bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Did COVID-19 area change our urology practice: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Cakiroglu Basri , Kaya Cevdet , KILIC Hasan Huseyin , Aksoy Suleyman Hilmi , Gözüküçük Ramazan 
Published: March 2021

Objective: This research aimed at evaluating the changing conditions and experiences of urological practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The data of all patients who were admitted to outpatient clinics at Hisar Intercontinental Hospital or the hospital’s online patient portal system between March 11th and May 30th, 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Of all patients, 545 in outpatient clinics and 25 in online portal system, (17%) were hospitalized for medical treatment, and 53 underwent surgery. There were 1032 patients admitted to Urology Clinics and 104 patients who underwent surgery in the same period of 2019. The pre-operative assessment of patients who were candidates of urological surgery included certain criteria for COVID-19. Results: Of patients included in this study, the median age was 41 years (18–90). The mean hospital stay was 1 day (1–12), and the mean duration of operation was 25 min (3–250). Thirty-seven patients (69.8%) underwent general anesthesia, while only 11(20.8%) underwent combined spinal epidural anesthesia. Four patients (7.5%) required local and only one patient (1.9%) underwent sedo-analgesia. Complications were encountered in six patients (11.4%), urosepsis in two, pneumonia in one, and urinary tract infection in three patients. Compared to last year’s numbers, the number of patients admitted to the hospital’s outpatient clinic and that of hospitalized patients decreased by 47.2% and 49.1%, respectively. Conclusion: Emergent surgeries in urological practices can be performed safely under routine preoperative testing for COVID-19 and with the use of adequate protective equipment for both the surgical team and the patient.
Clinical effectiveness of a Malaysian-manufactured CAPD product: A randomised trial
Authors: Mak Wen Yao , Leong Chin Tho , Ong Loke Meng , Bavanandan Sunita , Mushahar Lily , Goh Bak Leong , Wong Hin Seng , Ahmad Ghazali , Liew Yew Fong , Ching Chen Hua , Liu Wen Jiun , Rahmat Korina , Tan Clare Hui-Hong , Ahmad Mohd Kamil , Hassan Wan Hasnul Halimi Wan , Chan Fei Sia , Harun Zaiha , Loh Chek Loong , Teng Kok Seng , Tye Yi Loon , Khan Shahnaz Shah Firdaus , Koh Keng-Hee , Abdullah Rafidah , Hooi Lai Seong 
Published: March 2021

Background: We compared the clinical effectiveness of a new peritoneal dialysis (PD) product with polyvinyl chloride-containing tubing (Stay Safe Link®, SSL) with the plastic-free alternative (Stay Safe®, STS) in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Method: A multicentre, parallel, randomised, controlled, open-label, non-inferiority trial was conducted. Adult patients receiving CAPD were randomised in a 1:1 ratio to SSL or STS. The primary outcome was the rate of peritonitis after 1 year of follow-up. Results: A total of 472 subjects were randomised (SSL, n = 233; STS, n = 239). One subject in each group was excluded from the analysis as they withdrew consent before the first dialysis dose. Four hundred and seventy subjects (SSL, n = 232; STS, n = 238) were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis. Non-inferiority between two groups was established as no significant difference was found in peritonitis rate (incident rate ratio: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.65–1.28). No significant difference was detected in weekly Kt/V ( p = 0.58) and creatinine clearance ( p = 0.55). However, the average ultrafiltration volume was significantly lower in SSL, with a mean difference of 93 ml ( p < 0.01). SSL also demonstrated a 2.57-times higher risk of device defect than STS (95% CI: 1.77–3.75). Conclusion: SSL was non-inferior in peritonitis rate compared to plastic-free STS over 1 year in patients requiring CAPD. There was no difference in the delivered dialysis dose, but there was a higher rate of device defects with SSL.
Effect of Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy on the Efficacy and Safety of Nivolumab in the Treatment of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Umehara Kengo , Yama Kaori , Goto Keisuke , Wakamoto Azusa , Hatsuyama Tae , Honjo Osamu , Saikai Toyohiro , Fujita Akihisa , Sato Hideki 
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Corticosteroids are used to treat immune-related adverse events (irAEs) associated with nivolumab. However, patients with non-small-cell lung cancer who are administered corticosteroids before the initiation of nivolumab treatment are commonly excluded from clinical trials. The appropriate timing for corticosteroid administration in relation to nivolumab treatment, effects of corticosteroids on the efficacy of nivolumab, and resulting adverse events are not clearly understood. In this study, the effects of differences in the timing of corticosteroid administration on nivolumab efficacy and the resulting adverse events were examined. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with 109 patients who were treated with nivolumab at Sapporo Minami-Sanjo Hospital between December 2015 and March 2018. Results: Of the 109 patients treated with nivolumab, 12 patients were administered corticosteroids before the first cycle of nivolumab (pre-CS), and 33 patients were administered corticosteroids after the first cycle of nivolumab (post-CS). These 2 groups were compared with the control group comprising 64 patients who were not administered corticosteroids (non-CS). The objective response rate in the post-CS group was significantly higher than that in the non-CS group, and the disease control rate in the pre-CS group was significantly lower than that in the non-CS group. The overall survival time and progression-free survival time in the pre-CS group were significantly shorter than those observed in the non-CS group; however, these did not differ from those in the post-CS group. Conclusions: These results suggest that corticosteroids administered to patients with non-small-cell lung cancer after initiation of nivolumab treatment did not affect the disease prognosis. Thus, corticosteroids can be administered immediately for rapid treatment of irAEs.
Safety and outcomes of combined carbon dioxide angiography and OCT-guided femoro-popliteal chronic total occlusion crossing and directional atherectomy in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Memon Sehrish , Janzer Sean , George Jon C 
Published: March 2021

Background Carbon dioxide angiography with addition of optical coherence tomography imaging may improve procedural success and clinical outcomes in patients with peripheral artery disease and chronic kidney disease. Methods Single-center, retrospective analysis of patients with chronic kidney disease who underwent carbon dioxide angiography and optical coherence tomography-guided chronic total occlusion crossing and/or optical coherence tomography-guided directional atherectomy was performed. Patient and procedure-related characteristics, along with peri- and one-year post-procedural major adverse events, were analyzed. Results A total of 18 vessels in 11 patients, with mean age 70 years were treated. All had co-morbidities such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, had history or were current smokers with baseline peripheral artery disease. Majority were diabetic with coronary disease (82%); 55% baseline chronic kidney disease IV, 55% Rutherford class III and 45% class IV. Contrast was used in only two patients. Mean total fluoroscopy time and radiation dose was 24.1 min and 249.2 mGY, respectively. Half of the lesions were femoro-popliteal chronic total occlusions, and Ocelot catheter was used to cross seven of nine chronic total occlusions and was successful in six. Adjunctive optical coherence tomography-guided directional atherectomy was performed in 8 of 11 patients. Only two adverse events occurred: one clinically significant event of slow-flow intra-procedurally and one target limb revascularization within one year of index procedure in a vessel different than prior treated. Optical coherence tomography imaging in both chronic total occlusion-crossing and atherectomy resulted in 10-min mean fluoroscopy reduction time and 32 mGY reduction in radiation dose. Conclusion Carbon dioxide angiography with the addition of optical coherence tomography imaging for chronic total occlusion crossing and/or optical coherence tomography-guided directional atherectomy reduced the need for contrast agents, total fluoroscopy time, and radiation exposure in patients with peripheral artery disease and baseline chronic kidney disease.
Lung ultrasound in blunt chest trauma: A clinical review
Authors: Rovida Serena , Orso Daniele , Naeem Salman , Vetrugno Luigi , Volpicelli Giovanni 
Published: March 2021

Introduction Bedside lung sonography is recognized as a reliable diagnostic modality in trauma settings due to its ability to detect alterations both in lung parenchyma and in pleural cavities. In severe blunt chest trauma, lung ultrasound can identify promptly life-threatening conditions which may need direct intervention, whereas in minor trauma, lung ultrasound contributes to detection of acute pathologies which are often initially radio-occult and helps in the selection of those patients that might need further investigation. Topic Description We did a literature search on databases EMBASE, PubMed, SCOPUS and Google Scholar using the terms ‘trauma’, ‘lung contusion’, ‘pneumothorax’, ‘hemothorax’ and ‘lung ultrasound’. The latest articles were reviewed and this article was written using the most current and validated information. Discussion Lung ultrasound is quite accurate in diagnosing pneumothorax by using a combination of four sonographic signs; absence of lung sliding, B-lines, lung pulse and presence of lung point. It provides a rapid diagnosis in hemodynamically unstable patients. Lung contusions and hemothorax can be diagnosed and assessed with lung ultrasound. Ultrasound is also very useful for evaluating rib and sternal fractures and for imaging the pericardium for effusion and tamponade. Conclusion Bedside lung ultrasound can lead to rapid and accurate diagnosis of major life-threatening pathologies in blunt chest trauma patients.
Comparisons of physical activity and sedentary behavior between owners and non-owners of commercial wearable devices
Authors: Yen Hsin-Yen , Huang Hao-Yun 
Published: March 2021

Aims: Wearable devices are a new strategy for promoting physical activity in a free-living condition that utilizes self-monitoring, self-awareness, and self-determination. The main purpose of this study was to explore health benefits of commercial wearable devices by comparing physical activity, sedentary time, sleep quality, and other health outcomes between individuals who used and those that did not use commercial wearable devices. Methods: The research design was a cross-sectional study using an Internet survey in Taiwan. Self-administered questionnaires included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile, and World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale. Results: In total, 781 participants were recruited, including 50% who were users of wearable devices and 50% non-users in the most recent 3 months. Primary outcomes revealed that wearable device users had significantly higher self-reported walking, moderate physical activity, and total physical activity, and significantly lower sedentary time than non-users. Wearable device users had significantly better sleep quality than non-users. Conclusion: Wearable devices inspire users’ motivation, engagement, and interest in physical activity through habit formation. Wearable devices are recommended to increase physical activity and decrease sedentary behavior for promoting good health.
Continuous positive airway pressure therapy reduces the levels of catecholamines and blood pressure in pseudophaeochromocytoma with coexisting obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Ken-Dror Gie , Wood Michael , Fluck David , Sharma Pankaj , Fry Christopher H , Han Thang S 
Published: March 2021

Background Stress from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) stimulates catecholamine release and consequently can exacerbate hypertension, even in the absence of a catecholamine-producing tumour (phaeochromocytoma). As such, a positive screening test for suspected phaeochromocytoma may be misleading. There exists only a handful case reports, and no controlled trials, how continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to treat OSA influences catecholamine levels. We examined changes to levels of urinary catecholamine and blood pressure in response to CPAP treatment. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis of data aggregated from published case reports of individual patient data up to April 2020. The quality of the reports was evaluated using the risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. Results A total of 13 cases (seven men and six women) from seven reports met our search criteria. Patients had mean age of 49.1 years (range = 36–62) and body mass index of 37.4 kg/m2 (range = 27–56). Most had moderate to severe OSA with CPAP treatment. Nine cases had 24-hour urinary noradrenaline assessment before and after CPAP treatment. CPAP treatment led to a 21% reduction (104 nmol/24-hours, 95% credible interval =59 to 148) in 24-hour urinary noradrenaline to within reference ranges, and 25% reduction (from 131 to 100 mmHg) in mean arterial pressure. The risk of overall bias evaluated by the ROBINS-I tool was found to be low in the majority of reports. Conclusions Investigations of patients suspected of phaeochromocytoma, particularly obese individuals, should exclude OSA and treat this condition if present before performing screening tests to assess for catecholamine levels.
Influence of genetics and the pre-vaccination blood transcriptome on the variability of antibody levels after vaccination against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in pigs
Authors: Blanc Fany , Maroilley Tatiana , Revilla Manuel , Lemonnier Gaëtan , Leplat Jean-Jacques , Billon Yvon , Ravon Laure , Bouchez Olivier , Bidanel Jean-Pierre , Bed’Hom Bertrand , Pinard-van der Laan Marie-Hélène , Estellé Jordi , Rogel-Gaillard Claire 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of individual genetic and genomic variations on immune responses is an emerging lever investigated in vaccination strategies. In our study, we used genetic and pre-vaccination blood transcriptomic data to study vaccine effectiveness in pigs.ResultsA cohort of 182 Large White pigs was vaccinated againstMycoplasma hyopneumoniae(M. hyo) at weaning (28 days of age), with a booster 21 days later. Vaccine response was assessed by measuring sericM. hyoantibodies (Ab) at 0 (vaccination day), 21 (booster day), 28, 35, and 118 days post-vaccination (dpv). Inter-individual variability ofM. hyoAb levels was observed at all time points and the corresponding heritabilities ranged from 0.46 to 0.57. Ab persistence was higher in females than in males. Genome-wide association studies with a 658 K SNP panel revealed two genomic regions associated with variations ofM. hyoAb levels at 21 dpv at positions where immunity-related genes have been mapped,DAB2IPon chromosome 1, andASAP1,CYRIBandGSDMCon chromosome 4. We studied covariations of Ab responses with the pre-vaccination blood transcriptome obtained by RNA-Seq for a subset of 82 pigs. Weighted gene correlation network and differential expression analyses between pigs that differed in Ab responses highlighted biological functions that were enriched in heme biosynthesis and platelet activation for low response at 21 dpv, innate antiviral immunity and dendritic cells for high response at 28 and 35 dpv, and cell adhesion and extracellular matrix for high response at 118 dpv. Sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis identified 101 genes that efficiently predicted divergent responders at all time points. We found weak negative correlations ofM. hyoAb levels with body weight traits, which revealed a trade-off that needs to be further explored.ConclusionsWe confirmed the influence of the host genetics on vaccine effectiveness toM. hyoand provided evidence that the pre-vaccination blood transcriptome co-varies with the Ab response. Our results highlight that both genetic markers and blood biomarkers could be used as potential predictors of vaccine response levels and more studies are required to assess whether they can be exploited in breeding programs.
Premedication with reformulated simethicone and sodium bicarbonate improves mucosal visibility during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a double-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Xueqin , Dai Ning , Deng Yanyong , Sun Xin , Zhang Mingqing , Pan Jie , Huang Zhiming , Ye Guoliang , Si Jianmin , Wang Lan , Chen Shujie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe reformulated simethicone emulsion from Berlin Chemical AG might develop white flocculate precipitate covering the gastric mucosa when used before esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). We aim to investigate whether combining the reformulated simethicone emulsion with 5% sodium bicarbonate solution could prevent the development of white precipitate and improve visibility during EGD.MethodsOur clinical study involved 523 patients. They were randomly assigned to two groups. In Group A, patients received a warm solution containing 30 ml 5% sodium bicarbonate solution and 15 ml reformulated simethicone emulsion. In Group B, patients received 45 ml 40 °C lukewarm water. Visibility scores were recorded and analyzed. Flushes, volume of flush water, overall time taken for EGD and complications during or after the procedure were also recorded.ResultsWe found that no white precipitate was observed during EGD in Group A. Moreover, visibility scores in Group A were significantly lower (P < 0.01). Patients in Group A had fewer flushes (P < 0.01) and smaller volume of flush water (P < 0.01). In addition, the overall time taken for the EGD procedure was significantly shorter in Group A (P < 0.01). The percentage of patients who had no adverse response was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (P < 0.01).ConclusionsPremedication with a mixed solution of 15 ml reformulated simethicone emulsion and 30 ml 5% sodium bicarbonate solution can prevent the development of white precipitate, substantially enhancing mucosal visibility safely.Trial registration: The registered name of the trial is “Efficacy of using premedication with reformulated simethicone emulsion during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy examination”. Its Current Controlled Trials number is ChiCTR1900021689. Its date of registration is 11 September 2019. Retrospectively registered,http://www.medresman.org.cn/uc/sindex.aspx.
Community transmission of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is associated with activity space overlap in Lima, Peru
Authors: Bui David P. , Chandran Shruthi S. , Oren Eyal , Brown Heidi E. , Harris Robin B. , Knight Gwenan M. , Grandjean Louis 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Transmission of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) requires spatial proximity between infectious cases and susceptible persons. We assess activity space overlap among MDRTB cases and community controls to identify potential areas of transmission.

Methods
We enrolled 35 MDRTB cases and 64 TB-free community controls in Lima, Peru. Cases were whole genome sequenced and strain clustering was used as a proxy for transmission. GPS data were gathered from participants over seven days. Kernel density estimation methods were used to construct activity spaces from GPS locations and the utilization distribution overlap index (UDOI) was used to quantify activity space overlap.

Results
Activity spaces of controls (median = 35.6 km2, IQR = 25.1–54) were larger than cases (median = 21.3 km2, IQR = 17.9–48.6) (P = 0.02). Activity space overlap was greatest among genetically clustered cases (mean UDOI = 0.63, sd = 0.67) and lowest between cases and controls (mean UDOI = 0.13, sd = 0.28). UDOI was positively associated with genetic similarity of MDRTB strains between case pairs (P < 0.001). The odds of two cases being genetically clustered increased by 22% per 0.10 increase in UDOI (OR = 1.22, CI = 1.09–1.36, P < 0.001).

Conclusions
Activity space overlap is associated with MDRTB clustering. MDRTB transmission may be occurring in small, overlapping activity spaces in community settings. GPS studies may be useful in identifying new areas of MDRTB transmission.
Morbidity after elective surgery in patients on chronic dialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Palamuthusingam Dharmenaan , Nadarajah Arun , Johnson David Wayne , Pascoe Elaine Marie , Hawley Carmel Marie , Fahim Magid 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatients on chronic dialysis are at increased risk of postoperative mortality following elective surgery compared to patients with normal kidney function, but morbidity outcomes are less often reported. This study ascertains the excess odds of postoperative cardiovascular and infection related morbidity outcomes for patients on chronic dialysis.MethodsSystematic searches were performed using MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies published from inception to January 2020. Eligible studies reported postoperative morbidity outcomes in chronic dialysis and non-dialysis patients undergoing major non-transplant surgery. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the certainty of evidence was summarised using GRADE. Random effects meta-analyses were performed to derive summary odds estimates. Meta-regression and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity.ResultsForty-nine studies involving 10,513,934 patients with normal kidney function and 43,092 patients receiving chronic dialysis were included. Patients on chronic dialysis had increased unadjusted odds of postoperative cardiovascular and infectious complications within each surgical discipline. However, the excess odds of cardiovascular complications was attenuated when odds ratios were adjusted for age and comorbidities; myocardial infarction (general surgery, OR 1.83 95% 1.29–2.36) and stroke (general surgery, OR 0.95, 95%CI 0.84–1.06). The excess odds of infectious complications remained substantially higher for patients on chronic dialysis, particularly sepsis (general surgery, OR 2.42, 95%CI 2.12–2.72).ConclusionPatients on chronic dialysis are at increased odds of both cardiovascular and infectious complications following elective surgery, with the excess odds of cardiovascular complications attributable to being on dialysis being highest among younger patients without comorbidities. However, further research is needed to better inform perioperative risk assessment.