bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurological and psychological mechanisms of the specific and nonspecific effects of acupuncture on knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized, controlled, crossover trial
Authors: Li Jin-Ling , Zhang Na , Yan Chao-Qun , Tu Jian-Feng , Wang Li-Qiong , Qi You-Sheng , Liu Jun-Hong , Wang Xu , Liu Cun-Zhi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Acupuncture, as one of the promising non-pharmacological interventions, has been proved to be beneficial for patients. However, the magnitude of acupuncture’s specific and nonspecific effects, as well as their neurological and psychological determinants, remain unclear. Therefore, this study is designed to examine the acupuncture efficacy, investigate whether the brain mechanisms between the specific and nonspecific effects of acupuncture are different, and to evaluate how psychological factors affect the acupuncture effects.Methods: This is a randomized, controlled, crossover clinical trial. A total of 60 patients with knee osteoarthritis will receive 4 weeks of acupuncture treatment and 4 weeks of sham acupuncture treatment in a random order separated by a washout period of 2 weeks. The changes in clinical characteristics based on pain-related scales will be assessed to investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture. Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans will be used to identify the brain activity changes related to the specific and nonspecific effects of acupuncture. The questionnaires of psychological factors will be used to evaluate patients’ psychological properties. Correlation and mediation analyses will be conducted among psychological factors, brain activity changes and symptoms improvement to explore the neurological and psychological correlates of the acupuncture effects.Discussion: This study will concentrate on distinguishing and clarifying the specific and nonspecific effects of acupuncture. The results of this study may contribute to rationally optimize the acupuncture therapies by flexible application of the specific and nonspecific effects of acupuncture.Trial registration： Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900025807, Registered on 9 September 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=41796)
Indonesian adolescents’ perspectives on smoking habits as a reference for a prevention program: a qualitative study
Authors: fithria fithria , Adlim Muhammad , Jannah Syarifah Rauzatul , Tahlil Teuku 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The prevalence of smoking among adolescents is high in Indonesia. Therefore, this qualitative research aimed to explore the perspectives of Muslim adolescents on smoking habits as a reference for developing effective prevention programs.Methods: Three focus group discussions involving 24 junior high school students (mean age=13.75 years) were the main source of data for this phenomenological qualitative study. The discussion guide was developed by the researchers based on the reviewed literature and validated by experts. The research findings were analyzed using an inductive content analysis with systematic steps based on the stages of qualitative data analysis.Results: Adolescent perspectives on smoking were grouped into two themes: perception of smoking and smoking-related factors. The perception of smoking encompassed three sub-themes: smoking as a social habit, contradictive feelings, and the Islamic perspective. The smoking-related factors included peer pressure, the parents’ smoking status, masculinity and curiosity. The results indicated that adolescents consider smoking as a social habit but with contradictory feelings. The smoking habit was also stimulated by peer pressure, imitating parents who smoke, feeling masculine and curiosity.Conclusion:. We suggest that health professionals who are interested in developing smoking prevention programs should consider the adolescent perspective on smoking so that the prevention program will be more effective and appropriate for adolescents.
RarERN Path: a methodology towards the optimisation of patients’ care pathways in rare and complex diseases developed within the European Reference Networks
Authors: Talarico Rosaria , Cannizzo Sara , Lorenzoni Valentina , Marinello Diana , Palla Ilaria , Pirri Salvatore , Ticciati Simone , Trieste Leopoldo , Triulzi Isotta , Terol Enrique , Bucher Anna , Turchetti Giuseppe 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background In 2017, the European Commission has launched the European Reference Networks (ERNs), virtual networks involving healthcare providers across Europe. The aim of the ERNs is to tackle complex and rare diseases and conditions that require highly specialized treatment and a concentration of knowledge and resources. The ERN on rare and complex connective tissue and musculoskeletal diseases (ERN ReCONNET) is one of the 24 ERNs approved that aims to improve the management of Rare and Complex Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases. Objective The RarERN Path methodology aims to create a single reference organisational model for patients’ care pathways which, if applied in different contexts, helps to ensure an improved, cost-effective and patient-centred equal care to rare and complex diseases. Methods Starting from existing standard methods for the creation and elaboration of patients’ care pathways, a specific methodology was created in order to take advantage of the distinctive and peculiar characteristics of the ERNs. Specifically, the development of the RarERN Path methodology involved different stakeholders: health economists, clinicians and researchers expert in rare and complex diseases, communication experts, experts in patients’ involvement and narrative medicine and policy-makers. ResultsThe RarERN Path methodology foresees six consecutive phases, each with different and specific aims. Specifically, the six phases are represented by: Phase 1 - Mapping of existing patients’ care pathways and patients’ stories; Phase 2 – Design of an optimised common patients’ care pathway; Phase 3 – Consensus on an optimised common patients’ care pathway; Phase 4 – Key Performance Indicators (KPI) definition; Phase 5 – Refinement; Phase 6 – Pilot phase (optional).ConclusionThe application of RarERN Path to the different disease-specific and geographical contexts would help to ensure an improved, cost-effective and patient-centred equal care to rare and complex diseases across Europe as well as a possible tangible action towards the integration of ERNs into the different European healthcare systems.
Patterns and patient factors associated with loss to follow-up in the Muhimbili Sickle Cell Cohort, Tanzania
Authors: Masamu Upendo , Sangeda Raphael Zozimus , Kandoga Daniel , Ondego Jesca , Ndobho Florah , Mmbando Bruno , Nkya Siana , Msami Khadija , Makani Julie 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Monitoring patient's clinical attendance is a crucial means of improving retention in care and treatment programmes. Sickle cell patients' outcomes are improved by participation in comprehensive care programmes, but these benefits cannot be achieved when patients are lost from clinical care. In this study, patients are defined as loss to follow-up when they did not attend clinic for more than nine months. Precise information on the retention rate and characteristics of those who are not following their clinic appointments is needed to enable the implementation of interventions that will be effective in increasing the retention to care. Method: This was a retrospective study involving sickle cell patients registered in the Muhimbili Sickle Cohort in Tanzania. Descriptive and survival analysis techniques both non-parametric methods (Kaplan-Meier estimator and Log-rank test) and semi-parametric method (Cox’s proportional hazard model), were used. A p-value of 0.05 was considered significant to make an inference from the analysis. Results: A total of 5476 patients were registered in the cohort from 2004 to 2016. Of these, 3350 (58.13%) were actively participating in clinics, while 2126 (41.87%) were inactive, of which 1927 (35.19%) were loss to follow-up. We used data from 2004-2014 because between 2015-2016, patients were referred to other government hospitals. From the survival analysis results, pediatric (HR: 14.29,95% CI: 11.0071-18.5768, p <0.001) and children between 5-17 years [HR:2.61,95% CI:2.2324 - 3.0705, p< 0.001] patients were more likely to be loss to follow-up than the adult (18 and above years) patients. It was found that patients with above averages for hematocrit (HR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.0076 - 1.0404, p=0.0039) or mean cell volume (HR: 4.28, (95% CI: 1.0260 - 1.0598, p<0.001) were more likely to be loss to follow-up than their counterparts. Conclusion: Loss to follow-up is evident in the cohort of patients in long term comprehensive care. It is, therefore, necessary to design interventions that improve patients’ retention. Suggested solutions include refresher training for health care workers and those responsible for patient follow-up on techniques for retaining patients and comprehensive transition programs to prepare patients who are moving from pediatric to adult clinics
Automatic Ventral Intermediate Nucleus Localization Based on Anterior Commissure and Posterior Commissure
Authors: Sarno Riyanarto , Sungkono Kelly Rossa , Rifqi Mohammad Ardika , Fahmi Achmad , Turchan Agus , Bajamal Abdul Hafid 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The ventral intermediate nucleus (Vim), as the motor thalamic nuclei section, is a generally used target in brain lesion surgery or stimulation for decreasing tremors in people with Parkinson’s disease. Determining the exact position of Vim is challenging because Vim cannot be visualized clearly in commonly used magnetic resonance imaging (MR). Indirect methods, i.e., Coordinate-based targeting and Guiot’s, utilize anterior commissure and posterior commissure to detect the location of Vim. In practice, neurosurgeons manually implement these methods in existing neurosurgical planning software, so the accuracy of the targeting depends on their memory and foresight. Afterward, Coordinate-based targeting and Guiot’s locate Vim based on anterior commissure (AC) and posterior commissure (PC), so neurosurgeons must correctly determine AC and PC. This paper proposes automatic indirect methods and measures the accuracy of indirect methods in MRIs with correct and incorrect orientations of AC-PC planes. An objective of analyzing indirect methods in MRIs with incorrect orientations of AC-PC planes is to discover the most resilient indirect method with inaccuracy AC-PC planes. To develop automatic indirect methods, the first step is redefining the plane passing through three defined points, i.e., AC, PC, and midline reference, by a quaternion. Secondly, Coordinate-based targeting and Guiot’s are implemented to determine the Vim targeting location automatically. This paper converts the rules of those methods in voxels because the rules use millimeters while the three-dimensional MRIs use voxels. The experiment shows that Vim locations obtained by Guiot’s are more accurate than those by Coordinate-based targeting in MRIs with the correct orientation of AC-PC planes. Guiot’s has 0.05 mm smaller value of average error results than Coordinate-based targeting. In contrast, Vim locations based on Coordinate-based targeting are more accurate in the MRIs with the incorrect orientation of AC-PC planes. Coordinate-based targeting has 0.032 mm smaller value of average error results than Guiot’s.
Dietary nutrient intake related to higher grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia risk: A Chinese population-based study
Authors: Wang Zhe , Yang Aimin , Yang Jing , Zhao Weihong , Wang Zhilian , Wang Wei , Wang Jintao , Song Jinghui , Li Li , Lv Weiguo , Li Dongyan , Liu Huiqiang , Wang Chen , Hao Min 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Dietary nutrient intake plays a significant role in carcinogenesis. Few studies have investigated the association between dietary nutrient intake and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) risk in China. Methods: Data on 2,304 women from an ongoing cohort comprising 40,000 women from China in 2014 were included. We randomly selected 218 out of 2304 people as subjects during 2019. All participants were surveyed through in-person interviews, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. Clinical data were obtained from physical examinations and laboratory tests. Dietary intakes were assessed using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Nutrition intakes from 26 food sources were calculated using a comprehensive validated database. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the frequency and proportion, and mean and standard deviation of the demographic characteristics. Characteristics were examined for significant differences, and Pearson chi-square tests were used for categoric variables. Logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) for CIN risk in each nutritional ingredient quartile relative to that in the highest quartile. Results: The food frequency questionnaire exhibited acceptable reproducibility and reasonable validity in assessing nutrient intakes among these women. After adjusting for multiple confounders, several dietary nutrients showed significant associations with CIN2+ risk. Low dietary folate intake was associated with the risk of CIN2+ (first versus fourth quartile: OR=1.55, 95% CI: 1.03-2.33). Similar results were also observed for vitamin B6 (OR=1.63, 95% CI: 1.08-2.46), vitamin C (OR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.05-2.42), niacin (OR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.08-2.51), and vitamin K (second versus fourth quartile: OR=1.60, 95% CI: 1.05-2.44).Conclusions: Low folate; vitamin B6, C, and K; and niacin intakes were associated with CIN2+ risk. Nutrients may influence the development of higher grade CIN and cervical cancer.Trial registration: The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR-ROC-15006479) (http://www.chictr.org.cn).
Phase II study of sequential S-1 and cyclophosphamide therapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Yanai Keiko , Fujii Takaaki , Horiguchi Jun , Nakazawa Yuko , Kurozumi Sasagu , Obayashi Sayaka , Yajima Reina , Shirabe Ken 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: S-1 and cyclophosphamide (CPA) can be given orally, and their combination may have great potential for treating metastatic breast cancer (MBC). A phase I study of sequential S-1 and CPA therapy was conducted in patients with MBC; the recommended doses that were determined for this regimen were 80 mg/m2/day for S-1 and 100 mg/m2/day for CPA. We then conducted a phase II study of this oral S-1 and CPA regimen.Methods: This was a single-arm, open-label, single-center prospective phase II study to evaluate the efficacy of a sequential S-1 and CPA regimen for MBC. S-1 was administered orally 2´/day for 14 consecutive days, and then CPA was administered orally 2´/day for 14 consecutive days in a repeating 4-week cycle (S-1 for 2 weeks, CPA for 2 weeks). The primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included the overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), clinical benefit rate (CBR) and safety.Results: Thirty-six patients were enrolled in this study. The overall response was complete response in 0 (0%), partial response in 12 (33.3%), stable disease in 12 (33.3%), and progressive disease in 11 (30.1%) patients. The ORR was 33.3% (12/36). The CBR was 66.7% (24/36). The median PFS was 9.5 months (95%CI: 7.8–12.6 months). The median OS was 20.2 months (95%CI: 15.0–25.4 months) Grade 3/4 adverse events included leukopenia in seven patients (19.4%). Dose reductions because of adverse events occurred in 12 patients (33.3%). There was no treatment-related mortality. Conclusion: The combination of sequential therapy with S-1 and CPA was tolerable and had efficacy with good disease control. Sequential therapy with S-1 and CPA may be a feasible new treatment option for patients with MBC; however, further study is warranted to explore the efficacy of this therapy.Trial registration: JRCT, JRCTs 031180296. Registered 2 December 2019 – Retrospectively registered, https://jrct.hiph.go.jp/latest-detail.jrcts031180296
Enhanced aging and thermal shock performance of Mn1.95-xCo0.21Ni0.84SrxO4 NTC ceramics
Authors: Li Haibing , Zhang H.M. , Thayil Islla P Ley , Chang Aimin , Sang Xu , Ma Xiuhua 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Abstract: Herein, the Mn1.95-xCo0.21Ni0.84SrxO4 (MCNS) (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) based negative temperature coefficient (NTC) materials are prepared by co-precipitation method. The replacement of Mn by Sr plays a critical role in controlling the lattice parameter, relative density, microstructure and electrical properties. The lattice parameter and relative density increase with the increase of Sr content. A small amount of Sr restrains the grain growth and increases the bulk density. Moreover, the ρ25, B25/50, Ea and α values of MCNS ceramics are influenced by the Sr content and ranged from 1535.0-2053.6 Ω·cm, 3654-3709 K, 0.3149-0.3197 eV and -4.111--4.173%, respectively. The XPS results explain the transformation of MCNS ceramics from n- to p-type semiconductors. The conduction could arise from the hopping polaron between Mn3+/Mn4+ and Co2+/Co3+ in the octahedral sites. The impedance data analysis also discussed the conduction mechanism of the MCNS ceramic, while grain resistance dominates the whole resistance of the samples. Furthermore, the aging coefficient (△R/R) of MCNS ceramics is found to be < 0.2%, which indicates the stable distribution of cations in the spinel. Finally, the MCNS ceramics demonstrate excellent thermal durability with <1.3% of resistance shift after 100 thermal shock cycles.
Validation of APACHE II, APACHE III and SAPS II scores in in-hospital and one year mortality prediction in a mixed intensive care unit in Poland: a cohort study
Authors: Czajka Szymon , Ziębińska Katarzyna , Marczenko Konstanty , Posmyk Barbara , Szczepańska Anna , Krzych Łukasz 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background. There are several scores used for in-hospital mortality prediction in critical illness. Their application in a local scenario requires validation to ensure appropriate diagnostic accuracy. Moreover, their use in assessing post-discharge mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors has not been extensively studied. We aimed to validate APACHE II, APACHE III and SAPS II scores in short- and long-term mortality prediction in a mixed adult ICU in Poland. APACHE II, APACHE III and SAPS II scores, with corresponding predicted mortality ratios, were calculated for 303 consecutive patients admitted to a 10-bed ICU in 2016. Short-term (in-hospital) and long-term (12-month post-discharge) mortality was assessed. Results. Median APACHE II, APACHE III and SAPS II scores were 19 (IQR 12-24), 67 (36.5-88) and 44 (27-56) points, with corresponding in-hospital mortality ratios of 25.8% (IQR 12.1-46.0), 18.5% (IQR 3.8-41.8) and 34.8% (IQR 7.9-59.8). Observed in-hospital mortality was 35.6%. Moreover, 12-month post-discharge mortality reached 17.4%. All the scores predicted in-hospital mortality (p<0.05): APACHE II (AUC=0.78; 95%CI 0.73-0.83), APACHE III (AUC=0.79; 95%CI 0.74-0.84) and SAPS II (AUC=0.79; 95%CI 0.74-0.84); as well as mortality after hospital discharge (p<0.05): APACHE II (AUC=0.71; 95%CI 0.64-0.78), APACHE III (AUC=0.72; 95%CI 0.65-0.78) and SAPS II (AUC=0.69; 95%CI 0.62-0.76), with no statistically significant difference between the scores (p>0.05). The calibration of the scores was good. Conclusions. All the scores are acceptable predictors of in-hospital mortality. In the case of post-discharge mortality, their diagnostic accuracy is lower and of borderline clinical relevance. Further studies are needed to create scores estimating the long-term prognosis of subjects successfully discharged from the ICU.
An exploration of perceptions and preferences for healthy eating in Dutch consumers: A qualitative pilot study
Authors: Coumans Juul M.J. , Bolman Catherine A.W. , Lechner Lilian , Oenema Anke 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Unhealthy dietary patterns are highly prevalent in Western countries, and they have been associated with depression, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Many dietary interventions have been developed to promote healthier dietary behavior, yet most do not achieve the intended dietary change. This study aims to provide a better understanding of what Dutch consumers perceive as a healthy diet, how this relates to the current Dutch nutrition guidelines, and their preferences for how to eat more healthily. This is an essential consideration for the development of tailored interventions aimed to help people adopt changes in their dietary behavior. Methods: Seventy-eight participants filled in an online questionnaire containing both open-ended and closed-ended questions. The qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis resulting in a classification scheme. Two students then identified to which category each part of a participant’s answer belonged. Results: For both the perception of a healthy diet and how to eat healthily four major categories and a residual category were identified: dietary patterns, food processing, food products, content/nutrients, and non-food. These major categories consisted of several categories. The results showed that how people perceived a healthy diet was mostly represented at the level of food product (vegetables and fruit) and the content/nutrient level (carbohydrates); whereas how they would like to eat healthily was mostly represented at the level of food processing (preparation), food product (vegetables) and dietary patterns (amount). Conclusions: Our findings are mostly in line with how the Dutch dietary guidelines are communicated (“product level”). However, consumers primarily mention single aspects instead of naming the guidelines as a whole. Health policymakers can use this insight in future communications regarding guidelines to the general public. A challenge for future (eHealth) diet interventions is how to implement and tailor dietary information that optimally connects with the perceptions of the target population.