bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and outcomes of older patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Kenta , Zha Ling , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Katayama Yusuke , Takeuchi Taro , Komukai Sho , Hirayama Atsushi , Shimazu Takeshi , Sobue Tomotaka ,   the COVID‐19 Epidemiology Research Group of Osaka University
Published: June 2021

AimThe epidemiological characteristics, in‐hospital treatments and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 among older patients have not been fully evaluated in Japan.MethodsIn this retrospective observational study carried out in Osaka Prefecture, Japan, we enrolled patients aged ≥60 years with laboratory‐confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 from January to November 2020. The main outcome was mortality during the observation period, based on the Infectious Diseases Control Law. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between epidemiological factors and mortality among older patients with coronavirus disease 2019.ResultsOlder patients accounted for 21.5% (3192/14 846) of the registered patients with coronavirus disease 2019. The number of patients according to age was as follows: 60–69 years, 1140 (35.7%); 70–79 years, 1058 (33.1%); 80–89 years, 749 (23.5%); and ≥90 years, 245 (7.7%). The proportion of deaths during the observation period was 8.5% (271/3192). The proportion of deaths increased with increasing age category (from 1.9% to 20.4%, P for trend <0.001). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, patients aged 70–79, 80–89 and ≥90 years had higher hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals of death (2.62 [1.63–4.23], 5.99 [3.77–9.50] and 10.24 [6.03–17.40], respectively) than those aged 60–69 years. Factors such as male sex, presence of comorbidities, cluster cases in medical institutions and moderate/severe symptoms at diagnosis were also associated with mortality.ConclusionsThis study shows the epidemiological characteristics of older patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. The proportion of deaths was 8.5% in total and increased with increasing age. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 629–635.
The Turkish version of the Nursing Teamwork Survey: A validity and reliability study
Authors: Taskiran Eskici Gulcan , Baykal Ulku 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimThis study aimed to test the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Nursing Teamwork Survey, which was developed to measure the concept of nursing teamwork.MethodPerformed as a methodological study with a cross‐sectional design, the study included 486 bedside nurses in three different types of hospitals in Istanbul. The data were collected using the Nursing Teamwork Survey between October and December 2018. The scale includes five subscales and 33 items. The data were analysed using SPSS 22.0 and LISREL 8.7.ResultsNurses' mean age was 29.82 (SD = 7.33). The content validity index of the scale was 0.94. Confirmatory factor analysis conducted on the original form showed that all items fell within the subscales of the original scale and that their factor loads were between 0.48 and 0.91. Following factor analysis, the factor structure of the original scale was valid; however, suggested modifications were applied to improve the results. The obtained goodness‐of‐fit indices were close to the excellent range according to literature. Cronbach's alpha was 0.95 for the scale.ConclusionThe scale is a valid and reliable tool for measuring teamwork among nurses.
Undergraduate nursing students’ resilience, challenges, and supports during corona virus pandemic
Authors: Hamadeh Kerbage Samira , Garvey Loretta , Willetts Georgina , Olasoji Michael 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe coronavirus global pandemic interrupted teaching at Australian universities. Face‐to‐face teaching was replaced by online delivery. This presented challenges for nursing programmes due to the hands‐on teaching requirements and clinical placements. Questions were raised around students’ resilience and stress in the face of adversity. This study explored undergraduate nursing students’ resilience, challenges experienced, and supports utilized during the pandemic. Convenience sampling recruited students from one nursing programme (n = 340). Quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD‐RISC‐25) examined resilience scores through non‐parametric analysis. Narrative responses were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. 121 surveys (40.3%) were completed. Most participants were from second year (n = 77, 63.6%). The difference in median resilience scores among employed participants was statistically significant (P = 0.029) and higher than the unemployed. The median scores of students working in nursing‐related roles were higher than others. Median resilience score across all year levels was 70 (IQR = 62–80), in the lowest score range. Major themes identified were fear of the virus, isolation, and mental health problems. The coping strategies identified were developing daily routines, staying connected, and establishing self‐help techniques. This research has implications to optimize students’ learning experience, enhance resilience, and promote mental health and well‐being.
Otilonium Bromide treatment prevents nitrergic functional and morphological changes caused by chronic stress in the distal colon of a rat IBS model
Authors: Traini Chiara , Idrizaj Eglantina , Garella Rachele , Faussone‐Pellegrini Maria‐Simonetta , Baccari Maria Caterina , Vannucchi Maria Giuliana 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation. Among the risk factors to develop IBS, psychosocial stress is widely acknowledged. The water avoidance stress repeatedly applied (rWAS) is considered effective to study IBS etio‐pathogenesis. Otilonium bromide (OB), a drug with multiple mechanisms of action, is largely used to treat IBS patients. Orally administered, it concentrates in the large bowel and significantly ameliorates the IBS symptomatology. Presently, we tested whether rWAS rats developed neuro‐muscular abnormalities in the distal colon and whether OB treatment prevented them. The investigation was focussed on the nitrergic neurotransmission by combining functional and morphological methodologies. The results confirm rWAS as reliable animal model to investigate the cellular mechanisms responsible for IBS: exposure to one‐hour psychosocial stress for 10 days depressed muscle contractility and increased iNOS expression in myenteric neurons. OB treatment counteracted these effects. We hypothesize that these effects are due to the corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) release, the main mediator of the psychosocial stress, followed by a CRF1receptor activation. OB, that was shown to prevent CRF1r activation, reasonably interrupted the cascade events that bring to the mechanical and immunohistochemical changes affecting rWAS rat colon.
Ultrasound‐guided microwave ablation for multiple benign breast lesions: A prospective study
Authors: Zhang Jinfan , Li Hang , Lin Lisheng , Lu Jingyu , Wang Hongling 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimTo provide medical evidence for the feasibility and clinical efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of benign breast lesions, especially multiple benign breast lesions.MethodsWe included patients with multiple benign breast lesions who were seen at our hospital during the period from June 2016 to December 2017. After signed informed consent had been obtained and core breast biopsy, all included patients who underwent MWA at 2450 MHz with 30 W power adjustment. Postoperative follow‐up was performed for 1 year, at 3‐month intervals. Ablation time, complications, volume‐reduction ratio (VRR), and lesion residuals after ablation were analyzed.ResultsWe ultimately included 1274 lesions from 164 cases in the study with a median follow‐up time of 13.6 months. For a single lesion, the median ablation time was 36 s. Pain, fat liquefaction, and skin scalding were the most common complications. The overall complete disappearance rate was 92.1% (1173/1274), with the highest complete disappearance rate observed among those patients with lesions <10 mm in diameter (942/968, 97.3%). For lesions that persisted at 12 months after MWA, the average the volume‐reduction ratio (VRR) was 87.5%.ConclusionsFor multiple benign lesions of the breast, especially lesions with the longest diameter <10 mm, ultrasound guided MWA is a minimally invasive, relatively quick therapeutic strategy associated with accuracy in treatment and few complications.
Prenatal evaluation of functional pulmonary hypoplasia via fetal magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Sakuma Junya , Nakata Masahiko , Takano Mayumi , Nagasaki Sumito , Hayata Eijiro , Maemura Toshimitsu , Ohtsu Motoharu , Morita Mineto 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to retrospectively examine the use of lung‐to‐liver signal intensity ratio (LLSIR) on T2‐weighted images to predict functional pulmonary hypoplasia.MethodsThe subjects of this study were pregnant women who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients who required nitric oxide inhalation and those who died from respiratory disorders were classified as having functional pulmonary hypoplasia (FPH). All other cases were presented as the control group. We retrospectively analyzed MRI and perinatal data. LLSIR was defined as the ratio of lung signal intensity to liver signal intensity. We examined the relationship between LLSIR and gestational age, compared the LLSIRs in the two groups, and calculated the best cut‐off value of the LLSIR to predict FPH.ResultsOne hundred and ninety‐one patients were eligible for this study, and 12 cases were classified as having FPH. In the control group, LLSIR increased with age (r = 0.383,p < 0.001). We used the observed/expected LLSIR (o/e LLSIR), which was the ratio of obtained LLSIR to expected LLSIR calculated by the regression line to correct the effect of gestational age. In the FHP group, o/e LLSIR was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that cases with o/e LLSIR above 0.85 were less likely to cause FPH.ConclusionsLow o/e LLSIR might reflect the histological characteristics of hypoplastic lung structures. O/e LLSIR seems to be a useful MRI parameter for screening FPH.
Effect on physiological and production parameters upon supplementation of fermented yeast culture to Nicobari chickens during and post summer
Authors: Nidamanuri Anand Laxmi , Prince Lawrence Leslie Leo , Mahapatra Rama Krishna , Murugesan Shanmugam 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNicobari is an indigenous bird reared for meat and eggs. This study evaluated the effect of heat stress on plasma levels of leptin, growth hormone and their receptors, liver AMP kinase, plasma cholesterol and lipid peroxide (MDA). The laying period coincided with the post summer period. The birds were equally divided into three groups, control group was offered ad libitum feed and treatment groups were supplemented with fermented yeast culture at 700 mg (T1) and 1.4 g/kg (T2) of feed/day. The levels of plasma Leptin and GH hormones were higher (p < 0.05) in the control group when compared to the treatment groups. The expression of the hormone receptors was higher in the brain, and MMP3 gene expression in the magnum was lower in the treatment group. Plasma cholesterol, MDA and AMP kinase were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the control group. Fermented yeast culture supplementation decreased feed intake and increased egg production parameters, which indicates a greater efficiency of supplementation. Supplementation reduced the severity of necrosis of villi in the jejunum when compared to control. In conclusion, higher ambient temperature during summer had negative effect on production parameters through modulation of physiological parameters which could be ameliorated by supplementation of FYC.
Evaluation of the quick sequential organ failure assessment score plus lactate in critically ill dogs
Authors: Ortolani J. M. , Bellis T. J. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesTo apply the quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) score to dogs admitted to a veterinary ICU, and evaluate whether the addition of lactate increased the predictive ability of the score.Materials and MethodsA quick sequential organ failure assessment score of 0, 1, 2, or 3 was assigned to each dog based on the following criteria: respiratory rate >22 breaths per minute, altered mentation, systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg. Lactate was added to quick sequential organ failure assessment in an LqSOFA model and assigned to each patient. Disease processes evaluated included sepsis, congestive heart failure, pneumonia and pancreatitis.ResultsTwo hundred and sixty‐seven client‐owned dogs met the inclusion criteria. There was no significant difference in quick sequential organ failure assessment score between survivors and non‐survivors. The use of lactate >3, 4, and 5 mmol/L incorporated into the quick sequential organ failure assessment score (L3qSOFA, L4qSOFA, L5qSOFA) distinguished between survival and non‐survival (AUC=0.62; AUC=0.64; AUC=0.62, respectively). Lactate alone distinguished between survival and non‐survival (AUC=0.63). Lactate concentration was significantly lower in survivors.Clinical SignificanceIn this study, quick sequential organ failure assessment was not able to predict survival in a general population of critically ill patients. The addition of lactate to the quick sequential organ failure assessment score slightly increased the predictive ability of the score.
Limited evidence of vertical fine‐root segregation in a subtropical forest
Authors: Luo Wenqi , Ni Ming , Wang Youshi , Lan Runxuan , Eissenstat David M. , Cahill James F. , Li Buhang , Chu Chengjin 
Published: June 2021

Summary

Vertical root segregation and the resulting niche partitioning can be a key underpinning of species coexistence. This could result from substantial interspecific variations in root profiles and rooting plasticity in response to soil heterogeneity and neighbours, but they remain largely untested in forest communities.

In a diverse forest in subtropical China, we randomly sampled > 4000 root samples from 625 0–30 cm soil profiles. Using morphological and DNA‐based methods, we identified 109 woody plant species, determined the degree of vertical fine‐root segregation, and examined rooting plasticity in response to soil heterogeneity and neighbour structure.

We found no evidence of vertical fine‐root segregation among cooccurring species. By contrast, root abundance of different species tended to be positively correlated within soil zones. Underlying these findings was a lack of interspecific variation in fine‐root profiles with over 90% of species concentrated in the 0–10 cm soil zone with only one species dominating in the 10–20 cm soil zone. Root profiles exhibited low responsiveness to root neighbours but tended to be shallow in soils with low phosphorus and copper content.

These findings suggest that if there is niche differentiation leading to coexistence in this diverse forest, it would be occurring by mechanisms other than vertical fine‐root segregation.
TLSLeAF: automatic leaf angle estimates from single‐scan terrestrial laser scanning
Authors: Stovall Atticus E. L. , Masters Benjamin , Fatoyinbo Lola , Yang Xi 
Published: June 2021

Summary

Leaf angle distribution (LAD) in forest canopies affects estimates of leaf area, light interception, and global‐scale photosynthesis, but is often simplified to a single theoretical value. Here, we present TLSLeAF (Terrestrial Laser Scanning Leaf Angle Function), an automated open‐source method of deriving LADs from terrestrial laser scanning.

TLSLeAF produces canopy‐scale leaf angle and LADs by relying on gridded laser scanning data. The approach increases processing speed, improves angle estimates, and requires minimal user input. Key features are automation, leaf–wood classification, beta parameter output, and implementation in R to increase accessibility for the ecology community.

TLSLeAF precisely estimates leaf angle with minimal distance effects on angular estimates while rapidly producing LADs on a consumer‐grade machine. We challenge the popular spherical LAD assumption, showing sensitivity to ecosystem type in plant area index and foliage profile estimates that translate to c. 25% and c. 11% increases in canopy net photosynthesis (c. 25%) and solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (c. 11%).

TLSLeAF can now be applied to the vast catalog of laser scanning data already available from ecosystems around the globe. The ease of use will enable widespread adoption of the method outside of remote‐sensing experts, allowing greater accessibility for addressing ecological hypotheses and large‐scale ecosystem modeling efforts.
Incidence and Risk Factors of In‐Hospital Prosthesis‐Related Complications Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database Study
Authors: Yang Qin‐feng , Lin Ze‐ming , Yang Sheng , Wang Pin‐kai , Chen Rong , Wang Jian 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo examine the incidence and risk factors of in‐hospital prosthesis‐related complications (PRCs) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using a large‐scale national database.MethodsA retrospective database analysis was performed based on Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2005–2014. Patients who underwent TKA were included. The recruited cases were divided into two groups according to the occurrence of PRCs. Patient demographics (age, sex, and race), hospital characteristics (type of admission and payer, and bedsize, teaching status, location, and region of hospital), length of stay (LOS), total charges during hospitalization, in‐hospital mortality, comorbidities, and perioperative complications were analyzed.ResultsA total of 1,227,244 TKAs were captured from the NIS database. There were 8484 cases of in‐hospital PRCs after TKA and the overall incidence was 0.69%, with a slight downward trend annually. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) was the main category among PRCs (0.20%), followed by mechanical loosening (0.04%), dislocation (0.02%), and periprosthetic fracture (PPF) (0.01%). Patients suffered from in‐hospital PRCs were 3 years younger (64 years vs 67 years) and 6.51% more likely to be male (43.60% vs 37.09%) compared to the nonaffected population (P < 0.0001). Additionally, patients experiencing in‐hospital PRCs after TKA were 2.11% less likely through elective admission (92.07% vs 94.18%) while 2.34% more likely in teaching hospital (45.53% vs 43.19%) than those without these complications (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the occurrence of in‐hospital PRCs was associated with longer LOS (4 days vs 3 days; P < 0.0001), more total charges ($53,418 vs $41,204, P < 0.0001), and higher in‐hospital mortality (0.30% vs 0.07%; P < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors of in‐hospital PRCs after TKA which included younger age, male, non‐elective admission, teaching hospital, deficiency and chronic blood loss anemia, coagulopathy, congestive heart failure, depression, diabetes with chronic complications, fluid and electrolyte disorders, pulmonary circulation disorders, metastatic cancer, and weight loss. Besides, in‐hospital PRCs after TKA were associated with secondary osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, prior knee arthroscopy, acute renal failure, acute myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis, sepsis, transfusion, and wound dehiscence.ConclusionIt is beneficial to study the risk factors of in‐hospital PRCs after TKA to ensure the appropriate management and optimize consequences although a relatively low incidence was identified.
Incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of bleeding recurrence in patients with prior gastrointestinal bleeding undergoing LAAC
Authors: Faroux Laurent , Cruz‐González Ignacio , Arzamendi Dabit , Freixa Xavier , Nombela‐Franco Luis , Peral Vicente , Caneiro‐Queija Berenice , Mangieri Antonio , Trejo‐Velasco Blanca , Asmarats Lluis , Regueiro Ander , McInerney Angela , Morcuende Gonzalez Antonio , Estevez‐Loureiro Rodrigo , Laricchia Alessandra , O'Hara Gilles , Rodés‐Cabau Josep 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundGastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is associated with a high recurrence rate and a prior GIB episode is common in real‐world left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) recipients. The present study sought to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with prior GIB undergoing LAAC, and to determine the factors associated with and clinical impact of GIB recurrence.MethodsMulticenter study including 277 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous LAAC and had prior GIB. All‐cause death, all bleeding, GIB recurrence, and clinical ischemic stroke were recorded.ResultsAfter a median follow‐up of 17 (interquartile range: 6–37) months post‐LAAC, the rates of death, bleeding, GIB recurrence, and ischemic stroke were 14.0 per 100 person‐year (PY), 29.3 per 100 PY, 17.7 per 100 PY, and 1.1 per 100 PY, respectively. GIB recurrence occurred within 3 months post‐LAAC in 55.8% of patients. A previous lower GIB (vs. upper or unclassified) (HR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.09‐2.82; p = .020) and eGFR < 45 mL/min (HR: 1.70; 95% CI:1.04‐2.67; p = .033) determined an increased risk of GIB recurrence. By multivariable analysis, eGFR < 45 mL/min (HR: 2.72; 95% CI: 1.70‐4.34; p < .001), GIB recurrence following LAAC (HR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.33‐3.46; p = .002), diabetes mellitus (HR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.10‐2.84; p = .018), and age (HR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03‐1.10; p < .001) were associated with an increased mortality.ConclusionsPatients with prior GIB undergoing LAAC exhibited a relatively low rate of GIB recurrence, and prior lower GIB and moderate‐to‐severe chronic kidney disease determined an increased risk. GIB recurrence was associated with an increased mortality.
QRS dispersion detected in ARVC patients and healthy gene carriers using 252‐leads body surface mapping: an explorative study of a potential diagnostic tool for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kommata Varvara , Elshafie Marwa , Sciaraffia Elena , Perez Mauricio , Augustine Robin , Blomström‐Lundqvist Carina 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe diagnosis of ARVC remains complex requiring both imaging and electrocardiographic (ECG) techniques. The purpose was therefore to investigate whether QRS dispersion assessed by body surface mapping (BSM) could be used to detect early signs of ARVC, particularly in gene carriers.MethodsARVC patients, gene carriers without a history of arrhythmias or structural cardiac changes and healthy controls underwent 12‐lead resting ECG, signal‐averaged ECG, echocardiographic examination, 24‐hours Holter monitoring, and BSM with electrocardiographic imaging. All 252‐leads BSM recordings and 12‐leads ECG recordings were manually analyzed for QRS durations and QRS dispersion.ResultsEight controls, 12 ARVC patients with definite ARVC and 20 healthy gene carriers were included. The ECG‐QRS dispersion was significantly greater in ARVC patients (42 vs. 25 ms, p < .05), but failed to fully differentiate them from controls. The BSM‐derived QRS dispersion was also significantly greater in ARVC patients versus controls (65 vs. 29 ms, p < .05) and distinguished 11/12 cases from controls using the cut‐off 40msec. The BSM derived QRS dispersion was abnormal (> 40 ms) in 4/20 healthy gene carriers without signs of ARVC, which may indicate early depolarization changes.ConclusionsQRS dispersion, when assessed by BSM versus 12‐lead ECG, seem to better distinguish ARVC patients from controls, and could potentially be used to detect early ARVC in gene carriers. Further studies are required to confirm the value of BSM‐QRS dispersion in this respect.