bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monitoring Training Volume Through Maximal Number of Repetitions or Velocity-Based Approach
Authors: Sánchez-Moreno Miguel , Rendeiro-Pinho Gonçalo , Mil-Homens Pedro V. , Pareja-Blanco Fernando 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: This study aimed (1) to analyze the interindividual variability in the maximal number of repetitions (MNR) performed against a given relative load (percentage of 1-repetition maximum [%1RM]) and (2) to examine the relationship between the velocity loss (VL) magnitude and the percentage of completed repetitions with regard to the MNR (%Rep), when the %1RM is based on individual load–velocity relationships. Methods: Following an assessment of 1RM strength and individual load–velocity relationships, 14 resistance-trained men completed 5 MNR tests against loads of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90% 1RM in the Smith machine bench-press exercise. The relative loads were determined from the individual load–velocity relationship. Results: Individual relationships between load and velocity displayed coefficients of determination (R2) ranging from .986 to .998. The MNR showed an interindividual coefficient of variation ranging from 8.6% to 33.1%, increasing as the %1RM increased. The relationship between %Rep and the magnitude of VL showed a general R2 of .92 to .94 between 50% and 80% 1RM, which decreased to .80 for 90% 1RM. The mean individual R2 values were between .97 and .99 for all loading conditions. The %Rep when a given percentage of VL was reached showed interindividual coefficient of variation values ranging from 5% to 20%, decreasing as the %Rep increased in each load condition. Conclusions: Setting a number of repetitions had acceptable interindividual variability, with moderate relative loads being adjusted based on the individual load–velocity relationship. However, to provide a more homogeneous level of effort between athletes, the VL approach should be considered, mainly when using individual VL–%Rep relationships.
Study protocol for a multicentre, randomised, parallel group, sham-controlled clinical trial investigating the effect of transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation on gastrointestinal symptoms in people with diabetes complicated with diabetic autonomic neuropathy: the DAN-VNS Study
Authors: Okdahl Tina , Bertoli Davide , Brock Birgitte , Krogh Klaus , Krag Knop Filip , Brock Christina , Drewes Asbjørn M 
Published: January 2021

IntroductionA high proportion of people with diabetes experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, which may be manifestations of diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN). The current treatment regime is ineffective and associated with major side effects. Transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a new therapeutic option, which has been shown to increase GI motility and reduce inflammatory responses. As vagus is the main neuronal pathway for extrinsic coordination of GI secretion and motility, we hypothesise that tVNS will improve DAN-induced GI symptoms in subjects with diabetes.Methods and analysisThe DAN-VNS study is a randomised multicentre clinical trial investigating the effect of short-term, high intensity as well as long-term, medium-intensity tVNS on GI symptom alleviation in 120 subjects with diabetes. The primary outcome consists of changes from baseline in subjective ratings of symptom severity. Secondary outcomes include changes in gastric motility and GI transit time measured by MRI and wireless motility capsule. Moreover, cardiovascular and sudomotor function, glycaemic control, brain sensory processing and presence of low-grade inflammation will be investigated as secondary outcome measures. Lastly, 15 responders of tVNS treatment will be included in an explorative, randomised, cross-over study, in which the acute endocrine and metabolic response to short-term tVNS will be investigated.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the North Denmark Region Committee on Health Research Ethics (N-20190020). Results will be published in relevant international peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT04143269.
Prognostic factors for recovery of health status after injury: a prospective multicentre cohort study
Authors: de Munter Leonie , Polinder Suzanne , Havermans Roos J M , Steyerberg Ewout W , de Jongh Mariska A C 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesTo determine prognostic factors for health status and recovery patterns during the first 2 years after injury in the clinical trauma population.DesignA prospective longitudinal cohort study.SettingTen participating hospitals in Brabant, the Netherlands.ParticipantsInjured adult patients admitted to a hospital between August 2015 and November 2016 were followed: 4883 (50%) patients participated.Main outcome measuresPrimary outcome was health status, measured with the EuroQol-5-dimensions-3-levels (EQ-5D), including a cognition item and the EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale. Health status was collected at 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after injury. Potential prognostic factors were based on literature and clinical experience (eg, age, sex, pre-injury frailty (Groningen Frailty Index), pre-injury EQ-5D).ResultsHealth status increased mainly during the first 6 months after injury with a mean EQ-5D utility score at 1 week of 0.49 and 0.79 at 24 months. The dimensions mobility, pain/discomfort and usual activities improved up to 2 years after injury. Lower pre-injury health status, frailty and longer length of stay at the hospital were important prognostic factors for poor recovery. Spine injury, lower and upper extremity injury showed to be prognostic factors for problems after injury. Traumatic brain injury was a prognostic factor for cognitive problems.ConclusionThis study contributes to the increase in knowledge of health recovery after injury. It could be a starting point to develop prediction models for specific injury classifications and implementation of personalised medicine.Trial registration numberNCT02508675.
Using sensor-fusion and machine-learning algorithms to assess acute pain in non-verbal infants: a study protocol
Authors: Roué Jean-Michel , Morag Iris , Haddad Wassim M , Gholami Behnood , Anand Kanwaljeet J S 
Published: January 2021

IntroductionObjective pain assessment in non-verbal populations is clinically challenging due to their inability to express their pain via self-report. Repetitive exposures to acute or prolonged pain lead to clinical instability, with long-term behavioural and cognitive sequelae in newborn infants. Strong analgesics are also associated with medical complications, potential neurotoxicity and altered brain development. Pain scores performed by bedside nurses provide subjective, observer-dependent assessments rather than objective data for infant pain management; the required observations are labour intensive, difficult to perform by a nurse who is concurrently performing the procedure and increase the nursing workload. Multimodal pain assessment, using sensor-fusion and machine-learning algorithms, can provide a patient-centred, context-dependent, observer-independent and objective pain measure.Methods and analysisIn newborns undergoing painful procedures, we use facial electromyography to record facial muscle activity-related infant pain, ECG to examine heart rate (HR) changes and HR variability, electrodermal activity (skin conductance) to measure catecholamine-induced palmar sweating, changes in oxygen saturations and skin perfusion, and electroencephalography using active electrodes to assess brain activity in real time. This multimodal approach has the potential to improve the accuracy of pain assessment in non-verbal infants and may even allow continuous pain monitoring at the bedside. The feasibility of this approach will be evaluated in an observational prospective study of clinically required painful procedures in 60 preterm and term newborns, and infants aged 6 months or less.Ethics and disseminationThe Institutional Review Board of the Stanford University approved the protocol. Study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at scientific meetings, taught via webinars, podcasts and video tutorials, and listed on academic/scientific websites. Future studies will validate and refine this approach using the minimum number of sensors required to assess neonatal/infant pain.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT03330496).
Translation and validation of the Chinese version of medical maximizer-minimizer scale: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lai Fenghua , Pei Ling , Yue Shufan , Cao Xiaopei , Xiao Haipeng , Li Yanbing , Li Jin 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveMedical overutilisation and underutilisation affect optimal healthcare. The Medical Maximizer-Minimizer Scale (MMS) was developed to assess individual medical maximising and minimising tendencies. Despite significant improvement in the healthcare system over the past four decades, no psychometric scales to examine treatment maximising and minimising preferences are available in China. This study aimed to translate the MMS into Chinese and examine its reliability and validity in a Chinese population.DesignThis cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2019 through an online survey panel.MethodsThe MMS was translated into a Chinese version (CN-MMS) using a forward–backward translation procedure. Next, a random online survey of the general population in China was conducted. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis were performed to examine the underlying factor structure of the CN-MMS. The internal consistency reliability of the scale was determined using Cronbach’s α coefficient and corrected item-total correlation. A multivariate linear regression analysis was used to examine associations between medical maximising and minimising preferences and demographic variables in the Chinese population.ResultsThis study included 984 participants aged 18–80 years. The CN-MMS retained 10 items, and the EFA supported a two-factor structure. The model fit for this two-factor structure of the CN-MMS was acceptable with χ2/df=3.7, comparative fit index=0.958, goodness-of-fit index=0.951, Tucker-Lewis Index=0.944 and root mean square error of approximation=0.074. The scale had a Cronbach’s α coefficient of 0.864, corrected item-total correlation of 0.451–0.667, and test–retest reliability of 0.815. Significant predictors of CN-MMS total score were nationality and household monthly income.ConclusionsThe CN-MMS showed satisfactory psychometric properties. Therefore, it can be used to investigate the individual medical maximising and minimising tendencies among the general Chinese population.
Compress the curve: a cross-sectional study of variations in COVID-19 infections across California nursing homes
Authors: Gopal Ram , Han Xu , Yaraghi Niam 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveNursing homes’ residents and staff constitute the largest proportion of the fatalities associated with COVID-19 epidemic. Although there is a significant variation in COVID-19 outbreaks among the US nursing homes, we still do not know why such outbreaks are larger and more likely in some nursing homes than others. This research aims to understand why some nursing homes are more susceptible to larger COVID-19 outbreaks.DesignObservational study of all nursing homes in the state of California until 1 May 2020.SettingThe state of California.Participants713 long-term care facilities in the state of California that participate in public reporting of COVID-19 infections as of 1 May 2020 and their infections data could be matched with data on ratings and governance features of nursing homes provided by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).Main outcome measureThe number of reported COVID-19 infections among staff and residents.ResultsStudy sample included 713 nursing homes. The size of outbreaks among residents in for-profit nursing homes is 12.7 times larger than their non-profit counterparts (log count=2.54; 95% CI, 1.97 to 3.11; p<0.001). Higher ratings in CMS-reported health inspections are associated with lower number of infections among both staff (log count=−0.19; 95% CI, −0.37 to −0.01; p=0.05) and residents (log count=−0.20; 95% CI, −0.27 to −0.14; p<0.001). Nursing homes with higher discrepancy between their CMS-reported and self-reported ratings have higher number of infections among their staff (log count=0.41; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.51; p<0.001) and residents (log count=0.13; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.18; p<0.001).ConclusionsThe size of COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes is associated with their ratings and governance features. To prepare for the possible next waves of COVID-19 epidemic, policy makers should use these insights to identify the nursing homes who are more likely to experience large outbreaks.
Psychological impact of COVID-19 outbreak among Jimma University Medical Centere visitors in Southwestern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yitayih Yimenu , Lemu Yohannes Kebede , Mekonen Seblework , Mecha Mohammed , Ambelu Argaw 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundCOVID-19 has posed several medical, psychosocial and economic impacts among the majority of the society. The ambiguity of its transmission, the intense desire of self-protection, family, and friends, the unknown impact of catching the disease itself, unstoppable spread, the panic and outright misinformation lead to acute stress reaction syndrome. However, reliable data related to this contagion lack the prevalence of acute stress reaction syndrome and associated factors among Jimma University Medical Centre hospital visitors in Southwestern Ethiopia.AimsThe main objective of the study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with acute stress reaction syndrome during the COVID-19 outbreak among Jimma University Medical Centre Hospital visitors, Ethiopia.MethodsAn interviewer-administered cross-sectional study was conducted among 247 visitors of the Jimma University Medical Centre in Ethiopia. The study was conducted within 2 weeks of the first COVID-19 cases detected on 13 March 2020 in Ethiopia. Data on demographic and socioeconomic status were collected during the interview using structured questionnaires. The psychological impact was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, and symptoms of insomnia were measured using the Insomnia Severity Index. Social support was evaluated using Oslo three-item Social Support Scale. Logistic regression was employed to determine the associations between dependent and independent variables. Besides, psychosocial stress score was generated using principal component analysis. A paired permutation test was also performed to determine the variability of psychosocial stress between groups.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 30.47 years, and 76.5% of the participants were male. Acute stress reaction syndrome was detected in 44.1% of hospital visitors. Of the participants, 38.5%, 17.4%, 8.5% and 35.6% had a minimal, mild, moderate and severe psychological impact, respectively. Factors positively associated with acute stress reaction syndrome were individuals who perceived that COVID-19 leads to stigma (adjusted OR (AOR): 3.24, 95% CI 1.11 to 9.45), mild insomnia (AOR: 14.74, 95% CI 6.14 to 35.40), moderate to severe insomnia (AOR: 35.1, 95% CI 10.76 to 114.66), low social support (AOR: 4.08, 95% CI 1.31 to 12.67) and governmental employees (AOR: 8.09, 95% CI 1.38 to 47.18).ConclusionThe study revealed the existence of a high prevalence of acute stress reaction syndrome during the COVID-19 outbreak among different groups of the community. Therefore, our results will contribute to the global awareness of the psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Prospective validation study of prognostic biomarkers to predict adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19: a study protocol
Authors: Tang Benjamin , Shojaei Maryam , Wang Ya , Nalos Marek , Mclean Anthony , Afrasiabi Ali , Kwan Tim N , Kuan Win Sen , Zerbib Yoann , Herwanto Velma , Gunawan Gunawan , Bedognetti Davide , Zoppoli Gabriele , Ballestrero Alberto , Rinchai Darawan , Cremonesi Paolo , Bedognetti Michele , Matejovic Martin , Karvunidis Thomas , Macdonald Stephen P J , Cox Amanda J , West Nicholas P , Cripps Allan William , Schughart Klaus , Maria Andrea de , Chaussabel Damien , Iredell Jonathan , Weng Stephen 
Published: January 2021

IntroductionAccurate triage is an important first step to effectively manage the clinical treatment of severe cases in a pandemic outbreak. In the current COVID-19 global pandemic, there is a lack of reliable clinical tools to assist clinicians to perform accurate triage. Host response biomarkers have recently shown promise in risk stratification of disease progression; however, the role of these biomarkers in predicting disease progression in patients with COVID-19 is unknown. Here, we present a protocol outlining a prospective validation study to evaluate the biomarkers’ performance in predicting clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19.Methods and analysisThis prospective validation study assesses patients infected with COVID-19, in whom blood samples are prospectively collected. Recruited patients include a range of infection severity from asymptomatic to critically ill patients, recruited from the community, outpatient clinics, emergency departments and hospitals. Study samples consist of peripheral blood samples collected into RNA-preserving (PAXgene/Tempus) tubes on patient presentation or immediately on study enrolment. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) will be performed on total RNA extracted from collected blood samples using primers specific to host response gene expression biomarkers that have been previously identified in studies of respiratory viral infections. The RT-PCR data will be analysed to assess the diagnostic performance of individual biomarkers in predicting COVID-19-related outcomes, such as viral pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome or bacterial pneumonia. Biomarker performance will be evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, likelihood ratios and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.Ethics and disseminationThis research protocol aims to study the host response gene expression biomarkers in severe respiratory viral infections with a pandemic potential (COVID-19). It has been approved by the local ethics committee with approval number 2020/ETH00886. The results of this project will be disseminated in international peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Enhanced antitumor immunity by a novel small molecule HPK1 inhibitor
Authors: You Dan , Hillerman Stephen , Locke Gregory , Chaudhry Charu , Stromko Caitlyn , Murtaza Anwar , Fan Yi , Koenitzer Jennifer , Chen Yali , Briceno Stephanie , Bhadra Rajarshi , Duperret Elizabeth , Gullo-Brown Johnni , Gao Chan , Zhao Dandan , Feder John , Curtin Joshua , Degnan Andrew P , Kumi Godwin , Wittman Mark , Johnson Benjamin M , Parrish Karen E , Gokulrangan Giridharan , Morrison John , Quigley Michael , Hunt John T , Salter-Cid Luisa , Lees Emma , Sanjuan Miguel A , Liu Jinqi 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundHematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1 or MAP4K1) has been demonstrated as a negative intracellular immune checkpoint in mediating antitumor immunity in studies with HPK1 knockout and kinase dead mice. Pharmacological inhibition of HPK1 is desirable to investigate the role of HPK1 in human immune cells with therapeutic implications. However, a significant challenge remains to identify a small molecule inhibitor of HPK1 with sufficient potency, selectivity, and other drug-like properties suitable for proof-of-concept studies. In this report, we identified a novel, potent, and selective HPK1 small molecule kinase inhibitor, compound K (CompK). A series of studies were conducted to investigate the mechanism of action of CompK, aiming to understand its potential application in cancer immunotherapy.MethodsHuman primary T cells and dendritic cells (DCs) were investigated with CompK treatment under conditions relevant to tumor microenvironment (TME). Syngeneic tumor models were used to assess the in vivo pharmacology of CompK followed by human tumor interrogation ex vivo.ResultsCompK treatment demonstrated markedly enhanced human T-cell immune responses under immunosuppressive conditions relevant to the TME and an increased avidity of the T-cell receptor (TCR) to recognize viral and tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) in significant synergy with anti-PD1. Animal model studies, including 1956 sarcoma and MC38 syngeneic models, revealed improved immune responses and superb antitumor efficacy in combination of CompK with anti-PD-1. An elevated immune response induced by CompK was observed with fresh tumor samples from multiple patients with colorectal carcinoma, suggesting a mechanistic translation from mouse model to human disease.ConclusionCompK treatment significantly improved human T-cell functions, with enhanced TCR avidity to recognize TAAs and tumor cytolytic activity by CD8+ T cells. Additional benefits include DC maturation and priming facilitation in tumor draining lymph node. CompK represents a novel pharmacological agent to address cancer treatment resistance.
Changes in Sepsis Biomarkers after Immunosuppressant Administration in Transplant Patients
Authors: Franeková Janka , Protuš Marek , Kieslichová Eva , Březina Aleš , Komrsková Jitka , Vymětalík Jiří , Jabor Antonín 
Published: January 2021

Sepsis biomarkers change continuously during the postoperative period. We aimed to demonstrate the influence of immunosuppressants after transplantation (Tx) on presepsin, procalcitonin, CRP, white blood cells, and IL-6. A group of 140 patients after major surgery (86 non-Tx, 54 Tx) without any signs of sepsis or infectious complications was followed for 7 days. The changes in biomarkers were analyzed with respect to the type of surgery, organ, and induction immunosuppressant used (antithymocyte globulin, corticosteroids, or basiliximab/rituximab). Concentrations (95th percentiles) of presepsin and procalcitonin were higher in the Tx group (presepsin:

Tx
<
2380

vs.

non
‐
Tx
<
1368

ng
/
L

,

p
<
0.05

; procalcitonin: <28.0 vs. 3.49 μg/L,

p
<
0.05

). In contrast, CRP and IL-6 were lower in the Tx group (CRP:

Tx
<
84.2

vs.

non
‐
Tx
<
229

mg
/
L

,

p
<
0.05

; IL-6: <71.2 vs. 317 ng/L,

p
<
0.05

). Decreases in CRP and IL-6 were found for all immunosuppressants, and procalcitonin was increased after antithymocyte globulin and corticosteroids. Negligible changes were found for white blood cells. Different responses of presepsin, procalcitonin, CRP, and IL-6 were therefore found in patients without any infectious complications after major surgery or transplantation. Immunosuppression decreased significantly IL-6 and CRP in comparison to non-Tx patients, while procalcitonin was increased after corticosteroids and antithymocyte globulin only. Cautious interpretation of sepsis biomarkers is needed in the early posttransplant period. This work was conducted as a noninterventional (nonregistered) study.