bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging can be used to predict the pathologic stages of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Guo Na , Zeng Weike , Deng Hong , Hu Huijun , Cheng Ziliang , Yang Zehong , Jiang Shuqi , Duan Xiaohui , Shen Jun 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate whether quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) pharmacokinetic parameters can be used to predict the pathologic stages of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC).Methods: For this prospective study, DCE-MRI was performed in participants with OTSCC from May 2016 to June 2017. The pharmacokinetic parameters, including Ktrans, Kep, Ve, and Vp, were derived from DCE-MRI by utilizing a two-compartment extended Tofts model and a three-dimensional volume of interest. The postoperative pathologic stage was determined in each patient based on the 8th AJCC cancer staging manual. The quantitative DCE-MRI parameters were compared between stage I-II and stage III-IV lesions. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of tumor stages, followed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to evaluate the predictive performance. Results: The mean Ktrans, Kep and Vp values were significantly lower in stage III-IV lesions compared with stage I-II lesions (p = 0.013, 0.005 and 0.011, respectively). Kep was an independent predictor for the advanced stages as determined by univariate and multivariate logistic analysis. ROC analysis showed that Kep had the highest predictive capability, with a sensitivity of 64.3%, a specificity of 82.6%, a positive predictive value of 81.8%, a negative predictive value of 65.5%, and an accuracy of 72.5%. Conclusion: The quantitative DCE-MRI parameter Kep can be used as a biomarker for predicting pathologic stages of OTSCC.
Electroacupuncture reduces scopolamine-induced amnesia via mediating the miR-210/SIN3A and miR-183/SIN3A signaling pathway
Authors: Ye Fan , Tian Shiming , Hu Huimin , Yu Zhengwen 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The expression of SIN3A is closely correlated with electroacupuncture (EA) treatment efficacy of scopolamine-induced amnesia (SIA), but its underlying mechanisms remain to be further explored.Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to analyze the expression of candidate microRNAs (miRNAs) and SIN3A mRNA in a rat model of SIA. Western blot was carried out to evaluate the differential expression of SIN3A proteins under different circumstances. Luciferase assay was used to explore the inhibitory role of certain miRNAs in SIN3A expression. A novel object recognition (NOR) test was performed to assess the memory function of SIA rats undergoing EA treatment. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to evaluate the expression of SIN3A in the hippocampus of SIA rats.Results: Rno-miR-183-5p, rno-miR-34c-3p and rno-miR-210-3p were significantly up-regulated in SIA rats treated with EA. In addition, rno-miR-183-5p and rno-miR-210-3p exerted an inhibitory effect on SIN3A expression. EA treatment of SIA rats effectively restored the dysregulated expression of rno-miR-183-5p, rno-miR-210-3p and SIN3A. EA treatment also promoted the inhibited expression of neuronal IEGs including Arc, Egr1, Homer1 and Narp in the hippocampus of SIA rats. Accordingly, the NOR test also confirmed the effect of EA treatment on the improvement of memory in SIA rats.Conclusion: In summary, the findings of this study demonstrated that scopolamine-induced amnesia was associated with downregulated expression of miR-210/miR-183 and upregulated expression of SIN3A. Furthermore, treatment with EA alleviated scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats and was associated with upregulated expression of miR-210/miR-183 and downregulated expression of SIN3A.
Effects of sarcopenia on short- and long-term outcomes in patients with gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms after radical gastrectomy: Results from a large, two-institution series
Authors: Wang Jia-bin , Xue Zhen , Lu Jun , He Qing-liang , Zheng Zhi-fang , Xu Bin-bin , Xie Jian-wei , Li Ping , Xu Yu , Lin Jian-xian , Chen Qi-yue , Cao Long-long , Lin Mi , Tu Ru-hong , Huang Ze-ning , Lin Ju-li , Huang Chang-ming , Zheng Chao-Hui 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The relationship between sarcopenia and prognoses of patients with gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (g-NENs) is unclear. This study was designed to explore the effects of sarcopenia on short-term and long-term outcomes of patients with g-NENs after radical gastrectomy. Methods: This study retrospectively collected data of 138 patients with g-NENs after radical gastrectomy. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) diagnostic threshold for sarcopenia was determined using X-tile software. Cox regression were used to determine the independent risk factors for 3-year overall survival (OS) and 3-year recurrence-free survival (RFS). Results: In this study, there were 59 patients (42.8%) with sarcopenia. Among the sarcopenia group and nonsarcopenia group, the incidences of total postoperative complications were 33.9% and 30.4%, of serious postoperative complications 0% and 3.7%, of postoperative surgical complications 13.6% and 15.2%, of postoperative systemic complications 20.3% and 15.2% (all p>0.05). The 3-year OS and RFS rates were significantly worse in the sarcopenia group than in the nonsarcopenia group (OS:42.37% vs 65.82%, p=0.004; RFS:52.54% vs 68.35%, p=0.036). Multivariate analysis showed that sarcopenia was related to long-term prognoses of g-NENs patients. A stratified analysis based on pathological type revealed that the Kaplan-Meier curve was only significantly different in patients with gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (gMANEC) (OS: 40.00% vs 71.79%, p=0.007; RFS: 51.43% vs 74.36%, p=0.026); furthermore, multivariate analysis showed that sarcopenia was an independent risk factor for gMANEC patients (p<0.05).Conclusion: Sarcopenia is not related to short-term prognoses of g-NENs patients. Sarcopenia is an independent risk factor for patients with gMANEC after radical surgery.
Preconception air pollution exposure and glucose tolerance in healthy pregnant women in a middle-income country
Authors: Najafi Moslem Lari , Zareie Mehdi , Gohari Ali , Haghighi Leyla , Heydari Hafez , miri Mohammad 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Preconception exposure to air pollution has been associated with glucose tolerance during pregnancy. However, the evidence in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is under debate yet. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the relationship between exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) and traffic indicators with glucose tolerance in healthy pregnant women in Sabzevar, Iran (2019).Methods: Two-hundred and fifty healthy pregnant women with singleton pregnancies and 24-26 weeks of gestations participated in our study. Land use regression (LUR) models were applied to estimate the annual mean of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 at the residential address. Traffic indicators, including proximity of women to major roads as well as total streets length in 100, 300 and 500m buffers around the home were calculated using the street map of Sabzevar. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was used to assess glucose tolerance during pregnancy. Multiple linear regression adjusted for relevant covariates was used to estimate the association of fasting blood glucose (FBG), 1-h and 2-h post-load glucose with PMs and traffic indicators.Results: Exposure to PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 was significantly associated with higher FBG concentration. Higher total streets length in a 100 m buffer was associated with higher FBG and 1-h glucose concentrations. An interquartile range (IQR) increase in proximity to major roads was associated with a decrease of 3.42 mg/dL (95% confidence interval (CI): -4.47, -2.37, P-value < 0.01) in FBG level and -4.65 mg/dL (95% CI: -8.03, -1.26, P-value < 0.01) decrease in 1-h post-load glucose.Conclusion: We found that higher preconception exposure to air pollution was associated with higher FBG and 1-h glucose concentrations during pregnancy.
Capillary blood reference intervals for platelet parameters in healthy full-term neonates in China
Authors: Cui Dongyan , Hou Yan , Feng Ling , Li Guo , Zhang Chi , Huang Yanli , Fan Jiubo , Hu Qun 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: No consensus has been reached on capillary blood reference intervals for platelet parameters in full-term neonates. We aimed to establish neonatal capillary blood reference intervals for platelet parameters and evaluate influences of sex, gestational age and postnatal age on platelet parameters.Methods: This study was a prospective investigation and implemented in 594 healthy full-term neonates from 12 to 84 hours of age, using SYSMEX XN-9000 haematology automatic analyser by means of capillary blood. Reference intervals for platelet parameters were defined by an interval of 2.5th –97.5th percentiles.Results: Capillary reference interval for platelet count was (152 - 464) ×109/L. No significance was found between sex-divided reference intervals for platelet parameters. The values of platelet count changed minimally across gestational age (37-41 weeks) and postnatal age (12-84 hours). Reference intervals for other platelet parameters were affected by these factors to a different extent.Conclusions: We established capillary blood reference intervals for platelet parameters in the first days after birth of full-term neonates in China.
Correlation of the anatomical sacral slope with pelvic incidence in female patients with developmental hip dysplasia: A retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Imai Norio , Suzuki Hayato , Sakagami Atsushi , Hirano Yuki , Endo Naoto 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The anatomical sacral slope is considered as an anatomical pelvic parameter independent of femoral head centers for measurement of anatomical sacral slope and was previously described to strongly correlate with pelvic incidence on a two-dimensional examination of healthy subjects. However, the correlation between anatomical sacral slope and pelvic incidence was unclear in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip. This study aimed to examine the correlation between anatomical sacral slope and other spinopelvic parameters by analyzing plain radiographs of female patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip. Methods: Eighty-four women with developmental dysplasia of the hip were examined. Lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, pelvic incidence, sacral slope, and anatomical sacral slope (the angle formed by the straight line of the S1 superior endplate and a line at a right angle to the anterior pelvic plane), were determined by analyzing plain radiographs. The correlations were examined by Pearson correlation coefficients, and intra- and inter-rater intraclass correlation coefficients were evaluated for reliability. Results: A strong correlation was observed between pelvic incidence and anatomical sacral slope (r=0.725, p<0.001). In addition, the correlation between anatomical sacral slope and lumbar lordosis was similar to that between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis (r=0.661, p<0.001 and r=0.554, p<0.001, respectively). The intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficient values were 0.869 and 0.824 for anatomical sacral slope and pelvic incidence, respectively. Furthermore, the inter-rater intraclass correlation coefficient values were 0.83 and 0.685 for anatomical sacral slope and pelvic incidence, respectively. Conclusions: We observed that the strong correlation between anatomical sacral slope and pelvic incidence in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip was equal to that in normal healthy subjects. The correlation between anatomical sacral slope and lumbar lordosis was equal to that between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis. Additionally, the intraclass correlation coefficient values for the anatomical sacral slope were slightly higher than those for pelvic incidence. Thus, we conclude that anatomical sacral slope can be considered as a helpful anatomical pelvic parameter that is a substitute for pelvic incidence not only in normal healthy subjects, but also in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip.
Metastasis to lateral lymph nodes with no mesenteric lymph node involvement in low rectal cancer: a retrospective case series
Authors: Li Peng , Zhang Zhichun , Zhou Yuanda , Zeng Qingsheng , Zhang Xipeng , Sun Yi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study is to examine the pattern of lymph node metastasis (lateral vs. mesenteric lymph nodes) in low rectal cancer.Methods This retrospective analysis included all patients undergoing laparoscopic total mesorectal excision plus lateral lymph node dissection for advanced low rectal cancer (up to 8 cm from the anal verge) during a period from July 1, 2017 to August 31, 2019 at the Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center. The decision to conduct lateral lymph node dissection was based on positive findings in preoperative imaging assessments.Results A total of 42 patients were included in data analysis. Surgery was successfully completed as planned, without conversion to open surgery in any case. A minimumal of 10 mesenteric lymph nodes and 1 lateral lymph node on each side were dissected in all patients. Pathologic examination of resected specimens showed no metastasis to either mesenteric or lateral lymph nodes in 7 (16.7%) case, metastasis to both mesenteric and lateral lymph nodes in 26 (61.9%) cases, metastasis to mesenteric but not lateral lymph nodes in 4 (9.5%) cases, and metastasis to lateral but not mesenteric lymph nodes in 5 (11.9%) cases (n=2 in the obturator region; n=3 in the iliac artery region).Conclusion A clinically significant proportion of low rectal cancer patients have metastasis to lateral lymph nodes without involvement of mesenteric lymph nodes. More carefully planned prospective studies are needed to verify this preliminary finding.
Refractory Chronic Urticaria in Adults: Clinical Characterization and Predictors of Severity
Authors: Coutinho Iolanda Alen , Regateiro Frederico Soares , Fernandes Rosa Anita , Pita Joana Sofia , Gomes Raquel , Coelho Constança , Todo-Bom Ana 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Chronic urticaria (CU) is defined as recurrent urticaria lasting for more than 6 weeks. Objectives: We aimed to characterize the phenotypes of patients with CU refractory to standard dose anti-H1 antihistamine treatment and search for clinical predictors of poor disease control.Methods: Retrospective collection of data regarding clinical characteristics, comorbidities, treatment, and disease control of all adult refractory CU patients presenting to the Allergy and Immunology Department during one year.Results: Sixty-one adult patients were included, 74% females, average age 44.5 years (18 to 84 years old). Most patients (78.7%) had initiated CU less than 1 year before enrolment. Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) accounted for 55.7% of the patients, CSU associated with chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) as a comorbidity for 44.3%, and angioedema was present in 55.7%. Medically-confirmed psychiatric disorders were present in 78.7%. Complementary diagnostic tests were performed in cases with more severe presentation (UAS7 ≥28 and/or UCT <12) or with longer evolution (>1 year), corresponding to 42 tested patient. Evidence for autoimmunity (positive anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies, anti-nuclear antibodies or autologous serum test) was found in 45.2% (n=19/42), and high C-reactive protein was present in 14.3% (n=6/42), half of these also had positive antinuclear antibodies. Forty-six patients (75.4%) had at least one significant exacerbation, requiring medical appointment, emergency room, hospitalization or job absenteeism. The number of exacerbations correlated with the presence of angioedema (p=0.022), with a recent diagnosis (<1 year), and with higher UAS7 severity (p=0.006). Although ClndU was associated with poor symptom control (p=0.022), it was also associated with less exacerbations requiring medical observation or hospitalization (p=0.015). All patients were using antihistamines and 21.3% (n = 13) of them were also under treatment with omalizumab, ciclosporine or montelukast for disease control.Conclusions: Autoimmunity can affect about half of the patients with severe or long-term CU. UAS7 and angioedema are associated with disease exacerbations. UAS7 and UCT presented unequal accuracy, with UAS7 better associating with the occurrence of exacerbations and treatment doses. Patients with refractory CU frequently present psychiatric disorders. Accurate diagnostic tests, namely autoimmune parameters and inflammatory markers, should be recommended in some individual cases.
Just Say “No”: Can Dentists Refuse Care on the Basis of Finances? A Survey Using an Ethical Vignette in an Iranian Dental School
Authors: Kazemian Ali , Fayyazi Mahsa , Shafiee Shahrzad 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate how dental students and tutors think about their position for, or against fee reduction at dental offices. Method: It was a questionnaire-based survey, which examined the ethical attitudes of students and tutors of an Iranian Dental School. The questionnaire included a vignette about an ethical dilemma at a dental office. Different ethical approaches, i.e. duty-based, virtue-oriented and consequentialist arguments, for or against fee reduction at dental office were suggested. Respondents were asked to rank those ethical options. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS 16.0. Result: 121 dental students and thirty-six faculty members (dental specialists) participated in this study. It revealed that a majority of dental students and tutors (68%) are in favor of charging patients less, when facing an imagined request at dental office, using either virtue-oriented (54%) or consequentialist (14%) argument for fee reduction. The difference between rankings of four options was statistically significant, while no statistically significant difference exists neither between male and female respondents, nor students and tutors. Conclusion: This case study provides a basis for fruitful discussions in ethics courses for dental students. Our study suggests that financial issues should be considered as a part of ethical training within the dental student's curriculum.
Active learning of medical students in Taiwan: A realist evaluation
Authors: Huang Chien-Da , Tseng Hsu-Min , Jenq Chang-Chyi , Ou Liang-Shiou 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Active learning is defined as any instructional method that engages students in the learning process. Cultural differences in learning patterns can play an important role in engagement with active learning. We aimed to examine process models of active learning to understand what works, for whom and why.
Methods: Forty-eight sixth- and seventh-year medical students with experience of active learning methods were purposively selected to participate in ten group interviews. Interactions around active learning were analysed using a realist evaluation framework to unpack the ‘context-mechanism-outcome’ (CMO) configurations.
Results: Three core CMO configurations, including cultural, training and individual domains, were identified. In the cultural context of a strong hierarchical culture, the mechanisms of fear prompted students to be silent (outcome) and dare not give their opinions. In the training context of teacher-student familiarity alongside teachers’ guidance, the mechanisms of learning motivation, self-regulation and enthusiasm were triggered, prompting positive learning outcomes and competencies (outcome). In the individual context of learning how to learn actively at an early stage within the medical learning environment, the mechanisms of internalisation, professional identity and stress resulted in recognising active learning and advanced preparation (outcomes).
Conclusions: We identified three CMO configurations of Taiwanese medical students’ active learning. The connections among hierarchical culture, fear, teachers’ guidance, motivation, the medical environment and professional identity have been shown to affect the complex interactions of learning outcomes. Fear derived from a hierarchical culture is a concern as it is a significant and specific contextual factor, often sparking fear with negative outcomes.
The effect of solution-focused counseling on violence rate and quality of life of pregnant women at risk of domestic violence: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mohammadi Sepideh Din , Dadashi Mohsen , Ahmadnia Elahe , Janani leila , Kharaghani Roghieh 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Domestic violence is considered as one of the most common social problems, which can affect the quality of life of women. The problem of preventing and controlling this problem, especially during pregnancy, is one of the basic challenges of health systems. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of counseling based on conflict solution on the rate of violence and quality of life of pregnant women at risk of domestic violence. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial on 90 pregnant women, who were selected from maternity wards in health center number three in Zanjan city. Women who had inclusion criteria based on the domestic violence conflict tactics scale (CTS-2) selected using convenience sampling and randomly divided into two groups of intervention (45 people) and control (45 people) with a blocked randomization method. The intervention group received six counseling sessions with a solution-focused approach and the control group received no intervention. Study tool included demographic and reproductive questionnaires CTS- 2 and short form health survey (SF-36); which completed at baseline and six weeks follow-up in both groups. The results were analyzed by nonparametric ANCOVA using SPSS and R soft wares.Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference in the physical violence (P=0.001), psychological violence (P=0.001), and sexual violence (P=0.001) in the intervention group compared to the control group at six weeks follow- up. There were significant improvements in negotiation scores in the intervention group (P˂0.001). Moreover, there were significant differences in the quality of life scores (P=0.001), vitality (p=0.003), psychological health (p=0.004), bodily pain (p=0.014), physical functioning (p=0.023), and social functioning (p=0.019) between the two groups at the follow- up period.Conclusion: According to the result, individual counseling based on a solution-based approach reduces the amount of domestic violence and increases the quality of life of pregnant women at risk of violence.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2017040628352N4. Date of registration: August 20th 2017.