bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Quality of Life of Children With Cancer and Caregiving Competence of Main Family Caregivers
Authors: López León Angie , Carreño Moreno Sonia , Arias-Rojas Mauricio 
Published: December 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the caregiver’s proxy-report of the quality of life (QoL) of children with cancer and the main family caregiver’s competence, and to examine the role of said competence and other care-related variables in their proxy-reported QoL of children with cancer. Method: This was a cross sectional, correlation design study conducted with 97 main family caregivers of children between the ages of 8 and 12 years with cancer residing in Colombia. The following variables were collected: main family caregiver and child sociodemographic characteristics (Survey for Dyad Care; GCPC-UN-D), The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Cancer Module, and the Competence Instrument (caregiver version). Results: The mean of the children’s QoL was 102.0 points, and the caregivers’ competence score was 211.24. Caregiver’s competence ( t = 5.814, p < .01), marital status ( t = 1.925, p < .05), time as a caregiver ( t = 2.087, p < .05), number of hours spent caring for the child ( t = 2.621, p < .05), and caregiver’s previous caring experiences ( t = 2.068, p < .05) were found to influence caregiver’s proxy-report of the QoL of children with cancer. Conclusions: High competence in main family caregivers positively influence caregiver’s proxy-report of the QoL of children with cancer. Study results also suggest that nurses should consider the caregivers’ sociodemographic characteristics such as marital status, time as a caregiver, number of hours spent caring for the child, and caregiver’s previous experiences because those aspects influence main family caregivers’ proxy-report about their children’s QoL.
Predictive Factors of Death on Hospitalization in Patients With Advanced Cancer in Palliative Care
Authors: Rosa Karla Santos da Costa , Cypriano Raphael de Paiva , Albuquerque Nathália Masiero , de Oliveira Livia Costa 
Published: December 2020

Background: Prognostic assessment is essential to plan the care of patients with advanced cancer in palliative care. Objective: Thus, this study aims to assess the predictors of death in inpatients with advanced cancer in palliative care. Methods: This is a clinical, observational cohort study with patients aged >20 years, of both genders, evaluated within 48 hours of the first hospitalization. The independent variables were tumor location, nutritional risk [through the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) short form], laboratory tests [C-reactive protein and albumin] and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS). Logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Eighty-two patients were evaluated, whose mean age was 61.8 (± 13.2) years. Forty-nine (59.8%) patients died during hospitalization, among which the majority had KPS of 30-40% (p-value = 0.043), higher means of the total score of the PG-SGA (p-value = 0.050) and lower serum albumin concentrations (p-value = 0.011). According to the multivariate model, tumor location in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.57-1.94), 30-40% KPS (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.07-1.63) and albumin concentrations <3.5 g/dL (OR: 4.65; 95% CI: 1.22-17.7) were independent factors associated with an increased chance of death from hospitalization. Conclusion: Presenting an advanced tumor with localization in the GI tract, KPS ≤40% and serum albumin concentration <3.5 g/dL at admission were predictors of death in inpatients under palliative care.
Severe persistent placoid maculopathy: Atypical presentation in a young male
Authors: da Fonsêca Maria Luisa Gois , Afonso Vivian , Bordon Arnaldo Furman , Vianna Raul Nunes Galvarro 
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Persistent placoid maculopathy (PPM) is a rare entity that preferably affects males in the age range between 50 and 60 years, but cases at a young age have already been reported. In the latter, the initial symptoms are usually unilateral, without severely decreased visual acuity and anterior segment inflammation. Case report: We report a case of PPM with anterior segment inflammation in a young male. Discussion: Considering the rarity of this illness, the report of an unusual presentation in a young male can aid in the recognition of future cases of PPM.
The effect of varus stem placement on joint offset during total hip arthroplasty: a virtual study
Authors: Xu Joshua , Pierrepont Jim , Madurawe Chameka , Shimmin Andrew , Bruce Warwick 
Published: December 2020

Introduction and aims: With total hip replacement (THR), varus alignment of an uncemented stem will increase offset which can have significant detrimental effects on muscular balance, leg length and overall satisfaction. Thus, we used 3D planning software to determine the change in joint offset with increasing varus stem placement. Methods: Eight patients undergoing THR had routine computed tomography (CT) scans to allow for 3D hip planning. Each set of CTs was templated with a straight stem and an uncemented acetabular cup. Initial templating was performed to reproduce native leg length and offset. The templated stem was then rotated into varus at 1° intervals, up to 6° varus while offset changes for all varus positions were noted. This was repeated for each of 3 neck angles, 125°, 135° and 135° lateral and for each stem sizes 1, 3, 5 and 7. Results: Overall, there was a mean 1.5 mm increase in offset for every 1° of varus. The stems with a 125° neck angle had the greatest increase in mean offset at 1.6 mm for every 1° of varus. The stem neck angles of 135° lateral offset and 135° standard offset, had a mean increase in offset of 1.5 mm and 1.4 mm respectively for every 1° of varus. A greater mean increase in offset for every 1° of varus was observed with increasing stem size. Conclusions: We have quantified the relationship between alignment and offset with every 1° of varus placement increasing hip offset for straight stems by 1.5 mm. This can be used as a guide for surgeons during THR so that they have a better quantitative understanding of how varus placement of the stem affects the hip offset.
Vibration Reduction Performance of Damping-Enhanced Water-Lubricated Bearing Using Fluid-Saturated Perforated Slabs
Authors: Jin Yong , Lu Jianjun , Ouyang Wu , Liu Zhenglin , Lao Kunsheng 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAs the first link element for the transmission of shaft vibration to the pedestal and even to the hull, water-lubricated bearing plays a key role in suppressing vibration. Although the porous structure is considered as one of the main methods for improving the wideband vibration and noise reduction performance of materials in many industrial fields, the studies in the field of water-lubricated bearing remain insufficient. To enhance vibration reduction performance, a fluid-saturated perforated slab is designed in this study, and via the establishment of a fluid-solid coupled vibration model, the influence law and impact levels were analyzed and verified by simulation and experiments. The results obtained verified that the total vibration amplitude of damping-enhanced stern bearing in the vertical direction was smaller than that of the normal stern bearing, and the reduction amplitude of the characteristic frequency agreed with the optimal value at approximately 0.1 of the volume fraction of the liquid phase when the solid-fluid phase was rubber–water. Additionally, the increase in fluid fraction did not enhance the damping effect, instead, it unexpectedly reduced the natural frequency of the raw material significantly. This research indicates that the design of the fluid-saturated perforated slab is effective in reducing the transmission of the vibration amplitude from the shaft, and presents the best volume fraction of the liquid phase.
Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the kidney: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Brits Nicholas F. , Bulane Seipati , Wadee Reubina 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the kidney is a rare entity which tends to be associated with nephrolithiasis, chronic irritation, and infection. Due to its rarity and the non-specific clinical signs and symptoms as well as radiological findings, it is often not suspected preoperatively. Patients with SCC of the renal pelvis typically present with advanced stage disease and have a poor outcome. Most of our current knowledge of SCC of the renal pelvis has been derived from case reports or limited case series, and there are no standard treatment guidelines. The clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings of this unusual neoplasm are described herein.

Case presentation
A 61-year-old female presented with left flank pain and sepsis. A computerized tomography (CT) scan showed renal calculi and hydronephrosis, and a mercapto-acetyl triglycine (MAG-3) scan showed a left-sided non-functioning kidney. She underwent a nephrectomy for an infected, non-functioning kidney. Histopathological examination revealed an invasive, moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusion
The significance of this case is highlighted by the unusual location of such a tumour, and while rare, it is an important consideration in the differential diagnoses of renal tumours. The present case report may assist patient management of this rare tumour by highlighting and documenting treatment and clinical outcome of our patient.
Development of predicitve models to distinguish metals from non-metal toxicants, and individual metal from one another
Authors: Yu Zongtao , Fu Yuanyuan , Ai Junmei , Zhang Jicai , Huang Gang , Deng Youping 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Evaluating the toxicity of chemical mixture and their possible mechanism of action is still a challenge for humans and other organisms. Microarray classifier analysis has shown promise in the toxicogenomic area by identifying biomarkers to predict unknown samples. Our study focuses on identifying gene markers with better sensitivity and specificity, building predictive models to distinguish metals from non-metal toxicants, and individual metal from one another, and furthermore helping understand underlying toxic mechanisms.

Results
Based on an independent dataset test, using only 15 gene markers, we were able to distinguish metals from non-metal toxicants with 100% accuracy. Of these, 6 and 9 genes were commonly down- and up-regulated respectively by most of the metals. 8 out of 15 genes belong to membrane protein coding genes. Function well annotated genes in the list include ADORA2B, ARNT, S100G, and DIO3. Also, a 10-gene marker list was identified that can discriminate an individual metal from one another with 100% accuracy. We could find a specific gene marker for each metal in the 10-gene marker list. Function well annotated genes in this list include GSTM2, HSD11B, AREG, and C8B.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that using a microarray classifier analysis, not only can we create diagnostic classifiers for predicting an exact metal contaminant from a large scale of contaminant pool with high prediction accuracy, but we can also identify valuable biomarkers to help understand the common and underlying toxic mechanisms induced by metals.
Transferability, development of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and application to the analysis of genetic diversity and population structure of the African fan palm (Borassus aethiopum Mart.) in Benin
Authors: Kpatènon Mariano Joly , Salako Kolawolé Valère , Santoni Sylvain , Zekraoui Leila , Latreille Muriel , Tollon-Cordet Christine , Mariac Cédric , Jaligot Estelle , Beulé Thierry , Adéoti Kifouli 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn Sub-Saharan Africa,Borassus aethiopumMart. (African fan palm) is an important non-timber forest product-providing palm that faces multiple anthropogenic threats to its genetic diversity. However, this species is so far under-studied, which prevents its sustainable development as a resource. The present work is a first attempt at characterizing the genetic diversity and population structure ofB. aethiopumacross nine collection sites spanning the three climatic regions of Benin, West Africa, through the use of microsatellite markers.ResultsDuring a first phase we relied on the reported transferability of primers developed in other palm species. We find that, in disagreement with previously published results, only 22.5% of the markers tested enable amplification ofB. aethiopumDNA and polymorphism detection is very low.In a second phase, we generated aB. aethiopum-specific genomic dataset through high-throughput sequencing and used it for the de novo detection of microsatellite loci. Among the primer pairs targeting these, 11 detected polymorphisms and were further used for analyzing genetic diversity. Across the nine sites, expected heterozygosity (He) ranges from 0.263 to 0.451 with an overall average of 0.354, showing a low genetic diversity. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) shows that within-site variation accounts for 53% of the genetic variation. Accordingly, the low number of migrants and positive values of the fixation index (F) in sites from both the Central (Sudano-Guinean) and the Southern (Guinean) climatic regions suggest limited gene flow between sites. The global correlation between genetic and geographic distances is weak; however, our clustering analyses indicate thatB. aethiopumpalms from Savè (Center) are genetically more similar to those from the North than to samples from other Central sites.ConclusionsIn the light of our results, we discuss the use of inter-species transfer vs. de novo development of microsatellite markers in genetic diversity analyses targeting under-studied species, and suggest future applications for our molecular resources. We propose that, while prominent short-range pollen and seed dispersal in Benin explain most of our results, gene flux between the Central and Northern regions, as a result of animal and/or human migrations, might underlie the Savè discrepancy.
Joint modelling of longitudinal lipids and time to coronary heart disease in the Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Kassahun-Yimer Wondwosen , Valle Karen A. , Oshunbade Adebamike A. , Hall Michael E. , Min Yuan-I. , Cain-Shields Loretta , Anugu Pramod , Correa Adolfo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Multiple longitudinal responses together with time-to-event outcome are common in biomedical studies. There are several instances where the longitudinal responses are correlated with each other and at the same time each longitudinal response is associated with the survival outcome. The main purpose of this study is to present and explore a joint modeling approach for multiple correlated longitudinal responses and a survival outcome. The method will be illustrated using the Jackson Heart Study (JHS), which is one of the largest cardiovascular studies among African Americans.

Methods
Four longitudinal responses, i.e., total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglyceride (TG) and inflammation measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP); and time-to-coronary heart disease (CHD) were considered from the JHS. The repeated lipid and hsCRP measurements from a given subject overtime are likely correlated with each other and could influence the subject’s risk for CHD. A joint modeling framework is considered. To deal with the high dimensionality due to the multiple longitudinal profiles, we use a pairwise bivariate model fitting approach that was developed in the context of multivariate Gaussian random effects models. The method is further explored through simulations.

Results
The proposed model performed well in terms of bias and relative efficiency. The JHS data analysis showed that lipid and hsCRP trajectories could exhibit interdependence in their joint evolution and have impact on CHD risk.

Conclusions
We applied a unified and flexible joint modeling approach to analyze multiple correlated longitudinal responses and survival outcome. The method accounts for the correlation among the longitudinal responses as well as the association between each longitudinal response and the survival outcome at once. This helps to explore how the combination of multiple longitudinal trajectories could be related to the survival process.
Shorter length of hospital stay for hip fracture in those with dementia and without a known diagnosis of osteoporosis in the USA
Authors: Rasu Rafia S. , Zalmai Rana , Karpes Matusevich Aliza R. , Hunt Suzanne L. , Phadnis Milind A. , Rianon Nahid 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
About 50% of all hospitalized fragility fracture cases in older Americans are hip fractures. Approximately 3/4 of fracture-related costs in the USA are attributable to hip fractures, and these are mostly covered by Medicare. Hip fracture patients with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, have worse health outcomes including longer hospital length of stay (LOS) and charges. LOS and hospital charges for dementia patients are usually higher than for those without dementia. Research describing LOS and acute care charges for hip fractures has mostly focused on these outcomes in trauma patients without a known pre-admission diagnosis of osteoporosis (OP). Lack of documented diagnosis put patients at risk of not having an appropriate treatment plan for OP. Whether having a diagnosis of OP would have an effect on hospital outcomes in dementia patients has not been explored. We aim to investigate whether having a diagnosis of OP, dementia, or both has an effect on LOS and hospital charges. In addition, we also report prevalence of common comorbidities in the study population and their effects on hospital outcomes.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of claims data (2012–2013) for 2175 Medicare beneficiaries (≥65 years) in the USA.

Results
Compared to those without OP or dementia, patients with demenia only had a shorter LOS (by 5%; P = .04). Median LOS was 6 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 5–7), and the median hospital charges were $45,100 (IQR: 31,500 − 65,600). In general, White patients had a shorter LOS (by 7%), and those with CHF and ischemic heart disease (IHD) had longer LOS (by 7 and 4%, respectively). Hospital charges were 6% lower for women, and 16% lower for White patients.

Conclusion
This is the first study evaluating LOS in dementia in the context of hip fracture which also disagrees with previous reporting about longer LOS in dementia patients. Patients with CHF and IHD remains at high risk for longer LOS regardless of their diagnosis of dementia or OP.
Describing nearly two decades of Chagas disease in Germany and the lessons learned: a retrospective study on screening, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of Trypanosoma cruzi infection from 2000 – 2018
Authors: Guggenbühl Noller Jessica Michelle , Froeschl Guenter , Eisermann Philip , Jochum Johannes , Theuring Stefanie , Reiter-Owona Ingrid , Bissinger Alfred Lennart , Hoelscher Michael , Bakuli Abhishek , von Sonnenburg Franz-Josef Falkner , Rothe Camilla , Bretzel Gisela , Albajar-Viñas Pedro , Grout Lise , Pritsch Michael 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
The highly complex and largely neglected Chagas disease (CD) has become a global health problem due to population movements between Latin America and non-endemic countries, as well as non-vectorial transmission routes. Data on CD testing and treatment from routine patient care in Germany of almost two decades was collected and analysed.

Methods
German laboratories offering diagnostics for chronic Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) infection in routine patient care were identified. All retrievable data on tests performed during the years of 2000–2018 were analysed. Additional clinical information regarding patients diagnosed with CD was collected through questionnaires.

Results
Five German laboratories with diagnostics for T. cruzi infection in routine patient care were identified. Centres in Hamburg and Munich offered two independent serological tests to confirm the CD diagnosis, as recommended by WHO during the entire time period 2000–2018. Overall, a total of n = 10,728 independent tests involving n = 5991 individuals were identified with a progressive increase in testing rates over time, only n = 130 (16.0%) of the tested individuals with known nationality came from CD endemic countries. Of all test units conducted at the included institutes, a total of n = 347/10,728 (3.2%) tests on CD were positive, of which n = 200/347 (57.6%) were ELISA, n = 133/347 (38.3%) IFT, n = 10/347 (2.9%) PCR, and n = 4/347 (1.2%) RDT. Of the n = 5991 individuals only n = 81 (1.4%) with chronic infection were identified, n = 52 females and n = 28 males. Additional clinical information could only be collected from n = 47.

Conclusion
The results of this study give insight into the deployment of screening, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of T. cruzi over the last two decades in Germany and existing deficits therein; the creation of guidelines for Germany could be a step forward to improve the existing gaps.
Survey on neutralizing antibodies against Zika virus eighteen months post-outbreak in two southern Thailand communities
Authors: Densathaporn Theerut , Sangthong Rassamee , Sakolnapa Monvaris , Surasombatpattana Smonrapat , Kemapunmanus Marisa , Masrinoul Promsin , Yoksan Sutee , McNeil Edward B. , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
In 2016 and 2017, Zika virus (ZIKV) infection outbreaks occurred in two communities in southern Thailand. This re-immerging infection can widely spread by mosquito bites and cause serious complications in a central nervous system among children born to infected mothers. Thus, they should be protected. This study aims to (1) To determine the prevalence of neutralizing ZIKV antibodies in the post-outbreak areas among the general population and pregnancy women residing at various distances from the houses of the nearest index patients; (2) To examine the cross-neutralizing capacity of antibodies against ZIKV on other flaviviruses commonly found in the study areas; (3) To identify factors associated with the presence of neutralizing ZIKV antibodies.

Methods
The two post-outbreak communities were visited at 18 months after the outbreaks. We enrolled (1) 18 confirmed ZIKV infected (index) cases, (2) sample of 554 neighbors in the outbreak areas who lived at various distances from the index patients’ houses, (3) 190 residents of non-outbreak areas, and (4) all pregnant women regardless of gestational age residing in the study areas (n = 805). All serum specimens underwent the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). Ten randomly selected ZIKV seropositive and ten randomly selected seronegative specimens were tested for dengue virus serotypes 1–4 (DENV1–4) and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) antibodies using PRNT90. Serum titer above 1:10 was considered positive. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with seropositivity.

Results
Out of all 18 index cases, 9 remained seropositive. The seroprevalence (95% CI) in the two outbreak areas were 43.7% (35.9–51.6%) and 29.7% (23.3–36.0%) in general population, and 24.3% (20.1–28.8%) and 12.8% (9.7–16.5%) in pregnant women. Multivariate analysis showed that seropositivity was independent of the distance gradient from the index’s houses. However, being elderly was associated with seropositivity. DENV1–4 and JEV neutralizing antibodies were present in most ZIKV-positive and negative subsamples.

Conclusion
Protective herd immunity for ZIKV infection is inadequate, especially among pregnant women in the two post-outbreak areas in southern Thailand.