bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of ankylosing spondylitis on foot health and quality of life: an observational case–control study
Authors: Cortes-Rodríguez Antonio , Alves-Gomes Lisa , Losa-Iglesias Marta Elena , Gómez-Salgado Juan , Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo Ricardo , Saavedra-García Miguel Ángel , Montiel-Luque Alonso , López-López Daniel , Jiménez-Cebrián Ana María 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, inflammatory, and autoimmune disease. This condition primarily affects the axial skeleton and presents direct foot involvement, such as Achilles enthesitis or plantar fascia involvement.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the impact of foot health on the quality of life of individuals with AS compared to a control group without AS.Materials and methodsA sample of 112 subjects was recruited, with a mean age of 46.80 ± 10.49 years, divided into two groups: 56 individuals with AS (cases) and 56 individuals without AS (controls). Demographic data were collected, and the scores obtained in the Foot Health Status Questionnaire domains were recorded.ResultsOf the participants, 27.79% (N = 30) were men and 73.21% (N = 82) were women. The mean age in the group was 46.80 ± 10.49. Significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) were found in the domains of foot function, foot pain, footwear, overall foot health, general health-related physical activity, and social capacity between the AS group and the control group.ConclusionIndividuals with AS exhibited a decreased quality of life, as indicated by their Foot Health Status Questionnaire scores.
Health professionals’ involvement in volunteering their professional skills: a scoping review
Authors: Strkljevic Ima , Tiedemann Anne , Souza de Oliveira Juliana , Haynes Abby , Sherrington Cathie 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundVolunteering positively affects overall health of both volunteers and recipients through social interaction, support and physical activity. Health professionals’ volunteering has considerable potential to improve health outcomes in communities.ObjectivesThis study aimed to summarize published scientific literature regarding volunteering by health professionals.MethodMedine, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO and CINAHLdatabases were searched to identify eligible studies published between 2010 and 2023. Data on study methods and findings were extracted and synthesized.ResultsOf the 144 eligible studies, 80 (56%) used quantitative methods, 46 (32%) used qualitative, 18 (12%) used mixed methods and 8 (6%) were interventional. Doctors (74 studies, 51%) and nurses (n = 40, 28%) were the professions with most reports of volunteering. Half the studies were from USA (n = 77, 53%), followed by UK (n = 19, 13%), Canada (n = 12, 8%), and Australia/New Zealand (n = 11, 8%). International volunteering in low-to-middle-income countries was reported in 64 studies (44%). Providing service and training were the dominant types of activities (n = 90, 62.5%), with health promotion reported in only 4 studies (3%). Studies reported positive impact from volunteering, both professionally and personally. Time and family commitments were the main barriers. Enablers, barriers and impact were summarized in a socio-ecological map.ConclusionHealth professionals volunteer in diverse activities and report multifaceted benefits. Studies of volunteering interventions could enable new, sustainable approaches to health promotion.
A prospective study on using shear wave elastography to predict the ypT0 stage of rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy: a new support for the watch-and-wait approach?
Authors: Liu Mengjia , Cui Ningyi , Sun Chao , Gong Xuantong , Wang Bo , Yang Di , Wang Yong 
Published: April 2024

Introduction:The diagnostic accuracy of traditional imaging examination in predicting ypT stage of rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy is significantly reduced, which would affect patients’ subsequent treatment choices. This study aimed to investigate the use of endorectal shear wave elastography (SWE) for diagnosing ypT0 stage of rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT).Methods:Sixty patients with rectal cancer were prospectively recruited in this study. Data on endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) and SWE parameters were collected before nCRT and 6–8 weeks after nCRT. Postoperative pathological results were the gold standard for evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of SWE and ERUS in predicting the ypT0 stage of rectal cancer after nCRT. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the cut-off values of the SWE parameters that best corresponded to the ypT0 stage and analyze the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.Results:The diagnostic accuracies of using ERUS to predict the ypT and ypT0 stages of rectal cancer after nCRT were 58.1% (18/31) and 64.3% (9/14), respectively. The ROC curve was constructed with the lesion’s Emean, Emean corrected (EC), Emean difference (ED), Emean corrected differencede (ECD), Emean descendding rate (EDR) and Emean corrected descendding rate (ECDR) values after nCRT, the cut-off values of diagnosing the ypT0 stage were 64.40 kPa, 55.45 kPa, 72.55 kPa, 73.75 kPa, 50.15%, and 55.93%, respectively; the area under the curve (AUC) for diagnosing the ypT0 stage was 0.924, 0.933, 0.748, 0.729, 0.857 and 0.861, respectively. The EC value showed the best diagnostic performance.Conclusion:SWE could improve the accuracy of conventional ERUS in diagnosing the ypT0 stage of rectal cancer after nCRT. It is expected to become a new method to help predict pathological complete responses in clinical practice and provide new evidence for the watch-and-wait approach.
Non-pharmacological therapies for treating non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Shuang , Xu Ke , Zhou Yan , Shen Yiwei , Liu Zhengnan , Bai Yan , Wang Shun 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveThe non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are an important part of PD. In recent years, more and more non-drug interventions have been applied to alleviate the non-motor symptoms of PD, but the relevant evidence is limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the efficacy of non-drug interventions in patients with non-motor symptoms in patients with PD.MethodsSeven databases, including Pubmed, Embease, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database (WANFANG), VIP database (VIP), and China Biomedical Literature Service System (CBM) were searched from the establishment of the database to December 2023. Non-drug interventions such as acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exercise, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease were selected as search words, and two independent evaluators evaluated the included literature’s bias risk and data extraction. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by the Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Minimum Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39). RevMan 5.4.1 (Reviewer Manager Software 5.4.1). Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, United Kingdom analyzed the data and estimated the average effect and the 95% confidence interval (CI). A heterogeneity test is used to assess differences in the efficacy of different non-drug treatments.ResultsWe selected 36 from 4,027 articles to participate in this meta-analysis, involving 2,158 participants. Our combined results show that: PDSS: [mean difference (MD) = −19.35, 95% CI (−30.4 to −8.28), p &lt; 0.0006]; HAMD: [MD = −2.98, 95% CI (−4.29 to −1.67), p &lt; 0.00001]; BDI: [MD = −2.69, 95% CI (−4.24 to 4.80), p = 0.006]; HAMA: [MD = -2.00, 95% CI (−2.83 to −1.17), p &lt; 0.00001]; MMSE: [MD = 1.20, 95% CI (0.71 to 1.68), p &lt; 0.00001]; CoMA: [MD = 2.10, 95% CI (−0.97 to 3.23), p = 0.0003]; PDQ-39: [MD = −4.03, 95% CI (−5.96 to −1.57), p &lt; 0.00001].ConclusionThe four non-drug measures used in our review showed significant improvements in sleep, depression, anxiety, cognition, constipation, and quality of life compared with the control group, and no serious adverse events were reported in the included research evidence, and we found that there were some differences among the subgroups of different intervention methods, but due to the less literature included in the subgroup, and the comparison was more indirect. So, we should interpret these results carefully.Systematic review registrationwww.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023486897.
Prognosis and distribution of ischemic stroke with negative diffusion-weighted imaging: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alkhiri Ahmed , Alturki Fahad , Alansari Nayef M. , Almaghrabi Ahmed A. , Alghamdi Basil A. , Alamri Aser F. , Alghamdi Saeed , Makkawi Seraj 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundMagnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is the most sensitive modality for ischemic stroke diagnosis. However, DWI may fail to detect ischemic lesions in a proportion of patients.MethodsFollowing PRISMA statement, a systematic search of Medline, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted until January 3, 2024. The inclusion was confined to English literature with sufficient reporting. Proportions of DWI-negative ischemic stroke were pooled. For binary variables, odds ratios (ORs) were computed using the random-effects model.ResultsFourteen studies constituting 16,268 patients with a clinical diagnosis of ischemic stroke and available DWI findings were included. Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) was administered to 19.6% of the DWI-negative group and 15.3% of the DWI-positive group. DWI-negative ischemic stroke was reported in 16% (95% CI: 10–24%; after sensitivity analysis: 11% [95% CI: 8–15%]) of stroke patients. Among minor stroke patients (National Institutes of Health Stroke scale [NIHSS] of 5 or less), 24% (95% CI 12–42%) had negative DWI findings. Predictors of DWI-negative scans included posterior circulation stroke, history of ischemic heart disease, prior stroke, or prior transient ischemic attack. Cardioembolic stroke (OR, 0.62, 95% CI: 0.41–0.93) and history of atrial fibrillation increased the likelihood of positive DWI findings (OR, 0.56, 95% CI: 0.45–0.71). Patients with DWI-negative ischemic stroke had higher odds of good functional outcomes (modified Rankin scale [mRS] of 0–1) (OR, 2.26; 95% CI: 1.03–4.92), lower odds of stroke recurrence (OR, 0.68; 95% CI: 0.48–0.96), and lower odds of severe disability or mortality (mRS of 3–6) (OR, 0.44; 95% CI: 0.34–0.57) compared to patients with positive DWI. Rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage after IVT were comparable between groups.ConclusionDWI-negative findings were present in a significant proportion of ischemic stroke patients and may be utilized as a marker for favorable prognosis.
Comparison of brain gray matter volume changes in peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients with chronic kidney disease: a VBM study
Authors: Xiao Fenglin , Zhou Lili , Li Yan , Zhang Chaoyang , Liu Ying , Yu Huan , Li Xiaoping , Wang Chunyu , Yin Xinxin , Gao Xin 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveThis study aims to compare gray matter volume changes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) using voxel-based morphometry (VBM).MethodsA total of 27 PD patients, 25 HD patients, and 42 healthy controls were included. VBM analysis was performed, and cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA). The correlation between cognitive function and changes in brain gray matter volume was analyzed.ResultsBoth peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients had partial gray matter volume reduction compared to the controls, but the affected brain regions were not uniform. The hemodialysis patients had greater volume reduction in certain brain regions than the PD patients. The MMSE and MoCA scores were positively correlated with gray matter volume changes.ConclusionDifferent dialysis modalities cause damage to specific areas of the brain, which can be detected using VBM. VBM, combined with cognitive function assessment, can help detect structural brain changes and cognitive impairment in patients with different dialysis modalities. The comprehensive application of VBM in the field of neurological function deserves further exploration.
Piloting a brief assessment to capture consumption of whole plant food and water: version 1.0 of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine Diet Screener (ACLM Diet Screener)
Authors: Karlsen Micaela C. , Staffier Kara L. , Pollard Kathryn J. , Cara Kelly C. , Hulit Sarah M. , Campbell Erin K. , Friedman Susan M. 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundDespite the availability of various dietary assessment tools, there is a need for a tool aligned with the needs of lifestyle medicine (LM) physicians. Such a tool would be brief, aimed at use in a clinical setting, and focused on a “food as medicine” approach consistent with recommendations for a diet based predominately on whole plant foods. The objective of this study is to describe the development and initial pilot testing of a brief, dietary screener to assess the proportion of whole, unrefined plant foods and water relative to total food and beverage intake.MethodsA multidisciplinary study team led the screener development, providing input on the design and food/beverage items included, and existing published dietary assessment tools were reviewed for relevance. Feedback was solicited from LM practitioners in the form of a cross-sectional survey that captured information on medical practice, barriers, and needs in assessing patients’ diets, in addition to an opportunity to complete the screener and provide feedback on its utility. The study team assessed feedback and revised the screener accordingly, which included seeking and incorporating feedback on additional food items to be included from subject matter experts in specific cultural and ethnic groups in the United States. The final screener was submitted for professional design, and scoring was developed.ResultsOf 539 total participants, the majority reported assessing diet either informally (62%) or formally (26%) during patient encounters, and 73% reported discussing diet with all or most of their patients. Participants also reported facing barriers (80%) to assessing diet. Eighty-eight percent believed the screener was quick enough to use in a clinical setting, and 68% reported they would use it.ConclusionThe ACLM Diet Screener was developed through iterative review and pilot testing. The screener is a brief, 27-item diet assessment tool that can be successfully used in clinical settings to track patient dietary intakes, guide clinical conversations, and support nutrition prescriptions. Pilot testing of the screener found strong alignment with clinician needs for assessing a patient’s intake of whole plant food and water relative to the overall diet. Future research will involve pilot testing the screener in clinical interventions and conducting a validation study to establish construct validity.
Conservative medical intervention as a complement to CDT for BCRL therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Deng Chuyu , Wu Zhiguo , Cai Zijie , Zheng Xiaoyan , Tang Chunzhi 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThe effect of first-line complex decongestive therapy (CDT) for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) depending on various factors forces patients to seek additional treatment. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of different conservative medical interventions as a complement to CDT. This is the first meta-analysis that includes various kinds of conservative treatments as adjunctive therapy to get broader knowledge and improve practical application value, which can provide recommendations to further improve BCRL patients’ health status.MethodsRCTs published before 18 December 2023 from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched. RCTs that compared the effects of conservative medical intervention were included. A random-effects or fixed-effects model was used based on the heterogeneity findings. Study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.ResultsSixteen RCTs with 690 participants were included, comparing laser therapy, intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), electrotherapy, ultrasound, diet or diet in combination with synbiotic supplement, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), continuous passive motion (CPM), and negative pressure massage treatment (NMPT). The results revealed that conservative medical intervention as complement to CDT had benefits in improving lymphedema in volume/circumference of the upper extremity [SMD = −0.30, 95% CI = (−0.45, −0.15), P &lt; 0.05, I2 = 51%], visual analog score (VAS) for pain [SMD = −3.35, 95% CI (−5.37, −1.33), P &lt; 0.05, I2 = 96%], quality of life [SMD = 0.44, 95% CI (0.19, 0.69), P &lt; 0.05, I2 = 0], and DASH/QuickDASH [SMD = −0.42, 95% CI (−0.70, −0.14), P &lt; 0.05, I2 = 10%] compared with the control group. Subgroup analysis revealed that laser therapy and electrotherapy are especially effective (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionCombining conservative medical interventions with CDT appears to have a positive effect on certain BCRL symptoms, especially laser therapy and electrotherapy. It showed a better effect on patients under 60 years old, and laser therapy of low to moderate intensity (5–24 mW, 1.5–2 J/cm2) and of moderate- to long-term duration (≥36–72 sessions) showed better effects.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=354824, identifier CRD42022354824.
Identification of potent schistosomicidal compounds predicted as type II-kinase inhibitors against Schistosoma mansoni c-Jun N-terminal kinase SMJNK
Authors: Moreira Bernardo P. , Gava Sandra G. , Haeberlein Simone , Gueye Sophie , Santos Ester S. S. , Weber Michael H. W. , Abramyan Tigran M. , Grevelding Christoph G. , Mourão Marina M. , Falcone Franco H. 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionSchistosomiasis has for many years relied on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ) for treatment of the disease. Immense efforts have been invested in the discovery of protein kinase (PK) inhibitors; however, given that the majority of PKs are still not targeted by an inhibitor with a useful level of selectivity, there is a compelling need to expand the chemical space available for synthesizing new, potent, and selective PK inhibitors. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting the ATP pocket of the catalytic domain of PKs have the potential to become drugs devoid of (major) side effects, particularly if they bind selectively. This is the case for type II PK inhibitors, which cause PKs to adopt the so-called DFG-out conformation, corresponding to the inactive state of the enzyme.MethodsThe goal was to perform a virtual screen against the ATP pocket of the inactive JNK protein kinase. After virtually screening millions of compounds, Atomwise provided 85 compounds predicted to target c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) as type II inhibitors. Selected compounds were screened in vitro against larval stage (schistosomula) of S. mansoni using the XTT assay. Adult worms were assessed for motility, attachment, and pairing stability. Active compounds were further analyzed by molecular docking against SmJNK.ResultsIn total, 33 compounds were considered active in at least one of the assays, and two compounds were active in every in vitro screening assay. The two most potent compounds presented strong effects against both life stages of the parasite, and microscopy analysis showed phenotypic alterations on the tegument, in the gonads, and impairment of cell proliferation.ConclusionThe approach to screen type II kinase inhibitors resulted in the identification of active compounds that will be further developed against schistosomiasis.
Treatment outcome of pneumonia and its associated factors among pediatric patients admitted to Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Adbela Gebremariam , Abdurahman Hanan , Hailu Saba , Keneni Mulualem , Mohammed Ahmed , Weldegebreal Fitsum 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundPneumonia is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children worldwide. Despite its substantial impact, there exists a dearth of evidence regarding treatment outcomes and related factors, particularly within the Ethiopian context. This study endeavors to address these critical gaps by examining the treatment outcome of pneumonia among pediatric patients hospitalized in the Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital.MethodA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 204 children (≤14 years of age) diagnosed with pneumonia and admitted to the Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital. An interview using a structured questionnaire accompanied by a review of medical records was used to collect data from the parents/guardians. A binary logistic regression model with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify the associated factors with the outcome variable. Statistical significance was set at P &lt; 0.05 in the multivariable analysis.ResultAmong the 204 children (≤14 years) included in the study, 119 (93.6%, 95% CI: 90.2–96.9) patients with pneumonia survived whereas 13 (6.4%, 95% CI: 3.1–9.7) died. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, after adjustments for potential confounders, revealed that children who had malnutrition (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 2.37–12.44), were unvaccinated (AOR =  3.41, 95% CI: 2.25–11.87), had altered mental states during admission (AOR = 4.49, 95% CI: 2.28–17.85), and had complicated types of pneumonia (AOR = 5.70, 95% CI: 2.98–15.09) were independently associated with mortality.ConclusionPoor treatment outcome was 6.4% among pediatric patients admitted with pneumonia in this study setting. Being unvaccinated, malnourished, and admitted with a complicated type of pneumonia as well as having altered consciousness at the time of admission were significantly associated with poor treatment outcomes. These findings underscore the critical need to prioritize preventative measures against malnutrition and unvaccinated status in children. Early identification of such children and proper interventions are imperative to reducing such outcomes, particularly in resource-constrained settings.