bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes of infective endocarditis between haemodialysis and non-haemodialysis patients in China
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ju Ping , Liu Xuemei , Zhou Haiyan , Xue Feng 
Published: July 2020

Objective To clarify differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes between patients with infective endocarditis (IE) receiving long-term haemodialysis (HD group) and those not receiving haemodialysis (non-HD group). Methods Medical records of patients with IE, admitted to hospital between January 2010 and December 2017, were retrospectively studied. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between HD and non-HD groups. Risk factors for IE were assessed by COX regression. Results Twenty-one HD and 143 non-HD patients were included. Predisposing heart conditions were more frequently observed in the non-HD versus HD group (90.9% versus 19.0%). Inappropriate antibiotic therapy rate before admission and proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus-associated IE was higher in the HD versus non-HD group. In the HD group, fewer patients underwent heart surgery (9.5% versus 51.7%), all-cause in-hospital mortality was higher (52.4% versus 21%), and survival rate was lower versus the non-HD group. COX regression analysis revealed that haemodialysis, use of central venous catheter (CVC) and inappropriate antibiotic therapy before admission increased IE mortality, while surgery improved long-term prognosis. Conclusions Haemodialysis patients with IE may have higher mortality and lower survival rates than patients with IE not receiving haemodialysis. Haemodialysis, use of CVC and inappropriate antibiotic therapy before admission may increase IE mortality. Surgery may improve long-term prognosis.
Positive effect of care bundles on patients with central venous catheter insertions at a tertiary hospital in Beijing, China
Authors: Sun Yuling , Bao Zhongying , Guo Yang , Yuan Xiaodong 
Published: July 2020

Objective This study was performed to evaluate the effect of care bundles on the prevention of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) and improvement of patients’ experience. Methods In total, 212 patients with central venous catheter insertions were enrolled in this study. All patients were matched by sex, age, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, body mass index, department, and catheter insertion site and were randomly divided into case and control groups (n = 106 each). The control group was given conventional care, and the case group was given care bundles including nurse education, hand hygiene, maximal sterile barrier precautions, bedside observation, and evaluation. The anxiety scores, hospitalization days, CRBSI rate, and degree of satisfaction with hospitalization were compared between the two groups. Results The patients’ mean self-rating anxiety scale score and self-rating depression scale score after nursing intervention were significantly lower in the case group than in the control group. The mean number of hospitalization days and CRBSI rate were significantly lower and the satisfaction rate was significantly higher in the case group. Conclusion Care bundles are essential for preventing CRBSI. They can improve patients’ psychological state and hospitalization satisfaction and reduce the hospitalization days.
Diagnostic value of miR-155 for acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with sepsis
Authors: Wang Zhou-Feng , Yang Yu-Min , Fan Heng 
Published: July 2020

Objective We aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of microRNA-155 (miR-155) for acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in patients with sepsis. Methods In this prospective study, we used Spearman correlation analysis to investigate relationships between miR-155 expression and inflammatory factors, oxygenation ratio (PaO2/FiO2), and ALI/ARDS score, and used area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AU-ROC) to evaluate miR-155's diagnostic accuracy for ALI/ARDS in patients with sepsis. Results In total, 156 patients with sepsis were enrolled in our study, of which 41 had ALI and 32 had ARDS. miR-155 expression in plasma of patients with sepsis and ALI/ARDS was significantly higher than that of patients with sepsis but no ALI/ARDS. The miR-155 level in patients with sepsis and ALI/ARDS was positively correlated with interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels and ALI/ARDS score, but negatively correlated with PaO2/FiO2. The AU-ROC of plasma miR-155 for diagnosis of sepsis with ALI/ARDS was 0.87, and plasma miR-155, IL-1β, and TNF-α had high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of sepsis with ALI/ARDS. Conclusion miR-155 is highly expressed in plasma of patients with septic ALI/ARDS; it is positively correlated with lung function and can be used for early diagnosis.
Evaluation method and platform of vibrational disturbance test for ventricular assist devices
Authors: Li Shu , Yan Juan , Wu Tingting , Hsu Po-Lin 
Published: July 2020

Objective: For ventricular assist devices utilizing levitation bearing technology, collision and wear of the rotor would occur if the bearing cannot resist disturbances from patient activities and vibration/shock impacts. The reliability of ventricular assist devices can be seriously affected, potentially impairing blood compatibility (e.g. thrombus generation) and threatening patient safety. In this article, we proposed a vibrational disturbance test protocol for ventricular assist devices. Methods: Two kinds of vibrational disturbances—translational and rotational—were defined and the disturbance levels determined as 6G and 10 rad/s per possible patient activity impact. A test platform was built according to the disturbance level requirements. Results: The test platform successfully generated the required disturbance. The vibration test evaluation criteria for ventricular assist device assistance (characterized by the pressure head, flow rate, and driving current waveform) were well verified. Conclusion: Compared with translational vibration, rotational vibration had a greater impact on the rotor. Accurate control of high-speed rotor is difficult because of the gyroscopic effect. As conventional random vibration tests cannot cover all risk situations, it is recommended that translational and rotational disturbance tests are carried out for levitation ventricular assist devices. We recommend that researchers and manufacturers pay attention to the vibrational impact of rotor-levitated ventricular assist devices.
Ultra-High Frequency Ultrasound, A Promising Diagnostic Technique: Review of the Literature and Single-Center Experience
Authors: Izzetti Rossana , Vitali Saverio , Aringhieri Giacomo , Nisi Marco , Oranges Teresa , Dini Valentina , Ferro Francesco , Baldini Chiara , Romanelli Marco , Caramella Davide , Gabriele Mario 
Published: July 2020

Objectives: Ultra-high frequency ultrasonography (UHFUS) is a recently introduced diagnostic technique which finds several applications in diverse clinical fields. The range of frequencies between 30 and 100 MHz allows for high spatial resolution imaging of superficial structures, making this technique suitable for the imaging of skin, blood vessels, musculoskeletal anatomy, oral mucosa, and small parts. However, the current clinical applications of UHFUS have never been analyzed in a consistent multidisciplinary manner. The aim of this study is to revise and discuss the current applications of UHFUS in different aspects of research and clinical practice, as well as to provide some examples of the current work-in-progress carried out in our center. Materials and Methods: A literature search was performed in order to retrieve articles reporting the applications of UHFUS both in research and in clinical settings. Inclusion criteria were the use of frequencies above 30 MHz and study design conducted in vivo on human subjects. Results: In total 66 articles were retrieved. The majority of the articles focused on dermatological and vascular applications, although musculoskeletal and intraoral applications are emerging fields of use. We also describe our experience in the use of UHFUS as a valuable diagnostic support in the fields of dermatology, rheumatology, oral medicine, and musculoskeletal anatomy. Conclusion: Ultra-high frequency ultrasonography application involves an increasing number of medical fields. The high spatial resolution and the superb image quality achievable allow to foresee a wider use of this novel technique, which has the potential to bring innovation in diagnostic imaging.
Outcomes and Resource Utilization Among Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit Following Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Warwick Madeleine , Fernando Shannon M. , Aaron Shawn D. , Rochwerg Bram , Tran Alexandre , Thavorn Kednapa , Mulpuru Sunita , McIsaac Daniel I. , Thompson Laura H. , Tanuseputro Peter , Kyeremanteng Kwadwo ,   On Behalf of the Resource Optimization Network
Published: July 2020

Purpose: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common condition, accounting for a significant number of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. However, little is known about outcomes and costs among ICU patients admitted with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). We studied predictors of inhospital mortality and costs of ICU admissions for AECOPD. Methods: Data were obtained from a prospectively maintained registry from 2 ICUs from 2011 to 2016, including adult patients (age ≥ 18) with an ICU discharge diagnosis of AECOPD. The primary outcome was hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included ICU length of stay, resource utilization, total hospital costs, and cost per survivor. Results: We included 390 patients, of which 27.2% died in hospital. Independent predictors of inhospital mortality included age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.95, CI: 1.58-2.67) and the presence of clinical frailty (OR: 4.12, CI: 2.26-6.95). The mean total hospital costs were Can$35 059, with a cost per survivor of Can$48 191. Factors associated with increased cost included transfer from an inpatient setting, severity of illness, and previous ICU admission. Conclusions: Approximately a quarter of patients admitted to ICU with AECOPD died during hospitalization, and these patients accrued significant costs. This study identifies important factors associated with poor outcome in this at-risk population, which has value in risk stratification and patient or family discussions addressing goals of care.
Associations between Perceived Outdoor Environment and Walking Modifications in Community-Dwelling Older People: A Two-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Skantz Heidi , Rantanen Taina , Rantalainen Timo , Keskinen Kirsi E. , Palmberg Lotta , Portegijs Erja , Eronen Johanna , Rantakokko Merja 
Published: July 2020

Objectives: To examine associations of perceived outdoor environment with the prevalence and development of adaptive (e.g., slower pace) and maladaptive (e.g., avoiding walking) modifications in walking 2 km among older people. Methods: Community-dwelling 75–90 -year-old persons ( N = 848) reported environmental outdoor mobility facilitators and barriers at baseline. Modifications in walking 2 km (adaptive, maladaptive, or no) were assessed at baseline and one and two years later. Results: Outdoor mobility facilitators were more often reported by those not using modifications or using adaptive versus maladaptive walking modifications. Differences in health and physical capacity explained most of the associations between outdoor mobility barriers and walking modifications. Perceived outdoor environment did not systematically predict future adaptive or maladaptive walking modifications. Discussion: Facilitators may compensate the declined physical capacity and alleviate the strain of walking longer distances by enabling the use of adaptive walking modifications, while lack of such facilitators fuels avoidance of walking longer distances.
Telehealth mental health services during COVID-19: summary of evidence and clinical practice
Authors: Reay Rebecca E , Looi Jeffrey CL , Keightley Philip 
Published: July 2020

Objective: To provide a rapid clinical update on the evidence for telehealth in mental healthcare in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic public health measures. Conclusions: Telehealth has been rapidly implemented in metropolitan and rural settings and the existing evidence base demonstrates that it represents an effective mode of service delivery.
The impact of ‘cluster maintenance TMS’ on irritability occurring in major depressive disorder
Authors: Pridmore Saxby , Turnier-Shea Yvonne , Erger Sheila , May Tamara 
Published: July 2020

Objective: To determine the impact of clustered maintenance transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on irritability occurring in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD). Method: A naturalistic study of 106 courses that includes pre- and posttreatment assessments of subjective and objective depression and a subjective measure of irritability developed for this study. Results: Forty-six participants (35 females), mean age 43.2 years (14.3), completed 106 courses. There was a significant reduction in irritability and depression scores ( p < .001). The change in irritability scores was significantly correlated with the change in depression scores, r = .40, p < .001. Conclusion: TMS has the capacity to reduce the irritability co-occurring with treatment-resistant MDD, known to be responsive to TMS. This increases the possibility of using TMS in the treatment of irritability co-occurring with other disorders or standing alone (should irritability be categorized as a stand-alone disorder).
Echocardiographic, morphometric and biomarker changes in female cats followed from 6 to 24 months of life
Authors: van Hoek Ingrid MJ , Laxalde Jeremy , Connolly David J , Rush John E , Freeman Lisa M 
Published: July 2020

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate cardiac size and early growth through echocardiographic, body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), morphometric and biomarker changes in cats followed from 6 to 24 months of age. Methods Twenty-four female European shorthair colony cats were evaluated at birth for BW and at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of age for BW, BCS, head length (HL) and head width (HW), N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and echocardiographic measurements. Results BCS, HW, left ventricular free wall in diastole, left atrium diameter and aortic diameter increased significantly between 6 and 12 months, while BW, HL and interventricular septum in diastole increased significantly between 6, 12 and 18 months, and BW decreased significantly between 18 and 24 months. NT-proBNP decreased significantly between 6 and 12 months. IGF-1 increased significantly between 6 and 12 months but decreased significantly between 12 and 18 months. Conclusions and relevance This study prospectively evaluated changes in echocardiographic measurements, BW, BCS, HL, HW, IGF-1 and NT-proBNP in cats during the first 2 years of life. Results show a comparable change over time for different variables. These findings contribute to the understanding of a possible relationship between cardiac measures and body size from young age through to adulthood.
Prevalence of and factors associated with difficult peripheral venipuncture in adult surgical patients
Authors: DAT Monteiro , JC de la Torre-Montero , AC Nicolussi , Reis RK , MH Barbosa , SEM Toffano 
Published: July 2020

Objective: To determine the prevalence of difficult venous access in adult patients admitted to a surgical unit. Method: This observational prospective cohort study included 235 patients from a Brazilian hospital. Clinical data were collected by direct observation and analyzed by descriptive, inferential statistics, and multiple binomial logistic regressions. Odds ratios were also calculated. Results: Most of the patients (66.4%) were men and self-reported as white (59.2%). The prevalence of difficult intravenous access was 32.8%. Predictors of peripheral intravenous cannula insertion failure were history of difficult intravenous access and nonvisibility of the vein. Conclusion: History of difficult intravenous access and a nonvisible venous network were significant predictors of peripheral cannula insertion failure in adults undergoing clinical surgery. The prevalence of difficult intravenous access was 32.8%.
Prospective Clinical Trial Comparing Curettage and Cryosurgery to Curettage and Electrodesiccation in the Management of Minimally Invasive Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Fournier Suzel , Laroche Alexandre , Leblanc Martin , Bourgeault Emilie , Ulrich Singbo Mahukpe Narcisse , Turcotte Stéphane , Blouin Marie-Michèle , Alain Jimmy 
Published: July 2020

Background Basal and squamous cell carcinomas represent the most common cancers in North America. Their management is an important issue. Objectives The evaluation of cure rates of minimally invasive cutaneous carcinomas with curettage-cryosurgery compared to curettage-electrodesiccation, as well as the assessment of the aesthetic appearance of scars. Methods This prospective trial randomized 117 patients 1:1 to treatments of curettage-cryosurgery or curettage-electrodesiccation. They were then followed at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Results At 12-month follow-up, only one (1/49) patient had a recurrence of cutaneous carcinoma in the curettage-cryosurgery group and none (0/43) in the curettage-electrodesiccation group. Farrington-Manning analysis with a 5% margin of error showed the non-inferiority of the first method ( P = .04). For the aesthetic appearance of scars after 12 months, better results with curettage-cryosurgery procedure has been observed, but this was not statistically significant ( P = .80 and P = .27 for evaluations of patients and clinicians respectively). Limitations This study was mainly limited by its small sample size. Conclusion We have demonstrated that curettage-cryosurgery compared to curettage-electrodesiccation for the treatment of minimally invasive carcinomas is noninferior (comparable) with regards to cure rates at 12-month follow-up. No significant difference has been demonstrated for the appearance of scars.
Predictive Value of Early Response to Chemoradiotherapy in Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging
Authors: Chen Wei , Wang Ya-ting , Guo Lili , Zhu Zhaohuan , Zhou Hai-fei , Bai Genji 
Published: July 2020

Objective: To explore the value of diffusion-weighted imaging for early response detection of locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Methods: Fifty-five (42 males, 13 females) patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer who were undergoing chemoradiotherapy were recruited for this study. Diffusion-weighted imaging was performed in all patients before therapy, at the first weekend, the second weekend, and the end of chemoradiotherapy. The rate of change in apparent diffusion coefficient value and the maximum diameter between pretherapy and posttherapy were calculated. Results: Fifty-five patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were classified as responders (40 cases) and nonresponders (15 cases). Before chemoradiotherapy, the responders group had a significantly lower apparent diffusion coefficient values than the nonresponders group ( t = −4.815, P = .000). At the 3 time points after chemoradiotherapy (first weekend, second weekend, and the end of chemoradiotherapy), there was no statistically significant difference in apparent diffusion coefficient values between responders and nonresponders ( P > .05). The responders group had a significantly higher rate of change in apparent diffusion coefficient value than the nonresponders group at each time point ( P < .05). At the first weekend of chemoradiotherapy, the rate of change in the maximum diameter was not significantly different in the 2 groups ( t = 0.928, P = .357). There was a negative correlation between the tumor apparent diffusion coefficient value of pretherapy and the reduction ratio of tumor maximum diameter at the end of chemoradiotherapy ( r = −0.592, P = .000). Conclusions: The change rate of apparent diffusion coefficient value by the end of the first week after beginning chemoradiotherapy may be a sensitive indicator to detect the early response to locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Mechanical thrombectomy using the new Tigertriever in acute ischemic stroke patients – A Swiss prospective multicenter study
Authors: Gruber Philipp , Diepers Michael , von Hessling Alexander , Weber Johannes , Kahles Timo , Anon Javier , Berberat Jatta , Nedeltchev Krassen , Liebeskind David S , Remonda Luca 
Published: July 2020

Purpose Tigertriever is a novel operator-adjustable clot retriever designed to enhance the operator's options to control the interaction of retriever and clot. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety and efficacy of the Tigertriever device system. Methods Prospective multi-center registry study at three comprehensive stroke centers in Switzerland from 2017 to 2019 of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and large vessel occlusion (LVO) using Tigertriever as a first-line device. Results 30 AIS patients (median age 72.5 years (IQR 64–79), 50% women) with a median NIHSS on admission of 11 (IQR 6-13) and a median ASPECT score of 9 (IQR 7–10) were treated with the new Tigertriever and included in this study. The first-pass effect was 24% (n = 7). A good recanalization (eTICI 2 b/2c/3) was achieved in 94% of the cases. Median mRS at 90 days was 1 (IQR 1–2). Conclusion This study demonstrated feasibility, safety and effectiveness of the Tigertriever in AIS patients with LVO with a high reperfusion rate.
Safety and efficacy study of the wound care 360° SiteSeal® vascular closure device in percutaneous cardiac catheterization procedures
Authors: Sharma Suresh , Patel Nilay , Jeevanantham Vinodh , Gupta Kamal , Earnest Matthew B 
Published: July 2020

Objectives Vascular access site complications after percutaneous transfemoral cardiovascular procedures remain a common cause of morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the SiteSeal® VCD for achieving hemostasis following diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Methods We conducted a prospective case control single center study to assess the safety and efficacy of SiteSeal® VCD compared to standard manual compression following diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Forty patients were enrolled in study to receive either SiteSeal® device or manual compression (20 in each group). Results Patients in the SiteSeal® group achieved hemostasis in a significantly shorter time (4 ± 2.4 vs. 19 ± 2.4 min, P < 0.001), had shorter time from hemostasis to ambulation (95 ± 44 vs. 388 ± 63 min, P < 0.001) and significantly earlier device deployment to discharge time compared to the manual compression group (4.7 ± 1.1 vs. 8.9 ± 4.8 h, P = 0.001). There was one non-major bleeding event in the SiteSeal® group which occurred >24 h after discharge from the hospital and was managed conservatively. In the remaining device patients, there was no clinical or Doppler ultrasound evidence of major or minor vascular complication with good overall patient comfort at discharge, 7 days and 30 days follow-up. Conclusions In this first clinical experience, the SiteSeal® VCD achieved safe and efficient hemostasis, allowed for earlier ambulation and faster discharge compared to manual compression.