bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time to Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole Initiation among Patients with Rheumatic Disease Complicated by Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia: Impact on 90-day Mortality
Authors: Song Siyang , Zhang Yang , Yu Jie , Xie Cuiying , Chen Yi , Zhang Xingyu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is a life-threatening disease with increasing prevalence in patients with rheumatic disease. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) is an effective treatment for patients with rheumatic disease hospitalized for PJP. This study aimed to describe the 90-day mortality of patients with rheumatic disease complicated by PJP and investigate whether the administration of TMP/SMX after 7 days from initial symptoms correlates with 90-day mortality.Methods: We enrolled consecutive patients with rheumatic disease complicated with PJP in our center from August 2018 to August 2021. The participants were classified into two groups according to when TMP/SMX was initiated: early (within the first 7 days) and late (after 7 days). The primary outcome was 90-day PJP-related mortality. Multivariate cox regression and Kaplan–Meier survival analyses were conducted to identify the risk factors for mortality and examine differences in survival between early and late use of TMP/SMX.Results: Thirty-seven patients with rheumatic disease (median age 50.1 years, 24.3% male) complicated by PJP were enrolled in our study, and 15 (40.5%) patients died at or before 90 days of follow-up. The most common comorbidity was systemic lupus erythematosus (14, 37.8%), followed by inflammatory myopathy (11, 27.9%). Patients in the early group were less likely to require mechanical ventilation (29.6% vs. 90.0%, P = 0.002), and had lower mortality (25.9% vs. 80.0%, P = 0.006) than those in the late group. In the Kaplan–Meier analysis, the survivor probability of the early group was notably higher than that of the late group (P = 0.007). Multivariate cox regression analysis showed that initiation of TMP/SMX after 7 days from admission (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-30.4; P = 0.034) and a higher level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; HR: 6.0, 95% CI: 1.1-31.8; P = 0.035) were associated with 90-day mortality in patients with rheumatic disease complicated by PJP.Conclusion: Patients with rheumatic disease complicated by PJP had poor prognoses, with mortality rates as high as 40.5%. TMP/SMX initiation after 7 days from initial symptoms and a higher level of serum LDH were significantly associated with increased 90-day mortality.
Ischemic stroke in young patients (18-49 years) in Medellín, Colombia
Authors: Vargas-Murcia Juan Diego , Isaza-Jaramillo Sandra Patricia , Vallejo-Mesa Dionis Magnary , Carvajal-Muñoz Daniela 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: there is scarce information about ischemic stroke in young patients in Colombia. The incidence is increasing. To describe the etiologies and risk factors of ischemic stroke in young patients in a third level complexity referral hospital in Medellin, Colombia. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out, retrospectively reviewing the medical records of patients between 18 and 49 years old admitted for the first time for ischemic stroke, from January 2009 to December 2019. The sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors and etiological classification of ischemic stroke according to the TOAST (Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) were described.Results: 237 cases were found. The most frequent risk factors were arterial hypertension (31.7%), smoking (29.6%) and alcohol intake (23.2%). There was a greater number of traditional cardiovascular risk factors at older ages. The TOAST classification was: large-artery atherosclerosis (6.8%), cardioembolism (17.7%), small-vessel disease (7.6%), other determined etiology (25.7%) and undetermined (42.2 %). Within cardioembolism, the most common high risk source was valvular exchange, and moderate risk was permeable foramen ovale. Craniocervical arterial dissection (11.4%) and substance abuse (2.9%) were the two most frequent entities within other determined etiologies. The most common compromised vascular territory was the anterior (55.7%).Conclusions: the high frequency of traditional risk factors in young patients highlights the need to optimize primary and secondary prevention plans. Illicit substances and infectious causes are particular causes in this study. It is necessary to investigate the reasons for the high proportion of undetermined causes.
Time-dependent measurement of plasmon-induced charge separation on a gold nanoparticle/TiO2 interface by electrostatic force microscopy
Authors: Misaka Tomoki , Ohoyama Hiroshi , Matsumoto Takuya 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Plasmon-induced charge separation (PICS) is an efficient way to use the hot carriers generated by localized surface plasmon resonance. Although the ultrafast dynamics of hot carrier generation and annihilation itself are well understood, the slow dynamics of PICS are not, despite their importance for the use of hot carriers in chemical reactions. In this work, we directly observed the slow dynamics of PICS on an Au nanoparticle (NP)/TiO2 interface by using electrostatic force microscopy with time-resolved measurements obtained by sideband signal of frequency shift. The change in contact potential difference induced by PICS had a bias voltage dependence, indicating that the number of holes in the Au NPs ([h+AuNP]) accumulated by laser irradiation depended on bias voltage. The decay constant for the annihilation of the separated charge on the Au NPs at the Au NP/TiO2 interface was directly determined to be ca. 150 ms, and the annihilation process was discussed in a simple model based on the transient Schottky barrier.
Visible-light assisted surface plasmon resonance triggered Ag/ZnO nanocomposites: synthesis and performance towards degradation of indigo carmine dye
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Janbandhu Shaileshkumar Y. , Sukhadeve Gaurav K. , Gedam Rupesh S. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Water pollution caused by organic compounds, generated from different industries has gained attention worldwide today. In this regard, significant efforts have been made for suitable dye degradation technology. Zinc oxide (ZnO) based photocatalysts are considered novel materials to degrade organic effluents in contaminated water. The facile synthesis of Ag/ZnO nanocomposites and its application for the enhanced degradation of Indigo carmine (IC) dye under visible light irradiation is reported in this paper. The prepared photocatalysts were characterized using various analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), FTIR, Raman, Impedance study, UV-Vis, and photoluminescence (PL). Prepared Ag/ZnO nanocomposites were tested for degradation of IC dye in visible light. The degradation efficiency of IC dye was found to be 95.71% in 120 min, with a rate constant of 0.01957 min− 1. This improved photocatalytic activity of Ag/ZnO nanocomposites was mainly due to the absorption of visible light caused by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) derived from Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and electron-hole separation. Radical trapping experiments suggest that holes (h+), and superoxide radical (O2•−) are the key factors in photocatalytic IC dye degradation.
The prevalence of early age-related macular generation and its relationship with dietary pattern in China: a cross-section study
Authors: Lin Yanhui , Peng Ting , Li Ying , Liu Yu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To estimate the prevalence of age-related macular generation (AMD) among people who underwent health examination in Hunan, China and to determine the relationship between dietary pattern and the risk of AMD.
Methods
The Questionnaire was used to collect dietary data from 56,775 subjects of ≥ 50 years old who underwent health examination at the Department of Health Management, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between January 2017 and December 2019. The diagnosis of AMD was based on the results of fundus examination and medical history taking. After excluding subjects with incomplete records or other oculopathies that may affect the results of fundus examination, a total of 43,672 subjects were included. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between dietary pattern and the prevalence of AMD.
Results
Among the 43,672 subjects, 1080 (2.5%) had early AMD: the prevalences were 2.6% (n = 674) in males and 2.3% (n = 406) in females; the prevalences were 1.0% (n = 289), 3.6% (n = 401), 9.1% (n = 390) in 50–59, 60–69, ≥ 70 years old, respectively. The high-salt intake increased the risk of early AMD [odds ratio (OR) = 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.53–1.67], whereas the intake of meat decreased the risk (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.80–0.99).
Conclusion
Our data indicate that high-salt intake increases the risk of early AMD, whereas intake of meat decreases the risk. Modulating the dietary pattern as an AMD prevention strategy warrants further study.
An Objective Analysis of the Flow of Patients Undergoing Mastectomy Through the Use of Length Of Stay: the case of “San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D’Aragona” University Hospital
Authors: Trunfio Teresa Angela , Scala Arianna , Borrelli Anna , Improta Giovanni 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Malignant breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. In Italy there are over 50,000 new diagnoses each year and the COVID-19 pandemic seems to have slowed this process. Mastectomy is a breast cancer surgery technique that involves the removal of the entire breast. Although the conservative approach is always preferred, some factors such as case complexity or patient decision lead to this invasive approach. The expected complexity of delayed diagnosis in the COVID-19 era pushes towards an objective analysis of the flow of patients undergoing mastectomy through the use of measurable quality indicators such as Length Of Stay (LOS).
Methods
In this work several regression models (Multiple Linear Regression Decision Tree, Random Forest, Linear Support Vector Machine and Narrow Neural Network) have been implemented in order to analyze the total LOS as functions of a set of independent variables of patients who underwent mastectomy at University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona" of Salerno (Italy) in the years 2011–2018.
Results
The results obtained show in general the excellent performance of regression models in characterizing the particular case study. Among the models, the best was Random Forest with a R2 value higher than 0.8. Statistical analysis also showed that, among the independent variables, Pre-Operative LOS (p < 0.001) and Discharge Ward (p < 0.001) had a greater impact on total LOS.
Conclusion
Through this study it was possible to validate the use of regression models to characterize the total LOS of patients undergoing mastectomy. The LOS is confirmed to be an excellent indicator of performance and, also through the study of the impact of the other variables included, its evaluation is fundamental in guiding the strategies of healthcare management.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells showed an alteration of differentiation potential under Environmental Micro and Nanoplastics Exposure
Authors: Najahi Hana , Alessio Nicola , Squillaro Tiziana , Conti Gea Oliveri , Ferrante Margherita , Bernardo Giovanni Di , Galderisi Umberto , Messaoudi Imed , Minucci Sergio , Banni Mohamed 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Humans are exposed to environmental microplastic (MPs) that can be frequent in water and food. The mesenchymal stromal cells are a heterogeneous population, which contain fibroblasts and stromal cells, progenitor cells and stem cells. They are part of the stromal component of most tissue and organs in our organisms. Any injury to their functions may impair tissue renewal and homeostasis. Methods: We evaluated the effects of different size MPs that could be present in water bottles on human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMMSCs) and adipose mesenchymal stromal cells (AMSCs). MPs of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (<1 µm and <2.6 µm) were tested in this study. Results: PET treatments induced a reduction in proliferating cells associated either with the onset of senescence or increase in apoptosis. The AMSCs and BMMSCs exposed to PET showed an alteration of differentiation potential. AMSCs remained in an early stage of adipocyte differentiation as shown by high levels of mRNA for PPARG and reduction in LPL mRNA levels. A loss of differentiation capacity was also observed for the osteocyte phenotype in BMMSCs.Conclusions: This pioneering mesenchymal cell response survey demonstrated that environmental plastic particles are bioavailable for uptake into cells and thus may lead to irreversible diseases.
Access to quality maternal healthcare services in Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Negero Melese Girmaye , Sibbritt David , Dawson Angela 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
BackgroundThe quality of care a woman receives during antenatal care (ANC), intrapartum care, and postnatal care (PNC) affects the health of the woman and her child and her likelihood of seeking care in the future. This study aimed to assess the recommended interventions received by a mother and/or her newborn during ANC, intrapartum care and PNC, and their determinants in Ethiopia using data from the nationally representative 2019 Mini Demographic and Health Survey. MethodsWe defined quality ANC as having: blood pressure measurement, urine and blood tests, informed of danger signs, iron supplementation, and nutritional counselling; quality intrapartum care as having: a health facility birth, skilled birth assistance, and newborn put to the breast within one hour; and quality PNC as having: PNC within two days; cord examination; temperature measurement, and counselling on danger signs and breastfeeding of the newborn; and healthcare provider's observation of breastfeeding. We used multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analyses specifying three-level models: a woman/household, a cluster, and an administrative region to determine predictors of each care quality. The analyses employed sampling weights and were adjusted for sampling design.ResultsThirty-six percent (n=1,048), 43% (n=1,485), and 21% (n=374) women received quality ANC, intrapartum, and PNC, respectively. Private health facilities provided higher-quality ANC and PNC but poor intrapartum care quality, compared to public health facilities. Receiving ≥4 ANC contacts and commencing this during the first trimester, higher levels of women's education and household wealth were positive predictors of quality ANC. Government health posts were less likely to provide quality ANC. Richer, urban residing women with education and ≥4 ANC contacts were more likely to receive quality intrapartum care. Women who received quality ANC and skilled birth assistance were more likely to receive quality PNC. Adolescent mothers were more likely to receive quality intrapartum care, but were less likely to receive quality PNC than mothers aged 20-49. ConclusionsWe recommend standardizing the components of maternal healthcare provided in all health facilities; and promoting early and ≥4 ANC contacts, effectiveness, sensitivity, and vigilance of care provided to adolescent mothers, digital clinical decision support tools, and women's education and economic empowerment.
Spatial variability of Methane and Carbon dioxide emissions from an active municipal solid waste dumpsite under various surface physicochemical conditions
Authors: Herath Priyantha Lakmini , Jayawardana Daham , Bandara Nilanthi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Surface methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were studied from an open, active municipal solid waste (MSW) dumpsite, which has been functioning for over 30 years by filling MSW in Colombo Sri Lanka. Based on the surface physical conditions and waste disposal history, multiple samplings were done from eight identified cells using a standard static closed flux chamber. Results showed that the superficial average emission rates of CH4 and CO2 were 10,672 mg m-2 h-1 and 40,827 mg m-2 h-1, respectively. The highest average flux rate is reported from trenches that leachate flows and the lowest from the old mixed waste covered by compacted soil layer. Further, the highest fractions are observed from an area of old mixed waste covered with water, and the values are CH4; 26% and CO2; 35%, from the total emission (CH4; 7,436 kg d-1 and CO2; 21,653 kg d-1). Significantly, the results revealed that leachate provides an ideal pathway for the transmission of landfill gases. In contrast, moisture content and organic matter content have a positive relationship with the rate of CH4 flux. The CH4 oxidation capacity of the surface layer depends on its physical conditions and revealed vegetation enhancing CH4 oxidation. The results show that adequate water drainage and leachate treatment are essential to control the migration of landfill gases from MSW disposal sites.
Flexible iontronics based on 2D nanofluidic material
Authors: Wei Di , Yang Feiyao , Jiang Zhuoheng , Wang Zhong Lin 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Iontronics focuses on the interactions between electrons and ions, playing essential roles in most processes across physics, chemistry and life science. Osmotic power source as an example of iontronics, could transform ion gradient into electrical energy, however, it generates low power, sensitive to humidity and can’t operate under freezing point. Herein, based on 2D nanofluidic graphene oxide (GO) material, we demonstrated an ultrathin (~ 10 µm) osmotic power source with voltage of 1.5 V, volumetric specific energy density of 6 mWh cm− 3 and power density of 28 mW cm− 3, achieving the highest values so far. Coupled with triboelectric nanogenerator, it could form a self-charged conformable triboiontronic device. Furthermore, a Lego-like design scaled up areal power density up to 1.3 mW cm− 2 purely from ion gradient based on nanoconfined enhancement from GO that can operate under − 40°C and overcome humidity limitations, enabling to power the future implantable electronics in human-machine interface.
Effect of silymarin on Interleukin-6 level and size of endometrioma lesions in women with ovarian endometriosis: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: mirzaei negin , Sadatmahalleh shahideh Jahanian , Rouholamin Safoura , Nasiri Malihe 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objective: To study the effect of silymarin on interleukin-6 (IL-6) level, size of endometrioma lesion, pain, sexual function, and quality of life (QoL) in women diagnosed with endometriosis.Materials and methods: This randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 70 women with endometriosis which was divided into two groups of intervention and control. The intervention was 140 mg silymarin (or matching placebo) administered twice daily for 12 weeks. The volume of endometrioma lesions, IL-6, pain, sexual function, and QoL were analyzed before and after the intervention.Results: The means of endometrioma volume (P =0.04), interleukin-6 (P = 0.002), and pain (P<0.001) were reduced significantly in the silymarin group after intervention. However, the QoL, FSFI did not improve substantially in the two groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion: Silymarin significantly reduced interleukin-6 levels, sizes of endometrioma lesions, and pain-related symptoms.The trial has been registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20150905023897N5) on 4th February 2020 (04/02/2020) (https://en.irct.ir/trial/42215) and the date of initial participant enrollment was 2nd March 2020 (02/03/2020).
A 3-step approach to predict advanced fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Impact on diagnosis, patient burden, and medical costs
Authors: Kobayashi Takashi , Ogawa Yuji , Shinoda Satoru , Iwaki Michihiro , Nogami Asako , Honda Yasushi , Kessoku Takaomi , Imajo Kento , Masato Yoneda , Saito Satoru , Yamamoto Kouji , Oeda Satoshi , Takahashi Hirokazu , Sumida Yoshio , Nakajima Atsushi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
A 2-step approach, Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) followed by vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE), has been proposed to predict advanced fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to develop a novel 3-step approach for predicting advanced fibrosis. We enrolled 284 biopsy-confirmed NAFLD patients from two tertiary care centers and developed subgroups (n = 190), including 3.7% of patients with advanced fibrosis, assuming a primary care setting. In the 3-step approach, patients with intermediate-to-high FIB-4 in the first step underwent an enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) test or measurement of type IV collagen 7S domain (T4C7S) as the second step, and VCTE was performed if the second step value was higher than the cutoff. In 284 cases, a tertiary care cohort with 36.3% advanced fibrosis, the 3-step approach showed significantly higher specificity and positive predictive value than the 2-step approach. In the subgroup with 3.7% advanced fibrosis, the 3-step approach significantly reduced the referral rate to specialists, the number of high-risk patients (i.e., liver biopsy candidates), and healthcare costs by 12.5–15.8%. The 3-step approach may improve the diagnostic performance to predict advanced fibrosis in NAFLD, which could lower rates of referrals to specialists, liver biopsies, and medical costs.
Towards high performance green piezoelectric generators based on electrochemically poled nanocellulose
Authors: Sultana Ayesha , Alam Md.Mehebub , Pavlopoulou Eleni , Solano Eduardo , Berggren Magnus , Crispin Xavier , Zhao Dan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Internet-of-everything (IoE) is defined as networked connections of things, people, data and processes. IoE nodes, preferably shaped as printed flexible systems, serves as the frontier outpost of the Internet and comprises devices to record and regulate states and functions. To power distributed IoE nodes in an ecofriendly manner, technology to scavenge energy from ambience and self-powered devices are developed. For this, piezoelectricity is regarded as a key-property, however current technology typically based on polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) co-polymers, are expensive and produced via toxic protocols. We report piezoelectric characteristics of electrochemically poled cellulose nanofiber (CNFs) thin films processed from water dispersions. Poling these films at humid conditions cause breaking and reorientation of CNF segments, which results in enhanced crystal alignment rendering the resulting material piezoelectric. Generators based on poled CNF show similar piezoelectric voltage and coefficient, here measured to d33 = 46 pm/V, as for devices including PVDF copolymer layers of similar thickness. Our findings promise for low cost and printable ecofriendly piezoelectric-powered IoE nodes.