bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of sterilization on 3-point dynamic response to in vitro bending of an Mg implant.
Authors: Becerra Luis Humberto Campos , Rodríguez Marco Antonio Loudovic Hernández , Arroyo Raúl Lesso , S Hugo Esquivel , Castro Alejandro Torres 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The aim of the study is to characterize a biomedical magnesium alloy and highlighting the loss of mechanical integrity due to the sterilization method. Ideally, when using these alloys is to delay the onset of degradation so that the implant can support body loads and avoid toxicological effects due to the release of metal ions into the body. Methods: Standardized procedures according to ASTM F-1264 and ISO-10993-5 were used, respecting detailed methodological controls to ensure accuracy and reproducibility of the results, this testing methodology is carried out in accordance with the monographs of the Pharmacopoeia for the approval of medical devices and obtaining a health registration. An intramedullary implant (IIM) manufactured in magnesium (Mg) WE43 can support loads of the body in the initial period of bone consolidation without compromising the integrity of the fractured area. A system with these characteristics would improve morbidity and health costs by avoiding secondary surgical interventions. Results: As a property, the fatigue resistance of Mg in aggressive environments such as the body environment undergoes progressive degradation, however, the autoclave sterilization method drastically affects fatigue resistance, as demonstrated in tests carried out under in vitro conditions. Coupled with this phenomenon, the relatively poor biocompatibility of Mg WE43 alloys has limited applications where they can be used due to low acceptance rates from agencies such as the FDA. However, Mg alloy with elements such as yttrium and rare earth elements (REEs) have been shown to delay biodegradation depending on the method of sterilization and the physiological solution used. With different sterilization techniques, it may be possible to keep toxicological effects to a minimum while still ensuring a balance between the integrity of fractured bone and implant degradation time. Therefore, the evaluation of fatigue resistance of WE43 specimens sterilized and tested in immersion conditions (enriched Hank's solution) and according to ASTM F-1264, along with the morphological, crystallinity, and biocompatibility characterization of the WE43 alloy allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the mechanical and biological properties of WE43. Conclusions: These results will support decision-making to generate a change in the current perspective of biomaterials utilized in medical devices (MDs), to be considered by manufacturers and health regulatory agencies. An implant manufactured in WE43 alloy can be used as an intramedullary implant, considering keeping elements such as yttrium-REEs below as specified in its designation and with the help of a coating that allows increasing the life of the implant in vivo.Trial registration: N/A
Incidence and Mortality of Eye Cancer in Shandong, China: A Population-based Study During 2013-2017
Authors: Li Yingmei , Wang Hongtao , Lu Zilong , Sun Jiandong , Zhang Jiyu , Jiang Fan , Fu Zhentao , Guo Xiaolei , Xu Aiqiang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Eye cancer is relatively rare. Current prevalence and disease burden of eye cancer are unlcear.The purpose of this study was to understand the epidemiology in the incidence and mortality of eye cancer in Shandong Province, and to provide reference for the prevention and control of eye cancer.Methods: Population-based cancer incidence and death data from cancer registries in 2013-2017 was collected by Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention (SDCDC). Extracted data were firstly assessed for data quality and then were aggregated by area (urban/rural), gender, and age group [0, 1-4, 5-9, 10-14, …, 85+]. Crude and age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates were calculated.Results: The reported numbers of eye cancer incident cases and deaths in Shandong cancer registry from 2013 to 2017 were 169 and 43, respectively. The crude incidence rate, age-standardized rate of incidence by Chinese population (ASRIC, 2000) and world population (ASRIW) were 11.12/107, 8.92/107 and 12.44/107, respectively. The crude mortality rate, age-standardized rate of mortality by Chinese population (ASRMC, 2000) and world population (ASRMW) were 2.83/107, 1.89/107 and 2.58/107, respectively. There were no marked differences in the incidence and mortality rates between male and female. The incidence rates were similar between rural and urban areas. The mortality rate in rural areas was higher than that in urban areas. The mortality-to-incidence (M/I) ratio in rural areas (0.30) was considerably higher than that in urban areas (0.18). The highest incidence was observed in children aged 0-4 years old, which was true for both urban and rural areas, and for both genders,Conclusion: Eye cancer is not a common malignant tumor in this population. Prevention and control measures should be tailored according to the epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of eye cancer.
Prognostic Significance of Functional Dependency in Older Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Plotnikov Galina , Waizman Efraim , Tzur Irma , Yusupov Alexander , Shapira Yonatan , Gorelik Oleg 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic infection with substantial risk of death, especially in elderly persons. Information about the prognostic significance of functional status in older patients with COVID-19 is scarce.
Methods
Demographic, clinical, laboratory and short-term mortality data were collected of 186 consecutive patients aged ≥ 65 years hospitalized with COVID-19. Data were compared between 4 groups: 1) age 65–79 years without severe functional dependency (n = 69); 2) age ≥ 80 years without severe functional dependency (n = 28); 3) age 65–79 years with severe functional dependency (n = 32); and 4) age ≥ 80 years with severe functional dependency (n = 57).
Results
Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in the proportions of patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, renal failure, dementia, heart failure, pressure sores and malignant disorders; and of the proportions that resided in nursing homes. Compared to groups 1 and 2, patients in groups 3 and 4 presented with lower mean serum albumin levels on admission; and were treated more often with antibiotics and less often with convalescent plasma, tocilizumab and remdesivir. The mortality rate was higher in group 4 than in groups 1 − 3: 45.6% vs. 8.7%, 17.9% and 18.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, age ≥ 80 years with severe functional dependency remained one of the variables most significantly associated with mortality (odds ratio 10.42 and 95% confidence interval 3.27–33.24).
Conclusions
Among patients with COVID-19, the association of severe functional dependency with mortality is stronger among those aged ≥ 80 years than aged 65–79 years. Assessment of functional status may contribute to decision making for care of older inpatients with COVID-19.
Assessment of Animal Health and Production Constraints: The Case of Three Districts
Authors: Dugassa Jiregna , Kebede Abraham , Tamiru Yobsan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Animal production is an important tool for improving the standard of living of humans and is the backbone of Ethiopia's agricultural development. The country is known for its high reproductive potential, but it is not consumed by various factors.
Objectives
The overall objective of the study is to assess the key issues related to animal health and performance.
Methods
In addition to case-observation studies at the District Veterinary Clinic, cross-sectional study design using well-designed and structured questionnaire surveys.
Results
The evaluation was carried out in three intentionally selected districts, namely: Gidda Ayana, Sibu Sire and Jimma Arjo. As a result, 200, 145 and 165 respondents were sampled among the animal owners in the districts of Gidda Ayana, Sibu Sire and Jimma Arjo, respectively. In all districts, infectious and non-infectious diseases common in the regions were also assessed and classified. In addition, feeds, management systems, water sources, and reproductive status of animals were also assessed. According to the majority of respondents, natural pastures and breeding are the main sources of food and livestock genetic improvement systems, which they rely on to improve their animal production.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
In the present study, the barriers to livestock health and productivity in districts are high in quality and their number. These include animal feeding, poor animal management, limited ability to use genetics, high prevalence of infectious diseases, and animal husbandry systems. Thus, it is important to increase the veterinary services, extension services and alternative sources of animal feed besides provision of training and capacity building on rational use, reproduction, prevention and control of animal diseases for local farmers.
COVID-19 Mortality in Malaria Endemic Countries: An Ecological Study
Authors: Michael U. Anyanwu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
IntroductionThe number of persons infected with COVID-19 continue to increase with deaths reported daily across the globe. High income countries such as the US, the UK, Italy and Belgium have reported high COVID-19 related deaths but low-and-middle-income countries have recorded fewer deaths despite having poor healthcare system. This study aimed to investigate the association between malaria prevalence and COVID-19 mortality.MethodsThis is an ecological study with data from 195 countries. Spearman’s correlation was used to test the association between the population variables and COVID-19 mortality. Generalized linear model with Poisson distribution was used to determine the significant predictors of COVID-19 mortality. ResultsThere was a significant positive correlation between median age, life expectancy, 65+ mortality and COVID-19 mortality while malaria prevalence, sex ratio and cardiovascular mortality were negatively correlated with COVID-19 mortality. Malaria prevalence, life expectancy and mortality rate were significant on multivariate regression analysis.ConclusionThe results of this study support the hypotheses that there is reduced COVID-19 deaths in malaria endemic countries, although the results need to be proved further by clinical trials.
The Effect of an Electronic Medical Record Intervention on Hydroxychloroquine Prescribing Habits and Surveyed Providers’ Opinions of the 2016 American Academy of Ophthalmology Guidelines in the Rheumatology and Dermatology Practices of an Academic Institution
Authors: Overbury Rebecca , Pupaibool Jakrapun , Hansen Christopher , Lebiedz-Odrobina Dorota 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Retinal toxicity is a rare adverse event related to the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). To address this, in 2016, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) issued guidelines recommending that HCQ not exceed 5 mg/kg/day. We analyzed HCQ prescribing habits at our institution, compared to these guidelines, and used surveys to determine the opinions on these guidelines. We then introduced, in a prospective and non-controlled study, an electronic medical record (EMR) tool to study how this intervention might affect compliance with or opinions on these guidelines.
Methods

Data were collected pre-intervention (June 2017 - January 2019) and post-intervention (March 2019 - April 2020). In January 2019 we released our EMR tool. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics for demographic data and Fisher’s exact tests for comparisons of proportions between groups.
Results

Pre-intervention, we reviewed 1,128 rheumatology charts and 282 dermatology charts. 31.0% and 39.7% respectively (32.8% combined) were prescribed HCQ > 5 .0 mg/kg/day. Post-intervention, we reviewed 1,158 rheumatology charts and 106 dermatology charts. 23.1% and 26.4% respectively (23.3% combined) were prescribed HCQ > 5.0 mg/kg/day. Post-intervention, fewer patients (9.5%) were prescribed HCQ > 5 mg/kg/day (p < 0.00001). Pre-intervention, we compiled 18 rheumatology surveys and 12 dermatology surveys. Post-intervention, we compiled 16 rheumatology surveys and 12 dermatology surveys. Post-intervention, fewer rheumatologists incorrectly described the AAO weight-based guidelines. Combined, there was an overall reduction but not of statistical significance (p = 0.47).
Conclusions

At our academic institution, there remains unfamiliarity of and hesitation to comply with the 2016 AAO guidelines. Prescribed doses often exceed what is recommended in these guidelines. An EMR tool can improve compliance with these guidelines and might improve providers’ familiarity with these guidelines.
Comparative Study on the Esophageal Microflora of Different Tissue Types in Patients With Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: liu Xiaobo , Gao Ziye , Xu Wen , Meng JianChao , Sun Chuantao , Wen Hui , Tong Qiang , He Shuixiang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to compare the differences in microbiota between the postoperative tissues and esophageal mucosa tissues of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: Seventy-two patients who had ESCC and diagnosed in Taihe Hospital were selected from July 2018 to July 2019 to participate in this work. Then, 27 postoperative tissues and 45 mucosa samples of ESCC were collected. The sequence V4 hypervariable region was amplified, and Illumina MiSeq sequencing was performed to analyze the differences between the two groups. Results: Results revealed that the Shannon and Chao1 indices of the postoperative esophageal cancer tissue group (Group A) were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of the esophageal mucosa group (Group B). The Simpson index of Group A was higher than that of Group B, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). The beta diversity of the two groups was also not significantly different (P>0.05). LEfSe analysis showed that the abundance of Megasphaera, Actinobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and Enterobacteriales in Group A was significantly higher than that in Group B, but the abundance of Mogibacteriaceae in Group B was significantly higher than that in Group A (P<0.05). At the phylum level, Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobiae were more abundant in the postoperative tissue group than in the esophageal mucosa group. The abundance of Fusobacteriia, SR1, and Spirochaetes in the postoperative tissue group was significantly lower than that of the esophageal mucosa group(P<0.05). Conclusion: The source of the sample should be considered in studies on the esophageal flora. More relevant findings were obtained from postoperative tissues than from the normal mucosa.
Clinical Outcomes and Predicted Model of Surgical Patients With Enhanced Recovery After Surgery&nbsp;(ERAS): A Multicenter Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Ren Li , Lv Feng , Min Su , Jin Juying , Wang Wenjian , Qin Peipei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been accepted widely in the whole world. However, clinical effects of ERAS in China have not been systematically reported, and it is still unclear whether there is key component with the present ERAS program to secure enhanced recovery. Patients who were undergoing operations with ERAS program were included. All the perioperative information were collected via a website and a nomogram to predict postoperative complication was conducted. 950 subjects from 59 hospitals were included in this study. Illness of cardiovascular (22.6%) and endocrine system (11.1%) were the top two coexisted diseases preoperatively. The recovery time of ability of drinking water after surgery was 6 (4-8) h, and almost half of patients could do active exercises in bed within 6 h postoperatively. The overall incidence of complications within 1 month postoperatively was 11.1%. Preoperative creatinine and bilirubin, intraoperative maximum systolic blood pressure and NRS scores at rest at postoperative 3 days were independent risk factors for complications within 1 month postoperatively. However, minimally invasive surgery was associated with a decrease probability of the complications. This study firstly indicates preoperative hepatorenal function, intraoperative systolic blood pressure, minimally invasive surgery and postoperative pain control can independently influence the prognosis of surgical patients.
Integrative Analysis and Identification of an Excellent lncRNA Signature to Predict Prognosis in Patients With Colon Cancer
Authors: Chen ZhiHua , Lin YiLin , Lin SuYong , Liu YiSu , Zheng Yan , Gao Ji , Chen Shao-Qin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Backgroud: Tumour recurrence and metastasis lead to poor prognosis in colon cancer (COAD). Therefore We aimed to identify a lncRNA signature through an integrative analysis of copy number variation, mutation and transcriptome data to predict prognosis and explore its internal mechanism.Methods: The lncRNA expression profile were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). TCGA data was randomly divided 3:1 into training and testing cohort. In the training, we performed integrated analyses of three candidate lncRNA sets that correlated with prognosis, copy number variations and mutations to establish a signature through Cox regression analysis. The robustness was determined in the testing and GEO. Results: An 11-lncRNA signature that was significantly associated with prognosis was constructed in the training (P<0.0001, HR=2.014) , And this signature was validated in the testing (P=0.0019, HR=3.374) and GSE17536 (P=0.0076, HR=1.864). The signature is significantly related to MSI status and clinical prognostic factors. The prognostic-related risk scores were significantly excellent than the other five models have been reported. Furthermore, GSEA suggested that the signature was involved in COAD development and metastasis-related pathways.Conclusions: We identified an signature has strong robustness and can stably predict the prognosis of COAD in different platforms and may be implicated in COAD pathogenesis and metastasis and applied clinically as a prognostic marker.
A Retrospective Study on the Cephalometric Markers That Predict the Treatment Outcomes of Twin Block Functional Appliance
Authors: Dong Jingya , Zhang Yan , Shi Qingjuan , Lin Feiou , Hu Rongdang , Wang Yi , Zheng Hong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Despite the widespread use of functional appliances, broad variations are reported on the treatment response. This retrospective study aims to investigate the pre-treatment cephalometric predictors on the treatment outcome of Twin block in growing patients with class II malocclusion
Methods

After screening, a total of 90 patients treated by Twin block were included in the study. The treatment outcome was the advancement of the chin position, assessed by the distance of skeletal pogonion to the vertical reference plane perpendicular to Frankfurt plane (△Pog-VRP). Moreover, △Pog-VRP is adjusted by facial growth evaluated by △N-Ba to minimize the growth discrepancy among individuals (adj△Pog-VRP). The pre-treatment cephalometric measurements were compared with independent t-test. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the pre-treatment cephalometric predictors for the treatment outcome.
Results

Patients were equally divided into good response group (GRG/adjGRG, N = 45) and poor response group (PRG/adjPRG, N = 45) respectively based on the median value of △Pog-VRP/adj△Pog-VRP. Patients with greater chin advancement had a significantly reduced cephalometric measurements in the vertical dimensions including ∠Na-Go-Me, ∠MP-OP and sum of angels (P < 0.05). And such differences increased after adjustments in comparison between adjGRG and adjPRG. Importantly, ∠Na-Go-Me was found to be independent predicter on Pog advancement before (β=-0.26, 95%CI, -0.06 to -0.01, P = 0.01) and after adjustments (β=-0.29,95%CI -0.06, -0.01, P < 0.01).
Conclusion

With the limitation of the study, we provide evidence that patients with a smaller Na-Go-Me angle are more likely to experience a greater chin advancement following Twin block treatment.
Comparison of Survival Between Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis and Self-Care Peritoneal Dialysis Patients Aged 70 or Older
Authors: Song Qianhui , Yan Hao , Yu Zanzhe , Li Zhenyuan , Yuan Jiangzi , Ni Zhaohui , Fang Wei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Introduction:

Assisted PD is used as an alternative option for the growing group of frail, older ESRD patients unable to perform their own PD. This study was undertaken to investigate the outcomes of assisted PD in older patients by comparing assisted PD patients with self-care PD patients.
Methods

This study included all patients aged 70 or older who started on PD in our hospital from 2009 to 2018. Patients were divided into assisted PD group and self-care PD group according to the independence of bag exchange, and followed up until death, PD cessation or to the end of the study (December 31, 2019). Survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method and risk factors associated with mortality, peritonitis and technique failure were evaluated using both cause-specific hazards and subdistribution hazards models.
Results

180 patients were enrolled, including 106 (58.9%) males with a median age of 77.5 (77.2–81.2) years. Among the 180 patients, 62 patients (34.4%) were assisted. Patients in the assisted PD group were older, more likely to be female, more prevalent in DM and CVD, with a higher Charlson score than patients in the self-care PD group (P all < 0.05). In the multivariable analysis, assisted patients had a comparable patient survival and peritonitis-free survival compared to self-care PD patients either in the Cox or in the FG models. According to a Cox model, the use of assisted PD was associated with a lower risk of technique failure (cs-HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.04–0.76), but the association lost its statistical significance in the Fine and Gray model.
Conclusions

No significant difference in patient survival and peritonitis-free survival were found between the assisted PD patients and self-care PD patients. Moreover, assisted PD might protect older patients incapable of self-care from technique failure. Therefore, we suggested that assisted PD could be a safe and effective RRT modality for older ESRD patients who need assistance.