bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of nursing homes and early preventive measures associated with risk of infection from COVID-19 in Lazio region, Italy: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Orlando Stefano , Mazhari Tuba , Abbondanzieri Alessio , Cerone Gennaro , Ciccacci Fausto , Liotta Giuseppe , Mancinelli Sandro , Marazzi Maria Cristina , Palombi Leonardo 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesTo understand which organisational–structural characteristics of nursing homes—also referred to as long-term care facilities (LTCFs)—and the preventative measures adopted in response to the pandemic are associated with the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak.SettingLTCFs in Lazio region in Italy.DesignThe study adopts a case–control design.ParticipantsWe included 141 facilities and 100 provided information for the study. Cases were defined as facilities reporting a COVID-19 outbreak (two or more cases) in March–December 2020; controls were defined as LTCFs reporting one case or zero. The exposures include the structural–organisational characteristics of the LTCFs as reported by the facilities, preventative measures employed and relevant external factors.ResultsTwenty facilities reported an outbreak of COVID-19. In binary logistic regression models, facilities with more than 15 beds were five times more likely to experience an outbreak than facilities with less than 15 beds OR=5.60 (CI 1.61 to 25.12; p value 0.002); admitting new residents to facilities was associated with a substantially higher risk of an outbreak: 6.46 (CI 1.58 to 27.58, p value 0.004). In a multivariable analysis, facility size was the only variable that was significantly associated with a COVID-19 outbreak OR= 5.37 (CI 1.58 to 22.8; p value 0.012) for larger facilities (>15 beds) versus smaller (<15 beds). Other characteristics and measures were not associated with an outbreak.ConclusionThere was evidence of a higher risk of COVID-19 in larger facilities and when new patients were admitted during the pandemic. All other structural–organisational characteristics and preventative measures were not associated with an outbreak. This finding calls into question existing policies, especially where there is a risk of harm to residents. One such example is the restriction of visitor access to facilities, resulting in the social isolation of residents.
Cardiovascular risk factors and markers of myocardial injury and inflammation in people living with HIV in Nairobi, Kenya: a pilot cross-sectional study
Authors: Ahmed Hassan Adan , Mohamed Jeilan , Akuku Isaiah G , Lee Kuan Ken , Alam Shirjel R , Perel Pablo , Shah Jasmit , Ali Mohammed K , Eskander Sherry , Chung Michael H , Shah Anoop SV 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and explore associations with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hscTnI) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Kenya.DesignPilot cross-sectional study.SettingData were collected from community HIV clinics across two sites in Nairobi, Kenya, from July 2019 to May 2020.ParticipantsConvenience sample of 200 PLHIV (≥30 years with no prior history of CVD).Outcome measuresPrevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and its association with hsTnI and hsCRP levels.ResultsAcross 200 PLHIV (median age 46 years, IQR 38–53; 61% women), the prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia (total cholesterol >6.1 mmol/L) and hypertension were 19% (n=30/199) and 30% (n=60/200), respectively. Smoking and diabetes prevalence was 3% (n=5/200) and 4% (n=7/200). HscTnI was below the limit of quantification (<2.5 ng/L) in 65% (n=109/169). High (>3 mg/L), intermediate (1–3 mg/L) and low (<1 mg/L) hsCRP levels were found in 38% (n=75/198), 33% (n=65/198) and 29% (n=58/198), respectively. Framingham laboratory-based risk scores classified 83% of PLHIV at low risk with 12% and 5% at intermediate and high risk, respectively. Older age (adjusted OR (aOR) per year increase 1.05, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.08) and systolic blood pressure (140–159 mm Hg (aOR 2.96; 95% CI 1.09 to 7.90) and >160 mm Hg (aOR 4.68, 95% CI 1.55 to 14) compared with <140 mm Hg) were associated with hscTnI levels. No associations were observed between hsCRP and CVD risk factors.ConclusionThe majority of PLHIV—using traditional risk estimation systems—have a low estimated CVD risk likely reflecting a younger aged population predominantly consisting of women. Hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia were common while smoking and diabetes rates remained low. While hscTnI values were associated with increasing age and raised blood pressure, no associations between hsCRP levels and traditional cardiovascular risk factors were observed.
Non-pharmacological interventions for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Sarker Anupam , Das Rina , Ether Saraban , Shariful Islam Md , Saif-Ur-Rahman K M 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveDiabetes poses serious health threats and economic burdens to patients, especially in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). This systematic review searches for non-pharmacological interventions for the prevention of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among patients who are non-diabetic and pre-diabetic from LMICs.SettingsLMICs.ParticipantsAdult population aged over 18 years without having diabetes.Primary and secondary outcomesPrimary outcome is to measure the change in the incidence of T2DM. The secondary outcome is to measure changes in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level, weight/body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose level and 2-hour glucose from baseline of the included randomised controlled trials.MethodsThis review has been conducted following the standard systematic review guidelines. A total of six electronic databases including MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched in February 2021 using a comprehensive search strategy.Two sets of independent reviewers performed screening, risk of bias (ROB) assessment using the Cochrane ROB tool and data extraction. Narrative coalescence of selected articles was demonstrated using tables. No meta-analysis was performed due to the lack of homogenous intervention strategies and study settings.ResultA total of five studies were included for the review with a combined population of 1734 from three countries. Three of the studies showed a significant reduction in T2DM incidence after the intervention of physical training and dietary modifications. Four of the studies also demonstrated a significant reduction of different secondary outcomes like weight, BMI, fasting and 2-hour plasma glucose and HbA1c. All the studies demonstrated a low ROB in most of the bias assessment domains with some unclear results in allocation concealments.ConclusionsEmphasising non-pharmacological interventions for T2DM prevention can improve health outcomes and lessen the economic burdens, which will be of paramount importance in LMICs.Systematic review registration numberCRD42020191507
A dynamical model of radiating stars and their thermal behavior
Authors: Verma Grishma , Kumar Rajesh 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we have studied a new class dynamical model of spherically symmetric radiating collapsing stars. The solution of field equations has been discussed by using the boundary condition and obtained all the physical parameters in terms of mass M and surface radius $$R_0$$

R
0

which will be significant in astrophysical applications. We have also studied the thermal behavior of the stars and discussed the horizon formation and its temperature. We have shown that horizon temperature increases with time under certain conditions.
Harmonic flow correlations in Au+Au reactions at 1.23 AGeV: a new testing ground for the equation-of-state and expansion geometry
Authors: Reichert Tom , Steinheimer Jan , Herold Christoph , Limphirat Ayut , Bleicher Marcus 
Published: June 2022

AbstractCorrelations between the harmonic flow coefficients $$v_1$$

v
1

, $$v_2$$

v
2

, $$v_3$$

v
3

and $$v_4$$

v
4

of nucleons in semi-peripheral Au+Au collisions at a beam energy of 1.23 AGeV are investigated within the hadronic transport approach ultra-relativistic quantum molecular dynamics (UrQMD). In contrast to ultra-relativistic collision energies (where the flow coefficients are evaluated with respect to the respective event plane), we predict strong correlations between the flow harmonics with respect to the reaction plane. Based on an event-by-event selection of the midrapidity final state elliptic flow of nucleons we show that as a function of rapidity, (I) the sign of the triangular flow changes, (II) that the shape of $$v_4$$

v
4

changes from convex to concave, and (III) that $$v_3\propto v_1v_2$$

v
3

∝

v
1

v
2

and $$v_4\propto v_2^2$$

v
4

∝

v
2
2

for all different event classes, indicating strong correlations between all investigated harmonic flow coefficients.
Enhancing Job Awareness Through Career Exploration Course – A Report
Authors: Ling Wong Ngan , Lau Kui-Ling Emily 
Published: June 2022

In recent years, in developed countries such as the USA, Europe and Japan, ‘career search behaviour’ awareness and practice via university courses have been a keen focus. However, this is not the case in Malaysia, even worse is, university students do not think about it at all. This career exploration course was introduced with the aim to raise undergraduate students’ awareness toward job searching before graduation. This was a 14-week career exploration introductory course with four main interventions; 1) to set your future career goal, conduct an interview with a graduated senior from the same faculty, who work in the industry you are interested in and then share with your course mate the interview results and what you have learned from the interview via oral presentation, 2) once the career goal is set, learn the techniques of making career-related documents(e.g., resume writing), 3)do a self-examination on the knowledge and skills required in the job market and make a career searching action plan, 4) share and discuss your actual job search action plan via second oral presentation. Learning achievement is measured via continuous assessments and final written examination. Excerpts from the written examination revealed that students were more aware of the importance of conducting job searching activities before graduation and skills learned on career-related documents and writing the job search action plan have been useful to them.
Turkish imams and their role in decision-making in palliative care: A Directed Content and Narrative analysis
Authors: Muishout George , Topcu Nuray , de la Croix Anne , Wiegers Gerard , van Laarhoven Hanneke WM 
Published: June 2022

Background: Muslims are the largest religious minority in Europe. When confronted with life-threatening illness, they turn to their local imams for religious guidance. Aim: To gain knowledge about how imams shape their roles in decision-making in palliative care. Design: Direct Content Analysis through a typology of imam roles. To explore motives, this was complemented by Narrative Analysis. Setting/Participants: Ten Turkish imams working in the Netherlands, with experience in guiding congregants in palliative care. Results: The roles of Jurist, Exegete, Missionary, Advisor and Ritual Guide were identified. Three narratives emerged: Hope can work miracles, Responsibility needs to be shared, and Mask your grief. Participants urged patients not to consent to withholding or terminating treatment but to search for a cure, since this might be rewarded with miraculous healing. When giving consent seemed unavoidable, the fear of being held responsible by God for wrongful death was often managed by requesting fatwa from committees of religious experts. Relatives were urged to hide their grief from dying patients so they would not lose hope in God. Conclusion: Imams urge patients’ relatives to show faith in God by seeking maximum treatment. This attitude is motivated by the fear that all Muslims involved will be held accountable by God for questioning His omnipotence to heal. Therefore, doctors may be urged to offer treatment that contradicts medical standards for good palliative care. To bridge this gap, tailor-made palliative care should be developed in collaboration with imams. Future research might include imams of other Muslim organizations.
Outcomes After Primary Hip Arthroscopy in Athletes Older Than 40 Years Compared With Nonathletes
Authors: Saks Benjamin R. , Monahan Peter F. , Hawkins Gavin C. , Maldonado David R. , Jimenez Andrew E. , Sabetian Payam W. , Lall Ajay C. , Domb Benjamin G. 
Published: June 2022

Background: Master athletes (MAs), or athletes older than 40 years, make up a patient population whose outcomes after primary arthroscopic hip surgery are largely unknown. Purpose: To report minimum 2-year outcomes of MAs after primary hip arthroscopy and compare their results to a propensity-matched nonathlete (NA) control group. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Data were prospectively collected between February 2008 and April 2019 and retrospectively reviewed for all patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy. Patients were included if they were older than 40 years and had preoperative data for the modified Harris Hip Score, Nonarthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score–Sports Specific Subscale, and visual analog scale score for pain. MAs reported participating in organized sports competition within 1 year before surgery and were propensity matched to a control group of patients who did not report participating in organized sports competition (NAs). Patient characteristics, radiographic and intraoperative findings, surgical procedures performed, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were reported and compared between the groups. The rates of achieving the minimal clinically important difference and maximum outcome improvement satisfaction threshold were recorded. Results: A total of 366 hips were eligible; 328 (89.6%) had adequate follow-up data. 328 patients met inclusion criteria but 88 were not included due to the restrictions of the propensity score match ratio. Of these, 80 hips (76 patients) were classified as MAs (mean age, 48.9 ± 6.2 years) and were propensity matched 1:2 to an NA control group. Groups were comparable for baseline demographic and radiographic parameters, intraoperative findings, and procedures performed. MAs had significantly better baseline and minimum 2-year PROM scores ( P < .05), higher satisfaction ( P = .01), and higher rates of achieving clinically meaningful improvement across all the outcome tools used ( P < .05). MAs, when compared with NAs, had lower rates of secondary arthroscopy (0% vs 7.5%, respectively; P = .001) and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (12.5% vs 26.9%, respectively; P = .011). Conclusion: MAs demonstrated favorable outcomes after primary hip arthroscopy. When compared with a propensity score–matched control group of NA patients, MAs demonstrated better preoperative and postoperative PROMs, higher rates of clinically meaningful improvement, and lower rates of secondary arthroscopy and conversion to total hip arthroplasty. Absolute improvements in PROM scores were similar between the groups.
Celecoxib, Beyond Anti-inflammation, Alleviates Tendon-Derived Stem Cell Senescence in Degenerative Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Authors: Cai Zhuochang , Zhang Yao , Liu Shen , Liu Xudong 
Published: June 2022

Background: Degenerative rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT) is associated with the senescence of tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been demonstrated to alleviate age-associated inflammation (inflamm-aging)–induced cellular senescence of skeletal stem/progenitor cells. However, whether they can alleviate degenerative RCT through reducing inflamm-aging–related TDSC senescence is still unknown. Purpose: To assess whether celecoxib can prevent the inflamm-aging–related cellular senescence of TDSCs. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: TDSCs were isolated from degenerative RCT tendons (S-TDSCs) and healthy hamstring tendons (Y-TDSCs), and the cellular senescence of TDSCs was evaluated. Thereafter, the senescent TDSC-conditioned medium (SEN-CM) was collected to culture Y-TDSCs with or without celecoxib. The effects of celecoxib on TDSC senescence were examined by assaying the expression of aging-related markers. Furthermore, the level of the NF-κB pathway was determined by Western blot analysis to explore the underlying mechanism. Its effects on preventing dysfunction of inflamm-aging–induced senescent TDSCs were also determined using multilineage differentiation assay. Results: S-TDSCs showed increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and enhanced expression of γ-H2AX, p21CIP1A, p16INK4A, and senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors. SEN-CM accelerated the senescence progress of Y-TDSCs, resulting in an increase in senescence markers. To some extent, celecoxib treatment could prevent the detrimental effects of inflamm-aging on Y-TDSCs. The level of the NF-κB pathway was increased in the SEN-CM group but decreased with the use of celecoxib. Moreover, the reduced senescence of TDSCs resulted in preservation of the TDSC tenogenic potential. Conclusion: Celecoxib treatment can prevent inflamm-aging–induced TDSC senescence, which holds potential for alleviating the development of degenerative RCT. Clinical Relevance: In addition to relieving the symptoms of patients with RCT, treatment with celecoxib, a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, may defer the development of RCT and prevent rotator cuff tears by delaying TDSC senescence.
Glenoid Bone Loss Directly Affects Hill-Sachs Morphology: An Advanced 3-Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Peebles Liam A. , Golijanin Petar , Peebles Annalise M. , Douglass Brenton W. , Arner Justin W. , Provencher Matthew T. 
Published: June 2022

Background: While the glenoid track concept presents a useful prediction for recurrent glenohumeral instability, little is known about the humeral head bony architecture as it relates to glenoid erosion in the setting of bipolar bone loss. Purpose: To (1) qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the interplay between glenoid bone loss (GBL) and Hill-Sachs lesions (HSLs) in a cohort of patients with anterior instability using 3-dimensional imaging software and (2) assess the relationships between GBL and HSL characteristics. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients were identified who had anterior shoulder instability with a minimum 5% GBL and evidence of HSL confirmed on computed tomography. Unilateral 3-dimensional models of the ipsilateral proximal humeral head and en face sagittal oblique view of the glenoid were reconstructed using MIMICS software (Materialise NV). GBL surface area, width, defect length, and glenoid track width were quantified. The volume, surface area, width, and depth of identified HSLs were quantified with their location (medial, superior, and inferior extent) on the humeral head. Severity of GBL was defined as percentage glenoid bone surface area loss and categorized as low grade (5%-10%), moderate grade (>10% to 20%), high grade (>20% to 30%), and extensive (>30%). Analysis of variance was then computed to determine significance ( P < .05) between severity of GBL and associated HSL parameters. Results: In total, 100 patients met inclusion criteria (mean age, 27.9 years; range, 18-43 years), which included 58 right shoulders and 42 left shoulders (84 male, 16 female). Among groups, there were 32 patients with low-grade GBL (mean GBL = 6.1%), 38 with moderate grade (mean GBL = 16.2%), 17 with high grade (mean GBL = 23.7%), and 13 with extensive (mean GBL = 34.0%), with an overall mean GBL of 18.1% (range, 5%-39%). Patients with 5%-10% GBL had significantly narrower HSLs (average and maximum width; P < .03) and deeper HSLs (average depth; P = .002) as compared with all other GBL groups, while greater GBL was associated with wider and shallower HSLs. GBL width, percentage width loss, defect length, and glenoid track width all significantly differed across the 4 GBL groups ( P < .05). Conclusion: HSLs had significantly different morphological characteristics depending on the severity of GBL, indicating that GBL was directly related to the characteristics of HSLs. Patients presenting with smaller glenoid defects had significantly narrower and deeper HSLs with less humeral head surface area loss, while greater GBL was associated with wider and shallower HSLs.
Synthesis of quaternary copolymerized fluorine-containing polyimides with good thermal properties and low dielectric constant
Authors: Zhao Lu , Ma Xiangjun , Huang Qilong , Lu Chonghao , Cao Xianwu 
Published: June 2022

Novel fluorine-containing polyimides were synthesized through copolymerization by using 2,3,3′,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (α-BPDA) and 4,4′-(4,4′-isopropydenediphenox-y) bis-(phthalic anhydride) (BPADA) as dianhydrides and 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA) and 2,2 - Bis [4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]-hexafluoropropanane (HFBAPP) as diamines. Noncoplanar structure, flexible ether bond, and trifluoromethyl give the polyimide good thermoplastic, solubility, and heat resistance. The glass transition temperatures of polyimide films are 232.5°C∼262.2°C, the 5% weight loss temperatures are 521.5°C∼531.0°C, and the residual mass is more than 50% as heating to 800°C. With the increase of HFBAPP content in diamine, the dielectric constant of the material decreases from 3.21 to 2.78, and the dielectric loss decreases from 0.00962 to 0.00687 at 1 MHz, which greatly improves the dielectric properties of the material.
Lack of Access to Rifaximin Upon Hospital Discharge Is Frequent and Results in Increased Hospitalizations for Hepatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Stoll Ann Marie , Guido Maria , Pence Alicia , Gentene Anthony J. 
Published: June 2022

Background Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complication of cirrhosis. Rifaximin, added to lactulose, effectively maintains remission and reduces hospitalizations from HE compared with lactulose alone. Although the clinical evidence supports the use of rifaximin, concerns remain regarding the financial implications and subsequent impact on medication access and outcomes. Objective The goal of this study was to determine whether medication access to rifaximin at hospital discharge reduces readmission and office visits related to HE. Methods A retrospective study was conducted in compliance with local institutional review board including cirrhotic patients discharged with a rifaximin prescription for HE. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: those able to obtain rifaximin and those unable to obtain rifaximin upon discharge. The primary outcome was to evaluate the rate of HE recurrence in each group as defined as a composite of readmission or office visit for acute HE within 12 months of discharge. Results Access to rifaximin significantly reduced the risk of hospital admission and office visit for acute HE over 12 months. A hospitalization or office visit occurred in 24.5% of patients in the medication access group compared with 50% in the group without medication access. Only 58% of patients had access to rifaximin at discharge. Conclusion and Relevance Rifaximin use was associated with significantly reduced risk of hospitalization and office visits for HE. At discharge, 42% of patients did not have access to rifaximin regardless of being prescribed the medication, identifying that copay is a significant barrier in allowing patients to have access to rifaximin.