bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between Ambient Temperature, Particulate Air Pollution and Emergency Room Visits for Conjunctivitis
Authors: khalaila soltan , Coreanu Tara , Vodonos Alina , Kloog Itai , Shtein Alexandra , Novack Victor , Tsumi Erez 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Numerous studies have confirmed that ambient temperature and air pollution are associated with higher risk of morbidities to different systems of the human body, yet few have addressed their effect on the ocular system. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between temperature, air pollution and emergency room visits for non-specific conjunctivitis

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, the records of all emergency room visits to Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC) from 2009 to 2014 were reviewed for patients with conjunctivitis. Exposure to fine and coarse particulate matter and temperature were assessed by a hybrid model that incorporated daily satellite remote sensing.

Results

The records of the 6001 patients who visited the SUMC emergency room with conjunctivitis, together with the meteorological data, revealed a positive association between temperature increment and incidence of conjunctivitis. The strongest effect was found during summer and autumn: the incidence increased 8.1% for each 1oC rise in temperature between 24oC and 28oC in the summer, and 7.2% for each 1oC rise in temperature between 13oC and 23oC in autumn. The association between fine and coarse particulate matter and incidence of conjunctivitis was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

High ambient temperature is significantly associated with an increased risk of nonspecific conjunctivitis in summer and autumn and not in spring and winter. Conjunctivitis is not associated with air pollution. The findings can assist community clinics and hospital emergency rooms prepare for the upticks in the condition during certain seasons and acute rises in temperatures, lowering the financial costs to both the individual and the public.
Change in Angle of Eyes with Primary Angle Closure Suspects One Year after Laser Peripheral Iridotomy : a randomised study
Authors: Mou Dapeng , Liang Yuan Bo , Fan Su Jie , Peng Yi , Wang Ning Li , Thomas Ravi 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: To report the changes in anterior chamber angle and progression rate to PAC(primary angle closure) following laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) in primary angle closure suspects(PACS). Methods: Prospective, randomized controlled interventional clinical trial conducted at the Handan Eye Hospital, China. 134 bilateral PACS, defined as non-visibility of the posterior trabecular meshwork for ≥ 180 degrees on gonioscopy were randomly assigned to undergo LPI in one eye. Gonioscopy and Goldmann applanation tonometry were performed prior to, on day 7 and 12 months’ post LPI. Results: 80 of 134 patients (59.7%) could be followed up at one year. The mean IOP in treated eyes was 15.9±2.7 mmHg at baseline, 15.4±3.0 mmHg on day 7; 16.5±2.9 mmHg at one month and 15.5±2.9 mmHg at 12 months; the IOP in untreated eyes was similar (p=0.834). One or more quadrants of the angle opened in 93.7% of the LPI treated eyes, but 67.0% (53/79) remained closed in two or more quadrants. The progression rate to PAC in untreated eyes was 3.75% and one developed acute angle closure glaucoma(AACG), the progression rate to PAC(primary angle closure) in treated eyes 2.5% in treated eyes, none had developed PAS or AACG. Conclusion: LPI can open some of the occludable angle in the majority of eyes with PACS, but 67% continue to have non-visibility of the trabecular meshwork for over 180 degrees. IOP remained similar in treated and untreated eyes. Further research is needed to determine the full implications of residual closure as well as the need for follow up and treatment in PACS. The cumulative incidence for PAC/AACG in treated eyes were not significantly different from untreated eyes. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-TCH-10000820, as well as the date of registration(retrospectively registered).
Investigating Associated Factors with Glomerular Filtration Rate : Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Jamshidi Parastoo , Najafi Farid , Mostafaee Shayan , Shakiba Ebrahem , pasdar yahya , Hamzeh Behrooz , Moradinazar Mahdi 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is a valid indicator for kidney function, both in healthy and diseased people. Different factors can affect GFR. The purpose of this study is to assess a causal model to show direct and indirect effects of GFR-related factors using structural equation modeling.
Patients and methods : We analyzed data from recruitment phase of Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease cohort study. Data on socio-behavioral, nutritional, cardiovascular, and metabolic risk factors were entered in a conceptual model in order to test direct and indirect effects of the associated factors on GFR, separately in male and female, using the structural equation modeling.
Results : Of 8927 individuals participated in this study, 4212 subjects were male (47.2%) and 4715 subjects were female (52.8%). The obtained standard deviation of GFR was 76.05 (±14.3) per 1.73 . Filtration rate for 11.52%, 72.96% and 15.50% of people were <60, and , respectively. Hypertension in both gender and atherogenic factor in male directly, and in female directly and indirectly had a decreasing effect on GFR. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and smoking in male and female, directly or indirectly through other variables, was associated with a decrease in GFR. In female, diabetes had a decreasing direct and indirect effect on GFR. Obesity in female was directly associated with increasing and indirectly associated with decreasing filtration.
Conclusion : According to our results, increasing age, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and high blood lipids, and BUN had a decreasing direct and indirect effects on GFR. Although low GFR might have different reasons and it is not a consistent sign of CKD, our findings, in line with other reports, provide more detailed informations about important risk factors of low GFR. Public awareness about such factors can improve public practice of positive health behaviours.
Adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the simplified Chinese version of the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability questionnaire in Chinese-speaking patients with chronic ankle instability disorders
Authors: Wang Wei , Sheng Jun , Tang Yinchao , Xie Qingyun , Wei Meng , Li Zhiqiang , Zheng Wei 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to adapt the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI) questionnaire into simplified Chinese version and assess its reliability, validity, and responsiveness in Chinese-speaking patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) disorders.
Methods: The simplified Chinese version of the IdFAI (SC-IdFAI) questionnaire was developed in a five-step procedure of cross-cultural translation and adaptation. Three questionnaires, including the SC-IdFAI, Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 (SF-36), and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), were administered to the recruited patients. Then, the Cronbach’s alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC), Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rs), effect size (ES), and standardized response mean (SRM) were calculated to evaluate the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the SC-IdFAI questionnaire.
Results: A total of 131, 119, and 86 patients with CAI successfully completed the first, second, and third rounds of the questionnaires, respectively. Good or excellent internal consistency and test–retest reliability were found in the overall scale and subscales of the SC-IdFAI questionnaire. Low values for SEM (1.346) and MDC (3.73) indicated that small clinical changes could be detected by the SC-IdFAI questionnaire. The correlations of SC-IdFAI with FAAM and SF-36 were generally in agreement with a priori hypotheses (85%, 34/40), suggesting good construct validity of the SC-IdFAI questionnaire. Moreover, good responsiveness was observed in the overall scale and subscales of the SC-IdFAI questionnaire.
Conclusion: The SC-IdFAI questionnaire was reliable, valid, and responsive for evaluating Chinese-speaking patients with CAI and might prove to be an effective instrument.
Risk factors for extended length of stay following hip fracture surgery: A retrospective cohort study of patients aged 90 years and over in China
Authors: Lan Ling , Pei Li-jian , Zhai Feifei , Zhang Yuelun , Jing Jun , Huang Yuguang 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Hip fractures are typical fractures in geriatric patients and are associated with a high risk of postoperative complications and extended length of stay (LOS) compared with other osteoporotic fractures, particularly among patients over age 90. We aimed to identify the risk factors for extended LOS (more than 14 days) in patients older than 90 years.

Methods

A single-centre retrospective cohort study was performed in 50 patients (over age 90) who experienced hip fracture between June 1, 2013, and August 31, 2017. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed from the hospital’s electronic database. The baseline characteristics of the patients, intraoperative data and postoperative complications were collected for the assessment of potential risk factors. Univariate analysis and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis were performed to determine potential risk factors for extended LOS.

Results

The age of the patients in the cohort ranged from 90 to 101 years, and the analysis demonstrated that 70% (n = 35) of the patients experienced a complicated course of treatment with an in-hospital mortality rate of 4% (n = 2). The most common complication was the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia (38%). The median duration of hospital stay was 18 (IQR 11, 21) days. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that a LOS of more than 14 days was significantly associated with a lower mean diastolic blood pressure during surgery [odds ratio (OR) =0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.76-0.98, P = 0.018] and the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia (OR=8.95, 95% CI=1.45-55.3, P = 0.018). The occurrence of postoperative pneumonia was significantly associated with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at admission (D0) [odds ratio (OR) =1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.02-1.41, P = 0.029]. Neither the LOS nor postoperative pneumonia was found to be associated with the anaesthesia technique.

Conclusions

A lower mean diastolic blood pressure during surgery and the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia may extend the LOS in patients aged 90 years and over who undergo hip fracture surgery. The use of regional anaesthesia was not associated with a shorter LOS.
Reduced strength, poor balance and concern about falls mediate the relationship between knee pain and fall risk in older people
Authors: Hicks Cameron J , Levinger Pazit , Menant Jasmine C , Lord Stephen R , Sachdev Perminder S , Brodaty Henry , Sturnieks Daina L 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Aims

Pain is an independent risk factor for falling. One in two older community-dwelling people with musculoskeletal pain fall each year. This study examined physical, psychological and medical factors as potential mediators to explain the relationship between knee pain and falls.

Methods

Three hundred and thirty-three community-dwelling people aged 70+ years (52% women) participated in this cohort study with a 1-year follow-up for falls. Participants completed questionnaires (medical history, general health and concern about falls) and underwent physical performance tests. Participants were classified into ‘pain’ and ‘no pain’ groups based on self-reported knee pain. Poisson Regression models were computed to determine the Relative Risk (RR) of having multiple falls and potential mediators for increased fall risk.

Results

One hundred and eighteen (35.5%) participants were categorised as having knee pain. This group took more medications and had more medical conditions (P <0.01) compared to the no pain group. The pain group had poorer balance, physical function and strength and reported increased concern about falls. Sixty one participants (19.5%) reported ≥ 2 falls, with the pain group twice as likely to experience multiple falls over the 12 month follow up (RR = 2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.27 – 3.13). Concern about falls, knee extension torque and postural sway with eyes closed were identified as significant and independent mediators of fall risk, and when combined explained 23% of the relationship between knee pain and falls.

Conclusion

This study has identified several medical, medication, psychological, sensorimotor, balance and mobility factors to be associated with knee pain, and found the presence of knee pain doubles the risk of multiple falls in older community living people. Alleviating knee pain, as well as addressing associated risk factors may assist in preventing falls in older people with knee pain.
Old subjects with sepsis: trend analysis of case fatality rate in the Emergency Department
Authors: Fabbri Andrea , Marchesini Giulio , Benazzi Barbara , Morelli Alice , Montesi Danilo , Bini Cesare , Rizzo Stefano Giovanni 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

The burden of sepsis represents a global health care problem. We aimed to assess the case fatality rate (CFR) and its predictors in subjects with sepsis admitted to a general Italian hospital from 2009 to 2016, stratified by risk score.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of all sepsis-related hospitalizations after Emergency Department (ED) visit in a public Italian hospital in an 8-year period. A risk score to predict CFR was computed by logistic regression analysis of selected variables in a training set (2009-2012), and then confirmed in the whole study population. A trend analysis of CFR during the study period was performed dividing patient as high-risk (upper tertile of risk score) or low-risk .

Results

2,492 subjects were included. Over time the incidental admission rate (no. of sepsis-related admissions per 100 total admissions) increased from 4.1% (2009-2010) to 5.4% (2015-2016); P<0.001, accompanied by a reduced CFR (from 38.0% to 18.4%; P<0.001). A group of 10 variables (admission in intensive care unit, cardio-vascular dysfunction, HIV infection, diabetes, age ≥80 years, respiratory diseases, number of organ dysfunction, digestive diseases, dementia and cancer) were selected by the logistic model to predict CFR with good accuracy: AUC 0.873 [0.009]. Along the years CFR decreased from 31.8% (2009-2010) to 25.0% (2015-2016); P = 0.007. The relative proportion of subjects ≥80 years (overall, 52.9% of cases) and classified as high-risk did not change along the years. CFR decreased only in low-risk subjects (from 13.3% to 5.2%; P<0.001), and particularly in those aged ≥80 (from 18.2% to 6.6%; P=0.003), but not in high-risk individuals (from 69.9% to 64.2%; P=0.713).

Conclusion

Between 2009 and 2016 the incidence of sepsis-related hospitalization increased in a general Italian hospital, with a downward trend in CFR, only limited to low-risk patients and particularly to subjects ≥80 years.
The prognostic values of m6A RNA methylation regulators in Uveal melanoma
Authors: Wan Qi , Tang Jing , Lu Jianqun 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Purpose

The aim of this study were to identify gene signatures and prognostic values of m6A methylation regulators in uveal melanoma (UM).

Methods

The RNA sequencing dataset and corresponding clinical information were downloaded from TCGA and GEO database. Based on the expression of m6A RNA methylation regulators, the patients were further clustered into different groups by applying the “ClassDiscovery” algorithm. Survival analysis was performed using log-rank tests and LASSO regression model. The association between mutations and m6A regulators was assessed by student t tests and clinical characteristics was examined by using chi-square test.

Result

Totally, we identified two molecular subtypes of UM (C1/2) by applying consensus clustering to m6A RNA methylation regulators. Contrasted to the C1 subtype, the C2 subtype associates with a better prognosis, longer survival time and lower percentage of Monosomy 3. The malignant hallmarks of mTORC1 signaling, oxidative phosphorylation, interferon-a response and apoptosis signaling are also significantly enriched in the C1 subtype. Moreover, a 2-m6A regulators signature was screened out by LASSO method, which can robustly predict UM patients survival.

Conclusions

m6A RNA methylation regulators take a crucial role in the potential malignant progression and prognostic value of UM and might be regarded as a new promising biomarker for UM prognosis and treatment strategy development.
A genomic-clinicopathologic nomogram predict survival for patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cui Jie , Wen Qingquan , Tan Xiaojun , Piao Jinsong , Zhang Qiong , Wang Qian , He Lizhen , Wang Yan , Chen Zhen , Liu Genglong 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which have little or no ability to encode proteins, have attracted special attention due to their potential role in cancer disease. We aimed to establish a lncRNAs signature and a nomogram incorporating the genomic and clinicopathologic factors to improve the accuracy of survival prediction for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). LSCC RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data set and the matched clinicopathologic information were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Using univariable Cox regression and Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis, we developed a thirteen lncRNAs signature related to prognosis. On the basis of multivariable Cox regression analysis results, a nomogram integrating the genomic and clinicopathologic predictors was built. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of the inclusive nomogram were confirmed by calibration curve and a concordance index (C-index), and compared with TNM stage system by C-index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was conducted to assess clinical value of our nomogram. Consequently, thirteen overall survival (OS) -related lncRNAs were identified, and the signature consisting of the selected thirteen lncRNAs could effectively divide patients into high-risk and low-risk subgroup, with the area under curve (AUC) of 0.89 (3-year OS) and AUC of 0.885(5-year OS). Independent factors derived from multivariable analysis to predict survival were margin status, tumor status and lncRNAs signature, which were all assembled into the nomogram. The calibration curve for the survival probability showed that the predictions based on the nomogram were in good coincide with actual observations. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.82 (0.77-0.87), and the area under curve (AUC) of nomogram in predicting overall survival (OS) was 0.938, which were significantly higher than traditional TNM stage. Decision curve analysis further demonstrated that our nomogram had larger net benefit than TNM stage. In summary, an inclusive nomogram for patients with LSCC, comprising genomic and clinicopathologic variables, generates more accurate estimations of the survival probability when compared TNM stage alone, but more additional data remains needed before being used in clinical practice.
HPV E6/E7 mRNA test for the detection of high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2+): A systematic review
Authors: Derbie Awoke , Mekonnen Daniel , Woldeamanuel Yimtubeznash , Ostade Xaveer Van , Abebe Tamrat 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: Genital infection with certain types of Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major cause of cervical cancer globally. For early detection of premalignant dysplasia, evidences are coming out on the usefulness of HPV E6/E7 mRNA test as a potential tool compared with cytology and HPV DNA testing. Taking into account shortage of compiled data on this field, the aim of this systematic review was to describe the latest diagnostic performance of HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing to detect high grade cervical lesions (CIN2+) where by histology as was taken as a ‘gold standard’.

Methods: Articles published in English were systematically searched using key words from PubMed/Medline and SCOPUS. In addition, Google Scholar and the Google database were searched manually for grey literature. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility, risk of bias and extracted the data. We performed a descriptive presentation of the performance of E6/E7 mRNA testings (interims of sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values) for the detection of CIN2+.

Results: Out of 231 applicable citations, we have included 29 articles with a total of 23,576 study participants (age range, 15-84) who had different cervical pathologies. Among the participants who had cervical histology, the proportion of CIN2+ was between 10.6% and 90.6%. Using histology as a gold standard, 11 studies evaluated the PreTect HPV Proofer, 7 studies evaluated the APTIMA HPV assay (Gen-Probe) and 6 studies evaluated the Quantivirus® HPV assay. The diagnostic performance of those three most common mRNA testing tools to detect CIN2+ was; 1) PreTect Proofer; median sensitivity 83%, median specificity 73%, median PPV 70 and median NPV 88.9%. 2) APTIMA assay; median sensitivity 91.4%, median specificity 46.2%, median PPV 34.3% and median NPV 96.3%. 3) Quantivirus®: median sensitivity 86.1%, median specificity 54.6%, median PPV 54.3%, median NPV 89.3%. Further, the area under the receiver operating characteristics (AU-ROC) curve varied between 63.8% and 90.9%.

Conclusions: The reported diagnostic accuracy implies that mRNA tests possess diagnostic relevance to detect CIN2+ and could potentially be considered in areas where there is no histology facility. Further studies including its cost should be considered.
Comprehensive Gene Expression Analysis Reveals Factors that Influence the Progression, Occurrence and Development of AML-M4
Authors: Qu Ying , Zhang Shuying , Qu Yanzhang , Guo Heng , Wang Suling , Wang Xuemei , Huang Tianjiao , Zhou Hong 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background Acute myelomonocytic leukemia (M4), a special type of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), is a clonal malignant disease with poor prognosis and a low overall survival rate. Here, we aim to explore the molecular mechanism of AML-M4 development and progression using integrative bioinformatic analysis. Methods We used an integrative method to identify potential driven genes in AML-M4. We firstly identify DEGs using limma packages and annotated them by GO and KEGG. To avoid individual bias, GSEA was adopted to certify the results. Furthermore, we constructed the PPI network using WGCNA which was superimposed onto STRING database. We also assessed the correlation and mutation among hub genes to deeply explore the biological mechanism in AML-M4. Finally, we confirmed our results by experiments. Results The results show that FLT3, WT1 and TP53, which are involved in transcriptional misregulation were upregulated, while PPBP and CCR7, which regulate cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, as well as CD24, which acts as a protein marker of AML, were downregulated. 12 hub genes were found through the TCGA an Oncomain analysis, and the results also show that FLT3, CCR7 and MMP-9 can be potential targets for the detection and treatment of AML-M4. Conclusion The overall aim of this study was to identify critical pathways and genes associated with AML-M4, and to also provide potential therapeutic targets and new research ideas for the treatment and early detection of AML-M4.