bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scope of a weekly infection control team rounding in an acute-care teaching hospital: a pilot study
Authors: Jeong Yeon Su , Kim Jin Hwa , Lee Seungju , Lee So Young , Oh Sun Mi , Lee Eunjung , Kim Tae Hyong , Park Se Yoon 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRegular and well-organized inspection of infection control is an essential element of an infection control program. The aim of this study was to identify the functional scope of weekly infection control team rounding (ICTR) in an acute care hospital. We conducted weekly ICTR between January 18 and December 26, 2018 to improve the compliance to infection control and prevention measures at a 734-bed academic hospital in the Republic of Korea and analyzed the results retrospectively. We categorized the results into five groups: “well maintained,” “improvement needed,” “long-term support, such as space or manpower, needed,” “not applicable,” or “could not be observed”. A total of nine categories and 85 sub-elements of infection control and prevention practices were evaluated. The median number of infection control team (ICT) visits per department was 7 (interquartile range [IQR]: 6–7). The ICT assessed a median of 16 elements (IQR: 12–22), and a total of 7452 results were obtained. Of those, 75% were monitored properly, 22% were “not applicable”, and 4% were difficult to observe. The most common practices that were difficult to observe were strategies to prevent catheter-related surgical site infections, pneumonia, and occupationally acquired infections as well as injection safety practices. Although the ICTR was able to maintain regular visits to each department, further strategies beyond regular ICTR are needed to reduce category of “could not observed”. This pilot study may provide an important reference for institutional infection prevention practices as it is the first study to investigate the functional coverage of ICTR.
Zerumbone attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of BV-2 microglial cells via NF-κB signaling
Authors: Gu Min Ji , Lee Pyeongjae , Ha Sang Keun , Hur Jinyoung 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe brain is considered an immune-privileged organ. However, it has been found that inflammation mediated by microglia, which were once believed to support the brain structure, plays important roles in neuronal cell survival and death. Whether activated microglia has beneficial or detrimental effects on neurons remain controversial. Activated microglia could contribute to maintaining homeostasis in the brain by removing damaged cells. Nonetheless, dysregulation of microglial activation leads to neuronal cell death. Therefore, much attention has been paid to compounds that regulate microglial activation. Zerumbone, a constituent of Zingiber zerumbet, has been reported to exert several biological activities such as anticancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of zerumbone on lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of BV-2 microglial cells and elucidate the underlying mechanism of action. Zerumbone suppressed nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 production induced by lipopolysaccharides through inhibiting the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. Blocking of mitogen-activated protein kinase and NF-κB activation, if not completely, is considered to be due to the anti-inflammatory effect of zerumbone against microglial activation.
Unmixing biogenic and terrigenous magnetic mineral components in red clay of the Pacific Ocean using principal component analyses of first-order reversal curve diagrams and paleoenvironmental implications
Authors: Yamazaki Toshitsugu , Fu Wei , Shimono Takaya , Usui Yoichi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRed clay widely occupies the seafloor of pelagic environments in middle latitudes, and potentially preserves long paleoceanographic records. We conducted a rock-magnetic study of Pacific Ocean red clay to elucidate paleoenvironmental changes. Three piston cores from the western North Pacific Ocean and IODP Hole U1365A cores in the South Pacific Ocean were studied here. Principal component analyses applied to first-order reversal curve diagrams (FORC-PCA) reveals three magnetic components (endmembers EM1 through EM3) in a core of the western North Pacific. EM1, which represents the features of interacting single-domain (SD) and vortex states, is interpreted to be of terrigenous origin. EM2 and EM3 are carried by non-interacting SD grains with different coercivity distributions, which are interpreted to be of biogenic origin. The EM1 contribution suddenly increases upcore at a depth of ~ 2.7 m, which indicates increased eolian dust input. The age of this event is estimated to be around the Eocene–Oligocene (E/O) boundary. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that EM2 is dominated by magnetofossils with equant octahedral morphology, while EM3 has a higher proportion of bullet-shaped magnetofossils. An increased EM3 contribution from ~ 6.7 to 8.2 m suggests that the sediments were in the oxic–anoxic transition zone (OATZ), although the core is oxidized in its entire depth now. The chemical conditions of OATZ may have been caused by higher biogenic productivity near the equator. FORC-PCA of Hole U1365A cores identified two EMs, terrigenous (EM1) and biogenic (EM2). The coercivity distribution of the biogenic component at Hole U1365A is similar to that of the lower coercivity biogenic component in the western North Pacific. A sudden upcore terrigenous-component increase is also evident at Hole U1365A with an estimated age around the E/O boundary. The increased terrigenous component may have been caused by the gradual tectonic drift of the sites on the lee of arid continental regions in Asia and Australia, respectively. Alternatively, the eolian increase may have been coeval in the both hemispheres and associated with the global cooling at the E/O boundary.
An investigation of the characteristics, causes, and consequences of June 13, 2017, landslides in Rangamati District Bangladesh
Authors: Abedin Joynal , Rabby Yasin Wahid , Hasan Ikramul , Akter Humaira 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe primary purpose of this study is to find out and discuss the characteristics, causes, and consequences of the landslides of June 13, 2017, in the Rangamati district Bangladesh. Since rainfall triggered the landslides, debris flow accounts for 40.45% of the landslides. Most of the landslides are small (mean 274. 2 m2with a standard deviation of 546.1 m2). Size of 62.30% of the landslides was < 100 m2. The probability density of 50–100 m2landslides is the highest and with the increase of the size of landslides, probability density decreases. It indicates the chance of large landslides (> 1000 m2) is low. Frequency ratio, logistic regression, and Spearman’s rank correlation were used to find out the relationship between 15 landslide causal factors including elevation, slope, rainfall, aspect, land use/land cover, land use/land cover change and distance to the road network with the occurrences and size of landslides. Among the land use/land cover types built-up areas [frequency ratio (FR) = 5.67], among land-use land-cover change types: vegetation to built-up (FR = 5.31) are the most prone areas to landslides. Logistic regression models found six causal factors were statistically significant, including slope (Coefficient, ß = 1.05), and distance to the road network (ß = 0.44). The size of the landslides had a significant relationship with five causal factors, including annual rainfall (ρ = 0.52), and elevation (ρ = 0.24). Paired sample t-test on pre-event and post-event monthly incomes revealed that landslides had a significant impact on different occupations of the local people. People involved in primary economic activities like the slash and burn agriculture (locally known as jhum cultivation) and fishing are the worst sufferers of landslides as they experienced a significant fall of income after the landslides. The findings of the study would help the policymakers to mitigate landslide hazards in the Rangamati district.
Physiological and psychological neck load imposed by ballistic helmets during simulated military activities
Authors: Kim Siyeon , Jeong Wonyoung 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe wearing of ballistic helmets commonly coordinated with a night vision device (NVD) often imposes a load to the neck of a soldier. A lighter ballistic helmet promises comfort and enhanced combat performance, but technological developments have not provided a complete solution satisfying all the requirements, including cost. Moreover, the change in munition has led to increasing demand for the attachment of more accessories to the helmet, providing advanced functions but additional weight. Therefore, the current study quantified the neck muscle strain caused by the varying weight of a ballistic helmet, particularly during simulated infantry activities with moderate neck flexion and neck extension against a head-weight in the prone position. Eight healthy males participated on four separate days. On each day, different loads were placed on the head: 0 kg (no helmet, NH) to 2.07 kg (1.5 kg helmet with a 0.5 kg night vision device, HH&NVD). The results showed that prone shooting imposed substantial muscular strain on the splenius capitis (neck extensor), resulting in a 7–9% maximal voluntary contraction depending on the overall helmet loads. In addition, a gradual increase in the subjective neck load and pain in proportion to the overall weight of the helmet assembly was noted, and the heaviest loads caused severe complaints for muscular discomfort. This paper recommends strategies for designing and developing ballistic helmets as well as further methodological issues on evaluating neck muscle strain caused by the helmet weight.
Large airway-obstructing retropharyngeal lipoma in an asymptomatic patient: a case report
Authors: Ehlers Scott A. , Bozanich John M. , Arashlow Mehrnaz Tahmasbi , Liang Hui , Nair Madhu K. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Lipomas are common benign mesenchymal tumors that appear in the head and neck region in approximately 25% of cases where they are noted. Lipomas of the airway region are exceedingly rare, accounting for less than 1% of airway obstruction tumors. Correlation of radiographic findings from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a rare retropharyngeal lipoma has not been previously reported. CBCT studies acquired for implant and/or other diagnostic purposes may be the first line of detection as an incidental finding.

Case presentation
A 66-year-old female presented for a pre-implant CBCT with no history of other complaints or signs/symptoms. CBCT imaging depicts a large, well-defined, low-attenuation/soft tissue density lesion with an undulating appearance extending from the posterior left pharyngeal wall and occluding two-thirds of the airway from C2 to C4. The lesion extends laterally into the left parapharyngeal space and inferiorly beyond the field of view of the study. Evidence of faint internal septations was noted. The patient was immediately referred for an ENT consult. Laryngoscopy, MRI, and contrast-enhanced MDCT imaging were conducted to determine the full extent and nature of the lesion, as well as to potentially plan for biopsy and/or surgical resection. Removal of the lesion was successful, and histopathologic evaluation confirmed lipoma. Periodic follow-up was recommended to monitor for possible recurrence.

Discussion
The slower growth pattern of some benign lesions may obscure any symptoms as changes the patient may normally notice take place over an extended period. Furthermore, soft tissue lesions and especially those in the posterior midline, such as in this case, may not be easily visible on routine panoramic imaging or clinical exam, allowing for substantially large growth before detection. While the soft tissue contrast of the CBCT volume is poor, enough information was present to establish an initial differential diagnosis and the need for more advanced imaging modalities. With the growing popularity and adoption of CBCT in maxillofacial imaging, a thorough understanding of the appearance of hard and soft tissue lesions, as well as a strong understanding of the baseline appearance of normal anatomy, is important to ensure no incidental pathoses go undiagnosed.
Disparities in fertility knowledge among women from low and high resource settings presenting for fertility care in two United States metropolitan centers
Authors: Hoffman Jacquelyn R. , Delaney Meaghan A. , Valdes Cecilia T. , Herrera Diana , Washington Samuel L. , Aghajanova Lusine , Smith James F. , Herndon Christopher N. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Few studies have examined health literacy and fertility knowledge among women from low income, socio-culturally diverse communities presenting for fertility care in the United States. Our study sought to examine demographic predictors of fertility-related knowledge among infertile women from low and high-resource communities in two major metropolitan centers in the United States.

Methods
Fertility Knowledge Assessments were administered to women presenting for fertility care at county medical centers serving low-resource, largely immigrant patients and to women from largely affluent populations presenting to comprehensive fertility centers in two cities. The influence of demographic predictors on fertility knowledge was examined through regression analysis.

Results
A total of 143 women were included in our analysis. In the county hospital/low resource clinic (LR, n = 70), the mean age was 32.8 ± 6.1 years vs 35.0 ± 5.0 years in the fee-for-service/high resource clinic (HR, n = 73). Among the LR patients, 74% were immigrants, 71% had an annual income <$25,000 and 52% had completed high school. Among HR patients, 36% were immigrants, 60% had an annual income >$100,000, and 95% had some college or above. On average, women from HR settings scored 3.0 points higher on the Fertility Knowledge Assessment than their LR counterparts (p < 0.001). Upon multivariate analysis, education level remained the sole independent factor associated with fertility knowledge assessment score (p < 0.001). Stratifying by resource level revealed that income was highly associated with fertility knowledge (p < 0.01) among high resource individuals even when adjusting for education level.

Conclusions
Women from low resource, largely immigrant communities, seeking fertility care have greater disparities in fertility knowledge and lower health literacy compared to women from high resource clinical settings. Further studies are needed to understand these barriers and to develop targeted inventions to lower disparities and improve care for these vulnerable populations.
The effect of exercise on baseline SCAT5 performance in male professional Rugby players
Authors: Tucker Ross , Brown James , Falvey Eanna , Fuller Gordon , Raftery Martin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundRugby Union requires annual baseline testing using the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT5) as part of its head injury assessment protocols. Scores achieved during baseline testing are used to guide return-to-play decisions at the time of head impact events during matches, and concussion diagnosis during subsequent diagnostic screens. Baseline values must be valid, accurate representations of a player’s capability in the various SCAT5 sub-modes, including symptom report, cognitive function and balance. The extent to which prior exercise may affect performance is an important consideration, and the present cross-sectional study aimed to explore how SCAT5 performance differs when assessed at rest (RSCAT) compared to after 30 min of exercise (EXSCAT) in 698 male professional rugby players for whom paired exercise and rest SCAT5 data were available.ResultsSymptom endorsement was greater when assessed after exercise than at rest. Fatigue/Low energy was 1.5 times more likely to be reported when assessed during EXSCAT. Orientation score was improved during SCAT5s performed after exercise, but only when rest and exercise SCAT5s were conducted on the same day, suggesting a learning effect. Concentration score was impaired during EXSCAT. No other cognitive sub-modes were affected by exercise. Total errors during Modified Balance Error Scoring System (MBESS) increased during EXSCAT, as a result of increased errors made during single leg balance, irrespective of testing sequence, with 42% of players making more errors in EXSCAT, compared to 28% making more errors in RSCAT.ConclusionsSymptoms, cognitive sub-modes and balance sub-modes are all affected by exercise. These may be the result of learning effects that improve cognitive performance, and the direct effects of exercise on sub-mode performance. The clinical implications of these changes may be assessed in the future through a study of diagnostic screens in players after head impact events, to confirm whether an exercise baseline screen is required annually, or whether specific sub-modes of the SCAT5 should be obtained at rest and after exercise.
A 3D-printed nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 diagnostic testing
Authors: Ford Jonathan , Goldstein Todd , Trahan Sean , Neuwirth Allison , Tatoris Kyle , Decker Summer 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe nasopharyngeal swab is a critical component of the COVID-19 testing kit. Supply chain remains greatly impacted by the pandemic. Teams from USF Health Radiology and Northwell Health System developed a 3D-printed stopgap alternative. This descriptive study details the workflow and provides guidance for hospital-based 3D printing labs to leverage the design to make a positive impact on the pandemic. Swab use is also outlined, and the early information regarding clinical use is described, including an ongoing multicenter trial methodology.
A CRH Receptor Type 1 Agonist Increases GABA Transmission to GnRH Neurons in a Circulating-Estradiol-Dependent Manner
Authors: Phumsatitpong Chayarndorn , De Guzman Rose M , Zuloaga Damian G , Moenter Suzanne M 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
GnRH neurons are central regulators of reproduction and respond to factors affecting fertility, such as stress. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is released during stress response. In brain slices from unstressed controls, CRH has opposite, estradiol-dependent effects on GnRH neuron firing depending on the CRH receptor activated; activating CRHR-1 stimulates whereas activating CRHR-2 suppresses activity. We investigated possible direct and indirect mechanisms. Mice were ovariectomized and either not treated further (OVX) or given a capsule producing high positive feedback (OVX + E) or low negative feedback (OVX + low E) physiologic circulating estradiol levels. We tested possible direct effects on GnRH neurons by altering voltage-gated potassium currents. Two types of voltage-gated potassium currents (transient IA and sustained IK) were measured; neither CRHR-1 nor CRHR-2 agonists altered potassium current density in GnRH neurons from OVX + E mice. Further, neither CRH nor receptor-specific agonists altered action potential generation in response to current injection in GnRH neurons from OVX + E mice. To test the possible indirect actions, GABAergic postsynaptic currents were monitored. A CRHR-1 agonist increased GABAergic transmission frequency to GnRH neurons from OVX + E, but not OVX, mice, whereas a CRHR-2 agonist had no effect. Finally, we tested if CRH alters the firing rate of arcuate kisspeptin neurons, which provide an important excitatory neuromodulatory input to GnRH neurons. CRH did not acutely alter firing activity of these neurons from OVX, OVX + E or OVX + low E mice. These results suggest CRH increases GnRH neuron activity in an estradiol-dependent manner in part by activating GABAergic afferents. Mechanisms underlying inhibitory effects of CRH remain unknown.
The Controversy of Surgical Intervention for Anal Canal Duplication in Children
Authors: Akova Fatih , Altinay Serdar , Aydin Emrah 
Published: August 2020

Objective: Since the first definition of anal canal little has been discovered about the etiology of this rare condition. We present four asymptomatic cases of anal canal duplication with diverse clinical and surgical findings.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on four infants presenting with asymptomatic anal canal duplication, born between 2014 and 2016. Clinical characteristics and pathologic findings of patients either by radiological imaging or pathology were evaluated. The primary outcome measure was the complications.
Results: All patients were followed-up with physical examination and ultrasound for a mean of 3.5±1.0 years, lastly seen at the beginning of 2018. The female to male ratio was 3:1. Duplicate anal canal length varied between 12-20mm, and two of the four patients had a presacral cystic mass confirmed as a tail gut cyst following surgery. At follow-up, none of the patients had developed symptoms related to anal canal duplication, regardless of whether they had surgical intervention.
Conclusion: Though surgical management is the preferred treatment for anal canal duplication, it seems that patients who do not undergo surgery might remain free of symptoms, suggesting that surgical intervention may be unnecessary.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.1832
How to cite this:Akova F, Altinay S, Aydin E. The Controversy of Surgical Intervention for Anal Canal Duplication in Children. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(6):1330-1333. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.1832
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Bloodstream infections in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Wang Jian-rong , Huang Jin-yu , Hu Wei , Cai Xue-ying , Hu Wei-hang , Zhu Ying 
Published: August 2020

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and prognosis of bloodstream infections (BSIs) during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment in a Chinese population.
Methods: Patients receiving ECMO treatment from January 2013 to August 2019 were retrospectively studied. The incidence of BSIs was calculated. The clinical characteristics between patients with a BSI (BSI group) and without a BSI (non-BSI group).
Results: Among 69 included patients, 19 (27.5%) developed at least one BSI. Gram-negative bacteria (73.7%) were mainly responsible for the BSIs, with Klebsiella pneumoniae (6/19, 31.5%) ranking as the top related pathogen. The BSI group had a greater proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prophylactic regimens (52.6% vs. 26.0%, P = 0.036), a higher pre-ECMO Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (11 vs. 8, P = 0.008), more applications of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) during ECMO (63.1% vs. 36.1%, P = 0.042). Longer ECMO support duration, period of ventilator use before ECMO weaning and hospital stay were observed in the BSI group. The SOFA score (OR: 1.174; 95% CI: 1.039–1.326; P = 0.010) was an independent risk factor for BSIs.
Conclusion: BSIs during ECMO therapy frequently involve Gram-negative bacteria. Stringent care and monitoring should be provided for patients with high SOFA scores.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.2882
How to cite this:Wang JR, Huang JY, Hu W, Cai XY, Hu WH, Zhu Y. Bloodstream infections in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(6):1171-1176. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.2882
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.