bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of comprehensive geriatric assessment in older patients undergoing pacemaker implantation
Authors: Schoenenberger Andreas W. , Russi Ian , Berte Benjamin , Weberndörfer Vanessa , Schoenenberger-Berzins Renate , Chodup Piotr , Beeler Remo , Cuculi Florim , Toggweiler Stefan , Kobza Richard 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study evaluated the use of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in older patients undergoing pacemaker implantation.MethodsIn this prospective cohort, CGA was performed in 197 patients ≥75 years at pacemaker implantation and yearly thereafter. CGA embraced the following domains: cognition, mobility, nutrition, activities of daily living (ADLs), and falls (with or without loss of consciousness). Based on comorbidities, the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was calculated. For predictive analysis, logistic regression was used.ResultsDuring a mean follow-up duration of 2.4 years, the incidence rates of syncope decreased from 0.46 to 0.04 events per year (p < 0.001), and that of falls without loss of consciousness from 0.27 to 0.15 (p < 0.001) before vs. after implantation. Sixty-three patients (32.0%) died. Impaired mobility (OR 2.60, 95%CI 1.22–5.54,p = 0.013), malnutrition (OR 3.26, 95%CI 1.52–7.01,p = 0.002), and a higher CCI (OR per point increase 1.25, 95%CI 1.04–1.50,p = 0.019) at baseline were significant predictors of mortality. Among 169 patients who survived for more than 1 year and thus underwent follow-up CGA, CGA domains did not deteriorate during follow-up, except for ADLs. This decline in ADLs during follow-up was the strongest predictor of later nursing home admission (OR 9.29, 95%CI 1.82–47.49,p = 0.007). Higher baseline age (OR per year increase 1.10, 95%CI 1.02–1.20,p = 0.018) and a higher baseline CCI (OR per point increase 1.32, 95%CI 1.05–1.65,p = 0.017) were associated with a decline in ADLs during follow-up.ConclusionsCGA is useful to detect functional deficits, which are associated with mortality or nursing home admission after pacemaker implantation. The present study seems to support the use of CGA in older patients undergoing pacemaker implantation as functional deficits and falls are amenable to geriatric interventions.
A short cultural history of the UK Renal Registry 1995–2020
Authors: Will Eric John 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe Renal Association UK Renal Registry (UKRR), established in 1995, has reflected the development of Nephrology within the NHS over 25 years. It has been gradually enlarged to provide a formal agency for a range of consensus initiatives. It remains the source of the national epidemiology of renal replacement, feeding NHS infrastructures and Health Services Research. An extension into acute and chronic kidney disorders is in hand. As a template for medical audit it has contributed to a quality improvement ethos derived from several methodologies. It now offers a multifaceted virtual platform for special interest groups and patient-centricity. Its transformation demonstrates one of the compromises that have permitted specialty development within the inconstant envelope of the NHS.If not always a bellwether, the clarity, form and scale of kidney disease provision still qualifies the UKRR as a demonstrator of healthcare possibilities to Medicine, Clinical Informatics and the NHS.
Central nervous system Cryptococcoma mimicking demyelinating disease: a case report
Authors: Wei Jie , Li Xiang-Yu , Zhang Yue 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Cerebral cryptococcomas is a rare form of central nervous system cryptococcosis. Most previous cases were mistaken for neoplasm before surgery. We present a case of cerebral cryptococcomas whose radiological profiles resembled demyelinating disease, especially tumefactive demyelinating lesion.

Case presentation
A 40-year-old male was admitted for 1-week-long unconsciousness. Brain MRI revealed a rim-enhanced mass within the corpus callosum body. Central nervous system demyelinating disease was suspected. Empirical corticosteroid treatment led to some improvement, but his condition deteriorated 2 months later. Brain MRI revealed punctate new foci. Cryptococcus neoformans was detected in cerebrospinal fluid. Cryptococcus antigen test was positive in his current and previous cerebrospinal fluid samples. The patient died despite standard antifungal treatment.

Conclusion
Diagnosis of cerebral cryptococcomas is challenging. It may mimic demyelinating diseases.
Prevalence of hookworm infection and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at governmental health centers in DEMBECHA district, north West Ethiopia, 2017
Authors: Misikir Sewnet Wongiel , Wobie Moges , Tariku Mengistie Kassahun , Bante Simachew Animen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundHookworm infection is a major public health problem in developing countries. The main way people become infected with hookworm’s larva is through direct skin contact with contaminated soil when walking on barefoot. It is one of a major cause of anemia in pregnant women. The objective was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of hookworm infection among pregnant women who attended antenatal care at governmental health centers in Dembecha district, Ethiopia, 2017.MethodsInstitutional based cross sectional study was conducted on 306 pregnant women. Study participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique from February 1 to March 30, 2017. Data collectors and supervisors were trained. Semi-structured Amharic version questionnaire was used to collect data using face to face interview technique and stool sample was examined. Collected data were entered by using Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS. The exported data was analyzed and presented by using descriptive summary statistics and tables. After bivariate logistic regression analysis, all variables with ap-value < 0.25 were entered into multivariate logistic regression andpvalue < 0.05 considered as significantly associated with the outcome variable.ResultsPrevalence of hookworm infection was 32.0%. There was a positive association of hookworm infection with living in single room [AOR =2.8; 95% CI; 1.32–5.81], living with domestic animals [AOR = 3.4; 95% CI; 1.35–8.76], monthly income ≤1500 Ethiopian birr [AOR = 3.7; 95% CI; 1.76–7.64], unavailability of latrine [AOR = 2.2; 95% CI; 1.03–4.55], habit of walking on barefoot [AOR = 4.3; 95% CI; 2.17–8.48] and not habit of hand washing before meal [AOR = 3.4; 95 CI; 1.14–10.12].ConclusionThis study showed high prevalence of hookworm infection among pregnant women in the study area. Living in single room, living with domestic animals, monthly income ≤1500 Ethiopian birr, unavailability of latrine, habit of walking on barefoot and not habit of hand washing before meal had positive association with hookworm infection. Public health measure should focus on availability latrine and separation of humans and domestic animals room to decrease prevalence of hookworm infection among pregnant women.
Decreased biventricular myocardial deformation in fetuses with lower urinary tract obstruction
Authors: Xu Ran , Zhou Jiawei , Zhou Qichang , Zeng Shi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
To observe myocardial deformations in fetuses with isolated lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) and identify the correlation between myocardial deformation and the severity of obstruction.

Methods
The strain (S), strain rate in systole (SRs) and strain rate in diastole (SRd) of the left and right ventricles at the first examination were prospectively analyzed and compared between fetuses with isolated LUTO and gestational age (GA)-matched normal control fetuses. Multiple regression analyses were used to assess the obstructive factors for impaired strain and strain rate, and the independent variables included bladder volume, sum of the bilateral pelvic diameters, sum of the bilateral ureteral diameters, mean bilateral renal artery pulsatility index, and amniotic fluid index.

Results
Thirty-six fetuses with isolated LUTO and 36 normal controls were enrolled. Overall, decreased S, SRs and SRd of both ventricles were noted in fetuses with LUTO (p < 0.001). Moreover, S and SR were significantly negatively related to distended bladder volume (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Fetuses with LUTO demonstrated decreased left and right myocardial deformation, and this impaired cardiac dysfunction was correlated with the urinary bladder volume. Evaluating the myocardial deformation in fetal LUTO could provide information to aid in parental counselling and intervention monitoring.
An examination of the socio-demographic correlates of patient adherence to self-management behaviors and the mediating roles of health attitudes and self-efficacy among patients with coexisting type 2 diabetes and hypertension
Authors: Xie Zhenzhen , Liu Kaifeng , Or Calvin , Chen Jiayin , Yan Mian , Wang Hailiang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundPatients with coexisting type 2 diabetes and hypertension generally exhibit poor adherence to self-management, which adversely affects their disease control. Therefore, identification of the factors related to patient adherence is warranted. In this study, we aimed to examine (i) the socio-demographic correlates of patient adherence to a set of self-management behaviors relevant to type 2 diabetes and hypertension, namely, medication therapy, diet therapy, exercise, tobacco and alcohol avoidance, stress reduction, and self-monitoring/self-care, and (ii) whether health attitudes and self-efficacy in performing self-management mediated the associations between socio-demographic characteristics and adherence.MethodsWe performed a secondary analysis of data collected in a randomized controlled trial. The sample comprised 148 patients with coexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Data were collected by a questionnaire and analyzed using logistic regression.ResultsFemale patients were found to be less likely to exercise regularly (odds ratio [OR] = 0.49,P = 0.03) and more likely to avoid tobacco and alcohol (OR = 9.87,P < 0.001) than male patients. Older patients were found to be more likely to adhere to diet therapy (OR = 2.21,P = 0.01) and self-monitoring/self-care (OR = 2.17,P = 0.02). Patients living with family or others (e.g., caregivers) were found to be more likely to exercise regularly (OR = 3.44,P = 0.02) and less likely to avoid tobacco and alcohol (OR = 0.10,P = 0.04) than those living alone. Patients with better perceived health status were found to be more likely to adhere to medication therapy (OR = 2.02,P = 0.03). Patients with longer diabetes duration (OR = 2.33,P = 0.01) were found to be more likely to adhere to self-monitoring/self-care. Self-efficacy was found to mediate the association between older age and better adherence to diet therapy, while no significant mediating effects were found for health attitudes.ConclusionsAdherence to self-management was found to be associated with socio-demographic characteristics (sex, age, living status, perceived health status, and diabetes duration). Self-efficacy was an important mediator in some of these associations, suggesting that patient adherence may be improved by increasing patients’ self-management efficacy, such as by patient empowerment, collaborative care, or enhanced patient–physician interactions.
Is sleep duration associated with overweight/obesity in Indigenous Australian adults?
Authors: Deacon-Crouch Melissa , Begg Stephen , Skinner Timothy 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Associations between high BMI and sleep duration and chronic illness are recognised. Short sleep is an accepted predictor of high BMI for children, including Indigenous Australian children. Short sleep has also been associated with high BMI in Australian adults, although not specifically in Indigenous Australian adults. This study aims to determine whether the relationship between sleep duration and BMI observed in non-Indigenous adults holds for Indigenous adults.

Methods
Data collected from 5204 non-Indigenous and 646 Indigenous participants aged over 18 years in a nationally representative Australian Health Survey 2011–2013 were analysed. Sleep duration was self-reported as the time between going to bed and time waking up; BMI was derived from measurement and categorised into normal weight (BMI = 18.5–24.9) and overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25). Logistic regression was performed for the non-Indigenous and Indigenous groups separately to examine the association between sleep duration and BMI in each group.

Results
Proportionally more Indigenous people were classified as overweight/obese than non-Indigenous (χ2 = 21.81, p < 0.001). Short sleep was reported by similar proportions in both groups (Indigenous 15% vs non-Indigenous 17%) whereas long sleep of > 9 h was reported by proportionally more Indigenous than non-Indigenous people (41% vs 26%). Without accounting for possible confounders, the association between sleep duration and BMI for the Indigenous group was not significant but a possible dose-response relationship was evident, with the odds of overweight/obesity being greatest for those who typically slept < 7 h (OR = 1.77, 95% CI 0.38–3.94) and < 6 h (OR = 1.55, 95%CI = 0.58–4.14). The same model for the non-Indigenous group was significant, with the odds of overweight/obesity being greatest for those who typically slept < 6 h (OR = 1.67, 95%CI 1.25–2.25). The risk of overweight/obesity diminished for both groups with sleep > 7 h. Accounting for a range of socioeconomic and personal confounders attenuated the strength of these relationships marginally.

Conclusion
Adding to reports relating sleep duration and BMI for Australian adults, this study provides evidence for an inverse relationship in non-Indigenous adults and suggests a similar trend for Indigenous adults. This trend was non-significant but is consistent with previous results for Indigenous children.
Psychological impact of an epidemic/pandemic on the mental health of healthcare professionals: a rapid review
Authors: Stuijfzand Suzannah , Deforges Camille , Sandoz Vania , Sajin Consuela-Thais , Jaques Cecile , Elmers Jolanda , Horsch Antje 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundEpidemics or pandemics, such as the current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, pose unique challenges to healthcare professionals (HCPs). Caring for patients during an epidemic/pandemic may impact negatively on the mental health of HCPs. There is a lack of evidence-based advice on what would be effective in mitigating this impact. Objectives: This rapid review synthesizes the evidence on the psychological impact of pandemics/epidemics on the mental health of HCPs, what factors predict this impact, and the evidence of prevention/intervention strategies to reduce this impact.MethodAccording to rapid review guidelines, systematic searches were carried out inEmbase.com, PubMed, APA PsycINFO-Ovid SP, and Web of Science (core collection). Searches were restricted to the years 2003 or later to ensure inclusion of the most recent epidemic/pandemics, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Papers written in French or English, published in peer-reviewed journals, and of quantitative design using validated measures of mental health outcomes were included. Of 1308 papers found, 50 were included. The full protocol for this rapid review was registered with Prospero (reg.no.CRD42020175985).ResultsResults show that exposed HCPs working with patients during an epidemic/pandemic are at heightened risk of mental health problems in the short and longer term, particularly: psychological distress, insomnia, alcohol/drug misuse, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, burnout, anger, and higher perceived stress. These mental health problems are predicted by organizational, social, personal, and psychological factors and may interfere with the quality of patient care. Few evidence-based early interventions exist so far.DiscussionHCPs need to be provided with psychosocial support to protect their mental wellbeing if they are to continue to provide high quality patient care. Several recommendations relevant during and after an epidemic/pandemic, such as COVID-19, and in preparation for a future outbreak, are proposed.
Effect of sub-chronic exposure to cigarette smoke, electronic cigarette and waterpipe on human lung epithelial barrier function
Authors: Ghosh Baishakhi , Reyes-Caballero Hermes , Akgün-Ölmez Sevcan Gül , Nishida Kristine , Chandrala Lakshmana , Smirnova Lena , Biswal Shyam , Sidhaye Venkataramana K. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundTaking into consideration a recent surge of a lung injury condition associated with electronic cigarette use, we devised an in vitro model of sub-chronic exposure of human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) in air-liquid interface, to determine deterioration of epithelial cell barrier from sub-chronic exposure to cigarette smoke (CS), e-cigarette aerosol (EC), and tobacco waterpipe exposures (TW).MethodsProducts analyzed include commercially available e-liquid, with 0% or 1.2% concentration of nicotine, tobacco blend (shisha), and reference-grade cigarette (3R4F). In one set of experiments, HBECs were exposed to EC (0 and 1.2%), CS or control air for 10 days using 1 cigarette/day. In the second set of experiments, exposure of pseudostratified primary epithelial tissue to TW or control air exposure was performed 1-h/day, every other day, until 3 exposures were performed. After 16–18 h of last exposure, we investigated barrier function/structural integrity of the epithelial monolayer with fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran flux assay (FITC-Dextran), measurements of trans-electrical epithelial resistance (TEER), assessment of the percentage of moving cilia, cilia beat frequency (CBF), cell motion, and quantification of E-cadherin gene expression by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).ResultsWhen compared to air control, CS increased fluorescence (FITC-Dextran assay) by 5.6 times, whereby CS and EC (1.2%) reduced TEER to 49 and 60% respectively. CS and EC (1.2%) exposure reduced CBF to 62 and 59%, and cilia moving to 47 and 52%, respectively, when compared to control air. CS and EC (1.2%) increased cell velocity compared to air control by 2.5 and 2.6 times, respectively. The expression of E-cadherin reduced to 39% of control air levels by CS exposure shows an insight into a plausible molecular mechanism. Altogether, EC (0%) and TW exposures resulted in more moderate decreases in epithelial integrity, while EC (1.2%) substantially decreased airway epithelial barrier function comparable with CS exposure.ConclusionsThe results support a toxic effect of sub-chronic exposure to EC (1.2%) as evident by disruption of the bronchial epithelial cell barrier integrity, whereas further research is needed to address the molecular mechanism of this observation as well as TW and EC (0%) toxicity in chronic exposures.
Magnetic resonance imaging at 7.0 T for evaluation of early lesions of epiphyseal plate and epiphyseal end in a rat model of Kashin-Beck disease
Authors: Li Yong , Kang Pengde , Zhou Zongke , Pei Fuxing , He Qing , Ruan Dike 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundKashin–Beck disease (KBD) is a disabling osteoarticular disease involving growth and joint cartilage. Early diagnosis can effectively prevent the progress of the disease. However, the early diagnosis of it is still very difficult. Our aim was to study the knee joint lesions of a rat KBD model using ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and compare it with X-ray imaging to analyze the possible MRI manifestations of KBD, and to further explore ways to determine the pathological damage of KBD in the early stage.MethodsA total of 96 Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups: normal diet (Group A), KBD-affected diet (Group B), normal diet+T-2 toxin (Group C), and KBD-affected diet+T-2 toxin (Group D). T-2 toxin was administered at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg/day. In the 4th week, 8th week, and 12th week, eight rats randomly selected in each group were sacrificed by cervical dislocation after undergoing X-ray and 7.0 T MRI imaging, and then knee joints were harvested, sliced, and subjected to hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining.ResultsCharacteristic image changes including of continuity interruption and early closure and fusion of epiphyseal plates were observed on T1WI in rat model of KBD. The total necrosis rates in the H&E stain of group A to group D were 4.35, 52.38, 33.3, and 73.68%, respectively. The positive rate of image change under 7.0 T MRI was 0.833 VS. that under X-ray was 0.33 (P = 0.001).ConclusionsMRI at 7.0 T is highly sensitive to the early pathological changes of the epiphysis, epiphyseal plate, and metaphyseal end, which can improve imaging positive rate of KBD and decrease the rate of missed diagnosis. This imaging modality can be used for research on early joint lesions and for early diagnosis of KBD.
A modified single-armed microsurgical vasoepididymostomy for epididymal obstructive azoospermia: intraoperative choice and postoperative consideration
Authors: Liu Nachuan , Li Peng , Zhi Erlei , Yao Chencheng , Yang Chao , Zhao Liangyu , Tian Ruhui , Chen Huixing , Huang Yuhua , Yu Yuexin , Li Zheng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
To evaluate the clinical outcomes and the duration required for the sperm to return to the ejaculate after a modified single-armed 2-suture longitudinal intussusception vasoepididymostomy (SA-LIVE).

Methods
From March 2015 to December 2018, 134 patients with epididymal obstruction azoospermia underwent the modified single-armed vasoepididymostomy at Shanghai General Hospital. The outcomes and clinical findings were documented and evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 17 (range: 3–36) months.

Results
Patency was assessed by the return of sperm in the ejaculate. The overall patency rate was 55.2%, and the patency rates were 58.9, 40.7, 36.4, and 58.9% for bilateral surgery, unilateral surgery, proximal anastomosis, and distal anastomosis, respectively. The average time to achieve patency was 4.11 ± 2.74 months. In the first 6 months, 87.8% (65/74) patency patients reported sperm in the ejaculate. The overall pregnancy rate was 40.9% (29/66) at the follow-up of 3–36 months, and the natural pregnancy rate was 30.3% (20/66). The natural pregnancy rate was 32.1% post-bilateral surgery and 33.3% for the site of distal anastomosis; surprisingly, it was 0% for the site of proximal anastomosis.

Conclusion
Modified SA-LIVE is safe and may achieve favorable patency and pregnancy rates. When double-armed sutures are not accessible, single-armed may be preferable. The expected patency time was within 1 year. Moreover, because of the low natural pregnancy rate for proximal anastomosis, sperm banking is preferred to SA-LIVE.