bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis between Frailty and Physical Activity among Community-Dwelling Older Adults by Age Groups
Authors: Sagong Hae , Jang Ah Ram , Kim Da Eun , Won Chang Won , Yoon Ju Young 
Published: January 2021

Objectives: This study was to investigate the reciprocal relationship between frailty and physical activity among older adults by age group (middle-old: 70–79 years; oldest-old: 80–84 years) within 2 years using cross-lagged panel analysis. Methods: The study data were derived from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study, and a total of 1092 participants were included. Results: Frailty and high physical activity had significant reciprocal relationships in the middle-old group, which indicates that frailty was associated with less high physical activity, and high physical activity predicts less frailty after 2 years. In the oldest-old group, there was no statistically significant reciprocal relationship between frailty and any level of physical activity reference to low physical activity and vice versa after 2 years. Discussion: Further studies on the relationship between frailty and physical activity of the oldest-old population and specific physical activity guidelines for older adults are needed.
Association of Physical Activity and Physical Functioning Phenotypes With Fall Risk Among Women
Authors: Ylitalo Kelly R. , Karvonen-Gutierrez Carrie A. , Sternfeld Barbara , Pettee Gabriel Kelley 
Published: January 2021

Objective: Physical activity (PA) may slow aging-related declines in physical functioning (PF), but the relationship of PA and falls is not well understood. This study examined the association of PA and PF with falls. Methods: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation participants ( n = 1597; age: 65.1 years ± 2.7) reported PF and PA in 2012–2013 and falls in 2016–2017. Four phenotypes were identified: high PA–high PF, high PA–low PF, low PA–high PF, and low PA–low PF. Results: One-third (29.3%) reported ≥1 fall. Women with low PA–low PF (RR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.66) and with high PA–low PF (RR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.74) were more likely to fall than high PA–high PF. Over time, women with worsening PF had increased fall risk (RR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.74), but women who increased PA did not. Discussion: Poor PF increases the risk of falls, regardless of PA. However, increasing PA does not necessarily increase fall risk, reinforcing the importance of PA engagement.
The experiences of those affected by parental young onset dementia: A qualitative systematic literature review
Authors: Cartwright Anna V , Stoner Charlotte R , Pione Richard D , Spector Aimee 
Published: January 2021

Aim To develop understanding of the lived experiences of children of people living with young onset dementia, defined as individuals both under and over the age of 18 years whose parent was diagnosed with dementia before the age of 65 years. Method A critical appraisal and thematic synthesis of the available qualitative literature regarding the lived experience of individuals whose parent has a diagnosis of young onset dementia. A three-stage approach for conducing thematic synthesis was followed. Results 15 articles were included in the review. Four analytical themes and 11 subthemes were found. The analytical themes were ‘making sense of dementia’, ‘impact of dementia’, ‘coping’ and ‘support’. Conclusions The experiences of those affected by parental young onset dementia vary widely. There is a lack of knowledge and understanding of young onset dementia by professionals and the public, and a scarcity of appropriate support. This has clinical implications for professionals working with families affected by young onset dementia, in particular with regards to service design and delivery.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of residential radon and lung cancer in never-smokers
Authors: Cheng Elvin S. , Egger Sam , Hughes Suzanne , Weber Marianne , Steinberg Julia , Rahman Bayzidur , Worth Heather , Ruano-Ravina Alberto , Rawstorne Patrick , Yu Xue Qin 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundGlobally, radon is the leading risk factor for lung cancer in never-smokers (LCINS). In this study, we systematically reviewed and meta-analysed the evidence of the risk of LCINS associated with residential radon exposure.MethodsMedline and Embase databases were searched using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify relevant studies published from 1 January 1990 to 5 March 2020 focused on never-smokers. We identified four pooled collaborative studies (incorporating data from 24 case–control studies), one case–control study and one cohort study for systematic review. Meta-analysis was performed on the results of the four pooled studies due to different measures of effect and outcome reported in the cohort study and insufficient information reported for the case–control study. In apost hocanalysis, the corresponding risk for ever-smokers was also examined.ResultsRisk estimates of lung cancer from residential radon exposure were pooled in the meta-analysis for 2341 never-smoker cases, 8967 never-smoker controls, 9937 ever-smoker cases and 12 463 ever-smoker controls. Adjusted excess relative risks (aERRs) per 100 Bq·m−3of radon level were 0.15 (95% CI 0.06–0.25) for never-smokers and 0.09 (95% CI 0.03–0.16) for ever-smokers, and the difference between them was statistically insignificant (p=0.32). The aERR per 100 Bq·m−3was higher for men (0.46; 95% CI 0.15–0.76) than for women (0.09; 95% CI −0.02–0.20) among never-smokers (p=0.027).ConclusionThis study provided quantified risk estimates for lung cancer from residential radon exposure among both never-smokers and ever-smokers. Among never-smokers in radon-prone areas, men were at higher risk of lung cancer than women.
Morphological characterization and genetic diversity analysis of Tunisian durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum) accessions
Authors: Ouaja Maroua , Bahri Bochra A. , Aouini Lamia , Ferjaoui Sahbi , Medini Maher , Marcel Thierry C. , Hamza Sonia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundTunisia is considered a secondary center of diversification of durum wheat and has a large number of abandoned old local landraces. An accurate investigation and characterization of the morphological and genetic features of these landraces would allow their rehabilitation and utilization in wheat breeding programs. Here, we investigated a diverse collection of 304 local accessions of durum wheat collected from five regions and three climate stages of central and southern Tunisia.ResultsDurum wheat accessions were morphologically characterized using 12 spike- and grain-related traits. A mean Shannon-Weaver index (H′) of 0.80 was obtained, indicating high level of polymorphism among accessions. Based on these traits, 11 local landraces including Mahmoudi, Azizi, Jneh Khotifa, Mekki, Biskri, Taganrog, Biada, Badri, Richi, Roussia and Souri were identified. Spike length (H′ = 0.98), spike shape (H′ = 0.86), grain size (H′ = 0.94), grain shape (H′ = 0.87) and grain color (H′ = 0.86) were the most polymorphic morphological traits. The genetic diversity of these accessions was assessed using 10 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, with a polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.69. Levels of genetic diversity were generally high (I = 0.62;He = 0.35). In addition, population structure analysis revealed 11 genetic groups, which were significantly correlated with the morphological characterization. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed high genetic variation within regions (81%) and within genetic groups (41%), reflecting a considerable amount of admixture between landraces. The moderate (19%) and high (59%) levels of genetic variation detected among regions and among genetic groups, respectively, highlighted the selection practices of farmers. Furthermore, Mahmoudi accessions showed significant variation in spike density between central Tunisia (compact spikes) and southern Tunisia (loose spikes with open glume), may indicate an adaptation to high temperature in the south.ConclusionOverall, this study demonstrates the genetic richness of local durum wheat germplasm for better in situ and ex situ conservation and for the subsequent use of these accessions in wheat breeding programs.
Helicobacter pylori 23S rRNA gene A2142G, A2143G, T2182C, and C2195T mutations associated with clarithromycin resistance detected in Sudanese patients
Authors: Albasha Aalaa Mahgoub , Elnosh Maram M. , Osman Esraa Hassan , Zeinalabdin Duha M. , Fadl Amira A. M. , Ali Musa Abdalla , Altayb Hisham N. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Clarithromycin resistant Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains represent a worldwide health problem. These stains are usually carrying mutations within the 23S rRNA gene associated with clarithromycin resistance. This study aimed to detect H. pylori and clarithromycin resistant associated mutations from Sudanese patients with gastritis symptoms.

Materials and methods
Two hundred and eighty-eight gastric biopsies were collected using gastrointestinal endoscopy from patients with gastritis symptoms in different hospitals in Khartoum state. H. pylori was detected by PCR using primer targeting 16S rRNA. Then allele-specific PCR and DNA sequencing were used to screen for the presence of A2142G and A2143G point mutations.

Results
Out of 288 samples, H. pylori was detected in 88 (~ 30.6%) samples by 16 s RNA. Allele-specific PCR detected the variant A2142G in 9/53 (~ 17%) sample, while A2143G mutation was not found in any sample. The DNA sequencing revealed the presence of mutations associated with clarithromycin-resistance in 36% (9/25) of samples; the A2142G was present in one sample, A2143G in 5 samples and T2182C in 4 samples. Additionally, another point mutation (C2195T) was detected in 3 samples. There was no association of 23S rRNA gene point mutations with gender, age group, and patients’ geographical distribution.

Conclusion
This study revealed a high frequency (36%) of mutations associated with clarithromycin resistance using DNA sequencing of the 23S rRNA gene’s V domain. This information should be taken into consideration to avoid eradication therapy failing.
Group cognitive behavioural therapy (GCBT) versus treatment as usual (TAU) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kikuchi Shino , Oe Yuki , Sasaki Yohei , Ishii Hirono , Ito Yuri , Horikoshi Masaru , Sozu Takashi , Seno Hiroshi , Furukawa Toshi A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disease that affects the quality of life (QOL) and social functioning of sufferers. Visceral anxiety is currently considered a key factor in the onset and exacerbation of IBS, and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) targeting visceral anxiety is thought to be effective. However, access to CBT is limited due to the lack of trained therapists, the substantial time required for therapy and the associated costs. Group CBT (GCBT) may solve some of these problems. We have therefore planned this trial to examine the efficacy of GCBT for IBS.

Methods
The trial is a two-armed, parallel group, open label, stratified block randomized superiority trial. The study group will consist of 112 participants (aged 18–75 years) with IBS (Rome-III or IV criteria). Participants will be randomly allocated 1:1 to (i) the intervention group: ten-week GCBT plus treatment as usual (TAU) or (ii) the control group: waiting list (WL) plus TAU. The co-primary outcomes are the change in IBS severity or disease-specific quality of life from baseline to week 13 which is 1 month after the end of treatment. The efficacy of GCBT for IBS will be examined through mixed-effects repeated-measures analysis.

Discussion
GCBT, if found effective, can address the issues of the shortage of therapists as well as the time required and the costs associated with individual CBT. Clinically, the findings will help make effective CBT programmes accessible to a large number of distressed IBS patients at lower costs. Theoretically, the results will clarify the relationship between IBS and psychological stress and will help elucidate the underlying mechanisms of IBS.

Trial registration
UMIN, CTR-UMIN000031710. Registered on March 13, 2018.
A review of the quantitative effectiveness evidence synthesis methods used in public health intervention guidelines
Authors: Smith Ellesha A. , Cooper Nicola J. , Sutton Alex J. , Abrams Keith R. , Hubbard Stephanie J. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
The complexity of public health interventions create challenges in evaluating their effectiveness. There have been huge advancements in quantitative evidence synthesis methods development (including meta-analysis) for dealing with heterogeneity of intervention effects, inappropriate ‘lumping’ of interventions, adjusting for different populations and outcomes and the inclusion of various study types. Growing awareness of the importance of using all available evidence has led to the publication of guidance documents for implementing methods to improve decision making by answering policy relevant questions.

Methods
The first part of this paper reviews the methods used to synthesise quantitative effectiveness evidence in public health guidelines by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) that had been published or updated since the previous review in 2012 until the 19th August 2019.The second part of this paper provides an update of the statistical methods and explains how they address issues related to evaluating effectiveness evidence of public health interventions.

Results
The proportion of NICE public health guidelines that used a meta-analysis as part of the synthesis of effectiveness evidence has increased since the previous review in 2012 from 23% (9 out of 39) to 31% (14 out of 45). The proportion of NICE guidelines that synthesised the evidence using only a narrative review decreased from 74% (29 out of 39) to 60% (27 out of 45).An application in the prevention of accidents in children at home illustrated how the choice of synthesis methods can enable more informed decision making by defining and estimating the effectiveness of more distinct interventions, including combinations of intervention components, and identifying subgroups in which interventions are most effective.

Conclusions
Despite methodology development and the publication of guidance documents to address issues in public health intervention evaluation since the original review, NICE public health guidelines are not making full use of meta-analysis and other tools that would provide decision makers with fuller information with which to develop policy. There is an evident need to facilitate the translation of the synthesis methods into a public health context and encourage the use of methods to improve decision making.
A qualitative meta-synthesis of facilitators and barriers to tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria
Authors: Oga-Omenka Charity , Wakdet Lawrence , Menzies Dick , Zarowsky Christina 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Despite progress in tuberculosis (TB) control globally, TB continues to be a leading cause of death from infectious diseases, claiming 1.2 million lives in 2018; 214,000 of these deaths were due to drug resistant strains. Of the estimated 10 million cases globally in 2018, 24% were in Africa, with Nigeria and South Africa making up most of these numbers.
Nigeria ranks 6th in the world for TB burden, with an estimated 4.3% multi-drug resistance in new cases. However, the country had one of the lowest case detection rates, estimated at 24% of incident cases in 2018 - well below the WHO STOP TB target of 84%. This rate highlights the need to understand contextual issues influencing tuberculosis management in Nigeria. Our synthesis was aimed at synthesizing qualitative evidence on factors influencing TB care in Nigeria.

Methods
A three-stage thematic meta-synthesis of qualitative studies was used to identify barriers and facilitators to tuberculosis case finding and treatment in Nigeria. A search of eleven databases was conducted. The date of publication was limited to 2006 to June 2020. We analyzed articles using a three-stage process, resulting in coding, descriptive subthemes and analytical themes.

Results
Our final synthesis of 10 articles resulted in several categories including community and family involvement, education and knowledge, attitudes and stigma, alternative care options, health system factors (including coverage and human resource), gender, and direct and indirect cost of care. These were grouped into three major themes: individual factors; interpersonal influences; and health system factors.

Conclusion
Case finding and treatment for TB in Nigeria currently depends more on individual patients presenting voluntarily to the hospital for care, necessitating an understanding of patient behaviors towards TB diagnosis and treatment. Our synthesis has identified several related factors that shape patients’ behavior towards TB management at individual, community and health system levels that can inform future interventions.
Media representations of COVID-19 public health policies: assessing the portrayal of essential health services in Canadian print media
Authors: Ogbogu Ubaka , Hardcastle Lorian 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsThe study assessed how the Canadian print media represented essential healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the controversial decision to include liquor and cannabis stores in essential services lists.MethodsMixed-method content analysis of 67 articles published in major Canadian English language newspapers between March 23 and April 1, 2020. Articles were analyzed and coded by two raters. Ratings were analyzed in SPSS.ResultsFew articles in the sample discussed essential healthcare services and the inclusion of liquor and cannabis stores in essential services lists. Majority of the articles that discussed both topics framed the discussion positively and consistently with current knowledge and evidence.ConclusionCanadian print media representations of essential healthcare services and associated public debate are largely descriptive and, therefore, fail to engage critically with or advance public understanding of an important health policy issue.
Anterior cruciate ligament remnant‐preserving and re‐tensioning reconstruction: a biomechanical comparison study of three different re‐tensioning methods in a porcine model
Authors: Ryu Dong Jin , Kwon Kyeu Back , Hong Da Hee , Park Sang Jun , Park Jae Sung , Wang Joon Ho 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundWith the developments in the arthroscopic technique, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) remnant-preserving reconstruction is gradually gaining attention with respect to improving proprioception and enhancing early revascularization of the graft. To evaluate the mechanical pull-out strength of three different methods for remnant-preserving and re-tensioning reconstruction during ACL reconstruction.MethodsTwenty-seven fresh knees from mature pigs were used in this study. Each knee was dissected to isolate the femoral attachment of ACL and cut the attachment. An MTS tensile testing machine with dual-screw fixation clamp with 30° flexion angle was used. The 27 specimens were tested after applying re-tensioning sutures with No. 0 polydioxanone (PDS), using the single stitch (n = 9), loop stitch (n = 9), and triple stitch (n = 9) methods. We measured the mode of failure, defined as (1) ligament failure (longitudinal splitting of the remnant ACL) or (2) suture failure (tearing of the PDS stitch); load-to-failure strength; and stiffness for the three methods. Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to compare the variance of load-to-failure strength and stiffness among the three groups.ResultsLigament failure occurred in all cases in the single stitch group and in all but one case in the triple stitch group. Suture failure occurred in all cases in the loop stitch group and in one case in the triple stitch group. The load-to-failure strength was significantly higher with loop stich (91.52 ± 8.19 N) and triple stitch (111.1 ± 18.15 N) than with single stitch (43.79 ± 11.54 N) (p = 0.002). With respect to stiffness, triple stitch (2.50 ± 0.37 N/mm) yielded significantly higher stiffness than the other methods (p = 0.001).ConclusionsThe results suggested that loop stitch or triple stitch would be a better option for increasing the mechanical strength when applying remnant-preserving and re-tensioning reconstruction during ACL reconstruction.
Long-term radiographic outcomes and functional evaluation of ulnar shortening osteotomy in patients with ulnar impaction syndrome and reverse oblique sigmoid notch: a retrospective case series study
Authors: Huang Hui-Kuang , Lee Steve K. , Huang Yi-Chao , Yin Cheng-Yu , Chang Ming-Chau , Wang Jung-Pan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundUlnar shortening osteotomy (USO) is an effective treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome. However, there have been reports of osteoarthritis (OA) at the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) when USO was performed on patients with a reverse oblique sigmoid notch. This study aimed to evaluate the radiographic and functional outcomes following USO in patients with a reverse oblique sigmoid notch.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients having a reverse oblique sigmoid notch who underwent USO for ulnar impaction syndrome between 2002 and 2013. We evaluated radiographic changes of the DRUJ and functional outcomes of patients.ResultsWe enrolled 22 patients (22 wrists) with an average age of 49.6 years and a mean follow-up of 93.2 (range, 36–179; standard deviation [SD], 38.2) months. We found that there were changes in the inclination angle of the sigmoid notch, from an average reverse oblique of 14.9o(range, 11o–23o; SD, 3.4o) preoperatively to a more parallel 5.1o(range, 0o–11o; SD, 3.2o) at the final follow-up. The functional results at the final follow-up were good, with a mean visual analogue scale for pain of 0.2 (range, 0–1; SD, 0.4) at rest and 1.3 (range, 0–3; SD, 0.9) during activity, QuickDASH of 15.1 (range, 2.3–34.1; SD, 8.8), and modified Mayo Wrist Score of 91.6 (range, 70–100; SD, 6.4). Seven wrists (31.8%) had changes compatible with OA, but the wrists did not exhibit a significantly worse function when compared to wrists without OA changes, except for supination motion and grip strength.ConclusionsFor patients with a reverse oblique sigmoid inclination following USO, we observed that the inclination angle had a tendency to become parallel and some patients developed OA at the DRUJ. However, long-term functional outcomes could still be good. The reverse oblique sigmoid inclination does not seem to be an absolute contraindication for USO.