bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors Associated with Bedbug (Cimex spp.) Infestations Among Hong Kong Households: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fung Hin Chung Eddy , Wong Hung , Chiu Siu Wai , Hui Jerome Ho Lam , Lam Hon Ming , Chung Roger Yat-nork , Wong Samuel Yeung-shan , Chan Siu Ming 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
To investigate the risk factors associated with bedbug infestations among Hong Kong households, self-reported questionnaires in Chinese were distributed online between June 2019 to July 2020. The questionnaire collected data on participants’ sociodemographics, history of bedbug infestation, and housing situation. Among the 663 participants who completed the questionnaire, 422 (63.7%) have experienced bedbug infestations in the past year, they were concentrated around the Kowloon region. Weighted bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression were performed to identify the statistically significant (p-value <0.05) factors associated with bedbug infestations. Bivariate analysis shows a positive correlation between the number of reported dilapidated housing features and bedbug infestation. For multivariate analysis, those aged 45-64 (OR=2.53, 95% CI 1.30-4.91), have primary education or below (OR=9.43, 95% CI 3.12-28.44), and monthly household income ≤HKD30,000 (OR=1.69, 95% CI 1.15-2.5) were more likely to have bedbug infestation compared to their respective reference groups, i.e., ≥65, tertiary education, and >HKD30,000; housing risk factors identified are living in subdivided flats (OR=16.53, 95% CI 1.01-269.72), crowded household (OR=1.55, 95% CI 1.06-2.28), having second-hand furniture (OR=2.97, 95% CI 1.16-7.58), housing cleanliness issues (OR=2.66, 95% CI 1.13-6.25), and presence of bedbugs in neighbouring residential units (OR=3.32, 95% CI 1.57-7.04) or on the streets (OR=1.9, 95% CI 1.12-3.23). This study has identified lower income, lower education level, crowded household, living in subdivided flats, and certain dilapidated housing features to be risk factors of bedbug infestations; efforts and policies should prioritise vulnerable groups and focus on addressing the housing risk factors identified in this study.
Results from the First Culturally Tailored, Multidisciplinary Diabetes Education in Lebanese Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Effects on Self-Care and Metabolic Outcomes.
Authors: Sukkarieh-Haraty Ola , egede Leonard , Khazen George , AbiKharma Joelle , Farran Natali , Bassil Maya 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is an essential component of lifestyle management needed for diabetes care. Despite ranking second in the world in the prevalence of diabetes, there is no reported intervention addressing diabetes self-care in the Arab world This pilot-study tested the effect of culturally-tailored education targeting diabetes self-care on glycaemia and cardiovascular risk factors of Lebanese with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods: A sample of 27 adults (Age: 61±10yrs, 59% males, HbA1c:8.98±1.38%) with T2DM was recruited from primary health care centers in Beirut. Participants received culturally tailored, multidisciplinary education. Scales assessing self-care, social support, fatalism, and diabetes knowledge, as well as anthropometric measures, and blood samples were collected at baseline, 3-months and 6-months post- intervention. Results: Diabetes self-care (Diet, Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose and foot care) improved after 6 months, which was reflected in a significant drop in glycemic level (HbA1c:-0.5%; FPG: -38 mg/dl), and cholesterol/HDL ratio (4.45±1.39 vs. 4.06±1.29). Waist circumference decreased at 6 months compared to 3 months (p<0.05). Conclusions: This is the first effective culturally-tailored intervention that improved self-care, glycemic control, body adiposity and blood lipids of Lebanese with T2DM. Larger scale implementation with representative sample is warranted.
The Interplay Between Infection Risk Factors of SARS-CoV-2 and Prognosis: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Cohort of Long-Term Care Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Soldevila Laura , Prat Núria , Mas Miquel À. , Massot Mireia , Miralles Ramon , Bonet-Simó Josep Maria , Isnard Mar , Expósito-Izquierdo Marta , García-Sánchez Irene , Rodoreda-Noguerola Sara , Moreno Nemesio , Badia Esther , López Genís , Sevilla Javier , Estrada Oriol , Vallès Xavier 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Covid-19 pandemic has particularly affected older people living in Long-term Care settings. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional analysis of a cohort of Long-term care nursing home residents between March first and June thirty, 2020, who were ≥ 65 years old and on whom at last one PCR test was performed. Socio-demographic, comorbidities, and clinical data were recorded. Facility size and community incidence of SARS-CoV-2 were also considered.Results: A total of 8021 participants were included from 168 facilities. Mean age was 86.4 years (SD = 7.4). Women represented 74.1%. SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected in 27.7% of participants, and the overall case fatality rate was 11.3% (24.9% among those with a positive PCR test). Epidemiological factors related to risk of infection were larger facility size (pooled aOR 1.73; P < .001), higher community incidence (pooled aOR 1.67, P = .04), leading to a higher risk than the clinical factor of low level of functional dependence (aOR 1.22, P = 0.03). Epidemiological risk factors associated with mortality were male gender (aOR 1.75; P < .001), age (pooled aOR 1.16; P < .001), and higher community incidence (pooled aOR 1.19, P = < .001). There was evidence of clustering for facility and health area when considering the risk of infection and mortality (P < .001). Conclusions: Our results suggest a complex interplay between structural and individual factors regarding Covid-19 infection and its impact on mortality in nursing-home residents.
Identification of Risk Factors for Delirium, Cognitive Decline, And Dementia After Cardiac Surgery (FINDERI - Find Delirium Risk Factors): A Study Protocol of A Prospective Monocentric Observational Pilot Trial
Authors: Sadlonova Monika , Vogelgsang Jonathan , Lange Claudia , Günther Irina , Wiesent Adriana , Eberhard Charlotte , Ehrentraut Julia , Kirsch Mareike , Hansen Niels , Esselmann Hermann , Timäus Charles , Asendorf Thomas , Breitling Benedict , Chebbok Mohammed , Kutschka Ingo , Wiltfang Jens , Baraki Hassina , von Arnim Christine A.F. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Postoperative delirium is a common complication of cardiac surgery associated with higher morbidity, longer hospital stay, risk of cognitive decline, dementia, and mortality. Geriatric patients, patients undergoing cardiac surgery, and intensive care patients are at a high risk of developing a postoperative delirium. A gold standard assessment or biomarkers to predict risk factors for delirium, cognitive decline, and dementia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery are not yet available. METHODS: The FINDERI trial (FINd DElirium RIsk factors) is a prospective, single-center, observational pilot study. In total, 500 patients aged ≥ 50 years undergoing cardiac surgery at the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery of the University of Göttingen Medical Center will be recruited. Our primary aims are to validate a delirium screening questionnaire and to identify specific preoperative risk factors and perioperative exposition factors for postoperative delirium, cognitive decline, and accelerated dementia after cardiac surgery. Our secondary aim is to identify blood-based biomarkers that predict the incidence of postoperative delirium, cognitive decline, or dementia in the context of cardiac surgery. CONCLUSION: This prospective, observational pilot trial might help to identify pre- and perioperative risk factors and biomarkers for postoperative delirium, cognitive decline, and dementia. The predictive value of a delirium screening questionnaire in cardiac surgery might also be revealed.TRIAL REGISTRATION: Ethics approval for this study was obtained from the IRB of the University of Göttingen Medical Center. The investigators registered this study in German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) (DRKS00025095) on April, 19th 2021 https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00025095.
Clinical Phenotyping In Sarcoidosis Using Cluster Analysis
Authors: Lin Nancy W , Arbet Jaron , Mroz Margaret M , Liao Shu-Yi , Restrepo Clara I , Mayer Annyce S , Li Li , Barkes Briana Q , Schrock Sarah , Hamzeh Nabeel , Fingerlin Tasha E. , Carlson Nichole E , Maier Lisa 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background Most phenotyping paradigms in sarcoidosis are based on expert opinion; however, no paradigm has been widely adopted because of the subjectivity in classification. We hypothesized that cluster analysis could be performed on common clinical variables to define more objective sarcoidosis phenotypes. MethodsModel-based clustering was performed using the VarSelLCM R package to identify distinct phenotypes of sarcoidosis based on 29 clinical features. The Integrated Completed Likelihood (ICL) criteria were used to estimate number of clusters. To identify features associated with cluster membership, features were ranked based on variable importance scores from the VarSelLCM model, and additional univariate tests (Fisher’s exact test and one-way ANOVA) were performed using q-values correcting for multiple testing. The Wasfi severity score was also compared between clusters. ResultsCluster analysis resulted in 6 sarcoidosis phenotypes. Salient characteristics for each cluster are as follows: Phenotype 1) supranormal lung function and majority Scadding stage 2/3; phenotype 2) supranormal lung function and majority Scadding stage 0/1; phenotype 3) normal lung function and split Scadding stages between 0/1 and 2/3; phenotype 4) obstructive lung function and majority Scadding stage 2/3; phenotype 5) restrictive lung function and majority Scadding stage 2/3; phenotype 6) mixed obstructive and restrictive lung function and mostly Scadding stage 4. Clusters 4,5,6 were significantly more likely to have ever been on immunosuppressive treatment and had higher Wasfi disease severity scores. ConclusionsCluster analysis produced 6 sarcoidosis phenotypes that demonstrated non-severe and severe phenotypes. Phenotypes 1,2,3 have less lung function abnormalities, a lower percentage on immunosuppressive treatment and lower Wasfi severity scores. Phenotypes 4,5,6 were characterized by lung function abnormalities, more parenchymal abnormalities, an increased percentage on immunosuppressive treatment and higher Wasfi severity scores. These data support using cluster analysis as an objective and clinically useful way to phenotype sarcoidosis subjects.
Symmetry resolved atomic photoionization phase shift by attosecond coincidence metrology
Authors: Jiang Wenyu , Armstrong Gregory S. J. , Tong Jihong , Xu Yidan , Zuo Zitan , Qiang Junjie , Lu Peifen , Clarke Daniel D. A. , Benda Jakub , Fleischer Avner , Ni Hongcheng , Ueda Kiyoshi , Hart Hugo van der , Brown Andrew C. , Gong Xiaochun , Wu Jian 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Attosecond chronoscopy is central to the understanding of ultrafast electron dynamics from gas to condensed phase with attosecond temporal resolution. It has, however, not yet been able to determine the timing of individual partial waves, and steering their contribution has been a substantial challenge. Here, we develop a polarization-skewed attosecond chronoscopy to reveal their roles from the angle-resolved photoionization phase shifts in rare gas atoms. By scanning the relative polarization angle between an extreme-ultraviolet attosecond pulse train and a phase-locked near-infrared laser field serving as a partial wave meter, we break the cylindrical symmetry and observe an emission direction dependent phase shift in the photoionized electron momenta. The experimental observations are well supported by numerical simulations using the R-matrix with time-dependence method, and by analytical analysis using the soft-photon approximation. Our symmetry-resolved, partial-wave analysis identifies the transition rate and phase shifts of each individual ionization pathway in the attosecond photoelectron emission dynamics. Our findings provide critical insights into the ubiquitous attosecond optical timer and the underlying attosecond photoionization dynamics, thereby offer new perspectives for the control, manipulation, and exploration of ultrafast electron dynamics in complex systems.
Quantifying Intra- and Interlimb Coordination in Persons With Hemiparesis Post-stroke
Authors: Duff Susan V , Miller Aaron J , Quinn Lori , Youdan Gregory A , Bishop Lauri , Ruthrauff Heather , Wade Eric R 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIndividuals with hemiparesis post-stroke often have difficulty with tasks requiring upper extremity (UE) intra- and interlimb coordination, yet methods to quantify both are limited. Objective: To develop a quantitative yet sensitive method to identify distinct features of UE intra- and interlimb coordination. MethodsTwenty adults post-stroke and 20 controls wore five inertial sensors (wrists, upper arms, sternum) during 12 seated UE tasks. Three sensor modalities (acceleration, angular rate of change, orientation) were examined for three metrics (peak to peak amplitude, time, and frequency). To allow for comparison between sensor data, the resultant values were combined into one motion parameter, per sensor pair, using a novel algorithm. This motion parameter was compared in a group-by-task analysis of variance as a similarity score (0-1) between key sensor pairs: sternum to wrist, wrist to wrist, and wrist to upper arm. A use ratio (paretic/non-paretic arm) was calculated in persons post-stroke from wrist sensor data for each modality and compared to scores from the Adult Assisting Hand Assessment (Ad-AHA Stroke) and UE Fugl-Meyer (UEFM). ResultsA significant group x task interaction in the similarity score was found for all key sensor pairs. Post-hoc tests between task type revealed significant differences in similarity for sensor pairs in 8/9 comparisons for controls and 3/9 comparisons for persons post stroke. The use ratio was significantly predictive of the Ad-AHA Stroke and UEFM scores for each modality. ConclusionsOur algorithm and sensor data analyses distinguished task type within and between groups and were predictive of clinical scores. Future work will assess reliability and validity of this novel metric to allow development of an easy-to-use app for clinicians.
What Do We Know About the Health Status of Asylum Seekers in the United States? Identifying Research Gaps Following a Bibliometric Scoping Review of Existing Literature
Authors: Beer Jessica , Dorris C. Scott , Fateen Dahlia , Mishori Ranit 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Asylum Seekers are a high-risk group from a health perspective. The US is the largest recipient of asylum applications in the world. Multiple articles exist on asylum seekers’ health, but, anecdotally, the majority originate from Europe and elsewhere. We sought to assess the current health and medical literature on asylum seekers in the US, where asylum seekers are a distinct population from refugees. This limited representation in the scientific literature can impact the care they receive. We analyzed the existing literature on asylum seekers in the US via a Scoping Review of the literature from 1946 to 2020 that discussed the health of asylum seekers in the US. Refugees were excluded given their legal status which distinguishes the protections they receive. Results: A total of 114 articles were identified; 48 (42.1%) of which were empirical studies; (66 (57.9%) were editorials or commentaries. Analysis of empirical studies revealed enhanced focus on mental health (60.42%), on African asylees (45.83%). The majority of the editorials and commentaries focused on detention and the medico-legal process (31.82% and 30.3% respectively). Conclusion: Empirical data on the health of asylum seekers in the US context is very limited. Research gaps include domains that span the medical, social, and legal fields. Research expansion requires increased dedication from the research community, funding, and the ethical engagement of these vulnerable populations. This is especially important given the unprecedented migration and displacement of populations in the 21st century.
Efficacy of Combination Therapy With The JAK Inhibitor Baricitinib In The Treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Thoms Brendan Lawless , Gosselin Jeanne , Libman Bonita , Littenberg Benjamin , Budd Ralph 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), resulting from infection with SARS-CoV-2, spans a wide spectrum of illness. In severely ill patients, highly elevated serum levels of certain cytokines and considerable cytolytic T cell infiltrates in the lungs have been observed. These same patients may bear low to negligible viral burdens suggesting that an overactive immune response, often termed cytokine storm, contributes to the severity of COVID-19. We report the safety and efficacy of baricitinib combined with remdesivir and dexamethasone in 45 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia at a tertiary academic medical center.
METHODS:
Retrospective review of 45 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia. Patients received 7-day course of baricitinib, 5-day course of remdesivir and 10-day course of dexamethasone. Clinical status and biomarkers were obtained daily. Outcomes assessed include mortality, duration of hospitalization, presence of shock, need for supplemental oxygen, need for non-invasive ventilation, need for mechanical ventilation and development of thrombosis.
RESULTS:
Obesity and multiple medical comorbidities were associated with hospitalization in the setting of COVID-19. Treated patients demonstrated rapid declines of C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin and D-dimer with gradual improvement in hemoglobin, platelet counts and clinical status. Only 2 of 45 (4.4%) treated patients required mechanical ventilation after initiating treatment and there were six deaths (13.3%).Only 2 of 45 (4.4%) treated patients required mechanical ventilation after initiating treatment. There were six deaths (13.3%) and these were associated with lower BMI.
CONCLUSIONS:
These findings support the utility of immunosuppression via JAK inhibition in moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
A QoS-aware Scheduling with Node Grouping for IEEE 802.11ah
Authors: Ahmed Nurzaman , Hussain Iftekhar 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The recent IEEE 802.11ah amendment has proven to be suitable for supporting large-scale devices in Internet of Things (IoT). It is essential to provide a minimum level of Quality of Service (QoS) for critical applications such as industrial automaton and healthcare. In this paper, we propose a QoSaware Medium Access Control (MAC) layer solution to enhance network reliability and reduce critical traffic latency by an adaptive station grouping and a priority traffic scheduling scheme. The proposed grouping scheme calculates the current traffic load and distributes among different RAW groups considering different requirements of the stations. The RAW scheduling scheme further provides priority slot access using a novel backoff scheme. Markov-chain model is developed to study the throughput and latency behaviours for the traffic generated from the critical application. The proposed protocol shows significant delay improvement for priority traffic. The overall throughput performance improves up to 12.7% over the existing RAW grouping scheme.
Long-Term Exposure of Binary Mixture of Cadmium And Mercury Through Alteration of Nrf2 Signalling Pathway Damages The Developed Ovary of Zebrafish
Authors: Patel Utsav N , Patel Urvesh D , Kadayata Aniket V , Vaja Rahul K , Modi Chirag M , Patel Harshad B 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The toxicity of the binary mixture of cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) on the ovary of adult zebrafish was evaluated in the present study. Adult female zebrafish were exposed to cadmium chloride (1 mg/L), mercury chloride (30 µg/L) and a binary mixture of both metals for 21 days. The toxic effects of both metals on the ovary were investigated by evaluating the oxidative stress markers and related gene expression in ovarian tissue along with the histopathological examination. The significantly decreased level of GSH and increased level of MDA in ovarian tissue of adult female zebrafish exposed to Cd + Hg indicated that the exposure of binary mixture of Cd and Hg caused more lipid peroxidation in the ovary. The decreased expression of mRNA of catalase (CAT) and Nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were observed in the ovary of zebrafish exposed to binary mixture. The down regulation of Nrf2 might be responsible for suppression of the antioxidant system which resulted in cellular alterations in the ovary. Upon histological evaluation, a decreased number of full-growth (mature) oocytes along with degenerative changes due to Cd exposure were noticed. While, ovary of zebrafish of Hg-exposed group had shown decreased number of pre- and early-vitellogenic oocytes along with atretic pre-vitellogenic oocytes compared to the control group. The ovary of zebrafish of Cd + Hg-exposed group had shown decreased number of pre-vitellogenic oocytes with marked pathological changes in mature oocytes. Present findings elucidate that simultaneous long-term exposure of Cd and Hg may significantly affect the ovary through alteration of Nrf2 mediated cascade in adult zebrafish.
Antagonizing the metabolic hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) and its receptor CCKAR in the lung abolishes obesity-induced airway hyperresponsiveness
Authors: Pangniban Ronald , Sun Maoyun , Park Chan Young , Koh Alvin , Kasahara David , Israel Elliot , Hershenson Marc , Weiss Scott , Himes Blanca , Fredberg Jeffrey , Tantisira Kelan , Shore Stephanie , Lu Quan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Obesity is a significant co-morbidity that associates with increased prevalence and severity of asthma. The mechanism underlying the obesity-asthma association remains poorly understood, and for obese asthmatics there is no effective therapy for obese asthmatics. Here we show that cholecystokinin (CCK)—a metabolic hormone best known for its roles in satiety regulation and fat metabolism–is increased in the lungs of obese mice and that pharmacological blockade of CCK and its receptor (CCKAR) signaling in the lung abolishes obesity-associated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR)—a hallmark of asthma. By mining existing RNA-seq transcriptomic data, we first discovered CCKAR as a highly expressed G-protein-coupled receptor in primary human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells. Interestingly, CCK is also expressed in ASM cells and is induced by free fatty acids. Activation of CCKAR by CCK induces ASM stiffening and contraction, which is abolished by either CRISPR-mediated CCKAR inactivation or CCKAR antagonists. In vivo, CCK levels are elevated in the lung of both genetically obese (db/db) and diet-induced obese mice. Importantly, intranasal administration of highly potent CCKAR antagonists (proglumide and devazepide) abolishes AHR in both genetically obese and diet-induced obese mice. Together, our results reveal an unexpected role for the metabolic hormone CCK and its receptor CCKAR in airway smooth muscle cells and in obesity-associated asthma. Our study provides critical pre-clinical data that support the repurposing of CCKAR antagonists as a novel therapy for obese asthmatics.