bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurofeedback for tinnitus: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial assessing the specificity of an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol in alleviating both the sound perception and the psychological distress, in a cohort of chronic tinnitus sufferers
Authors: Jensen Martin , Hüttenrauch Eva , Schmidt Jennifer , Andersson Gerhard , Chavanon Mira-Lynn , Weise Cornelia 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Tinnitus is a very common condition, which for some can have debilitating psychological consequences. Although some interventions are helpful in learning how to cope better with the tinnitus, at present there is no cure. Neurofeedback is an emerging treatment modality in tinnitus. Previous studies, utilizing an alpha/delta training protocol have shown promise. However, they were characterized by small sample sizes and lack of neurofeedback control conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate, if an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol, compared to beta/theta neurofeedback or a diary control group, is effective in reducing, not only the tinnitus sound perception, but also the psychological symptoms associated with the condition. Methods The study is designed as a three-armed, randomized controlled trial. Participants are randomly assigned to either an established neurofeedback protocol for tinnitus (alpha/delta training), another neurofeedback protocol as active comparator (beta/theta training) or diary control group. In the four-week intervention period, participants in both neurofeedback groups undergo ten sessions, whereas participants in the diary control group complete a diary bi-weekly. The primary outcomes are between group differences in tinnitus sound percept change, as measured with the Tinnitus Magnitude Index (TMI) and changes in tinnitus distress, measured with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), four weeks after the start of the intervention. Secondary outcome measures include changes in tinnitus distress, sleep quality, depressive symptoms and whether neurofeedback leads to specific power changes in the trained frequency bands. Discussion This is the first randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy of an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol in reducing the tinnitus sound percept and the distress associated with the condition. Compared to former studies, the present study is designed to assess both the specificity of an alpha/delta neurofeedback training protocol by including an active comparator, beta/theta neurofeedback training, and in addition to control for placebo effects by inclusion of a diary control group. We hope this study contributes to our understanding of the potentiality of neurofeedback as a treatment for tinnitus.
A systematic review of the overlap of fluid biomarkers in delirium and advanced cancer-related syndromes.
Authors: Amgarth-Duff Ingrid , Hosie Annmarie , Caplan Gideon , Agar Meera 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Delirium is a serious and distressing neurocognitive disorder of physiological aetiology that is common in advanced cancer. Understanding of delirium pathophysiology is largely hypothetical, with some evidence for involvement of inflammatory systems, neurotransmitter alterations and glucose metabolism. To date, there has been limited empirical consideration of the distinction between delirium pathophysiology and that of the underlying disease, for example, cancer where these mechanisms are also common in advanced cancer syndromes such as pain and fatigue. This systematic review explores biomarker overlap in delirium, specific advanced cancer-related syndromes and prediction of cancer prognosis.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted, using MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL and Web of Science, to identify body fluid biomarkers in delirium, cancer prognosis and advanced cancer-related syndromes of interest. Studies were excluded if they reported delirium tremens only; did not measure delirium using a validated tool; the sample had less than 75% of participants with advanced cancer; measured tissue, genetic or animal biomarkers, or were conducted post-mortem. Articles were screened for inclusion independently by two authors, and data extraction and an in-depth quality assessment conducted by one author, and checked by two others.

Results

The 151 included studies were conducted in diverse settings in 32 countries between 1985 and 2017, involving 28130 participants with a mean age of 69.3 years. Seventy-one studies investigated delirium biomarkers, and 80 studies investigated biomarkers of an advanced cancer-related syndrome or cancer prognosis. Overall, 41 biomarkers were studied in relation to both delirium and either an advanced cancer-related syndrome or prognosis; and of these, 24 biomarkers were positively associated with either delirium or advanced cancer syndromes/prognosis in at least one study. The quality assessment showed large inconsistency in reporting.

Conclusion

There is considerable overlap in the biomarkers in delirium and advanced cancer-related syndromes. Improving the design of delirium biomarker studies and considering appropriate comparator/controls will help to better understanding the discrete pathophysiology of delirium in the context of co-existing illness.
Genome-wide association mapping of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum resistance in soybean using whole-genome resequencing data
Authors: Boudhrioua Chiheb , Bastien Maxime , Torkamaneh Davoud , Belzile François 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR), caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, is an important cause of yield loss in soybean. Although many papers have reported different loci contributing to partial resistance, few of these were proved to reproduce the same phenotypic impact in different populations.
Results: In this study, we identified a major quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to SSR progression on the main stem by using a genome-wide association mapping (GWAM). A population of 127 soybean accessions was genotyped with 1.5M SNPs derived from genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) ensuring an extensive genome coverage and phenotyped for SSR resistance. SNP-trait association led to discovery of a new QTL on chromosome 1 (Chr01) where resistant lines had shorter lesions on the stem by 29 mm . A single gene (Glyma.01g048000) resided in the same LD block as the peak SNP, but it is of unknown function. The impact of this QTL was even more significant in the descendants of a cross between two lines carrying contrasted alleles for Chr01. Individuals carrying the resistance allele developed lesions almost 50% shorter than those bearing the sensitivity allele.
Conclusion: These results suggest that the new region on chromosome 1 harbors a promising resistance QTL to SSR that can be used in soybean breeding program.
Supporting children who have a parent with a mental illness in Tyrol: A situational analysis for informing co-development and implementation of practice changes
Authors: Zechmeister-Koss Ingrid , Goodyear Melinda , Tüchler Heinz , Paul Jean Lillian 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: A research project, which aims to improve the situation of children of parents with a mental illness (COPMI) is currently underway in the Austrian region of Tyrol. The project aims to strengthen formal and informal support structures around the child, through enhancing their village of collaborative support. Understanding the current situation in the region is vital for implementing practice change. This paper aims to gain knowledge regarding Tyrolean societal and service provision context.
Methods: We collected qualitative (17 interviews among stakeholder and people with lived experience) and quantitative data (e.g. health insurance data) regarding overall societal characteristics, epidemiology of mental illness, currently existing services, uptake of services, and current practices and challenges of identifying and supporting COPMIs. We analysed data along eight external context dimensions: 1) professional influences, 2) political support, 3) social climate, 4) local infrastructure, 5) policy and legal climate, 6) relational climate, 7) target population, and 8) funding and economic climate.
Results: We identified that there is awareness of potential challenges related to COPMIs at both a professional and planning level. Additionally, there is a lack of installed support processes and standards to meet these children’s needs across Tyrol. A variety of services are available both for unwell parents, as well as for families and individual family members. Yet, only one small service addresses COPMIs directly. Services fall into different sectors (education, health, social affairs) and are funded from different sources, making coordination difficult. Access varies from universal to rather restricted (i.e. through referral). The potential number of parents which could be reached in order to identify their children via adult mental health, differs considerably by setting. Societal structures indicate that the informal and voluntary sector may be a realistic source for supporting COPMIs.
Conclusions: The societal structures and the current services provide a rich resource for improving identification and support of COPMIs, however considerable coordination and behaviour change efforts will be required due to the fragmentation of the system and professional cultures. The insights into the context of supporting COPMIs have been of high value for developing and implementing practice changes in the local organizations.
Community and health staff perceptions on non-communicable disease management in El Salvador’s Health System: a qualitative study
Authors: Vidal Nicole , León-García Montserrat , Jiménez Marta , Bermúdez Keven , De Vos Pol 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of global mortality and disability, with a rising burdenin low- and middle-income countries. Their multifactorial aetiology, and their requirement of long-term care, imply the need for comprehensive approaches. From 2009, the Ministry of Health (MoH) in El Salvador has developed a national public health system based on comprehensive primary health care. This study aims to describe the different stakeholders’ perceptions about the management of NCDs along the pathways of care in this health system.

Methods : During three fieldwork periods in 2018, three complementary qualitative data collection methods were deployed and conducted in settings with high prevalence of NCDs within El Salvador. First, illness narrative methodology was used to document the life histories of people living with a chronic disease and being treated in second and third level health facilities. Second, through social mapping, support resources that NCD patients used throughout the process of their illness within the same settings were analysed. Third, semi-structured interviews were conducted in the same locations, with both chronic patients and health personnel working at different levels of the primary health care setting. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling, and a deductive approach was implemented for coding during the analysis phase. After grouping codes into potential themes, a thematic framework was developed using a reflexive approach and following triangulation of the data.

Results : This innovative approach of combining three well-defined qualitative methods identified key implications for the implementation of a comprehensive approach to NCD management in resource-poor settings. The following elements are identified: 1) social risk factors and barriers to care; 2) patient pathways to NCD care; 3) available resources identified through social connections mapping; 4) trust in social connections; and 5) community health promotion and NCD prevention management.

Conclusions: Salvadoran public health system has been able to strengthen its comprehensive approach to NCDs, combining a clinical approach – including long term follow-up – with a preventive community-based strategy. The structural collaboration between the health system and the (self-) organised community has been key to identify failings, discuss tensions and work out adapted solutions.
Refining sleep measurement using the Motionwatch8©: How many days of monitoring do we need to get reliable estimates of sleep quality for older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Authors: Falck Ryan S. , Barha Cindy K. , Chan Patrick C.Y. , Liu-Ambrose Teresa 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transition stage between healthy cognition and dementia, and is linked to poorer sleep. Objective, reliable, and low-burden field methods to measure older adult sleep are also currently needed. The MotionWatch8© (MW8) wrist-worn actigraph provides estimates of sleep with 14 days of observation; however, there may be underlying differences in the reliability of sleep estimates based on MCI status. We therefore investigated the number of MW8 monitoring days required to estimate sleep in older adults with MCI and without.

Methods

Older adults (55+ years; N=151) wore the MW8 for ≥14 days. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment was used to categorize participants with probable MCI (scores of <26/30) and participants without MCI (≥26/30). We calculated intra-class reliability coefficients for 1-, 7-, and 14-days of wear-time, and performed Spearman-Brown predictions to determine the number of monitoring days needed for an ICC=0.80.

Results

Older adults with MCI were older ( p <0.01), more likely to be male ( p =0.03), and had shorter sleep duration ( p <0.01). Spearman-Brown analyses indicated that the number of monitoring days needed for an ICC=0.80 in older adults with probable MCI was 7 days for sleep duration, 4 days for fragmentation, and 4 days for efficiency; adults without MCI required 4 days for duration, 6 days for fragmentation, and 3 days for efficiency.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that while the reliability of MW8 estimates of sleep differs based on cognitive status, 7 days of MW8 monitoring provides reliable estimates of sleep for adults with MCI and those without.
New insights about myofibrillar myopathies: the role of metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in the pathogenesis
Authors: Carvalho Alzira Alves de Siqueira , Silva Vinicius Gomes , Corazzini Roseli , Silva Alan Patricio , Lacene Emmanuelle 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

There are few reports suggesting that gene expression and activation of various matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are deregulated. MMP-2 and MMP-9 represent the two MMPs, which degrade type IV collagen, the component of basement membrane.

Methods

We analyzed the involvement of gelatinases, MMP-2 and MMP-9, in the pathogenesis of myofibrillar myopathy (MFM). Muscle specimens from 23 patients well diagnosed with MFM, were immunostained by MMP-2 and MMP-9. We analyzed qualitatively the immunoexpression in three compartments: subsarcolemmal (SSC), intracytoplasmic (ICC) and perinuclear (PNC).

Results

95,7% and 100% samples showed MMP-2 and MMP-9 upregulation ICC, respectively. PNC showed MMP-2 (82,6%) and MMP-9 (8,7%) regulation (p<0.001). SSC and ICC did not present statistical significance. There was no correlation between mutated gene and immunohistochemical pattern distribution.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that MMP-2 and/or MMP-9 could participate in the pathomechanism of MFM, causing damage of sarcomere and deposition of protein aggregates.
The association between rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease in a population-based cross-sectional case-control study
Authors: Renvert Stefan , Berglund Johan Sanmartin , Persson Rutger Gösta , Söderlin Maria K. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background. The association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis remains unclear. Methods. We studied oral health and periodontitis in a population-based case-control study of individuals with ≥ 10 remaining teeth ≥61 years of age and either with, or without a diagnosis of RA. 126 dentate individuals with RA were recruited together with age-matched control individuals without RA. The control individuals were recruited from the general population from the same city (n=249). A dental examination including a panoramic radiograph was performed on all participants. All individuals with RA were examined and medical records were reviewed by a rheumatologist. In the control group, none of the participants presented with symptoms of RA and their medical records were also negative. Results. The RA group included more women (66.7 % vs. 55.8 %) (p<0.01). Individuals in the RA group had a higher body mass index (BMI) (p<0.001). A diagnosis of periodontitis was more common in the RA group (61.1%) than in the control group (33.7 %) (p=0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis identified that a BMI > 25 (OR 6.2, 95% CI 3.6, 10.5, p= 0.000), periodontitis (OR 2.5 95% CI 1.5, 4.2 p=0.000), and female gender (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3-4.0, p=0.003) were associated with RA. Conclusion. RA was associated a diagnosis of periodontitis.
Disruption of gray matter microstructure in Alzheimer’s disease continuum using fiber orientation
Authors: Lee Peter , Kim Hang-Rai , Jeong Yong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
There have been several MR imaging biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) for early diagnosis. Cortical mean diffusivity (MD) is one of them for the study of the cortical microstructural change in AD. However, the feasibility of MD often remain in doubt as partial volume effects may overestimate the results. This study aims to investigate feasible gray matter microstructural biomarker with higher sensitivity for early AD detection. We propose diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measure, ‘radiality’, for early AD biomarker. It is a dot product between cortical surface normal vector and primary diffusion direction, which reflects the fiber orientation within the cortical column.
Here, we gathered neuroimages from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database; 78 cognitive normal, 50 early mild cognitive impairment (EMCI), 34 late mild cognitive impairment (LMCI), and 39 AD patients. Then, we evaluated cortical thickness (CTh), MD, amount of amyloid and tau accumulations using positron emission tomography (PET), which are conventional AD biomarkers. Radiality was projected on gray matter surface to compare and validate the changes along other neuroimage biomarkers.
Results showed decreased radiality primarily in entorhinal, insula, frontal and temporal cortex as disease progress onward. Especially, radiality could delineate the difference between cognitive normal and EMCI group while other biomarkers could not. We looked into the relationship between the radiality and other biomarkers to validate its pathological evidence in AD. Overall, radiality showed high association with conventional biomarkers. Additional ROI analysis exhibits dynamics of AD related changes as stages onward.
In conclusion, radiality in cortical gray matter showed AD specific changes and relevance with other conventional AD biomarkers with higher sensitivity. Besides, it could show group differences in early AD changes from EMCI which show advantage for early diagnosis than using conventional biomarkers. We provide the evidence of structure changes with cognitive impairment and suggest radiality as a sensitive biomarker for early AD.
Disability and its prevalence and cause in northwestern Ethiopia: evidence from Dabat district of Amhara National Regional State: A community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Abebe Solomon Mekonnen , Nega Ansha , Gizaw Zemichel , Bayisa Mulugeta , Fasika Solomon , Belay Molalign , Fekadu Abel , Abera Mikyas 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Disability is not just a physical condition; it develops through human interactions and reflects the social fabric of communities. Despite the magnitude of the problem, however, both awareness and scientific information on disability and the conditions of persons with disabilities (PwDs) are lacking in Ethiopia. Against this backdrop, the University of Gondar established the Dabat Demographic Health Surveillance System to gather longitudinal and policy relevant empirical data on various aspects of healthy living, including disability, in Dabat district of northwestern Ethiopia. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 13 Kebeles of Dabat district where the DHSS operates. Quantitative data was gathered using the World Health Organization’s Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) and International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability (ICF). The data was organized, analyzed, presented and described using frequencies and percentages in table and figures. Relevant variables were used to construct a logistic regression model that predicts the likelihood of disability whereby P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The household survey covered 17,000 households with 71,916 members amongst whom 36,462 (50.7%) were females and 20,264 (28.18%) had attended formal education. The overall prevalence of disability was 2.14% [95% CI: 2.03, 2.24]. About 8.3% of households reported at least one case of disability. Of 1537 respondents with disability, 8.19% had multiple disabilities. The visually impaired represented the highest proportion of PwDs (51%). Generally, the major causes of disability (83%) were modifiable; and illness (36.93%), injury (17.81%), and congenital (10.86%). Advanced age [AOR= 1.0; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.04], the illiterate [AOR=1.15;95% CI: 1.57, 2.13], the unmarried/single [AOR: 1.39; 95% CI: 185,2.47] and the separated [AOR: 2.78; 95% CI: 4.14,6.19] were more likely to have disability in the study population. Conclusion: This article reports an increased likelihood in being impaired/disabled associated with aging; and in the study population, there was high proportion of households with PwDs. Most disabilities were visual but there were also significant numbers of mobility and hearing impairments. Most school-age PwDs did not complete secondary education, while the rate of employment was significantly low. The study also identified most causes of disability were reversable.
A meta-analysis of clinical characteristics and mortality COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Jiang Shangxia , Wu Yueming , Lou Tianzheng , Xu Junlong , Zhang Yu , Chen Hu , Xu Hewei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Abstract: Objective To investigate the Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19) clinical characteristics and mortality risk by pooling the open published data. Methods Studies relevant to COVID-19 published in Pubmed, China Wanfang database, ChinaXiv and medRxiv were systematic screened by using the text word of “COVID-19”, 2019-nCoV, “SARS-CoV-2”, “NCP”. The mortality and clinical characteristic of the COVID-19 cases such as male/female ratio, mechanical ventilation ratio and top c linical symptom rate of the COVID-19 cases were pooled. Results Ten clinical studies relevant to COVID-19 were identified by electronic searching the related databases. The combined mortality was 0.03(95%CI: 0.01-0.04) for COVID-19 cases by random effect model. The pooled female ratio of the COVID-19 cases from 10 published data was 0.41(95%CI:0.37-0.46). The pooled invasive and non-invasive ventilation ratio were 0.03(95%CI:0.01-0.05) and 0.06(95%CI:0.02-0.09) respectively for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. The pooled clinical symptom rate of fever, cough, headache and fatigue were 0.80(95%CI:0.60-1.01), 0.12(95%CI:0.08-0.17), 0.68(95%CI:0.57-0.73) and 0.51(95%CI:0.36-0.67) respectively under random effect model. Conclusion According to the present published data, male was more cline to susceptible to COVID-19 compared to female. The fever, cough and fatigue were the most common symptom of COVID-19 cases. About 10% of patients received invasive or noninvasive mechanical ventilation with the overall crude mortality of 3%.