bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survey and Identification of Date Palm Pathogens and Indigenous Biocontrol Agents
Authors: Nishad Resna , Ahmed Talaat A. 
Published: July 2020

Fungal diseases are considered a major threat to plant growth and productivity. However, some beneficial fungi growing in the same environment protect plants from various pathogens, either by secreting antifungal metabolites or by stimulating the host immune defense mechanism. Date palms are susceptible to several fungal pathogens. Nevertheless, information on the pathogenic fungal distribution in date palm fields across different seasons is limited, especially that from Qatar. Therefore, the current study’s aim was to evaluate the pathogenic and beneficial fungal diversity and distribution, including the endophytic fungi from the date palm tissues and root-associated soil fungi, during different seasons, for the identification of indigenous biocontrol agents. Our results showed that the highest number of fungal species was isolated in fall and spring, and pathogenic fungi were isolated mainly in spring. This is the first report that in Qatar, Neodeightonia phoenicum and Thielaviopsis punctulata cause date palm root rot disease, Fusarium brachygibbosum and Fusarium equiseti cause date palm wilting, and N. phoenicum causes diplodia disease in date palm offshoots. The combinations of the fungi that did not frequently occur together in date palm rhizosphere soil were investigated to identify indigenous biocontrol agents. Based on the results, we determined that Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma longibrachiatum are effective antagonistic fungi against T. punctulata, N. phoenicum, F. brachygibbosum, and Fusarium solani, qualifying them as potential biocontrol agents. Antagonistic activity of endophytic fungi against the pathogens was tested; except for Ulocladium chartarum, no endophytic fungi showed antagonistic activity against the tested pathogens. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
The Use of Physical Therapy ICU Assessments to Predict Discharge Home
Authors: Tymkew Heidi , Norris Traci , Arroyo Cassandra , Schallom Marilyn 
Published: July 2020

Objectives:
To establish cutoff values for making recommendations for discharge to the home setting using standardized physical therapy assessments.

Design:
Retrospective study.

Setting:
Five ICUs at a large academic medical center.

Patients:
1,203 ICU patients.

Intervention:
None.

Measurements and Main Results:
The Functional Status Score for the ICU and the ICU Mobility Scale were collected during the initial physical therapy assessment, at ICU discharge, and prior to hospital discharge. The Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care—Inpatient Mobility Short Form “6 clicks” was only collected during the initial physical therapy assessment. Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were used to determine a potential cutoff value for discharge home. The Receiver Operating Characteristic was adjusted for ICU and hospital length of stay along with mobility status prior to hospital admission. Cutoff values were then determined by using Youden’s Index. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were calculated based on these cut off values. The Functional Status Score for the ICU at ICU discharge was the best predictor of a discharge to the home setting in patients who had an ICU admission. The area under the curve for the Functional Status Score for the ICU at ICU discharge was 0.80. A Functional Status Score for the ICU score at ICU discharge of 19 or higher predicted discharge to home with a sensitivity of 82.9% and specificity of 73.6%

Conclusions:
The Functional Status Score for the ICU at ICU discharge provided the best accuracy for making a timely recommendation for discharge home in patients who had an ICU admission.
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Colon and Rectal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Quality Assessment
Authors: Hawkins Alexander T. , Rothman Russell L. , Geiger Timothy M. , Canedo Juan R. , Edwards-Hollingsworth Kamren , LaNeve David C. , Penson David F. 
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND:
There is growing interest in using patient-reported outcome measures to support value-based care in colorectal surgery. To draw valid conclusions regarding patient-reported outcomes data, measures with robust measurement properties are required.

OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this study was to assess the use and quality of patient-reported outcome measures in colorectal surgery.

DATA SOURCES:
Three major databases were searched for studies using patient-reported outcome measures in the context of colorectal surgery.

STUDY SELECTION:
Articles that used patient-reported outcome measures as outcome for colorectal surgical intervention in a comparative effectiveness analysis were included. Exclusion criteria included articles older than 11 years, non-English language, age <18 years, fewer than 40 patients, case reports, review articles, and studies without comparison.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
This was a quality assessment using a previously reported checklist of psychometric properties.

RESULTS:
From 2007 to 2018, 368 studies were deemed to meet inclusion criteria. These studies used 165 distinct patient-reported outcome measures. Thirty were used 5 or more times and were selected for quality assessment. Overall, the measures were generally high quality, with 21 (70%) scoring ≥14 on an 18-point scale. Notable weaknesses included management of missing data (14%) and description of literacy level (0%).

LIMITATIONS:
The study was limited by its use of original articles for quality assessment. Measures were selected for quality analysis based on frequency of use rather than other factors, such as impact of the article or number of patients in the study.

CONCLUSIONS:
Patient-reported outcome measures are widely used in colorectal research. There was a wide range of measures available, and many were used only once. The most frequently used measures are generally high quality, but a majority lack details on how to deal with missing data and information on literacy levels. As the use of patient-reported outcome measures to assess colorectal surgical intervention increases, researchers and practitioners need to become more knowledgeable about the measures available and their quality.
What do Spanish men know about menopause?
Authors: Fasero Maria , Mainar Laura B. , Campo Leyre R. , Delgado David Varillas , Coronado Pluvio J. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Objective:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of knowledge men have about menopause and to analyze whether sociodemographic aspects influence this knowledge.

Methods:
A total of 560 consecutive surveys were collected during 2019. Surveys were completed by men anonymously, voluntarily, and without incentives. A maximum score of 45 points was considered for the knowledge analysis.

Results:
The mean age was 49.13 ± 11.1 years. The most frequent source of information to obtain knowledge about menopause was friends (61.4%). The mean of the questionnaire score was 20.69 ± 6.1 (R: 0-45). The most frequent symptoms associated with menopause were hot flashes and vaginal dryness (93.7%; 48%) and the best-known treatment to improve vaginal health was lubricants at 69.5%. The most common treatment men knew for improving menopause symptoms was menopause hormone treatment; however, 27.9% of men thought there is no treatment for menopause. Differences were found between ages in numbers and grades (P = 0.032). Men with a higher level of education had significantly more knowledge than those with primary school education (P = 0.016). Differences were shown in men who obtained information from healthcare staff with respect to other sources (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
The level of knowledge in men in this sample is limited. Differences were found between ages, level of education, and sources of information. No differences were found between public and private hospitals. Teaching of this knowledge should be carried out by trained personnel, preferably healthcare staff.
Simple Bimanual Technique of Internal Limiting Membrane Retrieval
Authors: Agarwal Pulak , Venkatesh Pradeep , Kumar Vinod 
Published: July 2020

Purpose:
To describe a novel technique of internal limiting membrane retrieval.

Methods:
A 25-gauge vitrectomy was performed in all patients. After internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling (after brilliant blue dye staining), the ILM was held with the forceps in the midvitreous cavity and a 25-gauge cannula mounted on a 2 mL of balanced salt solution–filled syringe was introduced. When the tip of the cannula made contact with the ILM, mild suction was applied, and the ILM was retrieved in the syringe.

Results:
Internal limiting membrane retrieval was successful in the all the patients attempted.

Conclusion:
To conclude, bimanual technique of membranous tissue removal using a soft tip cannula under direct visualization is a safe and efficient technique that makes membrane retrieval a predictable process.
The Efficacy and Safety of Hemospray for the Management of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Ofosu Andrew , Ramai Daryl , John Febin , Mohan Babu P. , Dhindsa Banreet , Antoine Gaelle , Hajiyeva Gulara , Alatevi Eric M. , Ofori Emmanuel , Dhaliwal Amaninder S. , Gaduputi Vinaya , Gurram Krishna C. , Reddy Madhavi , McDonough Stephanie , Adler Douglas G. 
Published: July 2020

Goals/Background:
Hemospray is a new hemostatic powder recently approved for endoscopic hemostasis in gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Data are limited in terms of its clinical outcomes, and its role in the treatment algorithm of GI bleeds. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the clinical performance of Hemospray in the management of GI bleeding.

Study:
We searched multiple databases from inception through March 2019 to identify studies that reported on the clinical outcomes of Hemospray in GI bleeding. The primary outcome was pooled rates of clinical success after the application of Hemospray in GI bleeding. The secondary outcomes were pooled rebleeding rates and adverse events after use of Hemospray.

Results:
A total of 19 studies, 814 patients, of which 212 patients were treated with Hemospray as monotherapy, and 602 patients were treated with Hemospray with conventional hemostatic techniques. Overall pooled clinical success after the application of Hemospray was 92% [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 87%-96%; I
2=70.4%]. Overall pooled early rebleeding rates after application of Hemospray was 20% (95% CI, 16%-26%; I
2=54%). Overall pooled delayed rebleeding rates after the application of Hemospray was 23% (95% CI, 16%-31%; I
2=34.9%). There was no statistical difference in clinical success (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.96-1.08; P=0.34) and early rebleeding (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.75-1.07; P=0.214) in studies that compared the use of Hemospray as monotherapy versus combination therapy with conventional therapy.

Conclusions:
Hemospray is highly effective in achieving immediate hemostasis in gastrointestinal bleeding. However, due to significantly high rebleeding rates, Hemospray is not suited for definitive long-term therapy.
Early Performance of Hospital Value-based Purchasing Program in Medicare
Authors: Hong Young-Rock , Nguyen Oliver , Yadav Sandhya , Etzold Emma , Song Jihee , Duncan R. Paul , Turner Kea 
Published: July 2020

Background:
Under the Affordable Care Act, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has greatly expanded inpatient fee-for-value programs including the Hospital Value-based Purchasing (HVBP) program. Existing evidence from the HVBP program is mixed. There is a need for a systematic review of the HVBP program to inform discussions on how to improve the program’s effectiveness.

Objective:
To review and summarize studies that evaluated the HVBP program’s impact on clinical processes, patient satisfaction, costs and outcomes, or assessed hospital characteristics associated with performance on the program.

Design:
We searched the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest database for literature published between January 2013 and July 2019 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines.

Results:
Of 988 studies reviewed, 33 studies that met the selection criteria were included. A small group of studies (n=7) evaluated the impact of the HVBP program, and no impact on processes or patient outcomes was reported. None of the included studies evaluated the effect of HVBP program on health care costs. Other studies (n=28) evaluated the hospital characteristics associated with HVBP performance, suggesting that safety-net hospitals reportedly performed worse on several quality and cost measures. Other hospital characteristics’ associations with performance were unclear.

Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that the current HVBP does not lead to meaningful improvements in quality of care or patient outcomes and may negatively affect safety-net hospitals. More rigorous and comprehensive adjustment is needed for more valid hospital comparisons.
Fetal surgery and neonatal ICU admissions
Authors: Vaughn Alyssa , Reynolds Regina , Zenge Jeanne , Marwan Ahmed I. 
Published: July 2020

Purpose of review
Fetal intervention is a dynamic field with wide-reaching implications on neonatal ICU admissions and the care of neonates with congenital anomalies. The aim of this review is to summarize recent advancements in fetal surgery and provide a broad understanding of how these topics interrelate.

Recent findings
Advancements in prenatal imaging and diagnosis have dramatically expanded the indications for fetal intervention. Most recently, there has been a large focus on evaluating minimally invasive strategies of fetal intervention, notably fetoscopic surgery, and the use of stem cells for fetal treatment of myelomeningocele. With the advances in fetal intervention, neonatal care has adapted to the needs of these various patients to help improve the outcomes of this unique population.

Summary
Fetal intevention relies on a multidisciplinary team from prenatal imaging and maternal fetal medicine to fetal surgery and postnatal subspecialty care, particuarly neonatology. Fetal intervention uniquely involves two patients, both mother and fetus, and therefore, has unique risks and considerations, particularly in the advancement of the field. As the number of conditions suited to fetal intervention grows, awareness and advancement of the postnatal intensive care necessary for these patients are essential.
Long-acting reversible contraception side effect management
Authors: Edwards Alexandra J. , DiVasta Amy D. , Pitts Sarah 
Published: July 2020

Purpose of review
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is increasingly used by adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Subsequent to LARC insertion, AYAs are presenting to their primary care providers with LARC concerns. This article seeks to equip primary care clinicians with the tools necessary to assess and manage common LARC-associated side effects.

Recent findings
Side effects are common with progestin-only LARC, and can precipitate early discontinuation of an otherwise effective, low-maintenance form of contraception. Abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, acne, and weight change are often cited as progestin-only LARC side effects, yet the causes are poorly understood despite extensive research. While most side effects improve with time, therapeutic interventions are available for patients with undesirable side effects that prefer medical management. Research emphasizes the importance of proper patient counseling and clinical follow-up.

Summary
Counseling remains essential in the management of LARC-associated side effects. However, options are available to temporarily mitigate such side effects and increase LARC satisfaction. While these therapeutic options are prescribed based on expert opinion, such regimens remain inadequately studied in AYA populations.
HIV and organ transplantation
Authors: Lee Ingi , Blumberg Emily 
Published: July 2020

Purpose of review
This review summarizes the advances that have occurred over the past 2 years in organ transplantation in the setting of HIV.

Recent findings
Although HIV+ organ transplantation is both safe and effective, recent studies show that HIV+ patients continue to experience barriers to transplantation. In the United States, the HOPE Act is not only expected to increase the donor pool for HIV+ transplant candidates, but to also allow for the use of donors with false-positive HIV+ tests, which had previously been banned under the US National Organ Transplant Act. More effective HCV treatment, increased experience with heart and lung transplantation and the potential for increased organ availability with the inclusion of HIV+ organ donors have provided for significant advances in the care of these patients.

Summary
There continues to be progress in the field of organ transplantation in persons living with HIV. Future efforts should continue aiming to limit barriers to transplantation and improving the understanding of immunologic derangements seen in transplant recipients with HIV infection.
Brief Report: Using Behavioral Economics to Increase HIV Knowledge and Testing Among Latinx Sexual Minority Men and Transgender Women: A Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study
Authors: MacCarthy Sarah , Wagner Zachary , Barreras Joanna L. , Kim Alice , Menodza-Graf Alexandra C. , Giguere Rebecca , Carballo-Dieguez Alex , Linnemayr Sebastian 
Published: July 2020

Objective:
To determine how weekly text messages and small incentives impact HIV knowledge and frequency of HIV testing among Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM) and transgender women (LTGW).

Design:
Prospectively randomized participants into 2 intervention arms compared with a nonrandomized comparison group.

Setting:
Bienestar, a primarily Latinx focused HIV service provider located across Los Angeles County.

Subjects, Participants:
Two hundred eighteen participants self-identifying as LSMM or LTGW, HIV negative, having regular mobile phone access, ≥18 years, and fluent in English or Spanish.

Intervention:
The “information only” (IO) group received text messages with HIV prevention information. The “information plus” (IP) group additionally could win incentives by answering weekly quiz questions correctly and testing for HIV once every 3 months. We followed participants for 12 months.

Main Outcome Measure(s):
HIV knowledge and frequency of HIV testing.

Results:
We found no effect on HIV knowledge in the IO group but a statistically significant improvement in the IP group (79.2%–88.1%; P = 0.007). The frequency of HIV testing was higher in both intervention groups relative to the comparison group: On average, 22.0% of IO participants and 24.9% of IP participants tested at a Bienestar site within a given 3-month period, compared with 13.0% in the comparison group. This represents unadjusted relative risk ratios of 1.69 for the IO group (95% CI: 1.25 to 2.1; P < 0.01) and 1.91 for the IP group (95% CI: 1.51 to 2.31; P < 0.01), respectively.

Conclusions:
This study demonstrates that a simple, low-cost intervention may help increase HIV testing frequency among LSMM and LTGW, 2 groups at high HIV risk.
Randomized Controlled Trial Effect of Short-Term MIND Diet Intervention on Hunger Hormones, Anthropometric Parameters, and Brain Structures in Middle-Aged Obese Women
Authors: Arjmand Golnaz , Abbas-Zadeh Mojtaba , fardaei Majid , Eftekhari Mohammad Hassan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe growing prevalence of obesity and its destructive effects on the hormone’s circulation and brain structures has attracted attention to specific dietary patterns. This trial aimed to examine the effect of short-term newly Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) pattern on anthropometric parameters, hunger hormones as well as brain structures in obese women. The study was a randomized restricted controlled trial in which we analyzed 37 healthy obese women with a mean age of 48 ± 5.38 years and mean Body Mass Index (BMI) 32 ± 4.31 kg/m2. Participants were randomly allocated to a hypocaloric modified MIND diet or a hypocaloric waiting list control diet and followed the protocols for three months. Differences in anthropometric and laboratory analysis, as well as brain structures, were determined at baseline and follow up. There was a more significant reduction in weight, BMI, percentage of body fat, waist circumference, and Leptin concentration in the MIND diet group compared to the control group (ps<0.05). Despite a deceased in plasma levels of Ghrelin and GLP-1 in the control group, results have found a significant increase in these hunger hormones in the MIND diet group (ps<0.05). Our results diminished to detect any differences in the whole and regional brain structures between two groups after three months follow up. Our trial for the first time demonstrated that a three-month MIND diet intervention could improve the potentially devastating effect of obesity on metabolic profiles and anthropometric parameters. However, we couldn’t find the MIND diet effect on brain structures.
Risk Factors for Mortality of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Ouchetto Ouail , Bourhanbour Asmaa Drissi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundLethality rates of COVID-19 are so different between countries and continents. This lethality seems to be very low in Africa and Asia, but exceedingly high in western Europe and North America. Many factors could have a role in this disparity such as comorbidities. Advanced age, obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer were the most frequently cited in the reported COVID-19 data. The main objective was to analyze and evaluate the association between the COVID-19 mortality and the mentioned factors in 164 countries.MethodsThe Data of COVID-19 deaths, latitude degrees, population age distribution, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes and cancer were extracted from different online sources. For the statistical analysis, we used Spearman to measure the correlation coefficient between numbers of deaths and the mentioned factors until June 29, 2020.ResultsThe correlation between COVID-19 mortality and latitude, high age, obesity, CVD and number of cancer patients per 100,000 is significant at 0.01 level with r = 0.489, r=0.511, r=0.489, r=0.561 and r=0.536 respectively. The correlation between the number of deaths and diabetes is less strong than the previous ones, and the correlation coefficient is r= 0.154.ConclusionThe great lethality of COVID-19 in western Europe and North America can be explained in part by the highest of age, cancer and CVD percentage in these regions. It seems also plausible that the increased obesity in the USA and vitamin D deficiency in Europe may contribute to increasing the number of COVID-19 deaths.