bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utilization of mechanical ventilators in low resource Faculty: a cross sectional study
Authors: Bacha Tigist , Tsegaye Netsanet , Tuli Wagari 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Few studies are available from Africa on the use of mechanical ventilation (MV) in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Knowledge of the outcome of patients on MV is critical for better use of resources and clinical decision making. We aimed to see the outcome and pattern of patients treated in a pediatric intensive care unit in a teresery hospital, which is the first study to evaluate an Ethiopian PICU.
Methods

A cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection was employed. Data were abstracted from the patients’ medical records by trained health professionals. SPSS version 21 software was used for data entry and analysis. The reports were depicted descriptively using measures of central tendency, dispersion, and displayed through tables and graphs.
Results

There were 536 patients admitted during the study period. 202 (41.2%) incidence of mechanical ventilation (MV) rate 63.6% of the participants were males and 130 (59.1%) died. The most common indication for the initiation of MV was respiratory problems 46 (20.9%). we identified 30.59/1000 ventilator days developed complications.Ventilator-associated pneumonia accounted for 18.6% of the complications with 20.9/1000 ventilator days. Survival of medical cases was better than the surgical cases (including trauma); [AOR = 0.13, 95% CI(0.04–0.413)] and those who have MV for more than 3 days are 79% more likely to die than those of less than 3 days ventilated; (p = 0.003). Those who have multi-organ dysfunction syndrome die more likely than the other group of patients; [AOR = 0.181, 95% CI (0.08, 0.412)] and the patient who had high PIM II severity score had higher mortality rate; [AOR = 35, 95% CI (1.7, 11)].
Conclusions

In the current study, the mortality rate of mechanically ventilated pediatric patients was high. Severity score, multi-organ dysfunction syndrome, length of stay, and being a surgical patient increased the risk of mortality. Adequate education of PICU staff on the use of mechanical ventilator and prevention of complications as well as the use of severity score is necessary.
Critical Appraisal of Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of COVID-19: Protocol for a Systematic Review
Authors: Dhivagaran Thanansayan , Abbas Umaima , Butt Fahad Rasool , Arunasalam Luckshann , Chang Oswin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundIn December 2019, a novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was identified as the cause of an acute respiratory disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Given the lack of validated treatments, there is an urgent need for the high-quality management of COVID-19. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are one tool that healthcare providers may use to enhance patient care. As such, it is necessary that they have access to high-quality evidence-based CPGs upon which they may base decisions regarding the management and use of therapeutic interventions (TI) for COVID-19. The purpose of the proposed study is to assess the quality of CPGs that make management or TI recommendations for COVID-19 using the AGREE II instrument. Methods‌The proposed systematic review will identify CPGs for TI use and/or the management of COVID-19. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science will be searched from December 2019 up to December 2020. The primary outcome of this study is the assessed quality of the CPGs. The quality of eligible CPGs will be assessed using the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument. Descriptive statistics will be used to quantify the quality of the CPGs. The secondary outcomes of this study are the types of management and/or TI recommendations made. Inconsistent and duplicate TI and/or management recommendations made between CPGs will be compared across guidelines. DiscussionThe results of this study will be of utmost importance to enhancing clinical decision-making among healthcare providers caring for patients with COVID-19. Moreover, the results of this study will be relevant to guideline developers in the creation of CPGs or improvement of existing ones, researchers who want to identify gaps in knowledge, and policy-makers looking to encourage and endorse the adoption of CPGs into clinical practice. The results of this review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences. Systematic Review ‌Registration‌ ‌International‌ ‌Prospective‌ ‌Register‌ ‌for‌ ‌Systematic‌ ‌Reviews‌ ‌(PROSPERO)‌ ‌—‌ ‌CRD42020219944
WITHDRAWN: Classification of Megathyrsus maximus Accessions Grown in The Colombian Dry Tropical Forest by Nutritional Assessment during contrasting seasons
Authors: Tapia Juliana Isabel Carvajal , Mazabel Johana , Vivas-Quila Nelson 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Nutritional quality of forages is a strategy of continuous research in animal feeding to help mitigate the environmental impact generated by Tropical livestock. The aim of this study is to describe and classify the nutritional profile of the M maximus collection in Dry Tropics as a contribution to the selection of high-quality grassland for sustainable livestock production. The selection criteria were based in the potential of materials to mitigate climate change effects and to support plant breeding processes. For this, the nutritional composition of 129 CIAT accessions of Megathyrsus maximus was evaluated in representative cultivation conditions of Colombian Dry Tropical Forest by means of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) technique, Crude Protein (CP), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), and in vitro Dry Matter Digestibility (IVDMD) was determined with rainy and dry seasons as fixed effects. Results: genotype and precipitation affect the nutritional value. However, there is relative nutritional steadiness in the NDF, ADF, and IVDMD among seasons for some accessions. According to the nutritional composition index (ICN), half of the evaluated collection had nutritional potential. From this group, 15 accessions showed higher values during rainy and dry seasons. Conclusions: M. maximus has an adequate nutritional profile for animal feeding in dry tropics agroecosystems. It generates alternative materials to project and sustain eco-efficient livestock production in the tropics.
The association between serum copper concentrations and elevated blood pressure in US youths: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2016
Authors: Li Li , Liu Changsong , Liao Yanfen , Zhu Zongyuan , Yang Lili , Zhang Qin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Copper is an essential trace metal with potential interest for cardiovascular effects. Few studies have explored the association between copper and blood pressure in children and adolescents (hereafter referred to as youths).
Method:
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1242 youths aged 8–17 years who participated in the 2011 to 2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Using 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, Elevated Blood Pressure (EBP) was defined as a mean systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 90th percentile for sex, age, and height for children aged 1–12 years and systolic BP ≥ 120 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 80 mmHg for adolescent age 13–17 years. Mean serum copper was 114.17 µg/dL.
Results
After multiple adjustments, dose-response analyses revealed that EBP was associated with progressively higher serum copper concentrations in a nonlinear trend. In comparison with the lowest quartile of serum copper concentrations, the adjusted odds of EBP for the highest quartile was 5.26 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.76–10.03).
Conclusion
Our results suggested that high serum copper concentrations were significantly associated with EBP in US youths.
Parents’ health information seeking behaviour – does the child’s health status play a role?
Authors: Baumann Isabel , Jaks Rebecca , Robin Dominik , Juvalta Sibylle , Dratva Julia 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Digital media are increasingly abundant, providing a wide scope of health information. To date, very little is known about parental health information seeking behaviour for child health outside of English-speaking and Nordic countries. Our study “Digital parental counsellors” examines how parents search for health information in digital media, print media and among “personal contacts”, distinguishing between the search for information about general child health and development and child’s acute illness, and comparing information seeking behaviour by disability status of the child. Methods: The population-based sample consisted of 769 parents with children aged 0-2 in the German-speaking region of Switzerland returning the study questionnaire (30% response rate). We developed a frequency score of use of different information sources and conducted bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses to describe parental search behaviour and the association with child’s disability status. Results: The sample consists of 88% mothers (mean age: 35.7 years SD 4.33). Children’s mean age is 16 months (SD 7.1), 49% of the children are female and 6% have a disability. Parents use digital media significantly more frequently to search for information about general health and development questions than about an acute child’s illness (p<0.001). In case of acute child’s illness, parents refer to their paediatrician, family members and other personal contacts significantly more frequently than other information sources (p<0.001). The use of digital media and “personal contacts” does not significantly vary between parents with and without a disabled child, whereas the use of print media does (p<0.02). Moreover, irrespective of disability, 45% of parents resort to the Internet prior to a paediatric visit and 27% after a visit when a visit did not answer all questions. Conclusions: Despite the high prevalence of digital media, personal contacts are still the most frequent health information resource for parents with young children, irrespective of the child’s health. Parents combine all information resources (online, print, personal network) to improve their understanding or check the validity of information received regarding their child’s health. It is thus of utmost importance, that the increasingly accessed digital information parents search for is correct, understandable and addresses parent’s concerns.
Socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness among older adults in five European countries
Authors: Fierloos Irene Noëlla , Tan Siok Swan , Williams Greg , Alhambra-Borrás Tamara , Koppelaar Elin , Bilajac Lovorka , Verma Arpana , Markaki Athina , Mattace-Raso Francesco , Vasiljev Vanja , Franse Carmen Betsy , Raat Hein 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: International studies provide an overview of socio-demographic characteristics associated with loneliness among older adults, but few studies distinguished between emotional and social loneliness. This study examined socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness. Methods: Data of 2251 community-dwelling older adults, included at the baseline measure of the Urban Health Centers Europe (UHCE) project, were analysed. Loneliness was measured with the 6-item De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between age, sex, living situation, educational level, migration background, and loneliness. Results: The mean age of participants was 79.7 years (SD=5.6 years); 60.4% women. Emotional and social loneliness were reported by 29.2% and 26.7% of the participants; 13.6% experienced emotional and social loneliness simultaneously Older age (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06-1.28), living without a partner (2.16, 95% CI: 1.73-2.70), and having a low educational level (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.21-2.73), were associated with increased emotional loneliness. Women living with a partner were more prone to emotional loneliness than men living with a partner (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.31-2.40). Older age (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.00-1.22) and having a low educational level (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.14-2.74) were associated with increased social loneliness. Men living without a partner were more prone to social loneliness than men living with a partner (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.35-2.78). Conclusions: Socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness differed regarding sex and living situation. Researchers, policy makers, and healthcare professionals should be aware that emotional and social loneliness may affect older adults with different socio-demographic characteristics.
Compassion Fatigue and perceived of social support among polish nurses
Authors: Metko Paulina Pergol- , Czyżewski Lukasz 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background:Social support has an important role to prevent traumatic stress connected with performing a nurse profession. The aim of the study was to measure the relationship between compassion fatigue and perceived social support in polish nurses.Methods:The study was conducted in a group of 862 professionally active nurses in Poland using the CAWI method (Computer-Assisted Web Interview). Professional Quality of Life scale (ProQOL) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used for collecting the data. StatSoft, Inc. (2014) was used for data analysis. For comparisons between the groups: Mann-Whitney U test, ANOVA Kruskal Wallis test, multiple comparisons (post-hoc). Relationships between variables were tested using the Spearman's R test, Tau Kendall's test and chi 2 test. The level of significance in all calculations was assumed p <0.05.Results:The research showed the presence of Compassion Satisfaction, Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in the group of Polish hospital nurses. A higher level of perceived social support was associated with a lower level of compassion fatigue (r=-0,35; p<0,001). A higher level of social support was associated with higher job satisfaction (r = 0.40; p <0.001). The study also found that a higher level of social support was associated with a lower risk of Burnout (r = -0.41; p <0.001). Conclusions:Preventing of Compassion fatigue and Burnout should be a priority for health care managers. It is worth noting that an important predictor of Compassion Fatigue is the fact that Polish nurses often work overtime. It is necessary to pay more attention to the key role of Social Support in preventing CF and BO.
Smart@Home – Supporting safety and mobility of elderly and care dependent people in their own homes through the use of technical assistance systems and conventional mobility supporting tools: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Jachan Deborah Elisabeth , Müller-Werdan Ursula , Lahmann Nils Axel , Strube-Lahmann Sandra 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The use of technical solutions and conventional mobility supporting aids can support the independence of people into old age in their own homes. However, we found relatively few empirical investigations on the effects and costs of these systems.METHODS: The aim of the study was to investigate usability, user satisfaction and the correlation between costs and benefits of different built-in smart home solutions and conventional mobility supporting tools in the home of elderly, partially care-dependent tenants (>65 years). A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to March 2018 with tenants of a housing association in apartments equipped with smart home technology and conventional mobility supporting tools. The response rate in the intervention group was n=37 persons (out of 46 tenants with installed smart home and conventional solutions) and in the control group n=64 persons (out of 100 tenants without built-in smart home and conventional solutions). Data were collected by a written questionnaire regarding usability and satisfaction of the tenants with the built-in smart home solutions and conventional mobility supporting tools. In addition, both the intervention and the control group were asked general questions about communication, safety and how to deal with the need for long-term care in their own living environment.RESULTS: Results showed that with regard to usability, satisfaction and price performance ratio of the installed smart home solutions, the installation of the corresponding solutions with an overall score of 1.41 (on a scale of 1 (very good) to 6 (unsatisfactory)) was mostly positively evaluated by the tenants. Overall, users rated the installed smart home solutions better than the conventional mobility supporting tools (such as handholds and increased balcony floor level).CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the price performance ratio showed that smart home solutions are generally more expensive than conventional tools, but also contribute significantly to an increased security of the tenants, and thus may enable longer living in a familiar environment. We recommend modularized offers consisting of various components of smart home solutions, since this significantly reduces installation costs and allows for an individual composition according to requirements. Moreover, smart home solutions should be considered to be listed as medical aids.
End-stage knee osteoarthritis with and without sarcopenia and the effect of knee arthroplasty – a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ho Kevin Ki-Wai , Lau Lawrence Chun-Man , Chau Wai Wang , Poon Queena , Chung Kwong-Yin , Wong Ronald Man-Yeung 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Sarcopenia often accompanies osteoarthritis (OA), which is managed by total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the late stage. Recent studies have suggested a higher risk of post-operative complications after TKA in sarcopenic OA subjects, but whether TKA can benefit them similar to non-sarcopenic subjects remains unexplored. This study aimed to examine the dynamic, mutual impact of sarcopenia and TKA in a one-year post-operative period.Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted between 2015 to 2018 at our hospital. Patients with end-stage OA of the knee waiting for TKA were recruited into the study. Primary outcome measures were change in muscle strength, mass and function. Secondary outcome measures were quality of life (QOL) measurements for pain, psychological and physical health.Results: Fifty-eight patients were recruited, of which 79.3% were female and 32.8% already had sarcopenia at baseline. The average age of sarcopenic subjects and non-sarcopenic subjects was comparable (67.89±7.07 vs. 67.92±6.85; p=0.99), but sarcopenic subjects had a lower body mass index (BMI) (25.64±2.64 vs. 28.57±4.04; p=0.01). There was a statistically significant improvement in walking speed (10.24±5.35 vs. 7.69±2.68, p<0.01) and muscle strength in both sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients after TKA. This was accompanied by an improvement trend in muscle mass in all subjects. There was no change in handgrip power before and after TKA and subsequent follow-up (19.31±5.92 vs. 18.98±6.37 vs. 19.36±7.66; p=0.97). QOL measured before, after and at follow-up with WOMAC (total: 42.27±15.98 vs. 20.65±15.24 vs. 16.65±18.13) and SF12v2 (PCS: 33.06±8.55 vs. 38.96±8.01 vs. 40.67±7.93) revealed progressive significant improvement (both comparisons p≤0.01). Further analysis with the IPAQ also found increased engagement of high-intensity activities.Conclusions: This study showed that sarcopenia among patients with end-stage OA of the knee is not uncommon, but both sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic OA patients achieved significant clinical and functional improvement after TKA. Further studies with a larger sample size and different ethnicities could help ascertain a beneficial role of TKA in sarcopenic OA subjects.
Prognostic value of the creatinine-albumin ratio in acute pancreatitis debridement
Authors: ZHAO Zhifeng , YU Yeping , XIE Rongli , YANG Kaige , XU Dan , LI Li , LIN Jiayun , ZHENG Lei , ZHANG Chihao , XU Xin , CHEN Ying , XU Zhiwei , CHEN Erzhen , LUO Meng , Fei Jian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Increases in the levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and creatinine (Cr) and decreases in those of albumin (Alb) are commonly observed in acute pancreatitis (AP). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Cr/Alb and CRP/Alb ratios in the prediction of surgical treatment effect in AP patients.Methods This study retrospectively analyzed clinical data obtained from 140 AP patients who underwent debridement from January 2008 to November 2018 in Shanghai Ruijin Hospital. The Cr/Alb and CRP/Alb ratios at admission and before surgery were assessed in the analysis of clinical statistics, prediction of prognoses, and logistic regression analysis.Results The admission Cr/Alb had the best predictive value of the four ratios. This value was significantly higher in patients with re-operation and those who died (P < 0.05) and was correlated with the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score, admission CRP/Alb, preoperative Cr/Alb, and post-operative complications. The admission Cr/Alb could predict the risk of AP-related re-operation and mortality with sensitivities, specificities and areas under the curve of 86.3%, 61.7% and 0.824, and 73.4%, 81.3% and 0.794, respectively. At a cut-off value of 3.43, admission Cr/Alb values were indicative of a worse clinical state, including impaired laboratory test values, APACHE II scores, rates of post-operative complications and re-operation, and mortality (P < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, admission Cr/Alb values were independently related to the APACHE II score, post-operative renal failure, and mortality.Conclusion Cr/Alb is a novel but promising, easy-to-measure, reproducible, non-invasive prognostic score for the prediction of the effect of debridement in AP patients.
Developing a complex intervention to support pregnant women with mild to moderate anxiety: application of the Medical Research Council framework
Authors: Evans Kerry , Spiby Helen , Morrell Jane C 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: To design and develop an intervention to support women with symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety in pregnancy.Methods: The development followed the MRC framework for complex interventions, utilising psychological theory, review level evidence and professional and public involvement. Two systematic reviews were completed which helped identify potentially beneficial intervention components. The theory underpinning the components was explored to consider the potential benefit for women with mild to moderate anxiety symptoms in pregnancy. Methods of delivering the intervention within maternity services were explored. The intervention comprised: group discussions, one to one support and assisted self-help resources. Midwives were identified as ideally placed to facilitate the intervention supported by midwifery support workers. A bespoke training package was provided by subject experts to prepare the facilitators.Results: The absence of established interventions and a paucity of evidence based approaches for pregnant women with symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety indicated the need for a rigorous and systematic approach to the intervention design. This approach led to the development of an intervention feasible for implementation in maternity care systems tailored to the needs of pregnant women. The involvement of a multi-professional advisory team and active engagement of service users helped to consider the acceptability of the intervention for women and the feasibility of delivering the intervention in the context of maternity care.Conclusion: The MRC Framework provided useful overarching guidance to develop a midwife facilitated intervention for women with symptoms of anxiety in pregnancy. The framework assisted the development of a robust rationale for each intervention component and considered the processes of evaluation and implementation into maternity care systems.