bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of a COVID19 confirmed case series in Primary Care (COVID19-PC Project): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rogero-Blanco Eloisa , Gonzalez-Garcia Vera , Medina-Garcia Rodrigo , Muñoz-Molina Pilar , Machin-Hamalainen Santiago , López-Rodríguez Juan A , COVID-AP Grupo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: To estimate the prevalence of symptoms and signs related to a COVID19 case series confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for SARS-CoV-2. Risk factors and the associated use of health services will also be analysed. Methods. Observational, descriptive, retrospective case series study. The study was performed at two Primary Care Health Centres located in Madrid, Spain. The subjects studied were all PCR SARS-CoV-2 confirmed cases older than 18 years, diagnosed from the beginning of the community transmission (March 13) until April 15, 2020. We collected sociodemographic, clinical, health service utilization and clinical course variables during the following months. All data was gathered by their own attending physician, and electronic medical records were reviewed individually. Statistical analysis: A descriptive analysis was carried out and a Poisson regression model was adjusted to study associated factors to Health Services use.Results: Out of the 499 patients studied from two health centres, 55.1% were women and mean age was 58.2 (17.3). 25.1% were healthcare professionals. The most frequent symptoms recorded related to COVID19 were cough (77.9%; CI 95% 46.5-93.4), fever (77.7%; CI95% 46.5-93.4) and dyspnoea (54.1%; CI95% 46.6-61.4). 60.7% were admitted to hospital. 64.5% first established contact with their primary care provider before going to the hospital, with a mean number of 11.4 Healthcare Providers Encounters with primary care during all the follow-up period.The number of visit-encounters with primary care was associated with being male [IRR 1.072 (1.013, 1.134)], disease severity {from mild respiratory infection [IRR 1.404 (1.095, 1.801)], up to bilateral pneumonia [IRR 1.852 (1.437,2.386)]}, and the need of a work leave [IRR 1.326 (1.244, 1.413].Conclusion: Symptoms and risk factors in our case series are similar to those in other studies. There was a high number of patients with atypical unilateral or bilateral pneumonia. Care for COVID has required a high use of healthcare resources such as clinical encounters and work leaves.
Effectiveness of an outbreak dose of mumps-containing vaccine in two First Nations communities in Northern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Rudnick Wallis , Wilson Sarah , Majerovich Jo Ann , Haavaldsrud Michelle , Gatali Marene , Matsumoto Cai-Lei , Deeks Shelley 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Between 18-Dec-2017 and 27-Jun-2018, a mumps outbreak occurred in two Canadian Indigenous communities. An outbreak dose of mumps-containing vaccine was offered as part of control measures. We conducted a cohort study and survival analysis to describe the outbreak and evaluate the outbreak dose, extracting immunization information on all community members (n=3,135) from immunization records. There were 70 mumps cases; 56% had received two pre-outbreak vaccine doses. Those who received a pre-outbreak dose more distantly had higher rates of mumps compared to those with more recent doses (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.4 (95%CI: 0.7–20.6) for receipt >20 years before vs. receipt ≤3 years). During the outbreak, 33% (1,010/3,080) of eligible individuals received an outbreak dose. The adjusted hazard ratio for no outbreak dose receipt was 2.7 (95%CI: 1.0–10.1). Our results suggest that an outbreak dose of mumps-containing vaccine may be an effective public health intervention, but further study is warranted.
Economic incentives and survival probabilities for chronic and multimorbidity patients - Do the relationships depend on patient pathways?
Authors: Islam M. Kamrul , Kjerstad Egil , Askildsen Jan Erik 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The Norwegian Coordination Reform (CR) in 2012 introduced new economic incentives aimed at weaknesses in interaction between primary care, social care and specialist care. This paper studies the association of a new co-payment scheme on the 30-day and 90-day survival probabilities for chronic and multimorbidity patients. We also analyse whether admission types ⸺planned or emergency⸺ matters for survival rates, and the importance of patient pathways. Several different pathways are possible, depending on where patients came from before being admitted to hospital and their destination after discharge from hospital.Methods: The study uses data from three different registers for the period 2010 to 2013. We consider 30 common chronic conditions for which administrative data are available (n=563,096 in-patient episodes). We look at three mutually exclusive pathways. They are relevant and important in terms of the number of patients depending on co-operation and co-ordination between health care providers. Using a quasi-experimental design—the difference-in-differences approach—we estimate the associations between the co-payment scheme and survival probability by admission type and by patient pathway.Results: Overall, the changes in survival probabilities are found positively and significantly associated with the co-payment scheme. For emergency admissions such a significant positive association is observed for the 30-day survival only, whereas, for planned admissions a significant positive relationship is evident for the 90-day survival only. Pathway-specific results indicate positive and significant associations with survival probabilities (both the 30-and 90-day) for all admissions and emergency admissions for two specific pathways. Multimorbidity subgroup analysis generally shows no significant relationship with survival probabilities, but pathway-specific analyses show significant positive associations between emergency admissions and the 90-day survival for patients following two specific pathways. However, for planned admissions we find a significant negative association with the 30-day survival for multimorbidity patients following one specific pathway.Conclusion: We conclude that the survival probabilities are positively associated with the new economic incentives but the result depends on admission type, patient pathway and multimorbidity status. Without modelling admission type, pathway and multimorbidity explicitly, one may overlook important relationships associated with the economic incentives. Future policy evaluations in any pertinent context should envisage these aspects.
Risk analysis of 2-year mortality in elderly male military veterans with non-thyroidal illness syndrome​
Authors: Miao Xinyu , Liu Hongzhou , Fu Xiaomin , Ma Huiping , Chen Xuefeng , Gu Zhaoyan , Sun Banruo , Li Nan , Li Chunlin , Yan Shuangtong , Lyu Zhaohui 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Elderly patients with non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) have relatively severe symptoms and a poor prognosis. However, there are few studies on the correlation between NTIS and mortality among hospitalised elderly patients. This study aimed to investigate the characterization of NTIS inpatients with biochemical indicators and mortality prediction.Methods: In the present study, 931 male veteran inpatients ≥ 60 years of age who visited our hospital from January 2012 to December 2013 were selected and divided into the NTIS group (n = 193) and normal thyroid function (non-NTIS) group（n = 738). Following propensity score matching to match the two groups according to age and body mass index, the NTIS group and non-NTIS group consisted of 192 and 660 patients, respectively. Data on biochemical indicators and mortality were collected. Results: Patients had more primary care and more respiratory disease and chronic kidney disease in the NTIS than in the non-NTIS group. Serum total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), prealbumin (PA), haemoglobin (Hb), uric acid (UA), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) levels were significantly lower, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) and urea nitrogen (UN) levels were higher, in the NTIS than in the non-NTIS group. Triiodothyronine, TP, Alb, and PA levels correlated positively with the Hb level and negatively with FBG, UN, and creatinine (Cr) levels. The free T3 level correlated positively with TP, Alb, PA, Hb, and UA levels and negatively with FBG, UN, and Cr levels. A lower free T3 level was associated with increased all-cause mortality after adjusting for covariates. Patients in the NTIS group had a lower survival rate at 6-month (78.65% vs. 97.73%), 1-year (68.23% vs. 96.97%) and 2-year (64.58% vs. 86.52%). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed that a cut-off free T3 level of 3.45 pmol/L yielded the highest sensitivity and specificity for predicting all-cause mortality at 2 years.Conclusion: Among elderly male inpatients, the survival rate was lower in the NTIS group. Serum protein levels and renal function decreased and the FBG level increased with decreasing triiodothyronine and free T3 levels. A decreased free T3 level in hospitalized elderly male patients was a predictor of poor prognosis.
Arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligaments with allograft: Single-tunnel double-bundle versus single-tunnel single-bundle
Authors: Zhu Weimin , Zhou Yuanhui , Chen Kang , Zheng Yizi , Lu Wei , Wang Daping , Zeng Yanjun , Deng Zhenhan , Xiong Jianyi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Purpose: Arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) commonly adopted single-tunnel single-bundle (STSB) or double-tunnel double-bundle (DTDB) methods. Though single-tunnel double-bundle (STDB) has been used in clinical practice, the efficacy remains unclear. The objective of this study is to compare the clinical results of ACL reconstruction using the STDB and STSB techniques.Methods: Between March 2010 to June 2013, 78 patients with ACL rupture underwent arthroscopic STDB reconstruction (42 cases) or STSB reconstruction (36 cases) using anterior tibialis tendon allografts in our department. IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner scores were used to evaluate the subjective function of the knee joint during the postoperative follow-up. In addition, the Lachman test and pivot shift test were used to objectively assess the stability of the knee.Results: The average follow-up time is 24.2±5.7 months in the STDB group, and 24.8±6.6 months in the STSB group. Patients in both groups recovered to preoperative sports level with few complications. The postoperative Lysholm, IKDC, Tegner scores, and knee joint stability were significantly improved compared to preoperative status in both groups (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups at the final follow-up (P>0.05), except for the improvement of pivot shift test positive rate in the STDB group compared with STSB group (P<0.05).Conclusion: Both techniques can be used to restore the stability and function of the knee joint with satisfactory short-term efficacy, and STDB showed better rotational stability than STSB technique, indicating the STDB technique may also considered a reliable method for ACL reconstruction.
Impact of experiencing specific side-effects on contraceptive switching and discontinuation in Uganda: Results from a longitudinal PMA Survey
Authors: Zimmerman Linnea A , Sarnak Dana , Karp Celia , Wood Shannon , Ahmed Saifuddin , Makumbi Fredrick , Kibira Simon 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
There is substantial evidence that contraceptive side-effects are a major deterrent to consistent use of contraception but few studies in low- or middle-income countries explore the role that specific side-effects, rather than “side-effects and health concerns”, have on contraceptive dynamics. This study used population-based, longitudinal data to explore the effect that specific side-effects had on contraceptive continuation, discontinuation, and switching in Uganda. Methods Data for this study come from two rounds of PMA2020 data collection in Uganda PMA2020 Uganda’s sixth cross-sectional survey and a follow-up survey conducted one year later. The main outcomes of interest were discontinuation and switching among modern users of hormonal contraceptive methods and the IUD at baseline (n=550). Multivariable multinomial logistic regressions assessed the association of reporting experiencing specific side-effects (more bleeding, less bleeding, irregular bleeding, increased dryness/reduced libido, and physical discomfort) with discontinuation and switching one year later, adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics, type of method, and length of use.ResultsOne-third of hormonal contraceptive users reported experiencing side-effects at baseline. Reporting more bleeding increased the risk of discontinuation by 2.39 times (95% CI: 0.01-4.72). Experiencing irregular bleeding decreased the risk of switching by a factor of 0.40 (95% CI: 0.17-0.93). Vaginal dryness/reduced libido and physical discomfort were both marginally associated with increased relative risk of switching, increasing the risk of switching by a factor of 3.10 (95% CI : 0.97-9.10) and 1.75 (95% CI: 0.95-3.24), respectively. Wealth was significantly negatively associated with discontinuation while education was marginally significantly and positively associated with switching. ConclusionsGreater attention should be paid to understanding the unique contributions of side-effects to contraceptive behavior using population-based data. Not all side-effects are associated with contraceptive discontinuation and switching, despite the experience of side-effects being common. The experience of physical discomfort and vaginal dryness/reduced libido, largely ignored in other research, were shown to affect use. Providing greater individualized care that includes information about common side-effects and how they may impact daily life is necessary.
Assessing Human Appropriation of Net Primary Production in Various Vegetation Types Based on the Spatio-Temporal Fusion Model in Xiong'an New Area During 2000-2018
Authors: Tang Jia , Zhang Qing , Zeng Jingyu , Zhang Rongrong , Li Xingrong , Tian Yanqin , Wang Qianfeng 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Humans have induced great changes in terrestrial ecosystems. The human appropriation of net primary production (HANPP) quantifying the intensity of anthropogenic extraction from ecosystem has been widely used to evaluate ecological sustainable development. However, the coarse-resolution of calculating data for the HANPP leads to biased results in a small scale. Furthermore, the spatio-temporal patterns and dynamics of the HANPP in a human-dominated heterogeneous region are still unclear. Methods: This study investigates the state-level new area Xiong'an New Area and applies the spatial and temporal nonlocal filter-based fusion model (STNLFFM) to generated new datasets, which is combined with our previously improved Carnegie–Ames–Stanford approach (CASA) to estimate HANPP. Spatio-temporal variations of HANPP are mapped and assessed using Mann–Kendall (M–K) trend analysis approach from 2000 to 2018 with a high resolution. The relationship among the HANPP, subcomponents, and natural–social–economic-driven factors is discussed herein. Results: The results show that the STNLFFM-derived fusion images fitted well with the observed images having the superior correlation coefficient (r), structural similarity index, root mean square error, and mean absolute deviation of 0.75, 0.76, 0.035, and 0.026, respectively, and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) differences are mainly concentrated on the range of 0–0.15 for all months. The HANPP derived by the fusion-based images, above 60% of potential NPP, varied across the whole area, especially between various vegetation types. The HANPP exhibited a significant positive correlation (r > 0.46, P < 0.05) with precipitation and held an uptrend because of the increase of the harvested HANPP which related with the socio-economic conditions having the determination coefficients above 0.76.Conclusions: The spatio-temporal fusion contributed to fine spatial patterns and trends of HANPP among various vegetation types. Though the harvested HANPP increased from 2000 to 2018, the agricultural and socio-economic developments did not bring extensive HANPP growth, indicating that the expansion has not violated its sustainable development goal. The results provide a deep insight of the background characteristics in Xiong'an New Area, which has great potential in supporting the future scientific construction of the new area.
Competitive fitness analysis using Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Palka Joanna K. , Fiok Krzysztof , Antoł Weronika , Prokop Zofia M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
We developed a procedure for estimating competitive fitness by using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism and a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) as a tool. Competitive fitness is usually the most informative fitness measure, and competitive fitness assays often rely on green fluorescent protein (GFP) marker strains. CNNs are a class of deep learning neural networks, which are well suited for image analysis and object classification. Our model analyses involved image classification of nematodes as wild-type vs. GFP-expressing, and counted both categories. The performance was analyzed with (i) precision and recall parameters, and (ii) comparison of the wild-type frequency calculated from the model against that obtained by visual scoring of the same images. The average precision and recall varied from 0.79 to 0.87 and from 0.84 to 0.92, respectively, depending on worm density in the images. Compared with manual counting, the model decreased counting time at least 20-fold while preventing human errors. Given the rapid development in the field of CNN, the model, which is fully available on GitHub, can be further optimized and adapted for other image-based uses.
Aposentadoria Especial no Âmbito dos Regimes Próprios de Previdência Social sob a Ótica da Súmula Vinculante nº 33
Authors: Lopes Luis Felipe Dias , Ferrari Renata , Denardin Marcela Giuliani , Fabricio Adriane , Menegazzi Raquel Boff 
Published: November 2020

A Previdência Social é direito fundamental garantido pela Constituição Federal, de forma que existe previsão legal de aposentadoria especial aos segurados que laborem em condições que prejudiquem a saúde e integridade física. Em virtude da mora legislativa do Governo em editar a lei complementar que regulamenta aposentadoria especial, os servidores públicos abrangidos pelos regimes próprios passaram a ingressar junto ao Supremo Tribunal Federal a fim de garantir direito ao gozo da aposentadoria especial. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o panorama atual da aposentadoria especial no âmbito dos regimes próprios. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo bibliográfico, de método dedutivo e exploratório, através da pesquisa qualitativa. Trata-se de uma pesquisa documental, que analisou, além de, livros e artigos, legislações e normas. Como resultado, pode-se identificar que a aposentadoria especial teve resolução através do Poder Judiciário e não do Poder Legislativo e Executivo, que seria o caminho correto. A normatização, através da súmula vinculante, sanou de forma urgente a mora legislativa e deu aos servidores o direito de gozar aposentadoria. A súmula vinculante garantiu igualdade de direitos a todos os segurados, mas não considerou as questões financeiras e atuariais dos regimes próprios, juntamente ao princípio da contrapartida.
Fabrication of ultrafiltration membranes by poly (aryl ether nitrile) with poly (ethylene glycol) as additives
Authors: Wang Qi , Dai Fengna , Zhang Shangying , Chen Chunhai , Yu Youhai 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
A new kind of flat sheet ultrafiltration membrane was prepared by a promising membrane material, poly (aryl ether nitrile) (PEN), via non-solvent induced phase separation. The effect of solvents, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and dimethyl acetamide (DMAc), as well as additive of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) with different molecular weights on the structure and permeation performance of synthesized membranes were investigated. Comparing with NMP, DMAc is more suitable for the casting solution preparation due to better solubility. A gradually changing pore from sponge-like to finger-like can be observed when PEG was added with DMAc as solvent, while a finger-like pore structure always appears in the NMP system with or without PEG. In both systems, the formation of macrovoids is effectively promoted by the addition of PEG, and higher porosity membranes can be obtained by PEG with higher molecular weight. With the increase of PEG molecular weight from 400 to 10,000 Da, the permeate flux increases from 74.5 to 114.3 L·m−2·h−1 and from 102.0 to 130.8 L·m−2·h−1 under a 100 kPa pressure-driven when NMP and DMAc were used as solvents, respectively. The membranes prepared by DMAc exhibit outstanding rejection of BSA with rejections all above 96.5%.
Anatomically optimized distal renal denervation — sustained blood pressure lowering efficacy during 3 years after the intervention
Authors: Pekarskiy S. , Baev A. , Falkovskaya A. , Sitkova E. , Zyubanova I. , Lichikaki V. , Mordovin V. , Popov S. 
Published: November 2020

Aim. To test the hypothesis that anatomical optimisation of radiofrequency renal denervation (RDN) by redistribution of treatment to segmental branches of the renal artery causes a durable increase in the efficacy of the intervention.Methods. A double-blind randomised control study in parallel groups with a 3-year follow-up was performed in patients with apparent resistant hypertension (office systolic BP ≥160 or diastolic BP ≥100 mmHg despite stable treatment with ≥3 drugs, including a diuretic). Exclusion criteria were secondary hypertension, mean 24-h systolic BP <135 mmHg, eGFR <30 mL/min/m2 and severe comorbidity increasing procedural risks (investigator’s assessment). Eligible patients were randomised 1:1 into distal RDN or RDN in the main trunk of the renal artery. Treatment assignment was done in the operation room immediately before the procedure. For the duration of the study, the assigned treatment was unknown to patients, physicians and other outcome assessors. Long-term efficacy of the procedure was measured by changes in BP (office and ambulatory), whereas safety was assessed by changes in the 24-h protein excretion, serum creatinine and eGFR 3 years post-procedure.Results. Of the 55 randomised patients, 39 (71%) completed a 3-year assessment (21 after distal RDN and 18 after RDN in the main trunk of the renal artery). Compared to baseline, the mean 24-h BP remained significantly lowered in the distal RDN group by −16.9 (95% CI −27.3;−6.5)/−8.5 (95% CI −14.2;−2.9) mmHg, p = 0.002/0.004 (systolic/diastolic, respectively). The lowering of the mean 24-h BP was almost twofold less and non-significant in the group of RDN in the main trunk of the renal artery: −8.7 (95% CI −19.6;2.2)/−5.8 (95% CI −11.8;0.1).Conclusion. Anatomical optimisation of endovascular renal denervation produces a powerful and sustained increase in the efficacy of the intervention.
Received 19 May 2020. Revised 10 July 2020. Accepted 7 September 2020.
Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.
Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.
Clin.Trials.gov Identifier: NCT02667912.
Author contributionsConception and design: S.E. PekarskiyData collection and analysis: S.E. Pekarskiy, A.E. Baev, A.Yu. Falkovskaya, E.S. Sitkova, I.V. Zyubanova, V.A. Lichikaki, V.F. MordovinStatistical analysis: S.E. PekarskiyDrafting the article: S.E. Pekarskiy, A.E. BaevCritical revision of the article: S.V. PopovFinal approval of the version to be published: S.E. Pekarskiy, A.E. Baev, A.Yu. Falkovskaya, E.S. Sitkova, I.V. Zyubanova, V.A. Lichikaki, V.F. Mordovin, S.V. Popov