bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of the ratio of C-reactive protein to albumin for the diagnosis of complicated appendicitis in children
Authors: Feng Wei , Yang Qian-Yu , Zhao Xu-Feng , Li Miao-Miao , Cui Hua-Lei 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: No reliably specific marker for complicated appendicitis has been identified. The ratio of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin (ALB) (CRP/ALB ratio) is a new inflammation-based prognostic score that is associated with the severity of inflammation. However, its value in the diagnosis of complicated appendicitis has not been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of the CRP/ALB ratio for the diagnosis of complicated appendicitis in children.
Methods: A retrospective study of 232 children with acute appendicitis was conducted with assessments of age, sex, symptom duration, albumin and routine blood indexes on admission. According to intraoperative findings and postoperative pathological results, patients were divided into a simple appendicitis group (127 patients) and a complicated appendicitis group (105 patients). SPSS version 17 was used to analyse the data.
Results: Of the 232 patients, 118 (50.9%) were male and 114 (49.1%) were female. The CRP/ALB ratio was higher in complicated appendicitis than in simple appendicitis (p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that higher levels of mononuclear cell count (MC), CRP, procalcitonin (PCT) and CRP/ALB ratio were independent risk factors for complicated appendicitis in children. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of the CRP/ALB ratio (0.946) was larger than that of MC (0.619), CRP (0.906) and PCT (0.843). A CRP/ALB ratio >1.43 was found to be a significant marker in the prediction of complicated appendicitis, with 91.4% sensitivity and 90.6% specificity. Patients with a CRP/ALB ratio >1.43 had a 102.22 times higher chance of having complicated appendicitis (95% CI: 41.322 - 252.874) than those with a CRP/ALB ratio ≤1.43.
Conclusion: The admission CRP/ALB ratio was significantly higher in children with acute complicated appendicitis. The CRP/ALB ratio is a novel but promising haematological marker that aids in the differentiation of acute complicated and simple appendicitis.
Neoneurogenesis in squamous cell carcinoma of tongue: a promoter to its progression and metastasis
Authors: Xu Zhenq , Shang Jianw , Xiang Xu , Long Li , Yan Yingb , Zhang Jun 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background : To explore whether neoneurogenesis is a predisposing factor to the development and metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of tongue (TSCC) . Methods: Twenty patients diagnosed with TSCC were included. The objectives were divided into 4 groups according to WHO T-stage standard (five cases in each group) and 2 groups based on lymph node metastasis or not. Detection of neoneurogenesis in paraffin sections from primary tongue cancer tissues was stained by Neurofilament-Light chain antibody (NF-L) using immunohistochemistry method (IHC). The number of new growth nerve fiber bundles was calculated in each randomized view from 3 non-overlapping microscope fields of each tumor section under a light microscope at X 200. Differences in the density of nerve fiber bundles among the T-stage groups and lymph node metastasis groups were calculated using Chi-square test. An ɑ level of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The age of patients varied from 33 to 74 years with a mean age of 56.10±11.18 years. Males were affected predominantly with a ratio of 1.5:1 to females. IHC staining of NF-L was positive in all 20 paraffin sections of TSCC which suggested that newly growth nerves (namely neoneurogenesis) were observed in tumor mciroenvironment. The intensity of newly formed nerve bundles increased with T stage, and the difference was statistically significant between early stage (T1、T2) and late stage (T3、T4) (p=0.000). Increased prevalence of newly growth nerve bundles correlated significantly to the cervical lymph node metastasis (p=0.000). Conclusions: Neoneurogenesis in tumor microenviroment of TSCC is a predisposing factor to its aggressive development and cervical lymph node metastasis. From a therapeutic perspective, further studies on the topic may provide a new clinical opportunity through anti-neurogenesis.
A meta-analysis of tunica vaginalis fascia versus dartos fascia to prevent postoperative urethrocutaneous fistula in hypospadias and fistula repair
Authors: Yang Hao , Hu Dong-lai , Xuan Xiao-xiao , Zhang Hang , Shu Qiang , Guo Xiaodong 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) is the commonest postoperative complication in hypospadias and fistula repair. Several flap procedures have been recommended to decrease this complication rate, but no single flap procedure is ideal. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of tunica vaginalis fascia (TVF) and dartos fascia (DF) as intermediate layers in prevention of the formation of UCF.
Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science for comparative studies up to July 1st, 2019. Studies were selected by the predesigned inclusion criterias. The primary outcomes was UCF incidence.
Results: The pooled RR with 95% CI were calculated. We extracted the relevant informations from the included studie. 9 comparative studies were included The RR of UCF rate for TVF was 0.21 (95% CI: 0.09-0.51, P=0.0005) compared with DF in hypospadias and fistula repair. For other postoperative complications, the RR was 0.87 (0.28-2.70, P=0.80), 1.33 (0.41-4.35, P=0.64) and 0.17 (0.03-0.88, P=0.04) for meatal stenosis/ urethral stricture, glans dehiscence/ wound dehiscence and skin necrosis, respectively.
Conclusions: This meta-analysis reveals that TVF is a better option in TIP repair as compared to DF in terms of decreasing the incidence of the UCF and skin necrosis. But there is limited for other hypospadias operative techniques and fistula repair.
registration number: PROSPERO CRD42019148554
The experience of high flow nasal cannula in hospitalized patients with 2019 novel coronavirus–infected pneumonia in Chongqing, China
Authors: Wang Ke , Zhao Wei , Li Ji , Shu Weiwei , Duan Jun 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background The outbreak of a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)–infected pneumonia (NCIP) is currently ongoing in China. Most of the critically ill patients received high flow nasal cannula (HFNC). However, the experience of HFNC in this population is lacking. Methods We retrospectively collected the NCIP patients who received HFNC in two hospital of Chongqing, China from January 1st to February 18th, 2020. The clinical characteristics were collected. Patients who required upgrading to noninvasive ventilation (NIV) were defined as HFNC failure. Results We enrolled 17 patients in this study. Of them, 7 patients (41%) experienced HFNC failure (6 required upgrading to NIV, and one to NIV and further to intubation). The HFNC failure rate was 0% (0/6), 57% (4/7) and 75% (3/4) (p =0.03 between 3 groups) in patients with PaO2/FiO2 >200, 150-200, and <150 mmHg, respectively. In the successful patients, the respiratory rate, heart rate and PaO2/FiO2 significantly improved from initiation to termination of HFNC (27±3 vs. 21±2 breaths/min, p <0.01; 86±15 vs. 76±12 beats/min, p =0.03; and 213±49 vs. 299±125 mmHg, p =0.04, respectively). However, in the unsuccessful patients, the respiratory rate and PaO2/FiO2 significantly deteriorated (22±3 vs. 25±3 breaths/min, p =0.04; and 160±27 vs. 105±24 mmHg, p =0.01, respectively). When they upgraded to NIV, the PaO2/FiO2 improved after 1-2 h of NIV (105±24 vs. 202±111 mmHg, p =0.04). In the total cohort, only PaO2/FiO2 at baseline was lower in unsuccessful patients than that in successful ones (213±49 vs. 160±27 mmHg, p =0.02). Conclusions This study firstly provides the experience of how to use HFNC in patients with NCIP. Patients with lower PaO2/FiO2 were more likely to experience HFNC failure. Among the failure patients, most of them can avoid intubation when they were ungraded to NIV.
A tracheostomy shared decision making program in respiratory care center patients in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Chienhsiu , Chen Ihung 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Tracheostomy is recommended for respiratory care center prolonged mechanical ventilation patients who cannot be liberated from the ventilator in the short term. However, most patients or their families oppose having this procedure. We applied [If my family is difficulty liberated from the ventilator, do he/she need to undergo tracheostomy?] tracheostomy shared decision making program for respiratory care center prolonged mechanical ventilation patients. The program is expected to enable patients to undergo tracheostomy, improving patients’ medical care and outcomes. Methods: We apply tracheostomy shared decision making program to patients who were admitted to a respiratory care center. Data of patients in the respiratory care center who participated in tracheostomy shared decision making program were collected and analyzed. The survival of patients and the optimal decision marking of tracheostomy shared decision making program were tracked. Results: A total of 57 patients participated in tracheostomy shared decision making program. Of these, 39 patients (68.4%) were men, and 18 (31.6%) were women. The mean age was 69.6 years. At the end of the study, 37 patients underwent tracheostomy (64.9%), and 20 patients maintained endotracheal tube intubation (35.1%). There was no significant difference in the factors of concern and the degree of concern about the methods of treatment in the two group patients. Patients or their families of the two groups have a good understanding of the two methods of treatment. The survival rate of patients undergoing tracheostomy was 86.5%, but only 86.5% of participants believed that they made an optimal decision based on the result of the tracheostomy shared decision making program. Conversely, the survival rate of patients who maintained endotracheal tube intubation was 40%, but the all of participants believed that they made an optimal decision based on the result of the tracheostomy shared decision making program. The overall 91.2% of participants made an optimal decision marking of the tracheostomy shared decision making program. Conclusions: The clinical application of tracheostomy shared decision making program has achieved excellent results. Patients who underwent tracheostomy will have a longer survival time.
A facile extramedullary method to perform primary total knee arthroplasty in patients without hardware removal: a case series
Authors: Tseng Yu-Kai , Chen Yen-Nien , Chang Chih-Han , Lai Kuo-An , Yang Chyun-Yu , Chang Chih-Wei 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background It is technical demanding to execute primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for post-traumatic knee arthritis with periarticular implants. Our purpose is to present a simple extramedullary guide technique and report the clinical results of our series of primary TKAs in patients with post-traumatic arthritis without hardware removal. Methods Between April 2014 and March 2019, a series of seven patients with post-traumatic knee arthritis and retained hardware were included. All the surgeries were performed by the same surgeon. The mean age of the patients was 67 years. All the index procedures were performed with primary TKAs by the same surgeon according to simple extramedullary technique. The parallelism between the distal femoral and proximal tibial cuts as well as the required limb alignments were verified intra-operatively. Radiographic measurements and clinical outcomes were reviewed retrospectively. Results Overall, there was a good restoration of postoperative mechanical alignment in all cases. The mean post-operative Hip-Knee-Ankle (HKA) angle was 179.4°. No patient required allogenic blood transfusion or prolonged hospital stays. No surgical site-specific complications were noted by chart review. In the last follow-up, no implant failure was found. Clinical assessments according to knee society score showed good knee scores (89.1), functional scores (87.9) and motion arc (112.9). Conclusions Our results show that post-traumatic knee arthritis can be safely managed with this extramedullary method without hardware removal.
Biceps tendon instability with or without pulley tears: an arthroscopic diagnostic study
Authors: Kao Jo-Ting , Chiu Chih-Hao , Hsu Kuo-Yau , Chang Shih-Sheng , Chan Yi-Sheng , Chen Alvin Chao-Yu 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background To investigate long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) instability and biceps reflection pulley (BRP) lesions with dynamic arthroscopy in patients with refractory anterior shoulder pain and determine associated intraarticular pathologies. Methods Patients with refractory anterior shoulder pain and arthroscopically-diagnosed LHBT instability were enrolled. LHBT instability was confirmed by either static dislodge from the groove or subluxation induced by the hook probe (ramp test), and the integrity of BRP and concomitant intra-articular lesions were investigated. Demographics and arthroscopic findings were compared between patients with and without BRP tear. Results A total of 40 patients with refractory anterior shoulder pain and arthroscopically-diagnosed LHBT instability identified through review of medical records at a single surgeon’s practice from 2014 to 2017 were enrolled. BRP tear was noted in 25 patients (group A) and superior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL) insufficiency through ramp test, in 15 patients (group B). No significant difference of patient characteristics was observed between the two groups. Concomitant intraarticular pathologies were noted in 27 patients, including 19 in group A (76%) and eight in group B (53%), without significant group-wise difference (P = 0.083). The incidence of articular-side subscapularis tear was significantly higher in group A (P = 0.021), and those of the other intraarticular pathologies were similar between groups A and B. Fraying at the articular side of the subscapularis and supraspinatus tendons was frequent in group B, without difference of incidence as compared to group A (P = 0.5 and P = 0.084, respectively). Conclusions LHBT instability was a common disorder in patients with refractory shoulder pain. In patients with refractory anterior shoulder pain, dynamic assessment of BRP lesions and SGHL insufficiency and meticulous survey of associated intra-articular pathologies, including subscapularis tear are necessary for making accurate diagnosis.
Vitrectomy for branch retinal vein occlusion with vitreous hemorrhage: proposal for a new grading system
Authors: Tong Gengmin , Hu Xuting , Zhu Chenlei , Gao Zhiqiang , Chen Xuhao , Guo Linning , Pan Qintuo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Purpose To investigate the long-term surgical outcomes after treatment with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with photocoagulation in different severities of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) with vitreous hemorrhage (VH) in order to propose a new grading system. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 117 eyes of 117 patients who underwent PPV for VH associated with BRVO and who were followed up for at least 12 months. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), surgical intervention, final BCVA, and central foveal thickness (CFT) were evaluated using optical coherence tomography. We proposed a system to grade BRVO with VH from Grade I to Grade III with increasing severity: Grade I,pure persistent VH; Grade II,VH with epiretinal membrane (EM) (Grade IIa,VH with EM without macular involvement; Grade IIb,VH with EM with macular involvement); and Grade III,VH with tractive retinal detachment. Different surgical methods were appliedaccording to the different retinal conditions. Results BCVA significantly improved at final follow-up in all groups. There was no significant difference among the four groups in terms of preoperative BCVA, final BCVA,CFT,or the number of patients whose macular edema recurred after surgery (p>0.05), but there was a significant difference in vision improvement(p<0.05). Vision improvement in the Grade IIb group was significantly worse than in the Grade I group(p=0.006) and in the Grade IIa group(p=0.046). The percentage of patients in the Grade I, Grade IIa, Grade IIb, and Grade III groups needing further laser treatment after surgery was 0%, 8.3%, 16.3%, and 23.5%, respectively (p<0.05). Conclusion We proposed a new grading system for BRVO treated with PPV. Vitrectomy is a safe and effective treatment for BRVO with VH. Visual acuity improvement was significantly worse when the EM had macular involvement (Grade IIb).
Impact of extracellular-to-intracellular fluid volume ratio on albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional and retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nakajima Hanako , Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Kaji Ayumi , Sakai Ryosuke , Takahashi Fuyuko , Yoshimura Yuta , Bamba Ryo , Okamura Takuro , Kitagawa Noriyuki , Majima Saori , Senmaru Takufumi , Okada Hiroshi , Nakanishi Naoko , Ushigome Emi , Asano Mai , Hamaguchi Masahide , Yamazaki Masahiro , Fukui Michiaki 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Body fluid volume imbalance is common in patients with kidney failure and is associated with all-cause mortality. We hypothesized that fluid volume imbalance occurs in diabetic patients without kidney failure and is associated with change in albuminuria. This study aimed to investigate the association between fluid volume imbalance and albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus without kidney failure. Methods We included 432 and 368 participants in the cross-sectional and retrospective studies. Body fluid imbalance was determined by measuring the extracellular water (ECW) to intracellular water (ICW) ratio (ECW/ICW) using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Change in urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) was defined as the ratio of urinary ACR at follow-up to that at baseline. ECW/ICW ratio was compared to level of albuminuria. Results In this cross-sectional study, ECW/ICW ratio increased with level of albuminuria (0.634 ± 0.002 in normo-, 0.645 ± 0.003 in micro- and 0.656 ± 0.004 in macroalbuminuria, all p <0.001 by Tukey's HSD test). In addition, there was an association between ECW/ICW ratio and logarithms urinary ACR after adjusting for covariates (β = 0.217, p <0.001). Moreover, ECW/ICW ratio was associated with change in the urinary ACR after adjusting for covariates (β = 0.171, p = 0.005) in this retrospective study. Conclusions ECW/ICW ratio is independently associated with level of albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without kidney failure. This reinforces the importance of monitoring fluid balance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Development and Evaluation of Quality of Life Instruments for Chronic Diseases–Chronic Pulmonary Heart Disease (QLICD-CPHD) (V2.0)
Authors: Pan Haiyan , Yang Zheng , Wan Chonghua , Ruan Jinghao , Wu Bin , Li Na , Wang Xingjie , Zhao Zhihuan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective: To develop a quality of life (QOL) instrument specific to chronic pulmonary heart disease (CPHD) and to evaluate its reliability, validity, and responsiveness. Methods: Under the Quality of Life Instruments for Chronic Diseases (QLICD) system, the QLICD-CPHD (V2.0) was developed and used to measure the QOL of 184 patients with CPHD. Data were analyzed by statistical description, linear correlation analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and paired t-test. Results: The QLICD-CPHD (V2.0) consisted of 44 items, including 28 in the general module and 16 in the specific module. The Cronbach’s α coefficients of four domains in the general module and the specific module were greater than 0.7, and the split-half reliability coefficients were between 0.6 and 0.8, indicating that the instrument has good reliability. The instrument showed good validity as the correlation coefficients among items of the same domain were significantly higher than those among items of different domains. Correlation coefficients r between the corresponding domains of SF-36 and QLICD-CPHD were between 0.26 and 0.60, which suggests that QLICD-CPHD has moderate criterion validity. Paired t-tests of scores of patients before and after treatment showed significant differences in the overall score, scores of general module domains except social role, and scores of the specific module. Standardized response means were greater than 0.2, suggesting that the instrument had moderate responsiveness and was sensitive to changes in the patients’ QOL. Conclusion: The QLICD-CPHD (V2.0) has good reliability, validity, and responsiveness. The instrument can be used to evaluate the QOL of CPHD patients.
The genetic role of Glutathione S-Transferase Mu 3 (GSTM3) intron 6 polymorphism in the susceptibility to cancer
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Feng Han , Yu Junlin , Du Yabing , Jin Shuiling , Ma Wang , Cui Kang 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background We retrieved different reports containing different genetic effects of A/B polymorphism within the Glutathione S-Transferase Mu 3 (GSTM3) intron 6 on the susceptibility to cancer in the overall population. Methods Herein, we first conducted a meta-analysis to comprehensively assess such a genetic relationship after collecting the available published evidence. STATA 12.0 software was used for the statistical analysis. Results By retrieving and screening database literature, a total of fifty-three eligible articles were finally selected. Even though no significant difference between overall cancer cases and negative controls was detected under the allelic, homozygotic, heterozygotic, dominant and recessive genetic model, we observed a reduced risk of head and neck cancer in cases, compared with controls, under the homozygotic model (BB vs. AA, P =0.047, OR=0.75) and recessive model (BB vs. AA+AB, P =0.045, OR=0.76), but not other models. Furthermore, a decreased risk of head and neck SCC cancer was detected under all the genetic models (allelic B vs. A, P =0.007, OR=0.78; BB vs. AA, P =0.006, OR=0.54; AB vs. AA, P =0.045, OR=0.82; AB+BB vs. AA, P =0.002, OR=0.77; BB vs. AA+AB, P =0.021, OR=0.63; carrier B vs. A, P =0.032, OR=0.83). Conclusion Our findings suggested that the GSTM3 intron 6 A/B polymorphism may confer the protective susceptibility to the squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck.