articles, extract data, and evaluate for quality and bias using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies. Then, a meta-analysis will be performed, and different statistical methods will be used to investigate heterogeneity among studies. A subgroup analysis of elderly patients with left ventricular dysfunction or chronic renal dysfunction will be performed. In the meta-analysis, a hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic model or a bivariate model will be used in each index test, as appropriate.Discussion A systematic review and meta-analysis of the accuracy of BNP and NT-proBNP for the diagnosis of CPE will be conducted. The result of this study can help clinicians to identify an appropriate initial treatment for patients with acute respiratory failure, including those with ARDS and CPE. To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first comprehensive systematic review focusing on ARDS management in a specific population.Systematic review registrationUMIN-CTR ID: UMIN000040983.
New insights into intrinsic foot muscle morphology and composition using ultra-high-field (7-Tesla) magnetic resonance imaging.
Authors: Smith Melinda Maree Franettovich , Elliott James M , Al-Najjar Aiman , II Kenneth A Weber , Hoggarth Mark , Vicenzino Bill , Hodges Paul W , Collins Natalie J 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The intrinsic muscles of the foot are key contributors to foot function and are important to evaluate in lower limb disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), provides a non-invasive option to measure muscle morphology and composition, which are primary determinants of muscle function. Ultra-high-field (7-T) magnetic resonance imaging provides sufficient signal to evaluate the morphology of the intrinsic foot muscles, and, when combined with chemical-shift sequences, measures of muscle composition can be obtained. Here we aim to provide a proof-of-concept method for measuring intrinsic foot muscle morphology and composition with high-field MRI.Methods: One healthy female (age 39 years, mass 65 kg, height 1.73 m) underwent MRI. A T1-weighted VIBE – radio-frequency spoiled 3D steady state GRE – sequence of the whole foot was acquired on a Siemens 7T MAGNETOM scanner, as well as a 3T MAGNETOM Prisma scanner for comparison. A high-resolution fat/water separation image was also acquired using a 3D 2-point DIXON sequence at 7T. Coronal plane images from 3T and 7T scanners were compared. Using 3D Slicer software, regions of interest were manually contoured for each muscle on 7T images. Muscle volumes and percentage of muscle fat infiltration were calculated (muscle fat infiltration % = Fat/(Fat+Water) x100) for each muscle. Results: Compared to the 3T images, the 7T images provided superior resolution, particularly at the forefoot, to facilitate segmentation of individual muscles. Muscle volumes ranged from 1.5 cm3 and 19.8 cm3, and percentage muscle fat infiltration ranged from 9.2% to 15.0%. Conclusion: This proof-of-concept study demonstrates a feasible method of quantifying muscle morphology and composition for individual intrinsic foot muscles using advanced high-field MRI techniques. This method can be used in future studies to better understand intrinsic foot muscle morphology and composition in healthy individuals, as well as those with lower disorders.
Modified Nodal Stage of esophageal cancer based on the evaluation of the hazard rate of the negative and positive lymph node
Authors: Zhang Jinling , Li Hongyan , Zhou Liangjian , Yu Lianling , Che Fengyuan , Heng Xueyuan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective:The study aimed to propose a modified Nodal stage of esophageal cancer (EC) on basis of the number of positive lymph node (PLN) and the number of negative lymph node (NLN) simultaneously.Method:Data from 13,491 patients with EC registered in the SEER database were reviewed. The parameters related to prognosis were investigated using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. A modified N stage was proposed based on the cut-off number of the re-adjusted ratio of the number of PLN (numberPLN) to the number of NLN (numberNLN), which were derived from the comparison of the hazard rate (HR) of numberPLN and numberNLN. The modified N stage was confirmed using the cross-validation method with the training and validation cohort, and it was also compared to the N stage from the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system (7th edition) using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results:The numberPLN on prognosis was 1.064, while numberNLN was 0.962. The modified N stage was defined as follows: N1 stage: the ratio range was from 0 to 0.08; N2 stage: more than 0.08, but no more than 0.63; N3 stage: more than 0.63. Cross-validation method within the cohort identified the predictive accuracy of this modified N stage, and ROC curve analysis demonstrated the relative superiority of the modified N stage over that of the AJCC N stage.Conclusion:The modified N stage based on the re-adjusted ratio of numberPLN to numberNLN can evaluate tumor stage relative accurately than the traditional N stage.
Time to adapt in the pandemic era: A prospective randomized non–inferiority study comparing time to intubate with and without the barrier box
Authors: Madabhushi Praneeth , Kinthala Sudhakar , Ankam Abistanand , Chopra Nitin , Porter Burdett 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background The challenges posed by the spread of COVID-19 disease through aerosols have compelled anesthesiologists to modify their airway management practices. Devices such as barrier boxes are being considered as potential adjuncts to full PPE's to limit the aerosol spread. Usage of the barrier box raises concerns of delay in time to intubate (TTI). We designed our study to determine if using a barrier box with glidescope delays TTI within acceptable parameters to make relevant clinical conclusions.Methods 78 patients were enrolled in this prospective non inferiority controlled trial and were randomly allocated to group C (without the barrier box) or the study group BB (using barrier box). The primary measured endpoint is time to intubate (TTI), which is defined as time taken from loss of twitches confirmed with a peripheral nerve stimulator to confirmation of end-tidal CO 2. 15 seconds was used as non-inferiority margin for the purpose of the study .We used an unpaired two-sample single-sided t-test to test our non- inferiority hypothesis (H 0 : Mean TTI diff ≥ 15 seconds, H A : Mean TTI diff < 15 seconds). Secondary endpoints include the number of attempts at intubation, lowest oxygen saturation during induction, and the need for bag-mask ventilation.Results Mean TTI in group C was 42 (CI 19.2 to 64.8) seconds vs. 52.1 (CI 26.1 to 78) seconds in group BB. The difference in mean TTI was 10.1 seconds (CI -∞ to 14.9). We rejected the null hypothesis and concluded with 95% confidence that the difference of the mean TTI between the groups is less than < 15 seconds (95% CI -∞ to 14.9,p = 0.0461). Our induction times were comparable (67.7 vs. 65.9 seconds).100% of our patients were intubated on the first attempt in both groups. None of our patients needed rescue breaths.Conclusions We conclude that in patients with normal airway exam, scheduled for elective surgeries, our barrier box did not cause any clinically significant delay in TTI when airway manipulation is performed by well-trained providers.The study was retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04411056) on May 27, 2020
The Complete Mitochondrial Genome of The American Palm Cixiid, Haplaxius Crudus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae)
Authors: Komondy Lidia , Huguet-Tapia Jose , Ascunce Marina S. , Helmick Ericka , Goss Erica M. , Bahder Brian 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Haplaxius crudus (the American palm cixiid) is a major insect pest of various economically important palms. H. crudus persists in tropical and subtropical regions where it is known to transmit the lethal yellowing (LY) phytoplasma. It has been implicated as the putative vector of Lethal bronzing (LB), a destructive phytoplasma-induced palm disease affecting over 16 species of ornamental and agricultural palms. To date, no mitochondrial genomes for species in the family Cixiidae are sequenced. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences of H. crudus has proven useful for proper species diagnosis and population studies which could benefit management programs aimed at moving infective insects. These analyses describe the first mitochondrial genome from the American palm cixiid, Haplaxius crudus and an insect in the family Cixiidae. Results In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of H. crudus was assembled and characterized from PacBio Sequel II long sequencing reads using the University of Florida’s HiPerGator supercomputer. The circular mitogenome of H. crudus is 15,845 bp long and encodes 37 mitochondrial genes (including 13 protein coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs and 2 rRNAs) in addition to a putative non-coding internal control region. The nucleotide composition of H. crudus is asymmetric with a bias toward A and T (44.8 %A, 13.4 %C, 8.5 %G and 33.3 %T). Protein-coding genes (PCGs) possess the standard invertebrate mitochondrial start codons with few exceptions while the gene content and order of the H. crudus mitogenome is identical to most completely sequenced insect mitochondrial genomes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that H. crudus is closely related to the planthopper in the family Delphacidae: N. lugens, which is the established sister group to Cixiidae. Conclusions Our studies have elucidated the first reference mitochondrial genome of Haplaxius crudus, providing structural analysis of the circular genome and encoded gene regions. The present results provide future opportunities to assess the diversity and origin of H. crudus. This study demonstrates the significance of understanding the structure and function of the mitochondrial genome to inform effective diagnostic and management strategies for insect pests.
Genome-Wide Conditional Association Study Reveals the Influences of Lifestyle Cofactors on Genetic Regulation of Body Surface Area in MESA Population
Authors: Khatun Mita , Monir Md. Mamun , Xu Ting , Lou Xiangyang , Xu Haiming , Zhu Jun 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Backgrounds Body surface area (BSA) is an important trait used for many clinical purposes and is associated with a variety of diseases including cardiovascular diseases and cancer. People's BSA may vary due to genetic background, race, and different lifestyle factors (such as walking, exercise, reading, smoking, transportation, etc.). Genome-wide association study of BSA was conducted on 5,336 subjects of four ethnic populations of European-American, African-American, Hispanic-American, and Chinese-American from MESA (The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherocloris) data using unconditional and conditional full genetic models for analyzing genetic effects of additive, dominance, epistasis, and genetic by ethnicity interactions.Results Conditional association analyses revealed that lifestyle cofactors could affect the genetic effects of genes that regulate BSA. Moreover, impacts of the lifestyle cofactors on BSA could depend on the genotypes of several SNPs, and ethnicity of individuals. In this study, fifteen SNPs were identified with highly significant (Experiment-wise PEW < 1×10–5) genetic effects using unconditional full genetic model, of which thirteen SNPs had individual genetic effects and seven SNPs were involved in four pairs of epistasis interactions. Seven single SNPs and eight pairs of epistasis SNPs were additionally identified using exercise, smoking, and transportation cofactor-conditional models. Estimated heritabily was 72.88% using unconditional model and 74.85 ~ 79.87% using lifestyle cofactor-conditional models. It was revealed that lifestyle cofactors could contribute, suppress, increase or decrease the genetic effects of BSA associated genes. From gene ontology analysis, it was observed that several genes are related to the metabolic pathway of calcium compounds, a main compound in several diseases related to obesity, coronary artery disease, type-2 Diabetes, Alzheimer disease, childhood obesity, sleeping duration, Parkinson disease, and cancer.Conclusions In summary, our study provides novel insights into the genetic mechanism of BSA in MESA population, and influences of different lifestyle cofactors on the genetic effects of BSA associated loci.
Multi-omics Examination of Q Fever Fatigue Syndrome Identifies Similarities with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Raijmakers Ruud , Roerink Megan E. , Jansen Anne F.M. , Keijmel Stephan P. , Gacesa Ranko , Li Yang , Joosten Leo A.B. , Meer Jos W.M. van der , Netea Mihai G. , Bleeker-Rovers Chantal P. , Xu Cheng-Jian 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Q fever fatigue syndrome (QFS) is characterised by a state of prolonged fatigue that is seen in 20% of acute Q fever infections and has major health-related consequences. The molecular mechanisms underlying QFS are largely unclear. In order to better understand its pathogenesis, we applied a multi-omics approach to study the patterns of the gut microbiome, blood metabolome, and inflammatory proteome of QFS patients, and compared these with those of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients and healthy controls (HC). Methods: The study population consisted of 31 QFS patients, 50 CFS patients, and 72 HC. All subjects were matched for age, gender, and general geographical region (South-East part of the Netherlands). The gut microbiome composition was assessed by Metagenomic sequencing using the Illumina HiSeq platform. A total of 92 circulating inflammatory markers were measured using Proximity Extension Essay and 1607 metabolic features were assessed with a high-throughput non-targeted metabolomics approach. Results: Inflammatory markers, including 4E-BP1 (P = 9.60-16 and 1.41-7) and MMP-1 (P = 7.09-9 and 3.51-9), are significantly more expressed in both QFS and CFS patients compared to HC, and QFS patients show more of an inflammatory profile than CFS patients and HC. Blood metabolite profiles show significant differences when comparing QFS (319 metabolites) and CFS (441 metabolites) patients to HC, and are significantly enriched in pathways like sphingolipid (P = 0.0256 and 0.0033) metabolism. When comparing QFS to CFS patients, almost no significant differences in metabolome were found. Comparison of microbiome taxonomy of QFS and CFS patients with that of HC, shows both in- and decreases in abundancies in Bacteroidetes (with emphasis on Bacteroides and Alistiples spp.), and Firmicutes and Actinobateria (with emphasis on Ruminococcus and Bifidobacterium spp.). When we compare QFS patients to CFS patients, there is a striking resemblance and hardly any significant differences in microbiome taxonomy are found. Conclusions: We show that QFS and CFS patients are similar across three different omics layers and 4E-BP1 and MMP-1 have the potential to distinguish QFS and CFS patients from HC.
Evaluation of Hookworm Diagnosis Techniques from Patients in Amhara Region, Ethiopia: Cross sectional study
Authors: Zeleke Ayalew Jejaw , Addisu Ayenew , Tegegne Yalewayker , Birhanie Meseret , Sisay Tekeba , Aemero Mulugeta 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Inappropriate diagnosis could intimidate the prevention and control of Hookworm infection. This study was aimed at evaluating the performance of Hookworm diagnosis methods.Methods: An institution based cross sectional study was conducted in Amhara region, Ethiopia. The study subjects were selected conveniently. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, test accuracy and agreements of the different hookworm diagnosis methods, namely; Test Tube Flotation (TFT), MacMaster (MM), Formol Ether Concentration (FEC), Kato katz (KK), and Direct wet mount microscopy (DWMM) were calculated. Composite reference standard (CRS) was used as a gold standard method. Kappa (κ) test was used to measure the level of agreement between diagnosis tests. Moreover, t-test was used to compare the diagnostic performance of the diagnosis methods.Result: a total of 389 stool samples were collected from patients in the study. The overall prevalence of hookworm was 63.24%. Test Tube Flotation (TFT) was found to be the highest both in terms of sensitivity and diagnosis accuracy (100%). MacMaster (MM) was the second most sensitive test (68.7%), followed by FEC (44.3%) and KK (38.2%). On the other hand, DWMM had the lowest sensitivity (37.4%) and its diagnosis accuracy was also the least (60%). Only TFT had a perfect (Agreement=100%, kappa=1) with the CRS. The sensitivity of DWMM, KK, and FEC showed an increase in sensitivity as a function of increasing intensity of infection, but TFT and MM methods were not affected by the infection intensity. Conclusion: Hookworm is still a public health problem in the study area. TFT is by far more sensitive than MM, FEC, KK and DWMM techniques.
A comparative study of the performance of the widal slide agglutination test and the typhidot immunoassay for the diagnosis of typhoid fever in the West Region of Cameroon.
Authors: Karimo Ousenu , Ali Innocent Mbulli , Sama Leonard Fonkeng , Ndam Francois Marcel Nsangou , Tchouangueu Thibau Florant , Tume Christopher Bonglavnyuy 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The diagnosis of Typhoid fever, based on the Widal slide agglutination test, remains a major hurdle in developing countries like Cameroon due to varied perceptions of the value of the Widal test in determining clinical decision making. We undertook a study to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Widal test and the typhidot immunoassay in patients suspected of having typhoid fever in the Menoua division, West Region of Cameroon. Methods: Blood and stool samples were collected from 558 consenting febrile patients on the basis of suspicion of typhoid fever. These patients attended three district health services of the Menoua division between April 2018 and September 2019. These patients had clinical symptoms suggestive of typhoid fever as determined by their consultant. Serum from whole blood was used for the Widal slide agglutination test and for the Typhidot rapid immunoassay test based on manufacturer’s guidelines. A composite reference of fever plus positive coproculture for Salmonella enteric serovars typhi and paratyphi was used as reference. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive values of the positive and negative tests were calculated as well as the Cohen’s Kappa for agreement between the two tests. Results: Of 558 patients, 12.90% tested positive for the reference method, 57.17% tested positive for the Widal slide agglutination test while 15.59% were positive for typhidot-IgM. The overall sensitivity, specificity, predictive values of the positive and negative tests were 80.56%, 94.03%, 66.6% and 97.03% respectively for typhidot-IgM; 94.44%, 48.35%, 21.32% and 98.33% for Widal slide agglutination test. The Cohen’s kappa estimates were 0.1660 (0.121-0.211), 0.386 (0.312-0.460) for Widal test and typhidot immunoassay respectively, with agreements of 53.76% and 76.16% respectively. Conclusion: The Widal test was found to have a lower predictive value for the diagnosis of typhoid fever in our setting. However, the Typhidot test, although better, was not ideal. Diagnosis of typhoid fever should therefore rely on adequate clinical suspicion and a positive Typhidot test to improve the clinical management of Typhoid fever in our setting.
Stress hyperglycemia is associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with diabetes and acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Mi Donghua , Li Zixiao , Gu Hongqiu , Yang Yin , Wang Chunjuan , Jiang Yong , Zhao Xingquan , Wang Yilong , Liu Liping , Wang Yongjun 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background and Objective:
Stress hyperglycemia may occur in diabetic patients with acute severe cerebrovascular disease, but the results regarding its association with stroke outcomes are conflicting.Our study aimed to examine the association between stress-induced hyperglycemia and the occurrence of in-hospital death in patients with diabetes and acute ischemic stroke.
Research Design and Methods:
All data were from the Chinese Stroke Center Alliance (CSCA) database and were collected between 2016 and 2018 from > 300 centers across China. Patients’ demographics, clinical presentation, and laboratory data were extracted from the database. The primary endpoint was in-hospital death. The ratio of fasting blood glucose (FBG) to HbA1c was calculated, i.e., the stress-induced hyperglycemia ratio (SHR), to determine stress hyperglycemia following acute ischemic stroke.
Results
A total of 168,381 patients were included. The mean age was 66.2 ± 10.7, and 77,688 (43.0%) patients were female. The patients were divided into two groups: survivors (n = 167,499) and non-survivors (n = 882), as well as into four groups according to their SHR quartiles (n = 42,090 − 42,099/quartile). The frequencies of traditional cardiovascular risk factors increased with the SHR quartiles. There were 109 (0.26%), 142 (0.34%), 196 (0.47%), and 435 (1.03%) patients who died in the Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 quartiles, respectively. Compared with Q1 patients, the death risk was higher in Q4 patients (odds ratio (OR) = 4.02) (adjusted OR = 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14–3.12, P = 0.026 after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors).
Conclusions
The SHR may serve as an accessory parameter for the prognosis of patients with diabetes after acute ischemic stroke.Hyperglycemia in stroke patients with diabetes mellitus is associated with a higher risk of in-hospital death.