bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postprandial Effects of Macronutrient Composition Meals on the Metabolic Responses and Arterial Stiffness Indices of Lean and Obese Male Adults: A Protocol of pilot Study
Authors: Firouzi Safieh , Rezvani Reza , Pahlavani Naseh , Jarahi Lida , Navashenaq Jamshid Gholizadeh , Ranjbar Golnaz , Malekahmadi Mahsa , Taherzadeh Zhila , Safarian Mohammad 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background & Objective: Prior studies have shown that meal composition may affect the metabolic responses and arterial stiffness indices. Due to the lack of a comprehensive study that concurrently compares metabolic responses and vascular stiffness indices after receiving three different meals in lean and obese men, this pilot study has been conducted with a three-phase parallel design, aiming to investigate the effects of meal composition on the metabolic parameters and arterial stiffness indices of lean and obese adults. Materials and Methods: This pilot, parallel clinical trial has been performed on 20 male adults aged 18-35 years who are disease-free and selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The subjects have completed three interventions at a one-week interval, including high carbohydrate (70% carbohydrates, 10% protein, 20% fat), high protein (30% protein, 50% carbohydrates, 20% fat), and high fat meal (50% fat, 40% carbohydrates, 10% protein). Postprandial effects have been assessed within 360 minutes after each meal, including the energy expenditure component (resting energy expenditure, thermic effects of feeding, respiratory quotient, and substrate oxidation) and arterial stiffness indices (augmentation index and pulse wave velocity). In addition, blood sampling has been performed to measure glucose, insulin, free fatty acids, and lipid profile. Results: The study has started since September 2020 and will continue until January 2021. The assessment of the intervention outcomes will be carried out six hours after the end of the intervention. Conclusion: The differences in the postprandial responses c affect the metabolic and vascular parameters due to different meal compositions, thereby providing beneficial data for the establishment of new strategies in terms of nutritional education and metabolic/vascular improvement.
Clinical data mining on network of symptom and index and correlation of tongue-pulse data in fatigue population
Authors: Shi yulin , Hu Xiaojuan , Ji Cui , Cui Longtao , Huang Jingbin , Ma Xuxiang , Tao Jiang , Yao Xinghua , Xu Jiatuo , Lan Fang , Li Jun , Bi Zijuan , Li Jiacai , Wang Yu , Fu Hongyuan , Wang Jue , Lin Yanting , Bai Jingxuan , Guo Xiaojing , Tu Liping 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Fatigue is a kind of non-specific symptom, which occurs widely in sub-health and various diseases. It is closely related to people's physical and mental health. Due to the lack of objective diagnosis criteria, it is often neglected in clinical diagnosis, especially in the early disease stage. Many clinical practices and research have shown that tongue and pulse conditions reflect the body's overall state. Establishing an objective evaluation method for diagnosing disease fatigue and non-disease fatigue by combining clinical symptoms, indexes, and tongue & pulse data is of great significance for timely and effective clinical treatment.Methods: In this study, 2632 physical examination populations were divided into healthy controls, sub-health fatigue group, and disease fatigue group. Complex network technology was used to screen out the core symptoms and Western medicine indexes of sub-health fatigue and disease fatigue populations. Pajek software was used to construct the core symptoms/indexes network and core symptoms-indexes combined network. Simultaneously, the canonical correlation analysis method was used to analyze the objective tongue & pulse data between the two groups of fatigue population and analyze the distribution of tongue & pulse data.Results: Some similarities were found in the core symptoms of sub-health fatigue and disease fatigue population, but with different node importance. The node-importance difference indicated that the diagnostic contribution rate of the same symptom to the two groups was different. The canonical correlation coefficient of tongue & pulse data in the disease fatigue group was 0.42 (P < 0.05). On the contrast, correlation analysis of tongue & pulse in the sub-health fatigue group showed no statistical significance. Conclusions: The complex network technology was suitable for the correlation analysis of symptoms and indexes in the fatigue population, and the tongue & pulse data had a certain diagnostic contribution to the classification of the fatigue population.Name of the registry: Chinese Clinical Trial RegistryTrial registration number: ChiCTR-IOR-15006502; ChiCTR1900026008Date of registration: Jun. 04th, 2015URL of trial registry record: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=11119;http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=38828&htm=4 (This is a retrospective registration)
Zika virus public health crisis and the perpetuation of gender inequality in Brazil
Authors: Coutinho Raquel Zanatta , Montalvo Aida Villanueva , Weitzman Abigail , Marteleto Letícia 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: In 2015-2017, the Americas experienced a highly consequential epidemics for pregnancy and childbearing. Mainly transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti, but also through sexual intercourse, the Zika virus poses the risk of congenital Zika syndrome to fetus, which includes microcephaly and other child development complications. When a public health crisis taps directly into reproductive health, typically a feminine realm, responses to the emergency may exacerbate deeply-rooted gender norms. This paper investigates the role of gender in two relational contexts: a) the government-led response to the pandemic in terms of communication campaigns aimed at preventing Zika infections; and b) an individual level of response to the emergency, concerning women’s negotiation with their sexual partners with regard to the prevention of Zika as well as pregnancies. Methods: We conducted content analysis of 94 unique pieces from public health communication campaigns produced by governmental agencies with the goal of promoting Zika awareness. Print and online materials were collected for one year (May 2016-May 2017), and included TV ads, Internet Pop-ups, and pamphlets. We also analyzed transcripts from 16 focus groups conducted with reproductive-aged women (18-40) in Belo Horizonte and Recife, two large cities differently affected by the Zika outbreak. Women answered open-ended questions connected to the epidemic, in areas such as personal knowledge and experiences with the Zika virus, experiences of their friends and acquaintances, their primary information sources, their perceptions of public health efforts toward containing the outbreak, as well as women’s contraceptive use. Results: Campaign pieces handling pregnancy and microcephaly were largely gendered. Pieces targeted women, placing on their shoulders the responsibility for protecting a potential fetus from the disease. Importantly, campaigns neglected addressing male´s participation on Zika prevention and contraceptive management, while failing to take into account Brazil´s large proportion of unplanned pregnancies. Women were placed in a double bind by being expected to prevent both pregnancy and Zika, in a context where gendered power imbalances often translate in women having little power/means for condom negotiation /avoiding unprotected sexual intercourse. Conclusion: Government and individual responses to the epidemics reinforced gender roles, situating pregnant women as responsible for averting mosquito bites and microcephaly. Further, prevention campaigns largely excluded men. Since low-socioeconomic status women possessed fewer resources to preclude infection, we also found that beyond the gender divide, this subgroup faced more pronounced Zika prevention challenges as they found it harder to negotiate condom use with their sexual partners and often could not access other types of contraceptives resulting in unplanned pregnancies.
Epidemiology and outcome of elderly patients requiring renal replacement therapy in the intensive care unit: an observational study
Authors: Salathe Cecile , Poli Elettra , Altarelli Marco , Bianchi Nathan Axel , Schneider Antoine Guillaume 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundRenal replacement therapy (RRT) in critically ill patients is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The appropriateness of RRT initiation is sometimes questioned in elderly patients. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the long-term mortality, dialysis dependence and quality of life (QOL) of elderly patients who survived critical illness requiring RRT.MethodsThis is a monocentric observational study including all patients >55 yo who received RRT for acute kidney injury in our intensive care unit (ICU) between January 2015 and April 2018. At the time of the study (May 2019), we assessed if they were still alive by cross referencing our hospital database and the Swiss national death registry. We sent survivors written information and, subsequently, contacted them over the phone. We obtained their consent for participation, asked about their dialytic status and ran an EQ-5D survey with visual analog scale (VAS). Results were stratified according to their age at the time of ICU admission (G1: "55-65 yo"; G2: ">65-75 yo" and G3: ">75 yo"). QOL in G3 patients were compared to G1 and G2 and to predicted values.ResultsAmong the 352 eligible patients, 171 died during the index hospital admission. After a median follow-up time of 32.7 months (IQR 19.8), a further 62 had died (median time to death for ICU survivors 5.0 (IQR 15.0) months. Hence, 119 (33.6%) patients were still alive at the time of the study. We successfully contacted 96 (80.7%) of them and 83 (69.7%) were included in the study (G1: 24, G2: 44 and G3: 15). Only 6 (7.2%) were RRT dependent. Patients in G3 had lower EQ-5D and VAS scores than those in G1 and G2 (p<0.01). These scores were also significantly lower than predicted values (p <0.05).ConclusionsRRT patients have a very high in-hospital and post discharge mortality. Among survivors, RRT dependency was low. Irrespective of baseline values, patients >75 yo who survived ICU had a lower QOL than younger patients. It was lower than predicted according to age and sex. The appropriateness of RRT initiation in elderly patients should be discussed according to their pre-existing QOL and frailty.
Exploring Equity and Inclusion in Malawi’s National Disability Mainstreaming Strategy and Implementation Plan
Authors: Ebuenyi Ikenna D , Smith Emma M. , Munthali Alister , Msowoya Steven W. , Kafumba Juba , Jamali Monica Z. , MacLachlan Malcolm 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Equity and inclusion are important principles in policy development and implementation. The aim of this study is to explore the extent to which equity and inclusion were considered in the development of Malawi’s National Disability Mainstreaming Strategy and Implementation Plan.Methods We applied an analytical methodology to review the Malawi’s National Disability Mainstreaming Strategy and Implementation Plan using the EquIPP (Equity and Inclusion in Policy Processes) tool. The EquIPP tool assesses 17 Key Actions to explore the extent of equity and inclusion.Results The development of the Malawi National Disability Mainstreaming Strategy and Implementation Plan was informed by a desire to promote the rights, opportunities and wellbeing of persons with disability in Malawi. The majority (58%) of the Key Actions received a rating of three, indicating evidence of clear, but incomplete or only partial engagement of persons with disabilities in the policy process. Three (18%) of the Key Actions received a rating of four indicating that all reasonable steps to engage in the policy development process were observed. Four (23%) of the Key Actions received a score five indicating a reference to Key Action in the core documents in the policy development process.Conclusion The development of disability policies and associated implementation strategies requires equitable and inclusive processes that consider input from all stakeholders especially those whose wellbeing depend on such policies. It is pivotal for government and organisations in the process of policy or strategy development and implementation, to involve stakeholders in a virtuous process of co-production – co-implementation – co-evaluation, which may strengthen both the sense of inclusion and the effectiveness of the policy life-cycle.
Perceptions of the Barriers, Facilitators, Outcomes, and Helpfulness of Strategies to Implement Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment in Acute Care
Authors: Keen Alyson , Thoele Kelli M , Oruche Ukamaka , Newhouse Robin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based clinical intervention used to reduce alcohol and illicit drug use. SBIRT use has resulted in positive health and social outcomes; however, SBIRT implementation remains low. Research on implementing evidence-based interventions, such as SBIRT, lacks information about challenges and successes related to implementation. The Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) provides a framework to guide comprehension, clarity, and relevance of strategies available for implementation research. This framework was applied to qualitative feedback gathered from site coordinators (SCs) leading SBIRT implementation. The purpose of this study was to describe the SCs’ experiences pertaining to SBIRT implementation across a health system. Methods: Within the context of a larger parent study, a semi-structured interview guide was used to capture 14 SCs’ perceptions of the barriers, facilitators, and outcomes pertaining to SBIRT implementation. This qualitative data was analyzed using standard content analytic procedures. A follow-up survey was developed based on 14 ERIC strategies identified from qualitative data and was administered electronically to determine the SC’s perceptions of the most helpful implementation strategies on a scale of 1 (least helpful) to 5 (most helpful). Results: All 14 invited SCs participated in the SBIRT implementation interview, and 11 of 14 (79%) responded to the follow-up survey. Within the categories of barriers, facilitators, and outcomes, 25 subthemes emerged. The most helpful ERIC implementation strategies were purposely reexamining the implementation (M=4.38; n=8), providing ongoing consultation (M=4.13; n=8), auditing and providing feedback (M=4.1; n=10), developing education materials (M=4.1; n=10), identifying and preparing champions (M=4; n=7), and tailoring strategies (M=4; n=7). Conclusion: SCs who led implementation efforts within a large healthcare system identified several barriers and facilitators to the implementation of SBIRT. Additionally, they identified clinician-related outcomes associated with SBIRT implementation into practice as well as strategies that were helpful in the implementation process. This information can inform the implementation of SBIRT and other interventions in acute care settings.
Modulation of atypical brain activation during executive functioning in autism: a pharmacological MRI study of tianeptine
Authors: Wichers Robert , Findon James , Jelsma Auke , Giampietro Vincent , Stoencheva Vladimira , Roberton Dene , Murphy Clodagh , Blainey Sarah , McAlonan Grainne , Ecker Christine , Rubia Katya , Murphy Declan , Daly Eileen 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with deficits in executive functioning (EF), and these have been suggested to contribute to core as well as co-occuring psychiatric symptoms. The biological basis of these deficits is unknown but may include the serotonergic system, which is involved in both regulating EF in neurotypical populations and in the pathophysiology of ASD. We previously demonstrated that reducing serotonin by acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) shifts differences in brain function during performance of EF tasks towards control levels. However, ATD cannot be easily used in the clinic, and we therefore need to adopt alternative approaches to challenge the serotonin system. Hence, we investigated the role of the serotonergic modulator tianeptine on EF networks in ASD. Method: We conducted a pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging (phMRI) study, using a randomised double-blind crossover design, to compare the effect of an acute dosage of 12.5 mg tianeptine and placebo on brain activation during during two EF tasks (of response inhibition and sustained attention) in 38 adult males; 19 with ASD and 19 matched controls. Results: Under placebo, compared to controls, individuals with ASD had atypical brain activation in response inhibtion regions including the inferior frontal cortex, premotor regions and cerebellum. During sustained attention, individuals with ASD had decreased brain activation in the right middle temporal cortex, right cuneus and left precuneus. Most of the case-control differences in brain function observed under placebo conditions were abolished by tianeptine administration. Also, within ASD individuals, brain functional differences were shifted significantly towards control levels during response inhibition in the inferior frontal and premotor cortices.Limitations: We conducted a pilot study using a single dose of tianeptine and therefore we cannot comment on long-term outcome.Conclusions: Our findings provide the first evidence that tianeptine can shift atypical brain activation during EF in adults with ASD towards control levels. Future studies should investigate whether this shift in the biology of ASD is maintained after prolonged treatment with tianeptine, and if it improves clinical symptoms.
Relationship between Admission Criteria and Academic Performance in Basic Science Courses in Health Science Colleges in KAU
Authors: Alamoudi Aliaa Amr , Falattah Hind Ibrahim , Eldakhakhny Basmah Medhat , kamel Fatemah Omar , AlSawwa Lana Adey , Elsamanoudy Ayman Zaky 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: In King Abdulaziz University, medical and health science schools depend on admission exams (Aptitude and Achievement) and Preparatory year scores in their students’ selection. However, with the growing number of applicants and the drastic changes in teaching and assessment in these colleges continuous assessment and development of admission criteria are needed. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the correlation of admission exam scores, in addition to the Preparatory year GPA, with academic performance in the basic science subjects such as Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology in health science colleges.Methods: The study was conducted on four cohort studies, two faculty of nursing cohorts; Nursing students (2017-2018,n=146) Nursing students (2018-2019,n=81), and two faculty of applied medical sciences cohorts, Clinical Nutrition students (2017-2018,n=33), Clinical Nutrition students (2018-2019,n=28) .The students’ scores of General Aptitude Test (GAT), Scholastic Achievement Admission Test (SAAT ), and preparatory year GPA were all recorded at the beginning of each semester before the beginning of courses. Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology exam results were recorded at the end of the semester. Correlation was done for each cohort and all cohorts pooled. Results: Results showed only a weak correlation detected between SAAT and the overall achievement in Clinical Biochemistry ( r= 0.192*, P= 0.042) in Nursing students (2017-2018) but no correlation was seen with SAAT or preparatory year scores. There was also no significant correlation between admission exams scores and the students ‘academic achievement in Clinical Pharmacology, and with On the other hand Clinical Pharmacology exam results showed a significant positive correlation with Clinical Biochemistry results (r=0.688, P=0.000). Conclusion: Our results could indicate the need to revisit the admission criteria for these colleges. Furthermore, specific preparatory year tracks for health science colleges can ensure that students improve the specific skills and knowledge required for their future college years.
Sniffer Dogs as a Screening/Diagnostic Tool for COVID-19: A Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Eskandari Esmaeil , Marzaleh Milad Ahmadi , Roudgari Hassan , Farahani Ramin Hamidi , Nezami-Asl Amir , Laripour Reza , Aliyazdi Helen , Moghaddam Arasb Dabbagh , Zibaseresht Ramin , Akbarialiabad Hossein , Zoshk Mojtaba Yousefi , Shiri Hamidreza , Shiri Mahdi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Sniffer dogs are able to detect certain chemical particles and are suggest to be capable of helping diagnose some medical conditions and complications, such as colorectal cancer, melanoma, bladder cancer, and even critical states such as hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. With the global spread of COVID-19 throughout the world and the need to have a real-time screening of the population, especially in crowded places, this study aimed to investigate the applicability of sniffer dogs to carry out such a task.Methods: Firstly, three male and female dogs from German shepherd (Saray), German black (Kuzhi) and Labrador (Marco) breeds had been intensively trained throughout the classical conditioning method for seven weeks. They were introduced to human specimens obtained from the throat and pharyngeal secretions of participants who were already reported positive or negative for SARS-COV-2 infection be RT-PCR. Each dog underwent the conditioning process for almost 1000 times. In the meantime another similar condition process was conducted on clothes and masks of COVID-19 patient using another three male and female dogs from Labrador (Lexi), Border gypsy (Sami), and Golden retriever (Zhico) breeds. In verification test for the first three dogs, 80 pharyngeal secretion samples consisting of 26 positive and 54 negative samples from different medical centers who underwent RT-PCR test were in a single-blind method. In the second verification test for the other three dogs, masks and clothes of 50 RT-PCR positive and 70 RT-PCR negative cases from different medical center were used.Results: In verification test using pharyngeal secretion, the sniffer dogs’ detection capability was associated with a 65% of sensitivity and 89% of specificity and they amanged to identify 17 out of the 26 positive and 48 out of the 54 true negative samples. In the next verification test using patients’ face masks and clothes, 43 out of the 50 positive samples were correctly identified by the dogs. Moreover, out of the 70 negative samples, 65 samples were correctly found to be negative. The sensitivity of this test was as high as 86% and its specificity was 92.9%. In addition, the positive and negative predictive values were 89.6% and 90.3%, respectively.Conclusion: Dogs are capable of being trained to identify COVID-19 cases by sniffing their odour, so they can be used as a reliable tool in limited screening.