bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Evaluation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Velocity Measurement Agreement, Reliability, and Reproducibility in Type I Chiari Malformation Using 2D Phase Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging and 4D Flow Imaging
Authors: Williams Gwendolyn , Thyagaraj Suraj , Fu Audrey , Oshinski John , Giese Daniel , Bunck Alexander C. , Fornari Eleonora , Santini Francesco , Luciano Mark , Loth Francis , Martin Bryn A. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging, PC MRI, is a valuable tool allowing for non-invasive quantification of CSF dynamics, but has lacked adoption in clinical practice for Chiari malformation diagnostics. To improve these diagnostic practices, a better understanding of PC MRI based measurement agreement, repeatability, and reproducibility of CSF dynamics is needed.
Methods
An anatomically realistic in vitro subject specific model of a Chiari malformation patient was scanned three times at five different scanning centers using 2D PC MRI and 4D Flow techniques to quantify intra-scanner repeatability, inter-scanner reproducibility, and agreement between imaging modalities. Peak systolic CSF velocities were measured at nine axial planes using 2D PC MRI, which were then compared to 4D Flow peak systolic velocity measurements extracted at those exact axial positions along the model.
Results
Comparison of measurement results showed good overall agreement of CSF velocity detection between 2D PC MRI and 4D Flow (p = 0.86), fair intra-scanner repeatability (confidence intervals ± 2 cm/s), and poor inter-scanner reproducibility. On average, 4D Flow measurements had a larger variability than 2D PC MRI measurements (standard deviations 1.83 and 1.04 cm/s, respectively).
Conclusion
Agreement, repeatability, and reproducibility of 2D PC MRI and 4D Flow detection of peak CSF velocities was quantified using a patient-specific in vitro model of Chiari malformation. In combination, the greatest factor leading to measurement inconsistency was determined to be a lack of reproducibility between different MRI centers. Overall, these findings may help lead to better understanding for application of 2D PC MRI and 4D Flow techniques as diagnostic tools for CSF dynamics quantification in Chiari malformation and related diseases.
A Protocol for a Systematic Literature Review of Economic Evaluation Studies of Interventions to Address Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Ananthakrishnan Aparna , Painter Chris , Teerawattananon Yot 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is accelerated by the widespread and often indiscriminate use of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and the environment. In 2015, the World Health Organization recognised AMR as one of the top ten global health threats, due to its potential to neutralise humanity’s advancements in western medicine by enabling the emergence of new strains of existing pathogens, many of which have no available treatments. Over the past decade, several countries, including those in low- and middle- income contexts, have started implementing interventions to tackle AMR. However, economic evidence regarding the cost-effectiveness of these interventions remain weak. To address this evidence gap, we will conduct a systematic literature review to provide a comprehensive summary on the value for money of different AMR interventions.Methods: We aim to conduct a systematic literature review of all available economic evaluations on interventions addressing AMR and will provide a narrative synthesis of our findings. Systematic searches for relevant studies will be performed across all suitable databases as well as in grey literature sources such as unpublished studies, reports, and other relevant documents. All economic evaluation studies will be included as long as they report an economic outcome. Those studies reporting clinical endpoints alone will be excluded. Selection for final inclusion and data extraction will be performed by two independent reviewers. Discussion: The review will be one of the first of its kind, and the most recent, to systematically review literature on the cost-effectiveness of AMR interventions, an important evidence gap in the economics of AMR. The findings will enable policy and decision-makers, particularly in resource-constrained settings, to better use available resources when selecting interventions to address AMR burdens, Systematic review registration: PROSPERO (Awaiting registration number)
How We Teach Children with Asthma to Use Their Inhaler: A Scoping Review
Authors: McCrossan Patrick , Mallon Orla , Shields Michael , Russell Catherine , Kennedy Lesley , O’Donoghue Dara 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundOne reason that asthma remains poorly controlled in children is poor inhaler technique. Guidelines recommend checking inhaler technique at each clinical visit. However, they do not specify how best to train children to mastery of correct inhaler technique. Many children are simply shown how to use inhalers which results in less than 50% with correct inhaler technique. The aim of this scoping review is to explore published literature on teaching methods used to train children to master correct inhaler technique.MethodsWe searched (from inception onwards): Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and the Cochrane library. We included quantitative studies, (e.g. randomised controlled trials, cohort studies and case-control studies), published from 1956 to present, on teaching inhaler technique to children with asthma. Data was extracted onto a data charting table to create a descriptive summary of the results. Data was then synthesised with descriptive statistics and visual mapping.ResultsTwenty-eight papers were identified for full text analysis. Educational interventions were found to be taking place in a variety of clinical areas and by a range of healthcare professional disciplines. ‘Brief-Instruction’ and ‘Teach-Back’ were identified as two primary methods of providing inhaler technique training in the majority of papers. Secondary themes identified were; use of written instruction, physical demonstration, video demonstrations and/or use of inhaler devices to augment inhaler technique training.ConclusionThere are a variety of means by which inhaler technique has been taught to children. We have not analysed the effectiveness of these different interventions, but have described what has been trialled before in an attempt to focus our attentions on what may potentially work best. The majority of these methods can be dichotomised to either ‘Brief-Intervention’ or ‘Teach-Back’. Based on our analysis of this scoping review, we consider the following as areas for future research; how many times does a given intervention have to be done in order to have the desired effect? For what duration does the intervention need to continue to have a long-lasting effect? And, what is the best outcome measure for inhaler technique? Systematic review registrationOpen Science Framework (osf.io/n7kcw).
Endogenous PCSK9 may influence circulating CD45neg/CD34bright and CD45neg/CD34bright/CD146neg cells in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tripaldi Romina , Lanuti Paola , Simeone Paola , Liani Rossella , Bologna Giuseppina , Ciotti Sonia , Simeone Pasquale , Castelnuovo Augusto Di , Marchisio Marco , Cipollone Francesco , Santilli Francesca 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Protease proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a regulator of LDL cholesterol clearance and has been associated with cardiovascular risk. PCSK9 inhibitors increase in vivo circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), a subtype of immature cells involved in ongoing endothelial repair. We hypothesized that the effect of PCSK9 on vascular homeostasis may be mediated by EPCs in patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Eighty-two patients (45 with, 37 without T2DM) at high cardiovascular risk were enrolled in this observational study. Statin treatment was associated with higher circulating levels of PCSK9 in patients with and without T2DM (p<0.001 and p=0.036) and with reduced CD45neg/CD34bright (p=0.016) and CD45neg/CD34bright/CD146neg (p=0.040) only among patients with T2DM.
In the whole group of patients, statin treatment was the only independent predictor of low number of CD45neg/CD34bright (β=-0.230; p=0.038, adjusted R2=0.041). Among T2DM patients, PCSK9 circulating levels were inversely related and predicted both the number of CD45neg/CD34bright (β=–0.438; p=0.003, adjusted R2=0.173), and CD45neg/CD34bright/CD146neg (β=–0.458; p=0.002, adjusted R2=0.191) independently of age, gender, BMI and statin treatment.
In high-risk T2DM patients, high endogenous levels of PCSK9 may have a detrimental effect on EPCs by reducing the endothelial repair and worsening the progression of atherothrombosis.
Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA) gene polymorphisms may serve as genetic marker for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
Authors: Huang Kang , Lu Shijuan , Zhou Yilei , Lin Dehong , Chen Zibin , Zhong Zanrui , Zhong Jianghua 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Purpose: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a common cardiovascular disease resulting from interaction of multiple environmental and genetic factors. This study aimed to confirm whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VEGFA gene were associated with CHD in the Han Chinese population. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 501 CHD patients and 496 healthy individuals. Genotyping of five SNPs within VEGFA was performed using Agena MassARRAY platform. Odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated to evaluate the association between SNPs and CHD risk.Results: The genotype “C/T” of rs3025021 in VEGFA was found to be associated with CHD susceptibility (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.02- 1.80, p = 0.038) in the overall. Rs833068 was observed to be associated with the reduced risk of CHD at age > 61 years and ≤ 61 years, respectively. And three loci (rs833068, rs3025021 and rs6905288) were related to the CHD risk in males. In addition, rs3025021 was associated with increased risk of CHD in patients with hypertension or diabetes. Conversely, three loci (rs833068, rs3025030 and rs6905288) were related to the CHD risk in patients without hypertension. The rs833068 was associated with reduced risk of CHD in patients without diabetes. Finally, we found a strong LD between rs833068 and rs833070. Conclusion: Gene polymorphisms in VEGFA were notably correlated with altered CHD risk in the Han Chinese population. Large sample size and well - designed studies are needed to further clarify the potential mechanisms underlying the CHD.
Magnetic COFs as satisfied support for lipase immobilization and recovery to effectively achieve the production of biodiesel by great maintenance of enzyme activity.
Authors: Zhou Zi-Wen , Xing Xiu , Li Jun , Hu Zu-E , Xie Zong-Bo , Wang Na , Yu Xiao-Qi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Production of biodiesel from renewable sources such as non-edible vegetable oils by enzymatic catalysis has been a hotspot but remains a challenge on the efficient use of an enzyme. COFs featuring large surface area and porosity should be applied as an ideal support to impede aggregation of lipase and methanol. However, the naturally low density limits its application. In this work, we reported a facile synthesis of core-shell magnetic COF composite (Fe3O4@COF-OMe) to immobilize RML (Rhizomucor miehei lipase), in order to achieve its utilization in biodiesel production.Result: This strategy gives extrinsic magnetic property, and the magnetic COFs is much heavier and could disperse in water medium well, facilitating the attachment with enzyme. The resultant biocomposite exhibited an excellent capacity of RML due to its high surface area and fast response to the external magnetic field, as well as good chemical stability. The core-shell magnetic COF-OMe structure not only achieved highly efficient immobilization and recovery processes, but also maintained the activity of lipase to a great extent. RML@Fe3O4@COF-OMe performed well in practical applications, while free lipase did not. The biocomposite successfully achieved the production of biodiesel from Jatropha curcas Oil with a yield of about 70% in the optimized conditions. Conclusion: Magnetic COFs (Fe3O4@COF-OMe) for RML immobilization greatly improved catalytic performance in template reaction and biodiesel preparation. The magneticity makes it easily recovered and separated from system. This first successful attempt of COFs-based immobilized enzyme broadened the prospect of biodiesel production by COFs with some inspiration.
Do Contributing Factors for Health Inequality Really Indicate Worse Conditions Among Upper Non-manual Workers Than Among Lower Non-manual and Manual Workers in Korea?: A Cross-sectional Study Using a Nationally Representative Survey Data of Korea
Authors: Noh Eunjeong , Khang Young-Ho 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite the consensus that higher occupational classes tend to have better health and lower mortality rates, a previous study reported reversed occupational gradients in mortality rates among Korean men after the economic crisis in the late 2000s. This study investigated occupational gradients in socioeconomic position and multiple pathway indicators known to affect mortality.Methods: We used data from 4,176 men aged 35–64 in Korea, derived from the 2007-2009 and 2013-2015 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, to compare the age-standardized prevalence and age-adjusted mean value of each contributing factor to health inequality among occupational groups, which were divided into upper non-manual workers, lower non-manual workers, manual workers, and others. Contributing factors included childhood and adulthood socioeconomic position indicators, biological risk factors, health behaviors, psychosocial factors, and work environment.Results: Upper non-manual workers had prominently higher levels of education, income, parental education, and economic activity than lower non-manual and manual workers. The rates of smoking and high-risk alcohol consumption were lower in the non-manual classes, and the rate of weight control activities was higher. Depression and suicidal ideation levels were lower and perceptions of the work environment were better among non-manual workers than among their manual counterparts.Conclusions: This study confirmed occupational inequality in a wide range of socioeconomic positions and pathway indicators in Korea, with consistently favorable patterns for upper non-manual workers. These occupational gradients do not support the previously reported reversed pattern of higher mortality in non-manual groups than in the manual job class in Korea.
Gametocyte Carriage After Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention in Plasmodium Falciparum Infected Asymptomatic Children&nbsp;
Authors: Ahmad Abdullahi , Prom Aurelia , Bradley John , Ndiath Mamadou , Etoketim Blessed , Bah Mamadou , Vangeetruyden Jean-Pierre , Drakeley Chris , Bousema Teun , Achan Jane , D'Alessandro Umberto 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundTreatment of clinical Plasmodium falciparum malaria with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and amodiaquine (AQ) is associated with increased post-treatment gametocyte carriage. The effect of seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) with SP and AQ on gametocyte carriage was assessed in asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infected children. MethodsThe study was carried out in eastern Gambia. Asymptomatic malaria infected children aged 24-59 months old eligible for SMC (SMC group) and children 5-8 years that did not receive SMC treatment (comparison group) were recruited. Baseline gametocyte prevalence was determined by molecular methods before SMC administration and 13 days after. Gametocyte carriage between the groups was compared using the Chi-squared test and within person using conditional logistic regression.ResultsDuring the 2017 and 2018 malaria transmission seasons, 65 and 75 children were recruited in the SMC and comparison groups respectively. Before SMC administration, gametocyte prevalence was 10.7% (7/65) in the SMC group and 13.3% (10/75) in the comparison group (p=0.64). At day 13 after SMC administration, this was 9.4%, (5/53) for the SMC group and 12.7%, (9/71) for the comparison group (p=0.57). Within the SMC group, gametocyte carriage before and after SMC administration was similar (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.14 – 2.51) (p=0.48).ConclusionIn this study with relative low gametocyte prevalence prior to SMC treatment, no evidence was observed that SMC increased gametocyte carriage in asymptomatic malaria infected children.
The Investigational Clinical Center: a clinical-supportive and patient-centered trial unit model. Ten years of experience through normal and pandemic times of a large pediatric Trial Center in Italy.
Authors: Pontrelli Giuseppe , Ciabattini Marco , De Crescenzo Franco , Biondi Isabella , Cocchiola Rossana , Copponi Giorgia , Frillici Claudia , Molinari Francesca , Rocchi Francesca , Simonetti Alessandra , Rossi Paolo , Livadiotti Susanna 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Evidence-based medicine relies on appropriately designed, conducted and reported clinical trials (CTs) to provide the best proofs of efficacy and safety for pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Modern clinical research features high complexity and requires a high workload for the management of trials-related activities, often hampering physicians’participation to clinical trials. Dealing with children in clinical research adds complexity: rare diseases, parents or legal guardian reluctance to engage and recruitment difficulties are major reasons of pediatric trials failure. However, because in paediatrics many treatments are prescribed off-label or are lacking, well-designed clinical trials are particularly needed. Clinical Trial Units (CTUs) are indeed an important asset in the implementation of clinical trials, but their support to investigators is limited to administrative and non-clinical tasks. In this paper we present the model of the Investigational Clinical Center (ICC) of the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Rome. The ICC includes clinicians supporting the Principal Investigators (PIs) for clinical management of enrolled patients in compliance of Good Clinical Practice, the legal framework of Clinical Trials. Furthermore, we present ten years’ experience in paediatric clinical trials and how it has been disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The activity of the ICC has been evaluated according to six metrics of performance. The ICC model offers a complete support, helping investigators, patients and their families to overcome majority of barriers linked to clinical research, even in time of pandemic. We propose this organization as an innovative model for total-supportive and patient-centered clinical trial implementation.
Neck circumference as an independent predictor for NAFLD among postmenopausal women with normal body mass index
Authors: Shi Jie , Wang Zixuan , Zhang Weiwei , Niu Yixin , Lin Ning , Li Xiaoyong , Zhang Hongmei , Ning Guang , Fan Jiangao , Qin Li , Su Qing , Yang Zhen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Neck circumference, a proxy for upper-body subcutaneous fat, is a unique and pathogenic fat depot that confers additional metabolic risk. The purpose of present study was to determine whether neck circumference associates with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in postmenopausal women with normal body mass index.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey (n = 2492) and a 3.1-year follow-up investigation (n = 1354) were conducted among Chinese postmenopausal women with normal BMI (18.5 to < 25 kg/m2). Neck circumference was measured horizontally at the lower margin of the laryngeal prominence.
Results
In the cross-sectional analysis, large neck circumference was associated with the presence of NAFLD (odds ratio 2.28; 95% CI 1.74–2.98; highest tertile versus lowest tertile) after adjustment for confounding factors. Among 1,354 subjects without the NAFLD at baseline, 429 (31.7%) incident NAFLD cases occurred at 3.1 years. Neck circumference was positively associated with triglycerides, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, C-reactive protein, and negatively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin. Individuals with large baseline neck circumference had a significantly higher risk of NAFLD than those with small neck circumference. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratio was 1.42 (95% CI 1.15–1.97; p for trend = 0.004) for the highest versus the lowest tertile of neck circumference, and was 1.22 (95% CI 1.10–1.41; p = 0.006) per 1-standard deviation increment in neck circumference.
Conclusions
Among postmenopausal women with normal BMI, relatively large neck circumference levels are associated with an increased risk of NAFLD.
Comparison of Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes between Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy and Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes and Low Platelets Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ang Sau Xiong , Chen Chie-Pein , Sun Fang-Ju , Chen Chen-Yu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome are two uncommon disorders that mimic each other clinically, but are distinct pathophysiologically. This study aimed to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes between AFLP and HELLP syndrome.Methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed at a tertiary referral center in Taiwan between June 2004 and April 2020. We used the Swansea Criteria to diagnose AFLP, and the Tennessee Classification System to diagnose HELLP syndrome. Maternal characteristics, laboratory data, complications, and neonatal outcomes were analyzed.Results: During the study period, 21 women had AFLP and 80 women had HELLP syndrome. There was a higher rate of preeclampsia (95.0% versus 23.8%) in the HELLP syndrome group compared to the AFLP group. However, the AFLP group had more other maternal complications including jaundice (85.7% versus 13.8%), acute kidney injury (61.9% versus 15.0%), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (66.7% versus 8.8%), and sepsis (47.6% versus 10.0%) compared to the HELLP syndrome group. Nevertheless, higher rates of small for gestational age neonates (57.1% versus 33.3%), neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (39.2% versus 8.3%) and neonatal sepsis (34.2% versus 12.5%) were noted in the HELLP syndrome group.Conclusions: AFLP is associated with a higher rate of multiple organ dysfunction in mothers, whereas HELLP syndrome is associated with a higher rate of neonatal morbidity.