bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality assessment of kidney cancer clinical practice guidelines using AGREE II instrument
Authors: Hou XiaoFeng , Li Meixuan , He Wenbo , Wang Meng , Yan Peijing , Han Caiwen , Li Huijuan , Cao Liujiao , Zhou Biao , Lu Zhenxing , Jia Bibo , Li Jing , Hui Xu , Li Yunxia 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background:
Evidence-based guidelines are expected to provide clinicians with explicit recommendations on how to manage health conditions and bridge the gap between research and clinical practice. However, the existing practice guidelines(CPGs) vary in quality. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of CPGs of kidney cancer.

Methods:
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, China Biology Medicine disc, and relevant guideline websites from their inception to April, 2018. We identified CGPs that provided recommendations on kidney cancer; 4 independent reviewers assessed the eligible CGPs using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument. The consistency of evaluations was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results:
A total of 13 kidney cancer CGPs were included. The mean scores for each AGREEII domain were as follows: scope and purpose—76.9%; clarity and presentation—76.4%; stakeholder involvement—62.8%; rigor of development—58.7%; editorial independence—53.7%; and applicability—49.4%. Two CPGs were rated as “recommended”; 8 as “recommended with modifications”; and 3 as “not recommended.” Seven grading systems were used by kidney cancer CGPs to rate the level of evidence and the strength of recommendation.

Conclusions:
Overall, the quality of CPGs of kidney cancer is suboptimal. AGREE II assessment results highlight the need to improve CPG development processes, editorial independence, and applicability in this field. It is necessary to develop a standardized grading system to provide clear information about the level of evidence and the strength of recommendation for future kidney cancer CGPs.
Appendectomy and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Choi Hyo Geun , Oh Dong Jun , Kim Miyoung , Kim Sunmi , Min Chanyang , Kong Il Gyu 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The present study evaluated the association between appendectomy and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using a national sample cohort of the Korean population. In this cohort study, the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort of individuals ≥20 years old was collected from 2002 to 2013. A total of 14,995 appendectomy participants were 1:4 matched with 59,980 control subjects for age, group, sex, income group, region of residence, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. We analyzed the occurrence of RA in both the appendectomy and control groups. Appendectomies were identified using operation codes for appendicitis only. RA was defined by International Classification of Disease-10 codes (M05 or M06) and medication histories. Crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were analyzed using a stratified Cox proportional hazard model. Subgroup analyses were performed on groups stratified by age and sex. The adjusted HR for RA was 1.02 (95% confidence interval = 0.76–1.38) in the appendectomy group (P = .883). In all of the subgroup analyses according to age and sex, the adjusted HRs for RA were not higher in the appendectomy group than those in the control group. We could not identify any significant relationship between appendectomy and RA.
A case report of immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab combined with anti-angiogenesis agent anlotinib for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Tang Yong , Ou Zhu’an , Yao Zhifang , Qiao Guibin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Introduction:
The PD-1 inhibitors have shown good response in the treatment for many types of malignant tumors, but as monotherapy for advanced esophageal squamous carcinoma, the objective response rate is low. Here we report a case of the patient with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) showing a completely response to nivolumab combined with a small molecule multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) anlotinib.

Patient concerns:
A 61-year-old male was put under a surgery as the response to the diagnosis of ESCC in March 2014. The post-operative follow-up in March 2018 suggested a recurrence based on imagological findings, and symptoms such as shortness of breath and cough were also observed in October 2018.

Diagnosis:
The patient was diagnosed as advanced metastatic ESCC in October 2018.

Interventions:
Radical resection and esophagogastrostomy under aortic arch with left thoracotomy was performed in March 2014. As a treatment against the post-surgical recurrence, 4 courses of paclitaxel combined with nedaplatin was administered in April 2018 with an outcome of PR, followed by a combined administration of Nivolumab and anlotinib in November 2018.

Outcomes:
Chest CT during a 3-month follow-up revealed the disappearance of all the metastases, and no adverse effect was observed during the treatment.

Conclusion:
The combined treatment of nivolumab and anlotinib is likely to be considered as an optional management of advanced ESCC.
Study protocol for a prospective observational study to investigate the role of luminal pressure on arteriovenous fistula maturation
Authors: Cheng Ho-Shun , Chang Te-I , Chen Cheng-Hsien , Hsu Shih-Chang , Hsieh Hui-Ling , Chen Chun-You , Huang Wen-Cheng , Sue Yuh-Mou , Lin Feng-Yen , Shih Chun-Ming , Chen Jaw-Wen , Lin Shing-Jong , Huang Po-Hsun , Liu Chung-Te 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Introduction:
Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis due to its higher patency and lower infection rate. However, its suboptimal maturation rate is a major weakness. Although substantial risk factors for AVF maturation failure have been disclosed, modifiable risk factors remain unknown. During the AVF maturation process, an elevated luminal pressure is required for outward remodeling; however, excessively high luminal pressure may also be detrimental to AVF maturation, which remains to be defined. We hypothesized that higher AVF luminal pressure is harmful to its maturation, and investigate its potential as a modifiable factor to improve AVF maturation.

Methods and analysis:
This prospective study includes patients undergoing surgical creation for a native AVF. The exclusion criteria were as follows: age <20 years, inability to sign an informed consent, and failure to create a native AVF due to technical difficulties. Demographic and laboratory profiles will be collected before AVF surgery. Vascular sonography will be performed within 1 week of AVF creation to measure the diameters, flow rates, and flow volumes of AVF and its branched veins. The pressure gradient within AVF will be estimated from the blood flow rates using the modified Bernoulli equation. The primary outcome is spontaneous AVF maturation defined as provision of sufficient blood flow for hemodialysis within 2 months of its creation without any interventional procedures. The secondary outcome is assisted AVF maturation, which is defined as AVF maturation within 2 months from its creation aided by any interventional procedure before the successful use of AVF.

Discussion:
While contemporary theory for AVF maturation failure focuses on disturbed wall shear stress, complicate assumptions and measurement preclude its clinical applicability. AVF luminal pressure, which may be manipulated pharmaceutically and surgically, may be a target to improve the outcome of AVF maturation.

Trial registration:
This study has been registered at the protocol registration and results system. The Protocol ID: NCT04017806.
Assessment of tear film optical quality in a young short tear break-up time dry eye
Authors: Xi Lei , Qin Jiayin , Bao Yongzhen 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the dynamic changes of tear film optical quality in a short tear break-up time (TBUT) dry eye by using a double-pass system.

Methods:
Thirty-five short TBUT dry eye participants and 43 control subjects without dry eye were included in this study. One eye for each subject was analyzed. The Objective Scatter Index (OSI), modulation transfer function (MTF), and strehl ratio (SR) were recorded within a 20-second period with the participants asked to blink freely, and 10 successive seconds of nonblinking immediately after a blink was recorded to analyze the tear film OSI. The mean tear film OSI in 10 successive seconds, ΔOSI, and ΔOSI/time were evaluated. The correlation between tear film OSI and MTF, and the correlation between tear film OSI and MIT were also analysed.

Results:
Short TBUT dry eye participants showed significant deterioration of MTF and SR compared to control subjects. The mean tear film OSI in 10 successive seconds was significantly higher in dry eye participants than in control subjects. The mean OSI of the tear film (0–5 seconds) and the mean OSI of the tear film (6–10 seconds) were significantly higher in dry eye participants than in control participants. Moreover, the ΔOSI was significantly higher in dry eye participants than in control participants. The tear film OSI was significantly correlated with the MTF and the SR.

Conclusions:
The tear film OSI of short TBUT dry eye participants is significantly increased in the early stage. Tear film instability in short TBUT dry eye participants has a significant effect on optical quality.
Molecular epidemiology and clinical characteristics of norovirus gastroenteritis with seizures in children in Taiwan, 2006–2015
Authors: Chen Ying Fang Elaine , Wang Chuan Yu , Chiu Cheng Hsun , Kong Shu Sing , Chang Yi Jung , Chen Shih Yen 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
This study examined the characteristics of norovirus (NoV) gastroenteritis associated with convulsions in children and its molecular epidemiology. From July 2006 through December 2015, NoV infection was confirmed by the genome detection using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Viral genotyping with strain validation was achieved using sequence analyses with Basic Local Alignment Search Tool genome identification. The patients’ clinical features were assessed retrospectively, focusing on convulsive disorders. The diagnosis of encephalitis followed the International Encephalitis Consortium. Seizures occurred in 52 (20.9%) of 249 NoV infections. GII.4 Den_Haag_2006b (n = 22, 42.3%) and GII.4 Sydney 2012 (n = 10, 19.2%) were major variants correlated with convulsions. Patient with convulsions tend to have GII.4 genotype infection (P < .001), short vomiting (≤2 days) (P < .001), and no fever (P = .002). Compared to GII.4 Den_Haag_2006b, the GII.4 Sydney 2012-associated convulsions had similar manifestations except without significant winter preponderance (P = .049). The NoV infection with convulsions had less febrile course, specific genotype (GII.4) infections, and with shorter symptom of vomiting. Continuous surveillance is important for uncommon disease associated with emerging NoV strain infections. The prevention of NoV diseases requires the development of vaccines targeting highly virulent variants.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its risk factors among 10,348 police officers in a large city of China
Authors: Zhang Jiayue , Liu Qian , Long Sisi , Guo Chuhao , Tan Hongzhuan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its risk factors among the police officers in a large city of China.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 10,348 police officers in 2017 in Changsha, a provincial capital located in central-south China. All participants underwent a physical examination to measure the compotents of MS and completed a questionnaire to collect data on potential risk factors. According to the current guidelines of China, MS was defined as the presence of any 3 of the following five traits: abdominal obesity, defined as a waist circumference ≥90 cm in men and ≥85 cm in women; fasting serum triglycerides ≥1.70 mmol/L, or drug treatment for elevated triglycerides; fasting serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol <1.03 mmol/L, or drug treatment for low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg, or drug treatment for elevated blood pressure; fasting plasma glucose ≥6.1 mmol/L, or 2-hour plasma glucose ≥7.8 mmol/L after a 75-g oral glucose load, or drug treatment for elevated blood glucose.
The prevalence of MS was 23.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.2%–24.2%). The main risk factors associated with MS were older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.546, 95% CI 1.431–1.670), being male (OR 11.256, 95%CI 7.147–17.726), alcohol consumption (OR 1.250, 95% CI 1.070–1.461), and tobacco use (OR 1.398, 95% CI 1.232–1.586). Exercise was associated with decreased risk of MS (OR 0.865, 95% CI 0.755–0.991).
The prevalence of MS was low in the study population. Its risk factors were similar to those identified in the general population of China. Lifestyle intervention is warranted in policemen to reduce the risk of MS and prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Evaluation of the clinical value of retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in infants
Authors: Zhang Shilin , Li Jierong , Li Chunjing , Xie Xumin , Ling Fengsheng , Liang Yongjie , Liu Guoqing 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RLP) is 1 method for treating ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in children, but reports are more common in children than in infants younger than 2 years old. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of RLP for infants with UPJO.
From January 2015 to December 2017, a retrospective analysis of 22 infants aged 2 to 24 (11.95 ± 6.00) months with UPJO who were treated with RLP in our hospital was performed. During the same period, 14 infants who underwent conventional transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty (TLP) were compared with those who underwent RLP. Postoperative recovery and complications, including bleeding, infection, urinary leakage and anastomotic stenosis, postoperative resumption of oral feeding, postoperative hospitalization time and surgical success rate were evaluated. Drainage and function were assessed with isotope scan at 6 months and later during the yearly follow-up and by intravenous urography (IVU) and mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) renography.
Both groups underwent successful surgery. The operative time in the RLP group was 88 to 205 (120.59 ± 24.59) min, and there was no significant difference compared with the TLP group (P = .767). The estimated intraoperative blood loss was 2 to 10 (3.75 ± 1.59) ml, which was not significantly different between the 2 groups (P = .386). In the RLP group, the mean postoperative resumption of oral feeding was faster than that in the TLP group (3.55 ± 0.74 vs 5.50 ± 0.85 hour, P < .001), and the postoperative hospitalization time was shorter in the TLP group than in the RLP group (6.59 ± 0.50 vs 7.07 ± 0.47 day, P
= .007 < .05). Follow-up lasted from 6 months to 3 years, and there was a significant reduction in postoperative hydronephrosis in both groups (P < .05, respectively).
RLP is a safe procedure for infants. This procedure is associated with relatively little trauma, a quick recovery and good cosmetic effects. RLP also has the advantages of relatively little interference with the abdominal cavity and sufficient operating space; thus, this technique is worth promoting.
Clinicopathological and prognostic value of preoperative plasma fibrinogen in gastric cancer patients
Authors: Cheng Fei , Zeng Chunyan , Zeng Ling , Chen Youxiang 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background:
Increasing evidence has revealed that plasma fibrinogen may serve as a prognostic indicator in multiple malignancies. However, there have been some conflicting findings on the prognostic value of plasma fibrinogen in gastric cancer (GC). We conducted a meta-analysis to explore the correlation between plasma fibrinogen and clinic outcome in GC.

Methods:
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the Embase, the Web of Science, the Cochrane library, and PubMed databases. Combined hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to investigate the impact of elevated plasma fibrinogen on the prognosis and clinicopathological features of patients with GC.

Results:
A total of 11 studies involving 8315 patients were selected for this meta-analysis. The pooled results suggested that elevated plasma fibrinogen in GC patients was related to worse overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.36–1.81, P < .001) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.19–5.41, P = .016). Additionally, a high level of fibrinogen was closely correlated with advanced tumor stage (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.83–2.50, P < .001), lymph node metastasis (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.56–2.11, P < .001), distant metastasis (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.12–1.94, P = .005), deeper tumor invasion (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.47–3.45, P < .001) and high carcinoembryonic antigen (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.18–1.68, P < .001). However, there was no significant association between plasma fibrinogen and the differentiation grade (OR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.86–1.17, P = .967). The Egger regression test indicated evidence of publication bias for OS.

Conclusion:
Elevated plasma fibrinogen could be a potential predictor for worse OS and RFS in GC patients and a significant risk factor associated with aggressive clinical features.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms of Toll-like receptor-4 and of autophagy-related gene 16 like-1 gene for predisposition of premature delivery
Authors: Liassides Christakis , Papadopoulos Antonios , Siristatidis Charalampos , Damoraki Georgia , Liassidou Aspasia , Chrelias Charalampos , Kassanos Dimitrios , Giamarellos-Bourboulis Evangelos J. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
To investigate the impact of carriage of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) and of autophagy-related gene 16-like-1 (ATG16L1) in preterm delivery (PTD).
A prospective cohort of 145 pregnant women was studied. Women were prospectively followed-up until delivery. Genotyping for rs4986790 (Asp299Gly transition) and rs4986791 (Thr399Ile transition) of TLR4 and for rs2241880 of ATG16L1 was done by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The primary study endpoint was the impact of carriage of minor alleles of TLR4 on early PTD before gestational week 32. Associations with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) were also analyzed. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from 15 healthy women and stimulated for cytokine production.
No difference in clinical characteristics was observed between women delivering full term and preterm. The frequency of early PTD was 25% among women carrying minor alleles of TLR4 and 6.8% among women carrying major alleles (P: .032). Odds ratios for PTD were 3.85 among women carrying the GG genotype of rs2241880 and major alleles of TLR4 and 0.26 among carriers of GG genotype and minor alleles of TLR4 (P: .030). The co-presence of GG genotype of rs2241880 and hCG above 70 U/L was an independent variable for PTD. Stimulated production of interleukin-6 was greater among women with GG genotypes of rs2241880.
Minor alleles of SNPs of TLR4 predispose to early PTD. The GG genotype of rs2241880 of ATG16L1 is associated with PTD when hCG is supra-elevated.
Clinico-radiologic features of molar-incisor malformation in a case series of 38 patients
Authors: Kim Jo-Eun , Hong Joon-Ki , Yi Won-Jin , Heo Min-Suk , Lee Sam-Sun , Choi Soon-Chul , Huh Kyung-Hoe 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Molar-incisor malformation (MIM) is a recently defined dental abnormality of molar root and incisors, and introduced as one of the causes of periapical and periodontal abscess. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological features of MIM, with special emphasis on various medical history. A total of 38 patients with MIM were included in this study. Radiographic features and clinical data, including medical history, chief complaint, associated complications, treatment, and prognosis, were retrospectively investigated. On radiographs, the affected molars showed short, slender, underdeveloped roots and constricted pulp chambers. All affected incisors and canines exhibited dilacerated short roots, wedge-shaped defect on the cervical part of the crown. Complications included periodontal bone loss (52.6%), endodontic lesion (50.0%), and endodontic-periodontal lesion (28.9%). The medical histories of the patients with MIM indicate that almost all (94.7%) were hospitalized due to problems during the neonatal period. MIM may cause various dental problems, such as periapical and periodontal abscess and early loss of the affected teeth. The early diagnosis of MIM on radiographs and appropriate treatment will contribute to a favorable prognosis, especially for young and adolescent patients.
Factors associated with appendicular skeletal muscle mass among male Chinese patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Han Yanxia , Wu Zhenyun , Chen Yi , Kan Yanan , Geng Min , Xu Nuo , Qian Hongying , Wang Hai Fang , Niu Meie 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Limbs muscle wasting is a common disorder in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that limits daily activities and exercise intolerance, especially in males. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) in male patients with stable COPD. In addition, factors associated with parameters of ASM were also investigated.
We recruited 116 male patients with stable COPD from the outpatient clinic between September 2016 and December 2017. For each patient, we obtained demographic characteristics and measured post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second, symptoms, exacerbations history, and ASM. ASM was defined as the sum of the muscle masses of the 4 limbs.
Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) in male patients with stable COPD was 8.2 ± 0.9 kg/m2, and the prevalence of low skeletal muscle mass was 7.8% (9 of 116 patients). Multiple linear-regression analysis showed that body mass index, occupation, fat-free mass index, and the modified medical research council scale were significantly correlated with ASMI. Compared with nonexercise group, lower limb muscle mass and ASM were significantly improved in physical exercise group.
Underweight, retirement, fat-free mass depletion, and severe dyspnea are all risk factors for ASM in male patients with stable COPD. Our findings also justify the importance of exercise training in improving ASM.