bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Epidemiology of Group A B-Hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS) Among Young School-Age Children with Tonsillopharyngitis in Northern Palestine: A Cross- Sectional Study
Authors: Sawafta Reem , Basha Walid , Faid Amjad , Alameh Waleed , Afaneh Afnan , Alawneh Montaser 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Tonsillopharyngitis is a common diagnosis in children, it is mainly caused by viral pathogens. GABHS is the most common bacterial cause, and it is often overestimated as a causative agent because diagnosis often relies on clinical judgment, leading to the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The study aims to evaluate the prevalence of GABHS in children clinically diagnosed with pharyngitis/tonsillitis. Objectives include determining the prevalence in our area and assessing antibiotic sensitivity. Methods: A non-interventional cross-sectional study on children aged 5–15 who were clinically diagnosed with tonsillopharyngitis. Throat swab samples were collected from patients diagnosed with pharyngitis/tonsillitis at 3 major healthcare centers in north Palestine. The samples were evaluated for the presence of GABHS through a swab culture on blood agar and RADT for Streptococcus. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from patients, their families, and treating physicians Results: A cohort of 321 patients presenting with clinical symptoms suggestive of tonsillitis/pharyngitis to the enrolled healthcare centers from September 2022 to January 2023, and meeting the inclusion criteria, were evaluated in this study. Of these patients, 30.8% tested positive on a Rapid Antigen Test, and 23.4% were confirmed to have GABHS based on culture results. Penicillin was identified as the most effective antibiotic with a sensitivity rate of 97.3%, followed by Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid with a sensitivity rate of 96%, while Azithromycin was the least effective antibiotic. These results provide guidance for the selection of appropriate antibiotics for the treatment of GABHS-induced tonsillitis/pharyngitis. Conclusion Among patients with tonsillitis infections, the prevalence of GABHS was determined to be 23.4%. If antibiotic therapy is warranted, Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid and Penicillin are the recommended drugs of choice.
Shifting Cryptocurrency Influence: A High-Resolution Network Analysis of Market Leaders
Authors: Hiray Arnav , Shah Agam , Chava Sudheer 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Over the last decade, the cryptocurrency market has experienced unprecedented growth, emerging as a prominent financial market. As this market rapidly evolves, it necessitates re-evaluating which cryptocurrencies command the market and steer the direction of blockchain technology. We implement a network-based cryptocurrency market analysis to investigate this changing landscape. We use novel hourly-resolution data and Kendall's Tau correlation to explore the interconnectedness of the cryptocurrency market. We observed critical differences in the hierarchy of cryptocurrencies determined by our method compared to rankings derived from daily data and Pearson's correlation. This divergence emphasizes the potential information loss stemming from daily data aggregation and highlights the limitations of Pearson's correlation. Our findings show that in the early stages of this growth, Bitcoin held a leading role. However, during the 2021 bull run, the landscape changed drastically. We see that while Ethereum has emerged as the overall leader, it was FTT and its associated exchange, FTX, that greatly led to the increase at the beginning of the bull run. We also find that highly-influential cryptocurrencies are increasingly gaining a commanding influence over the market as time progresses, despite the growing number of cryptocurrencies making up the market.
Perceived risk of COVID-19 hurts mental health: the mediating role of fear of COVID-19 and the moderating role of resilience
Authors: Lu Hui , Yang Jialin , Zhao Kejie , Jin Zhou , Wen Xin , Hu Nuonuo , Yang Hongsheng , Sun Zhiyu , Chen Haitao , Huang Yili , Wang Deborah , Wu Yili 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Depression and anxiety have been found prevalent during all phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. In late December 2022, all COVID-19 control measures were lifted in China, leading to a surge in COVID-19 infections. The public’s perceived risk and fear of COVID-19 would increase. According to Common Sense Model (CSM), emotional illness representation of a disease, i.e., how people feel about the disease (fear of COVID-19), would result in mental distress. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of depression and anxiety in the Chinese general population and explore the mediating role of fear of COVID-19 between COVID-19 perceived risk and depression/anxiety and the moderating role of resilience between fear of COVID-19 and depression/anxiety.
Method
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Wenzhou, China, immediately following all COVID-19 control measures lifted. The 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), the COVID-19 Risk Perception Scale, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) were used to evaluate depression, anxiety, COVID-19 perceived risk, fear of COVID-19, and resilience, respectively. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Maximum Likelihood (ML) estimator, with adjustment of the significant background factors was performed to test the moderated mediation. Data obtained from 935 participants were finally analyzed.
Results
The prevalence of moderate to severe depression and anxiety was 23.7% and 9.5%, respectively. The present study revealed positive associations among COVID-19 perceived risk, fear of COVID-19 and depression/anxiety, and negative associations between resilience and fear of COVID-19/depression/anxiety. Fear of COVID-19 partially mediated between COVID-19 perceived risk and depression/anxiety. Furthermore, resilience significantly moderated between fear of COVID-19 and depression/anxiety. Two moderated mediation models were constructed.
Conclusion
Depression and anxiety were prevalent among Chinese adults during the final phase of the pandemic in China. The significant mediation role of fear of COVID-19 implies that reducing fear of COVID-19 may effectively alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms. Moreover, enhancing public resilience during an epidemic crisis is crucial for promoting mental health.
Enhancing the Assessment of Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Based on Landmark Analysis
Authors: Ren Qiuping , Yu Jiajie , Wu Menghang , Jiang Xiaolian , Wei Shuangshuang , Xiong Fangli , Yang Yike 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Accurate estimates of survival after surgical intervention are critical for HCC patients and healthcare providers, and traditional estimates of survival have limitations. The study aims to construct a dynamic prognostic model based on landmark analysis, for HCC individuals undergoing curative-intent resection. This predictive tool may prove useful in enabling patients and healthcare providers to anticipate prognosis accurately and personalize treatment and follow-up strategies for HCC patients.
Method
We enrolled 957 patients who were diagnosed as HCC from West China Hospital. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were developed to assess risk factors associated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of HCC. Additional landmark analyses were conducted to examine the effects of risk factors at baseline and 1 year after the operation. Harrell’s concordance index and calibration plots using a bootstrap resampling method were applied to evaluate the performance and the robustness of Cox models respectively.
Results
After backward step-wise selection, twelve variables were identified in the OS and DFS models respectively. Landmark analyses show a few risk factors were associated with time. Calibration plots show there was good consistency for both OS and DFS models at year 1, 3 and 5. The performance of both models was good as well (C-index = 0.748 for the OS model and C-index = 0.732 for the DFS model). Based on the selected variables, OS and DFS prediction can be performed on individual HCC patients to estimate their survival probability after operation, which has potential for clinical usage.
Conclusions
A predictive tool was developed by landmark analysis to estimate the probability of OS and DFS at different time points after resection, demonstrating the significance of estimating and adjusting the long-term prognosis of patients undergoing radical surgery for HCC based on follow-up time and intervention events.
Microclimate and the Thermal Comfort During the Implementation of Silvopastoral Systems: the Windbreak Countereffect
Authors: Filho Abdon Luiz Schmitt , Machado Thiago Mombach Pinheiro , Daros Ruan , Farley Joshua , Sinisgalli Paulo A. , Kazama Daniele C. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Little has been studied about microclimate and the thermal comfort during the implementation of silvopastoral systems. This study aimed to evaluate the microclimate and thermal comfort during the implementation of High Biodiversity Silvopastoral System with Nuclei (SPSnu). Three treatments were investigated, SPSnu with 5 and 10% of the pasture area with nuclei, (SPSnu5 and SPSnu10, respectively), and treeless pasture (TLP). Each treatment was subdivided into 4 areas: within the nuclei, around the nuclei, around the nuclei with shade and internuclei. The analyzed variables were soil surface temperature, air temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, black globe temperature and the Heat Load Index (HLI) at 20 and 120 cm height. We hypothesized that the wind speed reduction associated with insufficient shade projection typical of the first years of SPSs may interfere in microclimate and thermal comfort during the hot seasons. SPSnu5 and SPSnu10 had a reduction in wind speed of 51.58% and 68.47% respectively when compared to TLP at 20 cm. Soil surface temperature and air temperature at 120 cm were higher for SPSnu than TLP. The same effect was observed for the HLI. At 20 cm, HLI indicated better thermal comfort in TLP than in the SPSnu treatments. The lack of shade projection from young nuclei in conjunction with the decrease of wind speed between the nuclei caused a higher air temperature and HLI in the SPSnu treatments, we called this conditions, windbreak countereffect. Farmers must knowledge this effect when implementing SPSs, and when necessary, mitigate with the proper management decisions.
Association of NT-proBNP and 7-day mortality of patients with acute ischemic stroke in intensive care unit: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: zhang xiangyu , Liu Chao , Liu Jun , Qi Guoqing , Zhao Hongliang , Li Lizhuo , Li Liu , Ding Xiaoyu , Wang Sheng , Han Zongmao , Zhang YanYan , Ji Xiaotong , Zhang Jinhua , Gao Zhichao 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) results in high mortality, especially among patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Previous research has shown the relationship of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) with stroke. However, unlike in heart disease, few research has related NT-proBNP with severity and prognosis of patients with AIS in the intensive care unit. This study aimed to investigate the relation between NT-proBNP, which is widely used in heart disease, and the short-term mortality of patients with AIS in critical care unit. This retrospective study was based on Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV. The main outcome was defined as mortality in seven days and the secondary outcomes were defined as ventricular tachycardia and performance of endotracheal tube. Patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke and acute cerebral infarction were extracted based on the 9th and 10th versions of ICD codes. If the patient was treated multiple times in the ICU, only the data of the first admission to the ICU will be taken for research and analysis. The level of NT-proBNP was significantly associated with 7-day all-cause mortality in patients with AIS, the HR was 1.84 ([95% CI, 1.11–3.07], P = 0.019). After excluding patients with heart failure, NT-proBNP showed significant association with 7-day all-cause mortality, the HR was 2.71 ([95% CI, 1.15–6.37], P = 0.022). There was no significant association between NT-proBNP and secondary outcomes. In patients with AIS in intensive care unit, higher levels of NT-proBNP related with a higher mortality. NT-proBNP might serve as a biomarker that help to predict the short-term mortality among the patients with AIS in intensive care unit.
The cost-utility of an intervention for families with a parent having a mental illness: A health economic evaluation of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Waldmann Tamara , Schaible Jochen , Stiawa Maja , Becker Thomas , Wegscheider Karl , Adema Bonnie , Wiegand-Grefe Silke , Kilian Reinhold 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: Children of families with a parent with a mental illness have an increased risk of developing mental health problems. Therefore, children and adolescents living in families with a parent with mental illness are regarded as a target group for selective prevention. To date, only a few economic evaluation studies for interventions directed at preventing the intergenerational transmission of mental health problems exist. The cost utility of an intervention for the support of families with a parent having a mental illness will be estimated from the perspective of the German health and social care system.
Methods: A total of 214 families with 337 children and adolescents were randomly assigned to the intervention (INT) group (108/170) or the control (TAU) group (106/167). Families in the intervention group received at least eight intervention sessions (50 to 90 minutes) over six months. Total costs of illness were estimated by means of the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service Receipt Inventory (CAMHSRI) over 24 months. Quality-adjusted live years (QALYs) were estimated on the basis of the KIDSCREEN-10. An incremental cost-utility analysis was performed by means of the net-benefit approach.
Results: The average total annual cost was estimated to be €3,784.59 (SD € 8,581.11) in the TAU group and € 3,264.44 (SD € 9,431.89) in the INT group, the annual cost difference between INT and TAU was € -516.14 (SE 1,124.95) which was not significant at p ≤ 0.05. The average QALY was estimated to be 0.759 (SD 0.073) in the TAU group and 0.763 (SD 0.072). The QALY difference between INT and TAU was 0.0037 (SE 0.0092) which was not significant at p ≤ 0.05. The incremental cost utility ratio (ICUR) indicated that the gain of one additional year in full health by means of the intervention was associated with the saving of €139.49. However, the stochastic insecurity of the ICUR did not allow a unique decision about the cost-utility of the intervention.
Conclusions: More information on the economic value of the intervention for families with a parent with mental illness in comparison to treatment as usual in Germany is needed.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02308462; German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00006806.
Association between physicians’ characteristics and their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding advance care planning: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sakamoto Ayaka , Inokuchi Ryota , Iwagami Masao , Hanari Kyoko , Tamiya Nanako 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: Despite physicians’ vital role in advance care planning, a limited number of physicians practice it. This study assessed factors associated with physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding advance care planning.
Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from an anonymous survey conducted by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
Questionnaires were mailed to 4500 physicians in November and December 2022. Data from 1260 respondents were analyzed.
Results: Of the respondents, 46.4%, 77.0%, and 82.0% reported good knowledge of advance care planning, agreed with promoting it, and with its provision by medical/care staff, respectively. Male physicians were significantly less likely to support advance care planning (odds ratio: 0.54, 95% confidence interval: 0.35–0.84) or agree to its provision by medical/care staff (odds ratio: 0.47, 95% confidence interval: 0.29–0.78) but significantly more likely to practice it (odds ratio: 1.58, 95% confidence interval: 1.05–2.36). Physicians specialized in surgery or internal/general/palliative medicine were more knowledgeable about advance care planning and more likely to practice it. Physicians working in clinics were significantly less knowledgeable (odds ratio: 0.33, 95% confidence interval: 0.25–0.44) about advance care planning and less likely to support it (odds ratio: 0.37, 95% confidence interval: 0.27–0.50), agree with its provision by medical/care staff (odds ratio: 0.54, 95% confidence interval: 0.39–0.75), or to practice it (odds ratio: 0.16, 95% confidence interval: 0.12–0.22).
Conclusions: Physicians working in clinics had less knowledge of advance care planning, less supportive attitudes, and less likely to practice it. Knowledge, attitudes and practice also varied by gender and specialty. Interventions should target physicians working in clinics.
Exploring the causal relationship between BMI and psychiatric disorders using two-sample Mendelian randomization
Authors: ZHANG Le , Zou Jing , Wang Zhen , Ning Jinghua , Jiang Bei , Liang Yi , ZHANG YuZhe 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
The study aimed to assess the causal relationship using two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses of BMI and five classic psychiatric disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, and anxiety disorder) in sequence.
Methods
Data related to BMI, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, and anxiety disorders were downloaded from the GWAS database, and based on the genetic variation associated with each data were analyzed by utilizing five methods: MR Egger, Weighted median, Inverse variance weighted, Simple mode, Weighted mode, and five methods, while Mendelian randomization analysis between two samples was performed.
Results
Under IVW analysis, a positive causal relationship was found between BMI and depression (OR: 1.009, 95% CI: 1.002–1.016, P = 0.009) as well as bipolar disorder (OR: 1.001, 95% CI: 1.001–1.002, P = 0.002). Additionally, a negative causal relationship was found between BMI and schizophrenia (OR: 0.702, 95% CI: 0.560–0.881, P = 0.002). However, no causal relationship was found between BMI and autism (OR: 1.114, 95% CI: 0.972–1.278, P = 0.120) or anxiety disorders (OR: 1.000, 95% CI: 0.998–1.001, P = 0.630).
Conclusion
A causal relationship between BMI in depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Maintaining BMI within the range of normal indicators is important not only for physical health care, but also for the prevention of psychiatric disorders.
Antimicrobial Resistance Characterization of staphylococcus aureus from Different Animal Food Origins in Jimma, South Western Ethiopia
Authors: Taddese Diriba , Abdurahaman Mukarim , Debelo Motuma , Shumi Eshetu , Urgessa Gelana , Kefyalew Dase , Melaku Moa , Kebeta Tadele , Abafaji Gazali 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Staphylococcal infection is one of the most prevalent foodborne diseases worldwide. Furthermore, antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus, poses a significant problem for food safety. Therefore, the aim of this study was to phenotypically characterize Staphylococcus aureus and assess its antimicrobial resistance from various animal food sources.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Jimma zone district towns from 2022 to 2023. Samples of animal-origin foods, including milk, beef meat, poultry eggs, and cheese, were collected. These samples were processed, cultured on selective media, and identified using biochemical tests. Antimicrobial testing was performed on the isolated strains.
Results
Out of a total of 480 samples of animal-origin food analyzed, the overall prevalence rate (8.54%) of Staphylococcus aureus was recorded. Among these Staphylococcus aureus, 12 (12.5%) were obtained from beef meat, 12 (12.5%) from milk, 6 (6.3%) from cheese, 9 (9.4%) from eggshells and 2 (2.1%) from egg content. The mean prevalence rates of Staphylococcus aureus in each sample were found to be statistically different, except for beef meat and milk samples. Regarding antimicrobial resistance, 39.0% of the isolates exhibited resistance to Kanamycin, followed by Tetracycline observed in 36.6% of the isolates. The lowest occurrence of antibiotic resistance was observed against Cefoxitin (7.3%). Additionally, Ciprofloxacin, Trimethoprim, and Ceftaroline collectively displayed resistance in 14.6% of the isolates. No resistance was observed against Imipenem. Out of the 41 Staphylococcus aureus isolates, 10 (24.4%) showed multidrug resistance. Notably, milk samples had the highest number of multidrug-resistant isolates.
Conclusion
The study highlights the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in various animal-origin food samples and reveals concerning levels of antimicrobial resistance among the isolates. These findings emphasize the importance of food safety measures, responsible antibiotic use, and continued surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in animal food sources to protect public health.
Systemic inflammation reaction associated with 90-day mortality in patients with HBV related acute on chronic liver failure without infection
Authors: Chen Jing , Guan Chongdan , Peng Yuhui , Li Hui , Liu Xiaoyan , Li Chen , Yan Lilong , Ning Peng , Hu Jinhua , Su Haibin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is the final and the most fatal stage of acute decompensated cirrhosis which affects most organs and systems of the body. Systemic inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ACLF. Systemic inflammation reaction syndrome (SIRS) is a marker of ongoing inflammation. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the relationship of sterile SIRS with HBV related ACLF (HBV-ACLF) without infection.
Methods
Patients with HBV-ACLF without infection who were hospitalized in December 2016 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were followed up until 90 days and monitored for the presence and development of SIRS. Risk factors associated with 90-day mortality and SIRS development were studied.
Results
Of 151 HBV-ACLF patients without infection, 37 patients (24.5%) presented and developed SIRS within the 7 days after admission. 23 and 40 patients died in HBVACLF patients with and without SIRS (62.2% vs 35.1%, p=0.004) during 90 days follow up. On univariate analysis, older age, higher TBIL, INR, presence of SIRS, MELD score, presence of complications and organ failures associated with 90-day mortality. The presence of SIRS was an independent risk factor for 90-day mortality in multivariate analyses. In the individual component of SIRS, patients who fulfilled the criterion of heart rate was the most (56, 37.09%). Patients who fulfilled the criterion of heart rate or temperature had lower 90-day survival rate than those who did not (46.4% vs 65.3%, p=0.020;16.7% vs 60.0%, p=0.020). Of 114 patients without SIRS at admission, 21 patients developed SIRS within 7 days after admission. WBC and TBIL levels were risk factors associated with SIRS development. Patients with SIRS developed after admission still showed lower 90-day survival rate than non-SIRS group (23.8% vs 64.9%, p < 0.0001).
Conclusions
SIRS presented in HBV-ACLF patients even without infection that was closely associated with prognosis. HBV-ACLF patients with sterile SIRS had a high mortality than those without. Target the pathway of systemic inflammation reaction may be an effective way to treat patients with HBV-ACLF.