bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urban and Rural Differences in Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms in Later Life in the United States
Authors: Sun Na , Hua Cassandra L. , Qiu Xiao , Brown J. Scott 
Published: November 2020

Objective: This research has two primary goals: to examine the relationship between urban residence and trajectories of depressive symptoms and to investigate whether this relationship differs by social isolation and loneliness. Method: Data are from 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults aged 51+ ( n = 3,346 females and 2,441 males). We conduct latent growth curve analysis to predict both baseline and trajectories of depression based on urban or rural residency. Results: Residing in urban or rural areas is neither significantly associated with baseline nor the development of late-life depressive symptoms. For females, the relationship between urban residence and baseline depressive symptoms is explained by socioeconomic factors. Discussion: Findings of this study serve to better understand how social and geographic contexts shape long-term well-being of older adults.
Responsiveness of Inhaled Epoprostenol in Respiratory Failure due to COVID-19
Authors: Sonti Rajiv , Pike C. William , Cobb Nathan 
Published: November 2020

Background: Inhaled pulmonary vasodilators are used as adjunctive therapies for the treatment of refractory hypoxemia. Available evidence suggest they improve oxygenation in a subset of patients without changing long-term trajectory. Given the differences in respiratory failure due to COVID-19 and “traditional” ARDS, we sought to identify their physiologic impact. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of patients mechanically ventilated for COVID-19, from the ICUs of 2 tertiary care centers, who received inhaled epoprostenol (iEpo) for the management of hypoxemia. The primary outcome is change in PaO2/FiO2. Additionally, we measured several patient level features to predict iEpo responsiveness (or lack thereof). Results: Eighty patients with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV2 received iEpo while mechanically ventilated and had PaO2/FiO2 measured before and after. The median PaO2/FiO2 prior to receiving iEpo was 92 mmHg and interquartile range (74 – 122). The median change in PaO2/FiO2 was 9 mmHg (-9 – 37) corresponding to a 10% improvement (-8 – 41). Fifty-percent (40 / 80) met our a priori definition of a clinically significant improvement in PaO2/FiO2 (increase in 10% from the baseline value). Prone position and lower PaO2/FiO2 when iEpo was started predicted a more robust response, which held after multivariate adjustment. For proned individuals, improvement in PaO2/FiO2 was 14 mmHg (-6 to 45) vs. 3 mmHg (-11 – 20), p = 0.04 for supine individuals; for those with severe ARDS (PaO2/FiO2 < 100, n = 49) the median improvement was 16 mmHg (-2 – 46). Conclusion: Fifty percent of patients have a clinically significant improvement in PaO2/FiO2 after the initiation of iEpo. This suggests it is worth trying as a rescue therapy; although generally the benefit was modest with a wide variability. Those who were prone and had lower PaO2/FiO2 were more likely to respond.
Behavioral Outcomes in Children With an Orofacial Cleft in a National Study in New Zealand
Authors: Thompson John M. D. , Ayrey S. Louise , Slykerman Rebecca F. , Stone Peter R. , Fowler Peter V. 
Published: November 2020

Objective: To determine whether children with an orofacial cleft have higher levels of behavioral problems than the general population and whether this differs by cleft phenotype. Design: A cohort of children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) born in New Zealand from January 1, 2000. Setting: Cleft clinics in New Zealand participating in a larger outcomes study between 2014 and 2017. Participants: Children (N = 378) aged 5 to 12 years of age and their parents. Main Outcomes: The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Generic Core Scales 4.0 and Family Impact Module 2.0. Results: Compared to standardized norms, children with a cleft had higher than expected (defined as 20%) levels of abnormal/borderline SDQ scores for conduct problems (27.4%, P = .0003) and peer relationship problems (31.6%, P < .0001) but lower than expected levels of problems with pro-social skills (6.3%, P < .0001). There were no significant differences by age-group and or cleft phenotype other than an increased risk of hyperactivity in children with CP compared to children with CL. Total difficulties SDQ scores had moderate correlations with the PedsQL. Conclusions: While over 90% of children with CL/P had normal prosocial skills, they may not be easily accepted by their peers which may result in behavioral problems. These concerns were moderately related to lower quality of life. Support for establishment and maintenance of peer relationships is important to address externalizing and peer difficulties in children with CL/P. Community knowledge and understanding of CL/P needs to continue to be promoted.
Drug therapy problems and health related quality of life among patients with colorectal cancer in a Kenyan tertiary health facility
Authors: Kabiru Charles M , Karimi Peter N , Nyamu David G , Weru Irene W 
Published: November 2020

Background Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer in males and the second in females globally. The ill-health due to cancer and use of multiple therapies may result in drug related problems and also affect the health-related quality of life of the patients. Objective To characterize drug therapy problems and health-related quality of life among patients with colorectal cancer at Kenyatta National Hospital. Methodology: A descriptive prospective cross-sectional study design was used and simple random sampling utilized to select seventy- one participants. The participants were interviewed and their responses captured using World Health Organisation Quality of Life-BREF and a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using STATA version 15.0. Data was summarized using descriptive statistic such as mean, range and standard deviation. Association between variables was determined using linear regression model at 0.05% level of significance. Ethical approval was granted by the relevant authorities to conduct the study. Results Patients were predominantly females (52.1%), had a mean age of 55.9± 14.4 years. The main drug therapy problems were adverse drug reactions (45.1%). Approximately two thirds (67.6%) of the participants complained of gastrointestinal problems followed by cardiovascular diseases (29.6%). Quality of life assessment indicated that psychological health had the highest score at 60.5%. On linear regression analysis, the presence of anemia ( p = 0.021), coverage ( p = 0.038), and cardiovascular problems ( p = 0.034) were significantly associated with the overall health-related quality of life. Conclusion The health-related quality of life was is dependent on several patient related factors. Interventions regarding prevention of drug therapy problems should be considered alongside other measures used to manage colorectal cancer.
The Prognostic Value of Circulating VEGF-A Level in Patients With Hepatocellular Cancer
Authors: Lacin Sahin , Yalcin Suayib 
Published: November 2020

Background: Neovascularization plays a crucial pathogenic role in tumor development and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) is a key signaling element that drives angiogenesis, thereby facilitating hepatocellular cancer (HCC) growth and metastasis. We aimed to define the relationship between serum VEGF-A levels and clinical outcomes in a cohort of Turkish patients with HCC. Methods: We enrolled and prospectively followed 84 patients with HCC in our study. Serum VEGF-A levels were measured and we assessed the association between VEGF-A levels and clinical features. Results: Forty-eight patients had cirrhosis while 35 patients were noncirrhotic. Serum VEGF-A levels were significantly lower in HCC patients with cirrhosis compared to non-cirrhotic HCC patients (p = 0.03).In terms of viral hepatitis subtype, 36 (%42.8) of patients were hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive and 8 (%9.5) of patients were hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive. Patients with serum VEGF-A levels ≥100 pg/mL had significantly lower OS rates than patients with serum VEGF-A level <100 pg/mL (p = 0.01). The OS rates were 5.8 and 14.2 months, respectively (p = 0.02). The median OS was 7.38 months (95% CI: 5.89-13.79 months). We observed a significant relationship between serum VEGF-A level and tumor size. Patients with tumor size ≤ 5cm had lower VEGF-A levels than patients with VEGF-A levels <5 cm. The VEGF-A levels were 132.7 and 342.1 pg/mL, respectively (p < 0.001). The median follow-up was 32 months. Conclusions: Serum VEGF-A level, a biological marker of angiogenesis, is an independent predictor of survival in patients with HCC. Serum VEGF-A levels may be utilized to predict response to treatment targeting serum VEGF-A in patients with HCC.
Complete Fundus Mobilization Reduces Dysphagia After Nissen Procedure
Authors: Renzi Adolfo , Di Sarno Giandomenico , d’Aniello Francesco , Brillantino Antonio , Minieri Gianluca , Coretti Guido , Barbato Domenico , Barone Gianni 
Published: November 2020

Background. Anti-reflux surgery is an effective treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Nevertheless, surgery is still indicated with great caution in relation to the risk of complications, and in particular to postoperative dysphagia (PD). Objective. To compare the clinical outcomes, with particular focus on the incidence and severity of PD, of laparoscopic Nissen–Rossetti fundoplication (NRF) and floppy Nissen fundoplication (FNF) with complete fundus mobilization, in the surgical treatment of GERD. Methods. Ninety patients with GERD were enrolled. Forty-four patients (21[47.7%] men, 23[52.2%] women; mean age 42.4 ± 14.3 years) underwent NRF (Group A), and 46 patients (23[50%] men, 23[50%] women; mean age 43.3 ± 15.4 years) received laparoscopic FNF with complete fundus mobilization (Group B). Clinical assessment was performed using a structured questionnaire and SF-36 quality of life (QoL) score. PD was assessed using a validated classification, and an overall outcome was also determined by asking the patient to score it. Results. At 24-month follow-up, 38 (88.3%) patients in Group A vs 39 (86.6%) in Group B reported to be completely satisfied with reflux relief and free of protonic pump inhibitors (PPIs), while 3 (6.9%) in Group A vs 2(4.4%) in Group B reported occasional PPI intake and 2(4.6%) in Group A vs 4(8.8%) in Group B needed regular PPI use. Persistent PD was observed in 8(18.6%) patients in Group A and in 2(4.4%) in Group B ( P = .03). No significant differences were found in the QoL score and in the overall outcome perceived by the patients. Conclusion. FNF, with complete fundus mobilization, appears to be associated with a lower rate of postoperative persistent dysphagia.
The gut microbiome: an under-recognised contributor to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Segal Jonathan P. , Mak Joyce W. Y. , Mullish Benjamin H. , Alexander James L. , Ng Siew C. , Marchesi Julian R. 
Published: November 2020

The novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has spread rapidly across the globe, culminating in major global morbidity and mortality. As such, there has been a rapid escalation in scientific and clinical activity aimed at increasing our comprehension of this virus. This volume of work has led to early insights into risk factors associated with severity of disease, and mechanisms that underpin the virulence and dynamics involved in viral transmission. These insights ultimately may help guide potential therapeutics to reduce the human, economic and social impact of this pandemic. Importantly, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract has emerged as an important organ influencing propensity to, and potentially severity of, COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, the gut microbiome has been linked to a variety of risk factors for COVID-19 infection, and manipulation of the gut microbiome is an attractive potential therapeutic target for a number of diseases. While data profiling the gut microbiome in COVID-19 infection to date are limited, they support the possibility of several routes of interaction between COVID-19, the gut microbiome, angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) expression in the small bowel and colon and gut inflammation. This article will explore the evidence that implicates the gut microbiome as a contributing factor to the pathogenesis, severity and disease course of COVID-19, and speculate about the gut microbiome’s capability as a therapeutic avenue against COVID-19. Lay summary It has been noted that certain baseline gut profiles of COVID-19 patients are associated with a more severe disease course, and the gut microbiome impacts the disease course of several contributory risk factors to the severity of COVID-19. A protein called ACE-2, which is found in the small intestine among other sites, is a key receptor for COVID-19 virus entry; there is evidence that the gut microbiome influences ACE-2 receptor expression, and hence may play a role in influencing COVID-19 infectivity and disease severity. Furthermore, the gut microbiome plays a significant role in immune regulation, and hence may be pivotal in influencing the immune response to COVID-19. In terms of understanding COVID-19 treatments, the gut microbiome is known to interact with several drug classes being used to target COVID-19 and should be factored into our understanding of how patients respond to treatment. Importantly, our understanding of the role of the gut microbiome in COVID-19 infection remains in its infancy, but future research may potentially aid our mechanistic understanding of viral infection, and new ways in which we might approach treating it.
Validation of OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test in Postmortem Specimens
Authors: Rose Claire E. , Duncan Lisa , Hawes Amy M. 
Published: November 2020

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test against a “gold-standard”, FDA-approved, laboratory-based serum immunoassay (SI) in postmortem blood. To date, OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test has not been evaluated for use in postmortem testing. This OraQuick test is a manually performed, visually interpreted, single use immunoassay for the qualitative detection of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (HCV). METHODS: Blood was collected from 51 decedents whose deaths were investigated in the jurisdiction of the Knox and Anderson County Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO) January 2017 through April 2017. For each consented case, blood was tested using both the OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test and a laboratory-based hepatitis C serum immunoassay (“gold standard” reference assay). Results from the OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test were compared against a laboratory-based hepatitis C serum immunoassay. RESULTS: Using the laboratory-based serum immunoassay (SI) as the “gold standard” for assessing true HCV antibody positivity, and comparing SI against OraQuick rapid test, sensitivity for the OraQuick rapid test was 95.65% and specificity was 96.15% in postmortem blood. DISCUSSION: Our results demonstrate that OraQuick HCV rapid antibody test is reliable for diagnosis of hepatitis C infection in postmortem blood with a relatively short (less than approximately 21.5 hours) postmortem sample acquisition time. The OraQuick in some cases may be superior to traditional, laboratory-based HCV SI due to potential increased viscosity of postmortem blood.
Medical Examiner Review of the Characteristics of Fire-Related Homicides
Authors: Conway Kyle S. , Schmidt Carl J. , Brown Theodore T. 
Published: November 2020

While fire-related deaths are regularly encountered by medical examiners, fire-related homicides are relatively uncommon. Although some large retrospective studies of fire-related deaths have been performed, few large studies have specifically reviewed fire-related homicides. Autopsy, scene investigation, and ancillary studies were reviewed for 38 fire-related homicides evaluated at the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office in Detroit, Michigan. The largest proportion of cases were inhalation-related deaths in dwelling fires (n = 21, 55%), followed by deaths from thermal injury after immolation (n = 8, 21%) and traumatic death with contemporaneous or subsequent immolation (n = 8, 21%). There was one case of postmortem immolation. Although carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels played a significant role in evaluation of these cases, no single factor was diagnostic of a particular cause or manner of death. Fire-related homicides present unique diagnostic challenges because multiple insults frequently contribute to the cause death. Death at the scene and COHb level above 10% are the most useful factors in establishing smoke and soot inhalation as the cause of death. Some autopsy findings are helpful in establishing or ruling out smoke and soot inhalation as contributing to or sole cause of death, but an evaluation of the entire circumstances and autopsy findings is necessary.
Quality of life among caregivers of asthmatic children attending pulmonology clinics at Hamad General Hospital, Qatar
Authors: Shaikhan Fahad Mohammed , Makhlouf Mohamed M 
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Chronic paediatric diseases, as bronchial asthma, affect the quality of life, which can be defined as the ability to preserve personal well-being despite sickness. These diseases have a huge impact on the quality of life of both the children, their parents and or caregivers. Methodology: A cross-sectional study using convenient sampling was conducted in the paediatric pulmonology clinics at Hamad General Hospital in Qatar aiming to evaluate the quality of life among caregivers of asthmatic children. The quality of life of caregivers was assessed using the standard Paediatric Asthma Caregiver Quality of Life questionnaire. Depression and asthma control were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory; second edition and the Paediatric Asthma Control and Communication Instrument, respectively. Results: Total number of the caregivers was 330. Majority of the asthmatic children had controlled or partially controlled asthma (47% and 44%, respectively). Most of the caregivers had either very good or good quality of life (63% and 31%, respectively). Mean quality of life score was 5.55 ± 1.14. Males, married and father caregivers had significantly higher mean quality of life. In addition, gender, getting bothered about child’s asthma, asthma control score and depression score were significant predictors of quality of life among the caregivers. Conclusion: Most of the caregivers had either very good or good quality of life. Being a female, degree of asthma control and depression were important determinants of the quality of life of the caregivers. Provision of needed support to caregivers and effective approach to controlling asthma are recommended to improve the quality of life of caregivers.
The reflective urologist
Authors: Terry Tim , Bates Anthon Simon 
Published: November 2020

This paper reviews UK reflective practice in urology from historical and current usage perspectives. While appraisal, revalidation and annual review of competence progression processes mandate reflective practice its use in everyday urological practice is not evidenced in the urological literature. With the Covid-19 pandemic changes in urological care abound and front line NHS staff face being overwhelmed physically and emotionally by their experiences. Regular personal reflective practice and within teams offers vital support for urologists, their teams and their patients. A model for daily personal ‘small’ reflective practice and episodic ‘big’ reflective practice is proposed. Level of evidence: Not applicable.
Comparison of Combined Lumbosacral Plexus and T12 Paravertebral Nerve Blocks With General Anesthesia in Older Adults Undergoing Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrospective, Propensity Score–Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Min Li , Chen Chen , Yan Yuan , Jiang Shen , Linyi Yang , Xiaoxuan Bu , Liwei Zhang , Dongmei Cao 
Published: November 2020

Background: Total Hip Arthroplasty(THA) is a surgical treatment for hip disease. A large amount of evidence has been reported on comparing outcomes of neuraxial(spinal or epidural) anesthesia and general anesthesia. However, it is unclear whether nerve blocks(NB) as main anesthesia technique compared with general anesthesia(GA) for THA could reduce perioperative complications. We conducted a retrospective evaluation of NB and GA, using a propensity score-matched analysis(PSMA). Methods: A total of 902 patients older than 60 years old with hip disease undergoing primary THA received combined lumbosacral plexus and T12 paravertebral nerve blocks (n = 143) or GA (n = 759) at our institution from 2012 to 2018.Binary logistic regression was used for comparison of the primary outcomes(the incidence of delirium) and the secondary outcomes(the percentage of postoperative hemoglobin(>10g/dl), transfusion(>2 units), major cardiac events(MACE), postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) and 30-day mortality) in the matched cohorts.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v 23.0. Results: Both cohorts were balanced in all included parameters after PSMA. The incidence of delirium was lower (OR 0.233,95% CI 0.064-0.845, p = 0.030) in NB group in matched cohorts. In the unmatched and matched cohorts, the percentage of Hb(>10g/dl) was higher in GA group but the incidence of transfusion(>2 units) was higher in NB group. No difference was found in the incidence of 30-day mortality in the unmatched and matched cohorts. In the unmatched cohorts, the incidence of PPC was higher and LOS was longer in NB cohort, but no difference was observed in the matched cohorts. Conclusion: In patients older than 60 years old receiving primary THA, NB could be associated with a lower incidence of delirium.
Color Fundus Imaging Using a High-Magnification Lens for Detecting Subtle Macular Changes in Infants With Congenital Zika Syndrome
Authors: Ventura Camila V. , Aragão Itamara , Ventura Liana O. 
Published: November 2020

Purpose: We describe subtle macular changes that were detected by high-magnification color fundus imaging in infants with congenital Zika syndrome. Methods: This series included 4 infants (age: 1.4 ± 0.1 years [range, 1.3-1.5 years]) who were serologically confirmed with congenital Zika syndrome, examined under anesthesia, and underwent fundus examination and color fundus documentation. The fundus images were captured using 130° and 80° field lenses. Fluorescein angiography confirmed macular lesions. Results: Wide-angle color fundus images detected unilateral retinal findings in all 4 infants. Chorioretinal atrophy was identified in 2 eyes (25%) of 2 infants (50%) and pigment mottling in 3 eyes (37.5%) of 2 infants (50%). High-magnification imaging revealed subtle macular changes in the contralateral eyes of the 4 infants that were confirmed by fluorescein angiography imaging. Conclusions: High-magnification fundus imaging can be effective and reliable in revealing and documenting subtle structural changes in the macula of infants with congenital Zika syndrome.