bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterizing Traumatic Brain Injury and Its Association with Losing Stable Housing in a Community-based Sample
Authors: Stubbs Jacob L. , Thornton Allen E. , Gicas Kristina M. , O’Connor Tiffany A. , Livingston Emily M. , Lu Henri Y. , Mehta Amiti K. , Lang Donna J. , Vertinsky Alexandra T. , Field Thalia S. , Heran Manraj K. , Leonova Olga , Sahota Charanveer S. , Buchanan Tari , Barr Alasdair M. , MacEwan G. William , Rauscher Alexander , Honer William G. , Panenka William J. 
Published: March 2021

Objective: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is increasingly recognized as a common and impactful health determinant in homeless and precariously housed populations. We sought to describe the history of TBI in a precariously housed sample and evaluate how TBI was associated with the initial loss and lifetime duration of homelessness and precarious housing. Method: We characterized the prevalence, mechanisms, and sex difference of lifetime TBI in a precariously housed sample. We also examined the impact of TBI severity and timing on becoming and staying homeless or precariously housed; 285 precariously housed participants completed the Brain Injury Screening Questionnaire in addition to other health assessments. Results: A history of TBI was reported in 82.1% of the sample, with 64.6% reporting > 1 TBI, and 21.4% reporting a moderate or severe TBI. Assault was the most common mechanism of injury overall, and females reported significantly more traumatic brain injuries due to physical abuse than males (adjusted OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.14 to 1.39, P < 0.0001). The first moderate or severe TBI was significantly closer to the first experience of homelessness ( b = 2.79, P = 0.003) and precarious housing ( b = 2.69, P < 0.0001) than was the first mild TBI. In participants who received their first TBI prior to becoming homeless or precariously housed, traumatic brain injuries more proximal to the initial loss of stable housing were associated with a longer lifetime duration of homelessness (RR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.06, P < 0.0001) and precarious housing (RR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.04, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the high prevalence of TBI in this vulnerable population, and that aspects of TBI severity and timing are associated with the loss and lifetime duration of stable housing.
Electroacupuncture inhibits IL-17/IL-17R and post-receptor MAPK signaling pathways in a rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Zhang Xin-Fang , Xiang Shui-Ying , Lu Jing , Li Yin , Zhao Shu-Jun , Jiang Chuan-Wei , Liu Xiang-Guo , Liu Zi-Bing , Zhang Jie 
Published: March 2021

Objective: Interleukin (IL)-17, as a T-helper 17 cell (Th17) cytokine, plays a key role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathophysiology including chronic inflammation and airway obstruction, which lead to decreased pulmonary function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acupuncture on IL-17, its receptor (IL-17R) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, in a rat model of COPD. Methods: The COPD model was induced in Sprague Dawley rats by exposure to cigarette smoke for 12 weeks. The model rats were treated with electroacupuncture (EA) at BL13 and ST36. The lung function and histology of the rats were observed. IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-10 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and in plasma. The leukocytes and macrophages in the BALF were counted. The expression levels of IL-17R were assayed in lung tissue by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. MAPK signaling pathway molecules including c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and p38, and their phosphorylated forms, were observed in the lung by western blotting. Results: Compared with the control group rats, lung function decreased and there was a severe inflammatory infiltration of the pulmonary parenchyma in the COPD rats. EA effectively improved lung function and alleviated the inflammatory infiltration in the lungs of COPD rats. EA also reversed the elevated total leukocyte and macrophage counts, the high levels of IL-17 and TNF-α, and the low IL-10 content in COPD rats. Meanwhile, EA downregulated the increased mRNA and protein expression of IL-17R, and significantly inhibited the elevated levels of phosphorylated JNK, ERK1/2, and p38 in the lungs of COPD rats. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the protective effects of acupuncture therapy on the lungs of COPD rats are likely related to inhibition of IL-17/IL-17R and the post-receptor MAPK signaling pathways.
Skeletal and Dental Correction and Stability Following LeFort I Advancement in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate With Mild, Moderate, and Severe Maxillary Hypoplasia
Authors: Wangsrimongkol Buddhathida , Flores Roberto L. , Staffenberg David A. , Rodriguez Eduardo D. , Shetye Pradip. R. 
Published: March 2021

Objective: This study evaluates skeletal and dental outcomes of LeFort I advancement surgery in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) with varying degrees of maxillary skeletal hypoplasia. Design: Retrospective study. Method: Lateral cephalograms were digitized at preoperative (T1), immediately postoperative (T2), and 1-year follow-up (T3) and compared to untreated unaffected controls. Based on the severity of cleft maxillary hypoplasia, the sample was divided into 3 groups using Wits analysis: mild: ≤0 to ≥−5 mm; moderate: <−5 to >−10 mm; and severe: ≤−10 mm. Participants: Fifty-one patients with nonsyndromic CLP with hypoplastic maxilla who met inclusion criteria. Intervention: LeFort I advancement. Main Outcome Measure: Skeletal and dental stability post-LeFort I surgery at a 1-year follow-up. Results: At T2, LeFort I surgery produced an average correction of maxillary hypoplasia by 6.4 ± 0.6, 8.1 ± 0.4, and 10.7 ± 0.8 mm in the mild, moderate, and severe groups, respectively. There was a mean relapse of 1 to 1.5 mm observed in all groups. At T3, no statistically significant differences were observed between the surgical groups and controls at angle Sella, Nasion, A point (SNA), A point, Nasion, B point (ANB), and overjet outcome measures. Conclusions: LeFort I advancement produces a stable correction in mild, moderate, and severe skeletal maxillary hypoplasia. Overcorrection is recommended in all patients with CLP to compensate for the expected postsurgical skeletal relapse.
Serologic and urinary survey of exposure to Leptospira species in a feral cat population of Prince Edward Island, Canada
Authors: Bourassi Emilia , Savidge Christine , Foley Peter , Hartwig Sunny 
Published: March 2021

Objectives Recent studies show that cats could play an important role in the transmission of Leptospira species. There are few reports of leptospirosis on Prince Edward Island (PEI) and none in cats. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of serum antibodies against Leptospira serovars and of Leptospira DNA in the urine of a population of free-roaming cats. Methods Paired blood and urine samples were collected from 200 cats brought to a trap–neuter–return program. Antibody titers against six Leptospira serovars (Bratislava, Canicola, Gryppotyphosa, Hardjo, Pomona, Icterohaemorrhagiae) were determined by microscopic agglutination test. PCR was performed on urine samples to identify urine shedding of Leptospira DNA. Results Antibodies were detected in 20/200 cats (10%) for at least one serovar, with titers ranging from 1:50 to 1:6400 (all serovars tested, except Hardjo). Urine samples of 7/200 cats (3.5%) were PCR-positive. Conclusions and relevance Feral cats in PEI had a higher than expected exposure to leptospirosis and can shed DNA from pathogenic Leptospira species in urine. Further studies are needed to determine the prevalence of exposure to leptospirosis in other species on PEI and the potential role of feral cats in transmission of the disease.
Quantitative assessment of infusion pump-mediated haemolysis in feline packed red blood cell transfusions
Authors: Blasi-Brugué Carles , Sanchez Ignacio M , Ferreira Rui RF , de Matos Augusto JF , Ruiz de Gopegui Rafael 
Published: March 2021

Objectives Haemolysis caused by the use of peristaltic infusion pumps (PIPs) has been described in human and canine packed red blood cells (pRBCs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two different linear PIPs on the haemolysis of feline pRBC units stored for a long time. Methods Feline pRBC units stored with adenine, dextrose, mannitol and sodium chloride (SAGM) were manufactured. After 35–42 days of storage at 2–4°C, a line administration system with a 180 µm filter was attached to every pRBC bag, the system was drained by gravity alone (8 drops/min) and a 1.3 ml sample was collected (G). A NIKI V4 pump was then used at a flow rate of 25 ml/h, the flow was stopped when the infusion system was filled with blood coming from the infusion pump and another 1.3 ml sample was collected (NK). Finally, an Infusomat FmS pump was evaluated, collecting another 1.3 ml sample (IM). Packed cell volume (PCV) was measured in all samples by microhaematocrit centrifugation, total haemoglobin (HGB) was measured using a specific haemoglobin analyser and, after centrifugation, free HGB was determined by spectrophotometry. The percentage of haemolysis was calculated. Friedman’s test was used to compare the samples. Results Fifteen feline pRBC units were evaluated. The average degree of haemolysis for sample G (gravity-assisted) was 1.12%. Comparison of the degree of gravity-assisted haemolysis with haemolysis in PIP NK (1.13%) and IM (1.14%) samples revealed no significant differences, with differences of only 0.01% and 0.02%, respectively. Conclusions and relevance The results of this study demonstrate that the use of two common PIPs in veterinary hospitals does not produce levels of haemolysis that are significantly different than that caused by gravity alone during transfusion of feline pRBCs at a rate of 25 ml/h.
Optic nerve and macular optical coherence tomography in recovered COVID-19 patients
Authors: Burgos-Blasco Barbara , Güemes-Villahoz Noemi , Vidal-Villegas Beatriz , Martinez-de-la-Casa Jose Maria , Donate-Lopez Juan , Martín-Sánchez Francisco Javier , González-Armengol Juan Jorge , Porta-Etessam Jesus , Martin Jose Luis R , Garcia-Feijoo Julian 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), macular RNFLT, ganglion cell layer (GCL), and inner plexiform layer (IPL) thickness in recovered COVID-19 patients compared to controls. Methods: Patients previously diagnosed with COVID-19 were included, while healthy patients formed the historic control group. All patients underwent an ophthalmological examination, including macular and optic nerve optical coherence tomography. In the case group, socio-demographic data, medical history, and neurological symptoms were collected. Results: One hundred sixty patients were included; 90 recovered COVID-19 patients and 70 controls. COVID-19 patients presented increases in global RNFLT (mean difference 4.3; CI95% 0.8 to 7.7), nasal superior (mean difference 6.9; CI95% 0.4 to 13.4), and nasal inferior (mean difference 10.2; CI95% 2.4 to 18.1) sectors of peripapillary RNFLT. Macular RNFL showed decreases in COVID-19 patients in volume (mean difference −0.05; CI95% −0.08 to −0.02), superior inner (mean difference −1.4; CI95% −2.5 to −0.4), nasal inner (mean difference −1.1; CI95% −1.8 to −0.3), and nasal outer (mean difference −4.7; CI95% −7.0 to −2.4) quadrants. COVID-19 patients presented increased GCL thickness in volume (mean difference 0.04; CI95% 0.01 to 0.07), superior outer (mean difference 2.1; CI95% 0.8 to 3.3), nasal outer (mean difference 2.5; CI95% 1.1 to 4.0), and inferior outer (mean difference1.2; CI95% 0.1 to 2.4) quadrants. COVID-19 patients with anosmia and ageusia presented an increase in peripapillary RNFLT and macular GCL compared to patients without these symptoms. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 may affect the optic nerve and cause changes in the retinal layers once the infection has resolved.
What makes modern Britain laugh? How semiotics helped the BBC bridge the Humor Gap
Authors: Arning Chris 
Published: March 2021

In 2018, BBC Marketing and Audiences approached semiotic agencies with a challenging brief. They wanted to know the following: What makes modern Britain laugh? The BBC’s younger audiences have been steadily drifting to other platforms and broadcasters to satisfy their need for “funny stuff.” Brands that successfully leverage humor really resonate with this new modern mainstream audience, for example, Netflix, BuzzFeed, YouTube, Snapchat, and so on. The BBC, as part of its remit to continue to be a modern evolving brand, wanted to address this trend by understanding what types of comedy content convey a relatable sense of humor and how to best achieve this. The BBC required insight on the following key objectives: Identify key characteristics of content that younger audiences find funny; Explain how this compares with the preferences of the BBC’s older audiences; Estimate how far the BBC brand can stretch in humor content across platform; Assess the need for innovation across BBC platforms to accommodate fresh content. The project involved a multi-methodology approach, the centerpiece of which was a content analysis of 800 data points of consumer generated content derived from WhatsApp diaries. The semiotic analysis, informed by foundational thinking on humor schools and humor psychology, used an innovative hashtagging system to create a nuanced taxonomy of the mostly memes and viral videos with the primary types (e.g., #cringe, #pastiche, #awkwardness, #black humour, #satire, #schadenfreude etc.). The BBC received a comprehensive taxonomy of more than 50 humor types, a digest of levers of engagement for operationalising the humour, and maps for strategic channel positioning. The work has helped the BBC innovate in three core areas: rethinking their use of metadata for tagging comedy content on the iPlayer platform, modifying their tone of voice across all parts of the business, and in commissioning original comedy podcasts for the BBC Sounds app.
Safety and effectiveness of eculizumab in Japanese patients with generalized myasthenia gravis: interim analysis of post-marketing surveillance
Authors: Murai Hiroyuki , Suzuki Shigeaki , Hasebe Miki , Fukamizu Yuji , Rodrigues Ema , Utsugisawa Kimiaki 
Published: March 2021

Background: Eculizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeted to terminal complement protein C5, is approved in Japan for treatment of patients with anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive (AChR+) generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) whose symptoms are difficult to control with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy or plasmapheresis. Methods: This interim analysis of mandatory post-marketing surveillance in Japan assessed the safety and effectiveness of eculizumab at 26 weeks after treatment initiation in patients with AChR+ gMG. Results: Data were available for 40 adult patients in Japan [62.5% (25/40) female; mean age at eculizumab initiation, 51.0 years]. Fifteen patients had a history of thymoma. Six patients were excluded from the effectiveness analysis set due to participation in the open-label extension part of the phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled REGAIN study [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02301624]. After 26 weeks’ follow up, 32 patients (80%) were continuing eculizumab treatment. Adverse drug reactions were reported by seven patients [most frequently headache ( n = 3)]. One death was reported during eculizumab treatment (relationship unclear as determined by the treating physician) and there was one death 45 days after the last dose (considered unrelated). No meningococcal infections were reported. Mean (standard deviation) changes from baseline in Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) and Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) scores were −3.7 (2.61) ( n = 27) and −5.6 (3.50) ( n = 26), respectively, at 12 weeks, and −4.3 (2.72) ( n = 26) and −5.6 (4.02) ( n = 24), respectively, at 26 weeks. Improvements in MG-ADL and QMG scores were generally similar in patients with/without a history of thymoma. Frequency of IVIg use decreased following eculizumab initiation. Conclusion: In a real-world setting, eculizumab was effective and well tolerated for the treatment of AChR+ gMG in adult Japanese patients whose disease was refractory to IVIg or plasmapheresis. These findings are consistent with the efficacy and safety results from the global phase III REGAIN study of eculizumab.
Peri-discharge complex interventions for reducing 30-day hospital readmissions among heart failure patients: overview of systematic reviews and network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhong CCW , Wong CHL , Cheung WKW , Yeoh E-K , Hung CT , Yip BHK , Wong ELY , Wong SYS , Chung VCH 
Published: March 2021

Aims: An overview of systematic reviews (SRs) and network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted to synthesize evidence of comparative effectiveness of different peri-discharge complex interventions for reducing 30-day hospital readmissions among heart failure (HF) patients. Methods: We searched five databases for SRs from their inception to August 2019 and conducted additional search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2003 and 2020. We used random-effect pairwise meta-analysis with pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to quantify the effect of complex interventions, and NMA to evaluate comparative effectiveness among complex interventions. Primary outcome was 30-day all-cause hospital readmissions, while secondary outcomes were 30-day HF-related hospital readmissions, 30-day mortality, and 30-day emergency department visits. Results: From 20 SRs and additional RCT search, 21 eligible RCTs ( n = 5362) assessing eight different peri-discharge complex interventions were included. Pairwise meta-analysis showed no significant difference between peri-discharge complex interventions and controls on all outcomes, except that peri-discharge complex interventions were significantly more effective than controls in reducing 30-day mortality (pooled RR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49–0.95, 5 RCTs). NMA indicated that for reducing 30-day all-cause hospital readmissions, supportive–educative intervention had the highest probability to be the best intervention, followed by disease management; while for reducing 30-day HF-related hospital readmissions, disease management is likely to be the best intervention. Conclusions: Our results suggest that disease management has the best potential to reduce 30-day all-cause and HF-related hospital readmissions. Benefits of the interventions may vary across health system contexts. Evidence-based complex interventions require local adaptation prior to implementation.
An Analysis of Electronic Primary Dental Practice Tooth Wear Referrals
Authors: Khwaja Zohaib , Millar Brian J. 
Published: March 2021

We evaluated the quality of general dental practitioner (GDP) tooth wear (TW) referrals to secondary care services in Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Prospective consecutive referrals received via an electronic pathway were assessed from 1 June to 30 October 2019. Reasons for referral, patient demographics, quality of referral, opinion of the triaging clinician and outcome were assessed. Of 671 referrals, 32% were for TW. Males were referred more commonly (1.7:1.0). The median age was 52. Patients were more likely to be referred from distant locations than places closer to the referral centre (p<0.001). Only 55% of referrals suggested a cause for the TW, 33% provided a clinical photograph and 1% recorded a tooth wear index of any type. Referring clinicians most commonly cited attrition as reason for referral (p<0.001). Those under 40 years were referred for erosion (p=0.001) and those over 40 years, attrition (p=0.019). The triaging clinician was more likely to allocate a tooth wear score of three for those under 40 years and a score of four for over 40 years (p<0.001). 47% of referrals were rejected. Males and referrals with photographs were more likely to be accepted for treatment (p=0.017 and p<0.001, respectively). There is a high demand for specialist TW services. The number of referrals being rejected has not changed using the electronic referral system. We advocate the inclusion of mandatory fields for completion by GDPs as well as compulsory clinical photographs and tooth wear indices (Smith and Knight Tooth Wear Index or a basic erosive wear examination - BEWE index).
Dental Traumas – Things May Not Be as They Seem: A Case Report
Authors: Woolley Julian , Djemal Serpil 
Published: March 2021

This case report describes a 52-year-old female patient who attended a specialist adult dental trauma clinic with a confusing history about a re-implanted avulsed maxillary left central incisor (UL1). Following examination, further investigations and clinical investigations, it was determined that the tooth had been re-implanted in the sub-periosteal space. The upper central incisor was extracted and re-implanted into the correct position and then managed by following the 2020 guidelines of the International Association for Dental Traumatology (IADT). This case highlights an unusual complication of managing avulsed teeth and draws attention to the challenges posed by using two-dimensional radiographic imaging when assessing dental injuries. A six-month follow-up appointment confirmed functional success and a reasonably satisfactory aesthetic outcome for the patient.
Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on the Palestinian family: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Abuzerr Samer , Zinszer Kate , Shaheen Amira , el Bilbeisi Abdel Hamid , Al Haj Daoud Ayman , Aldirawi Ali , Salem Alshaarawi 
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The current study aims to understand and assess the consequences of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on Palestinian families. Methods: This online community-based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between 19 April 2020 and 5 June 2020, using a validated questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised of three sections: sociodemographic characteristics, living conditions, and impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. A convenience sampling method was used to select participants. Results: A total of 570 adults aged ⩾18 years participated in the study. Of them, 258 (45.3%), 120 (21%), and 192 (33.7%) were residing in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and East Jerusalem, respectively. A large portion of participants (73.2%) reported that the containment measures of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic had caused an excessive burden on their families; 549 (96.3%) revealed that water supplies were not always available at home. However, paying attention to personal hygiene and home cleaning was more than usual before the announcement of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The mean times of going out of their homes have dropped significantly following the onset of the pandemic, p value = 0.001 (95% confidence interval). In addition, 192 (33.7%) participants reported that they changed to working remotely from home with 66 (11.6%) having lost their employment. Conclusion: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic was associated with an additional burden on the Palestinian families. Moreover, we suggest discussing the obtained results with local and national stakeholders to ensure that they know to improve their actions.