bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of demographic and clinical factors in survival of HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Desai Kanan T , Patel Fenil , Patel Prakash B , Bansal RK 
Published: February 2021

Our retrospective cohort study assesses the survival probability and identifies the demographic and clinical predictors of mortality in HIV patients taking antiretroviral therapy using an antiretroviral therapy centre data in Western India. Secondary data on 7532 registered HIV-infected individuals between September 2006 and January 2013 were analysed. The probability of survival at 75 months was 84.9%. Significant indicators of poor chances of survival were greater age, lower occupation class, lower CD4 count, poor functional status; higher stage of disease, lower weight, the presence and type of opportunistic infections, co-trimoxazole therapy and poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy. We thus find that, in addition to pre-ART, antiretroviral therapy clinical status and treatment adherence, socioeconomic status plays an important influence on ultimate survival of HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy.
Can Teaching Data Analysis In-House Improve Psychology Students’ Skills?
Authors: Vittengl Jeffrey R. , Vittengl Karen L. 
Published: February 2021

Background: Acquisition and generalization of data analysis skills are perennial challenges for psychology students. Teaching advanced data analysis in a psychology-specific context might improve students’ learning. Objective: At a mid-sized public university, we evaluated student outcomes after a new quantitative psychology course taught in the psychology department compared to upper-level statistics courses taught in the statistics department. Method: Undergraduate psychology majors ( N = 80) completed quantitative psychology and/or upper-level statistics courses in preparation for their capstone research course. Participants also completed a brief data analysis skills assessment and the Major Field Test for Psychology. Results: Controlling for prerequisite grades and ACT composites, participants who completed quantitative psychology compared to upper-level statistics had significantly better academic outcomes, on average (standardized mean difference = 0.37). Conclusions: Psychology students completing an upper-level data analysis course within versus outside the department demonstrated better learning outcomes in psychology. Teaching Implications: Psychology programs that outsource data analysis courses should consider whether teaching these skills in-house holds potential to improve student outcomes. Alternatively, statistics departments might consider developing psychology-themed courses taught by faculty with expertise in psychological science.
Diagnostic yield and safety of percutaneous CT-guided biopsy of retroperitoneal lesions and analysis of imaging features
Authors: Singh Anil Kumar , Neyaz Zafar , Verma Ritu , Gupta Anshul , Mishra Richa , Mishra Prabhakar 
Published: February 2021

Background Computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy is emerging as a preferred method for obtaining tissue samples from retroperitoneal lesions due to clear visualization of needle and vessels. Purpose To assess diagnostic yield and safety of CT-guided biopsy of retroperitoneal lesions and compare CT findings in different disease categories. Material and Methods This retrospective analytical study included 86 patients with retroperitoneal lesions who underwent CT-guided biopsy from December 2010 to March 2020. All procedures were performed with co-axial technique and multiple cores were obtained and subjected to histopathology. Additional tests like immunohistochemistry or microbiological analysis were done depending on clinical suspicion. Diagnostic yield calculation and comparison of imaging findings was done by one-way ANOVA, chi-square, and Fisher’s exact tests. Results CT-guided biopsy was technically successful in all cases with a diagnostic yield of 91.9%. Minor complications in the form of small hematomas were seen in two patients. Major disease categories on final diagnosis were lymphoma, tuberculosis, and metastases. A variety of malignant and benign soft-tissue neoplasms were also noted less commonly. With help of immunohistochemistry, lymphoma subtype was established in 88.8% of cases. Addition of microbiological tests like the GeneXpert assay helped in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in some cases. A mass-like appearance and vascular encasement was common in metastatic group and lymphoma. Conclusion Percutaneous CT-guided biopsy is a safe method for the sampling of retroperitoneal lesions with high diagnostic yield. Imaging findings are mostly overlapping; however, some features are more common in a particular disease condition.
Clinical analysis of adenovirus pneumonia with pulmonary consolidation and atelectasis in children
Authors: Lou Qing , Zhang Sheng-xin , Yuan Lin 
Published: February 2021

Objective To assess the clinical characteristics of 168 children with adenovirus pneumonia complicated by pulmonary consolidation and atelectasis. Methods We retrospectively studied patients with adenovirus pneumonia complicated by pulmonary consolidation and atelectasis admitted to Xiamen Children’s Hospital from March 2019 to August 2019. In total, 168 patients were recruited and divided into a severe group and non-severe group according to disease severity. Clinical results were assessed. Results All children had fever and cough, 29 had wheezing, and 82 had dyspnea. Pleural effusion was found in 53 patients. Mixed infections were present in 95 patients. A total of 105 patients received hormone therapy, 72 received intravenous gamma globulin, and 103 underwent bronchoscopy, among whom 6 were found to have bronchial casts. Of the 168 children, 166 were cured and two died. The patients were divided by disease severity, with 82 in the severe group and 86 in the non-severe group. The two groups showed significant differences in the fever course, pleural effusion, mixed infections, hemoglobin concentration, procalcitonin concentration, and lactate dehydrogenase concentration. Conclusion A long fever course, mixed infection, pleural effusion, decreased hemoglobin concentration, and increased procalcitonin and lactate dehydrogenase concentrations may be associated with more severe adenovirus pneumonia.
Effects of different vaginal mould use approaches after vaginoplasty with artificial dermis in patients with Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome
Authors: Wang Wenli , Chen Fang , Cheng Jiumei , Peng Shuyan , Ye Hong 
Published: February 2021

Objective To assess the therapeutic effects of different vaginal mould use approaches after vaginoplasty in patients with Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. Methods Patients with MRKH syndrome who underwent surgery from 2010 to 2015 in our hospital were retrospectively evaluated. Vaginoplasty was performed with artificial dermis, and vaginal moulds were used for 6 months postoperatively. The patients were divided into an intermittent group and continuous group according to the vaginal mould approach. Results Thirty-five patients were evaluated (intermittent group, 19 patients; continuous group, 16 patients). One month postoperatively, the mean vaginal length and width in the intermittent group were 9.26 ± 0.56 and 3.82 ± 0.25 cm, respectively, and those in the continuous group were 9.44 ± 0.51 and 3.86 ± 0.22 cm, respectively. Six months postoperatively, the mean vaginal length and width in the intermittent group were 8.94 ± 0.71 and 3.76 ± 0.26 cm, respectively, and those in the continuous group were 8.69 ± 0.48 and 3.65 ± 0.30 cm, respectively. The mean Female Sexual Function Index scores in the intermittent and continuous groups were 28.61 ± 0.71 and 28.4 80 ±0.79 respectively, after normal sexual life. Conclusion Both intermittent and continuous use of postoperative vaginal moulds may be effective.
Validation of the French-Canadian Version of a Short Questionnaire to Assess Knowledge in Cardiac Patients (CADE-Q SV)
Authors: Ghisi Gabriela L. M. , Oh Paul 
Published: February 2021

Background The long-term success of cardiac rehabilitation programs rests in part on the patient’s ability to maintain health behaviors, which is influence by the patient education received. Therefore, a short and reliable tool to assess patients' knowledge is warranted. The aim of this study was to translate, culturally-adapt and psychometrically validate the French-Canadian version of the Coronary Artery Disease Education Questionnaire Short Version (CADE-Q SV). Methods The French CADE-Q SV – translated and culturally-adapted - was reviewed by 3 bilingual experts in cardiovascular disease. This version was then psychometrically tested in 115 CR patients in two Canadian provinces (Québec and New Brunswick). The questionnaire was completed at patients’ first CR session and in the end of their 6-month program to assess interpretability. The internal consistency was assessed using Kuder-Richardson-20 (KR-20) and Cronbach's alpha, factor structure using confirmatory factor analysis, and criterion validity regarding level of education and family income. Results KR-20 was 0.72. Factor analysis revealed 5 factors, all internally consistent. Criterion validity was supported by significant differences in total scores by educational level and family income (p < 0.05). Results showed that increases in knowledge can moderately increase mean steps per day and peakVO2, with an MCID of 3.00. The overall mean was 15.7 ± 2.0. The area with the highest knowledge was risk factors and the lowest was psychosocial risk. Conclusion The French-Canadian CADE-SV was demonstrated to have good validity and reliability.
Can Early Warning Systems Enhance Detection of High Risk Patients by Rapid Response Teams?
Authors: Reardon Peter M. , Seely Andrew J. E. , Fernando Shannon M. , Didcote Simon , Strachan Iain , Baudino Jean-Loup , Kyeremanteng Kwadwo 
Published: February 2021

Purpose: We sought to evaluate if incorporating an early warning system (EWS), the Visensia Safety Index (VSI) and the National Early Warning Systems 2 (NEWS2), may lead to earlier identification of rapid response team (RRT) patients. Methods: This was a retrospective study (2015-2018) of patients experiencing RRT activation within a tertiary care network. We evaluated the proportion of patients with an EWS alert prior to RRT activation and their associated outcomes (primary: hospital mortality). Results: There were 6,346 RRT activations over the study period. Of these, 2042 (50.8%) patients would have had a VSI alert prior to RRT activation, with a median advanced time of 3.6 (IQR 0.5-12.8) hours, compared to 2351 (58.4%) patients and 9.8 (IQR 2.0-18.7) hours for NEWS2. Patients with a potential alert prior to RRT activation had an increased odds of mortality for both VSI (OR 1.2, 95%CI 1.1-1.3) and NEWS2 (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.4-3.1). Prognostic accuracy for hospital mortality was similar between groups. Conclusion: Utilization of an EWS by an RRT has potential to provide earlier recognition of deterioration and mortality risk among hospitalized inpatients.
Using machine learning to predict post-operative depth of focus after cataract surgery with implantation of Tecnis Symfony
Authors: Liu Yang , Wei David , Bai Tao , Luo Jie , Wood Jennifer , Vashisht Ashank , Zhang Shumin , Xuan Jianwei , Kattan Michael , Coplan Paul 
Published: February 2021

Objective: To predict post-operative depth of focus (DoF) using machine learning techniques after cataract surgery with Tecnis Symfony implantation and determine associated impact factors. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study among patients receiving Tecnis Symfony implantation, an extended-range-of-vision intraocular lens, during October 2016–January 2020 at Daqing Oilfield General Hospital, China. Four different predictive models were used to predict good post-operative DoF (⩾2.5 D): Extreme Gradient Boost (XGBoost), random forest (RF), LASSO penalized regression, and multivariable logistic regression (MLR). Apriori algorithm was employed to further explore the association between patient attributes and DoF. Results: A total of 182 unique cases (143 patients) were included. The XGBoost model produced the best predictive accuracy compared to RF, LASSO, and MLR models. Overall performance of the best fitting XGBoost model was as follows: accuracy = 70.3%, AUC = 80.2%, sensitivity = 65.5%, and specificity = 87.5%. The Apriori algorithm identified six preoparative attributes with substantial effects on good post-operative DoF: low anterior chamber depth (ACD) (1.9 to <2.5 mm), smaller pupil size (1.7 to <2.5 mm), low-to-mid axial length (21 to <23 mm), minimum astigmatism degree (−0.2 to 0 diopter), low IOP (9 to <12 mmHg), and medium lens target refractive error (−0.5 to <−0.25 diopter). Conclusions: Machine Learning models were able to predict good post-operative DoF among cataract patients receiving a Tecnis Symfony ocular lens implantation. The accuracy of the model was above 70%. The Apriori algorithm identified six preoperative attributes with a strong association with post-operative DoF.
Evaluation of the effect of topical tacrolimus 0.03% versus cyclosporine 0.05% in the treatment of dry eye secondary to Sjogren syndrome
Authors: Moawad Pavly , Shamma Rehab , Hassanein Dina , Ragab Gaafar , El Zawahry Omar 
Published: February 2021

Purpose: To compare the effect of topical application of tacrolimus 0.03% eyedrops versus cyclosporine 0.05% in Sjogren syndrome subjects with severe dry eyes. Design: A prospective single-blinded simply randomized controlled study. Methodology: 60 Sjogren patients were randomized into Group A: 30 patients were instructed to put tacrolimus 0.03% eyedrops in one eye for 6 months and placebo eyedrops in the other eye, ( N = 30, 44.9 ± 12.58 years). Group B: 30 patients were instructed to put cyclosporine 0.05% eyedrops in one eye for 6 months and placebo eyedrops in the other eye ( N = 30, 49.4 ± 12.92 years). Main outcome measures: Patients were evaluated at day 0, 90, and 180 for Ocular Surface Disease Index Questionnaire (OSDI), frequency of use of artificial tears, average fluorescein tear break up time (TBUT), ocular surface staining scores, Schirmer I test, meibum quality, and expressibility scores. Results: Upon comparing both eyedrops, the mean value of OSDI decrease was 38.25 ± 18.29% versus 31.69 ± 18.57% ( p-value 0.09), SICCA score decrease was 2.97 ± 1.92 versus 2.27 ± 2.02 ( p-value 0.124) the decrease in artificial tear substitute use was 3.90 ± 2.22 versus 3.63 ± 1.92 ( p-value 0.616), increase in Schirmer I values were 4.10 ± 4.21 and 4.26 ± 2.00 ( p-value 0.590) in eyes treated with tacrolimus and cyclosporine respectively. Neither of them affected meibum quality or expressibility scores. Conclusion: Both tacrolimus and cyclosporine significantly improved patient symptoms, frequency of artificial tears use and ocular surface staining compared to placebo-controlled eyes. However, no significant difference regarding the efficacy of both eyedrops at the end of 6 months treatment of severe dry eyes of Sjögren syndrome patients. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT03865888.
Scleral fixation of Carlevale intraocular lens: A new tool in correcting aphakia with no capsular support
Authors: Georgalas Ilias , Spyropoulos Dimitrios , Gotzaridis Stratos , Papakonstantinou Evangelia , Kandarakis Stylianos , Kanakis Menelaos , Karamaounas Aristotelis , Petrou Petros 
Published: February 2021

Purpose: To report the clinical outcomes of the use of a novel specially designed scleral fixated intraocular lens, the Carlevale intraocular lens (carlevale IOL, Soleko, Italy) for the correction of aphakia in the absence of capsular support of variable etiology. Methods: This retrospective, non-comparative study included 169 eyes of 169 consecutive patients who underwent 3-port pars plana vitrectomy and scleral fixation on Carlevale IOL. Inclusion criteria were at least 6 months’ follow-up period, patients > 18 years old who underwent vitrectomy and Carlevale IOL placement for aphakia and inadequate capsular support Results: The median follow up period of 9 months (range 6–18 months). Mean post-operative BCVA at the last follow-up visit was 20/25 (0.09 ± 0.1 LogMAR), improving from a mean baseline BCVA of 20/80 (0.58 ± 0.49 LogMAR), a statistically significant change ( p = 0.0001). Regarding the post-operative complications, a transient rise in the IOP was observed in 28 patients (16.5%) and mild vitreous hemorrhage was observed in the immediate post-operative period in eight eyes (4.7%) and it spontaneously resolved within 3 weeks. All patients demonstrated good IOL position at the end of the follow-up without IOL capture. None of the patients required re-operation. Conlcusion: The present study represents the largest to date in evaluating the use of carlevale IOL in patients with aphakia and inadequate capsular support. The technique is safe and provides excellent post-operative IOL fixation without IOL capture in any of the patients studied.
Analysis of access flow using duplex ultrasonography and the ultrasound dilutional method
Authors: Bae Miju , Jeon Chang Ho , Han Miyeun , Jin Moran , Kim Hyo Jin 
Published: February 2021

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between duplex ultrasonography (DUS) and ultrasound dilution (UD) measurement’s results and determine the factors affecting the correlation of the measured values among other clinical factors in patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2020 to May 2020 and included 60 patients who visited our dialysis centre. The flow of the fistula was measured in the proximal brachial artery using DUS. While dialysis was performed on the same day, the access flow was measured using the UD method. The correlation and agreement between the access flows acquired by each measurement method were analysed. Similarly, the correlation was analysed by classifying the groups based on the predisposing factor, and statistically significant factors were observed through comparison. Results: Both measurements showed a moderate positive correlation ( r = 0.60, p < 0.01). The bias (mean of UD-DUS) between the two measurements was about 230 mL/min. When the measurement site of DUS was near the inflow artery and in the same anatomical section, a strong correlation with the measurement value of UD was observed (brachial based fistula: r = 0.85, radial based fistula: r = 0.87). Similarly, for patients without diabetes and those who regularly underwent access surveillance for the dialysis route, strong correlations were observed between the two measurements ( r = 0.79 and r = 0.88). Conclusions: Several factors can influence the correlation between UD and DUS. The findings showed a high correlation for DUS measurement sites within the same anatomical section as the inflow artery, patients without diabetes, and patients undergoing periodic surveillance.
Characteristics of Diabetic Ageing Patients in Nursing Homes: One Center Experience in Turkey
Authors: Ozturk Mehmet Akif , Gunturk Arzu , Kucukardali Yasar 
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Due to its widespread distribution and effects, type 2 diabetes is a frequently researched topic. However, the amount of information about type 2 diabetes in nursing homes residents is inadequate. The aim of this study is to elucidate on the frequency, treatments, comorbidities, and deaths of nursing home residents diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Materials and methods: Type 2 diabetes was evaluated in 612 people accepted to nursing homes as residents between January 2005 and January 2013. Medical records, prescriptions, laboratory results, and comorbidities were evaluated statistically. Results: Approximately 26% (159) patients of the cohort had either preexisting type 2 diabetes during registration to nursing home or was diagnosed with it during the 8-year follow-up. The prevalence of DM was 25% in males and 26% in females. Average age was 75.7 ± 10.6 in diabetics and 76.7 ± 11.6 in non-diabetics. Hemoglobin, creatinine, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and CRP values were not found to be different between the groups. Hypertension was diagnosed in 75% of diabetics versus 59% of non-diabetics, hyperlipidemia in 21% versus 7% ( P < .01); however, atrial fibrillation was more common in non-diabetics ( P = .022). There was no difference for survival rate between diabetic and non-diabetic groups ( P = .743). Conclusion: Approximately 1 out of 4 nursing home residents were found to have diabetes, with females being more affected then males. The survival rates both at the diabetic and non-diabetic patients were detected similar. Glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and blood pressure values which can all impact survival should be closely watched from early on in the disease progress and their values should be optimized.
Radial Nerve Palsy: Nerve Transfer Versus Tendon Transfer to Restore Function
Authors: Patterson J. Megan M. , Russo Stephanie A. , El-Haj Madi , Novak Christine B. , Mackinnon Susan E. 
Published: February 2021

Background: Radial nerve injuries cause profound disability, and a variety of reconstruction options exist. This study aimed to compare outcomes of tendon transfers versus nerve transfers for the management of isolated radial nerve injuries. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 30 patients with isolated radial nerve injuries treated with tendon transfers and 16 patients managed with nerve transfers was performed. Fifteen of the 16 patients treated with nerve transfer had concomitant pronator teres to extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon transfer for wrist extension. Preoperative and postoperative strength data, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores, and quality-of-life (QOL) scores were compared before and after surgery and compared between groups. Results: For the nerve transfer group, patients were significantly younger, time from injury to surgery was significantly shorter, and follow-up time was significantly longer. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in grip and pinch strength after surgery. Postoperative grip strength was significantly higher in the nerve transfer group. Postoperative pinch strength did not differ between groups. Similarly, both groups showed an improvement in DASH and QOL scores after surgery with no significant differences between the 2 groups. Conclusions: The nerve transfer group demonstrated greater grip strength, but both groups had improved pain, function, and satisfaction postoperatively. Patients who present early and can tolerate longer time to functional recovery would be optimal candidates for nerve transfers. Both tendon transfers and nerve transfers are good options for patients with radial nerve palsy.