bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cox-maze III Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation during Valve Surgery: A Single Institution Experience
Authors: Wang Changtian , Zhang Lei , Qin Tao , Xi Zhi-long , Sun Lei , Wu Hai-wei , Li De-min 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objectives Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia in patients with heart valve disease. Our aim was to summarize our experience and evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Cox maze III procedure combined with valve surgery in patients with AF. Methods A retrospective, observational analysis was performed for all consecutive patients underwent maze III procedure combined with valve surgery between October 2015 and June 2019. Results 66 patients (37 female, 56.1%) with persistent or long-lasting persistent AF associated with valve disease were identified. The mean age was 54.2±8.4 years (range, 30 to 73 years). Overall hospital mortality was 3.0%. The duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross clamping was 175.4±32.9 and 115.6±22.8 minutes respectively. The first 24hours drainage was 488.6±293.3ml. The postoperative hospital stay was 14.8±8.3 days. The postoperative incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation, reoperation for bleeding, renal failure required hemodialysis, and stroke was 4.5%, 1.5%, 4.5% and 0 respectively. The frequency of sinus rhythm was 91.7%, 93.1%, 94.5%, 92.9% and 91.4% at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months respectively. Conclusions The Cox-Maze III procedure is safe in the surgical treatment of AF associated with valve disease, and efficacious for sinus rhythm maintenance, with low morbidity and mortality.
Variability in blood lipid affects the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in patients who have undergone elective percutaneous coronary intervention: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhao Liding , Xu Tian , Li Ya , Luan Yi , Lv Qingbo , Fu Guosheng , Zhang Wenbin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Atherosclerosis is associated with chronic inflammation and lipid metabolism. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as an indicator of inflammation has been confirmed to be associated with cardiovascular disease prognosis. However, few studies have explored the effects of blood lipid variability on NLR. We aimed to explore the relationship between variability in blood lipid levels and NLR. Methods The association between variability in blood lipids and NLR was assessed with both univariate and multivariate linear regression. Multivariate linear regression was also performed for a subgroup analysis. Results The variability of HDL-C ([ꞵ] 4.008, SE 0.503, p-value<0.001) and LDL-C ([ꞵ] 0.626, SE 0.164, p-value<0.001) were risk factors for the NLR value, although baseline LDL-C and HDL-C were not risk factors for NLR values. Variability of HDL-C ([ꞵ] 4.328, SE 0.578, p-value<0.001) and LDL-C ([ꞵ] 0.660, SE 0.183, p-value<0.001) were risk factors for NLR variability. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the relationship between variability of LDL-C and NLR was consistent with the trend of the total sample for those with or without diabetes mellitus, controlled blood lipid, statins, atorvastatin or rosuvastatin. The relationship between the variability of HDL-C and NLR was consistent with the trend of the total sample in all subgroups. Conclusion The variability of HDL-C and LDL-C are risk factors for the value and variability of NLR, while the relationship between variability of HDL-C and NLR is more stable than the variability of LDL-C in the subgroup analysis.
A novel research method for workshops and co-production of knowledge: using a secret Facebook group
Authors: Buelo Audrey , Kirk Alison , Jepson Ruth 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Co-production is reliant on good communication and consensus between participants but attending in-person meetings and workshops is hard for time-constrained groups such as new mums, who may be geographically dispersed without reliable transport. Discussions with a lay advisory group resulted in the decision to hold a workshop over a secret Facebook group. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility a secret Facebook group for co-production activities. In the example presented here, the population was women with previous gestational diabetes; the topic was physical inactivity; and the purpose was to develop an acceptable intervention to increase physical activity.Methods: The researchers created a secret Facebook group with content similar to an in-person workshop that sequentially progressed to develop a programme theory for an intervention. The researcher posted 1-2 times per day for 14 days and members of the group were invited to comment and discuss the content. Feasibility and acceptability of the group analysed using Facebook analytics and a post-workshop survey.Results: Twenty-one participants took part. In total, 521 comments were provided in response to 18 posts of varying types (average = 28.9 comments per post). The total word count of participant comments was 21,142 words. The workshop was viewed positively, with 20 of 21 participants saying they liked the workshop ‘somewhat’ or ‘a great deal’, and felt the group was a safe and open environment to share opinions. When asked if they would take part in something like this again, 15 of 21 said “Yes”. Participants mentioned the format was convenient; it allowed them to reflect on their own experiences and they liked helping research progress. Those who say “yes” said it was difficult finding time and depended on what else was going on.Conclusion: Using a secret Facebook group as a method of co-production or as a workshop in the research process is a feasible and acceptable method. Social media holds significant potential for co-production and involvement in research for populations who are geographically dispersed or time-constrained; with an uncommon condition; or in other circumstances where in-person meetings are either not appropriate or not possible.
Translational Outcomes Relevant to Neurodevelopmental Disorders Following Early Life Exposure of Rats to Chlorpyrifos
Authors: Berg Elizabeth L , Ching Tianna M , Bruun Donald A , Rivera Josef K , Careaga Milo , Ellegood Jacob , Lerch Jason P , Wohr Markus , Lein Pamela J , Silverman Jill 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including intellectual disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), are pervasive, lifelong disorders for which pharmacological interventions are not readily available. Substantial increases in the prevalence of NDDs over a relatively short period cannot be attributed solely to genetic factors and/or improved diagnostic criteria. There is now a consensus that multiple genetic loci combined with exposure(s) to environmental risk factors during critical periods of neurodevelopment influence NDD susceptibility and symptom severity. Organophosphorus (OP) pesticides have been identified as potential environmental risk factors. Epidemiological studies suggest children exposed prenatally to the OP pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) have significant mental and motor delays and strong positive associations for the development of a clinical diagnosis of developmental delay, ADHD, or ASD. Methods: The hypothesis that developmental CPF exposure impairs behavior relevant to NDD phenotypes, i.e., deficits in social communication and repetitive, restricted behavior, is now currently being explored by us and others. To add knowledge in this research area, we exposed male and female rat pups to CPF at 0.1, 1.0, or 3.0 mg/kg (s.c.) from postnatal days 1-4. Results: These CPF doses did not significantly inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity in the blood or brain but significantly impaired pup ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) in both sexes. Social communication in juveniles via positive affiliative 50-kHz USV playback was absent in females exposed to CPF at 0.3 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg. Ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging revealed many neuroanatomical phenotypes in male and female juvenile rats; however, only the females exposed to the 0.3 mg/kg dose passed our strict correction for multiple comparisons. In contrast, this CPF exposure paradigm had no significant effect on gross locomotor abilities or contextual and cued fear memory. Conclusions: This work characterizes a rat model of developmental CPF exposure that exhibits adverse behavioral and widespread anatomical phenotypes resulting from perinatal exposures at levels that did not significantly inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity in brain or blood. These data suggest that current regulations regarding safe levels of CPF need to be reconsidered. Keywords: Animal models, behavior, autism, neurodevelopment, toxicology, pesticides, chlorpyrifos, imaging, social, rat
Nutrition status and functional prognosis among elderly patients with distal radius fracture: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nagai Takako , Tanimoto Koji , Tomizuka Yoshiaki , Uei Hiroshi , Nagaoka Masahiro 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background : Distal radius fractures (DRF) are common in the elderly and are typical of hand fractures during falls. Malnutrition has also been identified as a poor prognostic factor in elderly patients with fractures. However, the relationship between nutritional status and subsequent falls and functional prognosis for DRF in the elderly is not clear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between nutritional status and functional prognosis in elderly patients with DRF. Methods : Study participants included 229 outpatients who required surgical treatment for DRF. The patients’ clinical information, including age, sex, body mass index, bone mineral density, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), total number of drugs being treated with on admission, use of drugs for osteoporosis, comorbidity severity, the Barthel Index (BI), presence of subsequent falls, fracture type, postoperative follow-up period, and Mayo wrist score was reviewed. Subjects were further divided into two groups according to their GNRI: the malnutrition group and the normal group. Propensity score matching was used to confirm factors affecting the BI and subsequent falls. Results: Thirty-one patients (13.5%) presented with malnutrition before surgery for DRF. According to multiple liner regression analysis, the GNRI positively affected the efficiency of the BI (β = 0.392, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.001 to 0.351, p = 0.039). Furthermore, on logistic regression analysis, subsequent falls were associated with serum albumin levels (odds ratio = 0.033, 95% CI, 0.002 to 0.477, p = 0.012). Conclusion : Malnutrition impaired improvement of activities of daily living (ADL) and increased the incidence of subsequent falls. Improvement of nutritional status before DRF surgery may further improve ADL and prevent falls.
Operative Treatment of Isolated Split Greater Tuberosity Fracture (mutch type II) of Proximal Humerus with Modified PHILOS
Authors: Liu Gang , Zhang Baolu , Guo Xiaoguang , Zeng Shengqiang , Deng Kai , Wang Guoyou , Fu Shijie 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The greater tuberosity (GT) of the proximal humerus is the attachment point of the rotator cuff, which plays a role in the movement of the shoulder joint and is the core of the entire shoulder joint. Material and Methods: In our current study, 40 patients with isolated split GT fracture (mutch type II) from july 2017 to January 2019, which was typed by J.Mutch professor, Canada in 2014, were employed in the study. They were divided into two groups: the Modified PHILOS plate group (group A, n=20) and the Hollow Screw group (group B, n=20). The functional scores Constant‑Murley Score (CMS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), The University of California at Los Angeles shoulder rating scale (UCLA) and Visual Analogue Score (VAS) were recorded in both pre-op and post-op last follow. Results: Compared with last-follow, all shoulder scores (CMS, ASES, and UCLA) of group A was significantly better than group B (P<0.05), but VAS (P>0.05). Moreover, in post-op complications, there were one GT malunion and one shoulder pain in group A, but in group B, there were seven GT disappear (35%), three GT malunion and two patients with repeated shoulder pain. Conclusion: The Modified PHILOS plate in treating isolated split GT fracture (mutch type II) was found to be effective than hollow screw in the short term follow. However, there are still some post-op complications in both groups. Keywords : Isolated Split GT Fracture; Modified PHILOS Plate; Hollow Screw
Error analysis of a robot positioning system based on biplanar navigation technology
Authors: Du Hailong , Hu Ning , Yu Guoxin , Liu Hongsheng , Zhang Shuwei , Zhang Gongzi , Zhang Jian , Tan Jindong , Tang Peifu , Zhang Lihai 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Some problems have been found in the clinical application of biplanar navigation technology. In particular, conical distortions caused by the X-ray image intensifier and deleterious effects on the navigation image caused by respiratory motion are occasionally ignored by surgeons. This paper discusses possible errors in the practical application of biplanar navigation technology and performs an analysis of the experimental correction for the conical distortion caused by X-rays.Methods: Five patients with unstable fractures of the pelvic posterior ring were included in this study. In four of these cases, the patient received a sacroiliac screw placement using biplanar navigation technology, while one received a respiratory motion test. The standard pelvic inlet and outlet positions were used for positioning precision verification. Using the images and manual tests, the point positioning error was measured and analyzed, and the image distortion was corrected by means of a geometric transformation mapping. A circle was fitted to the corrected lines, and the radius of this circle was used to evaluate the correction. Results: The preoperative planning agreed with the sacroiliac screw placement performed using biplanar navigation technology (representing precise positioning) in only one of the four cases. The other three cases presented deviations. Because of the possibility to cut out the nailing channel, the positioning operation was converted to a manual method. The breathing motion test showed that the pelvis can vibrate back and forth with breathing movement, especially the sacral promontory, with a maximum amplitude above 5 mm. The positioning error of the points in space with the biplanar technology was within 2 mm (entrance point, 1.60±0.28 mm; exit point, 1.28±0.43 mm). The corrected image curvature was significantly reduced, and the error can be greatly reduced. Conclusions: Conical distortion error and respiratory motion can affect the accuracy of biplanar navigation systems.
Expression profiles of glutathione S-transferases genes in semi-engorged Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) exposed to Cymbopogon citratus essential oil
Authors: Agwunobi Desmond Onyeka , Pei Tingwei , Wang Xiaoshuang , Yu Zhijun , Liu Jing-Ze 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The tick Haemaphysalis longicornis is well known as vector of several zoonotic pathogens responsible for various clinical conditions, increasingly threatens the veterinary and public health. It is mainly distributed in East Asia, New Zealand, Australia, and several Pacific islands, and has been expanded rapidly in United States since its first founding on a nonimported domestic sheep in New Jersey. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are phase II detoxification enzymes, which function via combining with pesticidal molecules and catalyzing the conjugation of molecules by thiol of glutathione, so as to protect tissues from oxidative stress damage. In the tick H. longicornis, glutathione S-transferases (HlGST and HlGST2) have been previously identified. However, the relationship between the expression of glutathione S-transferases and the essential oil treatment in ticks remains unexplored. Hence, in the present study, the expression profiles of HlGST and HlGST2 mRNAs were evaluated in H. longicornis after exposure to Cymbopogon citratus essential oil. Results: At 24 h post-exposure of H. longicornis to different sublethal concentrations of C. citratus essential oil, ANOVA results revealed significant difference (F2,6 = 55.94, P = 0.0001) in the expression of HlGST. Tukey’s test showed that HlGST was significantly induced after treatment with 1% C. citratus essential oil (P = 0.0002); whereas no significant difference (P = 0.3551) was detected after treated by 2% C. citratus essential oil. No significant difference (F2,6 = 0.8990, P = 0.4555) in the expression of HlGST2 between the treatment and the control group of 50% ethanol. Nevertheless, the under-expression of HlGST2 in the treatment groups versus the untreated control group was not significant (F3,8 = 2.643, P = 0.1208). Conclusion: The results implied that GST mRNA is a potential molecular target for C. citratus essential oil in H. longicornis. Further understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the GST at the molecular level could contribute to develop effective control measures for ticks and tick-borne diseases.
Controlling Human And Animal African Trypanosomiasis Using Insecticide Treated Cattle: What Are The Costs And Benefits?
Authors: Okelo Walter O. , MacLeod Ewan T. , Muhanguzi Dennis , Shaw Alexandra , Welburn Susan C. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background The tsetse-transmitted African trypanosomiases affect humans and animals. Trypanosoma. brucei rhodesiense sleeping sickness, or human African trypanosomiasis is a zoonosis, for which cattle are the main reservoir of infection in south-eastern Uganda. Transmission of human and animal infective trypanosomes can be reduced by the application of deltamethrin insecticide to the belly and legs of cattle, thus reducing tsetse fly populations. Alongside an epidemiological study in southeastern Uganda, a farm level assessment was done to calculate the average and incremental benefit-cost ratios of spraying different proportions of the village cattle population using this restricted application protocol.Method A study comprising 2,400 semi-structured interviews was undertaken over a period of 18 months. Financial data on household income and expenditure on cattle provided the basis for the marginal analyses. The benefit of RAP to farmers was assessed using gross margin analysis whereas the costs were obtained from expenses incurred by farmers in participating in the RAP intervention. Subsequently, the RAP intervention villages were compared with a control village to determine the average and incremental benefit-cost ratio across all households.Results The benefit-cost analysis of spraying 25%, 50% and 75% of the cattle population yielded benefit-cost ratios of 6.22, 5.56 and 4.46. The incremental benefit-cost ratios from spraying each additional 25% of the population cattle were 14.32, 3.97 and 0.79 respectively, showing a very high return on investment in spraying 25% of the population, with returns reducing thereafter.Conclusion Comparing the gross margins per bovine of applying RAP to different proportions of the cattle population to a pre-intervention situation and a control, the study found that increasing the proportion of cattle sprayed yielded increasing benefits to farmers, but that these benefits were subject to diminishing returns. Given the high proportion of draft males in the cattle population (37%) their important contribution to livestock output and farmers’ preference for treating these animals, from a practical viewpoint this study recommends spraying only draft cattle to control trypanosomiasis in this area, although in areas or households with a lower proportion of draft males, farmers could be advised to also include cows.
Development of a clinical prediction rule for sepsis in primary care: protocol of the TeSD-IT study
Authors: Loots Feike J. , Hopstaken Rogier , Jenniskens Kevin , Frederix Geert W.J. , de Pol Alma C. van , Bruel Ann Van den , Oosterheert Jan Jelrik , Zanten Arthur R.H. van , Smits Marleen , Verheij Theo J.M. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Early recognition and treatment of sepsis is crucial to prevent detrimental outcomes. General practitioners (GPs) are often the first healthcare providers to encounter seriously-ill patients. The aim of this study is to assess the value of clinical information and additional tests to develop a clinical prediction rule (CPR) to support early diagnosis and management of sepsis by GPs.Methods We will perform a diagnostic study in the setting of out-of-hours home visits in four GP cooperatives in the Netherlands. Acutely ill adult patients suspected of a serious infection are screened for eligibility by the GP. The following candidate predictors are prospectively recorded: 1) age; 2) body temperature; 3) systolic blood pressure; 4) heart rate; 5) respiratory rate; 6) peripheral oxygen saturation; 7) altered mental status; 8) rigors and 9) rapid illness progression. After the clinical assessment of the GP, blood samples are collected in all patients to measure C-reactive protein, lactate and procalcitonin. All patients receive care as usual. The primary outcome is presence or absence of sepsis within 72 hours of inclusion, according to an expert panel. The need for hospital treatment for any indication will be assessed by the expert panel as a secondary outcome. Multivariable logistic regression is used to design an optimal prediction model first, and subsequently derive a simplified CPR that enhances feasibility of using the model in daily clinical practice. Bootstrapping will be performed for internal validation of both the optimal model and simplified CPR. Performance of both models will be compared to existing CPRs for sepsis.Discussion This study will enable us to develop a CPR for the recognition of sepsis in a high-risk primary care setting to aid in the decision which patients have to be immediately referred to a hospital and who can be safely treated at home. As clinical signs and blood samples will be retrieved prospectively in all participants, near complete data will be available for analyses. External validation is needed before the CPR is implemented in routine care and to determine in which pre-hospital settings care can be improved using the CPR.Trial registration The study is registered in the Netherlands Trial Registry (registration number NTR7026).