bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severe Infection and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Multicohort Study
Authors: Sipilä Pyry N. , Lindbohm Joni V. , Batty G. David , Heikkilä Nelli , Vahtera Jussi , Suominen Sakari , Väänänen Ari , Koskinen Aki , Nyberg Solja T. , Meri Seppo , Pentti Jaana , Warren-Gash Charlotte , Hayward Andrew C. , Kivimäki Mika 
Published: March 2023

Background:
The excess risk of cardiovascular disease associated with a wide array of infectious diseases is unknown. We quantified the short- and long-term risk of major cardiovascular events in people with severe infection and estimated the population-attributable fraction.

Methods:
We analyzed data from 331 683 UK Biobank participants without cardiovascular disease at baseline (2006–2010) and replicated our main findings in an independent population from 3 prospective cohort studies comprising 271 329 community-dwelling participants from Finland (baseline 1986–2005). Cardiovascular risk factors were measured at baseline. We diagnosed infectious diseases (the exposure) and incident major cardiovascular events after infections, defined as myocardial infarction, cardiac death, or fatal or nonfatal stroke (the outcome) from linkage of participants to hospital and death registers. We computed adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for infectious diseases as short- and long-term risk factors for incident major cardiovascular events. We also calculated population-attributable fractions for long-term risk.

Results:
In the UK Biobank (mean follow-up, 11.6 years), 54 434 participants were hospitalized for an infection, and 11 649 had an incident major cardiovascular event at follow-up. Relative to participants with no record of infectious disease, those who were hospitalized experienced increased risk of major cardiovascular events, largely irrespective of the type of infection. This association was strongest during the first month after infection (HR, 7.87 [95% CI, 6.36–9.73]), but remained elevated during the entire follow-up (HR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.40–1.54]). The findings were similar in the replication cohort (HR, 7.64 [95% CI, 5.82–10.03] during the first month; HR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.34–1.48] during mean follow-up of 19.2 years). After controlling for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, the population-attributable fraction for severe infections and major cardiovascular events was 4.4% in the UK Biobank and 6.1% in the replication cohort.

Conclusions:
Infections severe enough to require hospital treatment were associated with increased risks for major cardiovascular disease events immediately after hospitalization. A small excess risk was also observed in the long-term, but residual confounding cannot be excluded.
Olfactory identification ability among schizophrenia patients, their first-degree relatives and healthy subjects
Authors: Fukuda Senichi , Ohi Kazutaka , Fujikane Daisuke , Takai Kentaro , Kuramitsu Ayumi , Fujita Koji , Muto Yukimasa , Sugiyama Shunsuke , Shioiri Toshiki 
Published: March 2023

Objective: Olfactory impairments, including identification, have been reported in patients with schizophrenia, while few studies have examined the olfactory function of unaffected first-degree relatives of patients with schizophrenia, and the sample sizes of first-degree relatives were relatively small. Here, we investigated olfactory identification ability among patients with schizophrenia, first-degree relatives and healthy controls (HCs) using relatively large sample sizes at a single institute. Methods: To assess olfactory identification ability, the open essence odorant identification test was administered to 172 schizophrenia patients, 75 first-degree relatives and 158 healthy controls. Differences in olfactory identification and correlations between olfactory ability and clinical variables were examined among these participants. Results: We found a significant difference in olfactory identification ability among the diagnostic groups ( p = 7.65 × 10−16). Schizophrenia patients displayed lower olfactory identification ability than first-degree relatives (Cohen’s d = −0.57, p = 3.13 × 10−6) and healthy controls ( d = −1.00, p = 2.19 × 10−16). Furthermore, first-degree relatives had lower olfactory identification ability than healthy controls ( d = −0.29, p = 0.039). Olfactory identification ability moderately and negatively correlated with the duration of illness ( r = −0.41, p = 1.88 × 10−8) and negative symptoms ( r = −0.28, p = 1.99 × 10−4) in schizophrenia patients, although the correlation with the duration of illness was affected by aging ( r = −0.24). Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that schizophrenia patients have impaired olfactory identification ability compared with first-degree relatives and healthy controls, and the impaired olfactory identification ability of first-degree relatives was intermediate between those in schizophrenia patients and healthy controls. Olfactory identification ability was relatively independent of clinical variables. Therefore, olfactory identification ability might be an intermediate phenotype for schizophrenia.
Childhood emotional abuse and adult mental health at the intersection of social relationship and education
Authors: Jung Jong Hyun , Soo Shi Hui Joy 
Published: March 2023

Background: Previous research has established that childhood emotional abuse has long-term, negative consequences for adult mental health. Yet, less is known about the ways that social relationship and education intersect to shape the link between childhood emotional abuse and mental health in adulthood. Aim: The current study aims to examine whether perceived quality of social relationships moderates the association between childhood emotional abuse and adult mental health. Moreover, it assesses how the moderating effect of perceived quality of social relationship differs across levels of education. Method: The current study analyzes data from the 2012 Korean General Social Survey, a nationally representative sampling of Korean adults. It uses OLS regression models. Results: Childhood emotional abuse is positively associated with depression and psychological distress in adulthood. However, perceived quality of social relationships mitigates the positive association of childhood emotional abuse with depression and psychological distress. Further, this buffering effect of perceived quality of social relationships operates only for individuals with less than or equal to a high school education, but not for individuals with college education or more. Conclusion: The results lend support to the resource substitution thesis, suggesting that positive perceptions of social relationship act as a protective factor against childhood emotional abuse for individuals with lower levels of education.
Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak Associated With a Hot Tub Display at the North Carolina Mountain State Fair, September 2019
Authors: Donovan Catherine V. , MacFarquhar Jennifer K. , Wilson Erica , Sredl Megan , Tanz Lauren J. , Mullendore Jennifer , Fleischauer Aaron , Smith Jessica C. , Lucas Claressa , Kunz Jasen , Moore Zack 
Published: March 2023

Objectives: On September 23, 2019, the North Carolina Division of Public Health identified a legionellosis increase in western North Carolina; most patients had recently attended the North Carolina Mountain State Fair. We conducted a source investigation. Methods: Cases were fair attendees with laboratory-confirmed legionellosis and symptom onset within 2 to 14 days (Legionnaires’ disease) or ≤3 days (Pontiac fever). We conducted a case-control study matching cases to non-ill fair attendees as control participants and an environmental investigation, and we performed laboratory testing ( Legionella bacteria culture and polymerase chain reaction) of 27 environmental samples from fairgrounds and hot tubs and 14 specimens from case patients. We used multivariable unconditional logistic regression models to calculate adjusted odds ratios for potential Legionella exposure sources and risk factors. Results: Of 136 people identified with fair-associated legionellosis, 98 (72%) were hospitalized and 4 (3%) died. Case patients were more likely than control participants to report walking by hot tub displays (adjusted odds ratio = 10.0; 95% CI, 4.2-24.1). Complete hot tub water treatment records were not kept, precluding evaluation of water maintenance conducted on display hot tubs. Legionella pneumophila sequence types (STs) were consistent among 10 typed clinical specimens (ST224) but distinct from the only positive environmental sample from the fair (ST7 and ST8). Conclusions: Hot tub displays were identified as the most likely outbreak source, making this the largest hot tub–associated Legionnaires’ disease outbreak worldwide. Following the investigation, the North Carolina Division of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released guidance on mitigating risk of Legionella exposure from hot tub displays. Results highlight the importance of properly maintaining equipment that aerosolizes water, including hot tubs intended for display purposes only.
3D-printed gelatin/sodium alginate/58S bioactive glass scaffolds promote osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Tu Xinran , Guo Liyang , Li Yang , Tan Guozhong , Chen Rongfeng , Wu Jingwen , Miao Guohou , Guo Lvhua , Zhang Chengfei , Zou Ting , Zhang Yang , Jiang Qianzhou 
Published: March 2023

Three-dimensional (3D)-printed scaffolds are a new strategy to fabricate biomaterials for treating bone defects. Here, using a 3D-printing technique, we fabricated scaffolds consisting of gelatin (Gel), sodium alginate (SA), and 58S bioactive glass (58S BG). To evaluate mechanical properties and biocompatibility of Gel/SA/58S BG scaffolds, the degradation test, compressive strength test, and cytotoxicity test were performed. The effect of the scaffolds on cell proliferation in vitro was determined by 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. To evaluate osteoinductive properties, rBMSCs were cultured on the scaffolds for 7, 14, and 21 days and the expression of osteogenesis-related genes was analyzed using qRT-PCR. To examine the bone healing properties of Gel/SA/58S BG scaffolds in vivo, we used a rat mandibular critical-size defect bone model. The scaffolds were implanted into the defect area of rat mandible and bone regeneration and new tissue formation were assessed using microcomputed tomography (microCT) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The results showed that Gel/SA/58S BG scaffolds had appropriate mechanical strength as a filling material for bone defects. Furthermore, the scaffolds could be compressed within certain limits and then could recover their shape. The extract of the Gel/SA/58S BG scaffold showed no cytotoxicity. In vitro, the expression levels of Bmp2, Runx2, and OCN were increased in rBMSCs cultured on the scaffolds. In vivo, microCT and H&E staining demonstrated that scaffolds induced the formation of new bone at the mandibular defect area. These results indicated that Gel/SA/58S BG scaffolds have excellent mechanical characteristics, biocompatibility, and osteoinductive properties, suggesting that it could be a promising biomaterial for the repair of bone defects.
Effect of boehmite nanoparticles on structural, optical, thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of poly (methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites for flexible optoelectronic devices
Authors: Vyshakh K , Arun K , Sathian Rohith , Furhan AR , Verma Meenakshi , Ramesan MT 
Published: March 2023

The structural, optical, morphological and thermal properties of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/boehmite nanocomposite films were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies. The FT-IR spectra of composites showed the characteristic band of boehmite nanoparticles at 518 cm−1 indicating an effective interaction between PMMA and boehmite. The UV-visible measurements showed that the optical energy gaps for the direct permitted transitions decreased as boehmite content increased. The orientation of nanoparticles observed from XRD revealed that the addition of boehmite increases the crystallinity of PMMA. The SEM analysis showed the uniform distribution of boehmite in the PMMA matrix. The shift in glass transition and melting temperatures to higher temperature domains were revealed by DSC analysis. From the TGA studies, the reinforcement of PMMA with boehmite nanoparticles increases thermal stability. The electrical conductivity was measured using the impedance technique, and it was studied as a function of nanoparticles loading, applied frequency ranging from 100 to 106 Hz and at different temperatures. The AC conductivity of the composite increases with frequency and temperature. The activation energy was also measured for all samples at various applied frequencies, and it was observed that it decreased with increasing nanoparticle loading. The dielectric constant of PMMA increases with nanoparticle concentration up to 7 wt%. The modulus, tensile strength, hardness, and impact properties of the PMMA/boehmite nanocomposite films were significantly enhanced by the reinforcement of nanoparticles into the polymer matrix. The excellent optical properties, mechanical strength and electrical properties obtained for 7 wt% loaded nanocomposite films enable them to be used in the construction of electromagnetic induction shielding materials, conducting adhesives, and flame-resistant flexible optoelectronic devices.
The association between symptom or microscopy based diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and response to treatment in women with recurrent BV
Authors: Ayinde Oluseyi , Ross Jonathan DC 
Published: March 2023

Background Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition, yet accurate diagnosis remains a challenge. We explored symptom and microscopy-based diagnosis of BV and assessed the influence of these diagnostic approaches on treatment response. Methods BV diagnosis based on patient-reported symptoms, and vaginal swab gram stain microscopy at local laboratories and a central laboratory were compared for women recruited into the VITA trial in England. Multivariable analysis was used to assess the association between the method of diagnosis and symptom resolution 2 weeks after metronidazole treatment. Results 517 women presenting with vaginal discharge (470/517 [91%]) and/or malodour (440/517 [85%]) were included. The accuracy of patients’ vaginal symptoms compared to local laboratory microscopy for BV diagnosis were —discharge, sensitivity 90% and specificity 5%; malodour, sensitivity 84% and specificity 12%, and compared to a central laboratory diagnosis were —discharge, sensitivity 91% and specificity 8%; malodour, sensitivity 88% and specificity 18%. 143/204 (70%) participants reported symptom resolution after treatment and this was associated with a positive baseline local laboratory diagnosis (adjusted relative risk—aRR 1.64 [1.02 to 2.64]), but not with a positive central laboratory diagnosis (aRR 1.14 [0.95 to 1.37]). Symptom resolution occurred in 75% (83/111) of women who were symptom positive/central laboratory BV positive compared to 65% (58/89) who were symptom positive/microscopy negative. Conclusion Symptoms correlated poorly with microscopy-based BV diagnosis but two-thirds of women with a symptom positive/microscopy negative diagnosis experienced symptom resolution following metronidazole treatment. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal investigation and treatment for microscopy-negative women with typical BV symptoms.
A targeted literature review of health economic analyses of human papillomavirus vaccination from various countries
Authors: Segal Hannah A , Rashid Nazia 
Published: March 2023

Background Understanding the cost-effectiveness of the HPV vaccine from a global perspective is important to assess from a policy perspective and to support current and future HPV vaccination programs. Objectives The aim of this analysis was to conduct a targeted literature review of published pharmacoeconomic literature on the cost-effectiveness of the HPV vaccine to treat patients in various countries, with a focus on cost-savings and their impact on vaccine recommendations. Methods We searched cost-effectiveness studies in HPV published in peer-reviewed literature from 2012 to 2020 using MEDLINE via the PubMed database and Google Scholar. Results HPV vaccine cost-effectiveness was found to be greatest in low-income countries where screen programs were not yet in place, additionally, in adolescent males and females. The majority of the economic evaluations viewed the implementation of the HPV vaccine as cost-effective and recommended national HPV vaccination. Conclusion The majority of economic studies favored national HPV vaccination for adolescent males and females in various countries. Feasibility of this strategy and implementation remains an open question, in addition to screening coverage rate in countries with no vaccine programs or countries yet to introduce national HPV vaccination.
Social Vulnerability and Psychosocial Resilience in Adolescents and Young Adults From a Community Art Network
Authors: Rivera-Romero Nathaly , Cáliz-Romero Nelly Esther , Laverde Eddy Yazmin 
Published: March 2023

Background: Adolescence is a stage of transition with multiple changes and transformations. It is a critical phase to potentiate or disrupt the life course of human beings. In Latin America, adolescents and young adults from countries like Colombia have unequal access to socioeconomic resources, education, and the job market. This may generate social disadvantages and vulnerability. Aim: We aimed to identify conditions of social vulnerability and psychosocial resilience in the life course of adolescents and young adults from a community art network in Bogota, Colombia. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study with a multivocal design supported by the ethnic-social life history construction. The data were collected using narrative interviews. The interviews were transcribed, coded, categorized, and triangulated according to the principles of grounded theory as an analytical method. We adhered to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist. Results: Eight adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 24 years participated in the study. Five categories emerged: social vulnerability, social environment, artistic processes, psychosocial resilience, and life course. Conclusions: Social vulnerability and psychosocial resilience coexist during the life course of adolescents and young adults. Social support networks and community art processes have the potential to promote psychosocial resilience in adolescents and young adults.
Dialysis nurses’ knowledge, attitude, practice and self-efficacy regarding vascular access: A cross-sectional study in Singapore
Authors: Meng Lingyan , Guo Wei , Lou Lillian , Teo Boon Wee , Ho Pei 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Dialysis nurses play a paramount role in vascular access (VA) management. The aim of this study is to evaluate dialysis nurses’ knowledge, attitude, practice and self-efficacy (KACP-SE) pertaining to VA cannulation and evaluation. Method: An anonymous self-administered survey was administered to dialysis nurses from two tertiary hospitals (four dialysis units) and two community dialysis centres from April to May 2022. The 37-items survey consists of four dimensions of questions relating to VA cannulation and management: knowledge, attitude, practice and self-efficacy. The content validity and face validity of the survey was reviewed by three experienced VA professionals and five dialysis nurses respectively. The internal consistency and construct validity of the survey have been assessed with psychometric tests. Results: There were 23 and 47 nurses, working in the participated community and tertiary hospital dialysis centres respectively, responded to the survey. The internal consistency coefficients indicated acceptable reliability of the instrument (KR-20 coefficient was 0.55 and 0.76 for knowledge and practice domains; Cronbach’s α was 0.85 and 0.64 for self-efficacy and attitude domains). In the exploratory factor analysis for attitude and self-efficacy, the instrument could account for 64.0% and 53.0% of the total variance respectively. In the knowledge domain, five out of eight single-select multiple-choice questions were correctly answered by >70% of the participants. Overall, the mean (±SD) of participants’ total self-efficacy score was 24.3 (±3.1) over total score of 30. The majority of the participants (82.4%) either agreed or strongly agreed that ultrasound guidance is useful for cannulation. Conclusion: This KAP-SE instrument can be used to evaluate knowledge, attitude, practice and self-efficacy of dialysis nurses toward VA management. The participants demonstrated acceptable knowledge level, but with some knowledge gaps identified. It also revealed nurses’ good self-efficacy level and welcoming attitude towards adopting ultrasound in VA cannulation among the participants.
Midline catheters for blood gas and acid/base monitoring in critical patients: A prospective observational study
Authors: Giani Marco , Fumagalli Benedetta , Rezoagli Emanuele , Cannizzo Luigi , Giannini Luciano , D’Amata Dario , Lucchini Alberto , Rona Roberto , Elli Stefano , Foti Giuseppe 
Published: March 2023

Background: Arterial lines and central venous catheter (CVC) allow to monitor patients’ acid-base status and gas exchange. Their placement and maintenance may however be burdened by severe complications. Midline Catheters (MC) are peripheral venous accesses that are less invasive and easier to insert compared to CVC and arterial lines. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed including stabilized critical patients with clinical indication to midline positioning before intensive care unit (ICU) discharge. The primary aim was to assess if venous sampling from MCs can be a reliable alternative to CVC for pH and CO2 monitoring. The secondary aim was to evaluate the correlation between samplings from MC, CVC and arterial line with regards to pH, carbon dioxide tension (pCO2), lactates and electrolytes. Three samples from CVC, arterial line and MC were collected simultaneously. Agreement and correlation of the studied parameters between different sampling sites were explored. Results: 40 patients were included in the analysis. A good agreement for pH and pCO2 was recorded between MC and CVC: mean differences were 0.001 (95% CI −0.006 to 0.007) and 0.7 (−0.1 to 1.5), percentage error 0.4% and 11.2%, respectively. Correlation between MC and both central venous and arterial samples for pH, pCO2, lactates and electrolytes was found to be moderate-to-strong (Pearson’s R coefficient range 0.59–0.99, p < 0.001 for all these parameters). Conclusions: In stabilized critical patients, midline catheters represent a reliable alternative to CVC and arterial lines to monitor acid-base disturbances, CO2 levels and electrolytes. The present findings add to the known advantages of MC, which might be considered a first-line vascular access for non-critical or stabilized patients who do not require infusion of vesicant or irritant drugs.