bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of a Municipal Policy Restricting Trans Fatty Acid Use in New York City Restaurants on Serum Trans Fatty Acid Levels in Adults
Authors: Wright Melecia , McKelvey Wendy , Curtis Christine Johnson , Thorpe Lorna E. , Vesper Hubert W. , Kuiper Heather C. , Angell Sonia Y. 
Published: February 2019

Objectives. To estimate the impact of the 2006 policy restricting use of trans fatty acids (TFAs) in New York City restaurants on change in serum TFA concentrations in New York City adults. Methods. Two cross-sectional population-based New York City Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted in 2004 (n = 212) and 2013–2014 (n = 247) provided estimates of serum TFA exposure and average frequency of weekly restaurant meals. We estimated the geometric mean of the sum of serum TFAs by year and restaurant meal frequency by using linear regression. Results. Among those who ate less than 1 restaurant meal per week, geometric mean of the sum of serum TFAs declined 51.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 42.7, 58.3)—from 44.6 (95% CI = 39.7, 50.1) to 21.8 (95% CI = 19.3, 24.5) micromoles per liter. The decline in the geometric mean was greater (P for interaction = .04) among those who ate 4 or more restaurant meals per week: 61.6% (95% CI = 55.8, 66.7) or from 54.6 (95% CI = 49.3, 60.5) to 21.0 (95% CI = 18.9, 23.3) micromoles per liter. Conclusions. New York City adult serum TFA concentrations declined between 2004 and 2014. The indication of greater decline in serum TFAs among those eating restaurant meals more frequently suggests that the municipal restriction on TFA use was effective in reducing TFA exposure. Public Health Implications. Local policies focused on restaurants can promote nutritional improvements.
Private Insurance Coverage for Diabetes Before and After Enactment of the Preexisting Condition Mandate of the Affordable Care Act, 2005–2016
Authors: Rogers Mary A. M. , Kim Catherine , Lee Joyce M. , Basu Tanima , Tipirneni Renuka 
Published: February 2019

Objectives. To examine private insurance coverage for persons with diabetes before and after enactment of the preexisting condition mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the United States. Methods. We conducted a nationwide study in adults aged 20 to 59 years with private health insurance with the Clinformatics Data Mart Database (2005–2016). We used fixed-effects negative binomial regression to evaluate differences in pre–post mandate trends. Results. There was a 4% decline in prevalence rates of type 1 diabetes in adults with private health insurance before the mandate and an 11% increase afterward (P < .001). Coverage increased to the greatest extent (–6% before, +20% after) in those aged 50 to 59 years (P < .001). For type 2 diabetes, there was a significant decline in prevalence before the mandate, which increased afterward in those aged 40 to 49 years (–4% before, 3% after; P = .031) and 50 to 59 years (–6% before, 15% after; P < .001). Conclusions. Adults with diabetes may have benefited in obtaining private health insurance after implementation of the preexisting condition mandate of the ACA. Public Health Implications. Efforts to limit enforcement of these protections are likely to contribute to setbacks in access to care.
Effects of dexamethasone on postoperative cognitive dysfunction and delirium in adults following general anesthesia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Li-Qin , Wang Cong , Fang Mei-Dan , Xu Hong-Yu , Lu Hong-Liu , Zhang Hou-Zhong 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background Several studies have investigated the effects of dexamethasone on postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) or postoperative delirium (POD); however, their conclusions have not been consistent. So we conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effects of dexamethasone on POCD/POD in adults following general anesthesia. Methods Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, 2018, Issue 11 of 12) in the Cochrane Library (searched November 17, 2018); MEDLINE OvidSP (1946 to November 16, 2018); and Embase OvidSP (1974 to November 16, 2018) were searched for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the incidence of POCD/POD following dexamethasone administration, in adults (age ≥18 years) under general anesthesia. We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) framework to assess the quality of evidence. Results Five studies were included (three studies/1393 participants for the incidence of POCD, and two studies/809 participants for the incidence of POD). There was no significant difference between the dexamethasone group and the placebo group in terms of the incidence of POCD in 30 days after surgery (RR 1.00; 95% CI [0.51, 1.96], P = 1.00, I2 = 77%) or in the incidence of POD (RR 0.95; 95% CI [0.60, 1.50], P = 0.81, I2 = 0%). However, both analyses had some limitations, and we considered the quality of the evidence for the postoperative incidence of POCD and POD to be very low. Conclusions This meta-analysis revealed that prophylactic dexamethasone did not reduce the incidence of POCD and POD. However, additional large high-quality trials are still needed to determine the effects of dexamethasone on the incidence of POCD/POD in patients undergoing surgery.
Premedication with Oral Paracetamol for Reduction of Propofol Injection Pain: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Nimmaanrat Sasikaan , Jongjidpranitarn Manasanun , Prathep Sumidtra , Oofuvong Maliwan 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background

To compare premedication with 2 doses of oral paracetamol on the incidence and severity of propofol injection pain.

Methods

The 324 patients (18-65 years old) were randomly allocated into 3 groups. The groups Pb, P500 and P1000, participants were premedicated 1 hour prior to transferal to the operation with oral placebo, 500 or 1000 mg of paracetamol, respectively. Propofol (2 mg/kg) was injected at a rate of 600 ml/hr. After 1/4 of the calculated dose, the syringe pump was temporarily paused, and patients were asked to rate pain at the injection site using a verbal numerical rating score (VNRS) from 0-10.

Results

The incidence of pain was less in the P1000 group (70.4%) compared with the P500 (86.1%) and the Pb groups (99.1%) (P<0.001). Same as the median VNRS, 2 (0-3), 4 (2-5), and 8 (7-10) (P<0.001), respectively. The incidences of mild (VNRS of 1-3), moderate (VNRS of 4-6) and severe pain (VNRS of 7-10) were also in the same manner, 47.2%, 23.2%, and 0% (P1000), 28.7%, 50%, and 7.4% (P500) and 0%, 22.2%, and 76.9% (Pb) (P<0.001). No significant complications were found in any group.

Conclusions

Premedication with oral paracetamol, on a dose-dependent basis, can reduce propofol injection pain without causing any complications. As propofol injection pain is common and remains a concern for the comfort of the patients, and oral paracetamol is well-tolerated, available and economic, the results of this study provide the basis for continuing or changing practice with a positive impact on patient care.
Corneal reconstruction in chemically damaged cornea using temperature sensitive surface assisted mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in rabbits
Authors: Singh Nirbhai , Sharma Jyoti , Gupta Pankaj , Sharma Ravi Kumar , Gupta Nalini 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background: The study aims to assess the potential of corneal reconstruction using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation using temperature sensitive membranes as carriers and compare with fibrin glue method in chemically damaged rabbit cornea. Methods: MSCs were cultured from rabbit’s bone marrow and transplanted over rabbit’s cornea, using either temperature sensitive membranes or fibrin glue method. Endogenous levels of MSCs were assessed to decide the optimal time point for transplanting cells. MSC transplanted corneas were harvested 15, 30 and 60 days post transplantation. Corneal repair markers were evaluated using histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real time PCR. The quality of cornea reconstructed was evaluated using corneal opacity scoring and IHC. Results: Endogenous levels of MSCs were significantly higher 48 hours post corneal injury. Transplantation of MSCs using temperature sensitive method resulted in uniform and homogenous spread of MSCs over the damaged surface. Corneal transparency improved 7 days onward in rabbit chemical injured cornea after MSC transplantation. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) of damaged cornea showed complete absence of corneal epithelium as seen by CK3 expression, while re-epithelialization was observed after MSC transplantation. Histopathology showed complete re-epithelialization 15 days of transplantation. Evaluation of corneal quality using epithelial and stromal markers showing restoration of vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin and collagen levels in MSC transplanted cornea compared to damaged corneas. CK3 expression showed differentiation of MSC into corneal epithelial cells. MSC transplanted corneal clarity seemed a little better with temperature sensitive method compared to fibrin glue method. No toxic effects of MSC transplantation were observed on other organs or on resident corneal cells. Conclusions: Temperature sensitive surface MSC transplantation method results in uniform and homogenous delivery of cells on corneal surface and a transparent clear cornea. Epithelial and stromal markers showing restoration of vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin and collagen levels in MSC transplanted cornea compared to chemically damaged corneas. Our data also show the differentiation of MSC into corneal epithelial cells on corneal surface. Overall temperature surface MSC transplantation is an easy and safe alternative method to fibrin glue for exploring corneal reconstruction.
Social group and health care provider interventions to increase the demand for malaria rapid diagnostic test among community members in Ebonyi state, Nigeria: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Omale Ugwu Innocent , Azuogu Ndubueze B. , Alo Chihurumnanya , Madubueze Ugochukwu C. , Oka Onyinyechukwu U. , Okeke Chijioke K. , Okafor Ifeyinwa M. , Utulu Rowland , Akpan Uduak E. , Iloke Chijioke V. , Nnubia Ogechukwu A. , Eze Ifeyinwa I. , Anene Ogechukwu C. , Nnabu Chukwuka R. , Ibemesi Desi O. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background The World Health Organization in 2010 recommended universal testing for suspected malaria cases due to some fundamental changes in malaria trend such as the declining malaria incidence in high burden countries, the emergence of parasite resistance to anti-malarial drugs especially artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) and the increased availability of diagnostic testing such as malaria rapid diagnostic test (MRDT). The Nigerian government has long adopted this recommendation and has scaled up the availability of MRDT with the support of foreign partners. However, the MRDT test rate in the communities is still far short of the recommendation. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of social group and social group/provider interventions in increasing the demand (use and/or request) for MRDT among community members with fever or malaria-like illness in Ebonyi state, Nigeria. Methods A three-arm, parallel, stratified cluster randomized design will be used to evaluate the effect of two interventions compared to control: control involves the usual practice of provision of MRDT services by public primary health care providers and patent medicine vendors; social group intervention involves the sensitization/education of social groups about MRDT; social group/provider intervention involves social group treatment plus the training of health care providers in health communication with clients about MRDT. The first primary outcome is the proportion of under-5 children with fever/malaria-like illness in the preceding two weeks to a household survey that received MRDT. The second primary outcome is the proportion of 5 years and above children and adults (excluding pregnant women) with fever/malaria-like illness in the preceding two weeks to a household survey that received MRDT. The primary outcomes will be assessed through household surveys at baseline and end-line. Discussion The pragmatic and behavioural nature of the interventions which are delivered to groupings of individuals and the need to minimize contamination informed the use of a cluster randomized design by this study in investigating whether the social group and social group/provider interventions will increase the demand for MRDT among community members. Trial Registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN14046444. Registered 14 August 2018, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN14046444
High-intensity exercise to promote accelerated improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (HI-PACE): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: McGee Joshua E. , Barefoot Savanna G. , Gniewek Nicole R. , Brophy Patricia M. , Clark Angela , Dubis Gabriel S. , Ryan Terence E. , Houmard Joseph A. , Vos Paul , Raedeke Thomas D. , Swift Damon L. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background African Americans have a disproportionate prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes compared to Caucasians. Recent evidence indicates low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) level, an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes, is also more prevalent in African Americans than Caucasians. Numerous studies in Caucasian populations suggest vigorous exercise intensity may promote greater improvements in CRF and other type 2 diabetes risk factors (e.g. reduction of glucose/insulin levels, pulse wave velocity, body fat, etc.) than moderate intensity. However, current evidence comparing health benefits of different aerobic exercise intensities on type 2 diabetes risk factors in African Americans is negligible. This is clinically important as African Americans have a greater risk for type 2 diabetes and are less likely to meet public health recommendations for physical activity than Caucasians. The purpose of the High-Intensity exercise to Promote Accelerated improvements in CardiorEspiratory fitness (HI-PACE) study is to evaluate whether high-intensity aerobic exercise elicits greater improvements in CRF, insulin action, and arterial stiffness than moderate-intensity exercise in African Americans. Methods/Design­ A randomized controlled trial will be performed on overweight and obese (body mass index: 25-45 kg/m2) African Americans (35-65 years) (n=60). Participants will be randomized to moderate-intensity (MOD-INT) or high-intensity (HIGH-INT) aerobic exercise training, or a non-exercise control group (CON) for 24 weeks. Supervised exercise will be performed at a heart rate associated with 45-55% and 70-80% of VO2 max in the MOD-INT and the HIGH-INT groups, respectively, for an exercise dose of 600 MET-minutes/week (consistent with public health recommendations). The primary outcome is change in CRF. Secondary outcomes include change in insulin sensitivity (measured via an intravenous glucose tolerance test), skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity (via near infrared spectroscopy), skeletal muscle measurements (i.e. citrate synthase, COX IV, GLUT-4, CPT-1, PGC1-α), arterial stiffness (via carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity), body fat, C-reactive protein, and psychological outcomes (quality of life/exercise enjoyment). Discussion The anticipated results of the HI-PACE study will provide vital information on the health effects of high-intensity exercise in African Americans. This study will advance health disparity research and has the potential to influence future public health guidelines for physical activity. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02892331. Registered on 8 September 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02892331
Contributions of Vitamin D in the management of depressive symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors: study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Porto Catarina Magalhaes , Silva Tatiana de Paula Santana da , Sougey Everton Botelho 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background

Depression, the leading cause of chronic disability worldwide, comprises an important cardiovascular risk factor, increasing the relative risk of coronary artery disease and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Concomitant with the higher prevalence of depression, there is also a reduction in exposure to sunlight, with increased urbanization and industrialization and the use of sunscreens leading to a decrease in serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. In this sense, this essay intends to evaluate the action supplementation with vitamin D in the management of depressive symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors, increasing the limited evidence on the potential effects of supplementation in situations related to mood regulation.

Methods

This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, built in accordance with SPIRIT, involving 224 adults aged 18-59 years with depression on antidepressants, no history of vitamin D supplementation, psychiatric comorbidities, chronic kidney disease, hypercalcemia, and neoplasms, attended at the psychiatric outpatient clinics of two universities in northeastern Brazil. Consent and eligible participants will be randomly assigned to the intervention groups (n = 112) who will receive vitamin D supplementation, 50,000 IU weekly for six months, and control (n = 112) who will use weekly placebo for six months. Measurements for the monitoring of depressive symptoms, clinical trials, and laboratory tests to assess cardiovascular risk factors and serum vitamin D levels will be performed at the beginning, during and after the intervention period.

Discussion

This is the first trial to test the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in reducing cardiovascular risk and as adjuvant to antidepressant therapy over a long period (six months). The obtained results will support the understanding of the therapeutic effects of vitamin D supplementation in the management of mood disorders, as well as corroborate in the direction of public policies aimed at vitamin supplementation to prevent cardiovascular risk.
Increased serum IL-36β and IL-36γ levels in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: Association with disease activity
Authors: Yang Chun-Sheng , Zhang Qiu xia , Deng Yu , Zhou Bing jie , Zhang Lin jie , Li Li min , Qi Yuan , Wang Jing , Yang Li , Shi Fu-Dong 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Abstract
Background: Interleukin 36 (IL-36) cytokines belong to the IL-1 family and play an important role in some autoimmune diseases. However, the relationship between IL-36 and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) remains unclear.
Methods: We determined serum IL-36α, IL-36β and IL-36γ levels and assessed correlations with clinical characteristics in 50 NMOSD patients and 30 healthy controls (HC).
Results: The concentrations of serum IL-36β and IL-36γ were significantly higher in patients with NMOSD than in HCs and decreased during remission. Serum IL-36β levels were positively correlated with the annual relapse rate (ARR), spinal cord lesion length and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores.
Conclusions: Serum IL-36β and IL-36γ levels were related to disease activity in NMOSD patients and may be important biomarkers of NMOSD.
Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Viral Anterior Uveitis in Southern Taiwan—Diagnosis with Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Hsiao Yu-Ting , Kuo Ming-Tse , Chiang Wei-Yu , Chao Tsai-Ling , Kuo Hsi-Kung 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background

To report the epidemiology and clinical features of viral anterior uveitis in patients in southern Taiwan.

Methods

A retrospective, case series study. HLA-B27 negative anterior uveitis patients with increased intraocular pressure or corneal edema seen at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from January 1, 2007 to January 31, 2018 had their aqueous sent for polymerase chain reaction analysis. Their records were reviewed for demographic data, ocular findings, and laboratory results.

Results

In the aqueous samples obtained from 102 eligible eyes, 42 eyes were herpesviridae-positive, which included 9 with herpes simplex virus (8.8%), 5 with varicella-zoster virus (4.9%), 27 with cytomegalovirus (26.5%), and 1 with Epstein-Barr virus (1%). Herpesviridae-positive patients were more likely to be male, and have glaucoma. Glaucoma and pseudophakic eyes were significantly associated with CMV-positive eyes.

Conclusion

PCR analysis of the anterior chamber fluid is important for the confirmation of the diagnosis of viral anterior uveitis. Cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis is not uncommon in patients in southern Taiwan, and it may follow an uneventful cataract extraction in immunocompetent patients.
Organic Amendments Improve Wheat Root Growth and Yield through Regulating Soil Properties
Authors: Zhao Lili , Li Lusheng , Cai Huanjie , Fan Junliang , Chau Henry Wai , Malone Robert W. , Zhang Chao 
Published: February 2019

Core IdeasOrganic amendments improved soil fertility and soil structure.Root density was quadratic correlated with water stable aggregates and macroporosity.Application of wheat straw yielded the best soil environment and crop productivity.Organic amendments prevent soil degradation and sustain crop production, but their effects on root growth and its functional responses to variations in soil properties have not been fully understood. A two‐year field experiment was conducted to investigate the impacts of organic amendments on soil properties, root growth, and grain yield of winter wheat (Triticum durumDesf.) in the Guanzhong Plain (GZP), China. The five treatments were: application of mineral fertilizer alone (control, CO) and along with 20 Mg ha−1of wheat straw (MWS), wheat husk (MWH), farmyard soil (MFS), and bioorganic fertilizer (MBF). Organic amendments increased soil organic matter (SOM, 7–15%) and total soil nitrogen (TSN, 5–15%) in the 0‐ to 40‐cm depth compared to the CO treatment. Meanwhile, organic amendments improved soil structure by increasing water stable aggregates (WSA, 5–16%) and macroporosity (ε10, 27–47%). Compared to the CO treatment, organic amendments significantly increased the root length density (RLD) and root mass density (RMD) in the 20‐cm depth of soil at the flowering stage. The significantly higher RLD and RMD were also exhibited in the MWH and MFS treatments in the 20‐ to 100‐cm depth. Additionally, the responses of RLD and RMD to WSA andε10were well‐described by quadratic equations based on all treatments. Importantly, the MWS treatment had the greatest grain yield among all five treatments with better soil fertility and structure. We suggested that the MWS treatment is an effective method for improving soil properties and crop productivity in the GZP.