bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intraventricular neuroepithelial tumors: surgical outcome, technical considerations and review of literature
Authors: Aftahy A. Kaywan , Barz Melanie , Krauss Philipp , Liesche Friederike , Wiestler Benedikt , Combs Stephanie E. , Straube Christoph , Meyer Bernhard , Gempt Jens 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundIntraventricular neuroepithelial tumors (IVT) are rare lesions and comprise different pathological entities such as ependymomas, subependymomas and central neurocytomas. The treatment of choice is neurosurgical resection, which can be challenging due to their intraventricular location. Different surgical approaches to the ventricles are described. Here we report a large series of IVTs, its postoperative outcome at a single tertiary center and discuss suitable surgical approaches.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review at a single tertiary neurosurgical center between 03/2009–05/2019. We included patients that underwent resection of an IVT emphasizing on surgical approach, extent of resection, clinical outcome and postoperative complications.ResultsForty five IVTs were resected from 03/2009 to 05/2019, 13 ependymomas, 21 subependymomas, 10 central neurocytomas and one glioependymal cyst. Median age was 52,5 years with 55.6% (25) male and 44.4% (20) female patients. Gross total resection was achieved in 93.3% (42/45). 84.6% (11/13) of ependymomas, 100% (12/21) of subependymomas, 90% (9/10) of central neurocytomas and one glioependymal cyst were completely removed. Postoperative rate of new neurological deficits was 26.6% (12/45). Postoperative new permanent cranial nerve deficits occurred in one case with 4th ventricle subependymoma and one in 4th ventricle ependymoma. Postoperative KPSS was 90% (IR 80–100). 31.1% of the patients improved in KPSS, 48.9% remained unchanged and 20% declined. Postoperative adverse events rate was 20.0%. Surgery-related mortality was 2.2%. The rate of shunt/cisternostomy-dependent hydrocephalus was 13.3% (6/45). 15.4% of resected ependymomas underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. Mean follow-up was 26,9 (±30.1) months.ConclusionOur surgical findings emphasize satisfactory complete resection throughout all entities. Surgical treatment can remain feasible, if institutional experience is given. Satisfying long-term survival and cure is possible by complete removal. Gross total resection should always be performed under function-remaining aspects due to mostly benign or slow growing nature of IVTs. Further data is needed to evaluate standard of care and alternative therapy options in rare cases of tumor recurrence or in case of patient collective not suitable for operative resection.
“We can’t handle things we don’t know about”: perceived neurorehabilitation challenges for Malawian paediatric cerebral malaria survivors
Authors: Boubour Alexandra , Mboma Sebastian , Võ Tracy , Birbeck Gretchen L. , Seydel Karl B. , Mallewa Macpherson , Chinguo Dorothy , Gladstone Melissa , Mohamed Suraya , Thakur Kiran T. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe sought to identify perceptions of neurorehabilitation challenges for paediatric cerebral malaria (CM) survivors post-hospital discharge at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre, Malawi.MethodsAn exploratory approach was used to qualitatively investigate the perceived neurorehabilitation challenges for paediatric CM survivors. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Eighteen data-gathering sessions were conducted with 38 total participants, including 3 FGDs with 23 primary caregivers, 11 IDIs with healthcare workers at QECH, and 4 IDIs with community-based rehabilitation workers (CRWs).ResultsFGDs revealed that caregivers lack important knowledge about CM and fear recurrence of CM in their children. Post-CM children and families experience substantial stigma and sociocultural barriers to integrating into their community and accessing neurorehabilitative care. At a community-level, rehabilitation infrastructure, including trained staff, equipment, and programmes, is extremely limited. Rehabilitation services are inequitably accessible, and community-based rehabilitation remains largely unavailable.ConclusionsThere is an urgent need to establish further training of rehabilitation personnel at all levels and to build accessible rehabilitation infrastructure in Malawi for post-CM patients. Additional work is required to expand this study across multiple regions for a holistic understanding of neurorehabilitation needs.
Early sexual initiation and risky sexual practices among alcohol- and tobacco-using young adults in Taiwan: mediation analysis of preceding-sex use of illicit drugs
Authors: Wu Tat Leong , Ting Te-Tien , Chen Chuan-Yu , Su Lien-Wen , Chen Wei J. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
As early sexual initiation is increasingly common in East Asia, we examined its relations to risky sexual practices in alcohol- and tobacco-using individuals in Taiwan and evaluated whether the associations were mediated through preceding-sex use of illicit drugs.

Methods
Participants, recruited from alcohol- and tobacco-using adults aged 18 to 50 in Taipei through respondent-driven sampling (N = 1115), completed a computer-assisted self-interview covering questions on substance use and sexual experiences. In a subsample of 916 participants who had had sexual experience (median age 27), we examined the relations of early sexual initiation (< 16 years) to multiple sexual partners, casual sex, group sex, and rare condom use. Causal mediation analyses were conducted to examine whether illicit drug use preceding sex mediated these associations.

Results
Around 9.3% reported early sexual initiation and the prevalence of risky sexual practices ranged from 7% (group sex) to 47% (rare condom use). Early initiators had a higher prevalence of regular binge drinking, illicit drug use, and risky sexual practices. In the multivariable analyses, higher odds of multiple sexual partners, casual sex, and group sex were consistently associated with early sexual initiation, gender, and their interaction. Mediation through preceding-sex use of illicit drugs was found between early sexual initiation and the three risky sexual practices, with the proportions mediated ranging from 17 to 19%.

Conclusions
Early sexual initiators were more likely to engage in risky sexual practices and preceding-sex use of illicit drugs partially explained this relationship, calling for more attention to this population’s sexual health.
Scar quality examination comparing titanium-coated suture material and non-coated suture material on flap donor sites in reconstructive surgery
Authors: Berninghausen Laura K. , Osterhoff Georg , Langer Stefan , Kohler Lukas H. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Wound healing and scar quality after trauma are subject to impairment through excessive wound healing, chronic wound or even surgical site infections. Optimizing the process of scar formation and skin healing is crucial in virtually all fields of medicine. In this regard, we tested the possible usage and advantages of titanium coated suture material.

Methods
We performed a prospective observational cohort study including 30 patients who underwent soft tissue reconstruction. One half of the donor flap site was sutured with titanium coated suture material, while the other half was closed with non-coated sutures. Scar quality of the donor flap site was assessed by photographs and POSAS scores on days 2–5, 14, 42, 72 and 180 postoperatively.

Results
No difference between the titanium coated sutures and non-coated sutures was seen in the POSAS assessment, neither for the patient scale at 14, 42, 72 and 180 days, nor for the observer scale on the same dates. Comorbidities like diabetes, chronic renal failure and smoking as well as the BMI of each patient affected the wound healing process to an equal degree on both sides of the suture.

Conclusions
No difference between the titanium coated and non-titanium-coated suture material was seen in the POSAS assessment in regard to scar quality and wound healing. The titanium-coated suture material can be considered to be equally as effective and safe in all qualities as the non-titanium-coated suture material, even in patients with comorbidities.
Clinical trial register This study is registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) under the registration number DRKS00021767. (https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00021767)
Infection-related hospitalization following ureteroscopic stone treatment: results from a surgical collaborative
Authors:   for the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative, Cole Adam , Telang Jaya , Kim Tae-Kyung , Swarna Kavya , Qi Ji , Dauw Casey , Seifman Brian , Abdelhady Mazen , Roberts William , Hollingsworth John , Ghani Khurshid R. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundUnplanned hospitalization following ureteroscopy (URS) for urinary stone disease is associated with patient morbidity and increased healthcare costs. To this effect, AUA guidelines recommend at least a urinalysis in patients prior to URS. We examined risk factors for infection-related hospitalization following URS for urinary stones in a surgical collaborative.MethodsReducing Operative Complications from Kidney Stones (ROCKS) is a quality improvement (QI) initiative from the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MUSIC) consisting of academic and community practices in the State of Michigan. Trained abstractors prospectively record standardized data elements from the health record in a web-based registry including patient characteristics, surgical details and complications. Using the ROCKS registry, we identified all patients undergoing primary URS for urinary stones between June 2016 and October 2017, and determined the proportion hospitalized within 30 days with an infection-related complication. These patients underwent chart review to obtain clinical data related to the hospitalization. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors for hospitalization.Results1817 URS procedures from 11 practices were analyzed. 43 (2.4%) patients were hospitalized with an infection-related complication, and the mortality rate was 0.2%. Median time to admission and length of stay was 4 and 3 days, respectively. Nine (20.9%) patients did not have a pre-procedure urinalysis or urine culture, which was not different in the non-hospitalized cohort (20.5%). In hospitalized patients, pathogens included gram-negative (61.5%), gram-positive (19.2%), yeast (15.4%), and mixed (3.8%) organisms. Significant factors associated with infection-related hospitalization included higher Charlson comorbidity index, history of recurrent UTI, stone size, intra-operative complication, and procedures where fragments were left in-situ.ConclusionsOne in 40 patients are hospitalized with an infection-related complication following URS. Awareness of risk factors may allow for individualized counselling and management to reduce these events. Approximately 20% of patients did not have a pre-operative urine analysis or culture, and these findings demonstrate the need for further study to improve urine testing and compliance
Appropriate timing of performing abdominal ultrasonography and termination of follow-up observation for antenatal grade 1 or 2 hydronephrosis
Authors: Nakane Akihiro , Mizuno Kentaro , Kato Taiki , Nishio Hidenori , Kamisawa Hideyuki , Kurokawa Satoshi , Maruyama Tetsuji , Yasui Takahiro , Hayashi Yutaro 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Most cases of antenatal the Society of Fetal Urology (SFU) grade 1or 2 hydronephrosis (HN) improve or resolve spontaneously with conservative treatment. However, there is no consensus on the duration of follow-up for cases of grade 1or 2 HN. The aim of this study was to determine the need for continuous follow-up period and new management of children with antenatal grade 1or 2 HN.

Methods
Subjects underwent ultrasonographic assessment for HN according to the SFU classification. We retrospectively evaluated 112 patients with postnatal grade 1 HN and 69 with grade 2 HN using abdominal ultrasonography between January 2010 and December 2017. We examined the change in HN grade on repeat ultrasonography. Kaplan–Meier method was used to show the effect of HN grade on the rate of HN changes.

Results
The mean follow-up duration was 44.9 ± 36.4 months (range 12–274). Initial SFU grade 1 HN disappeared in 47.0% of cases at 12 months, 66.4% at 24 months and 73.2% at 48 months. Initial SFU grade 2 HN showed improvement in grade in 74.7% of cases at 12 months, 88.3% at 24 months and 89.5% at 48 months. However, 14.6% of SFU grade 1 and 2.8% of SFU grade 2 cases increased in grade and of the 17 cases, 16 cases worsened within the first 6 months. No cases with increased grade required pyeloplasty. Initial disappearance and later reappearance of HN occurred in 40.5% of SFU grade 1 and 2 cases. The mean duration of later reappearance of HN was 39.1 ± 36.2 months (range 12–137). No cases showed reappearance of HN after more than 1 year.

Conclusions
Ultrasonography within the first 6 months was necessary for management of children with antenatal grade 1or 2 HN, because some patients showed worsening. After that, it is considered safe to spread the follow-up interval for stable cases. Most cases of grade 1or 2 HN resolved spontaneously, however a few cases reappeared within 1 year. Therefore, ultrasonography after 1 year was necessary in children with HN that spontaneously disappeared. The appropriate time to end the follow-up was considered to have been after 1 year or more has passed since the disappearance was confirmed.
“What should I do when I get home?” treatment plan discussion at discharge between specialist physicians and older in-patients: mixed method study
Authors: Siddiqui Tahreem Ghazal , Cheng Socheat , Mellingsæter Marte , Grambaite Ramune , Gulbrandsen Pål , Lundqvist Christofer , Gerwing Jennifer 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundDuring discharge from hospital, older patients and physicians discuss the plan for managing patients’ health at home. If not followed at home, it can result in poor medication management, readmissions, or other adverse events. Comorbidities, polypharmacy and cognitive impairment may create challenges for older patients. We assessed discharge conversations between older in-patients and physicians for treatment plan activities and medication information, with emphasis on the role of cognitive function in the ongoing conversation.MethodsWe collected 11 videos of discharge consultations, medication lists, and self-reported demographic information from hospitalised patients ≥65 years at the Geriatric department in a general hospital. Mini Mental State Examination score < 25 was classified as low cognitive function. We used microanalysis of face-to-face dialogue to identify and characterise sequences of interaction focused on and distinguishing the treatment plan activities discussed. In addition to descriptive statistics, we used a paired-sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test for non-parametric data.ResultsPatients’ median age was 85 (range: 71–90);7 were females and 4 males.Median of 17 (range: 7 to 23) treatment plan activities were discussed. The proportions of the activities, grouped from a patient perspective, were: 0.40my medications, 0.21something the hospital will do for me,0.18someone I visit away from home,0.12daily routineand0.09someone coming to my home. Patients spoke less (mean 190.9 words, SD 133.9) during treatment plan activities compared to other topics (mean 759 words, SD 480.4), (p = .001). Patients used on average 9.2 (SD 3.1) medications; during the conversations, an average of 4.5 (SD 3.3) were discussed, and side effects discussed on average 1.2 (SD 2.1) times. During treatment plan discussions, patients with lower cognitive function were less responsive and spoke less (mean 116.5 words, SD 40.9), compared to patients with normal cognition (mean 233.4 words, SD 152.4), (p = .089).ConclusionPhysicians and geriatric patients discuss many activities during discharge conversations, mostly focusing on medication use without stating side effects. Cognitive function might play a role in how older patients respond. These results may be useful for an intervention to improve communication between physicians and older hospitalised patients.
Public opinion about the health care system in Armenia: findings from a cross-sectional telephone survey
Authors: Harutyunyan Tsovinar , Hayrumyan Varduhi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Few studies have examined public opinion about the health care system in the former Soviet region. The objective of our study was to evaluate the population’s satisfaction with the health care system and identify factors associated with it in Armenia.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey among 576 adult residents of the capital Yerevan using Random Digit Dialing technique. Simple and multivariate logistic regression explored associations between potential determinants and satisfaction.

Results
A substantial proportion of respondents (45.5%) were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the health system. About 49% of respondents negatively evaluated the ability of the system to provide equal access to care. About 69% of respondents thought that the responsibility for an individual’s health should be equally shared between the individual and the government or that the government’s share should be larger. The adjusted odds of satisfaction were higher among individuals with better health status, those who positively rated equal access and respect to patients in the system, those thinking that the responsibility for health should be equally shared between the individual and the government, and those who tended to trust the government.

Conclusions
This study enriched our understanding of factors that shape the population’s satisfaction with the health care system in different cultural and political environments. We recommend further exploration of public opinion about those system attributes that are not directly linked to patient experiences with care, but might be equally important for explaining the phenomenon of satisfaction.
Sonographic appearance of syphilitic induration mimicking squamous cell carcinoma in the lower lip: a case report
Authors: Asai Satomi , Kaneko Akihiro , Matsuda Tsukumi , Takanashi Noboru , Doi Mika , Atsumi Haruyo , Ogura Go , Nakamura Naoya , Miyachi Hayato 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. Recently, its incidence has been increasing worldwide. We encountered a young woman who presented with induration mimicking squamous cell carcinoma in the lower lip, without major medical conditions.

Case presentation
A 25-year-old Japanese woman presented with a 1-month history of a painless induration in her lower lip. Because squamous cell carcinoma was suspected, a preoperation work up was performed, including laboratory tests, an ultrasonographic examination, and a biopsy. The ultrasonography findings showed an oval-shaped 17 × 11 × 12 mm tumor-like lesion with heterogeneous internal echo and an indistinct border. A pressure test and color Doppler sonography revealed that the lesion was soft with a very abundant blood flow. These findings suggested the possibility of underlying inflammatory causes rather than a neoplastic tumor. Serology tests for syphilis, including the anti-Treponema pallidum antibody and reactive rapid plasma reagin tests, were positive. The biopsy revealed no malignancy. Finally, she was diagnosed as having primary syphilis and treated with amoxicillin for 28 days. The rapid plasma reagin value gradually decreased and the initial induration in her lower lip disappeared.

Conclusion
This case highlights the need for prompt examinations for possible underlying infective causes, such as syphilis, when seeing a painless induration with ulcer in the lip. Ultrasonography was helpful in the differential diagnosis of a tumor-like lesion and should be included in addition to syphilis serology tests, such as anti-Treponema pallidum antibody and rapid plasma reagin tests.
Partograph utilization as a decision-making tool and associated factors among obstetric care providers in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ayenew Asteray Assmie , Zewdu Biruk Ferede 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundGlobally, a total of 13.6 million women have died due to maternal causes from 1990 to 2015. Majority of these deaths occurred in resource-limited countries. Among the causes of these deaths, obstructed and prolonged labor covers the highest percentage, which could be prevented by cost-effective and affordable health interventions like partograph use. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the level of partograph utilization among obstetric care providers and its associated factors in Ethiopia.MethodFor this review, we used the standard PRISMA checklist guideline. Different online databases were used for the review: PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, HINARI, WHO Afro Library Databases, and African Online Journals. Based on the adapted PICO principles, different search terms were applied to achieve and access all the essential articles. Microsoft Excel was used for data entry and Stata version 11.0 (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA) for data analysis.ResultNineteen studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis with a total of 6237 obstetric care providers. The overall pooled prevalence of partograph utilization was 59.95% (95% CI 46.8–73.09,I2= 99.4%,P< 0.001). Being in midwifery profession (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.97; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.63–5.99,I2= 28.8%,P= 0.198), presence of supervision (AOR = 3.21; 95% CI 2.22–4.66,I2= 0.0%,P= 0.742), Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) training (AOR = 2.90; 95% CI 2.19–3.84,I2= 36.9%,P= 0.13), knowledge of partograph (AOR = 2.5; 95% CI 1.6–3.8,I2= 64.58%,P= 0.024), on-the-job refresher training on partograph (AOR = 5.7; 95% CI 2.5–12.9,I2= 87.8%,P< 0.001), favorable attitude (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI 1.48–3.04,I2= 0.0%,P= 0.58), and working at health center (AOR = 3.50; 95% CI 2.49–4.92,I2= 49.1%,P= 0.08) were the determinant factors for partograph use among obstetric care providers in Ethiopia.ConclusionThe overall pooled prevalence of partograph utilization among obstetric care providers was low. Therefore, supportive supervision, providing Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care training, on-the-job refresher training on partograph, and promoting midwifery profession are strongly recommended to increase the use of partograph.