bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between disability measure and Black Hole (T1 hypointense lesion) lesion load in brain magnetic resonance imaging of patients with multiple sclerosis: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Valizadeh Amir , Barati Elham , Sahraian Mohammad Ali , Fattahi Mohammad Reza , Moassefi Mana 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Rationale: As the role of neurodegeneration in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) has become more prominent, the formation and evolution of chronic or persistent T1-hypointense lesions (Black Holes) have been used as markers of axonal loss and neuronal destruction to measure disease activity. However, findings regarding this subject are controversial. In this study we aim to clarify the level of importance of T1 hypointense lesions for estimating the prognosis of patients.Objectives: To evaluate the correlation between T1 hypointensities (Black holes) lesion load (lesion mean volume) on brain MRI with disability level of patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) or Secondary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS).Data sources: We will search MEDLINE (through PubMed), Embase, CENTRAL, Science Citation Index – Expanded (Web of Science), and Conference Proceedings Citation Index – Science (Web of Science). We won’t consider any timeframe, language, or geographical restrictions.Methods: Standard systematic review protocol methodology is employed. Eligibility criteria is reported in line with PICOTS system. Population is limited to adult patients diagnosed with RRMS or SPMS, based on the McDonald criteria. Index (prognostic factor) of interest will be T1 hypointense (black hole) lesion mean volume (lesion load) on brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). There will be no comparators. Outcome of interest will be the disability measure using Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). For the timing domain, we will include studies only if the outcome was measured at the same time MRI was performed (or with a very close time interval between). Inpatient and outpatient settings will both be included. All included studies will be assessed for the risk of bias using a tailored version of the Quality In Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. Extracted correlation coefficients will be converted to the Fisher’s z scale and a meta-analysis will be performed on the results. We will then convert back the results to correlation coefficients again for the sake of presentation. For the purpose of assessing heterogeneity we will use prediction intervals. If feasible, we will also try to perform subgroup and sensitivity analyses. We will also evaluate the publication bias using Funnel plots and assess the confidence in cumulative evidence using an adapted version of the GRADE for prognostic factor research.
Intrathecal or Extracapuslar Lymph Nodes Dissection For Patients With Rectal and Sigmoid Colon Cancer？
Authors: Ge Wei , Shao Li-hua , Gong Hai-yan , Chen Gang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Aim: To investigate that whether intrathecal lymph nodes dissection is superior to extracapsular lymph nodes dissection for patients with rectal and sigmoid colon cancer.Methods: We performed a retrospective clinical study between August, 2017 and October, 2019 at the department of general surgery, the affiliated hospital of Nanjing University Medical School. According to the ways of lymph nodes dissection, these patients were divided into extracapuslar group and intrathecal group. We then compared the curative effect and safety between the two groups.Results: A total of 211 patients were recruited in this retrospective study and assigned as follows: 62 cases to the intrathecal group and 149 patients to extracapuslar group. There were no statistic differences in the total number of lymph nodes, number of positive lymph nodes, and nodal staging between the two groups. However, the amount of bleeding in intrathecal group was significantly higher than that in extracapuslar group (p=0.000) and the operation time in intrathecal group was also significantly longer than that in extracapuslar group (p=0.000).Conclusion: Dissecting lymph nodes by extracapuslar dissection is preferred in radical resection of patients with rectal and sigmoid colon cancer. Statement: This paper compared the curative effect and safety between intrathecal and extracapsular lymph nodes dissection for patients with rectal and sigmoid colon cancer. This topic has never been reported in the literature and has great clinical significance.
Eumycetoma Osteomyelitis Calcaneus in Adolescent; Report of Case and Review in Literature.
Authors: Alwad Ammar , Alnaser Adnan , Abdelmaged Hozifa , Abdallah Reyad , Khougali Hussam S 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Mycetoma is the most common deep mycosis in humans. It is a chronic, progressive, and destructive disease primarily caused by actinomycetes (98%). It involves the skin, soft tissues and occasionally bone, central nervous system as well as internal organs, and characterized by formation of black grains and poor response to treatment. Case presentation: We present a case report about 19 year old male patient with annoying Right ankle pain and swelling for more than 1 year. Diagnosed initially as abscess and drainage was done 8 months ago without any improvement. No X-ray, biopsy or swab for culture and sensitivity done at time of first presentation. On his current presentation at Omdurman hospital mycetoma foot with osteomyelitis was diagnosed based on radiological and pathological assessment. Patient treated with aggressive debridement and bone curettage plus postoperative Itraconazole for 1 year. Conclusion: Surgical Debridement with aggressive bone curettage followed by regular follow up and X-ray can improve the prognosis and achieve good surgical outcome with very low risk of recurrence.
Clinical Features and Outcomes of Immunoglobulin G4-related Disease
Authors: Lee Sua , Yang Chul Woo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a newly recognized disease, and a few epidemiologic studies about this disorder have been published. This research aimed to describe the clinical, laboratory, and histopathological features and outcomes of IgG4-RD. Ninety-four patients who satisfied the comprehensive diagnostic criteria on IgG4-RD were included in this study. Fifty-eight (61.7%) were men. The mean age was 54.8 years, and the median follow-up duration was 32.9 months. The clinical feature between single and multiple organ involvement and with or without kidney involvement groups were evaluated based on symptoms and laboratory findings. The clinical outcome was assessed according to treatment strategies and response. Of 94 patients, 56 (59.6%) had multiple organs involvement. Patients with multiple organ involvement had higher serum IgG and IgG4 levels than those with single organ involvement. Those with IgG4-related kidney disease (IgG4-RKD) had worse renal function, and the incidence of peripheral blood eosinophilia and hypocomplementemia was higher in patients with renal involvement than in those without. Glucocorticoids-based therapy was most commonly used. (79.8%). Thirty-nine (41.5%) achieved complete remission. Eighteen (19.1%) relapsed after response to treatment. IgG4-RD had different clinical features and outcomes. The number of organ involvement and kidney involvement were not associated with clinical outcomes.
Predictive Factor for Emotional Fragility in Early Stage Melanoma Diagnosis&nbsp;
Authors: Giacomo Dina , Guerra Federica , Ranieri Jessica , Cilli Eleonora 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective. Melanoma patients remain at risk of disease progression for many years after diagnosis. Psychological distress, depression and anxiety are emotional conditions that negatively influence both the patients’ quality of life and the clinical course of the disease, laying down for a slow recovery as well as for an increase in comorbidity. Aim of the study was to analyze the psychological needs of young and adult patients diagnosed with early stage melanoma by gender sensitivity. Methods. A sample of 92 patients (age range 18-55 years) with diagnosis of melanoma stage T0-T1a-T1b participated in the study. The examined emotional variables were: psychological distress, depression, stress, anxiety, metacognitions and body self-perception. Results. The results highlighted significant gender differences: females appeared psychologically more vulnerable than males; another interesting point was no aging depending. Female emotional pattern showed higher anxiety, and psychological distress associated to lower positive self-perception of body image. No significant difference among cancer staging, as well as no interaction effect and neither significant covariance by age.Conclusion. Prevention and intervention protocols must be adapted taking into account gender differences in the adoption of preventive behaviors and compliance with medical recommendations
Farm Workers Exposure to Heat Extreme in Upcoming Years in Southern Part of Iran
Authors: Dehaghi Behzad Fouladi , Amini Mastaneh , Rangkooy Hossinali , Ghavamabadi Leila Ibrahimi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Excessive ambient air temperature due to global warming and climate change is capable of imposing heat stress on outdoor workers. In this study data of three synoptic metrological monitoring stations (locating at the cities of Ahvaz, Dezful and Dehdez) in a 30 years duration (1986-2016), was used. In order to predict the future trend of air temperature Hadley Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Model (HadCM) and Long Ashton Climate Generator (LARS) were applied. Also, Wet bulb global temperature (WBGT) index was used to determine heat stress. The results showed that the temperature will increase throughout the year in the coming years in the 3 cities. The rise of temperature rate between time duration of 2011-2040 and 2041-2070 will be about 5 ºc. And the rate of increase in air temperature in the city of Ahvaz will be higher than the other two cities. Also, WBGT index showed an increasing trend in each time period. According the results it was revealed that heat stress coincidence with global warming will increase and exposure to heat for farm workers will be much more severe.
Range of Motion Exercise Suppresses Myofibroblast Proliferation in the Joint Capsule in a Rat Joint Contracture Model
Authors: Matsuzaki Taro , Yoshida Shinya , Hoso Masahiro 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to perform range of motion exercises on a rat knee joint contracture model and clarify changes in the joint range of motion and number of myofibroblasts in the joint capsule. Eighteen male Wistar rats were used and randomly divided into the following three groups: control, immobilized, and exercise. The right hindlimb knee joints of rats in the immobilized and exercise groups were immobilized, and the animals in the exercise group started the range of motion exercises the day after the joint immobilization. After the two weeks experimental period, the range of knee joint extension angle was measured, and the knee joint was collected. To observe the posterior joint capsule of the rat knee joint, hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunostaining were performed. Differences in knee extension restriction angles were significant between all groups, and differences in the number of alpha smooth muscle actin-positive cells were significant between the control and immobilization groups. These results indicate that joint immobilization leads to myofibroblast proliferation, whereas gentle exercise that does not maintain sufficient range of motion in the joint may inhibit myofibroblast proliferation.
Evaluation of Whole-Genome DNA Methylation Sequencing Library Preparation Protocols
Authors: Morrison Jacob , Koeman Julie M. , Johnson Benjamin K. , Foy Kelly K. , Zhou Wanding , Chesla David W. , Rossell Larissa L. , Siegwald Emily J. , Adams Marie , Shen Hui 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: With rapidly dropping sequencing cost, the popularity of whole-genome DNA methylation sequencing has been on the rise. Multiple library preparation protocols exist, but a systematic evaluation and benchmarking of their performance against each other is currently lacking. We have performed 22 whole-genome DNA methylation sequencing experiments on fresh frozen human samples, and extensively benchmarked common library preparation protocols for whole-genome DNA methylation sequencing, including three traditional bisulfite-based protocols and a new enzyme-based protocol. Additionally, different input DNA quantities were compared for two kits compatible with a reduced starting quantity. In addition, we also present bioinformatic analysis pipelines for sequencing data from each of these library types.

Results: An assortment of metrics were collected for each kit, including raw read statistics, library quality and uniformity metrics, cytosine retention, and CpG beta value consistency between technical replicates. Overall, the NEBNext Enzymatic Methyl-seq kit performed quantitatively better than the other three protocols at two different DNA input amounts. Additionally, the results for the different input amounts were generally consistent across all metrics.

Conclusions: Based on these results, we recommend use of the NEBNext Enzymatic Methyl-seq kit for whole-genome DNA methylation sequencing. Further, a general bioinformatic pipeline is applicable across the four protocols, with the exception of extra trimming needed for the Swift Bioscience's Accel-NGS Methyl-Seq protocol to remove the Adaptase sequence.
ISL1 Romotes Enzalutamide Resistance in Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC) through Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)
Authors: Choi Jae Duck , Kim Tae Jin , Jeong Byong Chang , Jeon Hwang Gyun , Jeon Seong Soo , Kang Min Yong , Yeom Seon Yong , Seo Seong Il 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Abnormal expression of insulin gene enhancer-binding protein 1 (ISL1) has been demonstrated to be closely associated with cancer development and progression in several cancers. However, little is known about ISL1 expression in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). ISL1 has also been recognized as a positive modulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this study, we focused on ISL1 which showed maximum upregulation at the mRNA level in the enzalutamide-resistant cell line. Accordingly, we found that ISL1 was overexpressed in enzalutamide-resistant C4-2B cells and its expression was significantly related to EMT. Our findings reveal the important role of ISL1 in androgen receptor (AR)-dependent prostate cancer cell growth; ISL1 knockdown reduced the AR activity and cell growth. ISL1 knockdown using small-interfering RNA inhibited AR, PSA, and EMT-related protein expression in C4-2B ENZR cells. In addition, knock-down ISL1 reduced the levels of AKT and p65 phosphorylation in C4-2B ENZR cells and these suggest that knock-down ISL1 suppresses EMT in part by targeting the AKT/ NF-κB pathway. Further, ISL1 downregulation could effectively inhibit tumor growth in a human CRPC xenograft model. Together, the present study shows that downregulation of ISL1 expression is necessary for overcoming enzalutamide resistance and improving the survival of CRPC patients.
Long-Term Characteristics of Midlatitude Mesosphere Summer Echoes (MSE) Observed with a VHF Radar at Wakkanai, Japan (45.4ºN)
Authors: Ogawa Tadahiko , Suzuki Hidehiko , Nishitani Nozomu , Murayama Yasuhiro , Kawamura Seiji 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Midlatitude mesosphere summer echoes (MSE) at the VHF band (VHF-MSE) were observed for 13 years (2000-2002 and 2009-2018) with a 46.5 MHz radar at Wakkanai, Japan (45.4ºN, 141.8ºE). VHF-MSE are active during June-July and appear only in the daytime mainly at altitudes of 80-88 km with a maximum occurrence at 85 km and altitude extents of 1-4 km for a duration of about half an hour or more. The VHF-MSE occurrences are positively correlated with solar activity, but not with geomagnetic activity except for very high activity. Such long-term characteristics are mostly consistent with past VHF-MSE observations at higher midlatitudes in Europe.　No VHF-MSE were observed in 2002, 2014 and 2018, possible reasons for which are discussed. It is shown that cold ice particles in the upper mesosphere inducing MSE are advected from high latitudes to midlatitudes with equatorward wind. Thus, the MSE occurrences over Wakkanai are fundamentally controlled by both the solar activity and equatorward ice particle advection. One example of MSE at the HF band (HF-MSE) is presented to discuss spatial and temporal relationship between VHF-MSE and HF-MSE.
Exploration of Traditional Plant Based Medicines Used as Potential Remedies for Livestock Aliments in Northeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Hassen Ahmed , Muche Meseret , Muasya Muthama , Abraha Berhanu Tsegay 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Livestock production is an integral part of the agricultural industry and to the livelihood of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. However, livestock diseases and erosion of medicinal plants need urgent attention. Therefore this study was conducted to explore the ethnoveterinary plants and practices used to treat livestock ailments across varied agroclimatic zones in northeastern Ethiopia.
Methods

Information on the ethnoveterinary plants was collected between December 2019 and July 2020 across three districts using semi-structured questionnaire. The generated data included types of plants, parts used, preparations and routes of administration for treating livestock ailments. ANOVA and Chi-square were used to compute ethnoveterinarical indices among agroclimates.
Results

The present study revealed that there was a significant association (P = 0.001) between numbers of ethnoveterinary plant citations with sex, and age categories (P = 0.02), however, there were no considerable associations in educational status (P = 0.07). A total of 95 plants in 44 families were used by the healers for treatments of 45 livestock ailments. The ANOVA result showed that there was a significant difference in distribution of medicinal plant species (P < 0.01) in the agroclimatic zones. Irrespective of the variation, the most cited plant family with the largest number of species 10 (10.52 %) was Asteraceae and herbs 39 (42.8 %) were the dominant growth form reported. The most common plant part used for formulation of remedies was leaves 41 (39.05%) and crushing and pounding were the dominant mode of preparations. Most of plants were from the wild 65(70.65%) habitat. Considerable variations in Use Value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citations (RFC) and Fidelity Level (FL) were observed among the survived agroclimates. Datura stramonium (UV = 0.85; FL = 90.4 %; RFCs = 0.8) was the most often cited species to treat livestock ailments. The highest ICF was observed for bloating (0.87), bloody diarrhea (0.85) and eye infection (0.84), respectively.
Conclusions

The studied districts are rich in both medicinal floras and concomitant traditional knowledge for the treatment of livestock ailments and therefore further studies on the phytochemical screening of ethnoveterinary plants is vital for inventory of pharmacological active ingredients and production of drugs.
Efficacy of Online Education during nCOVID- 19 pandemic lockdown among Medical and Allied Health Students in India
Authors: Debnath Manna , Ojha Santosh , Niraula Anupam , Sharma Dolly 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused sensation and fear among the world population. World Health Organization (WHO) announced the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic on the 11th of March 2020 and India was one of the first countries to initiate the national pandemic lockdown. The teaching and learning process has been greatly impacted by this decisive step taken by the Government of India. Thereafter many institutes in India have adopted the online mode for the continuation of the teaching-learning process. A standard questionnaire was prepared and circulated among all participants within India via the online platform. A total of 1042 participants submitted their responses out of which 53% were females and 47% were males. 77% of students stated that they have attended online classes conducted by their respective educational institutes. The majority of the students were very much interested in online education (via Google platform, Zoom, etc.) but the practical knowledge was not adequate. Online education can be a good method of learning and improving the overall academic progress but it might not be as effective as a traditional education system for improving the practical aspect of learning in the case of the Medical and Allied Health students during the lockdown.
Relationship Between Sleep and Arthritis in a Middle-aged and Older Chinese Population- the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Li Chunnan , shaomei Shang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective. To evaluate the relationship between sleep duration, sleep restless and arthritis in middle-aged and older Chinese population. Methods. A total of 4957 middle-aged and elderly people aged 45 years and above from The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) wave 3 were included. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for arthritis. Results. Sleep duration was shown to have a U-shaped association with arthritis after adjusting confounding factors. Compared with <5h sleep duration per night, ORs (95 % CIs) of sleep duration 5-7,7-8 and 8-9 h per night for arthritis were 0.61 (0.52– 0.73, P value <0.001) ,0.47 (0.38-0.58, P value <0.001),0.50 (0.41,0.60, P value <0.001)and 0.50 (0.39–0.64, P value <0.001), respectively. Sleep restless was positively correlated with the prevalence of arthritis. After stratification according to sleep restless status, for those without sleep restless, 8-9 hours duration (OR=0.55, 95 % CI 0.39-0.78,P value=0.001)had the best protective effect on arthritis, while7-8 hours duration (OR=0.45, 95 % CI 0.34-0.60,P value <0.001)was best in people with sleep restless. Conclusion. In middle aged and old Chinese population, sleep duration is U-shaped associated with arthritis, and sleep restless affect the correlation.
Age is Associated with the Efficacy of Anticoagulant Therapies Against Sepsis-Induced Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Authors: Takahashi Kyosuke , Umemura Yutaka , Yamakawa Kazuma , Ogura Hiroshi , Shimazu Takeshi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) commonly complicates sepsis and considerably worsens mortality. Recent studies suggested that anticoagulant therapies improved mortality only in specific sepsis populations, and key pathologies for selecting optimal targets needed to be identified. Anticoagulant activities were naturally altered with aging. This study aimed to evaluate age-related differences in efficacy of anticoagulant therapies in sepsis.Methods: This post hoc analysis of a nationwide multicenter cohort study was conducted in 42 intensive care units in Japan. Adult patients with septic DIC were divided into anticoagulant and control groups. Age-related changes in predicted mortality in both groups were compared using a logistic regression model including two-way interaction terms. Patients were also stratified into three subsets based on age, and propensity score-adjusted Cox regression analyses were conducted to examine survival effect of anticoagulants in each subset.Results: We included 1432 patients with septic DIC; 867 patients received anticoagulants and 565 received none. Age-related change in predicted mortality was significantly different between groups (p for interaction = 0.013), and the gap between groups was broad in the younger population. Similarly, in Cox regression analyses, anticoagulant therapies were associated with significantly lower mortality in the subsets of age ≤60 and 60-79 (hazard ratios = 0.461, 0.617, p = 0.007, 0.005, respectively), whereas there was no difference in survival between the groups in the subsets of age ≥80.Conclusion: The efficacy of anticoagulant therapies for septic DIC might be associated with patient age.