bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology, risk factors and clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in a Swiss university hospital: An observational retrospective study
Authors: Regina Jean , Papadimitriou-Olivgeris Matthaios , Burger Raphaël , Le Pogam Marie-Annick , Niemi Tapio , Filippidis Paraskevas , Tschopp Jonathan , Desgranges Florian , Viala Benjamin , Kampouri Eleftheria , Rochat Laurence , Haefliger David , Belkoniene Mehdi , Fidalgo Carlos , Kritikos Antonios , Jaton Katia , Senn Laurence , Bart Pierre-Alexandre , Pagani Jean-Luc , Manuel Oriol , Lhopitallier Loïc 
Published: November 2020

Background
This study aims to describe the epidemiology of COVID-19 patients in a Swiss university hospital.

Methods
This retrospective observational study included all adult patients hospitalized with a laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from March 1 to March 25, 2020. We extracted data from electronic health records. The primary outcome was the need to mechanical ventilation at day 14. We used multivariate logistic regression to identify risk factors for mechanical ventilation. Follow-up was of at least 14 days.

Results
145 patients were included in the multivariate model, of whom 36 (24.8%) needed mechanical ventilation at 14 days. The median time from symptoms onset to mechanical ventilation was 9·5 days (IQR 7.00, 12.75). Multivariable regression showed increased odds of mechanical ventilation with age (OR 1.09 per year, 95% CI 1.03–1.16, p = 0.002), in males (OR 6.99, 95% CI 1.68–29.03, p = 0.007), in patients who presented with a qSOFA score ≥2 (OR 7.24, 95% CI 1.64–32.03, p = 0.009), with bilateral infiltrate (OR 18.92, 3.94–98.23, p<0.001) or with a CRP of 40 mg/l or greater (OR 5.44, 1.18–25.25; p = 0.030) on admission. Patients with more than seven days of symptoms on admission had decreased odds of mechanical ventilation (0.087, 95% CI 0.02–0.38, p = 0.001).

Conclusions
This study gives some insight in the epidemiology and clinical course of patients admitted in a European tertiary hospital with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Age, male sex, high qSOFA score, CRP of 40 mg/l or greater and a bilateral radiological infiltrate could help clinicians identify patients at high risk for mechanical ventilation.
Highlighting a population-based re-emergence of Syphilis infection and assessing associated risk factors among pregnant women in Cameroon: Evidence from the 2009, 2012 and 2017 national sentinel surveillance surveys of HIV and syphilis
Authors: Kengne-Nde Cyprien , de Dieu Anoubissi Jean , Loni-Ekali Gabriel , Nguefeu-Nkenfou Celine , Moussa Yasmine , Messeh Arlette , Fokam Joseph , Zeh-Meka Albert , Snayeul-Wawo Denis , Tseuko Dorine , Ngo-Nemb Marinette , Kob David , Billong Serge-Clotaire , Bonono Leonard , Elat Jean-Bosco 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundSyphilis and HIV can be transmitted from pregnant women to their children and they remain a public health problem in Africa. Our study aimed to determine the trends of seroprevalence of HIV/syphilis co-infection and syphilis infection overtime through the national surveillance system in Cameroon and to explore associated risk factors.MethodsWe conducted cross-sectional studies of HIV and syphilis, targeting each year 7000 first antenatal care (ANC-1) attendees at the same sites during the 2009, 2012 and 2017 sentinel surveillance surveys. Pregnant women were enrolled at their ANC-1, sociodemographic and clinical information were collected. HIV and Syphilis test were performed by serial algorithm as per the national guidelines. Trends were assessed for HIV, syphilis and HIV/syphilis by estimating seroprevalence from cross-sectional studies. Associated risk factors were explored using multinomial logistic regression with 4 outcomes: HIV/syphilis co-infection, HIV infection only, syphilis infection only and no infection.ResultsOverall, 6 632, 6 521 and 6 859 pregnant women were enrolled in 2009, 2012 and 2017 respectively. In 2017, a total of 3 901 pregnant women enrolled were tested for syphilis. Almost half of them (47.9%) were living in urban area and were aged less than 25 years (44.7%). While HIV epidemic was on a decline (from 7.6% (95% CI: 6.99–8.28) in 2009 to 5.7% (95% CI: 4.93–6.4) in 2017), a huge significant increase of syphilis prevalence was observed (from 0.6% (95% CI:0.40–0.80) in 2009 to 5.7% (95% CI:4.93–6.40) in 2017). Pregnant women residing in rural areas were more likely to be infected with syphilis than those living in the urban area (aOR = 1.8 [95% CI: 1.3–2.4]). Unmarried pregnant women were three time more likely to be infected by HIV/Syphilis Co-infection than married, cohabiting, widow or divorced pregnant women (aOR = 2.8 [95% CI: 1.3–2.4]). Furthermore; living in Northern region was associated with a lower risk of being infected with HIV (aOR = 0.6 [95% CI: 0.5–0.9]) and Syphilis infection (aOR = 0.6 [95% CI: 0.4–0.9]).ConclusionThe epidemiological dynamics of syphilis suggests a growing burden of syphilis infection in the general population of Cameroon. Our findings support the fact that while emphasizing strategies to fight HIV, huge efforts should also be made for strategies to prevent and fight syphilis infection especially among HIV positive women, in rural area, and southern regions.
Factors influencing preoperative chest radiography request for elective endoscopic procedures among medical personnel
Authors: Somnuke Pawit , Ramlee Rachaneekorn , Ratanapaiboon Waratchaya , Thommaaksorn Passorn , Iramaneerat Cherdsak , Duangekanong Somsit , Siriussawakul Arunotai 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundChest radiography is not routinely recommended before elective endoscopies. A high incidence of perioperative chest radiography requests was observed at our institution. This study aims to investigate factors influencing preoperative chest radiography request for patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopies.MethodsThis cross-sectional clinical study recruited 264 participants from different medical specialties who were responsible for preoperative endoscopic chest x-ray (CXR) ordering including anesthesiologists, surgeons and gastroenterologists. They completed questionnaires exploring their general knowledge and attitudes about preoperative chest radiography. Demographic characteristic of the participants affecting the knowledge on preoperative chest radiography was determined. A Structural Equation Model (SEM) was constructed from validated conceptual framework to find causal relationships between hypothesized factors and intention for preoperative endoscopic chest radiography request. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software version 18.0 and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) version 18.0.ResultsThe questionnaire response rate was 53.79%. Baseline general knowledge on preoperative chest radiography of the participants was comparable. The SEM results showed unsupported relationship between hypothesized factors and the intention for preprocedural GI endoscopic CXR request (p < 0.1).ConclusionsGeneral knowledge of medical personnel on tuberculosis needs improvement. To rectify the unnecessary chest radiography request before elective GI endoscopic procedures, awareness of the patients’ health conditions, adherence to the hospital’s policy and realizing of possible patient-related mishaps are not the determinants for preprocedural endoscopic chest radiography request. Future works are required to explore other alternative factors involved for reducing chest radiography requests which are not indicated.
Subject validation of reusable N95 stop-gap filtering facepiece respirators in COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ng William C. K. , Mbadjeu Hondjeu Arnaud Romeo , Syrett Andrew , Caragata Rebecca , Rozenberg Dmitry , Xiao Zixuan , Anwari Vahid , Trac Jessica , Mashari Azad 
Published: November 2020

Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has unveiled widespread shortages of personal protective equipment including N95 respirators. Several centers are developing reusable stop-gap respirators as alternatives to disposable N95 respirators during public health emergencies, using techniques such as 3D-printing, silicone moulding and plastic extrusion. Effective sealing of the mask, combined with respiratory filters should achieve 95% or greater filtration of particles less than 1um. Quantitative fit-testing (QNFT) data from these stop-gap devices has not been published to date. Our team developed one such device, the “SSM”, and evaluated it using QNFT.

Methods
Device prototypes were iteratively evaluated for comfort, breathability and communication, by team members wearing them for 15-30min. The fit and seal were assessed by positive and negative pressure user seal checks. The final design was then formally tested by QNFT, according to CSA standard Z94.4–18 in 40 volunteer healthcare providers. An overall fit-factor >100 is the passing threshold. Volunteers were also tested by QNFT on disposable N95 masks which had passed qualitative fit testing (QLFT) by institutional Occupational Health and Safety Department.

Results
The SSM scored 3.5/5 and 4/5 for comfort and breathability. The median overall harmonic mean fit-factors of disposable N95 and SSM were 137.9 and 6316.7 respectively. SSM scored significantly higher than disposable respirators in fit-test runs and overall fit-factors (p <0.0001). Overall passing rates in disposable and SSM respirators on QNFT were 65% and 100%. During dynamic runs, passing rates in disposable and SSM respirators were 68.1% and 99.4%; harmonic means were 73.7 and 1643.

Conclusions
We present the design and validation of a reusable N95 stop-gap filtering facepiece respirator that can match existent commercial respirators. This sets a precedence for adoption of novel stop-gap N95 respirators in emergency situations.
Changes in care-seeking for common childhood illnesses in the context of Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) program implementation in Benishangul Gumuz region of Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremedhin Samson , Astatkie Ayalew , Amin Hajira M. , Teshome Abebe , Gebremariam Abebe 
Published: November 2020

Background
Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) is a strategy for promoting access of under-served populations to lifesaving treatments through extending case management of common childhood illnesses to trained frontline health workers. In Ethiopia iCCM is provided by health extension workers (HEWs) deployed at health posts. We evaluated the association between the implementation of iCCM program in Assosa Zuria zone, Benishangul Gumuz region and changes in care-seeking for common childhood illnesses.

Methods
We conducted a pre-post study without control arm to evaluate the association of interest. The iCCM program that incorporated training, mentoring and supportive supervision of HEWs with community-based demand creation activities was implemented for two years (2017–18). Baseline, midline and endline surveys were completed approximately one year apart. Across the surveys, children aged 2–59 months (n = 1,848) who recently had cough, fever or diarrhea were included. Data were analysed using mixed-effects logistic regression model.

Results
Over the two-year period, care-seeking from any health facility and from health posts significantly increased by 10.7 and 17.4 percentage points (PP) from baseline levels of 64.5 and 34.1%, respectively (p<0.001). Care sought from health centres (p = 0.420) and public hospitals (p = 0.129) did not meaningfully change while proportion of caregivers who approached private (p = 0.003) and informal providers (p<0.001) declined. Caregivers who visited health posts for the treatment of diarrhea (19.2 PP, p<0.001), fever (15.5 PP, p<0.001), cough (17.8 PP, p<0.001) and cough with respiratory difficulty (17.3 PP, p = 0.038) significantly increased. After accounting for extraneous variables, we observed that care-seeking from iCCM providers was almost doubled (adjusted odds ratio = 2.32: 95% confidence interval; 1.88–2.86) over the period.

Conclusion
iCCM implementation was associated with a meaningful shift in care-seeking to health posts.
On the importance of the hip abductors during a clinical one legged balance test: A theoretical study
Authors: Mirshams Shahshahani Payam , Ashton-Miller James A. 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundThe ability to balance on one foot for a certain time is a widely used clinical test to assess the effects of age and diseases like peripheral neuropathy on balance. While state-space methods have been used to explore the mechanical demands and achievable accelerations for balancing on two feet in the sagittal plane, less is known about the requirements for sustaining one legged balance (OLB) in the frontal plane.Research questionWhile most studies have focused on ankle function in OLB, can age and/or disease-related decreases in maximum hip abduction strength also affect OLB ability?MethodsA two-link frontal plane state space model was used to define and explore the ‘feasible balance region’ which helps reveal the requirements for maintaining and restoring OLB, given the adverse effects of age and peripheral neuropathy on maximum hip and ankle strengths.ResultsMaintaining quasistatic OLB required 50%-106% of the maximum hip abduction strength in young and older adults, and older patients with peripheral neuropathy. Effectiveness of a ‘hip strategy’ in recovering OLB was heavily dependent on the maximum hip abduction strength, and for healthy older women was as important as ankle strength. Natural reductions of strength due to healthy aging did not show a meaningful reduction in meeting the strength requirement of clinical OLB. However deficits in hip strength typical of patients with peripheral neuropathy did adversely affect both quasistatic OLB and recoverable OLB states.SignificanceThe importance of hip muscle strength has been underappreciated in the clinical OLB test. This is partly because the passive tissues of the hip joint can mask moderate deficits in hip abduction strength until it is needed for recovering OLB. Adding a follow up OLB test with a slightly raised pelvis would be a simple way to check for adequate hip abductor muscle strength.
Central Amygdala Projections to Lateral Hypothalamus Mediate Avoidance Behavior in Rats
Authors: Weera Marcus M. , Shackett Rosetta S. , Kramer Hannah M. , Middleton Jason W. , Gilpin Nicholas W. 
Published: November 2020

Persistent avoidance of stress-related stimuli following acute stress exposure predicts negative outcomes such as substance abuse and traumatic stress disorders. Previous work using a rat model showed that the central amygdala (CeA) plays an important role in avoidance of a predator odor stress-paired context. Here, we show that CeA projections to the lateral hypothalamus (LH) are preferentially activated in male rats that show avoidance of a predator odor-paired context (termed Avoider rats), that chemogenetic inhibition of CeA-LH projections attenuates avoidance in male Avoider rats, that chemogenetic stimulation of the CeA-LH circuit produces conditioned place avoidance (CPA) in otherwise naive male rats, and that avoidance behavior is associated with intrinsic properties of LH-projecting CeA cells. Collectively, these data show that CeA-LH projections are important for persistent avoidance of stress-related stimuli following acute stress exposure.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis study in rats shows that a specific circuit in the brain [i.e., neurons that project from the central amygdala (CeA) to the lateral hypothalamus (LH)] mediates avoidance of stress-associated stimuli. In addition, this study shows that intrinsic physiological properties of cells in this brain circuit are associated with avoidance of stress-associated stimuli. Further characterization of the CeA-LH circuit may improve our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying specific aspects of stress-related disorders in humans.
Producción de recursos didácticos para el aula de matemáticas de Secundaria con realidad aumentada
Authors: Leal Aragón Laura 
Published: November 2020

El uso de dispositivos móviles abre puertas a tecnologías emergentes, como la realidad aumentada, que suponen una oportunidad para reconfigurar la práctica educativa acorde con las nuevas características, demandas y necesidades del alumnado de la actual era digital. El presente artículo pretende contribuir a la comunidad educativa aportando un material didáctico, creado con tecnología de realidad aumentada, facilitando así, la implementación de estos recursos innovadores en el aula. En concreto, esta innovación educativa está diseñada para la materia de matemáticas de la etapa de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria, con el propósito de facilitar al alumnado el aprendizaje de la geometría espacial de forma innovadora, intentando incrementar el interés y la motivación del alumnado por el aprendizaje de la materia.
Según lo expuesto, primero se realizará una pequeña revisión sobre el concepto de realidad aumentada y se dará una visión positiva de su uso en el ámbito educativo. Después se mostrará el material didáctico diseñado, así como se reseñarán las herramientas TIC utilizadas en la creación de dicho material.
Rentas mejoradas como complemento a la pensión pública de jubilación: análisis de su implantación en España
Authors: De Andrés Sánchez Jorge , González-Vila Puchades Laura 
Published: November 2020

Las rentas mejoradas son rentas vitalicias inmediatas que, al considerar factores de riesgo de la persona asegurada adicionales a su edad, pueden otorgar un pago periódico superior al de las rentas tradicionales. Dadas las actuales tendencias demográficas y el riesgo de longevidad asociado, las rentas mejoradas, ampliamente introducidas en el Reino Unido, pueden suponer un importante nicho de mercado en aquellos países donde sus niveles de contratación son bajos o no están presentes, como es el caso español. En este trabajo se describen algunos aspectos clave de las rentas mejoradas. También se realiza un análisis cuantitativo, centrado en la determinación de las prestaciones por percibir, a partir de la consideración de una tabla de mortalidad ajustada a la esperanza de vida del rentista. Finalmente, se exponen las principales barreras e incentivos de la demanda y la oferta de este producto, considerando la situación particular de España.
Harmonic Simulation Methods in Power Systems
Authors: Barrera Carlos , Valenzuela Alex 
Published: November 2020

The harmonic simulation on power systems can be performed using methodologies which are focused on time and frequency domain. The solution of power systems under harmonics require a complete and detailed solution of grid equations, and consequently, different techniques and methodologies are used to solve these equations, which are used based on its application, due to the act that robustness and convergence speed. On the other hand, not only methodologies are important, but also component models, which it is a mathematical representation of real behavior of electrical devices on power systems. Set in this context, models and techniques are essential to simulate and obtain results, which are measured and compared with international standards on electric power quality, subsequently, impacts and possible techniques for power quality improvement by mitigation of harmonics could be proposed.
Ongoing genetic evolution of H9N2 avian influenza viruses in Iranian industrial poultry farms
Authors: Bashashati Mohsen , Mojahedi Zohreh , Roudsari Ali Ameghi , Taghizadeh Morteza , Molouki Aidin , Motamed Najmeh , Sabouri Fereshteh , Fallah Mehrabadi Mohammad Hossein 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDespite the use of wide-scale vaccination programmes against the H9N2 virus, enzootic outbreaks of H9N2 avian influenza (AI) have often occurred and caused serious nationwide economic losses, particularly in broiler chickens. In this study, the haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes of nine recent H9N2s and a common vaccine strain were fully sequenced and compared with other representative Iranian viruses. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all Iranian viruses were grouped into the G1 sub-lineage with different clusters in which recent isolates (2014–2017) formed a distinct cluster compared to the vaccine group (1998–2004). All Iranian H9N2s exhibited low pathogenicity AI connecting peptide feature with an R/KSSR motif. Amino acid 226, located in the 220 loop of the receptor binding site, was leucine among the recent Iranian viruses, a characteristic of human influenza viruses. With an overall gradual increase in the genetic diversity of H9N2s, Bayesian skyline plots of Iranian HA and NA genes depicted a fluctuation and a relative stable situation, respectively. It is recommended to apply constant surveillance to assess any increase in viral human adaptation and evolutionary changes in circulating field H9N2s. Moreover, antigenic characterisation of the prevailing H9N2 viruses seems to be necessary for evaluating the possible antigenic drift from the vaccine strain.
The Relation Between Mean Platelet Volume and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: DOĞAR Fatih , GÜRBÜZ Kaan 
Published: November 2020

Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and mean platelet volume (MPV) in which is raleted with angiogenesis, thrombosis, immunity and inflammation.
Material and Methods:Between 2013 and 2019, 1660 patients underwent mini-open decompression and 1056 healthy individuals were included in the study as study and control grup respectively. After the exclusion criteria are provide, patients were determined 166 CTS patients and 156 control patients in two groups. In the CTS and control groups, MPV, platelet count (PLT), platelet distribution width (PDW), white blood cell(WBC) count, haemoglobin (Hb), ESR and CRP levels were obtained from venous blood samples drawn after 12-h fasting and were recorded retrospectively from the hospital database.In addition, blood samples were taken from the patients in the CTS group at the postoperative 6th and 12th month controls and the values studied before the operation were re-recorded from the file.
Results:Among the CTS patients, only there was a significant difference in the mean MPV at 6 months postoperatively compared to baseline (p=0.027). No significant difference was detected inthe mean MPV at 1 year compared to baseline (p=0.70). In addition, no significant differences were found in MPV values or in other blood parameters (platelet count, white blood count, platelet distribution widthand, haemoglobin) between patients with CTS and controls.
Conclusion:We found that no significant relationship was detected between CTS and MPV in our study. We believe that further prospective studies with larger sample size are needed to elucidate this topic.