bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complications of cardiac implantable electronic device placement in public and private hospitals
Authors: Ganesan Anand N. , Moore Katherine , Horton Dennis , Heddle William , McGavigan Andrew D. , Hossain Sadia , Ali Anna , Hariharaputhiran Saranya , Ranasinghe Isuru 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundFew safety data exist comparing clinical outcomes in Australian public and private hospitals. We hypothesised that differences could exist between public and private hospitals due to differences in acuity and patient‐level co‐morbidities.AimsTo report comparative complications of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) placement in public and private hospitals.MethodsWe conducted an observational cohort study of outcomes of patients aged >18 years from 2010 to 2015 undergoing a new permanent pacemaker (PPM), implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronisation therapy pacemaker or defibrillator (CRT‐D/P) implant in NSW and Queensland public and private hospitals. The primary endpoint was major CIED‐related complications occurring in‐hospital or within 90 days of discharge. The independent effect of hospital sector was determined using multiple logistic regression, adjusting for covariates, including age, sex, co‐morbidities and procedural acuity.ResultsA total of 32 364 new CIED implants (PPM 23 845, ICD 5361 and CRT‐D/P 3158) were included (49% in private hospitals). Overall, 8.0% of private hospital procedures and 9.6% public hospital procedures experienced at least one complication. After adjustment, the overall risk of CIED complications was similar in private and public hospitals (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.84–1.00, P = 0.06). In analysis of individual complications, adjusted all‐cause in‐hospital mortality was higher in private hospitals, (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.03–2.16, P = 0.036) primarily driven by an excess mortality in acute cases. The adjusted risk of in‐hospital generator operation (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.30–0.94, P = 0.03) and post‐discharge infection (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.46–0.81, P < 0.001) was lower in private hospitals.ConclusionsThese data identify important similarities and differences in safety outcomes of CIED implantation between Australian public and private hospitals.
Guillain–Barré syndrome: clinical features, treatment choices and outcomes in an Australian cohort
Authors: Barnes Stephanie L. , Herkes Geoffrey K. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundGuillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) causes acute neuromuscular weakness. Severe cases are life‐threatening and many are left disabled. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and plasma exchange (PE), along with supportive care, are the mainstays of treatment. Treatment choice is influenced by multiple factors. The clinico‐epidemiological features of GBS in Australia have not been reviewed in 30 years and few studies have assessed contemporary treatment choices.AimsTo investigate the clinico‐epidemiological features, choice of treatment, clinical course and outcomes of GBS patients in an Australian tertiary metropolitan hospital.MethodsA retrospective observational study was performed of GBS presentations to a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia, over 5 years. Clinico‐epidemiological features, treatment choices, clinical course and outcomes were assessed.ResultsWe reviewed 46 GBS patients (54% male), average age 55 years. Antecedent infection was identified in 61%. Twenty‐eight per cent had preceding immunogenic events or conditions. Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy was the most common subtype (78%). Cerebrospinal fluid albumino‐cytologic dissociation was present in 43%. Electrodiagnostic testing most frequently demonstrated demyelination (64%). Ninety‐eight per cent received immunotherapy, mostly IVIg (93%). Twenty‐two per cent received further treatment due to treatment‐related fluctuations or lack of improvement. Thirteen per cent required ICU admission and 46% needed rehabilitation. There were no deaths or need for mechanical ventilation. Seventy‐one per cent of the follow‐up cohort had residual disability at 6 months, but this was generally mild.ConclusionsThe clinico‐epidemiological features are consistent with previous cohorts. Our experience in a large Australian tertiary centre demonstrates a clear preference for IVIg over PE.
Clinical decision support in a hospital electronic prescribing system informed by local data: experience at a tertiary New Zealand centre
Authors: Chin Paul K. L. , Chuah QianYi , Crawford Amanda M. , Clendon Olivia R. , Drennan Philip G. , Dalrymple Judith M. , Barclay Murray L. , Doogue Matthew P. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundAn electronic prescribing and administration (ePA) system has been progressively rolled out to Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB, Christchurch, New Zealand) public hospitals since 2014, and is currently used for around 1300 tertiary beds. ePA data can be used to monitor user behaviour, and to evaluate and inform the local customisation of clinical decision support (CDS) tools within the ePA system.AimsTo describe retrospectively illustrative vignettes of CDHB ePA analyses that have been used for CDS.MethodsAlerts were developed according to a set of common principles agreed upon by the CDHB CDS Working Group. Alerts were informed and evaluated by extracting and parsing data for various time periods during 2016 to 2018 from the CDHB ePA database.ResultsThere was a median of 74 000 prescriptions a month. After examining 525 spironolactone prescriptions, the high dose alert threshold was set at 100 mg with an expected alert burden of 3%. The presence of a ceftriaxone shortage prescribing alert for 1 week was associated with a prescribing rate that was lower than 95% of the preceding 52 weeks. Following review of 367 fentanyl patch alerts, revision of the alert led to false positives falling from 43% to 3% (P < 0.0001). At the point of firing, 6% of antithrombotic drug interactions alerts led to immediate changes in prescriptions (94% overridden), and a further 22% were changed within 30 min after the alert.ConclusionsLocal data extracts from ePA systems can inform iterative configuration of the software and monitor user behaviour.
Low serum albumin levels predict short‐ and long‐term mortality risk in patients hospitalised to general surgery wards
Authors: Akirov Amit , Gorshtein Alexander , Adler‐Cohen Chagit , Steinmetz Tali , Shochat Tzipora , Shimon Ilan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have reported conflicting results on the association between hypoalbuminaemia and morbidity and mortality in hospitalised patients.AimsTo investigate the association of albumin levels on admission and change in levels during hospitalisation of patients in general surgery wards with hospitalisation outcomes.MethodsHistorical prospective data of patients hospitalised between January 2011 and December 2017. Albumin levels were classified as follows: marked hypoalbuminaemia (<2.5 mg/dL), mild hypoalbuminaemia (2.5–3.5 mg/dL), normal albumin (3.5–4.5 mg/dL) and hyperalbuminaemia (>4.5 mg/dL). Main outcomes were length of hospitalisation, 30‐days and long‐term mortality.ResultsThe cohort included 17 930 patients (mean age 58 ± 20 years, 49% male). Most had normal albumin levels on admission (n = 11 087, 62%), 16% had mild hypoalbuminaemia (n = 2824) and 3% had marked hypoalbuminaemia (n = 529). Hyperalbuminaemia on admission was evident in 20% of the patients (n = 3490). Follow‐up time was up to 7.2 years (median ± SD = 3 ± 2 years). Compared to 30‐day mortality with normal albumin on admission (2%), mortality was higher with mild (9%) and marked hypoalbuminaemia (22%) and lower with hyperalbuminaemia (0.4%). The mortality rate at the end of follow up was 14% with normal albumin levels, and 35% and 58% with mild and marked hypoalbuminaemia respectively. Patients with hyperalbuminaemia on admission and before discharge had the best short‐ and long‐term survival. This pattern was similar when analysed separately in different age groups. In patients with hypoalbuminaemia on admission, normalisation of albumin levels before discharge was associated with lower short‐ (12% vs 1%) and long‐term mortality risk (42% vs 17%).ConclusionsLow albumin levels on admission to general surgery wards are associated with increased short‐ and long‐term mortality. Normalisation of albumin levels before discharge was associated with lower mortality, compared to hypoalbuminaemia before discharge.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: a review of epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis and management
Authors: Huang Tony (Dazhong) , Behary Jason , Zekry Amany 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDue to the rising prevalence of obesity and type II diabetes mellitus, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is becoming the leading cause of chronic liver disease in the Western world. In some patients, simple steatosis can result in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis which over time can lead to liver cirrhosis and its associated sequelae, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Early identification and management of patients at risk with intensive dietary and lifestyle modification are essential to prevent the development of advanced liver disease and its complications. In this review, we will discuss the epidemiology of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management and surveillance strategies to offset the morbidity and mortality of this disease, as well as liver and non‐liver‐related complications.
Lupus nephritis in Indigenous Australians: a single‐centre study
Authors: Nigam Amit , Baer Richard , Green Stella , Neuen Brendon L. , Vile Alexander , Mantha Murty 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence, presentation and outcomes of lupus nephritis (LN) vary with geography, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and gender. There are relatively few data on LN in the non‐Caucasian populations in Australia.AimsTo describe the clinical presentation, histological features, natural history, and outcomes of a historical cohort of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people in Far North Queensland with biopsy‐proven LN.MethodsThis is a retrospective observational study, and the study was conducted in Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia. The study included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients with biopsy‐proven LN treated between 1990 and 2013. The main outcome measures were renal replacement therapy and overall patient survival.ResultsAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people represented a substantial proportion (n = 16/40, 40%) of all patients diagnosed with LN during the observation period. The frequency of nephrotic range proteinuria (n = 11/14, 78.5%), estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 6/14, 42.8%) and proliferative LN (n = 13/16, 81.25%) was high at the time of presentation. Despite use of multiple immunosuppressive agents, the overall rate of remission was poor (n = 4/14, 28.5%) and incidence of end‐stage kidney disease (n = 4/14, 28.5%) and death (n = 5/16, 31.25%) was high.ConclusionsThe clinical presentation of LN in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Far North Queensland is severe and the response to standard immunosuppressive therapy is unsatisfactory. Larger prospective multi‐centre studies are required to better understand ethnic disparities in prognosis and response to immunosuppressive therapy in this specific population.
Reciprocal longitudinal relationship between dental fear and oral health in schoolchildren
Authors: Soares Fernada Cunha , Lima Rodrigo Antunes , Salvador Daniela M. , de Barros Mauro Virgilio Gomes , Dahllöf Göran , Colares Viviane 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundNo longitudinal study has evaluated the mutual relationship between dental fear and oral health in the same investigation.AimTo evaluate the reciprocal longitudinal relationship between dental fear and oral health in schoolchildren.DesignThis longitudinal study monitored 416 Brazilian children aged 5‐7 years of age at baseline for 2 years. The decayed, filled and missing teeth were clinically assessed for each child. Dental fear was evaluated by Dental Anxiety Question. Multilevel mixed‐effects linear and logistic regressions analysed the reciprocal relationship between dental fear and oral health.ResultsChildren with caries experience had 1.8 times higher odds of dental fear compared to children who were caries free. The presence of a carious tooth increased the odds of dental fear by 1.2 times. Children with dental fear had 0.46 additional carious tooth; an additional 0.22 tooth indicated for extraction; and a 0.67 higher caries experience score compared to children without dental fear.ConclusionsWe observed a reciprocal relationship between dental fear and poor oral health. Both parents and dentists should provide realistic information for the children, discouraging biased negative expectations regarding dental treatment. Ultimately, the child would acquire positive perceptions of the dental environment, reducing their phobia and consequently improving oral health.
Efficacy of a povidone‐iodine foam dressing (Betafoam) on diabetic foot ulcer
Authors: Gwak Heui C. , Han Seung H. , Lee Jinwoo , Park Sejin , Sung Ki‐Sun , Kim Hak‐Jun , Chun Dongil , Lee Kyungmin , Ahn Jae‐Hoon , Kwak Kyunghee , Chung Hyung‐Jin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the efficacy of a new povidone‐iodine (PVP‐I) foam dressing (Betafoam) vs foam dressing (Medifoam) for the management of diabetic foot ulcers. This study was conducted between March 2016 and September 2017 at 10 sites in Korea. A total of 71 patients (aged ≥19 years) with type 1/2 diabetes and early‐phase diabetic foot ulcers (Wagener classification grade 1/2) were randomised to treatment with PVP‐I foam dressing or foam dressing for 8 weeks. Wound healing, wound infection, patient satisfaction, and adverse events (AEs) were assessed. The PVP‐I foam and foam dressing groups were comparable in the proportion of patients with complete wound healing within 8 weeks (44.4% vs 42.3%, P = .9191), mean (±SD) number of days to complete healing (31.00 ± 15.07 vs 33.27 ± 12.60 days; P = .6541), and infection rates (11.1% vs 11.4%; P = 1.0000). Median satisfaction score (scored from 0 to 10) at the final visit was also comparable between groups (10 vs 9, P = .2889). There was no significant difference in AE incidence (27.8% vs 17.1%, P = .2836), and none of the reported AEs had a causal relationship with the dressings. The results of this study suggest that PVP‐I foam dressing has wound‐healing efficacy comparable with foam dressing, with no notable safety concerns. This study was funded by Mundipharma Korea Ltd and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier NCT02732886).
Novel thermally stable, high quality factor Ba4(Pr0.4Sm0.6)28/3Ti18−yGa4y/3O54 microwave dielectric ceramics
Authors: Wang Geng , Fu Qiuyun , Shi Hao , Tian Fan , Guo Pengju , Yan Liang , Yu Shijin , Zheng Zhiping , Luo Wei 
Published: November 2019

AbstractHigh dielectric constant Ba4(Pr0.4Sm0.6)28/3Ti18−yGa4y/3O54 (BPSTG) (0 ≤ y ≤ 1) microwave ceramics with enhanced dielectric properties were synthesized via the traditional solid‐state processing for the first time. The crystal structure, microstructure, and microwave dielectric characteristics were investigated in details. X‐ray diffraction results showed that all well‐sintered samples belonged to a single tungsten bronze type phase. Results showed that partial substitution of Ga3+ for Ti4+ is an effective way in adjusting the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (TCF) value of the Ba4(Pr0.4Sm0.6)28/3Ti18O54 ceramics and increased the quality factor (Qf) values. The variation tendency of dielectric constant was in accordance with the ionic polarizability. The Qf values highly depend on the grain size from the scanning electron microscopy results. A near zero TCF value can be obtained by carefully adjusting the substitution of Ga3+ content. Infrared reflectivity (FIR) spectra were employed to reveal the relationship between the phonons and microwave dielectric properties. At last, excellent combinations dielectric properties of εr = 78.5, Qf = 12,400 GHz, TCF = +2.1 ppm/°C were achieved in BPSTG ceramics when y = 0.75.
Spray‐dry synthesis of β‐Cu1.8Zn0.2V2O7 ceramic fine particles showing giant negative thermal expansion
Authors: Takenaka Koshi , Sato Miku , Mitamura Masaya , Yokoyama Yasunori , Katayama Naoyuki , Okamoto Yoshihiko 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe used spray‐dry method to synthesize fine powder of β‐Cu1.8Zn0.2V2O7 showing large negative thermal expansion (NTE) linearly to temperature over a wide temperature range. The NTE of β‐Cu1.8Zn0.2V2O7 is produced by microstructures consisting of voids and anisotropic thermal deformation of crystal grains in ceramics. By reducing the size of the microstructures that produce NTE, large NTE equivalent to that of bulk was realized, even for ceramic particles of about 2 μm size. Comparison with particles produced using a conventional method demonstrates that the particle size distribution is narrow and that the particles are nearly spherical. This achievement is expected to pave the way to use of NTE materials in micrometer‐scale control of thermal expansion.
Closed porosity ceramics and glasses
Authors: Vakifahmetoglu Cekdar , Semerci Tugce , Soraru Gian Domenico 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn the last three decades, considerable effort has been devoted to obtain both open and closed porosity ceramics & glasses in order to benefit from unique combination of properties such as mechanical strength, thermal and chemical stability at low‐relative density. Most of these investigations were directed to the production and the analysis of the properties for open porosity materials, and regrettably quite a few compositions and manufacturing methods were documented for closed porosity ceramics & glasses in the scientific literature so far. This review focuses on the processing strategies, the properties and the applications of closed porosity ceramics & glasses with total porosity higher than 25%. The ones below such level are intentionally left out and the paper is set out to demonstrate the porous components with deliberately generated closed pores/cells. The processing strategies are categorized into five different groups, namely sacrificial templating, high‐temperature bonding of hollow structures, casting, direct foaming, and emulsions. The principles underlying these methods are given, with particular emphasis on the critical issues that affect the pore characteristics, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of the produced components.
Prevalence and characteristics of prediabetes in workers in industry
Authors: Reynolds Raquel Yvonne 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimTo examine the prevalence of work stress and prediabetes in computer technology company employees; to analyse the relationships among stress, work stress, and prediabetes; and to explore the potential mediating effects sleep on the relationship between work stress and prediabetes.DesignA descriptive, cross‐sectional design was used. A convenience sample included employees from a large computer technology company in central Texas.MethodsData collection during March–October 2015 included: retrospective electronic medical record review and online surveys. Electronic medical record review data included: height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, high‐density lipids, triglycerides, and fasting glucose. Online surveys collected demographic, global stress, diet, exercise, coping, sleep and work stress data from participants. Spearman rho calculations analyzed associations between demographic, socio‐cultural factors, health behaviours, work stress, and prediabetes variables. Logistic regression analyses identified probability variables. A structural equation model examined mediating variables.ResultsPrediabetes prevalence was lower and prevalence of work stress was higher in the participant sample than in the USA population. Findings suggested that low job imbalance increases the probability for prediabetes. Job imbalance was inversely related to prediabetes. Three variables increased the probability prediabetes: alcohol, job imbalance, and sleep. Sleep potentially modified the relationship between job imbalance and prediabetes.Participants were college‐educated males working in white‐collar, technical jobs. Participants had high rates of work stress. Job imbalance was inversely related to prediabetes, which challenges previous empirical data. Future research should continue to explore the relationship between work stress and prediabetes in this population.ConclusionsThis study explored the relationship between work stress and prediabetes in a white‐collar worker population in technical industry. Findings suggested that workers in industry have a unique type of stress. Nurses who learn to recognize the non‐traditional risk factors for prediabetes can improve screening for prediabetes by including work stress and poor sleep questions.
Spinal tuberculosis: A systematic review of case studies and development of an evidence‐based clinical guidance tool for early detection
Authors: Louw Quinette A. , Tawa Nassib , Van Niekerk Sjan‐Mari , Conradie Thandi , Coetzee Marisa 
Published: November 2019

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesDespite research being done on spinal tuberculosis, diagnosing this condition at an early stage remains problematic due to its insidious onset and the varying symptoms being associated. Most individuals present to the health care facility with either simple back pain at an early stage or neurological complications at a later stage, when spinal compression and vertebral collapse have occurred as a result of delayed diagnosis. The prevention of secondary complications is therefore dependent on early recognition and diagnosis. The objective of this review was to identify common clinical patterns in case presentations and develop an evidence‐based clinical guidance tool to assist clinicians in the early identification of spinal tuberculosis.MethodA comprehensive literature search was conducted for published spinal tuberculosis case studies, which yielded 28 cases after critical appraisal. Data from the studies were categorized in order to assist with a factor analysis and the development of an evidence framework for screening and diagnosing spinal tuberculosis. An evidence‐based clinical guidance tool was then designed from the data obtained.ResultsFactors associated with spinal tuberculosis and frequently reported symptoms and physical signs with which the patient could present upon assessment were identified. Options for investigations at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels were also identified.ConclusionThrough the use of an evidence‐based clinical guidance tool, the clinician could be guided in the early suspicion and management of individuals with spinal tuberculosis and prevention of secondary complications.