bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing a Risk Prediction Model for Early Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Maze Procedure
Authors: Seyedhoseinpour Amirhosein , Vasheghani-Farahani Ali , Abbasi Kyomars , Jalali Arash , Zahed Tajreshi Farbod , Fazeli Amir , Ghorashi Seyyed Mojtaba , Omidi Negar 
Published: March 2022

Background:
The efficiency of maze is a safe procedure in AF patients who underwent concomitant mitral valve surgery was more than 60%. The aim of this study was to define predictors of early AF recurrence after concomitant maze procedure with valvular surgery.

Methods:
In this retrospective study, 234 patients with AF underwent concomitant valvular replacement and maze procedure. Patients were classified into 2 groups of sinus and atrial fibrillation (AF). Baseline characteristics of patients were then compared between 2 groups.

Results:
Totally, 234 patients were enrolled, 148 of which maintained sinus rhythm during hospitalization. Left atrial diameter and type of valvular surgery were similar in both groups. Age, number of replaced valves, concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting, and history of preoperative persistent AF and beta-blocker therapy were independent predictors of in-hospital AF recurrence. We used these variables to build a model to anticipate early AF recurrence.

Conclusions:
Being older, multivalvular surgery, and persistent preoperative AF were the predictors of higher risk of early recurrent AF, whereas concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting and using beta-blocker had a protective effect. This model based on preoperative and operative characteristics can help us to better evaluate if the patient benefits from maze procedure coincide with valvular surgery.
Pain severity ratings in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases: a versatile tool for rapid assessment
Authors: Hay Ginea , Korwisi Beatrice , Rief Winfried , Smith Blair H. , Treede Rolf-Detlef , Barke Antonia 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
An improved classification of chronic pain is included in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. For all diagnoses of chronic pain, an optional dimensional code for the chronic pain severity will supplement the categorical diagnoses. Pain severity combines pain intensity, pain-related interference, and pain-related distress. Each component is rated by the patient on a numerical rating scale (NRS) from 0 to 10 and subsequently translated into severity stages (“mild,” “moderate,” and “severe”). This study aimed to evaluate this severity code by comparing the ratings with established psychometric measures of pain-related interference and distress. An online survey was posted to self-help groups for chronic pain, and 595 participants (88.7% women, 59.5 ± 13.5 years) rated each of the severity parameters (pain intensity, pain-related interference, and pain-related distress) on an NRS from 0 to 10 and completed the Pain Disability Index and the Pain Coping Questionnaire (FESV, 3 subscales). The participants reported a mean pain intensity of 6.4 ± 1.9, mean pain-related interference of 6.7 ± 2.1, and mean pain-related distress of 5.7 ± 2.5. The respective NRS ratings showed substantial correlations with the Pain Disability Index score (r = 0.65) and the FESV subscales (r = 0.65, r = 0.56, r = 0.37). The extension code for pain severity is a valid and efficient way of recording additional dimensional pain parameters, which can be used to monitor the course of chronic pain and its treatment. The specifier's efficiency makes it possible to use the code when a questionnaire would not be feasible due to time constraints, such as in primary care.
Prevalence, Anatomic Distribution, and Correlates of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections Among a Cohort of Men Who Have Sex With Men in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Adamson Paul C. , Bhatia Ramona , Tran Khoa D.C. , Bui Hao T.M. , Vu Diep , Shiraishi Ray W. , Giang Le Minh 
Published: March 2022

Background

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) disproportionately affect men who have sex with men (MSM). Data on the prevalence, anatomical distribution, and correlates of NG and CT infections among MSM in Vietnam are limited.

Methods
Between July 2017 and April 2019, MSM 16 years or older without HIV were enrolled into an observational cohort study. Baseline data, including sociodemographics, sexual behavior, and HIV status, were collected. Testing for NG and CT were performed on urine, rectal, and pharyngeal specimens. Multivariate logistic regression models identified factors associated with NG and CT infections at baseline.

Results
In total, 1489 participants underwent NG/CT testing. The median age was 22 years (interquartile range, 20–26 years). There were 424 (28.5%) NG or CT infections: 322 (21.6%) with CT and 173 (11.6%) with NG. Rectal infections were most common for CT (73.9%), whereas pharyngeal infections were most common for NG (70.5%). Independent risk factors for CT or NG infection included ≥2 sex partners in the prior month (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44–2.91), condomless anal sex (aOR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.12–1.86), and meeting sex partners online (aOR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.03–1.76). Recent genitourinary or rectal symptoms were not associated with infections.

Conclusions
The overall and extragenital prevalences of NG and CT infections were high within this sample of young MSM without HIV in Hanoi. Testing limited to urethral specimens would have missed nearly three-quarters of CT and NG infections, supporting the need for routine testing at multiple anatomic sites.
Representation of Ethics in COVID-19 Research: A Systematic Review
Authors: Seyferth Anne V. , Wood Shannon M. , Kane Robert L. , Chung Kevin C. 
Published: March 2022

Background:
Ethical discourse in the scientific community facilitates the humane conduct of research. The urgent response to COVID-19 has rapidly generated a large body of literature to help policymakers and physicians address novel pandemic challenges. Plastic surgeons, in particular, have to manage the postponement of elective procedures and safely provide care for non–COVID-19 patients. Although COVID-19 research may provide guidance on these challenges, the extent to which ethical discussions are present in these publications remains unknown.

Methods:
Articles were identified systematically by searching the PubMed, Embase, Central, and Scopus databases using search terms related to ethics and COVID-19. The search included articles published during the first 9 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The following data were extracted: presence of an ethical discussion, date of publication, topic of ethical discussion, and scientific discipline of the article.

Results:
One thousand seven hundred fifty-three articles were included, of which seven were related to plastic surgery. The ethical principle with the greatest representation was nonmaleficence, whereas autonomy had the least representation. Equity and access to care was the most common topic of ethical discussion; the mental health effects of COVID-19 were the least common. The principle of justice had the greatest variation in representation.

Conclusions:
In a systematic review of COVID-19–related articles that were published during the first 9 months of the pandemic, the ethical principles of autonomy and justice are neglected in ethical discussions. As ethical dilemmas related to COVID-19 remain prevalent in plastic surgery, attention to ethical discourse should remain a top priority for leaders in the field.
The effects of small variations in shoe heel height on gait in people with a transtibial amputation
Authors: van Oorschot Wieneke , Hofstad Cheriel Josephien , Slagman Daan , Van Ee René Frederik , Keijsers Noël Leonardus Wilhelmus 
Published: March 2022

Background:
Shoe heel height is considered to influence prosthetic alignment, walking comfort, and gait symmetry in people with a transtibial amputation (TTA). However, research on the effect of heel height is scarce, and no evidence is available on the effects of variations smaller than 20 mm. These small heel height variations between store-bought shoes are often overlooked by people with an amputation and may cause secondary musculoskeletal problems in the long term.

Objective:
To examine the effects of small increases in heel height on gait symmetry in people with a TTA and healthy individuals.

Study design:
Experimental repeated measures study.

Methods:
Fourteen participants with a TTA and 15 healthy controls were included. Pressure data, spatiotemporal data, and experienced walking comfort were measured during walking with four heel height conditions: original height and increased heights of 3, 5, and 8 mm. Symmetry in center of pressure velocity (VCOP), gait parameters, and experienced walking comfort were compared between the heel heights and between healthy controls and prosthetic walkers.

Results:
Increased heel height resulted in a significant decrease in VCOP symmetry (P = 0.001) and experienced walking comfort (P < 0.001). The VCOP trajectory of the prosthetic leg mainly differed within the first 14.5% of the stance phase. Healthy individuals showed better VCOP symmetry in all conditions (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
Healthcare professionals should advice their clients to be alert of small heel height differences between store-bought shoes, especially those larger than 5 mm. A prosthetic alignment adjustment should be considered when purchasing new shoes.
The Impact of Personal Protective Equipment on Speech Discrimination and Verbal Communication in the Operating Room and the Role of Audio Communication Devices
Authors: Hall Andrew C. , Silver Benjamin H. , Ellis Wayne , Manjaly Joseph G. , Utoomprurkporn Nattawan , Blencowe Natalie , Birchall Martin , Patel Anil 
Published: March 2022

Introduction
Recent work has highlighted communication difficulties when wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in the clinical setting, but currently, there are little objective data on its effects. We assessed the impact of PPE on verbal communication in a simulated operating room and evaluated use of an audio communication device.

Methodology
Frontline health professionals across specialties including surgery, anesthetics, and nursing undertook speech discrimination testing with and without standardized levels of PPE in a simulated operating room environment. Background noise (30- and 70-a-weighted decibel multitalker babble) at 2 distances (2 and 4 m) were selected representative of operating room environments. Bamford-Kowal-Bench (BKB) scoring (192 sentences per participant) was performed. A Digital Multichannel Transceiver System (DMTS) was evaluated. We assessed the effects of PPE use, distance, and use of the DMTS with pairwise comparisons, using a Bonferroni correction, and assessed participant experience via Likert scales.

Results
Thirty-one healthcare professionals were tested. Without PPE in 70-a-weighted decibel “babble,” median BKB sentence scores were 90% and 76% at 2 and 4 m (adjusted P < 0.0005). The median BKB sentence scores dropped to 8% and 4% at 2 and 4 m in PPE (adjusted P < 0.0005). Improved speech discrimination was achieved with DMTS use to 70% and 76% at 2 and 4 m. Personal protective equipment led to a statistically significant reduction in BKB scores across all conditions compared with baseline. Overall participant confidence in PPE clinical communication was low.

Conclusions
Addition of PPE dramatically impairs speech discrimination and communication in high levels of background noise characteristic of clinical environments, which can be significantly improved using DMTS. Measures should be taken by teams through both through reduction of background noise and consideration of assistive technologies maximizing patient safety. This may be further rehearsed in a simulation environment.
Array Comparative Genomic Hybridisation and Droplet Digital PCR uncover recurrent copy number variation of the titin segmental duplication region
Authors: Sagath Lydia , Lehtokari Vilma-Lotta , Pelin Katarina , Kiiski Kirsi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntragenic segmental duplication regions are potential hotspots for recurrent copy number variation and possible pathogenic aberrations. Two large sarcomeric genes, nebulin and titin, both contain such segmental duplication regions. Using our custom Comparative Genomic Hybridization array, we have previously shown that a gain or loss of more than one copy of the repeated block of the nebulin triplicate region constitutes a recessive pathogenic mutation. Using targeted array-CGH, similar copy number variants can be detected in the segmental duplication region of titin. Due to the limitations of the array-CGH methodology and the repetitiveness of the region, the exact copy numbers of the blocks could not be determined. Therefore, we developed complementary custom Droplet Digital PCR assays for the titin segmental duplication region to confirm true variation. Our combined methods show that the titin segmental duplication region is subject to recurrent copy number variants, which is surprisingly common. Gains and losses were detected in samples from healthy individuals as well as in samples from patients with different muscle disorders. The copy number variation observed in our cohort is likely benign, but pathogenic copy number variants in the segmental duplication region of titin cannot be excluded. Further investigations are needed, however, this region should no longer be neglected in genetic analyses.
Using single molecule Molecular Inversion Probes as a cost-effective, high-throughput sequencing approach to target all genes and loci associated with macular diseases
Authors: Hitti-Malin Rebekkah J. , Dhaenens Claire-Marie , Panneman Daan M. , Corradi Zelia , Khan Mubeen , den Hollander Anneke I. , Farrar G. Jane , Gilissen Christian , Hoischen Alexander , van de Vorst Maartje , Bults Femke , Boonen Erica G.M. , Saunders Patrick ,   MD Study Group, Roosing Susanne , Cremers Frans P.M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundMacular diseases (MDs) are a subgroup of retinal disorders characterized by central vision loss that represent a major cause of vision impairment. Despite the identification of numerous genes associated with inherited MD (iMD) and risk factors associated with age-related MD (AMD), the extent of genetic and non-genetic factors that influence the expression of MD is still not fully explained. Single molecule Molecular Inversion Probes (smMIPs) have proven effective in sequencing the ABCA4 gene in patients with Stargardt disease in a cost-effective manner to identify associated coding and non-coding variation, however a large portion of patients with MDs still remain genetically unexplained.MethodsFor MD patients, we hypothesized that the missing heritability may be revealed by smMIPs-based sequencing of all MD-associated genes and risk factors. We used 17,394 smMIPs to sequence the coding regions of 105 genes and non-coding or regulatory loci associated with iMD and AMD, known pseudo-exons, and the mitochondrial genome in two test cohorts that had previously been screened for variants in the entire ABCA4 gene.ResultsSequencing of 379 probands achieved an average nucleotide coverage of 431× across all targets. Following detailed sequencing analysis of 110 probands, a diagnostic yield of 38% was observed. This established an ‘‘MD-smMIPs panel’’ that allows a genotype-first approach in a high-throughput and cost-effective manner, whilst achieving uniform and high coverage across targets.ConclusionsFurther analysis will identify known and novel variants in MD-associated genes to offer an accurate clinical diagnosis to patients and their families. Furthermore, this will reveal new genetic associations for MD and potential genetic overlaps between iMD and AMD.
Measuring Repositioning in Home Care for Pressure Injury Prevention and Management
Authors: Gabison Sharon , Pupic Nikola , Evans Gary , Dolatabadi Elham , Fernie Geoff , Dutta Tilak 
Published: March 2022

AbstractA critical best practice for prevention and management of pressure injuries is regularly repositioning individuals who are at risk of these injuries are when they are in bed. However, despite the widespread agreement of the need for regular repositioning (typically every two hours), adherence to repositioning schedules remains poor in the clinical environment and there are some indications that the situation in home environment is even worse.Our team has recently developed a non-contact system that can continuously determine an individual’s position in bed (left-side lying, right-side lying or supine) using data from a set of inexpensive load cells placed under the bed frame. A proof of principle study showed that our system was able to detect whether healthy participants were supine, left-side lying or right-side lying with 94.2% accuracy in the lab environment.The objective of the present work was to deploy our system into the home environment to evaluate how well the system was able to detect the position of individuals sleeping in their own beds overnight by comparing to ground truth time-lapse camera images using eight machine learning classifiers. Nine participants were recruited for this study and we found our system was able to detect an individual’s position in bed with 98.1% accuracy and an F1 score of 0.982 using the XGBoost classifier.Future work will include using this system to evaluate interventions focused on improving adherence to 2-hour repositioning schedules for pressure injury prevention or management as well as incorporating this technology in a repositioning prompting system to alert caregiver when a patient has remained in the same position for too long.
15-month follow-up of anti-spike receptor binding domain (RBD) SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers in Boston, MA
Authors: Dodge Maura C. , Cole Manisha , Duffy Elizabeth R. , Werler Martha M. , Kataria Yachana 
Published: March 2022

AbstractOver 15-months we found that anti-spike RBD SARS-CoV-2 antibody concentrations follow different trends with combinations and permutations of COVID-19 infection and vaccination among healthcare workers in Boston, MA. A majority of HCWs remain well above the positivity threshold for anti-spike RBD IgG antibodies for at least 9 months following vaccination regardless of infection history. Of interest, those with COVID-19 infection before vaccination had significantly higher median serum antibody concentrations in comparison to HCWs with no prior infection at each follow-up timepoint. These findings further support what is known regarding the decline in serum antibody concentrations following natural infection and vaccination, adding knowledge of serum antibodies up to 15 months post infection and 11 months post vaccination.ImportanceBoston Medical Center (BMC) is a safety net hospital in Boston and from the initial wave of COVID-19 there has been overwhelming concern about the exposure of healthcare workers to SARS-CoV-2. We conceived a longitudinal study to assess virus exposure and trends in SARS-CoV-2 antibodies amongst healthcare workers at BMC over 15 months. We have followed HCWs through three waves of COVID-19, including the Delta variant wave from June through mid-December 2021, assessing anti-spike receptor binding domain IgG, anti-nucleocapsid IgG, and anti-spike IgM at approximately three-month intervals. Current literature largely describes antibody durability six months post vaccination. These data add to the literature by describing antibody durability and trend differences according to infection history and vaccination status. These longitudinal data contribute to a greater understanding of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and can help inform future research and public health decision-making regarding vaccine uptake, breakthrough infections, and overall pandemic response.
Consent is a confounding factor in a prospective observational study of critically ill elderly patients
Authors: Flaatten Hans , Guidet Bertrand , Jung Christian , Boumendil Ariane , Leaver Susannah , Szczeklik Wojciech , Artigas Antonio , Andersen Finn , Moreno Rui , Walther Sten , Oeyen Sandra , Schefold Joerg C. , Marsh Brian , Joannidis Michael , Elhadi Muhammed , Nalapko Yuriy , Fjølner Jesper , de Lange Dylan W. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDuring analysis of a prospective multinational observation study of critically ill patients ≥80 years of age, the VIP2 study, we also studied the effects of differences in country consent for study inclusion. This is a post hoc analysis where the ICUs were analyzed according to requirement for study consent. Group A: ICUs in countries with no requirement for consent at admission but with deferred consent in survivors. Group B: ICUs where some form of active consent at admission was necessary either from the patient or surrogates. Patients’ characteristics, the severity of disease and outcome variables were compared. Totally 3098 patients were included from 21 countries. The median age was 84 years (IQR 81-87). England was not included because of changing criteria for consent during the study period. Group A (7 countries, 1220 patients), and group B (15 countries, 1878 patients) were comparable with age distribution, organ failure score, frailty score and activity of daily life. Cognition was better preserved prior to admission in group B. Group A suffered from more organ dysfunction at admission compared to group B with Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score median 8 and 5 respectively. Survival at 30-day was lower in group A, 50.8 % compared to 66.7% in group B (p<0.001). We found profound effects on outcomes according to differences in obtaining consent for this study. It seems that the most severely ill elderly patients were less often recruited to the study in group B. Hence the outcome measured as survival was higher in this group.We therefore conclude that consent likely is an important confounding factor for outcome evaluation in international studies focusing on old patients.