bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A changing profile of infective endocarditis at a tertiary hospital in China: A retrospective study from 2001 to 2018
Authors: Ren Zuning , Mo Xichao , Chen Hongjie , Peng Jie 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a lethal disease which has been changing significantly over the past decades; however, information about IE in China remains scarce. This study surveyed the changes in clinical characteristics of IE at a tertiary hospital in southern China over a period of nearly eighteen years.
Methods: Medical records with IE patients consecutively hospitalized between June 2001 and June 2018 were selected from the electronic medical records system in Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University. Data were divided by admission time into two groups: early-period group, June 2001 to December 2009 and later-period group, January 2010 to July 2018.
Results: A Total of 313 IE patients were included in our study. Compared with the early-period group, patients in the later-period group included fewer intravenous drug users (IVDU), older age at onset, reduced development of pulmonary embolism, less renal dysfunction, decreased proportion of Staphylococcus aureus infection and fewer vegetations observed in the right heart by echocardiography. The later-period group also showed a higher proportion of ischemic strokes and higher rate of whole-blood culture positive compared with the early-period group. The in-hospital mortality rate remained about the same between the two periods.
Conclusions: Our study demonstrated a dramatic change in the profile and characteristics of IE over a period of eighteen years at a tertiary hospital in southern China, especially the decrease in intravenous drug users (IVDU), which might be responsible for many other changes.
Geriatric scores can predict long-term survival rate after hip fracture surgery
Authors: Casa Carmen da , Pablos-Hernández Carmen , González-Ramírez Alfonso , Julián-Enriquez José Miguel , Blanco Juan F 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background: The management of hip fractures is nowadays mainly performed in Orthogeriatric Units, one of whose fundamental tools is the application of geriatric scores. The purpose of this study is to establish the potential usefulness of Barthel Index, Katz Index, Lawton-Brody Index and Physical Red Cross Scale geriatric scores as predictors of survival rate and readmission rate in older patients after hip fracture surgery. Methods: We designed a prospective single-center observational study, including 207 older adults over age 65 who underwent hip fracture surgery in the first half of 2014 and followed up to September 2018. Cumulative survival and readmission rates were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier; group comparison, by Log-Rank and hazard ratio, by Cox regression. Results: We found statistical differences (p<0.001) for cumulative survival rate by every geriatric score analyzed (BI HR=0.98 [0.97,0.99]; KI HR=1.24 [1.13-1.37]; LBI HR= 1.25 [1.16, 1.36]; PCRS HR=1.67 [1.37,2.04]). Furthermore, we could determinate an inflection point for survival estimation by Barthel Index (BI 0-55/60-100*, p<0.001, HR=2.37 [1.59,3.53]), Katz Index (KI A-B*/C-G, p<0.001, HR=2.66 [1.80, 3.93], and Lawton-Brody Index (LBI 0-3/4-8*, p<0.001, HR=3.40 [2.09,5.25]). We reveal a correlation of the Charlson Index (p=0.002) and Katz Index (p=0.041) with number of readmissions for the study period. Conclusions: The geriatric scores analyzed are related to the cumulative survival rate after hip fracture surgery for more than 4 years, independently of other clinical and demographic factors. Katz Index in combination with Charlson Index could also be a potential predictor of the number of readmissions after surgery for hip fracture patients.
Novel Reconstruction Using Roux-en-Y Plus Antral Obstruction Following Proximal Gastrectomy: Feasibility and Quality of Life Benefits
Authors: Yang Dejun , Wang Changming , Fu Hongbing , Wei Ziran , Zhang Xin , Hu Zunqi , Zhang Yu , Cai Qingping 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background and Aims Routine gastroesophagostomy has been shown to have adverse effects on the recovery of digestive functions and quality of life because patients typically experience reflux symptoms after proximal gastrectomy. This study was performed to assess the feasibility and quality of life benefits of a novel reconstruction method termed Roux-en-Y anastomosis plus antral obstruction (RYAO) following proximal partial gastrectomy.

Methods A total of 73 patients who underwent proximal gastrectomy from June 2015 to June 2017 were divided into two groups according to digestive reconstruction methods [RYAO (37 patients) and conventional esophagogastric anastomosis with pyloroplasty (EGPP, 36 patients)]. Clinical data were compared between the two groups retrospectively.

Results The mean operative time for digestive reconstruction was slightly longer in the RYAO group than in the EGPP group. However, the incidence of postoperative short-term complications did not differ between the RYAO and the EGPP groups. At the 6-month follow-up, the incidence rates of both reflux esophagitis and gastritis were lower in the RYAO group than in the EGPP group (P = 0.002). Additionally, body weight recovery was better in the RYAO group (P = 0.028). The scale tests indicated that compared with the patients in the EGPP group, the patients in the RYAO group had significantly reduced reflux, nausea and vomiting and reported improvements in their overall health status and quality of life (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion RYAO reconstruction may be a feasible procedure to reduce postoperative reflux symptoms and the incidence of reflux esophagitis and gastritis, thus improving patient quality of life after proximal gastrectomy.
Why validation is not enough: setting the scene for the implementation of the Kimberley Mum´s Mood Scale
Authors: Carlin Emma , Spry Erica , Atkinson David , Marley Julia V 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background

The two part Kimberley Mums’ Mood Scale (KMMS) has been developed and validated as a culturally appropriate perinatal depression and anxiety screening tool for Aboriginal women living in the sparsely populated Kimberley region of North West Australia. As part of implementation, aspects of user acceptability were explored to improve clinical utilisation of the KMMS.

Methods

Eighteen health professionals involved in perinatal care participated in an online survey or a qualitative semi-structured interview. Ten Aboriginal women (who held administrative, professional or executive roles) were subsequently interviewed in depth to further explore aspects of KMMS user acceptability.

Results

Many of the health professionals were not using the second part of the KMMS (a psychosocial yarning tool). Time constraints and a perception that the KMMS is only appropriate for women with literacy issues were identified as significant barriers to KMMS uptake. The Aboriginal women interviewed considered the KMMS to also be important for literate Aboriginal women and placed high value on having the time and space to yarn to health professionals about issues that are important to them.

Implementing the KMMS across the Kimberley region requires robust training of health professionals and strategic engagement with health services to ensure those clinical environments are able to understand the rationale and significance of the KMMS and be engaged in its successful implementation.

Conclusion

Routine perinatal mental health screening that is efficacious and acceptable to Aboriginal women is an important public health priority. Identifying and addressing barriers to implementation contributes to our understanding of the complexity of improving routine clinical practise.
The study of court-ordered forensic psychiatric evaluations for offenders with schizophrenia with homicide charges in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Hui-Yi , Chou Yu-Ching , Chang Hsin-An , Kao Yu-Cheng , Yeh Hui-Wen , Yeh Chin-Bin , Huang San-Yuan , Chiang Wei-Shan , Tang Li-Yao , Tzeng Nian-Sheng 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background: Homicidal offenders with schizophrenia who went through psychiatric evaluations is a small but significant group during criminal appeal. However, studies regarding the criminal responsibilities of homicide offenders with specific psychiatric diagnosis such as schizophrenia were rare. Our Aims are to explore the relationship between verdict and type of crime among alleged offenders with schizophrenia in Taiwan. Our hypothesis was that aspects of schizophrenia would be more likely to be taken into account in homicide cases than other alleged offences.
Methods: A retrospective comparison of homicide offenders with non-homicide offenders with schizophrenia registered between December 2000 and November 2009 in the web-based, national, open access court verdicts databank.
Results: Thirty-three (3.4%) of 9,691 criminal offenders had a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Seventeen (30%) of all evaluees with schizophrenia had psychiatric comorbidities. Those charged with homicide were significantly more likely to have been found not guilty by reason of insanity [NGRI]/partially responsible for the crime (4, 64%) than those charged with other offences (9, 30%; p<0.03). The homicide cases were significantly more likely to have been given treatment plans (homicide 18, 55%: others 4, 18.8%; p<0.01). The homicide cases were also likely to have had more evaluations prior to the court hearings than the others, though not significant. (p=.17)
Conclusions: The disparity in NGRI/partially responsible for the crime decision between offence groups is of concern in relation to differences in the extent of expert evaluations between the two groups. While it is understandable that, if resources are scarce, more may be allocated to more serious cases, there remains a risk both of injustice and inadequate care and thus public safety in relation to those people with schizophrenia in contact with the criminal justice system who do not get a resultant treatment plan.
LINC01534 promotes the aberrant metabolic dysfunction and inflammation in IL-1β-simulated osteoarthritic chondrocytes by targeting miR-140-5p
Authors: Wei Wei , He Shaoxuan , Wang Zhihua , Dong Junjie , Xiang Dong , Li Yunxuan , Ren Lirong , Kou Nannan , Lv Jia 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Backgrounds: Long non-coding RNA 01534 (LINC01534) is highly expressed in the tissues of patients with osteoarthritis (OA). This study investigated the mechanism of LINC01534 on abnormal metabolic dysfunction and inflammation in OA chondro-cytes induced by IL-1β.
Methods: The quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the expressions of LINC01534, aggrecan, collagen II and matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) in OA cartilage tissue or OA chondrocyte model induced by IL-1β. The ex-pressions of aggrecan and collagen II in the chondrocyte were detected by Western Blot. The levels of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6, MMP-13, MMP-9, MMP-3 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in chondrocyte were determined by ELISA. Bioinformatics, dual luciferin gene reporting, RNA pulldown and Northern Blot were used to determine the interac-tion between LINC01534 and miR-140-5p.
Results: The results showed that LINC01534 was up-regulated in both OA cartilage tissue and OA chondrocyte model. In addition, silencing LINC01534 significantly alleviated the inhibitory effect of IL-1β on expressions of aggrecan and collagen II in chondrocytes, and significantly down-regulated the expression of matrix metallopro-teinases in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. Meanwhile, silencing LINC01534 also sig-nificantly inhibited the productions of pro-inflammatory factors NO, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 in the IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. Furthermore, miR-140-5p was con-firmed to be a direct target of LINC01534. More importantly, inhibition of miR-140-5p significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of silencing LINC01534 on inflammation and abnormal matrix degradation in the IL-1β-induced chondrocyte model of OA.
Conclusion: Therefor, LINC01534 could promote the abnormal matrix degradation and inflammatory response of OA chondrocytes through the targeted binding of miR-140-5p.
The effect of the waiting room's environment on level of anxiety experienced by children prior to dental treatment: a case control study
Authors: Fux-Noy Avia , Zohar Maayan , Herzog Karin , Shmueli Aviv , Halperson Elinor , Moskovitz Moti , Ram Diana 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background: One of the environmental factors that can cause anxiety prior to dental treatment includes the waiting room experience, specifically the amount of time spent awaiting treatment and the waiting room environment. The purpose of the study was to compare the effect of the waiting room's environment on the level of anxiety experienced by children in multisensory and traditional waiting rooms.
Methods: Case control study. Test group waited for treatment in a multisensory waiting room, which consisted of a lighting column that children could touch and climb; as well as, rhythmic music played on loudspeakers. Control group waited for treatment in a traditional waiting room. Study participants were asked to answer the “Venham Picture Test”, a dental anxiety scale, while in the waiting room prior to entering the treatment room. Chi-squared, Fisher's Exact tests, and linear regression were utilized.
Results: No significant difference in dental anxiety scores was found between the test and control groups. Dental anxiety was significantly higher in patients who had longer wait time prior to treatment. In addition, dental anxiety was significantly associated with visit purpose: children waiting for dental examination or those scheduled for dental treatment with conscious sedation were less anxious than children waiting for emergency treatment.
Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of a dental home and regular preventive dental visits. Children’s dental anxiety can be reduced by preventing emergency treatments, scheduling routine dental visits and decreasing waiting room wait time.
Trial registration: TRN NCT03197129, date of registration June 20, 2017
Annual Alveolar Bone Loss in Older Adults Taking Oral Bisphosphonate: a Case-Control Study
Authors: Helmi Mohammad , AlOsaimy Sara , Goodson J. Max , Hasturk Hatice , Natto Zuhair S. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background

Although several studies assessed the effect of bisphosphonate (BIS) administration on alveolar bone loss, this relationship using longitudinal analysis has not been fully investigated. The aim of the this article is to predict annual alveolar bone loss in a subpopulation of older adults patients who were taking oral bisphosphonate (BIS) adjusting for systemic diseases and associated risk factors.

Methods

This is a case-control study. We identified all subjects that reported receiving oral bisphosphonate from 2008 – 2015 (N=30) using the electronic health records of each patient to identify suitable radiographs for analysis. For longitudinal data analysis, 26 eligible subjects for inclusion to have at least two exposures of complete mouth set or repeated bitewing radiographs with at least one-year interval, then matched on age and sex to another 26 patients who did not report receiving bisphosphonate at any point of their life.

Results

Mild periodontitis was higher in the BIS group compared to the no BIS group; however, moderate periodontitis was higher in the no BIS group. For those who did not take oral BIS, change over time was not significant after the two-year period. However, BIS group had experienced 0.088 mm more bone loss compared to no BIS group (95% CI: 0.001, 0.176. P-value = 0.048), adjusting for all other variables included in the model.

Conclusion

The group who reported receiving oral bisphosphonates showed no improvement in maintaining alveolar bone level, and the use of oral BIS may not be effective in reducing annual alveolar bone loss, however, emerging evidence is promising for the use of bisphosphonate as an adjunctive local delivery medication for management of periodontal diseases.
Evaluation of free and total fluoride concentration in mouthwashes via measurement with ion-selective electrode
Authors: Reshetnyak Vladimir Yu. , Nesterova Olga V. , Admakin Oleg I. , Dobrokhotov Denis A. , Avertseva Irina N. , Dostdar Samira A. , Khakimova Dinara 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background

Mouthwashes are among the currently used oral hygiene products aimed at preventing and reducing dental caries. This is accomplished by a remineralization process, due to the presence of fluoride ions; however, mouthwashes should also contain an appropriate amount of unbound or free fluorides to provide bioavailability. The aim of this study was to compare active fluoride concentration and total fluoride concentration in mouthwashes.

Methods

Fluorine-containing mouthwashes from various companies and manufacturers (Colgate Total Plax Classic Mint®, Colgate Total Plax Gentle Mint®, Colgate Total Plax Fresh Mint®, Oral B Advantage®, Reach Fresh Mint®, Foramen®, Lacalut Sensitive®, Sensodyne®, Vesna F®, and Lacalut Fresh®) were selected as study objects. Fluoride measurements were carried out using the method of potentiometry.

Results

Free fluoride:total fluoride ratio was more than 80% for six samples and less than 63% for three samples. Two samples had more than 70% and less than 80% of unbound fluoride, respectively. Rinse containing sodium monofluorophosphate (Na2PO3F) had more than 50% of free fluoride, while the rinses containing amine fluoride (AmF) had 94%. The difference in activity can be explained by binding of fluoride ions by components contained in mouthwashes, such as coloring agents, polymeric compounds, etc. The lowest activity was observed for aluminum fluoride (AlF3) rinse, due to possible generation of strong fluoride complexes. This implies that fluoride ions will not be uptaken by tooth tissue and may even be washed away from it, compromising the efficacy of mouthwashes.

Conclusions

There is an urgent need to develop a method for evaluation of free fluorides in mouthwashes for proper updating of national and international guidelines.
A Retrospective Study of the Clinical Phenotype and Predictors of Survival in non-Caucasian Hispanic Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Authors: Sánchez-Martínez Claudia Marisol , Choreño-Parra José Alberto , Nuñez-Orozco Lilia , Placencia-Álvarez Noel Isaías , Alvis-Cataño Laura Marcela , Guadarrama-Ortiz Parmenides 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background. Little is known about the clinical behaviour of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in non-Caucasian populations. Here, we aimed to describe the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors and survival of Mexican patients with ALS.
Methods. We conducted a retrospective study by reviewing the medical records of patients with ALS that attended and were regularly followed at a third level hospital in Mexico City from 2000 to 2015. We calculated absolute and relative frequencies of the clinical characteristics from all the participants. We also estimated correlation coefficients between continuous variables and overall survival. Additionally, survival rates were compared for all participants grouped according to different clinical features using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test.
Results. We enrolled 45 ALS patients, 53.33% had spinal-onset and 46.66% presented bulbar ALS. The male/female ratio was 0.8. The mean age at onset of symptoms was 58.11 years. Mean survival time from onset was 64.73 ± 34.83 months. Cumulative survival rate after 5 years of disease onset was 44.44%. Age at onset and age at diagnosis inversely correlated with overall survival time. Also, we found that bulbar-onset, short diagnostic delay, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, mechanical ventilation, and lower total cholesterol serum levels were associated with short survival.
Conclusions. The clinical characteristics of Mexican ALS patients differ from the disease phenotype observed in Caucasians. Nonetheless, the predictive value of certain well-recognized clinical prognostic factors remains consistent in our population. The current study may provide relevant information for the management of ALS patients from Mexico and other Latin American countries.
An assessment of the level of awareness of e-health among Saudi medical students
Authors: Aldebasi Bader , Alhassan Abdulaziz I. , Al-Nasser Sami , Abolfotouh Mostafa 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background

Previous studies described the levels of awareness of patients and health care providers on e-health in general and on e-health for a certain condition/disease. However, none of these studies was conducted in Saudi Arabia. The aims of this study were 1)To determine the levels of knowledge, attitude and practice of medical students on e-health, and 2) To identify the predictors of e-health practice among medical students.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 440 medical students at the college of medicine, King Saud bin-Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was conducted, during October/November 2018, using a previously validated questionnaire, to assess: (1) knowledge in three domains; e-health definition (13 statements), fields of application of e-health (8 statements), methods of using e-health (7 statements), (2) attitude toward using e-health (8 statements) and (3) reported practice of e-health in medical training (5 statements). A scoring system was used to calculate the total and percentage score of knowledge, attitude and practice for each student. Multiple regression analysis was applied to identify predictors of e-health practice. Significance was considered at p<0.05.

Results

of the 440 medical students surveyed, the majority were females (55.7%), of stream type1 (79.8%) and from families whose monthly income was more than 10,000SR (82.8%). Overall knowledge about e-health was unsatisfactory (PMS=71.62%), with only 43.6% of all students reporting satisfactory level. However, this level was satisfactory for fields of application (Percentage mean score-PMS=76.43%) and unsatisfactory for definition of e-health (PMS=70.69%) and methods of its use (PMS=65.69%) domains. Overall attitude towads e-health use was positive (PMS=82.32%), with nearly three-quarters of all students (73.4%) reporting positive attitude. Generally, good level of practice of e-health was reported by students (PMS=84.27%), with more than three-quarters of medical students (78.4%) reporting good practice. Adjusting for age, gender, stream, educational grade and family monthly income, good practice was significantly predicted with higher knowledge (t=2.219, p=0.027) and attidude (t=2.114, p=0.035) scores.

Conclusion

This study provides basic information regarding medical students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice on e-health. More resources should be directed to elevate medical students’ knowledge and to motivate them to practice e-health using the available tools.