bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation versus sham manipulation for recurrent headaches in children aged 7-14 years. A randomised clinical trial
Authors: Lynge Susanne , Dissing Kristina Boe , Vach Werner , Christensen Henrik Wulf , Hestbaek Lise 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the effectiveness of chiropractic spinal manipulation versus sham manipulation in children aged 7-14 with recurrent headaches.Method: Design: A two-arm randomised superiority single-blinded clinical trial.Setting: One chiropractic clinic and one paediatric specialty practice in DenmarkParticipants: 199 children aged 7 to 14 years, who experienced at least one episode of headache per week for the previous 6 months and with at least one musculoskeletal dysfunction identified.Interventions: All participants and parents received standard oral and written advice to reduce headaches. In addition, children in the active treatment group received chiropractic spinal manipulation and children in the control group received sham manipulation for a period of 4 months. The number and frequency of treatments were based on the chiropractor’s individual evaluation in the active treatment group, and the children in the control group received approximately eight visits during the treatment period.Primary outcome measures: ‘Number of days with headache’, ‘pain intensity’ and ‘medication’ were reported weekly by text messages, and global perceived effect by text message after 4 months. A planned fixed sequence strategy based on an initial outcome data analysis was used to prioritize outcomes. ‘Number of days with headache’ and ‘pain intensity’ were chosen as equally important outcomes of highest priority, followed by global perceived effect and medication. The significance level for the first two outcomes was fixed to 0.025 to take multiplicity into account.Results: Chiropractic spinal manipulation resulted in significantly fewer days with headaches (reduction of 0.81 vs. 0.41, p=0.019, NNT=7) and better global perceived effect (2.63 vs. 3.24, p<0.001, NNT=5) compared with a sham manipulation procedure. There was no difference between groups for pain intensity during headache episodes. Due to methodological shortcomings, no conclusions could be drawn about medication use.Conclusions: Chiropractic spinal manipulation resulted in fewer headaches and higher global perceived effect, with only minor side effects. It did not lower the intensity of the headaches.Since the treatment is easily applicable, of low cost and minor side effects, chiropractic spinal manipulation might be considered as a valuable treatment option for children with recurrent headaches.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02684916, registered 02/18/2016 – retrospectively registered. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02684916
Biological therapy improves myocarditis and disease activity in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis patients
Authors: Wang Chrong-Reen , Tsai Yi-Shan , Wang Jiu-Yao , Tsai Hung-Wen , Lee Cheng-Han 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Cardiac insufficiency is a major cause of mortality in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Despite the dosages-related cardiotoxicity, cyclophosphamide is usually prescribed to induce disease remission in the presence of myocarditis with heart involvement. There is an imperative need of novel medications to efficiently control disease activity and spare the use of cyclophosphamide.
Methods

A retrospective study was carried out in hospitalized EGPA patients from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2019, focusing on the use of biologics including benralizumab (BEN, anti-IL-5 receptor), mepolizumab (MEP, anti-IL-5), omalizumab (OMA, anti-IgE) and rituximab (RTX, anti-CD20).
Results

Sixteen admitted patients, 8 females aged 10 to 70 years (40.4 ± 15.5), had higher disease activities (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score 16 to 39, 26.8 ± 6.9), poorer prognostic factors (five-factor score 1 or 2, 1.4 ± 0.5) and elevated eosinophil counts (2,314 to 26,781/µL, 11,108 ± 7,060). BEN, MEP, OMA and RTX were prescribed in one, 2, one and 6 patients, respectively. Ten patients (63%) had myocarditis with impaired left ventricle ejection fraction and cardiac arrhythmia, and 7 received biological therapy without a combined use of cyclophosphamide. One patient obtained MEP with a 100 mg quadri-weekly × 13 regimen at induction for disease relapse. Six patients acquired RTX with a 375 mg/m2 weekly × 4 regimen at induction for refractory activity or relapsing disease, or plus a yearly maintenance schedule in 5. All patients received serial cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, transthoracic echocardiography and 24-hour Holter monitor to evaluate the therapeutic responses in heart involvement. After biological therapy, there were improved cardiac dysfunction, lower eosinophil counts and clinical remission (4 complete, 3 partial) with a relapse-free follow-up (13 to 61 months, 39.1 ± 16.0) after induction.
Conclusions

In this single-center retrospective study, we observed improved cardiac dysfunction and disease activity after biological therapy in EGPA patients with myocarditis.
Septic Patients Benefited from Positive Microbial Culture in Mortality: A Propensity Score Matching (PSM) of the Chinese Epidemiological Study of Sepsis (CHESS) Study
Authors: Chang Wei , Xie Jianfeng , Sun Qin , Peng Fei , Li Qing , Xue Ming , Zhao Yuan , Qiu Haibo , Yang Yi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background We aimed to investigate the characteristics and outcomes in septic patients with positive cultures compared with negative cultures. Methods This was a sub-analysis of a cross-section survey study including 44 hospitals in mainland China from December 1, 2015 to January, 31,2016. All septic patients diagnosed according to sepsis-1 criteria admitted to participating ICU, with cultures from any suspected sites of infection obtained at admission. Demographic information, patient source, clinical feature, laboratory findings and severity of sepsis were comprehensively collected for comparison the characteristics between culture positive and negative patients. Univariable and multivariable regression were used to find the factors associated with positive culture and propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to compare the mortality. Results A total of 1919 patients were enrolled in this study with 962 (50.1%) positive-culture and 975 (49.9%) negative-culture. Positive culture was associated with older age, male gender, transferred patients, comorbidities including coronary heart decease and solid tumor, prolonged priori ICU stay, hospital-acquired infection, pneumonia and bloodstream infection, also with higher body temperature, heart rate, procalcitonin levels and with higher APACHE II and SOFA score at admission. Negative culture was associated with prior antibiotic exposure and community-acquired infections. Patients with positive culture had an insignificantly higher mortality (37.5% vs. 34.5, P = 0.165). However, PSM revealed decreased mortality in patients with positive culture (38.2% vs. 48.2%, P = 0.012), and a significantly higher proportion of patients received targeted antibiotic treatment in survivors (37.0% vs. 46.2%, P = 0.031). Conclusions A myriad of factors may affect the results of culture. Septic patients were likely to benefit from positive cultures in mortality possibly due to the higher proportion to receive targeted antibiotic treatment, and obtaining positive culture as possible should be strongly encouraged.
Effectiveness of botulinum neurotoxin A, topiramate, and acupuncture in preventive treatment of chronic migraine: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Hui , Huang Shi-Le , Chen Yao-Yao , Tang Tai-Chun , Qin Di , Chen Min 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) was the primary choice for preventive treatment of chronic migraine. Topiramate and acupuncture showed promising effect for the condition, but their effectiveness relative to BoNT-A was rarely studied. We aimed to perform a network meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness and acceptability between BoNT-A, topiramate, and acupuncture.Methods We searched OVID Medline, Embase, the Cochrane register of controlled trials (CENTRAL), the Chinese Clinical Trial Register, and clinicaltrials.gov for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared BoNT-A, topiramate, and acupuncture with any of them or placebo in the preventive treatment of chronic migraine. Two independent reviewers screened RCTs, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. A network meta-analysis was performed by using a frequentist approach and a random-effects model. The primary outcomes were reduction in monthly headache days and monthly migraine days at week 12. Acceptability was assessed by adverse event rate. The effect size of the primary outcomes was measured by using standard mean difference (SMD).Results We included 15 RCTs (n = 2545). Eleven RCTs were at low risk of bias. The network meta-analyses (n = 2061) showed that acupuncture (2061 participants; SMD − 1.61, 95%CI -2.35 to -0.87) and topiramate(582 participants; SMD − 0.4, 95%CI -0.75 to -0.04) ranked the most effective in the reduction of monthly headache days and migraine days, respectively; but they were not significantly superior over BoNT-A. Topiramate caused the most treatment-related adverse events and the highest rate of dropouts owing to adverse events.Conclusions Topiramate and acupuncture were not superior over BoNT-A. In terms of acceptability and accessibility of treatments, BoNT-A was still the primary choice for preventive treatment of chronic migraine.
Exploring the knowledge, awareness and practices of COVID-19 among dentists in Bangladesh: A Cross-sectional Investigation
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad Tawfique Hossain , Apu Ehsanul Hoque , Nath Sujan Kanti , Noor Ashek Elahi , Podder Clopa Pina , Mahmud Ilias , Kabir Russell 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Aim: This study aims to assess the knowledge, awareness, and practices of registered dentists regarding COVID-19 epidemiology and transmission during the rapid outbreak of this highly contagious virus in Bangladesh. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among the dentists who were enrolled with their valid unique Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) registration number. A validated questionnaire was developed and distributed among the dentists by using different social media platforms. A total of 184 dentists participated in the survey between March and April 2020. Both descriptive analysis logistic regression analysis was performed.Results: The mean age of the dentists is 31.75 years, with a standard deviation of 6.5 years. About 29.3% of dentists completed their postgraduate qualification, and 76% of them are engaged in private practice. The dentists who completed postgraduate education are three times more likely to know (OR=3.1, 95%CI 1.2-7.9) about COVID-19 compared to the dentists who completed an undergraduate degree. It is also observed that the dentists who are employed in private and independent settings are four times (OR=4, 95%CI 0.7-24) more likely to follow safe practice compared to the dentists who are engaged in the government hospitals or clinics.Conclusion: The dentists from Bangladesh have shown good knowledge, awareness, and practice regarding COVID-19. We recommend that the healthcare authorities, professional organizations, and hospitals coordinate, and conduct mandatory advanced infectious disease training for all the practicing dentists in the country.
Perception of In-Service Teachers Towards Blended Learning as the New Normal in Teaching-Learning Process Post COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Saboowala Rabiya , Manghirmalani-Mishra Pooja 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Blended learning is the application of Information and Communication Technology in the instructional designs and processes in such a way that it can support and complement face-to-face delivery models effectively. It offers the teachers and the students to get access to information-rich resources anywhere and anytime. It also has the potential to ensure educational equity for all learners with complete transparency of rendering education to the community of learners. Today, blended learning has become the need of the hour looking into the aspects of global pandemic of COVID-19 and implementation of Education 4.0. The study consists of 313 in-service teachers from India belonging to various types of Educational Institutions. Simple random technique of sampling was used to collect data. The interaction effect of gender and teachers who have attended/conducted webinars/ workshops/ conferences/FDPs online or not on their attitude towards blended learning and its six dimensions viz. learning flexibility, online learning, study management, technology, classroom learning and online interaction was studied. Also, the interaction between the effects of highest educational qualification of teachers and teachers who have attended/conducted webinars/workshops/conferences/FDPs online or not on their attitude towards Blended Learning and its six dimensions was considered. Analysis for the testing research hypothesis was done using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS-26). The results indicated that there was an interaction between gender and teachers who have or have not conducted/attended webinars/conferences online towards blended learning and online learning dimension. Results also showed that based on the interaction effect of the highest qualification of the teacher and the teachers who have actually implemented teaching and learning through online line sessions varied in their attitude as far as study management and classroom environment was considered. Implementation of blended learning for professional growth of school teachers post pandemic will push the boundaries of learning by creating opportunities for collaboration of various educational societies throughout the globe, enhance constructivist learning and also help in following social norms set to fight against COVID-19.
On change of soil moisture distribution with vegetation reconstruction in Mu Us sandy land of China, with new designed Lysimeter
Authors: Cheng Yiben , Zhan Hongbin , Yang Wenbin , Guo Fuqiang , Jiang Qunou , Wang Yunqi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background China’s so-called Three North Shelterbelt Program (3NSP) has produced a vast area of lined forest reconstruction in the semi-arid regions. This study uses the lined rain-fed Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica (PSM) sand-fixing forest in the eastern part of Mu Us sandy land in Northwestern China as an example. Rain gauges, newly designed lysimeters and soil moisture sensors are used to monitor precipitation, deep soil recharge (DSR) and soil water content, where DSR specifically refers to recharge that can reach a depth more than 200 cm and eventually replenish the underneath groundwater reservoir.Results This study shows that there are two obvious moisture recharge processes in an annual base for the PSM forest soil: a snowmelt-related recharge process in the spring and a precipitation-related recharge process in the summer. The recharge depth of the first process can reach 180 cm without DSR occurring (in 2018). The second process results in noticeable DSR in 2018. Specifically, the DSR values over 2016–2018 are 1.4 mm, 0.2 mm, 1.2 mm, respectively. To reach the recharge depths of 20 cm, 40 cm, 80 cm, 120 cm, 160 cm, and 200 cm, the required precipitation intensities have to be 2.6 mm/d, 3.2 mm/d, 3.4 mm/d, 8.2 mm/d, 8.2 mm/d, and 13.2 mm/d, respectively. The annual evapotranspiration in the PSM forest is 466.94 mm in 2016, 324.60 mm in 2017, and 183.85 mm in 2018.Conclusions This study concludes that under the current precipitation conditions (including both dry- and wet- years such as 2016–2018), water consumption of PSM somewhat equals to the precipitation amount, and PSM has evolved over years to regulate its evapotranspiration in response to annual precipitation fluctuations in Mu Us sandy land of China.
Atractylenolide III predisposes miR-195-5p/FGFR1 signaling axis to exert tumor-suppressive functions in liver cancer
Authors: Sheng Langqing , Li Jiarong , Li Nianfeng , Gong Liansheng , Liu Ling , Zhang Qi , Li Xiaoli , Luo Hui , Chen Zeguo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Antineoplastic activity of atractylenolide III (ATL) has been reported in several malignant tumors. However, its activity has not been completely clarified in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, anti-cancer effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of ATL were investigated in HCC cells in vitro. Methods: Cell viability was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated using the transwell assay. TUNEL staining was performed to evaluate cell apoptosis. Protein expression was measured by western blotting analysis. On-line database TargetScan and luciferase reporter gene analysis were performed to validate FGFR1 as a target of miR-195-5p. Results: HepG2 and SMMC7721 cell growth, migration and invasion were inhibited by ATL treatment in a dose-dependent pattern. ATL treatment induced apoptosis of HepG2 and SMMC7721 cells. Intriguingly, ATL treatment unexpectedly inhibited FGFR1 protein expression in HepG2 and SMMC7721 cells. Knockdown of FGFR1 inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion, and evoked apoptosis of HepG2 and SMMC7721 cells. We also found that ATL treatment could increase the expression of miR-195-5p, which as a post-transcriptional targeted FGFR1. In HCC tissues, miR-195-5p expression is negatively correlated with FGFR1. Furthermore, the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic roles of miR-195-5p were neutralized by overexpressed FGFR1 in HCC cells.Conclusion: ATL effectively repressed growth and induced apoptosis of human HCC cells through the up-regulation of miR-195-5p to down-regulate FGFR1 expression.
Prevalence, Pattern and Impact of Self Medication of Anti-infective Agents During COVID-19 Outbreak in Dhaka City
Authors: Nasir Morshed , Talha Khandaker Abu , Chowdhury ASM Salauddin , Zahan Tahmina , Perveen Rawshan Ara 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease-2019 is putting a massive strain on vulnerable healthcare system in low and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. Inequitable access to healthcare is further widened by the socio-economic gap and sense of insecurity during this pandemic. Self-medication is a common practice in Bangladesh as it provides a low-cost alternative for people, which involves inappropriate and injudicious use of medicines to treat self-recognized symptoms by the people. During the outbreak of COVID-19 in Dhaka city, the tendency of taking medicines by own decision was thought to be increased alarmingly due to unusual distress, caused by high self-awareness of their health and buying capacity of medication. Objectives: To observe the prevalence, pattern, sources and impact of self-medication practice among the respondents with high socio-economic standings and education. Setting: Citizens living in Dhaka city, Bangladesh during COVID-19 outbreak from April 2020 to May 2020. Method: Cross sectional online survey conducted on 626 citizens without having background of medical knowledge or related to any healthcare services (doctors, nurses, pharmacist, medical students) by structured questionnaires during COVID-19 outbreak. Outcome measures: Frequency of self-medication, commonly used antimicrobial agents, symptoms causing self-medication, sources of inspiration, relation with COVID-19 test results, economic burden involved in self-medication during outbreak. Results: The prevalence of self-medication amid the outbreak of COVID-19 was 88.33% and only 179 (28.59%) took medication with doctors’ advice and remaining 447 (71.40%) respondents took the drugs as “self-medication” by other sources. The most frequently used anti-infective drugs during the outbreak were ivermectine (77.15%), azithromycin (54.15%), doxycycline (40.25%). The common symptoms were fever, throat pain, dry-cough and total 105 (16.77%) respondents took medications without having any symptoms. Almost 355 (85.33%) had taken medication without doing any test for COVID-19. The causes of self-medication as news of spread, effects and remedies in media channels, internet; mental stress of lockdown and isolation, insecurity and panic about scarcity of drug and healthcare support. Conclusion: High risks of developing antibiotic resistance, adverse drug reactions and financial loss was predictable with absence of strict regulatory enforcement to protect people and proper utilization resources during COVID-19 outbreak in Dhaka city.
Depression and anxiety of cancer patients during coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic
Authors: Ciazynska Magdalena , Pabianek Marta , Szczepaniak Katarzyna , Skibińska Małgorzata , Narbutt Joanna , Lesiak Aleksandra 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic seriously affects the mood, sleep and induce patients' stress in an oncological environment. To date there is no data available on cancer patients under the COVID-19 pandemic and its influence on anxiety and depression status. Methods: A survey of 421 patients treated in an oncology center was conducted. The survey included Patient Health Questionnaire and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire to evaluate the influence of pandemic on the cancer patients' status of anxiety and depression. Results: More than half of cancer patients (50.7%) during the COVID-19 pandemic had symptoms of anxiety, whereas the incidence of depression was 46.8%. Living alone contributes to a higher risk of depression (P=0.026) and anxiety (P=0.031). Moreover, patients having an acquaintance or a relative infected with COVID-19 were more susceptible to suffer severe anxiety (P=0.028).Conclusions: Half of cancer patients are more likely to show increased incidence of depression and anxiety. There is a strong necessity to detect and treat depression and anxiety in cancer patients to increase the quality of life and reduce mortality. During this challenging time, the oncology community faces extraordinary issues to enhance the mental health for people with cancer.
Qualitative exploration of the factors influencing the use of dietary supplements in Iranian women: A qualitative study
Authors: Hoseini Akram sadat , Dehdari Tahereh , Solhi Mahnaz , Rahideh Seyedeh Tayebeh , Janani Leila 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Literature shows that the consumption of Dietary Supplements (DS) is more common in Iran. This study aimed to explore the experiences of a sample of Iranian women regarding the factors influencing the use of DS.

Method

This qualitative content analysis study was conducted in Qods city, Tehran province, Iran from January to March 2020. Forty-two semi-structured in-depth interviews were performed with women. The participants were asked about their experiences about the determinants of the consumption of DS. After the first round of the interviews was done, we performed content analysis of the data and continued up to data saturation.

Results

Two main themes including personal factors (with 5 subthemes including sociodemographic characteristics, perceived benefits of DS, history of illness, physiological conditions, and lifestyle factors) and socio-economic factors (with 3 subthemes including subjective norms, the price of food and commercial considerations of the sectors involved in the production and sale of DS ) emerged as the experiences of the participants as to the intake of DS.

Conclusions

These variables may suggest areas which need to be focused on for performing more effective interventions to affect appropriate consumption of DS in Iran.