bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new index representative of seismic cracks to assess post‐seismic landslide susceptibility
Authors: Yamaguchi Shui , Kasai Mio
Published: January 2022

In a major earthquake, strong shaking reduces the natural soil strength. Therefore, evaluation of the susceptibility of post‐seismic landslides may help prevent further disasters in an affected area. This study developed an index representing the spatial density of seismic cracks—the dense crack index (DCI)—to express the degree of local ground effects. An area of 6 km2 with 196 slides identified after the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake (Mw 7.0) was analyzed using models that incorporated the weight of evidence (WoE), logistic regression, and random forest (RF) methods, with the DCI as a conditioning factor. The WoE and RF models confirmed the importance of the DCI, although the improvement in performance as indicated by area under the curve values was marginal or negligible. This was largely due to combinations of other factors that enabled inclusion of locations with strong seismic waves, which compensated for the absence of the index. The contribution of the DCI could be improved if more accurate LiDAR data were used in the analysis.
A Study on Social Enterprise Policy Landscape in Bangladesh
Authors: Shahriar Md. Farhan , Habib Md. Mamun
Published: January 2022

The purpose of the study is to highlight the policy landscape of the social enterprise which is not spoken in any of the present policies and laws of Bangladesh. This study reviews the existing policies and regulatory affairs related to social enterprise formation and operations in Bangladesh. This study also focuses on the analysis of literature that described the national, regional and international good practices on social enterprise. This study tries to find out the past, present and future insight and findings of social enterprises policy implications in Bangladesh. This study finds the breadth and ranges of the policy approaches that the government has implemented for social enterprise development and policy priority for Bangladesh. Because at present in Bangladesh a social enterprise can establish and operate under different laws as there is no specific policy to register and operate the social enterprise in Bangladesh, so it’s confusing for the social entrepreneur to register under appropriate law that will benefit them in the future. This study is based on the detailed assessment accessible in online literature and current data on social enterprise in Bangladesh, analysis of the existing policies and regulatory affairs on social enterprise in Bangladesh. This study is dependent on the qualitative approach along with the unstructured interviews with the industry experts. This paper presents a solid case study regarding the existing policy and regulatory implications of social enterprise formation and operations in Bangladesh.
EFFECT OF FOOD ON THE SYNTHESIS OF TRIMETHYLAMINE N-OXIDE IN THE BODY
Authors: Sinyukova T.A. , Kovalenko L.V. , Kavushevskaya N.S. , Lozhkin D.A. , Shestakova V.A.
Published: January 2022

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in elucidating the relationship between gut microbiota metabolism and cardiovascular disease. Certain metabolites of the gut microbiome: certain bile acids, short-chain fatty acids and trimethylamine N-oxide, may contribute to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. It has been shown that trimethylamine N-oxide can exacerbate cardiovascular disease through the progression of atherosclerosis and thrombotic risks, and has been shown to be correlated with other cardiometabolic diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic kidney disease. One of the many factors affecting the level of formation of trimethylamine N-oxide in the human body is nutrition. This article examines the effect of food on the production of trimethylamine N-oxide. The analysis of the data showed that an increase in the synthesis of trimethylamine N-oxide can be influenced by products with an increased content of primary substrates, the composition of the human intestinal microbiome, and the method of cooking products. It should be noted that the concentration level of the oxidized form of trimethylamine can be reduced by some biologically active compounds containing polyphenols. Studies in this area are few and contradictory, which necessitates further research on the effect of food on the metabolism of trimethylamine and its oxidized form.
GENETIC VARIATIONS OF NUTRITION RELATED GENES AND FOOD PREFERENCES IN THE KAZAKHS OF KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Sikhayeva N. , Talzhanov Y. , Dzharmukanov Zh , Shevtsov A. , Zholdybayeva E. , Karabayeva R. , Benberin V. , Filipenko M. , Ramankulov Y.
Published: January 2022

The density of taste buds, differences in genes encoding receptors, and other factors affect the on perception of taste and further food preferences. This study aimed to evaluate the association between 24 single nucleotide polymorphisms and food preferences in a Kazakh cohort. A total of 400 subjects were recruited from an outpatient clinic and genotyped for 24 polymorphisms previously described as associated with eating behaviour and food preferences in other ethnic groups. Regression analysis was conducted, adjusting for age and sex.

Associations were detected between rs2290550 polymorphism in phospholipase C-B2 (PLCB2), rs34160967 polymorphism in taste 1 receptor member 1 (TAS1R1) gene, and rs860170 polymorphism in TAS2R16 gene and preferences for beef steak, unleavened bread, and sweet tea or coffee, respectively. There was an association between AA haplotype (TAS2R38) and a preference for fried potato. The main results of this study are the detection of associations between nutrition-related genes (BCMO1, PLCB2, TRPV1, TAS1R1, and TAS2R) and food preferences in a Kazakh population.
MLVA GENOTYPING OF B. ANTHRACIS IN THE FORMATION OF A COLLECTION OF REPRESENTATIVE STRAINS
Authors: Karibaev T.B. , Berdikulov M.A. , Kuspekov R.N. , Tegzhanov A.G. , Tokaeva D.A. , Tashkenbaev A.S. , Birzhanov T.B. , Aitzhanov Zh.Zh. , Zhumakhmet N.M. , Ispullaev N. , Kozhakhmetova T.E. , Suraganova F.E.
Published: January 2022

Anthrax is an infectious disease that affects many species of mammals and humans. Bacteriological isolation of the pathogen and its identification by phenotypic and PCR methods remains the gold standard. However, these methods do not allow determining the cause of the outbreak, namely, their origin from one or more sources. In addition, the causative agents of especially dangerous infections are deposited in the National Collections, and genotyping with the selection of a single representative strain is a prerequisite to prevent the loss of strains with unique properties, as well as the deposition of identical strains. In this study, we performed MLVA genotyping of 10 isolates from 5 outbreaks of anthrax in animals in 2021. The obtained MLVA profiles allowed differentiation of isolates in different outbreaks and confirmed the identity of genotypes in each outbreak. MLVA genotyping of B. anthracis can be recommended as the primary method for genotyping and selection of unique strains for replenishment of the collection.
Novel Operating Mode of a Fluidic Oscillator
Authors: Nicholls Chris J. , Tang Brian M. T. , Turner James , Bacic Marko
Published: January 2022

Fluidic oscillators show promise for use in aerodynamic flow control applications, with many studies reporting oscillation frequencies in the 1–10 kHz range. Spyropoulos, “A Sonic Oscillator,” introduced a “sonic” oscillator whose oscillation frequency depends on the inlet flow rate. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the existence of a second mode of operation (mode II) for such an oscillator, with a separate physical mechanism to the traditional, flow rate-dependent mode (mode I). Mode II is shown to be a back-pressure-driven oscillation that is largely independent of flow rate once instigated. This is explained by a stationary wave formed along the outlet paths, and occurs when conditions on the degree of back pressure and the weakening of the Coandă attachment strength are met. For a fixed device geometry, the conditions reduce to a minimum flow rate threshold so that the combination of high flow rate and constant oscillation frequency could make mode II an attractive flow control solution in an industrial context where minimizing device size is often critical.
Design for High Efficiency of Low-Pressure Axial Fans With Small Hub-to-Tip Diameter Ratio by the Vortex Distribution Method
Authors: Wang Jie , Kruyt Niels P.
Published: January 2022

Axial fans with a small hub-to-tip diameter ratio (HTR) are widely used in industry, especially for cooling and ventilation purposes. The optimization of their aerodynamic performance is important, for which the vortex distribution method is well-established for axial fans with medium to high HTR. However, only a few studies have focused on small HTR fans. For such fans, downstream backflow regions are often present near the hub. The vortex distribution (polynomial in spanwise coordinate) and the HTR have been determined by maximizing the total-to-static efficiency of a baseline axial fan with a small HTR. For free vortex designs, analytical expressions for the maximum total-to-static efficiency and the optimal HTR have been formulated. By combining the vortex distributions thus obtained with a suitable choice for the spanwise lift coefficient distribution, fan blade designs have been established. The effects of different vortex distributions on the aerodynamic performance have been investigated, employing a computational fluids dynamics (CFD) simulation strategy that has been validated for the baseline axial fan. The current CFD results show that the free and the polynomial vortex distribution designs satisfy the desired pressure rise, with significantly improved total-to-static and total-to-total efficiency (maximum improvement by 3.9% and 4.6% points, respectively). For the free vortex design with larger HTR, neither flow separation nor backflow is observed. For the other designs at the design flow rate, only flow separation near the hub is found. Backflow is observed only for the designs with smaller HTR.
Cefepime: a novel cause of thrombocytopaenia
Authors: Muhammad Shoaib , Ahmad Soban , Khan Behram Ahmed , Yousaf Amman
Published: January 2022

Thrombocytopaenia is a commonly encountered finding in hospitalised patients. Many antibiotics, especially beta-lactams, are well known to cause thrombocytopaenia by an immune-mediated mechanism. We present a 55-year-old woman who was admitted to the hospital with a complicated urinary tract infection resulting in right-sided pyonephrosis and pararenal abscess. She was observed to develop thrombocytopaenia after initiation of cefepime therapy. Following an extensive work-up for her new-onset thrombocytopaenia, she was diagnosed as a case of a drug (cefepime)-induced thrombocytopaenia. Her platelet count recovered back to normal levels after cessation of cefepime therapy. Based on our PubMed search, there are only a few cases of cefepime-induced thrombocytopaenia published in the literature. This paper illustrates that physicians should include cefepime among the possible aetiologies of thrombocytopaenia. Additionally, this article outlines the currently available approaches to the diagnosis and management of drug-induced thrombocytopaenia.
When one plus one means more than two: the blockade of both IL-4 and IL-13 inflammatory pathways with dupilumab in a case of severe refractory T2-high asthma
Authors: Sofia Carmelo , Simonetti Jacopo , Boccabella Cristina , Bonini Matteo
Published: January 2022

Novel approach of asthma includes personalised therapy involving specific immune pathways. We describe here a case of T2-high asthma in a 66-year-old woman treated with maximal inhaled therapy and inappropriate usage of oral corticosteroids showing poor symptoms control. Both anti-IgE and (omalizumab) and anti-interleukin (IL)-5 (mepolizumab) monoclonal antibodies treatments were prescribed without significant benefit. Add-on subcutaneous dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the IL-4 receptor subunit alpha, inhibiting signalling from both IL-4 and IL-13, proved to be an effective and safe medication to obtain rapid asthma control. Considering the previous lack of response to both anti-IgE and anti-eosinophilic strategies, we hypothesise that dupilumab upstream activity could exert different and more relevant effects than the simple inhibition of the two single downstream pathways. The current case highlights the need for a deeper analysis of biomolecular interactions in the framework of different asthma endotypes, to identify peculiar profiles associated with specific treatment responses.
Atypical case of retinopathy of prematurity with candle wax-like preretinal deposits and its surprising response to intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: Shah Miloni Suketu , Padhy Srikanta Kumar , Sahu Suman , Padhi Tapas Ranjan
Published: January 2022

Presented here is a case of hybrid retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with features of both aggressive posterior ROP and ridge-like staged ROP with extensive candle wax-like preretinal deposits plastered on the surface of the retina from optic disc to vascular–avascular junction at a postmenstrual age (PMA) of 34 weeks. The baby was too sick for laser photocoagulation and so underwent intravitreal bevacizumab at half adult doses in both eyes. The deposits melted dramatically within 1–2 weeks of antivascular endothelial growth factor injection without any signs of recurrence till the last visit at 58 weeks of PMA.
Multi-organ dysfunction as a presentation of calcium channel blocker intoxication
Authors: Osman Abdul-Fatawu , Prasad Rohan Madhu , Marein Shawn , O'Brien Corey
Published: January 2022

We report the case of a 73-year-old woman who intentionally ingested 400 mg of amlodipine in a suicidal attempt who initially presented with hypotension which persisted despite aggressive therapy with fluid resuscitation, multiple pressor support, high-dose insulin therapy and calcium infusion. Her haemodynamic instability evolved to include bradycardia requiring atropine and transcutaneous pacing. Eventually she required salvage therapy with intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy . Despite all aggressive therapy, she developed multi-organ failure resulting in death. The literature on high-dose insulin euglycaemic therapy (HIET) and ILE therapy shows mixed results with some showing significant improvement in haemodynamic status. In our case, it had no significant positive impact on the outcome.
Disseminated cutaneousMycobacterium haemophiluminfection in a patient on infliximab for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Harder Samuel , Oberholtzer Sarah , Shumilak Geoffrey , Wudel Beverly
Published: January 2022

Mycobacterium haemophilumis a rarely encountered pathogen that is difficult to identify given its unique growth requirements. It is most often seen in adult patients who are immunosuppressed due to advanced HIV or haematological malignancy. Our case highlights a typical presentation of an atypical pathogen in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis receiving anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy. This case represents an important patient population in whom this previously rare infection is increasingly common.
Hereditary haemochromatosis presenting to rheumatology clinic as inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Hum Ryan Malcolm , Ho Pauline
Published: January 2022

Hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) is the most commonly identified genetic disorder in Caucasians. HH has a wide variety of clinical manifestations. As such, the presenting complaint in new diagnoses of HH can be non-specific such as fatigue; however, joint symptoms such as arthralgia are also common. These joint symptoms closely mimic the features of other musculoskeletal diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Early diagnosis of HH is key to prevent long-term irreversible complications such as liver damage, diabetes and degenerative joint disease. We present a case of HH which was initially suspected to be early RA, with ultrasound findings of active synovitis. High clinical suspicion, a raised serum ferritin followed by genetic testing forC282Ymutation confirmed the diagnosis of HH. The synovitis responded to corticosteroids and was suspected to be due to pseudogout a known complication of HH. Early diagnosis and treatment resulted in a favourable outcome.
Tranexamic acid-induced ureteric clot obstruction in a patient with urothelial cell carcinoma resulting in upper urinary tract perforation
Authors: Maresca Gianluca , Royle Justine , Donaldson James Fergus
Published: January 2022

This is the first report of upper urinary tract (UUT) perforation secondary to tranexamic acid (TXA) induced ureteric clot obstruction. A 77-year-old woman was referred to the urology department with intermittent, painless visible haematuria from a lesion in the right upper calyx, suspicious of urothelial cell carcinoma. She did not have any flank pain or blood clots in her urine. Preoperatively, her haemoglobin level dropped from 113 g/L to 95 g/L and was prescribed oral TXA by her general practitioner, which led to extensive clot formation within the right kidney and ureter resulting in pain and ureteric obstruction. At ureteroscopy, a large ureteric blood clot was extracted and perforation close to the tumour with resultant urinary extravasation was noted. The patient subsequently underwent a successful nephroureterectomy, but risk of potential perforation-related complications such as tumour seeding, sepsis and urinoma formation could have been avoided. TXA in haematuria from the UUT should be strongly discouraged due to the risk of ureteric clot obstruction and UUT perforation.
Healthcare use in 700 000 children and adolescents for six months after covid-19: before and after register based cohort study
Authors: Magnusson Karin , Skyrud Katrine Damgaard , Suren Pål , Greve-Isdahl Margrethe , Størdal Ketil , Kristoffersen Doris Tove , Telle Kjetil
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To explore whether and for how long use of healthcare services is increased among children and adolescents after covid-19.

Design

Before and after register based study.

Setting

General population of Norway.

Participants

Norwegians aged 1-19 years (n=706 885) who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 from 1 August 2020 to 1 February 2021 (n=10 279 positive, n=275 859 negative) or not tested (n=420 747) and were not admitted to hospital, by age groups 1-5, 6-15, and 16-19 years.

Main outcome measures

Monthly percentages of all cause and cause specific healthcare use in primary care (general practitioner, emergency ward) and specialist care (outpatient, inpatient) from six months before to about six months after the week of being tested for SARS-CoV-2, using a difference-in-differences approach.

Results

A substantial short term relative increase in primary care use was observed for participants during the first month after a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result compared with those who tested negative (age 1-5 years: 339%, 95% confidence interval 308% to 369%; 6-15 years: 471%, 450% to 491%; 16-19 years: 401%, 380% to 422%). Use of primary care for the younger age groups was still increased at two months (1-5 years: 22%, 4% to 40%; 6-15 years: 14%, 2% to 26%) and three months (1-5 years: 26%, 7% to 46%, 6-15 years: 15%, 3% to 28%), but not for the oldest group (16-19 years: 11%, −2% to 24% and 6%, −7% to 19%, respectively). Children aged 1-5 years who tested positive also showed a minor long term (≤6 months) relative increase in primary care use (13%, −0% to 26%) that was not observed for the older age groups, compared with same aged children who tested negative. Results were similar yet the age differences less pronounced compared with untested controls. For all age groups, the increase in primary care visits was due to respiratory and general or unspecified conditions. No increased use of specialist care was observed.

Conclusion

Covid-19 among children and adolescents was found to have limited impact on healthcare services in Norway. Preschool aged children might take longer to recover (3-6 months) than primary or secondary school students (1-3 months), usually because of respiratory conditions.
Development and external validation of prognostic models for COVID-19 to support risk stratification in secondary care
Authors: Adderley Nicola J , Taverner Thomas , Price Malcolm James , Sainsbury Christopher , Greenwood David , Chandan Joht Singh , Takwoingi Yemisi , Haniffa Rashan , Hosier Isaac , Welch Carly , Parekh Dhruv , Gallier Suzy , Gokhale Krishna , Denniston Alastair K , Sapey Elizabeth , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Existing UK prognostic models for patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 are limited by reliance on comorbidities, which are under-recorded in secondary care, and lack of imaging data among the candidate predictors. Our aims were to develop and externally validate novel prognostic models for adverse outcomes (death and intensive therapy unit (ITU) admission) in UK secondary care and externally validate the existing 4C score.

Design

Candidate predictors included demographic variables, symptoms, physiological measures, imaging and laboratory tests. Final models used logistic regression with stepwise selection.

Setting

Model development was performed in data from University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB). External validation was performed in the CovidCollab dataset.

Participants

Patients with COVID-19 admitted to UHB January–August 2020 were included.

Main outcome measures

Death and ITU admission within 28 days of admission.

Results

1040 patients with COVID-19 were included in the derivation cohort; 288 (28%) died and 183 (18%) were admitted to ITU within 28 days of admission. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for mortality was 0.791 (95% CI 0.761 to 0.822) in UHB and 0.767 (95% CI 0.754 to 0.780) in CovidCollab; AUROC for ITU admission was 0.906 (95% CI 0.883 to 0.929) in UHB and 0.811 (95% CI 0.795 to 0.828) in CovidCollab. Models showed good calibration. Addition of comorbidities to candidate predictors did not improve model performance. AUROC for the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium 4C score in the UHB dataset was 0.753 (95% CI 0.720 to 0.785).

Conclusions

The novel prognostic models showed good discrimination and calibration in derivation and external validation datasets, and performed at least as well as the existing 4C score using only routinely collected patient information. The models can be integrated into electronic medical records systems to calculate each individual patient’s probability of death or ITU admission at the time of hospital admission. Implementation of the models and clinical utility should be evaluated.
Association of cardiometabolic risk factors with hospitalisation or death due to COVID-19: population-based cohort study in Sweden (SCAPIS)
Authors: Tornhammar Per , Jernberg Tomas , Bergström Göran , Blomberg Anders , Engström Gunnar , Engvall Jan , Fall Tove , Gisslén Magnus , Janson Christer , Lind Lars , Sköld C Magnus , Sundström Johan , Söderberg Stefan , Zaigham Suneela , Östgren Carl Johan , Andersson Daniel Peter , Ueda Peter
Published: January 2022

Objective

To assess the association of cardiometabolic risk factors with hospitalisation or death due to COVID-19 in the general population.

Design, setting and participants

Swedish population-based cohort including 29 955 participants.

Exposures

Cardiometabolic risk factors assessed between 2014 and 2018.

Main outcome measures

Hospitalisation or death due to COVID-19, as registered in nationwide registers from 31 January 2020 through 12 September 2020. Associations of cardiometabolic risk factors with the outcome were assessed using logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, birthplace and education.

Results

Mean (SD) age was 61.2 (4.5) and 51.5% were women. 69 participants experienced hospitalisation or death due to COVID-19. Examples of statistically significant associations between baseline factors and subsequent hospitalisation or death due to COVID-19 included overweight (adjusted OR (aOR) vs normal weight 2.73 (95% CI 1.25 to 5.94)), obesity (aOR vs normal weight 4.09 (95% CI 1.82 to 9.18)), pre-diabetes (aOR vs normoglycaemia 2.56 (95% CI 1.44 to 4.55)), diabetes (aOR vs normoglycaemia 3.96 (95% CI 2.13 to 7.36)), sedentary time (aOR per hour/day increase 1.10 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.17)), grade 2 hypertension (aOR vs normotension 2.44 (95% CI 1.10 to 5.44)) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (aOR per mmol/L increase 0.33 (95% CI 0.17 to 0.65)). Statistically significant associations were not observed for grade 1 hypertension (aOR vs normotension 1.03 (95% CI 0.55 to 1.96)), current smoking (aOR 0.56 (95% CI 0.24 to 1.30)), total cholesterol (aOR per mmol/L increase 0.90 (95% CI 0.71 to 1.13)), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (aOR per mmol/L increase 0.90 (95% CI 0.69 to 1.15)) and coronary artery calcium score (aOR per 10 units increase 1.00 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.01)).

Conclusions

In a large population-based sample from the general population, several cardiometabolic risk factors were associated with hospitalisation or death due to COVID-19.
Age-standardised incidence rate and epidemiology of colorectal cancer in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Arhin Nina , Ssentongo Paddy , Taylor Morris , Olecki Elizabeth Josephine , Pameijer Colette , Shen Chan , Oh John , Eng Cathy
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths globally, with low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) disproportionately affected. Estimates of CRC rates in LMIC are scarce. We aimed to (1) estimate sex-specific incidence of CRC, (2) estimate temporal trend and (3) determine regional variations of CRC rates on the African continent.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis

Methods

PubMed (MEDLINE), OVID (MEDLINE), Scopus and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from inception to 12 December 2020. We included population-based studies that reported the incidence or prevalence estimates of CRC in Africa. Studies not conducted in humans or did not directly report the rates of CRC were excluded. Random effects model was used to pool the estimates. The methodological quality of studies was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Outcome measures

Overall and sex-specific annual age-standardised incidence rates (ASIR) of CRC per 100 000 population.

Results

The meta-analysis included 14 studies consisting of 3365 individuals with CRC (mean age, 58 years, 53% male). The overall ASIR of CRC in Africa per 100 000 population was 5.25 (95% CI 4.08 to 6.75). The rates were slightly higher in males (4.76) than in females (4.18), but not significantly different. Subgroup analysis indicated greater point estimates in North Africa (8.66) compared with sub-Saharan Africa (5.91); and higher estimates in Eastern (8.29) and Northern (8.66) Africa compared with Western (3.55) and Southern (3.57) Africa, but not statistically significant. The overall trend in ASIR has remained constant at nearly 5 per 100 000 population for the last 6 decades.

Conclusion

CRC estimates in Africa are heterogeneous and could be underestimated. High-quality data collection systems such as population-based cancer registries may facilitate accurate estimation of country-specific rates and provide critical information which would be lucrative to the consideration of resources needed for screening, early detection, treatment and improving overall patient outcomes.
Association of cultural origin and migration status with work-related mental health of migrants and refugees in Europe: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Herold Regina , Wuchenauer Frederik , Kandler Anja , Morawa Eva , Unverzagt Susanne , Voss Amanda , Erim Yesim
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Migrants make up a significant proportion of the European working population. Previous studies have already shown that migrants and refugees often suffer from poor work-related conditions in the host country, which might have an impact on mental health. Thus, the main objective of this systematic review is to analyse and summarise existing research on work-related conditions of migrants and refugees in Europe and to investigate the relationship of these conditions with their mental health.

Methods and analysis

Three electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO and CINAHL) will be systematically searched for eligible articles using quantitative study designs (randomised controlled trials, cohort, case–control and cross-sectional studies with and without control groups) written in English, German, French, Italian, Polish, Spanish or Turkish and published from 1st January 2016 onwards. The primary health outcomes will be diagnosed psychiatric and psychological disorders, suicide and suicide attempts, psychiatric and psychological symptoms, and perceived distress. The secondary health outcomes will be more general concepts of mental health such as well-being, life satisfaction and quality of life. Outcome measures must have been assessed by validated questionnaires. Screening of all articles, reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews as well as data extraction will be performed independently by two review authors. Methodological quality of primary studies will be assessed and discussed. The results of the primary studies will be summarised descriptively. Migrants and natives, migrants and refugees, migrants of different cultural backgrounds and migrants living in different host countries will be compared in terms of the association between their work-related conditions and their mental health.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review is excluded from ethical approval because it will use previously approved published data from primary studies. The results of this review will be submitted to a related peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021244840.
Elucidating symptoms of COVID-19 illness in the Arizona CoVHORT: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Khan Sana M , Farland Leslie V , Catalfamo Collin J , Austhof Erika , Bell Melanie L , Chen Zhao , Cordova-Marks Felina , Ernst Kacey C , Garcia-Filion Pamela , Heslin Kelly M , Hoskinson Joshua , Jehn Megan L , Joseph Emily C S , Kelley Connor P , Klimentidis Yann , Russo Carroll Stephanie , Kohler Lindsay N , Pogreba-Brown Kristen , Jacobs Elizabeth T
Published: January 2022

Objective

To elucidate the symptoms of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases as compared with laboratory-confirmed negative individuals and to the untested general population among all participants who reported symptoms within a large prospective cohort study.

Setting and design

This work was conducted within the framework of the Arizona CoVHORT, a longitudinal prospective cohort study conducted among Arizona residents.

Participants

Eligible participants were any individual living in Arizona and were recruited from across Arizona via COVID-19 case investigations, participation in testing studies and a postcard mailing effort.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was a comparison of the type and frequency of symptoms between COVID-19-positive cases, tested but negative individuals and the general untested population who reported experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

Results

Of the 1335 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases, 180 (13.5%) reported having no symptoms. Of those that did report symptoms, the most commonly reported were fatigue (82.2%), headache (74.6%), aches, pains or sore muscles (66.3%), loss of taste or smell (62.8) and cough (61.9%). In adjusted logistic regression models, COVID-19-positive participants were more likely than negative participants to experience loss of taste and smell (OR 12.1; 95% CI 9.6 to 15.2), bone or nerve pain (OR 3.0; 95% CI 2.2 to 4.1), headache (OR 2.6; 95% CI 2.2 to 3.2), nausea (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.9 to 3.1) or diarrhoea (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.7 to 2.6). Fatigue (82.9) and headache (74.9) had the highest sensitivities among symptoms, while loss of taste or smell (87.2) and bone or nerve pain (92.9) had the high specificities among significant symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Conclusion

When comparing confirmed COVID-19 cases with either confirmed negative or untested participants, the pattern of symptoms that discriminates SARS-CoV-2 infection from those arising from other potential circulating pathogens may differ from general reports of symptoms among cases alone.
Psychometric properties of disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instruments for food allergy and food intolerance: protocol for a COSMIN-based systematic review
Authors: Chen Qirong , Li Zeen , Castro Aimee , Tang Siyuan , Chen Jiarui , Huang Chongmei , Xiao Jinnan , Liu Haiyan , Ding Jinfeng
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Food allergies and food intolerances can bring burdens on patients and their caregivers and reduce health-related quality of life (HRQoL). An increasing number of disease-specific HRQoL instruments for food allergies and food intolerances has been developed, and some of them have been adapted for different cultures and languages. This report describes a protocol for a systematic review of the psychometric properties of these instruments. The aims of this systematic review are to: (1) formulate recommendations for the usage of existing validated disease-specific HRQoL instruments for patients with food allergies and/or food intolerances and their caregivers; and (2) identify knowledge gaps to inform future research relating to these instruments.

Methods and analysis

This protocol adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol (PRISMA-P) 2015 checklist. The future review will follow the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guideline for systematic reviews of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and PRISMA 2020 statement guideline. Six databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL and ProQuest -Health & Medical Collection) will be searched to retrieve studies focusing on the development and psychometric properties of disease-specific HRQoL instruments for patients with food allergies and/or food intolerances and their caregivers between 1 December 2021 and 31 December 2021. Two researchers will be responsible for literature screening, data extraction and literature evaluation, independently. Disagreements will be addressed by discussion or the involvement of a third researcher. The methodological quality of the included studies and the quality of the identified instruments will be assessed based on the COSMIN guideline for systematic reviews of PROMs.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not applicable for this study. We will disseminate the findings through publication in peer-reviewed journals and/or academic conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021252203.
How does overall hospital satisfaction relate to patient experience with nursing care? a cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Chen Xiao , Zhang Yuxia , Qin Wei , Yu Zhenghong , Yu JingXian , Lin Ying , Li XiaoRong , Zheng Zheng , Wang Ying
Published: January 2022

Objective

To determine how patient experience with nursing care influence patient satisfaction with overall hospital services.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study.

Setting

Inpatients were consecutively recruited at the national hospital (with 2000 beds) in Shanghai, China.

Participants

The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) hospitalised for 2 days or more; (2) able to read and understand Chinese; and (3) aged 18 years old or above. Patients with mental health problems were excluded. 756 patient surveys distributed among 36 wards were analysed. The mean age of participants in the study was 57.7 (SD=14.5) and ranged from 18 to 80 years. Most participants were men (61.5%) and ever married (94.6%).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Patient experience with nursing care, meaning the sum of all interactions between patients and nurses, was measured using the self-designed questionnaire, which was developed by patient interviews, literature analysis and expert consultation. The overall patient satisfaction question was measured with a 10-point response option ranging from 1 to 10.

Results

A linear relationship between the patient experience with nursing care and overall patient satisfaction was observed. The patient experience with nursing care was significantly associated with overall satisfaction in the crude model and in the adjusted models. Even after adjusting for six sociodemographic and three disease-related factors, the patient experience with nursing care explained 34.9% of the variation in overall patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

This study showed that patient experience with nursing care was an important predictor for overall patient satisfaction.
Preventive effects of betamethasone valerate ointment for radiation-induced severe oral mucositis in patients with oral or oropharyngeal cancer: protocol for a multicentre, phase II, randomised controlled trial (Bet-ROM study)
Authors: Soutome Sakiko , Otsuru Mitsunobu , Murata Maho , Kawashita Yumiko , Yoshimatsu Masako , Funahara Madoka , Yamamura Yoshiko , Hasegawa Takumi , Yamada Shin-ichi , Kojima Yuka , Nakahara Hirokazu , Shibuya Yasuyuki , Umeda Masahiro , Saito Toshiyuki
Published: January 2022

Introduction

This is a randomised, multi-centre, open-label, phase II study to evaluate the efficacy of betamethasone valerate ointment on radiation-induced oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing concomitant radiotherapy with cisplatin or cetuximab.

Methods and analysis

The trial will take place at seven hospitals in Japan. Patients will be randomised (1:1) into betamethasone and control groups after the occurrence of grade 1 oral mucositis. In the betamethasone group, patients will use betamethasone valerate ointment five times a day, in addition to usual oral hygiene guidance. The primary endpoint is the incidence and onset time of grade 3 oral mucositis. The secondary endpoints are the incidence and onset time of grade 2 oral mucositis, incidence and onset time of oral candidiasis, completion of radiation therapy and adverse events. Target accrual is 102 patients with a two-sided type I error rate of 5% and 80% power to detect an 80% risk reduction in the incidence of grade 3 oral mucositis.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Clinical Research Review Board of Nagasaki University (No. CRB20-009). All participants will be required to provide written informed consent. Findings will be disseminated through scientific and professional conferences and peer-reviewed journal publication. The datasets generated during the study will be available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Trial registration number

jRCTs071200013.
Investigation of the relation between risk assessment of exposure and nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission in healthcare workers: a prospective single-centre study
Authors: Kaya Kalem Ayse , Kayaaslan Bircan , Eser Fatma , Hasanoglu İmran , Ayhan Muge , Coskun Belgin , Guner Rahmet
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are among the risk groups for COVID-19. Determining transmission routes and risk levels during healthcare is of great importance in preventing nosocomial outbreaks. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of nosocomial transmission and factors affecting the transmission in HCW.

Methods

HCWs admitted to the infectious diseases outpatient clinic due to contact with a COVID-19 patient and diagnosed with SARS-COV-2 by reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 were included in the study.

Results

A total of 822 HCWs with 295 low, 284 intermediate and 243 high-risk exposures were included in the study. 27.1% of the HCWs were male, and the median age was 31.9 years (20–62). 89.5% of these patients were directly in charge of patient care. Of the index cases contacted, 72.6% were HCW, and 27.4% were non-HCW patients. Most of the risky exposure (51.7%) occurred in nurses. The occurrence frequency of high-risk exposure was lower in those assigned to direct patient care when compared with the occurrence frequency of moderate-risk or low-risk exposures (76.5%, 94.7, 95.3, respectively p<0.001). In most high-risk exposures (220/253), the index cases were HCWs (p<0.001). Symptoms were detected in 311 of the HCWs (37.8%) during the follow-up. The median time to perform SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR was 5.3 days (IQR) after the last risky exposure. In multivariate analysis, SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity was 5.65 times higher in HCWs not directly involved in patient care than HCWs who are not involved in patient care (95% CI 2.437 to 13.111; p<0.001).

Conclusions

This study provides particularly useful information on post-exposure COVID-19 follow-up and management of working schedules and procedures of HCWs.
Quality improvement in a crisis: a qualitative study of experiences and lessons learned from the Irish National Ambulance Service response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Heffernan Eithne , Keegan Dylan , Clarke Bridget , Deasy Conor , O'Donnell Cathal , Crowley Philip , Hughes Angela , Murphy Andrew W , Masterson Siobhán
Published: January 2022

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has produced radical changes in international health services. In Ireland, the National Ambulance Service established a novel home and community testing service that was central to the national COVID-19 screening programme. This service was overseen by a multidisciplinary response room. This research examined the response room service, particularly areas that performed well and areas requiring improvement, using a quality improvement (QI) framework.

Design

This was a qualitative study comprising semi-structured, individual interviews. Maximum variation sampling was used. The data were analysed using an established thematic analysis procedure. The analysis was guided by the framework, which comprised six QI drivers.

Setting

Response room employees, including clinicians, dispatchers and administrators, were interviewed via telephone.

Results

Leadership for quality: participants valued person-oriented leadership, including regular, open communication and consultation with staff. Person/family engagement: participants endeavoured to provide patient-centred care. Formal patient feedback mechanisms and shared decision-making could be beneficial in the future. Staff engagement: working in a response room could affect well-being, though it also provided networking and learning opportunities. Staff require support and teambuilding. Use of improvement methods: improvements were made in a relatively informal, ad hoc manner. The use of robust methods based on improvement science was not reported. Measurement for quality: data were collected to improve efficiency and accuracy. More rigorous measurement would be beneficial, especially formally collecting stakeholder feedback. Governance for quality: close alignment with collaborators and clear communication with staff are essential. Information and communications technology for quality: this seventh driver was added because the importance of information technology specially designed for pandemics was frequently highlighted.

Conclusions

The study provides insights on what worked well and what required improvement in a pandemic response room. It can inform health services, particularly emergency services, in their preparation for additional COVID-19 waves, as well as future crises.
Haemodynamic differences between two generations of a balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valve
Authors: Wilde Nihal , Rogmann Marc , Mauri Victor , Piayda Kerstin , Schmitz Marie-Therese , Al-Kassou Baravan , Shamekhi Jasmin , Maier Oliver , Sugiura Atsushi , Weber Marcel , Zimmer Sebastian , Zeus Tobias , Kelm Malte , Adam Matti , Baldus Stephan , Nickenig Georg , Veulemans Verena , Sedaghat Alexander
Published: January 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate early haemodynamic and clinical performance of the SAPIEN 3 Ultra (S3 Ultra) transcatheter heart valve (THV) system in comparison to its precursor, the SAPIEN 3 (S3). Previous studies have indicated potential haemodynamic differences between the S3 Ultra and S3. Such differences may impact clinical outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods

Postprocedural haemodynamic performance and 30-day clinical outcome were compared in patients who underwent TAVI receiving either the S3 or the new S3 Ultra prostheses. Multivariable analysis and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to identify factors associated with higher mean transvalvular gradients.

Results

We included 697 patients (S3 Ultra: n=314, S3: n=383) from the multicentre RhineHeart TAVI Registry. Patients receiving the S3 Ultra prosthesis showed significantly higher postprocedural mean transvalvular gradients (14.2±4.8 vs 10.2±4.4 mm Hg; p<0.01). Multivariable logistic regression analyses and additional PSM revealed the use of the S3 Ultra to be associated with higher postprocedural mean transvalvular gradients (p<0.01). 30-day clinical outcomes, such as mortality, myocardial infarction, permanent pacemaker implantation and vascular complications were comparable between the groups.

Conclusions

The new S3 Ultra THV was associated with a higher postprocedural mean transvalvular gradient compared with the S3 system, while there was no difference in mortality or adverse clinical outcomes at 30 days. These echocardiographic differences will require long-term studies to assess the clinical relevance of this finding.
Efficacy of pembrolizumab and comprehensive CD274/PD-L1 profiles in patients previously treated with chemoradiation therapy as radical treatment in bladder cancer
Authors: Nishimura Kazuki , Nishio Kyosuke , Hirosuna Kensuke , Komura Kazumasa , Hayashi Takuo , Fukuokaya Wataru , Ura Ayako , Uchimoto Taizo , Nakamura Ko , Fukushima Tatsuo , Yano Yusuke , Takahashi Nobushige , Nakamori Keita , Kinoshita Shoko , Matsunaga Tomohisa , Tsutsumi Takeshi , Tsujino Takuya , Taniguchi Kohei , Tanaka Tomohito , Uehara Hirofumi , Takahara Kiyoshi , Inamoto Teruo , Hirose Yoshinobu , Kimura Takahiro , Egawa Shin , Azuma Haruhito
Published: January 2022

Background

Chemoradiation therapy (CRT) has been increasingly reported as a possible alternative to total cystectomy (TC) for localized bladder cancer (BC). Pembrolizumab is the standard of care for platinum-refractory metastatic urothelial carcinoma, although it is unknown whether the efficacy of pembrolizumab in patients previously treated with curative CRT varies from the results of benchmark trials.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed whether the survival benefit of pembrolizumab differs between patients previously treated with TC or CRT as radical treatment. A total of 212 patient records were collected for a logistic regression propensity score model. An independent dataset with next-generation sequencing (n=289) and PD-L1 Combined Positive Score (CPS: n=266) was analyzed to assess whether CRT-recurrent tumor harbors distinct CD274/PD-L1 profiles.

Results

Propensity score matching was performed using putative clinical factors, from which 30 patients in each arm were identified as pair-matched groups. There was no significant difference in overall survival from the initiation of pembrolizumab (p=0.80) and objective response rate (p=0.59) between CRT and TC treatment groups. In the independent 289 BC cohort, 22 samples (7.6%) were collected as CRT-recurrent tumors. There was no significant difference in CD274 mRNA expression level between CRT-naïve and CRT-recurrent tumors. The compositions of CD274 isoforms were comparable among all isoforms detected from RNAseq between CRT-naïve (n=267) and CRT-recurrent (n=22) tumors. No actionable exonic mutation in CD274 was detected in CRT-recurrent tumors. PD-L1 CPS was positively correlated with CD274 mRNA expression level, and PD-L1 CPS was comparable between CRT-naïve and CRT-recurrent tumors.

Conclusions

The efficacy of pembrolizumab for patients previously treated with CRT was similar to those treated with TC. The enhanced tumor regression by combining programmed cell death protein 1/PD-L1 inhibitor and CRT might be expected only in the concurrent administration.