bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review of Lower-Body Kinematic and Strength Factors Associated With Pitch Velocity in Adult Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Manzi Joseph E. , Yu Jonathan S. , Sudah Suleiman Y. , Wishman Mark , Quan Theodore , Koo Alexander , Kunze Kyle N. , Kew Michelle , Carr James B. , Fu Michael , Dines Joshua S. 
Published: February 2023

Context: Ball velocity for baseball pitchers is influenced by a multitude of factors along the kinetic chain. While a vast amount of data currently exist exploring lower-extremity kinematic and strength factors in baseball pitchers, no previous study has systematically reviewed the available literature. Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to perform a comprehensive assessment of the available literature investigating the association between lower-extremity kinematic and strength parameters and pitch velocity in adult pitchers. Evidence Acquisition: Cross-sectional studies that investigated the association between lower-body kinematic and strength factors and ball velocity in adult pitchers were selected. A methodological index for nonrandomized studies checklist was used to evaluate the quality of all included studies. Evidence Synthesis: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria comprising a total of 909 pitchers (65%, professional, 33% college, and 3% recreational). The most studied elements were hip strength and stride length. The mean methodological index for nonrandomized studies score was 11.75 of 16 (range = 10–14). Pitch velocity was found to be influenced by several lower-body kinematic and strength factors including the following: (1) hip range of motion and strength of muscles around the hip and pelvis, (2) alterations in stride length, (3) alterations in lead knee flexion/extension, and (4) several pelvic and trunk spatial relationships throughout the throwing phase. Conclusions: Based on this review, we conclude that hip strength is a well-established predictor of increased pitch velocity in adult pitchers. Further studies in adult pitchers are needed to elucidate the effect of stride length on pitch velocity given mixed results across multiple studies. This study can provide a basis for trainers and coaches to consider the importance of lower-extremity muscle strengthening as a means by which adult pitchers can improve pitching performance.
Central visual field damage in glaucoma eyes with choroidal microvasculature dropout with and without high axial myopia
Authors: Micheletti Eleonora , El-Nimri Nevin , Nishida Takashi , Moghimi Sasan , Rezapour Jasmin , Fazio Massimo A , Suh Min Hee , Bowd Christopher , Belghith Akram , Christopher Mark , Jonas Jost B , Weinreb Robert N , Zangwill Linda M 
Published: February 2023

PurposeTo characterise the relationship between a deep-layer microvasculature dropout (MvD) and central visual field (VF) damage in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with and without high axial myopia.DesignCross-sectional study.MethodsSeventy-one eyes (49 patients) with high axial myopia and POAG and 125 non-highly myopic POAG eyes (97 patients) were enrolled. Presence, area and angular circumference of juxtapapillary MvD were evaluated on optical coherence tomography angiography B-scans and en-face choroidal images.ResultsJuxtapapillary MvD was detected more often in the highly myopic POAG eyes (43 eyes, 86%) than in the non-highly myopic eyes (73 eyes, 61.9%; p=0.002). In eyes with MvD, MvD area and angular circumference (95% CI) were significantly larger in the highly myopic eyes compared with the non-highly myopic eyes (area: (0.69 (0.40, 0.98) mm2vs 0.31 (0.19, 0.42) mm2, p=0.011) and (angular circumference: 84.3 (62.9, 105.8) vs 74.5 (58.3, 90.9) degrees, p<0.001), respectively. 24-2 VF mean deviation (MD) was significantly worse in eyes with MvD compared with eyes without MvD in both groups (p<0.001). After adjusting for 24-2 MD VF, central VF defects were more frequently found in eyes with MvD compared with eyes without MvD (82.7% vs 60.9%, p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, higher intraocular pressure, worse 24-2 VF MD, longer axial length and greater MvD area and angular circumference were associated with worse 10-2 VF MD.ConclusionsMvD was more prevalent and larger in POAG eyes with high myopia than in non-highly myopic POAG eyes. In both groups, eyes with MvD showed worse glaucoma severity and more central VF defects.
Shortages and price variability of essential cytotoxic medicines for treating children with cancers
Authors: Martei Yehoda M , Iwamoto Kotoji , Barr Ronald D , Wiernkowski John T , Robertson Jane 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionLow-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) face the largest burden of mortality from childhood cancers with limited access to curative therapies. Few comparative analyses across all income groups and world regions have examined the availability and acquisition costs of essential medicines for treating cancers in children.MethodsA cross-sectional survey involved countries in five income groups—low-income (LIC), lower-middle-income (LMC), upper-middle-income (UMC), two high-income country groups (HIC1, HIC2). Physicians and pharmacists reported institutional use, availability, stock outs and prices (brand and generic products) of 34 essential medicines. Price comparisons used US$, applying foreign exchange rates (XR) and purchasing power parity (PPP) adjustments. Medicine costs for treating acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and Wilms tumour (WT) were calculated (child 29 kg, body surface area 1 m2). Comparisons were conducted using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis tests.ResultsFifty-eight respondents (50 countries) provided information on medicine use, availability and stock outs, with usable price data from 42 facilities (37 countries). The extent of use of International Society of Paediatric Oncology core and ancillary medicines varied across income groups (p<0.0001 and p=0.0002 respectively). LMC and LIC facilities used fewer medicines than UMC and HIC facilities. UMC and LMC facilities were more likely to report medicines not available or stockouts.Medicine prices varied widely within and between income bands; generic products were not always cheaper than brand equivalents. PPP adjustment showed relatively higher prices in UMC and LMC facilities for some medicines. Medicine costs were highest in HICs for ALL (p=0.0075 XR; p=0.0178 PPP-adjusted analyses) and WT (p =<0.0001 XR; p=0.0007 PPP-adjusted). Medicine costs for BL were not significantly different.ConclusionProblems with the availability of essential medicines, dependable supply chains, confidential medicine prices and wide variability in treatment costs contribute to persistent challenges in the care of children with treatable cancers, especially in LMICs.
Nurses’ understanding and management of iron deficiency in Australia: a cross-sectional, exploratory study
Authors: O'Sullivan Therese A , Jayasuriya Pradeep H , Tsalis Natalie , Calogero Nina , Manocha Ramesh 
Published: February 2023

ObjectivesTo assess the experiences and knowledge of nurses in the area of iron deficiency.DesignA cross-sectional, exploratory study using online survey.SettingData were collected from nurses working at various primary, secondary and tertiary Australian health practices and organisations.ParticipantsAustralian nurses currently in practice.MethodAustralian nurses currently in practice were invited to complete an online survey about their work background, personal experiences with iron deficiency and iron-deficiency identification and treatment. The survey included a nine-item questionnaire to assess knowledge of iron-deficiency risk factors and biochemistry.ResultsA total of 534 eligible nurses participated in the survey. Participants were more likely to be female, aged 55–64 years, and working in general practice. Just under half (45.1%) reported being diagnosed with iron deficiency themselves. Unusual fatigue or tiredness was the most frequent symptom that alerted nurses to potential iron deficiency in patients (reported by 91.9% of nurses). Nurses who had participated in formal training around iron deficiency in the last 5 years demonstrated a significantly higher knowledge score (4.2±2.1) compared with those who had not or were not sure about their formal training status (3.7±1.9, p=0.035). Knowledge around the understanding of functional iron deficiency was limited.ConclusionsNurses report personal experiences of iron deficiency and show good knowledge of symptoms, demonstrating the potential for them to take a leading role in managing iron deficiency in patients. Educational programmes are required to address knowledge gaps and should be offered via various methods to accommodate a diverse nurse cohort. Our research highlights the potential for an expanded scope of practice for nurses in the primary care setting in the area of iron deficiency.
Cohort profile: the Utrecht Cardiovascular Cohort–Second Manifestations of Arterial Disease (UCC-SMART) Study–an ongoing prospective cohort study of patients at high cardiovascular risk in the Netherlands
Authors: Castelijns Maria C , Helmink Marga A G , Hageman Steven H J , Asselbergs Folkert W , de Borst Gert J , Bots Michiel L , Cramer Maarten J , Dorresteijn Jannick A N , Emmelot-Vonk Marielle H , Geerlings Mirjam I , de Jong Pim A , van der Kaaij Niels P , Kappelle L Jaap , Lely A Titia , van der Meer Manon G , Mol Barend M , Nathoe Hendrik M , Onland-Moret N Charlotte , van Petersen Rutger B , Ruigrok Ynte M , van Smeden Maarten , Teraa Martin , Vandersteen Angela , Verhaar Marianne C , Westerink Jan , Visseren Frank L J 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThe Utrecht Cardiovascular Cohort–Second Manifestations of Arterial Disease (UCC-SMART) Study is an ongoing prospective single-centre cohort study with the aim to assess important determinants and the prognosis of cardiovascular disease progression. This article provides an update of the rationale, design, included patients, measurements and findings from the start in 1996 to date.ParticipantsThe UCC-SMART Study includes patients aged 18–90 years referred to the University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands, for management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or severe cardiovascular risk factors. Since September 1996, a total of 14 830 patients have been included. Upon inclusion, patients undergo a standardised screening programme, including questionnaires, vital signs, laboratory measurements, an ECG, vascular ultrasound of carotid arteries and aorta, ankle-brachial index and ultrasound measurements of adipose tissue, kidney size and intima–media thickness. Outcomes of interest are collected through annual questionnaires and adjudicated by an endpoint committee.Findings to dateBy May 2022, the included patients contributed to a total follow-up time of over 134 000 person-years. During follow-up, 2259 patients suffered a vascular endpoint (including non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke and vascular death) and 2794 all-cause deaths, 943 incident cases of diabetes and 2139 incident cases of cancer were observed up until January 2020. The UCC-SMART cohort contributed to over 350 articles published in peer-reviewed journals, including prediction models recommended by the 2021 European Society of Cardiology CVD prevention guidelines.Future plansThe UCC-SMART Study guarantees an infrastructure for research in patients at high cardiovascular risk. The cohort will continue to include about 600 patients yearly and follow-up will be ongoing to ensure an up-to-date cohort in accordance with current healthcare and scientific knowledge. In the near future, UCC-SMART will be enriched by echocardiography, and a food frequency questionnaire at baseline enabling the assessment of associations between nutrition and CVD and diabetes.
Maternal death surveillance efforts: notification and review coverage rates in 30 low-income and middle-income countries, 2015–2019
Authors: Serbanescu Florina , Monet Jean-Pierre , Whiting-Collins Lillian , Moran A C , Hsia Jason , Brun Michel 
Published: February 2023

ObjectivePerformance of maternal death surveillance and response (MDSR) relies on the system’s ability to identify and notify all maternal deaths and its ability to review all maternal deaths by a committee. Unified definitions for indicators to assess these functions are lacking. We aim to estimate notification and review coverage rates in 30 countries between 2015 and 2019 using standardised definitions.DesignRepeat cross-sectional surveys provided the numerators for the coverage indicators; United Nations (UN)-modelled expected country maternal deaths provided the denominators.Setting30 low-income and middle-income countries responding to the Maternal Health Thematic Fund annual surveys conducted by the UN Population Fund between 2015 and 2019.Outcome measuresNotification coverage rate (CRn) was calculated as the proportion of expected maternal deaths that were notified at the national level annually; review coverage rate (CRr) was calculated as the proportion of expected maternal deaths that were reviewed annually.ResultsThe average annualCRnfor all countries increased from 17% in 2015 to 28% in 2019; the average annualCRrincreased from 8% to 13%. Between 2015 and 2019, 22 countries (73%) reported increases in theCRn—with an average increase of 20 (SD 18) percentage points—and 24 countries (80%) reported increases inCRrby 7 (SD 11) percentage points. Low values ofCRrcontrasts with country-published review rates, ranging from 46% to 51%.ConclusionMDSR systems that count and review all maternal deaths can deliver real-time information that could prompt immediate actions and may improve maternal health. Consistent and systematic documentation of MDSR efforts may improve national and global monitoring. Assessing the notification and review functions using coverage indicators is feasible, not affected by fluctuations in data completeness and reporting, and can objectively capture progress.
Evidence for the effectiveness of interventions to reduce mental health related stigma in the workplace: a systematic review
Authors: Tóth Mónika Ditta , Ihionvien Sarah , Leduc Caleb , Aust Birgit , Amann Benedikt L , Cresswell-Smith Johanna , Reich Hanna , Cully Grace , Sanches Sarita , Fanaj Naim , Qirjako Gentiana , Tsantila Fotini , Ross Victoria , Mathieu Sharna , Pashoja Arlinda Cerga , Arensman Ella , Purebl György 
Published: February 2023

ObjectivesIncreasing access to mental health support is a key factor for treating mental disorders, however, important barriers complicate help-seeking, among them, mental health related stigma being most prominent. We aimed to systematically review the current evidence for interventions focusing on reducing stigma related to mental health problems in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).DesignSystematic review with a focus on interventions targeting mental health related stigma in the workplace in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The methodological quality of included articles was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies Scale.Data sourcesPubMed, Ovid Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Cochrane databases and Google Scholar were searched from January 2010 until November 2022.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesWe included experimental or quasi-experimental studies about workplace interventions aiming to reduce stigma, where the outcomes were measured in terms of stigmatisation against depression, anxiety and/or other mental health problems.Data extraction and synthesisRecords were screened by two independent reviewers after inspecting titles and abstracts and a full-text read of the articles to assess whether they meet inclusion criteria. The results were synthesised narratively.ResultsWe identified 22 intervention studies, 3 with high quality, 13 with moderate quality and 6 with weak quality. Only 2 studies included SMEs, but no study focused on SMEs exclusively . The mode of delivery of the intervention was face to face in 15 studies, online in 4 studies and mixed in 3 studies. We found a significant reduction in stigmatising attitudes in almost all studies (20/22), using 10 different instruments/scales. Effects seemed to be independent of company size. Online interventions were found to be shorter, but seemed to be as effective as face-to-face interventions.ConclusionsAlthough we did not find interventions focusing exclusively on SMEs, it is likely that antistigma interventions also will work in smaller workplaces.Trial registrationPROSPERO: ID: CRD42020191307
Preterm birth and stillbirth rates associated with socioeconomic disparities during COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Aboulatta Laila , Kowalec Kaarina , Leong Christine , Delaney Joseph A , Falk Jamie , Alessi-Severini Silvia , Chateau Dan , Tan Qier , Kearns Katherine , Raimondi Christina , Vaccaro Christine , Lavu Alekhya , Haidar Lara , Peymani Payam , Eltonsy Sherif 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundConflicting evidence exists on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on preterm birth (PTB) and stillbirth rates. We aimed to evaluate changes in PTB and stillbirth rates before and during the pandemic period and assess the potential effect modification of socioeconomic status (SES).MethodsUsing the linked administrative health databases from Manitoba, Canada, we conducted a cross-sectional study among all pregnant women, comparing 3.5 years pre-pandemic (1 October 2016 to 29 February 2020) to the first year of the pandemic (1 March 2020 to 31 March 2021). We used generalised linear models to assess the quarterly rates of PTB (<37 weeks) and stillbirths. We calculated the predicted trends based on pre-pandemic period data. Finally, we evaluated the PTB and stillbirth rates among lower and higher SES pregnant women (average annual household income) using subgroup analysis and interaction models.ResultsWe examined 70 931 pregnancies in Manitoba during the study period. The risk of PTB increased by 7.7% (95%CI 1.01 to 1.13) and stillbirths by 33% (95% CI 1.08 to 1.64) during the pandemic period. Following COVID-19 restrictions implemented in March 2020, there were increases in the quarterly rates of both PTB (immediate increase (β2)=1.37; p=0.0247) and stillbirths (immediate increase (β2)=0.12; p=0.4434). Among the lower income groups, the pandemic restrictions resulted in an immediate relative increase in PTB and stillbirth rates by 20.12% (immediate increase (β2)=3.17; p=0.0057) and 27.19% (immediate increase (β2)=0.48; p=0.0852). However, over the pandemic, the overall PTB rate significantly decreased as a rebound effect by 0.85% per quarter (p=0.0004), whereas the overall stillbirth rate did not decrease significantly (slope decrease (β3) =−0.01; p=0.8296) compared with the pre-pandemic period. The quarterly rates during the pandemic among the higher income group decreased by 0.39% (p=0.1296) for PTB and increased by 0.07% (p=0.1565) for stillbirth. We observed an effect modification by SES for PTB rates (p=0.047).ConclusionWhile the onset of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions was not associated with significant effects on stillbirth rates, we observed an immediate and rebound effect on PTB rates. The impact of COVID-19 on preterm birth was dependent on SES, with higher influence on families with lower SES. Further studies are needed to detect future trend changes during pandemic waves after 2021 and assess potential underlying mechanisms.
SAFFRON-103: a phase 1b study of the safety and efficacy of sitravatinib combined with tislelizumab in patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhao Jun , Yu Xinmin , Huang Dingzhi , Ma Zhiyong , Gao Bo , Cui Jiuwei , Chu Qian , Zhou Qing , Sun Meili , Day Daphne , Wu Jingxun , Pan Hongming , Wang Lifeng , Voskoboynik Mark , Wang Zhehai , Liu Yunpeng , Li Hui , Zhang Juan , Peng Yanyan , Wu Yi-Long 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundSome patients with locally advanced/metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) respond poorly to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) treatments. Combination with other agents may improve the outcomes. This open-label, multicenter, phase 1b trial investigated the combination of sitravatinib, a spectrum-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor, plus anti-PD-1 antibody tislelizumab.MethodsPatients with locally advanced/metastatic NSCLC were enrolled (Cohorts A, B, F, H, and I; N=22–24 per cohort). Cohorts A and F included patients previously treated with systemic therapy, with anti-PD-(L)1-resistant/refractory non-squamous (cohort A) or squamous (cohort F) disease. Cohort B included patients previously treated with systemic therapy, with anti-PD-(L)1-naïve non-squamous disease. Cohorts H and I included patients without prior systemic therapy for metastatic disease, no prior anti-PD-(L)1/immunotherapy, with PD-L1-positive non-squamous (cohort H) or squamous (cohort I) histology. Patients received sitravatinib 120 mg orally one time per day plus tislelizumab 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks, until study withdrawal, disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or death. The primary endpoint was safety/tolerability among all treated patients (N=122). Secondary endpoints included investigator-assessed tumor responses and progression-free survival (PFS).ResultsMedian follow-up was 10.9 months (range: 0.4–30.6). Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 98.4% of the patients, with ≥Grade 3 TRAEs in 51.6%. TRAEs led to discontinuation of either drug in 23.0% of the patients. Overall response rate was 8.7% (n/N: 2/23; 95% CI: 1.1% to 28.0%), 18.2% (4/22; 95% CI: 5.2% to 40.3%), 23.8% (5/21; 95% CI: 8.2% to 47.2%), 57.1% (12/21; 95% CI: 34.0% to 78.2%), and 30.4% (7/23; 95% CI: 13.2% to 52.9%) in cohorts A, F, B, H, and I, respectively. Median duration of response was not reached in cohort A and ranged from 6.9 to 17.9 months across other cohorts. Disease control was achieved in 78.3–90.9% of the patients. Median PFS ranged from 4.2 (cohort A) to 11.1 months (cohort H).ConclusionsIn patients with locally advanced/metastatic NSCLC, sitravatinib plus tislelizumab was tolerable for most patients, with no new safety signals and overall safety profiles consistent with known profiles of these agents. Objective responses were observed in all cohorts, including in patients naïve to systemic and anti-PD-(L)1 treatments, or with anti-PD-(L)1 resistant/refractory disease. Results support further investigation in selected NSCLC populations.Trial registration numberNCT03666143.