bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Liu Zi Jue Qigong versus traditional core stability training for patients with post-stroke complicated with abnormal trunk postural control: a study protocol for a single-center randomized controlled trial
Authors: chen wang , Yu Long , Yang Jian , Wang Ren Wei , Zheng Ya Nan , Zhang Ying 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Trunk function in stroke patients with hemiplegia is associated with respiration and core stability, and is also found to be associated with balance and postural control and daily activity of life. Liuzijue Qigong (LQG) is a traditional Chinese method of fitness based on breath pronunciation. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy of LQG and traditional core stability training in the treatment of stroke patients with abnormal trunk posture. This protocol is written according to the SPIRT 2013 Statement. Methods: This study is a single-center randomized controlled trial in which 160 stroke patients are randomly divided into study group and control group. Patients in the study group will receive LQG combined with conventional rehabilitation therapy, while patients in the control group will receive traditional core stability training combined with conventional rehabilitation therapy. All treatments will be treated 45 minutes a day, 5 times a week for 2 weeks. Primary outcome (Trunk impairment scale) and secondary outcome (Berg balance scale, Fugl-Meyer assessment, Modified barthel index, Maximum phonation time, Dynamic and Static Balance Testing and The thickness and the Mobile degrees of diaphragm) will be conducted at baseline, 2 weeks at the end of the rehabilitation course. Discussion: The aim of this research is to compare the clinical efficacy of LQG and traditional core stability exercise in the treatment of stroke patients with abnormal trunk posture. Trial registration: Chinese Trial registration: chinese clinical trial registry : ChiCTR1800014864. Registered on 24 November 2018. Keywords: Six character formula, Trunk postural control, Stroke, Core stability, Traditional core stability training, Liuzijue qigong (LQG)
Comparison of retention in observational cohorts and nested Simulated HIV Vaccine Efficacy Trials in the Key populations in Uganda
Authors: Abaasa Andrew Max , Todd Jim , Nash Stephen , Mayanja Yunia , Kaleebu Pontiano , Fast Patricia E. , Price Matt 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Outcomes in observational studies may not best estimate those expected in the HIV vaccine efficacy trials. We compared retention in Simulated HIV Vaccine Efficacy Trials (SiVETs) and observational cohorts drawn from two key populations in Uganda. Methods: Two SiVETs were nested within two observational cohorts, one in Fisherfolk (FF) and another one in Female Sex Workers (FSW). Adult participants in each observational cohort were screened for enrolment into SiVETs. Those screened-out or not screened continued participation in the observational (non-SiVET) cohorts. SiVET participants were administered a licensed hepatitis B vaccine in a schedule that mimicked an actual HIV vaccine efficacy trial. Both cohorts were followed for 12 months and retention was assessed through dropout, defined as lost to follow up, being uncontactable, refusal to continue or missing the last study clinic visit. Dropout rates were compared using Poisson models giving rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: Out of 1,525 participants (565 FF and 960 FSW), 572 (38 %) were enrolled into SiVETs (282-FF and 290-FSW), and 953 (62%) remained in the non-SiVET cohorts. Overall, 326 (101 SiVET, 225 non-SiVET) dropped out in 1,260 Person Years of Observation (PYO), a dropout rate of 25.9 /100 PYO (95%CI: 23.2-28.8); fewer dropped out in the SiVET cohorts (18.4, 95% CI: 15.1-22.4) than in the non-SiVET cohorts (31.6, 95% CI: 27.8-36.1), rate ratio (RR) =0.58, 95% CI: 0.46-0.73. In all cohorts, the dropout was more marked in FSW than in FF population. Duration lived in community was associated with dropout in both SiVETs and religion in both non-SiVET cohorts. Conclusion: The rate of dropout was lower in SiVET compared to non-SiVET cohort. Though the difference in dropout between SiVET and non-SiVET was generally similar, the actual dropout rates were higher in the FSW population. Conduct of SiVETs in these key populations could mean that designing HIV Vaccine Efficacy Trials will benefit from lower dropout rate shown in SiVET than non-SiVET observational cohort.
Predicting successful lumbar plexus block using blood flow index measured by laser speckle contrast imaging
Authors: Wu Xi , Li Pengcheng , Liu Xiaohu , Meng Liangwei , Wang Dan , Huang Yujie , Mei Wei 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is a powerful optical imaging technique for real-time and dynamic measurement of regional blood flow. The objective of this prospective observational study was to investigate blood flow changes after blockade of lumbar plexus or its three major branches respectively, with LSCI technique.
Methods: This study included 47 adult patients scheduled for elective lower limb surgery. For the selective blockade of lumbar plexus, femoral nerve, obturator nerve, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, blood flow images and pinprick sensory scores of the blocked lower limb were recorded 5 min pre block and every 5 min for 30 min post block. Blood flow index (BFI) values of toes were calculated by LSCI software.
Results: In this study, we have 21 cases of successful lumbar plexus blocks, 2 cases of failed lumbar plexus block, 8 cases of successful femoral nerve blocks, 8 cases of successful obturator nerve blocks, and 8 cases of successful lateral femoral cutaneous nerve blocks. The BFI values of all five toes were significantly increased as early as 5 min after successful lumbar plexus block, whereas no signiﬁcant difference was found in BFI values after failed lumbar plexus block. BFI changes after successful selective blockade of femoral nerve, obturator nerve, or lateral femoral cutaneous nerve were negligible. BFI value of the big toe at 5 min after the successful lumbar plexus block was increased by 2.57 fold compared with the baseline value, which represented the highest increase among five tested toes. BFI value of the big toe at 10 min after lumbar plexus block showed great power to predict block outcome with a sensitivity of 100% and a speciﬁcity of 100%. The optimal cut-off value given by ROC analysis was 22.11 PU.
Conclusions: Increased blood flow index measured by laser speckle contrast imaging is a reliable indicator of successful lumbar plexus block, but cannot indicate successful selective blocks of three major branches of the lumbar plexus. BFI value of the big toe at 10 min after lumbar plexus block could well predict block outcome with the cut-off value of 22.11 PU.
Insufficiency of prosthetic posterolateral overlap related to recurrence after laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty, as assessed by video review
Authors: Sato Masanori , Nozawa Masashi , Watanabe Takahiro , Onoda Takanobu , Matsuyama Atsuko , Shiiya Norihiko , Wada Hidetoshi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground: Technical factors leading to hernia recurrence after transabdominal preperitoneal repair include insufficient dissection, inadequate prosthetic overlap and prosthetic size, improper fixation and folding, or crinkling of the prosthesis. However, determining intraoperatively if a case will develop recurrent hernias due to these factors remains unclear. Methods: Five surgeons blind-reviewed operation videos of primary laparoscopic hernioplasty in 13 lesions that went on to develop recurrent hernias (i.e., future recurrence), as well as 28 control lesions, to assess twelve items of surgical techniques. Since we changed a surgical policy of covering myopectineal orifice (MPO) in April 2003, we analyzed the data for the earlier and later periods. The data was analyzed with hierarchical clustering to obtain a gross grouping. The differences of the ratings between the future recurrent and control lesions were then analyzed and the association of the techniques with the hernia recurrence rate, the size of the prosthesis, and the hernia type across hernia recurrence were explored. Results: The lesions were grouped based on the time series, and its boundary was approximated when we changed our surgical policy. This policy change caused ratings to progress from 34% satisfactory, to 79% satisfactory. The recurrence rate decreased to 0.7% (5/678), compared with 6.2% (10/161) before the policy was implemented ( p < 0.001). With univariate analysis, the ratings of posterior prosthesis overlap to the MPO in the recurrent lesions were significantly lower than controls in the later period ( p = 0.019). Although various types of recurrences were noted in the earlier period, only primary indirect and recurrent indirect hernias were observed in the later period ( p = 0.006). Conclusions: Fully covering the MPO with mesh is essential for preventing direct recurrence hernias. Additional hernia recurrence prevention can be obtained by giving appropriate attention to prosthesis overlap posterior to the MPO in a large indirect hernia.
Effectiveness of a village-based intervention for depression in community-dwelling older adults: a randomised feasibility study
Authors: Oh In Mok , Cho Maeng Je , Hahm Bong-Jin , Kim Byung-Soo , Sohn Jee Hoon , Suk Hye Won , Jung Bu Young , Kim Hye Jung , Kim Hyeon A , Choi Ki Bok , You Da Hye , Lim Ah Reum , Park In Ok , Ahn Jeung Hyuck , Lee Hee , Kim Yeon Hee , Kim Mi Ra , Park Jee Eun 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Although a focus on late-life depression may help preventing suicide in older adults, many older people, especially those living in rural areas, have relatively low accessibility to treatment. This study examined the feasibility and effectiveness of a village-based intervention for depression targeting older adults living in rural areas. Methods: A community-based randomised pilot trial was performed in two small rural villages in South Korea. Two villages were randomly selected and assigned to the intervention or active control group; all older adults living in the two villages (n = 451) were included in the intervention program or received standard Community Mental Health Service (CMHS) care, and the effectiveness of the program was examined using representative samples from both groups (n = 160). The 12-week intervention included case management according to individual risk level and group-based activities. Healthy residents living in the intervention village who played major roles in monitoring at-risk older individuals were supervised by CMHS staff. The score on the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (SGDS-K) was the primary outcome, while social network, functional status, and global cognitive function were secondary outcomes. Linear mixed models including the factors of intervention group, time, and their interaction were used to examine group differences in changes in primary and secondary outcomes from baseline to follow up. Results: Overall, there was no significant group × time interaction with respect to the SGDS-K score, but older individuals with more depressive symptoms at baseline (SGDS-K ≥ 6) tended to have a lower likelihood of progressing to severe depression at post-intervention. The social network was strengthened in the intervention group, and there was a significant group × time interaction (F[df1, df2], 5.29 [1, 153], p = 0.023).Conclusion: This study examined a 12-week village-based intervention for late-life depression in which the CMHS helped village-dwellers deal with late-life depression in their communities. Although the intervention improved social interactions among older adults, it did not reduce depressive symptoms. Further studies including more rural villages and long-term follow up are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this prevention program. Trial registration: NCT04013165 (date: 9 July 2019, retrospectively registered)
Adverse events in deceased hospitalised cancer patients as a measure of quality and safety in end-of-life cancer care
Authors: Haukland Ellinor Christin , von Plessen Christian , Nieder Carsten , Vonen Barthold 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Anticancer treatment exposes patients to negative consequences such as increased toxicity and decreased quality of life, and there are clear guidelines recommending limiting use of aggressive anticancer treatments for patients near end of life. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between anticancer treatment given during the last 30 days of life and adverse events contributing to death and elucidate how adverse events can be used as a measure of quality and safety in end-of-life cancer care Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 247 deceased hospitalised cancer patients at three hospitals in Norway. The Global Trigger Tool method were used to identify adverse events. We used Poisson regression and binary logistic regression to compare adverse events and association with use of anticancer treatment given during the last 30 days of life. Results: 30 % of deceased hospitalised cancer patients received some kind of anticancer treatment during the last 30 days of life, mainly systemic anticancer treatment. These patients had 62 % more adverse events compared to patients not being treated last 30 days, 39 vs. 24 adverse events per 1 000 patient days (p<0.001, OR 1.62 (1.23 – 2.15). They also had twice the odds of an adverse event contributing to death compared to patients without such treatment, 33 vs. 18 % (p=0.045, OR 1.85 (1.01 – 3.36)). Receiving follow up by specialist palliative care reduced the rate of AEs per 1 000 patient days in both groups by 29 % (p= 0.02, IRR 0.71, CI 95% 0.53 – 0.96). Conclusions: Anticancer treatment given during the last 30 days of life is associated with a significantly increased rate of adverse events and related mortality. Patients receiving specialist palliative care had significantly fewer adverse events, supporting recommendations of early integration of palliative care in a patient safety perspective.
The impact of the duration of the palliative care period on cancer patients with regard to the use of hospital services and the place of death: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hirvonen Outi Maaria , Leskelä Riikka-Leena , Grönholm Lotta , Haltia Olli , Voltti Samuli , Tyynelä-Korhonen Kristiina , Rahko Eeva K. , Lehto Juho T. , Saarto Tiina 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background In order to avoid unnecessary use of hospital services at the end-of-life, palliative care should be initiated early enough in order to have time to initiate and carry out advance care planning (ACP). This single center study assesses the impact of the PC decision and its timing on the use of hospital services at EOL and the place of death. Methods A randomly chosen cohort of 992 cancer patients treated in a tertiary hospital between Jan 2013 –Dec 2014, who were deceased by the end of 2014, were selected from the total number of 2737 identified from the hospital database. The PC decision (the decision to terminate life-prolonging anticancer treatments and focus on symptom centered palliative care) and use of PC unit services were studied in relation to emergency department (ED) visits, hospital inpatient days and place of death. Results The PC decision was defined for 82% of the patients and 37% visited a PC unit. The earlier the PC decision was made, the more often patients had an appointment at the PC unit (>180 days prior to death 72% and <14 days 10%). The number of ED visits and inpatient days were highest for patients with no PC decision and lowest for patients with both a PC decision and an PC unit appointment (60 days before death ED visits 1.3 vs 0.8 and inpatient days 9.9 vs 2.9 respectively, p<0.01). Patients with no PC decision died more often in secondary/tertiary hospitals (28% vs. 19% with a PC decision, and 6% with a decision and an appointment to a PC unit). Conclusions The PC decision to initiate a palliative goal for the treatment had a distinct impact on the use of hospital services at the EOL. Contact with a PC unit further increased the likelihood of EOL care at primary care.
Commercial 4-Dimensional Echocardiography for Murine Heart Volumetric Evaluation after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Rutledge Cody A , Cater George , McMahon Brenda , Guo Lanping , Wu Yijen , Villanueva Flordeliza , Kaufman Brett A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Traditional preclinical echocardiography (ECHO) modalities, including 1-dimensional motion-mode (M-Mode) and 2-dimensional long axis (2D-US), rely on geometric and temporal assumptions about the heart for volumetric measurements. Surgical animal models, such as the mouse coronary artery ligation (CAL) model of myocardial infarction, result in morphologic changes that do not fit these geometric assumptions. New ECHO technology, including 4-dimensional ultrasound (4D-US), improves on these traditional models. This paper aims to compare commercially available 4D-US to M-mode and 2D-US in a mouse model of CAL. Methods 37 mice underwent CAL surgery, of which 32 survived to a 4 week post-operative time point. ECHO was completed at baseline, 1 week, and 4 weeks after CAL. M-mode, 2D-US, and 4D-US were taken at each time point and evaluated by two separate echocardiographers. At 4 weeks, a subset (n=12) of mice underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging to serve as a reference standard. End systolic volume (ESV), end diastolic volume (EDV), and ejection fraction (EF) were compared among imaging modalities. Hearts were also collected for histologic evaluation of scar size (n=16) and compared to ECHO-derived wall motion severity index (WMSI) and global longitudinal strain as well as gadolinium-enhanced CMR to compare scar assessment modalities. Results 4D-US provides close agreement of ESV (Bias: -2.55%, LOA: -61.55 to 66.66) and EF (US Bias: 11.23%, LOA -43.10 to 102.8) 4 weeks after CAL when compared to CMR, outperforming 2D-US and M-mode estimations. 4D-US has lower inter-user variability as measured by intraclass correlation (ICC) in the evaluation of EDV (0.91) and ESV (0.93) when compared to other modalities. 4D-US also allows for rapid assessment of WMSI, which correlates strongly with infarct size by histology (r=0.77). Conclusion 4D-US outperforms M-Mode and 2D-US for volumetric analysis 4 weeks after CAL and has higher inter-user reliability. 4D-US allows for rapid calculation of WMSI, which correlates well with histologic scar size.
R-spondin 2 mediates neutrophil egress into the alveolar space through increased lung permeability.
Authors: Jackson Sergio Randell , Costa Maria Fernanda De Mello , Pastore Christopher Frances , Zhao Gan , Weiner Aaron I. , Adams Stephanie , Palashikar Gargi , Quansah Kwaku , Hankenson Kurt , Herbert De'Broski , Vaughan Andrew 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objective R-spondin 2 (RSPO2) is required for lung morphogenesis, activates Wnt signaling, and is upregulated in idiopathic lung fibrosis. Our objective was to investigate whether RSPO2 is similarly important in homeostasis of the adult lung. While investigating the characteristics of bronchoalveolar lavage in RSPO2-deficient (RSPO2-/-) mice, we observed unexpected changes in neutrophil homeostasis and vascular permeability when compared to control (RSPO2+/+) mice at baseline. Here we quantify these observations to explore how tonic RSPO2 expression impacts lung homeostasis. Results Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis demonstrated significantly elevated myeloperoxidase (MPO) expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells from RSPO2-/- mice. Likewise, immunocytochemical (ICC) analysis demonstrated significantly more MPO+ cells in BALF from RSPO2-/- mice compared to controls, confirming the increase of infiltrated neutrophils. We then assessed lung permeability/barrier disruption via Fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran instillation and found a significantly higher dextran concentration in the plasma of RSPO2-/- mice compared to identically treated RSPO2+/+ mice. These data demonstrate that RSPO2 may be crucial for blood-gas barrier integrity and can limit neutrophil migration from circulation into alveolar spaces associated with increased lung permeability and/or barrier disruption. This study indicates that additional research is needed to evaluate RSPO2 in scenarios characterized by pulmonary edema or neutrophilia.
Hyponatremia As A Predictor Of Adverse Outcome In Children With Severe Lower Respiratory Tract Infection In Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (Tuth), Nepal
Authors: Lamichhane Machhindra , Shrestha Laxman , Bajracharya Luna , Bagale Archana 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is one of the major causes of mortality in children with estimated 1 million deaths every year. Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality seen in LRTI. Objective To find association of hyponatremia (serum sodium<135meq/l) with severe LRTI. Design Prospective cross sectional study Settings Pediatric Emergency, Ward and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital(TUTH) Subjects Children between 2 months to 16 years presenting with cough for less than 3 weeks, fast breathing and chest indrawing. Methods Children between 2 month to 16 years of age having cough, fast breathing and chest indrawing admitted in emergency, ward or PICU of TUTH were screened and among them, children having pediatric respiratory severity score of 4-5 were enrolled in the study. Serum sodium was sent during admission and collected within 2 hours. Daily follow up was done to find need of respiratory support, duration to resolve hypoxia, total duration in hospital and final outcome of patient. Statistical test applied were Chi-square test and Fisher exact test. Results 47.5% of study population had hyponatremia, of whom 65.79% had mild hyponatremia 26.31% had moderate and 7.89%had severe hyponatremia. Association of hyponatremia with need of non rebreathing face mask (p=0.001), ventilatio r (p=0.009), duration of hospital stay (p=0.047) were significant. The study also found the association of severity of hyponatremia with need of non rebreathing facemask (p=0.001),ventilator (p=0.01), outcome (p=0.001), duration of stay (0.002). Mean time to resolve hypoxia in children with hyponatremia (4.5 days) was longer compared to normal sodium (2.58 days). Four patients died during the study period and all of them had hyponatremia.