bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case report: Intrapulmonary tidal volumes in a preterm infant with chest wall rigidity
Authors: Gaertner Vincent D. , Restin Tanja , Bassler Dirk , Fauchère Jean-Claude , Rüegger Christoph M. 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundChest wall rigidity is a known side effect of fentanyl use, which is why fentanyl is usually combined with a muscle relaxant such as mivacurium. Verifying endotracheal intubation is difficult in case of a rigid chest wall.Case presentationWe present the case of a preterm infant (29 completed weeks gestation, birth weight 1,150 g) with a prolonged chest wall rigidity after fentanyl administration for intubation despite adequate doses of mivacurium. This resulted in a pronounced desaturation without any effect on heart rate. Clinically, the infant showed no chest wall movement despite intubation and common tools to verify intubation (including end-tidal carbon dioxide measurement and auscultation) were inconclusive. However, using electrical impedance tomography (EIT), we were able to demonstrate minimal tidal volumes at lung level and thereby, EIT was able to accurately show correct placement of the endotracheal tube.ConclusionsThis case may increase vigilance for fentanyl-induced chest wall rigidity in the neonatal population even when simultaneously administering mivacurium. Higher airway pressures exceeding 30 mmHg and the use of μ-receptor antagonists such as naloxone should be considered to reverse opioid-induced chest wall rigidity. Most importantly, our data may imply a relevant clinical benefit of using EIT during neonatal intubation as it may accurately show correct endotracheal tube placement.
Effects of omecamtiv mecarbil on the contractile properties of skinned porcine left atrial and ventricular muscles
Authors: Nakanishi Tomohiro , Oyama Kotaro , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Kobirumaki-Shimozawa Fuyu , Ishii Shuya , Terui Takako , Ishiwata Shin’ichi , Fukuda Norio 
Published: August 2022

Omecamtiv mecarbil (OM) is a novel inotropic agent for heart failure with systolic dysfunction. OM prolongs the actomyosin attachment duration, which enhances thin filament cooperative activation and accordingly promotes the binding of neighboring myosin to actin. In the present study, we investigated the effects of OM on the steady-state contractile properties in skinned porcine left ventricular (PLV) and atrial (PLA) muscles. OM increased Ca2+ sensitivity in a concentration-dependent manner in PLV, by left shifting the mid-point (pCa50) of the force-pCa curve (ΔpCa50) by ∼0.16 and ∼0.33 pCa units at 0.5 and 1.0 μM, respectively. The Ca2+-sensitizing effect was likewise observed in PLA, but less pronounced with ΔpCa50 values of ∼0.08 and ∼0.22 pCa units at 0.5 and 1.0 μM, respectively. The Ca2+-sensitizing effect of OM (1.0 μM) was attenuated under enhanced thin filament cooperative activation in both PLV and PLA; this attenuation occurred directly via treatment with fast skeletal troponin (ΔpCa50: ∼0.16 and ∼0.10 pCa units in PLV and PLA, respectively) and indirectly by increasing the number of strongly bound cross-bridges in the presence of 3 mM MgADP (ΔpCa50: ∼0.21 and ∼0.08 pCa units in PLV and PLA, respectively). It is likely that this attenuation of the Ca2+-sensitizing effect of OM is due to a decrease in the number of “recruitable” cross-bridges that can potentially produce active force. When cross-bridge detachment was accelerated in the presence of 20 mM inorganic phosphate, the Ca2+-sensitizing effect of OM (1.0 μM) was markedly decreased in both types of preparations (ΔpCa50: ∼0.09 and ∼0.03 pCa units in PLV and PLA, respectively). The present findings suggest that the positive inotropy of OM is more markedly exerted in the ventricle than in the atrium, which results from the strongly bound cross-bridge-dependent allosteric activation of thin filaments.
Validation of reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the active-empathic listening scale
Authors: Guo Hang , Lin Lemin , Jia Ziming , Sun Jiaying , Zhuang Zisen , Duan Lisa , Sun Jiangnan 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundActive-empathic listening (AEL) is the active and emotional involvement of a listener that can take place in at least three key stages of the listening process. Bodie has developed and validated a self-reported, 11-item, three-factor active-empathic listening scale (AELS) in English with good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.86) to assess AEL abilities. Nevertheless, a Chinese version of the AELS had not been established and validated yet.ObjectiveThe objective of the present study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the AELS.MethodsAfter translating the scale into the Chinese version, 834 college students completed the test. After 4 weeks, 206 participants were tested again on the Chinese AELS to examine retest reliability. The critical ratio method and the item-total correlations were used for the item analysis. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed to examine the construct validity. The internal consistency of the scale was analyzed with Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s Omega. Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to examine the scale’s retest reliability. The Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) was used to examine the convergent validity. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted.ResultsEach item of the Chinese AELS had a good discrimination, and the item-total correlation of each item ranged from 0.51 to 0.73. EFA extracted three factors with characteristic root values greater than 1, which could explain 70.72% of the total variance. CFA indicated an adequate fit of the three-factor model (χ2/df = 2.250, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.055, the comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.971, the Tucker-Lewis index [TLI] = 0.959, and the goodness of fit index [GFI] = 0.959). The internal consistency reliability was acceptable (sensing: α = 0.79/ω = 0.78, processing: α = 0.83/ω = 0.83, responding: α = 0.79/ω = 0.79, and AELS: α = 0.87/ω = 0.87). Retest reliability of the scale at 4-week intervals by an ICC was 0.563. The Chinese AELS was significantly correlated with each dimension of IRI.ConclusionThe reliability and validity of the Chinese AELS met the basic psychometrics requirements. Therefore, the scale can be potentially used to assess the active empathic listening abilities of people in China.
Anxiety and depression among adult tobacco users during the COVID-19 restrictions in India
Authors: Bassi Shalini , Nazar Gaurang P. , Joshi Nishigandha , Sharma Nitika , Pandian Aishwarya , Deepa Mohan , Mohan Sailesh , Patel Shivani A. , Ali Mohammed K. , McNeill Ann , Tandon Nikhil , Mohan Viswanathan , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Arora Monika 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundThe world witnessed a highly contagious and deadly disease, COVID-19, toward the end of 2019. India is one of the worst affected countries. We aimed to assess anxiety and depression levels among adult tobacco users and people who recently quit tobacco during COVID-19 lockdown in India.Materials and methodsThe study was conducted across two Indian cities, Delhi and Chennai (July-August, 2020) among adult tobacco users (n = 801). Telephonic interviews were conducted using validated mental health tools (Patient Health Questionnaire-PHQ-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-GAD-7) to assess the anxiety and depression levels of the participants. Descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to study the prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety.ResultsWe found that 20.6% of tobacco users had depression symptoms (3.9% moderate to severe); 20.7% had anxiety symptoms (3.8% moderate to severe). Risk factors associated with depression and anxiety included food, housing, and financial insecurity.ConclusionDuring COVID-19 lockdown, mental health of tobacco users (primarily women) was associated with food, housing and financial insecurity. The Indian Government rightly initiated several health, social and economic measures to shield the most vulnerable from COVID-19, including a ban on the sale of tobacco products. It is also necessary to prioritize universal health coverage, expanded social security net, tobacco cessation and mental health services to such vulnerable populations during pandemic situations.
Validation of the fear of COVID-19 scale in a central Balkan country - Serbia
Authors: Zivkovic Zaric Radica , Zaric Milan , Canovic Petar , Jankovic Slobodan , Stojadinovic Milorad , Zornic Nenad , Nesic Jelena , Spasic Marko , Jovanovic Dalibor , Jug Martina , Jakovljevic Stefan , Pejcic Ana 
Published: August 2022

Validation of the fear of introductionHigh levels of fear of COVID-19 may be associated with increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as decreased resilience and life expectancy.ObjectiveThis study aimed to translate and confirm the Serbian version of the Fear of COVID-19 scale as well as to investigate its psychometric properties.MethodsThe translation and intercultural adaptation of the Fear of COVID-19 scale was performed by the leading standard of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcome Research. When the distribution was normal, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used. The reliability of the Serbian version of FCV-19S was tested by measuring the internal consistency through the value of Cronbach's alpha.ResultsThe original version of the Fear of COVID-19 scale was tested on a sample of 256 subjects with a mean age of 25.38 ± 12.47. The Cronbach's alpha value was 0.864. We divided the scale by the split-half method (Spearman-Brown), and the value of the coefficient for the questionnaire as a whole was 0.882. Divergent criterion validity was tested through the non-parametric correlation between the scores of the Fear of COVID-19 scale and the Fear of Hospitalization scale. A score of the Fear of COVID-19 scale was calculated as the sum of each question for each of the respondents. Convergent criterion validity was tested through the non-parametric correlation between the scores of the Fear of COVID-19 scale and the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire.ConclusionThe validated version of the scale in Serbia complements versions available in other cultures and other languages and facilitates global studies related to mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The positive association between internal migration and hospitalization among the older adults in China: Regional heterogeneity and chronic disease management
Authors: Zhong Huixiang , Yang Jin , Zhao Na , Li Xu , Zhang Yanli 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundPost-retirement migrants are rapidly increasing in China, but the impact of internal migration on hospitalization among older adults remains under-researched. Understanding this impact is essential for health policies development and improvement. This study aims to identify the most vulnerable population, evaluate the association between migration and hospitalization, and discuss potential causes of the association.Methods14,478 older adults were extracted from the 2018 to 2019 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) database and divided into four groups according to migration experience and age at migration: non-migrants, pre-adulthood migrants, pre-retirement migrants, and post-retirement migrants. Post-retirement migrants were key research subjects. We employed Pearson's chi-square test to compare group differences in outcome and covariates, and multivariate logistic regression analysis to examine the association between migration and hospitalization by regions and chronic conditions.ResultsSignificant intergroup differences were observed in demographic characteristics, socioeconomic factors, health habits, and health-related factors. Post-retirement migrants displayed following characteristics: female predominance (61.6%; 1,472/2,391), tending toward urban areas (80.9%; 1,935/2,391), and the highest prevalence rate of chronic disease (46.7%; 1,116/2,391). Urban migrants in eastern China were more likely to be hospitalized (OR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.27–2.15), especially those who were diagnosed with chronic disease (OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.04–2.19) or with unconfirmed chronic conditions (OR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.36–2.89).ConclusionsInternal migration is associated with the hospitalization of post-retirement migrants moving to eastern China. Improved chronic disease management and early interventions might lower the hospitalization. Effective policies should be formulated to reduce the disparity in primary care services across China, thereby facilitating the access of migrants to these services.
Risk factors and prognosis of liver metastasis in gallbladder cancer patients: A SEER-based study
Authors: Fang Cheng , Li Wenhui , Wang Qingqiang , Wang Ruoran , Dong Hui , Chen Junjie , Chen Yong 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundLiver metastasis is a common complication in gallbladder cancer (GBC). We design this study to develop models for predicting the development of liver metastasis in GBC patients and evaluate the risk of mortality in these patients with liver metastasis.MethodsGBC patients from Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) between 2010 and 2016 were included in this study. Logistic regression was performed to discover risk factors and construct predictive models for liver metastasis in GBC patients. Cox regression was utilized to find risk factors of mortality in GBC patients with liver metastasis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the performance of the constructed predictive models.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression confirmed that T stage, N stage, and tumor grade were risk factors for liver metastasis in GBC patients. Composed of these factors, the model for predicting the development of liver metastasis had AUCs of 0.707 and 0.657 in the training cohort and testing cohort, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression showed that surgery of the primary site and chemotherapy were independently associated with the mortality of GBC patients with liver metastasis. Composed of these two factors, the predictive model for 1-year mortality of GBC patients with liver metastasis had AUCs of 0.734 and 0.776 in the training cohort and testing cohort, respectively.ConclusionThe predictive models that we constructed are helpful for surgeons to evaluate the risk of liver metastasis in GBC patients and the survival condition of those with liver metastasis. Surgery of the primary site and chemotherapy should be provided for GBC with liver metastasis.
Treatment outcomes of penetrating abdominal injury requiring laparotomy at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia
Authors: Abdulkadir Adnan , Mohammed Burka , Sertse Elias , Mengesha Melkamu Merid , Gebremichael Mathewos Alemu 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundPenetrating abdominal injury (PAI) is a public health problem and accounts for significant mortality and disability in both developing and developed countries. It often causes damage to internal organs, resulting in shock and infection. In this study, we assessed the outcomes of PAI and factors associated with post-surgical outcomes including surgical site infection (SSI) and in-hospital death.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 15 January to January 30, 2020, using a standard checklist to review the clinical charts of patients who presented to Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital (HFSUH) with PAI and underwent laparotomy between January 2015 and September 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of patients, and odds ratios (ORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported for factors included in binary logistic regression. The statistical significance was declared at a P-value &lt;0.05.ResultsA total of 352 charts of patients with PAI were reviewed. A majority of them (84.9%) were males and the mean age was 26.5 years. The anterior abdomen was the most common site of injury, accounting for 285 patients (81%), 329 patients (93.5%) suffered organ injury, 204 (62%) had a single organ injury, and 125 (38%) had more than one organ injury. The leading injured organs were small intestines 194 (55.1%), followed by the colon 88 (25%) and liver 40 (11.4%). The magnitude of SSI and hospital death was 84 (23.9%) and 12 (3.4%), respectively. Patients above 45 years of age (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.2, 9.2), with fluid collection (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2, 5.9), colostomy (AOR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.9, 7.8), body temperature &gt;37.5 °C (AOR = 3.8,95% CI:1.9,7.6), and Hgb &lt; 10 mg/dl (AOR = 7.4, 95% CI: 3.4,16.1) had a higher likelihood of SSI. Those patients admitted to the intensive care unit (AOR = 21.3, 95% CI: 1.1, 412.3) and who underwent damage control surgery (AOR = 9.6, 95% CI: 1.3, 73.3) had a higher likelihood of mortality.ConclusionsSSI and death among patients with PAI were high. Age, fluid collection, colostomy, body temperature, and hemoglobin level were statistically associated with SSI, and intensive care unit and damage control surgery were statistically associated with death. Therefore, health professionals working in surgical wards should consider these factors to alleviate SSI and prevent death. Broadly speaking, the guidelines of the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) should consider these factors in their recommendations.
A universal incision for robot-assisted thoracic surgery
Authors: Jiao Jia , Guo Jinbao , Zhao Jia , Li Xiangnan , Du Ming 
Published: August 2022

ObjectiveThis paper aimed to design and explore the versatility of the incision for the robot-assisted thoracic surgery.MethodsThe concept of universal incision was designed and put forward. The clinical data of 342 cases of robot-assisted thoracic surgery were summarized, including sex, age, clinical diagnosis, operative method, operative time, conversion to thoracotomy, intraoperative blood loss, number of lymph node dissections, postoperative hospital stays, postoperative pathology, and postoperative complications of the patients.ResultsThe 342 cases of robot-assisted surgery included 178 pulmonary surgery cases (94 lobectomy cases, 75 segmentectomy cases, 6 wedge resection cases, and 3 sleeve lobectomy cases), 112 esophageal surgery cases (107 McKeown approach cases and 5 esophageal leiomyoma resection cases), and 52 mediastinal tumor cases (42 anterior mediastinum cases and 10 posterior mediastinum cases). Among these, two cases were converted to thoracotomy (both esophageal cases), and the rest were successful with no massive intraoperative bleeding and no perioperative death.ConclusionThe universal incision of robot-assisted thoracic surgery is safe and feasible and is suitable for most cases of thoracic surgery.
Case report: Large follicular thyroid carcinoma with multiple cervical lymph node metastases
Authors: Ye Fei , Liao Liyan , Tan Wanlin , Gong Yi , Li Xiaodu , Niu Chengcheng 
Published: August 2022

IntroductionFollicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) rarely metastasizes to regional lymph nodes, as they mainly metastasize through hematogenous route; in particular, a large FTC with only lateral lymph node metastasis and without distant metastasis has rarely been reported.Case reportWe present a 66-year-old male patient with a progressively growing thyroid for more than 20 years, causing tracheal compression and narrowing. Neck ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT) were carried out to obtain images of the thyroid and surrounding tissues. Total thyroidectomy and cervical lateral and central lymph node dissection were undertaken, and histopathological, and immunohistochemical evaluations and molecular pathology confirmed the diagnosis of FTC with multiple cervical lymph node metastases.ConclusionWe have reported a rare case of large FTC with diffuse nodal involvement but no distant metastases. We present the thyroid ultrasound, neck CT, MR and whole body PET/CT.
Curso propedéutico de matemática en tiempos de COVID-19
Authors: Vitale-Alfonso Alicia María , Ramírez-Stout Orlando , Wong-Matos Bertha 
Published: August 2022

El retardo en el comienzo del curso académico universitario para los alumnos de primer año causado por la pandemia de COVID-19 en Cuba, causa un incremento de la pérdida de aprendizajes por el alumno. Por esta razón, se determinó brindar un curso que ahonde en los contenidos y habilidades matemáticas de la enseñanza precedente, en la modalidad de curso no presencial -en espacio virtual- para los alumnos de la Facultad de Economía de la Universidad de La Habana.
Este trabajo se trazó el objetivo de valorar las acciones realizadas, las experiencias e impactos del Curso Propedéutico de Matemática, así como las recomendaciones para futuros cursos. Para ello, se explicaron las acciones a realizar para para el logro del curso; posteriormente, se expusieron las experiencias al impartir el curso, puntualizando en los impactos a que se enfrentaron los profesores y alumnos. Finalmente, se recomiendan algunas medidas para la mejora del curso lo cual lleva a reducir las pérdidas de aprendizaje.
Valoración de los factores del rendimiento académico en matemáticas para el Licenciado en Economía
Authors: Vitale-Alfonso Alicia María , Fernández-Vidal Eliani 
Published: August 2022

Las universidades tienen como objetivo el éxito académico de sus alumnos, y las carencias en este ámbito se pueden manifestar, a partir de dificultades en el rendimiento académico que muchas veces conlleva al abandono de los estudios con el consecuente costo social asociado a este fenómeno, siendo esta problemática una preocupación de los investigadores en economía educativa y educación desde hace varias décadas.
Esta investigación valoró los factores influyentes en el rendimiento académico en Matemáticas en la Facultad de Economía en la Universidad de La Habana. Lo cual se logró a partir de un cuestionario confeccionado para este estudio, el cual fue validado a partir del análisis del coeficiente alfa de Cronbach del cual se obtuvo un valor de 0,798 y aplicado a una muestra que cursaba el primer año de la carrera. El instrumento consta de 28 preguntas, algunas dicotómicas, y otras de elección múltiple donde los sujetos pueden elegir más de una alternativa de una lista de opciones. Las mismas indagan sobre factores exógenos y endógenos que intervienen en el rendimiento académico de los alumnos. La identificación de los mismos ha permitido dimensionar la importancia que adquiere cada uno por separado al relacionarlos con el rendimiento académico. Se desarrolla una propuesta de acciones que responde a los problemas reconocidos en el análisis con el objetivo de contribuir a elevar el rendimiento académico.