bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early-life famine exposure and rheumatoid arthritis in Chinese adult populations: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Chunyu , Meng Xiangrui , Zhang Hao , Yang Fan , Pan Xiaoyu , Tang Kun 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the association between famine exposure in early life and the odds of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adulthood.DesignA population-based retrospective cohort study.SettingChina.ParticipantsA total of 111 706 participants (1775 with RA) born from 1956 to 1964 were selected from the baseline survey of a large cohort in China.Primary and secondary outcome measuresFour famine exposure groups were generated based on dates of birth, namely prenatal-exposed, infant-exposed, preschool-exposed and non-exposed groups. Logistic regressions were used to explore the association between famine exposure and self-reported RA in adulthood, adjusting for sex, region, monthly income, highest education, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, body mass index (BMI) and metabolic equivalent tasks. Analyses were also performed with stratification for sex (female or male), residing region (urban or rural), famine severity (severe or non-severe) and BMI (≥24 or <24).ResultsThe study included 1775 (1.59%) RA cases and 109 931 (98.41%) non-RA controls. Among them, 22 413 (20.06%) were prenatal-exposed, 14 899 (13.34%) were infant-exposed and 34 356 (30.76%) were preschool-exposed. Prenatal exposure to famine was not associated with onset of RA in adulthood. Infant-exposed group and preschool-exposed group had significantly elevated odds of getting RA compared with non-exposed group (infant-exposed: OR=1.44, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.67; preschool-exposed: OR=1.38, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.57, p<0.001), and the relationship was stronger among women, urban residents and participants with BMI ≥24. Similar results were additionally observed when an age-balanced control group was used.ConclusionsExposure to the Great Chinese Famine in early life after birth especially in infancy may be associated with a higher risk of RA in adulthood. Strengthening early-life nutrition could be an implication to prevent future RA.
Markers of gastrointestinal permeability and dysbiosis in premenopausal women with PCOS: a case–control study
Authors: Lingaiah Shilpa , Arffman Riikka K , Morin-Papunen Laure , Tapanainen Juha S , Piltonen Terhi 
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesAltered intestinal permeability and gut barrier dysfunction have been suggested to play a role in the pathogenetic mechanism of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrine and metabolic condition in reproductive-aged women. However, data on intestinal permeability and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in PCOS is still limited, with conflicting results. To this end, the concentrations of gastrointestinal permeability and gut dysbiosis markers were analysed in women with PCOS.DesignCase–control study.SettingGeneral community.Participants104 women with PCOS and 203 body mass index (BMI) matched control women at age 46.Primary and secondary outcome measuresSerum levels of zonulin, fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2), urinary levels of indican, and hormonal and metabolic parameters.ResultsSerum levels of zonulin (128.0±17.0 vs 130.9±14.0 ng/mL, p=0.13) and FABP2 (1.5±0.9 vs 1.5±0.7 ng/mL, p=0.63) and urinary levels of indican (9.5±5.5 vs 8.4±4.2 mg/dL, p=0.07) were comparable in women with PCOS and controls in the whole study population. Likewise, when the study population was divided into different BMI groups as normal weight, overweight and obese, the levels of the above markers were comparable between the study groups. After BMI adjustment, zonulin levels correlated with the levels of high-sensitivity C reactive protein and homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (p<0.05) both in women with PCOS and controls.ConclusionsIntestinal permeability markers zonulin and FABP2, and the dysbiosis marker indican do not seem to be altered in women with PCOS at age 46 compared with BMI-matched controls. Serum zonulin levels correlated with BMI, insulin resistance and inflammatory marker levels, but did not segregate women with PCOS and controls. This suggests that metabolic factors, but not PCOS per se, is the driving force of dysbiosis in premenopausal women with PCOS.
Associations of subclinical heart failure and atrial fibrillation with mild cognitive impairment: a cross-sectional study in a subclinical heart failure screening programme
Authors: Potter Elizabeth L , Ramkumar Satish , Wright Leah , Marwick Thomas H 
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesEffective identification and management of subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction (LVD) and subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) by screening elderly populations might be compromised by mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We sought to characterise the prevalence and profile of MCI and evaluate associations with LV and left atrial (LA) dysfunction and AF, in a trial of screening for subclinical LVD and AF.DesignCross-sectional.SettingAustralian, community-based intervention trial.ParticipantsAdults aged ≥65 years with ≥1 LVD risk factors without ischaemic heart disease (n=337).Outcome measuresThe Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) was obtained. Subclinical LVD was defined as echocardiographic global longitudinal strain ≤16%, diastolic dysfunction or LV hypertrophy; abnormal LA reservoir strain (LARS) was defined as <24%. Subclinical AF was detected using a single-lead portable electrocardiographic device in those without pre-existing AF who gave consent (n=293).ResultsSubclinical LVD was found in 155 (46%), abnormal LARS in 9 (3.6%) and subclinical AF in 11 (3.8%). MoCA score consistent with MCI (<26) was found in 101 (30%); executive function (69%) and delayed recall (93%), were the most frequently abnormal domains. Compared with normal cognition, MCI was associated with non-adherence to AF screening (25% vs 40%, p=0.01). In multivariable logistic regression modelling, educational achievement, systolic blood pressure, body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio were independently associated with MCI. However, neither subclinical AF nor any measure of cardiac dysfunction, were associated with MCI.ConclusionsThe 30% prevalence of MCI among elderly subjects with risk factors for subclinical LVD and AF has important implications for screening strategies and management. However, MCI is not associated with subclinical myocardial dysfunction nor subclinical AF.Trial registration numberAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12617000116325).
Influence of serum iron test results on the diagnosis of iron deficiency in children: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Sezgin Gorkem , Li Ling , Westbrook Johanna , Wearne Elisabeth , Azar Denise , McLeod Adam , Pearce Christopher , Ignjatovic Vera , Monagle Paul , Georgiou A 
Published: July 2021

Background and objectiveSerum iron results are not indicative of iron deficiency yet may be incorrectly used to diagnose iron deficiency instead of serum ferritin results. Our objective was to determine the association between serum iron test results and iron-deficiency diagnosis in children by general practitioners.Design, setting, patients and main outcome measuresA retrospective observational study of 14 187 children aged 1–18 years with serum ferritin and serum iron test results from 137 general practices in Victoria, Australia, between 2008 and 2018. Generalised estimating equation models calculating ORs were used to determine the association between serum iron test results (main exposure measure) and iron-deficiency diagnosis (outcome measure) in the following two population groups: (1) iron-deplete population, defined as having a serum ferritin <12 µg/L if aged <5 years and <15 µg/L if aged ≥5 years and (2) iron-replete population, defined as having a serum ferritin >30 µg/L.Results3484 tests were iron deplete and 15 528 were iron replete. Iron-deplete children were less likely to be diagnosed with iron deficiency if they had normal serum iron levels (adjusted OR (AOR): 0.73; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.96). Iron-replete children had greater odds of an iron-deficiency diagnosis if they had low serum iron results (AOR: 2.59; 95% CI 1.72 to 3.89). Other contributors to an iron-deficiency diagnosis were female sex and having anaemia.ConclusionSerum ferritin alone remains the best means of diagnosing iron deficiency. Reliance on serum iron test results by general practitioners is leading to significant overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis of iron deficiency in children.
Association of the incidence of atopic dermatitis until 3 years old with birth month and with sunshine duration and humidity in the first 6 months of life: Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Yokomichi Hiroshi , Mochizuki Mie , Tsuchida Akiko , Kojima Reiji , Horiuchi Sayaka , Ooka Tadao , Akiyama Yuka , Miyake Kunio , Otawa Sanae , Shinohara Ryoji , Inadera Hidekuni , Yamagata Zentaro 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveTo compare the incidence of atopic dermatitis in children aged from 6 months to 3 years across birth seasons and climate conditions.DesignCohort study.SettingFifteen regional centres across Japan.ParticipantsA total of 100 304 children born from 2011 to 2014.ExposureBirth month, and mean sunshine duration (short/long) and humidity (high/low) in the first 6 months of life.Primary outcome measureIncidence of atopic dermatitis.ResultsThe highest incidence of atopic dermatitis was in children born in the months of October to December. The lowest incidence of atopic dermatitis was in the months of April to June and in periods with a long duration of sunshine and high humidity. Low humidity was significantly associated with a higher incidence of atopic dermatitis. However, this significant difference disappeared when the birth season and parental history of allergic disease were considered in multivariate analysis.ConclusionsIn Japan, being born in the late autumn to early winter months is associated with a risk of developing atopic dermatitis until the age of 3 years. Sunshine duration and humidity from birth to 6 months of age are not associated with the incidence of atopic dermatitis.
Prayer as a pain intervention: protocol of a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Ferreira-Valente Alexandra , Jarego Margarida , Queiroz-Garcia Inês , Pimenta Filipa , Costa Rui Miguel , Day Melissa A , Pais-Ribeiro José , Jensen Mark P 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundPain is a universal experience and the most common reason for seeking healthcare. Inadequate pain management negatively impacts numerous aspects of patient health. Multidisciplinary treatment programmes, including psychosocial interventions, are more useful for pain management than purely biomedical treatment alone. Recently, researchers showed increasing interest in understanding the role of spirituality/religiosity and spiritual/religious practices on pain experience, with engagement in religious practices, such as prayer, showing to positively impact pain experience in religious individuals. This systematic review will seek to summarise and integrate the existing findings from randomised controlled trials assessing the effects of prayer and prayer-based interventions on pain experience.MethodsThe systematic review procedures and its report will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Electronic searches in nine databases (Web of Science Core Collection, MEDLINE, SCIELO Citation Index, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trial, PsycINFO, Scopus, LILACS and Open-SIGLE) will be performed to identify randomised controlled trials of prayer-based interventions. Two independent researchers will assess studies for inclusion and extract data from each paper. Risk of bias assessment will be assessed independently by two reviewers based on the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement. Qualitative synthesis of the body of research will be conducted using a narrative summary synthesis method. Meta-analysis will be limited to studies reporting on the same primary outcome. Formal searches are planned to start in June 2021. The final report is anticipated to be completed by September 2021.DiscussionFindings will be useful to (1) understand the condition of our knowledge in this field and (2) provide evidence for prayer effectiveness in reducing pain intensity and pain-related stress and increasing pain tolerance in adults experiencing acute or chronic pain.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020221733.
Pharmacokinetics and complementary evaluation system-based guidance on prophylaxis of paediatric patients with haemophilia A in China with Kovaltry: protocol of the LEAP study
Authors: Kun Huang , Xu Weiqun , Zhou Min , Li Xiaojing , Xu Zhongjin , Fang Yongjun , Li Changgang , Chen Zhenping , Wu Runhui 
Published: July 2021

IntroductionHaemophilia A is a rare inherited bleeding disease caused by the deficiency of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). The main treatment protocol is to administer regular exogenous FVIII concentrate infusions. With the discovery of variability in individualised pharmacokinetics (PK) and bleeding phenotype, the previous weight-based approach needs to be replaced by more advanced PK-tailored prophylaxis with an accurate evaluation system. In this study, we combine individualised PK profiles and a complementary evaluation system to guide prophylaxis in paediatric patients with haemophilia A.Methods and analysisThis is a single-centre, prospective single-arm study. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a new strategy combining PK and a complementary evaluation system to treat haemophilia A in Chinese paediatric patients. Sixty paediatric patients with haemophilia will be recruited. After PK testing, they will receive a PK-guided stepup prophylaxis in the next 2 years. The dosing regimen will be determined according to individualised PK profiles and complementary evaluation findings. Related indicators at the end of the study will be compared with the values at treatment initiation to examine the effectiveness of this new strategy. The demographic data of the investigated patients will be summarised by descriptive statistics. Quantitative data will be described by summary statistics, including arithmetic median, range, mean and arithmetic SD. Analyses will use t-test to compare indicators such as bleeding rate and imaging score at both ends of the study as well as during follow-up.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Children’s Hospital (Number 2020-Z-095). The findings will be presented at international meetings such as World Federation of Hemophilia World Congress. Related manuscripts will be submitted to peer-review journals such asBloodandHemophilia.Trial registration numberChiCTR2000037821; Pre-results.
Fitness, strength and severity of COVID-19: a prospective register study of 1 559 187 Swedish conscripts
Authors: af Geijerstam Agnes , Mehlig Kirsten , Börjesson Mats , Robertson Josefina , Nyberg Jenny , Adiels Martin , Rosengren Annika , Åberg Maria , Lissner Lauren 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the possible connection between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscle strength in early adulthood and severity of COVID-19 later in life.DesignProspective registry-based cohort study.Participants1 559 187 Swedish men, undergoing military conscription between 1968 and 2005 at a mean age of 18.3 (SD 0.73) years.Main outcome measuresHospitalisation, intensive care or death due to COVID-19 from March to September 2020, in relation to CRF and muscle strength.ResultsHigh CRF in late adolescence and early adulthood had a protective association with severe COVID-19 later in life with OR (95% CI) 0.76 (0.67 to 0.85) for hospitalisation (n=2 006), 0.61 (0.48 to 0.78) for intensive care (n=445) and 0.56 (0.37 to 0.85) for mortality (n=149), compared with the lowest category of CRF. The association remains unchanged when controlled for body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, chronic diseases and parental education level at baseline, and incident cardiovascular disease before 2020. Moreover, lower muscle strength in late adolescence showed a linear association with a higher risk of all three outcomes when controlled for BMI and height.ConclusionsPhysical fitness at a young age is associated with severity of COVID-19 many years later. This underscores the necessity to increase the general physical fitness of the population to offer protection against future viral pandemics.
Median time to pain improvement and the impact of baseline pain severity on pain response in patients with psoriatic arthritis treated with tofacitinib
Authors: de Vlam Kurt , Ogdie Alexis , Bushmakin Andrew G , Cappelleri Joseph C , Fleischmann Roy , Taylor Peter C , Azevedo Valderilio , Fallon Lara , Woolcott John , Mease Philip J 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundPain is a core domain of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This post hoc analysis evaluated time to pain improvement and the impact of baseline pain severity on pain response in patients with PsA receiving tofacitinib.MethodsData from two trials (NCT01877668;NCT01882439) in patients receiving tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily, placebo switching to tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily at month 3 (placebo-to-tofacitinib) or adalimumab (NCT01877668only) were included. Improvement in pain (≥30%/≥50% decrease from baseline in Visual Analogue Scale pain score) was assessed; median time to initial (first post-baseline visit)/continued (first two consecutive post-baseline visits) pain improvement was estimated (Kaplan-Meier) for all treatment arms. A parametric model was used to determine the relationship between baseline pain severity and time to pain response in patients receiving tofacitinib.ResultsAt month 3, more patients experienced pain improvements with tofacitinib/adalimumab versus placebo. Median days (95% CI) to initial/continued pain improvements of ≥30% and ≥50%, respectively, were 55 (29–57)/60 (57–85) and 85 (57–92)/171 (90–not estimable (NE)) for tofacitinib, versus 106 (64–115)/126 (113–173) and 169 (120–189)/NE (247–NE) for placebo-to-tofacitinib. Pain improvements were also experienced more quickly for adalimumab versus placebo. Predicted time to ≥30%/≥50% pain improvement was shorter in patients with higher baseline pain versus lower baseline pain (tofacitinib arm only).ConclusionsIn patients with PsA, pain improvements were experienced by more patients, and more rapidly, with tofacitinib and adalimumab versus placebo. In those receiving tofacitinib, higher baseline pain was associated with faster pain improvements.
Quasinormal modes in the field of a dyon-like dilatonic black hole
Authors: Malybayev A. N. , Boshkayev K. A. , Ivashchuk V. D. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractQuasinormal modes of massless test scalar field in the background of gravitational field for a non-extremal dilatonic dyonic black hole are explored. The dyon-like black hole solution is considered in the gravitational 4d model involving two scalar fields and two 2-forms. It is governed by two 2-dimensional dilatonic coupling vectors $${\lambda }_i$$

λ
i

obeying $${\lambda }_i ({\lambda }_1 + {\lambda }_2) > 0$$

λ
i

(

λ
1

+

λ
2

)

>
0

, $$i =1,2$$

i
=
1
,
2

. The first law of black hole thermodynamics is given and the Smarr relation is verified. Quasinormal modes for a massless scalar (test) field in the eikonal approximation are obtained and analysed. These modes depend upon a dimensionless parameter a ($$0 < a \le 2$$

0
<
a
≤
2

) which is a function of $${\lambda }_i$$

λ
i

. For limiting strong ($$a = +0$$

a
=
+
0

) and weak ($$a = 2$$

a
=
2

) coupling cases, they coincide with the well-known results for the Schwarzschild and Reissner–Nordström solutions. It is shown that the Hod conjecture, connecting the damping rate and the Hawking temperature, is satisfied for $$0 < a \le 1$$

0
<
a
≤
1

and all allowed values of parameters.
Stable Morris Thorne wormholes supported by non-exotic matter
Authors: Godani Nisha 
Published: July 2021

The present work is focused on the study of traversable wormholes, proposed by Morris and Thorne [Wormholes in spacetime and their use for interstellar travel: A tool for teaching general relativity, Am. J. Phys. 56 (1988) 395], using the background of modified gravity. It is performed by using the models: I. [Formula: see text], II. [Formula: see text] and III. [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are constants. The Model I belongs to the theory of [Formula: see text] gravity, Model II belongs to the theory of [Formula: see text] gravity and Model III is a combination of Models I and II. These functions have been taken into account for the exploration of wormhole solutions. The shape function, a wormhole metric function, is newly defined which satisfies the flare out condition. Further, the stability condition and energy conditions, namely null, weak and dominant energy conditions, have been examined with respect to each model.
Development and Validation of a Risk Prediction Model for Ventricular Arrhythmia in Elderly Patients with Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Dong Ying , Shi Yajun , Wang Jinli , Dan Qing , Gao Ling , Zhao Chenghui , Mu Yang , Liu Miao , Yin Chengliang , Wu Rilige , Liu Yuqi , Li Yang , Wang Xueping 
Published: July 2021

Background. Sudden cardiac death is a leading cause of death from coronary heart disease (CHD). The risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) increases with age, and sudden arrhythmic death remains a major cause of mortality in elderly individuals, especially ventricular arrhythmias (VA). We developed a risk prediction model by combining ECG and other clinical noninvasive indexes including biomarkers and echocardiology for VA in elderly patients with CHD. Method. In the retrospective study, a total of 2231 consecutive elderly patients (≥60 years old) with CHD hospitalized were investigated, and finally 1983 patients were enrolled as the model group. The occurrence of VA within 12 months was mainly collected. Study parameters included clinical characteristics (age, gender, height, weight, BMI, and past medical history), ECG indexes (QTcd, Tp-e/QT, and HRV indexes), biomarker indexes (NT-proBNP, Myo, cTnT, CK-MB, CRP, K+, and Ca2+), and echocardiology indexes. In the respective study, 406 elderly patients (≥60 years old) with CHD were included as the verification group to verify the model in terms of differentiation and calibration. Results. In the multiparameter model, seven independent predictors were selected: LVEF, LAV, HLP, QTcd, sex, Tp-e/QT, and age. Increased HLP, Tp-e/QT, QTcd, age, and LAV were risk factors (RR > 1), while female and increased LVEF were protective factors (RR < 1). This model can well predict the occurrence of VA in elderly patients with CHD (for model group, AUC: 0.721, 95% CI: 0.669∼0.772; for verification group, AUC: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.648∼0.818; Hosmer–Lemeshow

χ

2

= 13.541,

P
=
0.095

). After adjusting the predictors, it was found that the combination of clinical indexes and ECG indexes could predict VA more efficiently than using clinical indexes alone. Conclusions. LVEF, LAV, QTcd, Tp-e/QT, gender, age, and HLP were independent predictors of VA risk in elderly patients with CHD. Among these factors, the echocardiology indexes LVEF and LAV had the greatest influence on the predictive efficiency of the model, followed by ECG indexes, QTcd and Tp-e/QT. After verification, the model had a good degree of differentiation and calibration, which can provide a certain reference for clinical prediction of the VA occurrence in elderly patients with CHD.