bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic review of quantitative preference studies of treatments for rheumatoid arthritis among patients and at risk populations.
Authors: Simons Gwenda , Caplan Joshua , DiSantostefano Rachael L. , Veldwijk Jorien , Englbrecht Matthias , Bywall Karin Schölin , Kihlbom Ulrik , Raza Karim , Falahee Marie 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Treatments used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are under investigation for their efficacy to prevent RA in at risk groups. It is therefore important to understand treatment preferences of those at risk. We systematically reviewed quantitative preference studies of drugs to treat, or prevent RA, to inform the design of further studies and trials of RA prevention. Stated preference studies for RA treatment or prevention were identified through a search of five databases. Study characteristics and results were extracted and the relative importance of different types of treatment attributes was compared across populations. Twenty studies were included: 17 of RA treatments (15 of patients; 2 of the general public), and 3 prevention studies with first-degree relatives (FDRs). Benefits, risks, administration method and cost (when included) were important determinants of treatment choice. A benefit was more important than a risk attribute in 8/15 studies of RA treatment that included a benefit attribute, and 2/3 studies of RA prevention. There was variability in the relative importance of attributes across the few prevention studies. In studies with non-patient participants, attributes describing confidence in treatment effectiveness/safety were more important determinants of choice than in studies with patients. Most preference studies relating to RA are of treatments for established RA. Few studies examine preferences for treatments to prevent RA. Given intense research focus on RA prevention, additional preference studies in this context are needed. Variation in treatment preferences across different populations is not well understood and direct comparisons are needed.
Delta Neutrophil Index: A Potential Diagnostic Marker of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)
Authors: Karagol Cuneyt , Tehci Ali Kansu , Gungor Ali , Tekin Zahide Ekici , Çelikel Elif , Aydın Fatma , Kurt Tuba , Sezer Müge , Tekgöz Nilüfer , Coşkun Serkan , Kaplan Melike Mehveş , Bayhan Gulsum Iclal , Yaralı Husniye Nese , Ozbek Namuk Yasar , Acar Banu Çelikel 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a life threatening hiperinflamation syndrome emerging after COVID-19. The serum delta neutrophil index (DNI), reflects the fraction of circulating immature granulocytes and elevated in infection and inflammation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of DNI as a diagnostic marker in patients with MIS-C and to assess its role in determining the severity of MIS-C.
Methods

This retrospective, observational study included 83 patients of MIS-C and 113 patients of COVID-19 and control group. C-reactive protein, absolute neutrophil count, absolute lymphocyte count, DNI and platelet count were recorded.
Results

The DNI levels were 4.60 ± 5.70% in the MIS C group and 0.30 ± 0.99% in the COVID group and 0.20 ± 0.56% in the control group (p < 0.001). According to the severity of MIS-C, the DNI level was found 1,22% in mild MIS-C, 4,3% in moderate MIS-C and 5,7% in severe MIS-C. There was a statistically significant correlation between the DNI levels and the severity of MIS-C. The cutoff value of DNI for predicting MIS-C was 0.45%. In the correlation analysis of DNI with CRP, ANC, ALC and platelet count, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were found to be 79.5%, 97.1%, 95.7%, and 85.3%, respectively.
Conclusions

DNI was identified as a predictive factor for diagnosis of MIS-C such as ANC, ALC, platelet count and CRP. DNI levels in hemogram analysis may guide clinicians in determining the diagnosis and severity of MIS-C.
Comparative Study of Si-Ge-Sn Resonant Cavity Enhanced Heterojunction Bipolar Phototransistor (RCE-HPT) under Quantum Confined Stark Effect (QCSE) and Franz Keldysh Effect (FKE) at 1.55 µm
Authors: Ghosh Soumava 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Group-IV and their alloy based Heterojunction Bipolar Phototransistors (HPTs) are of immense interest in recent day optical communication. In this paper first resonant cavity enhanced heterojunction bipolar phototransistor (RCE-HPT) with Ge0.992Sn0.008/Si0.30Ge0.61Sn0.09 Quantum Well/barrier structure under Quantum Confined Stark Effect (QCSE) has been evaluated. Further the bulk GeSn absorption region has been considered instead of QW/barrier structure and estimated the Franz Keldysh Effect (FKE). Finally different RCE-HPT related parameters such as quantum efficiency-bandwidth product, responsivity, collector current and optical gain have been studied and compared under QCSE and FKE.
Diagnostic Features and Management Options for Duodenal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A retrospective, Multi-Centre Study
Authors: Mandair Dalvinder , Kamieniarz Lukasz , Pizanias Michail , Weickert Martin , Narayan Akshay , O’Mahony Luke Furtado , Caplin Martyn , Ramage John , Prachalias Andreas , Srirajaskant Rajaventhan , Toumpanakis Christos 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background Duodenal neuroendocrine neoplasms (dNENs) are rare neoplasms but their incidence is on the rise. They are classified into 5 sub-types but there remains much heterogeneity in behaviour in particular of non-functioning dNENs. Aim To retrospectively analyse outcomes for all types of dNENs, and highlight prognostic factors associated with worse outcome Results 102 (57m/45f) patients were identified with mean age at diagnosis 62 (range 32-87) years. The majority were non-functioning tumours 87/102 and median size was 10mm (range 0.9-130mm). 83 patients had Stage I or II disease, of which 17 underwent endoscopic resection with R1 rate of 45% and complication rate 12%. 36 patients were kept under endoscopic surveillance. There were 11 deaths of which 4 were disease related. Age and Ki67 > 20% were associated with worse OS in all dNENs. In non-functioning dNENs Ki67 >3% was a predictor of lymph nodes metastases with OR 18.2 (2.54-13)(p < 0.005) in univariate analyses and liver metastases with OR 6.79 (1.56-29.5)( p < 0.05) in the multivariate analysis. Lesions 11 - 20 mm in size had OR 11.1 (1.16-106) compared to lesions <11mm for the prediction of lymph node metastases in the multivariate analysis (p < 0.05). ROC analysis of size of non-functioning dNENs to predict LN metastases found <15mm had an AUROC of 0.9 (0.81-0.99) with a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 88%. Conclusion dNENs are increasing in incidence, however low grade and smaller lesions have an indolent course and the role of endoscopic resection and active surveillance needs to be reviewed.
Newly Diagnosed Asthma in China: Initial Severity and Changes Over 1-year Management
Authors: Hu Zhizhen , Xuan Jianwei , Zhao Haijin , Dong Hangming , Yu Changhui , Cai Shaoxi , Gao Yue , Li Liran , Hu Xiaohan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The prevalence of adult asthma is increasing in China. However, there are no large sample, epidemiological data describing asthma severity at the time of new diagnosis and changes during follow-up management. Thus, the purpose of this study was to use a large health care database to examine asthma severity at initial diagnosis, and changes in severity over the first year of management.Methods: Data of patients with a first diagnosis of asthma were extracted from the SuValue electronic medical database. Inclusion criteria were: 1) At least 14 years old at the time of first diagnosis; 2) Initial diagnosis from 2001 to March 2019; 3) Followed-up for at least 12 months; 4) Had a follow-up visit every 3 months. Disease severity at diagnosis and at each follow-up visit, medications prescribed, and symptoms were collected and analysed.Results: A total of 7,654 adult patients with newly diagnosed asthma from tertiary hospitals (26.38%) and secondary hospitals (73.62%) who were followed-up for at least 12 months were included. Approximately 54% were females, and the proportion of patients over 60 years old was the highest (38%). Of all patients, 53.91% were not prescribed medications to control asthma, suggesting that these patients were mild asthma. Approximately 16% of patients were prescribed oral corticosteroid and/or inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting β2-agonist combination, suggesting moderate to severe asthma. The proportions of patients with moderate and severe decreased during the first 6 months, and then the proportions remained stable. The proportion of patients with severe asthma remained stable from the 6th month onward. At the end of the year 2.7% of patients had severe asthma. Patients with mild asthma tended to continue to have mild asthma in the following 3 months (> 76.19%). However, of the patients with mild and moderate asthma at 3 months, 92.85% and 75.1%, respectively, had a reduction in severity and had mild asthma at 12 months. On the other hand, 1.26% and 3.15%, respectively, progressed to severe asthma by 12 months.Conclusion: During the first year after an initial diagnosis of asthma patients diagnosed with mild asthma tended to not progress and remained stable with mild asthma over the year. The proportions of patients diagnosed with moderate and severe asthma remained stable over the year. Further study is needed to examine the clinical features of newly diagnosed patients with severe asthma who do not experience a reduction in severity in order to target these patients for more intensive treatment and reduce the disease burden.
MicroRNA-495 Regulates Collateral Formation And Predicts Myocardial Perfusion In Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion Disease
Authors: Gao Wei , Wu Runda , Yuan Jie , Zhang Youming , Liu Guobing , Zhang Jianhui , Yang Jian , Li Chenguang , Shi Hongcheng , Liu Haibo , Ge Junbo 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
How miRNAs play a role in collateral formation of chronic total occlusion (CTO) patients and in predicting myocardial perfusion has not been investigated. In this study, we screened circulating miRNAs in CTO and stable coronary artery disease patients using high-throughput sequencing and found 42 differential expressed miRNAs, including miR-329, miR-494 and miR-495, which belong to 14q32 miRNAs gene cluster. The down regulation of miR-329, miR-494 and miR-495 was confirmed in an independently larger cohort. Then in vitro and in vivo study, we demonstrated that miR-495 inhibited angiogenesis and collateral formation through Notch1 pathway. Finally we came back to a clinical view and found that miR-329, miR-494 and miR-495 were able to predict whether myocardial perfusion can be improved in CTO patients after revascularization. These data indicate that miRNAs are involved into the collateral formation of CTO patients and could be potentially biomarkers to help individualise therapeutic decisions.
Impaired Esophageal Mucosal Integrity and the Related Motility Factors in Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Cheng Yu , Yang Dong , Sun Xiaoyu , Wang Lixia , Zhang Zhifeng , Huang Wan , Geng Xiaoling , Su Liping , Zhang Ping , Duan Zhijun 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Backgrounds. Research on esophageal mucosal integrity in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been taken seriously in recent years, especially in refractory GERD. Mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) is proposed as an indicator of impaired mucosal integrity. We aimed to compare the MNBI value and investigate the impact of esophageal motility on MNBI in different subtypes of refractory GERD. Methods. Endoscopy, high-resolution manometry, and 24h impedance-pH monitoring were performed in 412 refractory GERD patients. From these patients, 94 erosive esophagitis (EE), 52 non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), and 31 Barrett's esophagus (BE) patients were enrolled in the study. EE group 54 included Los Angeles (LA) Grade-A/B and 40 LA Grade-C/D patients. 52 functional heartburn (FH) patients were used as the control. MNBI was acquired at 3 and 5 cm above lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and was compared between groups. Parameters of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) and LES, along with esophageal peristaltic sequences were recorded. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were performed to determine the impact of these motility factors on MNBI in different subtypes of refractory GERD. Results. MNBI values were signifiantly lower in all subgroups of refractory GERD patients than in FH patients. MNBI in NERD patients was similar with LA-A/B and LA-C/D patients. MNBI in NERD and LA-C/D patients was signifiantly lower than in BE patients. No difference in MNBI was found between LA-A/B and BE patients. Ineffective esophageal motility and absent contractility were the risk factor for decreased MNBI in LA-A/B and LA-C/D patients, respectively. Type III EGJ (hiatus hernias) and decreased LES length were the risk factor for decreased MNBI in NERD and BE patients, respectively. Conclusions. Impaired mucosal integrity of NERD patients was as severe as that of EE patients and hiatus hernias were the risk factor, therefore, mucosal protections and explorations of hiatus hernias should be emphasized in refractory NERD patients. Weakened esophageal body peristalsis and decreased LES length were the risk factor for the impaired mucosal integrity of refractory EE patients and BE patients, respectively, and thus the therapy on peristaltic disorders and LES function was recommended for them. These results provided new ideas for optimizing the treatment of refractory GERD.
KRAS gene mutation quantification in the resection or venous margins of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is not predictive of disease recurrence
Authors: Amintas Samuel , Fernandez Benjamin , Chauvet Alexandre , Chiche Laurence , Laurent Christophe , Belleannée Geneviève , Marty Marion , Buscail Etienne , dabernat sandrine 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients eligible for curative surgery undergo unpredictable disease relapse. Even patients with good pathological response after neo-adjuvant treatment (NAT) remain susceptible to recurrent PDAC. Molecular analysis of R0 margins may identify patients with worse prognosis. Retrospective analysis of patients, either eligible for up-font surgery (UFS) or resected patients who underwent NAT with good pathological responses, collected survivals post-surgery and examined the molecular status of mutant KRAS by droplet digital PCR. Expectedly, KRAS mutant allele frequencies (MAF) were higher in UFS than in NAT tumor tissues or remnants, and in the ypT1 than the ypT0 tumors in the NAT group. Mutant KRAS positivity or MAFs in margins did not identify patients with detectable pathological disease in the NAT group, nor was it predictive of shorter recurrence-free or overall survival within or between groups. KRAS-double positivity in both venous and tumor resection margins did not identify patients with worse prognosis, regardless of the groups. The cohorts ‘sizes were small due to limited numbers of patients meeting the inclusion criteria, but KRAS-positivity or MAFs in resection and venous margins did not carry prognostic value. Comparison of margins from good versus bad responders receiving NAT may provide better clinical value.
Pulmonary Occupancy Combined Brain Abscess Caused by Nocardia Farcinica: Death Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Song Jiangqin , Dong Lian , Ding Yan , Zhu Weifang , Zhou Junyang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background Brain abscess due to the Nocardia genus is rarely reported that usually found in immunocompromised patients. Treatment of Nocardia brain abscess is troublesome and requires consideration of the severity of the underlying systemic disease, the difficulties in identifying the bacterium and the frequent delay in initiating adequate therapy. Case Presentation Here, we report a rare case of brain abscess caused by Nocardia farcinica. The patient’s medical history was complicated, bacterial was found in culture of brain abscess puncture fluid, the colony was identified as Nocardia farcinica by mass spectrometry. Targeted antibiotic treatment was implemented, brain abscess tended to alleviate, but the patient eventually developed fungal pneumonia and died of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).Conclusion Early diagnosis, reasonable surgical intervention, and targeted antibiotic treatment are critical for Nocardia brain abscess treatment. Any delay in diagnosis and appropriate therapy can have adverseconsequences.
Malaria Positivity Following a Single Oral Dose of Azithromycin Among Children in Burkina Faso: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Brogdon Jessica , Dah Clarisse , Sié Ali , Bountogo Mamadou , Coulibaly Boubacar , Kouanda Idrissa , Ouattara Mamadou , Compaoré Guillaume , Nebie Eric , Seynou Mariam , Lebas Elodie , Nyatigo Fanice , Hu Huiyu , Arnold Benjamin F. , Lietman Thomas M. , Oldenburg Catherine E. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background. Azithromycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has moderate antimalarial activity and has been shown to reduce all-cause mortality when biannually administered to children under five in high mortality settings in sub-Saharan Africa. One potential mechanism for this observed reduction in mortality is via a reduction in malaria transmission.Methods. We evaluated whether a single oral dose of azithromycin reduces malaria positivity by rapid diagnostic test (RDT). We conducted an individually randomized placebo-controlled trial in Burkina Faso during the high malaria transmission season in August 2020. Children aged 8 days to 59 months old were randomized to a single oral dose of azithromycin (20 mg/kg) or matching placebo. At baseline and 14 days following treatment, we administered a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) to detect Plasmodium falciparum and measured tympanic temperature for all children. Caregiver-reported adverse events and clinic visits were recorded at the day 14 visit. Results. We enrolled 449 children with 221 randomized to azithromycin and 228 to placebo. The median age was 32 months and 48% were female. A total of 8% of children had a positive RDT for malaria at baseline and 11% had a fever (tympanic temperature ³37.5°C). In the azithromycin arm, 8% of children had a positive RDT for malaria at 14 days compared to 7% in the placebo arm (P=0.65). Fifteen percent of children in the azithromycin arm had a fever ³37.5°C compared to 21% in the placebo arm (P=0.12). Caregivers of children in the azithromycin group had lower odds of reporting fever as an adverse event compared to children in the placebo group (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.18-0.96, P=0.04). Caregiver-reported clinic visits were uncommon, and there were no observed differences between arms (P=0.32).Conclusions. We did not find evidence that a single oral dose of azithromycin reduced malaria positivity during the high transmission season. Caregiver-reported fever occurred less often in children receiving azithromycin compared to placebo, indicating that azithromycin may have some effect on non-malarial infections. Trial Registration: NCT03676751
Co-Infection of Plasmodium Falciparum and Helminths Among School Children in Communities in Southern and Northern Ghana
Authors: Akosah-Brempong Gabriel , Attah Simon Kwaku , Hinne Isaac Amankona , Addo-Osafo Kantanka , Lawson Edith Appiah , Osei Mary-Magdalene , Afrane Yaw Asare 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundInfections of Plasmodium species, Schistosoma species and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) inflict a significant burden on children mostly in deprived communities in Ghana. Despite the deployment of malaria vector control and the annual Mass Drug Administration by National Control Programmes, these infections still pose major public health concerns in Ghana. Adequate data is necessary for formulating policies and strengthening interventions to mitigate transmission. This study assessed the co-infection burden of Plasmodium, Schistosoma species and STH infections among school children in communities in Southern and Northern Ghana.MethodSchool children living in communities in Southern (Ada Foah, Pediatorkope, Tuanikope and Northern (Kpalsogu) Ghana were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. A total of 493 (241 males and 252 females) school children aged (2–15 years) were enrolled in the study. Stool samples were collected to screen for Schistosoma mansoni and STH infections using the formol-ether concentration technique and urine samples were also collected to screen for S. haematobium using the routine urine examination method. Plasmodium parasitaemia was determined from thick and thin finger-prick blood samples.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of P. falciparum, S. mansoni, S. haematobium, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infections were 17.2% (95%CI, 12.8–19.7), 22.6% (95%CI, 25.2–32.7), 1.6% (95%CI, 0.89–5.2), 1.2% (95%CI, 0.78–4.8) and 1.2% (95%CI, 0.78–4.8) respectively. Plasmodium falciparum infection was generally widespread in all the study sites with Anyarpkor recording the highest prevalence (35.3%) and Kpalsogu recording the lowest (5.8%). Schistosoma mansoni was present in only two Southern communities with Tuanikope recording the highest prevalence of 70.3% as against 51.5% recorded in Pediatorkope. A total of 4.5% (95% CI, 2.82–10.8) of the children were co-infected with P. falciparum, Schistosoma species and STHs. This occurred only in the Southern communities; of which combination of P. falciparum and S. mansoni were predominant (1.4%).ConclusionA relatively low burden of parasites co-infection among children only in the Southern communities was detected. However, there were a high prevalence of single infections of P. falciparum and S. mansoni in those communities. Control measures are needed in the island communities with a high burden of S. mansoni infections and Ada Foah where P. falciparum infections are high.