bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decrease in Choroidal Blood Flow After Half and One-Third Dose Verteporfin Photodynamic Therapy For Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: kumashiro shun , takagi seiji , itokawa takashi , tajima akiko , kobayashi tatsuhiko , hori yuichi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The effect of various reduced doses of verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) on choroidal blood flow in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate choroidal blood flow after half-dose PDT (1/2PDT) and one-third dose PDT (1/3PDT) with verteporfin for chronic CSC using laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.Methods: Twenty-seven eyes of 27 patients with serous retinal detachment (SRD) caused by chronic CSC for more than 6 months were included in this study. Patients were divided into the 1/2PDT (n=12; January 2018 to July 2019) and 1/3PDT (n=15; August 2016 to December 2017) groups based on the treatment period. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), central choroidal thickness (CCT), and mean blur rate in the macular area (m-MBR) and optic nerve head (ONH-MBR) were obtained using LSFG and evaluated at baseline (pre-treatment), and 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment.Results: SRD disappeared after one month in 92% and 93% eyes in the 1/2PDT and 1/3PDT groups, respectively. Recurrence of SRD was observed in one eye at the 6-month follow-up after 1/2PDT and 2 eyes at the 3-month follow-up after 1/3PDT. No significant improvement was observed in baseline BCVA in the 1/3PDT and 1/2PDT groups. The average m-MBR against baseline significantly decreased at 2 weeks, 1, 3 and 6 months in the 1/2PDT group. the average m-MBR against baseline decreased significantly only at the 2 week follow-u- in the 1/3PDT group. The average rate of change in the CCT against baseline decreased significantly throughout 6 months in the 1/2PDT group and for up to 3 months in the 1/3PDT group. No significant fluctuation was observed in the ONH-MBR.Conclusions: PDT significantly affected choroidal blood flow depending on the verteporfin dose in chronic CSC.Trial Registration: This trial was retrospectively registered (UMIN000026850; Approval date 03/04/2017).
Analysis of Medical Seeking Behavior and Influencing Factors in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Dai Zhongshang , Ma Yiming , Zhan Zijie , Chen Yan , Chen Ping 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To explore the status of medical seeking behavior in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and clarify relevant factors that may affect the diagnosis delay. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Chinese tertiary hospital from July 2019 to February 2020. A total of 408 eligible outpatient COPD patients were recruited and relevant data were collected in the form of questionnaire. Diagnosis delay was compared among different characteristics using Wilcoxon test and Kruskal-Wallis H test. Correlation analysis were performed to further explore factors related to diagnosis delay. Results: The median (interquartile range [IQR]) duration of diagnosis delay was 230 (50 - 720) days. Proportions of COPD patients who chose tertiary hospitals, secondary hospitals, and first – level hospitals for the first visit were respectively 53.7%, 29.9% and 16.4%. Additionally, proportions of patients who received pulmonary function test for the first visit in tertiary hospitals, secondary hospitals, and first – level hospitals were namely, 83.9%, 15.5%, and 1.5% (p < 0.001). In terms of characteristics related to diagnosis delay, there is a significant difference in residence, resident manner, CAT , mMRC, age, FEV1% predicted, years of education, average family income(p < 0.001). Furthermore, diagnosis delay is correlated with patients’ knowledge level of COPD and other characteristic variables (including age, years of education, resident manner, average family income, CAT , mMRC, FEV1% predicted, and FEV1/FVC) to varying degrees. Conclusion: Our study indicates that varying degrees of diagnosis delay may exist in COPD patients. Measures are needed to intervene potential factors related to diagnosis delay.
Pure ICL Implantation: A Novel Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Device-Free Technique
Authors: Qin Qin , Bao Lianyun , He Zifang , Chen Feifei , Zhu Dandan , Gao Ruiying , Zhang Si , Zhang Wenwen , Liu Yajun , Xie Zhenggao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: To assess the clinical efficiency of a novel ophthalmic viscosurgical device-free (OVD-free) method for intraocular collamer lens (EVO-ICL) implantation in myopic eyes.Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 40 eyes underwent standard ICL implantation, and 40 eyes underwent OVD-free (Pure) ICL implantation. Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCVA), equivalent spherical degree (SE), intraocular pressure (IOP), visual quality index, subjective visual quality scale, corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), operation time, and complications were compared between and within the standard and pure ICL implantation groups. Results: Increased IOP > 22 mmHg 2 h after surgery was noted in 19 eyes (47.5%) in the standard group, but not in the pure group (0%, P < 0.001). Increased IOP relative to baseline was significantly higher at 2 h and 1 day after surgery for the standard group compared with the pure group (P < 0.001). LogMAR UDVA and LogMAR BCVA were significantly improved in the pure group compared with those in the standard group 1 day (P < 0.001) and 1 week (P < 0.001) after implantation, but not after 3 months (P = 0.747 and P = 1.000, respectively). SE was significantly lower in the pure group than in the standard group 1 day after implantation (P = 0.003). No significant differences in SE were observed at any time point between groups (P = 0.285, P = 0.460). Optical Quality Analysis System (OQAS) II visual quality indicators, such as the modulation transfer function cut-off frequency (MTF cut-off), Strehl ratio (SR), and OQAS under different contrast values [OQAS values (OVs) 20], were significantly better in the pure group than in the standard group 1 day after implantation (P = 0.013, P = 0.009, and P = 0.004, respectively). SR, OV20%, and OV9% were significantly better in the pure group than in the standard group 1 week after implantation (P = 0.003, P = 0.047, and P = 0.002, respectively). No significant difference in ECD changes within or between groups was observed (P > 0.05). The operation time for the pure group (2.897 ± 0.346 min) was significantly shorter than that for the standard group (4.444 ± 0.656 min; P < 0.001). No complications were reported for either group during the observation period, except early IOP elevation in the standard group.Conclusions: The pure ICL implantation method was associated with faster visual acuity recovery, a shorter operation time, and more stable intraocular pressure. Pure ICL represents a safe and convenient method for ICL implantation compared with the standard method, completely eliminating OVD-related complications without causing additional complications.
Propofol Mediates Pancreatic Cancer Cell Activity Through the Repression of ADAM8 via SP1
Authors: Gao Yutong , Zhou Yu , Wang Chunlin , Sample Klarke , Yu Xiangdi , Ben-David Yaacov 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Propofol is a commonly used anesthetic with controversial effects on cancer cells. A growing number of studies have demonstrated that low concentrations of propofol are associated with tumor suppression and when used as an intravenous anesthesia improved recurrence-free survival rates for many cancers, but deeper insights into its underlying mechanism are needed.
Methods

The study detailed herein focuses upon the effect of propofol on pancreatic cancer cells and the mechanism by which propofol reduces ADAM8 expression. The ability of propofol to impact the proliferation, migration and cell cycle of a pancreatic cancer cell line was assessed in vitro. This was mechanistically explored following the identification of SP1 binding sites within ADAM8, which enabled the regulatory effects of SP1 on ADAM8 following propofol treatment to be further explored.
Results

This study was able to show that propofol significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells and decreased the percentage of cells in S-phase. Propofol treatment was also shown to repress ADAM8 and SP1 expression, but was unable to affect ADAM8 expression following knockdown of SP1. Moreover, a direct physical interaction between SP1 and ADAM8 was verified using Co-immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays.
Conclusion

These results suggest that propofol represses pathological biological behaviors associated with pancreatic cancer cells through the suppression of SP1, which in turn results in lower ADAM8 mRNA expression and protein levels.
Decreased Ferroportin in Hepatocytes Promotes Macrophages Polarize Towards an M2-Like Phenotype and Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Cai Chengyuan , Zeng Danning , Gao Qing , Ma Lei , Zeng Bohang , Zhou Yi , Wang He 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Iron release from macrophages is closely regulated by the interaction of hepcidin, a peptide hormone produced by hepatocytes, with the macrophage iron exporter ferroportin (FPN1). However, the functions of FPN1 in hepatocyte secretion and macrophage polarization remain unknown. CD68 immunohistochemical staining and double immunofluorescence staining for F4/80 and Ki67 in transgenic mouse livers showed that the number of macrophages in FPN1−/+ and FPN1−/− mouse livers was significantly increased compared to that in WT (FPN+/+) mice. FPN1 downregulation in hepatic cells increased the levels of the M2 markers CD206, TGF- β, VEGF, MMP-9, Laminin, Collagen, IL-4 and IL-10. Furthermore, the expression of CD16/32 and iNOS, as M1 markers, exhibited the opposite trend. Meanwhile, α-SMA immunohistochemistry and Sirius red staining showed that the trend of liver fibrosis in FPN1−/− mice was more significant than that in control mice. Similarly, in vitro FPN1 knockdown in L02-Sh/L02-SCR liver cell lines yielded similar results. Taken together, we demonstrated that downregulated FPN1 expression in hepatocytes can promote the proliferation and polarization of macrophages, leading to hepatic fibrosis. Above all, the FPN1 axis might provide a potential target for hepatic fibrosis.
Investigation of the Species Distribution of Tissue Invasive Klebsiella Pneumoniae Complex in A New York Hospital System Using Whole Genome Sequencing
Authors: Bohrhunter Jessica , Taffner Samantha , Wang Jun , Hardy Dwight , Pecora Nicole 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Current research indicates that Klebsiella pneumoniae is a complex of closely related organisms (K. pneumoniae sensu stricto, K. quasipneumoniae, K. variicola, K. quasivariicola, and K. africana). There is a paucity of research into the distribution of K. pneumoniae complex members in clinical specimens and the pathogenic potential of complex members other than K. pneumoniae sensu stricto.METHODS: To assess the rates and characteristics of different K. pneumoniae complex members in our 886 bed tertiary care facility in Rochester, New York, we performed whole genome sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq on all inpatient, sterile-source isolates identified by routine culture work-up as K. pneumoniae from October 2018 - October 2019 (n=35). We additionally sequenced all K. pneumoniae liver isolates available in our collection, spanning 2017-2019 (n=12). Analyses were focused on delineating complex members, detection of antibiotic resistance genes, and gene clusters associated with hypervirulent phenotypes.RESULTS: In the yearlong collection of 35 K. pneumoniae complex isolates, we found that 92.4% were K. pneumoniae sensu stricto (n=32), 5.7% were K. quasipneumoniae (n=2), and 2.9% were K. variicola (n=1). In the liver isolate collection, one additional K. variicola was identified. Both K. quasipneumoniae isolates and one K. variicola isolate were from liver. One K. quasipneumoniae isolate was a phenotypic and genotypic extended spectrum beta-lactamase producer. All other K. quasipneumoniae and K. variicola isolates were resistant only to ampicillin. Five K. pneumoniae sensu stricto isolates were identified which carried genes associated with hypervirulence. No K. quasipneumoniae or K. variicola carried any hypervirulence associated genes.CONCLUSIONS: The rates of K. pneumoniae sensu stricto, K. quasipneumoniae, and K. variicola observed in this study are consistent with those observed internationally and in blood isolates. Interestingly, all of our K. quasipneumoniae isolates were isolated from liver abscesses. Genetic loci associated with hypervirulence appear to be restricted to K. pneumoniae sensu stricto.
Methodological analysis of period fertility in Saudi Arabia 2018
Authors: Mahgoub Ayman 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Exact measurement and evaluation of indicators of period fertility in a multiracial society could help explaining disparities. This paper represents a methodological and analytical attempt to systematically analyze period fertility and discuss differentials in its level and pattern between domestic and expatriate women in Saudi Arabia as far as available data allow. The data used are obtained from official Sources published by General Authority for Statistics in the Household Health Survey 2018. Estimated period fertility indicators, started from the simplest rates to the more elegant ones with adequate illustration of the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. The purpose was to establish fertility differentials and historical pattern. The paper has consistently shown that the fertility of expatriates in Saudi Arabia is lower than the fertility of the Saudi domestic women, but the reason for the disparity was not established as contraceptive practice has not confirmed sufficient influence. It was also revealed that the fertility transition that had been taking place since early eighties will continue but it will have precautions in the future.
Comparison of the Levels of Cardiac Troponin I in Patients with Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophies to Assess Cardiac Dysfunction
Authors: Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Awano Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Tetsushi , Matsuo Masafumi , Iijima Kazumoto 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Cardiac troponin I (cTnI), uniquely expressed in the myocardium, is a marker for acute myocardial injury. Its clinical significance in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD and BMD) and its relation to alpha-actinin-3 (ACTN3) genotype as a genetic modifier of cardiomyopathy are still unknown.Methods and Results: Overall, 529 and 131 serum cTnI values of 127 DMD and 47 BMD patients, respectively, were reviewed. cTnI elevation was generally observed in the second decade of life. Both cTnI levels and the proportion of abnormal cTnI levels were significantly higher in DMD patients than in BMD patients (age range: 1< years ≤10 and 10< years ≤18 and 10< years ≤18, respectively). Decreased left ventricular ejection fraction was observed after cTnI elevation in both populations. cTnI levels by age in DMD patients with ACTN3 null genotype tended to increase highly and early.Conclusions: Myocardial injury indicated by cTnI was more common and severe in DMD patients than in BMD patients. cTnI elevation preceding cardiac dysfunction may represent an early phase of cardiomyopathy progression and may be a biomarker for early detection of cardiomyopathy in DMD and BMD patients. The ACTN3 null genotype may be a risk factor for early myocardial injury.
Viral Shedding Time of SARS-CoV-2 and the Factors Involved: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Wu Guixian , Lin Ling , He Susu , Chen Qian , Wu Xiaomai , Yan Shuangquan , Jiang Yongpo , Pan Weijia , Lv Dongqin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: In December 2019, the discovery of the novel coronavirus was first reported in Wuhan, China, which subsequently and rapidly spread throughout the country and worldwide, resulting in a pandemic.After a year of intense research, our knowledge of the new coronaviruses has gradually improved; however, knowledge regarding the time of their complete clearance from the body and the factors influencing clearance are currently inadequate. Results: We conducted a retrospective observational study comprising 135 patients above the age of 18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia, who were admitted to the Public Health Center of Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University from January 23, 2020, to March 11, 2020. The findings regarding the duration of the infection from the time of onset to the time of being asymptomatic (whichever was observed first) indicated that novel coronaviruses were cleared from the respiratory tract in a maximum of 84 days and a minimum of 1 day with a median clearance time (quartile) of 20 (13, 30) days. Moreover, viruses were cleared from the digestive tract in a maximum of 72 days and a minimum of 5 days with a median clearance time (quartile) of 25 (20.75, 31) days. The viral shedding time of SARS in the digestive tract was found to be longer than that in the respiratory tract (p = 0.03). Severe disease (P < 0.001), advanced age (P < 0.001), lymphopenia (P = 0.01) and elevated CRP (P = 0.036) were significantly associated with longer clearance time in the respiratory tract. Gender (P = 0.754), novel coronavirus antibodies (P = 0.75), and antibiotic use (P = 0.093) were not associated with the time span required for the novel coronavirus to be cleared from the respiratory tract. Conclusions: Independent risk factors for the longer clearance time of novel coronaviruses in the digestive tract versus that in the respiratory tract were compared. Severe disease, advanced age, lymphopenia, and elevated CRP were determined to be factors prolonging the clearance of novel coronaviruses.
Does the Sense of Coherence Predict Health 10 and 20 Years Later? - Results From A Population-Based Longitudinal Study in Germany
Authors: Dziuba Anna , Krell-Roesch Janina , Schmidt Steffen C.E. , Bös Klaus , Woll Alexander 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe sense of coherence (SOC) is reported to influence health, but health may also have an impact on SOC. The objective of this study was to examine the longitudinal associations between SOC and selected self-reported and physician-assessed health outcomes over a period of 10 and 20 years, and to determine the direction of the associations.MethodsWe conducted a population-based, longitudinal study, involving 392 participants (204 males; mean age 43.01 years) who were followed for a median of 10 and 18 years. Analyses of variance were carried out to examine the longitudinal associations between SOC at baseline and health outcomes (i.e., self-rated health status, SHS; physical health status assessed by physician, PHS; self-reported satisfaction with life, SWL) at follow-ups. The direction of associations was examined using a cross-lagged model on correlation coefficients, adjusted for sex and age at baseline.Results There were significant group effects for SOC at baseline on SWL at 10-year (F = 11.91, p < .01, ηp² = .068) and at 20-year follow-up (F = 6.68, p = .002, ηp² = .057). SHS (r = .238, p < .01), PHS (r = -.140, p < .05) and SWL (r = .400, p < .01) predicted SOC at 10-year follow-up stronger than vice versa. The direction of associations between SOC and health parameters at 20-year follow-up was less consistent.ConclusionsThe long-term associations between SOC and self-reported and physician-assessed health may be reciprocal in community-dwelling adults. More research is needed to examine the predictive power of health on SOC and whether interventions targeted at improving health parameters, may impact SOC.
Evaluation Frameworks for Digital Nursing Technologies: Analysis, Assessment, and Guidance
Authors: Krick Tobias 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The evaluation of digital nursing technologies (DNT) plays a major role in gaining knowledge into certain aspects of a technology such as acceptance, effectiveness, or efficiency. Evaluation frameworks can help to classify the success or failure of a DNT or to further develop the technology. In general, there are many different evaluation frameworks in the literature that provide overviews of a wide variety of aspects, which makes this a highly diverse field and raises the question of how to select a suitable framework. The aim of this article is to provide transparency on existing comprehensive evaluation frameworks that can be applied to the field of DNT and to conduct a detailed analysis and assessment of these frameworks to guide field researchers. Methods: A three components search process was conducted to identify relevant frameworks. (1) A systematic literature search in PubMed; a narrative review (2) and (3) expert consultations. Data related to the frameworks evaluation areas, purpose, perspectives, and success definitions were extracted. Quality criteria were developed in an expert workshop and a strength and weakness assessment was carried out. Results: 18 relevant comprehensive evaluation frameworks for DNT have been identified. 9 overarching evaluation areas, 7 categories of purposes, 5 evaluation perspectives and 3 categories of success definitions could be identified. Eleven quality criteria for the strengths and weaknesses of DNT-related evaluation frameworks were developed and the included frameworks were assessed against them.Conclusion: Evaluators can use the concise information and quality criteria of this article as a starting point to select and apply appropriate DNT evaluation frameworks for their research projects or to assess the quality of an evaluation framework for DNT, as well as a basis for exploring the questions raised in this article. Future research could address gaps and weaknesses in existing evaluation frameworks, which could improve the quality of future DNT evaluations.
Do Acromiohumeral Centre Edge Angle and Greater Tuberosity Angle Correlate With the Full-Thickness Degenerative Supraspinatus Tear?
Authors: Vijittrakarnrung Chaiyanun , Fuangfa Praman , Jaovisidha Suphaneewan , Kijkunasathian Chusak 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Many radiographic parameters associated with the extrinsic cause of supraspinatus tear have been proposed. The aim of this study was to correlate the relationship between full-thickness degenerative supraspinatus tear (FTDST) and the patient’s radiographic parameters, including the acromiohumeral centre edge angle (ACEA) and the greater tuberosity angle (GTA).Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. We included 116 patients who had undergone shoulder arthroscopic surgery at our institute. The case group included FTDST patients, while the control group also included patients without evidence of supraspinatus tear. In each patient, the ACEA and GTA values were measured and analysed by two independent observers. Intra-inter observer reliability was assessed. Multivariate regression analysis was performed.Results: The ACEA values were significantly higher in FTDST, with a mean of 26.44°± 9.83° compared with 16.81° ± 7.72° in the control group (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis also showed that higher ACEA values were associated with a FTDST (odds ratio 1.16 per degree, P = 0.01). Meanwhile, for GTA values, a statistically significant difference was found with a mean of 70.92° ± 6.64 compared with 67.84° ± 5.56 in the control group (P = 0.02). However, Stepwise regression analysis rejected GTA as a predictor for FTDST.Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that the presence of higher ACEA values is an independent significant risk factor for the presence of FTDST. Consequently, GTA values may be less helpful in assessing the risk of FTDST, especially in this specific population.