bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association Between Diabetic Retinopathy, Dietary Inflammatory Index and Metabolic Syndrome in Azar Cohort Study
Authors: Somi Mohammad hossein , Nikniaz Zeinab , Jafarabadi Mohammad Asghari , Eftekharsadat Amir Taher , Mirzaei Mohammad , Holmskov Uffe , Grauslund Jakob , Shivappa Nitin , Hébert James R. , Faramarzi Elnaz , Ostadrahimi Alireza 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background : The aim of present study was to evaluate the association between diabetic retinopathy (DR), dietary inflammatory index (DII), and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with type 2 diabetes in a cohort study in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was a part of the large Azar eye cohort study that included 1378 patients with type 2 diabetes. To diagnose DR, two mydriatric fundus photographs were captured using a digital fundus camera. The DR severity was classified as non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). MetS was determined on the basis of the ATPIII criteria. DII was calculated according to Shivappa et al. method. Results: Of 1378 diabetic patients, 185 (13.4%) had NPDR and 142 (10.3%) had PDR. The risk of NPDR and PDR increased by 2.65-fold and 2.01-fold, respectively, in patients having blood glucose levels that fell outside the recommended range. There was no statistically significant relationship between Mets, Mets components, and DII in NPDR and PDR. Conclusion: The results suggest that intensive glycemic control, rather than conventional control, may help reduce the progression of DR. It seems that longitudinal studies and clinical trials for evaluating role of DII in DR are necessary.
Physiological Reactions and Performance Parameters in Single-Player and Competitive Arm Rehabilitation Game: A Pilot Study
Authors: Catalán José M , Blanco Andrea , Díez Jorge A , García José V , Martínez David , Bertomeu-Motos Arturo , García-Aracil Nicolás 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundInterpersonal rehabilitation games, compared to single-player games, enhance motivation and intensity level. Usually, it is very difficult to limit the use of the system to pairs of impaired patients who have a similar skill level. Thus, such games must be dynamically adapted so that two players with different abilities can play together. Current algorithms are based only on game performance parameters (e.g., score). In addition, these studies do not include active robotic devices, so the parameters related to the level of robot assistance are not usually included in these studies. This means that the adaptation methods are entirely based on modifying aspects of the game. The aim of this article, is to study the effect that game modality and robot parameters that can be affected by the level of robot assistance (e.g., velocity, reaction time) have on the stress level of the subjects.MethodsThe pilot study has involved 10 unimpaired participants (5 pairs). Each subject sat in front of a robotic rehabilitation platform and grasped the end-effector of the robot with their dominant hand and played two kinds of therapy games: i) a single-player game in 3 difficulty modes; and ii) a competitive game. Robot and game parameters and subject's physiological responses were recording during the therapy games.ResultsThe intensity level in the most difficult single-player game mode, is almost equal to the one of the competitive mode (p=1.0). The stress perceived subjectively by participants increases with intensity. They indicate that the stress level in competitive mode is equal or somewhat greater than in high difficulty mode. On the other hand, physiological data suggest that it is somewhat lower in the competitive mode. Therefore, in this mode participants think they experience a higher stress level than they are actually experiencing. In addition, physiological responses show differences between intensity levels, and they also have a good correlation with the measured robot parameters.ConclusionResults show that, comparing competitive game with the single-player high-difficulty game, a similar intensity level is remarkable. However, the competitive game increase the stress level to a lesser extent. In addition, feedback from participants suggests that it is necessary to keep a certain stress level to make the activity more challenging, and therefore be more engaging and rewarding.
Patient-important Outcomes Reported in Clinical Studies of Pharmacologic Treatments for COVID-19: A Protocol of a Meta-epidemiological Study
Authors: Jimenez-Mora Mario A , Varela Andrea Ramírez , Meneses-Echavez Jose F , Bidonde Julia , Angarita-Fonseca Adriana , Siemieniuk Reed AC , Zeraatkar Dena , Bartoszko Jessica , Brignardello-Petersen Romina , Honarmand Kimia , Rochwerg Bram , Guyatt Gordon , Yepes-Nuñez Juan José 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 19 (covid-19) pandemic has underscored the need to expedite clinical research, which may lead investigators to shift away from measuring patient-important outcomes (PIOs), limiting research applicability. We aim to describe the extent to which randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of covid-19 therapies will determine PIOs. Methods: We will perform a meta-epidemiological study of RCTs that included people at risk for, or with suspected, probable, or confirmed covid-19, examining any pharmacological treatment or blood product aimed at prophylaxis or treatment. We will obtain data from all RCTs identified in a recent published network metanalysis (NMA). To categorize the outcomes according to their importance to patients, we will adapt a previously defined hierarchy: a) mortality, b) quality of life/ functional status/symptoms, c) morbidity, and d) surrogate outcomes. Outcomes within the category a) and b) will be considered critically important to patients, and outcomes within the category c) will be regarded as important. We will use descriptive statistics to assess the proportion of studies that report each category of outcomes. We will perform univariable and multivariable analysis to explore associations between trial characteristics and the likelihood of reporting PIOs. Discussion: The findings from this meta-epidemiological study will help health care professionals and researchers understand if the current covid-19 trials are effectively assessing and reporting the outcomes that are important to patients. If a deficiency in capturing PIOs is identified, this information may help inform the development of future RCTs in covid-19.Systematic Review registrations: Open Science Framework registration: osf.io/6xgjz
Empowering Large Chemical Knowledge Bases for Exposomics: Pubchemlite Meets Metfrag
Authors: Schymanski Emma Louise , Kondic Todor , Neumann Steffen , Thiessen Paul , Zhang Jian , Bolton Evan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Compound (or chemical) databases are an invaluable resource for many scientific disciplines. Exposomics researchers need to find and identify relevant chemicals that cover the entirety of potential (chemical and other) exposures over entire lifetimes. This daunting task, with over 100 million chemicals in the largest chemical databases, coupled with broadly acknowledged knowledge gaps in these resources, leaves researchers faced with too much – yet not enough – information at the same time to perform comprehensive exposomics research. Furthermore, the improvements in analytical technologies and computational mass spectrometry workflows coupled with the rapid growth in databases and increasing demand for high throughput “big data” services from the research community present significant challenges for both data hosts and workflow developers. This article explores how to reduce candidate search spaces in non-target small molecule identification workflows, while increasing content usability in the context of environmental and exposomics analyses, so as to profit from the increasing size and information content of large compound databases, while increasing efficiency at the same time. In this article, these methods are explored using PubChem, the NORMAN Network Suspect List Exchange and the in silico fragmentation approach MetFrag. A subset of the PubChem database relevant for exposomics, PubChemLite, is presented as a database resource that can be (and has been) integrated into current workflows for high resolution mass spectrometry. Benchmarking datasets from earlier publications are used to show how experimental knowledge and existing datasets can be used to detect and fill gaps in compound databases to progressively improve large resources such as PubChem, and topic-specific subsets such as PubChemLite. PubChemLite is a living collection, updating as annotation content in PubChem is updated, and exported to allow direct integration into existing workflows such as MetFrag. The source code and files necessary to recreate or adjust this are jointly hosted between the research parties (see data availability statement). This effort shows that enhancing the FAIRness (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability and Reusability) of open resources can mutually enhance several resources for whole community benefit. The authors explicitly welcome additional community input on ideas for future developments.
Effectiveness of plasma&nbsp;with low concentration of platelets combined with hyaluronic acid compared with platelet rich plasma in the conservative treatment of knee osteoarthritis. A retrospective study
Authors: Palco Michelangelo , Fenga Domenico , Rizzo Paolo , Cavalieri Bruno , Milardi Demetrio , Leonetti Danilo , Bruschetta Antongiulio , Alito Angelo , Basile Giorgio , Traina Francesco 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KO) is one of the most common joint diseases, often determining knee pain and reduction of mobility with impact on the overall quality of life of the patients. Intra-articular injections of different formulations of platelet rich plasma (PRP) are an increasingly common non-surgical treatment for KO. Recently, in order to combine the antinflammatory effect of platelet rich plasma and the viscosupplementation effect of hyaluronic acid, a formulation of plasma with relatively low concentration of platelets and very few leukocytes combined with hyaluronic acid (PRP+HA) has been proposed. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively compare the effectiveness of plasma with high concentration of platelets and leukocytes (L-PRP) with PRP+HA in patients with mild to moderate (Kellegren-Lawrence scale II-III grade) KO.Materials and Methods: Among the 51 patients included, 28 have been treated with L-PRP, while 23 with PRP+HA. A retrospective evaluation at baseline (T0), after 3 months (T1) and 1 year (T2) has been performed. The outcome analyzed are the Knee Society Score(KSS), the Visuo Analogic Scale (VAS) (at T0,T1 and T2) and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score(KOOS) (T0 and T2).We evaluated change in mean scores within group among different time points using repeated measures ANOVA or paired t-test. Comparison between different groups of treatment has been performed using mixed ANOVA.Results: The main finding is that, although the two treatments have been both effective, PRP+HA determined significantly better functional status, pain and mobility, measured with KSS.Discussion: We observed a significant effect of the two formulations in exam in all the outcomes in analysis: both treatments were effective in improving pain, knee functional status and symptoms, and the benefits persisted after 3 and 12 months from the infiltrative therapy. Nevertheless, patients who received PRP+HA injections presented higher knee mobility and better function (measured by KSS score) after one year.Conclusions: This work compares clinical outcomes of L-PRP and PRP+HA treatment in patients with KO. Our results encourage the use of one of the two treatments in patients with mild to moderate KO. When possible, we suggest to the use of PRP+HA formulation, because it may determine better results in improving knee function and mobility.
Vesselplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with peripheral wall damage: A retrospective study
Authors: Xu Chongqing , Yin Mengchen , Mo Wen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background

The clinical efficacy of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) has been widely recognized in recent years. However, there are also disadvantages of bone cement leakage (BCL), limited correction of kyphosis and recovery of vertebral height. Nowadays, in view of these shortcomings, vesselplasty has been widely used in clinical practice. The objective of this study is to assess its clinical effect and application value for the treatment of OVCF with peripheral wall damage.
Methods/Design:

All 62 patients (70 vertebrae) treated for OVCF with peripheral wall damage using vesselplasty were involved and retrospectively analyzed. The data collection included operation time, volume of bone cement, relevant surgical complications, visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), vertebral body height and kyphosis Cobb angle.
Results

The time of operation was 20–65 (34.5 ± 10.5) minutes. The volume of bone cement was 3–8 (5.3 ± 1.3) ml. VAS and ODI at different time points after operation were decreased compared with before operation (all P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences between VAS or ODI at different postoperative time points (P > 0.05). Vertebral body height and Cobb angle at different time points after operation were improved compared with before operation (all P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences between vertebral body height or Cobb angle at different postoperative time points (all P > 0.05).
Conclusion

Vesselplasty can reduce the risk of BCL and better control the dispersion of bone cement in the treatment of OVCF. It has a definite effect in relieving pain, restoring the vertebral body height and correcting the kyphosis caused by injured vertebrae, especially in OVCF with peripheral wall damage. Therefore, vesselplasty is safe and worthy of clinical application.
Validation of the arthro-MAP Nomogram to Predict Major Complications after Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in Chinese Population
Authors: tan xiujuan , Ge Fengmin , Mo Guixi , Li Zhiyi , Gu Xiaoxia , Zhang Liangqing 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background

A nomogram(arthro-MAP) predict major complications after Hip and Knee Arthroplasty has been establish by England people. The goal of this study is to externally validate the nomogram whether suitable for Chinese people or not.
Methods

A total of 414 elderly patients with Hip and Knee Arthroplasty underwent surgical treatment in the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University from March 1, 2017 to August 31, 2019 were included into this study. Variables assessed were lowest intraoperative HR, EBL, preoperative BUN, procedure type, race, ASA score, comorbidities, presence of fracture. Receiver-operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, calibration (HL) and DCA were used to evaluate predictive properties of the nomogram.
Results

A total of 414 patients were consecutively enrolled. 47 patients (11.35%) presented a major complications after Hip and Knee Arthroplasty. The arthro-MAP nomogram presented an AUC of 0.816; 95%CI: 0.757–0.875 to predict major complications. At the calibration plot x2 = 17.13, P > 0.05, means the arthro-MAP nomogram appears to be well-calibrated in Chinese population, with predicted outcome rates closely reflecting the observed rates.
Conclusions

Although further studies are needed to confirm our results, the arthro-MAP nomogram was, in our experience, an excellent tool to predict major complications after Hip and Knee Arthroplasty, can be perform well in the Chinese population.
Mildly decreased preoperative bilirubin levels are considered as risk factors for periprosthetic joint infection after total hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Fu Jun , Chen Xiyue , Xu Chi , Ni Ming , Li Xiang , Hao Libo , Zhou Yonggang , Chai Wei , Chen Jiying 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background and Purpose

Many blood biomarkers are routinely assessed before joint arthroplasty, but only few are commonly used to guide surgeons in determining patients most at risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between preoperative bilirubin level and PJI after hip and knee arthroplasty.
Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on patients undergoing revision hip and knee arthroplasty at our hospital from January 2016 to December 2019. Laboratory biomarkers were collected before the primary arthroplasty, as well as general patient information. The correlation between the above blood biomarkers and postoperative PJI was analyzed.
Results

A total of 72 patients (30 hips/42 knees) were analyzed, including 39 patients with PJI and 33 patients without PJI. Except for total bilirubin (TB) and direct bilirubin (DB), there was no significant difference between the remaining laboratory biomarkers. The preoperative TB and DB in the PJI group were 10.84 ± 0.61 µmol/L and 3.07 ± 0.19 µmol/L, respectively, which were lower than those in the non-PJI group (14.68 ± 0.75 µmol/L and 4.70 ± 0.39 µmol/L, p = 0.0001 and 0.0002). The AUC of preoperative TB to predict PJI was 0.7552 (p = 0.0002, cutoff = 11.55 µmol/L, sensitivity = 66.67%, specificity = 75.76%, PPV = 76.47%, NPV = 65.79%). Meanwhile, the AUC of preoperative DB was 0.7603 (p = 0.0001, cutoff = 4.00 µmol/L, sensitivity = 84.62%, specificity = 54.45%, PPV = 68.75%, NPV = 75%).
Conclusions

The serum levels of TB and DB before the primary arthroplasty of PJI patients were lower than those non-PJI patients, and the preoperative values lower than 11.55 µmol/L and 4.00 µmol/L could be considered as risk factors for postoperative PJI.
Employment Changes among Chinese Family Caregivers of Long-Term Cancer Survivors
Authors: Liu Siqi , Su Mingzhu , Yao Nengliang , Zhang Nan , Wang Jialin , Anderson Roger. T. , Sun Xiaojie 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Family caregivers (FCGs) play a key role in the plan of care provision for long-term cancer survivors, yet few studies have been conducted on the impact of long-term caregiving on FCGs and their employment patterns. This study aims to further our understanding of the effect that caregiving role has on FCGs by identifying what cancer-related characteristics influence reduction of employment hours among FCGs in the post-treatment phase in China. Methods: A total of 1155 cancer survivors participated in this study. Patients reported changes in the employment patterns of their FCGs. Descriptive analysis looked at demographic and cancer-related characteristics of cancer survivors and types of FCGs’ employment changes in both primary- and post-treatment phases. Chi-square test was used to statistically test the association between survivors’ characteristics and changes in FCGs’ hours of labor force work in post-treatment phase. Separate multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between cancer-related characteristics of participants and employment reduction patterns among FCGs in post-treatment phase while controlling for demographic factors. Results: In the primary-treatment phase, 45.6% of all FCGs reduced their working hours and 17.4% stopped working altogether. In the post-treatment phase, 25.2% of FCGs worked fewer hours and 6.6% left the workforce completely. The results show that a higher probability of change in employment hours among FCGs is associated with the following patient characteristics: having comorbidities, receiving chemotherapy treatment, limited ability to perform physical tasks, limited ability to perform mental tasks, and diagnosis of stage II of cancer. Conclusions: Care for cancer patients in both primary- and post- treatment phases may have substantial impacts on hours of formal employment of Chinese FCGs. Interventions helping FCGs balance caregiving duties with labor force work are warranted.
Quality of life of patients living with psoriasis: a qualitative study
Authors: Godoy Natalia , Meneguin Silmara , Pollo Camila Fernandes , Miot Helio Amante , Oliveira Cesar Messias 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Psoriasis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease prevalent in dermatology. We aimed to understand the perceptions of patients living with psoriasis in relation to their quality of life and to identify aspects to improve it.Methods: This is qualitative research carried out in a dermatology outpatient clinic of the São Paulo State University (UNESP) medical school, Botucatu, Brazil, with 81 psoriasis patients. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using the Discourse of the Collective Subject method (DCS).Results: Quality of life was linked to well-being, happiness, leisure, good food and financial stability. However, disease symptoms, social and clothing restrictions, impairment of professional activities and the absence of a cure, negatively influenced their perceptions. Suggestions for improvements included an increase of public awareness, stress reduction, disease acceptance and multidisciplinary care.Conclusion: The meanings of quality of life revealed by the participants are subjective, multidimensional, linked to moments experienced by them and to the health-disease process. Public health policies promoting reduction in social stigma and stress as well as multidisciplinary approaches towards care can contribute to improvements of QoL in psoriasis.
Transplanted embryonic retinal stem cells have the potential to repair the injured retina in mice
Authors: Feng Xia , Chen Peng , Zhao Xin , Wang Jing , Wang Hong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Stem cell transplantation has been reported as one of the promising strategies to treat retinal degenerative diseases. But, the application and the role of retina stem cells (RSCs) in the treatment of patients with retinal degenerative diseases have not been fully revealed. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of transplantation of the embryo-derived RSCs into the vitreous cavity in repairing the damaged retina in mice. Methods: RSCs were isolated from Kunming mice E17 embryonic retina and ciliary body tissues, and labeled with 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridin (BrdU). Retinal injury was induced in left eyes in male Kunming mice by ring clamping the optic nerve. The 6th-generation of BrdU-labeled RSCs were transplanted into the damaged retina by the intravitreal injection, and saline injected eyes were used as the control. Hematoxylin and eosin histological staining, and BrdU, Nestin and Pax6 immunostaining were performed. Electroretinogram (ERG) was used for assessing the electrical activity of the retina. Results: Embryo-derived RSCs were identified by the positive stains of Pax6 and Nestin. BrdU incorporation was detected in the majority of RSCs. The damaged retina showed cellular nuclear disintegration and fragmentation in the retinal tissue which progressed over the periods of clamping time, and decreased amplitudes of a and b waves in ERG. In the damaged retina with RSCs transplantation, the positive staining for BrdU, Pax6 and Nestin were revealed on the retinal surface. Notably, a small amount of RSCs migrated into the retinal ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear. Transplanted RSCs significantly elevated the amplitudes of a waves in retina injured eyes. Conclusions: Embryonic RSCs have similar characteristics to neural stem cells. Transplantation of RSCs by intravitreal injection would be able to repair the damaged retina.