bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic Total Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair Under Epidural Anesthesia Versus General Anesthesia
Authors: Sürek Ahmet , Bozkurt Mehmet Abdussamet , Ferahman Sina , Gemici Eyüp , Dönmez Turgut 
Published: June 2020

Introduction:
Laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair is a well-known approach to inguinal hernia repair. The present study aims to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the TEP technique under general anesthesia (GA) and epidural anesthesia (EA).

Materials and Methods:
The patients were divided into 2 groups as those undergoing TEP under EA (Group 1) and those undergoing TEP under GA (Group 2). The 2 patient groups were compared in terms of sex, age, body mass index data, duration of surgery, total operation time, patient satisfaction, VAS scores (1, 4, 12, and 24 h), length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications.

Results:
The number of patients operated under EA (Group 1) was 30, and the number of patients operated under GA (Group 2) was 32. Only in the postoperative first hour VAS scores was statistically significantly less and the need for analgesia evaluated in both groups was found to be statistically significantly lower in Group 1 (P<0.001). The mean operation time was recorded as 62 and 46.50 minutes in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, which was statistically significantly shorter in Group 2 (P<0.001). There was no difference between the 2 groups regarding complications, hospital stay, recovery, or surgery time. Conversion rate is 0 in both groups.

Conclusions:
Lower postoperative VAS scores and lower postoperative VAS scores and lower analgesic used requirements of EA, it is thought that EA can be safely applied in the TEP procedure as an alternative in patients who cannot be administered GA.
Anatomic Indications for Using Actuator-driven Pulsed Water Jet for Hepatectomy
Authors: Kawasaki Yota , Iino Satoshi , Idichi Tetsuya , Sakoda Masahiko , Tanoue Kiyonori , Kurahara Hiroshi , Mataki Yuko , Maemura Kosei , Ueno Shinichi , Natsugoe Shoji 
Published: June 2020

Background:
The clamp crushing method and the use of the Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) are widely accepted techniques for hepatic parenchymal transection. The actuator-driven pulsed water jet (ADPJ) with high tissue selectivity is a new technology that was shown as a safe transection tool in preclinical models, although not much is known about its safety criteria in patients. Therefore, its strongest advantage, the best indications for its use, and its performance in comparison with other transection methods remain to be clarified. In this report, we present several representative cases to help answer these questions.

Methods:
We started using the ADPJ in December 2017, only in cases where the tumor was very close to major vessels or attached to them, along a considerable length, to preserve vessels and prevent postoperative liver failure. All the cases underwent highly demanding procedures. We avoided using this device in cases such as liver cirrhosis, where the hepatic parenchyma was very hard.

Results:
Six cases fulfilled our limited indications for using ADPJ. The median age and number of tumors were 55 years (10 to 69 y) and 2.5 years (1 to 4 y), respectively. The mean tumor size was 7.8 cm (2.8 to 21 cm), the minimum distance between the tumor and major vessels to be preserved was 0 mm (0 to 4 mm), and the contact length of the tumor and major vessels was 26 mm (19 to 40 mm). Regarding the surgical outcome, the median operation time and blood loss were 559 minutes (508 to 919 min) and 620 mL (230 to 860 mL), respectively. We achieved a negative surgical margin (R0 resection) in all cases.

Conclusions:
Using ADPJ, we could perform R0 hepatectomy in all cases, which preoperatively were considered to have a high chance of being margin positive. We consider the best indication for using ADPJ is when the tumor and vessels to be preserved are attached or very close over a long distance.
Impact of Hypertension on Progression and Prognosis in Patients with COVID-19 A Retrospective Cohort Study in 1031 Hospitalized Cases in Wuhan, China
Authors: Zeng Hesong , Zhang Tianlu , He Xingwei , Du Yuxin , Tong Yan , Wang Xueli , Zhang Weizhong , Shen Yin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe main aim of our study is to observe clinical characteristics and effects of antihypertensive drugs in different hospitalized populations, and to further provide evidence to explore causes and specific clinical markers of the aggravation of COVID-19 in patients with underlying hypertension.DesignThis was a retrospective cohort study focusing on the clinical data of COVID-19 inpatients admitted at the early stage of pandemic.SettingA single center study conducted in Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong university of Science and Technology (Wuhan, China).ParticipantsAll 1031 inpatients diagnosed with COVID-19 according to Prevention and control Scheme for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia published by National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China and WHO interim guidance in Tongji hospital (Wuhan, China), from January 27, 2020, to March 8, 2020 with the cutoff date being March 30, 2020, were included in this study.Main outcome measuresDemographic data, medical history, clinical symptoms and signs, laboratory findings, chest computed tomography (CT), treatment, and clinical outcomes were extracted from electronic medical records.Results1031 COVID-19 inpatients were included in this study, of whom 866 were discharged and 165 were deceased in hospital. 73% of 165 deceased patients had chronic comorbidities. Patients with underlying diseases showed CFR 2.8 times as that of patients without. Senility and males were observed to be main risk factors for increased in-hospital case-fatality rate, with the odds ratio in multivariable regression being 2.94 (95%CI: 2.00 to 4.33; P <0.001) and 2.47 (95%CI: 1.65 to 3.70; P <0.001), respectively. The odds ratio of cases with composite endpoints for patients with simple hypertension was 1.53 (95%CI: 1.07 to 2.17; P=0.019). Senile patients with hypertension were proved to be at high risk early in the disease, which might be associated with the level of CRP, LDH, and eGFR. The odds ratio of case-fatality rate for patients with hypertension taking CCB group was 0.67 (95%CI: 0.37 to 1.20; P = 0.176). Among 271 severe cases without IKF, the odds ratio of case-fatality rate was 0.42 (95CI%: 0.18 to 0.99; P = 0.046) for patients in the CCB group after adjustment of age, sex, and underlying diseases.ConclusionsHypertension is not just a chronic underlying comorbidity, but also a risk factor affecting the severity of COVID-19 and does play a critical role in worsening patients’ clinical outcomes. Therefore, hypertension management in patients with COVID-19 should be regarded as a major challenge in the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.Trial registrationN.A.
Enhanced comparisons of COVID-19 mortality across populations
Authors: Rao Chalapati , Doi Suhail A. , Williams Gail 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe reported crude case fatality rate (CFR) for COVID-19 varies considerably across countries. Crude CFRs could by biased by larger proportions of older COVID-19 cases in population data, who are also at increased mortality risk. Such distorted age case structures are a common feature of selective COVID 19 testing strategies in many countries, and they potentially mask underlying differences arising from other important factors such as health system burden.MethodsWe used the method of direct case-age standardisation to evaluate the effects of age variations on CFRs. Data on cases and death by age from Italy, Spain, China, Australia and South Korea were analysed to derive standardised CFRs. Findings were compared across different case age distribution references as standards.ResultsUsing the South Korean case age distribution as a standard, the fivefold higher crude CFR for Italy is reduced to less than two-fold after adjustment, while the crude CFR difference for Spain is virtually eliminated. The adjusted CFR for Australia is the lowest among all countries.DiscussionMortality differences based on crude CFRs are exaggerated by age structures, which are effectively controlled by case age standardization. Residual CFR differences could be attributed to health and health system factors. The South Korean case age distribution is an appropriate reference standard, given its robust case detection and contact tracing program. Till reliable population level indicators of incidence and mortality are available, the age-standardized CFR could be a viable option for international comparison of the impact of the COVID 19 epidemic.SummaryThe knownThere are intense debates around the magnitude of and reasons for wide variations in observed case fatality rates (CFRs) from COVID 19 across countries. Age is commonly speculated as a reason, but this has not been technically quantified or explained.The newThe technique of direct standardization using reference distributions of case age structures eliminates the effects of age on CFR, thus enhancing the comparability as well as understanding of differentialsThe implicationsResidual differences between adjusted CFRs can be used to infer health and health system factors that influence mortality in COVID 19 cases in different populations
Predicting mammalian hosts in which novel coronaviruses can be generated
Authors: Wardeh Maya , Baylis Matthew , Blagrove Marcus S.C. 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTNovel pathogenic coronaviruses – including SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 – arise by homologous recombination in a host cell1,2. This process requires a single host to be infected with more than one type of coronavirus, which recombine to form novel strains of virus with unique combinations of genetic material. Identifying possible sources of novel coronaviruses requires identifying hosts (termed recombination hosts) of more than one coronavirus type, in which recombination might occur. However, the majority of coronavirus-host interactions remain unknown, and therefore the vast majority of recombination hosts for coronaviruses cannot be identified. Here we show that there are 11.5-fold more coronavirus-host associations, and over 30-fold more potential SARS-CoV-2 recombination hosts, than have been observed to date. We show there are over 40-fold more host species with four or more different subgenera of coronaviruses. This underestimation of both number and novel coronavirus generation in wild and domesticated animals. Our results list specific high-risk hosts in which our model predicts homologous recombination could occur, our model identifies both wild and domesticated mammals including known important and understudied species. We recommend these species for coronavirus surveillance, as well as enforced separation in livestock markets and agriculture.
COVID-19 IN INDIA: MODELLING, FORECASTING AND STATE-WISE COMPARISON
Authors: Jose Ankitha , Salim Ashid , Subhash Silpa , George Noel 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCOVID-19 has turned the whole world upside down economically and socially. COVID-19 pandemic has caused around five crores of cases and three lakhs deaths globally as of 27 May 2020. This paper adopts four mathematical growth models. Basic models are encouraged because these models can make predictions with the available data and variables in the current scenario of COVID-19 pandemic. The best-fitted model is identified in accordance with the value of the coefficient of determination. As per the best model, there might be greater than 16 lakhs cases at the infection end in India. After predicting the future size of the pandemic, we analyzed how the disease severity varies among the Indian states and union territories using Case Fatality Rates (CFR).
A Pilot Comparative Study of Dental Students’ Ability to Detect Enamel-only Proximal Caries in Bitewing Radiographs With and Without the use of AssistDent® Deep Learning Software
Authors: Devlin Hugh , Ashley Martin , Williams Tomos , Purvis Brian , Roudsari Reza 
Published: June 2020

AbstractEnamel-only proximal caries, if detected, can be reversed by non-invasive treatments. Dental bitewing radiograph analysis is central to diagnosis and treatment planning and when used to detect enamel-only proximal caries it is an important tool in minimum intervention and preventive dentistry. However, the subtle patterns of enamel-only proximal caries visible in a bitewing radiographs are difficult to detect and often missed by dental practitioners. This pilot study measures the ability of a cohort of third-year dental students to detect enamel-only proximal caries in bitewing radiographs with and without the use of a deep learning assistive software AssistDent®. We demonstrate an increased ability in the detection of enamel-only proximal caries by the students using AssistDent, showing a mean sensitivity level of 0.80 (95%CI ± 0.04), increased from 0.50 (95%CI ± 0.13) p<0.01 shown by students not using AssistDent. This improvement in ability was achieved without an increase in false positives. Mean false positives per bitewing radiograph recorded by students when using AssistDent was 2.64 (95%CI ± 0.57), and by students without using AssistDent was 2.46 (95%CI ± 1.51). Based on these results we conclude that the AI-based software AssistDent significantly improves third-year dental students’ ability to detect enamel-only proximal caries and could be considered as a tool to support minimum intervention and preventive dentistry in teaching hospitals and general practice. We also discuss how the experience of conducting this pilot study can be used to inform the design and methodology of a follow-on study of AssistDent in dental practice use.
Self-reported food choices before and during COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Mitchell E. Siobhan , Yang Qiuchen , Behr Heather , Deluca Laura , Schaffer Paul 
Published: June 2020

AbstractStressful situations can cause changes in individual food choices, most notably, choices of highly rewarding foods that are high in fat or sugar. Few studies have examined how a population’s food choices change during a country-wide stress-inducing event such as the beginning of the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders in the United States. Food data from a digital behavior change weight loss program, which includes an interface for logging meals, were analyzed to assess self-reported food choices from March 5-March 11 (“pre-COVID”) and during the first week of the COVID-19 lockdown (March 12-March 18; “during-COVID”). The final sample consisted of 381,564 participants: 318,076 (83.4%) females, the majority who were aged 45-65 years (45.2%). Results indicate that self-reported servings of fresh fruit and vegetable intake decreased from pre-to during-COVID, while intake of red meat and starchy vegetables increased. More men than women increased their intake of red meat and processed meat. There was less overall change in fruit and vegetable consumption in participants aged 66 and older, compared to younger participants (aged 18-35). The percentage of older participants who reported lean meat and starchy vegetable intake increased, but these groups had a negligible change in younger subjects. More subjects aged 18-35 years reduced their intake of caffeine, desserts, lean meat and salads compared to older participants. No changes were observed in terms of snack or alcoholic beverage intake logged. In conclusion, this study of 381,564 US participants revealed that intake of particular food groups were altered during the first weeks of COVID lockdown.
Modeling the Post-Containment Elimination of Transmission of COVID-19
Authors: Coelho Flávio Codeço , Carvalho Luiz Max , Lana Raquel M , Cruz Oswaldo G , Bastos Leonardo S , Codeço Claudia T , Gomes Marcelo F C , Villela Daniel 
Published: June 2020

AbstractRoughly six months into the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have managed to contain the spread of the virus by means of strict containment measures including quarantine, tracing and isolation of patients as well strong restrictions on population mobility. Here we propose an extended SEIR model to explore the dynamics of containment and then explore scenarios for the local extinction of the disease. We present both the deterministic and stochastic version fo the model and derive the ℛ0 and the probability of local extinction after relaxation (elimination of transmission) of containment, ℙ0. We show that local extinctions are possible without further interventions, with reasonable probability, as long as the number of active cases is driven to single digits and strict control of case importation is maintained. The maintenance of defensive behaviors, such as using masks and avoiding agglomerations are also important factors. We also explore the importance of population immunity even when above the herd immunity threshold.
Variable association of atypical femur fracture and osteonecrosis of jaw with bisphosphonates and denosumab use: Drug-safety surveillance study
Authors: Makunts Tigran , Anwar Lara S. , Abagyan Ruben 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn the United States, there are over ten million adults diagnosed with osteoporosis and many more are at risk of developing the condition. Osteoporosis affects both males and females, mostly post-menopausal. Bisphosphonates and denosumab have been widely used globally to treat the condition. The use of bisphosphonates and denosumab had been associated with rare adverse effects including osteonecrosis of the jaw, ONJ, and atypical femur fracture, AFF. However, it remained unclear whether those side effects were class-wide or drug-specific. By analyzing over 230,000 osteoporosis patient reports from the FDA adverse event reporting system, FAERS, we confirmed the association of bisphosphonates and denosumab use with AFF and ONJ. Additionally, comparing each of the four frequently used bisphosphonates with denosumab-treated patients used as a control, we identified: (i) varying significance of association with ONJ and AFF for alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate and zoledronic acid, (ii) over two fold increase in risk of both side effects in alendronate patients, particularly in females, (iii) over a six fold increase in AFF risk in both males and females taking risedronate, and (iv) lower risk of both AFF and ONJ, for zoledronic acid patients compared to denosumab.Key pointsWe performed a disproportionality analysis of over 230,000 post-marketing reports of patients treated for osteoporosis to measure the risk of developing atypical femur fracture (AFF) and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ).Alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid, and denosumab were all significantly associated with AFF and ONJ when compared to teriparatide.When compared to denosumab, patients taking alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate, or zoledronic acid had a variable risk of ONJ and AFF, which correlated with the frequency of drug administration. The trend in variable risk was observed in both females and males.
Individual Differences in Peripheral Hearing and Cognition Reveal Sentence Processing Differences in Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Kurthen Ira , Meyer Martin , Schlesewsky Matthias , Bornkessel-Schlesewsky Ina 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWhen viewed cross-sectionally, aging seems to negatively affect speech comprehension. However, aging is a heterogeneous process, and variability among older adults is typically large. In this study, we investigated language comprehension as a function of individual differences in older adults. Specifically, we tested whether hearing thresholds, working memory, inhibition, and individual alpha frequency would predict event-related potential amplitudes in response to classic psycholinguistic manipulations at the sentence level. Twenty-nine healthy older adults (age range 61-76 years) listened to English sentences containing reduced relative clauses and object-relative clauses while their electroencephalogram was recorded. We found that hearing thresholds and working memory predicted P600 amplitudes early during reduced relative clause processing, while individual alpha frequency predicted P600 amplitudes at a later point in time. The results suggest that participants with better hearing and larger working memory capacity simultaneously activated both the preferred and the dispreferred interpretation of reduced relative clauses, while participants with worse hearing and smaller working memory capacity only activated the preferred interpretation. They also suggest that participants with a higher individual alpha frequency had a higher likelihood of successfully reanalysing the sentence towards the reduced relative clause reading than participants with a lower individual alpha frequency. By contrast, we found no relationship between object-relative clause processing and working memory or hearing thresholds. Taken together, the results support the view that older adults employ different strategies during auditory sentence processing dependent on their hearing and cognitive abilities and that there is no single ability that uniformly predicts sentence processing outcomes.
Massive transient damage of the olfactory epithelium associated with infection of sustentacular cells by SARS-CoV-2 in golden Syrian hamsters
Authors: Bryche Bertrand , St Albin Audrey , Murri Severine , Lacôte Sandra , Pulido Coralie , Gouilh Meriadeg Ar , Lesellier Sandrine , Servat Alexandre , Wasniewski Marine , Picard-Meyer Evelyne , Monchatre-Leroy Elodie , Volmer Romain , Rampin Olivier , Le Goffic Ronan , Marianneau Philippe , Meunier Nicolas 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAnosmia is one of the most prevalent symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the cellular mechanism behind the sudden loss of smell has not yet been investigated. The initial step of odour detection takes place in the pseudostratified olfactory epithelium (OE) mainly composed of olfactory sensory neurons surrounded by supporting cells known as sustentacular cells. The olfactory neurons project their axons to the olfactory bulb in the central nervous system offering a potential pathway for pathogens to enter the central nervous system by bypassing the blood brain barrier. In the present study, we explored the impact of SARS-COV-2 infection on the olfactory system in golden Syrian hamsters. We observed massive damage of the OE as early as 2 days post nasal instillation of SARS-CoV-2, resulting in a major loss of cilia necessary for odour detection. These damages were associated with infection of a large proportion of sustentacular cells but not of olfactory neurons, and we did not detect any presence of the virus in the olfactory bulbs. We observed massive infiltration of immune cells in the OE andlamina propriaof infected animals, which may contribute to the desquamation of the OE. The OE was partially restored 14 days post infection. Anosmia observed in COVID-19 patient is therefore likely to be linked to a massive and fast desquamation of the OE following sustentacular cells infection with SARS-CoV-2 and subsequent recruitment of immune cells in the OE andlamina propria.