bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peak expiratory flow is a reliably household pulmonary function parameter correlates with disease severity and survival of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Zhang Qi-Jie , Huang Jian-Chai , Chen Jia , Hu Wei , Xu Liu-Qing , Guo Qi-Fu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable and fatal neurodegenerative disease; most ALS patients die within 3 to 5 years after symptom onset, usually as a consequence of respiratory failure. In the present study, we aim to screen the survival-related pulmonary function parameters, and to explore the predictive value of peak expiratory flow (PEF) in disease severity and prognosis in patients with ALS.

Methods
The discovery cohort included 202 ALS patients, and the demographic and clinical characteristics of eligible patients were collected and pulmonary function tests were performed using MS-PFT spirometer. In the validation cohort, 62 newly diagnosed ALS patients performed the pulmonary function test by MS-PFT spirometer and household peak flow meter (KOKA) simultaneously.

Results
Among 12 pulmonary function parameters, FVC, FEV1, PEF, MEF75%, and MVV were identified to be independent predictive factors for survival. PEF was highly correlated with FVC (r = 0.797), MVV (r = 0.877), FEV1 (r = 0.847), and MEF75% (r = 0.963). Besides, the values of PEF were positively associated with disease severity (ALSFRS-R score, rs = 0.539, P < 0.0001), and negatively associated with progression rate (ΔALSFRS-R, rs = -0.316, P < 0.0001). Finally, we also confirmed that the values of KOKA-measured PEF were highly correlated with the ones measured using MS-PFT spirometer (r = 0.9644, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions
Our work emphasizes the critical role of PFTs in predicting prognosis of ALS patients. PEF is an easily available pulmonary function index, which is also a promising indicator in predicting disease severity and survival for ALS patients.
Optic nerve sheath diameter in severe preeclampsia with neurologic features versus controls
Authors: Sterrett Mary E. , Austin Brittany , Barnes Ryan M. , Chang Eugene Y. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundOptic nerve sheath diameters (ONSD) have been validated as an accurate screening tool to detect elevated intracranial pressure in hypertensive encephalopathy. The neurologic manifestations of preeclampsia and/or eclampsia mimic those of hypertensive encephalopathy. This study was performed to assess the incidence of elevated optic nerve sheath diameters of patients with severe preeclampsia and neurologic criteria compared to non-preeclamptic patients. The secondary objective was to determine baseline optic nerve sheath diameters in patients with severe preeclampsia without neurologic criteria and preeclampsia without severe features.MethodsSingle site cohort study including 62 pregnant women 18 years or older and 20 weeks or further gestation. Patients with preeclampsia without severe features, preeclampsia with severe features by non-neurologic criteria, preeclampsia with severe features with neurologic criteria, and patients without preeclampsia were enrolled via convenience sampling. One blinded reviewer measured sheath diameters; baseline demographics and pregnancy data were collected by chart review. Statistical analysis was completed with STATA/IC 16. Categorical variables were compared by the χ2 test. Continuous variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation, and discrete variables were presented as medians and compared by Kruskal–Wallis testing. Normality was confirmed by Shapiro–Wilk testing. Linear and logistic regression were used to test the association between the preeclampsia groups and optic nerve sheath diameters. Models were presented as unadjusted and adjusted for BMI, gestation, hypertension, diabetes, parity, and gravidity.ResultsThe incidence of optic nerve sheath diameters > 5.8 mm was 43.8% in the severe preeclampsia with neurologic features cohort, and 42.1% in the control cohort, with a relative risk of 1.04. Patients with severe preeclampsia without neurologic features had sheath diameters of 5.75 mm ± 1.09 mm; non-severe preeclampsia patients had sheath diameters of 5.54 mm ± 1.26 mm.ConclusionsWe did not find a significant elevated optic nerve sheath diameter relative risk between severe preeclampsia patients with neurologic features and non-preeclampsia control patients. This is the first study to assess a North American population utilizing ACOG criteria for severe and non-severe preeclampsia, with severe cohorts additionally stratified by neurologic criteria.
COVID-19 pandemic-related change in racial and ethnic disparities in exclusive breastmilk feeding during the delivery hospitalization: a differences-in-differences analysis
Authors: Glazer Kimberly B. , Vieira Luciana , Weber Ellerie , Stone Joanne , Stern Toni , Bianco Angela , Wagner Brian , Nowlin Sarah , Dolan Siobhan M. , Howell Elizabeth A. , Janevic Teresa 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objective
Exclusive breastmilk feeding during the delivery hospitalization, a Joint Commission indicator of perinatal care quality, is associated with longer-term breastfeeding success. Marked racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding exclusivity and duration existed prior to COVID-19. The pandemic, accompanied by uncertainty regarding intrapartum and postpartum safety practices, may have influenced disparities in infant feeding practices. Our objective was to examine whether the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City was associated with a change in racial and ethnic disparities in exclusive breastmilk feeding during the delivery stay.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study of electronic medical records from 14,964 births in two New York City hospitals. We conducted a difference-in-differences (DID) analysis to compare Black-white, Latina-white, and Asian-white disparities in exclusive breastmilk feeding in a pandemic cohort (April 1-July 31, 2020, n=3122 deliveries) to disparities in a pre-pandemic cohort (January 1, 2019-February 28, 2020, n=11,842). We defined exclusive breastmilk feeding as receipt of only breastmilk during delivery hospitalization, regardless of route of administration. We ascertained severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection status from reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction tests from nasopharyngeal swab at admission. For each DID model (e.g. Black-white disparity), we used covariate-adjusted log binomial regression models to estimate racial and ethnic risk differences, pandemic versus pre-pandemic cohort risk differences, and an interaction term representing the DID estimator.

Results
Exclusive breastmilk feeding increased from pre-pandemic to pandemic among white (40.8% to 46.6%, p<0.001) and Asian (27.9% to 35.8%, p=0.004) women, but not Black (22.6% to 25.3%, p=0.275) or Latina (20.1% to 21.4%, p=0.515) women overall. There was an increase in the Latina-white exclusive breastmilk feeding disparity associated with the pandemic (DID estimator=6.3 fewer cases per 100 births (95% CI=-10.8, -1.9)). We found decreased breastmilk feeding specifically among SARS-CoV-2 positive Latina women (20.1% pre-pandemic vs. 9.1% pandemic p=0.013), and no change in Black-white or Asian-white disparities.

Conclusions
We observed a pandemic-related increase in the Latina-white disparity in exclusive breastmilk feeding, urging hospital policies and programs to increase equity in breastmilk feeding and perinatal care quality during and beyond this health emergency.
Real-world efficiency of lenvatinib plus PD-1 blockades in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: an exploration for expanded indications
Authors: Sun Xuqi , Zhang Qi , Mei Jie , Yang Ziliang , Chen Minshan , Liang Tingbo 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and prognostic factors of lenvatinib plus programmed death 1 (PD-1) blockades in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially for those with tumor occupation ≥50% volume of liver (TO ≥50%) or invasion in Vp4, who were excluded from the trial KEYNOTE-524.

Methods
We reviewed the clinical data of patients with unresectable HCC who received lenvatinib plus PD-1 blockades. The Kaplan-Meier method was performed to compare the progression-free survival (PFS) and the overall survival (OS). Cox proportional hazards model was adopted to identify independent prognostic factors.

Results
The median PFS and OS of the enrolled 84 HCC patients (31 patients with TO ≥50% and 30 patients with Vp4 invasion) were 6.6 and 11.4 months respectively. TO ≥50% had significantly negative impact on the objective response rates (ORR) (p = 0.015). HCC patients with TO ≥50% had significantly worse PFS and OS than those with TO < 50% (both p value < 0.001). Conversely, invasion in Vp4 did not significantly affect the ORR, PFS or OS for HCC patients receiving lenvatinib plus PD-1 blockades (p = 0.419, 0.528 and 0.855). After multivariate analyses, TO ≥50% was the independent predictor for PFS and OS (both p value < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between any kind of AEs and TO ≥50% or invasion in Vp4.

Conclusion
Lenvatinib plus PD-1 blockades can provide survival benefits for HCC patients with invasion in Vp4 and the indications of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab may be further expanded. Locoregional treatments should be considered for patients with TO ≥50% during systemic therapy.
Rationale and design of a phase II trial of dacomitinib in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients with uncommon epidermal growth factor receptor mutations: a prospective and single arm study (DANCE study)
Authors: Zhang Bo , Shi Chunlei , Gao Zhiqiang , Zhong Hua , Xiong Liwen , Gu Aiqin , Wang Weimin , Chu Tianqing , Zhang Wei , Wang Huimin , Zhang Xueyan , Zhong Runbo , Han Baohui 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Dacomitinib is a second-generation, irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI). ARCHER-1050 showed that this agent can improve progression-free survival and overall survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients with sensitive EGFR mutation compared to gefitinib. However, it is unclear whether dacomitinib is effective in patients with sensitizing uncommon EGFR mutations in exon 18–21. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of dacomitinib in these patients.

Methods
This is a single arm, prospective, open label and phase II trial. Sample size will be calculated by a minimax two-stage design method based on the following parameters: α = 0.075, 1-β = 0.9, P0 = 0.20, P1 = 0.45 and a dropout rate of 10%. A total of 30 eligible patients will be included. Patients will receive continuous oral therapy with dacomitinib (45 mg/day) until disease progression, withdrawal of consent, or unacceptable toxicity, whichever occurs first. The primary endpoint is objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST version 1.1, as assessed by investigators’ review. The second endpoint is disease control rate (DCR), PFS, OS, and safety.

Discussion
We conduct a single arm, phase II study to investigate the safety and efficacy of dacomitinib in advanced NSCLC patients with sensitizing uncommon EGFR mutations. The results of the DANCE study will provide new data regarding efficacy and safety of these patients.

Trial registration
NCT04504071
Evaluating the association between MPDZ-NF1B rs1324183 and keratoconus in an independent northwestern Chinese population
Authors: Yuan Shiqin , Li Dong , Ma Meijiao , Zhou Lingjie , Ma Zhen , Shi Baoyu , Zhang Shuang , Li Huiping , Sheng Xunlun , Liu Junxiu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Keratoconus (KC) is a complex, non-inflammatory corneal degenerative disease. Although numerous studies have analyzed the correlation of SNP rs1324183, which located in MPDZ-NF1B gene, and KC in different populations, only few findings were repeated. In this study, to evaluate the association between rs1324183 and KC in a new independent Chinese population, we performed a replication study of the significantly associated rs1324183.

Methods
In total of 114 unrelated KC patients and 88 unrelated controls were recruited from Ningxia, China. We detected the genotypes and alleles of rs1324183 using PCR technology and Sanger sequencing and also analyzed the association between this locus and KC, its clinical parameters by statistical methods.

Results
The frequency of genotype AA (11, 9.6%) and genotypes containing allele A (47, 41.2%) of rs1324183 in KC were both higher than those of the control group. And genotype AA of rs1324183 conferred a higher risk of KC (OR > 1). Moreover, corneal parameter Belin/Ambrósio enhanced ectasia display final D value (BAD-D) had significant correlation (p = 0.002) with AA genotype of rs1324183 in KC.

Conclusions
Our replication study indicates that the results of rs1324183 associated with KC in our population is robust and further better illustrates the significance of BAD-D as a diagnostic indicator for KC. rs1324183 should be considered as the first genetic mark of KC risk in its future diagnosis.
Multiple non-invasive peripheral vascular function parameters with obesity and cardiometabolic risk indicators in school-aged children
Authors: He Wennan , Zhang Yi , Li Xuesong , Mu Kai , Dou Yalan , Ye Ying , Liu Fang , Yan Weili 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
The Peripheral Arterial Tonometry (PAT) technique measured by Endo-PAT™, is recently introduced for peripheral vascular assessment in youth, primarily benefits from its easy and non-invasive operation. However, the value of Endo-PAT as early indicator of obesity-related cardiometabolic risk factors remains unclear, with few studies focusing solely on Reactive Hyperemia Index (RHI). A wider coverage of Endo-PAT algorithms is recommended to be applied simultaneously in youth. We evaluated the value of multiple Endo-PAT parameters on obesity and cardiometabolic risk indication in school-aged children, in comparison with another non-invasive Brachial-ankle Pulse Wave Velocity (BaPWV) method.

Methods
This cross-sectional sample included 545 youth (80 with overweight and 73 with obesity) aged 7–17 years. RHI, Framingham-Reactive Hyperemia Index (F-RHI), peak response and Augmentation Index normalized to Heart Rate 75 bpm (AIx75) were measured by Endo-PAT™ 2000 device. Spearman correlations of abovementioned Endo-PAT parameters and BaPWV, with adiposity (weight, waist circumference, BMI, body fat mass) and cardiometabolic indicators (glycemic response, blood pressure, lipid profiles) were calculated with non-linear adjustment on age, height, gender and baseline pulse-wave amplitude (PWA) using fractional polynomials. Analysis was repeated in students with obesity only [median BMI z score: 3.0 (2.5,3.5)] for sensitivity analysis.

Results
The correlations of Endo-PAT parameters with adiposity measures and cardiometabolic indicators were overall mixed and weak (DBP: r ranged from − 0.20 to − 0.13, others: |r| < 0.1) after adjustment. Except that body fat mass (AIx75: r = 0.52 p < 0.01) and triglyceride level (RHI: r = − 0.32 p < 0.01, F-RHI: r = − 0.21 p > 0.05) was moderately reversed in students with obesity. In contrast, BaPWV showed consistently moderate correlations (|r| ranged from 0.123 to 0.322, p < 0.05) with almost all adiposity measures and cardiometabolic indicators regardless of obesity status.

Conclusion
Contrary to previous suggestion, various Endo-PAT parameters performed similarly weak for early cardiometabolic risk indication in school-aged children, and less preferable than that by another non-invasive BaPWV method. Despite further investigation is needed to improve certainty of relevant research evidence, innovative technology and algorithms taking into account specifics of young population are worthy of consideration.
The association between persistent low parental income during preschool age and mental disorder in adolescence and early adulthood: a Norwegian register-based study of migrants and non-migrants
Authors: Hynek Kamila Angelika , Abebe Dawit Shawel , Hollander Anna-Clara , Liefbroer Aart C. , Hauge Lars Johan , Straiton Melanie Lindsay 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Low socioeconomic status during childhood is associated with increased risk of mental disorders later in life. Yet, there is limited research on whether this association varies by migrant background, despite an overrepresentation of migrants among the economically disadvantaged.

Methods
Using national register data on a study population of 577,072 individuals, we investigated the association between persistent low parental income during preschool, measured at age 3–5 years and mental disorder during adolescence and early adulthood, measured between ages 16–25. Outpatient mental healthcare (OPMH) service use was a proxy for mental disorder and was measured between 2006 and 2015. We applied discrete-time logistic regression analyses with interaction terms to study differences in the relationship between persistent low parental income and OPMH service use by migrant background and gender.

Results
Persistent low parental income during preschool age was associated with increased odds of OPMH service use in adolescence and early adulthood (aOR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.90–2.08), even after adjusting for gender, migrant background, parental education and persistent lower income at later ages (aOR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.27–1.40). Statistically significant interactions between migrant background and persistent low parental income were recalculated and presented as marginal yearly probabilities. These results showed that the association was in the opposite direction for migrants; those in the higher income group had higher probability of OPMH service use, although the differences were non-significant for some groups. The relationship did not vary by gender.

Conclusions
Social inequalities in mental health, as measured by OPMH service use, may have an onset already in childhood. Interventions to reduce inequalities should therefore start early in the life course. Since the association differed for migrants, future research should aim to investigate the mechanisms behind these disparities.
Factors influencing the attitudes of young Sri Lankan-Australians towards seeking mental healthcare: a national online survey
Authors: Mudunna Chethana , Antoniades Josefine , Tran Thach , Fisher Jane 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundSri Lankans, as part of the South Asian diaspora, comprise one of the largest migrant groups in Australia. Although few data are available, South Asian migrants appear to experience higher rates of mental health problems, but seek help at lower rates than other migrant groups. Understanding factors that underpin mental health care seeking is necessary to inform mental health promotion strategies, including access to care. The aim was to investigate factors influencing attitudes to seeking care for mental health problems among young Sri Lankan-Australians born in Sri Lanka or in Australia.MethodsAn anonymous cross- sectional online survey which included the Multiethnic Identity Measure, Perceived Stigma Questionnaire, General Help-Seeking Questionnaire, Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help questionnaire and study specific questions to ascertain sociodemographic characteristics. The survey was advertised on social media and specifically included young adults aged between 18–30, who self-identified as being of Sri Lankan heritage and were living in Australia. Participation was not possible for those that did not have access to the internet. Data were analyzed using bivariable and multivariable statistics.ResultsOf the 396 people who attempted the survey, 323 provided fully completed data, 2 provided > 50% completed data which were included in the analyses. 71 were excluded because < 50% of the survey was completed. From all participants, 39.70% were born in Australia (SLaus), 54.46% born in Sri Lanka (SLsl) and 5.8% born in other countries. SLsl had more stigmatizing attitudes towards mental illness (p = 0.027) and seeking professional psychological help (p = 0.03). Women, those who had spent more years living in Australia and whose fathers were more highly educated had less stigmatized attitudes toward mental illness and help-seeking.ConclusionCountry of birth, family characteristics and gender influence stigma towards mental illness and help-seeking. Public health strategies to promote understanding of mental health problems and seeking mental healthcare are more likely to be effective if they address these factors directly.
Effect of training about child neglect and abuse to teachers and its effect to awareness
Authors: Gün İskender , Çopur Adeviye , Balcı Elçin 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of child neglect and abuse training on the knowledge and awareness of medical vocational schoolteachers in Turkey.

Methods
This study was conducted based on data taken from a sample of teachers from Kayseri, Turkey, between October 2016 and April 2017. Teachers who agreed to participate in the study received training pertaining to child neglect and abuse. Data were collected through a survey form and the Scale for Identifying the Symptoms and Risks of Child Abuse and Neglect. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.20.0 software. For statistical analyses, Student’s t test, analysis of variance and McNemar tests were conducted, with a value of p <  0.05 being considered statistically significant.

Results
Of teachers in the sample, 63.7% were female, and 80.5% were married. Teachers’ mean age was 40.5 ± 9.9 years. Among teachers, 87.4% reported that the training was sufficient. Teachers’ level of knowledge concerning neglect and abuse and the percentage of teachers who reported that they would report such situations to the authorities when faced with such a case increased after training. Female teachers’ scores on the neglect and abuse scale increased among teachers without children and those who found the training to be sufficient.

Conclusions
The knowledge level of teachers in the study group was found to be increased compared to their knowledge level prior to training. The subject of child neglect and abuse should be further discussed in the context of teachers’ formal training.