bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geographic Associations Between Social Factors and SARS-CoV-2 Testing Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic, February–June 2020, Massachusetts
Authors: Troppy Scott , Wilt Grete E. , Whiteman Ari , Hallisey Elaine , Crockett Molly , Sharpe J. Danielle , Haney Gillian , Cranston Kevin , Klevens R. Monina 
Published: August 2021

Objectives Widespread SARS-CoV-2 testing is critical to identify infected people and implement public health action to interrupt transmission. With SARS-CoV-2 testing supplies and laboratory capacity now widely available in the United States, understanding the spatial heterogeneity of associations between social determinants and the use of SARS-CoV-2 testing is essential to improve testing availability in populations disproportionately affected by SARS-CoV-2. Methods We assessed positive and negative results of SARS-CoV-2 molecular tests conducted from February 1 through June 17, 2020, from the Massachusetts Virtual Epidemiologic Network, an integrated web-based surveillance and case management system in Massachusetts. Using geographically weighted regression and Moran’s I spatial autocorrelation tests, we quantified the associations between SARS-CoV-2 testing rates and 11 metrics of the Social Vulnerability Index in all 351 towns in Massachusetts. Results Median SARS-CoV-2 testing rates decreased with increasing percentages of residents with limited English proficiency (median relative risk [interquartile range] = 0.96 [0.95-0.99]), residents aged ≥65 (0.97 [0.87-0.98]), residents without health insurance (0.96 [0.95-1.04], and people residing in crowded housing conditions (0.89 [0.80-0.94]). These associations differed spatially across Massachusetts, and localized models improved the explainable variation in SARS-CoV-2 testing rates by 8% to 12%. Conclusion Indicators of social vulnerability are associated with variations in SARS-CoV-2 testing rates. Accounting for the spatial heterogeneity in these associations may improve the ability to explain and address the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic at substate levels.
Modified Breast Band Improving the Postoperative Breast Augmentation and Reconstructive Experience
Authors: Mowlavi Arian , Bash Bryce , Skenderian Shea , Sin Zachary 
Published: August 2021

Background: Superior displacement of implants is a common complication in the early postoperative period following breast augmentation surgery. Postoperative breast bands are used during the first 4 weeks to optimize breast implant position following breast augmentation and reconstructive procedures. Although currently available breast bands are effective in maintaining implants in an inferior position, they have been observed to irritate the armpit region. We hypothesized that a modified breast band geometry with cut outs to accommodate the armpit region would provide equal maintenance of desired implant position while providing improved postoperative comfort. Methods: Forty patients who underwent breast augmentation and/or reconstruction were randomly assigned to receive either the traditional breast band or the modified cut out designed breast band following surgery for 4 weeks. Patients rated their breast bands on a 1 to 10 scale regarding (1) comfort, (2) appearance, and (3) overall satisfaction at their routine postoperative visits at 1, 2, and 4 weeks following surgery. Results: The modified breast band scored higher for all factors at 1, 2, and 4 weeks following surgery. The traditional band demonstrated decreasing scores for comfort and overall satisfaction when compared at 4 weeks versus 1 week. There was no change in the modified breast band scores for comfort, appearance, nor overall satisfaction over the same time period. Discussion: This study of 40 patients found that the modified band provides equally effective maintenance of implants in a desired position without compromising comfort and appearance. Patients who used the modified band had a better experience with the band comfort, appearance, and overall satisfaction in comparison to the traditional band. The higher ratings for the cut out band for comfort, appearance, and overall satisfaction were consistent from week 1 to 4. Conclusion: In contrast, the traditional band not only scored lower in comfort, appearance, and overall satisfaction compared to the modified band but also demonstrated significant decrease in the patients’ ratings for comfort and overall satisfaction for the traditional band from week 1 to 4. This study supports the conclusion that a modified cut out breast band design provides an equally effective maintenance of implants in a desired position without compromising comfort, appearance, and overall satisfaction when compared to the traditional band.
Effectiveness and Safety Studies of Omalizumab in Children and Adolescents With Moderate-To-Severe Asthma
Authors: Cheng Lu , Yang Tianrui , Ma Xiang , Han Yuling , Wang Yongtai 
Published: August 2021

Background: Omalizumab is currently approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe allergic asthma in patients 6 years and older. Objective: To assess the effectiveness and safety of subcutaneous omalizumab as an add-on therapy option for moderate–severe allergic asthma in patients aged 6—20 years old. Methods: The studies published from July, 1970 to May, 2021 were searched from the electronic databases which followed keywords: (“anti-IgE” OR “anti-immunoglobulin E” OR “anti-IgE antibody” OR “omalizumab” OR “rhuMAb-E25” OR “Xolair”) AND “asthma” AND (“child” OR “children” OR “adolescents” OR “youth” OR “teenager” OR “kids” OR “pediatric”). Thirteen studies were pooled to determine the effectiveness and safety of omalizumab. Efficacy endpoints were evaluated using a fixed-effects model or a random-effects model depending on heterogeneity. Safety endpoints were evaluated by odds ratio. Results: Thirteen studies were included. In this meta-analysis, our results showed that fractional exhaled nitric oxide and asthma control test scores were significantly improved with omalizumab treatment. Serum immunoglobulin E was also decreased in children with moderate-to-severe asthma after treatment with omalizumab. The analysis found that there was no significant difference between pre-and post-treatment in forced expiratory volume in one second/ forced vital capacity ratio, forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of vital capacity, or FEV1. Overall, more adverse events occurred with omalizumab compared to placebo. However, the degree was mild to moderate. Conclusion: This meta-analysis indicates that omalizumab is safe and effective to treat children and adolescents with moderate-to-severe asthma.
Dechlorination of landfill poly(vinyl chloride) waste and estimation of recovered chlorine
Authors: Jabrail Fawzi H , Awad Hiba M , Matlob Abdulsalam A 
Published: August 2021

The wet treatment process was used for the dechlorination of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) landfill waste plastic, and the process has shown dependence on concentration of alkali. The process of dechlorination of PVC has shown dependence on the concentration of the alkaline solution and the type of organic solvent used in the preparation of the alkaline solution. Ethylene glycol (EG), diethylene glycol (DEG), and tetraethylene glycol (TEG) are the diols that have been investigated. Moreover, the temperature of the PVC dechlorination process and the time of the PVC solution reflux showed effects on the final degree of the dechlorination (DD%). These were calculated using the Mohr method, where the chloride ions were titrated with a standard solution of silver nitrate in the presence of chromate ions. The study shows that 1 M NaOH/TEG alkaline solution was the best to dechlorinate PVC waste with the wet treatment process at 160 ̊c and for 3 h reflux and the process reclaimed poly(vinyl alcohol) PVA as the main product according to the hydroxyl group substitution mechanism (SN2), besides a few units according to the hydrogen chloride elimination mechanism (E2) with a few remaining chlorinated chains after analysis.
Comparison of Urban-Rural Readmission Rates After Colorectal Cancer Surgery: Findings From a Privately Insured Population
Authors: Alyabsi Mesnad , Charlton Mary , Meza Jane , Islam K. M. Monirul , Soliman Amr , Watanabe-Galloway Shinobu 
Published: August 2021

Objectives: We assessed the 30-day readmission rate of a privately insured population diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) who had primary tumor resection in rural and urban communities. Methods: Claims data of people aged <65 with a diagnosis of CRC between 2012 and 2016 and enrolled in a private health plan administered by BlueCross BlueShield of Nebraska were analyzed. Readmission was defined as the number of discharged patients who were readmitted within 30 days, divided by all discharged patients. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the factors associated with readmission. Results: The urban population had a higher readmission rate (11%) than the rural population (8%). Although the adjusted odds ratio showed that there is no difference in readmission between rural and urban residents, patients with a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) of >1 were more likely than those without CCI to be readmitted (OR 3.59, 1.41-9.11). Patients with open vs. laparoscopic surgery (OR 2.80, 1.39-5.63) and those with an obstructed or perforated colon vs. none (OR 7.17, 3.75-13.72) were more likely to be readmitted. Conclusions: Readmission after CRC surgery occurs frequently. Interventions that target the identified risk factors should reduce readmission rates in this privately insured population.
Functional and structural MRI correlates of executive functions in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Marchesi Olga , Bonacchi Raffaello , Valsasina Paola , Preziosa Paolo , Pagani Elisabetta , Cacciaguerra Laura , Meani Alessandro , Conti Lorenzo , Mistri Damiano , Rocca Maria A , Filippi Massimo 
Published: August 2021

Background: Executive dysfunctions, including difficulties in attention, working memory, planning, and inhibition affect 15%–28% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Objectives: To investigate structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities underlying executive function (EF) in MS patients. Methods: A total 116 MS patients and 65 controls underwent resting-state (RS) and diffusion-weighted sequences and neuropsychological examination, including Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) to test EF. Brain RS cognitive networks and fractional anisotropy (FA) from a priori selected white matter tracts were derived. Associations of WCST scores with RS functional connectivity (FC) and FA abnormalities were investigated. Results: In MS patients, predictors of working memory/updating were: lower corpus callosum (CC) FA, lower left working-memory network (WMN), right WMN RS FC for worse performance; lower executive control network (ECN), higher default-mode network (DMN), and salience network (SN) RS FC for better performance ( R2 = 0.35). Predictors of attention were lower CC genu FA, lower left WMN, and DMN RS FC for worse performance; higher left WMN and ECN RS FC for better performance ( R2 = 0.24). Predictors of worse shifting/inhibition were lower CC genu and superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP) FA, lower left WMN RS FC for worse performance; and higher ECN RS FC for better performance ( R2 = 0.24). Conclusions: CC and SCP microstructural damage and RS FC abnormalities in cognitive networks underlie EF frailty in MS.
Treatment of Complete Displacement of the Bilateral Legs into an Aortic Aneurysm Using an Iliac Branch Device
Authors: Murai Yuta , Tamura Yukio , Tanaka Yuki , Nakashima Kouki , Miyaji Kagami 
Published: August 2021

Purpose: Migration is a major cause of reintervention after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). In patients with common iliac artery (CIA) dilation due to proximal migration of the iliac limb, internal iliac blood flow can be preserved by implanting an iliac branch device (IBD). Case Report: In this report, we discuss the case of a patient in whom the bilateral limbs were completely displaced into the aortic aneurysm due to proximal migration of the iliac limb after EVAR. By taking advantage of the characteristics of this migration, we formed a pull-through wire through the native terminal aorta without passing through the flow divider of the stent graft, and the IBD was deployed safely. Conclusion: The present case indicates that the preservation of at least 1 internal iliac artery is possible in patients with CIA dilation due to proximal migration of the iliac limb. However, the unique features of each case must be considered to determine the appropriate approach.
MicroRNA-215-5p Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Wilm’s Tumor Cells by Targeting CRK
Authors: Li Wang , Lingdi Li , Xiqiang Dang , Jiheng Liu , Xin Tan , Qin Huang , Haisha Li 
Published: August 2021

Objective: Wilm’s tumor is a common renal malignancy in childhood with unsatisfactory prognosis. microRNA-215-5p (miR-215-5p) has been reported as a tumor-suppressive miRNA in different types of human cancers, but rarely in the Wilm’s tumor. In light of this, we tried to investigate the regulatory role and underlying mechanism of miR-215-5p in the Wilm’s tumor. Methods: After sample collection and cell culture, the expression of miR-215-5p and CT10 Regulator of Kinase (CRK) was detected. Then rhabdoid tumor cell lines (formerly classified as Wilms’ tumor cell lines), G401 and WT-CLS1 cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1, pcDNA3.1-CRK, sh-NC, sh-CRK, agomir NC, miR-215-5p agomir, antagomir NC or miR-215-5p antagomir to explore the function of miR-215-5p and CRK in the Wilm’s tumor cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, the relationship between miR-215-5p and CRK was analyzed by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Results: Lowly-expressed miR-215-5p and highly-expressed CRK were observed in the Wilm’s tumor tissues and cells. Transfection of pcDNA3.1-CRK or miR-215-5p antagomir could promote G401 and WT-CLS1 cell proliferation and enhance migration ability, while transfection of sh-CRK or miR-215-5p agomir led to opposite results. Additionally, miR-215-5p may bind to CRK. Moreover, transfection of pcDNA3.1-CRK in G401 and WT-CLS1 cells could partially reverse the inhibitory effect of miR-215-5p agomir on the proliferation and migration of Wilm’s tumor cells. Conclusion: Our study highlighted that miR-215-5p could suppress the proliferation and migration of Wilm’s tumor cells by regulating the expression of CRK, providing new ideas for molecular targeted therapy for Wilm’s tumor.
Distribution and antimicrobial resistance profile of bacteria recovered from sewage system of health institutions found in Hawassa, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia: A descriptive study
Authors: Mekengo Bereket Mugoro , Hussein Siraj , Ali Musa Mohammed 
Published: August 2021

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of bacteria recovered from the sewage systems of health institutions found in Hawassa, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 20 October 2020 to 1 December 2020. A total of 27 sewage samples were collected at two points, namely, before entering the septic tank and from the septic tank of seven health institutions. Samples were inoculated onto Mannitol salt agar, Blood agar, and MacConkey agar, and incubated for 24 h at 37°C. Bacteria were identified using colony morphology, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. An antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Data were analyzed by SPSS, version 25, and results were presented in text and tables. Results: All sewage samples ( n = 27) examined in the current study contained potential pathogenic bacteria. Overall, 129 different types of bacteria were identified. Of isolated bacteria, 14 (10.8%) were Gram positive, while 115 (89.2%) were Gram negative. The most prevalent bacteria were Escherichia coli ( n = 27, 20.9%) followed by Shigella species ( n = 26, 20.2%), Pseudomonas species ( n = 25, 19.4%), Salmonella species ( n = 25, 19.4%), Staphylococcus aureus ( n = 14, 10.9%), and Klebsiella species ( n = 12, 9.3%). All bacteria were susceptible to azithromycin. About 80% of bacteria were resistant to ampicillin, whereas greater than 80% of bacteria were susceptible to norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin. Conclusion: All sewage systems of health institutions included in the current study contained different types of pathogenic bacteria, which are resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics.
Does imagining interrupting the flow of urine really elicit contractions of the pelvic floor muscles in stress-incontinent postpartum women?
Authors: Ojukwu Chidiebele P , Orji Precious C , Ezeigwe Anne U , Ede Stephen S , Okemuo Adaora J , Mba Chidinma G , Ikele Ikenna T , Ugwu Augustus U , Okide Onyinye V 
Published: August 2021

Objectives: This study evaluated if imagining interrupting the flow of urine really elicits contractions of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) in stress-incontinent postpartum women. Methods: A total of 21 postpartum women with recent vaginal deliveries performed four trials of Kegel’s exercises, each prompted by a different contraction technique. PFM activities were measured with a surface electromyography via a vaginal electrode. Inferential statistics of repeated-measures one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc analysis were performed to compare the effective recruitment of the PFMs across the four trials. Results: PFM activities significantly varied across the four trials ( p<0.001), with ‘imagination of interrupting urine flow’ eliciting the least muscular activity (25.40±10.98) and ‘abdominal bracing with hip adduction’ elicited the highest activity (49.67±11.33). Conclusion: Findings showed that utilizing many contraction techniques during Kegel’s education is more effective compared to educating patients with one contraction technique. Level of Evidence: Level 2.
Anti-inflammatory properties of a proprietary bromelain extract (Bromeyal™) after in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Bottega Roberta , Persico Ilaria , De Seta Francesco , Romano Federico , Di Lorenzo Giovanni 
Published: August 2021

Introduction Bromelain is a complex mixture of thiol proteases and other non-proteolytic constituents, commercially extracted primarily from the pineapple stem. Evidence from several in vitro and in vivo studies highlights its excellent bioavailability, lack of side effects, and broad spectrum of medical efficacies, of which the antiphlogistic properties are among the most valuable ones. Bromelain has indeed been employed for the efficient treatment of many inflammatory disorders, ranging from osteoarthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases to cancer-related inflammation. Methods The aim of the current study was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of bromelain after gastrointestinal digestion simulated in vitro using stomach, intestinal, and chondrocyte human cellular models (AGS, Caco-2, and SW1353, respectively). Results We successfully demonstrated the capability of bromelain to reduce an inflammatory stimulus by reproducing its exposure to the gastro-enteric environment in vitro and assaying its effect in human cell lines derived from stomach, intestinal, and chondrocytes. Conclusion Consistently with the previously published data, our work underpins the relevance of bromelain in the development of safer and more effective anti-inflammatory therapies.
A 16-Week Home-Based Progressive Resistance Tube Training Among Older Adults With Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: Effect on Glycemic Control
Authors: Ooi Theng Choon , Mat Ludin Arimi Fitri , Loke Seng Cheong , Fiatarone Singh Maria Antoinette , Wong Teck Wee , Vytialingam Nathan , Anthony Abdullah Muhammad Mikhail Joseph , Ng Ooi Chuan , Bahar Norhaniza , Zainudin Norliza , Lew Leong Chen 
Published: August 2021

Research has proven that aerobic exercise improves glucose homeostasis among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Elastic resistance (tube or band) is suggested as a good alternative for home-based strength training among older adults including those with T2DM due to its low cost, simplicity, portability, and versatility. This study aimed to measure the effects of 16-week home-based progressive resistance training (PRT), using a resistance tube on glucose homeostasis and cardiovascular risk factors among older adults with T2DM. A total of 70 participants aged 61.68 (5.50) years with T2DM were assigned to the intervention ( n = 35) and control ( n = 35) groups in this quasi-experimental trial. The intervention group underwent 16 weeks of home-based PRT using a resistance tube. Significant improvements in HbA1c (−1.34% point, p < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (−1.30 mmol/L, p < 0.001), and systolic blood pressure (−1.42 mmHg, p < 0.05) were observed after 16 weeks of intervention. However, no significant changes were observed in lipid profile, diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, and ankle–brachial index. The finding suggests that 16 weeks of home-based PRT using a resistance tube has the potential to improve glycemic control and reduce systolic blood pressure among older adults with T2DM and caused no adverse events.
Visual Impairment and Self-Efficacy in Diabetes Management
Authors: Heydarian Nazanin M. , Brown-Podgorski Brittany , Ramirez Jahanett 
Published: August 2021

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between visual impairment and diabetes management self-efficacy. Methods The present study utilized pooled cross-sectional data (2008-2018) from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Household Component and Diabetes Care Survey. Binary and generalized ordinal logit regression models were used to compare diabetes management self-efficacy between patients with and without visual impairments. Results Compared to their non-visually impaired counterparts, visually impaired persons had a lower odds of reporting high diabetes management self-efficacy. Similarly, visually impaired adults with diabetes have a significantly lower odds of being very confident in their ability to manage their conditions compared with adults who reported being not confident, somewhat confident, or confident. Several control factors, including self-behaviors and receipt of diabetes self-management education (DSME), were also associated with diabetes management self-efficacy. Conclusions Visually impaired persons experience significant disparities in diabetes management self-efficacy. Given the relationship between self-efficacy and diabetes-related outcomes, it is crucial that DSME be tailored to effectively meet the individual needs of this population. Future research should explore the relationship between DSME and self-care behaviors, self-efficacy, and diabetes-related outcomes in visually impaired persons.