bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of risk factors for in-hospital death of COVID - 19 pneumonia -- lessions from the early outbreak
Authors: Wang Zhigang , Wang Zhiqiang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Objective: To examine the clinical characteristics and identify independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia.Methods: A total of 156 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia at the central Hospital of Wuhan from January 29, 2020, to March 20, 2020 and 20 healthy individuals were enrolled in this single-centered retrospective study. The epidemiological parameters, clinical presentations, underlying diseases, laboratory test results and disease outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results: The median age of all enrolled patients was 66 years. At least one underlying disease was identified in 101 COVID-19 patients, with hypertension being the most common one, followed by cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The most common symptoms identified upon admission were fever, cough, dyspnea and fatigue. Compared to survival cases, patients who dead during hospitalization had higher plasma levels of D-dimer, creatinine, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, lactate and lower percentage of lymphocytes (LYM [%]), platelet count and albumin levels. Most enrolled patients received anti-biotics and anti-viral treatment. In addition, 60 patients received corticosteroid and 51 received intravenous immunoglobulin infusion. 44 patients received noninvasive ventilation and 19 received invasive ventilation. Respiratory failure was the most frequently observed complication (106 [67.9%]), followed by sepsis (103 [66.0%]), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (67 [42.9%]) and septic shock (50 [32.1%]). Multivariable regression suggested that advanced age (OR [odds ratio]=1.098, 95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.006-1.199, P=0.037), shorter duration from onset to admission (OR= 0.853, 95% CI: 0.750-0.969, P=0.015) and elevated lactate level upon admission (OR= 2.689, 95% CI: 1.044-6.926, P=0.040) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality for COVID-19 infection. Meanwhile, increased LYM (%) at admission (OR= 0.787, 95% CI: 0.686-0.903, P=0.001) indicated a better prognosis. Conclusions: In this study, we discovered that age, duration from onset to admission, LYM (%) and lactate level upon admission were independent factors that affecting in-hospital mortality rate.
Catheter Care Bundle and Low Catheter Related Bloodstream Infection Rates in a Home Parenteral Nutrition Population; a&nbsp;&nbsp;4 Year Observational Study
Authors: DeLegge Mark , Hamilton Karen Sexton , Leone Melissa , Checkley L. Allyson 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) is often a life-saving therapy for patients. One of the most common complications for HPN is catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSI). In the home setting there is no single defined “care bundle” for the on-going maintenance of central venous catheters (CVC) for the prevention of CRBSI. We evaluated the impact of a standardized catheter care bundle in patients receiving HPN on the incidence of CRBSI. Methods: Data collection included use of standardized tools and processes to capture patient demographics, catheter complications including CRBSI and some associated risk factors. Reported data was collected and analyzed annually and compared year-to-year from the years 2014-2017 from one national home infusion company. CRBSI reported as number of infections/1000 catheter days Results: The CRBSI rate/1000 days was reported as 0.43, 0.31, 0.30 and 0.23 (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 respectively) statistically significant difference (p < .05) between the years 2014 and 2017. CRBSI. Conclusion: The use of a catheter care bundle in an HPN population may have contributed to a 4- year reported outcomes of low and continuously declining CRBSI in a large, diverse United States-based HPN population.
Antimicrobial therapy and assessing therapeutic response in culture-negative pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis: a retrospective comparative study with culture-positive pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis
Authors: Yu Dongwoo , Kim Sang Woo , Jeon Ikchan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: There are still controversies regarding the treatment and outcomes in culture-negative pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (PVO). The purpose of this study is to investigate the antimicrobial therapy, assessment of therapeutic response, and outcome of culture-negative PVO compared to culture-positive PVO.Methods: A retrospective study was performed with non-surgical lumbar PVO patients. The patients were divided into two groups based on the causative bacterial identification (CN group with culture-negative PVO and CP group with culture-positive PVO). The clinical features, use of antibiotics, laboratory data, and outcomes were compared between the two groups.Results: Seventy-three patients with 41 (56.2%) of the CN group and 32 (43.8%) of the CP group were enrolled. The CN group showed a shorter duration of parenteral antibiotics (45.88 ± 16.14 vs. 57.31 ± 24.39, p = 0.019) but a tendency of prolonged duration of total (parenteral + oral) antibiotics (101.17 ± 52.84 vs. 84.19 ± 50.29 days, p = 0.168). When parenteral antibiotics were discontinued or switched to oral antibiotics, the mean erythrocyte segmentation rate (ESR, normal range: < 25 mm/h), C-reactive protein (CRP, normal range: < 0.5 mg/dL) level, and visual analog scale (VAS) score of back pain were 42.86 ± 24.05 mm/h, 0.91 ± 1.18 mg/dL, and 4.05 ± 1.07, respectively, with no significant differences between the two groups. The recurrence rates of CN and CP groups were 7.3% (3/41) and 6.3% (2/32), respectively (p=1.000). The presence of epidural abscess was the most significant factor for the identification of causative bacteria (p = 0.002), and there was no significant relationship between the use of empirical antibiotics before tissue culture and the causative bacterial identification (p = 0.194).Conclusions: The CN group required a shorter duration of parenteral antibiotics than the CP group. Discontinuation of parenteral antibiotics or changing the administration route can be considered based on the values of ESR, CRP, and VAS score of back pain. The presence of epidural abscess was the most significant factor for the identification of causative bacteria.
Cognitive Functioning in Deaf Children Using Cochlear Implants
Authors: Almomani Fidaa , Almomani Murad O , Alqudah Safa , Garadat Soha , Kassab Manal , Hamadneh Shereen , Rauterkus Grant , Gans Richard 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cognitive abilities like language, memory, reasoning, visualization, and perceptual functioning shape human action and are considered critical to the successful interaction with the environment. Alternatively, hearing loss can disrupt a child’s ability to communicate, and negatively impact cognitive development. Cochlear implants (CI) restore auditory input thereby supporting communication and may enhance cognitive performance. This study compares general cognitive development after cochlear implantation in two groups of children implanted earlier (age:4-6 years, N=22) and later (7-9 years, N=16) to the development of randomly selected normal hearing peers (N=48).DESIGN: Visualization, reasoning, memory, and attention were assessed using the Leiter-R scale at baseline (before implantation), 8 months and 16 months post implantation for children with hearing loss. Same times of testing (baseline, 8 months and 16 months) were used for normal hearing peers. RESULTS: Over the 16-month period, the cognitive improvement of 4-6 year old deaf children was greater than that of their normal hearing peers on all scales except for attention, while the improvement of 7-9 year old was less major than that of their normal hearing peers on all scales. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that CI not only enhances communication skills but may improve cognitive functioning in deaf children. However, the extent of this improvement was dependent on age at intervention; current results demonstrated that the children received CI at young ages had better cognitive improvements.
What impact does postgraduate clinical training have on empathy among Japanese trainee dentists?
Authors: Yoshida Toshiko , Watanabe Sho , Kono Takayuki , Taketa Hiroaki , Shiotsu Noriko , Shirai Hajime , Nakai Yukie , Torii Yasuhiro 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Enhancing empathy in healthcare education is a critical component in the development of a relationship between healthcare providers and patients that would ensure better patient care; improved patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment, patients’ medication self-efficacy, improved treatment outcomes, and reduced patient anxiety. Unfortunately, however, the decline of empathy among students has been frequently reported. It is especially common when the curriculum transitions to a clinical setting. However, some studies have questioned the significance and frequency of this decline. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the impact of postgraduate clinical training on dental trainees’ empathy from cognitive, behavioral, and patients’ perspective.Methods: This study included 64 trainee dentists at Okayama University Hospital and 13 simulated patients (SPs). The trainee dentists carried out initial medical interviews with SPs twice, at the beginning and the end of their clinical training. The trainees completed the Japanese version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy for health professionals just before each interview. The SPs evaluated the trainees’ communication using an assessment questionnaire immediately after the interviews. All interviews were videotaped and analyzed using the Roter Interaction Analysis System. The hypothesis was that empathy in the trainees would have reduced at the end of their clinical training. The results were compared between the beginning and the end. The data were analyzed utilizing paired t-test and the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test.Results: No significant difference was found in the self-reported empathy of trainees at the beginning and the end of the clinical training (107.73 vs. 108.34, p=0.643). Similarly, there was no difference in the SPs’ evaluation of trainees’ communication (10.73 vs. 10.38, p=0.434). Communication behavior in the emotional responsiveness category for trainees in the beginning was significantly higher than that at the end (2.47 vs. 1.14, p=0.000).Conclusions: Overall, a one-year postgraduate dental training program neither reduced nor increased trainee dentists’ empathy levels. Providing regular education support in this area may help trainees foster their empathy.
Maximum chest CT score is associated with progression to severe illness in patients with COVID-19: A retrospective study from Wuhan, China
Authors: Xiao Jianwei , Li Xiang , Xie Yuanliang , Huang Zengfa , Ding Yi , Zhao Shengchao , Yang Pei , Du Dan , Liu Bin , wang xiang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a world-wide health crisis. Limited information is available regarding which patients will experience more severe disease symptoms. We evaluated hospitalized patients who were initially diagnosed with moderate COVID-19 for clinical parameters and radiological feature that showed an association with progression to severe/critical symptoms. Methods: This study, a retrospective single-center study at the Central Hospital of Wuhan, enrolled 243 patients with confirmed COVID­19 pneumonia. Forty of these patients progressed from moderate to severe/critical symptoms during follow up. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were extracted from electronic medical records and compared between moderate- and severe/critical-type symptoms. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify the risk factors associated with symptom progression.Results: Patients with severe/critical symptoms were older (p<0.001) and more often male (p=0.046). A combination of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and high maximum chest computed tomography (CT) score was associated with disease progression. Maximum CT score (>11) had the greatest predictive value for disease progression. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.861 (95% confidence interval: 0.811-0.902).Conclusions: Maximum CT score and COPD were associated with patient deterioration. Maximum CT score (>11) was associated with severe illness.
The bibliometric landscape of infectious disease research in Panama (1990 - 2019): An evaluation of the country’s capability on One Health
Authors: Loaiza Jose , Zapata Robinson , Kosagisharaf Rao , Gittens Rolando A. , Mendoza Enrique , Sanjur Oris I. , Urrutia Víctor Sánchez , Romero Luz I. , Franco Leticia , Armien Blas , González-Santamaría José , Ortega-Barría Eduardo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: This work aims to analyze the landscape of scientific publications on subjects related to One Health and infectious diseases in Panama. Methods: Boolean searches on the Web of Science, SCOPUS and PubMed were undertaken to evaluate the main trends of publications related to One Health and infectious disease research in the country of Panama, between 1990 and 2019. Results: 4,547 publications were identified since 1990, including 3,564 peer-reviewed articles interconnected with One Health related descriptors, and 211 articles focused particularly on infectious diseases. There was a pattern of exponential growth in the number of publications with various contributions from Panamanian institutions. The rates of multidisciplinary, inter-institutional and inter-sectoral research ranged from moderate to low, to very low, respectively. Research efforts have centered largely on protozoan, neglected and arthropod-borne diseases with a strong emphasis on malaria, Chagas and leishmaniasis. Conclusion: Panama has scientific capabilities on One Health to tackle future infectious disease threats, but the official collaboration schemes and strategic investment to develop further competencies need to be considered. Through future collaborative efforts, Panama can reduce the risk of pandemics by developing surveillance strategies to improve the prediction of disease spillover, spread and persistence while helping to mitigate the impact on public health and the economy, regionally.
Establishing percentiles for blood pressure based on absolute height for children and adolescents
Authors: Cossio-Bolaños Marco , Vidal-Espinoza Ruben , de Campos Felipe Castelli Correia , Sulla-Torres Jose , Cossio-Bolaños Wilbert , Andruske Cynthia , Urra-Albornoz Camilo , Gomez-Campos Rossana 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Evaluating blood pressure (BP) is one element for diagnosing and preventing disease in student populations. The objectives of this research were to a) identify the range of height for measuring BP adjusted for student populations and b) propose percentiles for evaluating BP based on height.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 3,013 students. Weight, height, and diastolic (DBP) and systolic (SBP) blood pressure were evaluated. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. Height ranges of 5 and 10 cm were generated.Results: R2 values for height ranges of 5 cm consisted of [normotensive: DBP (R2=10 to 13%) and SBP (R2=14 to 20%), and for hypertensive: DBP (R2=0.07 to 15%) and for SBP (R2=29 to 32%)]. For height ranges of 10cm, values included: [normotensive: DBP (R2=10 to 15%), and SBP (R2=15 to 21%) and for hypertensive: DBP (R2= 0.07 to 16%) and SBP (R2=29 to 35%)]. For 5 cm height ranges, diferences occurred between both sexes for DBP (in 5 height ranges from 123 to 148 cm and 158 to 168 cm) and for the SBP (in 6 height ranges from 128 to 148 cm and from 158 to 168 cm). In the 10 cm categories, diferences appeared in DBP (from 138 to 148 cm) and in the SBP (from 158 to 168 cm).Conclusion: Height is a determinant for evaluating blood pressure, and height ranges of 10 cm are more suitable for children and adolescents. The proposed percentiles based on height ranges allowed assessment of the DBP and SBP suggest their use in epidemiological and educational contexts.
Spatial transmission network construction of influenza-like illness using Dynamic Bayesian Network and Vector-Autoregressive Moving Average Model
Authors: Qiu Jianqing , Wang Huimin , Hu Lin , Yang Changhong , Zhang Tao 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Although vaccination is one of the main countermeasures against influenza epidemic, it is highly essential to make informed prevention decisions to guarantee that limited vaccination resources are allocated to the places where they are most needed. Hence, one of the fundamental steps for decision making in influenza prevention is to characterize its spatio-temporal trend, especially on the key problem about how influenza transmits among adjacent places and how much impact the influenza of one place could have on its neighbors. To solve this problem while avoiding too much additional time-consuming work on data collection, this study proposed a new concept of spatio-temporal route as well as its estimation methods to construct the influenza transmission network.Methods: The influenza-like illness (ILI) data of Sichuan province in 21 cities was collected from 2010 to 2016. A joint pattern based on the dynamic Bayesian network (DBN) model and the vector autoregressive moving average (VARMA) model was utilized to estimate the spatio-temporal routes, which were applied to the two stages of learning process respectively, namely structure learning and parameter learning. In structure learning, the first-order conditional dependencies approximation algorithm was used to generate the DBN, which could visualize the spatio-temporal routes of influenza among adjacent cities and infer which cities have impacts on others in influenza transmission. In parameter learning, the VARMA model was adopted to estimate the strength of these impacts. Finally, all the estimated spatio-temporal routes were put together to form the final influenza transmission network.Results: The results showed that the period of influenza transmission cycle was longer in Western Sichuan and Chengdu Plain than that in Northeastern Sichuan, and there would be potential spatio-temporal routes of influenza from bordering provinces or municipalities into Sichuan province. Furthermore, this study also pointed out several estimated spatio-temporal routes with relatively high strength of associations, which could serve as clues of hot spot areas detection for influenza surveillance.Conclusions: This study proposed a new framework for exploring the potentially stable spatio-temporal routes between different places and measuring specific the sizes of transmission effects. It could help making timely and reliable prediction of the spatio-temporal trend of infectious diseases, and further determining the possible key areas of the next epidemic by considering their neighbors’ incidence and the transmission relationships.
Critically ill patients with diabetes and Middle East respiratory syndrome: A multi-center observational study
Authors: Jose Jesna , Al-Dorzi Hasan , Al-Omari Awad , Mandourah Yasser , Al-Hameed Fahad , Sadat Musharaf , Al-Qasim Eman , Alraddadi Basem , Harthy Abdulrahman Al , Mekhlafi Ghaleb A Al , Almotairi Abdullah , Khatib Kasim Al , Abdulmomen Ahmed , Qushmaq Ismael , Sindi Anees , Mady Ahmed , Solaiman Othman , Al-Raddadi Rajaa , Maghrabi Khaled , Rajab Ahmed , Kharaba Ayman , Shalhoub Sara , Al-Aithan Abdulsalam M , Vishwakarma Gajendra K , Bhattacharjee Atanu , Arabi Yaseen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Diabetes is a risk factor for infection with coronaviruses. This study describes the demographic, clinical data, and outcomes of critically ill patients with diabetes and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at 14 hospitals in Saudi Arabia (September 2012- January 2018). We compared the demographic characteristics, underlying medical conditions, presenting symptoms and signs, management and clinical course, and outcomes of critically ill patients with MERS who had diabetes compared to those with no diabetes. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine if diabetes was an independent predictor of 90-day mortality.Results: Of the 350 critically ill patients with MERS, 171 (48.9%) had diabetes. Patients with diabetes were more likely to be older, and have comorbid conditions, compared to patients with no diabetes. They were more likely to present with respiratory failure requiring intubation, vasopressors, and corticosteroids. The median time to clearance of MERS-CoV RNA was similar (23 days (Q1, Q3: 17, 36) in patients with diabetes and 21.0 days (Q1, Q3: 10, 33) in patients with no diabetes). Mortality at 90 days was higher in patients with diabetes (78.9% versus 54.7%, p<0.0001). Multivariable regression analysis showed that diabetes was an independent risk factor for 90-day mortality (odds ratio, 2.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-3.72).Conclusions: Half of the critically ill patients with MERS have diabetes; which is associated with more severe disease. Diabetes is an independent predictor of mortality among critically patients with MERS.
Covid-19 in South America: Clinical and epidemiological characteristics among 381 patients during the early phase of the pandemic in Santiago, Chile
Authors: Rodriguez Macarena , Peters Anne , Perez Inia , Spencer Maria , Barbe Mario , Porte Lorena , Weitzel Thomas , Aylwin Mabel , Vial Pablo , Araos Rafael , Munita Jose M 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Understanding the characteristics of the Covid-19 pandemic in different geographical regions, ethnic and socioeconomic settings are of emerging importance. This study presents the demographic and clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in a large private healthcare center in Santiago, Chile, during the first month of the pandemic.Methods: We analyzed the demographics, laboratory and clinical characteristics including severity and outcome of all patients diagnosed with Covid-19 during the first month of the pandemic. SARS-2-CoV infection was confirmed by RT-PCR in nosopharyngeal samples. The primary outcome was a composite of ICU admission or all-cause, in-hospital mortality. Clinical and laboratory parameters of hospitalized patients were analyzed regarding their association with the primary outcome. Results: From March 3 to April 4, 2020, 3679 individuals were tested for SARS-CoV-2 in our hospital. Of those, 381 had Covid-19 and were included into this analysis. Most patients (99.2%) were Chileans, 12% returning from recent travel. The median age was 39 years (IQR 31-49) and 52% were female. A total of 88 patients (23.1%) were hospitalized; 18 (3.7%) required ICU and/or died. The overall mortality was 0.7%. Increased body mass index (BMI) and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) were independently associated with ICU care or death.Conclusion: During the first weeks of the pandemic in Chile, most Covid-19 patients were young, with low rates of hospitalization, ICU requirement, and fatality. BMI and CRP on admission were predictors for severity. Our data provide important information on the clinical course and outcome of Covid-19 in a Latin American setting.