bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different levels of associations between medical co-morbidities and preterm birth outcomes among racial/ethnic women enrolled in Medicaid 2014–2015: retrospective analysis
Authors: Lee Hyewon , Okunev Ilya , Tranby Eric , Monopoli Michael 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
The causes of preterm birth are multi-dimensional, including delayed and inadequate prenatal services as well as other medical and socioeconomic factors. This study aimed to examine the different levels of association between preterm birth and major medical co-morbidities among various racial/ethnic women enrolled in Medicaid.

Methods
This is a retrospective analysis of 457,200 women aged between 15 and 44 with a single live birth from the IBM® MarketScan® Multi-State Medicaid Database from 2014 to 2015. Preterm birth, defined by delivery before 37 completed weeks of gestation, was the primary dependent variable. All births were dichotomously categorized as either preterm or full-term birth using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Independent variables included race/ethnicity, categorized as non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, or other. Medical co-morbidities included smoking, drug dependence, alcohol dependence, diabetes, and hypertension. Total healthy prenatal visit count and high-risk prenatal visit encounters identified during 30 weeks prior to the delivery date were included in the analysis.

Results
A significantly higher preterm birth rate was found in black women after controlled for medical co-morbidities, age, prenatal visit count, and high-risk pregnancy. Different levels of association between preterm birth outcome and major medical co-morbidities were examined among various racial/ethnic women enrolled in Medicaid. Drug dependence was associated with higher odds of preterm birth in black (OR = 2.56, 95% CI [1.92–3.41]) and white women (OR = 2.12, 95% CI [1.91–2.34]), when controlled for other variables. In Hispanic women, diabetes (OR=1.44, 95% CI [1.27, 1.64]) and hypertension (OR=1.98, 95% CI [1.74, 2.26]) were associated with higher odds of preterm birth. White women diagnosed with drug dependence had a 14.0% predicted probability of preterm birth, whereas black women diagnosed with drug dependence had a predicted probability of preterm birth of 21.5%.

Conclusions
The associations of medical co-morbidities and preterm births varied across racial and ethnic groups of women enrolled in Medicaid. This report calls for future research on racial/ethnic disparity in preterm birth to apply integrative and qualitative approaches to understand the disparity from a contextual perspective, especially for vulnerable pregnant women like Medicaid enrollees.
Prevalence and associated risk factors of dry eye disease in 16 northern West bank towns in Palestine: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shanti Yousef , Shehada Reham , Bakkar May M. , Qaddumi Jamal 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease of the interpalpebral ocular surface and tear film that leads to discomfort, fatigue and disturbance in vision. DED affects patients’ quality of life and leads eventually to decrease of productivity. Moreover, it has a considerable socioeconomic burden. It is a growing underdiagnosed health issue and the possible associated risk factors are very common and keep growing worldwide.

Purpose
To assess the prevalence of DED and potential associated risk factors in the Northern West Bank of Palestine.

Methods
A cross sectional study was conducted in 16 selected towns in Northern West Bank governorates during December 2016 to September 2017. An interviewer-assisted Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was used to study DED symptoms in the study population. Further evaluation of clinical signs of DED was performed using the following objective tests: tear film break-up time (TBUT), fluorescein corneal staining (FL/S) and Schirmer test. Subjects with an OSDI score of 13 or above were considered symptomatic of DED, and DED was defined if an OSDI score ≥ 13 is accompanied by at least one of the following signs in the worse eye: TBUT ≤10 s, Schirmer score ≤ 5 mm and fluorescein corneal staining ≥ grade 1.

Results
Seven hundred sixty-nine subjects were recruited from the general non-clinical population in the West Bank. The mean age of participants was 43.61 ± 18.57 years ranging from 18 to 90 years. Females constitute 52.7% of the study population. Based on the diagnostic criteria, the prevalence of DED was 64% (95% confidence interval 60.6–67.3). DED was significantly associated with female gender p = (0.001) and older age p = (0.001).

Conclusion
The prevalence of DED is high in the study population. Older age and female gender were associated risk factors with the development of DED.
Effects of radiation therapy on the meibomian glands and dry eye in patients with ocular adnexal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma
Authors: Kim Sung Eun , Yang Hee Jung , Yang Suk-Woo 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Radiation therapy (RT) is the treatment of choice in patients with low-grade ocular adenexal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (OAML) and many of them experience post-RT dry eye with varying severity. The purpose of the present study was to investigate ocular effects of RT on meibomian glands and dry eye by directly visualizing structural changes. Secondly, we focused on the comparison of two groups of patients according to tumor location and radiation technique.

Methods
Sixty-four eyes with OAML of conjunctiva, orbit, lacrimal gland, or lacrimal sac were grouped into conjunctival lymphoma and “orbital-type” lymphoma (i.e., orbit, lacrimal gland, and lacrimal sac). Subjects were investigated for morphological changes in meibomian glands by meiboscore grading system. Radiation technique was examined and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, Schirmer’s test, tear film break-up time (TBUT), slit lamp examination of corneal surface and lid margin abnormality were conducted before and after RT.

Results
The increase in meiboscore was statistically significant over time after RT in both groups (P < 0.001). The extent of increase in meiboscore was significantly greater in the “orbital-type” lymphoma group than in the conjunctival lymphoma group (P < 0.001). The changes in OSDI, TBUT, corneal fluorescein staining score and lid margin abnormality score after RT were significantly different across two groups (P = 0.042, 0.001, 0.035 and 0.001, respectively). Schirmer’s value decreased after RT in both groups. Dry eye symptoms were most severe right after RT in both groups, but a gradual resolution was noted in most patients with conjunctival lymphoma, whereas symptoms persisted in “orbital-type” lymphoma patients. The OSDI score and corneal fluorescein staining score were positively correlated with meiboscore in “orbital-type” patients at post-RT 6 months (r = 0.43, P = 0.04; r = 0.39, P = 0.03, respectively).

Conclusions
Patients with OAML had different degrees of morphological changes in meibomian glands according to tumor location and radiation technique. “Orbital-type” lymphoma patients are more likely to experience severe injury to meibomian glands, which eventually leads to persistent dry eye. Patients with “orbital-type” lymphoma should be well informed of post-RT damage on meibomian glands and persistent dry eye.
Evaluation of the secondary use of electronic health records to detect seasonal, holiday-related, and rare events related to traumatic injury and poisoning
Authors: Bergquist Timothy , Pejaver Vikas , Hammarlund Noah , Mooney Sean D. , Mooney Stephen J. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe increasing adoption of electronic health record (EHR) systems enables automated, large scale, and meaningful analysis of regional population health. We explored how EHR systems could inform surveillance of trauma-related emergency department visits arising from seasonal, holiday-related, and rare environmental events.MethodsWe analyzed temporal variation in diagnosis codes over 24 years of trauma visit data at the three hospitals in the University of Washington Medicine system in Seattle, Washington, USA. We identified seasons and days in which specific codes and categories of codes were statistically enriched, meaning that a significantly greater than average proportion of trauma visits included a given diagnosis code during that time period.ResultsWe confirmed known seasonal patterns in emergency department visits for trauma. As expected, cold weather-related incidents (e.g. frostbite, snowboarding injury) were enriched in the winter, whereas fair weather-related incidents (e.g. bug bites, boating accidents, bicycle accidents) were enriched in the spring and summer. Our analysis of specific days of the year found that holidays were enriched for alcohol poisoning, assaults, and firework accidents. We also detected one time regional events such as the 2001 Nisqually earthquake and the 2006 Hanukkah Eve Windstorm.ConclusionsThough EHR systems were developed to prioritize operational rather than analytic priorities and have consequent limitations for surveillance, our EHR enrichment analysis nonetheless re-identified expected temporal population health patterns. EHRs are potentially a valuable source of information to inform public health policy, both in retrospective analysis and in a surveillance capacity.
Clinical and radiographic predictors of acute compartment syndrome in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wuarin Lydia , Gonzalez Amanda I. , Zingg Matthieu , Belinga Patrick , Hoffmeyer Pierre , Peter Robin , Lübbeke Anne , Gamulin Axel 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between epidemiological, clinical and radiographic factors of patients with tibial shaft fractures and the occurrence of acute compartment syndrome.Methods270 consecutive adult patients sustaining 273 tibial shaft fractures between January 2005 and December 2009 were included in this retrospective cohort study. The outcome measure was acute compartment syndrome. Patient-related (age, sex), fracture-related (high- vs. low-energy injury, isolated trauma vs. polytrauma, closed vs. open fracture) and radiological parameters (AO/OTA classification, presence or absence of a noncontiguous tibial plateau or pilon fracture, distance from the centre of the tibial fracture to the talar dome, distance between tibial and fibular fracture if associated, and angulation, translation and over-riding of main tibial fragments) were evaluated regarding their potential association with acute compartment syndrome. Univariate analysis was performed and each covariate was adjusted for age and sex. Finally, a multivariable logistic regression model was built, and odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were obtained. Statistical significance was defined asp < 0.05.ResultsAcute compartment syndrome developed in 31 (11.4%) cases. In the multivariable regression model, four covariates remained statistically significantly associated with acute compartment syndrome: polytrauma, closed fracture, associated tibial plateau or pilon fracture and distance from the centre of the tibial fracture to the talar dome ≥15 cm.ConclusionsOne radiological parameter related to the occurrence of acute compartment syndrome has been highlighted in this study, namely a longer distance from the centre of the tibial fracture to the talar dome, meaning a more proximal fracture. This observation may be useful when clinical findings are difficult to assess (doubtful clinical signs, obtunded, sedated or intubated patients). However, larger studies are mandatory to confirm and refine the prediction of acute compartment syndrome occurrence. Radiographic signs of significant displacement were not found to be correlated to acute compartment syndrome development. Finally, the higher rate of acute compartment syndrome occurring in tibial shaft fractures associated to other musculoskeletal, thoraco-abdominal or cranio-cerebral injuries must raise the level of suspicion of any surgeon managing multiply injured patients.
Factors predicting one-year post-surgical mortality amongst older Asian patients undergoing moderate to major non-cardiac surgery – a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liew Lydia Q. , Teo Wei Wei , Seet Edwin , Lean Lyn Li , Paramasivan Ambika , Tan Joanna , Lim Irene , Wang Jiexun , Ti Lian Kah 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
While short-term perioperative outcomes have been well studied in Western surgical populations, the aim of this study is to look at the one-year perioperative mortality and its associated factors in an Asian surgical population after non-cardiac surgery.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study of 2163 patients aged above 45 undergoing non-cardiac surgery in a university-affiliated tertiary hospital from January to July 2015 was performed. Relevant demographic, clinical and surgical data were analysed to elicit their relationship to mortality at one year after surgery. A univariate analysis was first performed to identify significant variables with p-values ≤ 0.2, which were then analysed using Firth multiple logistic regression to calculate the adjusted odds ratio.

Results
The one-year mortality in our surgical population was 5.9%. The significant factors that increased one-year mortality include smoking (adjusted OR 2.17 (1.02–4.45), p = 0.044), anaemia (adjusted OR 1.32 (1.16–1.47), p < 0.001, for every 1 g/dL drop in haemoglobin level), lower BMI (adjusted OR 0.93 (0.87–0.98), p = 0.005, for every 1 point increase in BMI), Malay and Indian ethnicity (adjusted OR 2.68 (1.53–4.65), p = 0.001), peripheral vascular disease (adjusted OR 4.21 (1.62–10.38), p = 0.004), advanced age (adjusted OR 1.04 (1.01–1.06), p = 0.004, for every one year increase in age), emergency surgery (adjusted OR 2.26 (1.29–3.15), p = 0.005) and malignancy (adjusted OR 3.20 (1.85–5.52), p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Our study shows that modifiable risk factors such as malnutrition, anaemia and smoking which affect short term mortality extend beyond the immediate perioperative period into longer term outcomes. Identification and optimization of this subset of patients are therefore vital. Further similar large studies should be done to develop a risk scoring system for post-operative long-term outcomes. This would aid clinicians in risk stratification, counselling and surgical planning, which will help in patients’ decision making and care planning.
Characteristics of aggressive incidents in emergency primary health care described by the Staff Observation Aggression Scale – Revised Emergency (SOAS-RE)
Authors: Johnsen Grethe E. , Morken Tone , Baste Valborg , Rypdal Knut , Palmstierna Tom , Johansen Ingrid Hjulstad 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundWorkplace violence in emergency primary health care is prevalent, but longitudinal studies using validated assessment scales to describe the characteristics of workplace violence in these settings are lacking. The aim of the present study was to determine the characteristics of aggressive incidents in emergency primary health care clinics in Norway.MethodsIncidents of workplace violence were reported with the Staff Observation Aggression Scale – Revised Emergency (SOAS-RE). The study was conducted in ten emergency primary health care clinics over a period of one year.ResultsA total of 320 aggressive incidents were registered. The mean overall SOAS-RE score for reported aggressive incidents was 9.7 on a scale from 0 to 22, and 60% of the incidents were considered severe. Incidents of verbal aggression accounted for 31.6% of all reported incidents, threats accounted for 24.7%, and physical aggression accounted for 43.7%. Verbal aggression was most often provoked by long waiting time. Physical aggression was most often provoked when the patient had to go through an involuntary assessment of health condition. Almost one third of the aggressors were females, and nurses were the most frequent targets of all aggression types. No differences in psychological stress were found between types of aggression.ConclusionsThis study shows that workplace violence in emergency primary health care clinics is a severe problem. Patterns in provocation and consequences of aggressive incidents can be used to improve our understanding of and prevention and follow-up procedures of such incidents.
N-acetyl-L-cysteine reduces Leishmania amazonensis-induced inflammation in BALB/c mice
Authors: Crupi Rosalia , Gugliandolo Enrico , Siracusa Rosalba , Impellizzeri Daniela , Cordaro Marika , Di Paola Rosanna , Britti Domenico , Cuzzocrea Salvatore 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundLeishmaniasis is a emergent disease characterized by different clinical manifestations in both humans and dogs. Predominant clinical features of cutaneous leishmaniasis are ulcerative painless skin lesions. Several data reported that pain is associated with human and dog leishmaniasis, out with areas of painless ulcerative lesions per se. Actually, current medications used for leishmaniasis management are characterized by several side effects and, in addition, some cases of the disease are refractory to the treatment. On this background it is mandatory the identification of new and safe candidates for designing less toxic and low-cost remedies. Therefore, the search for new leishmanicidal compounds is indispensable.MethodsIn the present paper we investigated the effect of orally N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) supplementation at dose of 200 mg/Kg for 10 weeks, in subcutaneousLeishmania(L).amazonensisinfected BALB/c mice. And evaluating the effect of NAC on inflammatory response such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β levels, and on thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia.ResultsIn the present paper we showed how NAC supplementation affected parameters of oxidative stress (GSH, MDA, SOD), inflammation such as cytokines levels (IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα) and mast cell activation and consequently on induced pain, during leishmaniosis in BALB\c mice.ConclusionsThe findings of our study provided the scientific data demonstrating thatL. amazonensisinfection induces inflammation and pain in BALB/c mice that are reversed by administration of NAC.
Mortality associated with wildfire smoke exposure in Washington state, 2006–2017: a case-crossover study
Authors: Doubleday Annie , Schulte Jill , Sheppard Lianne , Kadlec Matt , Dhammapala Ranil , Fox Julie , Busch Isaksen Tania 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Wildfire events are increasing in prevalence in the western United States. Research has found mixed results on the degree to which exposure to wildfire smoke is associated with an increased risk of mortality.

Methods
We tested for an association between exposure to wildfire smoke and non-traumatic mortality in Washington State, USA. We characterized wildfire smoke days as binary for grid cells based on daily average PM2.5 concentrations, from June 1 through September 30, 2006–2017. Wildfire smoke days were defined as all days with assigned monitor concentration above a PM2.5 value of 20.4 μg/m3, with an additional set of criteria applied to days between 9 and 20.4 μg/m3. We employed a case-crossover study design using conditional logistic regression and time-stratified referent sampling, controlling for humidex.

Results
The odds of all-ages non-traumatic mortality with same-day exposure was 1.0% (95% CI: − 1.0 - 4.0%) greater on wildfire smoke days compared to non-wildfire smoke days, and the previous day’s exposure was associated with a 2.0% (95% CI: 0.0–5.0%) increase. When stratified by cause of mortality, odds of same-day respiratory mortality increased by 9.0% (95% CI: 0.0–18.0%), while the odds of same-day COPD mortality increased by 14.0% (95% CI: 2.0–26.0%). In subgroup analyses, we observed a 35.0% (95% CI: 9.0–67.0%) increase in the odds of same-day respiratory mortality for adults ages 45–64.

Conclusions
This study suggests increased odds of mortality in the first few days following wildfire smoke exposure. It is the first to examine this relationship in Washington State and will help inform local and state risk communication efforts and decision-making during future wildfire smoke events.
Preclinical development of a novel CD47 nanobody with less toxicity and enhanced anti-cancer therapeutic potential
Authors: Ma Linlin , Zhu Min , Gai Junwei , Li Guanghui , Chang Qing , Qiao Peng , Cao Longlong , Chen Wanqing , Zhang Siyuan , Wan Yakun 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
CD47, the integrin-related protein, plays an important role in immune resistance and escape of tumor cells. Antibodies blocking the CD47/SIRPα signal pathway can effectively stimulate macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of tumor cells, which becomes a promising approach for tumor immunotherapy. Nanobodies (Nbs) derived from camelid animals are emerging as a new force in antibody therapy.

Results
HuNb1-IgG4, an innovative anti-CD47 nanobody, was developed with high affinity and specificity. It effectively enhanced macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of tumor cells in vitro and showed potent anti-ovarian and anti-lymphoma activity in vivo. Importantly, HuNb1-IgG4 did not induce the agglutination of human red blood cells (RBCs) in vitro and exhibited high safety for hematopoietic system in cynomolgus monkey. In addition, HuNb1-IgG4 could be produced on a large scale in CHO-S cells with high activity and good stability. Also, we established anti-CD47/CD20 bispecific antibody (BsAb) consisted of HuNb1 and Rituximab, showing more preference binding to tumor cells and more potent anti-lymphoma activity compared to HuNb1-IgG4.

Conclusions
Both of HuNb1-IgG4 and anti-CD47/CD20 BsAb are potent antagonists of CD47/SIRPα pathway and promising candidates for clinical trials.
Early-stage cervical cancer diagnosis based on an ultra-sensitive electrochemical DNA nanobiosensor for HPV-18 detection in real samples
Authors: Mahmoodi Pegah , Rezayi Majid , Rasouli Elisa , Avan Amir , Gholami Mehrdad , Ghayour Mobarhan Majid , Karimi Ehsan , Alias Yatima 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
In several years ago, infection with human papillomaviruses (HPVs), have been prevalent in the worlds especially HPV type 18, can lead to cervical cancer. Therefore, rapid, accurate, and early diagnosis of HPV for successful treatment is essential. The present study describes the development of a selective and sensitive electrochemical biosensor base on DNA, for early detection of HPV-18. For this purpose, a nanocomposite of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were electrodeposited on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). Then, Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) were dropped on a modified SPCE. Subsequently, single strand DNA (ssDNA) probe was immobilized on the modified electrode. The link attached between AuNPs and probe ssDNA provided by l-cysteine via functionalizing AuNPs (Cys-AuNPs). The differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) assay was also used to electrochemical measurement. The measurement was based on the oxidation signals of anthraquninone-2-sulfonic acid monohydrate sodium salt (AQMS) before and after hybridization between the probe and target DNA.

Results
The calibration curve showed a linear range between 0.01 fM to 0.01 nM with a limit of detection 0.05 fM. The results showed that the optimum concentration for DNA probe was 5 µM. The good performance of the proposed biosensor was achieved through hybridization of DNA probe-modified SPCE with extracted DNA from clinical samples.

Conclusions
According to the investigated results, this biosensor can be introduced as a proprietary, accurate, sensitive, and rapid diagnostic method of HPV 18 in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of real samples.