bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Readmission and Associated Factors in Surgical Versus Non-Surgical Management of Spinal Epidural Abscess: A Nationwide Readmissions Database Analysis
Authors: Pitaro Nicholas L. , Tang Justin E. , Arvind Varun , Cho Brian H. , Geng Eric A. , Amakiri Uchechukwu O. , Cho Samuel K. , Kim Jun S. 
Published: December 2021

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objectives: Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare but potentially life-threatening infection treated with antimicrobials and, in most cases, immediate surgical decompression. Previous studies comparing medical and surgical management of SEA are low powered and limited to a single institution. As such, the present study compares readmission in surgical and non-surgical management using a large national dataset. Methods: We identified all hospital admissions for SEA using the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD), which is the largest collection of hospital admissions data. Patients were grouped into surgically and non-surgically managed cohorts using ICD-10 coding and compared using information retrieved from the NRD such as demographics, comorbidities, length of stay and cost of admission. Results: We identified 350 surgically managed and 350 non-surgically managed patients. The 90-day readmission rates for surgical and non-surgical management were 26.0% and 35.1%, respectively ( P < .05). Expectedly, surgical management was associated with a significantly higher charge and length of stay at index hospital admission. Surgically managed patients had a significantly lower risk of readmission for osteomyelitis ( P < .05). Finally, in patients with a low comorbidity burden, we observed a significantly lower 90-day readmission rate for surgically managed patients (surgical: 23.0%, non-surgical: 33.8%, P < .05). Conclusion: In patients with a low comorbidity burden, we observed a significantly lower readmission rate for surgically managed patients than non-surgically managed patients. The results of this study suggest a lower readmission rate as an advantage to surgical management of SEA and emphasize the importance of SEA as a not-to-miss diagnosis.
“Men Are Scared That Others Will Know and Will Discriminate Against Them So They Would Rather Not Start Treatment.” Perceptions of Heterosexual Men on HIV-Related Stigma in HIV Services in Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Kazuma-Matululu Thokozani , Nyondo-Mipando Alinane Linda 
Published: December 2021

Background: Although the concept of treatment as prevention has generated optimism that an AIDS-free generation is within reach, the success of this approach centers upon early diagnosis and linkages to care for people living with HIV. Unfortunately, people continue to present for HIV care at late stages of disease and HIV-related stigma has been recognized as the major impediment to HIV prevention and treatment efforts. Given the relevance of addressing stigma to improve access and utilization of HIV services among men, this secondary analysis assessed perceptions of heterosexual men in HIV-related stigma on HIV testing and ART services in Blantyre District. Methods: Purposive sampling was done with maximum variation which included men with unknown statuses, newly diagnosed with HIV infection and not yet on ARVs and those with HIV infection on ART. These participants were varied according to age and area of residency and included men from urban, semi urban and rural areas. Health care workers were included depending in the participation in the provision of HIV services. Eighteen (18 IDIs) and sixteen (16) KIIs were done at private facilities and a total of twenty (20) IDS and seventeen (17) KIIs interviews were conducted at public facilities and fourteen (14) FGD were conducted at public facilities as well. The data were collected from January to July 2017 and March to September 2018. Results: Men perceived that there are barriers and enablers that influence men from accessing HIV testing and ART services. These factors include individuals, family, community and workplace. The surroundings can be a person, community and a family and it plays an integral part in ones’ decision to get tested or initiate on ART. At all these levels, men would navigate the options of accessing the services while risking stigma and discrimination. Conclusion: HIV-related stigma exists and impedes access to HIV testing and ART services in men. Men preferred private hospitals to public facilities because of their ability to maintain respect to privacy and confidentiality to their client's. Imitating these policies into the public hospitals can help to improve the perception of HIV-related stigma in heterosexual men.
Treatment With Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β Inhibitor Decreases Apoptotic and Autophagic Reactions in Rat Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Kim Yang-Soo , Lee Yun-Gyoung , Kim Min-Tae , Lee Hyo-Jin 
Published: December 2021

Background: Apoptosis and autophagy are known to be correlated with the extent of damage in torn rotator cuffs, and there is no biological evidence for self-recovery or healing of the rotator cuff tear. Purpose: To establish in a rat model of partial- and full-thickness rotator cuff tears how a glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) inhibitor affects the expression of apoptotic and autophagic markers. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Twelve-week-old Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 16 per group). Group 1 acted as the control, with no treatment; group 2 received partial-thickness (right side) and full-thickness (left side) rotator cuff tears only; and group 3 received the same rotator cuff injuries, with GSK-3β inhibitor injected afterward. The tendons from each group were harvested 42 days after surgery. Evaluation of gene expression, immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL staining (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick end labeling) were performed for the following markers: caspases 3, 8, and 9 as well as Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2); BAX (Bcl-2-associated X protein); beclin 1; p53; and GSK-3β; which represented apoptotic and autophagic reactions. Statistical analysis was performed using 1-way analysis of variance. Results: In the group 2 rats with partial- and full-thickness tears, there were significant increases in the mRNA levels (fold changes) of all 8 markers as compared with group 1 (control). All these increased markers showed significant downregulation by the GSK-3β inhibitor in partial-thickness tears. However, the response to the GSK-3β inhibitor in full-thickness tears was not as prominent as in partial-thickness tears. The number of TUNEL-positive cells in group 2 (partial, 35.08% ± 1.625% [mean ± SE]; full, 46.92% ± 1.319%) was significantly higher than in group 1 (18.02% ± 1.036%; P < .01) and group 3 (partial, 28.04% ± 2.607% [ P < .01]; full, 38.97% ± 2.772% [ P < .01]), and immunohistochemistry revealed increased expression of all the markers in group 2 as compared with control. Conclusion: The apoptotic and autophagic activity induced in a rat model of an acute rotator cuff tear was downregulated after treatment with a GSK-3β inhibitor, particularly with partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. Clinical Relevance: A GSK-3β inhibitor may be able to modulate deterioration in a torn rotator cuff.
QTL and candidate gene identification of the node of the first fruiting branch (NFFB) by QTL-seq in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Jia Xiaoyun , Guo Xiaohao , Wei Hengling , Zhang Meng , Wu Aimin , Cheng Shuaishuai , Cheng Xiaoqian , Yu Shuxun , Wang Hantao 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
The node of the first fruiting branch (NFFB) is an important precocious trait in cotton. Many studies have been conducted on the localization of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and genes related to fiber quality and yield, but there has been little attention to traits related to early maturity, especially the NFFB, in cotton.

Results
To identify the QTL associated with the NFFB in cotton, a BC4F2 population comprising 278 individual plants was constructed. The parents and two DNA bulks for high and low NFFB were whole genome sequenced, and 243.8 Gb of clean nucleotide data were generated. A total of 449,302 polymorphic SNPs and 135,353 Indels between two bulks were identified for QTL-seq. Seventeen QTLs were detected and localized on 11 chromosomes in the cotton genome, among which two QTLs (qNFFB-Dt2–1 and qNFFB-Dt3–3) were located in hotspots. Two candidate genes (GhAPL and GhHDA5) related to the NFFB were identified using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) experiments in this study. Both genes exhibited higher expression levels in the early-maturing cotton material RIL182 during flower bud differentiation, and the silencing of GhAPL and GhHDA5 delayed the flowering time and increased the NFFB compared to those of VA plants in cotton.

Conclusions
Our study preliminarily found that GhAPL and GhHDA5 are related to the early maturity in cotton. The findings provide a basis for the further functional verification of candidate genes related to the NFFB and contribute to the study of early maturity in cotton.
Role of exogenous-applied salicylic acid, zinc and glycine betaine to improve drought-tolerance in wheat during reproductive growth stages
Authors: Shemi Ramadan , Wang Rui , Gheith El-Sayed M. S. , Hussain Hafiz Athar , Cholidah Linna , Zhang Kangping , Zhang Sai , Wang Longchang 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Drought has become a dangerous threat to reduce crop productivity throughout the world. Exogenous applications of regulators, micronutrients, and/or osmoprotectants for inducing drought-tolerance in field crops have been effectively adopted. A controlled pot study was performed to investigate the relative efficacy of salicylic acid (SA), zinc (Zn), and glycine betaine (GB) as foliar applications on the growth, tissues pigments content, relative water content (RWC), leaf gas-exchange, antioxidant enzymes activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, osmolytes contents, and the yield parameters of wheat plants subjected to two soil water conditions (85% field capacity: well-watered, 50% field capacity: water-deficient) during reproductive growth stages.

Results
Water deficient conditions significantly decreased the growth, yield parameters, RWC, photosynthesis pigment, and gas-exchange attributes except for intercellular CO2 concentration. However, foliar applications remarkably improved the growth and yield parameters under water deficit conditions. Under drought condition, exogenous applications of SA, Zn, and GB increased the grain yield pot− 1 by 27.99, 15.23 and 37.36%, respectively, as compared to the control treatment. Drought stress statistically increased the contents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion radical (O2•−), and malonaldehyde (MDA), and elevated the harmful oxidation to cell lipids in plants, however, they were considerably reduced by foliar applications. Foliar applications of SA, Zn, and GB decreased MDA content by 29.09, 16.64 and 26.51% under drought stress, respectively, as compared to the control treatment. Activities of all antioxidant enzymes, proline content, and soluble sugar were increased in response to foliar applications under water deficit conditions.

Conclusions
Overall, foliar application of GB, SA, and Zn compounds improved the drought-tolerance in wheat by decreasing the ROS accumulation, promoting enzymatic antioxidants, and increasing osmolytes accumulation. Finally, GB treatment was most effective in thoroughly assessed parameters of wheat followed by SA and Zn applications to alleviate the adverse effects of drought stress.
Lower testosterone levels predict increasing severity and worse outcomes of hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure in males
Authors: Huang Yandi , Yan Dong , Zhang Huafen , Lou Bin , Yan Ren , Yao Yifan , Dong Minya , Yang Donglei , Lv Feifei , Chen Yu 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) is a serious liver disease with pathogenesis remaining unclear. This study aims to investigate the association between testosterone levels, stage (early, middle, or late, categorized according to clinical manifestation), severity scores, and clinical outcomes of HBV-ACLF.

Methods
This single-center observational study involved 160 male patients with HBV-ACLF, 151 chronic hepatitis B patients without liver failure (CHB) and 106 healthy controls (HC). Morning blood samples were collected and androgen levels analyzed by chemi-bioluminescent immunoassay. Time to death or liver transplantation within 90 days comprised the primary composite outcome.

Results
Serum levels of total testosterone (TT), free testosterone index (FTI), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and cortisol were significantly lower among HBV-ACLF than CHB and HC, while androstenedione was higher. Low TT, sex hormone binding globulin and FTI were associated with increased stage (of HBV-ACLF, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy) and severity scores (Model for End-stage Liver Disease and Chinese Group on the Study of Severe Hepatitis B-ACLF scores). Low TT (< 142.39 ng/dL) was a risk factor for both the composite outcome and for death alone within 90 days. Multivariate analysis revealed TT to be an independent predictor for the composite outcome (hazard ratio 2.57, 95% CI 1.09–6.02; P = 0.030).

Conclusion
Low serum testosterone is common among male patients with HBV-ACLF and predictive of increased severity and worse outcome of the disease and may play an important role in the progression of HBV-ACLF.
Evaluation of different platforms for the detection of anti-SARS coronavirus-2 antibodies, Thailand
Authors: Lerdsamran Hatairat , Mungaomklang Anek , Iamsirithaworn Sopon , Prasertsopon Jarunee , Prasert Kriengkrai , Intalapaporn Poj , Siriyakorn Nirada , Wiriyarat Witthawat , Thinpan Nattakan , Sawadpongpan Suteema , Sirikhetkon Somrak , Mongkalangoon Noparat , Petto Suwanna , Puthavathana Pilaipan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) help determine previous infection in individuals, regardless of whether they are asymptomatic or symptomatic. The detection of antibodies serves several purposes, including supporting other assays for disease diagnosis, conducting seroepidemiological studies, and evaluating vaccines. Many platforms of immunological methods for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection and their performance require validation.

Methods
This study evaluated the test performance of three autoanalyzer-based assays (Architect IgG, Vitros IgG, and Vitros total Ig) and one manual ELISA (Wantai total Ig) against a microneutralization (microNT) assay on the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Furthermore, an indirect immunofluorescence assay verified the discordant results between the microNT and commercial assays. The test sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were determined based on four groups of 1005 serum samples: 102 COVID-19 prepandemic sera, 45 anti-SARS-CoV-2 positive sera, 366 sera of people at risk, and 492 sera of citizens returning from countries with a high prevalence of infection.

Results
The analyses as a whole showed that the performance of these commercial assays was comparable. Each group was also analysed separately to gain further insight into test performance. The Architect did not detect two positive sera of people at risk (prevalence of infection 0.55%). The other methods correctly identified these two positive sera but yielded varying false-positive results. The group of returning travellers with an infection rate of 28.3% (139 of 492) better differentiated the test performance of individual assays.

Conclusions
High-throughput Architect and Vitros autoanalyzers appear appropriate for working on large sample sizes in countries that can afford the cost. The Wantai ELISA, while requiring more individual time and technical skill, may provide reliable results at a lower cost. The selection of assays will depend on the laboratory facilities and feasibility.
Incidence and mortality of necrotizing fasciitis in The Netherlands: the impact of group A Streptococcus
Authors: Nawijn Femke , de Gier Brechje , Brandwagt Diederik A. H. , Groenwold Rolf H. H. , Keizer Jort , Hietbrink Falco 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Little is known about the exact incidence of necrotizing soft tissue infections. The few incidences reported in international literature are not directly relatable to the Netherlands, or other European countries, due to geographic heterogeneity in causative micro-organisms involved. This resulted in the aim of this study to map the incidence, mortality rate and hospital course of necrotizing fasciitis infections in the Netherlands to gain insight in the incidence of necrotizing fasciitis in the Netherlands and the associated mortality and health care burden.

Methods
This nationwide retrospective database study used three distinct data sources to map the incidence of necrotizing fasciitis in the Netherlands between 2014 and 2019, being data from the Dutch Hospital Data (DHD) foundation, data from Osiris-AIZ, which is a database of notifiable diseases managed by regional Public Health Services (GGD) and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), and previously published studies on necrotizing fasciitis conducted in the Netherlands.

Results
The incidence of necrotizing fasciitis in the Netherlands is estimated to be approximately 1.1 to 1.4 cases per 100,000 person years, which corresponds to 193–238 patients per year. Of all necrotizing fasciitis infections, 34 to 42% are caused by the group A Streptococcus. Annually, 56 patients die as a result of a necrotizing fasciitis infection (mortality of 23–29%) and 26 patients undergo an amputation for source control (11–14%). Patients stay a mean of 6 to 7 days at the intensive care unit and have a mean hospital length of stay of 24 to 30 days.

Conclusion
The combination of nationwide databases provides reliable insight in the epidemiology of low-incidence and heterogenic diseases. In the Netherlands, necrotizing fasciitis is a rare disease with group A Streptococcus being the most common causative micro-organism of necrotizing fasciitis. The prior Dutch cohort studies on necrotizing fasciitis report slightly higher sample mortality rates, compared to the population mortality. However, necrotizing fasciitis remain associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, risk at amputation and health care burden characterized by prolonged ICU and hospital stay.
CT Texture analysis and CT scores for characterization of fluid collections
Authors: Meyer Hans-Jonas , Schnarkowski Benedikt , Leonhardi Jakob , Mehdorn Matthias , Ebel Sebastian , Goessmann Holger , Denecke Timm 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Texture analysis derived from Computed tomography (CT) might be able to better characterize fluid collections undergoing CT-guided percutaneous drainage treatment. The present study tested, whether texture analysis can reflect microbiology results in fluid collections suspicious for septic focus.

Methods
Overall, 320 patients with 402 fluid collections were included into this retrospective study. All fluid collections underwent CT-guided drainage treatment and were microbiologically evaluated. Clinically, serologically parameters and conventional imaging findings as well as textures features were included into the analysis. A new CT score was calculated based upon imaging features alone. Established CT scores were used as a reference standard.

Results
The present score achieved a sensitivity of 0.78, a specificity of 0.69, area under curve (AUC 0.82). The present score and the score by Gnannt et al. (AUC 0.81) were both statistically better than the score by Radosa et al. (AUC 0.75). Several texture features were statistically significant between infected fluid collections and sterile fluid collections, but these features were not significantly better compared with conventional imaging findings.

Conclusions
Texture analysis is not superior to conventional imaging findings for characterizing fluid collections. A novel score was calculated based upon imaging parameters alone with similar diagnostic accuracy compared to established scores using imaging and clinical features.
Telework during the COVID-19 epidemic in Portugal and determinants of job satisfaction: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sousa-Uva Mafalda , Sousa-Uva António , e Sampayo Marta Mello , Serranheira Florentino 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Telework satisfaction is a Public Health concern, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, and its determinant factors may be related with the negative health effects of teleworking. However, there is still little research exploring this issue. This study aimed to characterize telework during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in Portugal and to identify the major predictors of telework satisfaction.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional study aimed at all teleworkers working in Portugal, during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic. Data were collected through a Google Forms platform online questionnaire distributed by a snowball method on social networks. Descriptive statistics included crude and relative frequency data. The associations between sociodemographic characteristics, self-perceived health, organization of working time, concentration at work, work-life balance, work disconnection, working conditions, and organizational demands (flexibility and organizational trust based on E-work Life Scale) with telework satisfaction were estimated through logistic regression.

Results
This study included 1004 participants. Teleworkers satisfaction levels were high (69%). Better concentration at work (OR = 1.54; 95%CI 1.01–2.34); the satisfaction with the balance between work life and extra work when teleworking (OR = 1.79; 95%CI 1.17–2.74); and higher work flexibility (OR = 2.26; 95%CI 1.46–3.49) were good predictors of greater levels of satisfaction with telework. However, its major predictors were the company’s trust in teleworkers (OR = 4.50; 95%CI 2.89–7.02) and feeling good in the workspace at home (OR = 3.72; 95%CI 1.46–9.49).

Conclusions
Our findings point that work environment and organizational culture play a crucial role in affecting telework satisfaction. More studies are needed to monitor telework satisfaction and its effects on physical and mental health, so that Public and Occupational Health (and Safety) can be able to identify and implement the best interventions that allow promoting individual health and foster a healthy work environment for teleworkers.