bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delivery of menopause care during a pandemic: an evaluation of patient satisfaction with telephone visits
Authors: Wright Emily , Shaltout Ola , Zokvic Mary Ann , Shirreff Lindsay 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objective:
We aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction with telephone appointments during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, determine visit type preference (in-person vs telephone), and predictors of those preferences.

Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, patient visits during the first wave of COVID-19 (March 20 to July 15, 2020) were characterized (in-person vs telephone) in a single provider's weekly menopause clinic in Toronto, Canada. Patients attending telephone appointments were asked to complete a modified Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire with 5-point Likert-scale responses. Demographic information was collected along with the patient-reported cost to attend an in-person appointment (monetary, travel time, and time away from work). Of those who experienced both visit types, preference was evaluated and bivariate analysis was performed identifying factors associated with visit type preference and included in a multivariable binary logistic regression model.

Results:
During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, 214 women had 246 visits, attending mostly by telephone (221/246, 90%). Mean Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire composite score was 4.23 ± 0.72. Of those who attended a prepandemic in-person appointment (118/139, 85%), a minority (24/118, 20%) preferred in-person visits. Those favoring in-person were more likely to commute less than 30 minutes (OR 3.78, 95% CI 1.16-12.29, P = 0.027), require less than 2 hours away from work (OR 4.05, 95% CI 1.07-15.4, P = 0.04), and spend less than $10 to attend (OR 3.67, 95% CI 1.1-12.26, P = 0.035).

Conclusions:
Menopause clinic telephone appointments had high patient satisfaction, with most preferring this visit type, although in-person visits are preferred among a minority of women.
Lipofibromatous Hamartoma of Digital Nerve: A Case Report
Authors: Soffar Mohammad M. , Fadali Geylan , Ghalab Mahmoud A. , Abouzaid Ahmed M. 
Published: December 2021

Summary:
A 9-year-old girl was investigated for a long-standing soft tissue swelling in her ring digit that recently developed tenderness and rapid growth within the last 3 months before presentation. Exploration of the swelling was done meticulously with total excision of the swelling from within its attachment to the digital nerve. The swelling was then sent for histopathological examination. The pathology report stated the presence of mature adipose tissue intersected by fiprocellular collagenic stroma infiltrating perineurium, epineurium, and nerve fascicles, which established the diagnosis of lipofipromatous hamartoma (LFH) of the nerve. LFH is a rare benign neoplasm that mainly affects the median nerve, but other nerves all over the body were also reported. Women are more affected than men.
Pyogenic Liver Abscess Caused by Staphylococcus hominis: A Case Report
Authors: Zhao Ze-Hua , Fan Yu-Chen , Wang Kai 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Staphylococcus hominis is a component of the normal human microflora and is considered to be an opportunistic pathogen that may cause a variety of infections. It has been reported to cause bacteremia, endocarditis and endophthalmitis. However, abscesses caused by S. hominis are rarely documented. Here, we describe a case of pyogenic liver abscesses caused by S. hominis. Laboratory tests, imaging examinations, and abscess puncture fluid culture were used to identify the etiology and pathogenic bacterium. This case suggests that percutaneous drainage and targeted antibiotic treatment according to the results of antimicrobial susceptibility tests are effective therapeutic approaches for pyogenic liver abscesses caused by S. hominis.
Anatomic Asymmetry of Transverse Sinus May Be Irrelevant to the Prognosis of Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Chen Zhiying , Ding Jiayue , Wu Xiaoqin , Cao Xianming , Liu Hao , Yin Xiaoping , Ding Yuchuan , Ji Xunming , Meng Ran 
Published: December 2021

Background:
We investigate the probable effect of anatomic asymmetry of transverse sinus (TS) on the outcomes of acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), to provide reference for customized treatment.

Methods:
Consecutive patients with imaging-confirmed acute ICH were enrolled from October 2015 through October 2019, and divided into 2 groups: symmetrical and unilateral (left or right) slender TS groups, based on the status of TS in imaging maps. Brain computed tomography (CT) maps of all patients at baseline and half-month post-ICH were obtained, and the volumes of hematoma and the perihematomal edemas (PHE), as well as the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at the month-3 post-ICH between the 2 groups were assessed and analyzed.

Results:
A total of 46 eligible patients entered into final analysis, including 18 cases in the slender TS group (14 cases involved the left side while 4 cases involved the right side), and 28 cases in the symmetrical TS group. The mRS scores, hematoma absorption rates, and the residual volumes of PHE of all patients in the 2 groups at half-month post-ICH showed no statistical significance (all P>0.05), and all of the items mentioned above were related to the hematoma volume at baseline (all P<0.001). At the month-3 follow-up post-ICH, the mRS scores between the 2 groups showed no statistical significance as well (P=0.551).

Conclusions:
Anatomic asymmetry of TS may not affect the prognosis of PHE and clinical outcome after ICH.
Application Value of Flexible Endoscopic Examination of Swallowing in Acute Stoke Patients With Dysphagia
Authors: Zhang Xinran , Lin Fangzhu , Ma Fumei , Cui Shulin , OuYang Gaoxiang 
Published: December 2021

Background:
The aim was to study the application value of flexible endoscopic examination of swallowing (FEES) for the aspiration screening, the diagnosis of dysphagia and evaluation of the therapeutic effect in acute stoke patients with dysphagia.

Methods:
A total of 525 patients with acute stoke who were hospitalized from October 2015 to January 2021 in the Rehabilitation Medicine Department of our hospital underwent FEES for analyzing the characteristic performance. Twenty-one cases of them were examined by video fluoroscopic swallow study and compared with the results of FEES for evaluating the reliability of the FEES, the reliability of diagnosis of dysphagia, and the consistency of the 2 methods. The effect of rehabilitation was evaluated by comparing the FEES test results before and after treatment.

Results:
In 525 patients, the FEES revealed 378 cases of aspiration (139 cases were silent aspiration), showing a higher detection rate than water swallow test. Patients with potential cricopharyngeus achalasia got the same results through both of examinations. FEES can provide more positive indicators, guide clinical rehabilitation treatment and objectively assess the effect of rehabilitation.

Conclusions:
Acute stoke patients with dysphagia have characteristic pharyngeal and laryngeal performance. FEES is simple to operate and has high application value in the diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia.
Evaluation of Weight Shift and X-Factor During Golf Swing of Veterans With Lower Limb Loss
Authors: Sidiropoulos Alexis N. , Nelson Leif M. , Pruziner Alison L. , Glasberg Jonathan J. , Maikos Jason T. 
Published: December 2021

Objective
The purpose of this study was to assess the weight shift and X-Factor values of golfers with lower limb loss.

Design
Veterans with above or below knee limb loss participated in a 3-day adaptive golf event hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Professional golf instructors educated participants on proper golf swing mechanics, after which kinematic analysis of trunk rotation and kinetic analysis of weight transfer between the legs during the golf swing were evaluated using three-dimensional motion capture and force platforms.

Results
Golfers with a trail leg amputation, regardless of level of limb loss, demonstrated superior weight shift, whereas golfers with lead limb amputation showed greater X-Factor values (all P < 0.05). Golfers with below knee limb loss demonstrated better weight shift strategies compared to those with above knee limb loss, regardless of which leg was amputated (i.e., lead or trail limb, all P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Sports rehabilitation programs should focus on increased weight bearing on the prosthetic limb to achieve appropriate weight shift and increased flexibility to increase X-Factor values. Participation in such programs can offer both physical and psychosocial benefits and may be a valid tool to increase the overall quality of life of veterans with lower limb loss.
Improving same-day antiretroviral therapy in Botswana: effects of a multifaceted national intervention
Authors: Montebatsi Milton , Lavoie Marie-Claude C. , Blanco Natalia , Marima Reson , Sebina Kagiso , Mangope Justin , Ntwayagae Ookeditse , Whittington Anna , Letebele Mpho , Lekone Phenyo , Hess Kristen L. , Thomas Vasavi , Ramaabya Dinah , Ramotsababa Mareko , Stafford Kristen A. , Ndwapi Ndwapi 
Published: December 2021

Background:
In 2019, the Botswana Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) implemented an HIV national Reboot program, which was needed for refocusing and intensifying efforts for achieving epidemic control. The strategies deployed as part of Reboot were reviewed and evaluated for their effect on same-day and within-seven-days (fast-track initiation) antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation among adults newly identified with HIV.

Methods:
We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients aged 18 years or older who were newly diagnosed with HIV from October 2018 to September 2019 across 41 health facilities. We used generalized linear mixed models, adjusting for clustering by facility, to assess the association of the Reboot with same-day or within-seven-days ART initiation (fast-track initiation).

Results:
From October 2018 to January 2019, 28% (636/2269) of newly diagnosed HIV patients were initiated the same day of diagnosis, and 56% (1260/2269) were initiated within seven days. Following the launch of Reboot (February to September 2019), 59% (2092/3553) were initiated the same day of diagnosis, and 77% (2752/3553) were initiated within seven days. Clients were 2.08 (adjusted risk ratio 95% confidence interval 1.79–2.43) times more likely to be initiated the same day of diagnosis and 1.39 (adjusted risk ratio 95% confidence interval 1.28–1.52) times more likely to be initiated within seven days than before Reboot after adjusting for sex and age.

Conclusion:
In Botswana, a multifaceted national intervention improved timely ART initiation. Identifying and implementing different client-centered strategies to facilitate ART initiation is critical to preventing AIDS-related complications and prevent ongoing transmission.
Rising rates of recent preexposure prophylaxis exposure among men having sex with men newly diagnosed with HIV: antiviral resistance patterns and treatment outcomes
Authors: Girometti Nicolò , McCormack Sheena , Tittle Victoria , McOwan Alan , Whitlock Gary 
Published: December 2021

Introduction:
Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is contributing to achieve a reduction in HIV diagnoses in men having sex with men (MSM). Albeit infrequent, HIV infections in the context of recent PrEP exposure represent a clinical challenge.

Methods:
Data on recent PrEP use and possible reasons leading to HIV infection were analysed in individuals newly diagnosed with HIV at 56 Dean Street clinic in 2016–2020. Demographics, immune-virological parameters, genotypic resistance test results and treatment management in this group were compared with those not reporting recent PrEP exposure using Mann–Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test.

Results:
Fifty-two of 1030 (5%) individuals reported recent PrEP exposure at HIV diagnosis; 98% were MSM, median age 34 years (interquartile range [IQR] 28–42), 65% of white ethnicity, 65% non-UK-born. 35% reported PrEP intake the day before testing HIV positive, 46% reported sub-optimal PrEP adherence since their last negative HIV test result. Thirty-three of 52 (63%) were self-sourcing PrEP and 9/52 (17%) reported issues with its supply. Recent PrEP use was associated to lower HIV viral load and higher CD4+ cell count at baseline than in counterparts non-recently exposed to PrEP (P < 0.01). M184V mutation was harboured more commonly in the recent PrEP use group (30% vs. 1%, P < 0.01). The proportion of individuals recently exposed to PrEP among those diagnosed with HIV rose sharply, reaching 21% in the first semester of 2020. Viral suppression was achieved by all patients intensified from PrEP to antiretroviral treatment (ART) who remained in care at week 24.

Discussion:
Rapid PrEP intensification to ART allowed to achieve high rates of HIV viral suppression despite significant rates of M184V mutation harboured in those newly diagnosed with HIV and reporting recent PrEP exposure.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in patients with immunovirological control and at least 6 months of combination antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Dalla-Pozza Paul , Hentzien Maxime , Allavena Clotilde , Doe de Maindreville Anne , Bouiller Kévin , Valantin Marc-Antoine , Lafont Emmanuel , Zaegel-Faucher Olivia , Cheret Antoine , Martin-Blondel Guillaume , Cotte Laurent , Bani-Sadr Firouzé 
Published: December 2021

Objectives and methods
: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has rarely been reported in people with HIV (PWH) with long-term HIV immune-virological control. We describe the clinical and biological characteristics of patients with confirmed PML among PWH with a CD4+ cell count more than 200 cells/μl and an undetectable HIV RNA viral load after at least 6 months of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) at the time of PML diagnosis, in the large French multicenter Dat’AIDS cohort.

Results
: Among 571 diagnoses of PML reported in the Dat’AIDS cohort between 2000 and 2019, 10 cases (1.75%) occurred in PWH with a CD4+ cell count greater than 200 cells/μl and an undetectable HIV RNA viral load after at least 6 months of cART. Median CD4+ cell count at PML diagnosis was 395 cells/μl (IQR 310–477). The median duration between the last detectable HIV viral load and the PML diagnosis was 41.1 months (IQR 8.2–67.4). Only one patient treated with rituximab-based chemotherapy for a large B-cell lymphoma had an established risk factor for PML. Among the nine other patients with no apparent severe immunodeficiency, multiple factors of impaired immunity could have led to the development of PML: hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection (n = 6), cirrhosis (n = 4), HHV-8 co-infection (n = 3) with Kaposi's sarcoma (n = 2) in association with Castleman's disease (n = 1) and indolent IgA multiple myeloma (n = 1).

Conclusion
: This study highlights that factors other than low CD4+ cell count and high HIV viral load may be associated with the occurrence of PML. Further studies are warranted to investigate in greater detail the immunologic characteristics of PWH with immune-virological control who develop PML.
Effect of HIV suppression on the cytokine network in blood and seminal plasma
Authors: Rawlings Stephen A. , Torres Felix , Wells Alan , Lisco Andrea , Fitzgerald Wendy , Margolis Leonid , Gianella Sara , Vanpouille Christophe 
Published: December 2021

Objective:
HIV infection disrupts the cytokine network and this disruption is not completely reversed by antiretroviral therapy (ART). Characterization of cytokine changes in blood and genital secretions is important for understanding HIV pathogenesis and the mechanisms of HIV sexual transmission. Here, we characterized the cytokine network in individuals longitudinally sampled before they began ART and after achieving suppression of HIV RNA.

Methods:
We measured concentrations of 34 cytokine/chemokines using multiplex bead-based assay in blood and seminal plasma of 19 men with HIV-1 prior to and after viral suppression. We used Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) to visualize the difference in cytokine pattern between the time points. Any cytokines with VIP scores exceeding 1 were deemed important in predicting suppression status and were subsequently tested using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests.

Results:
PLS-DA projections in blood were fairly similar before and after viral suppression. In contrast, the difference in PLS-DA projection observed in semen emphasizes that the immunological landscape and immunological needs are very different before and after ART in the male genital compartment. When tested individually, four cytokines were significantly different across time points in semen (MIG, IL-15, IL-7, I-TAC), and two in blood (MIG and IP-10).

Conclusion:
Viral suppression with ART impacts the inflammatory milieu in seminal plasma. In contrast, the overall effect on the network of cytokines in blood was modest but consistent with prior analyses. These results identify specific changes in the cytokine networks in semen and blood as the immune system acclimates to chronic, suppressed HIV infection.
Interplay between stress and reproduction: Novel epigenetic markers in response to shearing patterns in Australian Merino sheep (Ovis aries)
Authors: Narayan Edward , Sawyer Gregory , Fox Dylan , Smith Ryan , Tilbrook Alan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn this study, we determined the effect(s) of shearing on Australian Merino ewes (Ovis aries). To test this research question, we used a suite of field and laboratory methods including GPS collars, wool cortisol and novel epigenetic markers identified using Illumina NovaSeq RRBS. Single shorn ewes (n =24) kept on their full fleece throughout the entire gestation period while twice shorn ewes (n =24) had their wool shorn early in gestation. We have discovered one locus (Chr20:50404014) which was significantly associated with different shearing treatments (twice or single shorn ewes), (FDR = 0.005). This locus is upstream of a protein coding gene (ENSOARG00000002778.1), which shows similarities to the forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) mRNA using BLAST searches. We discovered that 36 gene loci were significantly modulated either between different shearing treatments or late vs early pregnancy ewes. Similarly, in lambs we identified 16 annotated gene loci that were significant between late vs early pregnancy. Early shorn ewes grazed 10% higher and maintained stronger body condition. Wool cortisol levels were significantly lower in the early shorn ewes during mid- and late gestation. Lambs bred from twice shorn ewes had on average better visual wool quality parameters in terms of micron, spin finesses and curvature. Collectively, this research provides a new dataset combining physiological, molecular epigenetics and digital tracking indices that advances our understanding of how Merino ewes respond to shearing frequency and this information could guide further research on sheep breeding and welfare.Significance StatementThis study provides novel data on the molecular epigenetic signatures in Merino sheep under exposure to natural environmental and management factors. We have discovered DNA methylation profiles from ewes and lambs that are directly associated with whole- animal physiology, development and growth. The baseline data can provide a useful resource for future research in many key areas such as animal welfare, diseases and climatic resilience that will benefit sheep and wool production.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with medical complexity
Authors: Diskin Catherine , Buchanan Francine , Cohen Eyal , Dewan Tammie , Diaczun Tessa , Gordon Michelle , Lee Esther , Moore-Hepburn Charlotte , Major Nathalie , Orkin Julia , Patel Hema , Gill Peter J. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundDescriptions of the COVID-19 pandemic’s indirect consequences on children are emerging. We aimed to describe the impacts of the pandemic on children with medical complexity (CMC) and their families.MethodsA one-time survey of Canadian paediatricians using the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) was conducted in Spring 2021.ResultsA total of 784 paediatricians responded to the survey, with 70% (n=540) providing care to CMC. Sixty-seven (12.4%) reported an adverse health outcome due to a COVID-19 pandemic-related disruption in healthcare delivery. Disruption of the supply of medication and equipment was reported by 11.9% of respondents (n=64). Respondents reported an interruption in family caregiving (47.5%, n=252) and homecare delivery (40.8%, n=218). Almost 47% of respondents (n=253) observed a benefit to CMC due to COVID-19 related changes in healthcare delivery, including increased availability of virtual care and reduction in respiratory illness. Some (14.4%) reported that CMC were excluded from in-person learning when their peers without medical complexity were not.ConclusionCanadian paediatricians reported that CMC experienced adverse health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, including disruptions to family caregiving and community supports. These results highlight the need for healthcare, community and education policymakers to collaborate with families to optimize their health.“What This Study Adds”Children with medical complexity experienced adverse health outcomes related to the direct and indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted family caregiving, homecare support, access to education, and key supports for CMC and their families.Canadian paediatricians observed benefits associated with structural changes relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the expansion of virtual care and the reduced incidence of respiratory illness
Worldwide routine immunisation coverage regressed during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Evans Beth , Jombart Thibaut 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWe modelled historical, country-specific routine immunisation trends using publicly available vaccination coverage data for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis-containing vaccine first-dose (DTP1) and third-dose (DTP3) from 2000 to 2019. We evaluate changes in coverage in 2020 by comparing model predictions to WUENIC-reported coverage. We report a 2.9% (95%CI: [2.2%; 3.6%]) global decline in DTP3 coverage, and important increases in missed immunisations in some countries with middle-income countries, and the Americas, being most affected.
Computed Tomography Radiomics Signatures: Sensitive biomarkers for clinical decision support in pancreatic cancer- a pilot study
Authors: Habibalahi Abbas , Moses Daniel , Campbell Jared , Mahbub Saabah , Barbour Andrew P , Samra Jaswinder S , Haghighi Koroush S , Gebski Val J , Goldstein David , Goldys Ewa 
Published: December 2021

AimTo evaluate if suitably designed computed tomography (CT) radiomic signatures are sensitive to tumour transformation, and able to predict disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) time in patients with pancreatic cancer.MethodEthical approval by UNSW review board was obtained for this retrospective analysis. This study consisted of 27 patients with pancreatic cancer. Unsupervised principal component analysis was employed to evaluate the sensitivity of radiomic signatures to cancer presence and treatment. Further, optimised radiomic signatures were discovered using swarm intelligence and assessed for their capability to predict DFS and OS based on Kaplan-Meier analysis and receiver-operator characteristics (ROC) curves.ResultsWe found that appropriate two radiomic signature are sensitive to cancer presence (area under the curve, AUC=0.95) and cancer treatment, respectively. Two other optimized radiomics signatures showed significant correlations with DFS and OS, respectively (p<0.05).ConclusionThe CT radiomics signatures are an independent biomarkers which are modified when cancer is present and can help to estimate DFS and OS in patients. These signatures have the potential to be used to support clinical decision-making in pancreatic cancer treatment.