bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The clinical significance of IL-6s and IL-27s in Bronchoalveolar lavage fluids from children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Authors: Zhao Jie , Li Yuyun , Zhang Wen 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: IL-6 was associated with the severity of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). But the relationship between IL-27 and MPP was unknown. Methods: 98 patients with MPP < 14 years old were enrolled in this study and divided into groups by severity (mild cases and severe cases), infection types (MP single infection group and MP mixed infection group) and DNA loads (low MP DNA loads group and high MP DNA loads group), respectively. 15 children with foreign bodies in bronchus were also enrolled as control. IL-6s and IL-27s in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs) from these children were measured by ELISA. Results: There were significant differences in IL-6s of BALFs from patients between mild cases and severe cases, MP single infection group and MP mixed infection group, and low MP DNA loads group and high MP DNA loads group, respectively (P﹤0.05). Compared with IL-6s of BALFs from control, IL-6s in BALFs from the 6 patient groups were significantly higher (P﹤0.05). IL-27s in BALFs from MP mixed infection group were significantly lower than those from MP single infection group and control (P﹤0.05) respectively. Conclusion: IL-6 was firmly associated with MPP and had potential application in clinical practice while IL-27 was not related to MP infection.
CA724 predicts overall survival in locally advanced gastric cancer patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Tong Yilin , Zhao Yan , Shan Zexing , Zhang Jianjun 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Serum tumor markers are of great importance in diagnosis, prognostic predicting and recurrence monitoring in gastrointestinal malignancy, including AFU, AFP, CEA, CA199, CA125 and CA724. However, their significances in gastric cancer (GC) patients with neoadjuvant therapy (NCT) are still uncertain. The aim of this study is to evaluate the predictive value of these six tumor markers in locally advanced GC patients with NCT and curative surgery. Methods: 290 locally advanced GC patients with NCT and D2 radical gastrectomy were retrospectively analyzed. Their tumor markers before (pre-) and after (post-) NCT and pathological characters were exacted from the database in our hospital. The optimal cutoff values of six tumor markers were calculated by ROC and Youden index. Their predictive significances were analyzed and survival curves on overall survival (OS) were obtained by Kaplan-Meier method. Associations between categorical variables were explored by Chi-square test or Fisher's exact method. Multivariate analyses were performed by Cox regression model. Results: Not only the pre- and post- CA199, CA125 and CA724 could predict the OS respectively, but also the changes (diff-) between post- and pre- groups were related to the prognosis (P < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, only pre- (P = 0.016) and post-CA724 (P = 0.033) remained significant, and the significance of diff-CA724 was on borderline (P = 0.085). Besides, pre- and post-CA199, CA125 and CA724 were associated with the metastasis of lymph node (N- vs N+) and pathological stage (Ⅰ-Ⅱ vs Ⅲ) (P < 0.05). Post-CA724 was related to the invasion of vascular or lymphatic vessels (P = 0.019), and pre-CA724 was nearly remarkable (P = 0.082). However, AFU, AFP and CEA showed no association with survival (P > 0.05). Conclusions: CA724 is an independent factor to prognosis, and could be used to predict the ypN and ypTNM stage in locally advanced GC patients undergone NCT and curative resection.
A European Field Assessment of the efficacy of fluralaner (Bravecto®) chewable and spot-on formulations for treatment of dogs with generalized demodicosis
Authors: Petersen Ivo , Chiummo Rafael , Zschiesche Eva , Karas-Tecza Joanna , Rapti Dhimiter , Roepke Rainer , thomas emmanuel 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Recent reports indicate that the isoxazoline compounds have the potential to provide safe and effective treatment of canine generalized demodicosis, a condition that has been traditionally difficult to cure. Controlled field studies are needed to confirm this potential. A study was therefore initiated to investigate the efficacy of a single oral or spot-on treatment with fluralaner, an isoxazoline, compared with multiple topical treatments with imidacloprid-moxidectin, in dogs naturally affected by generalized demodicosis. Methods: Veterinary clinics in 5 European countries enrolled 134 dogs diagnosed with generalized demodicosis. Dogs were randomized to treatment with either fluralaner chewables, fluralaner spot-on, or topical imidacloprid-moxidectin in a 2:2:1 ratio. Both fluralaner formulations were administered once, at the approved dose rate, on day 0. Imidacloprid-moxidectin was administered per label on day 0, and every 4 weeks, more frequently if necessary. At each visit (days 0, 28, 56, 84), dogs were monitored for demodectic mites, using deep skin scrapings, and observed for health and for severity of skin lesions. Treatment was considered efficacious if more than 90% of the dogs were free of live mites at both days 56 and 84.Results: Of 124 dogs completing the study, 57 were diagnosed with juvenile-onset demodicosis and 67 with the adult-onset form. A single treatment with oral or spot-on fluralaner was efficacious, each eliminating mites from at least 98.0% of treated dogs on days 56 and 84. Against juvenile-onset demodicosis, efficacy of the oral and spot-on formulations was 96.0% and 100%, respectively, and against adult-onset demodicosis 100% and 96.7%. Multiple administrations of imidacloprid-moxidectin were not efficacious, eliminating mites from 87.5% of dogs (92.0% with juvenile-onset demodicosis cured; 81.8% with adult-onset demodicosis). All groups showed a marked reduction in skin lesions by day 28, with continuing clinical improvement at each subsequent visit through day 84. There were no treatment-related adverse events.Conclusion: A single administration of fluralaner chewables or fluralaner spot-on is highly effective against juvenile-onset and adult-onset forms of generalized canine demodicosis. Topically applied imidacloprid-moxidectin at weekly to monthly intervals over the 84-day study did not achieve the proportion of mite-free dogs required to demonstrate efficacy.
Registered Nurses´ Views on Telephone Nursing for Patients with Respiratory Tract Infections in Primary Health Care – A qualitative interview study
Authors: Kaminsky Elenor , Aurin Ingrid Edvardsson , Hedin Katarina , Andersson Lisbet , Andre Malin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background : Telephone nursing in primary healthcare has been suggested as a solution to the increased demand for easy access to healthcare, increased number of patients with complex problems, and lack of general practitioners. Registered nurses’ assessments may also be of great importance for antibiotic prescriptions according to guidelines. The aim of this study was to describe registered nurses’ views of telephone nursing work with callers contacting primary healthcare centres regarding respiratory tract infections. Methods : A descriptive, qualitative study was performed through interviews with twelve registered nurses in Swedish primary healthcare. Results : The overarching themes for registered nurses’ views on telephone nursing were captured in two themes: professional challenges and professional support. These included three and two categories respectively: Communicate for optimal patient information; Differentiate harmless from severe problems; Cope with caller expectations; Use working tools; and Use team collaboration. Optimal communication for sufficiently grasping caller symptoms and assess whether harmful or not, without visual input, was underlined. This generated fear of missing something serious. Professional support used in work, were for example guidelines and decision support tool. Colleagues and teamwork collaboration were requested, but not always offered, support for the interviewed registered nurses. Conclusions : The study deepens the understanding of telephone nursing as an important factor for decreasing respiratory tract infection consultations with general practitioners, thus contributing to decreased antibiotic usage in Sweden. To cope with the challenges of telephone nursing in primary healthcare centres, it seems important to systematically introduce the use of the available decision support tool, and set aside time for inter- and intraprofessional discussions and feedback. The collegial support and team collaboration asked for is likely to get synergy effects such as better work environment and job satisfaction for both registered nurses and general practitioners. Future studies are needed to explore telephone nursing in primary healthcare centres in a broader sense to better understand the function and the effects in the complexity of primary health care.
Korean medicine students' entrance factors and satisfaction with their college experience: a quantitative nationwide study
Authors: Kim Hyun-Seok , Lee Joohyun , Kim Hwimun , Yang Unho , Kim Hyunho 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Korean medicine (KM) has equal legal rights with conventional Western medicine in South Korea and is taught at KM colleges. To date, no research has been conducted on the entrance factors and satisfaction of KM college students. Thus, this study attempts to fill this gap in the literature.Methods: Content validity tests and face validity tests were conducted during the development of the questionnaires used in this study. The scores of each item and the correlation between items and sub-items were analyzed and factors were correlated with students’ satisfaction and willingness to re-enter KM colleges. Results: A total of 420 students responded to the survey. The means of the items considering stable incumbency and examination scores were the highest. The highest correlation between an item and sub-item concerned interaction with people. The questionnaire items or sub-questionnaire items that showed moderate high correlation with the questionnaire items asked whether participants were willing to re-enter the KM colleges and were both about independent choices. Conclusions: Identifying college entrance factors can contribute to increasing current students’ academic satisfaction and decreasing drop-out rates. This study highlights factors that can be applied in college curriculum or subject teaching, such as interest in research on KM.
Health-Related Quality of Life Among Children With Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia: A Cross-Sectional Study in Malaysia
Authors: Shafie Asrul Akmal , Chhabra Irwinder Kaur , Yi Jacqueline Wong Hui , Mohammed Noor Syahireen , Ibrahim Hishamshah Mohd , Alias Hamidah 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background The treatment of children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) in Malaysia has progressed since 2005. This study provides an updated health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment for children with the disorder and the factors affecting the HRQoL. Methods A cross-sectional HRQoL survey of Malaysian children with TDT was conducted using the PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales. Patients with non-transfusion dependent thalassemia and other haemoglobinopathies were excluded. Parent-proxy and self-reported HRQoL scores were obtained using a multi-stage convenient sampling. The relationship between HRQoL scores and demographic factors were tested using association, correlation and regression analysis. Results A total of 368 patients were recruited. The mean (SD) Total Summary Score (TSS) was 80.12(13.87). Predictors for a lower TSS was an increasing age group and the use of dual chelating agents (R2 = 0.057, F (4, 359) = 5.40, p = <0.001). The mean (SD) Physical Health Summary Score (PHSS) was 82.21 (16.82). Predictors of a higher PHSS score was being male, while predictors of a lower score was an increasing age group and parent-proxy reports(R2 = 0.075, F (5,358) = 5.80, p = <0.001). The mean (SD) Psychosocial Health Summary Score (PCHS) was 79.39 (14.81). Predictors for a lower PCHS was the use of dual chelating agents(R2 = 0.041, F (1, 362) = 15.60, p = <0.001). The school functioning score had the lowest mean (SD) score of 69.52(20.92) in the psychosocial dimension. Conclusion The HRQoL of TDT children in Malaysia has improved over the last decade owing to the better access in treatment. However, further effort is needed to improve the school functioning dimension.
Evaluation of Role of Hyperbilirubinemia as a New Diagnostic Marker of Complicated Appendicitis.
Authors: Bakshi Sabyasachi , Mandal Nilay 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND:Hyperbilirubinemia has also been found in infective diseases involving organs other than liver. The bacteremia/endotoxemia resulting in impaired hepatocyte function and bile secretion along with increased acute phase reactants contribute to the pathogenesis. In appendicitis, elevated intra-luminal pressure and ischemic necrosis of mucosa causes tissue gangrene or perforation. This is accompanied by bacterial cytotoxin facilitated progressive bacterial invasion. This elevated load of bacteria causes direct invasion or translocation into the portal system. Direct invasion of bacteria into the hepatic parenchyma interferes with the bilirubin excretion into the bile canaliculi biochemically rather than by any obstructive pathway.In the present study, establishment of a possible role of hyperbilirubinemia as a marker of gangrenous/perforated appendicitis has been studied.METHODS:After matching the inclusion and exclusion criteria, all cases of clinically diagnosed acute appendicitis were taken for this prospective, single center, observational study. Per-operative diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination.RESULTS:Out of 110 subjects of acute appendicitis 41 subjects (37.27%) had hyperbilirubinemia. Out of 35 subjects diagnosed as complicated appendicitis 32 subjects (91.42%) had raised total bilirubin levels, while the remaining 03(8.58%) had normal levels .Among 75 subjects diagnosed as acute simple appendicitis 09 subjects (12%) had raised total bilirubin level, while the remaining 66 subjects (88%) had normal levels .It was Mixed Type Of Hyperbilirubinemia in gangrenous/perforated appendicitis.The sensitivity of Total serum bilirubin in predicting complicated appendicitis was found 91.43% (76.942% to 98.196%), where as the specificity of this test was 88.00% (78.439% to 94.363%). positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 78.03% and 95.65% respectively.Positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were found to be 7.619 and 0.097 respectively taking prevalence of Complicated appendicitis be 31.80%.ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve was obtained which shows optimal criterion at Total Bilirubin Level 1.06 mg/dl where sensitivity was 91.43% and specificity was 97.33% at 95% confidence interval with 31.8% disease prevalence.CONCLUSIONS:This is to conclude that Serum bilirubin level estimation, which is a simple, cheap and easily available laboratory test, can be added to the routine investigations in clinically suspected cases of acute appendicitis for early diagnosis of complications.Trial Registration: Registered with Clinical Trials Registry-India (ICMR-NIMS) with Registration number CTRI/2019/05/018879 Dated 01/05/2019. Trial URL: http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pdf_generate.php?trialid=33113&EncHid=99780.32960&modid=1&compid=19%27,%2733113det%27
A pilot study: lenticule quality of hyperopic small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in rabbits
Authors: Zhao Yu , Zhao Feng , Han Tian , Zhao Jing , Zhou Xingtao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate lenticule surface characteristics of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for hyperopia correction in rabbits.Methods: The left and right eyes of 8 rabbits were divided into two groups. The right eyes were assigned to a hyperopia group, and the left eyes to a myopia group. The rabbits received SMILE procedures with +3.00 D and –3.00 D correction for the hyperopia and myopia groups, respectively. Extracted lenticules were examined via scanning electron microscopy. Lenticules from odd-numbered rabbits were accessed with the anterior surface, and lenticules from even-numbered rabbits were observed with the posterior surface. A previously established scoring system was used to evaluate lenticule surface characteristics. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the scores between the two groups.Results: All procedures were performed successfully, and the lenticules were extracted smoothly. One myopia lenticule that was facing downward was handled failed in preparation for imaging, thus 15 lenticules were ultimately graded. Twelve lenticules exhibited smooth surfaces, and regularly arranged tissue bridges were observed in almost all regions. Three lenticules exhibited a partially rough surface and irregularities affecting more than 10% of the lenticules (2 in the hyperopia group and 1 in the myopia group). Rough lenticules occurred in twice as many Lenticules in the hyperopia group compared to the myopia group.Conclusions: Scan quality of lenticules after SMILE for hyperopia correction is comparable to that of myopia lenticules. The shape of hyperopic lenticule may increase the difficulty of surgical manipulation and result in surface roughness.
Fast and efficient face recognition system based on kernel sparse representation and fast CoSaMP
Authors: Lahaw Zied Bannour , Seddik Hassene 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Kernel sparse representation based classification (KSRC) in compressive sensing (CS) represents one of the most interesting research areas in pattern recognition, image processing and especially facer recognition and identification. First, it applies dimensionality reduction method to reduce data dimensionality in kernel space and then employs the L1 -norm minimization to reconstructing sparse signal. Nevertheless, these classifiers suffer from some shortcomings. KSRC is greedy in time to achieve an approximate solution of sparse representation based on L1 -norm minimization. In this paper, a new method is mathematically developed and applied for face recognition based on Gabor-wavelets for feature extraction and KSRC for precise classification. The aim of the proposed algorithm is to improve the computational efficiency of KSRC by applying a supervised kernel locality preserving projections (SKLPP) for dimension reduction. In fact, the L1 -norm minimization is performed by the use of the fast compressive sampling matching pursuit method (FCoSaMP). Experimental results prove that the proposed classification method is efficient, fast, and robust against variations of illumination, expression, and pose. Indeed, its computation time is highly reduced compared to the baseline performances.
Association between social capital and mental health among older people living with HIV: The Sichuan Older HIV-Infected Cohort Study (SOHICS)
Authors: Han Jiayu , Jia Peng , Huang Yuling , Gao Bo , Yu Bin , Yang Shifan , Yu Jun , Xiong Jun , Liu Chang , Xie Tian , Dong Peijie , Yang Chao , Wang Zixin , Yang Shujuan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Mental health problems are common among older people living with HIV and associated with poorer health outcomes. Social capital is an important determinant of mental health problems but under-studied in this population. This study investigated the association between social capital and mental health problems among older people living with HIV in China. Methods: The study was based on the baseline data of a cohort study investigating mental health among older people living with HIV in Sichuan, China during November 2018 to February 2019. Participants were people living with HIV aged ≥50 years living in Sichuan province. Stratified multi-stage cluster sampling was used to recruit participants from 30 communities/towns; 529 out of 556 participants being approached completed the face-to-face interview. Social capital was measured by two validated health-related social capital scales: the Individual and Family scale and the Community and Society scale. Presence of probable depression (CES-D-10 score ≥10) and probable anxiety (GAD-7 score ≥5) were used as dependent variables. Two-level logistic regression models were applied to examine the association between social capital and probable depression/anxiety. Results: The prevalence of probable depression and probable anxiety was 25.9% (137/529) and 36.3% (192/529) , respectively. After adjusting for significant covariates, the individual/family level of social capital was inversely associated with both probable depression (odds ratios (OR): 0.89, 95%CI: 0.84-0.93, p <0.001) and probable anxiety (OR: 0.90, 95%CI: 0.86-0.95, p <0.001). The community/society level social capital was associated with probable depression (OR: 0.91, 95%CI: 0.84-0.99, p <0.001) but not probable anxiety ( p >0.05). Conclusions: Interventions building up social capital should be considered to improve mental health of older people living with HIV. Some useful strategies include cognitive processing therapy, improving community networking and engagement, and promoting social bonding with neighborhood.
Initial experience of complete laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy combined with transvesical laparoscopic excision of distal ureter in patients with upper urinary tract cancer
Authors: Miyake Makito , Nishimura Nobutaka , Aoki Katsuya , Ohmori Chihiro , Shimizu Takuto , Owari Takuya , Hori Shunta , Morizawa Yosuke , Gotoh Daisuke , Nakai Yasushi , Anai Satoshi , Torimoto Kazumasa , Tanaka Nobumich , Fujimoto Kiyohide 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Selecting the treatment procedure for cancer patients is a challenging task. We report our initial experience of complete laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for patients with upper urinary tract urothelial cancer (UTUC).Methods: A total of four patients with UTUC underwent complete laparoscopic RNU combined with transvesical laparoscopic excision of the distal ureter using three 5-mm ports. Transvaginal specimen extraction was applied in female patients to reduce incisional pain and improve cosmesis. Peri-operative complications were evaluated using the Clavien–Dindo classification system. Postoperative pain was evaluated during hospitalization using a numeric pain rating scale (scales of 1 to 10). Patients who underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery combined with open excision of the distal ureter during the same period were included as a control group (conventional RNU, consisting of laparoscopic nephrectomy with open bladder cuff excision) for pain scale evaluation.Results: The novel surgery was successfully completed for all four patients (two males and two females). The mean pneumoperitoneum time for retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy and specimen extraction was 174 min, while the mean pneumovesicum time for the ureteral orifice excision was 88 min. One male patient had bladder leakage at the suture site of the bladder wall, which lasted for two weeks. No patient experienced recurrent disease during the follow-up period (median, 10 months). Mild to moderate pain lasted for 5 or 6 days after RNU. A couple of days after surgery, the numeric pain rating scale of complete laparoscopic RNU and conventional RNU group reached its peak level at 3.0 ± 1.8 and 5.3 ± 2.8, respectively. There was no statistical difference in the degree of postoperative pain (P=0.31).Conclusions: We described our initial experience and outcome of complete laparoscopic RNU for UTUC. Further experience and research are required to determine whether this advanced laparoscopic technique yields better outcomes and has true clinical value.