bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mode of onset of dropped head syndrome and efficacy of conservative treatment
Authors: Kusakabe Takuya , Endo Kenji , Sawaji Yasunobu , Suzuki Hidekazu , Nishimura Hirosuke , Matsuoka Yuji , Murata Kazuma , Takamatsu Taichiro , Maekawa Asato , Aihara Takato , Yamamoto Kengo 
Published: July 2020

Purpose: The initial treatment of dropped head syndrome (DHS) is basically nonsurgical, but the mode of onset of DHS and efficacy of conservative treatment have not been fully clarified. Methods: The subjects were 38 DHS patients without neuromuscular disease (11 men and 27 women, average age 74.5 years). Cervical collar, physical therapy, and temporary medication for cervical pain were provided for all DHS patients. The following parameters were measured on lateral global spine standing radiographs: sagittal vertical axis (SVA), cervical sagittal vertical axis, C2–C7 angle, first thoracic slope, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, and pelvic incidence. According to the mode of onset of DHS, the subjects were classified into acute-onset group (<3 months) and chronic-onset group (≥3 months). Results: Acute- and chronic-onset DHS were observed in 20 and 18 patients, respectively. A history of cervical trauma was involved in nine and two cases of acute- and chronic-onset DHS, respectively. Acute-onset DHS included more balanced-SVA (B-SVA: −30 mm <SVA ≤40 mm) than chronic-onset DHS. In conservative cases, the recovery rate was better in acute-onset DHS with B-SVA. In acute-onset DHS treated conservatively, the recovery rate was significantly poor in cervical trauma cases. Conclusions: Acute-onset DHS includes more balanced SVA and a history of cervical trauma, while acute-onset DHS without a history of cervical trauma has better prognosis by conservative treatment. Surgical indications for DHS should be carefully determined, and sufficient conservative treatment is essential.
Scoping Review of Targeted Ultrasound Contrast Agents in the Detection of Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: Lau Christopher , Hess Paula , Shreves Tom , Lee Ming-Sum 
Published: July 2020

Objective: A systematic search was conducted to categorize targeted ultrasound contrast agents used in the detection of myocardial ischemia. Methods: The search identified 14 primary research articles published from 2000 to August 2019 that fulfilled the selection criteria. All studies were conducted in animal models ranging from mice to rhesus monkeys, with the most common targets being P-selectin and E-selectin. Results: These studies show that targeted ultrasound contrast agents produced greater signal enhancement in regions with prolonged ischemia and maintained enhancement hours after reperfusion. Conclusion: This review identified gaps in the literature, such as a need for comparative studies among different molecular markers and between current standard of care with the use of targeted contrast agents in cardiac ultrasound.
Genetic Effects of Soluble Starch Synthase IV-2 and It with ADPglucose Pyrophorylase Large Unit and Pullulanase on Rice Qualities
Authors: Xu Liang , You Hui , Zhang Ouling , Xiang Xunchao 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Rice amylose content and amylopectin structure corporately determine rice eating and cooking qualities (ECQs). Soluble starch synthase (SS) IV-2 is a member of the soluble starch synthesis gene family but with unknown effects on ECQs.

Results
In this study, three populations derived from a cross of two parents who possess the same major genes of starch bio-synthesis were employed to investigate the influence of SSIV-2 and its combined effects with ADPglucose pyrophorylase large unit (AGPlar) and Pullulanase (PUL) on ECQs. The results illustrated that the polymorphism of SSIV-2 alleles significantly affected gel consistency (GC), gelatinization temperature (GT), percent of retrogradation (PR) and three crucial rapid viscosity analysis (RVA) profile parameters: peak viscosity (PKV), breakdown viscosity (BDV) and setback viscosity (SBV). And SSIV-2 allele derived from CG173R had better quality traits with lower GT, SBV and PR. Moreover, its interaction with AGPlar was responsible for the variations of GC, apparent amylose content (AAC), GT, PR and all RVA parameters except for pasting temperature (PaT) and peak time (PeT), in terms of GC, PKV and CSV, AGPlar derived from CG173R had an epistatic effect on SSIV-2; additionally, interaction of SSIV-2 and PUL mainly affected GC, AAC, PKV, CPV, CSV and SBV. I-C and C-1 (I, allele of AGPlar from Guangzhan 63S; C, allele of SSIV-2 from CG173R; 1, allele of PUL from Guangzhan 63S) combinations had better ECQs.

Conclusions
SSIV-2 alleles significantly affect rice quality, especially the parameters relevant to gelatinized and thermal characteristics of starch (GC, PR, GT, PKV, BDV and SBV) under the same major genes (Waxy and SSII-3) background. It indicates that SSIV-2 functions elongation of starch chain. These findings suggest that the effects of SSIV-2 and its interaction with AGPlar and PUL are vital for rice quality breeding with the same major genes.
Outcomes of the association of asymptomatic cystocele repair in patients undergoing mid-urethral sling surgery for the correction of stress incontinence
Authors: Abdel Aziz Ahmed Yehia , Hassan Sarah , Morsy Samer , Hussein Hussein Aly , Abdel Azim Dalia , Abdel Azim Mohamed Salah 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Comparison between the clinical outcomes of mid-urethral sling procedure for stress incontinence with and without repair of asymptomatic stage II cystocele is made.

Methods
This is a prospective randomized study of 72 female patients with stress urinary incontinence and asymptomatic stage II cystocele. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 treated with trans-obturator tape only and group 2 with repair of cystocele by anterior colporrhaphy in the same session. We compared between both groups in cure rate and voiding function after 1 year.

Results
The cure rate of group 1 was 66.7%, while for group 2 it was 90% after 12 months (p < 0.05). Six patients (17%) with asymptomatic stage II cystocele in group 1 became symptomatic or developed higher stage after 12 months that required surgical repair. The incidence of postoperative irritative urinary symptoms was also significantly higher in group 1. There were no significant differences in the change in maximum flow rate or postvoiding residual urine between the two groups postoperatively.

Conclusion
Concomitant repair of stage II asymptomatic cystocele with mid-urethral sling improves the cure rate of stress urinary insentience and reduces the incidence of irritative urinary symptoms.
Advanced oxidation processes for the removal of cyanobacterial toxins from drinking water
Authors: Schneider Marcel , Bláha Luděk 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDrinking water production faces many different challenges with one of them being naturally produced cyanobacterial toxins. Since pollutants become more abundant and persistent today, conventional water treatment is often no longer sufficient to provide adequate removal. Among other emerging technologies, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have a great potential to appropriately tackle this issue. This review addresses the economic and health risks posed by cyanotoxins and discusses their removal from drinking water by AOPs. The current state of knowledge on AOPs and their application for cyanotoxin degradation is synthesized to provide an overview on available techniques and effects of water quality, toxin- and technique-specific parameters on their degradation efficacy. The different AOPs are compared based on their efficiency and applicability, considering economic, practical and environmental aspects and their potential to generate toxic disinfection byproducts. For future research, more relevant studies to include the degradation of less-explored cyanotoxins, toxin mixtures in actual surface water, assessment of residual toxicity and scale-up are recommended. Since actual surface water most likely contains more than just cyanotoxins, a multi-barrier approach consisting of a series of different physical, biological and chemical—especially oxidative—treatment steps is inevitable to ensure safe and high-quality drinking water.
Effect of bowel preparation volume in inpatient colonoscopy. Results of a prospective, randomized, comparative pilot study
Authors: Hernandez Patricia V. , Horsley-Silva Jennifer L. , Snyder Diana L. , Baffy Noemi , Atia Mary , Koepke Laura , Buras Matthew R. , Lim Elisabeth S. , Ruff Kevin , Umar Sarah B. , Islam Sameer , Ramirez Francisco C. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Inpatient status has been shown to be a predictor of poor bowel preparation for colonoscopy; however, the optimal bowel preparation regimen for hospitalized patients is unknown. Our aim was to compare the efficacy of bowel preparation volume size in hospitalized patients undergoing inpatient colonoscopy.

Methods
This prospective, single blinded (endoscopist), randomized controlled trial was conducted as a pilot study at a tertiary referral medical center. Hospitalized patients undergoing inpatient colonoscopy were assigned randomly to receive a high, medium, or low-volume preparation. Data collection included colon preparation quality, based on the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale, and a questionnaire given to all subjects evaluating the ability to completely finish bowel preparation and adverse effects (unpleasant taste, nausea, and vomiting).

Results
Twenty-five colonoscopies were performed in 25 subjects. Patients who received low-volume preparation averaged a higher mean total BBPS (7.4, SD 1.62), in comparison to patients who received high-volume (7.0, SD 1.41) and medium-volume prep (6.9, SD 1.55), P = 0.77. When evaluating taste a higher score meant worse taste. The low-volume group scored unpleasant taste as 0.6 (0.74), while the high-volume group gave unpleasant taste a score of 2.2 (0.97) and the medium-volume group gave a score of 2.1 (1.36), P < 0.01.

Conclusion
In this pilot study we found that low-volume colon preparation may be preferred in the inpatient setting due its better rate of tolerability and comparable bowel cleanliness when compared to larger volume preparation, although we cannot overreach any definitive conclusion. Further more robust studies are required to confirm these findings.

Trial registration
The Affect of Low-Volume Bowel Preparation for Hospitalized Patients Colonoscopies. Trial registration: NCT01978509 (terminated). Retrospectively registered on November 07, 2013.
In vitro treatment of 3 T3-L1 adipocytes with recombinant Calcium/calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase IV (CaMKIV) limits ER stress and improves insulin sensitivity through inhibition of autophagy via the mTOR/CREB signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Jiali , Yang Ruihua , Meng Hao , Zhou Ting , He Qian 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Recently, CaMKIV has been identified as a potential regulator of skeletal muscle glucose metabolism, it can also affect insulin gene expression in pancreas. However, its effects on adipose insulin resistance have yet to be explored. Autophagy has been shown as a potential therapeutic target for ER (endoplasmic reticulum) stress and insulin resistance. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of CaMKIV on ER stress, autophagic function and insulin signaling in tunicamycin-treated adipocytes.

Methods
In this study, mature 3 T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with tunicamycin to induce ER stress. Tunicamycin-treated 3 T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with recombinant CaMKIV in the presence or absence of targeted-siRNA mediated down-regulation of CREB and mTOR. The ER stress markers, autophagy activation, mTOR/CREB signaling and insulin sensitivity were analyzed by western blotting or electron microscopy.

Results
Treatment with CaMKIV significantly reversed tunicamycin-induced expression of p-PERK, cleaved-ATF6, Atg7 and LC3II. It also reduced p62 expression. In addition, levels of p-Akt and p-IRS-1 were increased. Moreover, CaMKIV inhibited activated ER stress and insulin resistance in Atg7 siRNA transfected adipocytes. However, the protective effects of CaMKIV on ER stress, insulin signaling, and autophagy function were nullified by suppression of mTOR or CREB in tunicamycin-treated adipocytes.

Conclusion
This study proves recombinant CaMKIV inhibits tunicamycin-induced ER stress and insulin resistance by regulating autophagy. The protective effect of CaMKIV in adipocytes is affected at least partly through mTOR/CREB signaling. Our finding may offer novel opportunities for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Erosion of universal health coverage and trend in the frequency of physician consultations in Spain
Authors: Lostao Lourdes , Ronda Elena , Pascual Cruz , Cea-Soriano Lucía , Moreno Almudena , Regidor Enrique 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
We studied the frequency of physician visits in the native and immigrant populations in Spain before and after implementation of a governmental measure to restrict the use of public healthcare services by undocumented immigrants beginning in 2012.

Methods
Data were taken from the 2009 and 2014 European Health Surveys carried out in Spain. We investigated any physician consultation in the last 4 weeks before the interview, as well as visits to a family physician, public specialist physician and private specialist physician. We estimated the frequency of visits in 2009 and in 2014 in the native and immigrant populations and the difference in the frequency between the two populations, by calculating the percentage ratio estimated by binomial regression and adjusted for different confounders that are indicators of the need for assistance.

Results
The percentage of persons who consulted any physician in 2009 and 2014 was 31.7 and 32.9% in the native population, and 25.6 and 30.1% in the immigrant population, respectively. In the immigrant population, the frequency of visits to the general practitioner and public specialist physician increased, whereas in the native population only public specialist physician visits increased. The frequency of private specialist visits remained stable in both populations. After adjusting for the indicators of need for healthcare, no significant differences between the immigrant and native populations were seen in the frequency of visits, except for private specialist consultations, which were less frequent among immigrants.

Conclusion
The restriction of universal healthcare coverage in Spain did not reduce the frequency of physician visits between 2009 and 2014, as the frequency of these consultations was seen to increase in both the native and immigrant populations.
Relationship between the non-HDLc-to-HDLc ratio and carotid plaques in a high stroke risk population: a cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhang Zhenwen , Xia Binlan , Wang Liping , Zhang Hengzhong , Zhu Yan , Liu Chao , Song Bin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Evidence on the association between the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDLc)-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) ratio (non-HDLc/HDLc) and carotid plaques is still limited. This study aims to assess the relationship between the non-HDLc/HDLc and carotid plaques in a population with a high risk of stroke.

Methods
A cross-sectional study based on the community was conducted in Yangzhou, China. Residents (no younger than 40 years old) underwent questionnaire interviews, physical examinations, and laboratory testing during 2013–2014. The subjects with a high risk of stroke were further selected (at least three of eight risk factors including hypertension, atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, smoking, lack of exercise, overweight, and family history of stroke) or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke history. Carotid ultrasonography was then performed on the high stroke risk participants. Carotid plaque was defined as a focal carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) ≥1.5 cm or a discrete structure protruding into the arterial lumen at least 50% of the surrounding cIMT. Logistic regression was employed to evaluate the relationship between the non-HDLc/HDLc and carotid plaques.

Results
Overall, 839 subjects with a high risk of stroke were ultimately included in the analysis, and carotid plaques were identified in 341 (40.6%) of them. Participants in the highest non-HDLc/HDLc tertile group presented a higher proportion of carotid plaques than did those in the other two groups. After adjustment for other confounders, each unit increase in the non-HDLc/HDLc was significantly associated with carotid plaques (OR 1.55, 95%CI 1.28–1.88). In the subgroup analysis, the non-HDLc/HDLc was positively and significantly associated with the presence of carotid plaques in most subgroups. Additionally, the non-HDLc/HDLc interacted significantly with three stratification variables, including sex (OR 1.31 for males vs. OR 2.37 for females, P interaction = 0.016), exercise (OR 1.18 for subjects without lack of exercise vs. OR 1.99 for subjects with lack of exercise, P interaction = 0.004) and heart diseases (OR 1.40 for subjects without heart diseases vs. OR 3.12 for subjects with heart diseases, P interaction = 0.033).

Conclusion
The non-HDLc/HDLc was positively associated with the presence of carotid plaques in a Chinese high stroke risk population. A prospective study or randomized clinical trial of lipid-lowering therapy in the Chinese population is needed to evaluate their causal relationship.
The clinical utility of routine spinal radiographs by chiropractors: a rapid review of the literature
Authors: Corso Melissa , Cancelliere Carol , Mior Silvano , Kumar Varsha , Smith Ali , Côté Pierre 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Introduction
When indicated by signs or symptoms of potentially serious underlying pathology (red flags), chiropractors can use radiographs to inform their diagnosis. In the absence of red flags, the clinical utility of routine or repeat radiographs to assess the structure and function of the spine is controversial.

Objectives
To determine the diagnostic and therapeutic utility of routine or repeat radiographs (in the absence of red flags) of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine for the functional or structural evaluation of the spine. Investigate whether functional or structural findings on repeat radiographs are valid markers of clinically meaningful outcomes. The research objectives required that we determine the validity, diagnostic accuracy and reliability of radiographs for the structural and functional evaluation of the spine.

Evidence review
We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Index to Chiropractic Literature from inception to November 25, 2019. We used rapid review methodology recommended by the World Health Organization. Eligible studies (cross-sectional, case-control, cohort, randomized controlled trials, diagnostic and reliability) were critically appraised. Studies of acceptable quality were included in our synthesis. The lead author extracted data and a second reviewer independently validated the data extraction. We conducted a qualitative synthesis of the evidence.

Findings
We identified 959 citations, screened 176 full text articles and critically appraised 23. No relevant studies assessed the clinical utility of routine or repeat radiographs (in the absence of red flags) of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine for the functional or structural evaluation of the spine. No studies investigated whether functional or structural findings on repeat radiographs are valid markers of clinically meaningful outcomes. Nine low risk of bias studies investigated the validity (n = 2) and reliability (n = 8) of routine or repeat radiographs. These studies provide no evidence of clinical utility.

Conclusion
We found no evidence that the use of routine or repeat radiographs to assess the function or structure of the spine, in the absence of red flags, improves clinical outcomes and benefits patients. Given the inherent risks of ionizing radiation, we recommend that chiropractors do not use radiographs for the routine and repeat evaluation of the structure and function of the spine.
Predictors of adherence to wearing therapeutic footwear among people with diabetes
Authors: Jarl Gustav , Tranberg Roy , Johansson Ulf , Alnemo John , Lundqvist Lars‐Olov 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimsPeople at increased risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers often wear therapeutic footwear less frequently than is desirable. The aims were to identify patient groups prone to nonadherence to wearing therapeutic footwear and modifiable factors associated with adherence.Materials and methodsA questionnaire was mailed to 1230 people with diabetes who had been fitted with therapeutic footwear. Independent variables were categorized into five domains. For each domain, variables that were associated with adherence in a univariate regression analysis were entered into a multiple regression analysis.ResultsA total of 429 (34.9%) questionnaires were analyzed. Multiple regression analyses showed significant associations (p < 0.05) between higher adherence and paid employment, current foot ulcer, previous foot ulcer, satisfaction with follow‐up, self‐efficacy, understanding of lost/reduced sensation as a risk factor for foot ulcerations, visible storage of therapeutic footwear at home, storage of conventional footwear out of sight, consistent choices about which footwear type to wear, and a belief that therapeutic footwear promotes ulcer healing. The five multivariate models explained 2–28% of the variance in adherence, with the strategies for footwear use domain explaining the most.ConclusionsPatients without paid employment or without foot ulcer experience are more prone to nonadherence. To improve adherence, clinicians should advise patients to store therapeutic footwear in a visible place at home and put conventional footwear away and encourage patients' self‐efficacy and habitual use of therapeutic footwear. Future studies should investigate this topic further and explore ways to promote changes in habits. A study limitation was that all variables were self‐reported.