bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between Physical Activity and Cognitive Function among the Elderly in the Health and Social Centers in Kenitra, Rabat, and Sidi Kacem City (Morocco)
Authors: Talhaoui Abdeljalil , Aboussaleh Youssef , Ahami Ahmed , Sbaibi Rachid , Agoutim Naima , Rouim Fatima Zohra , Karjouh Khadija 
Published: July 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the link between the physical activity (PA) and cognitive function among the elderly in the health and social centers in Kenitra, Rabat, and Sidi Kacem city (Morocco). Materials and methods: This study was conducted among 172 elderly (56.4% men) aged above 60 years (67.53 ± 7.53) in the health and social centers in Kenitra, Rabat, and Sidi Kacem city (Morocco). Cognitive functions were assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) (Normal: MMSE’s score >24 and cognitive impairment (CI): MMSE’s score ⩽ 24). The physical activity (PA) was evaluated using the GPAQ (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire), ranking the elderly by high, moderate, and limited level of PA. The binary logistic regression was performed by the cognitive function (dependent variable), and PA level (independent variable). Results: The elderly people with cognitive impairment (MMSE score <24 tend to practice less walking and cycling activities ( P  =  .005). However no difference was found between normal and cognitively impaired subjects for all other subtypes of PA ( P > .05). The binary logistic regression adjusted for gender, education, profession, pension, depression, and nutritional status reveled that only the moderate level of PA was a protective factor against cognitive impairment compared to limited level (ORa = 0.136, 95% CI: 0.04-0.41) (ORa: Adjusted Odd Ratio; 95% CI: 95% of Confidence Interval). Conclusion: Our finding demonstrates that moderate PA specially walking or cycling is associated with lower risk of cognitive impairment. This indicates that a regular practice of walking or cycling as PA can play an important role for cognitive impairment prevention. And the necessity for further researches to more understands this association.
Longitudinal follow-up of serum biomarkers in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Kim Hyunjin , Lee Eun-Jae , Kim Seungmi , Choi Lyn-Kyung , Kim Hyun-Ji , Kim Hye Weon , Chung Kyuyoon , Seo Dayoung , Moon Seongshin , Kim Kwang-Kuk , Lim Young-Min 
Published: July 2021

Background: Recently, several serum biomarkers have been proposed in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) to monitor disease activity. Objective: The objective of the study is to evaluate the longitudinal clinical value of serum biomarkers in patients with NMOSD. Methods: We prospectively recruited consecutive NMOSD patients with anti-aquaporin-4 antibody and obtained serum samples at enrollment, after 6–12 months of follow-up (main period), and at attacks. Using single-molecule array assays, we evaluated longitudinal changes of serum neurofilament light chain (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and GFAP/NfL levels. Results: Overall, 64 patients (58 women) were enrolled (age: 51 years, disease duration: 6.7 years) and 133 samples were obtained. Among patients who did not develop new attacks during the main period ( n = 62), serum levels of NfL, GFAP, and GFAP/NfL were significantly decreased over time in patients with attacks (<2 months) at enrollment ( n = 14 (23%)), whereas serum NfL and GFAP levels gradually increased in the others ( n = 48 (77%)). During the study, five (8%) patients developed new attacks; only serum GFAP levels increased consistently upon these events compared with baseline levels. To differentiate attacks from remissions, serum GFAP levels showed the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.876, 95% confidence interval: 0.801–0.951). Conclusion: Among NfL, GFAP, and GFAP/NfL, serum GFAP might be the most appropriate for monitoring NMOSD longitudinally, which warrants future confirming studies.
Performance validity in outpatients with multiple sclerosis and cognitive complaints
Authors: Nauta IM , Bertens D , van Dam M , Huiskamp M , Driessen S , Geurts JJG , Uitdehaag BMJ , Fasotti L , Hulst HE , de Jong BA , Klein M 
Published: July 2021

Background: Suboptimal performance during neuropsychological assessment renders cognitive test results invalid. However, suboptimal performance has rarely been investigated in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objectives: To investigate potential underlying mechanisms of suboptimal performance in MS. Methods: Performance validity testing, neuropsychological assessments, neuroimaging, and questionnaires were analyzed in 99 MS outpatients with cognitive complaints. Based on performance validity testing patients were classified as valid or invalid performers, and based on neuropsychological test results as cognitively impaired or preserved. Group comparisons and correlational analyses were performed on demographics, patient-reported, and disease-related outcomes. Results: Twenty percent displayed invalid performance. Invalid and valid performers did not differ regarding demographic, patient-reported, and disease-related outcomes. Disease severity of invalid and valid performers with cognitive impairment was comparable, but worse than cognitively preserved valid performers. Lower performance validity scores related to lower cognitive functioning, lower education, being male, and higher disability levels ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Suboptimal performance frequently occurs in patients with MS and cognitive complaints. In both clinical practice and in cognitive research, suboptimal performance should be considered in the interpretation of cognitive outcomes. Identification of factors that differentiate between suboptimal and optimal performers with cognitive impairment needs further exploration.
Labour market status and depression in Russia: A longitudinal study, 2011–2017
Authors: Kaneva Maria , Gerry Christopher J. 
Published: July 2021

Aims: This is the first longitudinal study to examine the relationship between depression and the labour market in Russia. Using data from 2011 to 2017, we identify the impact that not being in employment has on mental distress, and we explore the mechanism underlying the observed association. Methods: Using data from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey – Higher School of Economics, we employ random-effects regression models to estimate the impact of employment conditions on the likelihood of reporting mental distress in Russia. This method allows us to distinguish between the selection effect associated with mental distress and direct causation. Results: Controlling for a range of socio-economic and demographic characteristics, we find that unemployment and labour market inactivity are strong predictors of the likelihood of reporting depression and serious nervous breakdown. However, we find that rather than negative labour market events giving rise to mental distress, the selection effect actually dominates, and the direction of causality therefore operates in reverse. Conclusions: Knowledge of the underlying mechanism that links unfavourable labour market outcomes with mental distress is crucial for designing policies that can address this link. We argue that our findings provide grounds for the initiation of anti-stigma campaigns among employers, policymakers, health practitioners and politicians as well as the general population. Eradication of the perception that mental disorders are somehow different to ‘real’ illnesses will not only prevent Russians from self-selection into unemployment but may also transform outdated approaches to mental health care in Russia.
High excess deaths in Sweden during the first wave of COVID-19: Policy deficiencies or ‘dry tinder’?
Authors: Rizzi Silvia , Søgaard Jes , Vaupel James W. 
Published: July 2021

Aims: During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sweden registered a high level of excess deaths. Non-pharmaceutical interventions adopted by Sweden have been milder compared to those implemented in Denmark. Moreover, Sweden might have started the pandemic with a large proportion of vulnerable elderly with a high mortality risk. This study aimed to clarify whether excess mortality in Sweden can be explained by a large stock of ‘dry tinder’ instead of being attributed to faulty lockdown policies. Methods: We analysed weekly death counts in Sweden and Denmark from July 2007 to June 2020. We used a novel method for short-term mortality forecasting to estimate expected and excess deaths during the first COVID-19 wave in Sweden and Denmark. Results: In the first part of the epiyear 2019–2020, deaths were low in both Sweden and Denmark. In the absence of COVID-19, a relatively low level of death would be expected for the later part of the epiyear. The registered deaths were, however, way above the upper bound of the prediction interval in Sweden and within the range in Denmark. Conclusions: ‘Dry tinder’ can only account for a modest fraction of excess Swedish mortality. The risk of death during the first COVID-19 wave rose significantly for Swedish women aged >85 but only slightly for Danish women aged >85. The risk discrepancy seems more likely to result from differences between Sweden and Denmark in how care and housing for the elderly are organised, coupled with a less successful Swedish strategy of shielding the elderly.
Compliance with recommendations limiting COVID-19 contagion among university students in Sweden: associations with self-reported symptoms, mental health and academic self-efficacy
Authors: Berman Anne H. , Bendtsen Marcus , Molander Olof , Lindfors Petra , Lindner Philip , Granlund Lilian , Topooco Naira , Engström Karin , Andersson Claes 
Published: July 2021

Aims: The COVID-19 containment strategy in Sweden uses public health recommendations relying on personal responsibility for compliance. Universities were one of few public institutions subject to strict closure, meaning that students had to adapt overnight to online teaching. This study investigates the prevalence of self-reported recommendation compliance and associations with self-reported symptoms of contagion, self-experienced effects on mental health and academic self-efficacy among university students in Sweden in May–June 2020. Methods: This was a cross-sectional 23 question online survey in which data were analysed by multinomial regression, taking a Bayesian analysis approach complemented by null hypothesis testing. Results: A total of 4495 students consented to respond. Recommendation compliance ranged between 70% and 96%. Women and older students reported higher compliance than did men and younger students. Mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms were reported by 30%, severe symptoms by fewer than 2%; 15% reported being uncertain and half of the participants reported no symptoms. Mental health effects were reported by over 80%, and changes in academic self-efficacy were reported by over 85%; in both these areas negative effects predominated. Self-reported symptoms and uncertainty about contagion were associated with non-compliance, negative mental health effects, and impaired academic self-efficacy. Conclusions: Students generally followed public health recommendations during strict closure of universities, but many reported considerable negative consequences related to mental health and academic self-efficacy. Digital interventions should be developed and evaluated to boost coping skills, build resilience and alleviate student suffering during the pandemic and future similar crises.
Omniflow II biosynthetic grafts versus expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts for infrainguinal bypass surgery. A single-center retrospective analysis
Authors: van de Laar Bart CT , van Heusden Hugo C , Pasker-de Jong Pieternel CM , van Weel Vincent 
Published: July 2021

Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of Omniflow II biosynthetic vascular grafts as compared to synthetic expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts in infrainguinal bypass surgery. Methods: A single-center, retrospective, observational study was performed reviewing patients with critical limb ischemia who underwent infrainguinal bypass surgery between 2014 and 2018. Patients characteristics, graft characteristics, and treatment outcomes were collected. Patency rates were compared using Kaplan–Meier estimates. Results: Sixty bypasses were performed in 57 patients. For above-knee surgery, six were Omniflow and 13 were synthetic. For below-knee surgery, 19 were Omniflow and 22 were synthetic. Patient characteristics between groups were similar. However, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification scores were higher in the Omniflow group as compared to ePTFE (88% was ASA 3 or higher versus 60%; p = 0.018). Furthermore, wound, ischemia, and foot infection (WIfI) composite scores were higher in the Omniflow group ( p = 0.0001). There was a trend toward more active infection at time of surgery in the Omniflow group (40 vs 22.9%, p = 0.15). At 1 year, primary patency rates were 60.0% versus 46.9% for above-knee Omniflow versus ePTFE grafts, respectively ( p = 0.72). Secondary patency rates were 80.0% versus 82.5% ( p = 0.89), and limb salvage rates were 83.3% versus 100% ( p = 0.14). For below-knee surgery, 1- and 2-year primary patency rates in Omniflow versus ePTFE grafts were 36.0% versus 41.8% ( p = 0.60) and 36.0% versus 31.1% ( p = 0.87). Secondary patency rates were 66.8% versus 75.2% at 1 year ( p = 0.53) and 58.8% versus 48.3% ( p = 0.77) at 2 years. Below-knee limb salvage rates for Omniflow versus ePTFE after 2 years were 88.0% versus 68.3% ( p = 0.28), respectively. Aneurysmal degeneration occurred in 2/25 (8%) in the Omniflow group and 0/35 (0%) in the ePTFE group. Bypass infections occurred in 2/25 (8%) in the Omniflow group and 0/35 (0%) in the ePTFE group ( p = 0.09). Conclusion: Omniflow bypasses were more commonly implanted in patients with higher limb infection rate as confirmed with a higher adapted WIfI score. A trend toward a higher infection rate of Omniflow grafts was observed but not statistically significant. Graft infection rates were relatively low and treatable with antibiotics. No significant difference in graft performance was observed. The choice between the two studied grafts remains based on surgeon’s preference.
Presence and Severity of Mental Illness Is Associated With Increased Risk of Postoperative Emergency Visits, Readmission, and Reoperation Following Outpatient ACDF: A National Database Analysis
Authors: Kamalapathy Pramod N. , Wang Kevin Y. , Puvanesarajah Varun , Raad Micheal , Hassanzadeh Hamid 
Published: July 2021

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objective: The purpose was to compare rates of postoperative ED visits, readmission, and reoperation between patients with and without preexisting mental illness undergoing outpatient anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Methods: A retrospective review of the Mariner Database was conducted on patients who underwent ACDF between 2010 and 2017. Exclusion criteria included same day revision surgery and patients with a history of spine infection, trauma, or neoplasm. Patients were grouped into 3 categories: those with existing history of anxiety and/or depression, those with severe mental illness, and those without any history of mental illness. Severe mental illness was defined as a combination of diagnosis including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and/or psychotic disorder. Outcome measures were analyzed by comparing groups using multivariate logistic regression. Significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Patients with anxiety/depression and patients with severe mental illness both had significantly increased risk of ED visits and readmission at 30-day and 90-day intervals. Compared to patients without mental illness, patients with severe mental illness (OR 1.93, P < 0.001) had significantly increased rates of reoperation at 90-days and 1-years postoperatively. Patients with anxiety/depression did not have increased rates of reoperation relative to patients without anxiety/depression at any time interval ( P > 0.05). Conclusion: Anxiety/depression as well as more severe psychiatric disease such as Schizophrenia and Bipolar disorder were significantly associated with increased healthcare utilization following outpatient ACDF. Patients with preexisting mental illness undergoing outpatient ACDF should be carefully evaluated preoperatively and closely followed postoperatively to reduce risk of adverse events.
Effect of Zoledronic Acid on the Vertebral Body Bone Mineral Density After Instrumented Intervertebral Fusion in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis
Authors: Fan Junjun , Liu Tao , Dong Xin , Sun Siguo , Zhang Hongtao , Yang Chunbao , Yin Xin , Liao Bo , Li Xiaoxiang 
Published: July 2021

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of zoledronic acid, an anti-osteoporosis treatment, during the perioperative period on vertebral body bone mineral density (BMD) after spinal fusion surgery in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Methods: The medical records of postmenopausal patients with osteoporosis who underwent instrumented intervertebral fusion for lumbar degenerative disease between July 2016 and May 2018 were reviewed. Patients with comorbidities or condition which might affect bone metabolism were excluded. Forty-six patients did not receive anti-osteoporosis treatment before surgery and during the postoperative follow-up (untreated group). Another 46 patients who was treated with zoledronic acid perioperatively were matched for age and body mass index to patients in the untreated group. Preoperative and postoperative dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) records and lumbar BMD values of the involved spinal segments and of the cephalad levels, as well as of the femoral neck were recorded. Results: A significant decrease of cephalad vertebral BMD values was observed in the untreated group (-11.47%, P < 0.001), with a slight decrease of the femoral neck (-1.28%, P > 0.05). Zoledronic acid prevented rapid bone loss after instrumented intervertebral fusion surgery, with a bone loss in the cephalad levels of -0.76 ± 4.71% compared to -11.47 ± 16.45% in the untreated group ( P < 0.001). while the change in BMD of the femoral neck in the treated group was 1.52 ± 5.88% compared to -1.28 ± 6.58% in the untreated group ( P = 0.036). Conclusions: Perioperative zoledronic acid treatment may offer protection against a significant decrease in BMD of cephalad vertebrae after spinal fusion surgery among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
Effect of flushing temperature on preparation ability of rotary nickel-titanium files
Authors: Chai Guangquan , Guo Ziyan , Wang Yingdi , Li Yanfeng , Wang Jing , Zhang Lu , Sun Yidan , Yang Chunhao , Xia Dong , Shi Tingting 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: The effect of flushing at different temperatures on the preparation ability of rotary nickel-titanium files was investigated to provide guideline for clinical application. Methods: Sixty ProTaper Universal F1 rotary nickel-titanium files were randomly divided into three groups treated by flushing at 6°C, 23°C, and 40°C. Root canal preparation was conducted by step-by-step method on standardized nickel-titanium instrument fracture models. During preparation, the thrust force was set as 10 N, and water was continuously flushed. The motor speed was 350 rpm (rounds per minute), and the torque was 3.0 N cm. When the set torque was reached, the motor automatically rotated in the reverse direction and was pulled out. Results: Root canal preparation was performed using ProTaper Universal F1 rotary nickel-titanium files treated by flushing. The numbers of rotations before the device was fracture were 429.33 ± 214.68, 821.92 ± 410.43, and 1304.92 ± 297.81, respectively. When each root canal was completed, the numbers of instrument rotations were 272.15 ± 88.30, 188.85 ± 34.36, and 163.41 ± 16.18, respectively. Rank sum test and analysis of variance were performed by IBM SPSS Statistics v21.0 software, and both of them were p < 0.01, indicating that the number of cycles to failure (NCF) and the number of instrument rotations for each root tube were statistically different at the three temperatures. Conclusions: The self-made resin-simulated curved root canal can replace the real root canal to complete the root canal preparation experiment. The group of nickel-titanium files treated by flushing at 23°C can prepare more root canals and prolong the life of nickel-titanium files than at 6°C. When flushing was done at 40°C, the number of root canals prepared by nickel-titanium files was the highest, and it was not easy to damage the instrument, but lateral perforation occurred easily during root canal preparation.
Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Anteromedial Portal Versus Transtibial Technique in ACL Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Loucas Marios , Loucas Rafael , D’Ambrosi Riccardo , Hantes Michael Elias 
Published: July 2021

Background: The drilling technique used to make a femoral tunnel is critically important for determining outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The 2 most common methods are the transtibial (TT) and anteromedial (AM) techniques. Purpose: To determine whether graft orientation and placement affect clinical outcomes by comparing clinical and radiological outcomes after single-bundle ACL reconstruction with the AM versus TT technique. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Articles in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and MEDLINE were searched from inception until April 25, 2020, using the following Boolean operators: transtibial OR trans-tibial AND (anteromedial OR trans-portal OR independent OR three portal OR accessory portal) AND anterior cruciate ligament. Results: Of 1270 studies retrieved, 39 studies involving 11,207 patients were included. Of these studies, 14 were clinical, 13 were radiological, and 12 were mixed. Results suggested that compared with the TT technique, the AM technique led to significantly improved anteroposterior and rotational knee stability, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, and recovery time from surgery. A higher proportion of negative Lachman ( P = .0005) and pivot-shift test ( P = .0001) results, lower KT-1000 arthrometer maximum manual displacement ( P = .00001), higher Lysholm score ( P = .001), a higher incidence of IKDC grade A/B ( P = .05), and better visual analog scale score for satisfaction ( P = .00001) were observed with the AM technique compared with the TT technique. The AM drilling technique demonstrated a significantly shorter tunnel length ( P = .00001). Significant differences were seen between the femoral and tibial graft angles in both techniques. Low overall complication and revision rates were observed for ACL reconstruction with the AM drilling technique, similar to the TT drilling technique. Conclusion: In single-bundle ACL reconstruction, the AM drilling technique was superior to the TT drilling technique based on physical examination, scoring systems, and radiographic results. The AM portal technique provided a more reproducible anatomic graft placement compared with the TT technique.