bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technical Note: Standalone application to generate custom reflectance Look‐Up Table for advanced optical Monte Carlo simulation in GATE/Geant4
Authors: Trigila Carlotta , Moghe Eshani , Roncali Emilie 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe need for high‐fidelity modeling of radiation detectors to perform reliable detector performance optimization using Monte Carlo simulations requires to accurately simulate the light transport in the scintillator and the light collection by the photodetector. In this work, we implement our well‐validated crystal reflectance model computed from three‐dimensional (3D) crystal surface measurement in a standalone open‐source application to allow researchers to generate fully customized crystal reflectance look‐up‐tables (LUTs) to be used in optical Monte Carlo simulation.MethodsThe LUTDavisModel application can be installed in a few minutes on Windows, macOS, and Linux, using 26 MB of space. MATLAB Runtime is required and is automatically installed with the application. The core algorithm has been previously validated experimentally and implemented in GATE v8.0. The standalone is divided into five panels, each of which performing a specific task: generate LUTs from a combination of surface type, scintillator, and coupling medium available in the database (such as LSO or BGO) or custom; compute LUTs with the reflectors available and custom coupling thickness; create a mixture of coupling media to account for possible defects in the optical coupling; plot precomputed LUTs for visual comparison. Tooltips and errors/warnings facilitate the navigation. The reported computational times were obtained with an Intel Core i7 MacBook Pro.ResultsLUTs can be generated with computational time ranging from a few minutes to several hours depending on the selected surface, sampling, and computational power. A longer time is needed when using rough surfaces and thick coupling media (hundreds of ) due to increased photon tracking.ConclusionsWe developed a user‐friendly standalone application to generate LUTs that can be used inside GATE Monte Carlo simulations. It can be easily downloaded, installed, and used. Future optimizations will expand the database, decrease the computational time through greater parallelization, and include the generation of LUTs to study Cerenkov photons transport.
Whole‐brain amide CEST imaging at 3T with a steady‐state radial MRI acquisition
Authors: Sui Ran , Chen Lin , Li Yuguo , Huang Jianpan , Chan Kannie W. Y. , Xu Xiang , van Zijl Peter C. M. , Xu Jiadi 
Published: March 2021

PurposeTo develop a steady‐state saturation with radial readout chemical exchange saturation transfer (starCEST) for acquiring CEST images at 3 Tesla (T). The polynomial Lorentzian line‐shape fitting approach was further developed for extracting amideCEST intensities at this field.MethodStarCEST MRI using periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction‐based spatial sampling was implemented to acquire Z‐spectra that are robust to brain motion. Multi‐linear singular value decomposition postprocessing was applied to enhance the CEST SNR. The egg white phantom studies were performed at 3T to reveal the contributions to the 3.5 ppm CEST signal. Based on the phantom validation, the amideCEST peak was quantified using the polynomial Lorentzian line‐shape fitting, which exploits the inverse relationship between Z‐spectral intensity and the longitudinal relaxation rate in the rotating frame. The 3D turbo spin echo CEST was also performed to compare with the starCEST method.ResultsThe amideCEST peak showed a negligible peak B1 dependence between 1.2 µT and 2.4 µT. The amideCEST images acquired with starCEST showed much improved image quality, SNR, and motion robustness compared to the conventional 3D turbo spin echo CEST method with the same scan time. The amideCEST contrast extracted by the polynomial Lorentzian line‐shape fitting method trended toward a stronger gray matter signal (1.32% ± 0.30%) than white matter (0.92% ± 0.08%; P = .02, n = 5). When calculating the magnetization transfer contrast and T1‐corrected rotating frame relaxation rate maps, amideCEST again was not significantly different for white matter and gray matter.ConclusionRapid multi‐slice amideCEST mapping can be achieved by the starCEST method (< 5 min) at 3T by combing with the polynomial Lorentzian line‐shape fitting method.
Use of the peanut ball during labour: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ahmadpour Parivash , Mohammad‐Alizadeh‐Charandabi Sakineh , Doosti Rana , Mirghafourvand Mojgan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimThis study aimed to determine effectiveness of peanut ball on the duration of the stages of labour and frequency of caesarean section.DesignA systematic review and meta‐analysis.MethodA comprehensive electronic search was carried out with no time limit until December 2020. Collected data were analysed using software RevMan‐ version 5.3. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2, T2, and 2. GRADE approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence.ResultsThe meta‐analysis on six clinical trials with 645 participants showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups in caesarean surgery rate (RR = 0.82) and length of the first (MD = −15.64).ConclusionsTherefore, further clinical trials with stronger evidence should be carried out to assess the effectiveness of peanut ball on caesarean surgery rate and length of first and second stages of labour.
The role of circadian rhythm stability and amplitude in musculoskeletal disorder prevalence and work–family conflict
Authors: Bagheri Hosseinabadi Majid , Khanjani Narges , Biganeh Jamal , Ebrahimi Mohammad Hossein , Pourhashemi Erfan , Roudi Elnaz , Avarseji Akram 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimThis study aimed to investigate the effect of circadian rhythm stability and amplitude on musculoskeletal disorder prevalence and work–family conflict among nurses.DesignThis cross‐sectional study was conducted on 386 nurses working in three hospitals, in Shahroud, Iran.MethodThe data were collected using the Circadian Rhythm Inventory, Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders, and Carlson Work‐Family Conflict questionnaires.ResultsThe highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was reported in the lower back (68.4%), upper back (65.5%) and shoulders (53.6%), respectively. No significant relation was found between circadian rhythm stability and amplitude, and musculoskeletal disorders prevalence. The nurses who could not overcome drowsiness reported more Work Interference with Family (WIF), Family Interference with Work (FIW) (time‐based) and FIW (strain‐based) compared to the nurses who overcame drowsiness. In addition, the appropriate nurses for shift work experienced less WIF, FIW (behavioural‐based) and WIF (strain‐based) compared to the nurses who could not work overtime or at night.
Neuropsin‐dependent and ‐independent behavioral tagging
Authors: Suzuki Yuka , Yoda Yuya , Ishikawa Yasuyuki 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimThe consolidation of short‐term memories into long‐term memories is promoted by associations with novel environmental stimuli. This phenomenon is known as behavioral tagging. Neuropsin, a plasticity‐related serine protease in the hippocampus and amygdala, is involved in memory formation. This study investigated how neuropsin affects associative long‐term memory.MethodsShort‐term and long‐term memory were assessed in control and neuropsin‐deficient mice by investigating their performance in inhibitory avoidance and spatial object recognition tasks. The effect of exposure to novelty on the conversion of short‐term memory to associative long‐term memory was also examined.ResultsThe consolidation of task‐related short‐term memories into long‐term memories was facilitated by exposing the animals to a novel environment 1 hour before training. However, this long‐term memory conversion was impaired in neuropsin‐deficient mice performing the inhibitory avoidance task but not the spatial object recognition task.ConclusionBehavioral tagging occurs via neuropsin‐dependent and neuropsin‐independent processes for different behavioral tasks.
Pneumococcal vaccination during chemotherapy in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Dorval Sarah , Gantt Soren , Leclerc Jean‐Marie , Laverdière Caroline , Ovetchkine Philippe , Tapiéro Bruce 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundChildren treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are at high risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). We assessed immunity to S. pneumoniae among children after ALL treatment, and the impact of pneumococcal immunization during and after chemotherapy.MethodsWe performed an observational retrospective study of children treated for ALL at a single center. All children were fully immunized with three routine doses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) prior to ALL diagnosis. Children from Group 1 received a 13‐valent PCV (PCV13) dose during the maintenance phase as well as a PCV13 booster after completing chemotherapy, while Group 2 only received the postchemotherapy dose. Serologic testing was performed after chemotherapy and again after the postchemotherapy dose. A serotype‐specific antibody level ≥0.35 μg/ml was considered protective, and patients with protective levels for ≥70% of serotypes in the PCV7 vaccine were defined as seroprotected.ResultsA total of 71 children (median age 46 months, range 12–160) were included. At the end of chemotherapy, 53.1% of children in Group 1 (17/32) and 25.6% in Group 2 (10/39) were seroprotected (p = .018). After the postchemotherapy booster, seroprotection rates increased to 96.9% in Group 1 (31/32) and 100% in Group 2.ConclusionsRates of pneumococcal seroprotection among children with ALL are low following chemotherapy, despite prior routine immunization. A PCV booster during chemotherapy may shorten the period of susceptibility to IPD in some children. However, irrespective of a booster during chemotherapy, a PCV dose postchemotherapy appears sufficient to confer high rates of seroprotection against IPD.
QTc prolongation in COVID‐19 patients treated with hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, azithromycin, or lopinavir/ritonavir: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Diaz‐Arocutipa Carlos , Brañez‐Condorena Ana , Hernandez Adrian V. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeHydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, azithromycin, and lopinavir/ritonavir are drugs that were used for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) during the early pandemic period. It is well‐known that these agents can prolong the QTc interval and potentially induce Torsades de Pointes (TdP). We aim to assess the prevalence and risk of QTc prolongation and arrhythmic events in COVID‐19 patients treated with these drugs.MethodsWe searched electronic databases from inception to September 30, 2020 for studies reporting peak QTc ≥500 ms, peak QTc change ≥60 ms, peak QTc interval, peak change of QTc interval, ventricular arrhythmias, TdP, sudden cardiac death, or atrioventricular block (AVB). All meta‐analyses were conducted using a random‐effects model.ResultsForty‐seven studies (three case series, 35 cohorts, and nine randomized controlled trials [RCTs]) involving 13 087 patients were included. The pooled prevalence of peak QTc ≥500 ms was 9% (95% confidence interval [95%CI], 3%–18%) and 8% (95%CI, 3%–14%) in patients who received hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine alone or in combination with azithromycin, respectively. Likewise, the use of hydroxychloroquine (risk ratio [RR], 2.68; 95%CI, 1.56–4.60) and hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin (RR, 3.28; 95%CI, 1.16–9.30) was associated with an increased risk of QTc prolongation compared to no treatment. Ventricular arrhythmias, TdP, sudden cardiac death, and AVB were reported in <1% of patients across treatment groups. The only two studies that reported individual data of lopinavir/ritonavir found no cases of QTc prolongation.ConclusionsCOVID‐19 patients treated with hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine with or without azithromycin had a relatively high prevalence and risk of QTc prolongation. However, the prevalence of arrhythmic events was very low, probably due to underreporting. The limited information about lopinavir/ritonavir showed that it does not prolong the QTc interval.
Estimation of adverse drug reaction reporting in Iran: Correction for underreporting
Authors: Khalili Malahat , Mesgarpour Bita , Sharifi Hamid , Golozar Asieh , Haghdoost Ali Akbar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractProposeUnderreporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) reduces the sensitivity of pharmacovigilance systems. We described ADR reporting and its trend from 1999 to 2017 and estimated the ADR underreporting in the Iranian Pharmacovigilance Center.MethodsWe expressed the number of ADR reporting per inhabitants and admissions and their possible trends. Finally, ADR underreporting percentages were estimated by three approaches: prospective studies, literature review, stratification of the country; and the trend of the proportion of ADR per inhabitants was corrected.ResultsThe proportion of ADR reporting was 15.3 per 100 000 inhabitants (95% CI: 15.2, 15.8) and 10.0 per 100 000 admissions (95% CI: 9.8, 10.2) in 2017, and its trend was increasing with 16.3% average change per annum during 19 years. The median of estimated percentages of underreporting was 76.0% (IQR: 64.32–81.35). After the correction, the mean proportion of ADR reporting for 19 years reached from 5.87 to 10.33 per 100 000 inhabitants.ConclusionsThe trend of ADRs reporting has been increasing over the 19 years but is still low. This study showed a considerable underreporting of ADR, and about one of four detected ADRs were reported to the pharmacovigilance center from 1999 to 2017.
Association between control of diabetes mellitus and polypharmacy at the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA‐Brasil)
Authors: Coutinho Danila Félix , de Figueiredo Roberta Carvalho , Duncan Bruce B. , Schmidt Maria Inês , Barreto Sandhi Maria , Diniz Maria de Fátima Haueisen Sander 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeTo determine whether desirable diabetes control is associated with polypharmacy and to evaluate potential drug interactions (DI) in participants with diabetes mellitus in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study on Adult Health (ELSA‐Brasil).MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 1418 participants with medical diagnosis of diabetes at study baseline (2008–2010). Polypharmacy was defined as the use of ≥5 drugs. We described the frequency of the most common pharmacological groups used by patients and the potential DI.The association between desirable diabetes control (normal A1c, blood pressure and lipid levels) and polypharmacy was investigated using logistic regression.ResultsMost participants were men (52.5%), mean age 57.6 (SD 8.4) years, educated to the university level (39.4%), and self‐reported as white (42.9%). In this study, 7.1% (n = 101) of participants had desirable control of diabetes, while 40.4% (n = 573) used polypharmacy, and this use was not significantly associated with better diabetes control (adjusted odds ratio (OR = 1.35 [95%CI 0.86–2.13] P = .19).The pharmacological groups most frequently used were oral antidiabetics followed by acetylsalicylic acid, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) and statins.The prevalence of potentially mild, moderate and severe DI were, respectively, 2.5%, 14.7% and 0.9%; however, in the desirable control of DM group, these potential DI were related to comorbidity control.ConclusionFaced with the importance of achieving optimal control of diabetes and minimizing risks of potential DI, these results, which are in keeping with previous findings described in the literature, might indicate that guidelines for the patient‐centered management of control of diabetes must be revised.
Well‐dispersed poly(ether‐ether‐ketone)/multi‐walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites prepared via a simple solution mixing approach
Authors: Jiang Zhiyuan , Chen Qihui , Zhu Zewen , Tsai Chia‐Ying , Zhao Mingzhen , Sue Hung‐Jue , Chang Andy , Bremner Tim , DiSano Lorenzo P 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIncorporation of reinforcing nanoparticles, like multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), in a polymer matrix is an effective way to enhance mechanical properties and expand structural applications of engineering polymers such as poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) (PEEK). Good dispersion of MWCNTs is critical for achieving optimal properties. In this work, a simple solution mixing approach was utilized to prepare PEEK nanocomposites reinforced with MWCNTs. By direct mixing of PEEK/dichloroacetic acid solution and MWCNT/N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone solution, PEEK nanocomposites with individually dispersed MWCNTs were prepared. A PEEK wrapping of MWCNT mechanism is proposed to explain why this simple solution mixing approach resulted in such a good dispersion. Thermal stability of PEEK is not affected but crystallization is impeded due to the confinement effect of well‐dispersed MWCNTs. Young's modulus is increased by ca 20% while coefficient of thermal expansion above the glass transition temperature is decreased by ca 30% with only 1.5 wt% MWCNT loading in PEEK, which is critical for a variety of high‐temperature applications. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Functional outcomes of pediatric patients in Short‐term Pediatric Rehabilitation Intensive Therapy (SPRINT) while receiving acute oncologic and hematologic care
Authors: Tsao Elaine , Flanigan Megan , Johnson Lindsay , Toy Melissa , Giannini Eboli , Bjornson Kristie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundPediatric patients with oncologic and hematologic diagnoses who experience newly acquired functional deficits during a hospitalization may benefit from intensive therapies. However, acute medical issues or disease treatment plans may prevent a safe transfer to the inpatient rehabilitation unit. Accordingly, Short‐term Pediatric Rehabilitation Intensive Therapy (SPRINT), a 2‐week inpatient intensive therapy program, was developed for pediatric patients on an acute care service.ObjectiveTo assess functional outcomes of SPRINT participants, adverse events associated with the program, and measures of patients' fatigue, sadness, nervousness, and pain by parents and patients at the start and end of SPRINT.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingsHematology‐Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant units at regional pediatric tertiary care hospital.ParticipantsEighteen pediatric patients (50% female, age 1.9‐17.8 years) participated in SPRINT, and 11 parents and 4 children completed questionnaires.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresFunctional outcomes of SPRINT participants measured by Caregiver Assistance section of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), adverse events identified on chart review, and inquiry of participants' symptoms before and after SPRINT with a questionnaire.ResultsCommon diagnoses included leukemia and lymphoma (N = 9, 50%) and central nervous system tumor (N = 6, 33%). Deconditioning (N = 18, 100%) and peripheral neuropathy (N = 8, 44.4%) were common rehabilitation diagnoses. Significant gains were found in tasks in self‐care and mobility domains of PEDI (all P < .05), as well as functional expression in social function domain (P = .03). No adverse events related to SPRINT participation were identified. There was no significant difference between pre‐ and post‐SPRINT questionnaire responses.ConclusionsSPRINT is an alternative model for intensive rehabilitation care delivery. Data suggested that SPRINT participation was safe and resulted in significant gains in mobility, self‐care, and functional expression for pediatric patients with hematologic and oncologic diagnoses while receiving acute care. No difference was found in questionnaire responses after SPRINT participation.
Contrast flow patterns based on needle tip position during cervical transforaminal epidural injections
Authors: Levin Josh , Levi David , Gall Nolan , Horn Scott , Smuck Matthew 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have evaluated the effect of final needle position on contrast flow patterns during the performance of cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs).ObjectiveTo analyze fluoroscopically guided cervical TFESI contrast flow patterns based upon final needle tip position.DesignRetrospective, observational in vivo study.SettingOutpatient private practice physical medicine and rehabilitation spine clinic.ParticipantsOne hundred consecutive patients undergoing cervical TFESIs.InterventionsCervical TFESIs.Main Outcome MeasuresCategories of contrast flow patterns including epidural, intraforaminal, “sufficient to inject,” and “predominantly epidural and/or intraforaminal,” based upon final needle tip position.ResultsTwo independent observers reviewed images from 100 consecutive patients and classified injectate flow patterns stratified by needle tip position. The interrater reliability for all categories of interest was moderate, with kappa values from 0.61 to 0.76. More medially placed needles (middle third and lateral third of the articular pillars) resulted in higher rates of epidural contrast flow (75%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 56%‐94%; and 60%; 95% CI: 47%‐73%) compared to needles placed lateral to the articular pillars (26%; 95% CI: 8%‐44%), and higher rates of “predominantly epidural and/or intraforaminal” flow patterns with needles placed in the middle one third (75%; 95% CI: 56%‐94%) and lateral one third of the articular pillars (47%; 95% CI: 34%‐60%) compared to flow patterns when needles were placed lateral to the articular pillars (17%; 95% CI: 2%‐32%). No needles were placed in the medial third of the articular pillars.ConclusionsMore medially placed needle tips result in more optimal flow patterns during cervical TFESIs. The importance of this finding is unknown as clinical outcomes were not measured.
Home‐based virtual reality therapy for hand recovery after stroke
Authors: Lansberg Maarten G. , Legault Catherine , MacLellan Adam , Parikh Alay , Muccini Julie , Mlynash Michael , Kemp Stephanie , Buckwalter Marion S. , Flavin Kara 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundMany stroke survivors experience arm and hand weakness, but there are only limited efficacious options for arm therapy available.ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of unsupervised home‐based use of a virtual reality device (Smart Glove) for hand rehabilitation post stroke.DesignProspective single‐arm study consisting of a 2‐week run‐in phase with no device use followed by an 8‐week intervention period.SettingParticipants were recruited at the Stanford Neuroscience Outpatient Clinic.ParticipantsTwenty chronic stroke patients with upper extremity impairment.InterventionsParticipants were instructed to use the Smart Glove 50 minutes per day, 5 days per week for 8 weeks.Main Outcome MeasuresThe following outcomes were measured: (1) compliance, (2) patients' impression of the intervention, and (3) efficacy using the upper extremity Fugl‐Meyer (UE‐FM), the Jebsen‐Taylor hand function test (JTHFT), and the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS).ResultsOf 20 participants, seven (35%) met target compliance of 40 days use, and six (30%) used the device for 20‐39 days. Eighty‐five percent of participants were satisfied with the therapy, with 80% reporting improvement in hand function. During the run‐in phase there were no improvements in hand function. During the intervention, patients improved by a mean of 26.6 ± 48.8 seconds on the JTHFT (P = .03), by 16.1 ± 15.3 points on the hand‐domain of the SIS (P < .01) and there was a trend toward improvement on the UE‐FM (2.2 ± 5.5 points, P = .10).ConclusionsUnsupervised use of the Smart Glove in the home environment may improve hand/arm function in subacute/chronic stroke patients. A randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm these results.