bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acupuncture and related therapies for treating irritable bowel syndrome: overview of systematic reviews and network meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Irene X. Y. , Wong Charlene H. L. , Ho Robin S. T. , Cheung William K. W. , Ford Alexander C. , Wu Justin C. Y. , Mak Arthur D. P. , Cramer Holger , Chung Vincent C. H. 
Published: January 2019

Background: An overview of systematic reviews (SRs) and a network meta-analysis (NMA) were conducted to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of acupuncture and related therapies used either alone, or as an add-on to other irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) treatments. Methods: A total of eight international and Chinese databases were searched for SRs of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The methodological quality of SRs was appraised using the AMSTAR instrument. From the included SRs, data from RCTs were extracted for the random-effect pairwise meta-analyses. An NMA was used to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of different treatment options. The risk of bias among included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results: From 15 SRs of mediocre quality, 27 eligible RCTs ( n = 2141) were included but none performed proper blinding. Results from pairwise meta-analysis showed that both needle acupuncture and electroacupuncture were superior in improving global IBS symptoms when compared with pinaverium bromide. NMA results showed needle acupuncture plus Geshanxiaoyao formula had the highest probability of being the best option for improving global IBS symptoms among 14 included treatment options, but a slight inconsistency exists. Conclusion: The risk of bias and NMA inconsistency among included trials limited the trustworthiness of the conclusion. Patients who did not respond well to first-line conventional therapies or antidepressants may consider acupuncture as an alternative. Future trials should investigate the potential of (1) acupuncture as an add-on to antidepressants and (2) the combined effect of Chinese herbs and acupuncture, which is the norm of routine Chinese medicine practice.
The incidence of infection in routine knee arthroscopy without the use of prophylactic antibiotics is low
Authors: Lai Mun Chun , Yeo William , Tan Andrew Hwee Chye 
Published: January 2019

Background: The use of prophylactic antibiotics in routine knee arthroscopy remains prevalent despite previous evidence suggesting that it may not be necessary, and may indeed carry more risks than benefits. This study aims to determine the incidence of surgical site infections in patients undergoing routine knee arthroscopy without prophylactic antibiotics. Methods: This is a retrospective review of 553 consecutive patients who underwent routine knee arthroscopy from 2004 to 2013 by a single fellowship-trained sports surgeon in a single institution. The spectrum of cases included arthroscopic meniscectomy, meniscal repair, microfracture, chondroplasty, removal of loose bodies and lateral retinacular release. No patient received any prophylactic antibiotics. Patient demographics and comorbidities were reviewed and all patients were followed up postoperatively for a minimum of two years. All postoperative complications were recorded. Results: There were 349 male and 204 female patients. The mean age was 41.8 years (SD 14.8) and mean operative time was 30.4 minutes (SD 12.3). Two healthy young patients developed postoperative superficial wound infection within one week after surgery, but recovered with outpatient oral antibiotic treatment. The overall infection rate was 0.36%. No cases of deep infection were reported. Conclusion: This study showed a very low rate of surgical site infections, comparable with known rates following such operations. This suggests that prophylactic antibiotics are not necessary and avoids the known risks associated with their use.
Pedometer-determined physical activity among primary schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Wee Bee Suan , Bulgiba Awang , Ruzita Abd. Talib , Ismail Mohd. Noor , Poh Bee Koon 
Published: January 2019

Objective: The aim of this study was to objectively measure physical activity and its association with sociodemographic factors among Malaysian primary school-age children. Methods: A total of 111 primary school children in Kuala Lumpur were selected through random sampling. Activity pattern was determined using pedometers and differences by sex, ethnicity and body mass index categories were analysed. The relationship between pedometer-determined physical activity and sociodemographic factors were also studied. Results: Overall, boys attained significantly higher daily step counts than girls (9573 ± 4145 vs 7313 ± 2697). Significant difference in daily step counts between boys and girls were observed during weekdays ( p<0.01), weekends ( p<0.05) and total mean step counts ( p<0.01). Malay ethnicity showed higher daily step counts during weekdays than weekends ( p<0.05). Compared with boys, girls had higher odds (OR=5.58; 95% CI 1.12, 27.77) of not meeting the recommended daily step counts. Those who had low physical activity levels had higher odds (OR=15.75; 95% CI 1.78, 139.33) of not meeting recommended daily step counts than children who had moderate physical activity level. Conclusion: Boys were significantly more active than girls and physical activity was greater during weekdays than on weekends. The primary schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur were sedentary, with minimum physical activity being observed. Differences in sexes and physical activity levels influenced pedometer step counts in children.
Temporal trends in management and outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome according to body mass index
Authors: Rozenbaum Zach , Klein Eyal , Cohen Tal , Shlomo Nir , Pereg David , Shuvy Mony 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Background
Obesity is a major public health concern. We sought to investigate temporal trends in characteristics and outcomes of acute coronary syndrome patients according to body mass index.

Methods
The study population consisted of patients who were included in the Acute Coronary Syndromes Israeli Surveys during 2000–2016. Patients were categorised into three groups according to body mass index: below 25 kg/m2, 25–30 kg/m2 (overweight) and above 30 kg/m2 (obese). Among each body mass index group the outcomes of two time frames were compared – early (2000–2006) versus late (2008–2016).

Results
Overall 12,167 patients were included. Between the years 2000 and 2016, the percentage of obese patients increased from 20% to 30%. Obese patients were more frequently selected for an invasive approach, and had the lowest all-cause mortality rates. A significant reduction in 1-year mortality in recent compared to early surveys among patients with body mass index less than 25 kg/m2 and in obese patients but not for overweight patients was shown. Multivariable analysis showed that body mass index greater than 25 kg/m2 was associated with 30% lower 1-year mortality (hazard ratio 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.55–0.90, P=0.005).

Conclusion
The prevalence of obesity among acute coronary syndrome patients has increased over the past two decades. A reduction of all-cause mortality was mainly seen in lean and obese patients.
Association of genetic polymorphisms of estrogen and progesterone receptors and endometriosis: Meta-analysis
Authors: Carneiro Priscila Prais , de Oliveira Bruna Vicente , Cordeiro Silva Antonio Marcio Teodoro 
Published: January 2019

Purpose: To investigate the association between polymorphisms in the genes of estrogen receptor alpha, estrogen receptor beta, and progesterone receptor and the genesis of endometriosis. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of articles published fully in the PubMed database, in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, from 2006 to 2017, using the descriptors: “endometriosis,” “polymorphism,” “ESR1,” “ESR2,” “PROGINS,” “rs9340799,” “rs4986938,” and “rs1042838.” Results: A total of 20 studies were included based on the criterion of search for susceptibility to endometriosis related to polymorphisms of estrogen receptor alpha, estrogen receptor beta, and progesterone receptor genes. Analysis of all polymorphisms found no association with endometriosis. Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that estrogen receptor alpha, estrogen receptor beta, and progesterone receptor polymorphisms are not related to susceptibility to endometriosis. However, such results may be able to provide more detailed interpretations of how they influence the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Sex Knowledge and Attitude Among Medical Interns in a Tertiary Care Hospital Attached to Medical College in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Authors: Kacha Tanvi G. , Lakdawala Bhaveshkumar M. 
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Sexuality is one of the most basic human experiences. But in India, there are many myths and misconceptions about sexuality. Poor sex knowledge causes many of these problems. Liberal attitude without adequate knowledge is harmful. As a future frontier of health care, medical interns play an important role to improve knowledge and attitude. But, in India, very few students can communicate about sexuality, and friends and pornographic materials remain as common sources of sex knowledge, which are unreliable. Aims: To asses sex knowledge and attitude among medical interns and find its correlation with sociodemographic details. Materials and Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 interns using a Sex Knowledge and Attitude Questionnaire II (SKAQ II). Data was analyzed by MS Excel for Windows. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean age of interns was 22 ± 0.89 yrs. Mean score of sex knowledge of males was 25.47 ± 4.44, whereas that of females was 24.88 ± 4.77. Females had more knowledge of menstrual cycle and conception. Males had better knowledge regarding sexual acts in adolescence and its effects on marriage life. Sex knowledge and attitude were moderately correlated. Males had a liberal attitude, especially about abortion and masturbation. Conclusion: The result revealed a need to improve sex knowledge and attitude among medical interns through sex education and adding sex education sessions in the teaching curriculum. Better knowledge and positive attitudes toward sex will be beneficial to the interns and the whole society.
Comparison of microstructural features of three compacted and water-saturated swelling clays: MX-80 bentonite and Na- and Ca-purified bentonite
Authors: Matusewicz Michał , Olin Markus 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe planned final disposal repositories of spent nuclear fuel in several countries, including Finland, pose significant scientific challenges due to their extremely long lifespan. One of the key materials proposed for use in Posiva Oy's repository in Finland is MX-80 bentonite in a compacted, water-saturated state. Border cases of calcium and sodium forms of purified bentonite were included in this study. The MX-80 in the repository is expected to undergo cation exchange due to the composition of the groundwater. The clays were studied at different dry densities between 0.7 and 1.6 g cm–3. The microstructure of the water-saturated, compacted clays was investigated using small-angle X-ray scattering, nuclear magnetic resonance and transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, atomic force microscopy was used to characterize the shape and size of the fine-fraction clay platelets. As expected, the average shape of the fine fractions was smaller than the bulk material, but a more elongated shape was present in the purified material. Mainly due to sample density, the pore structure was noticeably different for the Na form of purified bentonite at 0.7 g cm–3density, but at higher degrees of compaction, no significant differences were noted between the samples. The laboratory results obtained in this study could be useful for safety and performance analysis of this high-level waste repository where sodium bentonite is used and is expected to change its charge-compensating cation composition during the repository's lifetime. Microstructural data may be used in modelling of diffusion and sorption by surface complexation modelling, for example, or as a basis for mechanical and water transport models.
Belomarinaite KNa(SO4): A new sulfate from 2012–2013 Tolbachik Fissure eruption, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
Authors: Filatov Stanislav K. , Shablinskii Andrey P. , Vergasova Lidiya P. , Saprikina Olga U. , Bubnova Rimma S. , Moskaleva Svetlana V. , Belousov Alexander B. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBelomarinaite, ideally KNaSO4, is a new sulfate mineral discovered in the Toludskoe lava field, formed during the 2012–2013 Tolbachik Fissure eruption. The mineral occurs as arborescent aggregates of tabular crystals (1 mm × 0.3 mm × 0.1 mm) comprising hematite impurities. The average size of the aggregates is 0.5–0.7 mm. The empirical formula is (K0.95Na0.92Cu0.04)Σ1.91S1.01O4. The crystal structure of belomarinaite was determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data; the space group isP3m1,a= 5.6072(3),c= 7.1781(4) Å,V= 195.45(2) Å3,Z= 2 andR1= 2.6%. In the crystal structure of belomarinaite, there are six cation sites: the[4]S1 and[4]S2 sites are occupied by S, the[6]Na and[12]K sites are occupied by Na and K, respectively, giving Na0.5K0.5apfu and the[10]M1 and[10]M2 sites are occupied by Na0.78K0.22and K0.78Na0.22apfu, respectively. The crystal structure is a framework of SO4tetrahedra, Na octahedra and K,M1 andM2 polyhedra. Belomarinaite is isostructural with the synthetic compound KNaSO4. In belomarinaite, Na and K are disordered overM1 andM2 sites; in its synthetic analogue, Na and K are ordered overM1 andM2 sites, respectively. The Mohs’ hardness is 2–3. The mineral is uniaxial (+), with ω = 1.485(3) and ε = 1.488(3) (λ = 589 nm). The strongest lines of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d, Å (I, %) (hkl)] are: 4.022(31)(101); 3.591(26)(002); 2.884(74)(102); 2.800(100)(110); 2.391(16)(003); 2.296(8)201; 2.008(38)(022); and 1.634(10)(212). The mineral was named in honour of Russian volcanologist Marina Gennadievna Belousova (b. 1960) for her significant contributions to the monitoring of the Tolbachik Fissure eruption.
Photoplethysmographic determination of the respiratory rate in acutely ill patients: validation of a new algorithm and implementation into a biomedical device
Authors: L’Her Erwan , N’Guyen Quang-Thang , Pateau Victoire , Bodenes Laetitia , Lellouche François 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory rate is among the first vital signs to change in deteriorating patients. The aims of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of respiratory rate measurements using a specifically dedicated reflection-mode photoplethysmographic signal analysis in a pathological condition (PPG-RR) and to validate its implementation within medical devices.MethodsThis study is derived from a data mining project, including all consecutive patients admitted to our ICU (ReaSTOC study, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02893462). During the evaluation phase of the algorithm, PPG-RR calculations were retrospectively performed on PPG waveforms extracted from the data warehouse and compared with RR reference values. During the prospective phase, PPG-RR calculations were automatically and continuously performed using a dedicated device (FreeO2, Oxynov, Québec, QC, Canada). In all phases, reference RR was measured continuously using electrical thoracic impedance and chronometric evaluation (Manual-RR) over a 30-s period.ResultsIn total, 201 ICU patients’ recordings (SAPS II 51.7 ± 34.6) were analysed during the retrospective evaluation phase, most of them being admitted for a respiratory failure and requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. PPG-RR determination was available in 95.5% cases, similar to reference (22 ± 4 vs. 22 ± 5 c/min, respectively;p = 1), and well correlated with reference values (R = 0.952;p < 0.0001), with a low bias (0.1 b/min) and deviation (± 3.5 b/min). Prospective estimation of the PPG-RR on 30 ICU patients’ recordings was well correlated with the reference method (Manual-RR;r = 0.78;p < 0.001). Comparison of the methods depicted a low bias (0.5 b/min) and acceptable deviation (< ± 5.5 b/min).ConclusionAccording to our results, PPG-RR is an interesting approach for ventilation monitoring, as this technique would make simultaneous monitoring of respiratory rate and arterial oxygen saturation possible, thus minimizing the number of sensors attached to the patient.Trial registry numberClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02893462
What is the evidence that ecosystem components or functions have an impact on infectious diseases? A systematic review protocol
Authors: Lugassy Léa , Amdouni-Boursier Ludivine , Alout Haoues , Berrebi Romuald , Boëte Christophe , Boué Franck , Boulanger Nathalie , Cosson Jean-François , Durand Thierry , de Garine-Wichatitsky Michel , Larrat Sylvain , Moinet Marie , Moulia Catherine , Pagès Nonito , Plantard Olivier , Robert Vincent , Livoreil Barbara 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Background
Many infectious pathogens can be transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa, or by animals (especially arthropods) to humans. Such diseases are called zoonotic and/or vector-borne diseases. To control or prevent them, it is often recommended to target population reduction of host or vector species, through preventive culling or insecticide use for example. But these types of destructive interventions have shown several limits altering their efficiency, including acquired resistance of arthropods to insecticides, unpredicted change in the ecology of host populations, unexpected negative functional consequences on ecosystems, as well as economic embrittlement when livestock is concerned. An alternative pathway of action would be to rely on the functioning of ecosystems, and on their careful management, to regulate diseases and thus reduce their impact on human health. In this perspective, a thorough evaluation of the conditions that can potentially promote such a positive regulation of infectious pathogens by ecosystems, and their efficiency, is needed. Here, we present the protocol of a systematic review that will evaluate the scientific evidence existing on potential links between ecosystem components or functions and 14 vector-borne and zoonotic diseases impacting human health.

Methods
We will search for studies that tested the effect of changes in (i) biological communities, and (ii) habitats and landscapes, on diseases. Scientific literature from 5 publication databases will be screened in a 3-rounds process: title, abstract and full-text screening. At each stage, articles will be either rejected or kept for the next round, depending on whether they fall in the exclusion or inclusion criteria. We will present results in two parts: a systematic map and a systematic review. The systematic map will present, for the 14 diseases, the number of publications, their geographical distribution, the type of ecosystem component/function they studied, as well as the host(s) in which epidemiological measurements have been performed. From this systematic map, we will identify groups of articles that allow for critical appraisal, i.e. groups of articles that studied the effect of the same ecosystem component/function on the same disease. Only those articles will be included in the systematic review. The validity of these articles will be assessed by critical appraisal and presented as a narrative synthesis with confidence levels.
Kisspeptin Stimulation of Prolactin Secretion Requires Kiss1 Receptor but Not in Tuberoinfundibular Dopaminergic Neurons
Authors: Aquino Nayara S S , Kokay Ilona C , Perez Carolina Thörn , Ladyman Sharon R , Henriques Patricia C , Silva Juneo F , Broberger Christian , Grattan David R , Szawka Raphael E 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Kisspeptin has been shown to stimulate prolactin secretion. We investigated whether kisspeptin acts through the Kiss1 receptor (Kiss1r) to regulate dopamine and prolactin. Initially, we evaluated prolactin response in a Kiss1r-deficient mouse line, in which Kiss1r had been knocked into GnRH neurons (Kiss1r−/−R). Intracerebroventricular kisspeptin-10 (Kp-10) increased prolactin release in wild-type but not in Kiss1r−/−R female mice. In ovariectomized, estradiol-treated rats, the Kiss1r antagonist kisspeptin-234 abolished the Kp-10–induced increase in prolactin release but failed to prevent the concomitant reduction in the activity of tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurons, as determined by the 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid/dopamine ratio in the median eminence. Using whole-cell patch clamp recordings in juvenile male rats, we found no direct effect of Kp-10 on the electrical activity of TIDA neurons. In addition, dual-label in situ hybridization in the hypothalamus of female rats showed that Kiss1r is expressed in the periventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (Pe) and arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) but not in tyrosine hydroxylase (Th)–expressing neurons. Kisspeptin also has affinity for the neuropeptide FF receptor 1 (Npffr1), which was expressed in the majority of Pe dopaminergic neurons but only in a low proportion of TIDA neurons in the ARC. Our findings demonstrate that Kiss1r is necessary to the effect of kisspeptin on prolactin secretion, although TIDA neurons lack Kiss1r and are electrically unresponsive to kisspeptin. Thus, kisspeptin is likely to stimulate prolactin secretion via Kiss1r in nondopaminergic neurons, whereas the colocalization of Npffr1 and Th suggests that Pe dopaminergic neurons may play a role in the kisspeptin-induced inhibition of dopamine release.
A qualitative exploration of factors affecting mothers of malnourished children under 5 years old in Kiribati
Authors: Reiher Antje , Mohammadnezhad Masoud 
Published: January 2019

Background: In Kiribati, malnutrition is the leading cause of death for children aged less than 5 years. The purpose of this study was to explore contributing factors among mothers of malnourished children under 5 years old in Kiribati. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in an urban area of South Tarawa among mothers of malnourished children aged less than 5 years in 11 public health centers in 2016. The study included 9 focus group discussions, with a sub sample of 3 to 4 in each group, having a total of 35 participants. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, data was collected and thematic analysis was applied to analysis the data. Results: Seven main themes were identified including; knowledge, behaviors, perceived severity, perceived benefits to action, perceived barriers and cultural related issues. These encompassed a variety of reasons which could explain the malnutrition in children of those particular mothers. Conclusion: In order to tackle malnutrition in Kiribati, it is crucial to identify the main factors that are hindering this preventable disease. This study provides information essential to enhanced decision making, health care delivery planning and has policy implications for the improvement of quality of health care in Kiribati.