bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Among First Responders in Northeastern Ohio, 2020
Authors: Zhang Xiaochun , Saade Elie , Noguez Jaime H. , Schmotzer Christine 
Published: September 2022

Objectives: First responders, including firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and law enforcement officers, are working on the front lines to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and facing an increased risk of infection. This study assessed the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among first responders in northeastern Ohio. Methods: A survey and immunoglobulin G antibody test against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein were offered to University Hospitals Health System–affiliated first-responder departments during May to September 2020. The survey contained questions about demographic characteristics and history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A total of 3080 first responders with diverse job assignments from more than 400 fire and police departments participated in the study. Results: Of 3080 participants, 73 (2.4%) were seropositive and 26 (0.8%) had previously positive real-time polymerase chain reaction results. Asymptomatic infection accounted for 46.6% (34 of 73) of seropositivity. By occupation, rates of seropositivity were highest among administration/support staff (3.8%), followed by paramedics (3.0%), EMTs (2.6%), firefighters (2.2%), and law enforcement officers (0.8%). Work-associated exposure rates to COVID-19 patients were: paramedics (48.2%), firefighters (37.1%), EMTs (32.3%), law enforcement officers (7.7%), and administration/support staff (4.4%). Self-reported community exposure was positively correlated with self-reported work-associated exposure rate (correlation coefficient = 0.99). Neither self-reported community nor work-associated exposure was correlated with SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence. We found no significant difference in seroprevalence among sex/gender or age groups; however, Black participants had a higher positivity rate than participants of other racial groups despite reporting lower exposure. Conclusions: Despite the high work-associated exposure rate to SARS-CoV-2 infection, first responders with various roles demonstrated seroprevalence no higher than their administrative/supportive colleagues, which suggests infection control measures are effective in preventing work-related infection.
Sanitizing the national body: COVID-19 and the revival of Japan’s “Closed Country” strategy
Authors: Vogt Gabriele , Qin Sian 
Published: September 2022

Japan’s handling of border control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic has become known as sakoku-approach. Sakoku literally means “closed country” and generally refers to a historic period when the Tokugawa Shogunate (1603–1868) kept Japan’s borders shut because international contacts were feared to cause public upheaval and political instability. While these times have long passed, contemporary Japan, too, is known for its tight management of immigration avenues. In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of these avenues were cut off, and despite much criticism, have remained largely inaccessible for two years now. In this paper, we build on concepts from authoritarian populism and the performance of crisis to analyze how and why Japan revived its isolationist strategy. We decipher the discursive framings that Prime Minister Abe applied to illustrate the disruptive influence that open borders would have on Japan’s public health, social stability and by extension, on the national body itself. We argue that from the onset of the pandemic on, the ethnic others were portrayed as a risk mainly for two intertwined reasons: Firstly, Japan’s pandemic management relies on self-constraint rather than rules and sanctions, and the ethnic others’ compliance was not fully trusted. Secondly, this exclusionary strategy fed into populist discourses and was presumed to result in favorable support rates for the administration.
Decreased PRESET-Score corresponds with improved survival in COVID-19 veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Powell Elizabeth K , Lankford Allison S , Ghneim Mira , Rabin Joseph , Haase Daniel J , Dahi Siamak , Deatrick Kristopher B , Krause Eric , Bittle Gregory , Galvagno Samuel M , Scalea Thomas , Tabatabai Ali 
Published: September 2022

Introduction The PREdiction of Survival on ECMO Therapy Score (PRESET-Score) predicts mortality while on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) for acute respiratory distress syndrome. The aim of our study was to assess the association between PRESET-Score and survival in a large COVID-19 VV ECMO cohort. Methods This was a single-center retrospective study of COVID-19 VV ECMO patients from 15 March 2020, to 30 November 2021. Univariable and Multivariable analyses were performed to assess patient survival and score differences. Results A total of 105 patients were included in our analysis with a mean PRESET-Score of 6.74. Overall survival was 65.71%. The mean PRESET-Score was significantly lower in the survivor group (6.03 vs 8.11, p < 0.001). Patients with a PRESET-Score less than or equal to six had improved survival compared to those with a PRESET-Score greater than or equal to 8 (97.7% vs. 32.5%, p < 0.001). In a multivariable logistic regression, a lower PRESET-Score was also predictive of survival (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.75, 4.63, p < 0.001). Conclusion We demonstrate that lower PRESET scores are associated with improved survival. The utilization of this validated, quantifiable, and objective scoring system to help identify COVID-19 patients with the greatest potential to benefit from VV-ECMO appears feasible. The incorporation of the PRESET-Score into institutional ECMO candidacy guidelines can help insure and improve access of this limited healthcare resource to all critically ill patients.
Clinical outcomes and echocardiographic characteristics between African American and Caucasian patients with acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Cires-Drouet Rafael S , Sama Jacob , Han Paul , Jones Kevin , Haase Daniel , Miller Taylor , Toursavadkohi Shahab , Nagarsheth Khanjan , Alston Lateaqua , Smedley Angela , Shanholtz Carl , Mayorga-Carlin Minerva , Sorkin John D , Hong Susie N , Ramani Gautam , Griffith Bartley , Lal Brajesh K , Taylor Bradley 
Published: September 2022

Background Despite socioeconomic disparities, no association between clinical presentation and poor outcomes explains a higher mortality in African Americans with pulmonary embolism (PE). The objective is to identify the co-morbidities and echocardiographic characteristics associated with increased mortality in African American patients. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of Caucasian or African American patients with PE diagnosed between October 2015 and December 2017 at University of Maryland Medical Center. The outcomes were in-hospital death, length of stay, and bleeding. Results There were 303 African Americans and 343 Caucasians. Caucasians were older ( p = 0.007), males ( p = 0.01) with history of coronary artery revascularization (CABG ( p = 0.001), coronary stents ( p = 0.001)), trauma ( p = 0.007), and/or recent surgeries ( p = 0.0001). African Americans exhibited higher rates of diabetes ( p = 0.01), chronic kidney disease ( p = 0.0005), and smoking ( p = 0.04). Severity of PE was similar between groups and there was no difference in clot burden size. African Americans had more right ventricular strain on Computer Tomography ( p = 0.001) and echocardiogram ( p = 0.004); also, underfilled left ventricles ( p = 0.02) and higher right ventricular systolic pressures ( p = 0.001). There was no difference in hospital mortality (7.1% vs. 7.9%, p = 0.71), length of stay (13.1 ± 16.7 vs 12.8 ± 14.9, p = 0.80) and bleeding (9.0% vs.8.3%. p = 0.72). Mortality was higher in African Americans who received advanced therapies (3.8% vs. 18.8%, p = 0.02). The risk of death increased with age (OR 1.04; 95%CI 1.020–1.073) and with advanced therapies (OR 2.43; 95%CI 1.029–5.769). Conclusions Differences in co-morbidities, radiologic findings, and echocardiographic characteristics that may contribute to higher mortality in African American patients, specifically those receiving advanced therapies.
Multicriteria Decision-Making Methods for Optimal Treatment Selection in Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bellos Ioannis 
Published: September 2022

Background Network meta-analysis exploits randomized data to compare multiple interventions and generate rankings. Selecting an optimal treatment may be complicated when multiple conflicting outcomes are evaluated in parallel. Design The present study suggested the incorporation of multicriteria decision-making methods in network meta-analyses to select the best intervention when multiple outcomes are of interest by creating partial and absolute rankings with the TOPSIS, VIKOR, and PROMETHEE algorithms. The TOPSIS and VIKOR techniques represent distance-based methods for compromise intervention selection, whereas the PROMETHEE analysis method allows the definition of preference and indifference thresholds. In addition, the PROMETHEE technique allows a variety of modeling options by selecting alternative preference functions. Different weights may be applied to outcomes objectively with the entropy method as well as subjectively with the analytic hierarchy process, enabling the individualization of treatment choice depending on the clinical scenario. Results Visualization of decision analysis may be performed with multicriteria score-adjusted scatterplots, while league tables may be constructed to depict the PROMETHEE I partial ordering of interventions. A simulated study was performed assuming equal weights of outcomes, and the TOPSIS, VIKOR, and PROMETHEE II methods were compared using a similarity coefficient, indicating a high degree of agreement among methods, especially with higher numbers of interventions. Conclusions Multicriteria decision analysis provides a flexible and computationally direct way of selecting compromise interventions and visualizing treatment selection in network meta-analyses. Further research should provide empirical data about the implementation of multicriteria decision analysis in real-world network meta-analyses aiming to define the most suitable method depending on the clinical question. Highlights Multicriteria decision-making methods can be implemented in network meta-analysis to indicate compromise interventions. The TOPSIS, VIKOR, and PROMETHEE methods can be used for optimal treatment selection when conflicting outcomes are evaluated. The weights of outcomes can be defined objectively or subjectively, reflecting the priorities of the decision maker.
Roles of C/EBP-homologous protein and histone H3 lysine 4 methylation in arsenic-induced mitochondrial apoptosis in hepatocytes
Authors: Liang Cai , Xie Ru-Jia , Wang Jun-Li , Zhang Ying-Wan , Zhang Jia-Yuan , Yang Qin , Han Bing 
Published: September 2022

C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) and histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation have been verified to be correlated with apoptosis, whereas their biological function in arsenic-induced hepatocyte apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the specific regulatory mechanism of CHOP and H3K4me1/2 in arsenic-induced mitochondrial apoptosis in hepatocytes. Apoptosis and proliferation results showed arsenic promoted apoptosis and inhibited cell growth in BRL-3A cells. Meanwhile, arsenic treatment significantly upregulated the 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), CHOP, su(var)-3-9,enhancer-of-zeste,trithorax (SET) domain containing 7/9 (SET7/9), H3K4me1/2, BIM and BAX expression, while markedly downregulated lysine-specific histone demethylase 1 (LSD1) and BCL2 expression. After down-regulating CHOP, LSD1, and (su(var)-3-9,enhancer-of-zeste,trithorax) domain-containing protein 7/9 (SET7/9) in BRL-3A cells by siRNA, silencing CHOP and SET7/9 notably attenuated the pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects of arsenic treatment on BRL-3A cells, which was reversed after inhibiting LSD1. In addition, our results suggested that knockdown of CHOP altered the expression of mitochondrial-associated proteins BCL2 and BIM, whereas knockdown of LSD1 and SET7/8 regulated the level of H3K4me1/2 modification and BAX protein. Coupled with chromatin immunoprecipitation results, we found that the level of CHOP in the promoter regions of BCL2 and BIM was significantly increased in BRL-3A cells exposed to 30 µmol/L NaAsO2 for 24 h, whereas the levels of H3K4me1/2 in the promoter regions of BAX were unchanged. Collectively, these data indicated that arsenic triggered the mitochondrial pathway to induce hepatocyte apoptosis by up-regulating the levels of CHOP and H3K4me1/2.
A retrospective case series of prophylactic neurectomy during total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Guier Christian G , Shi Glenn G , Clendenen Steven R , Heckman Michael G , Chase Lori A , Wilke Benjamin K 
Published: September 2022

Introduction Total knee arthroplasty is a common operation performed to relieve pain and restore functional activity. While overall widely successful, a subset of patients has continued pain postoperatively with no identifiable cause. Neuroma formation has been identified as a possible contributor to this unexplained pain, often necessitating an additional procedure for neuroma removal. The purpose of our study was to evaluate if prophylactic neurectomy could reduce the occurrence of postoperative pain. Methods A total of 112 patients were compared, 44 control patients and 68 neurectomy patients. Demographic information, Numerical rating pain scale (NRS) and Knee Society Scores (KSS) were collected pre- and post-operatively. Patients were additional asked if they were overall satisfied with the operation. Results There were no differences between groups with respect to age (Median: 71 vs 69 years, p = 0.28), male sex (41% vs 44%, p = 0.85), or body mass index (Median: 32.2 vs 31.3, p = 0.80). When comparing the degree of change following surgery there were no statistically significant differences observed in NRS pain scores (Median change: −7 vs −6, p = 0.89) or KSS scores (Median change: +44 vs +40, p = 0.14). Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference in overall patient-reported satisfaction with the knee replacement (82.5% vs 86.6%, p = 0.59). Conclusion We did not find a statistically significant difference in NRS, KSS, or overall patient satisfaction between the prophylactic neurectomy and control patient groups. Larger studies with evaluation of the nerve diameter will be needed to determine which patients are at risk for symptomatic neuroma development following total knee arthroplasty.
A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Analysis of Speech, Hearing, and Feeding in YouTube Videos: A Brief Communication
Authors: Bellon-Harn Monica L. , Ponce Jaycie , Hancock Rebecca 
Published: September 2022

Objective Healthcare information on YouTube is often inaccurate or insufficient. However, parents turn to social media for answers about their children's health conditions. Understanding the nature of content in specified scope of practice areas can help professionals clarify misinformation or utilize quality YouTube content in clinical context. This research examined: (1) meta-data and upload source; (2) understandability and actionability; and (3) content quality and clinical utility of YouTube videos related to speech, hearing, and feeding with children with cleft lip and palate (CLP). Design A cross-sectional design was used. Main Outcome Measure(s) Videos related to speech, hearing, and feeding with children with CLP were obtained. Meta-data and upload source were identified. The Patient Education Material Assessment Tool-AudioVisual (PEMAT-AV) was used to assess understandability and actionability. The DISCERN instrument was used to evaluate content quality. Responses to open-ended questions were used to evaluate clinical utility. Results Of 652 videos reviewed for potential inclusion, only 33 met the inclusion criteria. Of those, only 17 met adequate levels of both understandability and actionability. Results of DISCERN indicated that the videos were of fair quality. Analysis of clinical utility indicated that none of the videos should be used as stand-alone parent education materials. Conclusions Videos pertaining to speech, hearing and feeding issues are not viewed as frequently as videos addressing other areas of CLP. Our findings are consistent with previous reports that the videos related to CLP may be limited in their clinical utility. Professionals are needed to interpret the offerings and guide families to appropriate videos.
Determination of Factors Affecting Time in Therapeutic Range in Patients on Warfarin Therapy
Authors: Turen Sevda , Turen Selahattin 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundThe effectiveness and safety of warfarin depend on maintaining an international normalized ratio (INR) within the therapeutic range. Time in Therapeutic Range (TTR) is defined as the percentage of time a patient’s INR is within the therapeutic range.ObjectiveWe sought to determine the factors affecting good TTR in patients on warfarin therapy.MethodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in a single tertiary care center. Good anticoagulation control was defined as TTR ≥65%.ResultsThe study population consisted of 518 patients. The mean age was 57.6 ± 12.3 (19–87) and 54.4% of the patients were female. 47.5% patients achieved good anticoagulation control (TTR ≥65%). The mean Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS) score was significantly higher in patients with good TTR (23.5 ± 1.9 vs. 22.8 ± 2.1, p = .002). Only 40.2% of the patients received education on warfarin. In multivariable analyses, the duration of warfarin therapy >10 years (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.34–3.84, p = .002) and MARS score (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.09–1.35, p < .001) were found to be the independent predictors of the good anticoagulation control.ConclusionDuration of warfarin therapy >10 years and MARS score were the independent predictors of good anticoagulation control.
Exercise guide to help on arteriovenous fistula maturation and maintenance
Authors: Ribeiro Heitor S , Duarte Marvery P , Andrade Francini P , Sousa Michelle R , Baiao Victor M , Monteiro Jacqueline S , Ferreira Aparecido P 
Published: September 2022

Background: The arteriovenous fistula is the main vascular access in hemodialysis. Arteriovenous fistula access is generally evaluated by a vascular surgeon after 2 weeks of its surgery, however, exercise programs may begin earlier for improving outcomes. Therefore, we propose this guide with simple, but potentially effective exercises, using low-cost materials that can be safely performed by the patients at home or in the dialysis center. It also provides to the dialysis staff team a starting point for implementing an upper-limb exercise program that may facilitate arteriovenous fistula maturation and maintenance. Methods: This exercise routine for arteriovenous fistula maturation can be performed three to four times a day, every day, from 2 to 4 weeks. After its maturation, it can be performed on every non-dialysis day for conventional treatment and every other day, before dialysis, for short daily treatment. Conclusions: Based on the available evidence, we have gathered some exercises, in a very easy and understandable language, that may potentially help arteriovenous fistula maturation and maintenance for hemodialysis patients.
A new pressure-based device for tip navigation and tip location during central venous catheterization: A prospective clinical study on a cohort of 136 adult patients
Authors: D’Arrigo Sonia , Emoli Alessandro , Marche Bruno , Pittiruti Mauro 
Published: September 2022

Introduction: According to current guidelines, tip location of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) should be verified during insertion, preferably using non-invasive methods such as intracavitary ECG (IC-ECG) or echocardiography. An interesting new option is represented by a new pressure-based device, the CatFinder System (CFS), which might be theoretically useful also for tip navigation. Methods: We planned a single-center, prospective, non-randomized trial on adult patients requiring PICC insertion, using simultaneously CFS and IC-ECG, with the purpose of verifying the applicability, feasibility, safety, and accuracy of CFS for intra-procedural tip location. Patients with known ECG abnormalities or cardiac diseases of any type were excluded. The ability of CFS to assess wrong directions of the catheter during insertion (tip navigation) was evaluated by comparison with ultrasound scan. Results: Out of 136 enrolled adult patients, CFS was found to be applicable in 131 cases (five cases were excluded because of ECG abnormalities) and feasible in 111 cases (in 20 cases, tip location by CFS could not be carried out because of technical issues). There were no complications directly or indirectly related to the CFS maneuvers. Using IC-ECG as a comparison, 87 tips placed by CFS were within 2 cm from the target, 17 were >2 cm from target. In seven cases, CFS was able to detect a wrong direction (to the ipsilateral internal jugular vein), as confirmed by ultrasound. Conclusion: Applicability of CFS in patients with sinus rhythm was 96.3%, feasibility was 84.7%, and safety was 100%. If compared to IC-ECG, accuracy was 83.6% (accepting an error <2 cm) and 96.1% (for an error <3 cm). Unacceptable tip positions (>3 cm) were 3.8% (the tip was too high inside the SVC). This study confirms a possible future role of CFS for intra-procedural tip location and tip navigation, though its use cannot be currently recommended.
Peer support for people living with rare or young onset dementia: An integrative review
Authors: Sullivan Mary Pat , Williams Veronika , Grillo Adetola , McKee-Jackson Roberta , Camic Paul M , Windle Gill , Stott Joshua , Brotherhood Emily , Crutch Sebastian J ,   on behalf of the Rare Dementia Support (RDS) research team
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesThe aim of this integrative review was to identify and synthesize the literature on peer support interventions for people living with or caring for someone with a rare or young onset dementia.DesignA literature search of articles was performed using the Nipissing University Primo search system, a central index that enables simultaneous searches across databases which included MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts, Cochrane Library.ResultsThe eleven papers that met the inclusion criteria spanned eighteen years and from five countries. Studies reported on peer support programs that were either hospital-based (n = 6) or community-based (n = 4), and were predominantly led by disciplines in the health sciences. Only one study did not involve delivering services. There was a range of methodological quality within the studies included in the review. Further analysis and synthesis led to the identification of three overarching peer support themes. These included: (1) peers as necessarily part of social support interventions; (2) a theoretical portmanteau; and (3) dementia spaces and relationality.ConclusionConsistent with a much larger body of work examining peer involvement in social interventions, this review reinforced the valuable contribution of peers. A full understanding of the mechanisms of change was not achieved. Notwithstanding, the issue of studies neglecting to sufficiently conceptualize and describe interventions is an important one – drawing attention to the need to continue to explore varied delivery, including co-produced models, and more effective evaluation strategies to inform the dementia care sector.