bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediabetes versus type 2 diabetes mellitus based on pre-percutaneous coronary intervention thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after successful newer-generation drug-eluting stent implantation
Authors: Kim Yong Hoon , Her Ae-Young , Jeong Myung Ho , Kim Byeong-Keuk , Hong Sung-Jin , Kim Seunghwan , Ahn Chul-Min , Kim Jung-Sun , Ko Young-Guk , Choi Donghoon , Hong Myeong-Ki , Jang Yangsoo 
Published: February 2021

Background: We compared the 2-year clinical outcomes between prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) according to the pre-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Methods: Overall, 6448 STEMI patients were divided into two groups: pre-PCI TIMI 0/1 group ( n = 4854) and pre-PCI TIMI 2/3 group ( n = 1594). They were further divided into patients with normoglycemia, prediabetes, and T2DM. The major endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), defined as all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction, or any repeat revascularization. Results: In the pre-PCI TIMI 0/1 group, all-cause death rate was higher in both prediabetes (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.633, p = 0.045) and T2DM (aHR: 2.064, p = 0.002) groups than in the normoglycemia group. In the pre-PCI TIMI 2/3 group, any repeat revascularization rate was also higher in both prediabetes (aHR: 2.511, p = 0.039) and T2DM (aHR: 3.156, p = 0.009) than normoglycemia. In each group (pre-PCI TIMI 0/1 or 2/3), the MACEs and all other clinical outcomes rates were similar between the prediabetes and T2DM groups. Conclusions: Prediabetes showed comparable worse clinical outcomes to those of T2DM regardless of the pre-PCI TIMI flow grade.
Impact of Body Mass Index on Survival Outcome in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma: A Retrospective Single-Center Study
Authors: Cha Jun-Yong , Park Jae-Sung , Hong Yong-Kil , Jeun Sin-Soo , Ahn Stephen 
Published: February 2021

Introduction: The impact of obesity on survival outcomes in patients with glioblastoma (GBM) has not been well reported and the results for patients are currently unclear. We investigated the effect of obesity on survival outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed GBM. Methods: Using electronic medical records, all GBM patients that visited the Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital between 2008 and 2018 were reviewed. A total of 177 patients met our eligibility criteria. The cut-off point for BMI was 23.0 kg/m2 based on previous studies which focused on Asian populations. Results: A total of 177 patients met our eligibility criteria. The overall median BMI of patients was 24.5 kg/m2 (range 15.82-39.26). About 62 patients who had a BMI less than the cut-off value were assigned to the “lower BMI” group, while 115 patients who had a BMI greater than the cut-off value were assigned to the “higher BMI” group. In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the median OS of the higher BMI group was longer than that of the lower BMI group (21.3 months vs 15.3 months, P = .002). In multivariate Cox regression analysis for OS, lower BMI was associated with inferior OS (HR 1.48 CI 1.06-2.08, P = .002). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that elevated BMI may be associated with better survival in patients with newly diagnosed GBM. Additional larger prospective studies could help validate our findings to confirm the effect of body composition and survival outcomes in GBM patients.
Intraventricular pressure gradients change during the development of left ventricular hypertrophy: Effect of salvianolic acid B and beta-blocker
Authors: Ma Danfu , Mandour Ahmed S , Yoshida Tomohiko , Matsuura Katsuhiro , Shimada Kazumi , Kitpipatkun Pitipat , Uemura Akiko , Ifuku Mayumi , Takahashi Ken , Tanaka Ryou 
Published: February 2021

Introduction Intraventricular pressure gradient is regarded as a non-invasive indicator of diastolic function. Salvianolic acid B (Sal-B), a traditional Asian medicine, revealed its usefulness in myocardial infarction models; however, the hemodynamic effect of salvianolic acid B is still unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the intraventricular pressure gradient changes during the development of left ventricular hypertrophy with or without salvianolic acid B and a beta-blocker. Methods In total, 48 rats were divided into four groups; Sham, Non-treatment, salvianolic acid B, and Carvedilol. Aortic coarctation-induced left ventricular hypertrophy was done in three groups and the treatment was started from the third to the sixth week. Blood pressure, conventional echocardiography, and color M-mode echocardiography for measurement of intraventricular pressure gradient were carried out for six consecutive weeks. Results At 4.5 weeks, the LV mass was elevated in the coarctation groups but the blood pressure was significantly lower in salvianolic acid B and Carvedilol groups ( P < 0.05). In the Non-treatment group, the total intraventricular pressure gradient was increased at 4.5 and 6 weeks (2.60 and 2.65, respectively). Meanwhile, the basal intraventricular pressure gradient was elevated at 3 and 6 weeks (1.67 and 1.75) compared with the Sham group. Salvianolic acid B and Carvedilol significantly reduced the basal intraventricular pressure gradient at six weeks compared with the Non-treatment group (1.52 and 1.51 vs 1.75, respectively). Conclusions Salvianolic acid B and Carvedilol promote cardiac function by decreasing the elevated basal intraventricular pressure gradient. The current preclinical results revealed the efficacy of salvianolic acid B as a potential therapy for left ventricular hypertrophy because of the non-blood pressure lowering effect.
Characterization of Hemorrhagic and Ischemic Stroke in a Diverse Cohort of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Ramos Alexander D. , Koyfman Feliks , Byrns Kory , Wu Alan , Yasen Jay , Elreda Lauren , Boddu Srikanth , Pishanidar Sammy , Allen Baxter , Juthani Rupa G. 
Published: February 2021

Background and Purpose: COVID-19 is a known risk factor for stroke. There is limited data on the influence of demographics, risk factors, and hematologic function on outcomes in COVID-19 stroke patients. Methods: All patients with acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke tested for COVID-19 and treated from March 13 through May 19, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. COVID+ patients were compared to COVID- patients and a historical cohort from 2019. Results: 84 patients with radiographic acute stroke from the 2020 study period and 152 patients in the historical cohort were included. Stroke incidence in COVID+ patients was 1.5%, with a significant decline in total stroke presentations during this period compared to 2019. 37 patients were COVID+ and 47 patients were COVID-. 32% of COVID+ stroke patients were Hispanic compared to 15% and 18% in the COVID- and 2019 cohorts respectively (p = 0.069 and 0.07). COVID+ stroke patients were younger, had higher rates of hemorrhagic conversion (p = 0.034), higher initial NIHSS (p < 0.001), increased cryptogenic stroke mechanism (p = 0.02), and higher mortality independent of COVID-19 severity. COVID+ patients had higher rates of thrombocytopenia (p = 0.02), and were less likely to be on antiplatelet therapy (p = 0.025). In multivariable analysis, only COVID-19 status independently predicted mortality. Conclusions: COVID status, independent of severity, was significantly associated with higher mortality in stroke patients. COVID+ stroke patients were younger and less likely to be on antiplatelets, with higher rates of thrombocytopenia, suggesting a possible role for antiplatelet use in this population.
A novel drug response score more accurately predicts renoprotective drug effects than existing renal risk scores
Authors: Idzerda Nienke M. A. , Tye Sok Cin , Zeeuw Dick de , Heerspink Hiddo J. L. 
Published: February 2021

Background: Risk factor-based equations are used to predict risk of kidney disease progression in patients with type 2 diabetes order to guide treatment decisions. It is, however, unknown whether these models can also be used to predict the effects of drugs on clinical outcomes. Methods: The previously developed Parameter Response Efficacy (PRE) score, which integrates multiple short-term drug effects, was first compared with the existing risk scores, Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE) and The Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified Release Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) renal risk score, in its performance to predict end-stage renal disease (ESRD; KFRE) and doubling of serum creatinine or ESRD (ADVANCE). Second, changes in the risk scores were compared after 6 months’ treatment to predict the long-term effects of losartan on these renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Results: The KFRE, ADVANCE and PRE scores showed similarly good performance in predicting renal risk. However, for prediction of the effect of losartan, the KFRE risk score predicted a relative risk change in the occurrence of ESRD of 3.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) −5 to 12], whereas the observed risk change was −28.8% (95% CI −42.0 to −11.5). For the composite endpoint of doubling of serum creatinine or ESRD, the ADVANCE score predicted a risk change of −12.4% (95% CI −17 to −7), which underestimated the observed risk change −21.8% (95% CI −34 to −6). The PRE score predicted renal risk changes that were close to the observed risk changes with losartan treatment [−24.0% (95% CI −30 to −17) and −22.6% (95% CI −23 to −16) for ESRD and the composite renal outcome, respectively]. Conclusion: A drug response score such as the PRE score may assist in improving clinical decision making and implement precision medicine strategies.
Overweight and Obesity Among Adult HIV Infected Peoples Receiving ART in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kabthymer Robel Hussen , Nega Techane Solomon , Muche Temesgen , Ali Ewune Helen , Mekonnen Abate Semagn , Feyisso Shaka Mohammed 
Published: February 2021

Background: Over-nutrition and diet-linked non-communicable morbidities are showing increasing trend overtime. Even if there are different factors that affect the change in BMI other than ART, several authors have reported increases in BMI among PLHIV on treatment that are equal to or surpass the general population. This study is aimed to estimate the prevalence of obesity and overweight among adult HIV infected peoples taking ART in Ethiopia. Method: PubMed, CINAHL, Web of science, global health and Google scholar electronic databases were used to perform a systematic literature search. Two authors independently extracted all the necessary data using a structured data extraction format. Data analysis was done using STATA Version 14. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed by using I2 test. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence. Publication bias was checked using Funnel plot and Egger’s test. Result: Two thousand seven hundred and fifty-one studies were reviewed and 13 studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis of 13 studies, comprising 4994 participants resulted in pooled prevalence of overweight to be 17.85% (95% CI: 12.22-23.47). Whereas, the pooled prevalence of overweight was found to be 3.90 (95% CI: 2.31-5.49) but after adjusting for publication bias using trim and fill analysis it has become 3.58 (95% CI: 2.04-5.13). Magnitude of both overweight and obesity was higher in studies conducted in Addis Ababa, studies done after 2016 and studies having sample size of less than 400, in subgroup analysis. Conclusion: The magnitude of overweight and obesity among HIV infected peoples taking ART in Ethiopia is high. There is a need to have a routine screening to PLWHA on the risk of over-nutrition in order to facilitate early detection.
Age and Spinal Disease Correlate to Albumin and Vitamin D Status
Authors: Marin Anderson Gomes , Pratali Raphael de Rezende , Marin Samuel Machado , Herrero Carlos Fernando Pereira da Silva 
Published: February 2021

Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Objectives: Thus, this study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile of a patient sample that underwent spinal surgery regarding their nutritional and vitamin D status. Methods: Serum albumin and vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) levels were measured in patients with different spinal surgical approaches and various pathologies at a single institution. 112 patients were retrospectively identified for inclusion and stratified by age into 4 age groups and by pathology. The nutritional status of the patients was classified in vitamin D inadequacy (< 30ng/mL), vitamin D deficiency (<20ng/mL), and hypoalbuminemia (<3.5g/dL). Data was analyzed comparing vitamin D, and albumin means considering gender, age group, and pathologies. Results: Twenty-eight (25.2%) patients had hypoalbuminemia. There was no difference between gender (p = 0.988); there was a significant decrease in albumin concentration increasing the age (p < 0.001). The prevalence of hypoalbuminemia was significantly higher in patients with trauma, tumor and infection than in those patients with degenerative and deformity diseases (p = 0.003). The prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy was 33.7%, and that of deficiency was 62.2%, while severe deficiency (< 10 ng/mL) in 16.3%. The vitamin D concentration was significantly different among the pathologies (P = 0.047), the lower concentration occurring in patients with tumor. Conclusion: Older patients, as well as patients with tumor and infectious pathologies, seem to have a higher prevalence of hypoalbuminemia, inferring malnutrition. There was a low epidemic level of vitamin D concentration, almost all patients presenting some degree of hypovitaminosis D, independent of age, gender and nutritional status.
The Effect of Incentive Management System on Turnover Rate, Job Satisfaction and Motivation of Medical Laboratory Technologists
Authors: Al-Qathmi Ahlam , Zedan Haya 
Published: February 2021

Objectives: We investigated factors affecting turnover and assessed satisfaction with an existing Incentive Management System and to which extent it motivates employees. We also provide recommendations to improve the Incentive Management System. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study utilizing a convenience sample from of a population of 250 Medical Laboratory Technologists. Findings: 100 medical laboratory technologists responded to the survey. We found discrepancy in wage allocation to be the most prominent factor affecting turnover intention with 51% strongly agreeing, followed by low incremental system with 48%. Other factors were: limited opportunities for promotion, insufficient allowances and benefits, and lack of continuing education and professional growth opportunities with 49%. 26% of respondents found lack of autonomy/independence to be a factor. Poor workgroup cohesion was least ranked (17%). 39% reported dissatisfaction with workload, 31% were dissatisfied with their provided allowance, with management support, and the working hours, and opportunities for promotion (44%). Opportunities for career growth and higher pay were highest ranked as incentives to remain, and additional vacation time and supportive colleagues to be the least relevant factors. There was a significant correlation between age and motivation levels (r = 0.223, p = 0.026). Discussion and Conclusions: Burnout and turnover can be costly to healthcare organizations, due to the impact on productivity and healthcare quality. Human resource departments must ensure to not only attract skilled employees, but also influence their motivation and retention due to the impact on productivity and health care quality. Incentive management systems support practices to enhance skills, knowledge, abilities and retention rates for healthcare employees. Our study findings support the continued improvement of Incentive Management Systems within the healthcare organization to reduce turnover rates, maximize quality outcomes, and increase the levels of commitment and motivation of employees.
COVID-19 and the Dreads of Hospitalization: Connecting With a Recollection of Memories As a Patient of Dengue Fever
Authors: Iqbal Saad Arslan 
Published: February 2021

I have spent a considerable time in visiting and even staying at various hospitals since my childhood. With many of the memories still intact, the one encounter whose mark is an enduring one in my mind is when I caught dengue fever and was admitted to a public hospital. During this stay, I remember largely being restless inside my room. However, visiting an outdoor ground near my ward was always a rejuvenating experience and made me feel stronger and better. It was during that time when I truly realized the significance of indoor as well as outdoor design quality of health care buildings and how they impact the well-being of their users. To say the least, that short stay at the hospital was one of the major reasons that why for my graduate and undergraduate theses, I chose to explore the role of well-designed and accessible outdoor spaces especially gardens in health care buildings for promoting mental as well as physical health and well-being among users. Presently, as we steer through a deadly pandemic, my own experiences from this hospital stay makes me want to reflect back and reemphasize on why there is a need for health care policy makers and relevant governmental bodies to strategize and prioritize long-term goals for implementing measures such as evidence-based design considerations of hospitals, especially in developing countries, and to promote accessible, inclusive, and safe healing spaces where patients may leave with positive experiences instead of negative reminiscences and where the staff can also use these spaces for respite.
Dhat Syndrome—Revisiting the Phenomenology and Related Psychiatric Comorbidities
Authors: Singh Akshay , Karthik Murugan Selvaraj , Viswanathan Sushma , Sathianathan and Ramanathan 
Published: February 2021

Background: Dhat syndrome is a culture-bound syndrome found in men from India (and other South Asian countries), leading to a number of psychiatric problems. Aim: The study is aimed at studying the sociodemographic correlates of patients with Dhat syndrome and the occurrence of comorbid neurotic, stress-related, and somatic symptoms. It also aims to study the severity of comorbid anxiety and depressive symptoms. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Psychiatry, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute (Chennai). Materials and Methods: Fifty patients were recruited from consecutive outpatients attending the psychiatry department and assessment was carried out using a semi-structured pro forma, Dhat Syndrome Questionnaire, and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Statistical Analysis: The data collected here was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results: Most patients were found to be in the second decade of life and hailed from urban areas and lower socioeconomic status. Media and peer group were the source of information for three-fourths of the patients. A majority of the patients reported with somatic symptoms. Mild to moderate anxiety and depression scores were most commonly observed. Conclusion: The current study has illustrated that Dhat syndrome is associated with a lot of misinformation and leads to mild–moderate depression and anxiety symptoms, making its awareness and treatment extremely important.
A Real Bonds Doctrine
Authors: Correa Romar 
Published: February 2021

Two assumptions drive our policy construct. First, the task of implementing a Green New Deal will necessarily fall on the government. Second, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics have meant a reduction in labour in the production process. The connection between the two is production by public firms, and the financial instrument is the government bond. The Real Bills doctrine meant the tracking of credit disbursed by commercial and central banks with the returns realized by borrowing firms. The horizon was finite. In the case of our bond, the issuer is the government, and the horizon is infinite. Balance sheet accounts with the central bank are maintained. We write down a model with no labour. Households lend to the government, which, in turn, lends to firms to purchase their capital inputs. Households earn returns from their holdings of the government bond. The central bank mediates the accounts.
Impaired adhesion of neutrophils expressing Slc44a2/HNA-3b to VWF protects against NETosis under venous shear rates
Authors: Zirka Gaïa , Robert Philippe , Tilburg Julia , Tishkova Victoria , Maracle Chrissta X. , Legendre Paulette , van Vlijmen Bart J. M. , Alessi Marie-Christine , Lenting Peter J. , Morange Pierre-Emmanuel , Thomas Grace M. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Genome-wide association studies linked expression of the human neutrophil antigen 3b (HNA-3b) epitope on the Slc44a2 protein with a 30% decreased risk of venous thrombosis (VT) in humans. Slc44a2 is a ubiquitous transmembrane protein identified as a receptor for von Willebrand factor (VWF). To explain the link between Slc44a2 and VT, we wanted to determine how Slc44a2 expressing either HNA-3a or HNA-3b on neutrophils could modulate their adhesion and activation on VWF under flow. Transfected HEK293T cells or neutrophils homozygous for the HNA-3a– or HNA-3b–coding allele were purified from healthy donors and perfused in flow chambers coated with VWF at venous shear rates (100 s−1). HNA-3a expression was required for Slc44a2-mediated neutrophil adhesion to VWF at 100 s−1. This adhesion could occur independently of β2 integrin and was enhanced when neutrophils were preactivated with lipopolysaccharide. Moreover, specific shear conditions with high neutrophil concentration could act as a “second hit,” inducing the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps. Neutrophil mobilization was also measured by intravital microscopy in venules from SLC44A2-knockout and wild-type mice after histamine-induced endothelial degranulation. Mice lacking Slc44a2 showed a massive reduction in neutrophil recruitment in inflamed mesenteric venules. Our results show that Slc44a2/HNA-3a is important for the adhesion and activation of neutrophils in veins under inflammation and when submitted to specific shears. The fact that neutrophils expressing Slc44a2/HNA-3b have a different response on VWF in the conditions tested could thus explain the association between HNA-3b and a reduced risk for VT in humans.