bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of integrated geriatric outpatient clinics on the health care utilization of older people
Authors: WEI YU-JU , Hsieh Cheng-Fang , Huang Yu-Ting , Huang Ming-Shyan , Fang Tzu-Jung 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The number of people above the age of 65 years is growing in many countries. Taiwan will be a superaged society in 2026, and health care utilization will increase considerably. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the geriatric integrated outpatient clinic model for reducing health care utilization by in older people.Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study. Patients aged more than 65 years seen at the geriatric outpatient clinic (Geri-OPD) and non-geriatric outpatient clinics (non-Geri-OPD) at a single medical centre were age- and sex-matched. Data on the number of outpatient clinic visits, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations and medical expenditures were collected in the first and second years. A subgroup analysis by Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and older age (age≧80 years old) was performed, and the results were compared between the Geri-OPD and non-Geri-OPD groups.Results: A total of 6723 patients were included (3796 women and 2927 men). The mean age was 80.42 ± 6.39 years. There were 1291 (19.2%) patients from the Geri-OPD group and 5432 (80.8%) patients from the non-Geri-OPD group. After one year of regular follow-up, the Geri-OPD patients showed a significant reduction in the types of drugs included in each prescription (5.62±10.85) and the number of clinic visits per year (18.18 ± 48.85) (P<0.01). After a two-year follow-up, the number of clinic visits, emergent department visits, and hospitalizations and the annual medical costs were still decreased in the Geri-OPD patients. The Geri-OPD patients had more comorbidities and a higher rate of health care utilization than the non-Geri-OPD patients. In the subgroup analysis, patients with more comorbidities (CCI≧2) and older age (≧80 years old) in the Geri-OPD group showed a significant reduction in health care utilization. The Geri-OPD patients also showed a significant decrease in medical utilization in the second year compared to the non-Geri-POD patients.Conclusion: The Geri-OPD reduced medical costs, the number of drugs prescribed, and the frequency of outpatient clinic visits, emergency department visits and hospitalizations in complicated elderly patients. The effect was even better in the second year.Trial registration: Not applicable
Laboratory colonization by Dirofilaria immitis alters the microbiome of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Authors: Adegoke Abdulsalam , Neff Erik , Geary Amie , Husser Montana Ciara , Wilson Kevin , Norris Shawn Michael , Dharmarajan Guha , Karim Shahid 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The ability of blood-feeding arthropods to successfully acquire and transmit pathogens of medical and veterinary importance has been shown to be interfered with, or enhanced by, the arthropod’s native microbiome. Mosquitoes transmit viruses, protozoan and filarial nematodes, the majority of which contribute to the 17% of infectious disease cases worldwide. Dirofilaria immitis, a mosquito-transmitted filarial nematodes of dogs and cats, is vectored by several mosquito species including Aedes aegypti.Methods: In this study, we investigated the impact of D. immitis colonization on the microbiome of laboratory reared female Ae. aegypti. Metagenomic analysis of the V3-V4 variable region of the microbial 16S RNA gene was used for identification of the microbial differences down to species level.Results: We generated a total of 1068 OTUs representing 16 phyla, 181 genera and 271 bacterial species. Overall, in order of abundance, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes were the most represented phylum with D. immitis-infected mosquitoes having more of Proteobacteria (71%) than uninfected mosquitoes (56.9%). An interesting finding in this study is the detection of Klebsiella oxytoca in relatively similar abundance in infected and uninfected mosquitoes, suggesting a possible endosymbiotic relationship, and has been previously shown to indirectly compete for nutrients with fungi on domestic housefly eggs and larvae. While D. immitis colonization has no effect on the overall species richness, we identified significant differences in the composition of selected bacterial genera and phyla between the two groups. We also reported distinct compositional and phylogenetic differences in the individual bacterial species when commonly identified bacteria were compared.Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to understand the impact of a filarial infection on the microbiome of its mosquito vector. Further studies are required to identify bacteria species that could play an important role in the mosquito biology. While the microbiome composition of Ae. aegypti mosquito have been previously reported, our study shows that in an effort to establish itself, a filarial nematode modifies and alters the overall microbial diversity within its mosquito host.
Cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Swedish version of the Reproductive Concerns After Cancer (RCAC) scale
Authors: Anandavadivelan Poorna , Wiklander Maria , Eriksson Lars E. , Wettergren Lena , Lampic Claudia 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Reproductive concerns are common among young cancer survivors and include worries related to different aspects of fertility and parenthood. The Reproductive Concerns After Cancer (RCAC) scale is an 18-item scale with six dimensions, developed to capture a variety of such concerns. The aim of the present study was to describe the cultural adaptation of the RCAC scale into Swedish and evaluate its psychometric properties among young women who have undergone treatment for cancer.Methods The RCAC was forward translated from English into Swedish and assessed for cultural adaptation based on a two-panel approach followed by cognitive interviews with the target group. For the psychometric evaluation, a Swedish cohort of 181 female young adult breast cancer survivors completed a survey including the RCAC scale approximately 1.5 years post-diagnosis. Psychometric properties were examined by analyses of construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis and convergent validity), data quality (score distribution, floor and ceiling effects), reliability and known-groups validity. Results The confirmatory factor analysis yielded an acceptable fit (RMSEA 0.08, SRMR 0.09, CFI 0.92). Convergent validity was demonstrated by a negative correlation of moderate size (-0.36) between the RCAC total score and the emotional functional scale of the EORTC QLQ-C30. Reliability measured with Revelle Ω total was satisfactory (0.73-0.92) for five of the dimensions, and poor for the dimension Becoming pregnant (Revelle Ω total = 0.60); Cronbach’s alpha showed a similar pattern. Known-groups validity was indicated by significantly higher RCAC mean score differences (MD), reflecting more concerns, among women with a certain (MD 4.56 [95% CI 3.13 to 5.99]) or uncertain (MD 3.41 [95% CI 1.68 to 5.14]) child wish, compared to those with no wish for (additional) children. Conclusion The translation and cultural adaptation of the Swedish RCAC has resulted in a scale demonstrating construct and known-groups validity, and satisfactory reliability for five of six dimensions. The dimension Becoming pregnant showed non-optimal internal consistency and should undergo further evaluation. The Swedish RCAC is recommended to be used in research settings for measurement of concerns related to fertility and parenthood in young women with cancer.
Comparison of the clinicopathological characteristics and their impact on outcomes of resected colorectal liver metastases across time
Authors: Chen Lionel , Syn Nicholas L. , Goh Brian K. P. , Cheow Peng Chung , Raj Prema , Koh Yexin , Chung Alexander , Lee Ser Yee , Ooi London Lucien , Chan Chung Yip , Teo Jin Yao 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM) has been established as the standard of care. This study aims to compare the change in clinicopathological characteristics of patients who underwent curative resection of CLM across two time periods – 2000 to 2010 (P1) and 2011 to 2016 (P2) and evaluate the prognostic impact of these characteristics on survival outcomes. Methods Patients who undergo liver resection for CLM at Singapore General Hospital from January 2000 to December 2016 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. The primary end point was overall survival. Results There were 183/318 (57.5%) patients and 135/318 (42.5%) patients in P1 and P2 respectively. There was a lower proportion of patients who had nodal metastases from primary colorectal cancer and clinical risk score (CRS) less than 3 in P2 when compared to P1. There was no difference in survival between both time periods. Independent predictors of survival for the cohort were CEA levels ≥200ng/ml, primary tumour grade and lymph nodal status. Independent predictors of poor survival in P1 were poorly differentiated colorectal cancer and nodal metastases while in P2, independent predictors of poor survival were multiple liver metastases and nodal metastases.Conclusion Nodal metastases from primary colorectal cancer is an independent predictor of poor survival across time for resectable CLM. Although there is no difference in survival between the two time periods, patients with multiple liver metastases should be carefully considered prior to surgery as it is also an independent predictor of overall survival.
Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis of Endometrial Screening Liquid-Based Cytology Specimens: A Comparative Study to Tissue Specimens
Authors: Akahane Toshiaki , Kitazono Ikumi , Yanazume Shintaro , Kamio Masaki , Togami Shinichi , Sakamoto Ippei , Nohara Sachio , Yokoyama Seiya , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Hiraki Tsubasa , Suzuki Shinsuke , Ueno Shinichi , Tanimoto Akihide 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Liquid-based cytology (LBC) is now a widely used method for cytologic screening and cancer diagnosis. Since the cells are fixed with alcohol-based fixatives, and the specimens are stored in a liquid condition, LBC specimens are suitable for genetic analyses. Methods: Here, we established a small cancer gene panel, including 60 genes and 17 microsatellite markers for next-generation sequencing, and applied to residual LBC specimens obtained by endometrial cancer screening to compare with corresponding formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. Results: A total of 49 FFPE and LBC specimens (n=24) were analyzed, revealing characteristic mutations for endometrial cancer, including PTEN, CTNNB1, PIK3CA, and PIK3R1 mutations. Eight cases had higher scores for both tumor mutation burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI), which agree with defective mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression. Paired endometrial LBC, and biopsied and/or resected FFPE tissues from 7 cases, presented almost identical mutations, TMB, and MSI profiles in all cases. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that our ad hoc cancer gene panel enabled the detection of therapeutically actionable gene mutations in endometrial LBC and FFPE specimens. Endometrial cancer LBC specimens offer an alternative and affordable source of molecular testing materials.
Pre- and Post-operative Differences Between Genders in Idiopathic Macular Holes
Authors: Wang Jing , Yu Yanping , Liang Xida , Wang Zengyi , Qi Biying , Liu Wu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: To compare idiopathic macular holes (IMHs) between male and female before and after surgery.Methods: Patients with IMHs of stage 3 and stage 4 who underwent 23-gauge vitrectomy were retrospectively enrolled. Pre-operative clinical features like age of onset, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were reviewed. Optical coherence tomography parameters including minimum linear diameter (MLD), central macular thickness and some other indexes were measured and calculated. Main surgical outcomes included the primary closure rate, the highest BCVA during follow-up, and the recovery duration. All the metrics mentioned above were compared between genders with appropriate statistical methods. Results: A total of 298 eyes from 280 patients (male: 51; female: 229) were enrolled. Compared with men, women demonstrated a significantly higher ratio of stage3/stage4 (P=0.045), larger horizontal MLD (P=0.009), but similar surgical outcomes except for a relatively longer recovery duration (P=0.024). For stage 3 IMHs, women exhibited significantly younger age of onset (P=0.023), larger MLD (P=0.003), and smaller height of the hole (P=0.029). However, for stage 4 IMHs, all the pre- and post-operative metrics showed no differences between genders.Conclusions: Female IMHs seem to demonstrate an earlier age of onset and larger size of hole, especially in IMHs of stage 3. However, these differences, which may owe to normal gender-related variations, have limited influence on the surgical outcomes.
Predictability and controlling factors of overpressure in the North Alpine Foreland Basin, SE Germany: An interdisciplinary post-drill analysis of the Geretsried GEN-1 Deep Geothermal Well
Authors: Drews Michael Christian , Hofstetter Peter , Zosseder Kai , Shipilin Vladimir , Stollhofen Harald 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The North Alpine Foreland Basin in SE Germany Germany’s most active deep geothermal province. However, in its southern and eastern part the basin is considerably overpressured, which is a significant challenge for drilling deep geothermal wells. In this study, we combine drilling data and velocity-based pore pressure analyses with 3D basin modelling to assess the predictability and controlling factors of overpressure in the sub-regional context (area of 80 km x 50 km) around the Geretsried GEN-1 well, a deep geothermal exploration well in the southern part of the North Alpine Foreland Basin in SE Germany. Drilling data and velocity-based pore pressure analyses indicate overpressure maxima in the Lower Oligocene (Rupelian and Schoeneck Formation) and up to mild overpressure in the Upper Oligocene (Chattian) and Upper Cretaceous, except for the hydrostatically pressured northwestern part of the study area. 3D basin modelling calibrated to four hydrocarbon wells surrounding the Geretsried GEN-1 well demonstrates the dominating role of disequilibrium compaction and low permeability units related to overpressure generation in the North Alpine Foreland Basin. However, secondary overpressure generation mechanisms are likely contributing. Also, the impact of Upper Cretaceous shales, which are eroded in the northwestern part of the study area, on overpressure maintenance is investigated. The calibrated basin model is tested against the drilling history and velocity (VSP) data-based pore pressure estimate of the Geretsried GEN-1 well and reveals that pore pressure prediction is generally possible using 3D basin modelling in the North Alpine Foreland Basin, but should be improved with more detailed analysis of lateral drainage systems and facies variations in the future. The results of the study are of relevance to future well planning and drilling as well as to geomechanical modelling of subsurface stresses and deep geothermal production in the North Alpine Foreland Basin.
Associations between the Quality of life in sarcopenia measured with the SarQoL® and nutritional status
Authors: Kim Yongtaek , Park Ki Soo , Yoo Jun-Il 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between nutritional status and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after adjusting for covariates of muscle mass, calf circumference, grip strength, and the timed up and go (TUG) test for diagnosis of sarcopenia.Methods: A total of 324 elderly people living in rural villages who were able to move to senior and welfare centers was surveyed. To determine the nutritional status of the elderly subjects, a questionnaire-based screening tool called DETERMINE was used. Developed as a health-related quality of life tool for sarcopenia, the Sarcopenia-specific Quality of Life (SarQoL) questionnaire was used. For screening of sarcopenia, a rapid questionnaire based on self-reported information about falls, mobility, and strength known as the SARC-F questionnaire was used. Assessment of sarcopenia included skeletal muscle mass, calf circumference, grip strength, and the timed up and go (TUG) test. Results: As a result of evaluating the relationship between SarQoL and nutritional risk in elderly subjects, the relationship between total SarQoL score and nutritional status was statistically significant in the moderate-risk group (B = -5.542, p = 0.001) and in the high-risk group (B= - 8.136, p < 0.001) in comparison to the low-risk group. Significant correlations were found in all seven domains of SarQoL, except the fear domain. The domain of ​​leisure activity was not related to variables assessing sarcopenia, but only to nutritional risk assessment (moderate-risk group (B = -8.662, p = 0.004) and high-risk group (B = -14.943, p < 0.001)). Conclusions: We confirmed an association between quality of life dimensions surveyed by the SarQoL questionnaire and nutritional status. Appropriate interventions are needed following brief evaluation of sarcopenia and nutritional deficiency among elderly people in communities.
Brief motivational therapy versus enhanced usual care for alcohol use disorders in primary care in Chile: study protocol for an exploratory randomised trial
Authors: Barticevic Nicolas , Poblete Fernando , Zuzulich Soledad , Rodriguez Victoria , Bradshaw Laura 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background : Harmful alcohol use is a leading cause of global disability and death. However increased detection and brief intervention capacity of more severe alcohol use disorders has not been accompanied by increased availability of treatment services. Incorporating treatment for such disorders into primary care is of paramount importance for improving access and health outcomes. This study aims to estimate the effectiveness of a Brief Motivational Treatment (BMT) applied in primary care for treatment of these disorders.
Methods : A parallel-group, single-blinded, severity-stratified, randomised clinical trial will test the superiority of BMT over enhanced usual care. Eligible participants will be those seeking treatment and who fulfil DSM-V criteria for alcohol use disorder and criteria for harmful alcohol use. With an estimated a loss to follow-up of 20%, a total of 182 participants will be recruited and equally randomised to each treatment group. The intervention group will receive an adaptation of the Motivational Enhancement Therapy, as manualized in Project MATCH. This treatment consists of four 45-minute sessions provided by a general psychologist with at least three years of primary care experience. The primary outcome is the change from baseline in the Drinks per Drinking Day during the last 90 days, which will be captured using the TimeLine Follow Back method. Secondary outcomes will describe the changes in alcohol use pattern, motivational status, and severity of the disorder.
All participants will be analysed according to the group they were allocated, regardless of the treatment actually received. Mean Differences (MD) will be computed for continuous outcomes and Relative Risks (RR) and RR reductions (RRR) for dichotomous results. Linear models will deliver the subgroup analyses. Missingness is assumed to be associated with the baseline alcohol use pattern and severity, so a multiple imputation method will be used to handle missing data.
Discussion : This trial aims to test the superiority of BMT over enhanced usual care with a reasonable superiority margin, over which the BMT could be further considered for incorporation into PC in Chile. Its pragmatic approach ultimately aims to inform policymakers about the benefit of including a brief psychosocial treatment into PC.
Trial registration : ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04345302, Registered 28 April 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT04345302
Unpack the Salt: An evaluation of the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership’s media advocacy activities to highlight the salt content of different foods
Authors: Rosewarne Emalie , Trieu Kathy , Farrand Clare , Reimers Jenny , Potter Jane , Davidson Chelsea , Darrigan Natasha , Joldeski Elizabeth , Armstrong Sian , Webster Jacqui 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Australians are consuming almost double the recommended maximum salt intake. The Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership was established to coordinate efforts to reduce salt intake in the state of Victoria. As part of an intervention strategy, media advocacy strategies were used to raise public awareness and stimulate industry and government action on salt reduction. This study aimed to evaluate the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership’s media advocacy activities by determining the extent to which activities contributed to the overall strategy aims and the effectiveness of the activities in gaining media and industry engagement. Methods: A framework for evaluating media advocacy strategies used in complex public health interventions was used to guide this evaluation. Media advocacy activities were monitored and documented throughout the intervention period. A content analysis of the media release press statements was performed. Indicators of media coverage (media items, cumulative audience reach, advertising space rate) and food industry engagement (number of meetings, number and type of follow up actions) were tracked. Results: Six media releases were issued between March 2017 and November 2018 on different processed food categories including breads, cooking sauces, ready meals, dips and crackers, processed meats and Asian-style sauces. Qualitative analysis of the press statements revealed three main themes: general information on salt and health, salt levels in foods, and calls to action. Most press statement themes aligned with the overall intervention strategy. Media items (print and online news, radio and TV) generated by each release ranged from 36 to 274, and cumulative audience reach ranged from 2.3 to 7.5 million Australians. One to three food manufacturers were met with per media release.Conclusions: Disseminating sodium-monitoring data through media releases can be used as a tool to gain access to the media and reach consumers with salt reduction messages, and to engage food manufacturers in discussions about salt reduction. Characteristics of media advocacy activities, including alignment with the overall strategy, and external factors outside the of control of the program implementers, can influence media and industry engagement. When planning future nutrition interventions that include media advocacy activities, internal and external factors impacting outcomes, should be considered, documented and evaluated.