bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time-varying associations between an exposure history and a subsequent health outcome: a landmark approach to identify critical windows
Authors: Wagner Maude , Grodstein Francine , Leffondre Karen , Samieri Cécilia , Proust-Lima Cécile 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundLong-term behavioral and health risk factors constitute a primary focus of research on the etiology of chronic diseases. Yet, identifying critical time-windows during which risk factors have the strongest impact on disease risk is challenging. To assess the trajectory of association of an exposure history with an outcome, the weighted cumulative exposure index (WCIE) has been proposed, with weights reflecting the relative importance of exposures at different times. However, WCIE is restricted to a complete observed error-free exposure whereas exposures are often measured with intermittent missingness and error. Moreover, it rarely explores exposure history that is very distant from the outcome as usually sought in life-course epidemiology.MethodsWe extend the WCIE methodology to (i) exposures that are intermittently measured with error, and (ii) contexts where the exposure time-window precedes the outcome time-window using a landmark approach. First, the individual exposure history up to the landmark time is estimated using a mixed model that handles missing data and error in exposure measurement, and the predicted complete error-free exposure history is derived. Then the WCIE methodology is applied to assess the trajectory of association between the predicted exposure history and the health outcome collected after the landmark time. In our context, the health outcome is a longitudinal marker analyzed using a mixed model.ResultsA simulation study first demonstrates the correct inference obtained with this approach. Then, applied to the Nurses’ Health Study (19,415 women) to investigate the association between body mass index history (collected from midlife) and subsequent cognitive decline (evaluated after age 70), the method identified two major critical windows of association: long before the first cognitive evaluation (roughly 24 to 12 years), higher levels of BMI were associated with poorer cognition. In contrast, adjusted for the whole history, higher levels of BMI became associated with better cognition in the last years prior to the first cognitive interview, thus reflecting reverse causation (changes in exposure due to underlying disease).ConclusionsThis approach, easy to implement, provides a flexible tool for studying complex dynamic relationships and identifying critical time windows while accounting for exposure measurement errors.
Does advance contact with research participants increase response to questionnaires: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Woolf Benjamin , Edwards Phil 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Questionnaires remain one of the most common forms of data collection in epidemiology, psychology and other human-sciences. However, results can be badly affected by non-response. One way to potentially reduce non-response is by sending potential study participants advance communication. The last systematic review to examine the effect of questionnaire pre-notification on response is 10 years old, and lacked a risk of bias assessment.

Objectives
Update the section of the Cochrane systematic review, Edwards et al. (2009), on pre-notification to include 1) recently published studies, 2) an assessment of risk of bias, 3) Explore if heterogeneity is reduced by: delay between pre-contact and questionnaire delivery, the method of pre-contact, if pre-contact and questionnaire delivery differ, if the pre-contact includes a foot-in-the-door manipulation, and study’s the risk of bias.

Methods
Inclusion criteria: population: any population, intervention: comparison of some type of pre-notification, comparison group: no pre-notification, outcome: response rates. Study design: randomised controlled trails. Exclusion criteria: NA. Data sources: Studies which cited or were included in Edwards et al. (2009); We additionally searched: CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycInfo, MEDLINE, EconLit, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, Cochrane CMR, ERIC, and Sociological Abstracts. The searches were implemented in June 2018 and May 2021. Study screening: a single reviewer screened studies, with a random 10% sample independently screened to ascertain accuracy. Data extraction: data was extracted by a single reviewer twice, with a week between each extraction. Risk of Bias: within studies bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (ROB1) by a single unblinded reviewer, across studies bias was assessed using funnel plots. Synthesis Method: study results were meta-analysed with a random effects model using the final response rate as the outcome. Evaluation of Uncertainty: Uncertainty was evaluated using the GRADE approach.

Results
One hundred seven trials were included with 211,802 participants. Over-all pre-notification increased response, OR = 1.33 (95% CI: 1.20–1.47). However, there was a large amount of heterogeneity (I2 = 97.1%), which was not explained by the subgroup analyses. In addition, when studies at high or unclear risk of bias were excluded the effect was to reduced OR = 1.09 (95% CI: 0.99–1.20). Because of the large amount of heterogeneity, even after restricting to low risk of bias studies, there is still moderate uncertainty in these results.

Conclusions
Using the GRADE evaluation, this review finds moderate evidence that pre-notification may not have an effect on response rates.

Funding
Economic and Social Research Council.

Preregistration
None.
Predicting COVID-19 mortality risk in Toronto, Canada: a comparison of tree-based and regression-based machine learning methods
Authors: Feng Cindy , Kephart George , Juarez-Colunga Elizabeth 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) presents an unprecedented threat to global health worldwide. Accurately predicting the mortality risk among the infected individuals is crucial for prioritizing medical care and mitigating the healthcare system’s burden. The present study aimed to assess the predictive accuracy of machine learning methods to predict the COVID-19 mortality risk.MethodsWe compared the performance of classification tree, random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), logistic regression, generalized additive model (GAM) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to predict the mortality risk among 49,216 COVID-19 positive cases in Toronto, Canada, reported from March 1 to December 10, 2020. We used repeated split-sample validation andk-steps-ahead forecasting validation. Predictive models were estimated using training samples, and predictive accuracy of the methods for the testing samples was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, Brier’s score, calibration intercept and calibration slope.ResultsWe found XGBoost is highly discriminative, with an AUC of 0.9669 and has superior performance over conventional tree-based methods, i.e., classification tree or RF methods for predicting COVID-19 mortality risk. Regression-based methods (logistic, GAM and LASSO) had comparable performance to the XGBoost with slightly lower AUCs and higher Brier’s scores.ConclusionsXGBoost offers superior performance over conventional tree-based methods and minor improvement over regression-based methods for predicting COVID-19 mortality risk in the study population.
Predicting the natural history of metabolic syndrome with a Markov-system dynamic model: a novel approach
Authors: Rezaianzadeh Abbas , Morasae Esmaeil Khedmati , Khalili Davood , Seif Mozhgan , Bahramali Ehsan , Azizi Fereidoun , Bagheri Pezhman 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundMarkov system dynamic (MSD) model has rarely been used in medical studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of MSD model in prediction of metabolic syndrome (MetS) natural history.MethodsData gathered by Tehran Lipid & Glucose Study (TLGS) over a 16-year period from a cohort of 12,882 people was used to conduct the analyses. First, transition probabilities (TPs) between 12 components of MetS by Markov as well as control and failure rates of relevant interventions were calculated. Then, the risk of developing each component by 2036 was predicted once by a Markov model and then by a MSD model. Finally, the two models were validated and compared to assess their performance and advantages by using mean differences, mean SE of matrices, fit of the graphs, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov two-sample test as well as R2index as model fitting index.ResultsBoth Markov and MSD models were shown to be adequate for prediction of MetS trends. But the MSD model predictions were closer to the real trends when comparing the output graphs. The MSD model was also, comparatively speaking, more successful in the assessment of mean differences (less overestimation) and SE of the general matrix. Moreover, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov two-sample showed that the MSD model produced equal distributions of real and predicted samples (p = 0.808 for MSD model andp = 0.023 for Markov model). Finally, R2for the MSD model was higher than Markov model (73% for the Markov model and 85% for the MSD model).ConclusionThe MSD model showed a more realistic natural history than the Markov model which highlights the importance of paying attention to this method in therapeutic and preventive procedures.
Until death do us part Adult children’s perspective of their parents’ transition from living at home to moving into a nursing home and the time after death
Authors: Bökberg Christina , Sandberg Jonas 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Adult children are often key carers of frail older parents providing care for a long period of time in different care contexts. However, research concerning adult children’s caregiving experiences, from providing home-based care to facing the death of a parent in a nursing home is sparse. Thus, the aim was to explore the transition from living at home to moving into and living in a nursing home and the time after death from the perspective of next of kin to an older person.

Methods
A qualitative design using individual interviews with 15 adult children of older persons. The text was analysed using inductive content analysis.

Results
One main category was identified, until death do us part. With three generic categories, living at home, living at a nursing home and time after death, and eight sub-categories. The results describe the transition when an older person lives at home and moves into and lives in a nursing home and the time after death from the perspective of next of kin.

Conclusion
This study highlights many examples of tasks that adult children provide over a long period of time and in different care contexts since they felt that professional care was unable to provide safe and secure care for their older parents. It also highlights the importance for staff to recognize the support that next of kin provide. Furthermore, the study reveal that staff do not offer the relief that they are obligated to provide, to enable next of kin coping with this strenuous transition in life. First after the parent died, there was time for relief since the worrying and the doing of practical things for the parent had stopped.

Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials NCT02708498; date of registration: 26 February 2016.
A wind speed threshold for increased outdoor transmission of coronavirus: an ecological study
Authors: Clouston Sean A. P. , Morozova Olga , Meliker Jaymie R. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
To examine whether outdoor transmission may contribute to the COVID-19 epidemic, we hypothesized that slower outdoor wind speed is associated with increased risk of transmission when individuals socialize outside.

Methods
Daily COVID-19 incidence reported in Suffolk County, NY, between March 16th and December 31st, 2020, was the outcome. Average wind speed and maximal daily temperature were collated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Negative binomial regression was used to model incidence rates while adjusting for susceptible population size.

Results
Cases were very high in the initial wave but diminished once lockdown procedures were enacted. Most days between May 1st, 2020, and October 24th, 2020, had temperatures 16–28 °C and wind speed diminished slowly over the year and began to increase again in December 2020. Unadjusted and multivariable-adjusted analyses revealed that days with temperatures ranging between 16 and 28 °C where wind speed was < 8.85 km per hour (KPH) had increased COVID-19 incidence (aIRR = 1.45, 95% C.I. = [1.28–1.64], P < 0.001) as compared to days with average wind speed ≥ 8.85 KPH.

Conclusion
Throughout the U.S. epidemic, the role of outdoor shared spaces such as parks and beaches has been a topic of considerable interest. This study suggests that outdoor transmission of COVID-19 may occur by noting that the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the summer was higher on days with low wind speed. Outdoor use of increased physical distance between individuals, improved air circulation, and use of masks may be helpful in some outdoor environments where airflow is limited.
Soil-transmitted helminths, intestinal protozoa and Clonorchis sinensis infections in southeast China
Authors: Feng Yan , Yu Kegen , Chen Hualiang , Zhang Xuan , Lu Qiaoyi , Wang Xiaoxiao , Zhang Xueying , Yao Linong , Ruan Wei 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Extensive parasitic diseases epidemiology in Zhejiang province has not been carried out since the second national survey in 2004. Therefore, dynamics in prevalence and infection pattern of the major intestinal parasites should be explored.

Methods
The distribution of three parasites including soil-transmitted helminths (STH), intestinal protozoa and C. sinensis in Zhejiang from 2014 to 2015 were explored. Kato-Katz technique was used for STH and C. sinensis detection, whereas transparent adhesive paper anal swab was used for pinworm detection, and iodine smear was used for protozoa detection. A questionnaire survey on alimentary habits and sanitary behaviors was conducted in half of the studied counties.

Results
This study recruited 23,552 participants: 19,935 from rural and 3617 from urban area. Overall prevalence of intestinal helminth infections was 1.80%. In this study, seven helminth species were identified including A. duodenale, N. americanus, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, C. sinensis, Fasciolopsis buski and pinworm. The average prevalence of STH infection was 1.71%: 1.94% in rural and 0.44% in urban area. Hookworm was the most prevalent infection at 1.58%: 1.79% in rural and 0.44% in urban area. Prevalence varied considerably in the studied counties. Prevalence was highest in Yongkang county at 10.25%. Only 2.79% of children from rural area were infected with pinworm. A proportion of 0.40% of rural participants were infected with protozoa, whereas Endolimax nana was the most prevalent at 0.23%. C. sinensis showed infection only in one man. Awareness on C. sinensis was 24.47% in rural and 45.96% in urban area, respectively.

Conclusions
Prevalence of STH and protozoa infections declined considerably whereas C. sinensis infections remained few in Zhejiang province compared with the prevalence reported in previous large scale surveys (19.56% for national STH infection in 2004, 18.66% and 4.57% for provincial STH and protozoa infection, respectively in 1999). The findings of this study showed that hookworm, mainly N. americanus remained a parasitic threat to population health, mainly in the central and western Zhejiang. Therefore, more health education regarding fertilization and farming habits is necessary in rural areas. The awareness concerning hookworm infection should be reinforced.
Primary hyperoxaluria diagnosed after kidney transplantation: a case report and literature review
Authors: Cai Zhitao , Ding Mao , Chen Rengui , Zhu Jiefu , Li Lian , Wu Xiongfei 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Primary hyperoxaluria (PH) is a rare inherited autosomal recessive disease caused by disturbed glyoxylate metabolism. The disease is characterized by calcium oxalate crystal deposition in various organs, especially in the kidney. Due to the lack of current understanding of PH, nearly all patients are only initially diagnosed with PH when recurrent lithiasis and progressive end-stage renal disease occur. Many cases are not diagnosed in patients until renal allograft insufficiency occurs after renal transplantation. This case report and literature review aim to emphasize the need for careful pre-transplant PH screening of patients with bilateral nephrocalcinosis or nephrolithiasis.

Case presentation
Renal allograft insufficiency was diagnosed as PH after kidney transplantation. Here, we detail the complete clinical course, including computed tomography images of the original kidney and renal graft, histopathological images of a biopsy of the transplanted kidney, the results of laboratory and molecular genetic tests, and the treatment. In addition, we reviewed the literature from 2000 to 2021 and analyzed 19 reported cases of PH diagnosed after kidney transplantation, and provide a summary of the characteristics, complications, treatment, and prognosis of these cases.

Conclusions
By reviewing and analyzing these cases, we concluded that patients with a history of nephrocalcinosis or nephrolithiasis in both kidneys need preoperative screening for PH and appropriate treatment before kidney transplantation. Delayed graft function caused by PH is easily misdiagnosed as acute rejection, and needle biopsy should be performed at an early stage.
Association between the psoas muscle index and hospitalization for pneumonia in patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Yamaguchi Kosei , Kitamura Mineaki , Takazono Takahiro , Sato Shuntaro , Yamamoto Kazuko , Notomi Satoko , Sawase Kenji , Harada Takashi , Funakoshi Satoshi , Mukae Hiroshi , Nishino Tomoya 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Although muscle mass loss and pneumonia are common and crucial issues in hemodialysis (HD) patients, few reports have focused on their association, which remains unclear. This study assessed the association between skeletal muscle mass and the incidence of pneumonia in HD patients using the psoas muscle index (PMI).

Methods
This retrospective study included 330 patients on HD who were treated at a single center between July 2011 and June 2012. The observation period was between July 2011 and June 2021. Demographic, clinical, and HD data were collected, and the associations between PMI and hospitalization due to bacterial pneumonia were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for patients’ background data. Additionally, the correlation between patient characteristics and PMI was evaluated using multivariable linear regression.

Results
Among 330 patients (mean age, 67.3 ± 13.3; 56.7% male; median dialysis vintage 58 months, (interquartile range [IQR] 23–124), 79 were hospitalized for pneumonia during the observation period (median observation period was 4.5 years [IQR 2.0–9.1]). The multivariable Cox proportional analysis, which was adjusted for age, sex, dialysis vintage, diabetes mellitus, and stroke history and considered death as a competing risk, indicated that decreased PMI/(standard deviation) was closely associated with the development of pneumonia (hazard ratio: 0.67, 95% confidence interval: 0.47–0.95, p = 0.03).

Conclusions
Skeletal muscle mass was associated with the development of pneumonia in patients on HD and could be a useful marker for the risk of pneumonia.
Autoimmune encephalitis with coexistent LGI1 and GABABR1 antibodies: case report
Authors: Xie Yi , Wen Jia , Zhao Zhihua , Liu Hongbo , Xie Nanchang 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) with multiple auto-antibodies is of great clinical significance because its complex clinical manifestations and atypical imaging increase the difficulty of diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatment, which may aggravate the disease, increase the recurrence rate and mortality. The coexistence of anti-Leucinie-rich Glioma Inactivated 1 (LGI1) and anti-γ-aminobutyric acid-beta-receptor 1 (GABABR1) has not been published before.

Case presentation
We herein present the case of a 60-year-old man with slow response, behavioral changes, psychosis and sleep disorders. Laboratory test included serum hyponatremia, positive serum LGI1 and GABABR1 antibodies using transfected cell-based assays. Electroencephalogram exhibited moderate diffusion abnormality. The patient responded well to steroid impulse treatment and sodium supplement therapy, and did not recur during the follow-up.

Conclusions
Here we report the first AE characterized by positive LGI1 and GABABR1 antibodies, as well as summarizing AE with multiple auto-antibodies reported so far, hopefully to provide experience for clinical practice.
Association of parental prepregnancy BMI with neonatal outcomes and birth defect in fresh embryo transfer cycles: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Ruixue , Chen Lifen , Liu Yifeng , Wang Feixia , Wang Siwen , Huang Yun , Hu Kai-Lun , Fan Yuzhi , Liu Ruoyan , Zhang Runjv , Zhang Dan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Parental body mass index (BMI) is associated with pregnancy outcomes. But the effect of parental prepregnancy BMI on offspring conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), especially the birth defect, remains to be determined. This study aimed to investigate the associations of parental prepregnancy BMI with neonatal outcomes and birth defect in fresh embryo transfer cycles.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 5741 couples in their first fresh IVF/ICSI cycles admitted to Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University from January 2013 to July 2016. The primary outcome was birth defects, which was classified according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. Secondary outcomes included preterm delivery rate, infant gender, birth weight, small-for-gestational age (SGA) and large-for-gestational age (LGA). Multilevel regression analyses were used to assess the associations of parental prepregnancy BMI with neonatal outcomes and birth defect.

Results
In singletons, couples with prepregnancy BMI ≥25 kg/m2 had higher odds of LGA than those with BMI < 25 kg/m2. The birth defect rate was significantly higher when paternal prepregnancy BMI ≥25 kg/m2 in IVF cycles (aOR 1.82, 95% CI 1.06–3.10) and maternal BMI ≥25 kg/m2 in ICSI cycles (aOR 4.89, 95% CI 1.45–16.53). For subcategories of birth defects, only the odds of congenital malformations of musculoskeletal system was significantly increased in IVF offspring with paternal BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (aOR 4.55, 95% CI 1.32–15.71). For twins, there was no significant difference among four groups, except for the lower birth weight of IVF female infants.

Conclusions
Parental prepregnancy BMI ≥25 kg/m2 is associated with higher incidence of LGA in IVF/ICSI singletons. Paternal prepregnancy BMI ≥25 kg/m2 was likely to have higher risk of birth defect in IVF offspring than those with BMI < 25 kg/m2, particularly in the musculoskeletal system. It is essential for overweight or obesity couples to lose weight before IVF/ICSI treatments.