bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sulfur dioxide and exacerbation of allergic respiratory diseases
Authors: Tomić-Spirić Vesna , Kovačević Gordana , Marinković Jelena , Janković Janko , Ćirković Anđa , Đerić Ana Milošević , Relić Nenad , Janković Slavenka 
Published: November 2021

Background:
Strong epidemiological evidence suggests that air pollution plays a significant role in the exacerbation of allergic respiratory diseases. This study aimed to assess the potential relationship between daily levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and emergency department (ED) visits for allergic diseases.

Materials and Methods:
Data regarding ED visits for allergic respiratory diseases were routinely collected from the EDs in the Zlatibor district, and the General Hospital, Užice. The daily average concentrations of SO2 were obtained from the regional automatic air quality monitoring stations. All data were collected from June 2012 to July 2014. A time-stratified case-crossover design was used. Crude odds ratios (ORs) and ORs adjusted for weather conditions were calculated using conditional logistic regression.

Results:
Statistically significant associations were seen between 0-day lagged exposure to SO2 and ED visits for all allergic diseases (OR = 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–2.48; P = 0.028) and between 2-day lagged exposure to SO2 and ED visits for asthma with allergic rhinitis (OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.03–3.88; P = 0.042). These results were adjusted for temperature, temperature2, and humidity.

Conclusion:
Our results suggest that short-term exposure to SO2 conferred an increased risk of ED visits for allergic respiratory diseases, particularly for asthma with concomitant allergic rhinitis.
The relationship between hemoglobin A1c levels and thrombus load in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Topal Dursun , Mutluer Ferit Onur , Aydin Omur , Cakir Hakan , Kanat Selcuk , Aslan Burhan , Er Fahri , Uslu Abdulkadir , Bozkaya Veciha Ozlem , Keskin Muhammed , Karşı Remzi , Yılmaz Mustafa , Aksakal Enbiya , Demir Mehmet , Tenekecioglu Erhan 
Published: November 2021

Background:
We aimed to investigate the relationship between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and coronary thrombus load in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

Materials and Methods:
Ninety diabetic patients with NSTEMI were recruited for the study. They were separated into two groups according to HbA1c levels. Forty-seven patients having HbA1c ≤6.5% formed Group-I (35 male, mean age 58 ± 10.5 years) and the remaining 43 patients with HbA1c >6.5% formed Group-II (23 male, mean age 58 ± 11.1 years). Both the groups were evaluated in terms of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) thrombus score and Syntax score.

Results:
Baseline patient characteristics were comparable in both the groups. TIMI thrombus score and Syntax score were higher in Group II than in Group I (3.2 ± 1.4 vs. 4.7 ± 0.5 and 20.2 ± 3.4 vs. 26.3 ± 3.0 respectively, P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in other parameters. In stepwise linear regression analysis, prepercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and post-PCI TIMI frame number and HbA1c were significantly related to the coronary thrombus scale. However, no significant relationship has been found between thrombus formation and hypertension, previous PCI history, pre-PCI heart rate, pre-PCI cholesterol status, and high-sensitive troponin T.

Conclusion:
In NSTEMI with T2DM, increased HbA1c (HbA1c >6.5%) is related with coronary thrombus in the target vessel. In those patient population, strict anticoagulation should be considered to prevent potential adverse events.
Phenotypic Profile and Antibiogram of Biofilm-Producing Bacteria Isolates from Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Zaria, Nigeria
Authors: Usman Yahaya , Bakari Adamu Girei , Abdullahi Idris Nasir , Ahmad Abdurrahman El-Fulaty , Sani-Bello Fatima , Sagay Atiene Solomon , Olayinka Adebola Tolulope 
Published: November 2021

Background:
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) present with high morbidity and reduce patient's quality of life. There is a gross paucity of data on biofilm-producing bacteria in DFU Infection in North-Western Nigeria. The study sought to determine the biofilm-forming ability of bacteria isolates from DFUs and determine their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in Zaria, North-Western Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:
This hospital-based cross-sectional study of patients with DFUs was conducted from June 2018 to February 2020. Consecutive biopsies were aseptically collected. Bacteria were isolated and identified using a Microgen kit. Biofilm forming ability and antibiogram of isolates were determined using microtitre plate and disk diffusion methods, respectively.

Results:
Of the 225 participants enrolled, males constituted the majority, 144 (64.0%) with 88 (36.0%) females, the median age of participants was 54 (48–60) years, and the age range was 36–77 years. A total of 172 bacteria were isolated, and 123 (71.5%) were biofilm producers.Staphylococcus aureus(26.7%) was the highest biofilm producer, while Citrobacter freundii and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were the least biofilm producers, 1 (0.6%) each. A disproportionate resistance pattern was demonstrated among the biofilm and non-biofilm producers against the cephalosporins tested, ceftazidime (68% vs. 18%), ceftriaxone (50% vs. 8.0%) and cefotaxime (21% vs. 0.0%). About 46% and 68% of the biofilm producers were resistant to gentamycin and ciprofloxacin, respectively. While only 2% of the non-biofilm producers were resistant to imipenem, 11% of the biofilm producers were resistant to it.

Conclusion:
These findings revealed a high proportion of biofilm-producing bacteria and were more resistant than non-biofilm producers.
Risk of Exposure of Dental Personnel to COVID-19 and their Compliance with COVID-19 Safety Guidance for the Dental Practice
Authors: Egbunah Uchenna P. , Orenuga Omolola O. , Adeyemo Wasiu L. 
Published: November 2021

Background:
To curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), several guidelines for dental practice were proposed by dental practice regulating bodies. Assessing the level of compliance to these guidelines by dental personnel will provide an evidence-based report of their adherence to COVID-19 guidance and if improvement on this is required.

Aim:
To assess the risk of exposure of dental personnel to COVID-19 in the dental facility and their level of compliance with COVID-19 guidance for the dental practice.

Methodology:
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at the Dental Centre of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, (LUTH) Lagos, Nigeria. Participants were dental personnel (resident doctors/house officers, dental nurses, dental hygienists and dental technologists) at the Dental Centre, LUTH. COVID-19 risk assessment and compliance with COVID-19 dental practice guidance were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire.

Results:
A total of 131 dental personnel aged 29.4 ± 5.16 years participated in this study. High risk of COVID-19 exposure was noted in trainees in conservative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and in dental hygienists. Eight dental personnel (6.1%) reported a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. Majority of included specialties reported a low (<50%) to moderate (>50%– <80%) level of compliance with the pre-treatment, during treatment and post-treatment guidance.

Conclusion:
Although dental personnel at the Dental Centre, LUTH had a high risk of exposure to COVID-19, they showed low-to-moderate compliance with pre-treatment, during treatment and post-treatment guidance which led to a relatively high incidence of COVID-19 transmission in the dental clinic.
Thyroid Dose and Cancer Risk from Head and Neck Computed Tomography at Two Selected Centres in Nigeria
Authors: Awe Olufisayo Olalekan , Obed Rachel Ibhade , Adekanmi Ademola Joseph , Ogbole Godwin I. , Agbele Alaba Tolulope 
Published: November 2021

Objective:
The objective of this study was to evaluate the thyroid glands' radiation dose and the risk of thyroid cancer induction from head or neck computed tomography (CT) examinations.

Methods:
In a prospective study, we evaluated all participants of all ages and sex referred for Head or Neck CT Scan at the University College Hospital, Ibadan and Me Cure Healthcare Limited, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Thyroid radiation dose was estimated with impact scan calculator, and real-time dose measurement with thermoluminescent badge dosimeters (TLDs). Data were analysed and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
One hundred and sixty-three participants (128 adults and 35 children) participated in the study. In most participants (74%), the tube voltage was 120 kVp. The estimated median thyroid gland dose by the imPACT scan calculator was 4.95 mGy (range = 1.20–30.0 mGy) and 4.40 mGy (range = 3.0–5.10 mGy), while the real-time dose measured by the TLD was 4.79 mGy (range = 1.73–96.7 mGy) and 2.33 mGy (range = 1.20–3.73 mGy) at Centre A and B, respectively. The estimated median thyroid cancer risk was 2.88 × 10−6 (maximum range of 52 × 10−6) at centre A and a median value of 3.20 × 10−6 with a cancer risk estimate that may reach 17.9 × 10−6 recorded at centre B, compared to a cumulative thyroid cancer risk of 0.12 × 10−5 among the general Nigerian population.

Conclusions:
Scanner specifications and technique may significantly contribute to variations seen in thyroid radiation doses. There may be a need to optimise centre protocols and apply dose reference levels for head and neck CT examinations to reduce thyroid cancer risk in Nigeria.
Autologous platelet-rich plasma eye drop for moderate-to-severe bacterial corneal ulcers
Authors: Fitriana Prili Olda , Pawiroranu Suhardjo , Widayanti Tri Wahyu , Wirohadidjojo Yohanes Widodo , Mahayana Indra Tri 
Published: November 2021

PURPOSE:
The objective of this study was to evaluate interleukin-6 (IL-6) tear concentration and clinical outcome in patients with moderate-to-severe bacterial corneal ulcers post autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) eye drop therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This was a pre–post designed study involving 21 moderate-severe corneal ulcer patients who got autologous PRP eye drop. Subjects were got autologous PRP eye drop as adjuvant therapy. Patients with moderate-to-severe infectious bacterial corneal ulcers were included in this study. Tear sampling was performed before therapy using sterile Schirmer paper from conjunctival inferior fornix. PRP therapy was performed for 7 days. Data recording and tear sampling were then performed at day 0 (pre-PRP), day 7 (D+7), and day 14 (D+14) after PRP therapy. Data recording included presence of pericorneal injection, blepharospasm, size of corneal defects, and hypopyon.

RESULTS:
There was a decrease in IL-6 tear concentration by day 14 after PRP therapy (P < 0.001). IL-6 concentration at day 7 after therapy (7525.67 ± 7092 pg/mL) tended to be lower before therapy (10,599 ± 6158 pg/mL), but not statistically significant (P = 0.156). The size of corneal defects decreased significantly post PRP at day 7 (P = 0.035) and at day 14 (P = 0.001). There was a significant blepharospasm at day 7 (P = 0.012) and day 14 (P < 0.001). There was a significant pericorneal injection only at day 14 (P = 0.002). There was no significant decreased hypopyon.

CONCLUSION:
There was a significant reduction in IL-6 tear concentration and clinical improvement in moderate-to-severe bacterial corneal ulcers which got autologous PRP eye drop as adjuvant therapy.
Case Report: Molecular Diagnosis of Cystoisospora belli in a Severely Immunocompromised Patient with HIV and Kaposi Sarcoma
Authors: Iordanov Roumen Borilov , Leining Lauren M. , Wu Meng , Chan Galant , DiNardo Andrew R. , Mejia Rojelio 
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACT.
Diarrhea in an immunocompromised patient has a broad infectious differential. Diagnosis is difficult despite advances in diagnostic modalities. We report a case of a 45-year-old Nigerian woman who immigrated to the United States 2 years ago. She presented to the hospital with gastrointestinal bleeding, newly diagnosed HIV, and disseminated Kaposi sarcoma. During hospitalization, the patient had an onset of watery diarrhea and high eosinophilia. Subsequent stool analysis using multi-parallel real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction for 13 parasites was positive for Cystoisospora belli. The patient was treated with trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, but had relapsed disease when her antibiotics were stopped prematurely. After restarting trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, her diarrhea and eosinophilia improved, and she had undetectable Cystoisospora belli DNA on repeat stool quantitative polymerase chain reaction. This case highlights the importance of a thorough workup for diarrhea, including parasites, especially for immunocompromised patients. Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended in patients with Cystoisospora belli and HIV/AIDS.
Chikungunya Virus Infects the Heart and Induces Heart-Specific Transcriptional Changes in an Immunodeficient Mouse Model of Infection
Authors: Langsjoen Rose M. , Zhou Yiyang , Holcomb Richard J. , Routh Andrew L. 
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACT.
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted pathogen in family Togaviridae, genus Alphavirus. Although CHIKV is well known for its ability to cause debilitating rheumatoid-like arthritis, it has been also been observed to cause cardiovascular symptoms such as arrhythmias. Here, using samples from a previous study, we sequenced RNA from serum, kidney, skeletal muscle, and cardiac muscle from CHIKV- and mock-infected IFN-αR−/− mice using two sequencing techniques to investigate heart-specific changes in virus mutational profiles and host gene expression. Mutation rates were similar across muscle tissues although heart tissue carried heart-specific CHIKV minority variants, one of which had a coding change in the nsP3 gene and another in the 3′UTR. Importantly, heart-specific transcriptional changes included differential expression of genes critical for ion transport and muscle contraction. These results demonstrate that CHIKV replicates in the hearts of immunodeficient mice and induce heart-specific mutations and host responses with implications for cardiac pathologies.
Use of drugs to treat symptoms and acute conditions during pregnancy in outpatient care in Switzerland between 2014 and 2018: analysis of Swiss healthcare claims data
Authors: Gerbier Eva , Graber Sereina M. , Rauch Marlene , Marxer Carole A. , Meier Christoph R. , Baud David , Winterfeld Ursula , Blozik Eva , Surbek Daniel , Spoendlin Julia , Panchaud Alice 
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND: Evidence on the use of drugs during pregnancy in Switzerland is lacking.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate utilisation of prescribed drugs during pregnancy in outpatient care in Switzerland, focusing on treatments for pain, infections, gastro-oesophageal reflux, nausea/vomiting, and constipation.
METHODS: We conducted a descriptive study using the Swiss Helsana claims database (2014–2018). We established a cohort of pregnancies by identifying deliveries and estimating the date of the last menstrual period. We identified claims for the following drugs during pregnancy; analgesics (opioids, paracetamol, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]), oral antibiotics, antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), anti-nausea drugs (propulsives and 5HT3-antagonists), and laxatives. Within these drug groups we quantified exposure prevalence to the most prescribed drugs (to >1% of pregnancies) during pregnancy as well as to specific potentially teratogenic or fetotoxic drugs during specific risk periods. Results were extrapolated relative to the demographic distribution of the Swiss population.
RESULTS: We identified an extrapolated population of 369,371 pregnancies, with a weighted mean maternal age of 32.0 years (weighted standard deviation 5.1). Analgesics were claimed in 34.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 33.9–35.0%) of pregnancies, most frequently paracetamol (30.3%, 29.8–30.8%), followed by NSAIDs (8.6%, 8.3–8.8%), and opioids (2.6%, 2.4–2.8%). NSAIDs were claimed in 1.3% (1.2–1.4%) of pregnancies after week 24, and opioids were claimed in 1.3% (1.2–1.4%) in trimester 3. Antibiotics were dispensed in 26.3% (25.8–26.8%) of pregnancies, most frequently amoxicillin (14.6%, 95% CI 14.2–14.9%). Claims for potentially teratogenic or fetotoxic antibiotics during risk periods were each recorded in <0.6% of pregnancies. PPIs were claimed in 16.0% (15.6–16.3%) and antacids in 10.6% (10.3–11.0%) of pregnancies, but several antacid products are not reimbursed and thus not present in insurance claims. Anti-nausea drugs were claimed in 16.4% (16.0–16.7%) of pregnancies, most frequently metoclopramide in 14.4% (14.0–14.7%). Ondansetron was mainly dispensed in trimester 1, 1.0% (0.9–1.1%). In total, 6.4% (6.2–6.7%) of pregnancies had a claim for laxatives, most frequently for macrogol (2.4%, 95% CI 2.2–2.5%).
CONCLUSION: The observed pattern of claimed drugs during pregnancy is in line with existing treatment guidelines. Exposure to potentially teratogenic and fetotoxic drugs was small, but given the lack of recorded diagnosis, we cannot determine if their use was clinically indicated.
Perceptions of vaccination certificates among the general population in Geneva, Switzerland
Authors: Nehme Mayssam , Baysson Helene , Pullen Nick , Wisniak Ania , Pennacchio Francesco , Zaballa María-Eugenia , Fargnoli Vanessa , Kaiser Laurent , Hurst Samia , Burton-Jeangros Claudine , Stringhini Silvia , Guessous Idris 
Published: November 2021

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the public perception of COVID-19 vaccination certificates as well as potential differences between individuals.
METHODS: Between 17 March and 1 April 2021, a self-administered online questionnaire was proposed to all persons aged 18 years and older participating in the longitudinal follow-up of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies in Geneva, Switzerland. The questionnaire covered aspects of individual and collective benefits, and allowed participants to select contexts in which vaccination certificates should be presented. Results were presented as the proportion of persons agreeing or disagreeing with the implementation of vaccination certificates, selecting specific contexts where certificates should be presented, and agreeing or disagreeing with the potential risks related to certificates. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios for factors associated with certificate non-acceptance.
RESULTS: Overall, 4067 individuals completed the questionnaire (response rate 77.4%; mean age 53.3 ± standard deviation 14.4 years; 56.1% were women). About 61.0% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that a vaccination certificate was necessary in certain contexts and 21.6% believed there was no context where vaccination certificates should be presented. Contexts where a majority of participants perceived a vaccination certificate should be presented included jobs where others would be at risk of COVID-related complications (60.7%), jobs where employees would be at risk of getting infected (58.7%), or to be exempt from quarantine when travelling abroad (56.0%). Contexts where fewer individuals perceived the need for vaccination certificates to be presented were participation in large gatherings (36.9%), access to social venues (35.5%), or sharing the same workspace (21.5%). Younger age, no intent for vaccination, and not believing vaccination to be an important step in surmounting the pandemic were factors associated with certificate non-acceptance.
CONCLUSION: This large population-based study showed that the general adult population in Geneva, Switzerland, agreed with the implementation of vaccination certificates in work-related and travel-related contexts. However, this solution was perceived as unnecessary for access to large gatherings or social venues, or to share the same workspace. Differences were seen with age, sex, education, socioeconomic status, and vaccination willingness and perception, highlighting the importance of taking personal and sociodemographic variation into consideration when predicting acceptance of such certificates.
NGHIÊN CỨU DỰ ĐOÁN SỐ HỘ VÀ THỜI GIAN CHẤP NHẬN MÔ HÌNH TRỒNG CÂY HOA ATISO ĐỎ TẠI XÃ PHONG AN, HUYỆN PHONG ĐIỀN, TỈNH THỪA THIÊN HUẾ
Authors: Phương Lê Thị Hồng , Linh Lê Thị Thùy , Hà Bùi Thị Minh 
Published: November 2021

Để áp dụng các kỹ thuật hay các mô hình sản xuất nông nghiệp mới, các nhà nghiên cứu thường thực hiện rất nhiều thử nghiệm sâu về kỹ thuật trước khi đưa vào áp dụng. Nhưng để đảm bảo tính khả thi khi áp dụng các kỹ thuật đó vào thực tế thì việc dự đoán bao nhiêu người áp dụng và khoảng bao lâu sau người dân sẽ chấp nhận các kỹ thuật đó là một vấn đề hết sức quan trọng. Do vậy nghiên cứu được tiến hành với mục đích áp dụng phương pháp ADOPT để xác định và dự đoán được số người và thời gian chấp nhận mô hình nông nghiệp trong trường hợp mô hình trồng hoa Atiso tại xã Phong An. Các phương pháp thu thập số liệu trong đề tài bao gồm: phỏng vấn hộ (n = 77), phỏng vấn sâu (n = 10), và thảo luận nhóm (n = 2) các hộ trồng cây hoa atiso đỏ. Số liệu nghiên cứu thu được từ quá trình điều tra được tổng hợp và xử lý bằng phần mềm Excel 2019 và phân tích ADOPT. Kết quả nghiên cứu chỉ ra rằng sau thời gian 11,6 năm thì có tới 67% người chấp nhận hoàn toàn mô hình trồng cây hoa atiso đỏ. Để nâng cao số người và thời gian chấp nhận mô hình trồng cây hoa atiso đỏ của các nông hộ trên địa bàn xã, cần thực hiện đồng bộ các giải pháp về thu nhập, kỹ thuật, thị trường cũng như chính sách từ chính quyền địa phương.
ABSTRACT
In order to apply new techniques or models in agricultural production, researchers have conducted in-depth technical experiments before transferring them into practice. However, how to predict the number of households will apply and how long after that households will accept new agricultural practices is still a challenge. Therefore, to predict the number of households accepting and the time to transfer new agricultural practices in the long term, the ADOPT method was applied in red artichoke flower growing model. The research applied three main methods to collect data including household interview (n=77), in-depth interview (n=10), and group discussion (n=2) with red artichoke flowers planting farmers. The data from the survey was synthesized and processed by Excel software and ADOPT analysis. Research results showed that after a period of 11.6 years, up to 67% of people fully accepted the red artichoke flower model. In order to increase the number of households accepting and the time to transfer the red artichoke flower model of farmers in the commune, it is necessary to synchronously implement solutions to income, technology, markets as well as policies from the local government.