bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Handgrip Strength with Hip Fracture and Falls in Community‐dwelling Middle‐aged and Older Adults: A 4‐Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Guo Tianting , Zhang Fei , Xiong Lijiao , Huang Zhihua , Zhang Xiaoan , Wan Junming , Mo Jianwen 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveHip fracture and falls are significant health concerns. Handgrip strength (HGS) is closely associated with overall muscle strength and physical health. However, the longitudinal relationship between HGS and the risk of hip fractures and falls remains unclear, particularly regarding gender differences. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the association between HGS and the risk of hip fracture and falls in individuals aged 45 years and above, considering gender‐specific differences over a 4‐year period.MethodsThis study included 10,092 participants (4471 men and 5621 women) aged 45 years and above from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Incidents of hip fractures and falls were recorded during a 4‐year follow‐up, along with various demographic and clinical factors. Participants were categorized into five groups based on their HGS quintiles. Logistic regression models were employed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the relationship between HGS and hip fracture/fall risk.ResultsDuring the 4‐year follow‐up period, 223 cases of hip fracture (2.2%) and 1831 cases of falls (18.1%) were documented. Notably, higher HGS demonstrated a strong inverse association with the risk of hip fracture in both males and females (p < 0.05). In comparison to the lowest HGS quintile, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for hip fracture were 0.46 (0.27–0.78) for the total population, 0.4 (0.19–0.81) for males and 0.48 (0.23–0.98) for females in the highest HGS quintile. Furthermore, a profound and statistically significant negative correlation between HGS and falls was detected (p < 0.05). The adjusted ORs for falls in the highest HGS quintile, compared to the lowest quintile, were 0.62 (0.51–0.76) in the overall population, 0.59 (0.44–0.78) in males, and 0.78 (0.62–0.99) in females.ConclusionOur findings highlight the significant inverse association between HGS and the risk of hip fracture and falls in both males and females aged 45 years and above. Assessing handgrip strength may serve as a valuable tool for predicting fracture and fall risk.
Metal‐semiconductor heterojunction accelerates the plasmonically powered photoregeneration of biological cofactors
Authors: Deepak Namitha , Jain Vanshika , Pillai Pramod P. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPhotocatalysis with plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) is emerging as an attractive strategy to make and break chemical bonds. However, the fast relaxation dynamics of the photoexcited charge carriers in plasmonic NPs often result in poor yields. The separation and extraction of photoexcited hot‐charge carriers should be faster than the thermalization process to overcome the limitation of poor yield. This demands the integration of rationally chosen materials to construct hybrid plasmonic photocatalysts. In this work, the enhanced photocatalytic activity of gold nanoparticle‐titanium dioxide metal‐semiconductor heterostructure (Au‐TiO2) is used for the efficient regeneration of nicotinamide (NADH) cofactors. The modification of plasmonic AuNPs with n‐type TiO2 semiconductor enhanced the charge separation process, because of the Schottky barrier formed at the Au–TiO2 heterojunction. This led to a 12‐fold increment in the photocatalytic activity of plasmonic AuNP in regenerating NADH cofactor. Detailed mechanistic studies revealed that Au‐TiO2 hybrid photocatalyst followed a less‐explored light‐independent pathway, in comparison to the conventional light‐dependent path followed by sole AuNP photocatalyst. NADH regeneration yield reached ~70% in the light‐independent pathway, under optimized conditions. Thus, our study emphasizes the rational choice of components in hybrid nanostructures in dictating the photocatalytic activity and the underlying reaction mechanism in plasmon‐powered chemical transformations.
Promotion of Physical Activity by Québec Primary Care Physicians: What Has Changed in the Last Decade?
Authors: Laberge Suzanne , Gosselin Véronique , Lestage Kim , Chagnon Miguel , Guimond Claude 
Published: March 2024

Objective: This study aimed to assess the changes in the frequency of physical activity (PA) counseling and in the predictors of primary care PA promotion in Québec primary care physicians (PCPs) between 2010 and 2020. Methods: In 2010, we conducted a survey among Québec PCPs. Questions included: frequency of promoting PA to patients, perceived barriers, needs to improve PA promotion practice, frequency of PCPs’ PA practice, and sociodemographic information. In 2020, we took over the 2010 questionnaire to document the evolution of the PA promotion practice. Results: The proportion of PCPs discussing PA with their patients significantly increased (P < .05) in 2020 for the following health conditions: depression, low back pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer; it declined (P < .05) for overweight patients, those with metabolic syndrome, and in primary prevention. Collaboration with PA professionals was the major need identified, and it increased in 2020. PCPs’ own practice of PA was a predictor of PA promotion in 2010 (odds ratio = 6.679; P < .001) and in 2020 (odds ratio  = 6.679; P < .001). In both 2010 and in 2020, older or more experienced PCPs were more likely to discuss PA with their patients without diagnosed diseases than younger ones or those with less experience. Conclusions: Over the last 10 years, there has been a significant increase in PCPs promoting PA in Québec; however, it has been mainly oriented toward secondary prevention. It is concerning that PA counseling in primary prevention has declined, notably among younger PCPs. The stronger claim for closer collaboration with kinesiologists suggests that PCPs are in favor of an interprofessional strategy, namely collaboration with PA specialists.
Aorto-atrial tunnel arising from sinus of Valsalva aneurysm in a young female
Authors: Chigullapalli Sridevi , Malani Susheel Kumar , Nalawade Digvijay , Musuku Manisha Reddy 
Published: March 2024

A young female patient presented with complaints of breathlessness and palpitations since 2 years. On clinical examination, there was a loud continuous murmur at the right sternal border.Transthoracic echocardiography and colour Doppler showed a tunnel-like structure originating from the aneurysmal right coronary sinus and opening into the right atrium with left to right shunt. Coronary angiography revealed a large tunnel beginning in right coronary sinus and terminating in the right atrium and right coronary artery (RCA) was seen originating from the tunnel. Cardiac catheterisation revealed normal pulmonary artery pressure. CT and 3D-reconstructed images delineated the extracardiac course of the tunnel.Various treatment modalities including percutaneous transcatheter approach and surgical treatment were taken into consideration, but because of the close proximity of RCA from the tunnel opening, surgical closure was preferred.
Role of twinnings in scaling up innovative solutions across Europe
Authors: Campos Cláudia , Kappelhof Robbin , Carrilho Joana , Midão Luis , Henriques Diogo , Costa Elísio 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionTwinnings are cross-border knowledge exchange activities where two or more organisations learn from each other’s experiences and are often used as a scaling up mechanism.ObjectivesThis paper discusses the importance of twinning activities in scaling up by promoting community building, knowledge sharing and innovation transfer among stakeholders in European countries. It explores the role of twinnings in the scaling up model of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing) and the Innovation Networks for Scaling Active and Healthy Ageing (IN-4-AHA) project.MethodsThe study employed a qualitative approach, drawing insights from various sources, including the Scale AHA study (2017), the IN-4-AHA’s scaling up model and twinning reports.ResultsThe findings reveal that twinning activities provide stakeholders with a unique opportunity to learn from the know-how of other like-minded partners, improve the quality of their work and iterate on their innovations. They also highlight that twinnings are particularly relevant for some stages in the scaling up process, such as in the assessment of a network of potential partners and during the evaluation of the environment, the innovation could potentially be transferred to.ConclusionTwinnings are highly regarded as community-building and knowledge-sharing activities with clear advantages for companies and other stakeholder groups. Including twinning activities in the scaling up model has proven benefits for companies and projects that have a strong need for community building and innovation transfer.
STENOSIS: Long-term single versus dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with ischaemic stroke due to intracranial atherosclerotic disease – a randomised trial
Authors: Bhatia Rohit , Padma Srivastava MV , Sarkar Risha , Fatima Saman , Longkumer Imnameren , Garg Ajay , Gupta Pooja , Pandian Jeyaraj Durai , Khurana Dheeraj , Sylaja PN , Jain Shweta , Arora Deepti , Dhasan Aneesh , Sharma Meenakshi 
Published: March 2024

RationaleIntracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is a pathological process that causes progressive stenosis and cerebral hypoperfusion, leading to stroke occurrence and recurrence around the world. The exact duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for ICAD is unclear in view of long-term risk of bleeding complications.AimThe current study aims to study the efficacy and safety of long-term DAPT (up to 12 months) in patients with ICAD.Sample sizeUsing 80% power and an alpha error of 5 %, presuming a 10%–15% drop-out rate, a total of 2200 patients will be recruited for the study.MethodologyThis is a prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial.Study outcomesThe primary outcomes include recurrent ischaemic stroke (IS) or transient ischaemic attack and any intracranial haemorrhage (ICH), major or minor systemic bleeding at the end of 12 months. Secondary outcomes include composite of any stroke, myocardial infarction or death at the end of 12 months. The safety outcomes include any ICH, major or minor bleeding as defined using GUSTO (Global Use of Streptokinase and tPA for occluded Coronary Arteries) classification at the end of 12 months and 1 month after completion of the drug treatment phase.DiscussionThe study will provide level I evidence on the duration of DAPT among patients with IS due to ICAD of more than or equal to 50%.
Association between benzodiazepine coprescription and mortality in people on opioid replacement therapy: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Best Catherine Susan , Matheson Catriona , Robertson James , Ritchie Trina , Cowden Fiona , Dumbrell Josh , Duncan Clare , Kessavalou Karthigayan , Woolston Caroline , Schofield Joe 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between opioid replacement therapy (ORT) and benzodiazepine (BZD) coprescription and all-cause mortality compared with the prescription of ORT alone.DesignPopulation-based cohort study.SettingScotland, UK.ParticipantsParticipants were people prescribed ORT between January 2010 and end of December 2020 aged 18 years or above.Main outcome measuresAll-cause mortality, drug-related deaths and non-drug related deaths.Secondary outcomeORT continuous treatment duration.AnalysisCox regression with time-varying covariates.ResultsDuring follow-up, 5776 of 46 899 participants died: 1398 while on coprescription and 4378 while on ORT only. The mortality per 100 person years was 3.11 during coprescription and 2.34 on ORT only. The adjusted HR for all-cause mortality was 1.17 (1.10 to 1.24). The adjusted HR for drug-related death was 1.14 (95% CI, 1.04 to 1.24) and the hazard for death not classified as drug-related was 1.19 (95% CI, 1.09 to 1.30).ConclusionCoprescription of BZDs in ORT was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, although with a small effect size than the international literature. Coprescribing was also associated with longer retention in treatment. Risk from BZD coprescription needs to be balanced against the risk from illicit BZDs and unplanned treatment discontinuation. A randomised controlled trial is urgently needed to provide a clear clinical direction.Trial registration numberNCT04622995.
Subphenotypes of self-reported symptoms and outcomes in long COVID: a prospective cohort study with latent class analysis
Authors: Kitsios Georgios D , Blacka Shawna , Jacobs Jana J , Mirza Taaha , Naqvi Asma , Gentry Heather , Murray Cathy , Wang Xiaohong , Golubykh Konstantin , Qurashi Hafiz , Dodia Akash , Risbano Michael , Benigno Michael , Emir Birol , Weinstein Edward , Bramson Candace , Jiang Lili , Dai Feng , Szigethy Eva , Mellors John W , Methe Barbara , Sciurba Frank C , Nouraie Seyed Mehdi , Morris Alison 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveTo characterise subphenotypes of self-reported symptoms and outcomes (SRSOs) in postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC).DesignProspective, observational cohort study of subjects with PASC.SettingAcademic tertiary centre from five clinical referral sources.ParticipantsAdults with COVID-19 ≥20 days before enrolment and presence of any new self-reported symptoms following COVID-19.ExposuresWe collected data on clinical variables and SRSOs via structured telephone interviews and performed standardised assessments with validated clinical numerical scales to capture psychological symptoms, neurocognitive functioning and cardiopulmonary function. We collected saliva and stool samples for quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA via quantitative PCR.Outcomes measuresDescription of PASC SRSOs burden and duration, derivation of distinct PASC subphenotypes via latent class analysis (LCA) and relationship with viral load.ResultsWe analysed baseline data for 214 individuals with a study visit at a median of 197.5 days after COVID-19 diagnosis. Participants reported ever having a median of 9/16 symptoms (IQR 6–11) after acute COVID-19, with muscle-aches, dyspnoea and headache being the most common. Fatigue, cognitive impairment and dyspnoea were experienced for a longer time. Participants had a lower burden of active symptoms (median 3 (1–6)) than those ever experienced (p<0.001). Unsupervised LCA of symptoms revealed three clinically active PASC subphenotypes: a high burden constitutional symptoms (21.9%), a persistent loss/change of smell and taste (20.6%) and a minimal residual symptoms subphenotype (57.5%). Subphenotype assignments were strongly associated with self-assessments of global health, recovery and PASC impact on employment (p<0.001) as well as referral source for enrolment. Viral persistence (5.6% saliva and 1% stool samples positive) did not explain SRSOs or subphenotypes.ConclusionsWe identified three distinct PASC subphenotypes. We highlight that although most symptoms progressively resolve, specific PASC subpopulations are impacted by either high burden of constitutional symptoms or persistent olfactory/gustatory dysfunction, requiring prospective identification and targeted preventive or therapeutic interventions.
IMPROVE study protocol, investigating post-stroke local muscle vibrations to promote cerebral plasticity and functional recovery: a single-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Julliand Sophie , Papaxanthis Charalambos , Delphin Corentin , Mock Anne , Raumel Marc-Antoine , Gueugnon Mathieu , Ornetti Paul , Laroche Davy 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionSpasticity is a frequent disabling consequence following a stroke. Local muscle vibrations (LMVs) have been proposed as a treatment to address this problem. However, little is known about their clinical and neurophysiological impacts when used repeatedly during the subacute phase post-stroke. This project aims to evaluate the effects of a 6-week LMV protocol on the paretic limb on spasticity development in a post-stroke subacute population.Methods and analysisThis is an interventional, controlled, randomised, single-blind (patient) trial. 100 participants over 18 years old will be recruited, within 6 weeks following a first stroke with hemiparesis or hemiplegia. All participants will receive a conventional rehabilitation programme, plus 18 sessions of LMV (ie, continuously for 30 min) on relaxed wrist and elbow flexors: either (1) at 80 Hz for the interventional group or (2) at 40 Hz plus a foam band between the skin and the device for the control group.Participants will be evaluated at baseline, at 3 weeks and 6 weeks, and at 6 months after the end of the intervention. Spasticity will be measured by the modified Ashworth scale and with an isokinetic dynamometer. Sensorimotor function will be assessed with the Fugl-Meyer assessment of the upper extremity. Corticospinal and spinal excitabilities will be measured each time.Ethics and disseminationThis study was recorded in a clinical trial and obtained approval from the institutional review board (Comité de protection des personnes Ile de France IV, 2021-A03219-32). All participants will be required to provide informed consent. The results of this trial will be published in peer-reviewed journals to disseminate information to clinicians and impact their practice for an improved patient’s care.Trial registration numberClinical Trial:NCT05315726DatasetEUDRAct
Examining geospatial and temporal distribution of invasive non-typhoidalSalmonelladisease occurrence in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and modelling study
Authors: Kim Jong-Hoon , Tack Bieke , Fiorino Fabio , Pettini Elena , Marchello Christian S , Jacobs Jan , Crump John A , Marks Florian 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundInvasive non-typhoidalSalmonella(iNTS) disease is a significant health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. While our knowledge of a larger-scale variation is growing, understanding of the subnational variation in iNTS disease occurrence is lacking, yet crucial for targeted intervention.MethodWe performed a systematic review of reported occurrences of iNTS disease in sub-Saharan Africa, consulting literature from PubMed, Embase and Web of Science published since 2000. Eligibility for inclusion was not limited by study type but required that studies reported original data on human iNTS diseases based on the culture of a normally sterile site, specifying subnational locations and the year, and were available as full-text articles. We excluded studies that diagnosed iNTS disease based on clinical indications, cultures from non-sterile sites or serological testing. We estimated the probability of occurrence of iNTS disease for sub-Saharan Africa on 20 km × 20 km grids by exploring the association with geospatial covariates such as malaria, HIV, childhood growth failure, access to improved water, and sanitation using a boosted regression tree.ResultsWe identified 130 unique references reporting human iNTS disease in 21 countries published from 2000 through 2020. The estimated probability of iNTS occurrence grids showed significant spatial heterogeneity at all levels (20 km × 20 km grids, subnational, country and subregional levels) and temporal heterogeneity by year. For 2020, the probability of occurrence was higher in Middle Africa (0.34, 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.46), followed by Western Africa (0.33, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.44), Eastern Africa (0.24, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.33) and Southern Africa (0.08, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.11). Temporal heterogeneity indicated that the probability of occurrence increased between 2000 and 2020 in countries such as the Republic of the Congo (0.05 to 0.59) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (0.10 to 0.48) whereas it decreased in countries such as Uganda (0.65 to 0.23) or Zimbabwe (0.61 to 0.37).ConclusionThe iNTS disease occurrence varied greatly across sub-Saharan Africa, with certain regions being disproportionately affected. Exploring regions at high risk for iNTS disease, despite the limitations in our data, may inform focused resource allocation. This targeted approach may enhance efforts to combat iNTS disease in more affected areas.
How have services for diabetes, eye, hearing and foot health been integrated for adults? Protocol for a scoping review
Authors: O'Shea Claire , Manuel Alehandrea , Te Ao Braden , Silwal Pushkar Raj , Harwood Matire , Murphy Rinki , Ramke Jacqueline 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionThe global population is ageing, and by 2050, there will be almost 2.1 billion people over the age of 60 years. This ageing population means conditions such as diabetes are on the increase, as well as other conditions associated with ageing (and/or diabetes), including those that cause vision impairment, hearing impairment or foot problems. The aim of this scoping review is to identify the extent of the literature describing integration of services for adults of two or more of diabetes, eye, hearing or foot services.Methods and analysisThe main database searches are of Medline and Embase, conducted by an information specialist, without language restrictions, for studies published from 1 January 2000 describing the integration of services for two or more of diabetes, eye, hearing and foot health in the private or public sector and at the primary or secondary level of care, primarily targeted to adults aged ≥40 years. A grey literature search will focus on websites of key organisations. Reference lists of all included articles will be reviewed to identify further studies. Screening and data extraction will be undertaken by two reviewers independently and any discrepancies will be resolved by discussion. We will use tables, maps and text to summarise the included studies and findings, including where studies were undertaken, which services tended to be integrated, in which sector and level of the health system, targeting which population groups and whether they were considered effective.Ethics and disseminationAs our review will be based on published data, ethical approval will not be sought. This review is part of a project in Aotearoa New Zealand that aims to improve access to services for adults with diabetes or eye, hearing or foot conditions. The findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant conferences.