bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing two methods for deriving dietary patterns associated with risk of metabolic syndrome among middle-aged and elderly Taiwanese adults with impaired kidney function
Authors: Kurniawan Adi Lukas , Hsu Chien-Yeh , Lee Hsiu-An , Rau Hsiao-Hsien , Paramastri Rathi , Syauqy Ahmad , Chao Jane C-J 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Dietary patterns were associated with the risk of chronic disease development and outcome-related diseases. In this study, we aimed to compare the correlation between dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome (MetS) using two methods for identifying dietary patterns.Methods: The participants (n = 25,569) aged ≥ 40 years with impaired kidney function were retrieved from Mei Jau (MJ) Health Screening database from 2008 to 2010. Dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis (PCA) and reduced rank regression (RRR) from twenty-two food groups using PROC FACTOR and PROC PLS functions.Results: We identified two similar dietary pattern characteristics (high intakes of deep fried foods, preserved or processed foods, dipping sauce, meat, sugary drinks, organ meats, jam/honey, fried rice/flour products, instant noodles and eggs) derived by PCA and RRR. Logistic regression analysis revealed that RRR-derived dietary pattern scores were positively associated with an odds ratio (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.56, 1.86) of having MetS than PCA-derived dietary pattern scores (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.51). The correlations between RRR-derived dietary pattern scores and elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure (OR = 1.30 for both) or low high density lipoprotein cholesterol in women (OR = 1.32) were statistically significant but not significant in PCA-derived dietary pattern scores.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that RRR gives better results when studying behavior related dietary patterns in association with MetS. RRR may be more preferable to provide dietary information for developing dietary guidelines among people with MetS. Further studies with prospective measurements are needed to verify whether RRR is a useful analytic tool for the association between dietary patterns and other chronic diseases.
Cervical Spine Osteoradionecrosis or Bone Metastasis after Radiotherapy for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma? The MRI-Based Radiomics for Characterization
Authors: Zhong Xi , Li Li , Jiang Huali , Yin Jinxue , Lu Bingui , Han Wen , Li Jiansheng , Zhang Jian 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: To develop and validate an MRI-based radiomics nomogram for differentiation of cervical spine ORN from metastasis after radiotherapy (RT) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).Methods: A radiomics nomogram was developed in a training set that comprised 46 NPC patients after RT with 95 cervical spine lesions (ORN, n = 51; metastasis, n = 44), and data were gathered from January 2008 to December 2012. 279 radiomics features were extracted from the axial contrast-enhanced T1-weighted image (CE-T1WI). A radiomics signature was created by using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm. A nomogram model was developed based on the radiomics scores. The performance of the nomogram was determined in terms of its discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility. An independent validation set contained 25 consecutive patients with 47 lesions (ORN, n = 25; metastasis, n = 22) from January 2013 to December 2015.Results: The radiomics signature that comprised eight selected features was significantly associated with the differentiation of cervical spine ORN and metastasis. The nomogram model demonstrated good calibration and discrimination in the training set [AUC, 0.725; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.622–0.828] and the validation set (AUC, 0.720; 95% CI, 0.573–0.867). The decision curve analysis indicated that the radiomics nomogram was clinically useful.Conclusions: MRI-based radiomics nomogram shows potential value to differentiate cervical spine ORN from metastasis after RT in NPC.
Evaluation of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA PET/CT Images Acquired with a Reduced Scan Time Duration in Prostate Cancer Patients using the Digital Biograph Vision
Authors: Weber Manuel , Jentzen Walter , Hofferber Regina , Herrmann Ken , Fendler Wolfgang Peter , Conti Maurizio , Wetter Axel , Kersting David , Rischpler Christoph , Costa Pedro Fragoso 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Aim: [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT allows for a superior detection of prostate cancer tissue, especially in the context of a low tumor burden. Digital PET/CT bears the potential of reducing scan time duration / administered tracer activity due to, for instance, its higher sensitivity and improved time coincidence resolution. It might thereby expand [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT that is currently limited by 68Ge/68Ga-generator yield. Our aim was to clinically evaluate the influence of a reduced scan time duration in combination with different image reconstruction algorithms on the diagnostic performance.Methods: Twenty prostate cancer patients (11 for biochemical recurrence, 5 for initial staging, 4 for metastatic disease) sequentially underwent [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT on a digital Siemens Biograph Vision. PET data were collected in continuous-bed-motion mode with a mean scan time duration of 16.7 min (reference acquisition protocol) and 4.6 min (reduced acquisition protocol). 4 iterative reconstruction algorithms were applied using a time-of-flight (TOF) approach alone or combined with point-spread-function (PSF) correction, each with 2 or 4 iterations. To evaluate the diagnostic performance, the following metrics were chosen: (a) per-region detectability, (b) the tumor maximum and peak standardized uptake values (SUVmax and SUVpeak) and (c) image noise using the liver’s activity distribution.Results: Overall, 98% of regions (91% of affected regions) were correctly classified in the reduced acquisition protocol independent of the image reconstruction algorithm. Two nodal lesions (each ≤4 mm) were not identified (leading to downstaging in 1/20 cases). Mean absolute percentage deviation of SUVmax (SUVpeak) was approximately 9% (6%) for each reconstruction algorithm. The mean image noise increased from 13% to 21% (4 iterations) and from 10% to 15% (2 iterations) for PSF+TOF and TOF images.Conclusions: High agreement at 3.5-fold reduction of scan time in terms of per-region detection (98 % of regions) and image quantification (mean deviation ≤ 10 %) was demonstrated; however, small lesions can be missed in about 10% of patients leading to downstaging (T1N0M0 instead of T1N1M0) in 5 % of patients. Our results suggest that a reduction of scan time duration or administered [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 activities can be considered in metastatic patients, where missing small lesions would not impact patient management. Limitations include the small and heterogeneous sample size and the lack of follow-up.
Time Spent Abroad Predicts Late Presentation for HIV among HIV-positive Tajikistani Migrants to the Russian Federation
Authors: Bromberg Daniel J , Tate Mary M , Alaei Kamiar , Karimov Saifuddin , Saidi Dilshod , Alaei Arash 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Between 700 thousand and 1.2 million citizens of Tajikistan currently live in the Russian Federation, one of the only countries where the HIV epidemic continues to worsen. Given the previously reported barriers to healthcare access for migrants to the Russian Federation, and the rapidly expanding HIV epidemic in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, this present study set out to determine whether these barriers impact late presentation with HIV among Tajik migrants upon their return to Tajikistan.Results Compared to non-migrants, HIV-positive migrants are more likely to be from Gorno-Badakhshan region, are less likely to use illicit drugs, are more likely to have purchased the services of sex workers, and have more sexual partners on average. The unadjusted logistic model found that for every year spent in the Russian Federation, the risk of late presentation for an HIV-positive Tajikistani migrant increases by 4.0% (95% CI: 0.3-7.7). The multivariate model showed that when age, sex, and region of origin are held constant, the risk of late presentation for an HIV-positive Tajikistani migrant increases by 4.0% (95% CI: 0.1-7.8) for each year spent in the Russian Federation. Conclusion The results of this paper suggest that if the Russian Federation were loosen its restrictions of HIV care for foreign nationals, it might improve the treatment outcomes of migrant laborers. Further research is needed to explicate the causal pathways of the associations found in the present analysis.
Changes in Serum Markers Failed to Predict Persistent Infection after Two-stage Exchange Arthroplasty
Authors: Jiang Qiao , Fu Jun , Chai Wei , Hao Li-bo , Zhou Yong-Gang , Xu Chi , CHEN Ji-Ying 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background The proper timing of reimplantation is importation to treatment success in two-stage exchange revision. The 2018 International Consensus Meeting suggested that a variation trend toward normalization in serum markers was useful for determining the proper timing of reimplantation. However, the opposite results were found that by previous studies, and the normalization of serum markers was reported to fail to predict infection control. We investigated whether value changes and percent changes in four common serum markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and fibrinogen) can predict persistent infection?Methods A retrospective review of 141 patients treated with two-stage revision from 2014 to 2018 was conducted. The variation trend in serum indicators was evaluated by the percent changes (using values of serum markers prereimplantation divided by values preresection) and value changes (using values of serum markers preresection minus values prereimplantation). Treatment success was defined according to the Delphi-based consensus criteria with a minimum follow-up of 1 year, and the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) was used to examine the usefulness of changes in serum markers.Results 22 patients (15.60%) were persistently infected. No significant difference was found in either the value change or percent change in serum markers between reinfection and non-reinfection patients. When predicting persistent infection, the area under the curves (AUC) demonstrated that both percent changes and value changes in serum markers were poor indicators. The AUC of value changes was 0.533 for the CRP, 0.504 for the IL-6, 0.508 for the ESR and 0.586 for fibrinogen when predicted persistent PJI. In addition, the AUC indicated that percent changes in the CRP (0.464), the IL-6 (0.534), the ESR (0.527) and fibrinogen (0.586) were all poor markers.Conclusions We have shown that both value changes and percent changes in serum markers were not sufficiently rigorous to aid in persistent infection diagnosis. The proper timing of reimplantation must therefore take into account various clinical tests rather than the downward trend of serum markers only.
A modelling study highlights the power of detecting and isolating asymptomatic or very mildly affected individuals for COVID-19 epidemic management.
Authors: Mayorga Lia , Samartino Clara García , Flores Gabriel , Masuelli Sofía , Sánchez María V. , Mayorga Luis S. , Sánchez Cristián G. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Mathematical modelling of infectious diseases is a powerful tool for the design of management policies and a fundamental part of the arsenal currently deployed to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We present a compartmental model for the disease where symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals move separately. We introduced healthcare burden parameters allowing to infer possible containment and suppression strategies. In addition, the model was scaled up to describe different interconnected areas, giving the possibility to trigger regionalized measures. It was specially adjusted to Mendoza-Argentina’s parameters, but is easily adaptable for elsewhere. Results: Overall, the simulations we carried out were notably more effective when mitigation measures were not relaxed in between the suppressive actions. Since asymptomatics or very mildly affected patients are the vast majority, we studied the impact of detecting and isolating them. The removal of asymptomatics from the infectious pool remarkably lowered the effective reproduction number, healthcare burden and overall fatality. Furthermore, different suppression triggers regarding ICU occupancy were attempted. The best scenario was found to be the combination of ICU occupancy triggers (on: 50%, off: 30%) with the detection and isolation of asymptomatic individuals. In the ideal assumption that 45% of the asymptomatics could be detected and isolated, there would be no need for complete lockdown, and Mendoza’s healthcare system would not collapse. Conclusions: Our model and its analysis inform that the detection and isolation of all infected individuals, without leaving aside the asymptomatic group is the key to surpass this pandemic.
Exploring the experiences of stroke patients treated with transcranial magnetic stimulation for upper limb recovery: a qualitative study
Authors: Lieshout Eline CC van , Jacobs Lilliane D , Pelsma Maaike , Dijkhuizen Rick M , Visser-Meily Johanna MA 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatments have shown promise in improving arm recovery in stroke patients. Currently, little is known about patients’ experiences with TMS treatment, and this lack of knowledge may affect optimal implementation in clinical practice. The aim of this explorative study was to gain insight in the perceived effects and experiences of the design and delivery of a TMS treatment for upper limb recovery from the perspectives of stroke patients. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted as part of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in a specialized rehabilitation center. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 13 stroke patients who completed a 10-day TMS intervention for upper limb recovery. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The major themes that emerged from the patients’ feedback were the following: positive experiences of the treatment (experienced physical effects, comfort, therapeutic relationship, receiving information, learning about the brain, no burden of added rTMS treatment session, no unpleasant aspects), concerns (effects of stimulation of the brain, equipment, logistics), general experience of recovery, experienced psychological effects (grateful, sense of purpose, recovery as extra motivation to exercise, disappointment and hope of group allocation), and motivation to participate (personal benefit and cognitions, altruism). Important components related to the positive experience of the design and delivery of the treatment included comfort (i.e. moment of relaxation) and the sensation of a painless treatment without side-effects. Key concerns included uncertainty and anxiety about possible negative consequences and group allocation. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that TMS is well accepted by stroke patients with an upper limb paresis. Besides the expectation of a therapeutic benefit, the patients reported various psychological effects. Positive experiences, such as the provision of a short moment of relaxation each day, could have practical implications for clinical stroke rehabilitation settings aimed at improving patient satisfaction. Explanation about and feedback from routine motor recovery progression monitoring at fixed times post-stroke is also valued by patients. Negative emotions may be limited or avoided by transparent and recurrent information delivery in future trials. Trial registration: NL5952 Registered November 28, 2016.
Recombinant human epidermal growth factor combined with vacuum sealing drainage for wound healing in Bama pigs
Authors: wei shuai , Wang Wei , Li Li , Meng Haoye , Feng Chunzhen , Dong Yuying , Fang Xichi , Dong Qiqiang , Jiang Wen , Li Zhanzhen , Wang Xin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) both play an important role in the treatment of wounds. This study aims to explore the effect of the combination of VSD and EGF on wound healing and the optimal concentration and time of EGF.Methods: In this study, we tested the proliferation and migration capacity of HaCaT and L929 cells at different EGF concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, and 100 ng/ml) and different EGF action times (2, 10, and 30min). A full-thickness skin defect model was established using male, 30-week-old Bama pigs. The skin defects were randomly divided follows: routine dressing change after covering with sterile auxiliary material (Control), continuous negative pressure drainage of the wound (VSD), continuous negative pressure drainage of the wound and injection of epidermal growth factor 10 minutes followed by removal by continuous lavage (V+E 10 min), and continuous negative pressure drainage of the wound and injection of epidermal growth factor 30 minutes followed by removal by continuous lavage (V+E 30 min). The wound healing rate, histological repair effect and collagen deposition were compared among the four groups.Results: An EGF concentration of 10 ng/ml and an action time of 10 minutes had optimal effects on the proliferation and migration capacities of HaCaT and L929 cells. The drug dispersion effect was better than drug infusion after bolus injection effect, and the contact surface was wider. Compared with other groups, the V+E 10min group promoted wound healing to the greatest extent and obtained the best histological score. Conclusions: A rhEGF concentration of 10 ng/ml can promote the proliferation and migration of epithelial cells and fibroblasts to the greatest extent in vitro. VSD combined with rhEGF kept in place for 10 minutes and then washed, can promote wound healing better than the other treatments in vivo.
Impact of investigator initiated trials and industry sponsored trials on medical practice (IMPACT): Rationale and study design
Authors: Nury Edris , Bischoff Karin , Wollmann Katharina , Nitschke Kai , Lohner Szimonetta , Schumacher Martin , Rücker Gerta , Blümle Anette 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) initiated large research programs to foster high quality clinical research in the academic area. These investigator initiated trials (IITs) cover important areas of medical research and often go beyond the scope of industry sponsored trials (ISTs). The purpose of this project was to understand to what extent results of randomized controlled IITs and ISTs have an impact on medical practice, measured by their availability for decisions in healthcare and their implementation in clinical practice. We aimed to determine study characteristics influencing a trial’s impact such as type of sponsor and place of conduct. In this article, we describe the rationale and design of this project and present the characteristics of the trials included in our study cohort. Methods: The research impact of the following sub-cohorts was compared: German IITs (funded by DFG and BMBF or by other German non-commercial organizations), international IITs (without German contribution), German ISTs, and international ISTs. Trials included were drawn from the DFG-/BMBF-Websites, the German Clinical Trials Register, and from ClinicalTrials.gov. Research impact was measured as follows: 1) proportion of published trials, 2) time to publication, 3) proportion of publications appropriately indexed in biomedical databases, 4) proportion of openly accessible publications, 5) broadness of publication’s target group, 6) citation of publications by systematic reviews or meta-analyses, and 7) appearance of publications or citing systematic reviews or meta-analyses in clinical practice guidelines. We also aimed to identify study characteristics associated with the impact of trials.Results: We included 691 trials: 120 German IITs, 200 International IITs, 171 German ISTs and 200 International ISTs. The median number of participants was 150, 30% were international trials and 70% national trials, 48% drug-trials and 52% non-drug trials. Overall, 72% of the trials had one pre-defined primary endpoint, 28% two or more (max. 36).Conclusions: The results of this project deepen our understanding of the impact of biomedical research on clinical practice and healthcare policy, add important insights for the efficient allocation of scarce research resources and may facilitate providing accountability to the different stakeholders involved.
Effectiveness and Long-term Outcomes of Different Crossing Strategies for the Endovascular Treatment of Iliac Artery Chronic Total Occlusions
Authors: Zhang Huan , Li Xiangtao , Niu Luyuan , Feng Yaping , Luo Xiaoyun , Zhang Changming , Zhang Fuxian 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The iliac occlusive disease is usually treated with endovascular procedures in recent years. The effectiveness of different crossing approaches for these occlusions is not precisely known. We performed a retrospective study to explore the optimal crossing approach (antegrade versus retrograde) for iliac artery chronic total occlusions (CTOs) and to examine the long-term outcomes. Materials and Methods: We performed a study on 107 patients (116 iliac occlusive lesions, mean age 64.0±11.1, 88 men) who underwent an iliac CTO endovascular intervention attempted with the use of both crossing strategies but were managed with one final crossing approach between August 2012 and August 2018. Baseline data, procedural characteristics, and outcomes were described. A Cox proportional hazard model and Kaplan-Meier method were developed to assess the differences in the two crossing approaches in terms of the 1-year and 5-year primary patency rates, target lesion revascularization (TLR ) and major adverse limb events (MALEs ). Results: Common iliac artery (CIA ) lesions were more likely to be crossed successfully in the retrograde direction (6.8% for antegrade vs. 20.9% for retrograde, p=0.005), while lesions in the CIA/ external iliac artery (EIA ) were more prone to be crossed successfully in the antegrade direction (58.9% for antegrade vs. 39.5% for retrograde, p=0.016). There were no significant differences in the crossing approach for EIA lesions between the two groups. The two crossing approaches were associated with similar estimates of 1- and 5-year primary patency, TLR and MALE rates. Conclusion: The antegrade approach was associated with a higher rate of successful crossing in CIA/EIA CTO lesions, while the CIA-only CTOs were more likely to be crossed successfully with the retrograde approach.