bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationships Between Diagnosis, Bacterial Isolation, and Antibiotic Prescription in Out Patients With Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms in Rural Anhui, China
Authors: Xingrong Shen , Rui Feng , Jing Chai , Jing Cheng , Oliver Isabel , Lambert Helen , Wang Debin 
Published: February 2022

ObjectivesThis paper aims to explore the direct associations of antibiotics prescription with clinical diagnosis and bacterial detection. It also analyses the relations of clinical diagnosis with symptoms and bacterial detection, with a hope of revealing indirect links to antibiotic prescription.MethodsThe study was implemented in one village clinic and one township health center in each of four rural residential areas in Anhui Province, China. Observations were conducted to record clinical diagnosis and antibiotic prescription. A semi-structured questionnaire survey was used to collected patients' sociodemographic information and reported symptoms. Sputum and throat swabs were collected for bacterial culture.ResultsAmong 1,068 patients presenting in the study settings who received a diagnosis of respiratory tract infection (RTI), 87.8% of prescriptions included an antibiotic and 35.8% included two or more antibiotics. Symptomatic RTI patients to the site clinics were diagnosed mainly as having upper respiratory tract infection (32.0%), bronchitis/tracheitis (23.4%), others (16.6%), pharyngitis (11.1%), common cold (8.0%), pneumonia/bronchopneumonia (4.6%) and tonsillitis (4.3%). These clinical diagnosis were associated with symptoms to a varied degree especially for upper respiratory tract infection and bronchitis/tracheitis. Prescription of any antibiotics was positively associated with diagnosis of bronchitis/tracheitis (OR: 5.00, 95% CI: 2.63–9.51), tonsillitis (OR: 4.63, 95% CI: 1.48–14.46), pneumonia/bronchopneumonia (OR: 4.28, 95% CI: 1.40–13.04), pharyngitis (OR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.57–6.59) and upper respiratory tract infection (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.75–5.27). Prescription of two or more antibiotics was statistically significant related to diagnosis of bronchitis/ tracheitis (OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.44–3.35) or tonsillitis (OR: 2.97, 95% CI: 1.47–6.00). About 30% of the patients were identified with some type of bacteria. Bacteria detection was linked with pharyngitis (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.28–0.88) but not prescription of antibiotics.ConclusionsAntibiotics prescription were found with a strong relation to diagnosis of RTIs given by the clinician but was not associated with the presence of bacteria in patient samples. Part of the diagnosis may have been given by the clinician to justify their antibiotics prescription. There is clear need to use additional measures (e.g., symptoms) in conjunction with diagnosis to supervise or audit excessive antibiotics use.
Barriers to Accessing Primary Care and Appropriateness of Healthcare Among Immigrants in Italy
Authors: Di Napoli Anteo , Ventura Martina , Spadea Teresa , Giorgi Rossi Paolo , Bartolini Letizia , Battisti Laura , Cacciani Laura , Caranci Nicola , Cernigliaro Achille , De Giorgi Marcello , Fanolla Antonio , Lazzeretti Marco , Mininni Mariangela , Mirisola Concetta , Petrelli Alessio 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe health status and health care needs of immigrant populations must be assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate barriers to accessing primary care and the appropriateness of health care among resident immigrants in Italy, using indicators regarding maternal health, avoidable hospitalization, and emergency care.MethodsCross-sectional study using some indicators of the National Monitoring System of Health Status and Healthcare of the Immigrant Population (MSHIP), coordinated by the National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty (INMP), calculated on perinatal care, hospital discharge, and emergency department databases for the years 2016–2017 in nine Italian regions (Piedmont, Trento, Bolzano, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Umbria, Latium, Basilicata, Sicily). The analyses were conducted comparing immigrant and Italian residents.ResultsCompared to Italian women, immigrant women had fewer than five gynecological examinations (8.5 vs. 16.3%), fewer first examinations after the 12th week of gestational age (3.8 vs. 12.5%), and fewer than two ultrasounds (1.0 vs. 3.8%). Compared to Italians, immigrants had higher standardized rates (× 1,000 residents) of avoidable hospitalizations (males: 2.1 vs. 1.4; females: 0.9 vs. 0.7) and of access to emergency departments for non-urgent conditions (males: 62.0 vs. 32.7; females: 52.9 vs. 31.4).ConclusionsIn Italy, there appear to be major issues regarding accessing services and care for the immigrant population. Policies aimed at improving socioeconomic conditions and promoting integration can promote healthy lifestyles and appropriate access to health care, counteracting the emergence of health inequities in the immigrant population.
Prognostic Impact of Surgical Margin in Hepatectomy on Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Lin Yeting , Xu Jiaxuan , Hong Jiaze , Si Yuexiu , He Yujing , Zhang Jinhang 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveThis study aims to comprehensively evaluate the prognostic impact of the surgical margin in hepatectomy on patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsA comprehensive and systematic search for eligible articles published in English before July 2021 was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase electronic databases. The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were the primary endpoints.ResultsIn total, 37 observational studies with 12,295 cases were included in this meta-analysis. The results revealed that a wide surgical margin (≥1 cm) was associated with better OS (hazard ration (HR), 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.63–0.77) and DFS (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.61–0.71) compared to a narrow surgical margin (&lt;1 cm). Subgroup analyses were conducted based on median follow-up time, gender, country, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) status, tumor number, and liver cirrhosis. The prognostic benefit of a wide surgical margin was consistent in most subgroups, however, analysis of studies from Western countries showed that margin width was not associated with prognosis.ConclusionIn summary, a surgical margin wider than 1 cm prolongs the long-term prognosis of HCC patients compared to a surgical margin narrower than 1 cm.
Correlation and Influencing Factors Between Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease and Sleep Status in Patients
Authors: Liu Yue , Wu Jian , Xiao Feng , Gu Xiaofeng , Ji Li 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveTo observe the correlation between laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) and patients' sleep status, and to explore the related factors of LPRD.MethodsFour hundred and sixteen patients who visited the otorhinolaryngology clinic in our hospital from June 2019 to June 2021 were selected as the research subjects. According to the scale of reflux symptom index, the subjects were divided into a patients group (120 patients) with an the reflux symptom index (RSI) &gt; 13 and a control group (296 patients) with an RSI ≤ 13 according to the RSI scale score. General patient information was collected. The sleep state and emotional state of patients in the two groups were evaluated, and the related influencing factors for LPRD were also evaluated. The correlation between sleep state and depression in LPRD patients was analyzed.ResultsFour hundred and sixteen patients were divided into patients group and control group according to RSI score, the ratio of the two groups was 1:2.47. In the patients group, the common symptoms of RSI score and the top three of the total score were as follows: Foreign body sensation in throat in 112 patients, 438 points; Keep voice clear in 108 patients, 381 points; Excessive phlegm or nasal discharge reflux in 101 patients, 348 points. The PSQI and HADS scores in the patients group were higher than those in the control group (t = 19.990, 13.007, 14.690, P all &lt;0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that high-fat diet and high PSQI score were the risk factors for the development of LPRD (P = 0.012, P = 0.007). According to the PSQI score, the patients in the patients group were divided into 35 patients with abnormal PSQI score, 85 patients with normal PSQI score, and the HADS scores of those with abnormal PSQI score were all lower than those with normal PSQI score (P &gt; 0.05). The PSQI score of the patients in the patients group was positively correlated with the HADS score (r = 0.714, P = 0.013).ConclusionSleep disorder may lead to the occurrence or aggravation of anxiety and depression in patients with LPRD, and it is an independent risk factor for the development of LPRD. Clinical attention to the treatment of sleep disorders in patients with LPRD may be conducive to improving the efficacy of LPRD.
The Enigmatic Avian Oogenus Psammornis: A Review of Stratigraphic Evidence
Authors: Buffetaut Eric 
Published: February 2022

Psammornis rothschildi is an avian taxon established by Andrews in 1911 on the basis of eggshell fragments surface-collected near the city of Touggourt, in the north-eastern part of the Algerian Sahara. Since the initial discovery, a number of Psammornis specimens have been reported from various localities in North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania) and the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Iran). Most of the finds lack a stratigraphic context, which has resulted in considerable confusion about the geological age of Psammornis, with attributions ranging from the Eocene to the Holocene. A review of the available evidence shows that only two groups of localities provide reasonably reliable stratigraphic evidence: the Segui Formation of SW Tunisia, apparently of latest Miocene age, and the Aguerguerian (Middle Pleistocene) of NW Mauritania. This suggests a fairly long time range for Psammornis. Psammornis eggs are, in all likelihood, those of giant ostriches, although the lack of associated skeletal material makes it difficult to interpret the eggshell fragments in evolutionary terms. However, the oological record suggests that giant ostriches have been present in Africa since the late Miocene, which leads to the reconsideration of some hypotheses about the palaeobiogeographical history of the Struthionidae. The lack of Psammornis eggs transformed by humans suggests that this giant ostrich did not survive until Epipalaeolthic or Neolithic times.
Longitudinal Associations between Low Serum Bicarbonate and Linear Growth in Children with CKD
Authors: Brown Denver D. , Carroll Megan , Ng Derek K. , Levy Rebecca V. , Greenbaum Larry A. , Kaskel Frederick J. , Furth Susan L. , Warady Bradley A. , Melamed Michal L. , Dauber Andrew 
Published: February 2022

Background
Poor linear growth is a consequence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that has been linked to adverse outcomes. Metabolic acidosis (MA) has been identified as a risk factor for growth failure. We investigated the longitudinal relationship between MA and linear growth in children with CKD and examined whether treatment of MA modified linear growth.

Methods
To describe longitudinal associations between MA and linear growth, we used serum bicarbonate levels, height measurements, and standard deviation (z scores) of children enrolled in the prospective cohort study Chronic Kidney Disease in Children. Analyses were adjusted for covariates recognized as correlating with poor growth, including demographic characteristics, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), proteinuria, calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and CKD duration. CKD diagnoses were analyzed by disease categories, nonglomerular or glomerular.

Results
The study population included 1082 children with CKD: 808 with nonglomerular etiologies and 274 with glomerular etiologies. Baseline serum bicarbonate levels ≤22 mEq/L were associated with worse height z scores in all children. Longitudinally, serum bicarbonate levels ≤18 and 19–22 mEq/L were associated with worse height z scores in children with nonglomerular CKD causes, with adjusted mean values of –0.39 (95% CI, –0.58 to –0.2) and –0.17 (95% CI, –0.28 to –0.05), respectively. Children with nonglomerular disease and more severe GFR impairment had a higher risk for worse height z score. A significant association was not found in children with glomerular diseases. We also investigated the potential effect of treatment of MA on height in children with a history of alkali therapy use, finding that only persistent users had a significant positive association between their height z score and higher serum bicarbonate levels.

Conclusions
We observed a longitudinal association between MA and lower height z score. Additionally, persistent alkali therapy use was associated with better height z scores. Future clinical trials of alkali therapy need to evaluate this relationship prospectively.
Predictors of Hyperkalemia among Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis Transported to the Emergency Department by Ambulance
Authors: Vinson Amanda J. , Zanjir Wayel , Nallbani Megi , Goldstein Judah , Swain Janel , Clark David A. , More Keigan M. , Manderville John R. , Fok Patrick T. , Wiemer Hana , Tennankore Karthik K. 
Published: February 2022

Background
Hyperkalemia is common among patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) and is associated with mortality. We hypothesized that clinical characteristics available at time of paramedic assessment before emergency department (ED) ambulance transport (ambulance-ED) would associate with severe hyperkalemia (K≥6 mmol/L). Rapid identification of patients who are at risk for hyperkalemia and thereby hyperkalemia-associated complications may allow paramedics to intervene in a timely fashion, including directing emergency transport to dialysis-capable facilities.

Methods
Patients on maintenance HD from a single paramedic provider region, who had at least one ambulance-ED and subsequent ED potassium from 2014 to 2018, were examined using multivariable logistic regression to create risk prediction models inclusive of prehospital vital signs, days from last dialysis, and the presence of prehospital electrocardiogram (ECG) features of hyperkalemia. We used bootstrapping with replacement to validate each model internally, and performance was assessed by discrimination and calibration.

Results
Among 704 ambulance-ED visits, severe hyperkalemia occurred in 75 (11%); 26 patients with ED hyperkalemia did not have a prehospital ECG. Younger age at transport, longer HD vintage, more days from last hemodialysis session (OR=49.84; 95% CI, 7.72 to 321.77 for ≥3 days versus HD the same day [before] ED transport), and prehospital ECG changes (OR=6.64; 95% CI, 2.31 to 19.12) were independently associated with severe ED hyperkalemia. A model incorporating these factors had good discrimination (c-statistic 0.82; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.89) and, using a cutoff of 25% probability, correctly classified patients 89% of the time.

Conclusions
Characteristics available at the time of ambulance-ED were associated with severe ED hyperkalemia. An awareness of these associations may allow health care providers to define novel care pathways to ensure timely diagnosis and management of hyperkalemia.
Size-Dependent Reaction Mechanism of
λ
-MnO
2
Particles as Cathodes in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
Authors: Tang Zhichu , Chen Wenxiang , Lyu Zhiheng , Chen Qian 
Published: February 2022

Manganese dioxide (MnO
2
) with different crystal structures has been widely investigated as the cathode material for Zn-ion batteries, among which spinel
λ
-MnO
2
is yet rarely reported because Zn-ion intercalation in spinel lattice is speculated to be limited by the narrow three-dimensional tunnels. In this work, we demonstrate that Zn-ion insertion in spinel lattice can be enhanced by reducing particle size and elucidate an intriguing electrochemical reaction mechanism dependent on particle size. Specifically,
λ
-MnO
2
nanoparticles (NPs, ~80 nm) deliver a high capacity of 250 mAh/g at 20 mA/g due to large surface area and solid-solution type phase transition pathway. Meanwhile, severe water-induced Mn dissolution leads to the poor cycling stability of NPs. In contrast, micron-sized
λ
-MnO
2
particles (MPs, ~0.9
μ
m) unexpectedly undergo an activation process with the capacity continuously increasing over the first 50 cycles, which can be attributed to the formation of amorphous MnO
x
nanosheets in the open interstitial space of the MP electrode. By adding MnSO
4
to the electrolyte, Mn dissolution can be suppressed, leading to significant improvement in the cycling performance of NPs, with a capacity of 115 mAh/g retained at 1 A/g for over 500 cycles. This work pinpoints the distinctive impacts of the particle size on the reaction mechanism and cathode performance in aqueous Zn-ion batteries.
The Role of Research Methodology in Enhancing Postgraduate Students Research Experience
Authors: Daniel Ben 
Published: February 2022

Postgraduate student research experience is key to understanding the quality of postgraduate education. This article presents the critical factors that can enhance postgraduate students' research experience. The research explored postgraduate students' research experiences (n=116) at a research-intensive public university in New Zealand. The aim was to inform the development of a more personalised and scalable research methodology programme. The study identified several factors that can significantly enhance the postgraduate research experience, including the quality of supervision, institutional and department support, personal investment, and financial support. Also, the study found that courses on research methodology play an essential role in improving the postgraduate experience. In particular, providing research methodology education to students during candidacy enriches postgraduate research experience and contributes to the timely completion of postgraduate education. Despite the demonstrated significance of research methodology in postgraduate education, findings revealed that students are generally dissatisfied with the design and teaching of current courses on research methods. Students said courses on research methods are pedagogically monolithic, conceptual challenging, and inflexibly adaptive to individual future career trajectories. Findings also suggest that the way research methods are taught is disengaged from practical problems, with some teaching focused on the higher level of abstraction, with less opportunity to apply what is gained from research methods courses. This research contributes to the growing need to transform the way we design and teach courses on research methods, and the importance employing a research-led approach to inform the transformation.
THE MAIN TRENDS OF THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY
Authors: Клунко Н.С. , Сироткина Н.В. 
Published: February 2022

Введение. Целью статьи является определение основных трендов цифровой трансформации фармацевтической отрасли по материалам актуальных научных исследований. Теория. Реализация логистического подхода основана на разработке и внедрении оптимизационных математических методов и моделей. При создании таких моделей возникает ряд проблем, связанных с математической постановкой задачи, выбором критерия оптимизации, методов и средств решения. Поэтому разработка адекватных экономико-математических моделей и методов является важным звеном в теоретических и прикладных исследованиях. Данные и методы. Автором рассмотрены основные направления цифровизации фармацевтической отрасли, которые на практике связаны с реализацией новейшей концепции развития - «Pharma 4.0». В частности, описаны возможности и результаты практического использования в фармацевтическом производстве таких технологий, как «интернет вещей», «облачные вычисления», «блокчейн», «искусственный интеллект». Полученные результаты. Автором определено, что данные технологии в ХХI столетии будут определять развитие стран и фармацевтических компаний, обеспечивать их конкурентоспособность и эффективность производства. Заключение. Сделан вывод о необходимости комплексного внедрения данных технологий в деятельность российских фармацевтических компаний с тем, чтобы войти в лидеры мировой фармацевтической индустрии.
Introduction. The purpose of the article is to determine the main trends in the digital transformation of the pharmaceutical industry based on the materials of current scientific research. Theory. The implementation of the logistics approach is based on the development and implementation of optimization mathematical methods and models. When creating such models, a number of problems arise related to the mathematical formulation of the problem, the choice of optimization criteria, methods and means of solution. Therefore, the development of adequate economic and mathematical models and methods is an important link in theoretical and applied research. Data and methods. The author considers the main directions of digitalization of the pharmaceutical industry, which in practice are associated with the implementation of the latest development concept - "Pharma 4.0". In particular, the possibilities and results of practical use in pharmaceutical production of such technologies as "Internet of things", "cloud computing", "blockchain", "artificial intelligence"are described. The results obtained. The author determines that these technologies in the XXI century will determine the development of countries and pharmaceutical companies, ensure their competitiveness and production efficiency. Conclusion. The conclusion is made about the need for the integrated implementation of these technologies in the activities of Russian pharmaceutical companies in order to become the leaders of the world pharmaceutical industry.
IMPROVING THE MOTIVATION SYSTEM PERSONNEL IN THE CSS DEPARTMENT OF THE COMPANY "ATOS IT SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES" LLC IN VORONEZH
Authors: Франовская Г.Н. , Кнышева Н.В. 
Published: February 2022

Введение. В статье представлены главные векторы совершенствования мотивационно-компенсационной политики персонала в отделе CSS компании ООО «Атос АйТи Солюшенс энд Сервисез» в Воронеже. Данные и методы. В статье использованы следующие методы исследований: аналитический обзор мотивационной политики международной компании «Атос АйТи Солюшенс энд Сервисез», эмпирические исследования на основе опроса сотрудников ООО «Атос АйТи Солюшенс энд Сервисез» в Воронеже, методы моделирования и сценарного подхода. Полученные результаты. Формирование комплекса инструментов совершенствования системы мотивации персонала в международных компаниях, функционирующих в России. Заключение. Предложенные в исследовании меры по совершенствованию компенсационно-мотивационной политики исследуемой компании приведут к росту заинтересованности сотрудников в работе, их вовлеченности, преданности и социальной активности.
Introduction. The article presents the main improvements in personnel motivation in the CSS department of the company "Atos IT Solutions and Services" LLC in Voronezh. Data and methods. The article uses the following research methods: an analytical review of the motivational policy of the international company Atos IT Solutions and Services, empirical research based on a survey of employees of Atos IT Solutions and Services LLC in Voronezh, modeling methods and a scenario approach. The results obtained. Formation of a set of tools for improving the personnel motivation system in international companies operating in Russia. Conclusion. The measures proposed in the study to improve the compensation and motivation policy of the company under study will lead to an increase in employees ' interest in work, their involvement, dedication and social activity.