bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease and death in patients aged 70 and over: a retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Fagard Katleen , Gielen Evelien , Deschodt Mieke , Devriendt Els , Flamaing Johan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a rapid reorganization of hospital care. In our hospital, the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) was introduced as a result of these reorganizations. A retrospective analysis was performed to investigate whether typical geriatric risk factors, such as frailty, comorbidity, living situation and cognitive decline, have added value compared to conventional risk factors in predicting severe COVID-19 disease and in-hospital death.Methods: In patients aged 70 years and over, an online geriatric assessment questionnaire was launched, from which the CFS was scored by the geriatrics team. Additional clinical data were collected from the electronic medical records. Baseline characteristics were described with descriptive statistics. Associations were analysed with uni- and multivariable analyses.Results: One hundred and five patients were included, median age 82 years. CFS scores were 1-4 in 43, 5-6 in 45, and 7-9 in 17 patients. Univariable analysis showed age, CFS, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), age-adjusted CCI and cognitive decline associated with in-hospital mortality. Male gender, obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes, cancer and hypertension were not significantly associated. In multivariable analysis, CFS and cognitive decline were independent predictors for in-hospital mortality. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, presence of respiratory symptoms on admission and male gender were associated with severe disease (univariable analysis). Conclusion: Through action of the geriatrics team at the time of rapid changes in the hospital, the frailty concept was introduced in the COVID-19 hospitalization units. A retrospective analysis shows that geriatric risk factors exceed conventional risk factors for predicting in-hospital mortality.
Statistical field theory of the transmission of nerve impulses
Authors: Balzo Gianluigi Zangari del 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background Stochastic processes leading voltage-gated ion channel dynamics on the nerve cell membrane are a sufficient condition to describe membrane conductance through statistical mechanics of disordered and complex systems.Results Voltage-gated ion channels in the nerve cell membrane are described by the Ising model. Stochastic circuital elements called ”Ising machines” are introduced. Action potentials are described as quasi-particles of a statistical field theory for the Ising system.Conclusions The particle description of action potentials is a new powerful tool to describe the generation and propagation of nerve impulses. We thus have the opportunity to exploit another useful point of view to describe the generation and propagation of nerve impulses, especially when classical electrophysiological models break down. Moreover, the particle description allows us to develop new hardware and software devices based on general and theoretical physics to study neurodegenerative and demyelinating diseases as Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease, even integrated by connectomes. It is also suitable for the study of complex networks, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, machine and deep learning, cryptography, ultra-fast lines for entanglement experiments and many other applications of medical, physical and engineering interest.
Global Scientific Output Trend for Akkermansia muciniphila Research: A Bibliometric and Scientometric Analysis
Authors: Dehghanbanadaki Hojat , Aazami Hossein , raftar shahrbanoo keshavarz azizi , Ashrafian Fatemeh , Ejtahed Hanieh-Sadat , Hashemi Ehsan , Tavassol Zahra Hoseini , Badi Sara Ahmadi , Siadat Seyed Davar 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Akkermansia muciniphila is an anaerobic bacterium residing in the healthy intestinal tract of host and its quantity has a negative correlation with various host diseases. This study for the first time provides a holistic bibliometric aspect of Akkermansia muciniphila research in the literature and shows the hot topic terms of these articles in any period of time.Methods: Scopus database was selected to retrieve documents relevant to Akkermansia muciniphila in any language up to 2019. The bibliometric profile of Akkermansia muciniphila articles including subject area, year distribution, citations, institutions, journals, authors, and countries was systematically characterized and the collaboration networks of authors and countries as well as the burst detection algorithm of the words in the titles, abstracts and keywords were visualized.Results: There is a progressive growing trend in research on Akkermansia from 2004 to 2019 with a total of 566 articles during this period. Out of 353 original articles, there are 194 animal studies (155 studies on mice) and 112 human studies. Also, 65 various diseases were investigated in these studies. The most focused conditions are obesity (71 articles) and type2 diabetes (39 articles). The United States is the leading country on Akkermansia publications (n=132), followed by China (n=95). Frontiers in Microbiology is the most dominant journal with 23 Akkermansia publications. In addition, “cancer” is the hot topic of recent Akkermansia research.Conclusion: Akkermansia research is of progressive interest during the last decade and the studies on this subject move towards its relationship with cancer and its promising effect on health.
Continuous monitoring of plant sodium transport dynamics using clinical PET
Authors: Ruwanpathirana Gihan P. , Plett Darren , Williams Robert C. , Davey Catherine E. , Johnston Leigh A. , Kronzucker Herbert J. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe absorption, translocation, accumulation and excretion of substances are fundamental processes in all organisms including plants, and have been successfully studied using radiotracers labelled with 11C, 13N, 14C and 22Na since 1939. Sodium is one of the most damaging ions to the growth and productivity of crops. Due to the significance of understanding sodium transport in plants, a significant number of studies have been carried out to examine sodium influx, compartmentation, and efflux using 22Na- or 24Na-labeled salts. Notably, however, most of these studies employed destructive methods, which has limited our understanding of sodium flux and distribution characteristics in real time, in live plants.Positron emission tomography (PET) has been used successfully in medical research and diagnosis for decades. Due to its ability to visualise and assess physiological and metabolic function, PET imaging has also begun to be employed in plant research. Here, we report the use of a clinical PET scanner with a 22Na tracer to examine 22Na-influx dynamics in barley plants (Hordeum vulgare L. spp. vulgare – cultivar Bass) under variable nutrient levels, alterations in the day/night light cycle, and the presence of sodium channel inhibitors.Results 3D dynamic PET images of whole plants show readily visible 22Na translocation from roots to shoots in each examined plant, with rates influenced by both nutrient status and channel inhibition. PET images show that plants cultivated in low-nutrient media transport more 22Na than plants cultivated in high-nutrient media, and that 22Na uptake is suppressed in the presence of a cation-channel inhibitor. A distinct diurnal pattern of 22Na influx was discernible in curves displaying rates of change of relative radioactivity. Plants were found to absorb more 22Na during the light period, and anticipate the change in the light/dark cycle by adjusting the sodium influx rate downward in the dark period, an effect not previously described experimentally.ConclusionsWe demonstrate the utility of clinical PET/CT scanners for real-time monitoring of the temporal dynamics of sodium transport in plants. The effects of nutrient deprivation and of ion channel inhibition on sodium influx into barley plants are shown in two proof-of-concept experiments, along with the first-ever 3D-imaging of the light and dark sodium uptake cycles in plants. This method carries significant potential for plant biology research and, in particular, in the context of genetic and treatment effects on sodium acquisition and toxicity in plants.
Prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and location in patients with EGFR mutant metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treated with TKIs
Authors: Xie Xueqi , Li Xiaolin , Tang Wenjie , Chen Jinlong , Li Minghuan , Xie Peng , Yu Jinming 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Targeted therapy with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has improved the field of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treatment. Higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and lower relative lymphocyte counts as inflammatory indicators and associated with worse overall survival and progression free survival (PFS) in several tumor types. Few studies focused on these inflammation markers in context of TKIs eras. Methods: Patients with advanced EGFR mutation NSCLC treated with TKIs were included. Pre-treatment NLR means neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio measured in peripheral blood within one week before treating with TKIs. The baseline clinical characteristics of each group were compared by chi-square and t tests. Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate prognostic value of peripheral blood parameters on progression free survival (PFS). All prognostic factors were explored with multivariable regression. Results: We retrospectively analyzed 221 patients with metastatic NSCLC harboring exon 19 deletion, 21 L858R or rare mutation and receiving TKIs. Finally, a total of 190 patients were analyzed. The optimal cutoff values for pretreatment absolute lymphocyte count (Lym), lymphocyte percentage (Lym%), absolute neutrophil count (Neu), the percentage of neutrophil granulocytes (Neu%) and NLR were 1.625 B, 18.8%, 3.675a, 51.8% and 4.965, respectively. Patients with high neutrophil percent (13.0 months vs 18.8 months, P=0.003), absolute neutrophil counts (12.0 months vs 14.5 months, P=0.014) and NLR (7.0 months vs 15.2 months, P<0.001, one-year PFS Rate, 55.3%, respectively) had worse PFS. In contrast, patients with high absolute lymphocyte counts (13.0 months vs 16.5 months, P=0.012) and lymphocyte percent (8.8 months vs 15.3months, P<0.001) had a better PFS. Besides, tumor location was also an important factor for prognosis (11.6 months vs 14.3 months, P=0.003). On multivariate analysis, NLR and primary tumor location were both identified as independent and significantly risk indicators for worse PFS. Conclusion: NLR and primary location are both independent prognostic factors for PFS in patients with metastatic EGFR mutated lung tumor. Whether or not NLR and primary location could be usefulmarkers in efficacy prediction of TKIs in advanced NSCLC calls for further investigation.
Association of hemoglobin glycation index and its interaction with obesity/family history of hypertension on hypertension risk: a community-based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Mi Jing , Song Jian , Zhao Yingying , wu xue-sen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundHemoglobin glycation index (HGI) is considered to be a convenient measurable indicator to assess the inter-individual variation of HbA1c. In the present study, we tested the relationship between HGI and risk of hypertension, and further explored the possible interacting influences of HGI with other such factors on hypertension risk among Chinese individuals.Methods The eligible subjects were chosen from a community-based cross-sectional survey in China.We collected relevant data and clinical indicators for each participant. HGI was calculated as “measured HbA1c-predicted HbA1c” and divided into four categories according to quartile. The following indicators were used to assess interactive effects：(1) relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI); (2) attributable proportion due to interaction (AP); and (3) synergy index (SI). Statistical analysis was performed using R software.ResultsSpecifically, 1777 eligible participants were selected in this cross-sectional survey. There were 433 subjects who were identified to have hypertension (24.4%). A significant increase in the prevalence of hypertension from Q1 to Q4 of HGI was observed (P<0.001). Multivariable logistic model demonstrated that subjects at the highest HGI group had a substantially increased risk of being hypertensive than subjects in the first quartile of HGI, as indicated by the OR value of 1.87(95%CI: 1.26-2.78). Moreover, a significant interaction between family history of hypertension and HGI on hypertension risk was detected (RERI:1.36,95%CI:0.11-2.63; AP: 0.43, 95%CI:0.17-0.69; and SI:2.68, 95% CI:1.10-6.48). The interactive effect between HGI and abdominal obesity was also found to be significant, as estimated by the value of RERI (1.04, 95%CI:0.24-1.85), AP (0.33, 95% CI: 0.11-0.56) and SI (1.96, 95%CI:1.01-3.79). However, in the analysis of the interaction between HGI and general obesity, only the AP value (0.28, 95%CI: 0.01-0.54) was observed to be significant.ConclusionHigh HGI was independently associated with the risk of hypertension. Moreover, HGI significantly shared interactions with obesity and family history of hypertension that influenced the risk of hypertension.
Analysis of the length of fixation during hemivertebra resection. A monocentric cohort
Authors: Ryabykh Sergey O , Filatov Egor Yu , Mejabi Joseph Olorunsogo , Savin Dmitry M , Gubin Alexander B 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: We aimed at reviewing results of surgical correction of spinal deformity due to hemivertebra with regard to length of instrumentation. Methods: Study comprised 117 patients with congenital spinal deformity treated between 2010 and 2018. Patients’ aged 1 to 18 years. Mean follow-up was 3 years (1 to 8). Posterior approach was used in all cases. Patients were subdivided into 4 groups. Result: Unilateral monosegmental fixation (Group I) for 15 children with mean age of 48.3 months. Cobb angle for scoliosis and kyphosis were 31.1 0 + 6.4 0 and 29.3° + 11.9 0 corrected to 7.8 0 + 6.8 0 and 4.7 0 + 4.0 0 respectively. Blood loss was 213.6 mL. Operating time was 165 minutes. Bilateral monosegmental fixation (Group II) for 24 patients with mean age of 53.1 months. Cobb angle for scoliosis and kyphosis were 32.5° + 8.6 0 and 30.9° + 4.3 0 corrected to 5.3 0 + 2.8 0 and 0.2 0 + 11.6 0 respectively. Blood loss was 215.4 mL. Operating time was 160.5 minutes. Bilateral three-segmental fixation (Group III) for 29 patients with mean age of 78.2 months. Cobb angle for scoliosis and kyphosis were 36.6° + 10.6 0 and 37.6° + 14.6 0 corrected to 6.2 0 + 6.1 0 and 5.0 0 + 5.2 0 respectively. Blood loss was 342.7 mL. Operating time was 197.0 minutes. Bilateral polysegmental fixation (Group IV) for 49 children with mean age of 112.7 months. Cobb angle for scoliosis and kyphosis were 40.2° + 14.8 0 and 58.2° + 35.6 0 corrected to 10.7 0 + 9.6 0 and 10.7 0 + 10.3 0 respectively. Blood loss was 549.3 mL. Operating time was 288.8 minutes. Conclusion: Choice of spinal fixation technique and the length of fixation were determined on the basis of patient’s age, magnitude of the deformity and concomitant vertebral abnormalities.
Evaluation of Camera-Based Freehand SPECT in Preoperative Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping for Melanoma Patients
Authors: Kogler Annie K. , Polemi Andrew M. , Nair Surabhi , Majewski Stanislaw , Dengel Lynn E. , Slingluff Craig L. , Kross Brian , Lee S J , McKisson J. E. , McKisson John , Weisenberger Andrew G. , Welch Benjamin L. , Wendler Thomas , Matthies Philipp , Traub Joerg , Witt Michael , Williams Mark Bennett 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAssessment of lymphatic status via sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is an integral and crucial part of melanoma surgical oncology. The most common technique for sentinel node mapping is preoperative planar scintigraphy of an injected gamma-emitting lymphatic tracer followed by intraoperative node localization using a non-imaging gamma probe with auditory feedback. In recent years, intraoperative visualization of SLNs in 3-D has become possible by coupling the probe to an external system capable of tracking its location and orientation as it is read out, thereby enabling computation of the 3D distribution of the tracer (freehand SPECT). In this project, the non-imaging probe of the fhSPECT system was replaced by a unique handheld gamma camera containing an array of sodium iodide crystals optically coupled to an array of silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). A feasibility study was performed in which preoperative SLN mapping was performed using camera fhSPECT and the number of detected nodes was compared to that visualized by lymphoscintigraphy, probe fhSPECT, and to the number ultimately excised under non-imaging probe guidance.ResultsAmong five subjects, SLNs were detected in nine lymphatic basins, with one to five SLNs detected per basin. A basin-by-basin comparison showed that the number of SLNs detected using camera fhSPECT exceeded that using lymphoscintigraphy and probe fhSPECT in seven of nine basins and five of five basins, respectively (probe fhSPECT scans were not performed for four basins). It exceeded the number excised under non-imaging probe guidance for seven of nine basins, and equaled the number excised for the other two basins. ConclusionsFreehand SPECT using a prototype SiPM-based gamma camera demonstrates high sensitivity for detection of SLNs in a preoperative setting. Camera fhSPECT is a potential means for efficiently obtaining real-time 3D activity distribution maps in applications such as image-guided percutaneous biopsy, and surgical SLN biopsy or radioguided tumor excision.
Efficacy of a coordinated strategy for containment of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria carriage in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the context of an active surveillance program
Authors: Saporito Laura , Graziano Giorgio , Mescolo Federica , Amodio Emanuele , Insinga Vincenzo , Rinaudo Grazia , Aleo Aurora , Bonura Celestino , Vitaliti Marcello , Corsello Giovanni , Vitale Francesco , Maida Carmelo Massimo , Giuffrè Mario 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Antimicrobial resistance in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patients is a threat, due to the large use of antimicrobial treatment and invasive devices in fragile babies.Since 2014 an active surveillance program of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) carriage is in place in the five NICUs of Palermo, Italy. In 2017 an increase in the prevalence of MDR-GNB and in particular of extended-spectrum β-lactamases-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-KP) was observed in “Civico” hospital NICU.Aim: To estimate the impact of a coordinated intervention strategy in achieving long-lasting reduction of MDR-GNB prevalence in the NICU.Methods: Rectal swabs were obtained monthly and processed to detect MDR-GNB using standard methods. MDR-GNB were characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). From November 2017 the following intervention measures were applied: a) two-months strengthening of sample collection; b) stakeholders’ meetings; c) improvement of prevention measures and antimicrobial policy.Findings: During the strengthened microbiological surveillance MDR-GNB and ESBL-KP were detected in rectal swabs (34.8%; 23.2%), nasal swabs (24.6%; 14.5%), oral swabs (14.5%; 5.4%), milk samples (32.1%; 17.9%), soother swabs (30.8%; 17.9%) and from a sub-intensive room surface. Thirteen ESBL-KP strains isolated from clinical and environmental samples showed identical PFGE patterns.Prevalence of MDR-GNB and ESBL-KP carriage significantly decreased in the year after intervention compared to the previous year (20.6% vs 62.2 %; p<0.001 and 11.1% vs 57.8%; p<0.001). MDR-GNB were not detected for three months and ESBL-KP for five months. Multivariate analysis of principal exposure variables showed that admission in post-intervention period significantly reduced the risk of MDR-GNB carriage (adj-OR=0.21, 95% CI=0.076-0.629; p<0.001).Conclusions: MDR-GNB broadly circulate in NICU setting and can colonize different body sites and spread by various vehicles. A coordinated strategy of multiple interventions with active cooperation between epidemiologists and clinicians in the NICU can effectively reduce their circulation and in particular the carriage of most dangerous ESBL-KP strains.
Comparing an e-Health Program Vs Home Rehabilitation Program in Patients With Non-Specific Low Back Pain: Study Protocol Randomized Feasibility Trial.
Authors: Castro-Sánchez Adelaida María , Soler Eduardo Antequera , Matarán-Peñarrocha Guillermo A. , Hurley-Osing Deirdre , Fernández-Sánchez Manuel , García-López Héctor , Lara-Palomo Inmaculada C. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Most patients who experience chronic low back pain are managed in primary care services, the international clinical guidelines endorse like first line of treatment the self-management and recommendations for the management of their ailment. The treatment of low back pain an individual self-maintenance program through a web application could mean maintaining of the symptoms, reducing costs in terms of medical care and time work absence. There is little evidence on the reliability of the via Internet-based rehabilitation systems to treat low back pain, the implementation of a clinical and efficient self-maintenance web program is a key priority for the health service in Andalusia.Methods: This protocol describes a double-blind, randomized controlled feasibility trial of a telemedicine program (e-Health intervention) developed to support the self-management of people with chronic low back pain in primary care physiotherapy. Three Hospital with primary care for outpatients will be the units of randomisation, in each Hospital the participants will be randomized to one of two groups, a pragmatic control group receiving either the usual home program based on electrostimulation and McKenzie Therapy and e-Health intervention. Patients are followed up at 2 and 6 months. The primary outcomes are (1) acceptability and demand of the intervention by general practitioners, physiotherapists and patients and (2) feasibility and optimal study design/ methods for a definitive trial. Secondary outcomes will include exploratory analysis and variation in clinical outcomes of pain, disability, fear of movement, quality of life, isometric resistance of the trunk flexors, lumbar mobility in flexion and lumbar segmental range of motion; and the effect of the intervention.Discussion: Through the specific e-Health programs at home, could increase adherence to treatment, patients could learn to control and self-manage the evolution of their low back pain, preventing its evolution to stages of greater pain and disability. If the painful symptomatology improves could be cost-effective healthcare tool that can reach a large number of people living in rural or remote areas.Trial Registration: PC-0185-2017/ NCT04283370. Registered 20 February 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04283370. Recruiting.