bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison Considerations Toward Investigating the Factors of Load and Age Group on the Maximum Reach Envelope
Authors: Johnston Heather , Dewis Colleen , Kozey John 
Published: October 2020

Objective The objectives were to compare cylindrical and spherical coordinate representations of the maximum reach envelope (MRE) and apply these to a comparison of age and load on the MRE. Background The MRE is a useful measurement in the design of workstations and quantifying functional capability of the upper body. As a dynamic measure, there are human factors that impact the size, shape, and boundaries of the MRE. Method Three-dimensional reach measures were recorded using a computerized potentiometric system for anthropometric measures (CPSAM) on two adult groups (aged 18–25 years and 35–70 years). Reach trials were performed holding .0, .5, and 1 kg. Results Three-dimensional Cartesian coordinates were transformed into cylindrical ( r, θ , Z) and spherical ( r, θ, ϕ) coordinates. Median reach distance vectors were calculated for 54 panels within the MRE as created by incremented banding of the respective coordinate systems. Reach distance and reach area were compared between the two groups and the loaded conditions using a spherical coordinate system. Both younger adults and unloaded condition produced greater reach distances and reach areas. Conclusions Where a cylindrical coordinate system may reflect absolute reference for design, a normalized spherical coordinate system may better reflect functional range of motion and better compare individual and group differences. Age and load are both factors that impact the MRE. Application These findings present measurement considerations for use in human reach investigation and design.
Sources of Support for Studies That Inform Recommendations of the Community Preventive Services Task Force
Authors: Neilson Elizabeth , Villani Jennifer , Mercer Shawna L. , Tilley David L. , Vincent Isaah , Alston Anita , Klabunde Carrie N. 
Published: October 2020

Objectives The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) makes evidence-based recommendations about preventive services, programs, and policies in community settings to improve public health. CPSTF recommendations are based on systematic evidence reviews. This study examined the sponsors (ie, sources of financial, material, or intellectual support) for publications included in systematic reviews used by the CPSTF to make recommendations during a 9-year period. Methods We examined systematic evidence reviews (effectiveness reviews and economic reviews) for CPSTF findings issued from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2018. We assessed study publications used in these reviews for sources of support; we classified sources as government, nonprofit, industry, or no identified support. We also identified country of origin for each sponsor and the most frequently mentioned sponsors. Results The CPSTF issued findings based on 144 systematic reviews (106 effectiveness reviews and 38 economic reviews). These reviews included 3846 publications: 3363 publications in effectiveness reviews and 483 publications in economic reviews. Government agencies supported 57.1% (n = 1919) of publications in effectiveness reviews and 59.2% (n = 286) in economic reviews. More than 1500 study sponsors from 36 countries provided support. The National Institutes of Health was the leading sponsor for effectiveness reviews (21.3%; 718 of 3363) and economic reviews (16.2%; 78 of 480), followed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (7.0%; 234 of 3363 effectiveness reviews and 14.8%; 71 of 480 economic reviews). Conclusions The evidence base used by the CPSTF was supported by an array of sponsors, with government agencies providing the most support. Study findings highlight the need for sponsorship transparency and the role of government as a leading supporter of studies that underpin CPSTF recommendations for improving public health.
Lasers in Tonsillectomy: Revisited With Systematic Review
Authors: Ahmed Jake , Arya Arvind 
Published: October 2020

Introduction: In 2005, the National Prospective Tonsillectomy Audit was conducted by the Royal College of Surgeons England, reporting hot tonsillectomy techniques being associated with more postoperative pain and hemorrhage when compared with dissection. In 2006, the National Institute of Clinical Excellence declared its position on laser tonsillectomy reporting that bleeding may be less intraoperatively but is more postoperatively, that initial pain may be less but medium term is more and that healing is delayed. Aim: To revisit the literature surrounding laser tonsil surgery and assess the aforementioned factors for any trend changes. Methodology: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-style systematic review conducted in July 2019 searched Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials comparing laser tonsil surgery with other techniques with the terms laser, tonsillectomy, and tonsillotomy for nonmalignant indications. A total of 14 articles were evaluated. Results: A total of 1133 patients received surgery accounting for a total of 2266 tonsil removals. A variety of laser techniques were used including CO2 (66%) potassium-titanyl-phosphate (19%) and contact diode (15%). Nonlaser techniques included dissection (62%), diathermy (20%), and coblation (18%). The summated conclusions suggest that laser techniques are superior regarding intraoperative bleeding and procedure duration. Laser techniques also provide equivocal or superior outcomes regarding postoperative hemorrhage, pain, and total healing time. Conclusion: Outcomes following laser surgery in recent years suggest an overall improvement. This could be due to enhanced familiarity with techniques and established centers performing laser procedures more routinely.
Association Between the Duration of Hearing Loss and Hearing Outcomes in Surgery for Otosclerosis
Authors: Luryi Alexander L. , Schettino Amy , Babu Seilesh C. , Bojrab Dennis I. , Michaelides Elias M. , Bojrab Dennis I. , Schutt Christopher A. 
Published: October 2020

IntroductionHearing loss due to otosclerosis is effectively treated with surgery. The association between duration of hearing loss and surgical outcomes is unknown.Study DesignRetrospective review.SettingLarge otology referral center.MethodsPatients undergoing primary stapes surgery for otosclerosis from 2005 to 2017 were evaluated according to their self‐reported duration of hearing loss. Closure of the air‐bone gap (ABG) was the primary outcome measure.ResultsA total of 580 stapes operations were included. Sixteen percent of patients reported hearing loss for ≤1 year; 25%, >1 to ≤5 years; 24%, >5 to ≤10 years; 24%, >10 to ≤20 years; and 12%, >20 years, respectively. Average pre‐ and postoperative ABGs were 26.1 and 9.6 dB (P <. 0005). Patients with longer duration of hearing loss had worse preoperative ABGs (P <. 0005). After surgery, patients with longer duration of hearing loss had a greater reduction in their ABGs (P <. 0005) such that the remaining ABG was not associated with duration of hearing loss (P >. 05). There were no significant associations between the duration of hearing loss and complication rates or the need for revision surgery.ConclusionOtosclerosis is effectively treated with surgery even after a long duration of hearing loss, provided that sensorineural hearing and word recognition are favorable. Although far‐advanced otosclerosis has known poorer hearing outcomes after stapes surgery, a long duration of hearing loss is an unreliable surrogate for this.
Self‐perceived Taste and Flavor Perception: Associations With Quality of Life in Patients With Olfactory Loss
Authors: Liu David T. , Besser Gerold , Prem Bernhard , Sharma Gunjan , Speth Marlene M. , Sedaghat Ahmad R. , Mueller Christian A. 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveTo evaluate associations between self‐perceived chemosensory functions of smell, taste, and flavor perception with olfactory‐specific quality of life (QoL) in patients with olfactory dysfunction (OD) and whether these associations would be influenced by other factors, such as duration or etiology of smell loss.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingTertiary care, academic center.MethodsOlfactory‐specific QoL was measured with the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders (QOD). The QOD measures the impact of OD on QoL (QOD‐negative statements) and the ability of patients to cope with smell loss (QOD‐positive statements). Orthonasal olfactory function, patients’ demographics, self‐perceived chemosensory perception, and duration and etiology of OD were retrospectively collected in a cohort of patients with quantitative OD. Correlations and multivariable linear regression models were computed to determine possible associations with the outcome measure of QOD‐negative and QOD‐positive statement scores.ResultsA total of 133 patients with OD were included. Analysis revealed a positive correlation between self‐perceived taste and flavor perception with QOD‐negative statement scores, while self‐perceived smell showed no significant correlation. Similarly, longer duration of smell loss and higher age were also correlated with higher QOD‐positive statement scores. Multivariable regression models confirmed that self‐perceived taste was independently associated with the QOD‐negative statement score, while age and duration of OD were independently associated with the QOD‐positive statement score.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the impact of diminished flavor perception during eating and drinking has a stronger impact on the QoL of patients with OD as compared with decreased orthonasal olfaction.
Clinical manifestations and laboratory results of 61 children with infectious mononucleosis
Authors: Wu Yanming , Ma Suli , Zhang Lingjun , Zu Daoming , Gu Fangjin , Ding Xiaoyuan , Zhang Lei 
Published: October 2020

Objective To investigate the clinical manifestations of infectious mononucleosis in children of different ages. Methods Clinical data from pediatric patients with infectious mononucleosis admitted from May 2015 to April 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were stratified into three groups (age 1–3 years, 4–6 years, and 7–14 years) for analysis of clinical and laboratory results. Results Data from 61 patients (male:female ratio 1.18:1) aged 5.15 ± 2.93 years (mean ± standard deviation; range: 1–14 years) were analyzed. Infectious mononucleosis occurred throughout the year and the main clinical manifestations were fever (98.3%), tonsillitis (100%), tonsillar white exudate (83.6%), cervical lymphadenopathy (98.3%), hepatomegaly (37.7%), splenomegaly (42.6%), eyelid edema (41.0%), and nasal obstruction (49.2%). Disease onset was most common during early childhood (37.7%) and at preschool age (37.7%). Younger children had more obvious symptoms of nasal obstruction and older children had more significant elevations of alanine aminotransferase and higher percentages of atypical lymphocytes. Conclusion The clinical manifestations of infectious mononucleosis in children differed by age. These associations required attention for clinical decision making.
Helicobacter pylori is not a contributing factor in gallbladder polyps or gallstones: a case-control matching study of Chinese individuals
Authors: Zhang Jinshun , Zhang Ying , Chen Yahong , Chen Weiling , Xu Hongfang , Sun Wei 
Published: October 2020

Objective To investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) infection and gallstones or gallbladder polyps. Methods This retrospective analysis included 27,881 individuals who underwent health examinations that included a H. pylori test and an abdominal ultrasound scan. Patients were divided into four groups: gallbladder polyp (P group), gallstone (S group), gallstone and gallbladder polyp (SP group), and no gallbladder disease (N group). Case–control matching was used to select the participants in the control group. Results The mean ages of participants in the P, S, and SP groups were all significantly higher than the mean age of participants in the N group. The proportions of participants with each type of body mass index significantly differed between the N and P groups, and between the N and S groups. In total 45.7% of participants exhibited H. pylori infection. After case-control matching, the proportion of participants with H. pylori infection did not significantly differ according to the presence or absence of gallbladder polyps. Similar results were observed regarding gallstones, as well as gallstones and gallbladder polyps. Conclusion H. pylori infection might not be related to gallbladder polyps or gallstones.
Bibliometric Analysis of Early COVID-19 Research: The Top 50 Cited Papers
Authors: ElHawary Hassan , Salimi Ali , Diab Nermin , Smith Lee 
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly evolving with the number of cases exponentially rising. The research scientific community has reacted promptly as evidenced by an outstanding number of COVID-19 related publications. As the number of scientific publications rapidly rises, there is a need to dissect the factors that lead to highly impactful publications. To that end, the present paper summarizes the characteristics of the top 50 cited COVID-19-related publications that emerged early during the pandemic. Methods: A systematic search of the Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar was performed, using keywords related to COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-19. Two independent authors reviewed all the search results, screening for the top 50 cited COVID-19-related articles. Inclusion criteria comprised any publication on COVID-19 or the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Data extracted included the type of study, journal, number of citations, number of authors, country of publication, and study content. Results: As of May 29th, the top 50 cited articles were cited 63849 times during the last 4 months. On average, 14 authors contributed to each publication. Over half of the identified articles were published in only 3 journals. Furthermore, 42% and 26% of the identified articles were retrospective case series and correspondence/viewpoints, respectively, while only 1 article was a randomized controlled trial. In terms of content, almost half (48%) of the identified publications reported clinical/radiological findings while only 7 out of the 50 articles investigated potential treatments. Conclusion: By highlighting the characteristics of the top 50 cited COVID-19-related articles, the authors hope to disseminate information that could assist researchers to identify the important topics, study characteristics, and gaps in the literature.
Stand-Alone Thoracoscopic Left Atrial Appendage Closure in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients at High Bleeding Risk
Authors: Franciulli Marco , De Martino Giuseppe , Librera Mariateresa , Desoky Ahmed , Mariniello Antonio , Iavazzo Annarita , Scigliano Fabio , Esposito Giampiero , Chiariello Luigi 
Published: October 2020

Objective In nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients at high bleeding risk, oral anticoagulants (OAC) may be contraindicated, and percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure has been advocated. However, following percutaneous procedure, either OAC or dual antiplatelet treatment is required. In this study, we present our experience in treating nonvalvular AF patients at high bleeding risk with thoracoscopic LAA closure with no subsequent antithrombotic therapy. Methods From April 2019 to January 2020, 20 consecutive AF patients, mean age 75.1 years, 16 (80%) males, underwent thoracoscopic LAA closure as a stand-alone procedure, using an epicardial clip device. OAC and antiplatelet therapy were contraindicated. Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3.61, and the mean HAS-BLED score was 4.42. Successful LAA closure was assessed by transesophageal echocardiography. Primary endpoints were complete LAA closure (no residual LAA flow), operative complications, and all-cause mortality; secondary endpoints were 30-day and 6-month complications (death, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, any bleeding). Mean follow-up was 6 ± 4 months. Results Complete LAA closure was achieved in all patients. No operative clip-related complications or deaths occurred. At follow-up, freedom from postoperative complications was 95% and from any cerebrovascular events was 100%. Overall survival rate was 100%. Conclusions In nonvalvular AF patients at high bleeding risk (HAS-BLED score >3), thoracoscopic LAA closure appears to be a valid alternative to percutaneous techniques not requiring dual antiplatelet or OAC treatment. Apparently, external LAA clipping minimizes the risk of thromboembolic events as compared with percutaneous procedures.
Aortic wall elasticity and left ventricular function in hypertensive patients with nonsignificant coronary artery disease
Authors: Nabati Maryam , Namazi Shojaoddin , Yazdani Jamshid 
Published: October 2020

Purpose Hypertension is an important cause of nonischemic heart failure. It is important to identify subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in patients with hypertension in an early stage to lower the risk of progression to more severe illness. The aim of our study was to assess the correlation between indices of left ventricular function and aortic stiffness in patients with hypertension. Methods Our study was a case control study of 42 hypertensive and 40 normotensive patients with nonsignificant coronary artery disease. All the patients underwent echocardiography and left ventricular ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain, post systolic index, pulsed Doppler early transmitral peak flow velocity, early diastolic mitral annular velocity (e′), and aortic elasticity measurements were calculated. Results The hypertensive patients were older (58.47 ± 9.57 vs. 52.94 ± 10.38 years, p = 0.018) and had a higher body mass index (30.09 ± 5.08 vs. 27.48 ± 4.17 kg/m2, p = 0.013) and E/e′ ratio (8.16 ± 1.81 vs. 6.56 ± 1.71, p < 0.001) and a lower e′ velocity (8.25 ± 2.28 vs. 9.52 ± 2.34 cm/s, p = 0.015) than normotensives. They also had a lower aortic distensibility ( p = 0.008) and a higher aortic stiffness index ( p = 0.039) compared with the normotensive group. The hypertensive patients did not show any association between aortic elasticity and stiffness with age or e′ velocity despite significant association in normotensives. Conclusion Hypertension is associated with a high prevalence of diastolic dysfunction, elevated left ventricular filling pressure, and increased arterial stiffness, all of which have significant association with adverse outcomes. The measurements found in the hypertensive patients compared with the normotensive group may be due to several age-independent mechanisms.
Optimal Local Anaesthesia for Dentistry
Authors: Renton Tara 
Published: October 2020

Dentistry is unique in that high-volume surgery is undertaken efficiently on conscious patients, an anathema to most other surgical specialties, who predominantly operate on unconscious patients. Local anaesthesia (LA) provides an efficient block to nociceptive pain (the first stage of the pain pathway) but only addresses one small part of the pain experience. Currently the inferior dental block is the “go to” standard for dental LA for mandibular dentistry, despite its significant short comings. Unfortunately, habit means that we continue to practise what is taught to us at dental school, thus, not developing safer modern LA practice. The dental syringe and deep injections are also the main triggers for fear and anticipated pain by patients expecting their dental appointment. The uptake of infiltration dentistry has been swift in implant dentistry, despite lack of an evidence base, and now other branches of specialty dentistry, general practice is awakening to the advantages of infiltration or “smart” local anaesthetic practices. Inferior dental blocks are inefficient in providing swift pulpal anaesthesia. Stanley Malamed stated: “The rate of inadequate anaesthesia ranged from 31% to 81%, which when expressed as success rates, indicates a range of 19% to 69%. These numbers are so wide ranging as to make selection of a standard for rate of success for inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) seemingly impossible”. Any block injection is also associated with an increase in the risk of systemic and local complications (including nerve injury), possible heightened medical complications and patient discomfort and fear. Fear of deep dental injections is a key factor in dental anxiety and phobia.
A direct comparison of women’s perceptions and acceptability of micronised progesterone and medroxyprogesterone acetate in combination with transdermal oestradiol in the management of young postmenopausal women, under 45 years of age
Authors: Mittal M , Panay N , Supramaniam PR , Savvas M , Cardozo L , Hamoda H 
Published: October 2020

Objective To assess the acceptability and perception of postmenopausal women, to two different hormone replacement therapy regimens, in relation to the control of their symptoms and development of adverse effects. Study design Prospectively recruited postmenopausal women, <45 years, were randomised to one of two treatment arms for 12-months: cyclical micronised progesterone or medroxyprogesterone acetate in combination with transdermal oestradiol. A self-reported questionnaire with matrix rating scales was completed and repeated after 3, 6 and 12-months. Main outcome measures Symptom control and development of adverse effects. Results Seventy-one individuals were screened, with baseline data available for 67 subjects. A total of 190 questionnaires were returned. The most commonly reported symptoms were low energy levels, vasomotor symptoms and sexual dysfunction. The prevalence of adverse effects ranged between 57.89 and 87.50%, with a reduction seen in the transdermal oestradiol + micronised progesterone arm (73.91% at 3-months, decreasing to 57.89% at 12-months; p = 0.33), compared to the transdermal oestradiol + medroxyprogesterone acetate arm (76.92% at 3-months, increasing to 87.50% at 12-months; p = 0.69). The main reported adverse effects were bloating, weight change and psychological symptoms. A significant difference was documented between the groups after set intervals, with a greater proportion reporting breast tenderness after 3-months (p = 0.01), lower numbers reporting mood swings at 6-months (p = 0.01) and irritability at 12-months (p = 0.03) in the transdermal oestradiol + micronised progesterone arm compared to the transdermal oestradiol + medroxyprogesterone acetate arm. Conclusions The acceptability of both regimens was high despite adverse effects, but tolerability of transdermal oestradiol combined with micronised progesterone appeared to be better with fewer women reporting psychological concerns.
Text message reminders as an adjunct to a substance use intervention for adolescents and young adults: Pilot feasibility and acceptability findings
Authors: Schwebel Frank J , Larimer Mary E 
Published: October 2020

Objective Text messaging has been proposed as a method for increasing the reach of interventions for harmful alcohol and other drug use. This paper describes the design of an automated text messaging adjunct to a substance use intervention intended to support adolescents and young adults attempting to change their alcohol and other drug use behavior. Feasibility and acceptability testing was conducted as part of this pilot study. Method Five focus groups were conducted to refine text message content and finalize pilot intervention design. Automated, daily, substance use-related reminder text messages were sent to pilot intervention participants ( n = 39), who were recruited from outpatient treatment. Results Of those who were invited, 63% enrolled in the study and 89.7% remained enrolled in the study as measured by completing at least one assessment after baseline. Participants reported a positive experience with the messages, particularly supportive/empowering messages and commitment reminder messages. Conclusions These findings suggest that text messaging is a feasible and acceptable method for delivery of substance use-related reminder content as an adjunct to substance use intervention.