bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative analysis of high-flux and low-flux dialysis in cervical cancer patients with obstructive renal failure showing no significantly improved renal function after catheterisation
Authors: Zhang Chen-li , Xie De-qiong , Ao Li-na , Zhu Lei 
Published: April 2021

Objective: This study aims to compare the clinical application value of high-flux dialysis with low-flux dialysis in patients without significantly improved renal function after cervical cancer and obstructive renal failure catheterisation.
Methods: This prospective randomised study was conducted from January 2018 to December 2019. Eighty cervical cancer patients with obstructive renal failure who showed no significant renal function improvement after catheterisation were randomised into two groups (n = 40 in each group) in the Second People’s Hospital of Yibin City. High-flux and low-flux dialysis were employed in the experimental group and the control group, respectively. Treatments in both groups were provided every other day, with the whole course lasting one week. Data were recorded before and after dialysis included inflammatory factors such as IL-6, CRP and TNF-a, large and moderate molecular toxins (e.g., β2 micro-globulin, parathyrin (PTH) and cysteine protease inhibitor). Renal function changes during the dialysis were also recorded. Afterwards, the two groups were compared regarding the overall efficacy.
Results: Both the experimental group and the control group experienced a significant decrease in IL-6, CRP, TNF-a, β2 micro-globulin, PTH and cysteine protease inhibitor, with the decrease in the experimental group being more evident (p < 0.05). After dialysis was completed, the experimental group restored renal function indicators such as Cre, CysC and serum K+ levels more quickly than the control group (p < 0.05). The effective rate was 100% for the experimental group and 87.5% for the control group. The intragroup difference in the efficacy.was significant.
Conclusions: High-flux dialysis appears to be more beneficial for cervical cancer patients with obstructive renal failure, showing no significant improvement in renal function after catheterisation. It restored renal function more quickly, had more radical draining of inflammatory factors and large and moderate molecular toxins, and had a higher overall effective rate.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.4.3515
How to cite this:Zhang C, Xie DQ, Ao L, Zhu L. A comparative analysis of high-flux and low-flux dialysis in cervical cancer patients with obstructive renal failure showing no significantly improved renal function after catheterisation. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(4):1014-1019. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.4.3515
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Renal artery embolization for spontaneous hemorrhage in patients with acquired cystic kidney disease: A 20-year single-center experience
Authors: Chen Cheng Shi , Ahn Hyemin , Shin Ji Hoon , Li Hai-Liang , Kim Jong Woo , Ibrahim Alrashidi , Chu Hee Ho 
Published: April 2021

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter arterial embolization for controlling spontaneous hemorrhage in patients with acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD).
Methods: This retrospective study included 18 patients with ACKD (M:F=13:5; mean age, 56 years) who underwent renal artery embolization to control spontaneous hemorrhage between January 2001 and September 2020. The underlying etiology and clinical presentations were reviewed and previous computed tomography (CT) findings were analyzed. Furthermore, angiographic and embolization details, technical and clinical successes, and complications were assessed.
Results: Subcapsular, perirenal, and pararenal hematomas were observed on CT scans for all patients. Contrast extravasation was observed in 15 / 17 patients (88%) on contrast-enhanced CT scans. Angiography showed active bleeding in 14 patients (78%; contrast extravasation [n=6], pseudoaneurysm [n=3], and both [n=5]), suspicious bleeding in 1 (5%), and no bleeding in 3 (17%). The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 94% (17/18), respectively. Total and partial embolization was performed in 14 (78%) and 4 (22%) cases, respectively. Subsequent surgical nephrectomy was required for one patient with clinical failure due to recurrent bleeding despite total embolization. Procedure-related complications included mild post-embolization syndrome in one patient and contrast-induced nephropathy in five patients (28%) without long-term complications.
Conclusions: Renal artery embolization is safe and effective for controlling spontaneous renal hemorrhage in patients with ACKD.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.4.3999
How to cite this:Chen CS, Ahn H, Shin JH, Li HL, Kim JW, Ibrahim A, et al. Renal artery embolization for spontaneous hemorrhage in patients with acquired cystic kidney disease: A 20-year single-center experience. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(4):1111-1117. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.4.3999
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Plasmidome AMR screening (PAMRS) workflow: a rapid screening workflow for phenotypic characterization of antibiotic resistance in plasmidomes
Authors: Duedu Kwabena Obeng , Mends Joana Qwansima , Ayivor-Djanie Reuben , Essandoh Priscilla Efua , Nattah Emmanuel Mawuli , Gyamfi Jones , Kpeli Grace Semabia 
Published: April 2021

Background: Phenotypic characterization of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria has remained the gold standard for investigation and monitoring of what resistance is present in an organism. However, the process is laborious and not attractive for screening multiple plasmids from a microbial community (plasmidomes). Instead, genomic tools are used, but a major bottle neck that presence of genes does not always translate into phenotypes. Methods: We designed the plasmidome AMR screening (PAMRS) workflow to investigate the presence of antibiotic resistant phenotypes in a plasmidome using Escherichia coli as a host organism. Plasmidomes were extracted from the faecal matter of chicken, cattle and humans using commercial plasmid extraction kits. Competent E. coli cells were transformed and evaluated using disk diffusion. Thirteen antibiotic resistant phenotypes were screened. Results: Here, we show that multiple antibiotic resistant phenotypes encoded by plasmids can be rapidly screened simultaneously using the PAMRS workflow. E. coli was able to pick up to 7, 5 or 8 resistant phenotypes from a single plasmidome from chicken, cattle or humans, respectively. Resistance to ceftazidime was the most frequently picked up phenotype in humans (52.6%) and cattle (90.5%), whereas in chickens, the most picked up resistant phenotype was resistance to co-trimoxazole, ceftriaxone and ampicillin (18.4% each). Conclusions: This workflow is a novel tool that could facilitate studies to evaluate the occurrence and expression of plasmid-encoded antibiotic resistance in microbial communities and their associated plasmid-host ranges. It could find application in the screening of plasmid-encoded virulence genes.
Predictors of Performance on USMLE Step 1
Authors: Wu Winnie , Garcia Katy , Chandrahas Sheila , Siddiqui Arham , Baronia Regina , Ibrahim Yasin 
Published: April 2021

Background
94% of program directors cited the USMLE Step 1 score as the most important factor in determining an applicant’s competitiveness for residency. Thus, medical students are motivated to attain the highest possible score. With the recent announcement of Step 1 switching to a pass/fail standard, it is important to analyze factors which predict meeting this goal.
Objective
To investigate the factors which can influence or predict performance on USMLE Step 1.
Methods
We conducted a systematic literature search on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and ERIC in 2019. The key words were “USMLE”, “Step-1”, “score”, “success” and “predictors.” The search included articles published between 2005 and 2019. Studies that did not focus on Step 1 outcome or allopathic medical students in the United States were excluded.
Results
275 articles were found, 29 of which met our inclusion criteria. Analysis from these articles demonstrated that predictors of USMLE Step 1 score can be divided into unmodifiable and modifiable factors. Unmodifiable factors include gender, MCAT score, pre-clinical grades and NBME/CBSE scores. Modifiable factors include taking USMLE Step 1 within two months of completing pre-clinical courses, motivation from anxiety, multiple-choice questions completed, unique Anki cards seen and complete passes of First Aid for the USMLE Step 1.
Conclusion
Our review suggests that although students can focus on modifiable factors to increase their score, the energy expenditure required to increase Step 1 score by one point is unrealistic. This may have impacted the NBME’s decision to change Step 1 to a pass/fail exam.
Increase in Child Abuse Injuries during the COVID-19 Pandemic in West Texas
Authors: Linares Garcia Hector , Wyatt Thomas , Tucker Amber , Dissanaike Sharmila 
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a rapid increase in unemployment and business closures, leaving many families in psychosocial distress, and putting the well-being and healthy development of children at risk. There has been a sharp increase in cases of child abuse presenting to our institution during the year 2020. Thus, we sought to quantify whether the confluence of pandemic-related social changes would result in an increase in child abuse cases severe enough to warrant emergency medical attention in the West Texas region. Through this report, we hope to underscore the need for continued vigilance by healthcare providers and educators in identifying cases of child abuse, as well as the need for additional initiatives to mitigate child maltreatment during times of socioeconomic stress.
Vector-apodizing phase plate coronagraph: design, current performance, and future development [Invited]
Authors: Doelman D. S. , Snik F. , Por E. H. , Bos S. P. , Otten G. P. P. L. , Kenworthy M. , Haffert S. Y. , Wilby M. , Bohn A. J. , Sutlieff B. J. , Miller K. , Ouellet M. , de Boer J. , Keller C. U. , Escuti M. J. , Shi S. , Warriner N. Z. , Hornburg K. , Birkby J. L. , Males J. , Morzinski K. M. , Close L. M. , Codona J. , Long J. , Schatz L. , Lumbres J. , Rodack A. , Van Gorkom K. , Hedglen A. , Guyon O. , Lozi J. , Groff T. , Chilcote J. , Jovanovic N. , Thibault S. , de Jonge C. , Allain G. , Vallée C. , Patel D. , Côté O. , Marois C. , Hinz P. , Stone J. , Skemer A. , Briesemeister Z. , Boehle A. , Glauser A. M. , Taylor W. , Baudoz P. , Huby E. , Absil O. , Carlomagno B. , Delacroix C. 
Published: April 2021

Over the last decade, the vector-apodizing phase plate (vAPP) coronagraph has been developed from concept to on-sky application in many high-contrast imaging systems on 8 m class telescopes. The vAPP is a geometric-phase patterned coronagraph that is inherently broadband, and its manufacturing is enabled only by direct-write technology for liquid-crystal patterns. The vAPP generates two coronagraphic point spread functions (PSFs) that cancel starlight on opposite sides of the PSF and have opposite circular polarization states. The efficiency, that is, the amount of light in these PSFs, depends on the retardance offset from a half-wave of the liquid-crystal retarder. Using different liquid-crystal recipes to tune the retardance, different vAPPs operate with high efficiencies (

>

96
%

) in the visible and thermal infrared (0.55 µm to 5 µm). Since 2015, seven vAPPs have been installed in a total of six different instruments, including Magellan/MagAO, Magellan/MagAO-X, Subaru/SCExAO, and LBT/LMIRcam. Using two integral field spectrographs installed on the latter two instruments, these vAPPs can provide low-resolution spectra (

R

∼
30

) between 1 µm and 5 µm. We review the design process, development, commissioning, on-sky performance, and first scientific results of all commissioned vAPPs. We report on the lessons learned and conclude with perspectives for future developments and applications.
Temperature dependent determination of the S-branch Raman linewidths of oxygen and carbon dioxide in an oxyfuel relevant mixture
Authors: Misoi Henry , Hölzer Jonas I. , Seeger Thomas 
Published: April 2021

The temperature dependence of theO2andCO2S-branch linewidths in a 30/70%O2−CO2mixture between 295 K and 1900 K has been studied by a picosecond time-resolved pure rotational coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (RCARS) approach. The S-branch Raman linewidths are required for diagnostics of thermodynamic properties in oxyfuel combustion processes by RCARS, where this mixture is of special interest, because it is regularly used to replace air when transiting from air-fed to oxyfuel combustion. The obtained linewidths for oxygen and carbon dioxide show a strong deviation from pure self-broadened linewidths and previously used Q-branch linewidths, respectively. A discussion on the expected impact on RCARS thermometry and concentration evaluations as well as a description of specific properties of oxygen and carbon dioxide and their effect on the dephasing behavior of the Raman coherences and, thereby the Raman linewidths, is included, along tabulated linewidths data of both molecules.
The proportion and effect of corticosteroid therapy in patients with COVID-19 infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Junning , Yang Weixia , Chen Puwen , Guo Jianbin , Liu Rui , Wen Pengfei , Li Kun , Lu Yao , Ma Tao , Li Xiaoli , Qin Siqing , Zhang Yumin , Wang Yakang 
Published: April 2021

Objectives
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a global challenge. Corticosteroids constitute a group of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs that are widely used in the treatment of COVID-19. Comprehensive reviews investigating the comparative proportion and efficacy of corticosteroid use are scarce. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials to evaluate the proportion and efficacy of corticosteroid use for the treatment of COVID-19.

Methods
We conducted a comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis of research articles, including observational studies and clinical trials, by searching the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry, and China Academic Journal Network Publishing databases. Patients treated between December 1, 2019, and January 1, 2021, were included. The outcome measures were the proportion of patients treated with corticosteroids, viral clearance and mortality. The effect size with the associated 95% confidence interval is reported as the weighted mean difference for continuous outcomes and the odds ratio for dichotomous outcomes.

Results
Fifty-two trials involving 15710 patients were included. The meta-analysis demonstrated that the proportion of COVID-19 patients who received corticosteroids was significantly lower than that of patients who did not receive corticosteroids (35.19% vs. 64.49%). In addition, our meta-analysis demonstrated no significant difference in the proportions of severe and nonsevere cases treated with corticosteroids (27.91% vs. 20.91%). We also performed subgroup analyses stratified by whether patients stayed in the intensive care unit (ICU) and found that the proportion of patients who received corticosteroids was significantly higher among those who stayed in the ICU than among those who did not. The results of our meta-analysis indicate that corticosteroid treatment significantly delayed the viral clearance time. Finally, our meta-analysis demonstrated no significant difference in the use of corticosteroids for COVID-19 between patients who died and those who survived. This result indicates that mortality is not correlated with corticosteroid therapy.

Conclusion
The proportion of COVID-19 patients who received corticosteroids was significantly lower than that of patients who did not receive corticosteroids. Corticosteroid use in subjects with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections delayed viral clearance and did not convincingly improve survival; therefore, corticosteroids should be used with extreme caution in the treatment of COVID-19.
eNose-TB: A trial study protocol of electronic nose for tuberculosis screening in Indonesia
Authors: Saktiawati Antonia Morita Iswari , Triyana Kuwat , Wahyuningtias Siska Dian , Dwihardiani Bintari , Julian Trisna , Hidayat Shidiq Nur , Ahmad Riris Andono , Probandari Ari , Mahendradhata Yodi 
Published: April 2021

Background
Even though conceptually, Tuberculosis (TB) is almost always curable, it is currently the world’s leading infectious killer. Patients with pulmonary TB are the source of transmission. Approximately 23% of the world’s population is believed to be latently infected with TB bacteria, and 5–15% of them will progress at any point in time to develop the disease. There was a global diagnostic gap of 2.9 million between notifications of new cases and the estimated number of incident cases, and Indonesia carries the third-highest of this gap. Therefore, screening TB among the community is of great importance to prevent further transmission and infection. The electronic nose for screening TB (eNose-TB) project is initiated in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, to screen TB by breath test with an electronic-nose that is easy-to-use, point-of-care, does not expose patients to radiation, and can be produced at low cost.

Methods/Design
The objectives of the two-phase planned project are to: 1) investigate the potential of an eNose-TB as a screening tool in Indonesia, in comparison with screening with clinical symptoms and chest radiology, which are currently used as a standard, and 2) analyze the time and cost of a screening algorithm with eNose-TB to obtain additional case detection. A cross-sectional study will be conducted in the first phase to validate the eNose-TB. The validation phase will involve 395 presumptive TB patients in the Surakarta General Hospital, Central Java. In the second phase, a cross-sectional research will be conducted, involving 1,383 adults and children in the municipality of Yogyakarta and Kulon Progo district of Yogyakarta Province.

Discussion
The findings will provide data concerning the sensitivity and specificity of the eNose-TB as a screening tool for tuberculosis, and the time and cost analysis of a screening algorithm with the eNose.

Trial registration
NCT04567498; https://clinicaltrials.gov/.
Changes in corneal thickness after vitrectomy—Implications for glaucoma practice
Authors: Gawas Lisika , Rao Aparna 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
To evaluate changes in central corneal thickness (CCT) following vitrectomy.

Methods
All consecutive old and new patients referred to glaucoma services for possible secondary glaucoma after vitrectomy and who had undergone corneal pachymetry between July 2013 to June 2020, were included. The eye that developed elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and was diagnosed clinically as glaucoma after vitrectomy, was labelled as the “affected” eye. The contralateral eye of the patient with normal IOP and no history of vitrectomy was labelled as the “control” eye. The difference in CCT in the affected eye and the contralateral control eye (ΔCCT) and CCT were compared between different age groups. Correlation of CCT in the affected eye with age, diagnosis, type of surgery done, lens status and pre-existing glaucoma was done using multivariate regression analysis.

Results
Of 127 eyes of 120 patients (M:F = 85:35), the average CCT in the affected eye was significantly higher than the unaffected contralateral control eye (p<0.0001). The ΔCCT in eyes presenting at an age <25 years was higher (median 582, 497–840) than those that presented later (median 518, 384–755), p <0.0001, with maximum ΔCCT seen in eyes that had undergone vitrectomy at age<12 years. The CCT in the affected eye was significantly higher in aphakic eyes (588±81.6 microns) than in pseudophakic eyes (552±79.03 microns), p = 0.03. On multivariate analysis, age<25 years remained as a significant influencer of CCT in the affected eye (β = -1.7, p<0.001, R2 = 28.3%).

Conclusions
Young age group<25 years are more prone to corneal remodelling and CCT changes after vitrectomy.
Dietary intake patterns among adults with inflammatory bowel disease in the United States, 2015
Authors: Xu Fang , Park Sohyun , Liu Yong , Greenlund Kurt J. 
Published: April 2021

Background
Dietary behavior and nutrient intake patterns among U.S. men and women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are unclear at the population level.

Methods
This cross-sectional study compared dietary intake patterns among U.S. adults (aged ≥18 years) with and without IBD in the 2015 National Health Interview Survey (N = 33,626). Age-standardized weighted prevalences for intake of fruits, vegetables, dairy, whole grain bread, dietary fiber, calcium, total added sugars, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), processed meat, and supplement use were compared between adults with and without IBD by sex.

Results
In 2015, an estimated 3 million adults (1.3%) reported IBD. Compared with adults without IBD, adults with IBD were more likely to be older, non-Hispanic white, not currently working, former smokers, and former alcohol drinkers. Overall, dietary behaviors were similar among adults with and without IBD. However, adults with IBD were more likely to take vitamin D supplements (31.5% vs 18.8%) and consume dietary fiber <16.7 grams(g)/day, the amount that 50% of U.S. adults consumed (51.8% vs 44.1%), than those without IBD. Compared with their counterparts, men with IBD were more likely to consume vegetables ≥1 time/day (84.9% vs 76.0%) and take any supplement (59.6% vs 46.0%); women with IBD were more likely to have SSBs ≥2 times/day (26.8% vs 17.8%) and total added sugars ≥14.6 teaspoons(tsp)/day, the amount that 50% of U.S. adults consumed (55.3% vs 46.7%).

Conclusions
Adopting a healthy diet, especially limiting added sugars intake among women with IBD, might be important for the overall health.