bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concentration Of Survivin In Children With Oligo- And Poly-Articular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): Diagnostic And Prognostic Value – Single Center Study.
Authors: Lipinska Joanna , Kaszkowiak Marcin , Malachowska Beata , Swidrowska-Jaros Joanna , Smolewska Elzbieta 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
AIM: The goal of the study was to assess the diagnostic and prognostic utility of survivin in patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).METHODS: Seventy children with JIA – 59 newly diagnosed and 11 biologically treated (46 girls and 17 boys) aged 1.5-18 years and 29 healthy children as a control group, appropriately matched in terms of sex and age, were included into the study. The disease activity was established on the basis of JADAS-27 criteria. Concentration of survivin was assessed by an ELISA test in serum and also 18 matched synovial fluid samples collected from patients with JIA.RESULTS: Children with JIA were divided according to the subtype of the JIA. In 65.7% of patients oligoarthritis was diagnosed. The largest group comprised children of low disease activity (62.9%) according to JADAS-27. The serum concentration of survivin was significantly higher in children with JIA compared to the controls (p<0.001). Concentration of survivin was higher among patients positive for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide autoantibodies (ACPA) (p=0.001). In all synovial fluid samples the concentration of survivin was higher than in matched serum (p=0.003). Serum survivin concentration was not significantly associated with radiological damage status or active synovitis assessed by joint ultrasonography. Survivin level was not significantly associated with disease duration time or treatment with TNF-α inhibitors in DMARD’s non-responders. CONCLUSIONS: Survivin should be considered as a biomarker of joint inflammation helpful in the diagnosis of oligo- and polyatricular JIA and probably not dependent of treatment with TNF-α inhibitors.
Short term outcomes of preterm infants following antenatal corticosteroid treatment for childbearing women at 34 (0/7) to 36 (6/7) weeks: do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Authors: Hu Zhimei , Deng Xiaochun , Liu Honglin , Xie Lili , Liang Bingwei , Yang Jianhui , Lin Xuemei , Chen Peishan , Huang Yuejun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The effects of maternal antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) treatment, for fetal maturation, on the short-term outcome of late preterm infants are unclear. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College. Data of pregnant women who gave birth between 34 (0/7) to 36 (6/7) weeks gestation from January 2014 to June 2019 were collected. Nine short-term outcomes of preterm infants whose mother received ACS were compared to preterm infants whose mother did not receive ACS treatment.Results: In total, 1393 pregnant women (of whom 757 accepted ACS treatment before delivery) and 1472 preterm infants were eligible for analysis. Administration of ACS to pregnant women at high risk for giving birth between 34 (0/7) to 36 (6/7) weeks pregnancy, was related to shorter hospital stay and less cost of preterm infants(slope was -0.784, P=0.026 and slope was -933.173, P=0.001, respectively).Lack of maternal ACS treatment was an independent risk factor for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RR=0.548, 95%CI=0.332～0.906).Use of maternal ACS did not increase risk of neonatal pneumonia, neonatal hypoglycemia, neonatal sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis of newborns, neonatal intracranial hemorrhage, and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in preterm infants.Conclusions: Use of ACS for pregnant women at risk for giving birth between 34 (0/7) to 36 (6/7) weeks pregnancy hade more advantages than disadvantages of preterm infant short-term outcomes. Our study provides evidence-based medicine for clinicians to make ACS treatment choices for pregnant women with risk of giving birth between 34 (0/7) to 36(6/7) weeks gestation.
The application of 3D printing technology in the classification and preoperative planning of complex tibial plateau fractures
Authors: Chen Fuyang , Huang Chenyu , Ling Chen , Zhou Jinming , Wang Yufeng , Zhang Po , Jiang Xiao , Xu Xiaoming , Jian Jian , Wang Liming , Yao Qingqiang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Tibial plateau fracture is one of the common intra-articular fractures in clinic. And its accurate classification and treatment is a difficult problem for orthopedic surgeons. Our research aims to investigate the application value of 3D printing in the classification and preoperative planning of complex tibial plateau fractures.Methods: 28 cases of complex tibial plateau fractures diagnosed and treated in our hospital from January, 2017 to January, 2019.01 were analyzed. Preoperative spiral CT scan was performed and then DICOM data were input into the computer. We use Mimics to process data. And 3D printing technology was applied to print the 3D model of fracture (1:1). Combined with the 3D printed model, the tibial plateau fractures were subdivided into seven types according to the geometric plane of the tibial plateau. The surgical approach was determined on the 3D printed model. And then simulated operations such as accurate reduction of fracture and selection of plate placement were performed.Results: The reconstructed 3D model of tibial plateau fracture can accurately reflect the direction of fracture components displacement and the degree of plateau collapse. Also, it can help with the preoperative reconstructive plan for the tibial plateau fracture. The intraoperative fracture details were basically the same as the 3D printed model. And The fracture surface of the tibial plateau of all 28 patients was well improved in terms of restoring the anatomical structure.Conclusion: 3D printing technology can be used to guide the classification and preoperative planning of complex tibial plateau fractures.
The influence of gingival phenotype on the morphology of the maxillary central papilla
Authors: Belák Šimon , Žižka Radovan , Starosta Martin , Zapletalová Jana , Šedý Jiří , Štefanatný Michal 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Preservation of the interdental papilla is an essential part of the functional and esthetic rehabilitation of dental treatment. It has been described that thicker gingival tissues are more resistant to recession. The main objective of this investigation was to analyze whether a thin gingival phenotype represents a potential risk indicator affecting interdental papilla fill, height, or width in an esthetic region between maxillary central incisors. The secondary goals were: 1) to analyze parameters describing the papilla – fill, height, width, and effect of papilla base width on the vertical papillary dimension; 2) to determine correlation between different non-invasive measurements of gingival thickness; 3) to compare both sexes. Methods A total of 54 periodontally healthy students (20–30 years old) were included in the study. Gingival thickness was measured using Pirop Ultrasonic Biometer. Gingival phenotype was also assessed by gingival probe transparency. Papilla height and width were measured, and the degree of papilla recession was classified. Results No significant relationship between papilla fill, height, width and gingival probe transparency or gingival thickness was found. Gingival thickness and gingival probe transparency showed a significant relationship (P < 0.001). There was a significant relationship between papilla height and papilla fill (P = 0.028). A papilla which filled the interdental space completely seemed to be shorter. A strong positive correlation between papilla height and papilla width was found (P <0.0001). The papilla between maxillary central incisors was significantly higher in males (P = 0.01). Conclusion The appearance of the interdental papilla may be influenced by various factors. Within the limitations of this study, the results showed that the thin gingival phenotype alone is no potential risk indicator affecting interdental papilla fill, height, or width. It seems that there may be some effect of papilla base width on its vertical dimension. Gingival probe transparency is a simple reliable method of assessment of gingival thickness with a threshold value of 1-mm gingival thickness between the thick and thin phenotypes.
Higher number of steps and breaks during sedentary behaviour are associated with better lipid profiles
Authors: Aho Sonja , Vuoristo Meri-Sisko , Raitanen Jani , Mansikkamäki Kirsi , Alanko Johanna , Vähä-Ypyä Henri , Luoto Riitta , Kellokumpu-Lehtinen Pirkko-Liisa , Vasankari Tommi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Physical activity (PA) is known to be associated with lipid profiles and the risk of both cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of objectively measured PA, sedentary behaviour (SB), amount of breaks during SB and number of daily steps with serum lipids in a healthy, Finnish, middle-aged, female population.Methods: The participants (571) were recruited at mammography screening, target group was women aged 50-60 years. A measurement of PA was done with accelerometer, blood lipid profile was assessed, and questionnaires of participants characteristics were sent to participants.Results: The participants with the highest number of daily breaks during SB (≥ 41) had the highest mean concentration of HDL-cholesterol (high density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL-c) (1.9 mmol/l, standard deviation (SD) 0.4) and the lowest mean concentration of triglycerides (1.0 mmol/l, SD 0.5). HDL-c level was 0.16 mmol/l higher (p < 0.001) in the group with 28-40.9 breaks/day and 0.25 mmol/l higher (p < 0.001) among participants with ≥ 41 breaks/day than in the group with the fewest breaks during SB (< 28).Those with the most daily steps (≥ 9100) had the highest mean HDL-c level (1.9 mmol/l). HDL-c level was 0.16 mmol/l higher (p < 0.001) among the participants with 5600-9099 steps/day and 0.26 mmol/l higher (p < 0.001) among participants with ≥ 9100 steps/day than those with the fewest steps (< 5600). The number of daily steps was inversely associated with the triglyceride concentration.From wake-time, participants spent 60% in SB, 18% standing, 14% in light PA, and 9% in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). PA was associated with serum total cholesterol (TC), HDL-c and triglyceride levels. The mean HDL-c level was the highest in the lowest quartile of SB and in the highest quartile of MVPA.Conclusions: This is the first study showing a high number of objectively measured breaks during SB is associated with a favourable effect on the level of serum lipids, which may later translate into cardiovascular health.Trial registration: This study was registered and approved by the Regional Ethics Committee of Tampere University Hospital in Finland (approval code R15137).
The effect of solution-focused counseling on violence rate and quality of life of pregnant women at risk of domestic violence: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mohammadi Sepideh Din , Dadashi Mohsen , Ahmadnia Elahe , Janani leila , Kharaghani Roghieh 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Domestic violence during pregnancy as one of the most common social problems and major challenges of health systems can affect the health of the mother and fetus. The study aimed to compare the two groups of intervention based on solution-focused counseling and control in terms of violence and quality of life amounts in women who had experienced domestic violence.Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial on 90 pregnant women who were selected from one maternity ward in Zanjan city. A convenience sampling of 90 women was blocked randomized into two groups of intervention (n=45) and control (n=45). Study tool included conflict tactics scale (CTS- 2) and short form health survey (SF-36). The intervention group received six counseling sessions with a solution-focused approach. The tools were completed once before the intervention and again six weeks after the end of the counseling sessions by the participants of both groups. The P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 82/90 pregnant women were analyzed. The results showed that median and interquartile range (IQR) of physical, psychological and sexual violence significantly decreased in the intervention group than the control group (Ps=0.001). Moreover, quality of life scores significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group (P=0.001).Conclusion: solution-focused counseling could be an effective approach to reduce the amount of violence and increase the quality of life in women exposed to domestic violence.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the normal dromedary camel tarsus
Authors: Hagag Usama , Almohamad Zakriya Ali , Tawfiek Mohamed Gomaa , Nahas Ayman El 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most versatile and informative imaging modality for the diagnosis of locomotor injuries in many animal species; however, veterinary literature describing the MRI of the dromedary camel tarsus is lacking. Our purpose was to describe and compare the MRI images of twelve cadaveric tarsi, examined in a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner, with their corresponding anatomical gross sections. Turbo spin-echo (TSE) T1-weighted (T1), T2-weighted (T2), proton density-weighted (PD), and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences were obtained in 3 planes. Tarsi were sectioned in sagittal, dorsal, and transverse planes. MRI images from different sequences and planes were described and compared with the anatomical sections.Results: The soft and osseous tissues of the dromedary camel tarsus could be clearly defined on MRI images and corresponded extensively with the gross anatomic sections. The obtained MRI images enabled comprehensive assessment of the anatomic relationships among the osseous and soft tissues of the camel tarsus. Several structure were evaluated that cannot be imaged using radiography or ultrasonography, including the transverse inter-tarsal ligaments, the talocalcaneal ligament, the short dorsal ligament, branches of the short medial and lateral collateral ligaments and the tarsometatarsal ligaments. Specific anatomical features regarding the dromedary camel tarsus were identified, including the fused second and third tarsal bone, an additional bundle of the short medial collateral ligament connecting the talus and metatarsus and the medial and lateral limbs of the long plantar ligament. Conclusions: MRI images provided a thorough evaluation of the normal dromedary camel tarsus. Information provided in the current study is expected to serve as a basis for interpretation in clinical situations.
Harmonization of medical products regulation: A key factor for improving regulatory capacity in the East African Community
Authors: Ndomondo-Sigonda Margareth , Miot Jacqueline , Naidoo Shan , Masota Nelson Enos , Ng'andu Brian , Ngum Nancy , Kaale Eliangiringa 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Limited capacity to regulate medical products is associated with circulation of products which do not meet standards of quality, safety and efficacy with negative public health and economic outcomes. This study focused on assessing the effect of the East African Community (EAC) medicines regulatory harmonization initiative on the capacity of national medicines regulatory agencies, with a focus on registration and inspection systems. Methods: An exploratory mixed-method design using both qualitative and quantitative data to access data from six national medicines regulatory authorities (NMRAs) and the EAC Secretariat. Data was collected using a combination of semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and checklists for the period 2010/11-2015/16 with 2010/11 data serving as baseline. Heads of NMRAs, regulatory and monitoring and evaluation experts, and the EAC Secretariat Project Officer were enrolled in the study. A set of 14 indicators grouped into 6 categories were used to assess NMRAs performance. Results: Policy and legal frameworks provide a foundation for effective regulation. Collaboration, harmonization, joint dossier reviews and inspections of manufacturing sites, reliance and cooperation are key factors for building trust and capacity among NMRAs. Five out of six of the EAC Partner States have comprehensive medicines laws with autonomous NMRAs. All the NMRAs have functional registration and good manufacturing practice inspection systems supported by regional harmonised guidelines for registration, inspection, quality management and information management systems with four NMRAs attaining ISO 9001:2015 certification.Conclusions: The EAC regulatory harmonization initiative has contributed to improved capacity to regulate medical products. The indicators generated from this research can be replicated for evaluation of similar initiatives across and beyond the African continent and contribute to public health policy.
Association of shared decision making with inpatient satisfaction: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Luo Huiwen , Liu Guohua , Lu Jing , Xue Di 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: We assessed inpatient perceived shared decision making (SDM) and tested the association of SDM with inpatient satisfaction in public tertiary hospitals in Shanghai, China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 2585 inpatients in 47 public tertiary hospitals in Shanghai in July and August 2018 was conducted. We assessed overall SDM and 4 aspects of SDM and tested the factors influencing SDM and the association of SDM with patient satisfaction (patient satisfaction with physician services, medical expenses, outcomes and overall inpatient care), by adopting linear or two-level regression models. Results: The positive response rate (PRR) and high positive response rate (HPRR) to overall SDM among the inpatients of public tertiary hospitals in Shanghai were relatively high (95.30% and 87.86%, respectively), while the HPRR to “My physician informed me of different treatment alternatives” was relatively low (80.09%). In addition, the inpatients who underwent surgery during admission had higher HPRRs and adjusted HPRRs to overall SDM than those who did not undergo surgery. The study showed that the adjusted high satisfaction rates (HSRs) with physician services, medical expenses, outcomes and overall inpatient care among the inpatients with high level of overall SDM were higher (96.50%, 68.44%, 89.50% and 92.60%) than those among the inpatients without a high level of overall SDM (71.77%, 35.19%, 57.30% and 67.49%). The greatest differences in the adjusted HSRs between the inpatients with and without a high level of SDM were found in inpatient satisfaction with medical expenses and informed consent in SDM. Moreover, 46.22% of the variances in the HSRs with overall inpatient care across the hospitals were attributed to the hospital type (general hospitals vs. specialty hospitals). Conclusions: Inpatient PRRs and HPRRs to SDM in public tertiary hospitals in Shanghai are relatively high overall but lower to information regarding alternatives. SDM can be affected by the SDM preference of both the patients and physicians and medical condition. Patient satisfaction can be improved through better SDM and should be committed at the hospital level.
Can Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Counteract the Renal Functional Deterioration Attributable to Partial Nephrectomy Under Warm Ischemia? Results of an Animal Study
Authors: Mut Tuna Till , Acar Ömer , Armutlu Ayse , Incir Said , Uhlig Annemarie , Ertuglu Lale A. , Özel Melis , Taskin Ali Cihan , Baydar Dilek Ertoy , Kanbay Mehmet , Esen Tarik 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: To investigate if remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) can offer any renoprotective value by counteracting the deleterious effect of partial nephrectomy (PN) under warm ischemia on renal function.Methods: Four groups, each with 5 Wistar albino rats, were constructed; RIPC + PN, PN, RIPC and sham. Right nephrectomy was performed to constitute a solitary kidney model. RIPC denoted sequential clamping/declamping of the femoral artery. PN was performed under warm-ischemia following RIPC. Blood samples were collected on multiple occasions until sacrification on day 7. Immunoassays were conducted to measure the serum and tissues levels of KIM-1, aldose reductase, IL-33, NGAL, creatinine. All kidneys were examined histologically and morphometric analyzes were performed using digital scanning. Results: IL-33 levels did not differ significantly between the groups. Serum levels of KIM-1, NGAL and aldose reductase in RIPC + PN, PN and RIPC groups were significantly lower than that of sham group. Tissue biomarker levels were not significantly different from the values recorded in the sham group. Mean necrosis area of PN group was greater than that of RIPC + PN group (p>0.05). The transitional zone between necrosis and healthy tissue was wider in the rats subjected to RIPC before PN vs. those who underwent PN without RIPC (p>0.05). Conclusion: RIPC failed to counteract the renal functional consequences of PN under warm ischemia in a solitary kidney animal model. The supportive but marginal histological findings in favor of RIPC’s renoprotective potential were not supplemented with the changes in serum and tissue biomarker levels.
Observational study of compliance with infection control practices among healthcare workers in subsidized and private residential care homes
Authors: Au Jessie Kit Ling , Suen Lorna Kwai Ping , Lam Simon Ching 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The elderly population in Hong Kong is rapidly growing, and the need for residential care homes (RCHs) is increasing. The risk of being infected with micro-organisms increases among the frail and the vulnerable elderly population as their immunity system begins to deteriorate. Furthermore, the residents in RCHs are at high risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) due to the confined living environments and individual co-morbidities. In relation to this, infection control practice (ICP) is considered a crucial and effective approach in preventing HAIs. This study aimed to observe the daily ICP of healthcare workers in RCH settings.Methods: An observational study was conducted to observe daily ICP among healthcare workers in private and subsidized RCHs. Each RCH was separated into different units based on the location (common area and bedroom area) and nature of residents for successive days. The ICP episodes were observed until 200 opportunities in each unit. The ICP episodes were recorded by an electronic tool called “eRub,” which is an ICP checklist based on international guidelines.Results: The most frequent observed ICP episodes were hand hygiene (n=1053), the use of gloves (n=1053) and respiratory protection (n=1053). The overall compliance of hand hygiene was poor, with only 15% of participants performing this during the “five moments for hand hygiene.” Furthermore, the observations showed that 77.9% improperly performed the use of gloves, and 31.8% failed to wear a mask during the care provision for the elderly. However, the results showed that most healthcare workers can wear the mask in a proper way when they should. Generally, the personal care workers were the worst in terms of hand hygiene and use of gloves compared with the other types of healthcare workers. Conclusions: Despite the fact that the practice of hand hygiene, the use of gloves, and respiratory protection were the important elements of ICP, overall compliance to these elements was still poor. Personal care workers had the most frequent contact with the residents, but they had the worst compliance rate. Hence, continued monitoring and training among healthcare workers is needed, particularly personal care workers, in this healthcare service setting.