bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recruiting general practitioners and patients with dementia into a cluster randomised controlled trial: strategies, barriers and facilitators
Authors: Lech Sonia , O’Sullivan Julie L. , Wellmann Leonard , Supplieth Juliana , Döpfmer Susanne , Gellert Paul , Kuhlmey Adelheid , Nordheim Johanna 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundRecruitment of general practitioners (GPs) and their patients is reported as one of the most challenging steps when undertaking primary care research. The present paper describes the recruitment process of a cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) aiming to improve dementia care in the primary care setting.MethodsRecruitment data was analysed descriptively using frequency tables to investigate comparisons of recruitment rates and results of different recruitment strategies as well as reasons for participation and non-participation of GPs, patients with dementia (PwD) and their caregivers.ResultsOver a period of 23 months,N = 28 GPs were successfully included in the cRCT. This represents an overall recruitment rate of 4.6%. The most efficient strategy in terms of high response and low labour-intensity involved the dissemination of calls for participation in a GP research network. Most frequently reported reasons for GP’s participation wereImprovement of patient’s well-being(n = 22, 79%) followed byInterest in dementia research(n = 18, 64%). The most common reasons for non-participation wereLack of time(n = 71, 34%) followed byNot interested in participation(n = 63, 30%). On a patient level,N = 102 PwD were successfully recruited. On average, each GP referred aboutn = 7 PwD (range: 1–17;mdn = 6; IQR = 3.5) and successfully recruited aboutn = 4 PwD (range: 1–11;mdn = 3; IQR = 3.5).ConclusionFirst, our findings propose GP research networks as a promising strategy to promote recruitment and participation of GPs and their patients in research. Second, present findings highlight the importance of including GPs and their interests in specific research topics in early stages of research in order to ensure a successful recruitment. Finally, results do not support cold calls as a successful strategy in the recruitment of GPs.Trial registrationThe trial was prospectively registered with the ISRCTN registry (Trial registration number:ISRCTN15854413). Registered 01 April 2019.
Francisella tularensis human infections in a village of northwest Iran
Authors: Esmaeili Saber , Rohani Mahdi , Ghasemi Ahmad , Gouya Mohammad Mehdi , Khayatzadeh Simin , Mahmoudi Ahmad , Ahangari Cohan Hossein , Johansson Anders , Maurin Max , Mostafavi Ehsan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundRecent seroepidemiological studies have suggested that tularemia could be an endemic bacterial zoonosis in Iran.MethodsFrom January 2016 to June 2018, disease cases characterized by fever, cervical lymphadenopathy and ocular involvement were reported in Youzband Village of Kaleybar County, in the East Azerbaijan Province, northwestern Iran. Diagnostic tests includedFrancisella tularensisserology (including tube agglutination test and ELISA), PCR, and culture.ResultsAmong 11 examined case-patients, the tularemia tube agglutination test was positive in ten and borderline in one. PCR detected theF. tularensisISFtu2elements andfopAgene in one rodent and a spring water sample from the same geographic area.ConclusionsBased on the clinical manifestations of the disease suggesting an oropharyngeal form of tularemia, serology results in case patients, andF. tularensisdetection in the local fauna and aquatic environment, the water supply of the village was the likely source of the tularemia outbreak. Intervention such as dredging and chlorination of the main water storage tank of the village and training of villagers and health care workers in preventive measures and treatment of the illness helped control the infection.
Clinical characteristics of Lewy body dementia in Chinese memory clinics
Authors:   China Lewy Body Disease Collaborative Alliance, Gan Jinghuan , Liu Shuai , Wang Xiaodan , Shi Zhihong , Shen Lu , Li Xudong , Guo Qihao , Yuan Junliang , Zhang Nan , You Yong , Lv Yang , Zheng Dongming , Ji Yong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Lewy body dementia (LBD), consisting of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), is the second most common type of neurodegenerative dementia in older people. The current study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of LBD in Chinese memory clinics.

Methods
A total of 8405 dementia medical records were reviewed, revealing 455 patients with LBD. Demographic data, neuropsychological scores, and the scale for Medial Temporal lobe Atrophy (MTA) were then analyzed from nine memory clinics in the China Lewy Body Disease Collaborative Alliance.

Results
The clinical proportion of LBD among the subjects and among all dementia types was 5.4% (4.9–5.9%) and 7.3% (6.7–8.0%), respectively, with a mean onset age of 68.6 ± 8.4 years. Patients with DLB comprised 5.6% (n = 348, age of onset 69.1 ± 8.3), while PDD comprised 1.7% (n = 107, age of onset 66.7 ± 8.8) of all dementia cases. There were slightly more males than females with DLB (n = 177, 50.9%) and PDD (n = 62, 57.9%). Patients with DLB had a poorer performance compared to those with PDD on the MMSE (16.8 ± 7.1 vs. 19.5 ± 5.7, p = 0.001), the MoCA (11.4 ± 6.6 vs. 14.0 ± 5.8, p<0.001), the CDR (1.8 ± 0.7 vs. 1.6 ± 0.7, p = 0.002), and the MTA (1.8 ± 0.7 vs. 1.2 ± 0.6, p = 0.002). Diagnostic differences for LBD exist among the centers; their reported proportions of those with DLB ranged from 0.7 to 11.4 and those with PDD ranged from 0.0 to 2.9%.

Conclusions
Variations of diagnoses exists in different regions and the clinical proportion of LBD is likely to be underestimated in China and other regions.
Risk factors for non-adherent retained placenta after vaginal delivery: a systematic review
Authors: Favilli Alessandro , Tosto Valentina , Ceccobelli Margherita , Parazzini Fabio , Franchi Massimo , Bini Vittorio , Gerli Sandro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundRetained placenta represents a cause of maternal morbidity and mortality affecting 0.5–3% of all vaginal deliveries. The unpredictability of this condition makes difficult to develop predictive and preventive strategies to apply in clinical practice. This analysis collected and analyzed all known risk factors related to this obstetric complication.MethodsA systematic literature review for all original research articles published between 1990 and 2020 was performed. Observational studies about retained placenta risk factors published in English language were considered eligible. Conference abstracts, untraceable articles and studies focused on morbidly adherent placenta were excluded. The included articles were screened to identify study design, number of enrolled patients and retained placenta risk factors investigated. All stages of the revision followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement.ResultsThirty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. The reported retained placenta prevalence ranged from 0.5 to 4.8%. Maternal age, previous cesarean sections, previous dilation and curettage, previous retained placenta, labor induction, resulted as the most recurrent, independent risk factors for retained placenta. Previous estro-progestins therapy, morphological placental features (weight, shape, insertion of umbilical cord, implantation site), endometriosis, Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Apgar score are fascinating new proposal risk factors.ConclusionsOld and new data are not enough robust to draw firm conclusions. Prospective and well-designed studies, based on a well agreed internationally retained placenta definition, are needed in order to clarify this potential dramatic and life-threatening condition.
The possible role of visceral fat in early pregnancy as a predictor of gestational diabetes mellitus by regulating adipose-derived exosomes miRNA-148 family: protocol for a nested case-control study in a cohort study
Authors: Zhang Zhenhong , Xu Qian , Chen Yanping , Sui Lun , Jiang Lu , Shen Qianqian , Li Minyu , Li Guoju , Wang Qiuzhen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has become alarming public health concern. It is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and increased risk of postpartum type 2 diabetes. Pre-pregnant body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and other anthropometric parameters have been proposed to predict GDM. However, visceral fat thickness can better reflect the distribution of body fat, and may more accurately predict the risk of GDM. Visceral fat thickness may lead to insulin resistance by regulating the adipose-derived exosomes miRNA-148 family, which affect the development of GDM. Evidence from prospective cohort studies on visceral fat thickness as a predictor of GDM and the possible mechanisms is still insufficient.

Methods
In this prospective cohort study, we will recruit 3000 women at first antenatal visit between 4 and 12 weeks of gestation. Baseline socio-demographic factors and visceral fat thickness will be assessed by questionnaire form and the ultrasonic measurement, respectively. At 20 weeks of gestation, 10 ml blood samples will be drawn and we will extract adipose-derived exosomes miRNA on the basis of nested case-control study. GDM will be screened at 24–28 weeks’ gestation and the expression of miRNA-148 family between pregnant women with GDM and without GDM will be analyzed. Intermediary analysis will be used to investigate whether visceral fat thickness can predict GDM by regulating adipose-derived exosomes miRNA-148 family.

Discussion
We hypothesized that visceral fat thickness may predict GDM by regulating the miRNA-148 family of adipose-derived exosomes. The findings of the study will assist in further clarifying the pathophysiological mechanism of GDM, it will also provide technical support for effective screening of high-risk pregnant women with GDM.
Complete remission of metastatic osteosarcoma using combined modality therapy: a retrospective analysis of unselected patients in China
Authors: Xie Lu , Xu Jie , Li Xiaowei , Zhou Zuli , Zhuang Hongqing , Sun Xin , Liu Kuisheng , Liu Xingyu , Sun Kunkun , Wu Yiming , Gu Jin , Guo Wei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Complete surgical remission (CSR) is the best predictor of overall survival (OS) for patients with metastatic osteosarcoma. However, metastasectomy has not been widely implemented in China in the last decade due to various factors, and instead, most physicians choose hypofractionated radiotherapy to treat pulmonary lesions. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the outcomes of different local treatments for pulmonary lesions and identify the best local therapy strategies for these patients.

Methods
We reviewed the clinical courses of osteosarcoma patients with pulmonary metastases who were initially treated in two sarcoma centres in Beijing, China, from June 1st, 2009, to March 26th, 2020. With a median follow-up of 32.4 (95% confidence interval (CI): 30.8, 36.1) months, a total of 127 patients with 605 pulmonary nodules, all of whom had received local therapy and firstly achieved CSR or complete radiated/metabolic remission (CRR), were included in the analysis. A total of 102 patients with 525 nodules were initially diagnosed with resectable lung metastases, while 25 patients had 80 indeterminate nodules at presentation and relapsed with pulmonary metastases within 6 months after the completion of adjuvant chemotherapy.

Results
Eighty-eight of 127 (69.3%) patients had fewer than 5 nodules at the time of local therapy, with 48 of 127 (37.8%) located in the unilateral pleura. No patient underwent thoracotomy, and 42 of 127 patients (85 nodules) received video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). In addition, 79 of 127 patients (520 nodules) received hypofractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy (RT), such as Gamma Knife radiosurgery or CyberKnife radiosurgery. The twelve-month event-free survival (EFS) (from local therapy to progression) rate of this entire study cohort was 35.6% (95% CI: 26.8, 44.4%), without a significant difference between the two groups (44.7% for VATS vs. 28.4% for RT, P = 0.755). Radiation-induced pneumonitis was observed in 62 of 86 (72.1%) patients, with one patient (1/86, 1.2%) in grade 4.

Conclusions
Our past data showed a similar prognosis with the use of hypofractionated radiotherapy and VATS for the treatment of pulmonary metastasis and no inferiority to thoracotomy regarding historical outcomes. Currently, high-resolution chest computed tomography (CT) provides sufficient information on nodules, and less invasive modalities can thus be considered for treatment.
Comparison of short-term outcomes between transthoracic and robot-assisted transmediastinal radical surgery for esophageal cancer: a prospective study
Authors: Yoshimura Shuntaro , Mori Kazuhiko , Ri Motonari , Aikou Susumu , Yagi Koichi , Yamagata Yukinori , Nishida Masato , Yamashita Hiroharu , Nomura Sachiyo , Seto Yasuyuki 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The present study aimed to assess the lower invasiveness of robot-assisted transmediastinal radical esophagectomy by prospectively comparing this procedure with transthoracic esophagectomy in terms of perioperative outcomes, serum cytokine levels, and respiratory function after surgery for esophageal cancer.

Methods
Patients who underwent a robot-assisted transmediastinal esophagectomy or transthoracic esophagectomy between April 2015 and March 2017 were included. The perioperative outcomes, preoperative and postoperative serum IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 levels, and respiratory function measured preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively were compared in patients with a robot-assisted transmediastinal esophagectomy and those with a transthoracic esophagectomy.

Results
Sixty patients with esophageal cancer were enrolled. The transmediastinal esophagectomy group had a significantly lower incidence of postoperative pneumonia (p = 0.002) and a significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay (p < 0.0002). The serum IL-6 levels on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, and 7 were significantly lower in the transmediastinal esophagectomy group (p = 0.005, 0.0007, 0.022, 0.020, respectively). In the latter group, the serum IL-8 level was significantly lower immediately after surgery and on postoperative day 1 (p = 0.003, 0.001, respectively) while the serum IL-10 level was significantly lower immediately after surgery (p = 0.041). The reduction in vital capacity, percent vital capacity, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume at 1.0 s 6 months after surgery was significantly greater in the transthoracic esophagectomy group (p < 0.0001 for all four measurements).

Conclusions
Although further, large-scale studies are needed to confirm our findings, robot-assisted transmediastinal esophagectomy may confer short-term benefits in radical surgery for esophageal cancer.

Trial registration
This trial was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000017565 14/05/2015).
Hospitalization at the end of life in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Abbasi Saqib , Roller John , Abdallah Al-Ola , Shune Leyla , McClune Brian , Sborov Douglas , Mohyuddin Ghulam Rehman 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Despite advances in treatment, multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable and results in significant morbidity and mortality. Further research investigating where MM patients die and characterization of end-of-life hospitalizations is needed.

Methods
We utilized the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to explore the hospitalization burden of MM patients at the end of their lives.

Results
The percent of patients dying in the hospital as a percent of overall MM deaths ranged from 54% in 2002 to 41.4% in 2017 (p < 0.01). Blood transfusions were received in 32.7% of these hospitalizations and infections were present in 47.8% of patients. Palliative care and/or hospice consultations ranged from 5.3% in 2002 to 31.4% in 2017 (p < 0.01).

Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that patients with MM dying in the hospital have a significant requirement for blood transfusions and have a high infection burden. We also show that palliative care and hospice involvement at the end of life has increased over time but remains low, and that ultimately, inpatient mortality has decreased over time, but MM patients die in the hospital at a higher rate than the general population.
Pseudomyopia with paradoxical accommodation: a case report
Authors: Park In Ki , Park Young Kee , Shin Jae-Ho , Chun Yeoun Sook 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Pseudomyopia is caused by increased refractive power by ciliary muscle spasm. Most patients cannot overcome pseudomyopia spontaneously; therefore, treatment of pseudomyopia is fastidious and needs a multidisciplinary approach. We report a case of unusual pseudomyopia with paradoxical accommodation, straining eyes to induce emmetropia at far distance and relaxing eyes to focus at near objects, contrary to physiological accommodation.

Case presentation
A 33-year-old woman experienced intermittent distant vision discomfort. This occurred at least a few hundred times daily. She could see near objects clearly; however, distant objects could be seen clearly only when she strained her eyes. Uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/20 and manifest refraction (MR) in both eyes in the relaxed state was approximately − 2.5 D. MR changed to approximately − 0.5 D when she grimaced and strained her eyes when attempting to focus on distant letters. Her response was contrary to the physiological accommodative response. Cycloplegic refraction was approximately 0.0 D. Binocular autorefractor/keratometer was used to objectively evaluate her refractive response and pupil reaction according to accommodative stimulation. The IOL Master was used to evaluate the anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), and pupil diameter with relaxed and strained eyes. For stepwise static accommodative stimuli (1–5 D), the refractive responses were correspondingly stepwise, similar to those elicited by healthy individuals. However, contrary to physiological accommodation, she strained her eyes to see distant objects and relaxed them to see near objects. There was no change in pupil diameter despite the accommodative stimuli being maximum. Biometry results showed that ACD deepened and LT flattened with eye strain, which were contrary to those during physiological accommodation.

Conclusions
We report a rare case with reverse of physiological accommodative response. When patients complain of unusual distant visual discomfort, pseudomyopia with paradoxical accommodation should be considered.
Staphylococcus-associated marginal keratitis secondary to pterygium surgery: a case report
Authors: Liu Xin , Ye Xiancheng , Bi Yanlong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Staphylococcus-associated marginal keratitis is an immune-mediated corneal disorder mainly secondary to chronic blepharoconjunctivitis. We report a rare case of Staphylococcus-associated marginal keratitis following pterygium excision. To the best of our knowledge, none of the previous literature has described such an acute complication after pterygium surgery.

Case presentation
We report a case of a 50-year-old woman who suffered from pterygium in the left eye and underwent pterygium surgery. After surgery, slit-lamp examination showed an incomplete ring-shaped creamy white infiltrate. Corneal pathogenic microbial detection was negative. Staphylococcus aureus was found on the upper eyelid margin of the affected eye. Therefore, she was clinically diagnosed with Staphylococcus-associated marginal keratitis. The infiltrate was gradually absorbed after steroids, topical antibiotics, and lubricant eye drops were administered. After 2 years of follow-up, neither corneal infiltrate nor pterygium recurrence was observed.

Conclusion
Staphylococcus-associated marginal keratitis is an immune reaction mainly secondary to chronic blepharoconjunctivitis, which usually activates an antigen-antibody reaction with complementary activation and neutrophil infiltration in patients sensitized to staphylococcal antigens. Early detection and treatment is of great importance. Topical steroids are effective and should be initiated early once pathogenic microbial infections are excluded. Although chronic staphylococcal blepharoconjunctivitis is a common disease, ophthalmologists should pay more attention to it to avoid potential complications.
Dry eye disease among Glaucoma patients on topical hypotensive medications, in a tertiary hospital, Ethiopia
Authors: Sahlu Miraf , Giorgis Abeba T. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Dry eye disease is a multifactorial disease; causing various ocular symptoms with potential damage to the ocular surface. Applying hypotensive eye drops are presumed to initiate or exacerbate existing dry eye disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of signs and symptoms and severity of dry eye disease among glaucoma patients on topical hypotensive medications and controls.

Methods
A cross-sectional comparative study, involving 320 glaucoma patients and controls. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) symptoms score and Schirmer, tear breakup time and corneal staining tests were used to assess dry eye disease. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 24 software; p-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results
Among the 160 study glaucoma patients, the mean duration of topical hypotensive medication use was 5.2 ± 5.21 years (range, 4 months - 32 years). Mild to severe level of OSDI score was found in 122 (76%) glaucoma patients and in 137 (86%) controls (p = 0.033). Mild to sever abnormal clinical tests in the glaucoma patients and control, respectively, were 106 (66%) vs 80 (50%) corneal staining (p = 0.045), 79 (49%) vs 72 (45%) TBUT (p = 0.021), and 91 (57%) vs 83 (52%) Schirmer test (p = 0.242). Test results at the level of sever: 2 (1%) vs 0 (0%) corneal staining, 50 (31%) vs 39 (24%) TBUT and 65 (41%) vs 60 (38%) Schirmer test in the glaucoma patents and controls, respectively. Corneal staining and TBUT had correlation with the number of drugs (p = 0.004 and 0.031, respectively), and more relationship of the two tests with total number of drops applied per day (p = 0.01 and p <  0.001, respectively). Patients on pilocarpine and timolol had more corneal staining and lower TBUT [(p = 0.011 and p <  0.001) and (p = 0.04 and 0.012), respectively].

Conclusions
The study has identified glaucoma patients to be more affected by dry eye disease than non-glaucoma patients, and presence of significantly lower TBUT and higher corneal staining in the glaucoma patients on multidrops and multidose per day. We recommend consideration of evaluation and management of DED for glaucoma patients on multidrops and multidose hypotensive medications.