bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolated Congenital Middle Ear Malformations: Comparison of Preoperative High-Resolution CT and Surgical Findings
Authors: Zhang Na , Li Yi , Ma Xiaobo , Wang Danni , Li Shuling , Yan Fei , Zhao Shouqin 
Published: October 2019

Objectives: To compare preoperative temporal bone high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) readings to intraoperative findings during exploratory tympanotomy for suspected cases of isolated congenital middle ear malformations (CMEMs) and summarize the malformations that can and cannot be diagnosed with HRCT. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. All cases were confirmed as isolated CMEMs during surgery. Detailed clinical records were reviewed, with a focus on imaging and surgical findings. Results: One hundred and thirty-two patients and 145 ears were reviewed. Ninety cases (62.1%) could be identified as isolated CMEMs and at least one as middle ear anomaly using preoperative HRCT. Fifty-five cases (37.9%) were reported to be completely normal and the patients underwent exploratory tympanotomy to determine the final diagnosis. Stapes fixation, either alone or associated with other ossicular chain anomalies, contributed to 53.1% of the cases. Most cases of aplasia or dysplasia of the ossicular chain, for example, aplasia/dysplasia of the long process of the incus, aplasia of the stapes’ superstructure, and atresia of the oval window were easily identified in preoperative HRCT. However, fixation of the ossicular chain can be elusive in HRCT, and exploratory tympanotomy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. Conclusions: HRCT provides helpful preoperative clinical information in CMEM and may obviate the need for middle ear exploration in some cases. The negative findings (anomalies that are difficult to identify through preoperative HRCT) and the positive findings (anomalies that are relatively easy to identify through preoperative HRCT) were summarized.
Detection of Pepsin in Oral Secretions of Infants with and without Laryngomalacia
Authors: Klimara Miles J. , Samuels Tina L. , Johnston Nikki , Chun Robert H. , McCormick Michael E. 
Published: October 2019

Objectives:Laryngomalacia is a common cause of stridor in infants and is associated with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Although pepsin in operative supraglottic lavage specimens is associated with severe laryngomalacia, detection of pepsin in oral secretions has not been demonstrated in an outpatient setting.Methods:Children <2 years old with laryngomalacia diagnosed by flexible laryngoscopy and children without stridor were selected. Oral secretion samples were obtained in clinic from all subjects. Pepsin, IL-1β, and IL-8 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to determine presence of LPR.Results:Sixteen laryngomalacia and sixteen controls were enrolled. Pepsin was detected more frequently in oral secretions of patients with laryngomalacia (13/16) than in controls (2/16; P < .001). Four patients with laryngomalacia developed symptoms requiring supraglottoplasty. Presence and level of salivary pepsin was not significantly associated with need for surgical management, nor were the levels or presence of IL-1β or IL-8 significantly associated with presence or level of pepsin, diagnosis of laryngomalacia, or need for operative management.Conclusion:Pepsin in saliva appears to be associated with laryngomalacia, suggesting a role for salivary pepsin as a noninvasive marker of LPR in patients with laryngomalacia. Future studies will determine the utility of this test in laryngomalacia.
Is triple-positive serology for Epstein-Barr virus (VCA-IgG, VCA-IgM, EBNA-IgG) a specific feature of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma?
Authors: Facchinelli Davide , Parisi Alice , Krampera Mauro , Veneri Dino 
Published: October 2019

Purpose: We assessed the frequency of triple-positive serology (viral capsid antigen [VCA]–immunoglobulin G [IgG], VCA–immunoglobulin M, Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen–IgG) for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in a small number of patients with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) at disease onset. Methods: Nine patients with newly diagnosed AITL were retrospectively enrolled in the present study. For all of them, EBV serology data were available. Results: Of 9 patients, 7 (77.7%) had a triple-positive serology (VCA-IgG, VCA-IgM, EBNA-IgG ) for EBV. These patients were characterized by bone marrow involvement, high incidence of thrombocytopenia, and poor prognosis according to Revised International Prognostic Index and Prognostic Index for Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma scores. Conclusion: Assessment of both viremia and serology for EBV could be useful in patients with clinical and laboratory data suggesting lymphoma diagnosis; furthermore, although our data need to be validated in a larger cohort of patients, triple positivity for EBV serology might help to direct the diagnosis toward AITL.
Moral distress in acute psychiatric nursing: Multifaceted dilemmas and demands
Authors: Jansen Trine-Lise , Hem Marit Helene , Dambolt Lars Johan , Hanssen Ingrid 
Published: October 2019

Background In this article, the sources and features of moral distress as experienced by acute psychiatric care nurses are explored. Research design A qualitative design with 16 individual in-depth interviews was chosen. Braun and Clarke’s six analytic phases were used. Ethical considerations Approval was obtained from the Norwegian Social Science Data Services. Participation was confidential and voluntary. Findings Based on findings, a somewhat wider definition of moral distress is introduced where nurses experiencing being morally constrained, facing moral dilemmas or moral doubt are included. Coercive administration of medicines, coercion that might be avoided and resistance to the use of coercion are all morally stressful situations. Insufficient resources, mentally poorer patients and quicker discharges lead to superficial treatment. Few staff on evening shifts/weekends make nurses worry when follow-up of the most ill patients, often suicidal, in need of seclusion or with heightened risk of violence, must be done by untrained personnel. Provision of good care when exposed to violence is morally challenging. Feelings of inadequacy, being squeezed between ideals and clinical reality, and failing the patients create moral distress. Moral distress causes bad conscience and feelings of guilt, frustration, anger, sadness, inadequacy, mental tiredness, emotional numbness and being fragmented. Others feel emotionally ‘flat’, cold and empty, and develop high blood pressure and problems sleeping. Even so, some nurses find that moral stress hones their ethical awareness. Conclusion Moral distress in acute psychiatric care may be caused by multiple reasons and cause a variety of reactions. Multifaceted ethical dilemmas, incompatible demands and proximity to patients’ suffering make nurses exposed to moral distress. Moral distress may lead to reduced quality care, which again may lead to bad conscience and cause moral distress. It is particularly problematic if moral distress results in nurses distancing and disconnecting themselves from the patients and their inner selves.
Dysmorphic Neurofilament-Positive Ganglion Cells in the Myenteric Plexus at the Proximal Resection Margin Indicate Worse Postoperative Prognosis in Hirschsprung’s Disease
Authors: Zhu Jin , Zhang Ying , Wang Yi , Yu Shanshan , Chen Yanling , Guo Zhenghua , Zhao Yong 
Published: October 2019

Background Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) is a congenital disorder affecting neonates that presents with distal intestinal obstruction. It is the most common type of anorectal malformation. Treatment of HD consists of surgical removal of the distal colon including the most distal aganglionic segment, the transitional zone, and a prudent length of proximal colon that is determined during the surgical procedure to be normally ganglionated by intraoperative demonstration of normal ganglion cells up to and including the surgical resection margin. Methods In a retrospective study of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded colon tissue from the proximal resection margin (PRM) of 209 HD patients, we made morphometric measures and detected immature ganglion cells defined as dysmorphic by immunohistochemical demonstration of cytoplasmic neurofilament (NF). Results The majority of NF-positive ganglion cells in HD patients appeared immature, with less cytoplasm. Occasional positive ganglion cells in the same patients appeared mature with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, Nissl bodies, prominent nucleoli, and adjacent glial cells. Patients with NF-positive ganglion cells in the myenteric plexuses at the PRM may have poor postoperative recovery. Conclusion We propose that NF expression in dysmorphic ganglion cells at the PRM may predict poor outcome after pull-through surgery for HD.
Developing the system architecture for conducting synchronous paediatric feeding assessments via telepractice
Authors: Raatz Madeline , Ward Elizabeth C , Marshall Jeanne , Burns Clare L 
Published: October 2019

Introduction Telepractice systems should be acceptable to users and meet end-user needs. Whilst the system requirements to conduct adult dysphagia assessments via telepractice are established, key differences exist between adult and paediatric swallowing assessments. This study was conducted to develop the system architecture required to conduct paediatric feeding assessments in patient homes via telepractice. Methods The study used a four-phase iterative design, informed by human-centred design principles. In Phase 1, two telepractice researchers and two paediatric feeding clinicians identified assessment tasks and explored potential system design solutions. Initial system testing was completed using clinical simulations (Phase 2). Live trials with 10 typically developing children were then conducted (Phase 3). Phase 4 involved user-centred feedback from clinicians and parents. Feedback from the development team, clinicians and parents was used to continuously refine the model. Results A combination of synchronous and asynchronous methods enabled all assessment components to be successfully completed. Clinician and parent feedback established the optimal technology (e.g. phone, tablet) and key camera positions necessary to optimise visual/auditory information for the online clinician. End-user feedback identified greater time efficiencies could be achieved through collecting some data (e.g. intra-oral pictures) via asynchronous methods prior to the session. Information sheets were deemed necessary to enhance the user experience. Clinicians and parents responded positively to the final system design. Discussion Modifications to standard videoconferencing were necessary to develop a clinically viable process for conducting paediatric feeding assessments in the home via telepractice. End-user feedback was integral to the design of the final model.
Impact of school-based allied health therapy via telehealth on children’s speech and language, class participation and educational outcomes
Authors: Langbecker Danette H , Caffery Liam , Taylor Monica , Theodoros Deborah , Smith Anthony C 
Published: October 2019

Introduction Access to telehealth services for children living in rural and remote areas of Australia is very limited. The delivery of allied health therapies to children in school via telehealth may help reduce inequality and improve academic outcomes over time. Methods A service delivering speech and language therapy (SLT) and occupational therapy (OT) via videoconferencing to children at five rural schools was prospectively evaluated. Each child’s teacher rated their speech and language, participation in class and educational outcomes at the beginning and end of semester. Change in the summative teacher-rating index over the first and subsequent semesters in which a child received therapy was examined. Independent predictors of change were identified using multivariable linear regression. Results Over two years, 1029 sessions of SLT and 531 sessions of OT were delivered to 98 children (67% male, 38% in Prep at commencement) via telehealth. In their first semester of therapy, 57 children received SLT, 37 OT and four both therapies. The mean teacher-rating index significantly improved from the beginning (35.05 ± 10.68) to end (40.02 ± 11.75) of the first semester of therapy ( p < 0.001). In multivariable linear regression, grade, school and baseline rating were significantly associated with the end-of-semester teacher-rating index. Discussion Delivering allied health therapy by videoconference may enable children to better engage with schooling. Differences in improvements by grade suggest improvements may be maximised by targeting therapy at certain year levels. This model may be useful in areas with limited access to allied health services.
99mTc-3PRGD2 SPECT Predicts the Outcome of Endostar and Cisplatin Therapy in Xenograft Animals
Authors: Sun Wei , He Guifu , Zhang Mingming , Zhao Yi , Yu Hongmei , Li Yi , Wu Wei , Ji Tiefeng 
Published: October 2019

Aims: Our study was designed to investigate the usefulness of 99mTc-3PRGD2 single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for noninvasively monitoring the response of integrin αvβ3 expression to antiangiogenic treatment with endostar and cisplatin in xenograft animals. Methods: 99mTc-3PRGD2 SPECT imaging was performed at days 0, 7, 14, and 21. Tumors were harvested at all imaging time points for Western blotting and histopathological analysis. Result: In 99mTc-3PRGD2 SPECT imaging, the radioactivity accumulation of NaCl group rised gradually in the first half and dispersed on day 21 due to the necrosis of the tumor. While the radioactivity accumulation of treated groups gradually decreased throughout the course. The downtrend of tumor to nontumor ratio in endostar-treated group was more remarkable than cisplatin-treated group. The expression of intergrin αvβ3 of treated groups was lower than NaCl group from day 14. The expression of intergrin αvβ3 of endostar-treated group was significantly lower than cisplatin-treated group from baseline onward. Conclusion: It’s demonstrated that the 99mTc-3PRGD2 could noninvasively visualize and semiquantify tumor angiogenesis in the xenograft model and monitor the response to the antiangiogenic therapy of endostar and cisplatin effectively. It also can predict the outcome of endostar and cisplatin therapy in xenograft animals.
Regional, sex, and age differences in diagnostic testing among participants in the NAVIGATE-ESUS trial
Authors: Arauz Antonio , Serrano Fabiola , Pearce Lesly A , Kasner Scott E , Ameriso Sebastian F , Toni Danilo , Bereczki Daniel , Siegler James , Ruiz-Franco Angélica , Cantú-Brito Carlos , Czlonkowska Anna , Lang Wilfried , Berkowitz Scott D , Mundl Hardi , Hart Robert G 
Published: October 2019

Background and aim The diagnosis of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) is based on excluding other more likely stroke etiologies, and therefore diagnostic testing plays an especially crucial role. Our objective was to compare the diagnostic testing by region, sex, and age among the participants of NAVIGATE-ESUS trial. Methods Participants were grouped according to five global regions (North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and East Asia), age (<60, 60–74, and >75 years), and sex. Frequencies of each diagnostic test within areas of echocardiography, cardiac rhythm monitoring, and arterial imaging were described and compared across groups. A multivariable logistic regression model for each diagnostic test was fit to assess the independent influence of each of region, age, and sex and likelihood of testing. Results We included 6985 patients in the analysis (918 from North America; 746 from Latin America; 2853 from Western Europe; 1118 from Eastern Europe; 1350 from East Asia). Average age (highest in Western Europe (69 years), lowest in Eastern Europe (65 years)), % females (highest in Latin America (44%) and lowest in East Asia (31%)), and use of each diagnostic test varied significantly across regions. Region, but not sex, was independently associated with use of each diagnostic test examined. Transesophageal echocardiography and either CT or MR angiogram were more often used in younger patients. Conclusion Diagnostic testing differed by region, and less frequently by age, but not by sex. Our findings reflect the existing variations in global practice in diagnostic testing in ESUS patients.
Use of pressure-regulated volume control in the first 48 hours of hospitalization of mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis or septic shock, with or without ARDS
Authors: Matusov Yuri , Li Jing , Resuello Dominique , Mathers Hannah , Fried Jeffrey C 
Published: October 2019

Purpose To evaluate the impact of pressure-regulated volume control (PRVC/VC+) use on delivered tidal volumes in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or at risk for ARDS. Materials and methods Retrospective study of mechanically ventilated adult patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. Results A total of 272 patients were divided into patients with recognized ARDS, patients without ARDS, and patients with unrecognized ARDS. Over 90% of patients were ventilated with PRVC on admission, resulting in delivered tidal volumes significantly higher than set tidal volumes among all groups at all time points, even after ARDS recognition ( p < 0.001). Tidal volumes were lower for patients with pulmonary sepsis as compared to those with a nonpulmonary origin ( p < 0.001). Conclusions Using PRVC promotes augmented delivered tidal volumes, often in excess of 6 mL/kg ideal body weight. Correct recognition of ARDS and having pulmonary sepsis improves compliance with low-stretch protocol ventilation.
A qualitative literature review exploring the drivers influencing antibiotic over-prescribing by GPs in primary care and recommendations to reduce unnecessary prescribing
Authors: Rose Joanna , Crosbie Michelle , Stewart Antony 
Published: October 2019

Aims: This qualitative literature review aims to critically assess and analyse published literature to determine drivers influencing over-prescribing by general practitioners (GPs) in primary care, exploring their views and opinions, and also to determine how antibiotic prescribing can be improved and unnecessary prescribing reduced, thus reducing the threat to public health from antibiotic resistance. It is intended to develop new thinking in this area and add to existing knowledge concerning GPs’ antibiotic prescribing behaviour. Methods: Thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s 2006 framework was used to analyse 17 qualitative studies chosen from EBSCOhost databases, focusing on GPs’ views of antibiotic prescribing in primary care, with specific search strategies and inclusion criteria to ensure study quality and trustworthiness. Results: Three main themes and nine sub-themes were generated from the studies. The first main theme discussed GP factors related to over-prescribing, the main drivers being GP attitudes and feelings and anxiety/fear concerning prescribing. The second theme highlighted external factors, with pressures from time and financial issues as the main drivers within this theme. The final theme marked patient pressure, demand and expectation with lack of patient education as the major drivers affecting GP over-prescribing. Conclusion: The findings of this research show GPs’ antibiotic prescribing in primary care is complex, being influenced by many internal and external factors. A multifaceted approach to interventions targeting the drivers identified could significantly reduce the level of antibiotic prescribing thus minimising the impact of antibiotic resistance and promoting a more efficient working environment for GPs and patients alike.
Parallel Control of an Artificial Pancreas with Coordinated Insulin, Glucagon, and Rescue Carbohydrate Control Actions
Authors: Moscardó Vanessa , Díez José Luis , Bondia Jorge 
Published: October 2019

Background: An artificial pancreas with insulin and glucagon delivery has the potential to reduce the risk of hypo- and hyperglycemia in people with type 1 diabetes. However, a maximum dose of glucagon of 1 mg/d is recommended, potentially still requiring rescue carbohydrates in some situations. This work presents a parallel control structure with intrinsic insulin, glucagon, and rescue carbohydrates coordination to overcome glucagon limitations when needed. Methods: The coordinated controller that combines insulin, glucagon, and rescue carbohydrate suggestions (DH-CC-CHO) was compared with the insulin and glucagon delivery coordinated controller (DH-CC). The impact of carbohydrate quantization for practical delivery was also assessed. An in silico study using the UVA-Padova simulator, extended to include exercise and various sources of variability, was performed. Results: DH-CC and DH-CC-CHO performed similarly with regard to mean glucose (126.25 [123.43; 130.73] vs 127.92 [123.99; 132.97] mg/dL, P = .088), time in range (93.04 [90.00; 95.92] vs 92.91 [90.05; 95.75]%, P = .508), time above 180 mg/dL (4.94 [2.72; 7.53] vs 4.99 [2.93; 7.24]%, P = .966), time below 70 mg/dL (0.61 [0.09; 1.75] vs 0.96 [0.23; 2.17]%, P = .1364), insulin delivery (43.50 [38.68; 51.75] vs 42.86 [38.58; 51.36] U/d, P = .383), and glucagon delivery (0.75 [0.40; 1.83] vs 0.76 [0.43; 0.99] mg/d, P = .407). Time below 54 mg/dL was different (0.00 [0.00; 0.05] vs 0.00 [0.00; 0.16]%, P = .036), although non-clinically significant. This was due to the carbs quantization effect in a specific patient, as no statistical difference was found when carbs were not quantized (0.00 [0.00; 0.05] vs 0.00 [0.00; 0.00]%, P = .265). Conclusions: The new strategy of automatic rescue carbohydrates suggestion in coordination with insulin and glucagon delivery to overcome constraints on daily glucagon delivery was successfully evaluated in an in silico proof of concept.
Twenty-Four Hour Fasting (Basal Rate) Tests to Achieve Custom-Tailored, Hour-by-Hour Basal Insulin Infusion Rates in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Using Insulin Pumps (CSII)
Authors: Nauck Michael A. , Lindmeyer Anna M. , Mathieu Chantal , Meier Juris J. 
Published: October 2019

Background: Twenty-four hour fasting periods are being used to scrutinize basal insulin infusion rates for pump-treated patients with type 1 diabetes. Methods: Data from 339 consecutive in-patients with adult type 1 diabetes on insulin pump therapy undergoing a 24-hour fast as a basal rate test were retrospectively analyzed. Hourly programmed basal insulin infusion rates and plasma glucose concentrations within, below, or above arbitrarily defined target ranges were assessed for periods of the day of special interest (eg, 01:00-07:00 am, “dawn” period, 04:00-07:00 pm, and “dusk” period). Statistics: χ2-tests, paired t-tests were used. Results: Basal rates (mean: 0.90 ± 0.02 IU/h) showed circadian variations with peaks corresponding to “dawn” (1.07 ± 0.02 IU/h from 01:00 to 07:00 am) and, less prominently, “dusk” (0.95 ± 0.02 IU/h from 03:00 to 07:00 pm). Individual mean plasma glucose concentrations averaged 6.6 ± 0.1 mmol/L, with 53.1% in the predefined “strict” (4.4-7.2 mmol/L) target range. Interestingly, during the “dawn” period, plasma glucose was significantly higher (by 0.5 ± 0.1 mmol/L [95% confidence interval: 0.3-0.8 mmol/L; P < .0001]) and the odds ratio for hypoglycemia was significantly lower compared to the reference period. Interpretation: Twenty-four hour fasting periods as basal rate tests frequently unravel periods with inappropriate basal insulin infusion rates potentially responsible for fasting hyper- or hypoglycemia. Notably, the higher basal insulin infusion rate found during the “dawn” period seems to be justified and may need to be accentuated.