bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between asymptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis and insulin resistance or diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study in rural Shandong, China
Authors: Wang Qiao , Zhao Yuanyuan , Wang Xiang , Ji Xiaokang , Sang Shaowei , Shao Sai , Ma Xiaotong , Wang Guangbin , Lv Ming , Xue Fuzhong , Du Yifeng , Sun Qinjian 
Published: December 2020

IntroductionRecent studies have shown that insulin resistance (IR) is correlated to atherosclerosis development. However, few studies have investigated the association between IR and asymptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis (aICAS).Research design and methodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled 2007 rural residents in China who were aged ≥40 years without a clinical history of stroke and transient ischaemic attack. We used transcranial Doppler ultrasonography in combination with magnetic resonance angiography to diagnose aICAS (stenosis ≥50%). IR was defined as a homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance ≥3.0 based on the 75th percentile for all the participants. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to assess the relationship of diabetic parameters with aICAS in all participants, as well as with aICAS in non-diabetic participants, and further stratified by sex.ResultsAfter adjusting for age, gender, smoking habit, drinking habit, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, raised blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and waist circumference, diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR=2.09, 95% CI 1.31 to 3.32), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (OR=1.34, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.57), and IR (OR=1.75, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.75) were associated with aICAS in the total study population; however, these relationships remained significant only in men after the analyses were stratified by sex (DM: OR=3.40, 95% CI 1.62 to 7.13; FPG: OR=1.64, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.13; IR: OR=3.04, 95% CI 1.44 to 6.42). When further excluding the diabetic participants from the total study population, positive associations between IR and aICAS were similarly observed only in men (OR=4.65, 95% CI 1.69 to 12.82).ConclusionsIR might predict the prevalence of aICAS independently of major cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome components among men living in rural China.
Spectrum of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive determinants of child undernutrition: a multisectoral cross-sectional study in rural Mozambique
Authors: Aiga Hirotsugu , Nomura Marika , Langa José Paulo M , Mahomed Mussagy , Marlene Rosa , Alage Albertina , Trindade Nilton , Buene Dino , Hiraoka Hiroshi , Nakada Shunichi , Arinde Edgar , Varimelo José , Chivale Américo Jeremias 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundDespite an increasing need for multisectoral interventions and coordinations for addressing malnutrition, evidence-based multisectoral nutrition interventions have been rarely developed and implemented in low-income and middle-income countries. To identify key determinants of undernutrition for effectively designing a multisectoral intervention package, a nutrition survey was conducted, by comprehensively covering a variety of variables across sectors, in Niassa province, Mozambique.MethodsA cross-sectional household survey was conducted in Niassa province, August–October 2019. Anthropometric measurements, anaemia tests of children under 5 years of age and structured interviews with their mothers were conducted. A total of 1498 children under 5 years of age participated in the survey. We employed 107 background variables related to possible underlying and immediate causes of undernutrition, to examine their associations with being malnourished. Both bivariate (χ2test and Mann-Whitney’s U test) and multivariate analyses (logistic regression) were undertaken, to identify the determinants of being malnourished.ResultsPrevalence rates of stunting, underweight and wasting were estimated at 46.2%, 20.0% and 7.1%, respectively. Timely introduction of solid, semi-solid or soft foods to children of 6–8 months of age was detected as a determinant of being not stunted. Mother–child cosleeping and ownership of birth certificate were a protective factor from and a promoting factor for being underweight, respectively. Similarly, availability and consumption of eggs at the household level and cough during the last 2 weeks among children were likely to be a protective factor from and a promoting factor for being wasted, respectively.ConclusionTimely introduction of solid, semi-solid or soft foods could serve as an entry point for the three sectors to start making joint efforts, as it requires the interventions from all health, agriculture and water sectors. To enable us to make meaningful interprovincial, international and inter-seasonal comparisons, it is crucially important to develop a standard set of variables related to being malnourished.
Effect of bicyclol on blood biomarkers of NAFLD: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Hu , Liu Nan-Nan , Peng Zong-Gen 
Published: December 2020

ObjectiveNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global epidemic without effective therapeutic agents in the clinic. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of the marketed hepatoprotectant bicyclol at improving blood biomarkers in patients with NAFLD.DesignElectronic databases were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published up to August 2020 using bicyclol to treat NAFLD. The risk of bias, quality of evidence and publication bias were evaluated. Blood biomarkers, including alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC), were analysed using Review Manager V.5.3 software. Outcomes with significant heterogeneity (I2≥75%) were divided into the bicyclol monotherapy subgroup and combination treatment subgroup.ResultsTwelve RCTs involving 1008 patients were finally included. No serious adverse events were reported in the bicyclol-treated groups. The total effective rate of bicyclol intervention for NAFLD was significantly higher than that of the control group. The decreases in the levels of AST (mean difference (MD) = −15.20; 95% CI −20.51 to −9.90; I2=74%), TBIL (MD = −1.72; 95% CI −2.72 to −0.72; I2=0%) and TC (MD = −0.52; 95% CI −0.70 to −0.34; I2=67%) treated by bicyclol were significantly higher than those in the control group. When a high heterogeneity existed (I2≥75%), subgroup analyses were conducted and revealed significantly decreased ALT levels (MD = −34.07; 95% CI −36.70 to −31.43; I2=0%) merely in the bicyclol monotherapy subgroup, while TG level (MD = −0.39; 95% CI −0.45 to −0.33; I2=0%) was decreased in the bicyclol combination therapy subgroup.ConclusionsThe study presents the evidence of bicyclol monotherapy and/or combination therapy for improving liver function and blood lipid biomarkers in patients with NAFLD. This preliminary study predicts that bicyclol might be an alternative drug for NAFLD therapy in the future.
Randomised controlled trial of conditioning regimen for cord blood transplantation for adult myeloid malignancies comparing high-dose cytarabine/cyclophosphamide/total body irradiation with versus without G-CSF priming: G-CONCORD study protocol
Authors: Terakura Seitaro , Konuma Takaaki , Tanaka Masatsugu , Ozawa Yukiyasu , Onizuka Makoto , Nanno Satoshi , Onishi Yasushi , Aotsuka Nobuyuki , Kondo Tadakazu , Kawakita Toshiro , Kato Jun , Kobayashi Takeshi , Nishida Tetsuya , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Kuwatsuka Yachiyo , Takahashi Satoshi 
Published: December 2020

IntroductionA better long-term quality of life after umbilical cord blood transplantation (CBT) is observed compared with transplants from other alternative donors, whereas graft failure and relapses after CBT are still major issues. To minimise graft failure and relapse after CBT, intensification of conditioning by the addition of high-dose cytosine arabinoside (CA) and concomitant continuous use of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) are reported to convey a significantly better survival after CBT in some retrospective studies. To confirm the effect of G-CSF plus CA combination, in addition to the standard conditioning regimen, cyclophosphamide (CY)/total body irradiation (TBI), we design a randomised controlled study comparing CA/CY/TBI with versus without G-CSF priming (G-CSF combined conditioned cord blood transplantation [G-CONCORD] study).Methods and analysisThis is a multicentre, open-label, randomised phase III study that aimed to compare G-CSF+CA/CY/TBI as a conditioning regimen for CBT with CA/CY/TBI. Patients with acute myeloid leukaemia or myelodysplastic syndrome, aged 16–55 years, are eligible. The target sample size is 160 and the registration period is 4 years. The primary endpoint is the 2-year disease-free survival rate after CBT. The secondary endpoints are overall survival, relapse, non-relapse mortality, acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease, engraftment rate, time to neutrophil recovery, short-term adverse events, incidence of infections and causes of death.This study employs a single one-to-one web-based randomisation between the with-G-CSF versus without-G-CSF groups after patient registration. Combination of high-dose CA and CY/TBI in both groups is used for conditioning.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol was approved by the central review board, Nagoya University Certified Review Board, after the enforcement of the Clinical Trials Act in Japan. The manuscripts presenting data from this study will be submitted for publication in quality peer-reviewed medical journals. Study findings will be disseminated via presentations at national/international conferences and peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numbersUMIN000029947 and jRCTs041180059.
Multicentre, prospective registry study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in mainland China (CHALSR): study protocol
Authors: He Ji , Fu Jia yu , Chen Lu , He Jing , Dang Jingxia , Zou Zhangyu , Ma Sha , Li Nan , Fan Dongsheng 
Published: December 2020

IntroductionAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a representative rare disease characterised by progressive, fatal motor neuron degeneration. Due to the unknown aetiology and variability of the phenotypes, there are no accurate reports concerning the epidemiology or clinical characteristics of the disease. The low prevalence, as previously reported, makes it difficult to carry out studies with large samples. The aim of this study was to explore the natural history and clinical features of ALS in mainland China through a multicentre, prospective cohort study. The findings will both offer a better understanding of ALS and also support the development of a model to study other rare diseases.Methods and analysisPatients from 88 representative hospitals in different parts of mainland China will be recruited through a specially designed online data system (http://www.chalsr.net/). We aim to recruit 4752 ALS patients over a 3-year period. Baseline data will be recorded, and follow-up data will be collected every 3 months. The primary outcome is effective survival. Overall survival and indices of disease progression will be measured as the secondary outcomes.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from the ethics committee of Peking University Third Hospital (M2019388). Informed written consent will be obtained from each participant. Dissemination of the study protocol and data will take place primarily through a specially designed online data system (http://www.chalsr.net/). The collective results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and shared in scientific presentations.Trial registration numberNCT04328675
Association between statin use and outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Butt Jawad Haider , Gerds Thomas Alexander , Schou Morten , Kragholm Kristian , Phelps Matthew , Havers-Borgersen Eva , Yafasova Adelina , Gislason Gunnar Hilmar , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Køber Lars , Fosbøl Emil Loldrup 
Published: December 2020

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between recent statin exposure and risk of severe COVID-19 infection and all-cause mortality in patients with COVID-19 in Denmark.Design and settingObservational cohort study using data from Danish nationwide registries.ParticipantsPatients diagnosed with COVID-19 from 22 February 2020 to 17 May 2020 were followed from date of diagnosis until outcome of interest, death or 17 May 2020.InterventionsUse of statins, defined as a redeemed drug prescription in the 6 months prior to COVID-19 diagnosis.Primary and secondary outcome measuresAll-cause mortality, severe COVID-19 infection and the composite.ResultsThe study population comprised 4842 patients with COVID-19 (median age 54 years (25th–75th percentile, 40–72), 47.1% men), of whom 843 (17.4%) redeemed a prescription of statins. Patients with statin exposure were more often men and had a greater prevalence of comorbidities. The median follow-up was 44 days. After adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and comorbidities, statin exposure was not associated with a significantly different risk of mortality (HR 0.96 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.18); 30-day standardised absolute risk (SAR), 9.8% (8.7% to 11.0%) vs 9.5% (8.2% to 10.8%); SAR difference, −0.4% (−1.9% to 1.2%)), severe COVID-19 infection (HR 1.16 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.41); 30-day SAR, 13.0% (11.8% to 14.2%) vs 14.9% (12.8% to 17.1%); SAR difference, 1.9% (−0.7% to 4.5%)), and the composite outcome of all-cause mortality or severe COVID-19 infection (HR 1.05 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.23); 30-day SAR, 17.6% (16.4% to 18.8%) vs 18.2% (16.4% to 20.1%); SAR difference, 0.6% (−1.6% to 2.9%)). The results were consistent across subgroups of age, sex and presumed indication for statin therapy. Among patients with statin exposure, there was no difference between statin drug or treatment intensity with respect to outcomes.ConclusionsRecent statin exposure in patients with COVID-19 infection was not associated with an increased or decreased risk of all-cause mortality or severe infection.
Assembly Line ICU: what the Long Shops taught us about managing surge capacity for COVID-19
Authors: Oakley Callum , Pascoe Craig , Balthazor Daivd , Bennett Davinia , Gautam Nandan , Isaac John , Isherwood Peter , Matthews Tracie , Murphy Nick , Oelofse Tessa , Patel Jaimin , Snelson Catherine , Richardson Carla , Willson Jeremy , Wyton Fiona , Veenith Tonny , Whitehouse Tony 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesTo safely expand and adapt the normal workings of a large critical care unit in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsIn April 2020, UK health systems were challenged to expand critical care capacity rapidly during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic so that they could accommodate patients with respiratory and multiple organ failure. Here, we describe the preparation and adaptive responses of a large critical care unit to the oncoming burden of disease. Our changes were similar to the revolution in manufacturing brought about by ‘Long Shops’ of 1853 when Richard Garrett and Sons of Leiston started mass manufacture of traction engines. This innovation broke the whole process into smaller parts and increased productivity. When applied to COVID-19 preparations, an assembly line approach had the advantage that our ICU became easily scalable to manage an influx of additional staff as well as the increase in admissions. Healthcare professionals could be replaced in case of absence and training focused on a smaller number of tasks.ResultsCompared with the equivalent period in 2019, the ICU provided 30.9% more patient days (2599 to 3402), 1845 of which were ventilated days (compared with 694 in 2019, 165.8% increase) while time from first referral to ICU admission reduced from 193.8±123.8 min (±SD) to 110.7±76.75 min (±SD). Throughout, ICU maintained adequate capacity and also accepted patients from neighbouring hospitals. This was done by managing an additional 205 doctors (70% increase), 168 nurses who had previously worked in ICU and another 261 nurses deployed from other parts of the hospital (82% increase).Our large tertiary hospital ensured a dedicated non-COVID ICU was staffed and equipped to take regional emergency referrals so that those patients requiring specialist surgery and treatment were treated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionsWe report how the challenge of managing a huge influx of patients and redeployed staff was met by deconstructing ICU care into its constituent parts. Although reported from the largest colocated ICU in the UK, we believe that this offers solutions to ICUs of all sizes and may provide a generalisable model for critical care pandemic surge planning.
Effects of the lower jaw position on athletic performance of elite athletes
Authors: Haughey John Patrick , Fine Peter 
Published: December 2020

When an athlete wears a mouthguard, the position of the lower jaw is changed by virtue of the teeth being unable to occlude. Little research is available in in this area, which have indicated both positive impact and no positive impact.ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the influence of the lower jaw position on athletic performance in elite athletes.MethodsA repeated measures study compared two lower jaw positions, the athlete’s normal (habitual) bite and the lower jaw position when the muscles of mastication are at physiological rest (physiological rest bite). 15 athletes completed a medicine ball putt (upper body power), vertical jump (lower body power), sit and reach (composite hamstring flexibility), passive knee flexion (hamstring muscle length) and star excursion balance (stability and balance) tests in each condition.ResultsPaired t-tests showed the physiological rest bite had significant (p<0.05) positive effect on athletic performance for each test. On average the physiological rest bite provided an increase of lower body power (5.8%), upper body power (10%), hamstring flexibility (14%) and balance and stability (4.8%) compared to the habitual bite.ConclusionThis study provides evidence of the need for further research to confirm if the lower jaw position can be optimised for athletic performance in athletes.
How well did Norwegian general practice prepare to address the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Alsnes Ingvild Vatten , Munkvik Morten , Flanders W Dana , Øyane Nicolas 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesWe aimed to describe the quality improvement measures made by Norwegian general practice (GP) during the COVID-19 pandemic, evaluate the differences in quality improvements based on region and assess the combinations of actions taken.DesignDescriptive study.SettingParticipants were included after taking part in an online quality improvement COVID-19 course for Norwegian GPs in April 2020. The participants reported whether internal and external measures were in place: COVID-19 sign on entrance, updated home page, access to video consultations and/or electronic written consultations, home office solutions, separate working teams, preparedness for home visits, isolation rooms, knowledge on decontamination, access to sufficient supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 clinics.ParticipantsOne hundred GP offices were included. The mean number of general practitioners per office was 5.63.ResultsMore than 80% of practices had the following preparedness measures: COVID-19 sign on entrance, updated home page, COVID-19 clinic in the municipality, video and written electronic consultations, knowledge on how to use PPE, and home office solutions for general practitioners. Less than 50% had both PPE and knowledge of decontamination. Lack of PPE was reported by 37%, and 34% reported neither sufficient PPE nor a dedicated COVID-19 clinic. 15% reported that they had an isolation room, but not enough PPE. There were no geographical differences.ConclusionsNorwegian GPs in this study implemented many quality improvements to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the largest potentials for improvement seem to be securing sufficient supply of PPE and establishing an isolation room at their practices.
Quantifying the effects of pop-up satellite archival tags on the swimming performance and behavior of young-adult mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus)
Authors: McGuigan Charles J. , Schlenker Lela S. , Stieglitz John D. , Benetti Daniel D. , Grosell Martin 
Published: December 2020

Pop-up satellite archival tags (PSATs) have been used to demonstrate habitat utilization and large-scale migrations of aquatic species and are a critical tool to manage highly migratory fish populations. Use of PSATs has increased in recent years; however, few studies have investigated the physiological and behavioral effects of carrying a PSAT. To address this gap, young-adult mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus; 25–35 cm fork length) were tagged with miniature PSATs and assessed in a two-part experiment utilizing swim tunnel respirometry and behavioral analysis of free-swimming individuals. Swim tunnel respirometry revealed significant reductions in the critical and optimal swimming speeds of tagged fish (10.2% and 20.9%, respectively), as well as significant reductions in maximum metabolic rate and aerobic scope (16.1% and 21.4%, respectively). In contrast, mean and maximum velocity, acceleration, total distance traveled, survival, and feeding success of free-swimming tagged fish showed no impacts of tagging compared with untagged conspecifics held in the same tank. The results of this study highlight the importance of considering multiple methodologies to assess the impacts of tagging fish and provide insight into the data collected by PSATs deployed on wild fish.
Comparative Analysis of the Clinical Features and Long-Term Outcomes of Pachychoroid Neovasculopathy and Type 1 Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: You Jong In , Kim Kiyoung 
Published: December 2020

Purpose. To evaluate the clinical characteristics and long-term prognosis of pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PCN) when compared with type 1 neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 30 and 60 patients whose eyes were diagnosed as treatment-naïve PCN or type 1 nAMD, respectively. All subjects were followed up for 5 years. Baseline angiographic characteristics and long-term clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results. PCN group consisted of patients of younger age and represented more choroidal vascular hyperpermeability, polypoidal lesion, and history of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) at the time of diagnosis (all

p

< 0.01). During the 5-year follow-up period, individuals in the PCN group received significantly fewer injections and reported better visual acuity compared to individuals in the type 1 nAMD group. A progressive decrease in the subfoveal choroidal thickness was observed in the type 1 nAMD group, while the thick choroid was maintained in the PCN group during the 5-year follow-up period. Conclusions. PCN developed in younger patients with a higher propensity of forming polypoidal lesions and a history of CSC. Long-term outcomes revealed that PCN had a thicker choroid and better visual prognosis with fewer number of intravitreal injection than that of type 1 nAMD.