bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early Surgical and Long-term Oncological Outcomes of Totally Laparoscopic Near-total Gastrectomy in >150 Cases
Authors: Shin Eun Ju , Gong Chung Sik , Kim Byung Sik , Kim Seon Ok , Ko Chang Seok , Kim Hee Sung 
Published: November 2020

Background:
This study aimed to examine the early surgical outcomes and long-term oncological safety of totally laparoscopic near-total gastrectomy for the treatment of upper-third early gastric cancer.

Materials and Methods:
We retrospectively collected and analyzed the data of 167 consecutive patients who underwent totally laparoscopic near-total gastrectomy for upper-third early gastric cancer between January 2008 and May 2018. Data on clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes, including operation time, length of postoperative hospital stay, pathologic findings, and postoperative complications, were obtained. We also analyzed recurrence-free and overall survival rates to evaluate the oncological outcomes.

Results:
The mean operation time was 149.44±37.59 minutes; none of the patients required conversion to laparotomy during surgery. The average postoperative hospital stay was 7.57±5.69 days. On final pathologic analysis, the mean proximal resection margin was 1.97±1.68 cm. No patients had an involved proximal resection margin. Twenty-seven patients (16.17%) had postoperative complications; of them, 6 patients (3.59%) had Clavien-Dindo classification grade 3 or higher complications, all within 1 month. The median follow-up duration was 54.35 months. The 3- and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were 98.3% and 97.1%, respectively. The overall survival rate was 97.1% at both 3 and 5 years.

Conclusions:
Our study shows that totally laparoscopic near-total gastrectomy is a safe and feasible procedure for treating the upper-third early gastric cancer. Further, in the current study, the procedure demonstrated a favorable oncological outcome for a relatively long follow-up period and large sample size.
No associations between physical activity and clinical outcomes among hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19
Authors: Pinto Ana J. , Goessler Karla F. , Fernandes Alan L. , Murai Igor H. , Sales Lucas P. , Reis Bruna Z. , Santos Mayara Diniz , Roschel Hamilton , Pereira Rosa M. R. , Gualano Bruno 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPurposeThis small-scale, prospective cohort study nested within a randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the possible associations between physical activity levels and clinical outcomes among hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19.MethodsHospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 were recruited from Clinical Hospital of the School of Medicine of the University of Sao Paulo (a quaternary referral teaching hospital), and from Ibirapuera Field Hospital, both located in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Physical activity levels were assessed by Baecke Questionnaire of Habitual Physical Activity. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay. The secondary outcomes were: mortality, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and mechanical ventilation requirement.ResultsMean hospital length of stay was 8.5 ± 7.1 days; 3.3% of patients died, 13.8% were admitted to ICU, and 8.6% required mechanical ventilation. Linear regression models showed that physical activity indexes were not associated with hospital length of stay (work index: β=-0.57 [95%CI: −1.80 to 0.65], p=0.355; sport index: β=0.43 [95%CI: −0.94 to 1.80], p=0.536; leisure-time index: β=1.18 [95%CI: −0.22 to 2.59], p=0.099; total activity index: β=0.20 [95%CI: −0.48 to 0.87], p=0.563. Physical activity indexes were not associated with mortality, admission to ICU and mechanical ventilation requirement (all p>0.05).ConclusionsAmong hospitalized patients with COVID-19, physical activity did not associate with hospital length of stay or any other clinically-relevant outcomes. These findings suggest that previous physical activity levels may not change the prognosis of severe COVID-19.
“I don’t feel safe sitting in my own yard”: Chicago resident experiences with urban rats during a COVID-19 stay-at-home order
Authors: Murray Maureen H. , Byers Kaylee A. , Buckley Jacqueline , Magle Seth B. , Maffei Dorothy , Waite Preeya , German Danielle 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundEncounters with rats in urban areas increase risk of human exposure to rat-associated zoonotic pathogens and act as a stressor associated with psychological distress. The frequency and nature of human-rat encounters may be altered by social distancing policies to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, restaurant closures may reduce food availability for rats and promote rat activity in nearby residential areas, thus increasing public health risks during a period of public health crisis. In this study, we aimed to identify factors associated with increased perceived exposure to rats during a stay-at-home order, describe residents’ encounters with rats relevant to their health and well-being, and identify factors associated with increased use of rodent control.MethodsUrban residents in Chicago, a large city with growing concerns about rats and health disparities, completed an online questionnaire including fixed response and open-ended questions during the spring 2020 stay-at-home order. Analyses included ordinal multivariate regression, spatial analysis, and thematic analysis for open-ended responses.ResultsOverall, 21% of respondents (n=835) reported an increase in rat sightings around their homes during the stay-at-home order and increased rat sightings was positively associated with proximity to restaurants, low-rise apartment buildings, and rat feces in the home (p≤0.01). Many respondents described feeling unsafe using their patio or yard, and afraid of rats entering their home or spreading disease. Greater engagement with rodent control was associated with property ownership, information about rat control, and lower incomes (p≤0.01).ConclusionsMore frequent rat encounters may be an unanticipated public health concern during periods of social distancing, especially in restaurant-dense areas or in low-rise apartment buildings. Rat presence may also limit residents’ ability to enjoy nearby outdoor spaces, which otherwise might buffer stress experienced during a stay-at-home order. Proactive rat control may be needed to mitigate rat-associated health risks during future stay-at-home orders.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on developmental care practices for infants born preterm
Authors: Scala Melissa , Marchman Virginia A. , Brignoni-Pérez Edith , Morales Maya Chan , Travis Katherine E. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rates of hospital visitation and rates and durations of developmental care practices for infants born preterm delivered by both families and clinical staff.MethodsWe analyzed electronic medical record data from infants born at less than 32 weeks gestational age (GA) cared for in the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a COVID-19-affected period (March 8, 2020 to May 31, 2020) and the analogous period in 2019. Our final sample consisted of 52 infants (n=27, 2019 cohort; n=25, 2020 cohort). Rates of family visitation and of family- and clinical staff-delivered developmental care were compared across cohorts, adjusting for GA at start of study period.ResultsResults indicated that families of infants in the 2020 cohort visited less frequently (47% of available days) than those in the 2019 cohort (97%; p=0.001). Infants received developmental care activities less frequently in the 2020 cohort (3.51 vs. 4.72 activities per day; p=0.04), with a lower number of minutes per day (99.91 vs. 145.14; p=0.04) and a shorter duration per instance (23.41 vs. 29.65; p=0.03). Similar reductions occurred in both family- and staff-delivered developmental care activities.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted family visitation and preterm infant developmental care practices in the NICU, both experiences associated with positive health benefits. Hospitals should create programs to improve family visitation and engagement, while also increasing staff-delivered developmental care. Careful attention should be paid to long-term follow up of preterm infants and families.
The association of smoking status with hospitalisation for COVID-19 compared with other respiratory viruses a year previous: A case-control study at a single UK National Health Service trust
Authors: Simons David , Perski Olga , Shahab Lion , Brown Jamie , Bailey Robin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundIt is unclear whether smoking increases the risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation. We examined i) the association of smoking status with hospitalisation for COVID-19 compared with hospitalisation for other respiratory viral infections a year previous; and ii) concordance between smoking status recorded on the electronic health record (EHR) and the contemporaneous medical notes.MethodsThis case-control study enrolled adult patients (446 cases and 211 controls) at a single National Health Service trust in London, UK. The outcome variable was type of hospitalisation (COVID-19 vs. another respiratory virus a year previous). The exposure variable was smoking status (never/former/current smoker). Logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic position and comorbidities were performed. The study protocol and analyses were pre-registered in April 2020 on the Open Science Framework.ResultsCurrent smokers had lower odds of being hospitalised with COVID-19 compared with other respiratory viruses a year previous (ORadj=0.55, 95% CI=0.31-0.96, p=.04). There was no significant association among former smokers (ORadj=1.08, 95% CI=0.72-1.65, p=.70). Smoking status recorded on the EHR (compared with the contemporaneous medical notes) was incorrectly recorded for 168 (79.6%) controls (χ2(3)=256.5, p=<0.001) and 60 cases (13.5%) (χ2(3)=34.2, p=<0.001).ConclusionsIn a single UK hospital trust, current smokers had reduced odds of being hospitalised with COVID-19 compared with other respiratory viruses a year previous, although it is unclear whether this association is causal. Targeted post-discharge recording of smoking status may account for the greater EHR- medical notes concordance observed in cases compared with controls.
Incidence and prognostic factors of knee extension deficits following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Scholes Corey , Ektas Nalan , Harrison-Brown Meredith , Jegatheesan Maha , Rajesh Ashwin , Kirwan Garry , Bell Christopher 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTBackground and aimsKnee extension deficits complicate recovery from ACL injury and reconstruction, however the incidence of knee extension loss is not well defined. The aim of this review was to identify the incidence of loss of extension (LOE) following ACL rupture and reconstruction, explore the definitions of knee extension deficits reported and identify prognostic factors affecting LOE incidence.Methods and analysisA systematic search was conducted in Medline, Cochrane Library and PEDro for studies in publication up to November 2021, with no restrictions on publication year. References were screened and assessed for inclusion using predetermined eligibility criteria. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that quantified knee angle, loss of extension or incidence of extension deficit were included for quality assessment and data extraction. Statistical summaries were generated and meta-analyses performed in two parts to examine: (i) the probability of a datapoint being zero incidence compared to a non-zero incidence, and (ii) the relationship between the predictors and non-zero LOE incidence.ResultsA sample of 15494 papers were retrieved using the search criteria, with 53 studies meeting eligibility criteria. Pooled results from 4991 participants were included for analysis, with 4891 participants who had undergone ACLR. The proportion of included studies judged at an overall low risk of bias was small (7.8%). The observed group and study were the most important predictors for whether a datapoint reported an incidence of extension deficit. Time to follow up (P < 0.001) and graft type (P = 0.02) were found to have a significant influence on non-zero LOE incidence (%). Covariate adjusted estimates of average LOE indicated 1 in 3 patients presenting with LOE at 12months followup, reducing to 1 in 4 at 2 years.ConclusionsThis review examined the definitions for the measurement and interpretation of postoperative knee extension, and established the trajectory of knee extension deficit after ACL injury and reconstruction. While factors associated with loss of extension were identified, the exact trajectory of knee extension deficits were difficult to infer due to discrepancies in measurement techniques and patient variation. Clinicians should expect up to 1 in 3 patients to present postoperatively with loss of extension of at least 3 degrees, which may resolve in some patients over time. Future work should focus on LOE as a clinically relevant complication of ACL injury and treatment with appropriate attention to standardisation of definitions, measurements and better understanding of natural history.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018092295
Comparison of epicardial adipose tissue volume quantification between cardiac and chest computed tomography scans
Authors: Xu Lingyu , Xu Yuancheng , Hrybouski Stanislau , Paterson D Ian , Thompson Richard B. , Li Zhiyang , Lan Yulong , Butler Craig 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundThis study investigated accuracy and consistency of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) quantification in chest computed tomography (CT) scans.Methods and resultsEAT volume was quantified semi-automatically using a standard Hounsfield unit threshold (-190U, -30) in three independent cohorts: (1) Cohort 1 (N= 30) consisted of paired 120 KV cardiac non-contrast CT (NCCT) and 120 KV chest NCCT; (2) Cohort 2 (N= 20) consisted of paired 120 KV cardiac NCCT and 100 KV chest NCCT; (3) Cohort 3 (N= 20) consisted of paired chest NCCT and chest contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) datasets. Images were reconstructed with the slice thicknesses of 1.25 mm and 5 mm in the chest CT datasets, and 3 mm in the cardiac NCCT datasets. In Cohort 1, the chest NCCT-1.25 mm EAT volume was similar to the cardiac NCCT EAT volume, whilst chest NCCT-5 mm underestimated the EAT volume by 7.0%. In Cohort 2, 100 KV chest NCCT-1.25mm and -5 mm EAT volumes were 9.7% and 6.4% larger than corresponding 120 KV cardiac NCCT EAT volumes. In Cohort 3, the chest CECT dataset underestimated EAT volumes by ∼25%, relative to chest NCCT datasets. All chest CT-derived EAT volumes were strongly correlated with their cardiac CT counterparts.ConclusionsThe chest NCCT-1.25 mm EAT volume with the 120 KV tube energy produced EAT volumes that are comparable to cardiac NCCT. All chest CT EAT volumes were strongly correlated with EAT volumes obtained from cardiac CT, if imaging protocol is consistently applied to all participants.
I’m alone but not lonely. U-shaped pattern of perceived loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK and Greece
Authors: Carollo Alessandro , Bizzego Andrea , Gabrieli Giulio , Wong Keri Ka-Yee , Raine Adrian , Esposito Gianluca 
Published: November 2020

Many countries have adopted lengthy lockdown measures to mitigate the spreading of the COVID-19 virus. In this study, we train a RandomForest model using 10 variables quantifying individuals’ living environment, physical and mental health statuses to predict how long each of the UK participants (N=382) had been in lockdown. Self-perceived loneliness was found to be the most important variable predicting time in lockdown and, therefore, the aspect most influenced by the time the participant spent in lockdown. Subsequent statistical analysis showed a significant U-shaped curve for the levels of perceived loneliness (p<0.012), specifically decreasing during the 4th and 5th lockdown weeks. The same pattern was found on data from Greek citizens (N=129, p<0.041). These results suggest that lockdown measures may have affected how people evaluated their social support while in lockdown, leading to a decreased sense of loneliness. Implications of this study should be reflected on policies and countermeasures to current and future pandemics.State of relevanceThis study aims to inform policies for the current and/or future pandemics, particularly those involving lockdown restrictions. It highlights that self-perceived loneliness was the trait most affected by the time spent in lockdown: data show that the very first period of lockdown was characterised by a decrease in levels of perceived loneliness. The machine learning approach adopted and the statistical validation on two different Western European countries ensure that the uncovered pattern is substantial. This result highlights the dissociation between objective social support and perceived loneliness: initially, restrictions may have triggered better social behaviours among communities or increased the level of gratitude for the social support people have always received. The short duration of these desirable effects suggests that measures and campaigns promoting better social support strategies could be potentially effective, even in social isolation, to keep the levels of perceived loneliness low.
Altered smell and taste: anosmia, parosmia and the impact of long Covid-19
Authors: Burges Watson Duika L , Campbell Miglena , Hopkins Claire , Smith Barry , Kelly Chris , Deary Vincent 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundQualitative olfactory (smell) dysfunctions are a common side effect of post-viral illness and known to impact quality of life and health status. Evidence is emerging that taste and smell loss are common symptoms of Covid-19 that may emerge and persist long after initial infection. The aim of the present study was to document the impact of post Covid-19 alterations to taste and smell.MethodsWe conducted exploratory thematic analysis of user-generated text from 9000 users of the AbScent Covid-19 Smell and Taste Loss moderated Facebook support group from March 24 to 30th September 2020.ResultsParticipants reported difficulty explaining and managing an altered sense of taste and smell; a lack of interpersonal and professional explanation or support; altered eating; appetite loss, weight change; loss of pleasure in food, eating and social engagement; altered intimacy and an altered relationship to self and others.ConclusionsOur findings suggest altered taste and smell with Covid-19 may lead to severe disruption to daily living that impacts on psychological well-being, physical health, relationships and sense of self. More specifically, participants reported impacts that related to reduced desire and ability to eat and prepare food; weight gain, weight loss and nutritional insufficiency; emotional wellbeing; professional practice; intimacy and social bonding; and the disruption of people’s sense of reality and themselves. Our findings should inform further research and suggest areas for the training, assessment and treatment practices of health care professionals working with long Covid.
Increased Prescribing of Psychotropic Medications to Ontario Nursing Home Residents during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Stall Nathan M. , Zipursky Jonathan S. , Rangrej Jagadish , Jones Aaron , Costa Andrew P. , Hillmer Michael P. , Brown Kevin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this population-based study of all Ontario nursing home residents, we found increased prescribing of psychotropic drugs at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that persisted through September 2020. Increases in prescribing were out of proportion to expected secular trends, and distinct from observed prescribing changes in other drugs during the pandemic. Our findings underscore the urgency of balancing infection prevention and control measures in nursing homes with the mental wellbeing of residents.
Individual participant data systematic reviews with meta-analyses of psychotherapies for borderline personality disorder: A protocol
Authors: Storebø Ole Jakob , Ribeiro Johanne Pereira , Kongerslev Mickey T. , Stoffers-Winterling Jutta , Jørgensen Mie Sedoc , Lieb Klaus , Bateman Anthony , Kirubakaran Richard , Dérian Nicolas , Karyotaki Eirini , Cuijpers Pim , Simonsen Erik 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe heterogeneity in people with BPD and the range of specialised psychotherapies means that people with certain BPD characteristics might benefit more or less from different types of psychotherapy. Identifying moderating characteristics of individuals is a key to refine and tailor standard treatments so they match the specificities of the individual patient. The objective of this is to improve the quality of care and the individual outcomes. Thus, the aim of the current reviews is to investigate potential predictors and moderating patient characteristics on treatment outcomes for patients with BPD.Methods and analysisOur primary meta-analytic method will be the one-stage random-effects approach. To identify predictors, we will be using the one-stage model that accounts for interaction between covariates and treatment allocation. Heterogeneity in case-mix will be assessed using a membership model based on a multinomial logistic regression where study membership is the outcome. A random-effects meta-analysis is chosen to account for expected levels of heterogeneity.Ethics and disseminationThe statistical analyses will be conducted on anonymised data that have already been approved by the respective ethical committees that originally assessed the included trials. The three IPD reviews will be published in high impact factor journals and their results will be presented at international conferences and national seminars.Protocol registrationThe IPD reviews, described in this study protocol, are registered with the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number: awaiting)Strengths and limitations of this protocolThese IPD-reviews are the first to systematically review and investigate psychotherapy for people with borderline personality disorder using individual participant data.The IPD-reviews will provide information on moderators and predictors in patients with borderline personality disorder that predict who may benefit most from which type of specialised psychotherapy.Individual participant data allows for a more precise risk of bias assessment and decreases the amount of unclear risk of bias in many of the included trials.A limitation to IPD-reviews in general is that data retrieval can be challenging.The IPD-reviews are limited to the outcomes and patient characteristics that have been assessed in the included trials.