bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mental Health Problems of Female Spouses of Men Living With HIV in Sichuan, China: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Cao Wangnan , Wong Hai Ming , Mo Phoenix Kit-han , Sun Shengzhi , Hu Yanhong Jessika 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
HIV disclosure to spouses can promote HIV prevention and facilitate support from those spouses; it can also cause mental health challenges for the spouses. We conducted a qualitative study of the mental health status and potential contributing factors of mental health challenges of spouses of men living with HIV in Sichuan, China. We interviewed 31 spouses whose husbands were living with HIV. Qualitative data were analyzed using content and thematic analyses. We found that mental health challenges were common among the spouses; leading challenges were themed as hopelessness, depression, and anxiety. Greater HIV knowledge, close relationship with husband, and psychological support may protect spouses from mental health challenges, whereas HIV-related stigma, heavy caregiving burden, and an unsupportive environment might be detrimental to mental health. Spouses of men living with HIV need mental health services, which should take into account a wide spectrum of contributors at individual, couple, and social levels.
Role of ascitic prostaglandin E2 in diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and prediction of in-hospital mortality in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Luo Junli , Wu Xianmei , Zhang Yu , Huang Wenxiang , Jia Bei 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is one of the most frequent and severe complications in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Early antibiotic therapy is extremely important for successful treatment and reducing mortality. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a regulator of the immune response and infection. This study aimed to explore whether ascitic PGE2 could be used as a marker for diagnosing SBP and predicting in-hospital mortality.
Patients with cirrhosis and ascites undergoing abdominal paracentesis were enrolled in our study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were recorded at the time of paracentesis and ascitic PGE2 levels were determined by ELISA. The correlation between ascitic PGE2 level and SBP as well as in-hospital mortality were analyzed.
There were 224 patients enrolled, 29 (13%) patients diagnosed as SBP based on the current guideline criteria. The ascitic PGE2 level of patients with SBP [32.77 (26.5–39.68) pg/mL] was significantly lower than that of patients without SBP [49.72 (37.35–54.72) pg/mL]. In ROC analysis, the AUC of ascitic PGE2 for the diagnosis of SBP was 0.75, and the AUC of ascitic PGE2 combined with WBC and ascitic PGE2 combined with neutrophils were 0.90 and 0.90, respectively, which were significantly higher than that of ascitic PGE2. In multivariate analysis, ascites PGE2≤32.88 pg/mL (OR: 9.39; 95% CI: 1.41–67.44, P = .026), hepatic encephalopathy (OR: 18.39; 95% CI: 3.00–113.13, P = .002) and a higher MELD score (OR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.05–1.40, P = .009) remained independent predictors of in-hospital mortality.
Ascitic PGE2 level is likely to be a valuable marker in prediction of in-hospital mortality in patients with decompensated cirrhosis, and its value in diagnosis of SBP was not superior to other inflammatory indicators.
A cross-sectional study of the ambulatory central artery stiffness index in patients with hypertension
Authors: Zeng Xuezhai , Jia Na , Liu Deping , Wang Lijuan , Xu Zhujin , Zhang Yan , Wang Hua , Zhang Ruisheng , Zhou Jihong , Pan Chunyu , Gan Yu , Qiao Weiwei 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the ambulatory central artery stiffness index (AcASI) and its related factors. The association between AcASI and the left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and other factors related to atherosclerosis were explored.
Patients with primary hypertension were enrolled into this study. Ambulatory central artery blood pressure (CABP) and ambulatory brachial artery blood pressure (BABP) were assessed using a Mobil-O-Graph NG hemomanometer, whereas AcASI and the ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) were determined. LVMI was assessed by echocardiography.
A total of 136 patients with primary hypertension were enrolled from May 2011 to January 2013 in Beijing Hospital. AcASI was significantly associated with AASI (r = 0.879, P < .001). AcASI was significantly lower than AASI (0.422 ± 0.302 vs 0.482 ± 0.270; P < .001). AcASI increased with age, ambulatory brachial mean blood pressure (MBP), and fasting glucose. AcASI was significantly associated with office pulse pressure (PP), ambulatory brachial PP, ambulatory central PP, and pulse wave velocity (PWV). AcASI, but not AASI, was significantly associated with LVMI. Receiver operator characteristic analysis indicated that AcASI and AASI could may be a predictor of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Multiple regression analysis indicated that AcASI, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension course were associated with LVMI, but AASI was not.
AcASI, which is obtained from ambulatory CABP monitoring, could be a new marker for the evaluation of atherosclerosis. AcASI may be stronger associated with LVH than AASI.
Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis in patients affected by systemic sclerosis
Authors: Bargagli Elena , Mazzei Maria Antonietta , Orlandi Martina , Gentili Francesco , Bellisai Francesca , Frediani Bruno , Bergantini Laura , Carobene Loredana , Randone Silvia Bellando , Guiducci Serena , Cameli Paolo , Bruni Cosimo , Cerinic Marco Matucci 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a rare new interstitial lung disease (ILD) characterized by the fibrotic thickening of the visceral pleura and subadjacent parenchymal areas of the upper lobes This study reveals that patients with ILD-SSc associated with chest HRCT evidence of PPFE require close and recurrent follow-up with periodic evaluation of lung function parameters, DLCO and chest HRCT. Rheumatologists should be aware of this new radiological finding which is accompanied by a negative prognosis, especially when associated with a progressive course. Patients with this radiological pattern need to be monitored with particular attention.
Tai Chi for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Gao Longxia , Si Dongxu , Bao Haipeng , Yu MingXia , Sun Huizhuo , Damchaaperenlei Dashzeveg , Yan Yue , Shi Qi , Li Youlin 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common chronic respiratory disease with increasing morbidity and mortality that cause huge social and economic loss. Although recommended by guidelines, pulmonary rehabilitation has not been widely applied in clinics because of its inherent limitations. Free from restrictions of specific training venues and equipment, Tai Chi, as a kind of pulmonary rehabilitation, has been used to cure the COPD, yet the efficacy and safety of Tai Chi remains to be assessed. In this study, we aim to draw up a protocol for systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tai Chi for COPD.

Methods:
We will search the following electronic databases from inception to December 31, 2018: PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Springer, EMBASE, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wan Fang Database, the Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. Clinical trial registrations, potential gray literatures, relevant conference abstracts and reference list of identified studies will also be searched. The literature selection, data extraction, and quality assessment will be completed by 2 independent authors. Either the fixed-effects or random-effects model will be used for data synthesis based on the heterogeneity test. Changes in lung function will be evaluated as the primary outcome. Symptom assessment, quality of life (SGRQ), medication usage, exacerbations, and adverse events will be assessed as the secondary outcomes. The RevMan V.5.3.5 will be used for Meta-analysis.

Results:
This study will provide a synthesis of current evidence of Tai Chi for COPD from several aspects, such as lung function, SGRQ, medication usage, exacerbations, and adverse events.

Conclusion:
The conclusion of our study will provide updated evidence to judge whether Tai Chi is an effective solution to COPD patients.

PROSPERO registration number:
PROSPERO CRD42019122791.
Alcohol consumption and risk of dementia
Authors: Li Jing , Hui Xu , Gu Qinghong , Lao Yongfeng , Lu Zhenxing , Hou Lijuan , Jia Bibo , Niu Junqiang , Yao Liang , Yan Peijing 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Objective:
To investigate the relationship between alcohol consumption and the incidence of dementia.

Method:
We will conduct a systematic search without language and year restrictions to identify all relevant published studies. The following electronic databases will be searched: PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, Wan-Fang. Cohort studies published in Chinese or English are considered for inclusion. Two authors will independently select studies base on inclusion criteria, extract data and assess the quality of included studies using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system will be used to quantify absolute effects and quality of evidence. Any disagreement will be resolved by consensus. We will use the hazard ratio (HR) as the effect indicator, piecewise linear regression model and restricted cubic spline model will be used for linear and nonlinear trend estimation, respectively.

Registration:
The dose-response meta-analysis is registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42019127367) international prospective register of systematic review.

Discussion:
In the previous related dose-response meta-analysis studies, there were some limitations: on the 1 hand, the sex was not taken into account. On the other hand, relative risk (RR) is not the best effect indicator for time-to-event data, but compare with RR, HR is much better. This study intends to use HR as the effect indicator to explore the dose-response relationship and the sex difference between alcohol intake and dementia. Accurate alcohol drinking data can provide high-quality evidence for the prevention of dementia.
Quality of reporting on thoracic radiotherapy technique in prospective lung cancer trials
Authors: Soon Yu Yang , Chen Desiree , Tan Teng Hwee , Seong Tey Jeremy Chee 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background:
The aim of this study is to assess the quality of reporting of thoracic (T) RT technique for curative intent treatment in prospective lung cancer trials.

Methods:
We searched MEDLINE for eligible trials published from 1996 to 2016. We assessed the included trials’ reports on whether they reported the RT dose prescription method; RT dose-planning procedures; algorithm for tissue inhomogeneity dose corrections; organs at risk dose constraints; target volume definition, simulation and/or motion management procedures; treatment verification procedures; total RT dose; fractionation schedule; conduct of quality assurance as well as presence or absence of deviations in RT treatment planning and delivery adequately. We performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression to determine the factors that may influence the quality of reporting.

Results:
We found 85 eligible trial reports. Target volume definition, total RT dose, and fractionation schedules were reported adequately in more than 90% of the included trials. Algorithm for tissue inhomogeneity dose corrections, simulation and verification procedures, presence or absence of deviations in RT treatment planning and delivery were reported adequately in less than 20% of the included trials. Twenty-three trials (27%) reported 7 criteria or more adequately. Both univariable and multivariable logistic regression showed that trials with RT focused research question were more likely to have adequate quality in reporting (judged as adequate reporting in 7 criteria or more) than trials with non-RT focused question (odds ratio 4.11, 95% confidence interval 1.10 to 15.43, P value = .04).

Conclusion:
There is significant variability in the quality of reporting on thoracic radiotherapy treatment in prospective lung cancer trials. Future research should focus on developing consensus guidelines to standardize the reporting of radiotherapy technique in clinical trials.
Contrast ultrasound versus ultrasound elastography for diagnosis of breast lumps
Authors: Zhao Wei , Yan Kaituo , Liu Yingying , Zhang Zaibin 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Chinese women have dense and small breasts. Therefore, in China, contrast ultrasound and ultrasound elastography are commonly used for detection of the breast lumps. Purpose of the study was to compare the sensitivity and accuracy of ultrasound elastography with contrast ultrasound for the diagnosis of the breast lumps.
A total of 1000 women with a damp in breast mass, breast pain, nipple discharge, and/or breast skin discharge were subjected to contrast ultrasound and ultrasound elastography. Women were subjected to stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy under B-mode ultrasonography (n = 750). The ultrasound examinations were graded on a 5-points scale method. Data were subjected to the Chi-square Independence test at 99% of confidence level.
Ultrasound elastography was detected the same numbers of benign lesions (648 vs 651, P = .88), malignant lesions (90 vs 99, P = .53), and false positive lesions (5 vs 0, P = .07) as those detected by biopsies. However, diagnostic parameters for contrast ultrasound had a significant difference with those detected by biopsies (P < .0001 for all). For contrast ultrasound and ultrasound elastography, the working area to detect deformation in the image of the breast lesions at least 1 time were 0% to 45% and 5% to 100%.
Ultrasound elastography is the most reliable diagnostic method for detection of the breast lumps.
The usefulness of inflammatory biomarkers in diagnosing child and adolescent's gastritis
Authors: Meliţ Lorena Elena , Mărginean Maria Oana , Mocan Simona , Mărginean Cristina Oana 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple, noninvasive, inexpensive inflammatory marker that can useful in the assessment of inflammatory activity, especially in pediatric ages. The aim of our study was to establish correlations between the presence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) proved histologically and NLR in children.
A prospective, case–control study was performed on 137 pediatric patients aged between 1 and 18 years, admitted in a Pediatric Tertiary Hospital from Romania, between April 2016 and January 2018. According to the histologic examination, the children were divided into 2 groups: group 1: 50 children with HP infection, and group 2: 87 children without any pathologic findings.
The mean age for the study group was 12.86 ± 3.796 years, whereas for control group, it was 12.10 ± 3.879 years (P = .3001). HP infection was significantly more frequent among children from rural area (P = .0089). Epigastric pain and loss of appetite were significantly associated with HP infection (P = .0350 /P = .0281). We noticed that the leukocyte and neutrophil counts were significantly higher in group 1 (P = .0076/P = .0306). We did not find any significant statistical differences between the 2 groups in terms of lymphocytes, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and NLR or other assessed laboratory parameters. Regarding the IgA antibodies anti-HP and rapid urease test, they were both significantly associated with histologically confirmed HP infection (P < .0001).
Even though, we did not identify significant differences in term of NLR between HP-induced gastritis children and healthy controls, the mean NLR values were higher HP-positive patients.
Effectiveness of physiotherapy on quality of life in children with asthma
Authors: Zhang Weijian , Liu Lilong , Yang Wenhao , Liu Hanmin 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background:
Asthma is the most common chronic lung disease in childhood, leading to a great burden to the healthcare system worldwide. Despite the medication treatment, physiotherapy is now applied for asthmatic children aiming to improve their lung function and life quality. However, the effectiveness of physiotherapy on quality of life (QoL) in children with asthma is not clear. We are aiming to perform this study to provide some evidence to doctors on asthma treatment.

Methods:
PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library will be searched from their inception to 31 March 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English, which investigated the effectiveness of physiotherapy on QoL in children with asthma. Besides, additional studies will be searched by scanning the reference lists of studies and the relevant systematic reviews.
Two authors will select the studies, extract the data, and assess the risk of bias independently. Data synthesis and statistical analysis will be performed in Review manager 5.3. Stata 14.0 will be used to assess the reporting bias. Quality of evidence will be evaluated based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

Results:
The results will provide information on the effectiveness of physiotherapy on QoL in children with asthma and further demonstrate which physiotherapy is more effective and which domain of QoL could be improved significantly.

Conclusion:
The findings of this study will provide the latest evidence on the effectiveness of physiotherapy on QoL in children with asthma.

Prospero Registration Number:
CRD42019133181.
Thirteen kinds of Chinese medicine injections for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Zheng Wenjiang , Gao Tianqi , Huang Huiting , Zhou Zhihui , Yan Qian , Hong Yu , Liao Huili , Zhang Tiange , Liu Xiaohong 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background:
Chinese medicine injections (CMIs) are extensively applied to the therapy of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in mainland China. Up to 13 different kinds of CMIs are reportedly often used for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, yet, rarely head to head comparison of tests are used to decide the relative consequent among the distinct CMIs. Network meta-analysis (NMA) will be performed to further compare the effects of 13 different CMI, including direct and indirect comparisons of different CMI.

Methods:
From now until April 2019, a systematic and comprehensive literature search will be conducted in both English and Chinese databases, including Medline, Embase, Cochrane library, Chongqing VIP information, Wanfang Database, China national knowledge infrastructure database, and Sino Med. Randomized controlled trials will be included related to CMI therapy for AECOPD. We will assess the quality of the included trials in accordance with the risk of bias tools in Cochrane manual 5.1.0. We will use the grading of recommendations assessment development, and evaluation method to assess the certainty of the estimated evidence from the NMA. STATA 14.0 will be used for data analysis.

Results:
The purpose of this systematic evaluation and NMA was to summarize and rank the direct and indirect evidence for 8 different types of CMI. The NMA's findings will be reported in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta analyses-NMA statement. Upon completion, NMA results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusion:
With NMA, this study will provide evidence for the selection of CMI for patients with AECOPD. The results will provide information to clinicians, bridge the evidence gap and identify promising CMI targets for future trials.

PROSPERO registration number:
PROSPERO CRD 42019132955.
Response to immune complex vaccine in chronic hepatitis B patients is associated with lower baseline level of serum IgG galactosylation
Authors: Han Jing , Gong Guo-Zhong , Lei Jian-Hua , Qin Wen-Jun , Qin Rui-Huan , Wang Xuan-Yi , Gu Jian-Xin , Ren Shi-Fang , Wen Yu-Mei 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The composition of glycan in immunoglobulin G (IgG) has shown to affect various diseases and can be regulated by drugs and preventive vaccination. A hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) immune complex (YIC) therapeutic vaccine for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients has undergone clinical trials. To explore for markers of CHB, which could be associated with responsiveness to YIC therapeutic vaccine, serum IgG glycosylation in CHB patients was analyzed.
Kinetic changes of serum galactosylated IgG in 53 hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg)-positive CHB patients treated with YIC were monitored by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. Whole blood cytokines were assayed by cytokine binding assay kits. All samples were back assayed before treatment, during therapy and follow-up for 6 months from a previous completed clinical trial.
During YIC treatment, 26 patients with lower IgG galactosylation level at baseline [galactosylation level (Gal-ratio) = −0.29, 0.18 (mean, SD)] showed sustained increase of serum galactosylated IgG, and responded to YIC treatment by HBeAg seroconversion. While those who did not respond to YIC treatment [Gal-ratio = −0.40, 0.15 (mean, SD)] failed to show similar changes. Furthermore, this kinetic increase of galactosylated IgG correlated with marked up-regulated IL-2 level, confirming that effective cellular immune responses have participated in responsiveness.
For HBeAg-positive CHB patients lower serum IgG galactosylation level may serve as an indicator for selecting a suitable subpopulation of candidates for YIC therapeutic vaccination.
Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio predicts the outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Liu Shuo , Liu Xiaoqiang , Chen Shuying , Xiao Yingxiu , Zhuang Weiduan 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background:
The neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is increasingly recognized as a systemic inflammation factor. It has been used as a predictor for clinical outcomes in cancers. However, its relationship with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is still disputed. We sought to evaluate the prognostic role of NLR in ICH.

Methods:
We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, and EMBASE for potentially relevant articles from inception to April 8, 2018. Efficacy outcomes included major disability at 90 days, short-term mortality or in-hospital mortality. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were pooled to assess the association between NLR and ICH.

Results:
A total of 7 trials with 2176 patients were included in this meta-analysis. It revealed that higher NLR had a higher risk of major disability at 90 days (OR: 2.20; 95% CI: 1.27–3.81) and higher mortality at short-term (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.02–1.68) in ICH; without statistically significant association with in-hospital mortality (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.91–1.15).

Conclusions:
Our meta-analysis proved that high NLR was a predictor of major disability and mortality at short term in ICH patients, but not a predictor of in-hospital mortality.