bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D Status as a Predictor of Postoperative Hypocalcemia after Thyroidectomy
Authors: Rubin Samuel J. , Park Jong H. , Pearce Elizabeth N. , Holick Michael F. , McAneny David , Noordzij J. Pieter 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveTo determine whether perioperative vitamin D levels are predictive of postoperative hypocalcemia in patients receiving thyroidectomy.Study DesignSingle center retrospective study.Subjects and MethodsThis study included all patients receiving total or completion thyroidectomy between January 2007 and March 2017 at a single tertiary care hospital. 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels were measured within 42 days prior to surgery or 1 day postoperatively. Hypocalcemia was defined as an adjusted serum calcium <8.0 mg/dL (based on albumin levels) or symptomatic hypocalcemia. Univariate analysis was performed with a 2‐sample t test and chi‐square test, while multivariate analysis was performed with logistic regression analysis to determine whether perioperative 25(OH)D level is a predictor of postoperative hypocalcemia.ResultsA total of 517 subjects were included in the study, 15.7% (n = 81) of whom experienced postoperative hypocalcemia with a mean ± SD serum calcium level of 7.6 ± 0.5 mg/dL as compared with 8.9 ± 0.5 mg/dL in the normocalcemic population (P <. 01). The mean 25(OH)D level for patients with hypocalcemia was 24.4 ± 12.0 ng/mL as compared with 27.5 ± 12.2 ng/mL in patients with normocalcemia (P =. 038). Subjects who were hypocalcemic experienced a significantly longer hospital stay (2.9 ± 2.5 vs 1.4 ± 1.1 days, P <. 01). After adjusting for preoperative calcium, age, and performance of a neck dissection, subjects with a 25(OH)D level <30 ng/mL were significantly associated with postoperative hypocalcemia (odds ratio, 1.9; P =. 041; 95% CI, 1.0‐3.3).ConclusionUsing a single‐center retrospective study design, we demonstrated that 25(OH)D level is a significant predictor of postoperative hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy.
Does using outpatient room air for bleomycin foam preparation increase the risk of infection?
Authors: Zhang Hao , Xu Ming Pei , Dong Zuo Qing , Liu Shao Hua , Yang Ai Jun 
Published: April 2020

Objective To evaluate whether the risk of infections is increased with the use of air from outpatient rooms to prepare bleomycin foam. Methods Settling plates were adopted to collect bacteria from outpatient room air, operating theatre air, human serum albumin, bleomycin solution and bleomycin foam prepared with both outpatient room and operating theatre air. The plates were placed in an incubator at 37°C for 48 h, and the number of bacterial colonies was recorded using colony-forming units. The results were analysed by the t-test. A retrospective study was then performed to evaluate the outpatient safety of bleomycin foam. Results The number of colony-forming units in the bleomycin foam produced using both operating and outpatient room air was very low, with no statistic difference. No infection cases were reported in clinical evaluation. Conclusion Using the air from outpatient treatment rooms for bleomycin foam preparation does not increase the risk of infections.
Treatment with slow-releasing hydrogen sulfide donors inhibits the nociceptive and depressive-like behaviours accompanying chronic neuropathic pain: Endogenous antioxidant system activation
Authors: Cabarga Laura , Batallé Gerard , Pol Olga 
Published: April 2020

Background: Therapies to treat chronic neuropathic pain and its associated comorbidities are limited. Recent studies demonstrated that the administration of slow-releasing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donors inhibited chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. However, the antidepressant or anxiolytic effects of these compounds and their mechanisms of action during chronic neuropathic pain have not been evaluated. Aims: To determine whether the administration of two slow-releasing H2S donors, allyl isothiocyanate (A-ITC) and phenyl isothiocyanate (P-ITC), inhibits the nociceptive and emotional disorders associated with chronic neuropathic pain. Methods: In C57BL/6 male mice with neuropathic pain caused by the chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve, we assessed the effects of intraperitoneal administration of A-ITC and P-ITC in (a) the mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia and thermal allodynia induced by nerve ligation; (b) the anxiety- and depressive-like behaviours linked with neuropathic pain; (c) glial activation and mitogen-activated protein kinases phosphorylation, and (d) expression of the antioxidant enzymes, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), NADPH quinone oxidoreductase1, and glutathione S-transferase mu-1 (GSTM1), and alpha-1 (GSTA1), in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Results: Both treatments inhibited the allodynia and hyperalgesia, depressive-like behaviours, astroglial activation, and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation but were unable to abolish the anxiety-like behaviours accompanying neuropathic pain. A-ITC and P-ITC also augmented the expression of HO-1, GSTM1, and GSTA1 in the hippocampus and/or PFC. Conclusions: The administration of slow-releasing H2S donors might be a promising treatment for the management of chronic neuropathic pain and some associated comorbidities via inhibiting the inflammatory and plasticity changes, and activating the endogenous antioxidant responses.
Understanding the current status of patients with pulmonary hypertension during COVID‐19 outbreak: a small‐scale national survey from China
Authors: Zhou Hongmei , Zhang Gangcheng , Deng Xiaoxian , Jin Bowen , Qiu Qiu , Yan Menghuan , Wang Xi , Zheng Xuan 
Published: April 2020

Pulmonary hypertension is a chronic disease developing progressively with high mortality. Pulmonary hypertension patients need persistent medical care; however, limited reports focused on them when there was an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 in China. This national survey was aimed to evaluate the overall condition of pulmonary hypertension patients during this period. A questionnaire regarding the living condition of pulmonary hypertension patients during coronavirus disease 2019 was designed by pulmonary hypertension diagnostic experts in Wuhan Asia Heart Hospital. Pulmonary hypertension patients and their family members were invited to participate in this survey online. One‐hundred twenty pulmonary hypertension patients and 23 family members participated in the survey; 64.8% (n = 87) participants came from Hubei, and others were from 15 other provinces; 98.6% (n = 141) participants were in home quarantine; 65.8% (n = 79) were pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease; and 76.7% (n = 92) patients proclaimed their heart function was well maintained at class I or II. One (0.8%) patient was confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Two (1.7%) patients were hospitalized due to heart function worsening. Nearly 70% (n = 100) participants implied shortage in medications during coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak. A total of 24.2% (n = 29) patients indicated that medications were discontinued due to the insufficient supply. Most of the participants stayed optimistic on either coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak or their pulmonary hypertension disease, and 61.7% (n = 74) patients would go to the hospital for follow‐up immediately after outbreak. These preliminary data show pulmonary hypertension patients are able to avoid severe disease when they are in home quarantine. Medication supplement is important for pulmonary hypertension patients when their heart function is well maintained. In addition, there might be increasing requirements of medical care for pulmonary hypertension patients after the outbreak.
Neurotransmitter and tryptophan metabolite concentration changes in the complete Freund’s adjuvant model of orofacial pain
Authors: Cseh Edina K. , Veres Gábor , Körtési Tamás , Polyák Helga , Nánási Nikolett , Tajti János , Párdutz Árpád , Klivényi Péter , Vécsei László , Zádori Dénes 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The neurochemical background of the evolution of headache disorders, still remains partially undiscovered. Accordingly, our aim was to further explore the neurochemical profile of Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced orofacial pain, involving finding the shift point regarding small molecule neurotransmitter concentrations changes vs. that of the previously characterized headache-related neuropeptides. The investigated neurotransmitters consisted of glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid, noradrenalin and serotonin. Furthermore, in light of its influence on glutamatergic neurotransmission, we measured the level of kynurenic acid (KYNA) and its precursors in the kynurenine (KYN) pathway (KP) of tryptophan metabolism.

Methods
The effect of CFA was evaluated in male Sprague Dawley rats. Animals were injected with CFA (1 mg/ml, 50 μl/animal) into the right whisker pad. We applied high-performance liquid chromatography to determine the concentrations of the above-mentioned compounds from the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) and somatosensory cortex (ssCX) of rats. Furthermore, we measured some of these metabolites from the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma as well. Afterwards, we carried out permutation t-tests as post hoc analysis for pairwise comparison.

Results
Our results demonstrated that 24 h after CFA treatment, the level of glutamate, KYNA and that of its precursor, KYN was still elevated in the TNC, all diminishing by 48 h. In the ssCX, significant concentration increases of KYNA and serotonin were found.

Conclusion
This is the first study assessing neurotransmitter changes in the TNC and ssCX following CFA treatment, confirming the dominant role of glutamate in early pain processing and a compensatory elevation of KYNA with anti-glutamatergic properties. Furthermore, the current findings draw attention to the limited time interval where medications can target the glutamatergic pathways.
MicroRNA-186-5p serves as a diagnostic biomarker in atherosclerosis and regulates vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration
Authors: Sun Bin , Cao Qingtao , Meng Meng , Wang Xiaolong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objective
MicroRNA dysregulation occurs in many human diseases, including atherosclerosis. Here, we examined the serum expression and clinical significance of miR-186-5p in patients with atherosclerosis, and explored its influence on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration.

Methods
Blood samples were collected from 104 patients with asymptomatic atherosclerosis and 80 healthy controls. Quantitative real-time PCR was applied to measure the miR-186-5p level. An ROC curve was established to assess the discriminatory ability of the serum miR-186-5p level for identifying atherosclerosis from controls. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were used to evaluate the impact of miR-186-5p on cell behaviors.

Results
Serum expression of miR-186-5p was significantly higher in atherosclerosis patients than in the control group. The serum miR-186-5p level showed a positive correlation with CIMT and could be used to distinguish atherosclerosis patients from healthy controls, with an area under the curve (AUC) score of 0.891. In VSMCs, overexpression of miR-186-5p significantly promoted cell proliferation and migration, while the opposite results were observed when miR-186-5p was downregulated.

Conclusion
Overexpression of miR-186-5p has a certain diagnostic significance for atherosclerosis. Upregulation of miR-186-5p stimulates VSMC proliferation and migration. Therefore, it is a possible target for atherosclerosis interventions.
Perovskite Solar Cells Based on Compact, Smooth FA0.1MA0.9PbI3 Film with Efficiency Exceeding 22%
Authors: Maqsood Ayman , Li Yaoyao , Meng Juan , Song Dandan , Qiao Bo , Zhao Suling , Xu Zheng 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe utilization of mixed cations is beneficial for taking the advantages of cations and achieving highly efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, the precisely small incorporation of CH(NH2)2 (FA) cations in methyl ammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) enables the formation of compact, smooth perovskite film with high crystallinity. Consequently, the short-circuit current and the fill factor of the PSCs based on FAxMA1-xPbI3 perovskite are greatly improved, leading to the enhanced device efficiency. The champion PSC based on FA0.1MA0.9PbI3 exhibits a remarkably high efficiency of 22.02%. Furthermore, the PSCs based on FA0.1MA0.9PbI3 perovskite also show improved device stability. This work provides a simple approach to fabricate high-quality perovskite films and high-performance PSCs with better stability.
Diagnosis and prognosis of myocardial infarction in a patient without obstructive coronary artery disease during bronchoscopy: a case study and literature review
Authors: Li Menghuan , Liu Yang , Wang Hui 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundIt is increasingly recognized that a significant proportion of patients suffered from acute myocardial infraction (AMI) who did not have obstructive coronary artery disease (≥50% diameter stenosis). The term “MINOCA (myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries)” was coined for such entity, however, the exact mechanism of MINOCA is still unclear. Herein, we report a patient with MINOCA during bronchoscopy and further review the recent literature.Case presentationA 65-year-old woman was hospitalized with the main complaint of chest tightness, nausea and vomiting for 30 min during bronchoscopy under local anesthesia. Immediate electrocardiogram (ECG) showed ST-segments elevation in leads V2–6 compared with those at admission, and the further evolvement of leads V2–3 into pathological Q wave. Serum cardiac biomarkers revealed high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) levels of 20.12 ng/L and 674.6 ng/L at the peak (normal range 0-14 ng/L). Emergency coronary angiography (CAG) showed only approximate 30% stenosis in the left anterior descending (LAD) ostium and 40% stenosis in the first diagonal branch (D1), with quantitative flow ratio (QFR) value for LAD of 0.96. Moreover, her echocardiographic examination presented new significant abnormal wall motion (anterior ventricular wall) with an estimated left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 62.1% after the cardiac attack. Thoracic enhanced CT scanning indicated no obvious sign of pulmonary embolism. Therefore, with confirmed AMI and the absence of significant coronary stenosis simultaneously, MINOCA was diagnosed with the prescription of dual-antiplatelet, statins, beta-blocker, angiotensin receptors antagonist, calcium channel blocker and nitrate. This patient had a good prognosis during a follow-up of 14 months.ConclusionIn this case, bronchoscopy might have caused extremely tense and anxious which led to a sympathetic hyperfunction and acute coronary thrombosis induced by plaque disruption and coronary artery spasm. QFR value is a feasible technique to evaluate the functional coronary stenosis and assist the diagnose of MINOCA. Also, the diagnosis of MINOCA deems an exploration of underlying causes for proper management and prognostic evaluation.
Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on reflux esophagitis and GERD symptoms after endoscopic resection of gastric neoplasm: a single-center prospective study
Authors: Na Hee Kyong , Lee Jeong Hoon , Park Se Jeong , Park Hee Jung , Kim Sun Ok , Ahn Ji Yong , Kim Do Hoon , Jung Kee Wook , Choi Kee Don , Song Ho June , Lee Gin Hyug , Jung Hwoon-Yong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The association between Helicobacter pylori and reflux esophagitis (RE) remains controversial. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the effect of H. pylori eradication on RE and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) symptoms in H. pylori-positive patients who underwent endoscopic resection of gastric neoplasm.

Methods
Of the 244 patients enrolled in this study, 173 H. pylori-positive patients underwent follow-up at least once. We evaluated the prevalence of RE and GERD symptoms in these patients following H. pylori eradication.

Results
There were 75.7% (131/173), 78.6% (125/159), and 78.9% (105/133) subjects who were successfully eradicated after 6, 12, and 18–24 months, respectively. During the 2-year follow-up period, the eradication of H. pylori did not increase the incidence of RE (OR 0.93; 95% CI, 0.49–1.77, p = 0.828). H. pylori status was also not associated with the development of GERD symptoms (OR 1.12; 95% CI, 0.47–2.95, p = 0.721). In the univariate analysis for RE, present smoking history (OR 4.79; 95% CI 1.98–11.60, p = 0.001), present alcohol consumption history (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.03–4.63, p = 0.041), and diabetes mellitus (OR 2.44; 95% CI 1.02–5.86, p = 0.045) were found to be associated with RE. Multivariate analysis showed that present smoking history (OR 4.54; 95% CI 1.84–11.02, p = 0.001) was a significant risk factor for RE.

Conclusions
H. pylori eradication did not increase the incidence of RE or GERD symptoms in patients who underwent endoscopic resection of gastric neoplasm.
Sociodemographic and clinical determinants of in-facility case fatality rate for 938 adult Ebola patients treated at Sierra Leone Ebola treatment center
Authors: Kangbai Jia Bainga , Heumann Christian , Hoelscher Michael , Sahr Foday , Froeschl Guenter 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The 2013–2016 West Africa Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak recorded the highest incidence and mortality since the discovery of the virus in Zaire in 1976; with more than 28,000 probable and confirmed EVD cases and 11,000 deaths. Studies relating to previous outbreaks usually involved small sample sizes. In this study we are set to identify those sociodemographic and clinical features that predict in-facility mortality among EVD patients using a large sample size.

Methods
We analysed the anonymized medical records of 938 laboratory-confirmed EVD patients 15 years old and above who received treatment at The 34 Military Hospital and The Police Training School EVD Treatment Centers in Sierra Leone in the period June 2014 to April 2015. We used both univariable and multivariable logistic regression to determine the predictors for in-facility mortality of these patients based on their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

Results
The median age of the EVD cases was 33 years (interquartile range = 25 to 40 years). The majority of the EVD cases were male (59.0%) and had secondary level education (79.3%). We reported a low overall in-facility case fatality rate of 26.4%. The associations between case fatality rates and EVD patients who reported fever, abdominal pain, cough, diarrhoea, vomiting, fatigue, haemorrhage, dysphagia, conjunctival injection, dyspnea, and skin rash at the time of admission were all statistically significant (p <  0.05). Our preferred model with the age group 65 years and above alongside the following clinical symptoms; diarrhoea, vomiting, fatigue, dysphagia, conjunctival injection, dyspnea and cough produced a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with an AUC (area under the curve) value of 0.93.

Conclusions
We constructed a simple model that can be optimally used alongside other rapid EVD diagnostic tools to identify EVD in-facility treatment mortality predictors based on the sociodemographic characteristics and clinical symptoms of adult EVD patients. We also reported low EVD cases among patients with secondary and tertiary education. These subpopulations of our patients who are generally informed about the signs and symptoms of EVD, alongside our treatment regimen may have been responsible for our comparatively lower case fatality rate.
BRAzil magnesium (BRAMAG) trial: a double-masked randomized clinical trial of oral magnesium supplementation in pregnancy
Authors: de Araújo Carla Adriane Leal , Ray Joel Geoffrey , Figueiroa José Natal , Alves João Guilherme 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
There is conflicting evidence about the role of oral magnesium supplementation in the prevention of preterm birth and related adverse outcomes. The objective of this study was to compare magnesium citrate with placebo in the prevention of adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes among women at higher risk.

Methods
This multicenter, double-masked, placebo-controlled randomized superiority clinical trial compared oral magnesium citrate 300 mg to matched placebo, from 12 to 20 weeks’ gestation until delivery. This trial was completed in three centers in northeastern Brazil. Eligible women were those with a singleton pregnancy and ≥ 1 risk factor, such as prior preterm birth or preeclampsia, or current chronic hypertension or pre-pregnancy diabetes mellitus, age > 35 years or elevated body mass index. The primary perinatal composite outcome comprised preterm birth < 37 weeks’ gestation, stillbirth > 20 weeks, neonatal death or NICU admission < 28 days after birth, or small for gestational age birthweight < 3rd percentile. The co-primary maternal composite outcome comprised preeclampsia or eclampsia < 37 weeks, severe gestational hypertension < 37 weeks, placental abruption, or maternal stroke or death during pregnancy or ≤ 7 days after delivery.

Results
Analyses comprised 407 women who received magnesium citrate and 422 who received placebo. The perinatal composite outcome occurred among 75 (18.4%) in the magnesium arm and 76 (18.0%) in the placebo group – an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.10 (95% CI 0.72–1.68). The maternal composite outcome occurred among 49 (12.0%) women in the magnesium arm and 41 women (9.7%) in the placebo group – an aOR of 1.29 (95% CI 0.83–2.00).

Conclusions
Oral magnesium citrate supplementation did not appear to reduce adverse perinatal or maternal outcomes in high-risk singleton pregnancies.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02032186, registered January 9, 2014.