bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quasi-Biweekly Extensions of the Monsoon Winds and the Philippines Diurnal Cycle
Authors: Natoli Michael B. , Maloney Eric D. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe impact of quasi-biweekly variability in the monsoon southwesterly winds on the precipitation diurnal cycle in the Philippines is examined using CMORPH precipitation, ERA5 data, and outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) fields. Both a case study during the 2018 Propagation of Intraseasonal Tropical Oscillations (PISTON) field campaign and a 23-yr composite analysis are used to understand the effect of the quasi-biweekly oscillation (QBWO) on the diurnal cycle. QBWO events in the west Pacific, identified with an extended EOF index, bring increases in moisture, cloudiness, and westerly winds to the Philippines. Such events are associated with significant variability in daily mean precipitation and the diurnal cycle. It is shown that the modulation of the diurnal cycle by the QBWO is remarkably similar to that by the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO). The diurnal cycle reaches maximum amplitude on the western side of the Philippines on days with average to above-average moisture, sufficient insolation, and weakly offshore prevailing wind. This occurs during the transition period from suppressed to active large-scale convection for both the QBWO and BSISO. Westerly monsoon surges associated with QBWO variability generally exhibit active precipitation over the South China Sea (SCS), but a depressed diurnal cycle. These results highlight that modes of large-scale convective variability in the tropics can have a similar impact on the diurnal cycle if they influence the local-scale environmental background state similarly.
Post-Trauma Follow-up Phone Call Shows Lower Readmission Rates for Patients Discharged From Emergency Department Compared to Inpatient Stay
Authors: Hoyos Juan Pablo , Alaniz Leonardo , Llerenas Miguel , Mendoza Rosemarie , Tay Erika , Barrios Cristobal 
Published: October 2021

Background Studies show follow-up phone calls decrease readmission rates (RR) in trauma patients and social vulnerabilities may play a role as well. Minimal literature exists comparing RR of trauma patients who required an inpatient stay to those whose treatment was limited to the Emergency Department (ED), as they are at high risk of recidivism. We hypothesized post-trauma follow-up calls would show higher RR for ED patients than those requiring inpatient stay, as well as potentially differing outcomes for minorities. Study Design A retrospective analysis from 2019-2020 of 1328 trauma patients from UCI Medical Center, discharged from inpatient facilities or the ED. A questionnaire script read by a nurse practitioner to patients via phone call following discharge. Data associated with readmission were captured. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed, controlling for patient factors including severity of injury. Results Patients discharged from the ED were 47.4% less likely to be readmitted than those who required an inpatient stay ( P < .01). However, ED patients were 88.7% less likely to receive a prescription than inpatient stay patients ( P < .01). No difference between ED and inpatient discharge contact rates was noted ( P < .99). Furthermore, no difference in readmission rates was noted for minorities. Conclusion Post-trauma follow-up calls showed lower RR for index ED visit patients than those requiring inpatient stay, contrary to expectations. However, ED visit patients were also less likely to receive/fill prescriptions compared to those requiring inpatient stay. Ongoing analysis is warranted to further validate and improve follow-up call programs to ensure equitable health care.
Association between multimorbidity and mortality in a cohort of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 in Scotland
Authors: Agrawal Utkarsh , Azcoaga-Lorenzo Amaya , Fagbamigbe Adeniyi Francis , Vasileiou Eleftheria , Henery Paul , Simpson Colin R , Stock Sarah J , Shah Syed Ahmar , Robertson Chris , Woolhouse Mark , Ritchie Lewis D , Shiekh Aziz , Harrison Ewen M , Docherty Annemarie B , McCowan Colin 
Published: October 2021

Objectives We investigated the association between multimorbidity among patients hospitalised with COVID-19 and their subsequent risk of mortality. We also explored the interaction between the presence of multimorbidity and the requirement for an individual to shield due to the presence of specific conditions and its association with mortality. Design We created a cohort of patients hospitalised in Scotland due to COVID-19 during the first wave (between 28 February 2020 and 22 September 2020) of the pandemic. We identified the level of multimorbidity for the patient on admission and used logistic regression to analyse the association between multimorbidity and risk of mortality among patients hospitalised with COVID-19. Setting Scotland, UK. Participants Patients hospitalised due to COVID-19. Main outcome measures Mortality as recorded on National Records of Scotland death certificate and being coded for COVID-19 on the death certificate or death within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test. Results Almost 58% of patients admitted to the hospital due to COVID-19 had multimorbidity. Adjusting for confounding factors of age, sex, social class and presence in the shielding group, multimorbidity was significantly associated with mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.48, 95%CI 1.26–1.75). The presence of multimorbidity and presence in the shielding patients list were independently associated with mortality but there was no multiplicative effect of having both (adjusted odds ratio 0.91, 95%CI 0.64–1.29). Conclusions Multimorbidity is an independent risk factor of mortality among individuals who were hospitalised due to COVID-19. Individuals with multimorbidity could be prioritised when making preventive policies, for example, by expanding shielding advice to this group and prioritising them for vaccination.
Denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal—benefit of the early surgical management
Authors: Peřina Vojtěch , Salzman Richard , Treglerová Jana 
Published: October 2021

Background: Antiresorptive drugs are widely used to reduce bone mineral loss in patients with osteoporosis and to prevent skeletal-related events in patients with metastatic cancers and multiple myeloma (MM). Both the bisphosphonates (BP) and denosumab typically used in this indication were shown to be effective and relatively safe. Obviously, this medication could have some adverse effects; one of them is osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal. Only sporadic cases of external auditory canal osteonecrosis have been published yet. Here, we provide a case of denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal successfully treated surgically in the early stage of the disease. Case report: A 68-year-old patient with breast cancer underwent comprehensive oncological treatment, including denosumab administration. She was diagnosed with osteonecroses in the jaw and ear canal. The necrotic bones in both regions were resected with primary wound closure. Both affected sites healed well with no signs of necrosis recurrence. Conclusions: Osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal is a rare but probably underdiagnosed complication of antiresorptive medication. It has a negative impact on patient quality of life if left untreated. Early surgical treatment appears to be effective. The authors highlight several similarities with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Therefore, an analogous disease staging and treatment rationale is suggested.
When Non-Compliance Carries the Day: Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Employment Program for the Severely Mentally Ill
Authors: Martini Alberto , Rettore Enrico , Barbetta Gian Paolo , Sandrolini Fabio 
Published: October 2021

Mental disease is increasing worldwide and people who suffer from it show lower employment rates and lower earnings. Various approaches have been tried to increase the employment rate of people with mental disease. In the US, empirical studies show that individual placement and support(IPS)—a rapid transition to the job market, with some external assistance—is effective in increasing the employment rate of the mentally ill. Europe lacks such evidence. The study assesses the impact of an IPS-like program undertaken in Italy on the employment rate of people with severe mental illness. The analysis is based on a RCT that tests whether offering people with severe mental illness the support of a “job coach” increases their chances of being employed. Moreover, using a battery of tests—one of which is made available by the RCT itself—we show that the large non-compliance with the protocol showed by the RCT is ignorable. This motivates estimating the impact of carrying out a traineeship during the experimental period on employment using non-experimental methods. The study finds that the availability of a coach boosts the patients’ chances of finding a traineeship during the experimental period; moreover, undertaking a traineeship almost doubles the likelihood of being at work one year later. JEL CODES: J78, J48, J38
Ethnic identity commitment and socioemotional well-being among Latinx-origin college students: The influence of maternal and peer relationships
Authors: Hachem Zeinab A. , Toro Rosa I. 
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Considerable research has noted the association between ethnic identity commitment, which refers to a positive affirmation, sense of belonging and heightened level of engagement to one’s ethnic group, and indices of well-being, but less is known in terms of factors that can explain this link. Research Design: The current study explored the relationship between ethnic identity commitment and indices of well-being, the mediating role of social relationships, and the moderating roles of gender and immigrant generation status. Study Sample: A sample of 707 Latinx college students (79% female, 21% male, M age = 19.08 years, SD age = 1.17, Range: 17.00–25.00) reported on ethnic identity commitment, maternal and peer relationship quality, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and anxiety. Results: Results suggested that ethnic identity commitment was positively associated with socioemotional well-being. Although both types of relationships were significant mediators on their own, maternal relationship quality had a greater influence. Furthermore, gender and immigrant generation status were not significant moderators of these indirect effects. Conclusions: Findings indicate that committing to one’s ethnic identity enhances socioemotional well-being. They also demonstrate the complex interplay of social relationships and the enduring influence of maternal relationships during early adulthood. Results support the development of efforts geared toward facilitating ethnic identity commitment as well as leveraging the impact of social relationships in a manner that supports Latinx individuals.
Decision tree analysis for evaluating disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhu Lifen , Jiang Jiahui , Wang Lijuan , Ni Wanmao 
Published: October 2021

Objective Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory synovitis. We developed a new disease activity evaluation system using important cytokines to help doctors better evaluate disease activity in patients with RA. Methods Flow cytometry was used to detect the levels of seven cytokines. Then, the results were analyzed using an R language decision tree. Results The levels of six cytokines, namely interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ, were significantly different between the active disease and remission stages. Decision tree analysis of the six cytokines with statistical significance identified two judgment rules for the remission stage and three judgment rules for the active disease stage. Conclusion We proposed the use of the decision tree method to analyze cytokine levels in patients with RA and obtain a more intuitive and objective RA disease activity scoring system. This method revealed the relationships of IL-6 and TNF-α levels with inflammatory characteristics in patients with RA, which can help predict disease activity.
A Higher Initial Tensioning Force of an ACL Graft Results in a Higher Graft Force After Screw Fixation Irrespective of the Screw Diameter: A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Kayaalp M. Enes , Collette Robert , Kruppa Philipp , Flies Anne , Schaser Klaus-Dieter , Wulsten Dag , Duda Georg N. , Becker Roland , Kopf Sebastian 
Published: October 2021

Background: The intra-articular graft force (IAGF) in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction decreases quickly over the first hours after surgery. Nevertheless, little is known about whether the initial extra-articular tensioning force (EATF) and screw diameter affect the graft force after fixation. Purpose: To investigate the effects of different EATFs on the IAGF of a soft tissue graft fixated via a bioabsorbable interference screw over 100 minutes after fixation and to evaluate the effects of different screw diameters within 1 mm of the tunnel width during this process. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: In this biomechanical study, a porcine quadruple-strand soft tissue graft was inserted into the tibial anterior cruciate ligament tunnel. On the extra-articular side, 3 loads were applied during retrograde insertion of the bioabsorbable interference screw (6, 7, and 8 mm): 20 N, 80 N, and maximum manual EATF (Nmax). Nine study groups consisting of 10 tibiae each were created to test the effects of different EATFs and screw sizes. The IAGF was measured up to 100 minutes after the EATF was released. Results: An EATF ≥80 N resulted in a larger IAGF for all screw sizes at 100 minutes. There were no significant associations between the IAGF at 100 minutes and different screw diameters. Inserting the tibial screw significantly increased the IAGF in all groups, with the exception of Nmax applied in groups with 7- or 8-mm screws. When compared with the end of screw insertion, after the release of the EATF, the IAGF dropped by 55% to 77 % at 100 minutes. Conclusion: An initial EATF ≥80 N is associated with a significantly larger IAGF at 100 minutes in this cadaveric simulation. The IAGF in soft tissue grafts decreased substantially after the retrograde placement of an interference screw. A recommendation regarding screw diameter with respect to the IAGF cannot be given. Clinical Relevance: To obtain a higher residual graft force after bioabsorbable interference screw fixation, an initial EATF ≥80 N should be applied according to this model. The significant decrease in graft force after the release of the EATF indicates that the reconstructed knee cannot be mechanically stabilized after the surgery.
Relationships of Child-, Parents-, and Environment-Associated Determinants with Diet Quality, Physical Activity, and Smoking Habits Among Indonesian Urban Adolescents
Authors: Agustina Rina , Rianda Davrina , Setiawan Evania Astella 
Published: October 2021

Background: The trend of unhealthy lifestyles is increasing among adolescents and has been associated with the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). However, specific determinants of unhealthy lifestyles among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries remain limited. Objective: To investigate the relationships of child-, parents-, and environment-associated determinants with diet quality, physical activity, and smoking habits among low-socioeconomic urban adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 238 adolescents aged 11 to 17 years was conducted in Jakarta, Indonesia. Adolescents and their parents were interviewed to assess the determinants of healthy lifestyles that included diet quality, physical activity, and smoking habits. Diet and physical activity were quantified using the Diet Quality Index for Adolescents (DQI-A) and Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), respectively. Multiple regression was used to determine the β coefficients and odds ratios predictive of healthy lifestyles. Results: Mean scores of DQI-A and PAQ-C were considered low (33.5% ± 8.9% and 2.1 ± 0.5, respectively). Overall, 17.6% of adolescents were smokers, with 88% of these being males. Predictors of diet quality were child- (age, gender) and environment-associated (house size, access to a computer) determinants with β coefficients of −6.52 to 3.26. The PAQ-C score was associated with child- (female) and environment-associated (living area) determinants with β coefficients of −0.45 and 0.14, respectively. Younger adolescents and females were protective factors for smoking. Parents-associated determinants were not associated with any lifestyle indicators. Conclusions: Child- and environment-associated determinants were predictors of healthy lifestyles among adolescents. Thus, personal empowerment and environment transformation are needed to facilitate a healthy lifestyle and reduce the burden of NCDs among adolescents.
The Relationship Between Symptom Severity and Caregiver Burden in Cancer Patients Under Palliative Care: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Celik Emir , Aslan Muhammed Samil , Sengul Samanci Nilay , Karadag Mehmet , Saglam Tarik , Cakan Celik Yasemin , Demirci Nebi Serkan , Demirelli Fuat Hulusi 
Published: October 2021

Background Hospitalization is a stressful experience both for primary caregivers (PCs) and cancer patients alike. Although there is significant evidence that PCs of cancer patients can experience significant caregiver burden (CB), less is known about the relationships between PCs and patient symptom severity that influence CB. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, measures of the symptom severity were obtained from cancer patients. The PCs were assessed for CB. Associations between patients' symptoms and demographic characteristics and CB were investigated using multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 98 participants (patient-caregiver dyads) filled the questionnaires. According to the Zarit Burden Interview results, 65.3% of PCs had a high CB. Pain, tiredness, nausea, depression, drowsiness, well-being, and dyspnea had significantly higher mean values in those with high CB (p < .05). Financial difficulties, first-degree relationships with the patient, higher anxiety levels, and more pronounced tiredness appear to be the variables most predictive with high CB. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study showed CB of PCs among a group of hospitalized incurable cancer patients. PCs of more symptomatic cancer patients had a higher CB, according to our findings. This emphasized the significance of palliative care. Appropriate guidance should be provided for the psychostress caused by the CB.
Hospitalization Burden and Incidence of Krabbe Disease
Authors: Ghabash Gabrielle , Wilkes Jacob , Barney Bradley J. , Bonkowsky Joshua L. 
Published: October 2021

Objective: The purpose of our study was to understand the healthcare burden and incidence of Krabbe disease (Krabbe). Methods: Retrospective analysis of Krabbe patients identified October 1, 2015 through December 31, 2020, ages birth through age 3, evaluated in two national databases. We estimated point prevalence and incidence from year 2016 data. Results: We identified 98 unique Krabbe patients with 736 visits including 260 were inpatient admissions. Total healthcare charges were $51.5 million dollars. We determined a point prevalence of 34 68 Krabbe patients in 2016 ages 0 3 years. This estimates a birth incidence of ~1 in 310,000 live births. Significance: Krabbe disease patients had over $51 million in health care charges and hundreds of hospitalizations. Estimated prevalence and birth incidence is similar to rates observed from newborn screening. Our findings show the tremendous health impacts of Krabbe disease, and provide guidance for efforts in screening and treatment planning.
A heparin-functionalized covered stent prepared by plasma technology
Authors: Zhu Qing , Ye Ping , Guo Fang , Zhu Yimen , Nan Wenbin , Chang Zhaohua 
Published: October 2021

In this study, the surface of the covered stent was treated by plasma technology to introduce amino functional groups, and glutaraldehyde and heparin were successfully grafted to prepare a heparin-functionalized covered stent (HPLCS). The preparation parameters such as plasma treatment power, plasma treatment time, concentration of glutaraldehyde and heparin, and pH of heparin solution were studied in detail. The functionalized heparin covered stent can make the titer of heparin reach 1.23 ± 0.03 IU/cm2. In animal experiments, after implantation in pigs for 6 months, the titer of heparin can still reach 0.93 ± 0.05 IU/cm2. This work provides a good method for preparing heparin covered stent.
Lipoxin A4 methyl ester protects PC12 cells from ketamine-induced neurotoxicity via the miR-22/BAG5 pathway
Authors: Wang Xue-song , Li Long-cheng , Zhang Xue , Gao Jin 
Published: October 2021

Objective Ketamine is an anesthetic that induces neurotoxicity when administered at high doses. In this work, we explored the protective effects of lipoxin A4 methyl ester (LXA4 ME) against ketamine-induced neurotoxicity and the underlying protective mechanism in pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. Methods PC12 cells were treated with 50 μM of ketamine and different LXA4 ME concentrations of LXA4 ME (5–50 nM) for 24 h, and their viability, apoptosis, and oxidative status were assessed. Results Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction experiments showed that ketamine downregulated miR-22 expression and upregulated Bcl-2-associated athanogene 5 (BAG5) in PC12 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. LXA4 ME induced the opposite effects, thus attenuating ketamine-induced neurotoxicity. Further in vitro assays showed that miR-22 directly targeted BAG5, thus promoting cell viability by suppressing cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. Under expression miR-22 or upregulation of BAG5 antagonized the effects of LXA4 ME. Conclusion LXA4 ME can protect PC12 cells from ketamine-induced neurotoxicity by activating the miR-22/BAG5 signaling pathway. Thus, LXA4 ME can be used as a protective drug against ketamine-induced neural damage.
Speech Outcomes of a National Cohort of Children with Orofacial Cleft at 5 and 10 Years of age
Authors: Morrison Maeve M. , Mason Nicola T. , Forde Bryony L. , Stone Peter R. , Fowler Peter V. , Thompson John M. D. 
Published: October 2021

Objective To assess speech outcomes at five and ten years of age in a nationwide study of children with orofacial cleft. Design Prospective study. Participants Children born with orofacial cleft and having primary surgery in New Zealand. Speech samples were available for 151 five-year-old, and 163 ten-year-old children. Main outcome measures Intelligibility, Acceptability, Velopharyngeal function, Hypernasality, Hyponasality, severity of airflow evaluated by perceptual speech assessment (using the standardised Rhinocleft assessment), and overall assessment of requirement for clinical intervention. Results A large proportion of five-year-old children had speech that was considered to be not completely intelligible, was not acceptable, and had inadequate velopharyngeal function. The noted deficiencies led to a clinical judgement that further speech and/or surgical intervention was required in 85% with cleft lip and palate, 65% with cleft palate and 26% with cleft lip. The proportion of children with poor speech outcomes in the ten-year-old children was lower, though of clinical importance, further intervention required for 25% with CLP, 15% with CP and 3% with CL. The number of sound production errors in both age groups followed the same pattern with fewest in those with CL and most in those with CLP. Conclusions A significant proportion of children with orofacial cleft were found to have poor speech outcomes requiring further treatment. The outcomes are poor compared to centres reported in the UK and Scandinavia. New Zealand requires a review of the current services for individuals born with cleft to improve speech outcomes and interdisciplinary care.