bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gut Microbiota Characterization in Patients with HCC Post Chronic HCV Infection
Authors: Montasser karim , osman heba Ahmed , Abozaid Hanan , sabry Abeer M. M. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Aim: Dysbiosis of gut microbiota favors chronic hepatic inflammation with subsequent hepatic carcinogenesis. The current study aimed to evaluate the role of gut dysbiosis in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic HCV infection.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional cohort study carried out on 400 subjects recruited from the Internal Medicine Department and Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology Department of Helwan and South Valley University Hospitals in Egypt. The study period was from January 2017 till January 2020. The subjects were divided clinically into three groups. Group I: One hundred patients with HCC, evaluated by Child Pugh, TNM and BCLC scoring systems. Group II: 200 chronic hepatitis C virus-infected patients. All patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 4. Group III: One hundred healthy control subjects with negative hepatitis marker and normal abdominal ultrasound. PCR of stool Microbiota, complete blood counts, complete liver function tests, INR, HCV antibodies and HBsAg were done for all included subjects. HCV PCR assessment and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were done for all patients.Results: No statistically significant difference was detected between HCC patients and control (p-value > 0.05) as regard Bacteroides fragilis & Akkermansia muciniphila. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was less detected in HCC patients (51%), opposite to 70% of healthy control. With Statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.05). Bifidobacterium was less detected in HCC patients (43%), opposite to (76%) of healthy control. With highly statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.001). Lactobacillus & Enterobacteriaceae was more detected in HCC patients (80%) and (81%), in. Opposite to (36%) and (58%) in healthy control, respectively. With highly statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.001). no significant difference was detected between gut-microbiota and HCC progression with respect to Child or TNM systems. However, a significant difference was detected between number of positive stool isolate of Bacteroid Fragilis and BCLC staging system; where it was isolated from 66.7% of patients with BCLC stage IV opposite to 10.7% of patients with BCLC stage I.Conclusion: A characteristic pattern of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Enterobacteriaceae species in patients with chronic HCV and HCC was detected. Alteration of gut microbiota may be accused as a predisposing factor for liver disease progression.
Results of postoperative anti-rotation on the intracapsular femoral neck fracture fixed with cannulated screws
Authors: Ren Bufang , Ma Quan-ping , Lv Xin , Yin Yun-sheng , Gao Yao-zhu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate effect of postoperative anti-rotation on the union of intracapsular displaced femoral neck fracture treated with three cannulated screws.Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on all the intracapsular femoral neck fractures treated in the department of orthopedics of the second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from July 2015 to December 2018. Fractures of femoral neck were reduced and fixed with three cannulated screws. The patients who wore anti-rotation shoes in the affected side were kept at bed rest for 10-12 weeks after surgery. The results were analyzed.Results: A total of 135 patients were included in the analysis. Six patients (4.4%) were not united. There were 12 cases of avascular necrosis (9.3%). No wound infections, screw breakages was found.Conclusion: Anti-rotation after surgery can significantly reduce the rate of femoral neck fracture nonunion, but not significantly improve the femoral head necrosis
Clinical research and factors associated with prolonged duration of viral shedding in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Tian Di , Wang Lin , Wang Xiankun , Ge Ziruo , Cui Shuping , Xu Yanli , Song Rui , Song Meihua , Han Bing , Zhang Wei , Tan Dawei , Li Xingang , Zhou Yang , Zhang Sujuan , Yang Li , Meng Peipei , Sun Le , Li Xingwang , Chen Zhihai 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Towards the end of December 2019, the Wuhan health commission declared an outbreak of clusters of pneumonia in patients. Sequencing indicated that this disease (COVID-19) was caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The outbreak of COVID-19 is currently still underway.
Methods

We recruited 75 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients admitted to the Center of Infectious Disease division 2 of Beijing Ditan Hospital from Jan 20 to Mar 20, 2020. Epidemiological, demographic, clinical, radiological features, laboratory data were analyzed.
Results

Of the 75 patients, 42(56%) patients were male and 33(44%) patients were female. The mean age of all patients was 41.5 ± 19.4 years. Male patients were more likely to become severe. There were 9 family clusters accounted for 44 patients. Patients classified as being severe had a higher frequency of fever upon admission than patients classified as moderate cases. For moderate patients, the median duration of viral shedding was 25(9.5, 42) days (range 1–63 days) from the first positive nucleic acid test compared to 14(9, 21.25) days (range 2–62 days) for severe cases. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.041). Cox regression analyses indicated that disease status and CRP were the factors that affect the duration of viral shedding. Virus clearance was significantly faster in severe patients compared to moderate patients(p = 0.011), and patients with CRP range in 2–10 times higher than upper limit of normal value had longer duration of viral shedding(p = 0.012). CRP and CD4 + T lymphocyte was negative correlated, and the relationship between CRP and CD4 + T lymphocyte was statistically significant (P = 0.003), with a correlation coefficient of -0.564. During the second week following the onset of illness, severe cases had higher WBC, NEU and CRP, but lower LYM, MON and EOS as compared with moderate cases (all P < 0.05). Severe cases still had lower lymphocyte counts and higher CRP than moderate cases in the third week.
Conclusions

Viral clearance was significantly prolonged in moderate patients, and those CRP in 2–10 times higher than upper limit of normal value. Immune response may affect the duration of viral shedding. Severe cases had a persistence lower lymphocyte count and higher CRP than moderate cases.
A 15 Month Experience with a Primary Care-based Telemedicine Screening Program for Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Benjamin James , Sun Justin , Cohen Devon , Matz Joseph , Barbera Angela , Henderer Jeffrey , Cheng Lorrie , Grachevskaya Julia , Shah Rajnikant , Zhang Yi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Using telemedicine for diabetic retinal screening is becoming popular especially amongst at-risk urban communities with poor access to care. The goal of the diabetic telemedicine project at Temple University Hospital is to improve cost-effective access to appropriate retinal care to those in need of close monitoring and/or treatment.Methods This will be a retrospective review of 15 months of data from March 2016 to May 2017. We will investigate how many patients were screened, how interpretable the photographs were, how often the photographs generated a diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) based on the screening photo, and how many patients followed-up for an exam in the office, if indicated.Results Six-hundred eighty-nine (689) digital retinal screening exams on 1377 eyes of diabetic patients were conducted in Temple’s primary care clinic. The majority of the photographs were read to have no retinopathy (755, 54.8%). Among all of the screening exams, 357 (51.8%) triggered a request for a referral to ophthalmology. Four-hundred forty-nine (449, 32.6%) of the photos were felt to be uninterpretable by the clinician. Referrals were meant to be requested for DR found in one or both eyes, inability to assess presence of retinopathy in one or both eyes, or for suspicion of a different ophthalmic diagnosis. Sixty-seven patients (9.7%) were suspected to have another ophthalmic condition based on other findings in the retinal photographs. Among the 34 patients that successfully completed a referral visit to Temple ophthalmology, there was good concordance between the level of DR detected by their screening fundus photographs and visit diagnosis.Conclusions Although a little more than half of the patients did not have diabetic eye disease, about half needed a referral to ophthalmology. However, only 9.5% of the referral-warranted screenings actually received an eye exam. Mere identification of referral-warranted diabetic retinopathy or other eye disease is not enough. A successful telemedicine screening program must close the communication gap between screening and diagnosis by reviewer to provide timely follow-up by eye care specialists.
Analysis of low-dose estrogen on fracture healing measured by pQCT in postmenopausal women
Authors: Jäckle Katharina Blanka Dr. , Kolb Jan Philipp , Schilling Arndt F , Schlickewei Carsten , Amling Michael , Rueger Johannes M , Lehmann Wolfgang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
The skeletal disease osteoporosis affects primarily postmenopausal women. It is characterized by increased fracture risk due to defective remodeling of bone tissue and a pathological bone microarchitecture in response to the decreased levels of estrogen. Osteoporosis is clinically silent up until a first fracture occurs. Therefore, the diagnosis of the disease is usually late. Recent preclinical studies with mice, rats and rabbits suggested that estrogen treatment enhances the healing effect after bone fractures. Here we asked whether transdermally applied estrogen, which restores the systemic premenopausal level of estrogen, has a beneficial effect on fracture healing of postmenopausal women as observed in preclinical models.
Methods
To investigate whether estrogen has a beneficial effect on bone fracture healing of postmenopausal patients, we performed a prospective double-blinded randomized study with 76 patients suffering from distal radius fractures. A total of 31 patients (71.13 years ± 11.99) were treated with estrogen and 45 patients (75.62 years ± 10.47) served as untreated controls. Calculated bone density as well as cortical bone density were determined by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) prior to and six weeks after the surgery.
Results
We found that unlike with preclinical models, bone fracture healing of human patients was not improved in response to estrogen treatment. Furthermore, we observed no dependence between age-dependent bone tissue loss and constant callus formation in the patients.
Conclusions
Transdermally applied estrogen to postmenopausal women, which results in estrogen levels similar to the systemic level of premenopausal women, has no significant beneficial effect on bone fracture healing.
Association between Omentin-1 and Major Cardiovascular Events After Lower Extremity Endovascular Revascularization in Diabetic Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Biscetti Federico , Nardella Elisabetta , Rando Maria Margherita , Cecchini Andrea Leonardo , Angelini Flavia , Cina Alessandro , Iezzi Roberto , Santoliquido Angelo , Pitocco Dario , Landolfi Raffaele , Flex Andrea 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular complications represent the major cause of morbidity and mortality of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. In particular, peripheral artery disease (PAD) represents a frequent T2DM vascular complication and a risk factor for the development of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Among adipokines, Omentin-1 serum levels are reduced in T2DM patients with PAD and are inversely related to disease severity.Objective: To study the relationship between Omentin-1 levels, at baseline, with outcomes after endovascular procedures in T2DM patients with PAD and chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).Research Design and Methods: We enrolled for our prospective non-randomized study, 207 T2DM patients with PAD and CLTI, requiring revascularization. Omentin-1 serum levels were collected before revascularization and patients incidence outcomes were evaluated at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.Results: Omentin-1 was reduced in patients with more severe disease (27.24 ± 4.83 ng/mL vs 30.82 ± 5.48 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Overall, 84 MACE and 96 major adverse limb events (MALE) occurred during the 12-month follow-up. We observed that Omentin-1 levels were lower in patients with MACE (26.02 ± 4.05 ng/mL vs 31.33 ± 5.29 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and MALE (26.67 ± 4.21 ng/mL vs 31.34 ± 5.54 ng/mL, p < 0.001). The association between Omentin-1, MACE and MALE remained significant after adjusting for major risk factors in a multivariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve using Omentin-1 levels predicted incidence events (area under the curve = 0.80).Conclusions: We demonstrated that reduced Omentin-1 levels, at baseline, are related with worse vascular outcomes in T2DM patients with PAD and CLTI undergoing an endovascular procedure.
The Influence of Illness Perception, Anxiety and Depression Disorders on Students Mental Health during COVID-19 Outbreak in Pakistan: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Aqeel Muhammad , Shuja Kanwar Hamza , Abbas Jaffar , Rehna Tasnim , Ziapour Arash 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Since the emergence of a coronavirus disease (2019-nCoV) in December 2019, the whole world is in a state of chaos. Isolation strategy with quarantine is a useful model in controlling transmission and rapid spread. As a result, people remained at homes and disrupted their outside daily activities. It led to the closure of educational institutes, which is a source of many students to cope with numerous personal and familial issues. This study focuses on exploring the relationships and potential mediational pathways between mental health problems, illness perception, anxiety, and depression disorders.Method: The study incorporated snowball sampling techniques through a cross-sectional, web-based survey and recruited 500 students from different public and private universities from twin cities, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad from March 23 to April 15, 2020, during the coronavirus outbreak lockdown. The study used four instruments, Beck Depression Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire, and The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale for assessing depression, anxiety, illness perception, and mental health disorders.Results: The findings indicated normal (43.2%) mild (20.5%), moderate (13.6%), and severe (22.7%) level of anxiety prevalence in students. Results specified a normal (65.9%), mild (9.10%), moderate (9.12%), and severe (15.90%) depression prevalence, and findings stipulated that anxiety disorder prevalence was higher than the depression disorder. The correlational results specified a negative and significant relationship between mental health, illness perception, anxiety, and depression symptoms. The multiple regression analysis stated that anxiety and depression disorders mediated the relationship between mental health and present illness perception. The perception of illness exhibited a relation to depression and anxiety disorders.Conclusion: The study proposed a model to address mental health problems during the lockdown. The (2019-nCoV) illness perception developed mental disorders, including anxiety and depression, which has declined individuals' mental health. There is an urgent need for ongoing clinical examination and management to address psychological disorders, and findings suggest assessing mental health to combatting the pandemic worldwide. Findings recommend developing strategies to promote mental healthcare facilities during COVID-19 wide-ranging disasters. These results highlight the impending importance of devising strategies to treat mental health problems.
Examining the influence of the communication frame and gender identification in the intention to screen for Hepatitis C
Authors: Diotaiuti Pierluigi , Falese Lavinia , Mancone Stefania , Bellizzi Fernando , Valente Giuseppe 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C is present all over the world with a high prevalence in European Regions, and Italy appears to be one of the European countries with an estimated prevalence of the chronic disease in about 3% of the population (1.5 million people). The scientific evidence shows that risky behaviours are widespread among young people and require particular attention and adequate measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different narrative communicative scenarios regarding the intention of students to carry out diagnostic testing for Hepatitis C and if gender identification, and the increase in information about the infection risk could influence the students’ propensity to undergo a medical test.Methods: The study was voluntarily attended by 850 university students. Participants were administered three narrative scenarios with different frames (positive, negative, ambivalent) and including two gender options (male and female) for the main character of the story.Results: Results showed that in order to stimulate the propensity for a diagnostic check in the juvenile population, the use of a negative scenario with a same gender character was always more effective than the use of a positive framed scenario, even if the level of knowledge about the disease was remarkable.Conclusion: The findings of this study can ultimately help the policy makers develop communication campaigns to raise awareness of the risk and encourage medical screening that needs to be adapted to target populations.
Accuracy of 3D-Printed Dental Models of Different Tooth Surfaces
Authors: Dong Ting , Wang Xiaoting , Xia Lunguo , Ye Niansong , Yuan Lingjun , Fang Bing 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Few studies have been reported regarding the accuracy of 3D-printed models for orthodontic applications. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of 3D-printed dental models of different tooth surfaces.Methods：Thirty maxillary dental models were produced by means of a stereolithography-based 3D printer. Each printed model was digitally scanned and compared with the oral-scanned STL file via superimposition analysis, with a colour map used to assess the accuracy of different surfaces of anterior and posterior teeth.Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the average deviations of different tooth surfaces. The mean average absolute deviations of the occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth were greater than those of other surfaces. Percentages of points beyond the upper and lower limits of different tooth surfaces displayed the same results.Conclusions: The occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth on 3D-printed dental models show greater deviations than those of other regions, especially in pits and fissures.
Endoscopic findings in patients with uninvestigated dyspepsia: A retrospective study from Qatar
Authors: Badi Ahmad , NAUSHAD VAMANJORE ABOOBAKER , Purayil Nishan Kunnummal , Chandra Prem , Zaid Hassan Abu , Paramba Firjeet Chirakkal , Qaid Abdo , Milad Mohammad , Elzouki Abdel-Naser 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background/Aim:

Dyspepsia is a common complaint in general clinical practice. The prevalence of clinically significant findings in endoscopy in dyspeptic subjects of various age groups and ethnicities in Qatar is not well studied. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of endoscopic findings in previously uninvestigated patients with dyspepsia.
Methods

we retrospectively studied subjects older than 18 years of age who underwent endoscopy for dyspeptic complaints from January 2011 to December 2017. Subjects who already had peptic ulcer disease, who underwent endoscopy for reasons other than dyspepsia and those with incomplete data were excluded.
Results

A total of 824 subjects were reviewed for eligibility and 733 were included for analysis. The mean ± SD age of the study subjects was 42.7 ± 13.5 years and 59.5% were males. Epigastric pain was the predominant symptom (79.2%) followed by heartburn (26.1%). Abnormal endoscopic findings were noted in 91.8% of subjects. Gastritis (65.5%) and esophagitis (33.1%) were the most common findings observed. The overall prevalence of gastric ulcer was 4.6% and it was higher in the subjects above 60 years of age (14.1%, p = 0.001). Gastric carcinoma was seen only in 4 (0.54%) subjects.
Conclusion

Gastritis was the most common endoscopic finding observed followed by esophagitis. The most common presenting symptoms were epigastric pain and heartburn. The prevalence of gastric ulcer was significantly high in patients above 60 years and gastric carcinoma was low in the study population.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with two mini incisions: an innovative, feasible and safe technique with superior cosmetic outcomes
Authors: Xu Yong-fu , Wang Ai-dong , Fang Zhe-ping , Dai Qi-qiang , Li Zhenyu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) is usually performed with four incisions in a simple and safe way. Minimally invasive surgery for gallbladder disease with advantages of less pain and smaller scars, has become increasingly popular in patients. This study aimed to describe our experience in performing a new technique of two-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (TILC) with conventional instruments and make a comparison with CLC. In this study, forty-three prospective patients undergoing TILC and another forty-three historical cases operated by CLC were involved. The patients were examined in respect of operative time, postoperative pain, cosmesis and complications. We found that there was no significant difference in the gender, age, body mass index, bile duct damage, blood loss and days of postoperative hospital stay between TILC and CLC. The mean operation time in TILC was longer than that in CLC, but not statistically different. Significantly lower postoperative pain scores were reported in the TILC group than those in the CLC one (p = 0.019). The mean cosmetic satisfaction score was significantly higher in TILC group than that in CLC group (p < 0.05). These results confirm that TILC is a safe and feasible technique with less postoperative pain and a significant improvement in cosmesis for patients, only by using conventional instruments. It may be a good alternative to CLC in the future.