bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Real interest rate parity in practice: Evidence from Asia‐pacific economies
Authors: Chang Ming‐Jen , Chen Shikuan , Chien Chih‐Chung 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis research investigates the relationship between real interest rate parity and the interest parity puzzle across several economies in the Asia‐Pacific region. Unlike previous studies, we establish a comprehensive theoretical framework for parity and utilize macroeconomic and financial market data from 15 economies in the region to examine it. Our findings indicate that most countries exhibit mild deviations from parity, with real interest rate differentials strongly correlated with changes in the real exchange rate and interest‐exchange rate interaction terms, particularly in middle‐income economies. While interest parity puzzle is also observed in high‐income economies, it is less prevalent in most middle‐income economies. Our analysis reveals that income levels are key drivers of deviations from parity in this model, with interaction terms also playing a crucial role in most cases. The implication here is that for carry trades, investors place significant importance on risk factors, especially in economies with relatively low risk. This insight helps to clarify a puzzle in this area. Therefore, it is imperative that investors should take into account the impact of interest‐exchange rate interaction terms when making carry trade decisions. Lastly, we underscore the significance of ex ante price forecast approaches in achieving parity.
The impact of primary peristalsis, contractile reserve, and secondary peristalsis on esophageal clearance measured by timed barium esophagogram
Authors: Koop Andree H. , Kahrilas Peter J. , Schauer Jacob , Pandolfino John E. , Carlson Dustin A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundPrimary and secondary peristalsis facilitate esophageal bolus transport; however, their relative impact for bolus clearance remains unclear. We aimed to compare primary peristalsis and contractile reserve on high‐resolution manometry (HRM) and secondary peristalsis on functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) Panometry with emptying on timed barium esophagogram (TBE) and incorporate findings into a comprehensive model of esophageal function.MethodsAdult patients who completed HRM with multiple rapid swallows (MRS), FLIP, and TBE for esophageal motility evaluation and without abnormal esophagogastric junction outflow/opening or spasm were included. An abnormal TBE was defined as a 1‐min column height >5 cm. Primary peristalsis and contractile reserve after MRS were combined into an HRM–MRS model. Secondary peristalsis was combined with primary peristalsis assessment to describe a complementary neuromyogenic model.Key ResultsOf 89 included patients, differences in rates of abnormal TBEs were observed with primary peristalsis classification (normal: 14.3%; ineffective esophageal motility: 20.0%; absent peristalsis: 54.5%; p = 0.009), contractile reserve (present: 12.5%; absent: 29.3%; p = 0.05), and secondary peristalsis (normal: 9.7%; borderline: 17.6%; impaired/disordered: 28.6%; absent contractile response: 50%; p = 0.039). Logistic regression analysis (akaike information criteria, area under the receiver operating curve) demonstrated that the neuromyogenic model (80.8, 0.83) had a stronger relationship predicting abnormal TBE compared to primary peristalsis (81.5, 0.82), contractile reserve (86.8, 0.75), or secondary peristalsis (89.0, 0.78).Conclusions and InferencesPrimary peristalsis, contractile reserve, and secondary peristalsis were associated with abnormal esophageal retention as measured by TBE. Added benefit was observed when applying comprehensive models to incorporate primary and secondary peristalsis supporting their complementary application.
Updating the association between socioeconomic status and obesity in low‐income and lower‐middle‐income sub‐Saharan African countries: A literature review
Authors: Daran Bertille , Levasseur Pierre , Clément Matthieu 
Published: July 2023

SummaryGlobally, the literature tends to emphasize negative associations between socioeconomic status (SES) and bodyweight in countries improving their economic development. However, little is known about the social distribution of obesity in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) where economic growth has been highly heterogeneous the last decades. This paper reviews an exhaustive set of recent empirical studies examining its association in low‐income and lower‐middle‐income countries in SSA. Although there is evidence of a positive association between SES and obesity in low‐income countries, we found mixed associations in lower‐middle‐income countries, potentially providing evidence of a social reversal of the obesity burden.
Effect of insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness on cardiac functions in older adults
Authors: Fotbolcu Hakan , Soysal Pinar 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundWe investigated the potential harmful effect in older adults of insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) on myocardial functions and electrophysiologic changes of the heart in terms of heart rate and QT intervals corrected for heart rate (QTc).MethodsThe study included 32 insomnia patients and 30 control subjects. An Insomnia Severity Index score of ≥15 indicated insomnia, while a score of <8 was accepted as the control group. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale was used to assess EDS, with a score of ≥11/24 points indicating EDS. Diastolic and systolic functions were evaluated in each patient by transthoracic two‐dimensional, conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Heart rate and QTc were calculated for electrophysiologic changes.ResultsThe mean age was 73.2 ± 7.9 years, with 59.7% being female. Biventricular systolic and diastolic functions were impaired in the insomnia patients. The E' value for diastolic function was lower in the patients with insomnia than the controls (5.99 ± 1.59 vs. 6.88 ± 0.97, P = 0.053). Furthermore, values for the systolic function parameters Lateral‐S (7.41 ± 1.92 vs. 9.37 ± 1.83, P < 0.001), Septal‐S (6.69 ± 1.40 vs. 8.10 ± 1.30, P = 0.001), and Tricuspid‐S (12.25 ± 2.00 vs. 14.37 ± 3.13, P = 0.004) were lower for insomnia patients than for controls. In the case of EDS coexistence, the heart rate and QTc values were higher than the controls (76.47 ± 7.18 vs. 71.03 ± 10.95, P = 0.001, and 413.72 ± 28.24 vs. 394.67 ± 24.47, P = 0.015, respectively).ConclusionInsomnia is associated with impaired systolic‐diastolic functions, independent of EDS. The co‐existence of insomnia and EDS may lead to electrophysiological changes in older adults, including increased heart rate and longer QTc.
Assessing effectiveness of braille and audio‐tactile performance technique in improving oral hygiene status of young adults with visual impairment
Authors: Coutinho David Albert , Murthy Archana Krishna , Khond Mugdha , Pawar Prashant , Malbhage Smita , Nikam Madhuri 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIntroductionYoung adults with Visual impairment (VI) challenge the dentists’ skills and knowledge due to a higher risk of developing oral diseases due to difficulty in attaining good oral hygiene (OH).AimsTo assess the effectiveness of ATP (Audio‐Tactile Performance) technique and braille versus braille alone in improving OH status of young adults with VI.Methods and materialA parallel arm, randomized controlled trial was conducted among 70 young adults with VI. Participants were randomly allocated to either test group (braille combined with ATP) or control group (braille alone). A pre‐validated braille questionnaire was used to obtain the baseline data followed by clinical examination. OH status assessment was recorded through Gingival Index (GI) and Plaque Index (PI) proforma followed by a thorough ultrasonic oral prophylaxis. Periodic reinforcement was carried out on the 7th day, after 1 month and 3 months. The outcomes were assessed at the end of 3rd and 6th month.ResultsThere was an increase in the knowledge scores after 3 and 6 months and attitude scores, GI scores and PI scores after 6 months in the test group compared to the control group and this difference was found to be statistically significant.ConclusionsThe findings of this study showed that a combination of ATP and braille proved to be more effective than braille alone in improving the knowledge and OH status of young adults with VI.
Effectiveness of single‐lead ECG devices for detecting atrial fibrillation: An overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Gu Hai Yue , Huang Jun , Liu Xu , Qiao Shu Qian , Cao Xi 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at an increased risk for stroke. Early detection of undiagnosed AF by screening is recommended. Single‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is the most widely used technology in AF detection. Several systematic reviews on the diagnostic accuracy of single‐lead ECG devices for AF detection have been performed but have yielded inconclusive results.AimsThe aim of this study was to synthesize the available evidence on the effectiveness of single‐lead ECG devices in detecting AF.MethodsAn overview of systematic reviews was conducted. Five English databases (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and Web of Science) and two Chinese databases (Wanfang and CNKI) were searched from inception to July 31, 2021. Systematic reviews that examined the accuracy of tools based on single‐lead ECG technology for detecting AF were included. A narrative data synthesis was performed.ResultsEight systematic reviews were finally included. Systematic reviews with meta‐analysis showed that single‐lead ECG‐based devices had good sensitivity and specificity (both ≥90%) in detecting AF. According to subgroup analysis, the sensitivities of tools used in populations with a history of AF were all >90%. However, among handheld and thoracic placed single‐lead ECG devices, large variations in diagnostic performance were observed.Linking evidence to actionSingle‐lead ECG devices can potentially be used for AF detection. Due to the heterogeneity in the study population and tools, future studies are warranted to explore the suitable circumstances in which each tool could be applied for AF screening in an effective and cost‐effective manner.
Infinitesimal semi‐invariant pictures and co‐amalgamation
Authors: Hanson Eric J. , Igusa Kiyoshi , Kim Moses , Todorov Gordana 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to study the local structure of the semi‐invariant picture of a tame hereditary algebra near the null root. Using a construction that we call co‐amalgamation, we show that this local structure is completely described by the semi‐invariant pictures of a collection of self‐injective Nakayama algebras. We then describe the cones of this local structure using cluster‐like structures that we call support regular clusters. Finally, we show that the local structure is (piecewise linearly) invariant under cluster tilting.
Memory impairment in the D2.mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy is prevented by the adiponectin receptor agonist ALY688
Authors: Bellissimo Catherine A. , Castellani Laura N. , Finch Michael S. , Murugathasan Mayoorey , Gandhi Shivam , Sweeney Gary , Abdul‐Sater Ali A. , MacPherson Rebecca E. K. , Perry Christopher G. R. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMemory impairments have been well documented in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood, and there is an unmet need to develop new therapies to treat this condition. Using a novel object recognition test, we show that recognition memory impairments in D2.mdx mice are completely prevented by daily treatment with the new adiponectin receptor agonist ALY688 from day 7 to 28 of age. In comparison to age‐matched wild‐type mice, untreated D2.mdx mice demonstrated lower hippocampal mitochondrial respiration (carbohydrate substrate), greater serum interleukin‐6 cytokine content and greater hippocampal total tau and Raptor protein contents. Each of these measures was partly or fully preserved after treatment with ALY688. Collectively, these results indicate that adiponectin receptor agonism improves recognition memory in young D2.mdx mice.
ARMC5-negative primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Sol Bastiaan , Carprieaux Marilyn , De Leu Nico 
Published: July 2023

A woman in her 60s with chronic fatigue, depressed mood and proximal muscle weakness was referred to our endocrinology department. Physical examination revealed facial plethora, atrophic skin and ankle oedema. Adjuvant blood and urine analyses indicated endogenous ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome. Abdominal imaging showed bilateral macronodular adrenals, measuring 58.9 × 29.7 mm on the right and 55.6 × 42.6 mm on the left. Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia was confirmed by pathology after bilateral adrenalectomy. Gradual mental and physical recovery was observed in the months following surgery. Genetic sequencing failed to reveal mutations in the ARMC5 gene.Cushing syndrome is a rare entity that should be suspected when typical clinical signs, including skin atrophy with ecchymosis, muscle weakness or coloured stretch marks, are present. Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia is an uncommon cause of endogenous Cushing syndrome. It is a benign condition characterised by adrenal macronodules exceeding 1 cm and hypercorticism.
Severity and outcomes of Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 compared to Delta variant and severity of Omicron sublineages: a systematic review and metanalysis
Authors: Relan Pryanka , Motaze Nkengafac Villyen , Kothari Kavita , Askie Lisa , Le Polain de Waroux Olivier , Van Kerkhove Maria D , Diaz Janet , Tirupakuzhi Vijayaraghavan Bharath Kumar 
Published: July 2023

ObjectivesTo compare severity and clinical outcomes from Omicron as compared with the Delta variant and to compare outcomes between Omicron sublineages.MethodsWe searched the WHO COVID-19 Research database for studies that compared clinical outcomes for patients with Omicron variant and the Delta variant, and separately Omicron sublineages BA.1 and BA.2. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool estimates of relative risk (RR) between variants and sublineages. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the I2index. Risk of bias was assessed using the tool developed by the Clinical Advances through Research and Information Translation team.ResultsOur search identified 1494 studies and 42 met the inclusion criteria. Eleven studies were published as preprints. Of the 42 studies, 29 adjusted for vaccination status; 12 had no adjustment; and for 1, the adjustment was unclear. Three of the included studies compared the sublineages of Omicron BA.1 versus BA.2. As compared with Delta, individuals infected with Omicron had 61% lower risk of death (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.46) and 56% lower risk of hospitalisation (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.56). Omicron was similarly associated with lower risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, oxygen therapy, and non-invasive and invasive ventilation. The pooled risk ratio for the outcome of hospitalisation when comparing sublineages BA.1 versus BA.2 was 0.55 (95% 0.23 to 1.30).DiscussionOmicron variant was associated with lower risk of hospitalisation, ICU admission, oxygen therapy, ventilation and death as compared with Delta. There was no difference in the risk of hospitalisation between Omicron sublineages BA.1 and BA.2.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022310880.
Programme and policy perspectives towards a tobacco-free generation in India: findings from a qualitative study
Authors: Bassi Shalini , Arora Monika , Thapliyal Nishibha , Kulkarni Muralidhar M , Bhagawath Rohith , Bogdanovica Ilze , Kamath Veena G , Britton John , Bains Manpreet 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveThis study explored multistakeholder perspectives on existing adolescent-specific tobacco control policies and programmes, to advance India’s transition towards a tobacco-free generation.DesignQualitative semi-structured interviews.SettingInterviews were conducted with officials involved in tobacco control at the national (India), state (Karnataka), district (Udupi) and village level. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.ParticipantsThirty-eight individuals representing national (n=9), state (n=9), district (n=14) and village (n=6) levels, participated.ResultsThe study findings highlighted the need to strengthen and amend the existing Tobacco Control Law (2003) provisions, particularly in the vicinity of schools (Sections 6a and 6b). Increasing the minimum legal age to buy tobacco from 18 to 21 years, developing an ‘application’ for ‘compliance and monitoring indicators’ in Tobacco-Free Educational Institution guidelines were proposed. Policies to address smokeless tobacco use, stricter enforcement including regular monitoring of existing programmes, and robust evaluation of policies was underscored. Engaging adolescents to co-create interventions was advocated, along with integrating national tobacco control programmes into existing school and adolescent health programmes, using both an intersectoral and whole-societal approach to prevent tobacco use, were recommended. Finally, stakeholders mentioned that when drafting and implementing a comprehensive national tobacco control policy, there is a need to adopt a vision striving toward a tobacco-free generation.ConclusionStrengthening and developing tobacco control programmes and policies are warranted which are monitored and evaluated rigorously, and where adolescents should be involved, accordingly.
Efficacy of antimalarial herbal medicines used by communities in malaria affected regions globally: a protocol for systematic review and evidence and gap map
Authors: Ocan Moses , Loyce Nakalembe , Ojiambo Kevin Ouma , Kinengyere Alison Annet , Apunyo Robert , Obuku Ekwaro A 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionWith the rising resistance to artemisinin-based combination treatments, there is a need to hasten the discovery and development of newer antimalarial agents. Herbal medicines are key for the development of novel drugs. Currently, herbal medicine usage in communities for treatment of malaria symptoms is common as an alternative to conventional (modern) antimalarial agents. However, the efficacy and safety of most of the herbal medicines has not yet been established. Therefore, this systematic review and evidence gap map (EGM) is intended to collate and map the available evidence, identify the gaps and synthesise the efficacy of herbal antimalarial medicines used in malaria affected regions globally.Methods and analysisThe systematic review and EGM will be done following PRISMA and Campbell Collaboration guidelines respectively. This protocol has been registered in PROSPERO. Data sources will include PubMed, MEDLINE Ovid, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar and grey literature search. Data extraction will be done in duplicate using a data extraction tool tailored in Microsoft Office excel for herbal antimalarials discovery research questions following the PICOST framework. The Risk of Bias and overall quality of evidence will be assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tool (clinical trials), QUIN tool (in vitro studies), Newcastle-Ottawa tool (observational studies) and SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool for animal studies (in vivo studies). Data analysis will be done using both structured narrative and quantitative synthesis. The primary review outcomes will be clinically important efficacy and adverse drug reactions. Laboratory parameters will include Inhibitory Concentration killing 50% of parasites, IC50;Ring Stage Assay, RSA0–3 hou;Trophozoite Survival Assay, TSA50.Ethics and disseminationThe review protocol was approved by the School of Biomedical Science Research Ethics Committee, Makerere University College of Health Sciences (SBS-2022-213).PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022367073.
Efficacy of botulinum toxin A injection in pelvic floor muscles in chronic pelvic pain patients: a study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Spruijt Melle , Kerkhof Manon , Rombouts Marian , Brohet Richard , Klerkx Wenche 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionChronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common multifactorial condition affecting 6%–27% of women aged 18–50 years worldwide. The aim of this randomised controlled trial (RCT) is to investigate the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin A (BTA) injection compared with placebo injections in the pelvic floor muscles in women with CPP to improve pain, function and quality of life.Methods and analysisThis is a study protocol for a multicentre, double-blinded placebo controlled RCT conducted in five gynaecology departments across the Netherlands. A total of 94 women over 16 years, with at least 6 months of CPP without anatomical cause and pelvic floor hypertonicity refractory to first-line pelvic floor physical therapy will be included. Participants will be randomised equally to BTA or placebo, both following physical therapy and (re-)education on the pelvic floor at 4, 8, 12 and 26 weeks after intervention. Multiple validated questionnaires focusing on pain, quality of life and sexual function will be collected at baseline and during all follow-up visits. Statistical analysis includes mixed models for repeated measurements.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval (NL61409.091.17) was obtained from Radboud University Medical Research Ethics Committee (MREC) and Central Committee on Research involving human Subjects (CCMO). The findings will be presented through international conferences and peer-reviewed scientific journals.Trial registration numberEudraCT number (2017-001296-23), CCMO/METC number: NL61409.091.17.
Application of high-flow nasal cannula in fibreoptic bronchoscopy after congenital heart surgery: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zheng Yi-Rong , Chen Xiu-Hua , Zhou Si-Jia 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and conventional oxygen therapy (COT) in fibreoptic bronchoscopy (FB) after congenital heart surgery (CHS) in children.MethodsWe did a retrospective cohort study using patients from the electronic medical record system of Fujian Children’s Hospital in China. The study population was children who underwent FB in the cardiac intensive care unit after CHS for 1 year (May 2021–May 2022). Children were classified into HFNC and COT groups according to their oxygen therapy during FB. The primary outcome was oxygenation indices during FB, including pulse oximeter oxygen saturation (SpO2) and transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2) during FB. Secondary outcomes were the number of interruptions during FB and their causes, and complications after FB.ResultsWe identified 107 children from the electronic medical record system, and 102 children after CHS were finally included in the study (53 in the HFNC group and 49 in the COT group). During the FB examination, TcPO2and SpO2were significantly higher in the HFNC group than in the COT group (TcPO2: 90.3±9.3 vs 80.6±11.1 mm Hg; SpO2: 95.6±2.5 vs 92.1%±2.0%, p<0.001) and the transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension was significantly lower than in the COT group (39.6±3.0 vs 43.5±3.9 mm Hg, p<0.001). During the FB, a total of 20 children in the COT group had 24 interruptions, and 8 children in the HFNC group had 9 interruptions (p=0.001). In terms of postoperative complications, eight cases had complications in the COT group and four complications in the HFNC group (p=0.223).ConclusionsAmong children undergoing FB after CHS, the application of HFNC was associated with better oxygenation and fewer procedural interruptions compared with COT, without an increased risk of postoperative complications.