bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unilateral cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the parietal area modulates postural control depending with eyes open and closed
Authors: Oka Shinichiro , Ikeda Takuro , Mitsutake Tsubasa , Ogata Katsuya , Goto Yoshinobu 
Published: September 2022

Objective
Cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (C-tDCS) is generally assumed to inhibit cortical excitability. The parietal cortex contributes to multisensory information processing in the postural control system, and this processing is proposed to be different between the right and left hemispheres and sensory modality. However, previous studies did not clarify whether the effects of unilateral C-tDCS of the parietal cortex on the postural control system differ depending on the hemisphere. We investigated the changes in static postural stability after unilateral C-tDCS of the parietal cortex.

Methods
Ten healthy right-handed participants were recruited for right- and left-hemisphere tDCS and sham stimulation, respectively. The cathodal electrode was placed on either the right or left parietal area, whereas the anodal electrode was placed over the contralateral orbit. tDCS was applied at 1.5 mA for 15 min. We evaluated static standing balance by measuring the sway path length (SPL), mediolateral sway path length (ML-SPL), anteroposterior sway path length (AP-SPL), sway area, and the SPL per unit area (L/A) after 15-minute C-tDCS under eyes open (EO) and closed (EC) conditions. To evaluate the effects of C-tDCS on pre- and post-offline trials, each parameter was compared using two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with factors of intervention and time. A post-hoc evaluation was performed using a paired t-test. The effect sizes were evaluated according to standardized size-effect indices of partial eta-squared (ηp2) and Cohen’s d. The power analysis was calculated (1-β).

Results
A significant interaction was observed between intervention and time for SPL (F (2, 27) = 4.740, p = 0.017, ηp2 = 0.260), ML-SPL (F (2, 27) = 4.926, p = 0.015, ηp2 = 0.267), and sway area (F (2, 27) = 9.624, p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.416) in the EO condition. C-tDCS over the right hemisphere significantly increased the SPL (p < 0.01, d = 0.51), ML-SPL (p < 0.01, d = 0.52), and sway area (p < 0.05, d = 0.83) in the EO condition. In contrast, C-tDCS over the left hemisphere significantly increased the L/A in both the EC and EO condition (EO; p < 0.05, d = 0.67, EC; p < 0.05, d = 0.57).

Conclusion
These results suggest that the right parietal region contributes to static standing balance through chiefly visual information processing during the EO condition. On the other hand, L/A increase during EC and EO by tDCS over the left parietal region depends more on somatosensory information to maintain static standing balance during the EC condition.
Understanding and comparing the medical tourism cancer patient with the locally managed patient: A case control study
Authors: Wangai Mary W. , Wangai Frederick K. , Njiri Francis , Wangai Enan N. , Wangai Paul , Nyongesa Catherine , Kinuthia John 
Published: September 2022

Introduction
Medical tourism is characterized by people seeking treatment abroad for various medical conditions due to varied reasons, many of whom benefit from specialized care for non-communicable diseases. Conversely, there are associated negative effects such as medical complications and weakened health systems. Currently, there is paucity of scientific evidence on patient-related factors influencing seeking treatment benefits abroad. This study sought to compare patient-related factors associated with choice of cancer treatment center locally or abroad, to understand reasons for seeking treatment outside Kenya.

Materials and methods
As a case-control study, 254 cancer patients were randomly sampled to compare responses from those who chose to receive initial treatment abroad or in Kenya. The cases were recruited from Ministry of Health while the controls from Kenyatta National Hospital and Texas Cancer Center. Data was analyzed using SPSS Software Version 21. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out. Level of significance was set at 5%.

Results
Out of 254 respondents, 174 (69.5%) were treated for cancer in Kenya and 80 (31.5%) in India. We found that cost effectiveness was a significant factor for over 73% of all respondents. The study revealed independent predictors for seeking treatment in India were: monthly income higher than US$ 250; every additional month from when disclosure to patients was done increased likelihood by 1.16 times; physician advice (Odds Ratio(OR) 66; 95% Confidence Interval(CI) 7.9–552.9); friends and family (OR 42; 95% CI 7.07–248.6); and perception of better quality of care (OR 22.5; 95% CI 2.2–230.6).

Conclusion
Reasons patients with cancer sought treatment in India are multifactorial. Several of these can be addressed to reverse out-ward bound medical tourism and contribute to improving the in-country cancer healthcare. It will require strengthening the health system accordingly and sensitizing the medical fraternity and general public on the same.
Impact of COVID-19 on quality checks of solid tumor molecular diagnostic testing-A surveillance by EQAS provider in India
Authors: Shetty Omshree , Shet Tanuja , Iyer Ramya , Gogte Prachi , Gurav Mamta , Joshi Pradnya , Karnik Nupur , Pai Trupti , Epari Sridhar , Desai Sangeeta 
Published: September 2022

Background
Molecular tests in solid tumours for targeted therapies call for the need to ensure precision testing. To accomplish this participation in the External Quality Assessment Program (EQAS) is required. This evaluates the consistency of diagnostic testing procedures and offers guidance for improving quality. Outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic led to worldwide lockdown and disruption of healthcare services including participation in EQAS.The present study describes the extended scope of EQAS offered byMPQAP (Molecular Pathology Quality Assurance Program), the first proficiency test provider for solid tumor diagnostics in India. The study surveys the preparedness of molecular testing laboratories in routine diagnostics and participation for quality assessment scheme.

Methods
A documented guideline for measures and precautions to be carried by testing laboratories in performing routine diagnostic tests during the lockdown period were charted and distributed to all MPQAP participant centres. A survey was conducted for MPQAP participants to check whether laboratories were involved in COVID-19 testing and to evaluate the impact of lockdown on the operations of diagnostics procedures. From the acquired response of the survey, 2 cycles out of initially proposed 11 cycles were executed with transformed approach using digital tools and image interpretation modules.

Findings
Out of 25 solid tumour testing laboratories registered as participants, 15 consented to participate in survey. The summary of survey conveyed the impact of COVID-19onroutine operations of diagnostics tests such as shortcomings in inventory and human resource management. Thirteen participants showed active willingness and consented to participate in EQAS test scheme.

Interpretations
The survey findings and assessment of EQAS cycles endorsed the quality testing procedures carried by participating laboratories throughout the lockdown. It highlighted the utility of EQAS participation during pandemic along with emphasis on safety measures for continual improvement in quality of diagnostic services.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) following COVID-19 infection in Iran: A multicenter study
Authors: Rostami-Maskopaee Fereshteh , Ladomenou Fani , Razavi-Amoli Seyedeh-Kiana , Navaeifar Mohammad Reza , Hajialibeig Azin , Shahbaznejad Leila , Hosseinzadeh Fatemeh , Haghighi Aski Behzad , Manafi Anari Ali , Mohammadi Mohsen , Rahmati Mohammad Bagher , Shorafa Eslam , Abootalebi Seyedenarjes , Rezai Mohammad Sadegh 
Published: September 2022

Objectives
This study aimed to assess the clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes of the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) following COVID-19 in five different geographical regions of Iran.

Methods
In this multicenter observational study, patients <21 years were included between March 2020 and October 2021. By Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) checklist, demographic characteristics, comorbidities, clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory and radiology findings, and treatment were collected. Statistical analysis was using Chi-square and t-test in STATA14.

Results
In total 225 patients with median age of 55 (26–96) months were included that 59.56% boys. 57.33% were admitted to the PICU with a median of 7 days (4–10). 95.56% of patients were discharged with recovery and the rest died. All of the patients in our study were included based on the MIS-C criteria. However, some patients had Kawasaki symptoms, so we compared the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the two groups. Conjunctival injection, cervical lymphadenopathy>1.5 cm diameter, and strawberry tongue in Kawasaki-like MIS-C patients were higher than of MIS-C patients, and this difference was significant(p<0.001). The most common comorbidity was obesity (24.86%). Most patients tested for COVID-19 and about 60% of the patients had a positive test by serology or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Gastrointestinal (88.89%) and hematologic signs (84.44%) were most common. Most drugs used in patients were IVIG and steroids. 88.07% and 61.29% of the patients had at least one problem in echocardiography and lung CT, respectively.

Conclusions
The best outcome was seen in patients who were treated with both IVIG and steroids on the first days of admission. Myocarditis was common in two groups of patients. According to most patients had echocardiography abnormal, screening of heart function is recommended for patients.
Seasonal changes in proportion of cardiac surgeries associated with diabetes, smoking and elderly age
Authors: Peták Ferenc , Kovács Barbara N. , Agócs Szilvia , Virág Katalin , Nyári Tibor , Molnár Andrea , Südy Roberta , Lengyel Csaba , Babik Barna 
Published: September 2022

Background
Seasonal variations in the ambient temperature may affect the exacerbation of cardiovascular diseases. Our primary objective was to evaluate the seasonality of the monthly proportion of cardiac surgeries associated with diabetes, smoking and/or elderly age at a tertiary-care university hospital in East-Central Europe with a temperate climate zone. As a secondary objective, we also assessed whether additional factors affecting small blood vessels (smoking, aging, obesity) modulate the seasonal variability of diabetes.

Methods
Medical records were analyzed for 9838 consecutive adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery in 2007–2018. Individual seasonal variations of diabetes, smoking, and elderly patients were analyzed monthly, along with the potential risk factors for cardiovascular complication. We also characterized whether pairwise coexistence of diabetes, smoking, and elderly age augments or blunts the seasonal variations.

Results
Seasonal variations in the monthly proportion of cardiac surgeries associated with diabetes, smoking and/or elderly age were observed. The proportion of cardiac surgeries of non-elderly and smoking patients with diabetes peaked in winter (amplitude of change as [peak-nadir]/nadir: 19.2%, p<0.02), which was associated with increases in systolic (6.1%, p<0.001) and diastolic blood pressures (4.4%, p<0.05) and serum triglyceride levels (27.1%, p<0.005). However, heart surgery in elderly patients without diabetes and smoking was most frequently required in summer (52.1%, p<0.001). Concomitant occurrence of diabetes and smoking had an additive effect on the requirement for cardiac surgery (107%, p<0.001), while the simultaneous presence of older age and diabetes or smoking eliminated seasonal variations.

Conclusions
Scheduling regular cardiovascular control in accordance with periodicities in diabetes, elderly, and smoking patients more than once a year may improve patient health and social consequences.

Trial registration
NCT03967639.
Too serious to ignore: The epidemiologic and economic burden of home injuries in the Southwest Region of Cameroon—A community-based study
Authors: Cole Eunice Oben Bessem , Christie S. Ariane , Oke Rasheedat , Motwani Girish , Dickson Drusia , Chendjou William , Mbianyor Mbiarikai , Dicker Rochelle , Juillard Catherine , Chichom-Mefire Alain 
Published: September 2022

Background
Home injuries are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in high-income countries. In Sub-Saharan Africa, including Cameroon, many people live in unplanned settlements with poorly constructed houses, predisposing them to home injuries. However, little is known about the epidemiology and care-seeking behaviors of the domestically injured. In this study, our objective was to determine the epidemiology and care-seeking behaviors of home injuries in the Southwest Region of Cameroon.

Methods
A sub-analyses of a larger descriptive cross-sectional community-based study on injury epidemiology in the preceding 12 months was conducted. Sampling was done using three-stage cluster sampling technique. Differences between groups were evaluated using Chi-squared and Adjusted Wald tests.

Results
Of 8065 participants, 157 suffered home injuries giving an incidence of 19.6 (16.8–23.0 95% CI) cases per 1000-person years. Home injuries comprised 31.2% of all 503 injuries and affected more females (60.8%) and younger individuals (mean age (SE) 25.1 years (2.0)) than non-home injuries. The most common activity and mechanism of home injury was leisure/play (51%) and falls (37.9%) respectively. Amongst those with home injuries, 37.6% did not seek care from any care provider (versus 25.0% of non-home injuries, p = 0.004) and were more likely to seek treatment within the family or at home (p = 0.008) or at church (p = 0.010). Those with home injuries experienced a median of 14 disability days and 22.9% of families faced difficulties affording basic expenses (p = 0.001).

Conclusion
Home injuries comprise about a third of the Southwest Region of Cameroon’s burden of injury and likely have a profound socioeconomic impact. Though these injuries cause severe disabilities, a large proportion of victims do not seek care from providers. Prevention efforts should address the design of homes and victims of home injury should be encouraged to utilize formal care services.
Femoral fixation methods for hamstring graft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A network meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials
Authors: Nie Shixin , Zhou Shuqing , Huang Wei 
Published: September 2022

Objective
To compare the clinical effectiveness of cortical button (CB), cross-pin (CP) and compression with interference screws (IS) fixation techniques in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using hamstring graft.

Methods
Studies were systematically retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science up to May 20, 2021. Primary outcomes were KT-1000 assessment, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score A or B, Lachman’s test, pivot-shift test, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Lysholm score, Tegner score, and Cincinnati Knee Score. Secondary outcomes included reconstruction failures and synovitis. League tables, rank probabilities and forest plots were drawn for efficacy comparison.

Results
Twenty-six controlled clinical trials (CCTs) with 1,824 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with hamstring graft were included. No significant differences were found among CB, CP and IS fixation methods regarding the 10 outcomes. For KT-1000 assessment, IKDC score A or B, Lachman’s test, VAS score and pivot-shift test, CP had the greatest probability of becoming the best method, and IS may be the suboptimal method in 4 out of these 5 outcomes except pivot-shift test.

Conclusions
CP, CB and IS fixations have comparable clinical performance, while CP fixation is most likely to be the optimum fixation technique for hamstring graft in ACL reconstruction. Future larger-sample studies of high quality comparing these techniques in more clinical outcomes are required.
Thermal Performance of Double Pass Solar Air Heater With Tubular Solar Absorber
Authors: Hussein Nassr Fadhil , Ahmed Sabah T , Ekaid Ali L 
Published: September 2022

In this investigation, the effect of replacing the conventional solar absorber with a new solar absorber on the thermal performance of a double-pass solar air heater has been studied experimentally and numerically. Three configurations have been introduced, the first configuration is a double pass solar air heater with a flat plate solar absorber (DPSAHWFP) for the aim of comparison, and the second configuration is a double pass solar air heater with a tubular absorber that includes a set of tubes which are fitted perpendicularly to the direction of airflow (DPSAHWT-1), and the third configuration is double-pass solar air heater with a tubular absorber that involves set of tubes which are fitted in parallel to the direction of airflow (DPSAHWT-2). The experiments have been carried out under indoor conditions at a constant heat flux equal to 1000 W/m2 and different air mass flow rates (0.01– 0.03 kg/s). The results revealed that the air mass flow rate has a substantial impact compared to the rise in air temperature, hence, the thermal performance of solar air heater is directly proportional to increase air mass flow rate. In addition, the experimental and numerical outcomes indicated that for all air flow rates. The (DPSAHWT-2) offers higher thermal performance as compared to other models, where the maximum effective efficiency has been obtained at 0.03 kg/s equal to 80.9 %. Moreover, (DPSAHWT-2) is more efficient than DPSAHWFP and DPSAHWT-1 by 4.2 % and 9.8 % respectively.
Effects of exercise combined with diet intervention on body composition and serum biochemical markers in adolescents with obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Liangyu , Dong Xiaosheng , Gao Yan , Jia Zhihao , Han Suyue , Zhang Juntao , Gao Yubo 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background
This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of exercise combined with diet (ECWD), exercise alone, diet alone, and no intervention on body composition and serum biochemical markers in adolescents with obesity to provide reference for solving the metabolic disorders of adolescents caused by obesity.

Contents
Studies published before January 5, 2021 were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang data, VIP database, and SinoMed. Randomized controlled trials with an age between 10 and 20 years, body mass index (BMI) ≥28 kg/m2 or ≥95th percentiles, no history of endocrine and metabolic diseases, heart disease, hematologic disease, and so on before the trial were included.

Summary
Fifteen of the 50,155 studies met the criteria. Meta-analysis showed that ECWD was more effective in reducing BMI (kg/m2) (−2.45 kg/m2, 95% CI: −3.06; −1.85) and fat thickness of back (−13.77 mm, 95% CI: −15.92; −11.62), abdomen (−11.56 mm, 95% CI: −14.04; −9.09), and upper arm (−14.81 mm, 95% CI: −16.74; −12.89) than other interventions; in reducing body fat (−7.03 kg, 95% CI: −9.77; −4.29) and thigh circumference (−4.05 cm, 95% CI: −5.58; −2.52), ECWD and diet alone were more effective than exercise alone; ECWD and exercise alone were more effective in reducing waist circumference (−6.05 cm, 95% CI: −8.37; −3.72), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR; −0.06, 95% CI: −0.11; −0.01), upper arm circumference (−2.57 cm, 95% CI: −3.70; −1.45), triglycerides (TG; −0.30 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.45; −0.14), total cholesterol (TC; −0.30 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.59; −0.01), and low density lipoprotein (LDL; −0.22 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.40; −0.04) than diet alone. ECWD also had effects on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6, leptin, and so on.

Outlook
ECWD is more effective than exercise alone, diet alone, or no intervention in solving the problems of body shape and metabolic disorder of adolescents with obesity.
Can interoceptive sensitivity provide information on the difference in the perceptual mechanisms of recurrent and chronic pain? Part I. A retrospective clinical study related to multidimensional pain assessment
Authors: Ciaramella Antonella , Pozzolini Valentino , Scatena Erika , Carli Giancarlo 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Although neurobiological research has shown that interoception plays a role in the perception of pain and its chronification, the relationship between interoceptive sensitivity and pain has not been definitively confirmed by clinical studies. The aim of this study was therefore to better understand the relationship between interoceptive sensitivity, somatization, and clinical pain, and to identify any differences in the interoceptive sensitivity of patients with recurrent vs. chronic pain.

Methods
Scores from 43 Chronic pain subjects, assessed using ICD-11 Criteria; 42 healthy subjects (without pain or psychiatric disorders); and 38 recurrent pain subjects on the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA), Body Perception Questionnaire (BPQ-SF), Somatosensory amplification scale (SSAS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15), Symptom Checklist-Revised (SCL-90-R), and Italian Pain Questionnaire (IPQ) were compared.

Results
Negative attention to the body was indicated by higher scores of psychosomatic dimensions as SSAS, SCL90R somatization, and PHQ-15 in recurrent, but especially chronic pain (p<0.000 for all). An increase in psychosomatic dimension scores (i.e., somatization, somatosensory amplification) was associated with an increase in both autonomic nervous system reactivity (ANSR) dimension scores and the negative influence of the Not-worrying, attention regulation and trusting of the MAIA. In contrast, the presence of pain and scores for its dimensions with associated with lower supra-diaphragmatic activity as per the BPQ.

Conclusions
Pain chronification might depend on both the impairment of interoceptive sensitivity and an increase on psychosomatic dimensions via modification of ANSR hyperactivity and a reduction of the MAIA Not-worrying dimension.
Autodecolonização – Uma pesquisa pessoal no além coletivo
Authors: Makuxi Jaider Esbell 
Published: September 2022

Resumo: Aplicar pesquisa em pensar a minha passagem no mundo como alguém minimamente consciente de si tem me levado a lugares surpreendentes. A dinâmica do me levar faz um movimento retroalimentar considerando que eu não iria sem meu coletivo anterior, isto seja, a minha identidade ancestral. Mais que um circuito entre ancestralidade e atualidade, essa questão é uma base para se navegar em águas revoltas, visto que, se não bem entendidas ou explicadas, essas duas palavras acabam por fazer parte do jogo epistemológico colonial.

Abstract: Applying research in thinking about my passage in the world as someone minimally aware of himself has taken me to surprising places. The dynamics of taking me make a feedback movement considering that I would not go without my previous collective, that is my ancestral identity. More than a circuit between ancestry and actuality, this question is a basis for navigating rough waters, since, if not well understood or explained, these two words end up being part of the colonial epistemological game.