bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of a long sheath in ureteral catheterization after failure of antegrade ureteral stent placement using a short sheath
Authors: Chen Cheng Shi , Kim Jong Woo , Shin Ji Hoon , Li Hai-Liang , Lee Hyung Jin , Ibrahim Alrashidi , Jang Eun Bee 
Published: October 2020

Background When antegrade ureteral intervention fails due to severe ureteral stricture or tortuosity, a longer sheath can be used to facilitate ureteral catheterization. Purpose To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the use of a long sheath in antegrade ureteral stent placement after failure of antegrade ureteral stent placement using a short sheath. Material and Methods Among 1284 procedures in 934 patients who received ureteral stent placement, a long sheath was used after stricture negotiation failure using a short sheath in 57 (4.4%) procedures in 53 patients. The data of these 53 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Results The most common reasons for long sheath use were failure of balloon catheter (59.6%) or guidewire (29.8%) advancement across the stricture. Technical success, successful stricture negotiation after using a long sheath, was achieved in 50/57 (87.7%) procedures. In two of seven failed procedures, an additional TIPS sheath was used and the technical success rate improved to 91.2% (52/57). The technical success rate was significantly higher in the patients who have failed balloon catheter advancement (97.1%, 33/34) than the patients who have failed guidewire advancement (64.7%, 11/17) (Fisher’s exact test, P = 0.004). Self-limiting hematoma occurred in one patient after use of the long sheath and was considered a minor complication. Conclusion Ureteral catheterization using a long sheath is feasible and effective when antegrade ureteral intervention using a short sheath fails. When using a long sheath, the technical success rate was higher when advancing the balloon catheter over the guidewire than when advancing the guidewire through tight stricture.
Defining the design requirements for an assistive powered hand exoskeleton: A pilot explorative interview study and case series
Authors: Boser Quinn A , Dawson Michael R , Schofield Jonathon S , Dziwenko Gwen Y , Hebert Jacqueline S 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Powered hand exoskeletons are an emerging technology that have shown promise in assisting individuals with impaired hand function. A number of hand exoskeleton designs have been described in the literature; however, the majority have not been supported by patient-oriented criteria.

Objective:
The aim of this study was to define preliminary end-user needs and expectations for an assistive hand exoskeleton.

Study design:
Explorative interview and case series.

Methods:
Six clinicians and eight individuals with impaired hand function were interviewed in small groups or individually. A standardized list of questions was used to elicit feedback on specific design criteria or promote the discovery of new criteria. In addition, three participants with impaired hand function returned for a second session where hand characteristics, such as range of motion and force required to flex/extend fingers, were recorded to further quantify design requirements.

Results:
Interview responses indicated that there was general consensus among participants on criteria relating to important grasp patterns, grip strength, wear time, and acceptable bulk/weight. However, interview responses and hand characteristics also revealed important differences between individuals with impaired hand function.

Conclusion:
Qualitative and quantitative data were collected to develop an understanding of end-user design requirements for assistive hand exoskeletons. Although the data collected were helpful in identifying some preliminary criteria, differences between participants exist and identifying a universal set of criteria applicable across individuals with impaired hand function is challenging. This work reinforces the importance of involving users of rehabilitation technology in the device development process.
Failure of High Flow Nasal Cannula and Subsequent Intubation Is Associated With Increased Mortality as Compared to Failure of Non-Invasive Ventilation and Mechanical Ventilation Alone: A Real-World Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Miller David C. , Pu Jie , Kukafka David , Bime Christian 
Published: October 2020

Background: Despite the increasing use of high flow nasal cannula oxygenation systems (HFNC) in clinical practice, little is known about its role in all cause respiratory failure as compared to traditional non-invasive ventilation (BiPAP). Furthermore, the effect of HFNC on mortality is unknown. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 49,853 patients with respiratory failure treated with non-invasive respiratory support (HFNC or BiPAP) and/or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) between 2017 and 2018. Results: Patients initially treated with HFNC who underwent subsequent intubation and IMV had a higher mortality rate as compared to patients who were initially treated with BiPAP and underwent subsequent intubation and IMV (34.8% vs 26.3%, p < 0.0001, OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.26,1.76). Patients first treated with HFNC who underwent subsequent intubation and IMV had a significantly increased mortality compared to patients who underwent immediate intubation and IMV (34.8% vs. 21.5%, p ≤ 0.0001, OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.67, 2.27). Stratified based on ICD-10 diagnosis, patients with a diagnosis of COPD exacerbation or heart failure treated with HFNC and subsequent intubation and IMV had higher mortality as compared to those treated with immediate IMV alone. This trend did not hold true for patients with a diagnosis of pneumonia. Conclusion: In a real-world retrospective analysis, use of HFNC was associated with increased mortality as compared to BiPAP and IMV alone. Further study is needed to confirm these associations.
Sociodemographic Predictors of Adherence to National Diet and Physical Activity Guidelines at Age 5 Years: The Healthy Start Study
Authors: Bekelman Traci A. , Sauder Katherine A. , Rockette-Wagner Bonny , Glueck Deborah H. , Dabelea Dana 
Published: October 2020

Purpose: To assess adherence to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines, and identify sociodemographic predictors of adherence among children. Design: Cross sectional. Setting: Colorado, United States. Participants: Children aged 5 (n = 482). Measures: Sex, race/ethnicity, maternal education, maternal employment, maternal subjective social status and household income were assessed via questionnaires. Diet was assessed via 2 interviewer-administered 24-hour dietary recalls. Physical activity was objectively-measured with accelerometry for 7 days. Adherence was defined as a Healthy Eating Index-2015 score of ≥70 and/or ≥6 hours/day of light, moderate and vigorous activity. Analysis: For each predictor, logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios for adherence to the diet guidelines only, the activity guidelines only or both guidelines. Results: In the full sample, 29% of children were non-adherent to both guidelines, 6% adhered to the dietary guidelines only, 50% adhered to the activity guidelines only and 14% adhered to both. Girls had a 41% lower odds of adhering to the physical activity guidelines than boys (p = 0.01), after adjustment for race/ethnicity, household income and maternal education level, perceived social status and employment status. Conclusion: Efforts to improve the health of young children should promote adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans among all children. Targeted interventions that increase physical activity among girls may help to mitigate health disparities.
Cell Therapy in Kidney Disease: Cautious Optimism … But Optimism Nonetheless
Authors: Zenovich Andrey G. , Taylor Doris A. 
Published: October 2020

The recently discovered therapeutic potential of stem or progenitor cells has initiated development of novel treatments in a number of diseases—treatments that could not only improve patients’ quality of life, but also halt or even prevent disease progression. Hypertension; fluctuations in glycemia, electrolytes, nutrient levels, and circulating volume; and frequent infections and the associated inflammation all greatly impair the endothelium in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. As our understanding of the regulatory function of the endothelium advances, focus is increasingly being placed on endothelial repair in acute and chronic renal failure and after renal transplantation. The potential of progenitor cells to repair damaged endothelium and to reduce inflammation in patients with renal failure remains unexamined; however, a successful cell therapy could reduce morbidity and mortality in kidney disease. Important contributions have been made in identifying progenitor cell populations in the kidney, and further investigations into the relationships of these cells with the pathophysiology of the disease are underway. As the kidney disease field prepares for the first human trials of progenitor cell therapies, we deemed it important to review representative original research, and to share our perspectives and lessons learned from clinical trials of progenitor cell–based therapies that have commenced in patients with cardiovascular disease.
Good Patient and Technique Survival in Elderly Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Li Philip Kam-Tao , Law Man Ching , Chow Kai Ming , Leung Chi-Bon , Kwan Bonnie Ching-Ha , Chung Kwok Yi , Szeto Cheuk-Chun 
Published: October 2020

The aging population has significant implications for the community. The increasing number of elderly end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients presses the renal team to find an appropriate management plan. We used a retrospective analysis to study the effectiveness of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in elderly ESRD patients. Of the 328 CAPD patients recruited for the study, 121 were in the elderly group (≥ 65 years of age), and 207 were in the control group (under 65 years of age). Median age in the elderly group was 71 years, and in the control group, 51 years. The elderly group had a higher prevalence (54.5%) of diabetes mellitus. The 2-year and 5-year rates of patient survival were 89.3% and 54.8% respectively in the elderly group and 92.2% and 62.9% in the control group ( p = 0.19). The 2-year and 5-year rates of technique survival were 84.0% and 45.7% respectively in the elderly group and 80.9% and 49.1% in the control group ( p = 0.75). The probability of a 12-month peritonitis-free period was 76.6% in the elderly group and 76.5% in the control group ( p = 0.75). One hundred elderly patients (82.6% of the group) performed their CAPD exchanges by themselves. We observed no significant difference in clinical outcome—including patient survival, technique survival, and peritonitis-free period—between the elderly self-care CAPD and the elderly assisted CAPD groups. In elderly ESRD patients, CAPD is an effective dialysis modality. A slightly longer training time is to be expected for elderly patients. Self-care CAPD for elderly patients who are capable of performing their own exchanges provides them with an independent home life.
An Overview of the Pathophysiology of Vascular Calcification in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Stompór Tomasz 
Published: October 2020

Abnormalities of calcium–phosphate balance, with subsequent bone metabolism disorders, are among the key and earliest features of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recently, another consequence of these abnormalities was brought to light—namely, vascular calcification. Most studies performed in patients on dialysis suggest that their vascular calcification is more advanced than that seen in the general population. Furthermore, the progression of vessel wall mineralization is much more dynamic in patients with CKD. Apart from the commonly assessed factors that promote vascular calcification, such as age, duration of dialysis, or poor control of calcium–phosphate status, several other factors have recently been identified. In the spectrum of substances involved in the regulation of the process of soft-tissue calcification, the most extensively studied in the nephrology literature are bone morphogenetic protein 7, osteoprotegerin, matrix Gla protein, fetuin-A, and the phosphatonins. Better understanding of the mechanisms underlying excess vascular mineralization have led to the development of promising new therapies.
Role of the Renin–angiotensin System in the Pathogenesis of Peritoneal Fibrosis
Authors: Nakamoto Hidetomo , Imai Hiroe , Fukushima Rie , Ishida Yuji , Yamanouchi Yasuhiro , Suzuki Hiromichi 
Published: October 2020

⋄ Background Although the effects of angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker (ARB) have been studied, little is known about ARBs in hypertensive patients undergoing dialysis. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of an ARB, olmesartan medoxomil (CS866), on the progression of peritoneal fibrosis in peritoneal dialysis by examining its effect in a model of peritoneal fibrosis in hypertensive rats. ⋄ Materials and Methods W e all ocated 40 male Wistar rats with 2-kidney, 1-clip renovascular hypertension (2K1C-RVH) to 4 groups (each n = 10) that were dialyzed using various solutions for 42 days as follows: • Group I—10 mL pH 3.5 dialysis solution containing 1.35% glucose • Group II—10 mL pH 3.5 dialysis solution, plus oral administration of CS866 5 mg/kg daily • Group III—10 mL pH 3.5 dialysis solution, plus oral administration of the calcium channel blocker (CCB) amlodipine 3 mg/kg daily • Group IV—10 mL pH 7.0 dialysis solution Dialysis solution was injected every day for 42 days. ⋄ Results Treatment with CS866 and amlodipine induced a significant reduction of blood pressure in 2K1C-RVH rats. In rats treated with pH 3.5 dialysis solution, necropsy findings revealed features identical to those of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS). The typical appearance was multiple surfaces covered with granulation tissue or fibrosic tissue or both. Multiple adhesions were present. Microscopic findings revealed that acidic dialysis solution induced peritoneal fibrosis and loss of mesothelium. Treatment with CS866 prevented the progression of peritoneal fibrosis and adhesions. However amlodipine did not improve the progression of peritoneal fibrosis and peritoneal adhesions. In CS866-treated rats, no signs of EPS were present. ⋄ Conclusions Long-term intraperitoneal exposure to acidic dialysis solution produced features typical of EPS. Acidic dialysis solution induces activation of the peritoneal renin– angiotensin system and progression of peritoneal fibrosis. For the peritoneum undergoing peritoneal dialysis, ARB protects against progression of peritoneal fibrosis and peritoneal adhesions.
Amiselimod, a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor-1 modulator, for systemic lupus erythematosus: A multicenter, open-label exploratory study
Authors: Tanaka Yoshiya , Kondo Kazuoki , Ichibori Ayako , Yanai Yoshiari , Susuta Yutaka , Inoue Shinsuke , Takeuchi Tsutomu 
Published: October 2020

Objective To evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and exploratory efficacy of amiselimod, an oral selective sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor-1 modulator, in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods A multicenter, open-label phase Ib trial was conducted in Japan. Patients in Part 1 and Part 2-B received 0.2 mg amiselimod while those in Part 2-A received 0.4 mg amiselimod for 24 weeks. Results Seventeen subjects received 0.2 or 0.4 mg amiselimod. Amiselimod and amiselimod-P plasma concentrations increased dose-dependently. Peripheral blood lymphocyte count decreased in all patients after amiselimod treatment, with no clear dose response. There were no serious/severe adverse events (AEs) or clinically meaningful cardiac effects. Five subjects were withdrawn from amiselimod treatment following a decrease in lymphocyte count to <200/μl. Anti-double stranded-DNA antibody decreased from baseline to Week 24/end of treatment (EOT), with those in 2 subjects (22.2%) decreasing to within the normal range. Total SLE disease activity index 2000 score decreased by ≥4 at EOT in 7 of 17 subjects. Conclusions Amiselimod was generally well tolerated. While no serious AEs or infectious AEs led to discontinuation, low lymphocyte counts of <200/μl were observed as a laboratory abnormality. Our findings suggest the potential efficacy of amiselimod for patients with SLE. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02307643.
What impact does illness severity have on the sexual health of young people affected by mental health disorders? A comparison of inpatients and outpatients
Authors: Pehlivan Nancy , Brown Ellie , Sanchez Asiel Yair Adan , McMillan Felix , Moore Danielle , Bhaduri Amit , Monson Katherine , Badcock Paul , Thompson Katherine , Killackey Eoin , Chanen Andrew , O’Donoghue Brian 
Published: October 2020

Objective: Young people affected by mental health disorders have greater sexual health needs compared to their peers. Less is known about this need across illness severity. Method: A cross-sectional survey of the sexual health of those attending outpatients or inpatients within a youth mental health service was conducted. Statistical differences between groups were explored. Results: One hundred and seven young people (18–25 years) participated and of these, 37.7% were inpatients who had more severe psychiatric symptoms than outpatients. While inpatients were as likely to be sexually active as outpatients, they were significantly less likely to have a regular sexual partner (25% vs 64.5%). Additionally, they used amphetamines more frequently during sex (28.6% vs 5.8%). Sexual dysfunction was experienced by 55.6% of inpatients and 37.9% of outpatients. Conclusions: High-risk sexual behaviours and sexual dysfunction were highly prevalent in both groups. For some behaviours and dysfunction, this prevalence was higher in the inpatient population. Holistic clinical services that address the mental, physical and sexual health needs of consumers are needed both within inpatient and outpatient settings.
Perceptions of “Male Sensitive” Health Services Among Men in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Ocho Oscar Noel , Archer Gift Cynthia 
Published: October 2020

Introduction While Caribbean researchers have explored masculinity, socialization, and behavior, the literature has been silent on masculinity and “male sensitive” health services. This study explored masculinity and perceptions of “male sensitive” health services. Method An interpretative, phenomenological, qualitative design that used 14 focus groups and 12 semistructured interviews among men between the ages 18 and 65 years. Results The notion of “male sensitive” services were more of preferences like having more females, timeliness, and privacy of services rather than a specific set of services unique to men. Services were expected to be professional, offered in private spaces, timely, and as an “all in one” service with more male service providers. Discussion Male utilization of health services may be a problem if they are not considered “sensitive” to their needs. This has implications for the reorientation of services, as well as, personnel, including increased involvement of males as health care providers.
Superficial keratectomy followed by intense pulsed light for Salzmann’s nodular degeneration and coexisting meibomian gland dysfunction
Authors: Monaco Gaspare , Casalino Giuseppe 
Published: October 2020

Purpose: To describe the clinical course of a case of bilateral Salzmann nodular degeneration (SND) treated with superficial keratectomy (SK) followed by intense pulsed light (IPL) for the treatment of coexisting meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Case description: A 54-year-old man who presented to us complaining of progressive blurred vision associated with foreign body sensation in both eyes because of SND and coexisting MGD. In view of symptoms and visual acuity (VA) deterioration, bilateral SK was performed. Two months after SK, IPL treatment to the face and meibomian gland expression (MGX) using the E-eye device (E-SWIN, Paris) on days 0, 15, and 45, were performed in both eyes with the aim to avoid recurrence and/or progression of MGD. One year after SK, the patient was asymptomatic and VA was 20/20 in both eyes; however because of worsening of non-invasive tear film break-up time measured on Sirius® Scheimpflug tomograph, IPL and MGX were promptly repeated and scheduled every 6 months. Conclusion: In our case, IPL was a safe and effective option to control MGD in a patient with SND requiring SK with no observed recurrence of SND 2 years after surgery.
An Investigation into the Association Between Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Cardiac Arrhythmias: An Examination of the United States National Inpatient Sample Database
Authors: Mubasher Mahmood , Syed Tausif , Hanafi Amir , Yu Zhao , Yusuf Ibrahim , Abdullah Abdullah Sayied , Mohamed Mouhand FH , Alweis Richard , Rao Mohan , Hoefen Ryan , Danjuma Mohammed I 
Published: October 2020

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) associated-chronic inflammation and autonomic dysregulation may predispose to arrhythmias. However, its exact prevalence is unknown. Thus, we aimed to ascertain the prevalence of arrhythmias in patients with IBD. Methods: We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (the largest publicly available all-payer inpatient USA database) from 2012 to 2014. We used the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9 CM) discharge codes to identify adult patients (⩾18 years) with IBD and dysrhythmias (supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia (VT), or ventricular fibrillation). Furthermore, we identified risk factors for cardiovascular disease. We divided patients into 2 cohorts, IBD cohorts, and non-IBD cohort. The independent effect of a diagnosis of IBD on the risk of dysrhythmias was examined using a multivariable logistic regression model controlling for multiple confounders. Results: We identified 847 235 and 84 757 349 weighted hospitalizations among patients with IBD and non-IBD cohorts, respectively. Patients with IBD were less likely to be hospitalized for dysrhythmias than the non-IBD (9.7% vs 14.2%, P < .001). The hospitalization odds for dysrhythmias among patients with IBD were less than the general population (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.85-0.88). However, the prevalence of SVT and VT was indifferent between the 2 groups. Male sex, age of over 60, and white race were risk factors for dysrhythmias. Conclusion: Despite prior reports of a higher prevalence of arrhythmias among patients with IBD, in a nationwide inpatient database, we found lower rates of hospitalization-related-arrhythmias in the IBD population compared to that of the general population.