bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Going web or staying paper? The use of web-surveys among older people
Authors: Kelfve Susanne , Kivi Marie , Johansson Boo , Lindwall Magnus 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Many surveys today use a web-survey as an alternative to more traditional survey modes. Yet, web-surveys targeting older individuals are still uncommon for various reasons. However, with younger cohorts approaching older age, the potentials for web-surveys among older people might be improved. In this study, we investigated response patterns in a web-survey targeting older adults and the potential importance of offering a paper questionnaire as an alternative to the web questionnaire. Methods: We analyzed data from three waves of a web-based retirement study, in which a paper questionnaire was offered as an alternative to the web questionnaire in the last reminder. We mapped the response patterns, compared web- and paper respondents and compared different key outcomes resulting from the sample with and without the paper respondents, both at baseline and after two follow-ups.Results: Paper-respondents, that is, those that did not answer until they got a paper questionnaire with the last reminder, were more likely to be women, low educated, fully retired, non-married and reported higher depression and lower self-rated health, compared with web-respondents. The association between retirement status and depression was only present among web-respondents. The differences between web and paper respondents were stronger in the longitudinal sample (after two follow-ups) than at baseline.Conclusions: We conclude that a web survey might be a feasible and good alternative in surveys targeting people in the retirement age range. However, without offering a paper questionnaire, a small but important group will likely be missing with potential biased estimates as the result.
The use of negative-pressure wound therapy after total knee arthroplasty is effective for reducing complications and the need for reintervention.
Authors: Helito Camilo Partezani , Sobrado Marcel Faraco , Giglio Pedro Nogueira , Bonadio Marcelo Batista , Pecora Jose Ricardo , Demange Marco Kawamura , Gobbi Riccardo Gomes 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Wound healing complications are causal factors of prosthesis infection and poor postoperative evolution of patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) can be an option to minimize these complications. The aim of this study is to compare the complications of patients undergoing TKA who used a portable NPWT device in the immediate postoperative period with those of a control group.Methods: A total of 296 patients were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups: those who used NPWT for seven days in the postoperative period (Group 1 – prospective evaluated) and those who used conventional dressings (Group 2 – historical control group). Epidemiological data, comorbidities, local parameters related to the surgical wound and complications were evaluated.Results: The groups did not differ in regard to sex, age and clinical comorbidities. Overall, 153 (51.7%) patients had at least one risk factor for wound complications. Patients who used NPWT had a lower rate of complications (28.5% vs. 45.7%, p = 0.001) and a lower rate of reintervention in the operating room (2% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.001). Patients in group 1 had a lower incidence of hyperaemia (14.7% vs. 40.2%, p = 0.01), skin necrosis (2.1% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.04) and wound dehiscence (3.1% vs 10.1%, p = 0.03). The use of NPWT was a protective factor for the presence of complications, with an odds ratio of 0.36 (95% CI 0.206-0.629).Conclusion: The number of complications related to the wound after TKA is high; however, most of them are minor and have no impact on the treatment and clinical evolution of patients. The use of NPWT decreased the number of surgical wound complications, especially hyperaemia, dehiscence and necrosis, and reduced the need for reintervention.
Distribution pattern and prognosis of metastatic lymph nodes in cervical posterior to level V in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Jiang Chaoyang , Gao Hui , Zhang Ling , Li Hua , Zhang Tao , Ma Ji , Liu Bisheng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Lymph node metastasis in the cervical region posterior to level V (PLV) often occurs in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), but the significance and the delineation of the radiotherapy target area have not been reported. We retrospectively studied 605 cases of NPC. A total of 49 metastatic lymph nodes from the PLV region were counted. Linear regression correlation analysis suggested that lymph node metastasis in the PLV region was associated with ipsilateral level IVa, level Va, level Vb, and level Vc lymph node metastasis (all P<0.05). The 5-year OS, PFS, LRFS, and DMFS of patients with N3 NPC with or without lymph node metastasis in the PLV region were 41.8% vs 67.3% (P=0.007), 27.8% vs 48.5% (P=0.005), 92.3% vs 80.5% (P=0.521), 40.6% vs 78.4% (P<0.001), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis in the PLV region was an independent prognostic factor for DMFS (P<0.05). In summary, NPC patients with lymph node metastasis in the PLV region had a poor prognosis and a high risk of distant metastasis. When patients have lymph node metastasis in levels IVa and V, the posterior boundary of the radiotherapy target in ipsilateral level V should be appropriately moved backward. We recommend that the margin of the PLV region may be a new cervical lymph node segment for head and neck tumors.
Association Between Morphologic Grading and Implantation Rate of Euploid Blastocyst
Authors: Lou Hua , Li Na , Guan Yichun , Zhang Yuchao , Hao Dayong , Cui Shihong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective: To determine the association between the morphologic grading and implantation rate of euploid blastocysts in single frozen-thawed embryo transfer (SET) cycles.Design: Retrospective cohort study.Setting: Single university-based fertility centerPatient(s): Women aged 20–40 years undergoing euploid SET from January 2017 to December 2019 were identified. Main Outcomes Measure(s): Implantation rate (IR) Result(s): A total of 271 euploid SET cycles were included. The cycles were divided into three groups based on their morphologic grading before cryopreservation: good-quality (n = 58), average-quality (n = 88) and poor-quality blastocysts (n = 125). Good-quality blastocysts yielded statistically signiﬁcantly higher implantation rates than poor-quality embryos (79.31% vs. 48%; P＜0.001). Planned subgroup analyses by age and the day of TE biopsy were conducted. Logistic regression analyses that adjusted for these variables identified higher implantation rates (adjusted odds ratio(aOR)= 4.083, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.836–9.082, P＜0.001) for the good-quality blastocysts than for those that underwent poor-quality cycles in women aged <35 years, but not in women aged ≥35 years (aOR=6.074, 95%CI: 0.456-80.919, P=0.172). The implantation rates were higher among women with good-quality blastocysts on both Day 5 and Day 6 of TE biopsy than among those with poor-quality blastocysts (Day 5, aOR=3.294, 95%CI:1.260-8.616, P = 0.015; Day 6, aOR=4.179, 95%CI:1.004~17.399, P=0.049). Day 5 euploid blastocysts had no significant difference in implantation potential and early spontaneous abortion rate compared with similarly graded Day 6 euploid blastocysts.Conclusions: Blastocyst morphologic grading was associated with implantation rate for euploid embryo transfers after adjustment for potential confounders. These ﬁndings suggest that evaluating blastocyst morphology is critical when selecting the best euploid blastocyst.
Semi-field evaluation of freestanding transfluthrin passive emanators and the BG sentinel trap as a “Push-Pull control strategy” against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Authors: Tambwe Mgeni Mohamed , Moore Sarah , Chilumba Hassan , Swai Johnson Kyeba , Moore Jason , Stica Caleb , Saddler Adam 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Spatial repellents that drive mosquitoes away from treated area, and odour-baited traps, that attract and kill mosquitoes, can be combined and work synergistically in a push-pull system. Push-pull systems have shown to reduce house entry and outdoor biting rates of malaria vectors and so have the potential to control other outdoor biting mosquitoes such as Aedes aegypti that transmit arboviral diseases. In this study, semi-field experiments were conducted to evaluate whether a push-pull system could be used to reduce bites from Aedes . Methods: The push and pull under investigation consisted of two freestanding transfluthrin passive emanators (FTPE), and a BG sentinel trap (BGS) respectively. The FTPE contained hessian strips treated with 5.25g of transfluthrin active ingredient. The efficacies of FTPE and BGS alone and in combination were evaluated by human landing catch in a large semi-field system in Tanzania. We also investigated the protection of FTPE over six months. The data was analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with binomial distribution. Results: Two FTPE have a protective efficacy (PE) of 61. 2% (95% Confidence interval (CI): 52.2-69.9) against human landing rate of Aedes aegypti . The BGS did not significantly reduce mosquito landings; the PE was 2.1% (95% CI: -2.9-7.2). The combination of FTPE and BGS (push-pull) provided the PE of 64.5% (95% CI: 59.1-69.9). However, there was no significant difference in the protective efficacy between the push-pull and the two FTPE against Ae. aegypti (p=0.30). The FTPE offered significant protection against Ae. aegypti at month three, with a PE of 46.4% (95% CI: 41.1-51.8), but not at six months with a PE of 2.2 % (95% CI: -9.0-14.0). Conclusions: The protective efficacy of the FTPE and the full push-pull system are similar, indicative that bite prevention is primarily due to the activity of the FTPE. While these results are encouraging for the FTPE, further work is needed for a push-pull system to be recommended for Ae. aegypti control. The three-month protection provided by the FTPE against Ae. aegypti bites suggests it would be a useful additional personal protection tool during dengue outbreaks, that does not require regular user compliance.
Anthocyanins increase serum adiponectin in newly diagnosed diabetes but not in prediabetes: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang LiPing , Ling Wenhua , Qiu Yun , Liu Yong , Wang Li , Yang Jing , Wang Changyi , Ma Jianping 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Epidemiological studies have suggested that adiponectin is associated with the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. This study first examined the effect of purified anthocyanins, a group of dietary flavonoids, on serum adiponectin in patients with prediabetes and newly diagnosed diabetes.Methods A total of 160 patients with prediabetes (n=90) or newly diagnosed diabetes (n=70) were randomly assigned to either the anthocyanins group or the placebo group for 12 weeks intervention. Serum adiponectin, a set of biomarkers related to glucolipid metabolism, anthropometric parameters, dietary intakes and physical activities were measured before and after intervention.Results Anthocyanins increased serum adiponectin compared with placebo (net change 0.46 ug/mL, 95%CI [0.03, 0.90], p=0.038) in the subjects with newly diagnosed diabetes. No significant difference in the change of adiponectin was observed between the two groups either in the overall subjects (0.02 ug/mL [-0.32, 0.36], p=0.906) or in prediabetes (-0.35 ug/mL [-0.85, 0.16], p=0.174). Anthocyanins also decreased fasting glucose (-0.5 mmol/L [-1, -0.04], p=0.035) in the subjects with newly diagnosed diabetes, and no such change was observed in those with prediabetes.ConclusionsAnthocyanins supplementation for 12 weeks improved serum adiponectin and fasting glucose in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes, but not in patients with prediabetes.
Pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 expression is associated with the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xianfeng , Zhang Xianjun , Li Xinguo , Bao Hongbing , Li Guang , Li Ning , Li Hengli , Dou Jian 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1)) has been reported to be overexpressed in pleomorphic adenoma (PA). However, its expression and clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been investigated.Methods: PLAG1 protein levels in HCC serum and benign liver diseases (BLD) controls were measured by Western Blot, and α-fetoprotein (AFP) concentration was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relevance of PLAG1expression with the clinicopathological factors was assessed by Chi-square test. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to investigate the values of the markers in diagnosis of HCC.Results: Serum PLAG1 protein level was significantly elevated in HCC group compared to that in controls (P<0.001). Furthermore, a significant association was found between PLAG1 expression and clinical factors, such as tumor size (P=0.000), differentiation (P=0.014) and metastasis (P=0.001). ROC analysis showed that PLAG1 could distinguish HCC patients from BLD controls with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.852 (95 % CI: 0.782-0.922; 78.8% sensitivity, 83.3% specificity; P<0.001), which had significantly superior discriminative ability than AFP (AUC=0.694, 67.3% sensitivity and 62.1 % specificity) or the combination of PLAG1 and AFP (AUC=0.706, 69.2% sensitivity and 63.6 % specificity).Conclusions: This study suggested that serum PLAG1 might be a potential noninvasive tumor biomarker in the diagnosis of HCC.
Human amniotic epithelial cells improve kidney repair in ischemia-reperfusion mouse model of acute kidney injury
Authors: Ren Yifei , Chen Ying , Zheng Xizi , Wang Hui , Kang Xin , Tang Jiawei , Qu Lei , Shao Xiaoyan , Wang Suxia , Li Shuangling , Liu Gang , Yang Li 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical disease with complex pathophysiology and very limited therapeutic choices. This prompts the need for novel therapy targeting multiple aspects of this disease. Human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) are ideal alternative stem cell source for regenerative medicine. Increasing evidence suggests that hAEC-derived exosomes (hAECs-EXO) may act as novel cell–cell communicators. Accordingly, we assessed the therapeutic potential of hAECs in ischemia reperfusion mouse model of AKI and explored the underlying mechanisms.Methods: The hAECs were primary cultured and hAECs-EXO were isolated and characterized. An ischemic renal injury mouse model was established to mimic different severity of the kidney injury. Mouse blood creatinine level was used to assess renal function and kidney specimens were processed to detect cell proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis. Immune cells infiltration was analyzed by flow cytometry. hAECs-EXO was used to treat hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) injured HK2 cells and mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages to evaluate their protective effect in vitro. Furthermore, hAEC exosomes were subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for proteomic profiling. Results: We found that systematically administered hAECs could improve mortality and renal function in IRI mice; decrease the number of apoptotic cells; promote peritubular capillary regeneration and modulate kidney local immune response. However, hAECs showed very low kidney tissue integration. Exosomes isolated from hAECs recapitulated the renal protective effects of their parent cells. In vitro, hAECs-EXO protected HK-2 cells from H/R injury-induced apoptosis and promoted bone marrow-derived macrophage polarization toward M2 phenotype. Proteomic analysis on hAECs-EXO revealed proteins involved in extracellular matrix organization, growth factor signaling pathways, cytokine production and immunomodulation. These findings demonstrated that paracrine of exosomes might be a key mechanism by hAECs mediating kidney functional recovery in AKI.Conclusions: We first reported hAECs could improve mortality and renal repair in mice with ischemia-reperfusion injury. The anti-apoptotic, pro-angiogenetic, and immunomodulatory capabilities of hAECs at least partially, through paracrine pathways. The renoprotective effects of hAECs-EXO might be a promising clinical therapeutic tool, overcoming the weaknesses and risks associated with the use of native stem cells for patients with AKI.
Impact of lymphovascular invasion in bladder cancer ~Comparison of transurethral resection and total cystectomy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yoneda Kei , Kamiya Naoto , Utsumi Takanobu , Wakai Ken , Oka Ryo , Endo Takumi , Yano Masashi , Hiruta Nobuyuki , Ichikawa Tomohiko , Suzuki Hiroyoshi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the associations of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) at first transurethral resection of bladder (TURBT) and radical cystectomy (RC) with survival outcomes, and to evaluate the concordance between LVI at first TURBT and RC. Methods: We reviewed 216 patients who underwent first TURBT and 64 patients who underwent RC at our hospital. Medical records were reviewed uniformly, collecting the following data: age, sex, clinical and pathological T stage, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, grade, metastasis, urinary cytology, carcinoma in situ and LVI. Results: LVI was identified in 22.7% of patients who underwent first TURBT, and 32.8% of patients who underwent RC. Univariate analysis identified ≥cT3, metastasis and LVI at first TURBT as factors significantly associated with overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Multivariate analysis identified metastasis (hazard ratio (HR) 6.560, p=0.009) and LVI at first TURBT (HR 9.205, p=0.003) as significant predictors of CSS. On the other hand, in patients who underwent RC, ≥pT3, inclusion of G3 and LVI were significantly associated with OS and CSS in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis identified inclusion of G3 as a significant predictor of OS and CSS. The concordance rate between LVI at first TURBT and RC was 48.0%. Patients with positive results for LVI at first TURBT and RC displayed poorer prognosis than other patients (p<0.05). Conclusions: We found that the combination of LVI at first TURBT and RC was likely to provide a more significant prognostic factor.
Clinical Efficacy of Intramedullary Fixation vs. Plate Fixation for Femoral Intertrochanteric Fractures
Authors: Zhou Yu , Xia Chongjun , Ma Xiaowei , Yu Xiaobing 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

To compare the clinical efficacy of proximal femoral intramedullary fixation and anatomical locking compression plate in the treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fractures among the elderly.
Methods

In this retrospective study, 210 surgically treated patients with intertrochanteric fractures of the femur were analyzed and divided into groups A, B and C according to the surgical approach. Group A had interlocking compression nailing (INTERTAN) done (n = 69); group B had γ-III interlocking intramedullary nailing (γ-III) done (n = 73); and group C had proximal femoral anatomic locking plate (PFLP) done (n = 68). All patients’ data were followed up completely, and their clinical outcomes were observed.
Results

Group A and B were found to perform better than group C in operation time, bleeding volume, time of leaving bed, fracture healing time and hospitalization time (P < 0.05). Their respective incidences of postoperative complications were significantly lower than that of group C (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between group A and group B (P > 0.05). The Harris scores of groups A and B at 1, 3 and 6 months after operation were significantly higher than those of group C (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between group A and group B (P > 0.05).
Conclusions

In the treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fractures, intramedullary fixation influences little on blood circulation at the fracture end, accelerates fracture healing, and enhances hip joint function, which assists patients in recovering faster postoperatively. Moreover, it enables them to gain mobility at an early stage and reduces postoperative complications of fractures. Its short-term clinical effects are better than extramedullary fixation, which should be more widely adapted clinically.
A Novel Human MrgX2-ELISA Kit to Detect MrgX2 Concentration Associated with Chronic Urticaria
Authors: Ding Yuanyuan , Zhang Tao , Liu Rui , Che Delu , Wang Nan , He Langchong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor member X2 (MrgX2) directly mediates drug-induced pseudo allergic reactions. Skin mast cell MrgX2 is upregulated in severe chronic urticaria (CU). Mast cells and leukocytes are key effector cells in allergic reactions and undergo degranulation upon stimulation. It is unknown whether MrgX2 expression occurs in the whole blood of CU patients and there is no effective method for its detection. METHODS: Monoclonal and polyclonal MrgX2 specific antibodies were prepared. Indirect ELISA was used to evaluate antibody titer. The whole blood from normal controls and CU patients was used to detect MrgX2 and feasibility of this kit as a clinical detection tool was explored.RESULTS: A sandwich antibody ELISA method for MrgX2 was established with good linearity (R2 = 0.9980), low detection limit (3.125 ng/mL), quantification limit (6.25 ng/mL), good stability and high specificity. The initial truncation value of MrgX2 was 60.91 ng/mL (95% confidence interval). MrgX2 concentration in CU patients (median 98.01 ± 4.317 ng/mL, n = 75) was significantly increased compared to controls (58.09 ± 1.418 ng/mL, n = 75), with significant difference (p <0.0001) and higher accuracy (AUC = 0.8796). Comprehensive analysis of reference frequency distribution and ROC curve, determined the threshold for CU patients as 71.23 ng/mL, with 81.33% sensitivity and 90.67% specificity. CONCLUSION: MrgX2-ELISA provides a useful and convenient method for detecting MrgX2 in whole blood. Our method should help improve our understanding of the role of MrgX2 in regulating chronic urticaria.
An Economic and Financial Analysis of a Biomass Energy Project
Authors: Matarazzo Agata 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
In the Region of Sicily the use of biomass as a raw material for producing energy could be interesting for its particular nature and for the soil and climatic features of that territory, with significant, highly positive socio-economic consequences.
The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential of a cogeneration system (i.e. electrical, thermal and cooling) in the biomass sector, and to perform a reliable environmental, as well as financial and economic analysis of a production process in an area of Eastern Sicily. With respect to the analysis of financial risk linked to the plant, appropriate sensitivity analyses, calculations of particular elasticities and of threshold values will be carried out, considering different scenarios corresponding to diverse combinations of production capacities. This method of analysis has been chosen, rather than using a fuzzy approach to consider the linguistic imprecision, because the data available are always expressed in crisp figures, but they are subject to the uncertainty of temporal dynamics. The results obtained outline a marginal economic advantage, sometimes negative for the majority of the scenarios considered from the point of view of a private investor.