bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute cholecystitis during COVID-19 pandemic: a multisocietary position statement
Authors: Campanile Fabio Cesare , Podda Mauro , Arezzo Alberto , Botteri Emanuele , Sartori Alberto , Guerrieri Mario , Cassinotti Elisa , Muttillo Irnerio , Pisano Marcello , Brachet Contul Riccardo , D’Ambrosio Giancarlo , Cuccurullo Diego , Bergamini Carlo , Allaix Marco Ettore , Caracino Valerio , Petz Wanda Luisa , Milone Marco , Silecchia Gianfranco , Anania Gabriele , Agrusa Antonino , Di Saverio Salomone , Casarano Salvatore , Cicala Caterina , Narilli Piero , Federici Sara , Carlini Massimo , Paganini Alessandro , Bianchi Paolo Pietro , Salaj Adelona , Mazzari Andrea , Meniconi Roberto Luca , Puzziello Alessandro , Terrosu Giovanni , De Simone Belinda , Coccolini Federico , Catena Fausto , Agresta Ferdinando 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFollowing the spread of the infection from the new SARS-CoV2 coronavirus in March 2020, several surgical societies have released their recommendations to manage the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for the daily clinical practice. The recommendations on emergency surgery have fueled a debate among surgeons on an international level.We maintain that laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains the treatment of choice for acute cholecystitis, even in the COVID-19 era. Moreover, since laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not more likely to spread the COVID-19 infection than open cholecystectomy, it must be organized in such a way as to be carried out safely even in the present situation, to guarantee the patient with the best outcomes that minimally invasive surgery has shown to have.
Comparisons between minimally invasive and open esophagectomy for esophageal cancer with cervical anastomosis: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Zongjie , Liu Canhui , Liu Yuanguo , Yao Sheng , Xu Biao , Dong Guohua 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
As an extensive surgery, minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has advantages in reducing morbidity and improving quality of life for patients suffering from esophageal cancer. This study aims to investigate differences between MIE and open esophagectomy (OE) for considerations of the safety of procedures, rate of tumor resection, postoperative complications, and quality of life. This paper also tends to provide some references for MIE on esophageal cancer therapy.

Methods
A retrospective data analysis was undertaken on 140 patients who either underwent MIE or OE for esophageal cancer with cervical anastomosis from March 2013 to May 2014 by our surgical team. Preoperative characteristics were analyzed for both groups. Differences in perioperative and oncologic outcomes were compared in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, lymph nodes retrieved, and R0-resection rate. Accordingly, a comparative analysis was conducted on complications namely anastomotic leakage, pulmonary infection, in-hospital mortality, and short-term (3 months) postoperative EORTC C30 Global health as well.

Results
A total of 140 patients (87 with MIE and 53 with OE) were enrolled and the two groups were homogeneous in terms of patient- and tumor-related data. There was no difference on postoperative ICU stay (21.15 ± 1.54 h vs 21.75 ± 1.68 h, p = 0.07) and R0-resection rate (100% vs 100%, p = 1.00). The operation time for MIE was significantly shorter (146.08 ± 17.35 min vs 200.34 ± 14.51 min, p <  0.0001), the intraoperative blood loss was remarkably saved (MIE vs OE, 83.91 ± 24.72 ml vs 174.53 ± 35.32 ml, P <  0.0001) and more lymph nodes were retrieved (MIE vs OE, 38.89 ± 4.31 vs 18.42 ± 3.66, P <  0.0001). There was no difference between the groups to postoperative complications and mortality. However, pulmonary infection in MIE was higher than in OE and the difference was not statistically significant (MIE vs OE, 20.75% vs 31.03%, P = 0.24). Complications such as in-hospital mortality and short-term (3 months) postoperative EORTC C30 Global health displayed no difference between both groups as well.

Conclusions
The number of lymph nodes and intraoperative blood loss were significantly ameliorated in MIE. A 4–5 cm longitudinal incision below the xiphoid process was made to create the gastric conduit under direct vision assisting in shortening the total operation time significantly.
Divergence, Convergence, and Therapeutic Implications: A Cell Biology Perspective of C9ORF72-ALS/FTD
Authors: Tang Xiaoqiang , Toro Arturo , T.G. Sahana , Gao Junli , Chalk Jessica , Oskarsson Björn E. , Zhang Ke 
Published: June 2020

AbstractEver since a GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat expansion mutation inC9ORF72was identified as the most common cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), three competing but nonexclusive hypotheses to explain how this mutation causes diseases have been proposed and are still under debate. Recent studies in the field have tried to understand how the repeat expansion disrupts cellular physiology, which has suggested interesting convergence of these hypotheses on downstream, functional defects in cells, such as nucleocytoplasmic transport disruption, membrane-less organelle defects, and DNA damage. These studies have not only provided an integrated view of the disease mechanism but also revealed novel cell biology implicated in neurodegeneration. Furthermore, some of the discoveries have given rise to new ideas for therapeutic development. Here, we review the research progress on cellular pathophysiology of C9ORF72-mediated ALS and FTD and its therapeutic implication. We suggest that the repeat expansion drives pathogenesis through a combination of downstream defects, of which some can be therapeutic targets.
Responding to health needs of women, children and adolescents within Syria during conflict: intervention coverage, challenges and adaptations
Authors: Akik Chaza , Semaan Aline , Shaker-Berbari Linda , Jamaluddine Zeina , Saad Ghada E. , Lopes Katherine , Constantin Joanne , Ekzayez Abdulkarim , Singh Neha S. , Blanchet Karl , DeJong Jocelyn , Ghattas Hala 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Women and children suffer disproportionately in armed-conflicts. Since 2011, the protracted Syrian crisis has fragmented the pre-existing healthcare system. Despite the massive health needs of women and children, the delivery of key reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and nutrition (RMNCAH&N) interventions, and its underlying factors are not well-understood in Syria. Our objective was to document intervention coverage indicators and their implementation challenges inside Syria during conflict.

Methods
We conducted 1) a desk review to extract RMNCAH&N intervention coverage indicators inside Syria during the conflict; and 2) qualitative interviews with decision makers and health program implementers to explore reasons behind provision/non-provision of RMNCAH&N interventions, and the rationale informing decisions, priorities, collaborations and implementation. We attempt to validate findings by triangulating data from both sources.

Results
Key findings showed that humanitarian organisations operating in Syria adopted a complex multi-hub structure, and some resorted to remote management to improve accessibility to certain geographic areas. The emergency response prioritised trauma care and infectious disease control. Yet, with time, humanitarian organisations successfully advocated for prioritising maternal and child health and nutrition interventions given evident needs. The volatile security context had implications on populations’ healthcare seeking behaviors, such as women reportedly preferring home births, or requesting Caesarean-sections to reduce insecurity risks. Additional findings were glaring data gaps and geographic variations in the availability of data on RMNCAH&N indicators. Adaptations of the humanitarian response included task-shifting to overcome shortage in skilled healthcare workers following their exodus, outreach activities to enhance access to RMNCAH&N services, and operating in ‘underground’ facilities to avoid risk of attacks.

Conclusion
The case of Syria provides a unique perspective on creative ways of managing the humanitarian response and delivering RMNCAH&N interventions, mainly in the multi-hub structure and use of remote management, despite encountered challenges. The scarcity of RMNCAH&N data is a tremendous challenge for both researchers and implementing agencies, as it limits accountability and monitoring, thus hindering the evaluation of delivered interventions.
Reduced free ubiquitin levels and proteasome activity in cultured neurons and brain tissues treated with amyloid beta aggregates
Authors: Park Chul-Woo , Jung Byung-Kwon , Ryu Kwon-Yul 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNeurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive cognitive decline and the loss of neurons in the central nervous system; many are also characterized by abnormal aggregation of misfolded proteins. Ubiquitin (Ub) is a eukaryotic protein that plays pivotal roles in protein degradation and cellular signaling. Ubiquitinated aggregates are observed in neurodegenerative diseases; this ultimately results in reduced levels of available or free Ub. However, it remains unclear whether neurotoxicity arises from the aggregates or a deficiency of free Ub. To investigate this, we treated primary neurons of mouse embryonic brains with amyloid beta (Aβ) 42 and found that free Ub levels were decreased and cell viability was reduced in Aβ42-treated neurons. As reduced levels of free Ub are closely related to impaired function of the proteasome, we evaluated proteasome activity and found that proteasome activity was reduced upon treatment of primary neurons and mouse brain slices with Aβ42. Therefore, we conclude that proteotoxic stress from Aβ42 treatment reduced the levels of available Ub and decreased proteasome activity, resulting in inflammatory stress and apoptosis of neurons.
Does daily co administration of gonadotropins and letrozole during the ovarian stimulation improve IVF outcome for poor and sub optimal responders?
Authors: Shapira Moran , Orvieto Raoul , Lebovitz Oshrit , Nahum Ravit , Aizer Adva , Segev-Zahav Aliza , Haas Jigal 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Co-administration of letrozole during the first 5 days of ovarian stimulation was suggested to improve IVF outcomes in poor responders. We aimed to determine whether poor/sub-optimal responders might benefit from Letrozole co-treatment throughout the entire stimulation course.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the medical files of women who demonstrated poor (oocyte yield ≤3) and sub-optimal (4 ≤ oocyte yield ≤9) ovarian response during conventional multiple-dose antagonist stimulation protocols and were co-treated in a subsequent cycle with 5 mg Letrozole from the first day of stimulation until trigger day. A self-paired comparison between gonadotropins-only and gonadotropins-letrozole cycles was performed.

Results
Twenty-four patients were included. Mean patients’ age was 39.83 ± 4.60 and mean day-3-FSH was 12.77 ± 4.49 IU/m. Duration of stimulation and total gonadotropins dose were comparable between the two cycle groups. Peak estradiol levels were significantly lower in gonadotropins-letrozole cycles (2786.74 ± 2118.53 vs 1200.13 ± 535.98, p < 0.05). Number of retrieved oocytes (3.29 ± 2.15 vs 6.46 ± 3.20, p < 0.05), MII-oocytes (2.47 ± 1.65 vs 5.59 ± 3.20, p < 0.05), 2PN-embryos (1.78 ± 1.50, 4.04 ± 2.74, p < 0.05) and top-quality embryos (0.91 ± 0.97 vs. 2.35 ± 1.66, p < 0.05) were significantly higher in the gonadotropins-letrozole cycles. Clinical pregnancy rate in gonadotropins-letrozole cycles was 31.5%.

Conclusion
Letrozole co-treatment during the entire stimulation course improves ovarian response and IVF outcomes in poor/sub-optimal responders.
Management of decision of withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining treatments in French EDs
Authors: Douplat Marion , Fraticelli Laurie , Claustre Clement , Peiretti Alexandra , Serre Patrice , Bischoff Magali , Jacquin Laurent , Freyssenge Julie , Schott Anne-Marie , Tazarourte Karim , Frugier Soizic , Khoury Carlos E. L. ,   The LAT group, Grezard Maud , Antoine Jean-Damien , Dumont Odile , Lhuillier Elise , Pierro Luigi , Blain Stephane , Prost Celine , Sen-Brachet Piali , Khaldi Achraf 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Decisions of withholding or withdrawing life sustaining-treatments in emergency department are part of current practice but the decision-making process remains poorly described in the literature.

Study objective
We conducted a study in two phases, the first comprising a retrospective chart review study of patients dying in the ED and the second comprising survey study of health care workers at 10 urban emergency departments in France.

Method
In a first step, we analyzed medical records based on fifteen criteria of the decision-making process grouped into four categories: the collegiality, the traceability, the management and the communication as recommended by the international guidelines. In a second step, we conducted an auto-administrated survey to assess how the staff members (medical, paramedical) feel with the decision-making process.

Results
There were 273 deaths which occurred in the ED over the study period and we included 145 (53.1%) patients. The first-step analysis revealed that the traceability of the decision and the information given to patient or the relatives were the most reported points according to the recommendations. Three of the ten emergency departments had developed a written procedure. The collegial discussion and the traceability of the prognosis assessment were significantly increased in emergency department with a written procedure as well as management of pain, comfort care, and the communication with the patient or the relatives. In the second-step analysis, among the 735 staff members asked to take part in the survey, 287 (39.0%) answered. The medical and paramedical staff expressed difficult experience regarding the announcement and the communication with the patient and the relatives.

Conclusion
The management of the decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatments must be improved in emergency departments according to the guidelines. A standard written procedure could be useful in clinical practice despite the lack of experienced difference between centers with and without procedures.
Serum and fecal profiles of aromatic microbial metabolites reflect gut microbiota disruption in critically ill patients: a prospective observational pilot study
Authors: Chernevskaya Ekaterina , Beloborodova Natalia , Klimenko Natalia , Pautova Alisa , Shilkin Dmitrii , Gusarov Vitaliy , Tyakht Alexander 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
High serum levels of certain aromatic microbial metabolites (AMM) are associated with severity and mortality in critically ill patients. Omics-based studies suggest gut dysbiosis and reduced microbiome diversity in critical conditions. However, the landscape of gut microbial metabolites is still to be outlined, not to mention the interplay correlation between the metabolome and gut microbiome in critically ill patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between serum and fecal levels of AMM and compare them with the composition of gut microbiota in critically ill patients in the acute and chronic stages.

Methods
In this prospective observational pilot study, we analyzed the temporal dynamics of the gut microbiome and the AMM spectrum across two distinct subgroups—acute critical ill (ACI) patients with nosocomial pneumonia and chronically critically ill (CCI) patients (9 subjects each group)—as well as performed comparison with 23 healthy volunteers. The AMM levels for each patient were measured using GC-MS in simultaneously taken serum and fecal samples (SFS). These parameters were compared with 16S rRNA fecal microbiome profiles.

Results
The observed proportions of bacterial taxa suggest a significant gut dysbiosis in the ACI and the CCI patients. Stronger imbalance in microbiome composition and dynamics observed in the ACI patients compared to the CCI ones resonates with a higher severity in the former group. The total levels of AMM in serum samples were higher for the ACI patients than for the CCI patients (3.7 (1.4–6.3) and 1.1 (1.0–1.6) μM, respectively; p = 0.0003). The qualitative composition of the SFS was also altered. We discovered significant associations between gut microbial taxa levels and metabolite concentrations in blood serum as well as in feces in each of the ACI and the CCI patients.

Conclusions
Aromatic microbial metabolite profiles in the gut and the serum are interlinked and reflect a disruption of the gut microbial community in critically ill patients.
Study protocol for prognosis and treatment strategy of peripheral persistent avascular retina after intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy in retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Yu Ying , Wang Jianxun , Chen Feng , Chen Wensi , Jiang Nan , Xiang Daoman 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Prophylactic peripheral photocoagulation has been proposed to be applied to persistent, peripheral, avascular retina for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) patients who have received an intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. However, there are doubts regarding the necessity of this prophylactic action regardless of fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) results. The adverse prognosis for persistent avascular retina after anti-VEGF therapy in ROP patients is not well understood. The relationship between vascular leakage and an adverse prognosis is also unknown. Therefore, it would be of value to study the above issues to shape the treatment strategy of persistent avascular retina after intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy in ROP patients.

Methods/design
This is a prospective study of ROP patients with persistent avascular retina who have received anti-VEGF intravitreal therapy and have never received laser therapy. All the eyes being studied will be followed up and examined by FFA after anti-VEGF treatment and categorized into two groups, a leakage group and a non-leakage group according to the extent of vascular leakage from FFA results. The eyes being studied in the leakage group will be further randomized into two groups, a laser group and a non-laser group. A cohort study (observational) will be conducted on the non-leakage group and the non-laser group (with leakage) to investigate the incidence of an adverse prognosis for reactivation, retinal tear and retinal detachment; as well as to investigate the relationship between vascular leakage from FFA results and the abovementioned pathological changes. A randomized controlled study (experimental) will be conducted on the leakage group to compare the prognosis between the laser group and the non-laser group.

Discussion
The present study aims to investigate the occurrence rates of an adverse prognosis including reactivation, retinal tear and retinal detachment after anti-VEGF therapy in ROP patients with persistent avascular retina; to assess the relationship between vascular leakage from FFA results and the abovementioned pathological changes; to compare the prognosis of persistent avascular retina with or without prophylactic peripheral photocoagulation in these patients; to shape the treatment strategy and provide evidence for the indications of prophylactic photocoagulation.

Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ID: ChiCTR-ROC-17013253. Registered on 5 November 2017. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=22703
Quality, scope and reporting standards of randomised controlled trials in Irish Health Research: an observational study
Authors: Clyne Barbara , Boland Fiona , Murphy Norah , Murphy Edel , Moriarty Frank , Barry Alan , Wallace Emma , Devine Tatyana , Smith Susan M. , Devane Declan , Murphy Andrew , Fahey Tom 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Despite efforts to improve the accuracy and transparency of the design, conduct, and reporting of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), deficiencies remain. Such deficiencies contribute to significant, avoidable waste of health research investment and impede reproducibility. This study aimed to synthesise and critically analyse changes over time in the conduct and reporting of internationally published evidence on patient and/or population health-oriented RCTs conducted in one country.

Methods
This observational study drew on systematic review methods. We searched six databases for published RCTs (database inception to December 2018) where ≥ 80% of participants were recruited in the Republic of Ireland. RCTs of interventions targeted at patients, providers and/or policy makers intended to improve health, healthcare or health research were included. For each study, screening, data extraction and methodological quality appraisal were conducted by one member of the author team.

Results
From 17,560 titles and abstracts, 752 unique RCTs were published in 745 papers between 1968 and 2018, with a steady year-on-year increase since 1968. The number of participants was in the range of 2–8628. The majority were parallel design (86%) and classified as treatment evaluation. Of the 418 RCTs published since the introduction of mandatory clinical trial registration by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors in 2005, 32% (n = 134) provided a trial registration number. This increased to 47% when taking studies published between 2013 and 2018 (n = 232). Since the 1996 publication of the CONSORT statement, 16% of included RCTs made specific reference to a standardised reporting guideline and this increased to 31% for more recent studies published between 2013 and 2018. Overall, 7% (n = 53) of studies referred to a published study protocol, increasing to 20% for studies published between 2013 and 2018.

Conclusion
Evidence from this single-country study of RCTs published in the international literature suggests that both the number overall, the number registered and the number referencing reporting guidelines have increased steadily over time. Despite widespread endorsement of reporting standards, reporting of RCTs remains suboptimal in domains such as compliance with the CONSORT statement and prospective trial registration. Researchers, funders and journal editors, nationally and internationally, should continue to focus on improving reporting and examining avoidable waste of health research investment.