bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Symptoms and Deaths Among Health Care Workers in the United States
Authors: Lin Shao , Deng Xinlei , Zhang Wangjian , Ryan Ian , Zhang Kai , Oghaghare Ese , Bennett DeeDee , Shaw Benjamin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: While most COVID-19 research has focused on older individuals with multi-comorbidities, few studies have assessed the predictors of fatality among health care workers (HCWs). This study evaluated if demographics and COVID-19 symptomatology predicted COVID-19 fatality and the temporal trends and spatial distribution among HCWs.Methods: We used a case-control design to compare HCW deaths related to COVID-19 (laboratory-confirmed) with three control groups (i.e., Non-HCW deaths, HCW non-deaths, and non-HCW non-deaths). Patient-level data with 33 variables, including COVID-19 confirmed cases, deaths, demographics, and various specific COVID symptoms reported by all states in the US, have been obtained from the Restricted Access Dataset by the US CDC since January 2020. A logistic regression model was used by regressing the outcome variable against each predictor while controlling for gender, age group, race, and ethnicity.Results: The percentages of 50-69 years old, Hispanics (8.7%), Black (32%), and Asian (23.1%) in HCW death were significantly higher than in their respective controls. The fatality and all severe indicators were higher among the deaths than non-deaths, but not different for HCWs than non-HCWs. Significantly increased risks for deaths were observed with pre-existing medical conditions (RR: 7.24, 95% CI: 5.40-9.70), shortness of breath (RR: 5.73, 95% CI:4.50-7.31), fever (RR:3.52, 95% CI: 2.71-4.56), cough (RR:2.02, 95% CI: 1.54-2.65), and diarrhea (RR: 1.57, 95% CI:1.20-2.05). Conclusion: Older and minority HCWs experienced relatively higher COVID-19 fatality. Severe symptoms are similarly prevalent among HCW deaths and non-HCW deaths. Pre-existing medical conditions, shortness of breath and fever symptoms may be critical COVID indicators for HCWs.
Early and Delayed Rebound Intracranial Hypertension Following Epidural Blood Patch in a Case of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: A Case Report
Authors: Jafari Elham , Karaminia Maryam , Togha Mansoure 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a secondary headache that has been attributed to a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. It may resolve spontaneously or require conservative treatment. An epidural blood patch (EBP) with autologous blood is performed in cases exhibiting an inadequate response to conservative methods. Rebound intracranial hypertension (RIH) can develop following an EBP in up to 27% of patients. It is characterized by a change in the headache features and is often accompanied by nausea, blurred vision. and diplopia. Symptoms commonly begin within the first 36 hours, but could develop over days to weeks. It is important to differentiate this rebound phenomenon from unimproved SIH, as the treatment options differ. Case presentation: Here we present an interesting case of a patient with SIH who was treated with EBP and developed both immediate RIH after 24 hours and delayed RIH 3 weeks following EBP. Conclusions: Following EBP for treatment of SIH, new onset of a headache having a different pattern and location should always be monitored for the occurrence of a RIH. A lumbar puncture should be done if the symptoms of elevated CSF pressure become intolerable or if the diagnosis is uncertain. Lack of early diagnosis and treatment and differentiation from SIH can cause complications and could affect the optic nerves.
Effect of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Receptor Antagonists on Migraine Treatment: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kim Jiyoung , Pak Kyoungjune , Lee Gha-Hyun , Cho Jae Wook , kim Hyun-Woo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The pathophysiology of migraine has been researched incessantly, and it has been suggested that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is associated with migraine attacks. CGRP receptor blockers are attracting attention for migraine prevention and treatment of acute episodes, and CGRP receptor antagonists have been shown to be effective in treating acute migraine headaches. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effect of available CGRP receptor antagonists, focusing on their therapeutic doses for acute migraine treatment.Methods: We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE (from inception to March 2021) and EMBASE (from inception to March 2021) for English publications using the keywords “migraine” and “Calcitonin gene-related peptide,” limited to human studies.Results: Five studies that focused on examining the effects of CGRP receptor antagonists on acute migraine treatment met the eligibility criteria for this meta-analysis. The pooled analysis demonstrated that the CGRP receptor antagonist improved freedom from pain (OR=2.066, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.766–2.418, I2=0%), absence of bothersome symptoms (OR=1.606, 95% CI=1.408–1.830, I2=0%), pain relief (OR=1.791, 95% CI=1.598–2.008, I2=0%), and freedom from nausea (OR=1.361, 95% CI=1.196–1.548, I2=0%), significantly more than the placebo. Conclusions: CGRP receptor antagonists are effective for acute migraine treatment and are expected to be used clinically as emerging therapeutic agents.
Outcomes of patients with COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome requiring Invasive Mechanical Ventilation admitted to an Intensive Care Unit in South Africa.
Authors: Arnold-Day Christel , Zyl-Smit Richard N van , Joubert Ivan A , Thomson David A , Fredericks David L , Miller Malcolm GA , Michell William L , Semple Patrick L , Piercy Jenna L 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background Up to 32% of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia may require ICU admission or mechanical ventilation(1, 2). Data from low- and middle-income countries for COVID-19 ARDS are limited. Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa expanded its ICU service to support patients with COVID-19 ARDS requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). We report on patients' characteristics and outcomes from two pandemic waves.Methods All adult patients with COVID-19 ARDS admitted to ICU for IMV were included in this prospective cohort study. Data were collected from 5th April 2020 to 5th April 2021. Ethical approval was granted (HREC: 362/2020).Results Over the 12-month study period 461 patients were admitted to the designated COVID-19 ICU. Three-hundred-and-eighty patients met study criteria and 377 had confirmed hospital discharge outcomes. The median age of patients was 51 years (range 17–71), 50.5% were female and the median BMI was 32kg/m2 (IQR 28–38). The median P/F ratio was 97 (IQR 71.5-127.5) after IMV was initiated. Co-morbidities included diabetes (47.6%), hypertension (46.3%) and HIV infection (10.5%). Of the patients admitted, 30.8% survived to hospital discharge with a median ICU length of stay of 19.5 days (IQR 9–36). Predictors of mortality after multivariate analysis were: male (OR:1.79), increasing age (OR:1.04), higher SOFA score (OR:1.29).Conclusion In a resource limited environment, escalation of ICU IMV support achieved a 30.8% hospital survival in patients with COVID-19 ARDS. The ability to predict survival remains difficult given this complex disease.
Deep Learning for Prediction of Mechanism in Acute Ischemic Stroke Using Brain MRI
Authors: Park Seung , Kim Baik-kyun , Han Moon-Ku , Hong Jeong-Ho , Yum Kyu Sun , Lee Dae-In 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Acute ischemic stroke is a disease with multiple etiologies. Classifying the mechanism of acute ischemic stroke is therefore fundamental for treatment and secondary prevention. The TOAST classification is currently the most widely-used system, but it has limitations of often classifying unknown causes and inadequate inter-rater reliability. Therefore, we tried to develop a 3D-convolutional neural network(CNN) based algorithm for stroke lesion segmentation and subtype classification using only diffusion and adc information of acute ischemic stroke patients. The recruited patients were 2251 patients with acute ischemic stroke who visited Chungbuk National University Hospital from February 2013 – July 2019. Our segmentation model for lesion segmentation in the training set achieved a Dice score of 0.843±0.009. The subtype classification model achieved an average accuracy of 81.9%, and each subtype was Large artery astherosclerosis (LAA) = 81.6%, Cardioembolism (CE) = 86.8%, Small vessel occlusion (SVO) = 72.9%, and Control = 86.3%. In conclusion, the proposed method shows great potential for identification of diffusion lesion segmentation and stroke subtype classification. As deep learning systems gradually develop, it would be useful in clinical practice and application.
Prevalence of Antibiotic Use and Household Water-Sanitation Risk Factors of Acute Watery Diarrhea Among Children &lt;5 Years: A Retrospective Analysis of Multicounty Health Survey Data, 2006-2018
Authors: Ahmed Md. Shakil 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
A total of 12,69,944 under five years Childs were included in this study among them 1,80,067 Children were acute watery diarrhea (AWD) and 19,502 Children were bloody diarrhea respectively. Among them, 47,755 Childs was taken antibiotic treatment for AWD. The overall prevalence of acute watery diarrhea ~ 14% (prevalence = 0.142; 95% CI = 0.141, 0.142). On the other hand the prevalence of bloody diarrhea ~ 2% (prevalence = 0.015; 95% CI = 0.015, 0.016). The prevalence of antibiotic treatment for AWD was ~ 27% (prevalence = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.26, 0.27) among the under five years old children in DH survey regions in the world. The prevalence of acute watery diarrhea was higher ~ 17% (prevalence = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.16, 0.17) in the Latin America DHS survey region. The minimum prevalence of AWD was almost equal between South East Asia and Central Asia DHS survey regions ~ 12% (prevalence = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.11, 0.12) and ~ 12% (prevalence = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.10, 0.13) respectively. On the other hand the prevalence of AWD between Europe and West North and Central Africa DHS survey regions ~ 16% (prevalence = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.15, 0.16) and ~ 15% (prevalence = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.14, 0.15) correspondingly. In the central Asia of 15,089 under five Childs were included in the survey. Among them 1,748 Children were AWD and 967 Childs had taken antibiotic treatment for AWD. The highest prevalence of antibiotic use for AWD in Central Asia ~ 55% (prevalence=(967/1748) = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.52, 0.59) and Europe DH survey region ~ 44% (prevalence=(5483/12502) = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.43, 0.45). The lowest prevalence of antibiotic use for under five Child AWD was ~ 23% (prevalence=(11918/51328) = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.22, 0.24) in the DH survey region South East Asia. On the other hand the DH survey region Latin America and West North and Central Africa region the prevalence of antibiotic use for AWD were ~ 30% (prevalence=(7887/26396) = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.29, 0.31) and ~ 24% (prevalence=(21500/88093) = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.23, 0.24). The southeast Asia DH survey region countries DHS 2007 (Bangladesh), DHS 2014 and 2010 (Cambodia), DHS 2017 and 2012 (Indonesia), DHS 2009 (Maldives), DHS 2015–2016 (Myanmar), DHS 2012–2013 (Pakistan), DHS 2017 and 2013 (Philippines), and DHS 2009–2010 (Timor-Leste) were higher risks of AWD for drinking unimproved water sources. The prevalence of antibiotic use for u5c AWD was shown the highest prevalence in DHS 2007 (~ 44%), DHS 2012 (~ 49%), DHS 2016 (~ 40%), and DHS 2017 (~ 65%) from DH survey 2006 to 2018 in South East & Central Asia. The linear trend analysis showed an upward trend for using antibiotic of AWD in the South East & Central Asia DH survey region.
Application of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and white blood cell count for the rapid diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Xie Shuhua , Chen Peisong , Wang Dong , Jiang Xiaobing , Wu Zhongwen , Liao Kang , Zhang Shihong , Chen Yili 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has increased in recent years in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). C. difficile is a toxin-producing bacterium, and CDI results in the worsening of the underlying IBD, increasing the risks of IBD treatment failure, surgery and hospitalization. Since the symptoms of CDI overlap with those of IBD, it is challenging to make a differential diagnosis. Therefore, early, rapid and reliable diagnostic tools that can identify CDI in IBD patients would be valuable to clinicians.Methods: This study enrolled 135 patients with IBD. Among them, 44 patients were diagnosed with CDI, and 42 patients were diagnosed with viral or fungal infections; 49 patients without infections were enrolled in the control group. The diagnostic values of procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and the white blood cell count (WBC) in the peripheral blood were examined. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyse the diagnostic value of these parameters.Results: In this study, the PCT and CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with CDI than in non-CDI patients (including patients with viral/fungal infections and the control group; p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively). In the ROC curve analysis of the IBD-CDI group and the control group, PCT and CRP predicted IBD-CDI with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.826 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.743–0.909, p=0.000] and 0.663 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.551–0.774, p=0.007], respectively. The WBC count was inferior as diagnostic tool for CDI. The sensitivity was 56.82% (95% CI: 41.03% to 71.65%), the specificity was 91.84% (95% CI: 80.40% to 97.73%), and the LR (+) was 6.96 for PCT for the diagnosis of CDI.Conclusions: The present study demonstrated the superiority of PCT over CRP and the WBC for the rapid diagnosis of CDI in IBD patients. Additionally, PCT can be used to predict the clinical outcomes.
Assessing Permeability Controls and Flood Risks Related to Urban Impervious Surface Expansion: A Case Study of the Southern Part of Kunming City, China
Authors: Xu Tong , Xie Zhiqiang , Zhao Fei , Li Yimin , Yang Shouquan , Zhang Yangbin , Yin Siqiao , Chen Shi , Li Xuan , Zhao Sidong , Hou Zhiqun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Because of climate change and rapid urbanization, urban impervious underlying surfaces have expanded, causing Chinese cities to become strongly affected by flood disasters. Therefore, research on urban flood risks has greatly increased in the past decade, with studies focusing on reducing the risk of flood disaster. From 2012 to 2020, the impervious underlying surface has increased, and the permeable underlying surface has decreased annually in Kunming City. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of continuous changes in the urban underlying surface on flood disasters in the Runcheng area south of Kunming City from 2012 to 2020. We constructed a two-dimensional flood model to conduct flood simulations and flood risk analysis for this area. The relationship between the permeability of the underlying surface and urban flood risk was simulated and analyzed by varying the urban underlying surface permeability (30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, and 60%). The simulation results indicate that the urban flood risk increased with increases in the impervious underlying surface, with a threshold permeability of 35%. Once the permeability of the urban underlying surface decreased to below 35%, the flood risk increased rapidly. We demonstrated the impact of the urban underlying surface permeability on the risk of urban flood disasters, which is useful for urban planning decisions and urban flooding risk controls.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance of polycrystalline SnSe by compositing with layered Ti3C2Tx
Authors: Qin Yi , Li Xiaohan , Zhao Ting , Zhu Jianfeng , Yang Yanling , Xie Meiqian 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Thermoelectric materials convert thermal energy into electricity directly. Constructing nanostructured composite architectures can be an effective strategy to develop thermoelectric performance. SnSe/Ti3C2Tx composite materials were synthesized through the electrostatic self-assembly method followed by spark plasma sintering. The interfaces introduced by Ti3C2Tx can scatter carriers effectively, thus increasing the Seebeck coefficients (S), finally, a high absolute S value of ~ 296.2 µV K− 1 was obtained at 773 K. At the same time, the high-density interfaces of SnSe/Ti3C2Tx composites enhance the phonon scattering, a low lattice thermal conductivity klat of 0.54 W m− 1 K− 1 was obtained in sample ω = 0.1%. Benefit from the elevated Seebeck coefficient and decreased thermal conductivity, a ZT of 0.1 was obtained in sample ω = 0.1% at 773 K along the pressing direction, compared with the pure SnSe, the thermoelectric performance improved by 68%. This research will provide a new way for the development of the thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline SnSe.
Synthesis and Ionic Conductivity of Phosphate-Sulfate Fluorapatites Ca10-xNax(PO4)6-x(SO4)xF2 (x = 0;3;6)
Authors: nouri faten , ternane riadh , ayadi malika 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSolid-state electrolytes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) with high ionic conductivities has attracted great interest for electrochemical applications because of their interesting ionic conduction. MethodsComples impedance spectroscopy (CIS) was used to study the electrical properties of Phosphate-sulfatefluorapatite.FindingsPhosphate-sulfatefluorapatite Ca10-xNax(PO4)6-x(SO4)xF2(x = 0;3;6) ,have been synthesized by the solid-state reaction at high temperature.The samples have been characterized by X-ray Diffraction(XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman scattering spectroscopy, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques. XRD study shows that these materials crystallize in the hexagonal system with P63/m as a space group. An impedance analysis has been used to analyze the electrical behavior of the samples at different temperatures. Evidence of temperature-dependent electrical relaxation phenomena is observed. The bulk resistance decreases with increasing temperature, showing a typical negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR).Ac-conductivity measurements have been performed on a wide range of frequencies and temperatures. The ionic conductivity follows the Arrhenius and the Jonscher laws.
Vibration control of steel frames with setback irregularities equipped with semi-active tuned mass dampers
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Amin , Jahangiri Vahid , Massumi Ali 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Vibration control of structures has been a focus of research worldwide. Although, several studies have examined the efficiency of semi-active tuned mass dampers (SATMDs) to control the seismic vibration of structures, only a few have focused on the influence of SATMDs on steel moment resisting frames in irregular structures having setbacks. In the current investigation, the use of SATMDs for the vibration control of structures with setbacks subjected to earthquake records has been evaluated. In order to assess the nonlinear seismic performance of buildings with setbacks, the inter-story drift ratio, story displacement, and base shear factor were examined as engineering demand parameters. The results reveal that the use of SATMDs reduced the seismic response of regular and irregular frames with setbacks. However, the use of these control devices requires more attention for structures with significant setbacks because, in some cases, the response of a structure with SATMDs can be greater than of an uncontrolled structure. The investigations also showed that placement of the control systems at the highest (top) level of the structure significantly reduced the structural vibration of both types of structure.
Design, Development, and Evaluation of a Telemedicine Platform for Patients With Sleep Apnea (Ognomy): Design Science Research Approach
Authors: Mulgund Pavankumar , Sharman Raj , Rifkin Daniel , Marrazzo Sam 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundWith an aging population and the escalating cost of care, telemedicine has become a societal imperative. Telemedicine alternatives are especially relevant to patients seeking care for sleep apnea, with its prevalence approaching one billion cases worldwide. Increasing awareness has led to a surge in demand for sleep apnea care; however, there is a shortage of the resources and expertise necessary to cater to the rising demand.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to design, develop, and evaluate a telemedicine platform, called Ognomy, for the consultation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with sleep apnea.MethodsUsing the design science research methodology, we developed a telemedicine platform for patients with sleep apnea. To explore the problem, in the analysis phase, we conducted two brainstorming workshops and structured interviews with 6 subject matter experts to gather requirements. Following that, we conducted three design and architectural review sessions to define and evaluate the system architecture. Subsequently, we conducted 14 formative usability assessments to improve the user interface of the system. In addition, 3 trained test engineers performed end-to-end system testing to comprehensively evaluate the platform.ResultsPatient registration and data collection, physician appointments, video consultation, and patient progress tracking have emerged as critical functional requirements. A telemedicine platform comprising four artifacts—a mobile app for patients, a web app for providers, a dashboard for reporting, and an artificial intelligence–based chatbot for customer onboarding and support—was developed to meet these requirements. Design reviews emphasized the need for a highly cohesive but loosely coupled interaction among the platform’s components, which was achieved through a layered modular architecture using third-party application programming interfaces. In contrast, critical findings from formative usability assessments focused on the need for a more straightforward onboarding process for patients, better status indicators during patient registration, and reorganization of the appointment calendar. Feedback from the design reviews and usability assessments was translated into technical improvements and design enhancements that were implemented in subsequent iterations.ConclusionsSleep apnea is an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition. However, with increasing awareness, the demand for quality sleep apnea care is likely to surge, and creative alternatives are needed. The results of this study demonstrate the successful application of a framework using a design science research paradigm to design, develop, and evaluate a telemedicine platform for patients with sleep apnea and their providers.