bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability, construct and concurrent validity of a smartphone-based cognition test in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lam KH , van Oirschot P , den Teuling B , Hulst HE , de Jong BA , Uitdehaag BMJ , de Groot V , Killestein J 
Published: May 2021

Background: Early detection and monitoring of cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) may be enabled with smartphone-adapted tests that allow frequent measurements in the everyday environment. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the reliability, construct and concurrent validity of a smartphone-adapted Symbol Digit Modalities Test (sSDMT). Methods: During a 28-day follow-up, 102 patients with MS and 24 healthy controls (HC) used the MS sherpa® app to perform the sSDMT every 3 days on their own smartphone. Patients performed the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS at baseline. Test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients, ICC), construct validity (group analyses between cognitively impaired (CI), cognitively preserved (CP) and HC for differences) and concurrent validity (correlation coefficients) were assessed. Results: Patients with MS and HC completed an average of 23.2 ( SD = 10.0) and 18.3 ( SD = 10.2) sSDMT, respectively. sSDMT demonstrated high test–retest reliability (ICCs > 0.8) with a smallest detectable change of 7 points. sSDMT scores were different between CI patients, CP patients and HC (all ps < 0.05). sSDMT correlated modestly with the clinical SDMT (highest r = 0.690), verbal (highest r = 0.516) and visuospatial memory (highest r = 0.599). Conclusion: Self-administered smartphone-adapted SDMT scores were reliable and different between patients who were CI, CP and HC and demonstrated concurrent validity in assessing information processing speed.
Emerging Career Realities during the Pandemic: What Does it Mean for Women’s Career Development?
Authors: Barhate Bhagyashree , Hirudayaraj Malar 
Published: May 2021

The Problem Women must often overcome inequitable workplace policies and unsupportive family for career development. Although remote work allows women the freedom to manage both work and family domains, stigma rooted in gender-stereotypes dissuades women from utilizing remote work policies and working flexibly. The Solution Working from home during the pandemic, has led to some erosion of the stigma attached to remote work. Through the work/family border theory, we explore the new realities for employees working remotely and its positive impact on women’s career development. We argue, organizations can promote women’s careers by capitalizing on employee’s positive experiences with remote work during the pandemic, and support women’s career development even after the pandemic. The Stakeholders Stakeholders for this article include colleagues, supervisors, partners, and spouses, who have the power to influence women’s career development, as well as HRD professionals and organizational leaders who implement policies and practices supporting women’s career development.
Electroacupuncture Plus Auricular Acupressure for Chemotherapy-Associated Insomnia in Breast Cancer Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhang Jialing , Qin Zongshi , So Tsz Him , Chen Haiyong , Lam Wing Lok , Yam Lo Lo , Yan Chan Pui , Lao Lixing , Zhang Zhang-Jin 
Published: May 2021

Objective: Chemotherapy-associated insomnia is a highly prevalent complaint in breast cancer patients. This study was undertaken to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of electroacupuncture plus auricular acupressure for chemotherapy-associated insomnia in patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: In this randomized, wait-list controlled trial, thirty breast cancer patients under or post chemotherapy with insomnia were randomly allocated to the acupuncture or wait-list control group. Participants in acupuncture group received electroacupuncture plus auricular acupressure treatment twice weekly for 6 weeks. Participants in wait-list group received the same regimen of treatment after 6-week of waiting period. Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) served as the primary outcome measurement. Secondary outcomes were sleep parameters recorded with sleep diary and actiwatch, as well as the scores of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer (FACT-B). Results: Twenty-eight participants completed study (13 in the acupuncture group vs 15 in the wait-list control group). At week-6 post-intervention, ISI score change from baseline showed significant between-group difference favoring acupuncture group of −2.9 points (95% CI: −5.2 to −0.6, P = .014). The acupuncture group showed greater improvements in the total sleep time recorded by sleep diary ( P = .026), scores of PSQI ( P = .012), HADS-depression ( P = .020), and FACT-B ( P < .001) compared with the control group. Improvements were maintained at week-10 and week-14 follow-ups. Conclusions: Acupuncture is safe, feasible, and effective for chemotherapy-associated insomnia in breast cancer patients under or post chemotherapy. A larger sample size randomized clinical trial is warranted to confirm the present findings. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03762694.
Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections After Initiating HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among MSM in Southern Denmark
Authors: Azarnoosh Masoumeh , Johansen Isik Somuncu , Martin-Iguacel Raquel 
Published: May 2021

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a new preventive treatment for individuals at high-risk for HIV infection, such as men who has sex with men (MSM). Studies have confirmed the efficacy but concerns about the potential induction of risk compensation remains. We aimed to assess the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) after PrEP initiation as a proxy for sexual risk behavior. This case-crossover study used data from medical records and from the Danish Microbiology Database from patients who initiated PrEP at the Region of Southern Denmark between 2017 and 2019. Poisson regression was used to assess STI incidence 6 months after PrEP initiation versus the 6 months before. To identify potential risk factors, we compared individuals with an increased STI incidence after PrEP initiation with those without, using logistic regression. In total, 46 MSM initiated PrEP in the study period. We found a significant increase in the number of positive samples for STI after PrEP initiation (IRR 1.83; 95% CI [1.03, 3.26]) and a tendency for higher incidence of STI episodes (1.67; 95% CI [0.91, 3.13]). The increase was concentrated to a group of users, but no significant correlation was found between increasing incidence and the baseline factors examined. We observed a degree of risk compensation after the implementation of PrEP among MSM, clustering to a group of users. Our results highlight the importance of frequent STI screening among MSM on PrEP as timely diagnosis could contribute to an overall decrease in STI incidence and incidence among MSM.
Preoperative embolization of jugular paraganglioma tumors using particles is safe and effective
Authors: Helal Ahmed , Vakharia Kunal , Brinjikji Waleed , Carlson Matthew L , Driscoll Colin LW , Van Gompel Jamie J , Link Michael J , Cloft Harry 
Published: May 2021

Background Jugular paragangliomas represent a surgical challenge due to their vascularity and proximity to vital neurovascular structures. Preoperative embolization aids in reducing intraoperative blood loss, transfusion requirements, and improves surgical visualization. Several embolization agents have been used. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PVA in pre-operative embolization of jugular paragangliomas. Methods A retrospective review of all patients who underwent jugular paraganglioma resection with pre-operative embolization between 2000 and 2020 was performed. Pre-operative data including baseline patient and tumor characteristics were documented. Outcomes of preoperative embolization including extent of devascularization and post-embolization complications were recorded. Early and long-term postoperative outcomes were reported. Results Twenty-nine patients met study criteria with a median age of 38 years. Average tumor size was 3.4±1.8 cm. The most commonly encountered arterial feeder was the ascending pharyngeal artery followed by the posterior auricular artery. More than 50% reduction in tumor blush was achieved in 25 patients (86.2%). None of the patients experienced new or worsening cranial neuropathy following embolization. Gross total or Near total resection was achieved in 13 patients (44.8%). A STR or NTR was chosen in these patients to preserve cranial nerve function or large vessel integrity. Average intraoperative estimated blood loss was 888 ml, 9 patients (31%) required intra-operative transfusion of blood products. Extent of resection and post-operative complications did not correlate with extent of devascularization. Conclusion Pre-operative embolization of jugular paraganglioma tumors with PVA particles is an effective strategy with a high safety profile.
Cannabis and its derivatives for the use of motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Thanabalasingam Susan J. , Ranjith Brandan , Jackson Robyn , Wijeratne Don Thiwanka 
Published: May 2021

Background: Recent changes to the legal status of cannabis across various countries have renewed interest in exploring its use in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The use of cannabinoids for alleviation of motor symptoms has been extensively explored in pre-clinical studies. Objective: We aim to systematically review and meta-analyze literature on the use of medical cannabis or its derivatives (MC) in PD patients to determine its effect on motor function and its safety profile. Methods: We reviewed and analyzed original, full-text randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. Primary outcomes were change in motor function and dyskinesia. Secondary outcomes included adverse events and side effects. All studies were analyzed for risk of bias. Results: Fifteen studies, including six RCTs, were analyzed. Of these, 12/15 (80%) mention concomitant treatment with antiparkinsonian medications, most commonly levodopa. Primary outcomes were most often measured using the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) among RCTs and patient self-report of symptom improvement was widely used among observational studies. Most of the observational data lacking appropriate controls had effect estimates favoring the intervention. However, the controlled studies demonstrated no significant motor symptom improvement overall. The meta-analysis of three RCTs, including a total of 83 patients, did not demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in UPDRS III score variation (MD −0.21, 95% CI −4.15 to 3.72; p = 0.92) with MC use. Only one study reported statistically significant improvement in dyskinesia ( p < 0.05). The intervention was generally well tolerated. All RCTs had a high risk of bias. Conclusion: Although observational studies establish subjective symptom alleviation and interest in MC among PD patients, there is insufficient evidence to support its integration into clinical practice for motor symptom treatment. This is primarily due to lack of good quality data.
Hyperuricemia, urate-lowering therapy, and kidney outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sharma Gaurav , Dubey Abhishek , Nolkha Nilesh , Singh Jasvinder A. 
Published: May 2021

Background: Contradictory evidence exists for association of hyperuricemia and kidney function. To investigate the association of hyperuricemia and kidney function decline (hyperuricemia question) and effect of urate-lowering therapies (ULTs) on kidney function (ULT question), we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL were searched from inception to July 2020. We selected observational studies for the hyperuricemia question and controlled trials for the ULT question. Two investigators independently assessed study eligibility and abstracted the data. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was done using the inverse variance method and random effect model. We estimated odds ratio (OR), hazard ratio (HR), risk ratio (RR), and the mean difference (MD). Evidence certainty was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Results: Of 12,037 studies screened, 131 studies with 3,414,226 patients were included. Hyperuricemia was associated with a significant risk of rapid estimated glomerula filtration rate (eGFR) decline ⩾3 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.20–1.59; low certainty), albuminuria (OR/HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.34–2.79; very low certainty), chronic kidney disease (OR/HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.74–2.61; very low certainty), and kidney failure (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.18–1.99; very low certainty). Compared with control, ULT use for ⩾1 year was associated with significantly more improved eGFR (MD 1.81 ml/min per 1.73 m2, 95% CI 0.26–3.35; very low certainty), serum creatinine (MD −0.33 mg/dl, 95% CI −0.47 to −0.19; low certainty), and proteinuria (MD −5.44 mg/day, 95% CI −8.49 to −2.39; low certainty), but no difference in kidney failure. Conclusion: Hyperuricemia is associated with worsening eGFR, albuminuria, chronic kidney disease, and kidney failure. ULT use for ⩾1 year may improve kidney function. Registration: The protocol was registered at PROSPERO database, CRD42015013859.
Swallowing Problems among Community-Dwelling Elderly in Northeastern Thailand
Authors: Chaleekrua Sarintip , Janpol Kanya , Wattanapan Pattra 
Published: May 2021

Introduction/objectives Aging brings deterioration in many organs involving in swallowing, such as, oropharyngeal muscle weakness, decreased salivation, multiple teeth loss, decreased oral sensation, and delayed swallowing response. There are no official statistics and systematic records of swallowing problems in Thailand’s healthy elder populations. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of swallowing problems among a Thai healthy elder population. Methods A survey of 874 elders was conducted at Community Hospitals in region 7 of the Thai National Health Security Office from September to November 2019. All participants were interviewed using a questionnaire focused on, screening for swallowing problems using a 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and questions about participants’ physical and oral health behaviors. Results Sixty-six percent of the participants were women and 34% were males, with mean age 69.70 ± 6.79 years. Of these, 11.4% had swallowing problems. The most common swallowing problems were food sticking in the throat, effort on swallowing and choking. Age and having an underlying disease were found to be statistically significantly associated with dysphagia, whereas gender was not associated with dysphagia. Conclusions The prevalence of swallowing problems among Thai healthy community-dwelling elders was assessed as about 11%. Early identification and early intervention for swallowing problem is necessary for promoting health and quality of life of our growing elderly population.
Acupuncture Intervention Protocol: Consensus Process for a Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial of Acupuncture for Management of Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults: An NIH HEAL Initiative Funded Project
Authors: Nielsen Arya , Ocker Laura , Majd Iman , Draisin Jeff A , Taromina Katherine , Maggenti Marjorie T , Long Jaimie , Nolting Mark , Sherman Karen J 
Published: May 2021

Objective The aim of this article is to describe the consensus process used to develop an acupuncture intervention protocol for an NIH-funded pragmatic randomized controlled trial (PRCT) of acupuncture for the management of chronic low back (cLBP) in older adults (BackInAction). Background CLBP is among leading causes of disability worldwide: almost 33% of US adults 65 and older experience LBP. Acupuncture is effective for cLBP but there is no specific data on older adults. The National Institutes for Health (NIH) funded a PRCT of acupuncture needling for this population. An essential trial milestone was development of a consensus intervention protocol. Methods An Acupuncture Advisory Panel (AAP) was formed with nine members: two physician-acupuncturists, six licensed acupuncturists representing diverse work backgrounds, and an acupuncture researcher. We used a modified Delphi process that included provision of acupuncture trial data, survey data describing how each expert treats cLBP, three conference calls, and between-call email discussion. Results Lively and professional discussions led to a consensus intervention protocol for the BackInAction trial that included steps/staging of care, recommendations for parameters of care session length, number of needle insertion sites, insertion depths, needle retention times, recommended types of needles, both local and distal areas of the body to be treated, acupuncture point options, auricular point options, self-care options, and minimum number of sessions considered ideal. Conclusion Using a modified Delphi process, an expert AAP created a consensus intervention protocol for the PRCT of acupuncture needling for cLBP in patients 65 and older.
Performance of alternative COPD case-finding tools: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Schnieders Elena , Ünal Elyesa , Winkler Volker , Dambach Peter , Louis Valérie R. , Horstick Olaf , Neuhann Florian , Deckert Andreas 
Published: May 2021

RationaleGuidelines recommend pre-/post-bronchodilator spirometry for diagnosing COPD, but resource constraints limit the availability of spirometry in primary care in low- and middle-income countries. Although spirometry is the diagnostic gold standard, we shall assess alternative tools for settings without spirometry.MethodsA systematic literature review and meta-analysis was conducted, utilising Cochrane, CINAHL, Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science (search cut-off was May 01, 2020). Published studies comparing the accuracy of diagnostic tools for COPD with post-bronchodilator spirometry were considered. Studies without sensitivity/specificity data, without a separate validation sample and outside of primary care were excluded. Sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC) were assessed.ResultsOf 7578 studies, 24 were included (14 635 participants). Hand devices yielded a larger AUC than questionnaires. The meta-analysis included 17 studies and the overall AUC of micro-spirometers (0.84, 95% CI 0.80–0.89) was larger when compared to the COPD population screener (COPD-PS) questionnaire (0.77, 95% CI 0.63–0.85) and the COPD diagnostic questionnaire (CDQ) (0.72, 95% CI 0.64–0.78). However, only the difference between micro-spirometers and the CDQ was significant.ConclusionsThe CDQ and the COPD-PS questionnaire were approximately equally accurate tools. Questionnaires ensured testing of symptomatic patients, but micro-spirometers were more accurate. A combination could increase accuracy but was not evaluated in the meta-analysis.
A workflow to identify novel proteins based on the direct mapping of peptide-spectrum-matches to genomic locations
Authors: Anders John , Petruschke Hannes , Jehmlich Nico , Haange Sven-Bastiaan , von Bergen Martin , Stadler Peter F 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Small Proteins have received increasing attention in recent years. They have in particular been implicated as signals contributing to the coordination of bacterial communities. In genome annotations they are often missing or hidden among large numbers of hypothetical proteins because genome annotation pipelines often exclude short open reading frames or over-predict hypothetical proteins based on simple models. The validation of novel proteins, and in particular of small proteins (sProteins), therefore requires additional evidence. Proteogenomics is considered the gold standard for this purpose. It extends beyond established annotations and includes all possible open reading frames (ORFs) as potential sources of peptides, thus allowing the discovery of novel, unannotated proteins. Typically this results in large numbers of putative novel small proteins fraught with large fractions of false-positive predictions.

Results
We observe that number and quality of the peptide-spectrum matches (PSMs) that map to a candidate ORF can be highly informative for the purpose of distinguishing proteins from spurious ORF annotations. We report here on a workflow that aggregates PSM quality information and local context into simple descriptors and reliably separates likely proteins from the large pool of false-positive, i.e., most likely untranslated ORFs. We investigated the artificial gut microbiome model SIHUMIx, comprising eight different species, for which we validate 5114 proteins that have previously been annotated only as hypothetical ORFs. In addition, we identified 37 non-annotated protein candidates for which we found evidence at the proteomic and transcriptomic level. Half (19) of these candidates have close functional homologs in other species. Another 12 candidates have homologs designated as hypothetical proteins in other species. The remaining six candidates are short (< 100 AA) and are most likely bona fide novel proteins.

Conclusions
The aggregation of PSM quality information for predicted ORFs provides a robust and efficient method to identify novel proteins in proteomics data. The workflow is in particular capable of identifying small proteins and frameshift variants. Since PSMs are explicitly mapped to genomic locations, it furthermore facilitates the integration of transcriptomics data and other sources of genome-level information.