bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interpersonal Relationships and Drug Use Over Time Among Homeless People: a Qualitative Study.
Authors: de Espíndola Marília Ignácio , Bedendo André , Silva Eroy Aparecida da , Noto Ana Regina 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Homelessness is one of the most severe forms of social exclusion and is an important public health issue. It is characterized by processes of weakening of interpersonal bonds. The objective of this study was, therefore, to elucidate how interpersonal relationships change over the life cycle of homeless drug and alcohol users.METHOD: We used a qualitative methodology. The participants were adults who had a history of homelessness and use of alcohol and other drugs. The interviews were semi structured and used a timeline instrument. All interview were audio recorded, transcribed, and submitted to thematic analysis.RESULTS: Twenty individuals participated in the study. Reports on social exclusion over time stood out in respect of four main themes and their respective subthemes: Theme 1 – Childhood: instability upbringing, abuse, violence, and an absent or not very present father figure; Theme 2 – Adolescence: school dropout and failure; acceptance of gender and sexual orientation; birth of first child, living with a partner or getting married: Theme 3 – Adulthood: estrangement or conflicting relationship with family; health problems; drug trafficking and prostitution; Theme 4 – Cross-cutting factors: death of relatives and substance use.CONCLUSION: The results suggest that interpersonal relationships are permeated by successive breakups, conflicts and other events that start in childhood and can have a cumulative effect in later stages of life, and cross the subsequent phases. Substance abuse and dependence are mentioned as cross-cutting factors that intensify social exclusion in all stages of life.
Spatiotemporal Variations in Ischemic Heart Disease Mortality and related risk factors in China between 2010 and 2015: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Wang Baohua , Li Peiyao , He Fengdie , Sha Yuting , Wan Xia , Wang Lijun 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: To explore the relationship between geographical differences of mortality and related risk factors in ischemic heart disease (IHD) in China.Methods: We used data from the nationally representative China Mortality Surveillance System to calculate annual IHD mortality counts (2010-2015) stratified by 5-year age groups (aged > 40), gender and time for 161 counties and districts (Disease Surveillance Points, or DSP). Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the IHD mortality in Chinese population from 2010 to 2015. Negative binomial regression was used to investigate potential spatiotemporal variation and correlations with age, gender, urbanization, and region.Results: The overall IHD mortality was 221.17/100,000, accounting for 1.51 million deaths in 2015. The standardized IHD mortality rate increased by 5.51% from 2010 to 2015 among people aged 40 years and older. Multilevel analysis indicated significant differences in gender, regional effects, and age. High urbanization rate (risk ratio [RR] = 0.728, 95% confidence interval [CI] = (0.631, 0.840)) and average high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (RR=0.741, 95%CI: 0.616,0.891) were negatively associated with IHD mortality. IHD mortality was significantly higher in populations with a low rate of medical insurance coverage (RR= 1.218, 95%CI: 1.007, 1.473), as well as the average body mass index (BMI) (RR= 1.436, 95%CI: 1.135, 1.817) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (RR= 1.310, 95%CI: 1.019, 1.684). While the relationship with current smoking rate, excessive intake of red meat, insufficient vegetable or fruits intake didn’t show the statistical significance. The negative correlation between the average sedentary time and IHD mortality was not conclusive due to the possible deviation of the data.Conclusions: The mortality of IHD showed an upward trend for people aged 40 years and older in China during 2010-2015, which should be paid attention to. Therefore, some risk factors should be controlled, that are SBP, overweight/obesity. HDL is a protective factor, as well as higher urbanization rate, family income level, and medical insurance coverage.
Two-year outcomes after full-thickness astigmatic keratotomy combined with small-incision lenticule extraction for high astigmatism
Authors: Kim Bu Ki , Chung Young Taek 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate clinical outcomes after full-thickness astigmatic keratotomy (FTAK) combined with small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in eyes with high astigmatism.Methods: This study comprised 75 eyes of 43 patients with over 4.0 diopters (D) of astigmatism who were treated with SMILE after FTAK. Visual acuities and refractive measurements were evaluated at 1 month after FTAK, and 1, 6, 12, and 24 months after SMILE. Vector analysis of the astigmatic changes was performed using the Alpins method.Results: Twenty-four months after the combined procedure, the average spherical equivalent was reduced from -6.56 ± 2.38 D to -0.36 ± 0.42 D (p < 0.001). The uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities improved from 1.54 ± 5.53 to -0.02 ± 0.09 and from -0.03 ± 0.07 D to -0.07 ± 0.08 D (both p < 0.001), respectively. The preoperative mean astigmatism was -5.48 ± 1.17 D, which was reduced to -2.27 ± 0.97 D and -0.34 ± 0.26 D at 1 month after FTAK and 24 months after SMILE, respectively (p <0.001). The surgically-induced astigmatism after FTAK, SMILE, and FTAK and SMILE combined was 3.38 ± 1.18 D, 2.22 ± 0.84 D, and 5.39 ± 1.20 D, respectively. Furthermore, the correction index of FTAK, SMILE, and FTAK and SMILE combined was 0.63 ± 0.17, 0.90 ± 0.40, and 0.98 ± 0.06, respectively. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Conclusion: Our surgical procedure combining FTAK and SMILE showed good and stable clinical outcomes during two-year follow-up for the treatment of high astigmatism.
The relationship between seasonality, latitude and tuberculosis notifications in Pakistan.
Authors: Butt Mohsin F. , Younis Sidra , Wu Zhenqiang , Hadi Syed H. , Latif Abdullah , Martineau Adrian R. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPakistan is amongst the top 20 highest burden tuberculosis (TB) countries in the world. Approximately 369,548 cases of TB (all forms) were notified in 2018, with an estimated incidence of 265 per 100,000 people per year. In other settings, TB has been shown to demonstrate seasonal variation, with higher incidence in the spring/summer months and lower incidence in the autumn/winter; the amplitude of seasonal variation has also been reported to be higher with increasing distance from the equator.MethodsNotifications of newly-diagnosed pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB cases were obtained for 139 districts in Pakistan from 2011-2017. Data were provided by the Pakistan National TB Control Programme, Islamabad, Pakistan. Statistical analyses were performed to determine whether there was seasonal variation in TB notifications in Pakistan; whether the amplitude of seasonal variation in TB notifications varied according to latitude; whether the amplitude of seasonal variation of TB in Pakistan differed between extrapulmonary TB vs. pulmonary TB. To assess the quarterly seasonality of TB, we used the X-13-ARIMA-SEATS seasonal adjustment programme from the United States Census Bureau. The mean difference and corresponding 95% confidence intervals of seasonal amplitudes between different latitudes and type of TB were estimated using linear regression.ResultsTB notifications were highest in quarter 2, and lowest in quarter 4. The mean amplitude of seasonal variation was 25.5% (95% CI 25.0% to 25.9%). The mean seasonal amplitude of TB notifications from latitude 24.5ºN-<26.5ºN was 29.5% (95% CI 29.3% to 29.7%) whilst the mean seasonal amplitude of TB notifications from latitude 34.5ºN -<36.5ºN was 21.7% (95% CI 19.6% to 23.9%). The mean seasonal amplitude of TB notifications across Pakistan between latitudes 24.5ºN to 36.5ºN reached statistically significant difference (p<0.001). The amplitude of seasonal variation was greater for extrapulmonary TB (mean seasonal amplitude: 32.6%, 95% CI 21.4% to 21.8%) vs. smear positive pulmonary TB mean seasonal amplitude: 21.6%, 95% CI 32.1% to 33.1%), p<0.001.ConclusionTB notifications in Pakistan exhibit seasonal variation with a peak in quarter 2 (April-June) and trough in quarter 4 (October-December). The amplitude of seasonality decreases with increasing latitude, and is more pronounced for extrapulmonary TB than for pulmonary TB.
Health Care Provider's Support from Mothers in NICU: A Focused Ethnography Study
Authors: Negarandeh Reza , Hassankhani Hadi , jabraeili mahnaz , Abbaszadeh mohammaf , Best Amy 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Mothers of premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have complex needs and require a significant amount of support during the NICU admission. However, little is known about mothers support needs in the NICU. The aim of study was to explore mothers and health staff experiences and care practices meeting support needs of the mothers in the NICU. Methods: A focused ethnographic approach was adopted. Observation and interviews with 21 mothers, 18 nurses and 5 physicians were undertaken over a seven month period. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using the Roper and Shapira (2000) five-step framework. Result: Two main themes of “failure to meet the support needs of mothers” (Subthemes: failure to accompany the mother in care, assigning monitoring and care to the mother, inadequate sharing of medical information) and “supporting the mothers in certain circumstances” (Subthemes: reassuring the mother, supporting mothers with reduced functional capacity, providing information) were obtained. Conclusion: This study showed that the mothers were supported by the staff, particularly while mothers were in serious need of support. However, the staff considered the treatment and care of the infant as their main professional duty and mothers support was provided when they had the opportunity to support.
Obesity And Severity In Patients With COVID-19: A Scoping Review&nbsp;Protocol
Authors: Costa Marcela Larissa , Souza Carlos Adriano Santos , Silva Ana Caroline Cardoso , Santos Dayane Franciely Conceição , Nonato Edilene Fernandes , Santana Francismayne Batista , Dias Giselle dos Santos , Barreto Jessyca Teles , Costa Laís Santos , Costa Maria Carolina Barros , Ferreira Tamila das Neves , Santana Jeniffer Santos , Netto Raquel Simões Mendes , Nascimento Tereza Virgínia Silva Bezerra do , Nunes Marco Antônio Prado , de Souza Márcia Ferreira Cândido 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 strain, was first identified in late 2019, in China. A greater number of countries were affected in 2020, with a consequent increase in the disease's epidemiological curve. The outcomes of patients affected by the virus can worsen, developing acute respiratory failure and other serious complications, especially when related to older individuals and people of all ages with obesity and comorbidities. Some studies have shown that obese infected with COVID-19 had a high frequency risk of hospitalization in the Intensive Care Unit and the need to use Invasive Mechanical Ventilation, in addition to the association between a higher death rate. Thus, obese patients tend to have a more severe course of COVID-19. In this sense, this review aims to synthesize the evidence in the literature that associates COVID-19 and the severity of clinical outcomes in infected obese patients. Methods: This protocol will include all study articles that can be used as instruments to assess the severity of clinical outcomes in obese patients infected by 2019-nCoV. There will be no time limitation when searching for articles. Studies in any environment or country for inclusion will be considered. Discussion: There are still not enough studies to characterize the evidence and its strength in the severity of clinical outcomes of the disease. Therefore, given the need for early detection of the possible implications and treatment for patients with obesity, the evidence will be useful for directing the conduct and optimization of therapies in these patients by the multiprofessional teams.Scoping review registration: Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/xrkec
COPD patients prescribed inhaled corticosteroid in primary care – Time for re-assessment based on exacerbation rate and blood eosinophils?
Authors: Savran Osman , Godtfredsen Nina Skavlan , Sørensen Torben , Jensen Christian , Ulrik Charlotte 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background and objective: Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy for COPD should be guided by exacerbations and blood-eosinophils according to the GOLD 2020 strategy document. In the present study, we applied these recent recommendations in a large cohort of COPD patients recruited from general practice.Methods: The participating general practitioners (n = 144) recruited patients with a diagnosis of COPD currently prescribed ICS and reported data on exacerbation history and blood-eosinophils. Clinical variables were compared using two-sample t-tests.Results: The study cohort comprised 1,567 COPD patients (44% males and mean age 72 years). In the past 12 months, 849 (54%) of the COPD patients currently prescribed ICS had no exacerbation, whereas 383 (24%) and 328 (21%) patients, respectively, had a history of one exacerbation and two or more exacerbations. Compared to patients with one or no exacerbation, patients with ≥2 exacerbations (21%) per year reported more dyspnea (p<0.001) and had higher degree of airflow obstruction (p<0.001). Among patients with no and at least one exacerbation within the preceding 12 months, 30% and 26%, respectively, had a blood-eosinophil count ≥ 0.3 x 109/L. In patients with two or more exacerbations within the last 12 months, 77% had a blood-eosinophil count of ≥ 0.1 x 109/L. Furthermore, 166 patients (11%) had at least one hospital admission due to COPD exacerbation, and a blood-eosinophil count of ≥ 0.1 x 109/L.Conclusion: This study of a large cohort of COPD patients currently prescribed inhaled corticosteroids suggests the need for re-evaluating the management strategy to increase benefit and reduce adverse effects of ICS treatment in COPD patients managed in primary care.
Metabolic syndrome Amongst Adults in Jordan: Prevalence, Trend, and its Association with Socio-demographic Characteristics
Authors: Ajlouni Kamel , Khader Yousef , Alyousfi Mohamad , Nsour Mohannad Al , Batieha Anwar , Jaddou Hashem 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Multiple epidemiological studies were conducted amongst a variety of ethnic groups and showed discrepancies in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MeS) and its individual components. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MeS in Jordan using both the Adult Treatment Panel Guidelines (ATP III) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. The study also aimed to assess the changes in the prevalence of MeS over time and determine its association with sociodemographic variables. Methods: Data from the 2017 Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Survey were used for this study. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were taken for biochemical measurements. Furthermore, anthropometric characteristics were measured by the same team of trained field researchers. A sample of 4,056 individuals aged between 18 and 90 years was included in this study. The findings from the 2017 survey were compared with the findings of a 2009 survey that adopted the same methods and procedures. Results: According to the IDF criteria, the crude prevalence of Metabolic syndrome was 48.2% (52.9% among men and 46.2% among women; p<0.001). Using the ATP III criteria, the prevalence was 44.1% (51.4% among men and 41% among women, p<0.001). The age-standardized prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome was 44% (95% CI: 42.7, 45.4) and 39.9% (95% CI: 39.6, 41.2), according to both the IDF definition and ATP III criteria, respectively. The Kappa measure of agreement showed excellent agreement between the two definitions (k= 81.9%, p<0.001). Of all participants, 41.7% met both the IDF and ATP III diagnostic criteria, 6.6% met the IDF criteria only, and 2.5% met the ATP III criteria only. The age-standardized prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in 2017 (45.7% in men and 44.5% in women) than that in 2009 survey (34.6% in men and 39.8% in women). Gender, age, occupation, region, and marital status were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Jordan is considerably high and it is increasing. Healthy lifestyle programs encouraging appropriate dietary habits and physical activity are strongly recommended in Jordan.
SiFBA5, a cold-responsive factor from Saussurea involucrate promotes cold resilience and biomass increase in transgenic tomato plants under cold stress
Authors: Mu Jianqiang , Fu Yajuan , Liu Bucang , Zhang Yao , Wang Aiying , Li Yuxia , Zhu Jianbo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Saussurea involucrate survives in extreme arctic conditions with strong cold resistant ability. The species occurs in rocky, mountainous habitats at elevations of approximately 2400-4100m with year-round snowfall and freezing temperatures providing a magnificent model and abundant gene pool for dissecting plant stress responses. Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphate Aldolase (FBA) mediates the reverse conversion of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) into dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and glycerol triphosphate (GAP) during glycolysis or gluconeogenesis, which is the key enzyme in this reaction. Saussurea involucrate can survive in extremely low temperature environment, which shows that it has extremely high photosynthesis efficiency. Significantly, the underlying mechanism of its cold tolerance is yet to be unveiled. Therefore, our work aims to explore potential molecular mechanisms.
Results
In this study, we identified a cold-responsive gene SiFBA5 that based on a preliminary low-temperature genome-wide transcriptional profiling in S. involucrata. Expression analysis showed that cold temperature rapidly induced transcriptional expression of SiFBA5, suggesting that SiFBA5 participates in initial stress responses. Subcellular localization showed that SiFBA5 is localized to the chloroplast. We then generated transgenic tomato plants overexpressing SiFBA5 derived by a CaMV 35S promoter. Phenotypic observation suggested that the transgenic overexpress plants displayed increased cold tolerance, photosynthesis efficiency, and carbohydrate accumulation in comparison with wild-type plants.
Conclusion
Collectively, our results demonstrated that SiFBA5 positively regulates plant response to cold stress, making it a promising candidate for improving cold tolerance in crops.
An ultra-low magnetic field thermal demagnetizer for high-precision paleomagnetism
Authors: Qin Huafeng , Zhao Xiang , Liu Shuangchi , Paterson Greig , Jiang Zhaoxia , Cai Shuhui , Li Jinhua , Liu Qingsong , Zhu Rixiang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Thermal demagnetization furnaces are widely used paleomagnetic facilities for progressive removal of naturally acquired magnetic remanence or the imparting of well controlled laboratory magnetization. An ideal thermal demagnetizer should maintain “zero” magnetic field in the sample chamber during thermal treatments. However, magnetic field noises, including the residual magnetic fields of the construction material and the induced fields caused by the alternating current (AC) in the heating element are always present, which can contaminate the paleoamgnetic results at the elevated temperatures or especially for the magnetically weak samples. Here, we designed a new structure of heating wire named “straight core solenoid” to develop a new demagnetization furnace with ultra-low magnetic field noise. Simulation and practical measurements show that the heating current magnetic field can be greatly reduced by using the new technology. Thermal demagnetization experiments demonstrate that the new demagnetizer can yield low noise results even for weakly magnetic samples.
Improvement of renal function after transcatheter aortic valve replacement and its impact on survival
Authors: Kylies Dominik , Freitag-Wolf Sandra , Fulisch Florian , Seoudy Hatim , Kuhn Christian , Kihm Lars Philipp , Pühler Thomas , Lutter Georg , Dempfle Astrid , Frey Norbert , Feldkamp Thorsten , Frank Derk 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundChronic kidney disease as well as acute kidney injury are associated with adverse outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, little is known about the prognostic implications of an improvement in renal function after TAVR. Methods Renal improvement (RI) was defined as a decrease in postprocedural creatinine in µmol/l of ≥ 1% compared to its preprocedural baseline value. A propensity score representing the likelihood of RI was calculated to define patient groups which were comparable regarding potential confounders (age, sex, BMI, NYHA classification, STS score, log. EuroSCORE, history of atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter, pulmonary disease, previous stroke, CRP, creatinine, hsTNT and NT-proBNP). The cohort was stratified into 5 quintiles according to this propensity score and the survival time after TAVR was compared within each subgroup. Results Patients in quintile 5 (n=93) had the highest likelihood for RI. They were characterized by higher creatinine, lower eGFR, higher NYHA class, higher NT-proBNP, being mostly female and having shorter overall survival time. Within quintile 5, patients without RI had significantly shorter survival compared to patients with RI (p=0.002, HR=0.32, 95% CI=[0.15-0.69]). There was no survival time difference between patients with and without RI in the whole cohort (p=0.12) and in quintiles 1 to 4 (all p > 0.16). Analyses of specific subgroups showed that among patients with NYHA class IV, those with RI also had a significant survival time benefit (p<0.001, HR = 0.15; 95%-CI= [0.05-0.44]) compared to patients without RI. Conclusions We here describe a propensity score-derived specific subgroup of patients in which RI after TAVR correlated with a significant survival benefit.
Origin of the vast height difference between the African and Pacific LLSVPs
Authors: Yuan Qian , Li Mingming 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Seismic observations have revealed two Large Low Shear Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs) beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean in the lowermost mantle1–4. However, the detailed morphology and stability of the LLSVPs and their interaction with the surrounding mantle remain unclear. Here we show that, whereas the maximum height of the Pacific LLSVP is ~500 – 700 km, the African LLSVP reaches a height of ~1,500 – 1,800 km from the core-mantle boundary. With numerical modeling experiments, we find that the height of the Pacific LLSVP can be reconciled by a wide range of the LLSVP density and surrounding mantle viscosity. However, the large height of the African LLSVP indicates that it may be less dense and thus less stable than the Pacific LLSVP.