bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes Based on Race of Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 in a New Orleans Cohort
Authors: Silver Victoria , Chapple Andrew G , Feibus Allison H , Beckford Jeremy , Halapin Natalie A , Barua Delphi , Gordon Angellica , Baumgartner Will , Vignes Seth , Clark Cullen , Kamboj Sanjay , Lim Stephen C , Mackey Scott P , Seal Paula S , Kanter Joseph M , Bell Caryn , Clement Meredith E 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
In Louisiana, deaths related to COVID-19 have disproportionately occurred in Black persons. Granular data are needed to better understand inequities and develop prevention strategies to mitigate further impact on Black communities.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective study of patients admitted to an urban safety net hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, with reactive SARS-CoV-2 testing from March 9 to 31, 2020. Clinical characteristics of Black and other racial/ethnic group patients were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Fisher exact tests. The relationship between race and outcome was assessed using day 14 status on an ordinal scale.

Results
This study included 249 patients. The median age was 59, 44% were male, and 86% were age ≥65 years or had ≥1 comorbidity. Overall, 87% were Black, relative to 55% Black patients typically hospitalized at our center. Black patients had longer symptom duration at presentation (6.41 vs 5.88 days; P = .05) and were more likely to have asthma (P = .008) but less likely to have dementia (P = .002). There were no racial differences in initial respiratory status or laboratory values except for higher lactate dehydrogenase in Black patients. Patient age and initial oxygen requirement, but not race (adjusted proportional odds ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.70–1.20), were associated with worse day 14 outcomes.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate minor racial differences in comorbidities or disease severity at presentation, and day 14 outcomes were not different between groups. However, Black patients were disproportionately represented in hospitalizations, suggesting that prevention efforts should include strategies to limit SARS-CoV-2 exposures and transmission in Black communities as one step toward reducing COVID-19-related racial inequities.
Outcomes of Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy With Ceftriaxone for Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infections—A Single-Center Observational Study
Authors: Hamad Yasir , Connor Lee , Bailey Thomas C , George Ige A 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections (BSIs) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Ceftriaxone is convenient for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT), but data for this indication are limited.

Methods
Adult patients with methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) BSI discharged on OPAT with cefazolin, oxacillin, or ceftriaxone for at least 7 days were included. We compared outcomes of ceftriaxone vs either oxacillin or cefazolin. Ninety-day all-cause mortality, readmission due to MSSA infection, and microbiological failure were examined as a composite outcome and compared among groups. Rates of antibiotic switches due to intolerance were assessed.

Results
Of 243 patients included, 148 (61%) were discharged on ceftriaxone and 95 (39%) were discharged on either oxacillin or cefazolin. The ceftriaxone group had lower rates of intensive care unit care, endocarditis, and shorter duration of bacteremia, but higher rates of cancer diagnoses. There was no significant difference in the composite adverse outcome in the oxacillin or cefazolin group vs the ceftriaxone group (18 [19%] vs 31 [21%]; P = .70), comprising microbiological failure (6 [6.3%] vs 9 [6.1%]; P = .94), 90-day all-cause mortality (7 [7.4%] vs 15 [10.1%]; P = .46), and readmission due to MSSA infection (10 [10.5%] vs 13 [8.8%]; P = .65). Antibiotic intolerance necessitating a change was similar between the 2 groups (4 [4.2%] vs 6 [4.1%]; P = .95).

Conclusions
For patients with MSSA BSI discharged on OPAT, within the limitations of the small numbers and retrospective design we did not find a significant difference in outcomes for ceftriaxone therapy when compared with oxacillin or cefazolin therapy.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus Prosthetic Joint Infections: Insight on the Pathogenesis and Prognosis of a Multicenter Prospective Cohort
Authors: Muñoz-Gallego Irene , Viedma Esther , Esteban Jaime , Mancheño-Losa Mikel , García-Cañete Joaquín , Blanco-García Antonio , Rico Alicia , García-Perea Adelaida , Ruiz Garbajosa Patricia , Escudero-Sánchez Rosa , Sánchez Somolinos Mar , Marín Arriaza Mercedes , Romanyk Juan , Barbero José María , Arribi Vilela Ana , González Romo Fernando , Pérez-Jorge Conchita , M. Arana David , Monereo Alfonso , Domingo Diego , Cordero José , Sánchez Romero Mª Isabel , García Viejo Miguel Ángel , Lora-Tamayo Jaime , Chaves Fernando ,   Grupo de Infección Osteoarticular de la Comunidad de Madrid, Cambero Raúl Parrón , Rubio Álvaro Auñón , Roblas Ricardo Fernández , Hernández Luis Alcalá , Martínez Javier Marco , Fonseca Berta Laguna , Cacho Juana , Caballero Gloria Pérez 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of prosthetic joint infection (PJI). Beyond the antibiogram, little attention has been paid to the influence of deep microbiological characteristics on patient prognosis. Our aim was to investigate whether microbiological genotypic and phenotypic features have a significant influence on infection pathogenesis and patient outcome.

Methods
A prospective multicenter study was performed, including all S. aureus PJIs (2016–2017). Clinical data and phenotypic (agr functionality, β-hemolysis, biofilm formation) and genotypic characteristics of the strains were collected. Biofilm susceptibility to antimicrobials was investigated (minimal biofilm eradication concentration [MBEC] assay).

Results
Eighty-eight patients (39.8% men, age 74.7 ± 14.1 years) were included. Forty-five had early postoperative infections (EPIs), 21 had chronic infections (CPIs), and 19 had hematogenous infections (HIs). Twenty (22.7%) were caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus. High genotypic diversity was observed, including 16 clonal complexes (CCs), with CC5 being the most frequent (30.7%). agr activity was greater in EPI than CPI (55.6% vs 28.6%; P = .041). Strains causing EPI were phenotypically and genotypically similar, regardless of symptom duration. Treatment failure (36.5%) occurred less frequently among cases treated with implant removal. In cases treated with debridement and implant retention, there were fewer failures among those who received combination therapy with rifampin. No genotypic or phenotypic characteristics predicted failure, except vancomycin minimal inhibitory concentration ≥1.5 mg/L (23.1% failure vs 3.4%; P = .044). MBEC50 was &gt;128 mg/L for all antibiotics tested and showed no association with prognosis.

Conclusions
S. aureus with different genotypic backgrounds is capable of causing PJI, showing slight differences in clinical presentation and pathogenesis. No major microbiological characteristics were observed to influence the outcome, including MBEC.
Concurrent Hepatitis C and B Virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections Are Associated With Higher Mortality Risk Illustrating the Impact of Syndemics on Health Outcomes
Authors: Butt Zahid A , Wong Stanley , Rossi Carmine , Binka Mawuena , Wong Jason , Yu Amanda , Darvishian Maryam , Alvarez Maria , Chapinal Nuria , Mckee Geoff , Gilbert Mark , Tyndall Mark W , Krajden Mel , Janjua Naveed Z 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are associated with significant mortality globally and in North America. However, data on impact of concurrent multiple infections on mortality risk are limited. We evaluated the effect of HCV, HBV, and HIV infections and coinfections and associated factors on all-cause mortality in British Columbia (BC), Canada.

Methods
The BC Hepatitis Testers Cohort includes ~1.7 million individuals tested for HCV or HIV, or reported as a case of HCV, HIV, or HBV from 1990 to 2015, linked to administrative databases. We followed people with HCV, HBV, or HIV monoinfection, coinfections, and triple infections from their negative status to date of death or December 31, 2016. Extended Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with all-cause mortality.

Results
Of 658 704 individuals tested for HCV, HBV, and HIV, there were 33 804 (5.13%) deaths. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, individuals with HCV/HBV/HIV (HR, 8.9; 95% CI, 8.2–9.7) infections had the highest risk of mortality followed by HCV/HIV (HR, 4.8; 95% CI, 4.4–5.1), HBV/HIV (HR, 4.1; 95% CI, 3.5–4.8), HCV/HBV (HR, 3.9; 95% CI, 3.7–4.2), HCV (HR, 2.6; 95% CI, 2.6–2.7), HBV (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 2.0–2.3), and HIV (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.5–1.7). Additional factors associated with mortality included injection drug use, problematic alcohol use, material deprivation, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and hypertension.

Conclusions
Concurrent multiple infections are associated with high mortality risk. Substance use, comorbidities, and material disadvantage were significantly associated with mortality independent of coinfection. Preventive interventions, including harm reduction combined with coinfection treatments, can significantly reduce mortality.
Frameless Stereotactic Brain Biopsies: Comparison of Minimally Invasive Robot-Guided and Manual Arm-Based Technique
Authors: Minchev Georgi , Kronreif Gernot , Ptacek Wolfgang , Kettenbach Joachim , Micko Alexander , Wurzer Ayguel , Maschke Svenja , Wolfsberger Stefan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Most brain biopsies are still performed with the aid of a navigation-guided mechanical arm. Due to the manual trajectory alignment without rigid skull contact, frameless aiming devices are prone to considerably lower accuracy.

OBJECTIVE
To compare a novel minimally invasive robot-guided biopsy technique with rigid skull fixation to a standard frameless manual arm biopsy procedure.

METHODS
Accuracy, procedural duration, diagnostic yield, complication rate, and cosmetic result were retrospectively assessed in 40 consecutive cases of frameless stereotactic biopsies and compared between a minimally invasive robotic technique using the iSYS1 guidance device (iSYS Medizintechnik GmbH) (robot-guided group [ROB], n = 20) and a manual arm-based technique (group MAN, n = 20).

RESULTS
Application of the robotic technique resulted in significantly higher accuracy at entry point (group ROB median 1.5 mm [0.4-3.2 mm] vs manual arm-based group (MAN) 2.2 mm [0.2-5.2 mm], P = .019) and at target point (group ROB 1.5 mm [0.4-2.8 mm] vs group MAN 2.8 mm [1.4-4.9 mm], P = .001), without increasing incision to suture time (group ROB 30.0 min [20-45 min vs group MAN 32.5 min [range 20-60 min], P = .09) and significantly shorter skin incision length (group ROB 16.3 mm [12.7-23.4 mm] vs group MAN 24.2 mm [18.0-37.0 mm], P = .008).

CONCLUSION
According to our data, the proposed technique of minimally invasive robot-guided brain biopsies can improve accuracy without increasing operating time while being equally safe and effective compared to a standard frameless arm-based manual biopsy technique.
Interannual variability of diet composition and prey preference of larval redfish (Sebastes spp.) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Authors: Burns Corinne M , Lauzon Félix , Plourde Stéphane , Sirois Pascal , Robert Dominique 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSpatiotemporal overlap between fish larvae and their planktonic prey is an important source of recruitment variability. Over the past decade, one species of redfish, Sebastes mentella, from the Gulf of St. Lawrence (GSL) produced multiple strong cohorts following decades of low recruitment, which has generated strong interest in identifying potential drivers of larval survival. The present study provides the first detailed, multi-year assessment of larval redfish (Sebastes spp.) trophodynamics. Interannual variability in larval redfish diet composition and prey selectivity was assessed using high-resolution prey identification of larval gut contents and in situ prey fields. Eggs from the calanoid copepod Calanus finmarchicus represented the most frequently consumed prey in 3 of the 4 collection years, and contributed the largest proportion of carbon ingested by redfish larvae in all years. The high consumption of C. finmarchicus eggs by larvae, combined with evidence of positive selection for this taxon in some years, supports the hypothesis of a strong trophic link between larval redfish and a key calanoid copepod in the GSL ecosystem. Our results indicate that future efforts investigating GSL redfish recruitment processes should consider environment-driven variability in the reproductive phenology and abundance of C. finmarchicus.
Efficacy of concentrated growth factors combined with mineralized collagen on quality of life and bone reconstruction of guided bone regeneration
Authors: Dai Yan , Han Xiao-Hui , Hu Li-Hua , Wu Hai-Wei , Huang Sheng-Yun , Lü Yu-Peng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of concentrated growth factors (CGFs) combined with mineralized collagen (MC) in guided bone regeneration (GBR). A retrospective study involving 29 patients treated with GBR technique, which was performed either CGF and MC complexes or MC alone. Implants were inserted simultaneously and cone-beam computed tomography was taken immediately, at 3 and 6 months postoperation. Questionnaires were completed by all patients so as to evaluate the main symptoms and daily activities during the first week after surgery. The outcomes of the two groups were statistically compared. All implants healed uneventfully. Patients in both groups suffered from different levels of discomfort for the reason of swelling, pain and chewing impairment on 1–2 days. Meanwhile, swelling of the Trial group was weaker than the Control group. When compared with the Control group, pain levels in Trial group were more rapidly reduced and patients took fewer analgesics from Day 3. Furthermore, the reconstitution mean value of the graft was thicker at 3 and 6 months in Trial group. CGFs complex with MC were beneficial to relieve the clinical symptoms, promote the peri-implant bone regeneration and shorten the healing time.
Individual responses to topical ibuprofen gel or capsaicin cream for painful knee osteoarthritis: a series of n-of-1 trials
Authors: Persson Monica S M , Stocks Joanne , Sarmanova Aliya , Fernandes Gwen , Walsh David A , Doherty Michael , Zhang Weiya 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objectives
To determine individual responses to ibuprofen gel or capsaicin cream for painful, radiographic knee OA using a series of n-of-1 trials.

Methods
Twenty-two participants were allocated 5% ibuprofen gel (A) and 0.025% capsaicin cream (B) in random sequence (AB or BA). Patients underwent up to 3 treatment cycles, each comprising one treatment for 4 weeks, an individualized washout period (maximum 4 weeks), then the other treatment for 4 weeks. Differential (ibuprofen or capsaicin) response was defined when change-from-baseline pain intensity scores (0–10 NRS) differed by ≥1 between treatments in ≥2 cycles within a participant.

Results
A total of 104 treatment periods were aggregated. Mean pain reduction was 1.2 (95% CI: 0.5, 1.8) on ibuprofen and 1.6 (95% CI: 0.9, 2.4) on capsaicin (P = 0.221). Of 22 participants, 4 (18%) had a greater response to ibuprofen, 9 (41%) to capsaicin, 4 (18%) had similar responses, and 5 (23%) were undetermined.

Conclusion
Irrespective of equal efficacy overall, 59% of people displayed a greater response to one treatment over the other. Patients who do not benefit from one type of topical treatment should be offered to try another, which may be more effective. N-of-1 trials are useful to identify individual response to treatment.

Clinical trial registration
https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03146689
Rheumatoid arthritis related interstitial lung disease – improving outcomes over 25 years: a large multicentre UK study
Authors: Kelly Clive A , Nisar Mohamed , Arthanari Suba , Carty Sarah , Woodhead Felix A , Price-Forbes Alex , Middleton David , Dempsey Owen , Miller Dave , Basu Neil , Dawson Julie , Sathi Nav , Ahmad Yasmin , Palmer Evelyn , Iqbal Kundan , Janakiraman Geeta , Koduri Gouri , Young Adam 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objective
This study explores whether the prognosis of interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA-ILD) has improved over time and assesses the potential influence of drug therapy in a large multicentre UK network.

Methods
We analysed data from 18 UK centres on patients meeting criteria for both RA and ILD diagnosed over a 25-year period. Data included age, disease duration, outcome and cause of death. We compared all cause and respiratory mortality between RA controls and RA-ILD patients, assessing the influence of specific drugs on mortality in four quartiles based on year of diagnosis.

Results
A total of 290 RA-ILD patients were identified. All cause (respiratory) mortality was increased at 30% (18%) compared with controls 21% (7%) (P =0.02). Overall, prognosis improved over quartiles with median age at death rising from 63 years to 78 years (P =0.01). No effect on mortality was detected as a result of DMARD use in RA-ILD. Relative risk (RR) of death from any cause was increased among patients who had received anti-TNF therapy [2.09 (1.1–4.0)] P =0.03, while RR was lower in those treated with rituximab [0.52(0.1–2.1)] or mycophenolate [0.65 (0.2–2.0)]. Patients receiving rituximab as their first biologic had longer three (92%), five (82%) and seven year (80%) survival than those whose first biologic was an anti-TNF agent (82%, 76% and 64%, respectively) (P =0.037).

Discussion
This large retrospective multicentre study demonstrates survival of patients with RA-ILD has improved. This may relate to the increasing use of specific immunosuppressive and biologic agents.
Serial Eviction Filing: Civil Courts, Property Management, and the Threat of Displacement
Authors: Leung Lillian , Hepburn Peter , Desmond Matthew 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Drawing on over 8 million eviction court records from twenty-eight states, this study shows the role that eviction filings play in extracting monetary sanctions from tenants. In so doing, it documents an unanticipated feature of housing insecurity: serial eviction filings. Serial eviction filings occur when a property manager files to evict the same household repeatedly from the same address. Almost half of all eviction filings in our sample are associated with serial filings. Combining multivariate analysis with in-depth interviews conducted with thirty-three property managers and ten attorneys and court officials, we document the dynamics and consequences of serial eviction filings. When legal environments expedite the eviction process, property managers use the housing court to collect rent and late fees, passing costs on to tenants. Serial eviction filings exacerbate tenants’ housing cost burden and compromise their ability to find future housing. Using tract-level rent and filing fees, we estimate that each eviction filing translates into approximately $180 in fines and fees for the typical renter household, raising their monthly housing cost by 20%. The study challenges existing views of eviction as a discrete event concentrated among poor renters. Rather, it may be better conceived of as a routinized, drawn-out process affecting a broader segment of the rental market and entailing consequences beyond displacement.
Flavonoid and cannabinoid impact on the ocular surface
Authors: Bielory Leonard , Tabliago Nikko Rowe A. 
Published: August 2020

Purpose of review
To evaluate the impact of flavonoids and cannabinoids as anti-inflammatory and antiallergic treatments on the anterior surface of the eye.

Recent findings
Allergic conjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome are common ocular surface diseases that have been treated with traditional pharmacological measures, e.g. corticosteroids, antihistamines. Given the side-effect profiles of these medications and the growing interest in complementary treatment modalities as part of integrative medical interventions, well known flavonoids, such as quercetin and catechin, are under investigation for topical and systemic application methods for relief. As flavonoid derivatives, pycnogenol and epigallocatechin gallate have alleviated dry eye symptoms, including lacrimal gland inflammation, tear secretion, and the stability of the tear film. Research on ocular cannabinoid receptors and response to synthetic cannabinoids are also being considered for therapy of anterior ocular disorders. The expansion of herbal formulations provides a framework for future treatment regimens for ocular surface disorders.

Summary
Flavonoids and cannabinoids show promise as potential complementary treatment for allergic diseases because of their anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties. Several studies implementing ocular and systemic application of these compounds show potential in becoming adjuvant treatment strategies for improving quality of life while also managing ocular surface disease processes.
Muscular Strength and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Carbone Salvatore , Kirkman Danielle L. , Garten Ryan S. , Rodriguez-Miguelez Paula , Artero Enrique G. , Lee Duck-chul , Lavie Carl J. 
Published: August 2020

This review discusses the associations of muscular strength (MusS) with cardiovascular disease (CVD), CVD-related death, and all-cause mortality, as well as CVD risk factors, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. We then briefly review the role of resistance exercise training in modulating CVD risk factors and incident CVD.
The role of MusS has been investigated over the years, as it relates to the risk to develop CVD and CVD risk factors. Reduced MusS, also known as dynapenia, has been associated with increased risk for CVD, CVD-related mortality, and all-cause mortality. Moreover, reduced MusS is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk. The majority of the studies investigating the role of MusS with cardiometabolic risk, however, are observational studies, not allowing to ultimately determine association versus causation. Importantly, MusS is also essential for the identification of nutritional status and body composition abnormalities, such as frailty and sarcopenia, which are major risk factors for CVD.