bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wong Chloe , Lee Ming Hui , Yaow Clyve Yu Leon , Chin Yip Han , Goh Xin Lei , Ng Cheng Han , Lim Amanda Yuan Ling , Muthiah Mark Dhinesh , Khoo Chin Meng 
Published: April 2021

ObjectiveNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease is highly prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Studies on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease have reported promising results. Despite this, there has been limited evidence of its efficacy in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This meta-analysis examined existing evidence on the efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsMedline, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched for articles discussing the efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Values of standardized mean differences (SMD) and risk ratio (RR) were determined for continuous outcomes and dichotomous outcomes respectively.Results8 studies involving 1,454 patients from 5 randomized controlled trials and 3 cohort studies were included in the analysis. Our analysis found significant improvements in hepatic fat content, liver biochemistry, body composition, glucose parameters, lipid parameters, insulin sensitivity and inflammatory markers following glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist treatment. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists significantly decreased hepatic fat content compared to metformin and insulin-based therapies. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists also improved fibrosis markers, but this did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionWith a high prevalence of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist treatment shows promise in improving both diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease phenotype.
Factors Influencing Recanalization After Mechanical Thrombectomy With First-Pass Effect for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bai Xuesong , Zhang Xiao , Wang Jie , Zhang Yinhang , Dmytriw Adam A. , Wang Tao , Xu Ran , Ma Yan , Li Long , Feng Yao , Mena Carolina Severiche , Yang Kun , Wang Xue , Song Haiqing , Ma Qingfeng , Jiao Liqun 
Published: April 2021

Background: First-pass effect (FPE) is increasingly recognized as a predictor of good outcome in large vessel occlusion (LVO). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the factors influencing recanalization after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) with FPE in treating acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods: Main databases were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies reporting influencing factors of MT with FPE in AIS. Recanalization was assessed by the modified thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia (mTICI) score. Both successful (mTICI 2b-3) and complete recanalization (mTICI 2c-3) were observed. Risk of bias was assessed through different scales according to study design. The I2 statistic was used to evaluate the heterogeneity, while subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis were performed to investigate the source of heterogeneity. Visual measurement of funnel plots was used to evaluate publication bias.Results: A total of 17 studies and 6,186 patients were included. Among them, 2,068 patients achieved recanalization with FPE. The results of meta-analyses showed that age [mean deviation (MD):1.21,95% confidence interval (CI): 0.26–2.16; p = 0.012], female gender [odds ratio (OR):1.12,95% CI: 1.00–1.26; p = 0.046], diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR:1.17,95% CI: 1.01–1.35; p = 0.032), occlusion of internal carotid artery (ICA) (OR:0.71,95% CI: 0.52–0.97; p = 0.033), occlusion of M2 segment of middle cerebral artery (OR:1.36,95% CI: 1.05–1.77; p = 0.019), duration of intervention (MD: −27.85, 95% CI: −42.11–13.58; p &lt; 0.001), time of onset to recanalization (MD: −34.63, 95% CI: −58.45–10.81; p = 0.004), general anesthesia (OR: 0.63,95% CI: 0.52–0.77; p &lt; 0.001), and use of balloon guide catheter (BGC) (OR:1.60,95% CI: 1.17–2.18; p = 0.003) were significantly associated with successful recanalization with FPE. At the same time, age, female gender, duration of intervention, general anesthesia, use of BGC, and occlusion of ICA were associated with complete reperfusion with FPE, but M2 occlusion and DM were not.Conclusion: Age, gender, occlusion site, anesthesia type, and use of BGC were influencing factors for both successful and complete recanalization after first-pass thrombectomy. Further studies with more comprehensive observations indexes are need in the future.
Electroencephalography as a Biomarker for Functional Recovery in Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Authors: Simis Marcel , Doruk Camsari Deniz , Imamura Marta , Filippo Thais Raquel Martins , Rubio De Souza Daniel , Battistella Linamara Rizzo , Fregni Felipe 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundFunctional changes after spinal cord injury (SCI) are related to changes in cortical plasticity. These changes can be measured with electroencephalography (EEG) and has potential to be used as a clinical biomarker.MethodIn this longitudinal study participants underwent a total of 30 sessions of robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) over a course of 6 weeks. The duration of each session was 30 min. Resting state EEG was recorded before and after 30-session rehabilitation therapy. To measure gait, we used the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury Scale, 10-Meter- Walking Test, Timed-Up-and-Go, and 6-Min-Walking Test. Balance was measured using Berg Balance Scale.ResultsFifteen participants with incomplete SCI who had AIS C or D injuries based on American Spinal Cord Injury Association Impairment Scale classification were included in this study. Mean age was 35.7 years (range 17–51) and the mean time since injury was 17.08 (range 4–37) months. All participants showed clinical improvement with the rehabilitation program. EEG data revealed that high beta EEG activity in the central area had a negative correlation with gait (p = 0.049; β coefficient: −0.351; and adj-R2: 0.23) and balance (p = 0.043; β coefficient: −0.158; and adj-R2:0.24) measured at baseline, in a way that greater high beta EEG power was related to worse clinical function at baseline. Moreover, improvement in gait and balance had negative correlations with the change in alpha/theta ratio in the parietal area (Gait: p = 0.049; β coefficient: −0.351; adj-R2: 0.23; Balance: p = 0.043; β coefficient: −0.158; and adj-R2: 0.24).ConclusionIn SCI, functional impairment and subsequent improvement following rehabilitation therapy with RAGT correlated with the change in cortical activity measured by EEG. Our results suggest that EEG alpha/theta ratio may be a potential surrogate marker of functional improvement during rehabilitation. Future studies are necessary to improve and validate these findings as a neurophysiological biomarker for SCI rehabilitation.
A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Eyetronix Flicker Glass and Patching for Treatment of Amblyopia in Children Reveals Similar Improvements in Vision
Authors: Min Seung Hyun , Chen Shijia , Xu Jinling , Chen Bingzhen , Chen Hui , Wang Yuwen , Zhou Jiawei , Yu Xudong 
Published: April 2021

PurposeRecently, Eyetronix Flicker Glass (EFG) has been introduced as a novel treatment for amblyopia. It alternatively deprives the visual input of each eye rapidly (e.g., 7 Hz). However, whether it is comparable with standard patching therapy is unclear. In this randomized clinical trial, we evaluate the efficacy of an EFG therapy as treatment for amblyopia in children and compare it to the patching therapy.MethodsWe tested 31 children (aged 4–13 years) with amblyopia. They were assigned into one of the two treatment groups and were treated for 12 weeks. The first group was treated with EFG for 1 h/day (Flicker Group) and the latter with a standard patch (Patching Group) for 2 h/day. We designated changes from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the amblyopic eye as our primary outcome. Changes from baseline in other visual outcomes, such as contrast sensitivity, stereopsis, and fusional vergence range were measured as secondary outcome.ResultsBCVA improved significantly at 12 weeks relative to baseline in both the Flicker (0.13 ± 0.11 logMAR; mean ± SD) and Patching Groups (0.21 ± 0.14 logMAR). However, the improvements were not significantly different between groups (p = 0.13). Contrast sensitivity also significantly improved at 3 and 12 cycles/degree between baseline and 12 weeks in both groups (p’s &lt; 0.05). However, stereopsis and fusion range did not improve significantly in both groups.ConclusionAn EFG therapy and patching improved BCVA similarly for children with amblyopia at 12 weeks. Both therapies improved the contrast sensitivity at 3 and 12 cycles per degree (cpd); however, only patching improved the contrast sensitivity at 6 cpd. Both therapies did not benefit binocular visual functions (stereopsis and fusional vergence range). We believe that EFG can be an additional choice for therapy.Clinical Trial Registrationchictr.org number: ChiCTR2000034436.
Intra-Household and Close-Contact SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Among Children – a Systematic Review
Authors: Spielberger Benedikt D. , Goerne Tessa , Geweniger Anne , Henneke Philipp , Elling Roland 
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to a range of emergency measures worldwide. Early in the pandemic, children were suspected to act as drivers of the COVID-19 spread in the population, which was based on experiences with influenza virus and other respiratory pathogens. Consequently, closures of schools and kindergartens were implemented in many countries around the world, alongside with other non-pharmaceutical interventions for transmission control. Given the grave and multifaceted consequences of contact restriction measures for children, it is crucial to better understand the effect size of these incisive actions for the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we systematically review the current evidence on transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to and by children.Data Sources: PubMed and preprints uploaded on medRxiv.Study Selection: Original research articles, case reports, brief communications, and commentaries were included into the analysis. Each title or abstract was independently reviewed to identify relevant articles. Studies in other languages than English were not included.Data Extraction: Two reviewers independently reviewed the selected studies. Extracted data included citation of each study, type of healthcare setting, location of the study, characteristics of patient population, and reported outcomes.Results: Data on transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on or by children is scarce. Several studies show a lower seropositivity of children compared to adults, suggesting a lower susceptibility of especially younger children. Most insight currently comes from household studies suggesting, that children are predominantly infected by their household contacts. The contagiousness however, seems to be comparable between children and adults, based on our meta-analysis of included studies.Conclusions: Larger and systematic studies are urgently needed to better understand the age dependent patterns of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and thereby design more effective non-pharmaceutical interventions to reduce disease transmission.
Improvement of Vascular Function by Knockdown of Salusin-β in Hypertensive Rats via Nitric Oxide and Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling Pathway
Authors: Pan Yan , Sun Shuo , Wang Xingxing , Chen Aidong , Fei Xuejie , Wang Wei , Han Ying 
Published: April 2021

PurposeSalusin-β, a multifunctional vasoactive peptide, has a potentially important function in the pathological development of hypertension. However, the exact functional role of salusin-β and the underlying mechanism in this process are still not fully understood. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of silencing salusin-β on vascular function and vascular remodeling, as well as its signaling pathways in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY).MethodsSilencing salusin-β was performed by caudal vein injection of adenovirus expressing salusin-β short hairpin RNA (shRNA). Acetylcholine (ACh)-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation was used to evaluate vasodilator function, and high K+ solution-induced constriction was used to evaluate vasoconstriction function.ResultsSalusin-β levels in plasma and its protein expression in mesenteric artery (MA), coronary artery (CA), and pulmonary artery (PA) of SHR were higher than those in WKY. The salusin-β level and expression were decreased effectively by salusin-β shRNA. Knockdown of salusin-β decreased arterial blood pressure (ABP) and high K+ solution-induced vascular constrictions, and improved the endothelium-dependent relaxation and vascular remodeling in SHR. The improved effect of silencing salusin-β on ACh-induced relaxation in SHR was almost blocked by the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NAME. Compared to WKY, the endothelial NOS (eNOS) activity and level, and nitric oxide (NO) level were decreased, while NAD(P)H oxidase activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in MA, CA, and PA of SHR were increased, which were all redressed by salusin-β knockdown.ConclusionThese results indicate that knockdown of salusin-β improves endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation and vascular remodeling and decreases ABP and vasoconstriction in SHR, which might be accomplished by increasing eNOS activation and NO release while inhibiting NAD(P)H oxidase derived-ROS generation. Scavenging salusin-β improves vascular function and then prevents the development and progression of vasculopathy of hypertension.
The Pharmacodynamics of Antipsychotic Drugs in Women and Men
Authors: Seeman Mary V. 
Published: April 2021

Background: Animal and human experiments have confirmed sex differences in the expression of hepatic enzymes that metabolize antipsychotic drugs and that may, in this way, be partly responsible for the clinical sex/gender differences observed in the efficacy and tolerability of antipsychotic treatment.Aim: The aim of this mini review is to synthesize the literature on the pharmacodynamics of male/female differential response to antipsychotic drugs.Method: Relevant search terms were used to search for pre-clinical and human trials and analysis of antipsychotic differential drug response and occurrence/severity of adverse effects in women and men.Results: The search found that sex influences drug response via the amount of a given drug that enters the brain and the number of neurotransmitter receptors to which it can bind. Consequently, sex partly determines the efficacy of a specific drug and its liability to induce unwanted effects. There are other factors that can overshadow or enhance the dimorphic effect of sex, for instance, the host's age, hormonal status, diet and life style as well as the molecular structure of the drug and its dose, and the method of its administration. Most of all, the host's individual genetics affects each step of a drug's pharmacodynamics.Conclusion: On average, women's psychotic symptoms respond to antipsychotic drugs at doses lower than men's. This means that many women may be de facto overdosed and, thus, experience unnecessary adverse effects. That being said, factors such as genetics and age probably determine drug response and tolerability to a greater degree than do biological sex or gender social roles.
Alexithymia in Patients With Substance Use Disorders and Its Relationship With Psychiatric Comorbidities and Health-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Palma-Álvarez Raul F. , Ros-Cucurull Elena , Daigre Constanza , Perea-Ortueta Marta , Serrano-Pérez Pedro , Martínez-Luna Nieves , Salas-Martínez Anna , Robles-Martínez María , Ramos-Quiroga Josep A. , Roncero Carlos , Grau-López Lara 
Published: April 2021

Background: Alexithymia frequently correlates with several psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorder (SUD). However, most studies reporting the associations between alexithymia and psychiatric disorders have been performed in populations without SUD. This research, therefore, evaluates alexithymia in Spanish patients with SUD and the relationship among alexithymia, psychiatric comorbidities, psychological symptoms/traits, SUD variables, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 126 Spanish outpatients with SUD (75.4% males; mean age 43.72 ± 14.61 years), correlating their alexithymia levels (using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale 20 [TAS-20]) to their psychiatric comorbidities, psychological symptoms/traits, SUD variables, and HRQoL.Results: Alexithymia was significantly higher in patients who had cannabis use disorder. Higher alexithymia scores were also related to higher levels of depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and lower HRQoL. After multivariate analysis, trait anxiety, impulsivity, and the physical component summary of the HRQoL were found to be independently related to alexithymia.Conclusions: SUD patients with higher alexithymia levels have more frequently psychiatric comorbidities, present specific psychological features, and have worse HRQoL. Hence, it is important to evaluate these factors and offer more accurate psychotherapeutic approaches for this patient population.
Risks of Adverse Neonatal Outcomes in Early Adolescent Pregnancy Using Group Prenatal Care as a Strategy for Public Health Policies: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Brazil
Authors: Honorato Danylo José Palma , Fulone Izabela , Silva Marcus Tolentino , Lopes Luciane Cruz 
Published: April 2021

Background: Adolescent pregnancy is a public health concern and many studies have evaluated neonatal outcomes, but few have compared younger adolescents with older using adequate prenatal care.Objective: To compare the risks of adverse neonatal outcomes in younger pregnant adolescents who are properly followed through group prenatal care (GPC) delivered by specialized public services.Methods: This retrospective cohort study followed pregnant adolescents (aged 10–17 years) who received GPC from specialized public services in Brazil from 2009 to 2014. Data were obtained from medical records and through interviews with a multidisciplinary team that treated the patients. The neonatal outcomes (low birth weight, prematurity, Apgar scores with 1 and 5 min, and neonatal death) of newborns of adolescents aged 10–13 years were compared to those of adolescents aged 14–15 years and 16–17 years. Incidence was calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and compared over time using a chi-squared test to observe trends. Poisson Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding variables. The results are presented as adjusted relative risks or adjusted mean differences.Results: Of the 1,112 adolescents who were monitored, 758 were included in this study. The overall incidence of adverse neonatal outcomes (low birth weight and prematurity) was measured as 10.2% (95% CI: 9.7–11.5). Apgar scores collected at 1 and 5 min were found to be normal, and no instance of fetal death occurred. The incidence of low birth weight was 16.1% for the 10–13 age group, 8.7% for the 14–15 age group and 12.1% for the 16–17 age group. The incidence of preterm was measured at 12, 8.5, and 12.6% for adolescents who were 10–13, 14–15, and 16–17 years of age, respectively. Neither low birth weight nor prematurity levels significantly differed among the groups (p &gt; 0.05). The infants born to mothers aged 10–13 years presented significantly (p &lt; 0.05) lower Apgar scores than other age groups, but the scores were within the normal range.Conclusions: Our findings showed lower incidence of neonatal adverse outcomes and no risk difference of neonatal outcomes in younger pregnancy adolescents. It potentially suggests that GPC model to care pregnant adolescents is more important than the age of pregnant adolescent, however further research is needed.
Transport to School and Mental Well-Being of Schoolchildren in Ireland
Authors: Költő András , Gavin Aoife , Kelly Colette , Nic Gabhainn Saoirse 
Published: April 2021

Objectives: We explored whether modes of transport (cycling, walking, public transport or private vehicle) between home and school are associated with mental well-being in children aged 10–17 years, participating in the Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study.Methods: Scores on the World Health Organization Well-being Index and the Mental Health Inventory five-item versions, self-reported life satisfaction, happiness with self, body satisfaction, excellent self-rated health, and multiple health complaints of 9,077 schoolchildren (mean age: 13.99 ± 1.91 years, percentage girls: 52.2%) were compared across modes of transport, unadjusted and adjusted for gender, age, family affluence and area of residence.Results: Those who reported using public transport reported poorer mental well-being than those using other means of transport, but adjusting for sociodemographic variables obscured these differences. The only exception was excellent health, where children who cycled outperformed the other three groups, even after adjustment for sociodemographic variables.Conclusions: Cycling can improve well-being in children. However, in promotion of cycling, social and environmental determinants and inequalities which influence adolescents’ and their parents’ decisions on modes of transport, need to be considered.