bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of kinesio taping on hemiplegic shoulder pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Deng Peilin , Zhao Zhengen , Zhang Shaojun , Xiao Ting , Li Yi 
Published: October 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of kinesio taping for the management of hemiplegic shoulder pain. Data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CNKI, Wan Fang databases and the grey literature research were searched from inception to July 2020. Methods: We considered randomized controlled trials in English or Chinese that used kinesio taping for the treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain. Two reviewers independently screened the articles, scored the methodological quality using the PEDro scale, assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane’s risk of bias tool and extracted the data. The outcomes included pain, motor function of the upper limb, magnitude of shoulder subluxation and activities of daily living post-intervention. Results: A total of nine studies ( n = 424) met the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis demonstrated a significant effect of kinesio taping on pain (mean difference(MD)= −1.45, 95% confidence interval(CI): −1.98 to–0.92 cm, p < 0.0001), motor function of upper limb (MD = 4.22,95%CI: 3.49 to 4.95, p < 0.00001), magnitude of shoulder subluxation (standardized mean difference(SMD) = −0.65, 95%CI: −0.95 to −0.35, p < 0.0001) and activities of daily living (MD = 6.86, 95% CI: 3.99 to 9.73, p < 0.00001) post-intervention. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests a beneficial effect of kinesio taping for reducing shoulder subluxation, improving motor function of the upper limb and activities of daily living in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain post-intervention, which could not be interpreted simply as a placebo effect. And it was associated with reduced pain for patients with chronic stroke.
Histamine H3 receptor gene variants associated with drug abuse in patients with cocaine use disorder
Authors: Pallardo-Fernández Iñigo , Muñoz-Rodríguez José Ramón , González-Martín Carmen , Alguacil Luis F 
Published: October 2020

Background: Preclinical work revealed significant interactions between ligands of the histamine H3 receptor and different drugs of abuse. In the case of psychostimulants, the results reported are somewhat controversial and human data are still scarce, despite the fact that an inverse agonist of the H3 receptor (pitolisant) has reached the market after approval for the treatment of narcolepsy. Aims: We have studied associations between histamine H3 receptor gene variants and cocaine use disorder to increase the knowledge of the possible involvement of histamine H3 receptor in drug abuse. Methods: Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms of the histamine H3 receptor gene were genotyped by using a multiplexing assay in 248 samples of subjects with cocaine use disorder and 500 randomized samples of subjects representative of the Spanish population. Results: The study of the epidemiological information associated to the samples revealed that subjects with cocaine use disorder broadly abused alcohol, tobacco and cannabinoids. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs3787430 and rs74627870) were found significantly associated with the occurrence of addiction and one more (rs13042865) was specifically related to the severity of cocaine dependence within drug abusers. Conclusions: The associations found in this study further extend the hypothesis that histamine H3 receptor function could be relevant in drug abuse in general and cocaine addiction in particular.
Vascular calcification by conventional X-ray and mortality in a cohort of predominantly African descent hemodialysis patients
Authors: Martins Maria Tereza S , Matos Cácia M , Lopes Marcelo B , Kraychete Angiolina C , Lopes Gildete B , Martins Márcia Tereza S , Fernandes João Luiz , Amoedo Maurício K , Neves Carolina L , Lopes Antonio A 
Published: October 2020

Background/objective: There is a lack of studies describing the prevalence of vascular calcification (VC) and its association with mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients of African descent. We investigated if a VC score based on the number of calcified vascular beds was associated with mortality in MHD patients. Methods: We analyzed data from 211 MHD patients enrolled from January 2010 to January 2011 in the prospective cohort study, “The Prospective Study of the Prognosis of Chronic Hemodialysis Patients (PROHEMO),” developed in Salvador, BA, Brazil. VC was evaluated using radiographs of the hands, abdomen, hip, and chest; the score was calculated by the number of calcified sites as 0 (absence of calcification), 1 (one calcified site), 2 (two sites), 3 (⩾3 sites). We used Cox’s regression to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of associations between VC and mortality with adjustments for age and comorbidities. Results: VC was detected in 114 (54.0%) patients; 37 (17.5%) with a VC score = 1; 21 (10%) with VC score = 2 and 56 (26.5%) with VC score = 3. Compared with VC score = 0, the adjusted hazard of death was 2.67 (95% CI: 1.12, 6.33) for patients with VC score = 1; HR = 2.89 (95% CI: 0.95, 7.63) for VC score = 2; and HR = 3.27 (95% CI: 1.47, 7.28) for VC score = 3. Conclusion: The present study in an African descent MHD population provides support for the VC score based on conventional radiography as a prediction tool for the clinical practice. As shown, the VC score was monotonically and independently associated with mortality.
Changes to the Psychiatric Chatbot Landscape: A Systematic Review of Conversational Agents in Serious Mental Illness: Changements du paysage psychiatrique des chatbots: une revue systématique des agents conversationnels dans la maladie mentale sérieuse
Authors: Vaidyam Aditya Nrusimha , Linggonegoro Danny , Torous John 
Published: October 2020

Objective: The need for digital tools in mental health is clear, with insufficient access to mental health services. Conversational agents, also known as chatbots or voice assistants, are digital tools capable of holding natural language conversations. Since our last review in 2018, many new conversational agents and research have emerged, and we aimed to reassess the conversational agent landscape in this updated systematic review. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in January 2020 using the PubMed, Embase, PsychINFO, and Cochrane databases. Studies included were those that involved a conversational agent assessing serious mental illness: major depressive disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorder. Results: Of the 247 references identified from selected databases, 7 studies met inclusion criteria. Overall, there were generally positive experiences with conversational agents in regard to diagnostic quality, therapeutic efficacy, or acceptability. There continues to be, however, a lack of standard measures that allow ease of comparison of studies in this space. There were several populations that lacked representation such as the pediatric population and those with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. While comparing 2018 to 2020 research offers useful insight into changes and growth, the high degree of heterogeneity between all studies in this space makes direct comparison challenging. Conclusions: This review revealed few but generally positive outcomes regarding conversational agents’ diagnostic quality, therapeutic efficacy, and acceptability, which may augment mental health care. Despite this increase in research activity, there continues to be a lack of standard measures for evaluating conversational agents as well as several neglected populations. We recommend that the standardization of conversational agent studies should include patient adherence and engagement, therapeutic efficacy, and clinician perspectives.
Effect of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange on Immunoglobulin Deficiency in Early and Severe Septic Shock
Authors: Stahl Klaus , Bikker Rolf , Seeliger Benjamin , Schmidt Julius J. , Schenk Heiko , Schmidt Bernhard M. W. , Welte Tobias , Haller Hermann , Hoeper Marius M. , Brand Korbinian , David Sascha 
Published: October 2020

Background: Deficiency of immunoglobulins of the classes IgG, IgG1, IgA and IgM is associated with severity of disease and mortality in sepsis and septic shock. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) has recently gained attention as an adjunctive therapeutic option in early septic shock. We hypothesized that TPE might modulate immunoglobulin deficiencies besides sole elimination of circulating injurious molecules. Methods: We conducted a prospective single center study with TPE in 33 patients with early septic shock (onset < 12 h) requiring high doses of norepinephrine (NE > 0.4μg/kg/min). Clinical and biochemical data, including measurement of immunoglobulin subgroups IgG, IgG1, IgM and IgA were obtained before and after TPE. The following immunoglobulin cut-off values were used to analyze subgroups with low immunoglobulin concentrations at baseline (IgG ≤ 6.5, IgG1 ≤ 3, IgM ≤ 1.5 and IgA ≤ 0.35 g/L). Results: At inclusion, median (IQR) SOFA score was 18 (15-20) and NE dose was 0.8 (0.6-1.2) μg/kg/min. The majority of patients demonstrated profound reductions in immunoglobulins levels of all classes. Globally, immunoglobulin levels were not significantly changed after a single TPE session. However, in patients with low baseline immunoglobulin levels a significant increase in all classes was observed (IgG 1.92 (0.96-3) g/L (+41%), IgG1 2.1 (1.46-2.32) g/L (+96%), IgA 0.44 (0.12-0.62) g/L (59%) and IgM 0.18 (0.14-0.34) g/L (+55%), p < 0.001 for comparison to patients above cut-off). Conclusions: The majority of early and severe septic shock patients had reduced immunoglobulin levels and a single TPE could attenuate immunoglobulin deficiencies of all classes. The clinical relevance of this observation has to be investigated in a proper designed trial.
The Effect of Pre-Operative Medical Co-Morbidities on Rehabilitation Outcomes Following Surgery for Hip Fracture Management in Geriatric Populations
Authors: George Ashika Ann , Way Mandy , Varughese Ibin 
Published: October 2020

Introduction: As a result of increasing longevity, we are seeing more elderly patients with complex medical co-morbidities who sustain hip fractures requiring surgical management. The aim of this study is to understand and analyze the effect of preoperative medical comorbidities and associated low physiological reserve status on functional rehabilitation outcomes following surgical management of hip fractures. Materials and methods: This study conducted a retrospective analysis of 73 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria .We utilized the de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) scores pre surgery and at the time of discharge from hospital following a period of rehabilitation as a measure of their pre and post-surgery functional status. The Physiological and Operative Score (POSSUM) was used as our tool to objectively quantify medical co-morbidities including but not limited to cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions. Results: The median age of our study population was 83 years of which 55(75%) were female. Time to surgery was a median of 21.0 hours, IQR (15.0-29.0), with a median physiological score of 21.0, IQR (19.0-26.0), the median pre surgery DEMMI was 85.0, IQR (55.5- 100.0) and the median DEMMI at discharge was 33.0, IQR (30.0-41.0).There is a moderate correlation between DEMMI pre and DEMMI at 3 months, 0.38 that is statistically significant, p = 0.001. Discussion: The effect of medical co- morbidities which causes the patient to have a poor physiological reserve even when coupled with the effect of the operative stress have no significant negative impact on the 90-day functional outcome of these patients. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the presence of medical comorbidities in patients who require surgical management of hip fractures would not adversely affect their rehabilitation outcomes. The preinjury functional status of a patient is a significant factor in predicting functional rehabilitation outcomes.
Long-Term Follow-up of Posterior Selective Thoracolumbar/Lumbar Fusion in Patients With Lenke 5C Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: An Analysis of 10-Year Outcomes
Authors: Chen Kai , Chen Yu , Shao Jie , Zhoutian Junke , Wang Fei , Chen Ziqiang , Li Ming 
Published: October 2020

Study Design: Retrospective study. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess long-term radiographic and clinical outcomes in Lenke 5C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients after posterior selective fusion. Methods: Lenke 5C AIS patients who underwent posterior selective thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) fusion in our hospital from January 2007 to January 2010 were recruited. Radiographic parameters were measured preoperatively and at the 3-month, 1-year, 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year follow-ups. The SRS-22 (Scoliosis Research Society) questionnaire was used to assess the clinical outcomes. Results: We included 37 patients who underwent posterior selective TL/L fusion surgery in our study, and the mean follow-up time was 11.26 ± 0.85 years. The average preoperative Cobb angles of the thoracic and TL/L curves were 24.0 ± 9.0° and 45.4 ± 6.3°, respectively, which were corrected to 12.2° and 12.4° at the 3-month follow-up postoperatively, with correction losses of 2.2° and 1.5° at the 10-year follow-up. In the sagittal plane, the degree of thoracic kyphosis (TK) gradually increased over the follow-up period. The proximal junctional angle (PJA) also gradually increased from 6.7 ± 4.6 to 13.7 ± 5.6 during the follow-up period. For the clinical outcomes, correction surgery improved the SRS-22 scores in each domain, especially in the self-image domain. Conclusions: Posterior selective TL/L fusion can effectively correct spinal deformities, leading to stable outcomes for 10 years postoperatively. During the follow-up period, the degree of TK presented an increasing trend that remained almost constant after the 1-year follow-up. Moreover, the variation in the PJA was highly significant in the postoperative period, and it showed an increasing trend until the 2-year follow-up.
Multimorbidity of chronic non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review
Authors: Abebe Fantu , Schneider Marguerite , Asrat Biksegn , Ambaw Fentie 
Published: October 2020

Background:Multimorbidity is rising in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, the evidence on its epidemiology from LMICs settings is limited and the available literature has not been synthesized as yet.Objectives:To review the available evidence on the epidemiology of multimorbidity in LMICs.Methods:PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO and Grey literature databases were searched. We followed the PRISMA-ScR reporting guideline.Results:Of 33, 110 articles retrieved, 76 studies were eligible for the epidemiology of multimorbidity. Of these 76 studies, 66 (86.8%) were individual country studies. Fifty-two (78.8%) of which were confined to only six middle-income countries: Brazil, China, South Africa, India, Mexico and Iran. The majority (n = 68, 89.5%) of the studies were crosssectional in nature. The sample size varied from 103 to 242, 952. The largest proportion (n = 33, 43.4%) of the studies enrolled adults. Marked variations existed in defining and measuring multimorbidity. The prevalence of multimorbidity in LMICs ranged from 3.2% to 90.5%.Conclusion and Recommendations:Studies on the epidemiology of multimorbidity in LMICs are limited and the available ones are concentrated in few countries. Despite variations in measurement and definition, studies consistently reported high prevalence of multimorbidity. Further research is urgently required to better understand the epidemiology of multimorbidity and define the best possible interventions to improve outcomes of patients with multimorbidity in LMICs.
Efficient and cost-effective bacterial mRNA sequencing from low input samples through ribosomal RNA depletion
Authors: Wangsanuwat Chatarin , Heom Kellie A. , Liu Estella , O’Malley Michelle A. , Dey Siddharth S. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
RNA sequencing is a powerful approach to quantify the genome-wide distribution of mRNA molecules in a population to gain deeper understanding of cellular functions and phenotypes. However, unlike eukaryotic cells, mRNA sequencing of bacterial samples is more challenging due to the absence of a poly-A tail that typically enables efficient capture and enrichment of mRNA from the abundant rRNA molecules in a cell. Moreover, bacterial cells frequently contain 100-fold lower quantities of RNA compared to mammalian cells, which further complicates mRNA sequencing from non-cultivable and non-model bacterial species. To overcome these limitations, we report EMBR-seq (Enrichment of mRNA by Blocked rRNA), a method that efficiently depletes 5S, 16S and 23S rRNA using blocking primers to prevent their amplification.

Results
EMBR-seq results in 90% of the sequenced RNA molecules from an E. coli culture deriving from mRNA. We demonstrate that this increased efficiency provides a deeper view of the transcriptome without introducing technical amplification-induced biases. Moreover, compared to recent methods that employ a large array of oligonucleotides to deplete rRNA, EMBR-seq uses a single or a few oligonucleotides per rRNA, thereby making this new technology significantly more cost-effective, especially when applied to varied bacterial species. Finally, compared to existing commercial kits for bacterial rRNA depletion, we show that EMBR-seq can be used to successfully quantify the transcriptome from more than 500-fold lower starting total RNA.

Conclusions
EMBR-seq provides an efficient and cost-effective approach to quantify global gene expression profiles from low input bacterial samples.
The Nicotiana tabacum L. major latex protein-like protein 423 (NtMLP423) positively regulates drought tolerance by ABA-dependent pathway
Authors: Liu Heng , Ma Xiaocen , Liu Shaohua , Du Bingyang , Cheng Nini , Wang Yong , Zhang Yuanhu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundDrought stress is an environmental factor that limits plant growth and reproduction. Little research has been conducted to investigate theMLPgene in tobacco. Here,NtMLP423was isolated and identified, and its role in drought stress was studied.ResultsOverexpression ofNtMLP423improved tolerance to drought stress in tobacco, as determined by physiological analyses of water loss efficiency, reactive oxygen species levels, malondialdehyde content, and levels of osmotic regulatory substances. Overexpression ofNtMLP423in transgenic plants led to greater sensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA)-mediated seed germination and ABA-induced stomatal closure.NtMLP423also regulated drought tolerance by increasing the levels of ABA under conditions of drought stress. Our study showed that the transcription level of ABA synthetic genes also increased. Overexpression ofNtMLP423reduced membrane damage and ROS accumulation and increased the expression of stress-related genes under drought stress. We also found thatNtWRKY71regulated the transcription ofNtMLP423to improve drought tolerance.ConclusionsOur results indicated thatNtMLP423-overexpressing increased drought tolerance in tobacco via the ABA pathway.
Epinephrine soaked tampons induced transient acute dilated cardiomyopathy during FESS procedure
Authors: Naddaf Sari , Ehrenberg Scott , Hakim Rony , Mahamid Muhamad , Turgeman Yoav , Koren Ofir 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Epinephrine, in all modes of use, may pose a wide range of cardiotoxic events, ranging from sinus tachycardia to heart failure, life threatening arrhythmias, and even death. Because of daily and extensive use of epinephrine, these unusual and rare events tend to be forgotten by physicians. We present a case of dilated cardiomyopathy that developed following routine use of epinephrine-impregnated tampons during function endoscopic sinus (FESS) surgery.

Case presentation
A healthy, 24-year-old man with no family history of heart disease has undergone elective surgery under general anesthesia to repair the paranasal sinuses using endoscopic approach. During surgery, soon after being treated with 1: 1000 diluted epinephrine-soaked tampons, an hypertensive crisis was noticed followed by pulseless electrical activity. An extensive examination led to the diagnosis of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. After several days of heart failure medical therapy, complete resolution of all structural and functional changes was achieved.

Conclusion
In our case, we present an unusual and rare event of acute dilated cardiomyopathy following the use of epinephrine-soaked tampons during elective FESS surgery. A prompt response was observed after several days of heart failure treatment. Awareness of the epinephrine cardiotoxic potential even in the form of soaked tampons is essential for proper diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Factors influencing general practitioners decisions to refer Paediatric patients to the emergency department: a systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Conlon Ciara , Nicholson Emma , Rodríguez-Martin Beatriz , O’Donovan Roisin , De Brún Aoife , McDonnell Thérѐse , Bury Gerard , McAuliffe Eilish 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Clinical guidelines are integral to a general practitioner’s decision to refer a paediatric patient to emergency care. The influence of non-clinical factors must also be considered. This review explores the non-clinical factors that may influence general practitioners (GPs) when deciding whether or not to refer a paediatric patient to the Emergency Department (ED).

Methods
A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature published from August 1980 to July 2019 was conducted to explore the non-clinical factors that influence GPs’ decision-making in referring paediatric patients to the emergency department. The results were synthesised using a narrative approach.

Results
Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Non-clinical factors relating to patients, GPs and health systems influence GPs decision to refer children to the ED. GPs reported parents/ caregivers influence, including their perception of severity of child’s illness, parent’s request for onward referral and GPs’ appraisal of parents’ ability to cope. Socio-economic status, GPs’ aversion to risk and system level factors such as access to diagnostics and specialist services also influenced referral decisions.

Conclusions
A myriad of non-clinical factors influence GP referrals of children to the ED. Further research on the impact of non-clinical factors on clinical decision-making can help to elucidate patterns and trends of paediatric healthcare and identify areas for intervention to utilise resources efficiently and improve healthcare delivery.