bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Value of serum albumin, age, serum creatinine, and left ventricular ejection fraction for the assessment of 4-year mortality risk in patients with acute myocardial infarction: parsimonious and better performed
Authors: Ge Zheng-Yang , He Yang , Jiang Ting-Bo , Tao Jian-Ying , He Yong-Ming 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAimsMortality from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains substantial. The current study is aimed at developing a novel simple and easy-to-use risk score for AMI.MethodsThe CatLet extended validation trial (ChiCTR2000033730) and the CatLet validation trial (ChiCTR-POC-17013536), both being registered with chictr.org, served as the derivation and validation datasets, respectively. The derivation dataset included 1018 patients, and the validation dataset included 308 ones. They all suffered from AMI and underwent percutaneous intervention (PCI). The 4-year follow-up was 97% completed for the derivation dataset, and 100% completed for the validation dataset. The endpoint was all-cause death. Lasso regression analysis was used for covariate selection and coefficient estimation.ResultsOf 26 candidate predictor variables, four strongest predictors for 4-year mortality were included in the BACEF score (serum albumin, age, serum creatinine, and LVEF). This score was well calibrated and yielded an AUC (95%CI) statistics of 0.84(0.80-0.87) in internal validation, 0.89(0.83-0.95) in internal-external (temporal) validation, and 0.83(0.77-0.89) in external validation. Notably, it outperformed the ACEF, ACEFII, GRACE risk scores (0.83(0.77-0.89) vs 0.81(0.75-0.88); 0.83(0.77-0.89) vs 0.79(0.73-0.86); and 0.83(0.77-0.89) vs 0.79(0.72-0.86), respectively).ConclusionsA simple risk score for 4-year mortality risk stratification was developed, extensively validated, and calibrated in patients with AMI. This novel BACEF score outperformed the ACEF, ACEFII, and GRACE scores and may be a useful risk stratification tool for patients with AMI.One-sentence summaryA novel simple risk score with an acronym of BACEF, including only four risk factors of serum albumin, age, serum creatinine, and LVEF, has been developed, and outperformed the ACEF, ACEFII, and GRACE scores in terms of four-year mortality prediction for patients with acute myocardial infarction.Take-home figure
Utility of IL-6 in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of COVID-19 patients: A longitudinal study
Authors: Jain Vikram , Kumar Pratap , Panda Prasan Kumar , Kaushal Karan , Mirza Anissa A , Vivekandan S 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIntroductionCovid-19 has caused devastating effects worldwide ever since its origin in December, 2019. Till date, there is no definitive treatment for it. Deaths due to Covid-19 has largely been attributed to cytokine storm and organ dysfunctions, mainly ARDS. Therefore, the focus has been on using inflammatory markers as a marker of severity of the disease. IL-6 is one such marker which has been increasingly used in the management of Covid-19. We conducted a longitudinal study to investigate the role of IL-6 in diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of Covid-19 related cytokine storm.MethodologyPatients with Covid-19, who were admitted at AIIMS Rishikesh from March to December, 2020 were included in the study. Patients with no baseline IL-6 value at admission and for whom clinical data was not available were excluded. Clinical and laboratory data of these patients were collected from the e-hospital portal and entered in excel sheet. Correlation was seen with other inflammatory markers and outcomes were assessed using MS Excel 2010 and SPSS software.ResultsAt total of 131 patients were included in the study. Majority were males (74.8%), mean age of the subjects being 55.03+13.57 years, with a mean duration from symptom onset being 6.69+6.3 days. Most of them belonged to the WHO severe category (82.4%), with 46.56% having severe hypoxia at presentation and 61.8% of them having some comorbidity-diabetes mellitus being the commonest. Spearman Rank Correlation coefficient of IL-6 with D-dimer was 0.203, with LDH was -0.005, with Ferritin was 0.3, and with Uric acid was 0.123. 11 patients received Tocilizumab at a mean duration from symptom onset of 18.09 days, and 100% mortality was observed. Deaths were reported more in the group with IL-6 more than 40pg/ml (57.1% vs 40.2%,p=0.06). Similarly, ICU admissions and ventilator requirement were reported more in the IL-6 more than 40pg/ml group (95.9% vs 91.4%,p=0.32 and 55.1% vs 37.8%,p=0.05).ConclusionThe study showed that IL-6 can be used as a possible thrombotic cytokine marker. Higher values of IL-6 (>40pg/ml) are associated with more deaths, ICU admissions and ventilator requirement.
Multi-channel intra-cortical micro-stimulation yields quick reaction times and evokes natural somatosensations in a human participant
Authors: Bjånes David A. , Bashford Luke , Pejsa Kelsie , Lee Brian , Liu Charles Y. , Andersen Richard A. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractSomatosensory brain-machine-interfaces (BMIs) can create naturalistic sensations by modulating activity of neural populations in the brain. By utilizing different spatial or temporal patterns of intra-cortical micro-stimulation (ICMS) in primary sensory cortex (S1), human patients suffering somatosensory loss can experience both cutaneous and proprioceptive sensory feedback. As evidenced by motor deficits in deafferented patients, rapid somatosensory feedback is critical for dexterous motor ability, in part because visual feedback is much slower than naturally occurring somatosensory input. However, somatosensory BMI studies typically report significantly longer cognitive processing latencies for cortical electrical stimulation than for naturally occurring somatosensations or visual sensations.In this study, we show that multi-channel electrical stimulation patterns elicit naturalistic somatosensory percepts in a human tetraplegic participant. Crucially, somatosensations evoked by multi-channel ICMS are cognitively processed at comparable latencies to naturally evoked sensations and significantly faster than visual sensations, as measured via a simple reaction time test. Further investigation demonstrated multi-channel stimulation could significantly reduce minimum amplitude detection thresholds and such reductions in charge density resulted in more frequent “natural” sensation descriptors reported by the human participant. Multi-channel ICMS patterns also evoked percepts with highly stable somatotopic locations. While some single-channel ICMS patterns evoked sensations 20-80% of the time, most multi-channel patterns could evoke sensations with 100% repeatability, an important step in demonstrating BCI device reliability. These improvements are all significant advances towards state-of-the-art sensory BMIs. The addition of such low-latency artificial sensory feedback to motor BMIs is expected to improve movement accuracy and increase embodiment for human users.
Inequalities in colorectal cancer screening uptake in Wales: an examination of the impact of the temporary suspension of the screening programme during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bright Diana , Hillier Sharon , Song Jiao , Huws Dyfed W. , Greene Giles , Hodgson Karen , Akbari Ashley , Griffiths Rowena , Davies Alisha R. , Gjini Ardiana 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundResponse to the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the temporary disruption of cancer screening in the UK, and strong public messaging to stay safe and to protect NHS capacity. Following reintroduction in services, we explored the impact on inequalities in uptake of the Bowel Screening Wales (BSW) programme to identify groups who may benefit from tailored interventions.MethodsRecords within the BSW were linked to electronic health records (EHR) and administrative data within the Secured Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank. Ethnic group was obtained from a linked data method available within SAIL. We examined uptake for the first 3 months of invitations (August to October) following the reintroduction of BSW programme in 2020, compared to the same period in the preceding 3 years. Uptake was measured across a 6 month follow-up period. Logistic models were conducted to analyse variations in uptake by sex, age group, income deprivation quintile, urban/rural location, ethnic group, and clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) status in each period; and to compare uptake within sociodemographic groups between different periods.ResultsUptake during August to October 2020 (period 2020/21; 60.4%) declined compared to the same period in 2019/20 (62.7%) but remained above the 60% Welsh standard. Variation by sex, age, income deprivation, and ethnic groups was observed in all periods studied. Compared to the pre-pandemic period in 2019/20, uptake declined for most demographic groups, except for older individuals (70-74 years) and those in the most income deprived group. Uptake continues to be lower in males, younger individuals, people living in the most income deprived areas and those of Asian and unknown ethnic backgrounds.ConclusionsOur findings are encouraging with overall uptake achieving the 60% Welsh standard during the first three months after the programme restarted in 2020 despite the disruption. Inequalities did not worsen after the programme resumed activities but variations in CRC screening in Wales associated with sex, age, deprivation and ethnicity remain. This needs to be considered in targeting strategies to improve uptake and informed choice in CRC screening to avoid exacerbating disparities in CRC outcomes as screening services recover from the pandemic.
Effect of EBV Serology-based Screening Program on NPC Mortality: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Wen-Jie , Yu Xia , Lu Yu-Qiang , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Ling Wei , Xie Shang-Hang , Wu Zhi-Cong , Li Xue-Qi , Fan Yu-Ying , Wu Biao-Hua , Wei Kuang-Rong , Rao Hui-Lan , Huang Qi-Hong , Guo Xiang , Sun Ying , Ma Jun , Liu Qing , Hildesheim Allan , Hong Ming-Huang , Zeng Yi-Xin , Ji Ming-Fang , Liu Zhi-wei , Cao Su-Mei 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPurposeTo estimate the effectiveness of an Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) serology-based screening program to reduce nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) mortality in a cluster randomized controlled trial in an NPC high-risk population.MethodsSixteen towns in Sihui and Zhongshan Cities, China were selected; eight were randomly allocated to the screening group and eight to the control group. Cantonese residents aged 30-69 years with no history of NPC were included January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2015. Residents in the screening towns were invited to undergo serum EBV VCA/EBNA1 IgA antibody tests; others received no intervention. Screening lasted through December 31, 2015; the population was followed through December 31, 2017.ResultsA total of 175,037 residents in the screening group and 184,526 residents in the control group were included. NPC incidence was similar in screening and control groups. A 28% reduction in NPC mortality was observed in the screening versus control arms in the overall study population (8.0 NPC deaths per 1000 person years versus 11.1; adjusted rate ratio [aRR]=0.72; 95% confidence interval=0.48-1.09; p=0.12). A stronger benefit was observed among individuals aged >50 (aRR=0.63; p=0.048) compared to those <50 (aRR 0.93; p=0.75). The reduction was increased among individuals from towns randomized to screening who participated in the screening program (aRR=0.38, p=0.001).ConclusionIn this near 10-year trial, serology EBV VCA and EBNA1 IgA antibody testing led to a reduction in NPC mortality, particularly among individuals aged ⩾50. EBV antibody-based screening for NPC is effective at reducing NPC mortality in high-risk populations.Trial registration numberNCT00941538
A PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVE ON NURSING INTERVENTION IN ELDERLY WITH DEPRESSION
Authors: Suhariyanti Enik 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACTIntroductionDepression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the elderly, can be found in various health care settings and is ranked as the fourth disease in the world as a cause of disability. This literature aims to study the philosophy of nursing intervention in elderly with depression. It viewed from three philosophical perspectives, namely ontology, epistemology, and axiology.MethodThis study uses a literature study design from 6 databases, namely: Science Direct, Pubmed, Proquest, Wiley, Sagepub, and Neliti research. The search used various keyword combinations with the help of Boolean operators, including: “Intervention” OR “Nursing Intervention AND “Elderly” AND “Depression”, This research is a quantitative study focusing on publications between 2017-2021. Thus, 18 eligible articles were obtained. Article quality is monitored using the CASP checklist. The results of the articles obtained come from several countries including Indonesia.ResultNursing interventions include three categories, first, physical/exercise therapy, psychological therapy, and spiritual therapy to reduce depression levels in the elderly in various settings such as nursing homes, correctional facilities, and other general communities including home visits, using individual and group approaches.ConclusionThe results of this review provide an explanation that several interventions that can be carried out in the elderly can save costs, are feasible and easy to do, and are effective for reducing depression levels in the elderly, and can improve quality of life, overcome other psychological problems.
Online anxiety resources for Canadian youth: a systematic environmental scan
Authors: Pohl Megan , Bialy Liza , Scott Shannon D , Hartling Lisa , Elliott Sarah A 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIntroductionIn a recent child health research priority setting exercise conducted in Alberta (CA), youth identified “mental health” as a priority topic. Specifically, youth were interested in understanding what the early signs and symptoms of anxiety were, and when they should seek help.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to understand what information is currently available online for Canadian youth about the signs and symptoms of anxiety, what resources are available for self-assessment, and what are youth’s behaviors, experiences and information needs around seeking help for anxiety.MethodsWe conducted a systematic environmental scan of Internet resources and academic literature. Internet and literature search results (Information Sources) were screened by one reviewer and verified by another. Relevant information (e.g., self-assessment resource features and population characteristics such as age, presence of anxiety, and education) were then extracted and verified. Information Sources were categorized relating to the research concepts regarding; signs and symptoms, self-assessments, information needs and experiences. We complimented our environmental scan with youth consultations to understand how anxiety resources are perceived by youth, and what if anything, could be improved about the information they are receiving. Consultations were conducted over Zoom with three Canadian Youth Advisory Groups (2 provincial, 1 national) and took a semi-structured focus group format.ResultsA total of 99 Information Sources (62 addressing signs and symptoms, 18 self-assessment resources, and 19 reporting on information and help-seeking behaviors) met the inclusion criteria. The majority of Information Sources on signs and symptoms were webpage-based articles, and 36 (58%) specifically stated that they were targeting youth. 72% of anxiety self-assessment resources were provided by private institutions. The resources varied markedly in the post-assessment support provided to youth according to their source (i.e. private, academic, governmental). Regarding information and help-seeking preferences, three main themes were apparent and related to 1) obtaining in-person professional help, 2) searching for online help, and 3) stigma associated with seeking help for anxiety disorders. The Youth Group consultations identified several areas that need to be considered when developing resources for youth. The key considerations highlighted by youth across the consultations suggested resources needed to be; youth friendly, align with a credible institute (e.g. University, Health Institution), and provide useful resources post online assessment and tangible action items to support help seeking.ConclusionAwareness of the information and resources available to youth, coupled with an understanding of their help-seeking behaviors and information needs can help support the development and dissemination of appropriate knowledge translation tools around youth anxiety.
Impact of Lifting School Masking Requirements on Incidence of COVID-19 among Staff and Students in Greater-Boston Area School Districts: A Difference-in-Differences Analysis
Authors: Cowger Tori L. , Clarke Jaylen , Murray Eleanor J. , Sánchez Sarimer M. , Bassett Mary T. , Ojikutu Bisola O. , Linos Natalia , Hall Kathryn T. 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundIn February 2022, following the rescinding of a Massachusetts statewide school masking mandate, only two cities (Boston and neighboring Chelsea) out of 79 school districts in the greater-Boston area, maintained masking requirements in K-12 schools. This provided an opportunity to examine the impact of removing masking on COVID-19 case rates among students and staff in the public-school setting.MethodsWe used difference-in-differences for staggered policy adoption to compare incidence of COVID-19 cases among students and staff in greater-Boston area school districts that lifted masking requirements to those that had not yet lifted masking requirements during the 2021-2022 school year.ResultsBefore the statewide school masking policy was lifted, there was no statistically significant difference in case rate trajectories between school districts. However, weekly and cumulative case rates were significantly higher in students and staff in school districts that removed masking requirements, compared to districts that had not yet lifted requirements. We estimate that lifting of school masking requirements was associated with an additional 44.9 (95% CI: 32.6, 57.1) COVID-19 cases per 1,000 students and staff over the 15 weeks since the lifting of the statewide school masking requirement, representing nearly 30% of all cases observed in schools during that time. School districts that sustained masking requirements for longer periods tended to have older school buildings in poorer condition, more crowded classrooms, higher proportion of low income and English learning students and students with disabilities, and a higher proportion of Black and Latinx students and staff.ConclusionsMasking is a relatively low-cost but effective intervention that can protect students and staff from substantial illness and loss of in-person days in school. Despite compelling evidence that masking significantly reduces the spread of SARS-CoV-2, political will and public adherence to masking has waned. Our study confirms that universal masking requirements can benefit all students and staff, and therefore represents an important strategy to mitigate the impacts of structural racism, ensure health equity, and to avoid potential deepening of educational inequities.
SARS-CoV-2 viral clearance and viral load kinetics in young children (1-6 years) compared to adults: Results of a longitudinal study in Germany
Authors: Sandoni Anna , Rosario Angelika Schaffrath , Michel Janine , Kuttig Tim , Wurm Juliane , Damerow Stefan , Iwanowski Helena , Finkel Bianca , Schrick Livia , Buchholz Udo , Haas Walter , Varnaccia Gianni , Kubisch Ulrike , Jordan Susanne , Schienkiewitz Anja , Nitsche Andreas , Loss Julika 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate SARS-COV-2 viral clearance and viral load kinetics in the course of infection in children aged 1-6 years in comparison with adults.MethodsProspective cohort study of infected daycare children and staff and their close contacts in households from 11/2020-06/2021, comprising serial (self) sampling of upper respiratory tract specimen and testing for SARS-CoV-2 via PCR. Data on symptoms and exposure were used to determine the date of probable infection for each participant. We determined (a) viral clearance, and (b) viral load dynamics over time. Samples were taken from day 4-6 to day 16-18 after diagnosis of the index case in the respective daycare group (5 samples per participant).ResultsWe included 40 children (1-6 years) and 67 adults (18-77 years) with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Samples were available at a mean of 4.3 points of time per participant. Among the participants, the 12-day study period fell in different periods within the individual course of infection, ranging from day 5-17 to day 15-26 after assumed infection.Children reached viral clearance at a median of 20 days after assumed infection (95% CI 17-21 days, Kaplan Meier Analysis), adults at 23 days (95% CI 20-25 days, difference not significant). In both children and adults, viral load decreased over time with trajectories of the mean viral load not being statistically different between groups. Only small proportions of those tested positive had a viral load of >1 million copies/ml, which is considered the threshold for infectivity. Kaplan-Meier calculations show that from day 15 (95% CI 13-15), 50% of all participants that had a viral load no longer infectious or were negative.ConclusionChildren aged 1-6 and adults infected with SARS-CoV-2 (wild type and Alpha variant) did not differ significantly in terms of viral load kinetics and time needed to clear the virus. Therefore, containment measures are important also in the daycare settings as long as the pandemic continues.
Further humoral immunity evasion of emerging SARS-CoV-2 BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants
Authors: Jian Fanchong , Yu Yuanling , Song Weiliang , Yisimayi Ayijiang , Yu Lingling , Gao Yuxue , Zhang Na , Wang Yao , Shao Fei , Hao Xiaohua , Xu Yanli , Jin Ronghua , Wang Youchun , Xie Xiaoliang Sunney , Cao Yunlong 
Published: August 2022

AbstractMultiple BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants with R346 mutations on the spike glycoprotein have been identified in various countries, such as BA.4.6/BF.7 harboring R346T, BA.4.7 harboring R346S, and BA.5.9 harboring R346I. These subvariants, especially BA.4.6, exhibit substantial growth advantages compared to BA.4/BA.5. In this study, we showed that BA.4.6, BA.4.7, and BA.5.9 displayed higher humoral immunity evasion capability than BA.4/BA.5, causing 1.5 to 1.9-fold decrease in NT50 of the plasma from BA.1 and BA.2 breakthrough-infection convalescents compared to BA.4/BA.5. Importantly, plasma from BA.5 breakthrough-infection convalescents also exhibits significant neutralization activity decrease against BA.4.6, BA.4.7, and BA.5.9 than BA.4/BA.5, showing on average 2.4 to 2.6-fold decrease in NT50. For neutralizing antibody drugs, Bebtelovimab remains potent, while Evusheld is completely escaped by these subvariants. Together, our results rationalize the prevailing advantages of the R346 mutated BA.4/BA.5 subvariants and urge the close monitoring of these mutants, which could lead to the next wave of the pandemic.