bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Greater occipital nerve blockade for the preventive treatment of chronic migraine: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study
Authors: Chowdhury Debashish , Tomar Apoorva , Deorari Vaibhav , Duggal Ashish , Krishnan Anand , Koul Arun 
Published: February 2023

Background Greater occipital nerve blockade for the prevention of chronic migraine has a limited evidence base. A robust randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is needed. Methods This double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial, following a baseline period of four weeks, randomly assigned patients of chronic migraine 1:1 to receive four-weekly bilateral greater occipital nerve blockade with either 2 ml of 2% (40 mg) lidocaine (active group) or 2 ml of 0.9% saline (placebo) injections for 12 weeks. The primary and key secondary efficacy endpoints were a change from the baseline in the mean number of headache and migraine days and the achievement of ≥50% reduction in headache days from baseline across the weeks 9–12 respectively. Safety evaluations included the documentation and reporting of serious and other adverse events. Results Twenty-two patients each were randomly allocated to the active and placebo group. Baseline demography and clinical characteristics were similar between the two groups. Mean headache and migraine days at baseline (±SD) were 23.4 ± 4.4 and 15.6 ± 5.7 days in the active group and 22.6 ± 5.0 and 14.6 ± 4.6 days in the placebo group respectively. The active group compared to the placebo had a significantly greater least-squares mean reduction in the number of headache and migraine days (−4.2 days [95% CI: −7.5 to −0.8; p  =  0.018] and −4.7 days [95%CI: −7.7 to −1.7; p = 0.003] respectively). 40.9% of patients in the active group achieved ≥50% reduction in headache days as compared with 9.1% of patients receiving a placebo (p = 0.024). Overall, 64 mild and transient adverse events were reported by 16 patients in the active group and 15 in the placebo. No death or serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion Four-weekly greater occipital nerve blockade with 2% lidocaine for 12 weeks was superior to placebo in decreasing the average number of headache and migraine days in patients with chronic migraine with a good tolerability profile. Clinical trial.gov no. CTRI 2020/07/026709
Additional effects of pain neuroscience education combined with physiotherapy on the headache frequency of adult patients with migraine: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Meise Ruth , Carvalho Gabriela Ferreira , Thiel Christian , Luedtke Kerstin 
Published: February 2023

Aim To assess the efficacy of pain neuroscience education combined with physiotherapy for the management of migraine. Background Physiotherapy can significantly reduce the frequency of migraine, but the evidence is based only on a few studies. Pain neuroscience education might pose a promising treatment, as it addresses migraine as a chronic pain disease. Methods In this non-blinded randomized controlled trial, migraine patients received physiotherapy + pain neuroscience education or physiotherapy alone, preceded by a three-month waiting period. Primary outcomes were frequency of headache (with and without migraine features), frequency of migraine and associated disability. Results Eighty-two participants were randomized and analyzed. Both groups showed a decrease of headache frequency (p = 0.02, d = 0.46) at post-treatment (physiotherapy: 0.77 days, 95%CI: −0.75 to 2.29 and physiotherapy + pain neuroscience education: 1.25 days, 95%CI: −0.05 to 2.55) and at follow-up (physiotherapy: 1.93, 95%CI: 0.07 to 3.78 and physiotherapy + pain neuroscience education: 3.48 days, 95%CI: 1.89 to 5.06), with no difference between groups (p = 0.26, d = 0.26). Migraine frequency was reduced significantly in the physiotherapy + pain neuroscience education group, and not in the physiotherapy group, at post-treatment (1.28 days, 95%CI: 0.34 to 2.22, p = 0.004) and follow-up (3.05 days, 95%CI: 1.98 to 5.06, p < 0.0001), with a difference between groups at follow-up (2.06 days, p = 0.003). Migraine-related disability decreased significantly in both groups (physiotherapy: 19.8, physiotherapy + pain neuroscience education: 24.0 points, p < 0.001, d = 1.15) at follow-up, with no difference between groups (p = 0.583). Secondary outcomes demonstrated a significant effect of time with no interaction between time and group. No harm or adverse events were observed during the study. Conclusion In comparison to physiotherapy alone, pain neuroscience education combined with physiotherapy can further reduce the frequency of migraine, but had no additional effect on general headache frequency or migraine-related disability. Trial Registration The study was pre-registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00020804).
Auditor Exits and Firm Performance: Is There a Link?
Authors: Ghosh Saibal 
Published: February 2023

Employing firm-level data for 2011–2020, we explore the impact of auditor exit on firm performance. Using profitability and growth as outcome variables, the findings suggest that auditor exit leads to a dampening of profit, but growth prospects are not adversely affected. However, firms’ stock returns are adversely impacted over the immediate to medium term. This impact differs across ownership, especially when interactive effects are taken on board. Among the reasons, resignations and noncooperation by management are most detrimental to firm behavior. JEL Codes: G 32; M 42
Systemic Risk Transmission from the United States to Asian Economies During the COVID-19 Period
Authors: Narayan Shivani , Kumar Dilip 
Published: February 2023

The study investigates the systemic risk transmission from the US banking sector and the US market to the five most economically impacted Asian nations (Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, India, and Singapore) during the COVID-19 period of 2020. We consider the conditional value-at-risk (CoVaR) approach to estimate the systemic risk of the given economies at 5% quantile (for severe downturn risk) and 20% quantile (for moderate downturn risk). Our findings demonstrate a rise in systemic risk for these Asian countries in 2020, particularly in the first half of the year. The findings also provide evidence of the significant systemic risk transmission from the US banking sector and the US stock market to the majority of the given Asian economies at both quantiles. The study further highlights the significant contribution of the US financial market in increasing the systemic risk of the given Asian economies in 2020. We find similar results for systemic risk transmission from the UK, the European Union, and Japan to the given Asian economies. The findings have implications for market participants, risk managers, and regulators who are concerned with risk diversification and tracking the routes of risk shock transmission. JEL Codes: G10; G18; G20
Stepping Stone or Trap? Contextualising Precarity as a Sector and Age Phenomenon in the Greek Labour Market
Authors: Parsanoglou Dimitris , Stamatopoulou Glykeria , Symeonaki Maria 
Published: February 2023

Precarity has been consolidated as a central concept in theoretical and political discussions around labour market(s) and labour relations and conditions. Moreover, it has strongly been linked with specific sociodemographic groups, prominently with youth. Both theory and empirical evidence have suggested that precarity functions as a necessary step towards integration in the labour market, as a kind of indispensable rite of passage to labour adulthood. Nevertheless, despite its resonance, precarity remains a fuzzy buzzword that needs to be further problematized and evidenced. Focusing on a specific case study, that of Greece, we try to unfold a two-fold approach: to define and measure precarious forms of labour at the level/scale of the labour market as a whole and to detect and disentangle the role of age in specific sectors of economic activity where precarious labour is more prominent than in others.
Non-conscious processing of fear faces: a function of the implicit self-concept of anxiety
Authors: Günther Vivien , Pecher Jonas , Webelhorst Carolin , Bodenschatz Charlott Maria , Mucha Simone , Kersting Anette , Hoffmann Karl-Titus , Egloff Boris , Lobsien Donald , Suslow Thomas 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Trait anxiety refers to a stable tendency to experience fears and worries across many situations. High trait anxiety is a vulnerability factor for the development of psychopathologies. Self-reported trait anxiety appears to be associated with an automatic processing advantage for threat-related information. Self-report measures assess aspects of the explicit self-concept of anxiety. Indirect measures can tap into the implicit self-concept of anxiety.

Methods
We examined automatic brain responsiveness to non-conscious threat as a function of trait anxiety using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Besides a self-report instrument, we administered the Implicit Association Test (IAT) to assess anxiety. We used a gender-decision paradigm presenting brief (17 ms) and backward-masked facial expressions depicting disgust and fear.

Results
Explicit trait anxiety was not associated with brain responsiveness to non-conscious threat. However, a relation of the implicit self-concept of anxiety with masked fear processing in the thalamus, precentral gyrus, and lateral prefrontal cortex was observed.

Conclusions
We provide evidence that a measure of the implicit self-concept of anxiety is a valuable predictor of automatic neural responses to threat in cortical and subcortical areas. Hence, implicit anxiety measures could be a useful addition to explicit instruments. Our data support the notion that the thalamus may constitute an important neural substrate in biased non-conscious processing in anxiety.
The association among uric acid, microalbumin and estimated glomerular filtration rate in hypertensive patients: a case control study
Authors: Chou Hongda , Wei Maoti , Chen Hongxia , Xu Yuanyuan , Shi Leilie , Duan Jiajia , Li Linlin , Yang Ning , Li Yuming 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Objective
To estimate the relationship among uric acid (UA), 24-h microalbumin (24 h-MAU) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in hypertensive patients.

Method
The study enrolled adult patients hospitalized in TEDA International Cardiovascular Hospital. The study was used to explore the correlation among UA, 24 h-MAU and eGFR. Univariate analysis was used to compare continuous or categorical data groups according to data type. Multivariate analysis was used to explore the correlation among UA, Log 24 h-MAU and eGFR by linear regression, and the relationship among UA, 24 h-MAU ≥ 30 mg/24 h (increased 24 h-MAU) and eGFR < 90 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2 (mildly decreased eGFR) by logistic regression. Mediation effect analysis was used to explore the mediating effect of increased 24 h-MAU between UA and mildly decreased eGFR. Subgroup analysis was used to investigate the correlation among UA, 24 h-MAU and eGFR in different gender.

Result
Seven hundred and thirty-three inpatients were enrolled in the study, including 257 patients with hyperuricemia. The level of UA was 377.8 ± 99.9 μmol/L in all patients enrolled, and it was about 50.1% higher in hyperuricemia group (482.3 ± 58.8 μmol/L vs. 321.4 ± 63.5 μmol/L, P < 0.001). The prevalence of hyperuricemia was 35.1% (95%CI 31.6–38.5%). The univariate regression analysis showed that UA was significant related to Log 24 h-MAU, increased 24 h-MAU, eGFR and mildly decreased eGFR. After adjusted confounding factors, UA was significant related to Log 24 h-MAU (β = 0.163, P < 0.001), eGFR (β = − 0.196, P < 0.001), increased 24 h-MAU (quantitative analysis: OR = 1.045, 95%CI 1.020–1.071, P < 0.001; qualitative analysis: OR = 2.245, 95%CI 1.410–3.572, P = 0.001), but had no significant relationship with mildly decreased eGFR. Mediating effect analysis showed that increased 24 h-MAU partially mediated the relationship between UA and mildly decreased eGFR (relative indirect effect: 25.0% and 20.3% in quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis respectively). In the subgroup analysis, the results were stable and similar to the analysis for entry patients.

Conclusion
The prevalence of hyperuricemia was higher in hypertensive inpatients. UA was strongly associated with Log 24 h-MAU, eGFR and increased 24 h-MAU, while the correlation with mildly decreased eGFR was affected by multiple factors. And increased 24 h-MAU might be the intermediate factor between UA and mildly decreased eGFR.
Admission D-dimer to lymphocyte counts ratio as a novel biomarker for predicting the in-hospital mortality in patients with acute aortic dissection
Authors: Xu Yansong , Liang Silei , Liang Zheng , Huang Cuiqing , Luo Yihuan , Liang Guanbiao , Wang Wei 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Inflammatory factors are well-established indicators for vascular disease, but the D-dimer to lymphocyte count ratio (DLR) is not measured in routine clinical care. Screening of DLR in individuals may identify individuals at in-hopital mortality of acute aortic dissection (AD).

Methods
A retrospective analysis of clinical data from 2013 to 2020 was conducted to identify which factors were related to in-hospital mortality risk of AD. Baseline clinical features, cardiovascular risk factors, and laboratory parameters were obtained from the hospital database. The end point was in-hospital mortality. Forward conditional logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors for AA in-hospital death. The cutoff value of the DLR should be ideally calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results
The in-hospital mortality rate was 15% (48 of 320 patients). Patients with in-hospital mortality had a higher admission mean DLR level than the alive group (1740 vs. 1010, P < .05). The cutoff point of DLR was 907. The in-hospital mortality rate in the high-level DLR group was significantly higher than that in the low-level DLR group (P < .05). Univariate analysis showed that 8 of 38 factors were associated with in-hospital mortality (P < .05), including admission WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, neutrophils/lymphocytes (NLR), prothrombin time (PT), heart rate (HR), D-dimer, and DLR. In multivariate analysis, DLR (odds ratio [OR] 2.127, 95% CI 1.034–4.373, P = 0.040), HR (odds ratio [OR] 1.016, 95% CI 1.002–1.030, P = 0.029) and PT (odds ratio [OR] 1.231, 95% CI 1.018–1.189, P = 0.032) were determined to be independent predictors of in-hospital mortality (P < .05).

Conclusion
Compared with the common clinical parameters PT and HR, serum DLR level on admission is an uncommon but independent parameter that can be used to assess in-hospital mortality in patients with acute AD.
Influence of sex, age and thyroid function indices on dual-energy computed tomography-derived quantitative parameters of thyroid in patients with or without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Authors: Geng Di , Zhou Yan , Su Guo-Yi , Si Yan , Shen Mei-Ping , Xu Xiao-Quan , Wu Fei-Yun 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To study the influence of sex, age and thyroid function indices on dual-energy computed tomography (DECT)-derived quantitative parameters of thyroid in patients with or without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT).

Material and methods
A total of 198 consecutive patients who underwent DECT scan of neck due to unilateral thyroid lesions were retrospectively enrolled. Iodine concentration (IC), total iodine content (TIC) and volume of normal thyroid lobe were calculated. Influences of sex, age and thyroid function indices on DECT-derived parameters in overall study population, subgroup patients with, and those without HT were assessed using Mann–Whitney U test, Student’s T-test, and Spearman correlation analyses, respectively, as appropriate.

Results
HT group showed significantly lower IC and TIC, while higher volume than No-HT group (all p < 0.001). The volume was larger in male than that in female in overall study population and No-HT group (p = 0.047 and 0.010, respectively). There was no significant difference in any DECT-derived parameters between low (≤ 35 years) and high (> 35 years) age group in all three groups (all p > 0.05). TPOAb and TgAb correlated positively with IC and TIC, and negatively with volume in overall study population (all p < 0.05). TPOAb and TgAb also correlated positively with IC in HT group (p = 0.002 and 0.007, respectively).

Conclusion
DECT-derived parameters of thyroid differed significantly between patients with and without HT. Sex and thyroid function indices could affect the DECT-derived parameters. Aforementioned physiological factors should be considered when analyzing the DECT-derived parameters of thyroid.
Disentangling concepts of inappropriate polypharmacy in old age: a scoping review
Authors: Lau Sofie Rosenlund , Waldorff Frans , Holm Anne , Frølich Anne , Andersen John Sahl , Sallerup Mette , Christensen Sarah Emilie , Clausen Stine Søndersted , Due Tina Drud , Hølmkjær Pernille 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Polypharmacy is a common concern, especially in the older population. In some countries more that 50% of all individuals over 60 receive five or more drugs, most often due to multimorbidity and increased longevity. However, polypharmacy is associated with multiple adverse events, and more medication may not always be the answer. The terms “appropriate” and “inappropriate” are often used to distinguish between “much” and “too much” medications in relation to polypharmacy in research and practice, but no explicit definition exists to describe what these terms encompass. The aim of this review is to unfold the different understandings of and perspectives on (in)appropriate polypharmacy and suggest a framework for further research and practice.

Method
A scoping review was conducted using the framework of Arksey and O’Malley and Levac et al. Pubmed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane database, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for references in English, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish using the search string “Polypharmacy” AND “Appropriate” OR “Inappropriate”. Data was extracted on author information, aims and objectives, methodology, study population and setting, country of origin, main findings and implications, and all text including the words “appropriate,” “inappropriate,” and “polypharmacy.” Qualitative meaning condensation analysis was used and data charted using descriptive and thematic analysis.

Results
Of 3982 references, a total of 92 references were included in the review. Most references were from 2016-2021, from fields related to medicine or pharmacy, and occurred within primary and secondary healthcare settings. Based on the qualitative analysis, a framework were assembled consisting of Context, three domains (Standardization, Practices and Values & Concerns) and Patient Perspective.

Conclusion
Inappropriate polypharmacy is a concept loaded by its heterogeneity and the usefulness of a single definition is doubtful. Instead, the framework suggested in this article representing different dimensions of inappropriate polypharmacy may serve as an initial strategy for focusing research and practice on polypharmacy in old age.
Antimicrobial stewardship implementation before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the acute care settings: a systematic review
Authors: Elshenawy Rasha Abdelsalam , Umaru Nkiruka , Alharbi Amal Bandar , Aslanpour Zoe 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Antibiotics are widely administered for various indications, leading to increased antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in acute care hospitals. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) effective strategies should be used to maintain the rational use of antibiotics and decrease the threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

Aim
This systematic literature review aims to investigate the AMS intervention Before-the-pandemic (BP) and During-the-pandemic (DP) from the literature.

Design and setting
Systematic literature review of primary studies on AMS implementation in acute care settings.

Methods
Relevant studies published between 2000 and March 2021 were obtained from Medline (via PubMed), OVID, CINAHL, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Psych Info, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, OpenGrey, and Google Scholar, using a comprehensive list of search terms. Public Health England (PHE) toolkit was agreed upon as a gold standard for the AMS implementation.

Results
There were 8763 articles retrieved from the databases. Out of these, 13 full-text articles met the inclusion criteria for the review. The AMS implementation was identified in the included studies into AMS strategies (Core strategies & Supplemental strategies), and AMS measures BP and DP.

Conclusion
This Systematic literature review summarises AMS implementation strategies and measures all over the previous 20 years of research. There are many lessons learnt from COVID-19 pandemic. The proper selection of the AMS implementation strategies and measures appeared to be effective in maintaining the appropriate use of antibiotics and decreasing the AMR threat, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further studies are required to provide empirical data to evaluate the AMS implementation and identify which of these strategies and measures were effective BP and DP. In order to be prepared for any emergency/crisis or future pandemics.
Surgical management of complex perianal fistula revisited in a systematic review: a critical view of available scientific evidence
Authors: García-Olmo D. , Gómez-Barrera M. , de la Portilla F. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Treating complex perianal fistulas in Crohn’s disease patients remains a challenge. Classical surgical treatments for Crohn’s disease fistulas have been extrapolated from cryptoglandular fistulas treatment, which have different etiology, and this might interfere with its effectiveness, in addition, they increase fecal incontinence risk. Recently, new surgical techniques with support from biological approaches, like stem cells, have been developed to preserve the function of the sphincter. We have performed a systematic literature review to compare the results of these different techniques in the treatment of Crohn’s or Cryptoglandular fistula.

Methods
PubMed, EMBASE, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched systematically for relevant articles. We included randomized controlled trials and observational studies that referred to humans, were written in English, included adults 18+ years old, and were published during the 10-year period from 2/01/2010 to 2/29/2020. Evidence level was assigned as designated by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network.

Results
Of the 577 citations screened, a total of 79 were ultimately included in our review. In Crohn’s disease patients, classical techniques such as primarily seton, Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tracks, or lay open, healing rates were approximately 50–60%, while in cryptoglandular fistula were around, 70–80% for setons or flaps. In Crohn’s disease patients, new surgical techniques using derivatives of adipose tissue reported healing rates exceeding 70%, stem cells-treated patients achieved higher combined remission versus controls (56.3% vs 38.6%, p = 0.010), mesenchymal cells reported a healing rate of 80% at week 12. In patients with cryptoglandular fistulas, a healing rate of 70% using derivatives of adipose tissue or platelets was achieved, and a healing rate of 80% was achieved using laser technology. Fecal incontinence was improved after the use of autologous platelet growth factors and Nitinol Clips.

Conclusion
New surgical techniques showed better healing rates in Crohn’s disease patients than classical techniques, which have better results in cryptoglandular fistula than in Crohn’s disease. Healing rates for complex cryptoglandular fistulas were similar between the classic and new techniques, being the new techniques less invasive; the incontinence rate improved with the current techniques.