bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whether Immunostimulants Are Effective in Susceptible Children Suffering From Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections: A Modeling Analysis Based on Literature Aggregate Data
Authors: Zhang Weilong , Huang Jihan , Liu Hongxia , Wen Xin , Zheng Qingshan , Li Lujin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractImmunostimulants are gradually being used in the prevention and treatment of recurrent respiratory tract infections in susceptible children, but their drug effects have not been quantified. The purpose of this study was to confirm the efficacy of immunostimulants in the prevention and treatment of recurrent respiratory tract infections in susceptible children. A model‐based meta‐analysis was used to describe the time course of placebo and immunostimulants in the prevention of respiratory tract infections in children. The cumulative number of respiratory tract infections was used as an indicator of efficacy. A meta‐analysis was used to analyze the incidence of drug‐related adverse events. Fourteen articles with 2400 pediatric subjects were finally included in the analysis. The results showed that the cumulative number of respiratory tract infections increased linearly with time, with the incidence of respiratory tract infections in the placebo group being 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55‐0.75) per month. OM‐85 BV and pidotimod reduced the incidence of respiratory tract infections by 0.21 (95%CI, 0.16‐0.26) and 0.19 (95%CI, 0.17‐0.21) compared to placebo per month, respectively. Pidotimod and OM‐85 BV can effectively reduce the incidence of respiratory tract infections in susceptible children, with no significant increase in the incidence of drug‐related adverse events when compared with placebo (risk ratio values were 1.07 [95%CI, 0.66‐1.71] and 1.31 [95%CI, 0.54‐3.19], respectively). This study provides quantitative support for the application of immunostimulants for the prevention of recurrent respiratory tract infections in children.
Gut barrier and microbiota changes with glycine and branched‐chain amino acid supplementation in chronic haemodialysis patients
Authors: Genton Laurence , Pruijm Menno , Teta Daniel , Bassi Isabelle , Cani Patrice D. , Gaïa Nadia , Herrmann François R. , Marangon Nicola , Mareschal Julie , Muccioli Giulio G. , Stoermann Catherine , Suriano Francesco , Wurzner‐Ghajarzadeh Arlene , Lazarevic Vladimir , Schrenzel Jacques 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe have previously shown that glycine increases fat‐free mass in chronic haemodialysis patients with features of malnutrition as compared with branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs). This multicentre randomized double‐blind crossover study evaluates the impact of these amino acids on the gut barrier and microbiota.MethodsHaemodialysis patients were included if they had plasma albumin <38 g/L or weight loss >5% of dry body weight, and daily dietary intakes <30 kcal/kg and <1 g protein/kg. They consumed glycine or BCAA (7 g twice daily) for 4 months and underwent a 1 month washout period, before crossover of supplementations. Faecal microbiota (16S rRNA gene sequencing) and immunoglobulin A (IgA), serum levels of cytokines, surrogate markers of intestinal permeability, appetite mediators, and endocannabinoids were obtained at the start and end of each supplementation. Supplementations were compared by multiple mixed linear regression models, adjusted for age, sex, month of supplementation (0 and 4 in each period), and period (Period 1: first 4 months; Period 2: last 4 months). Microbiota comparisons were performed using principal coordinate analysis and permutational multivariate analysis of variance, Shannon diversity index estimate and analysis of composition of microbiomes analysis, and Wilcoxon tests.ResultsWe analysed 27 patients compliant to the supplementations. Multiple mixed linear regression models were significant only for interleukin‐6 (P = 0.002), glucagon‐like peptide 1 (P = 0.028), cholecystokinin (P = 0.021), and peptide YY (P = 0.002), but not for the other outcomes. The significant models did not show any impact of the type of supplementation (P < 0.05 in all models). Principal coordinate analysis and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (P = 0.0001) showed strong microbiota clustering by subject, but no effect of the amino acids. Bacterial alpha diversity and zero‐radius operational taxonomic unit richness remained stable, whatever the supplementation. Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (0.030; Q1–Q3 0.008–0.078 vs. 0.004; Q1–Q3 0.001–0.070) and Bifidobacterium dentium (0.0247; Q1–Q3 0.002–0.191 vs. 0.003; Q1–Q3 0.001–0.086) significantly decreased with the BCAA supplementation.ConclusionsThe BCAA and glycine supplementations had no impact on the serum levels of cytokines, appetite mediators, intestinal permeability, endocannabinoids, or faecal IgA. Overall faecal microbiota composition and microbial diversity did not change with the glycine or BCAA supplementation but decreased the abundance of L. paracasei and B. dentium.
Longitudinal association of sarcopenia and mild cognitive impairment among older Mexican adults
Authors: Salinas‐Rodríguez Aarón , Palazuelos‐González Rosa , Rivera‐Almaraz Ana , Manrique‐Espinoza Betty 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundRecent evidence from cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies supports the hypothesis that sarcopenia is associated with worsening cognitive function. However, primary evidence largely comes from high‐income countries, whereas in low‐ and middle‐income countries, this association has been underexplored. This study aimed to estimate the longitudinal association between sarcopenia and mild cognitive impairment in a sample of older Mexican adults.MethodsData come from the three waves of the World Health Organization (WHO) Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE) in Mexico (2009, 2014, 2017). Four hundred ninety‐six older adults, aged ≥50, were included. Sarcopenia was defined as having low muscle quantity and either/both slow gait speed and weak handgrip strength. Mild cognitive impairment was determined based on the recommendations of the National Institute on Aging‐Alzheimer's Association. Cognitive function was evaluated by a composite cognitive score of five different cognitive tests: immediate and delayed recall, forward and backward digit span and semantic verbal fluency. Three‐level mixed‐effects models (logistic and linear) were used to estimate the longitudinal associations between sarcopenia, mild cognitive impairment and cognitive function.ResultsThe prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (8.9%, 12.9%, 16.0%) and sarcopenia (10.5%, 20.7%, 23.3%) showed a significant temporal increase for Waves 1, 2 and 3 (P‐value < 0.01, respectively). The presence of sarcopenia was significantly associated with mild cognitive impairment (OR = 1.74; CI95% 1.02, 2.96; P = 0.04) and worse cognitive function (β = −0.57; CI95% ‐0.93, −0.21; P < 0.01). We observed significant associations between sarcopenia and immediate verbal recall (β = −0.14; CI95% −0.28, −0.01; P = 0.04), delayed verbal recall (β = −0.12; CI95% −0.23, −0.01; P = 0.03) and semantic verbal fluency (β = −0.17; CI95% −0.28, −0.05; P = 0.01). The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment increased at an annual rate of 0.8% for non‐sarcopenic older adults, but nearly 1.5% for sarcopenic adults.ConclusionsSignificant longitudinal associations were observed between sarcopenia, mild cognitive impairment and cognitive function among older Mexican adults. Public health strategies, including policy research and clinical interventions, must be implemented in low‐ and middle‐income countries in order to reduce or delay the onset of sarcopenia and thus improve population‐level cognitive health among older adults.
Ultrasound of the symptomatic shoulder arthroplasty: Spectrum and prevalence of periarticular soft tissue pathology
Authors: Goldman Lauren , Walter William , Adler Ronald S. , Kaplan Daniel , Burke Christopher J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPurposeTo describe our experience using ultrasound (US) to evaluate postoperative complications in the presence of in situ shoulder arthroplasty.MethodsReview of patients who underwent US evaluation following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) or hemiarthroplasty from 2007 to 2020. All studies were reviewed independently by two musculoskeletal radiologists to assess for joint effusion, periarticular collection, and characterization of associated rotator cuff tears. Tendon tears were assessed with respect to (1) thickness: low grade (<50% thickness), high grade (>50% thickness), full thickness; (2) morphology (focal vs. diffuse) and location (insertion vs. critical zone). Inter‐reader agreements were determined using Cohen's kappa test.ResultsNinety‐seven studies were performed in 72 patients following TSA, RTSA, or hemiarthroplasty. Thirty‐seven exams were solely for diagnostic purposes, and 59 were for guiding joint or periarticular collection aspiration. Twenty‐eight studies assessed the cuff tendons post TSA. The mean time between surgery and US examination was 29.2 months. Complete or high‐grade tears were identified in 8/28 (28.6%) diagnostic exams. The most commonly torn tendon among TSA patients was the subscapularis, with 13/28 (46.4%) demonstrating at least partial tearing. Inter‐reader agreement was excellent for presence of effusion (k = 0.79, p < .001) and periarticular collection (k = 0.87, p < .001), and excellent agreement for presence of subscapularis tear (k = 0.78, p < .001), with fair agreement for assessment of supraspinatus (k = 0.66, p < .001) and infraspinatus (k = 0.60, p < .001) tears.ConclusionThe most commonly torn tendon following anatomic TSA identified by US was the subscapularis, which was torn or deficient in 46.4% of cases. The majority of studies were performed for the guidance of percutaneous aspiration.
Exercise interventions in child and adolescent mental health care: An overview of the evidence and recommendations for implementation
Authors: Carney Rebekah , Firth Joseph 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe use of physical activity interventions in mental health care for adults has a large academic evidence base and numerous examples of real‐world implementation. However, the use of physical activity within mental health care for children and young people (CYP) has received less attention to date.MethodsA narrative review was conducted to summarize the relevant literature in the area. Online databases were searched using terms synonymous with CYP, exercise, physical health, and mental health. Findings from existing systematic reviews, meta‐analyses, meta‐syntheses, and consensus statements were reviewed, and used alongside the authors' experience to inform clinical recommendations.ResultsWe first discuss the importance of applying physical health interventions in early stages of mental illness for CYP to prevent physical comorbidities and premature mortality in the long term. We then provide a brief summary of the current evidence of the benefits of exercise interventions in CYP with mental illness. We then present our top five recommendations on the implementation of exercise interventions within CYP mental health care.ConclusionThe key conclusions from this suggest there is an increasingly strong evidence base for the benefits of using physical activity interventions to improve, prevent, and manage physical and mental health outcomes in CYP with mental illness. However, more work needs to be done to improve the evidence base, refine its implementation into standard mental health care, and develop strategies for large‐scale dissemination of such interventions across various care and cultural contexts.
Rethinking genetic counseling clinical skills training in the time of COVID‐19
Authors: Stallman Chris , Kieran Shannon , Quinn Dorothy , Schaibley Valerie M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has had a significant impact on clinical training programs, including genetic counseling graduate programs. The University of Arizona Genetic Counseling Graduate Program responded to limited clinical training opportunities by designing a virtual Clinical Skills Workshop for incoming genetic counseling students. During the workshop, students were introduced to psychosocial and clinical genetics skills through virtual lectures, role‐play, and practice sessions, as well as assignments. Program evaluation of the Clinical Skills Workshop demonstrated better preparation of key clinical skills prior to starting clinical rotations and highlighted areas for improvement in future iterations. Although this workshop was developed in response to clinical restrictions due to COVID‐19, this approach to providing incoming students with basic clinical skills has been a valuable addition to the UAGCGP curriculum.
Prostate Cancer Diffusion‐Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Does the Choice of Diffusion‐Weighting Level Matter?
Authors: Maier Stephan E. , Wallström Jonas , Langkilde Fredrik , Johansson Jens , Kuczera Stefan , Hugosson Jonas , Hellström Mikael 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundDiffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging plays an important role in multiparametric assessment of prostate lesions. The derived apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) could be a useful quantitative biomarker for malignant growth, but lacks acceptance because of low reproducibility.PurposeTo investigate the impact of the choice of diffusion‐weighting levels (b‐values) on contrast‐to‐noise ratio and quantitative measures in prostate diffusion‐weighted MRI.Study TypeRetrospective and simulation based on published data.SubjectsPatient cohort (21 men with Prostate Imaging‐Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) version 2 score ≥3) from a single‐center study.Field Strength/Sequence3 T/diffusion‐weighted imaging with single‐shot echo‐planar imaging.AssessmentBoth clinical data and simulations based on previously acquired data were used to quantify the influence of b‐value choice in normal peripheral zone (PZ) and PZ tumor lesions. For clinical data, ADC was determined for different combinations of b‐values. Contrast‐to‐noise ratio and quantitative diffusion measures were simulated for a wide range of b‐values.Statistical TestsTissue ADC and the lesion‐to‐normal tissue ADC ratios of different b‐value combinations were compared with paired two‐tailed Student's t‐tests. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsFindings about b‐value dependence derived from clinical data and from simulations agreed with each other. Provided measurement was limited to two b‐values, simulation‐derived optimal b‐value choices coincided with PI‐RADSv2 recommendations. For two‐point measurements, ADC decreased by 15% when the maximum b‐value increased from 1000 to 1500 seconds/mm2, but corresponding lesion‐to‐normal tissue ADC ratio showed no significant change (P = 0.86 for acquired data). Simulations with three or more measurement points produced ADCs that declined by only 8% over this range of maximum b‐value. Corresponding ADC ratios declined between 2.6% (three points) and 3.8% (21 points). Simulations also revealed an ADC reduction of about 19% with the shorter echo and diffusion time evaluated.Data ConclusionThe comprehensive assessment of b‐value dependence permits better formulation of protocol and analysis recommendations for obtaining reproducible results in prostate cancer diffusion‐weighted MRI.Level of Evidence4Technical EfficacyStage 2
Collaborative learning in the professional development of medical radiation practitioners
Authors: Turner Michelle , Morasi Sanya , Mrsnik‐Hamdi Monica , Shanahan Madeleine 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroductionMedical radiation practitioners (MRPs) participate in continuous professional development (CPD) to update their knowledge, skills, safety standards and patient care. The Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (MRPBA) recommends that practitioners participate in a variety of activities and to incorporate the use of collaborative learning tools. The aim of this research was to investigate the value, use and workplace supports for online and face‐to‐face collaborative learning for CPD.MethodsA cross‐sectional online survey of Australian MRPs was conducted. The questionnaire was distributed via e‐blast from the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT) to members.ResultsA total of 115 completed questionnaires were received. Seminars, workshops and conferences were the most valued collaborative learning tools, with no significant difference in ranking observed (P > 0.05). The majority of MRPs regularly attend conferences (64%, n = 73) with those working in a metropolitan location more likely to attend. MRPs are supported by their workplace to attend conferences through the provision of paid leave (61%, n = 63), funding (50%, n = 52) and to a lesser extent travel expense (38%, n = 39). More than half (60%, n = 69) of the participants use social media for CPD with Facebook being the most frequently used and most useful online platform. The most common reasons for using social media for CPD were accessibility to information (85%, n = 56), little geographical limitations (77%, n = 51) and ease of use (74%, n = 49).ConclusionMedical radiation practitioners currently utilise both face‐to‐face and online collaborative learning tools to meet their CPD needs. Face‐to‐face tools are more frequently utilised and highly valued by MRPs.
Exact inference for fixed‐effects meta‐analysis of proportions
Authors: Hansen Spencer , Rice Kenneth 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMeta‐analysis of proportions is conceptually simple: Faced with a binary outcome in multiple studies, we seek inference on some overall proportion of successes/failures. Under common effect models, exact inference has long been available, but is not when we more realistically allow for heterogeneity of the proportions. Instead a wide range of nonexact fixed‐effects methods are used, the interpretation of some of which is challenging. In this paper, we present methods for exact statistical tests and confidence intervals for fixed‐effects meta‐analysis of proportions. These methods retain the interpretability of the underlying parameter of interest, and can be implemented in straightforward software. We also show how our inference on the overall proportion is compatible with exact inference on heterogeneity of proportions. An illustrative example from a recent kidney disease study shows how the method's performance can be assessed in practice.
Regression in melanoma is significantly associated with a lower regional recurrence rate and better recurrence‐free survival
Authors: Subramanian Sarayu , Han Gang , Olson Natalie , Leong Stanley P. , Kashani‐Sabet Mohammed , White Richard L. , Zager Jonathan S. , Sondak Vernon K. , Messina Jane L. , Pockaj Barbara , Kosiorek Heidi E. , Vetto John , Fowler Graham , Schneebaum Schlomo , Han Dale 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe prognostic significance of regression in predicting melanoma recurrences is unknown. We present a large multicenter study correlating regression with recurrence.MethodsThe Sentinel Lymph Node Working Group database was queried from 1993 to 2018 for cases with regression data. Clinicopathologic factors were correlated with overall and first‐site of recurrence and with recurrence‐free survival (RFS).ResultsThere were 4790 patients and the median follow‐up was 39.6 months. Regression and recurrences were seen in 1081 (22.6%) and 773 (16.1%) cases, respectively. First‐site locoregional and distant recurrences were seen in 412 (8.6%) and 352 (7.3%) patients, respectively. Regression was seen in 15.8% and 24.7% of all cases with and without recurrences (p < 0.0001), respectively, while regression was seen in 14.3% and 17.9% of first‐site locoregional and distant recurrent cases, respectively, compared with 23.3% and 22.9% of patients with regression and without first‐site locoregional and distant recurrences, respectively (p = 0.29). On multivariable analysis, after controlling for age, gender, thickness, ulceration, lymphovascular invasion, and sentinel lymph node status, regression significantly predicted improved RFS (p = 0.004) and fewer first‐site regional recurrences (p = 0.017).ConclusionOur data suggest that regression is a favorable prognostic marker in melanoma and predicts significantly better RFS and decreased first‐site regional recurrences.
Fast liquid chromatography method for separation of peptides using a sub‐2 μm ground silica monolith packed column
Authors: Lu Yao , Yan Zhihong , Sun Genlin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA stationary phase based on sub‐2 μm ground silica monolith particles was fabricated by in situ polymerization and applied in micro‐column for separation of peptides. The sub‐2 μm silica particles were obtained from monolith using sol‐gel process followed by grinding and sedimentation to remove the fines. Initially, the silica monolith particles were pretreated with 3‐trimethoxysilyl propyl methacrylate to attach double‐bonded ligands onto the surface, then a network structure was formed onto the surface of the particle using styrene, N‐isopropylacrylamide, and ethylene glycoldimethacrylate. The effect of the flow rate of the mobile phase on the separation performance was investigated. The stationary phase was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, particle size distribution, and element analysis. The resultant phase was packed in glass‐lined stainless steel micro‐columns (2.1 mm × 50 mm) and evaluated for fast separation. An average number of theoretical plates as high as 9800 plates/column (5.10 μm plate height) was achieved for five synthetic peptides under the optimized flow rate of 0.15 mL/min. The repeatabilities of column‐to‐column, intraday, and interday through relative standard deviation were found better than 4%, exhibiting satisfactory repeatability of the developed micro‐column for fast separation of peptides.
Recent forensic applications of enhanced chromatographic separation methods
Authors: Young Genetta M. , Lurie Ira S. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis study reviews the recent applications of enhanced separation methods employed in forensic analysis utilizing gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and supercritical fluid chromatography published between 2015 to 2020, except papers previously covered in relevant review articles. Applications of enhanced chromatographic separation methods to arson investigations, environmental forensics, sexual assault investigations, drug analysis, and toxicology are discussed. Future directions for enhanced chromatographic separation methods in forensic science are also explored.