bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Successful induction of deep hypothermia by isoflurane anesthesia and cooling in a non-hibernator, the rat
Authors: Shimaoka Hiroki , Shiina Takahiko , Suzuki Hayato , Horii Yuuki , Horii Kazuhiro , Shimizu Yasutake 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to establish a novel method for inducing deep hypothermia in rats. Cooling rats anesthetized with isoflurane caused a time-dependent decrease in rectal temperature, but cardiac arrest occurred before their body temperature reached 20 °C when isoflurane inhalation was continued during the cooling process. Stopping inhalation of isoflurane when the rectal temperature reached 22.5 °C successfully induced deep hypothermia, although stopping the inhalation at 27.5 °C resulted in spontaneous recovery of rectal temperature. The hypothermic condition was able to be maintained for up to 6 h. A large number of c-Fos-positive cells were detected in the hypothalamus during hypothermia. Both the maintenance of and recovery from hypothermia caused organ injury, but the damage was transient and recovered within 1 week. These findings indicate that the established procedure is appropriate for inducing deep hypothermia without accompanying serious organ injury in rats.
Confocal laser endomicroscopy under propofol‐based sedation for early gastric cancer and pre‐cancerous lesions is associated with better diagnostic accuracy: a retrospective cohort study in China
Authors: Chu Lihua , Zhao Jialian , Sheng Cheng , Yue Min , Wang Feifei , Song Shengwen , Cheng Baoli , Xie Guohao , Fang Xiangming 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) has advantages in detecting gastric neoplastic lesions, meanwhile it requires strict patient cooperation. Sedation could improve patient cooperation and quality of endoscopy. However, sedation is still not very popular in some resource-limited countries and regions. The purpose of this study was to compare propofol-based sedated versus un-sedated CLE in the value of diagnosing early gastric cancer (EGC) and precancerous lesions.

Methods
A retrospective, cohort, single center study of 226 patients who underwent CLE between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017 was performed. Patients enrolled were allocated into the propofol-based sedated group (n = 126) and the un-sedated group (n = 100). The comparison of validity and reliability of CLE for identifying EGC and precancerous lesions between the two groups was performed through analyzing CLE diagnosis and pathological diagnosis. Reporting followed the STROBE guidelines.

Results
The area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of diagnosing EGC in the sedated group was 0.97 (95 % CI: 0.95 to 0.99), which was higher than that in the un-sedated group (0.88 (95 % CI: 0.80 to 0.97), P = 0.0407). CLE with sedation performed better than without sedation in diagnosing intraepithelial neoplasia and intestinal metaplasia (P = 0.0008 and P = 0.0001, respectively). For patients considered as high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia or EGC by endoscopists, they would not get biopsy during CLE but receive endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) subsequently, and the misdiagnosis rate of CLE was 0 % in the sedated group and 27.59 % (95 % CI: 10.30–44.91 %) in the un-sedated group (P = 0.006).

Conclusions
Propofol based sedation was associated with improved diagnostic value of CLE for detecting EGC as well as precancerous lesions (intraepithelial neoplasia OR intestinal metaplasia).
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and QTc prolongation
Authors: Changal Khalid , Paternite David , Mack Sean , Veria Spiro , Bashir Rehana , Patel Mitra , Soni Ronak , Ali Muhammad , Mir Tanveer , Sheikh Mujeeb , Ramanathan P. Kasi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Introduction
The cause-and-effect relationship of QTc prolongation in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients has not been studied well.

Objective
We attempt to better understand the relationship of QTc prolongation in COVID-19 patients in this study.

Methods
This is a retrospective, hospital-based, observational study. All patients with normal baseline QTc interval who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection at two hospitals in Ohio, USA were included in this study.

Results
Sixty-nine patients had QTc prolongation, and 210 patients continued to have normal QTc during hospitalization. The baseline QTc intervals were comparable in the two groups. Patients with QTc prolongation were older (mean age 67 vs. 60, P 0.003), more likely to have underlying cardiovascular disease (48% versus 26%, P 0.001), ischemic heart disease (29% versus 17%, P 0.026), congestive heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (16% versus 8%, P 0.042), chronic kidney disease (23% versus 10%, P 0.005), and end-stage renal disease (12% versus 1%, P < 0.001). Patients with QTc prolongation were more likely to have received hydroxychloroquine (75% versus 59%, P 0.018), azithromycin (18% vs. 14%, P 0.034), a combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin (29% vs 7%, P < 0.001), more than 1 QT prolonging agents (59% vs. 32%, P < 0.001). Patients who were on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) were less likely to develop QTc prolongation (11% versus 26%, P 0.014). QTc prolongation was not associated with increased ventricular arrhythmias or mortality.

Conclusion
Older age, ESRD, underlying cardiovascular disease, potential virus mediated cardiac injury, and drugs like hydroxychloroquine/azithromycin, contribute to QTc prolongation in COVID-19 patients. The role of ACEi in preventing QTc prolongation in COVID-19 patients needs to be studied further.
Public perceptions of Lyme disease and climate change in southern Manitoba, Canada: making a case for strategic decoupling of climate and health messages
Authors: Cameron Laura , Rocque Rhéa , Penner Kailey , Mauro Ian 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Despite scientific evidence that climate change has profound and far reaching implications for public health, translating this knowledge in a manner that supports citizen engagement, applied decision-making, and behavioural change can be challenging. This is especially true for complex vector-borne zoonotic diseases such as Lyme disease, a tick-borne disease which is increasing in range and impact across Canada and internationally in large part due to climate change. This exploratory research aims to better understand public risk perceptions of climate change and Lyme disease in order to increase engagement and motivate behavioural change.

Methods
A focus group study involving 61 participants was conducted in three communities in the Canadian Prairie province of Manitoba in 2019. Focus groups were segmented by urban, rural, and urban-rural geographies, and between participants with high and low levels of self-reported concern regarding climate change.

Results
Findings indicate a broad range of knowledge and risk perceptions on both climate change and Lyme disease, which seem to reflect the controversy and complexity of both issues in the larger public discourse. Participants in high climate concern groups were found to have greater climate change knowledge, higher perception of risk, and less skepticism than those in low concern groups. Participants outside of the urban centre were found to have more familiarity with ticks, Lyme disease, and preventative behaviours, identifying differential sources of resilience and vulnerability. Risk perceptions of climate change and Lyme disease were found to vary independently rather than correlate, meaning that high climate change risk perception did not necessarily indicate high Lyme disease risk perception and vice versa.

Conclusions
This research contributes to the growing literature framing climate change as a public health issue, and suggests that in certain cases climate and health messages might be framed in a way that strategically decouples the issue when addressing climate skeptical audiences. A model showing the potential relationship between Lyme disease and climate change perceptions is proposed, and implications for engagement on climate change health impacts are discussed.
Meaningful activities during COVID-19 lockdown and association with mental health in Belgian adults
Authors: Cruyt Ellen , De Vriendt Patricia , De Letter Miet , Vlerick Peter , Calders Patrick , De Pauw Robby , Oostra Kristine , Rodriguez-Bailón Maria , Szmalec Arnaud , Merchán-Baeza Jose Antonio , Fernández-Solano Ana Judit , Vidaña-Moya Laura , Van de Velde Dominique 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The spread of COVID-19 has affected people’s daily lives, and the lockdown may have led to a disruption of daily activities and a decrease of people’s mental health.

Aim
To identify correlates of adults’ mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown in Belgium and to assess the role of meaningful activities in particular.

Methods
A cross-sectional web survey for assessing mental health (General Health Questionnaire), resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), meaning in activities (Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey), and demographics was conducted during the first Belgian lockdown between April 24 and May 4, 2020. The lockdown consisted of closing schools, non-essential shops, and recreational settings, employees worked from home or were technically unemployed, and it was forbidden to undertake social activities. Every adult who had access to the internet and lived in Belgium could participate in the survey; respondents were recruited online through social media and e-mails. Hierarchical linear regression was used to identify key correlates.

Results
Participants (N = 1781) reported low mental health (M = 14.85/36). In total, 42.4% of the variance in mental health could be explained by variables such as gender, having children, living space, marital status, health condition, and resilience (β = −.33). Loss of meaningful activities was strongly related to mental health (β = −.36) and explained 9% incremental variance (R2 change = .092, p < .001) above control variables.

Conclusions
The extent of performing meaningful activities during the COVID-19 lockdown in Belgium was positively related to adults’ mental health. Insights from this study can be taken into account during future lockdown measures in case of pandemics.
Bayesian regression model with application to a study of food insecurity in household level: a cross sectional study
Authors: Gebrie Yenesew Fentahun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Food insecurity is a situation in which access to sufficient food is limited at times during the year by a lack of money and other resources. Even though several efforts were made to recover food security, still it is a critical social problem that needs immediate attention from policy and other decision makers especially in Ethiopia. The objective of the paper was to identify the significant predictors of food insecurity at household level in the given District.

Method
A cross-sectional survey study was employed among 305 households selected using systematic random sampling technique. The data was collected using structured interviewer administrative questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to assess the prevalence of food insecurity status, and Bayesian estimation on binary logistic regression was used to identify the significant predictors of household food insecurity. Gibbs sampler algorithm was employed on Win BUGS software. Convergence of algorithm was assessed by using time series plot, density plot and auto correlation plot.

Result
The prevalence of household food insecurity was 59% in the study District. From Bayesian estimation, the significant predictors of food insecurity were sex of household head, agro-ecological zone, loan status, access to agricultural training, age of household head, marital status of household head, family size, agricultural land size, tropical livestock unit, and soil fertility of agricultural land.

Conclusion
The result shows that the households headed by male; who had own land, who land fertile soil, and those who took agricultural training were less likely to be food insecure. On the other hand, households with large family size, small farm land size and less tropical livestock unit were more likely to be food insecure. Hence, to increase food production and productivity of the farmers, proper attention should be given to improve soil fertility of agricultural land. Creating access to credit to households and providing them with agricultural training and family planning should be also emphasized.
New risk factors of postoperative complications in elective gastrointestinal surgery of elderly patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Yokozuka Kei , Tomita Koichi , Nakagawa Masashi , Koganezawa Itsuki , Ochiai Shigeto , Gunji Takahiro , Ozawa Yosuke , Hikita Kosuke , Kobayashi Toshimichi , Sano Toru , Tabuchi Satoshi , Chiba Naokazu , Hidaka Eiji , Kawachi Shigeyuki 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Gastrointestinal surgery in elderly individuals presents unexpected postoperative complications. However, predicting postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgeries is challenging because of the lack of a reliable preoperative evaluation system. We aimed to prospectively evaluate three new preoperative assessment methods to predict the postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery. Moreover, we aimed to identify new risk factors of postoperative complications in this patient group.

Methods
This prospective cohort study enrolled 189 patients (age ≥ 65 years) who underwent elective gastrointestinal surgery at Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center between April 2017 and March 2019. Assessments performed preoperatively included the biological impedance analysis for evaluating the skeletal muscle mass, the SF-8 questionnaire for evaluating the subjective health-related quality of life, and the blood pressure/pulse wave test for assessing arteriosclerosis. The risk factors for Clavien–Dindo Grade ≥ III postoperative complications were assessed using these new evaluation methods.

Results
Clavien–Dindo Grade ≥ III postoperative complications were observed in 28 patients (14.8%). Univariate and multivariate analyses identified male sex, low skeletal muscle mass, and cardio-ankle vascular index ≥ 10 (arteriosclerosis) as significant independent risk factors of developing Grade ≥ III complications.

Conclusions
Male sex, low skeletal muscle mass, and arteriosclerosis were significant risk factors of postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery. The obtained knowledge could be useful in identifying high-risk patients who require careful perioperative management.
Non-energy devices to dissect recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes of non-small cell lung cancer under video-assisted thoracic surgery
Authors: Yu Minhao , Ge Mingjian 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Systematic nodal dissection plays a crucial role in improving survival and staging in resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients but at the cost of increasing the occurrence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Technology should be improved to protect the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during surgery.

Methods
NSCLC patients who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) surgical treatment by the same surgeon at our hospital from January 2016 to December 2017 were included as the research subjects and were divided into an energy-device group and a non-energy-device group. Their procedures included anatomic pulmonary resection, normative N1 dissection, and systemic N2 dissection.

Results
The rate of metastatically involved recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes (RLNLNs) was 5.19% (39/752). Dissection device, side of primary, FEV1, operative time and BMI were independent predictors of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (RLNI) (hazard ratio (HR) = 3.576, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.490–8.583, P = 0.004; HR = 0.175, 95% CI: 0.072–0.424, P =  < 0.001; HR = 3.008, 95% CI: 1.30–6.927, P = 0.010; HR = 0.328, 95% CI: 0.136–0.794, P = 0.013; HR = 0.344, 95%CI: 0.147–0.801, P = 0.013, respectively). Patients in the non-energy-device group had significantly less RLNI than the energy-device group (P = 0.016) and nearly half of the non-thermal RLNI recovered in 2 weeks (P = 0.025) whereas most thermal RLNI required 3 months for recovery.

Conclusions
Every station of RLNLN had some degree of cancer metastasis in NSCLC patients and when dissecting RLNLNs, dissection device was an independent and artificially controlled predictor of RLNI. Using a non-energy device is a feasible method to protect the RLN as well as an improved recovery time of RLNI.
Protective role of intravesical BCG in COVID-19 severity
Authors: Gallegos Héctor , Rojas Pablo A. , Sepúlveda Francisca , Zúñiga Álvaro , San Francisco Ignacio F. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objectives
To establish the role of BCG instillations in the incidence and mortality of COVID-19.

Patients and methods
NMIBC patients in instillations with BCG (induction or maintenance) during 2019/2020 were included, establishing a COVID-19 group (with a diagnosis according to the national registry) and a control group (NO-COVID). The cumulative incidence (cases/total patients) and the case fatality rate (deaths/cases) were established, and compared with the national statistics for the same age group. T-test was used for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables.

Results
175 patients were included. Eleven patients presented CIS (11/175, 6.3%), 84/175 (48.0%) Ta and 68/175 (38.9%) T1. Average number of instillations = 13.25 ± 7.4. One hundred sixty-seven patients (95.4%) had complete induction. Forty-three patients (cumulative incidence 24.6%) were diagnosed with COVID-19. There is no difference between COVID-19 and NO-COVID group in age, gender or proportion of maintenance completed. COVID-19 group fatality rate = 1/43 (2.3%). Accumulated Chilean incidence 70–79 years = 6.3%. Chilean fatality rate 70–79 years = 14%.

Conclusions
According to our results, patients with NMIBC submitted to instillations with BCG have a lower case-fatality rate than the national registry of patients between 70 and 79 years (2.3% vs. 14%, respectively). Intravesical BCG could decrease the mortality due to COVID-19, so instillation schemes should not be suspended in a pandemic.
Feasibility and acceptability of a culturally tailored physical activity intervention for Arab-Australian women
Authors: El Masri Aymen , Kolt Gregory S. , George Emma S. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundDespite being one of the largest migrant groups in Australia, few physical activity interventions exist for Arab-Australians. The primary aim of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week culturally tailored physical activity intervention for Arab-Australian women.MethodsThis study used a single-group pretest–posttest design, and was informed by extensive formative research and consultation involving the Arab-Australian community. Participants were insufficiently active Arab-Australian women aged 35–64 with no current illness or injury that would limit physical activity participation. The intervention comprised 6 face-to-face physical activity and education sessions over 12 weeks. The intervention was conducted at 2 separate intervention sites in Western Sydney, Australia. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, session attendance, and retention. The acceptability of the intervention was assessed through a process evaluation questionnaire completed post-intervention. Accelerometers and the short-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire were used to measure physical activity at baseline and post-intervention. Descriptive statistics were used for feasibility and acceptability outcomes, and changes in physical activity were examined using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.ResultsOf the 53 women who were contacted or expressed interest, 22 were eligible and enrolled in the study. Participants were primarily recruited through direct contact by Arab-Australian community workers and by word-of-mouth. Average session attendance was 63% and the retention rate post-intervention was 68%. The culturally-related intervention components, such as the appropriateness of content, and women-only setting, were rated highly favourably (4.33 to 4.87/5). General intervention elements, such as the face-to-face delivery, knowledge and approachability of facilitators, and session structure, were also rated favourably (4.33 to 4.93/5), and the lowest scored item was the intervention session frequency (3.2/5). There were no statistically significant changes in physical activity post-intervention.ConclusionsThe findings from this study highlighted factors related to recruitment and delivery that need to be considered when developing physical activity interventions for Arab-Australian women. Further research is required using a larger sample and a randomised controlled trial design to examine the longer-term impact on physical activity, and to also examine ways of increasing intervention engagement and retention among Arab-Australian women.Trial Registration: ANZCTR, ACTRN12618001392257. Registered 20 August 2018,https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375636.
Prediction of steroid resistance and steroid dependence in nephrotic syndrome children
Authors: Zaorska Katarzyna , Zawierucha Piotr , Świerczewska Monika , Ostalska-Nowicka Danuta , Zachwieja Jacek , Nowicki Michał 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Steroid resistant (SR) nephrotic syndrome (NS) affects up to 30% of children and is responsible for fast progression to end stage renal disease. Currently there is no early prognostic marker of SR and studied candidate variants and parameters differ highly between distinct ethnic cohorts.

Methods
Here, we analyzed 11polymorphic variants, 6 mutations, SOCS3 promoter methylation and biochemical parameters as prognostic markers in a group of 124 Polish NS children (53 steroid resistant, 71 steroid sensitive including 31 steroid dependent) and 55 controls. We used single marker and multiple logistic regression analysis, accompanied by prediction modeling using neural network approach.

Results
We achieved 92% (AUC = 0.778) SR prediction for binomial and 63% for multinomial calculations, with the strongest predictors ABCB1 rs1922240, rs1045642 and rs2235048, CD73 rs9444348 and rs4431401, serum creatinine and unmethylated SOCS3 promoter region. Next, we achieved 80% (AUC = 0.720) in binomial and 63% in multinomial prediction of SD, with the strongest predictors ABCB1 rs1045642 and rs2235048. Haplotype analysis revealed CD73_AG to be associated with SR while ABCB1_AGT was associated with SR, SD and membranoproliferative pattern of kidney injury regardless the steroid response.

Conclusions
We achieved prediction of steroid resistance and, as a novelty, steroid dependence, based on early markers in NS children. Such predictions, prior to drug administration, could facilitate decision on a proper treatment and avoid diverse effects of high steroid doses.