bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A nutritional web-based approach in obesity and diabetes before and during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Fraticelli Federica , Nicola Marta Di , Vitacolonna Ester 
Published: October 2020

Introduction Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are two closely related pandemic conditions. Novel technologies represent promising tools for their management, the use of which has been greatly encouraged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the present study is to compare a web-based nutritional intervention versus a traditional one, before and during the Italian ‘lockdown’ period due to the COVID-19 outbreak, in overweight and obese subjects affected by T2D or impaired glucose regulation (IGR). Methods For the study, 36 subjects were randomly allocated into two arms: a traditional arm, providing face-to-face individual and group-based intervention; and a web arm, deploying the in-presence traditional approach with intervention provided through web technologies. The outcomes were the data resulting from the comparison between the subjects’ anthropometric and clinical parameters as well as PREDIMED scores at baseline with those at 3 months (T3), 6 months (T6) and at lockdown. Results In the web arm we detected a progressive reduction in weight and body mass index (BMI) from baseline to T6 and a minimal increase of both parameters during the lockdown. Improvement of these parameters compared with baseline was observed in controls during the lockdown. The PREDIMED score improved at T6 compared with baseline in both arms. Significant variations were observed considering weight ( p < 0.001), BMI ( p = 0.001) and PREDIMED scores ( p = 0.023) over time. Discussion The study showed the effectiveness and feasibility of a short-term nutritional web-based intervention in patients affected by T2D or IGR before and during the COVID 19 pandemic. Clinical Trial registration number: NCT04386200, ClinicalTrials.gov.
Rationale and design of the LIBERATES trial: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial of flash glucose monitoring for optimisation of glycaemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes and recent myocardial infarction
Authors: Everett Colin C , Reynolds Catherine , Fernandez Catherine , Stocken Deborah D , Sharples Linda D , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Heller Simon , Storey Robert F , Ajjan Ramzi A 
Published: October 2020

Hyperglycaemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with guarded clinical prognosis. Studies improving glucose levels in T2D following MI relied on HbA1c as the main glycaemic marker, failing to address potential adverse effects of hypoglycaemia and glucose variability. We describe the design of the LIBERATES trial that investigates the role of flash glucose monitoring in optimising glycaemic markers in high vascular risk individuals with T2D. This multicentre trial is designed to recruit up to 150 insulin and/or sulphonylurea-treated T2D patients, within 5 days of a proven MI. Individuals will be randomised 1:1 into intervention and control groups using flash glucose monitoring sensors and traditional self-monitoring of blood glucose, respectively. The control group will also wear a blinded continuous glucose monitoring sensor. The primary outcome is the difference in time spent in euglycaemia (defined as glucose levels between 3.9–10.0 mmol/l), comparing study groups 3 months following recruitment, assessed daily for 14 days and as an average. Secondary and exploratory end points include time spent in hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, HbA1c, quality of life measures, major adverse cardiac events and cost-effectiveness of the intervention. This study will establish the role of flash glucose monitoring in glycaemic management of individuals with T2D sustaining a cardiac event. (Trial Registration: ISRCTN14974233, registered 12th June 2017)
Application of Thromboelastography to Predict Lung Cancer Stage
Authors: Zhou Yaning , Guo Yijun , Cui Qing , Dong Yun , Cai Xiaoyue , Zhang Zhouji , Wu Xiaoting , Yi Kaiyan , Zhang Ming 
Published: October 2020

Objective: Lung cancer is often associated with hypercoagulability. Thromboelastography provides integrated information on clot formation in whole blood. This study explored the possible relationship between thromboelastography and lung cancer. Methods: Lung cancer was staged according to the Tumor, Node, and Metastasis (TNM) classification system. Thromboelastography parameters in different stages of disease were compared. The value of thromboelastography for stage prediction was determined by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: A total of 182 patients diagnosed with lung cancer were included. Thromboelastography parameters, including kinetics time, α-angle, and maximum amplitude, differed significantly between patients with metastatic and limited lung cancers ( P < 0.05). Kinetics time was significantly reduced and maximum amplitude was significantly increased in patients with stage I and II compared with stage III and IV tumors ( P < 0.05). TNM stage was significantly negatively correlated with kinetics time ( r = −0.186), and significantly positively correlated with α-angle ( r = 0.151) and maximum amplitude ( r = 0.251) (both P < 0.05). The area under the curve for kinetics time in patients with stage I cancer was 0.637 ( P < 0.05) and that for α-angle in stage ≥ II was 0.623 ( P < 0.05). The areas under the curves for maximum amplitude in stage ≥ III and stage IV cancer were 0.650 and 0.605, respectively (both P < 0.05). Thromboelastography parameters were more closely associated with TNM stage in patients with lung adenocarcinoma than in the whole lung cancer population. Conclusion: This study identified the diagnostic value of thromboelastography parameters for determining tumor stage in patients with lung cancer. Thromboelastography can be used as an independent predictive parameter for lung cancer severity.
Gains Across WHO Dimensions of Function After Robot-Based Therapy in Stroke Subjects
Authors: Wu Jennifer , Dodakian Lucy , See Jill , Burke Quinlan Erin , Meng Lisa , Abraham Jeby , Wong Ellen C. , Le Vu , McKenzie Alison , Cramer Steven C. 
Published: October 2020

Background Studies examining the effects of therapeutic interventions after stroke often focus on changes in loss of body function/structure (impairment). However, improvements in activities limitations and participation restriction are often higher patient priorities, and the relationship that these measures have with loss of body function/structure is unclear. Objective This study measured gains across WHO International Classification of Function (ICF) dimensions and examined their interrelationships. Methods Subjects were recruited 11 to 26 weeks after hemiparetic stroke. Over a 3-week period, subjects received 12 sessions of intensive robot-based therapy targeting the distal arm. Each subject was assessed at baseline and at 1 month after end of therapy. Results At baseline, subjects (n = 40) were 134.7 ± 32.4 (mean ± SD) days poststroke and had moderate-severe arm motor deficits (arm motor Fugl-Meyer score of 35.6 ± 14.4) that were stable. Subjects averaged 2579 thumb movements and 1298 wrist movements per treatment session. After robot therapy, there was significant improvement in measures of body function/structure (Fugl-Meyer score) and activity limitations (Action Research Arm Test, Barthel Index, and Stroke Impact Scale–Hand), but not participation restriction (Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale). Furthermore, while the degree of improvement in loss of body function/structure was correlated with improvement in activity limitations, neither improvement in loss of body function/structure nor improvement in activity limitations was correlated with change in participation restriction. Conclusions After a 3-week course of robotic therapy, there was improvement in body function/structure and activity limitations but no reduction in participation restriction.
The LOCalizer Radiofrequency Identification System: An Effective New Technology for Localizing Non-Palpable Breast Lesions for Surgery
Authors: Cullinane Carolyn M. , Byrne James , Akmenkalne Liga , O’ Leary Donal P. , Connors Alissa M. , Corrigan Mark A. , Redmond Henry Paul , Kelly Louise , O’ Sullivan Martin J. 
Published: October 2020

Background. Breast screening has decreased morbidity and mortality due to detection of early, non-palpable breast cancers. One of the challenges of performing breast-conserving surgery on non-palpable breast tumours is accurate localization of the cancer. We aimed to perform a feasibility study to examine the outcomes associated with the introduction of a novel radiofrequency identification system (RFID) called LOCalizer as an alternative to traditional wire-guided localization. Methods. Data were prospectively collected on all patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery using the LOCalizer RFID system in a regional cancer centre between July 2019 and March 2020. Patients had a RFID tag placed preoperatively and underwent surgical removal of the tag with the index lesion guided by a handheld LOCalizer probe. The primary aim was successful placement and retrieval of the RFID tag. Re-excision rates, specimen size, specimen weight, cancer subtype and complication rate were all recorded. Results. Sixty-nine patients aged between 50 and 69 years had a LOCalizer tag inserted between July 2019 and March 2020. Of these, 6 (8.7%) were diagnostic and 63 (91.3%) were therapeutic. There was no migration of RFID tags, and all tags were retrieved with the index lesion. The overall re-excision of margin rate was 17.4% (12/69). All re-excision of margins was due to positive radial margins. The overall complication rate was 1.4% with one grade 1 Clavien-Dindo morbidity. Conclusion. The LOCalizer RFID is an effective and safe wire-free localization method for non-palpable breast lesions.
Comparison of Borderline Ultrasound and Nerve Conduction Studies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Demino Cory , Fowler John R. 
Published: October 2020

Background Choosing cutoff values for nerve conduction studies (NCS) and ultrasound cross-sectional area (CSA) in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is critical in determining the diagnostic accuracy of the tests. The goals of this study were to: (1) determine the sensitivity and specificity of various electrodiagnostic and ultrasound threshold values for diagnosis of CTS; and (2) determine the number of hands that underwent NCS and ultrasound that were within 10% of threshold values. Methods A total of 309 hands of 235 patients were included in this study. Diagnosis of median neuropathy was made based on NCS by the independent physician performing the NCS. Criteria analyzed included distal motor latency of 4.4+ ms, distal sensory latency of 3.6+ ms, difference in median-ulnar mixed nerve palmar latency of 0.4+ ms, and CSA of the median nerve of 10+ mm2. Results Median neuropathy was diagnosed in 235 hands, whereas 74 hands were found not to have median neuropathy. Overall, 141 hands (46%) had at least 1 of the 3 electrodiagnostic variables within 10% of the diagnostic cutoff values, and 137 hands (44%) had a median nerve CSA within 10% of 10 mm2. By performing ultrasound in addition to NCS for each patient, an additional 65 hands (21%) had a definitive diagnosis on at least 1 of the 2 diagnostic modalities. Conclusions Ultrasound and NCS yielded a similar number of patients within 10% of their diagnostic threshold values. When used together, the number of patients with a nonborderline diagnosis on at least 1 diagnostic modality was increased substantially.
Complement component 3 as biomarker of disease activity and cardiometabolic risk factor in rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis
Authors: Arias de la Rosa Iván , Font Pilar , Escudero-Contreras Alejandro , López-Montilla María Dolores , Pérez-Sánchez Carlos , Ábalos-Aguilera María Carmen , Ladehesa-Pineda Lourdes , Ibáñez-Costa Alejandro , Torres-Granados Carmen , Jimenez-Gomez Yolanda , Patiño-Trives Alejandra , Luque-Tévar María , Castro-Villegas María Carmen , Calvo-Gutiérrez Jerusalem , Ortega-Castro Rafaela , López-Pedrera Chary , Collantes-Estévez Eduardo , Barbarroja Nuria 
Published: October 2020

Objective: To analyze the relationship between complement component 3 (C3) and the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors and disease activity in the rheumatic diseases having the highest rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality: rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study including 200 RA, 80 PsA, 150 axSpA patients and 100 healthy donors. The prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors [obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A (apoB/apoA) and atherogenic risks and hypertension] was analyzed. Serum complement C3 levels, inflammatory markers and disease activity were evaluated. Cluster analysis was performed to identify different phenotypes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to assess the accuracy of complement C3 as biomarker of insulin resistance and disease activity was carried out. Results: Levels of complement C3, significantly elevated in RA, axSpA and PsA patients, were associated with the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors. Hard clustering analysis identified two distinctive phenotypes of patients depending on the complement C3 levels and insulin sensitivity state. Patients from cluster 1, characterized by high levels of complement C3 displayed increased prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors and high disease activity. ROC curve analysis showed that non-obesity related complement C3 levels allowed to identify insulin resistant patients. Conclusions: Complement C3 is associated with the concomitant increased prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis. Thus, complement C3 should be considered a useful marker of insulin resistance and disease activity in these rheumatic disorders.
Retinopathy and microalbuminuria are common microvascular complications in cystic fibrosis-related diabetes
Authors: Kempegowda Punith , Sunsoa Harbinder , Chandan Joht S. , Quinn Lauren M. , Amrelia Prashant M. , Atta Syed Noman , Amir Sidrah , Teh Yee Suh , Chaudhry Sabba , de Bray Anne , Rashid Rifat , Whitehouse Joanna L. , Nash Edward F. , Syed Ateeq 
Published: October 2020

Aims: To study the prevalence of microvascular complications and renal changes associated with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD). Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the West Midlands Adult Cystic Fibrosis centre, United Kingdom. Data regarding age, sex, microalbuminuria, retinopathy neuropathy, and biochemical results were collected for all people with CFRD who had an annual review from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018 at the centre. Descriptive statistics were analysed using STATAv15.1. Results: A total of 189 patients were included, of which 56.6% were male and median age (interquartile range) was 33 (27–39) years; 79.4% (150/189) had their annual review in 2018. Those with a biochemically impaired renal function numbered 7.2% (13/180) and 22.7% (32/141) had microalbuminuria; 17.2% (10/58) had diabetes related retinopathy. No one in our cohort had diabetic ulcers; however, 10.3% (13/126) had absent foot pulses. Conclusion: We found a higher prevalence of microalbuminuria compared with retinopathy in a large cohort of cystic fibrosis adults. This study demonstrates the need for regular specialist follow-up to facilitate early identification of such complications and a long-term prospective cohort to understand underlying mechanisms.
Positive and negative well-being of older adults with symptomatic peripheral artery disease: A population-based investigation
Authors: Rafnsson Snorri Bjorn , Fowkes Gerry 
Published: October 2020

Objective We investigated positive and negative subjective well-being in relation to lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) in a sample of older adults. Method 4760 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) provided baseline data on symptomatic PAD, sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle risk factors, and co-morbid conditions. Baseline and two-year follow-up data were available for life satisfaction, quality of life, and depressive symptoms. Results Participants with PAD symptoms had lower baseline levels of life satisfaction (β = −0.03, p < .05) and quality of life (β = −0.04, p < .01), and more depressive symptoms (β = 0.03, p < .05). These associations remained statistically significant in multivariate analyses. Baseline PAD did not, however, influence well-being levels at two-year follow-up. Discussion Greater awareness of the potential for chronic vascular morbidity to disrupt the lives of older adults is needed to inform effective multidisciplinary support and interventions that help maintain the quality of life of those affected.
Utility of Thrombin Time in Management of Patients with Green Pit Vipers Bite
Authors: Tongpoo Achara , Niparuck Pimjai , Sriapha Charuwan , Wananukul Winai , Trakulsrichai Satariya 
Published: October 2020

Objectives: GGreen pit vipers (GPV) envenomation causes consumptive coagulopathy mainly by thrombin-like enzymes. Fibrinogen levels are generally investigated to help evaluate systemic envenomation. However, tests of fibrinogen levels may not be available in every hospital. This study aimed to determine the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for a range of various coagulation tests (20 minute whole blood clotting test (20WBCT), prothrombin time, international normalized ratio and thrombin time (TT)), comparing to the two gold standards performed in patients with GPV bite. Methods: This was the pilot study which we retrospectively reviewed fibrinogen level results including the hospital records of 24 GPV ( Trimeresurus albolabris or macrops) bite patients visiting Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand during 2013–2017 with 65 results of fibrinogen levels. The fibrinogen levels <164 and <100 mg/dL were used as the standard cut-off points or gold standards as the abnormal low and critical levels, respectively. Results: Most were male. All had local effects. For fibrinogen levels <164 and <100 mg/dL, prolonged TT had the highest sensitivity of 57.1% and 82.4%; the negative predictive value of 74.5% and 93.6%; the accuracy of 81.0% and 92.1%; and the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.762 and 0.873, respectively. For fibrinogen levels <164, unclotted 20WBCT and prolonged TT had the highest specificity and positive predictive value of 100% all. For fibrinogen levels <100, unclotted 20WBCT had the highest specificity and positive predictive value of 100% both, while prolonged TT had the specificity and positive predictive value of 95.7% and 87.5%, respectively. One patient developed isolated thrombocytopenia without hypofibrinogenemia and coagulopathy. Conclusions: Among four coagulation tests, TT was the most sensitive and accurate test to indicate hypofibrinogenemia in GPV bite patients. In case of unavailable fibrinogen levels thrombin time might be investigated to help evaluate patients’ fibrinogen status. Isolated thrombocytopenia could occur in GPV envenomation.
Use of zebrafish larvae lateral line to study protection against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity: A scoping review
Authors: Domarecka Ewa , Skarzynska Magda , Szczepek Agnieszka J , Hatzopoulos Stavros 
Published: October 2020

Aim: The present review aimed to consolidate and analyze the recent information about the use of zebrafish in studies concerning cisplatin-induced ototoxicity and otoprotection. Material and methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databanks were searched using the following MESH terms: zebrafish, cisplatin, ototoxicity. The identified publications were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and the 26 qualifying manuscripts were included in the full-text analysis. The experimental protocols, including cisplatin concentrations, the exposure duration and the outcome measurements used in zebrafish larvae studies, were evaluated and the reported knowledge was summarized. Results: Twenty-six substances protecting from cisplatin-induced toxicity were identified with the use of zebrafish larvae. These substances include quinine, salvianolic acid B, berbamine 6, benzamil, quercetin, dexmedetomidine, dexamethsanone, quinoxaline, edaravone, apocynin, dimethyl sulfoxide, KR-22335, SRT1720, ORC-13661, 3-MA, D-methionine, mdivi-1, FUT-175, rapamycin, Z-LLF-CHO, ATX, NAC, CYM-5478, CHCP1, CHCP2 and leupeptin. The otoprotective effects of compounds were attributed to their anti-ROS, anti-apoptotic and cisplatin uptake-blocking properties. The broadest range of protection was achieved when the experimental flow used preconditioning with an otoprotective compound and later a co-incubation with cisplatin. Protection against a high concentration of cisplatin was observed only in protocols using short exposure times (4 and 6 h). Conclusions: The data extracted from the selected papers confirm that despite the differences between the human and the zebra fish hearing thresholds (as affected by cisplatin), the sensory cells of zebrafish and larval zebrafish are a valuable tool which could be used: (i) for the discovery of novel otoprotective substances and compounds; (ii) to screen their side effects and (iii) to extend the knowledge on the mechanisms of cisplatin-induced inner ear damage. For future studies, the development of a consensus experimental protocol is highly recommended.
The Effects of the Face Mask on the Skin Underneath: A Prospective Survey During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Techasatian Leelawadee , Lebsing Sirirus , Uppala Rattapon , Thaowandee Wilairat , Chaiyarit Jitjira , Supakunpinyo Chanyut , Panombualert Sunee , Mairiang Dara , Saengnipanthkul Suchaorn , Wichajarn Khunton , Kiatchoosakun Pakaphan , Kosalaraksa Pope 
Published: October 2020

Purpose: The study aimed to explore the prevalence and possible risk factors to prevent the face mask related adverse skin reactions during the ongoing COVID-19 after a recommendation of face mask wearing for public use in Thailand. Results: The prevalence of face mask related adverse skin reactions was 454 cases (54.5%), of which acne was the most frequent (399; 39.9%), followed by rashes on the face (154; 18.4%), and itch symptoms (130; 15.6%). Wearing a surgical mask showed a higher risk of adverse skin reaction compared to a cloth mask, OR (95% CI) = 1.54 (1.16-2.06). A duration of face mask wearing of more than 4 hours/day and the reuse of face masks increased the risk of adverse skin reactions compared to changing the mask every day, adjusted OR(95% CI) = 1.96 (1.29-2.98), and 1.5 (1.11-2.02). Conclusion: Suggestions were made for wearing a cloth mask in non-health care workers (HCW) to decrease the risk of face mask related adverse skin reactions. This suggestion could potentially help in decreasing the demand of surgical masks which should be reserved for the HCW population during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.