bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Significance of Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Papazoglou Andreas S , Kartas Anastasios , Samaras Athanasios , Akrivos Evangelos , Vouloagkas Ioannis , Vrana Eleni , Moysidis Dimitrios V , Kotzampasis Georgios , Baroutidou Amalia , Papanastasiou Anastasios , Liampas Evangelos , Botis Michail , Karagiannidis Efstratios , Stalikas Nikolaos , Karvounis Haralambos , Tzikas Apostolos , Giannakoulas George 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: There are limited data on the association of diabetes mellitus (DM) and levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients who were recently hospitalized with a primary or secondary diagnosis of AF from December 2015 through June 2018. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox-regression adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were calculated for the primary outcome of all-cause mortality and for the secondary outcomes of cardiovascular (CV) mortality, stroke and the composite outcome of CV death or hospitalization. Spline curve models were fitted to investigate associations of HbA1c values and mortality among patients with AF and DM.Results: In total 1140 AF patients were included, of whom 373 (32.7%) had DM. During a median follow-up of 2.6 years, 414 (37.3%) patients died. The presence of DM was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (aHR=1.44, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.12-1.85), CV mortality (aHR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.08-1.93), stroke (aHR=2.62, 95% CI: 1.24-5.53) and the composite outcome of hospitalization or CV death (aHR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.06-1.54). In AF patients with comorbid DM, the spline curves showed a positive linear association between HbA1c levels and outcomes, with values 7.6-8.2% being independent predictors of increased all-cause mortality, and values <6.2% predicting significantly decreased all-cause and CV mortality.Conclusions: The presence of DM on top of AF was associated with a 1.5-fold increased risk for all-cause or CV mortality and excess morbidity. HbA1c levels lower than 6.2% were independently related to better survival rates.
Chronic Exposure to PM2.5 Aggravates SLE Manifestations in Lupus-Prone Mice
Authors: Yariwake Victor Yuji , Torres Janaína Iannicelli , Santos Amandda Rakell Peixoto dos , Freitas Sarah Cristina Ferreira , De Angelis Kátia , Farhat Sylvia Costa Lima , Câmara Niels Olsen Saraiva , Veras Mariana Matera 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Air pollution causes negative impacts on health. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations and multifactorial etiology. Recent studies suggest that air pollution can trigger SLE and induce disease activity. However, this association has not been deeply investigated. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exacerbates SLE manifestations, focusing on renal complications, in a lupus-prone animal model. Female NZBWF1 mice were exposed daily to 600µg/m³ of inhaled concentrated ambient particles (CAP) or filtered air (FA). Survival rate, body weight, weight of organs (kidney, spleen, thymus, liver and heart), blood cell count, proteinuria, kidney stereology, renal histopathology, gene expression and oxidative stress were analyzed.Results: Female NZBW mice exposed to CAP presented decreased survival, increased circulating neutrophils, early onset of proteinuria and increased kidney weight with renal cortex enlargement when compared to NZBW mice exposed to FA.Conclusions: This work shows that air pollution aggravates some SLE manifestations in lupus-prone mice. These results reinforce the need of reducing air pollutant levels in order to promote a better quality of life for individuals diagnosed with SLE.
Application of a New Non-Invasive Skin Cholesterol Detection Technology in Atherosclerosis Screening
Authors: Ni Jingshu , Hong Haiou , Zhang Yang , Tang Shiqi , Han Yongsheng , Fang Zhaohui , Zhang Yuanzhi , Zhou Nan , Wang Quanfu , Liu Yong , Li Zhongsheng , Wang YiKun , dong meili 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Establishing a high-accuracy and non-invasive method is essential for evaluating cardiovascular disease. Skin cholesterol is a novel marker for assessing the risk of atherosclerosis and can be used as an independent risk factor for early assessment of atherosclerotic risk.Methods: we propose a non-invasive skin cholesterol detection method based on absorption spectroscopy. Detection reagents specifically bind to skin cholesterol and react with indicator to produce colored products, the skin cholesterol content can be obtained through absorption spectrum information of colored products detected by noninvasive technology. Gas chromatography is used to measure cholesterol extracted from the skin to verify the accuracy of the noninvasive test method. A total of 163 subjects were divided into normal group(n=58), disease group (n=26) and risk group(n=79). All subjects underwent noninvasive skin cholesterol test. The diagnostic accuracy of the measured value was analyzed by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results: The proposed method is able to identify porcine skin containing gradient concentration of cholesterol and the values measured by non-invasive detection method were significantly correlated with gas chromatography measured results (r=0.9074, n=73, p<0.001). We further evaluated the method on patients with atherosclerosis and high risk population as well as normal group, patients and high risk atherosclerosis group exhibited higher skin cholesterol content than normal group (all P<0.001). The area under the ROC curve for distinguishing Normal/Disease group was 0.8243(95% confidence interval, 0.7165 to 0.9321), however, the area under the ROC curve for distinguishing Normal/Risk group was 0.8488(95% confidence interval, 0.7793 to 0.9182). Conclusions: The method demonstrated its capability of detecting different concentration of skin cholesterol. This non-invasive skin cholesterol detection system may potentially be used as a risk assessment tool for atherosclerosis screening, especially in a large population.
Factors that influence the duration of symptom resolution in COVID-19 patients in Ethiopia: A follow up study involving 60 symptomatic cases.&nbsp;
Authors: Abrahim Saro Abdella , Tessema Masresha , Ejeta Eshetu , Ahmed Mahammed , Defar Atkure , Hussen Alemayehu , Demoz Getachew , Degu Eskinder , Aseratie Mulugeta , Merga Belay , Dillnessa Enatenesh , Whiting Susan , Regassa Tegene , Duguma Derege 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The newly identified virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-two (SARS-CoV-2) has claimed more than a million lives worldwide since it was first recognized in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Understanding the clinical features of COVID-19 and duration for resolution of symptoms is crucial for isolation of patients and tailoring public health messaging, interventions, and policy. Therefore, this study aims to assess the median duration of COVID-19 signs and symptoms resolution and explore it’s predictors among symptomatic COVID-19 patients in EthiopiaMethods: A hospital-based prospective cohort study involving 60 COVID-19 cases was conducted at Eka Kotebe General Hospital, COVID-19 Isolation and Treatment Center. The study participants were all symptomatic COVID-19 adult patients admitted to the hospital from March 18 to June 27, 2020. Physicians at the center recorded the data using a log sheet. Cox proportional-hazards regression model was conducted. Statistical significance was defined at P<0.05. All analyses were done using STATA version 16.1 software.Results: A total of 60 symptomatic COVID-19 patients with a mean age of 34.8 years (+1.8) were involved in the study. The median duration of symptom resolution of COVID-19 was seven days with a minimum of two and a maximum of 68 days. Sex and Body Mass Index (BMI) were statistically significant predictors of the symptom resolution. The hazard of having delayed sign or symptom resolution in males was 55% higher than in females (P=0.039, CI: 0.22 to 0.96) and the hazard of the delayed sign or symptom in those with BMI ≥25 was 48% higher than in those with BMI <25 (P=0.051; CI: 0.272 to 1.003). In this study, age and comorbidity had no association with the duration of sign or symptom resolution in COVID-19 patients.Conclusions: The median duration of COVID-19 symptom resolution was seven days. Being male or having a BMI ≥ 25 were predictors for having a delayed sign or symptom resolution time. Therefore, understanding the duration of COVID-19 sign or symptom resolution helps to guide the patient isolation period and prioritize COVID-19 patients to be shielded.
Methods to Test the “Dimming Effect” Produced by a Decrease in the Number of Photons Received from Receding Light Sources
Authors: Zilberman M. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The hypothetical “Dimming Effect” describes the change of the number of photons arriving from a moving light source per unit of time. In non-relativistic systems, the “Dimming effect” may occur due to the growing distance of light sources moving away from the receiver. This means that due to the growing distance, the photons continuously require more time to reach the receiver, which reduces the number of received photons per time unit compared to the number of emitted photons.Understandably, the proposed “Dimming effect” must be tested (confirmed or rejected) through observations.a. This article provides the formula for the calculation of “Dimming effect” values using the redshift parameter Z widely used in astronomy.b. The “Dimming effect” can possibly be detected utilizing the orbital movement of the Earth around the Sun. In accordance to the “Dimming effect”, observers on Earth will view 1.0001 more photons per time unit emitted by stars located near the ecliptic plane in the direction of the Earth orbiting the Sun. And, in contrast, observers will view only 0.9999 photons per time unit emitted by stars located near the ecliptic plane in the direction opposite to the Earth orbiting the Sun. Calculating precise measurements of the same stars within a 6-month period can possibly detect this difference. These changes in brightness are not only for specific stars, as the change in brightness takes place for all stars near the ecliptic in the direction of the Earth’s orbit around the Sun and in the opposite direction.c. The “Dimming effect” can possibly be detected in a physics laboratory using a moving light source (or mirror) and photon counters located in the direction of travel and in the opposite direction.d. In theory, Dilation of time can also be used for testing the existence of the “Dimming effect.” However, in experiments on Earth this effect appears in only the 14th digit after the decimal point and testing does not appear to be feasible.e. Why is it important to test the “Dimming effect?”* If confirmed, it would allow astronomers to adjust values of "Standard Candles" used in astronomy. Since “Standard Candles” are critical in various cosmological models, the “Dimming effect” can correct models and/or reveal and support new models.* If it is proved that the “Dimming effect” does not exist, it will mean that the number of photons arriving per unit of time does not depend on the speed of the light source and observer, which is not so apparent.
Health care provided to recent asylum-seeking and non-asylum-seeking pediatric patients in 2016 and 2017 at a Swiss tertiary hospital - a retrospective study
Authors: Brandenberger Julia , Pohl Christian , Vogt Florian , Tylleskär Thorkild , Ritz Nicole 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Asylum-seeking children represent an increasing and vulnerable group of patients whose health needs are largely unmet. Data on the health care provision to asylum-seeking children in European contexts is scarce. In this study we compare the health care provided to recent asylum-seeking and non-asylum-seeking children at a Swiss tertiary hospital. Methods We performed a cross-sectional retrospective study in a pediatric tertiary care hospital in Basel, Switzerland. All patients and visits from January 2016 to December 2017 were identified, using administrative and medical electronic health records. The asylum-seeking status was systematically assessed and the patients were allocated accordingly in the two study groups. Results A total of 202,316 visits by 55,789 patients were included, of which asylum-seeking patients accounted for 1674 (1%) visits by 439 (1%) individuals. The emergency department recorded the highest number of visits in both groups with a lower proportion in asylum-seeking compared to non-asylum-seeking children: 19% (317/1674) and 32% (64,315/200,642) respectively. The median number of visits per patient was 1 (IQR 1-2) in the asylum-seeking and 2 (IQR 1-4) in the non-asylum-seeking children. Hospital admissions were more common in asylum-seeking compared to non-asylum-seeking patients with 11% (184/1674) and 7% (14,692/200,642). Frequent visits (>15 visits per patient) accounted for 48% (807/1674) of total visits in asylum-seeking and 25% (49,886/200,642) of total visits in non-asylum-seeking patients. Conclusions Hospital visits by asylum-seeking children represented a small proportion of all visits. The emergency department had the highest number of visits in all patients but was less frequently used by asylum-seeking children. Frequent care suggests that asylum-seeking patients also present with more complex diseases. Further studies are needed, focusing on asylum-seeking children with medical complexity.
An analysis of perioperative hidden blood loss in femoral intertrochanteric fractures: Bone density is an important influencing factor
Authors: Cui Haidong , Chen Kai , Lv Shujun , Yuan Chaoqun , Wang Youhua 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background To explore the influencing factors of perioperative hidden blood loss in intertrochanteric fractures. Method We undertook a retrospective analysis from January 2016 to October 2019. Clinical data of 118 patients with intertrochanteric fractures were included. Hidden blood loss was calculated from the haematocrit changes before and after surgery using the Gross equation based on height, weight, and haematocrit (HCT) changes before and after surgery. Patients’ gender, age, presence of underlying diseases, fracture types, anaesthesia methods, time from injury to surgery, administration of antiplatelet drugs within 6 months before surgery, use of anticoagulant drugs after surgery, and bone density were statistically analysed. Factors having an effect on hidden blood loss were screened out. Then, hidden blood loss was used as the dependent variable, and each influencing factor was used in turn as the independent variable. Multivariate linear regression analysis was employed to analyse the related risk factors that affect hidden blood loss during the perioperative period of patients with intertrochanteric fractures. Result The apparent blood loss during the operation was 203.81 ±105. 51 ml, and the hidden blood loss was 517.55±191.47 ml. There were significant differences in the hidden blood loss of patients with different fracture types (stable vs unstable), anaesthesia methods (general anaesthesia vs intraspinal anaesthesia), antiplatelet or postoperative anticoagulant drugs, and bone densities (P<0.05). 05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that internal fixation, age, fracture type, anaesthesia method, anticoagulant application, and bone density were related risk factors that affected hidden blood loss during the surgical treatment of intertrochanteric fractures. Conclusion Hidden blood loss is the main cause of perioperative blood loss in intertrochanteric fractures, and the risk factors for hidden blood loss include internal fixation, fracture type (e.g., unstable), anaesthesia (e.g., intraspinal), and use of anticoagulant drugs. Specifically, we found that low bone density was a risk factor for hidden blood loss. It is not reliable to use apparent blood loss as the basis for fluid replacement and transfusion. We must fully consider the existence of hidden blood loss and intervene as soon as possible to prevent complications.
Social support status and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS in Kunming city,China
Authors: Li Yi , Zhang Xiao Wen , Liao Bin , Liang Jun , He Wen Jie , Liu Jun , Yang Yao , Zhang Yun Hai , Ma Tao , Wang Jing Ying 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: People living with HIV/AIDS not only require effective treatment for the alleviation of physical discomfort but also require social support to help them address difficulties in life and relieve their psychological anxiety and uneasiness. The social support network is of tremendous importance in helping people living with HIV/AIDS maintain good physical and mental health. This study aims to analyse the social support status among people living with HIV/AIDS in Kunming and explore associated factors.Method: The Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) was used, and a questionnaire survey was conducted using convenience sampling to select people living with HIV/AIDS from 14 counties of Kunming. It collected information on general demographic information and social support status. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to explore the associated factors.Results: A total of 990 valid questionnaires were completed. Data from all participants were analysed. Univariate analysis suggested that the factors associated with social support may include marital status, monthly income, and antiretroviral therapy. On the other hand, factors including monthly income and antiretroviral therapy accounted for the social support total score in the multivariate analysis.Conclusion: Social support among people living with HIV/AIDS in Kunming was generally low. This study identified a number of factors associated with social support among people living with HIV/AIDS. Based on our findings, appropriate interventions should be introduced to provide social support for those living with HIV/AIDS.
Homology analysis between clinically isolated extraintestinal and enteral Klebsiella pneumoniae among Neonates
Authors: Chen Chun-mei , Wang Min , Li Xian-ping , Li Peng-ling , Tian Jing-jing , Zhang Kan , Luo Can 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a leading cause of hospital-associated (HA) infections. It has been reported that gastrointestinal colonization (GI) is likely to be a common and significant reservoir for the transmission and infections of K. pneumoniae in both adults and neonates. However, the homologous relationship between clinically isolated extraintestinal and enteral K. pneumoniae in neonates hasn’t been characterized yet.Results: 43 isolates from 21 neonatal patients were collected in this study. The proportion of carbapenem resistance was 62.8%. There were 12 patients (12/21, 57.4%) whose antibiotic resistance phenotypes, genotypes, and ST types (STs) were concordant. Six sequence types were detected using MLST, with ST37 and ST54 being the dominant types. The results of MLST were consist with the results of PFGE.Conclusions: These data showed that there might be a close homologous relationship between extraintestinal K. pneumoniae (EXKP) and enteral K. pneumoniae (EKP) in neonates，indicating that the K. pneumoniae from the GI tract is possibly to be a significant reservoir for causing extraintestinal infections.
Pediatric Resident’s Perception of Night Float System Compared to 24 Hours System, a Prospective Study
Authors: Alsohime Fahad , Alkhalaf Hamad , Almuzini Hissah , Alyahya Malak , Allhidan Reema , Assiry Ghadeer , AlSalman Munirah , Alshuaibi Walaa , Temsah Mohamad-Hani , Alakeel Abdullah , Aleyadhy Ayman 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The study aims to evaluate the perceptions of pediatric residents under the night float (NF) on-call system and its impact on well-being, education, and patient safety compared with the traditional 24-hour on-call system.Methods: The study is prospective in nature and conducted on two pediatric resident training centers who apply the NF on-call system as a pilot project. Senior residents (PGY-3 and PGY-4) enrolled in the two training centers were invited to participate before and six months after the implementation of the change in the on-call system. A self-administered online questionnaire was distributed. Responses were rated using a five-point Likert-type scale (1 = strongly disagree; 5 = strongly agree). The items covered three main domains, namely, residents’ well-being, ability to deliver healthcare, and medical education experience. Pre- and post-intervention scores were presented as means and compared by t-test for paired samples.Results: A total of 42 residents participated in the survey (female = 24; 57.1%). All participants were senior residents; 25 (59.6%) were third-year residents (PGY-3), whereas 17 (40.4%) were fourth-year residents (PGY-4). The participants reported that many aspects of the three domains were improved with the introduction of the NF system. The system was perceived to exert less adverse health effect on the residents (mean: 2.37 ± 1.01) compared with the 24-hour on-call system (mean: 4.19 ± 0.60; P ˂ 0.001). In addition, the NF system was perceived to lead to less exposure to personal harm and result in less negative impact on quality of care, better work efficiency, reduced potential for medical errors, more successful teaching, and less disruptions to other rotations compared with the 24 hour on-call system (P ˂ 0.001).Conclusion: The perception of senior residents toward the 24-hour on-call system pertains to negative impacts on well-being, education, and patient safety compared with on-call systems with restrictive duty hours, such as the NF system, which is perceived to be less harmful, to exert positive impacts on the quality of delivered healthcare services, and more useful from pedagogic aspect.Trial registration: Not applicable
The effect of primary granulocyte-colony stimulating factor prophylaxis on the incidence of febrile neutropenia in patients with testicular germ cell tumors
Authors: Hapakova Nikola , Chovanec Michal , Rejlekova Katarina , Kalavska Katarina , Obertova Jana , Palacka Patrik , De Angelis Valentina , Světlovská Daniela , Sycova-Mila Zuzana , Mardiak Jozef , Mego Michal 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common solid malignancy in men 15-35 years old. Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a serious complication of chemotherapy, frequently occurring in GCT patients. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the effect of primary granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) prophylaxis on the incidence of FN in GCT patients. Methods: This study was conducted from medical records database of GCTs patients treated with first line/adjuvant chemotherapy from January 2000 to December 2017. Starting in January 2006, patients received G-CSF prophylaxis after every cycle of chemotherapy. Results: Out of 385 patients, 264 patients received primary G-CSF prophylaxis and 121 patients did not receive prophylaxis. During the study period, 71 patients (18.4%) suffered FN events. Out of 121 patients who did not receive primary prophylaxis, 42 patients suffered FN, while only 29 patients with primary prophylaxis suffered FN (34.7% vs 11.0%, P = 0.00000003). On subgroup analysis, FN incidence decreased in all groups with primary prophylaxis, except for patients with stage I GCT receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients receiving G-CSF prophylaxis had significantly longer overall survival when compared to patients without prophylaxis. (HR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.31-0.96; P = 0.0235).Conclusions: Primary G-CSF prophylaxis was associated with significantly decreased FN incidence in patients treated with first line chemotherapy for metastatic disease. Patients receiving G-CSF prophylaxis had significantly longer overall survival. We suggest, that primary G-CSF prophylaxis should be considered in GCT patients receiving first line chemotherapy.