bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum ferritin and ECOG performance status predict the response and improve the prognostic value of IPSS or IPSS-R in patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes and oligoblastic acute myeloid leukemia treated with 5-azacytidine: a retrospective analysis of the Hellenic national registry of myelodysplastic and hypoplastic syndromes
Authors: Papageorgiou Sotirios G. , Kotsianidis Ioannis , Bouchla Anthi , Symeonidis Argyris , Galanopoulos Athanasios , Viniou Nora-Athina , Hatzimichael Eleftheria , Vassilakopoulos Theodoros P. , Gogos Dimitrios , Megalakaki Aikaterini , Zikos Panagiotis , Diamantopoulos Panagiotis , Kourakli Alexandra , Giannoulia Panagiota , Papoutselis Menelaos , Poulakidas Elias , Arapaki Maria , Vardi Anna , Anagnostopoulos Achilles , Mparmparousi Despoina , Papaioannou Maria , Bouronikou Eleni , Dimou Maria , Papadaki Helen , Panayiotidis Panayiotis , Pappa Vasiliki 
Published: December 2020

Background: 5-azacytidine (5-AZA) improves survival of patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) and oligoblastic acute myeloid leukemia (AML); however, predictive factors for response and outcome have not been consistently studied. Methods: This study of the Hellenic MDS Study Group included 687 consecutive patients with higher-risk MDS and oligoblastic AML treated with 5-AZA. Results: The International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) revised version (IPSS-R), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) (0 or 1 versus ⩾2) and baseline serum ferritin (SF) levels > 520 ng/ml were shown to independently predict response to 5-AZA. In the survival analysis, the IPSS and IPSS-R risk classification systems along with the ECOG PS and SF levels > 520 ng/ml proved to be independent prognosticators for overall survival (OS), as well as for leukemia-free survival (LFS). Next, we built new multivariate models for OS and LFS, incorporating only ECOG PS and SF levels besides IPSS or IPSS-R risk classification systems. Thereby, the new modified IPSS and IPSS-R risk classification systems (H-PSS, H-PSS-R) could each discriminate a low, an intermediate and a high-risk patient group regarding OS and LFS. The H-PSS and H-PSS-R proved to be better predictors of OS than their previous counterparts as well as the French prognostic score, while the most powerful OS predictor was the new, H-PSS-R system. Conclusions: ECOG PS and SF levels > 520 ng/ml independently predict response to 5-AZA, OS and LFS. Their incorporation in the IPSS and IPSS-R scores enhances these scores’ predictive power in 5-AZA-treated higher-risk MDS and oligoblastic AML patients.
Adverse events in second- and third-line treatments for acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease: systematic review
Authors: Velickovic Vladica M. , McIlwaine Emily , Zhang Rongrong , Spelman Tim 
Published: December 2020

Background: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is associated with an increased risk of graft- versus-host disease (GvHD), a strong prognostic predictor of early mortality within the first 2 years following allo-HSCT. The objective of this study was to describe the harm outcomes reported among patients receiving second- and third-line treatment as part of the management for GvHD via a systematic literature review. Methods: A total of 34 studies met the systematic review inclusion criteria, reporting adverse events (AEs) across 12 different second- and third-line therapies. Results: A total of 14 studies reported AEs across nine different therapies used in the treatment of acute GvHD (aGvHD), 17 studies reported AEs of eight different treatments for chronic GvHD (cGvHD) and 3 reported a mixed population. Infections were the AE reported most widely, followed by haematologic events and laboratory abnormalities. Reported infections per patient were lower under extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) for aGvHD (0.267 infections per patient over 6 months) relative to any of the therapies studied (ranging from 0.853 infections per patient per 6 months under etanercept up to 1.998 infections per patient on inolimomab). Conclusion: The reported incidence of infectious AEs in aGvHD and grade 3–5 AEs in cGvHD was lower on ECP compared with pharmaceutical management.
Factors associated with parental traditional medicine use for children in Fagita Lekoma Woreda Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Asrat Damtew , Alle Atsede , Kebede Bekalu , Dessie Bekalu 
Published: December 2020

Background: Over the last 100 years, the development and mass production of chemically synthesized drugs have revolutionized health care in most parts of the world. However, large sections of the population in developing countries still depend on traditional medicines for their primary health care needs. More than 88% of Ethiopian parents use different forms of traditional medicine for their children. Therefore, this study aimed to determine factors associated with parental traditional medicine use for children in Fagita Lekoma Woreda. Method: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 30 March 2019 in Fagita Lekoma Woreda. Data collection tool was a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present the data. Odds ratio and binary and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to measure the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Results: Among 858 participants, 71% of parents had used traditional medicine for their children within the last 12 months. Parents who cannot read and write (adjusted odds ratio = 6.42, 95% confidence interval = 2.1–19.7), parents with low monthly income (adjusted odds ratio = 4.38, 95% confidence interval = 1.58–12.1), and those who had accesses to traditional medicine (adjusted odds ratio = 2.21, 95% confidence interval = 1.23–3.98) were more likely to use traditional medicine for their children. Urban residents (adjusted odds ratio = 0.20, 95% confidence interval = 0.11–0.38) and members of community-based health insurance (adjusted odds ratio = 0.421, 95% confidence interval = 0.211–0.84) were less likely to use traditional medicine for their children. Conclusions: Our study revealed that the prevalence of traditional medicine remains high. Educational status, monthly income, residence, accessibility to traditional medicine, and being a member of community-based health insurance were predictors of potential traditional medicine use. Therefore, the integration of traditional medicine with modern medicine should be strengthened. Community education and further study on efficacy and safety of traditional medicines should be also given great attention.
An Environmental Scan of Canadian Quality Metrics for Patients on In-Center Hemodialysis
Authors: Blum Daniel , Thomas Alison , Harris Claire , Hingwala Jay , Beaubien-Souligny William , Silver Samuel A. 
Published: December 2020

Background: Quality metrics or indicators help guide quality improvement work by reporting on measurable aspects of health care upon which improvement efforts can focus. For recipients of in-center hemodialysis (ICHD) in Canada, it is unclear what ICHD quality indicators exist and whether they adequately cover different domains of health care quality. Objectives: To identify and evaluate current Canadian ICHD quality metrics to document a starting point for future collaborations and standardization of quality improvement in Canada. Design: Environmental scan of quality metrics in ICHD, and subsequent indicator evaluation using a modified Delphi approach. Setting: Canadian ICHD units. Participants: Sixteen-member pan-Canadian working group with expertise in ICHD and quality improvement. Measurements: We classified the existing indicators based on the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and Donabedian frameworks. Methods: Each metric was rated by a 5-person subcommittee using a modified Delphi approach based on the American College of Physicians/Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality criteria. We shared these consensus ratings with the entire 16-member panel for additional comments. Results: We identified 27 metrics that are tracked across 8 provinces, with only 9 (33%) tracked by multiple provinces (ie, more than 1 province). We rated 9 metrics (33%) as “necessary” to distinguish high-quality from low-quality care, of which only 2 were tracked by multiple provinces (proportion of patients by primary access and rate of vascular access-related bloodstream infections). Most (16/27, 59%) indicators assessed the IOM domains of safe or effective care, and none of the “necessary” indicators measured the IOM domains of timely, patient-centered, or equitable care. Limitations: The environmental scan is a nonexhaustive list of quality indicators in Canada. The panel also lacked representation from patients, administrators, and allied health professionals, with more representation from academic sites. Conclusions: Quality indicators in Canada mainly focus on safe and effective care, with little provincial overlap. These results highlight current gaps in quality of care measurement for ICHD, and this initial work should provide programs with a starting point to combine highly rated indicators with newly developed indicators into a concise balanced scorecard that supports quality improvement initiatives across all aspects of ICHD care. Trial Registration: not applicable.
Patients’ Perception Towards Health Education Services Received at the Enhanced Primary Healthcare Facilities: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Jaafar Norrafizah , Perialathan Komathi , Zulkepli Mohamad Zaidan , Mohd Zin Zaikiah , Jonoi Patricia Elisha , Johari Mohammad Zabri 
Published: December 2020

Background: The present Malaysian healthcare system is burdened with increasing cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and its risk factors. Health care providers (HCPs) have to provide both treatment and health education to ensure optimal outcome. Health education is a vital component in addressing and managing chronic diseases. This study intends to explore patient’s perspective on health education services received from HCPs, focusing at the secondary triage in government primary healthcare facilities. Methods: This qualitative exploratory study focused on the health education component derived from a complex enhanced primary health care intervention. Participants were purposively selected from patients who attended regular NCD treatment at 8 primary healthcare facilities in rural and urban areas of Johor and Selangor. Data collection was conducted between April 2017 and April 2018. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted on 4 to 5 patients at each intervention clinic. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: A total of 35 patients participated. Through thematic analysis, 2 main themes emerged; Perceived Suitability and Preferred HCPs. Under Perceived Suitability theme, increased waiting time and unsuitable location emerged as sub-themes. Under Preferred HCPs, emerging sub-themes were professional credibility, continuity of care, message fatigue, and interpersonal relationship. There are both positive and adverse acceptances toward health education delivered by HCPs. It should be noted that acceptance level for health information received from doctors are much more positively accepted compared to other HCPs. Conclusion: Patients are willing to engage with health educators when their needs are addressed. Revision of current location, process and policy of health education delivery is needed to capture patients’ attention and increase awareness of healthy living with NCDs. HCPs should continuously enhance knowledge and skills, which are essential to improve development and progressively becoming the expert educator in their respective specialized field.
Whom Should We Test for COVID-19? Performance of a Symptom and Risk Factor Questionnaire on COVID-19 Test Results and Patient Outcomes in an Immediate Care Setting
Authors: Oshman Lauren , Caplan Amanda , Ali Raabiah , Singh Lavisha , Khalid Rabeeya , Jameel Mohammed , David Sean P. 
Published: December 2020

Introduction: The CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health disseminated risk factor criteria for COVID-19 testing early in the pandemic. The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of risk stratifying patients for COVID-19 testing and to identify which risk factors and which other clinical variables were associated with SARS-CoV-2 PCR test positivity. Methods: We conducted an observational cohort study on a sample of symptomatic patients evaluated at an immediate care setting. A risk assessment questionnaire was administered to every patient before clinician evaluation. High-risk patients received SARS-CoV-2 test and low-risk patients were evaluated by a clinician and selectively tested based on clinician judgment. Multivariate analyses tested whether risk factors and additional variables were associated with test positivity. Results: The adjusted odds ratio of testing positive was associated with COVID-19-positive or suspect close contact (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.15-2.10), large gathering attendance with a COVID-19-positive individual (aOR 1.92, 95% CI 1.10-3.34), and, with the largest effect size, decreased taste/smell (aOR 2.83, 95% CI 2.01-3.99). Testing positive was associated with ages 45-64 and ≥65 (aOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.25-2.44, and aOR 2.78, 95% CI 1.49-5.16), systolic blood pressures ≤120 (aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.20-2.24), and, with the largest effect size, temperatures ≥99.0°F (aOR 3.06, 95% CI 2.23-4.20). The rate of positive SARS-CoV-2 test was similar between high-risk and low risk patients (225 [22.2%] vs 50 [19.8%]; P = .41). Discussion: The risk assessment questionnaire was not effective at stratifying patients for testing. Although individual risk factors were associated with SARS-CoV-2 test positivity, the low-risk group had similar positivity rates to the high-risk group. Our observations underscore the need for clinicians to develop clinical experience and share best practices and for systems and payors to support policies, funding, and resources to test all symptomatic patients.
Management for lumbar spinal stenosis: Protocol for a network meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Wei Fei-Long , Liu Ya , Zhou Cheng-Pei , Sun Si-Guo , Zhu Kai-Long , Du Ming-Rui , Gao Hao-Ran , Yuan Yi-Fang , Song Yang , Qian Shu , An Bo , Wang Huan , Li Xiao-Xiang , Guo Shi-Kong , Gao Quan-You , Wu Sheng-Da , Yan Xiao-Dong , Sun Li-Li , Qian Ji-Xian 
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is caused by structural changes of the spine, which lead to several severe symptoms, including back pain, leg pain, numbness and tingling in the legs, as well as reduced physical function. However, there is little evidence suggesting whether a patient with LSS should be treated with surgery. If surgery is recommended, which type of surgery benefits the patient most? To answer these questions, we will conduct a network meta-analysis and a systematic review to compare surgical and nonsurgical interventions in terms of efficacy as well as safety in adult patients with LSS. Methods and analysis: We will search the PubMed, Cochrane library, and EMBASE databases for articles published prior to October 10, 2019. We will search for randomized controlled trials assessing surgical and nonsurgical interventions for adult patients with degenerative LSS without any language restrictions. The primary outcome measures will be pain and disability. The secondary outcomes will include adverse events (number of events or number of people with each type of adverse event), reoperations, complications, blood loss and operation time. We will obtain the full texts of the potentially relevant studies and independently assess them. The quality of evidence will be evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. A random-effects network meta-analysis will be performed to analyze all the evidence under the frequentist framework, and the ranking results will be presented. We will generate plots depicting the network geometry using Stata. The network meta-analysis will be performed according to the Bayesian framework. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval is not required. The research will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Book review: Gautam Bhatia, Offend, Shock, or Disturb: Free Speech Under the Indian Constitution, Abhinav Chandrachud, Republic of Rhetoric: Free Speech and the Constitution of India and Anushka Singh, Sedition in Liberal Democracies
Authors: Lokaneeta Jinee 
Published: December 2020

Gautam Bhatia, Offend, Shock, or Disturb: Free Speech Under the Indian Constitution. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. 2016. 347 pp. ₹750. ISBN: 9780199488643 Abhinav Chandrachud, Republic of Rhetoric: Free Speech and the Constitution of India. Gurgaon: Penguin Viking. 2017. 383 pp. ₹599. ISBN: 9780670090013 Anushka Singh, Sedition in Liberal Democracies. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. 2018. 331 pp. ₹995. ISBN: 9780199481699
Predictors of Under Nutrition and Its Implication toward HIV Continuum Care among Adult People Living with HIV in Jimma Zone Public Hospitals, Southwest Ethiopia: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Tekelehaimanot Aderajew Nigusse , Lemma Tefera Belachew , Gudina Esayas Kebede , Getnet Masrie , Amdisa Demuma , Dadi Lelisa Sena 
Published: December 2020

Objectives: The study aimed to see predictors of undernourished and its implication towards HIV continuum care. Study Design: unmatched case-control study was conducted among 678 individuals in Jimma zone, southwest Ethiopia. Methods: Randomly selected data of 339 PLWHA who had poor nutritional outcomes (cases) and 339 without undernourished (controls) were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to identify forecasters of undernutrition. The quantitative results were supplemented from key informants who work closely on HIV care, then data were coded and analyzed thematically. Results: Rural residence (AOR:1.8; 95% CI: 1.2, 6.4), female (AOR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 4.3), unstable livelihood (AOR: 5.1; 95% CI: 4.2, 19.6), low meal frequency (AOR: 6.6; 95% CI: 5.2, 21.1), less diversified foods (AOR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.2, 14.3), and advanced WHO clinical stage (AOR: 4.3; 95% CI: 3.6, 13.7) and were found to be independent predictors of undernourishment. No social support advanced clinical stage, and unstable livelihood adversely affect nutritional status of PLWHA from the qualitative data. Conclusions: The socio-cultural, economic, and health-system factors inhibit ideal patient nutritional status. Better tracking, enhanced livelihood and social support along with drug therapy, food aid needs to consider for PLWHA.
VEGFA Promoter Polymorphisms rs699947 and rs35569394 Are Associated With the Risk of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Ruptures Among Indian Athletes: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Shukla Manish , Gupta Rahul , Pandey Vivek , Rochette Jacques , Dhandapany Perundurai S. , Tiwari Pramod Kumar , Amrathlal Rabbind Singh 
Published: December 2020

Background: Associations of genetic variants within certain fibril-forming genes have previously been observed with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Evidence suggests a significant role of angiogenesis-associated cytokines in remodeling the ligament fibril matrix after mechanical loading and maintaining structural and functional integrity of the ligament. Functional polymorphisms within the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) gene have emerged as plausible candidates owing to their role in the regulation of angiogenic responses. Hypothesis: VEGFA promoter polymorphisms rs699947 and rs35569394 are associated with ACL injury risk among athletes. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 90 Indian athletes with radiologically confirmed or surgically proven isolated ACL tears and 76 matched-control athletes were selected for the present cross-sectional genetic association study. Oral mouthwash samples were collected from all the case and control athletes and genotyped for VEGFA rs699947 and rs35569394 using the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Results: The A allele (rs699947) was significantly overrepresented in the ACL group (C vs A allele: odds ratio [OR], 1.68 [95% CI, 1.08-2.60]; P = .021) (CC vs CA + AA: OR, 2.69 [95% CI, 1.37-5.26]; P = .004). There was a greater frequency of the AA genotype in the ACL group in comparison with the control group (OR, 3.38 [95% CI, 1.23-9.28]; P = .016) when only male athletes were compared. Likewise, there was a greater frequency of the I allele (rs35569394) in the ACL group (D vs I allele: OR, 1.64 [95% CI, 1.06-2.55]; P = .025) (DD vs ID + II: OR, 2.61 [95% CI, 1.31-5.21]; P = .006). The A-I haplotype was overrepresented in the ACL group compared with the control group (OR, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.08-2.60]; χ2 = 5.320; P = .021), and both the polymorphisms were found to be in complete linkage disequilibrium ( r 2 = 0.929; logarithm of the odds score = 63.74; D′ = 1.0). Female athletes did not show any difference in genotype or allele frequency. Conclusion: This is the first study to investigate the association of VEGFA promoter polymorphisms in ACL tears among Indian athletes. Increased frequencies of the A allele (rs699947) and I allele (rs35569394) were observed in the ACL group. These results suggest that sequence variants in the VEGF gene are associated with ACL injury risk among athletes. Further research with long-term follow-ups measuring VEGF expression levels during recovery is warranted to establish its role in ACL injuries and healing.
Knee Kinematics During Landing: Is It Really a Predictor of Acute Noncontact Knee Injuries in Athletes? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Romero-Franco Natalia , Ortego-Mate María del Carmen , Molina-Mula Jesús 
Published: December 2020

Background: Although knee kinematics during landing tasks has traditionally been considered to predict noncontact knee injuries, the predictive association between noncontact knee injuries and kinematic and kinetic variables remains unclear. Purpose: To systematically review the association between kinematic and kinetic variables from biomechanical evaluation during landing tasks and subsequent acute noncontact knee injuries in athletes. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Databases used for searches were MEDLINE, LILACS, IBECS, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, SCIELO, IME, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane from database inception to May 2020. Manual reference checks, articles published online ahead of print, and citation tracking were also considered. Eligibility criteria included prospective studies evaluating frontal and sagittal plane kinematics and kinetics of landing tasks and their association with subsequent acute noncontact knee injuries in athletes. Results: A total of 13 studies met the eligibility criteria, capturing 333 acute noncontact knee injuries in 8689 participants. A meta-analysis revealed no significant effects for any kinematic and kinetic variable with regard to subsequent noncontact knee injuries. Conclusion: No kinetic or kinematic variables from landing tasks had a significant association with acute noncontact knee injuries. Therefore, the role and application of the landing assessment for predicting acute noncontact knee injuries are limited and unclear, particularly given the heterogeneity and risk of bias of studies to date.