bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Quality Indicator Set for Rehabilitation Services for People With Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases Demonstrates Adequate Responsiveness in A Pre–Post Evaluation
Authors: Sand-Svartrud Anne-Lene , Berdal Gunnhild , Azimi Maryam , Bø Ingvild , Dager Turid , Eppeland Siv , Fredheim Guro , Hagland Anne , Klokkeide Åse , Linge Anita , Tennebø Kjetil , Valaas Helene , Aasvold Ann Margret , Dagfinrud Hanne , Kjeken Ingvild 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Quality of care is gaining increasing attention in research, clinical practice, and health care planning. Methods for quality assessment and monitoring, such as quality indicators (QIs), are needed to ensure health services in line with norms and recommendations. The aim of this study was to assess the responsiveness of a newly developed QI set for rehabiliation for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Methods: We used two yes/no questionnaires to measure quality from both the provider and patient perspectives, scored in a range of 0%–100% (best score, 100%). We collected QI data from a multicenter stepped-wedge cluster-randomized controlled trial (the BRIDGE trial) that compared traditional rehabilitation with a new BRIDGE program designed to improve quality and continuity in rehabilitation. Assessment of the responsiveness was performed as a pre–post evaluation: Providers at rehabilitation centers in Norway completed the center-reported QIs (n=19 structure indicators) before (T1) and 6–8 weeks after (T2) adding the BRIDGE intervention. The patient-reported QIs comprised 14 process and outcomes indicators, measuring quality in health services from the patient perspective. Pre-intervention patient-reported data were collected from patients participating in the traditional program (T1), and post-intervention data were collected from patients participating in the BRIDGE program (T2). The patient groups were comparable. We used a construct approach, with a priori hypotheses regarding the expected direction and magnitude of PR changes between T1 and T2. For acceptable responsivess, at least 75% of the hypotheses needed to be confirmed. Results: All eight participating centers and 82% of the patients (293/357) completed the QI questionnaires. Responsiveness was acceptable, with 44 of 53 hypotheses (83%) confirmed for single indicators and 3 of 4 hypotheses (75%) confirmed for the sum scores. Conclusion: We found this QI set for rehabilitation to be responsive when applied in rehabilitation services for adults with various RMD conditions. We recommend this QI set as a timely method for establishing quality-of-rehabilitation benchmarks, promoting important progress toward high-quality rehabilitation, and tracking trends over time.Trial registration The study is part of the larger BRIDGE trial, registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03102814)
Disrespectful Care in Family Planning Services Among Youth and Adult Simulated Clients in Public Sector Facilities in Malawi.
Authors: Hazel Elizabeth , Mohan Diwakar , Chirwa Ephraim , Phiri Mary , Kachale Fannie , Msukwa Patrick , Katz Joanne , Marx Melissa 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background Provision of high-quality family planning (FP) services improves access to contraceptives. Negative experiences in maternal health have been documented worldwide and likely occur in other services including FP. This study aims to quantify disrespectful care for adult and adolescent women accessing FP in Malawi. Methods We used simulated clients (SCs) to measure disrespectful care in a census of public facilities in six districts of Malawi in 2018. SCs visited one provider in each of the 112 facilities: two SCs visits (one adult and one adolescent case scenario) or 224 SC visits total. We measured disrespectful care using a quantitative tool and field notes and report the prevalence and 95% confidence intervals for the indicators and by SC case scenarios contextualized with quotes from the field notes. Results Some SCs (12%) were refused care because they did not agree to receive a HIV test or vaccination, or the clinic was closed during operating hours. Over half (59%) of the visits did not have privacy. The SCs were not asked their contraceptive preference in 57% of the visits, 28% reported they were not greeted respectfully, and 20% reported interruptions. In 18% of the visits the SCs reported humiliation such as verbal abuse. Conclusions We documented instances of refusal of care, lack of privacy, poor client centered care and humiliating treatment by providers. We recommend continued effort to improve quality of care with an emphasis on client treatment, regular quality assessments that include measurement of disrespectful care, and more research on practices to reduce it.
Multicentre Cohort Study of the Impact of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Patients With Concurrent Cancer and Ischaemic Heart Disease
Authors: Nishikawa Tatsuya , Morishima Toshitaka , Okawa Sumiyo , Fujii Yuki , Otsuka Tomoyuki , Kudo Toshihiro , Fujita Takeshi , Kamada Risa , Yasui Taku , Shioyama Wataru , Oka Toru , Tabuchi Takahiro , Fujita Masashi , Miyashiro Isao 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The incidence of concurrent cancer and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is increasing; however, the long-term patient prognoses remain unclear.Methods: Five-year all-cause mortality data pertaining to patients in the Osaka Cancer Registry, who were diagnosed with colorectal, lung, prostate, and gastric cancers between 2010 and 2015, were retrieved and analysed together with linked patient administrative data. Patient characteristics (cancer type, stage, and treatment; coronary risk factors; medications; and time from cancer diagnosis to index admission for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or IHD diagnosis), were adjusted for propensity score matching. Three groups were identified: patients who underwent PCI within 3 years of cancer diagnosis (n=564, PCI+ group), patients diagnosed with IHD within 3 years of cancer diagnosis who did not undergo PCI (n=3058, PCI-/IHD+ group), and patients without IHD (n=27,392, PCI-/IHD- group). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used for comparisons. Results: After propensity score matching, the PCI+ group had better prognosis (n=489 in both groups, hazard ratio 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.51–0.81, P<0.001) than the PCI-/IHD+ group. PCI+ patients (n=282) had significantly higher mortality than those without IHD (n=280 in each group, hazard ratio 2.88, 95% confidence interval 1.90–4.38, P<0.001). Conclusions: PCI might improve the long-term prognosis in cancer patients with IHD. However, these patients could have significantly worse long-term prognosis than cancer patients without IHD.
Unraveling US National COVID-19 Racial/Ethnic Disparities using County Level Data Among 328 Million Americans
Authors: Li Daniel , Gaynor Sheila , Quick Corbin , Chen Jarvis , Stephenson Briana , Coull Brent , Lin Xihong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 outcomes reflect the unequal burden experienced by vulnerable communities in the United States (US). Proposed explanations include socioeconomic factors that influence how people live, work, and play, and pre-existing comorbidities. It is important to assess the extent to which observed US COVID-19 racial and ethnic disparities can be explained by these factors. We study 9.8 million confirmed cases and 234,000 confirmed deaths from 2,990 US counties (3,142 total) that make up 99.8% of the total US population (327.6 out of 328.2 million people) through 11/8/20. We found national COVID-19 racial health disparities in US are partially explained by various social determinants of health and pre-existing comorbidities that have been previously proposed. However, significant unexplained racial and ethnic health disparities still persist at the US county level after adjusting for these variables. There is a pressing need to develop strategies to address not only the social determinants but also other factors, such as testing access, personal protection equipment access and exposures, as well as tailored intervention and resource allocation for vulnerable groups, in order to combat COVID-19 and reduce racial health disparities.
ΔNp63 is a pioneer factor that binds inaccessible chromatin and elicit chromatin remodeling
Authors: Yu Xinyang , Singh Prashant K. , Tabrejee Shamira , Sinha Satrajit , Buck Michael 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: ΔNp63 is a master transcriptional regulator playing critical roles in epidermal development and other cellular processes. Recent studies suggest that ΔNp63 functions as a pioneer factor that can target its binding sites within inaccessible chromatin and induce chromatin remodeling. Methods: In order to examine if ΔNp63 can bind to inaccessible chromatin and to determine if specific histone modifications are required for binding we induced ΔNp63 expression in two p63 naive cell line. ΔNp63 binding was then examined by ChIP-seq and the chromatin at ΔNp63 targets sites was examined before and after binding. Further analysis with competitive nucleosome binding assays was used to determine how ΔNp63 directly interacts with nucleosomes. Results: Our results show that before ΔNp63 binding, targeted sites lack histone modifications, indicating ΔNp63’s capability to bind at unmodified chromatin. Moreover, the majority of the sites that are bound by ectopic ΔNp63 expression exist in an inaccessible state. Once bound ΔNp63 induces acetylation of the histone and the repositioning of nucleosomes at its binding sites. Further analysis with competitive nucleosome binding assays reveal that ΔNp63 can bind directly to nucleosome edges with significant binding inhibition occurring within 50 bp of the nucleosome dyad. Conclusion: Overall, our results demonstrate that ΔNp63 is a pioneer factor that binds nucleosome edges at inaccessible un-modified chromatin sites and induces histone acetylation and nucleosome repositioning.
Synthesis and characterization of Na-P1 (GIS) zeolite using a kaolinitic rock
Authors: Novembre Daniela , Gimeno Domingo , Vecchio Alessandro Del 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This work focuses on the hydrothermal synthesis of Na-P1 zeolite by using a kaolinite rock coming from Romana (Sassari, Italy). The kaolin is calcined at a temperature of 650 °C and then mixed with calculated quantities of NaOH. The synthesis runs are carried out at ambient pressure and at variable temperatures of 65 ° and 100 °C. For the first time compared to the past, the Na-P1 zeolite is synthesized without the use of additives and through a protocol that reduces both temperatures and synthesis times. The synthesis products are analysed by X-ray diffraction, high temperature X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The cell parameters are calculated using the Rietveld method. Density and specific surface area are also calculated. The absence of amorphous phases and impurities in synthetic powders is verified through quantitative phase analysis using the combined Rietveld and reference intensity ratio methods.The results make the experimental protocol very promising for an industrial transfer.
Fuzzy Ideal Supra Topological Spaces
Authors: Abbas Fadhil 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In this paper, we introduce the notion of fuzzy ideals in fuzzy supra topological spaces. The concept of a fuzzy s-local function is also introduced here by utilizing the s-neighbourhood structure for a fuzzy supra topological space. These concepts are discussed with a view to nd new fuzzy supra topologies from the original one. The basic structure, especially a basis for such generated fuzzy supra topologies and several relations between different fuzzy ideals and fuzzy supra topologies are also studied here. Moreover, we introduce a fuzzy set operator ΨS and study its properties. Finally, we introduce some sets of fuzzy ideal supra topological spaces (fuzzy *-supra dense-in-itself sets, fuzzy S*-supra closed sets, fuzzy *-supra perfect sets, fuzzy regular-I-supra closed sets, fuzzy-I-supra open sets, fuzzy semi-I-supra open sets, fuzzy pre-I-supra open sets, fuzzy α-I-supra open sets, fuzzy β-I-supra open sets) and study some characteristics of theses sets and then we introduce some fuzzy ideal supra continuous functions.
Benefit Class of Second-line Anti-diabetic Medication on Types of Dementia in Type 2 Diabetes: A Nationwide Real-world Longitudinal Study
Authors: Kim Won Jun , Noh Jung Hyun , Han Kyungdo , Park Cheol-Young 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundTo investigate the association between treatment of anti-diabetic agents and dementia in type 2 diabetes mellitus using an extensive dataset from the Korean National Health Insurance System and Health Screenings. MethodsAfter excluding anyone younger than 40, those taking no anti-diabetic medications within 1 yr of the examination, anyone diagnosed with dementia before the examination or its development within 1 yr of the examination, and those with missing data, 1,578,322 individuals with diabetes prescribed an anti-diabetic agent (metformin (Met), sulfonylurea (SU), thiazolidinedione (TZD), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i), meglitinide (Megl), alpha-glucosidase inhibitor(AGI) and/or insulin) between 2009 and 2012 were identified from the Korean National Health Insurance Service Database, where 701,193 individuals taking oral dual therapy were tracked until 2017. All-cause, Alzheimer’s (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) were investigated by oral dual therapy. Adjustments were made for age, sex, income, diabetes duration, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, smoking, drinking, exercise, BMI, glucose level and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Results Compared with dual therapy with Met + SU, dual therapy with Met + DPP-4i, Met + TZD, and SU + TZD, was associated with lower all-cause dementia (HR (95% CI) = 0.904 (0.879-0.929), 0.804 (0.767-0.844), and 0.962 (0.929-0.996), respectively) and VaD (HR (95% CI) = 0.865 (0.806-0.928), 0.725 (0.64-0.822), and 0.911 (0.833-0.995), respectively) after adjustment. Also, compared with the group treated with Met + SU, those treated with Met + DPP-4i and Met + TZD were associated with a significantly lower risk of AD (HR (95% CI) = 0.922 (0.894-0.951) and 0.812 (0.77-0.857)) except for SU + TZD (HR (95% CI) = 0.971 (0.934-1.01)). Dual therapy with TZD was associated with a significantly lower risk of all-cause dementia, AD, and VaD than nonusers of TZD (HR (95% CI) = 0.918 (0.892-0.944), 0.925 (0.896-0.955) and 0.859 (0.798-0.924), respectively). Conclusions Adding TZD or DPP-4i instead of SU as second-line treatment in combination with first-line Met may be considered for delaying or preventing dementia. Also, TZD users relative to TZD non-users on dual therapy had a significantly lower risk of all types of dementia.
Parameterization of physical properties of layered body structure into equivalent circuit model
Authors: Lee Jiho , Park Sung 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThis study presents a novel technique to develop an equivalent circuit model (ECM) for analyzing the responses of the layered body structure to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) by parameterizing electrical and geometrical properties. Many classical ECMs use custom meta-parameters instead of the physically driven parameters because of the difficulty in projecting physical properties directly into ECM. However, the difference in what parameters are customized hampers general agreement in modeling the responses to TENS. To overcome this limitation, we propose a tissue property-based (TPB) approach for the direct parameterization of the layered body structure.ResultsThe proposed method was first validated through in vitro phantom studies and then was applied in-vivo to analyze the TENS on the forearm. The TPB-ECM calculated the impedance network in the forearm and corresponding the responses to TENS. In addition, the modeled impedance was in good agreement with well-known impedance properties that have been achieved empirically.ConclusionsThe TPB approach uses the physical parameters instead of meta-parameters, thus overcoming the disagreement problem of conventional ECMs. Therefore, the TPB-ECM has a potential for widely-applicable TENS analysis and could provide impactful guidance in the TENS parameter design.
Algal Magnetic Nickel Oxide Nanocatalyst in Accelerated Synthesis of Pyridopyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Buazar Foad , Moavi Javad , Sayahi Mohammad Hosein 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This research presents a novel biological route for the biosynthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) using marine macroalgae extract as a reducing and coating agent under optimized synthesis conditions. XRD and TEM analyses revealed that phytosynthesized NiO NPs are crystalline in nature with a spherical shape having a mean particle size of 11±1 nm. It is found that biogenic NiO NPs is a highly efficient catalyst for benign one-pot preparation of pyridopyrimidine derivatives using aqueous reaction conditions. This environmentally friendly procedure takes considerable advantages of shorter reaction times, excellent product yields (up to 96%), magnetically reusable nanocatalyst (7 runs), low catalyst loadings, and free toxic chemical reagents.
CPAP Treatment In COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study In The Emergency Department
Authors: Capsoni Nicolò , Privitera Daniele , Mazzone Annamaria , Airoldi Chiara , Albertini Valentina , Angaroni Laura , Bergamaschi Marta , Molin Alberto Dal , Forni Elisa , Pierotti Federico , Rocca Eugenia , Vincenti Fabrizio , Bellone Andrea 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background

During COVID-19 outbreak, with the increasing number of patients presenting with acute respiratory failure (ARF), a large use of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) was done in the Emergency Departments (EDs) and medical wards despite the lack of recommendations. We aimed to assess the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in the ED. The primary endpoint was the rate of CPAP failure and the need of endotracheal intubation (ETI). Secondary endpoints were in-hospital mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) and in-hospital length of stay.
Methods

A retrospective observational study enrolling adult patients admitted to the ED of Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy, with ARF due to COVID-19 pneumonia from March 18th to April 18th 2020, was conducted. Only patients who strictly followed a local CPAP protocol were enrolled.
Results

A total of 52 patients were included in this study. 38 patients (73%) were judged eligible for ETI. 18 (34.6%) were intubated. 16 (30.8%) patients died: 7 (38.9%) and 9 (26.5%) in the ETI and non-ETI group respectively. The median hospital length of stay was different in ETI and non-ETI patients: 26 days [IQR 16–37] vs 15 days [IQR 9–17] (p = 0.005). The median invasive mechanical ventilation time was 11 days [IQR 7–21] with an ICU length of stay of 14.5 days [IQR 10–28]. During the CPAP trial, variations between ETI and non-ETI patients over time were found for positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) (p = 0.003) and respiratory rate (RR) (p = 0.059).
Conclusionss

A short closed monitored CPAP trial could be considered for ARF due to COVID-19 pneumonia before considering ETI. A progressive PEEP titration should target patient’s RR reduction. More studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and predictors of failure of CPAP and NIPPV in patients with ARF due to COVID-19 pneumonia.
Plasma neurofilament light and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers are associated with white matter damage in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Nabizadeh Fardin , Balabandian Mohammad , Rostami Mohammad Reza , Kankam Samuel Berchi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The most replicated blood biomarker for monitoring Alzheimer’s disease is neurofilament light (NFL). Recent evidence revealed that the plasma level of the NFL has a strong predictive value in cognitive decline and is elevated in AD patients. The Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is understood to reflect white matter disruption, neurodegeneration largely, and synaptic damage in AD. However, there is no investigation of the association between plasma NFL and white matter microstructure integrity. we have investigated the cross-sectional associations of plasma NFL, CSF tau, p tau, and Aβ with white matter microstructural changes as measured by DTI in 92 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) participants. We investigated potential correlations of the DTI values of each region of the MNI atlas, with plasma NFL, CSF total tau, CSF p tau, and as well as CSF Aβ, separately using a partial correlation model controlled for the effect of age, sex and APOE ε4 genotype. Our findings revealed a significant correlation between plasma and CSF biomarkers with altered white matter microstructural changes in widespread brain regions. Plasma NFL has a negative correlation with FA and positive correlation with RD, AD, and MD values in different regions. Plasma NFL promises to be an early biomarker of microstructural changes in MCI and for MCI progression to AD.
Plasma p tau 181 are associated with white matter microstructural changes in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Nabizadeh Fardin , Jameie Seyed Behnamedin , Khani Saghar , Rezaei Aida , Deravi Niloofar 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive impairments and memory difficulties, which cause daily activities, personal and behavioural problems. In recent years blood-based biomarkers like plasma phosphorylated tau protein at threonine 181 (p tau 181) emerged as new tools and showed a sufficient power in detecting AD patients from healthy people. Here we investigate the correlation between p tau 181 and white matter microstructural changes in AD. We add 41 Alzheimer diagnosed patients, 155 participants with mild cognitive impairments and 43 healthy controls with baseline plasma p tau 181 level and DTI values for each region of interest from the ADNI database. The analysis revealed that the plasma level of p tau 181 could predict changes of MD( Mean Diffusivity), RD(Radial Diffusivity), DA(Axial Diffusivity) and FA(Fractional Anisotropy) parameters in widespread regions and there is a significant association between white matter pathways alteration in different regions and p tau 181 plasma measurement within each group. In conclusion, our findings showed that plasma p tau 181 levels are associated with cellular and molecular changes in AD, which enhance this biomarker's for diagnostic procedures and support the application of plasma p tau 181 as a biomarker for white matter changes and neurodegeneration. Longitudinal studies are also necessary to prove the efficacy of these biomarkers and predicting role in structural changes.