bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pressure‐dimension index: A novel “morphologic‐functional” index of right ventricle that predicts short‐term survival after left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Kalenderoğlu Koray , Güvenç Tolga Sinan , Ağustos Semra , Velibey Yalçın , Taşdemir Mete Müge , Kuplay Hüseyin , Çetin Güvenç Rengin , Aykut Aka Serap 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundRight ventricular failure (RVF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is a major cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Despite the availability of multiple imaging parameters, none of these parameters had adequate predictive accuracy for post‐LVAD RVF.AimTo study whether right ventricular pressure‐dimension index (PDI), which is a novel echocardiographic index that combines both morphologic and functional aspects of the right ventricle, is predictive of post‐LVAD RVF and survival.Methods49 cases that underwent elective LVAD implantation were retrospectively analyzed using data from an institutional registry. PDI was calculated by dividing systolic pulmonary artery pressure to the square of the right ventricular minor diameter. Cases were categorized according to tertiles.ResultsPatients within the highest PDI tertile (PDI>3.62 mmHg/cm2) had significantly higher short‐term mortality (42.8%) and combined short‐term mortality and severe RVF (50%) compared to other tertiles (P < .05 for both, log‐rank p for survival to 15th day 0.014), but mortality was similar across tertiles in the long‐term follow‐up. PDI was an independent predictor of short‐term mortality (HR:1.05‐26.49, P = .031) and short‐term composite of mortality and severe RVF (HR:1.37‐38.87, P = .027).ConclusionsIncreased PDI is a marker of an overburdened right ventricle. Heart failure patients with a high PDI are at risk for short‐term mortality following LVAD implantation.
Factors associated with COVID‐19 in people with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chambergo‐Michilot Diego , Barros‐Sevillano Shamir , Rivera‐Torrejón Oscar , De la Cruz‐Ku Gabriel A. , Custodio Nilton 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere is debate as to whether there is an increased risk of COVID‐19 infection in people with Parkinson's disease (PD), possibly due to associated factors. This study aimed to systematically review the factors associated with COVID‐19 in people with PD.MethodsA search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to November 2020 (updated until 1 April 2021). Observational studies that analyzed factors associated with COVID‐19 in people with PD were selected and revised.ResultsThe authors included six studies (four case‐controlled studies and two cross‐sectional studies) in the qualitative and quantitative syntheses. The authors found that the following factors were associated with COVID‐19 in people with PD: obesity (OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.07–2.99, I2: 0%), any pulmonary disease (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.17–3.15, I2: 0%), COVID‐19 contact (OR: 41.77, 95% CI: 4.77 – 365.56, I2: 0%), vitamin D supplementation (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30–0.83, I2: 0%), hospitalization (OR: 11.78, 95% CI: 6.27–22.12, I2: 0%), and death (OR: 11.23, 95% CI: 3.92–32.18, I2: 0%). The authors did not find any significant association between COVID‐19 and hypertension, diabetes, cardiopathy, cancer, any cognitive problem, dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal or hepatic disease, smoking, and tremor.ConclusionsMeta‐analyses were limited by the number of events and some methodological limitations. Despite this, the authors assessed the available evidence, and the results may be useful for future health policies.
COVID‐19 in DMARD‐treated patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases: Insights from an analysis of the World Health Organization pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Dernoncourt Amandine , Schmidt Jean , Duhaut Pierre , Liabeuf Sophie , Gras‐Champel Valérie , Masmoudi Kamel , Bennis Youssef , Batteux Benjamin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundTo determine whether the use of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is linked to the risk of COVID‐19 among patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs).MethodsWe performed a disproportionality analysis of the World Health Organization pharmacovigilance database between January 1, 2020, and June 10, 2020. The frequency of COVID‐19 reports for all DMARD classes identified was compared with that for all other reports for all other drugs and quoted as the reporting odds ratio (ROR) (95% confidence interval [CI]).ResultsAmong 980,446 individual case‐safety reports voluntarily recorded in the database, 398 identified COVID‐19 in DMARD‐treated patients with IRDs. There were 177 (44.5%) patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 120 (30.1%) with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), 93 (23.4%) with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and 8 (2.0%) with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Most of the cases of COVID‐19 occurred in patients taking anti‐TNF agents (84.2%), resulting in a significant disproportionality signal (ROR [95% CI]: 8.31 [7.48–9.23]) – particularly in patients with RA, AS or PsA. A significant inverse disproportionality was found for the anti‐IL‐6 agent tocilizumab (ROR [95% CI]: 0.12 [0.02–0.88]) and JAK inhibitors (ROR [95% CI]: 0.33 [0.19–0.58]) in patients with RA – suggesting that these two drug classes are safer in the context of RA.ConclusionOur results are in line with the literature on a potentially better safety profile for anti‐IL‐6 agents and JAK inhibitors. The WHO pharmacovigilance data suggest that COVID‐19 is significantly more frequent in patients with IRDs treated with TNF inhibitors.
Two hepatectomy cases for initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma after achieving a radiological complete response to sequential therapy with lenvatinib and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization
Authors: Endo Kei , Kuroda Hidekatsu , Abe Tamami , Sato Hiroki , Kooka Youhei , Oikawa Takayoshi , Sato Ayaka , Nishiya Masao , Sugai Tamotsu , Takikawa Yasuhiro 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe herein report two cases of locally advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (u‐HCC) that were resected after achieving a radiological complete response to initially administered lenvatinib followed by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (LEN‐TACE sequential therapy). A 78‐year‐old woman and an 80‐year‐old man with HCC of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification stage C were treated for 15 and 14 months with lenvatinib, respectively. Both patients were subsequently treated with TACE, resulting in complete remission on imaging. The α‐fetoprotein level in the woman and man decreased markedly from 9370 ng/ml to 46 ng/ml and from 6380 ng/ml to 3 ng/ml, respectively, leading to hepatectomy. A histopathological examination showed coagulative necrosis of the entire HCC in one case, while the other showed a small population of viable HCC cells. The results showed that LEN‐TACE sequential therapy has a synergic effect and could be a promising option for locally advanced u‐HCC.
Stroke in patients with cancer in the era of hyperacute stroke intervention
Authors: Davies Amy , van Leer Lyndal , Chan Jasmine , Wijayaratna Ruwan , Singhal Shaloo , Ly John , Clissold Benjamin , Ma Henry , Phan Thanh G. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe natural history of patients with stroke and cancer remains poorly understood in the modern era of hyperacute stroke therapies (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and endovascular clot retrieval (ECR)). Prior to these advances in stroke treatment, a highly cited study reported median overall survival (mOS) 4.5 months after stroke in a cohort of patients with cancer (2004, n = 96).AimsOur hypothesis is that patients with stroke and cancer have better outcome than in earlier studies.MethodsRetrospective analysis of admission to a tertiary Stroke Unit between January 2015 and September 2017 (n = 1910), evaluation of hospital records and cancer treatment records. Cancer was categorised as early stage (Stages I and II) and advanced stage (Stage III or IV) using the RD‐Staging system. Survival analysis was performed in R.ResultsThere were 143 stroke patients with cancer (62% male) with mean age 73.2 ± 12.5 years. Ischaemic stroke occurred in 74.1% and 45 of 106 (42.5%) patients received intravenous thrombolysis (34/45) and/or ECR (11/45). One patient who received ECR died within 30 days of stroke. Those with early stage disease had mOS of 19.6 months (interquartile range (IQR) 3.1–31.5 months) and in advanced stage cancer mOS was 2.5 months (IQR 0.4–6.3 months; P < 0.01).ConclusionIn the modern era of stroke therapy, our cohort of patients with advanced cancer has lower survival post‐stroke compared to those with early stage cancer.
Drought stress during the growing season: Changes in reducing sugars, starch content and respiration rate during storage of two potato cultivars differing in drought sensitivity
Authors: Grudzińska Magdalena , Boguszewska‐Mańkowska Dominika , Zarzyńska Krystyna 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe research was carried out on two potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties with different tolerance to drought stress. Both varieties were cultivated in various moisture conditions: No stress, which uses the natural atmospheric conditions prevailing during the growing season and supplemented with water using drip irrigation and two combinations of drought conditions: 40 days stress at tuberizations, and intermittent drought (3 stress periods of 7 days). After harvesting, the tubers were stored at two temperatures, that is, 5°C and 8°C, for 39, 67, 143 and 164 days. The main aim of the research was the evaluation of the reaction of two potato varieties differing in drought stress tolerance to the accumulation of sugars and the respiration rate of tubers. It was found that tubers of drought stress‐sensitive variety (Cekin) accumulated more glucose and fructose than tubers of drought‐resistant variety (Tajfun), regardless of the type of drought applied during the growing season. The applied drought, both constant and intermittent, resulted in an increase in the content of reducing sugars compared with the control conditions. After applying both types of drought during the vegetation period, the respiration rate increased during tuber storage. Larger changes were recorded in the case of an intermittent drought. At a higher storage temperature, in the variety resistant to drought stress, a decrease in glucose content was found after long‐term storage, while in the sensitive variety, the content of this component increased, regardless of the moisture conditions during the growing season.
Qianliexin capsule exerts anti‐inflammatory activity in chronic non‐bacterial prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia via NF‐κB and inflammasome
Authors: Zang Linghe , Tian Fangyuan , Yao Yuancheng , Chen Yiran , Shen Yuan , Han Mingyu , Meng Zhaoqing , Fan Shengci , Zhang Xinyi , Cai Tian , Gao Qi , Zhang Yuwei , Lu Jincai 
Published: May 2021

AbstractQianliexin capsule (QLX) is a standardized traditional Chinese herbal preparation that has long been used to treat chronic non‐bacterial prostatitis (CNP) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study investigated the anti‐inflammatory activity of QLX in improving lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with CNP and BPH. Rat models of CNP and BPH were induced by oestradiol or testosterone (hormonal imbalance) or chemical inflammation (carrageenan). QLX significantly relieved LUTS in CNP and BPH rat model by reducing prostate enlargement, epithelial thickness, pain response time, urine volume and bleeding time, and by improving prostatic blood flow. The expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, the pro‐inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB), and inflammasome components (NLRP3, caspase‐1 and ASC) in CNP and BPH tissues was reduced by QLX addition. QLX treatment was followed by reduced cellular malondialdehyde and increased superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity, consistent with antioxidant activity. Increases in Beclin‐1 expression and the LC3II/I ratio following QLX treatment indicated that autophagy had been induced. QLX relieved LUTS in CNP and BPH rat models by inhibiting inflammation. The underlying mechanisms included inhibition of inflammasome activation, NF‐κB activation, oxidant stress and autophagy.
Extinction in complex communities as driven by adaptive dynamics
Authors: Nguyen Vu A. T. , Vural Dervis Can 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn a complex community, species continuously adapt to each other. On rare occasions, the adaptation of a species can lead to the extinction of others, and even its own. ‘Adaptive dynamics’ is the standard mathematical framework to describe evolutionary changes in community interactions, and in particular, predict adaptation driven extinction. Unfortunately, most authors implement the equations of adaptive dynamics through computer simulations that require assuming a large number of questionable parameters and fitness functions. In this study, we present analytical solutions to adaptive dynamics equations, thereby clarifying how outcomes depend on any computational input. We develop general formulas that predict equilibrium abundances over evolutionary time scales. Additionally, we predict which species will go extinct next, and when this will happen.
Systematic review of applied usability metrics within usability evaluation methods for hospital electronic healthcare record systems
Authors: Wronikowska Marta Weronika , Malycha James , Morgan Lauren J. , Westgate Verity , Petrinic Tatjana , Young J Duncan , Watkinson Peter J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackground and objectivesElectronic healthcare records have become central to patient care. Evaluation of new systems include a variety of usability evaluation methods or usability metrics (often referred to interchangeably as usability components or usability attributes). This study reviews the breadth of usability evaluation methods, metrics, and associated measurement techniques that have been reported to assess systems designed for hospital staff to assess inpatient clinical condition.MethodsFollowing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, we searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Open Grey from 1986 to 2019. For included studies, we recorded usability evaluation methods or usability metrics as appropriate, and any measurement techniques applied to illustrate these. We classified and described all usability evaluation methods, usability metrics, and measurement techniques. Study quality was evaluated using a modified Downs and Black checklist.ResultsThe search identified 1336 studies. After abstract screening, 130 full texts were reviewed. In the 51 included studies 11 distinct usability evaluation methods were identified. Within these usability evaluation methods, seven usability metrics were reported. The most common metrics were ISO9241‐11 and Nielsen's components. An additional “usefulness” metric was reported in almost 40% of included studies. We identified 70 measurement techniques used to evaluate systems. Overall study quality was reflected in a mean modified Downs and Black checklist score of 6.8/10 (range 1–9) 33% studies classified as “high‐quality” (scoring eight or higher), 51% studies “moderate‐quality” (scoring 6–7), and the remaining 16% (scoring below five) were “low‐quality.”ConclusionThere is little consistency within the field of electronic health record systems evaluation. This review highlights the variability within usability methods, metrics, and reporting. Standardized processes may improve evaluation and comparison electronic health record systems and improve their development and implementation.
Metabolically healthy obesity and risk of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease severity independent of visceral fat
Authors: Chen Tsung‐Po , Lin Wen‐Yuan , Chiang Chien‐Hsieh , Shen Ting‐Hsin , Huang Kuo‐Chin , Yang Kuen‐Cheh 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackground and AimObesity and metabolic conditions may be related to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study assesses the risk of NAFLD according to obesity and metabolic health status in a community‐based population.MethodsA total of 1651 subjects were recruited from the community. Individuals were categorized into four groups according to obesity status (defined as a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) and metabolically healthy status: metabolically healthy nonobesity (MHNO), metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), metabolically unhealthy nonobesity (MUHNO), and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUHO). NAFLD was diagnosed based on a semiquantitative ultrasonography measurement. Visceral fat was assessed through bioelectrical impedance analysis and is shown by tertile (T1, T2, and T3). A proportional odds model was used to assess the cumulative risk of NAFLD.ResultsThe NAFLD prevalence was 26.7%, 62.8%, 47.0%, and 76.7% in subjects with MHNO, MHO, MUHNO, and MUHO, respectively (P < 0.0001). After adjustment for age, sex, exercise habits, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and visceral fat, the odds ratios for more severe NAFLD were 2.44 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.64–3.65), 2.75 (95% CI: 1.91–3.94), and 7.41 (95% CI: 4.94–11.12) in the MHO, MUHNO, and MUHO groups, respectively, compared with the MHNO group. In addition, the odds ratios for more severe NAFLD significantly increased with the increase in visceral fat level (T2 vs T1: 3.83, 95% CI: 2.65–5.53; T3 vs T1: 9.17, 95% CI: 5.33–15.79).ConclusionBoth obesity and metabolically unhealthy status were associated with a higher risk of NAFLD independent of visceral fat level.
Effect of early childhood cow's milk elimination diet on eating behaviours, nutrition and growth status at age 2–6 years
Authors: Ercan Nazli , Tel Adıgüzel Kübra 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to investigate the eating behaviour, nutritional status and growth of Caucasian children in ages 2–6 years who had a diet because of cow's milk protein allergy (CMA) [immunoglobulin (Ig)E‐mediated and/or non‐IgE‐mediated] in early childhood.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional, case–control study, the cow's milk elimination (CME) group comprised children aged 0–2 years who were receiving a CME diet because of CMA, as confirmed by an oral food challenge test, and had reintroduced cow's milk for at least ≥ 3 months. The control group never had a restricted diet. Eating behaviour and children's growth was assessed. A 3‐day food record was taken to determine the macronutrient and micronutrient intake of the children. Data on the children's socio‐demographic, infant nutrition and family allergy history were collected from their medical records and face‐to‐face interviews with mothers.ResultsIn total, 62 children with a median age of 32 months were recruited for the study. The total scores of food avoidance and satiety responsiveness in the CME group (n:31) were higher than in the controls (n = 31) (p = 0.036 and 0.006, respectively). Weight‐for‐age and height‐for‐age are statistically lower in the CME group than in the control group (p < 0.001). A significant difference between groups in terms of dairy intake was recorded (p = 0.011). In the CME group, the current frequency of adequate energy, vitamin B1, folic acid, vitamin C and calcium intake was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsDietary interventions because of CMA at age 0–2 years can affect children's nutritional habits and parental‐reported assessment of children's eating behaviours, resulting in growth restriction with insufficient micro/macronutrients and/or dairy products at the age of 2–6 years.
Evaluating the efficacy and safety of ureteral stent placement as a preoperative procedure for gynecological cancer surgeries: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Okawa Masayo , Komatsu Hiroaki , Iida Yuki , Osaku Daiken , Sato Shinya , Oishi Tetsuro , Harada Tasuku 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of ureteral stent placement (USP) as a preoperative procedure for gynecological cancer surgeries.MethodsThis was a single‐institution retrospective cohort study of 259 patients with gynecological cancer who underwent laparotomy. In 126 patients (USP+ group), a ureteral stent was inserted into the bilateral ureters after the induction of general anesthesia. The remaining 133 patients (USP− group) did not undergo USP. We compared operation time, blood loss, and frequency of laparotomy‐related perioperative urinary complications between the groups. The stent was removed 5–7 days postoperatively. Patients were evaluated for signs of hydronephrosis at discharge. The Fisher's exact test was used to investigate the significance of differences in patient characteristics, and multivariate analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazards model. A p‐value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThere were no significant differences in age and body mass index between the groups. Two patients in the USP− group experienced intraoperative ureteral injury. Total operation time and blood loss were significantly increased in the USP+ group. The risk of bladder tamponade and postoperative hydronephrosis was influenced by USP. USP was unaffected by a history of abdominal surgery, stage of tumor progression, lymphadenectomy type, or hysterectomy type.ConclusionsThe incidence of bladder tamponade and hydronephrosis postoperatively was significantly higher in patients with USP than in those without USP.
Chin tuck against resistance exercise for dysphagia rehabilitation: A systematic review
Authors: Park Ji‐Su , Hwang Na‐Kyoung 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundChin tuck against resistance (CTAR) exercise has been recently reported to be a new therapeutic exercise method that can help improve swallowing function in patients with dysphagia. However, due to the differences in exercise protocols, methods and the tools used across studies of CTAR exercise, an overall systematic review of these studies is necessary.ObjectiveThe present study investigated the exercise protocols, methods and tools used in various studies of CTAR exercise and summarised their findings.MethodsWe searched for studies related to CTAR exercise using electronic databases and selected nine articles for review. The articles were categorised on the basis of four criteria: study design and quality, training protocol, outcome measures and clinical effect.ResultsFour articles reported that CTAR exercise not only helped activate the suprahyoid muscle in healthy adults, but also activated the sternocleidomastoid muscle less than Shaker exercise. In addition, five articles reported that CTAR exercise was effective in improving swallowing function and oral diet stage in the pharyngeal phase, including reduction of airway aspiration in patients with dysphagia after stroke.ConclusionsCTAR exercise more selectively activates the suprahyoid muscle and is an effective therapeutic exercise for improving swallowing function in patients with dysphagia. Because it is less strenuous than Shaker exercise, it requires less physical burden and effort, allowing greater compliance.