bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Intratympanic Glucocorticoid Steroid Administration Therapy as an Initial Treatment for Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tsuda Takeshi , Hanada Yukiko , Wada Kento , Fujiwara Erina , Takeda Kazuya , Nishimura Hiroshi 
Published: July 2021

Objective: Systemic administration of glucocorticoid steroids is the most common initial treatment for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL); however, due to the prevalence of coronavirus disease, the indications for this treatment must be carefully determined. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of intratympanic steroid therapy as an initial treatment for idiopathic SSNHL. Methods: Sixty-eight patients with idiopathic ISSNHL who were treated with intravenous or intratympanic steroids were included in this study. Patients were retrospectively evaluated regarding preoperative grade, type of additional treatment, outcome of treatment, and side effects of each treatment. Results: In 46 cases, patients received intravenous steroid therapy as the initial treatment, while 22 patients received intratympanic steroid therapy; 10 patients underwent salvage treatment due to inadequate improvement of symptoms. Regarding additional treatment, intravenous steroid monotherapy was used in 37 patients. The outcomes were similar after both treatments; 16 (43%) and 11 (52%) patients treated exclusively with intravenous and intratympanic steroids, respectively, were completely cured. There were no significant differences in the effects between the 2 treatments, indicating that they were almost equally effective. The side effects observed in patients treated with intravenous steroid therapy were increased blood pressure, acute gastric mucosal disorder, and insomnia. None of these side effects were observed in any of the patients treated with intratympanic steroids; however, 1 case of perforation of the tympanic membrane occurred due to the procedure. Conclusion: There were no significant differences in posttreatment outcomes between patients treated with either intratympanic or intravenous steroids. The therapeutic effects were comparable, and no severe side effects were observed; therefore, intratympanic steroid therapy may be considered useful as an initial treatment for ISSNHL in the context of widespread coronavirus disease.
Mini Nutritional Assessment and physical function of older people in residential aged care facility, Bangladesh
Authors: Karim Kazi Muhammad Rezaul , Tasnim Tasmia , Shams Sabrin Deeba , Zaher Mohammad Abduz , Mamun Sumaiya 
Published: July 2021

Background: Malnutrition may decrease physical function and exacerbate health conditions and thus have a negative effect on health-related quality of life of older people. Aim: The study was aimed at evaluating the extent of malnutrition, physical function and other associated risk factors for the older persons (>65 years) living in the residential aged care facilities in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with a sample of 200 older people in various residential aged care facilities in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the socioeconomic condition, dietary diversity, functional ability and other related risk factors for malnutrition. Results: According to the Mini Nutritional Assessment, 33.5% of participants living in residential aged care facilities were malnourished and 52.5% were at risk of malnutrition. Dietary diversity score differs significantly ( p<0.001) among malnourished (3.78 ± 0.45), at risk of malnutrition (4.46 ± 0.98) and well-nourished (4.75 ± 1.11) groups. Twenty-five percent of the study participants reported limitations in mobility and 26.5% reported limitations in activities of daily living. Females were more vulnerable in terms of malnutrition and physical function than males. Mini Nutritional Assessment score is significantly correlated ( p<0.05) with several risk factors for malnutrition such as body mass index, education level, meal, protein consumption, dietary diversity score, weight loss, reduced food intake, mobility and activities of daily living of the older people. Conclusions: The study reaffirms that a high rate of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition is prevalent among aged care residents, who need special attention and may benefit from individualized nutrition interventions.
Comparison of hemoglobin level and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio as prognostic markers in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Fouad Shaimaa Hani , Allam Mohamed Farouk , Taha Sara Ibrahim , Okba Ahmed Ashraf , Hosny Amr , Moneer Mayada , Roman Sylvia Wefky 
Published: July 2021

Background Anemia can negatively affect the outcome of many diseases, including infections and inflammatory conditions. Aim To compare the prognostic value of hemoglobin level and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for prediction of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, clinical data from patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were collected from hospital records from 10 April 2020 to 30 July 2020. Results The proportions of patients with mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 differed significantly in association with hemoglobin levels, neutrophil counts, lymphocyte counts, NLR, and total leukocyte counts. Patients with severe COVID-19 had significantly lower hemoglobin levels than those with moderate or mild COVID-19. There were statistically significant negative associations between hemoglobin and D-dimer, age, and creatinine. The optimal hemoglobin cut-off value for prediction of disease severity was 11.6 g/dL. Using this cut-off value, hemoglobin had higher negative predictive value and sensitivity than NLR (92.4% and 51.3%, respectively). The specificity of hemoglobin as a prognostic marker was 79.3%. Conclusion Both NLR and hemoglobin level are of prognostic value for predicting severity of COVID-19. However, hemoglobin level displayed higher sensitivity than NLR. Hemoglobin level should be assessed upon admission in all patients and closely monitored throughout the disease course.
Correlation of Growth Pattern and Palatal Rugae Pattern in South Indian Population
Authors: Sudhakar Shetty Suhani , Mithun K. , Sorake Abhinay , Shetty K. Nillan , Susan Thankam C. 
Published: July 2021

Aim: To determine the correlation between palatal rugae (PR) pattern and subjects with vertical, average, and horizontal growth pattern and to determine gender variation if any. Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty study models were divided into horizontal, vertical, and average growth patterns with 40 (20 males and 20 females) samples in each group. The pattern of PR was assessed in each group using a template. Result: Type B (wavy type) PR occurs more often in horizontal and average growth pattern (80% and 72.5% respectively), whereas its occurrence in vertical growth pattern subject is the least among other growth patterns, that is, 42.5% of the total subjects. Type E (curved type) PR has appeared highest in 27.5% of average growth pattern patient followed by 12.5% of vertical growth pattern subjects. The occurrence of type E PR is least in horizontal growth pattern which is just 5% of the total subjects. Conclusion: Curved-type PR was more prevalent in vertical and average growth patterns. Diverging PR pattern was mainly seen in vertical growth pattern. PR also shows sexual dimorphism. The association is clinically significant as it will lead to determination of facial vertical growth pattern at early age; thus, it serves as a diagnostic adjunct for different malocclusions very early in life and aids in preventive or interceptive orthodontic measures to alleviate forthcoming growth pattern.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Diagnosis of Fetal Corpus Callosum Abnormalities and Follow-up Analysis
Authors: Li Xu , Wang Qing 
Published: July 2021

Objectives: We analyzed the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) manifestations of fetal corpus callosum abnormalities and discussed their prognosis based on the results of postnatal follow up. Methods: One hundred fifty-five fetuses were diagnosed with corpus callosum abnormalities by MRI at our hospital from 2004 to 2019. Gesell Development Scales were used to evaluate the prognosis of corpus callosum abnormalities after birth. Results: Corpus callosum abnormalities were diagnosed in 149 fetuses from singleton pregnancies, and 6 pairs of twins, 1 in each pair is a corpus callosum abnormality. Twenty-seven cases (27/155) were lost to follow up, whereas 128 cases (128/155) were followed up. Of these, 101 cases were induced for labor, whereas 27 cases were born naturally. Among the 27 cases of corpus callosum abnormality after birth, 22 cases were from singleton pregnancies (22/27). Moreover, 1 twin from each of 5 pairs of twins (5/27) demonstrated corpus callosum abnormalities. The average Gesell Development Scale score was 87.1 in 19 cases of agenesis of the corpus callosum and 74.9 in 3 cases of hypoplasia of the corpus callosum. Among the 5 affected twins, 2 had severe neurodevelopmental delay, 2 had mild neurodevelopmental delay, and 1 was premature and died. Conclusion: The overall prognosis of agenesis of the corpus callosum is good in singleton pregnancies. Hypoplasia of the corpus callosum is often observed with other abnormalities, and the development quotient of hypoplasia of the corpus callosum is lower compared with agenesis of the corpus callosum. Corpus callosum abnormalities may occur in one twin, in whom the risk may be increased.
Indicators of Crash Risk in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Analysis From the ACTIVE Study
Authors: Ball Karlene K. , Clay Olivio J. , Edwards Jerri D. , Fausto Bernadette A. , Wheeler Katie M. , Felix Cynthia , Ross Lesley A. 
Published: July 2021

Objective: This study aims to examine indicators of crash risk longitudinally in older adults ( n = 486). Method: This study applied secondary data analyses of the 10 years of follow-up for the ACTIVE study combined with state-recorded crash records from five of the six participating sites. Cox proportional hazards models were first used to examine the effect of each variable of interest at baseline after controlling for miles driven and then to assess the three cognitive composites as predictors of time to at-fault crash in covariate-adjusted models. Results: Older age, male sex, and site location were each predictive of higher crash risk. Additionally, worse scores on the speed of processing cognitive composite were associated with higher crash risk. Discussion: Results support previous findings that both age and male sex are associated with higher crash risk. Our significant finding of site location could be attributed to the population density of our testing sites and transportation availability.
Effect of a tilting reflective plane on the performance of an active noise control system
Authors: Boodoo Sajaad , Paurobally Mohammad R , Bissessur Yasdeo 
Published: July 2021

This article presents the results of an investigation of the noise reduction performance of a single-channel active noise control system in the presence of a tilting reflective plane. It is shown that the noise reduction achieved by the system depends upon the orientation angle of the panel and on the separation distances between both the primary and the secondary source and the reflective panel. It is also observed that the maximum noise reduction is obtained when the reflective panel is vertical and when the separation distance is less than about 0.13 of the wavelength at the frequency of interest. When the panel is moved away, the maximum noise reduction occurs at other tilting angles. Experiments were carried out in a real living room which is close to real-life situations. It is found that there is an improvement in the extent of the quiet zone in the presence of the panel. The reduction in sound pressure level is also better with the reflective panel, which is up to 20 dB.
What are the competency requirements for clinical pharmacist verification of systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) prescribed within a clinical trial? A consensus study
Authors: Gilluley Nikki , Bennie Marion , Elliott Ben 
Published: July 2021

Background Since 2005 it has been a legal requirement in Scotland to have a suitably trained pharmacist verify SACT prescriptions. Published information for verification of SACT does not currently cover SACT prescribed within a clinical trial and the additional knowledge this requires. This poses the question of how pharmacists are deemed suitably trained to competently verify SACT prescribed within a clinical trial to ensure patient safety and service efficiency. Aim To determine and gain consensus on the competency requirements for clinical pharmacist verification of SACT prescribed within a clinical trial. Method A two stage process was adopted. Firstly, a Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was conducted with a multi-disciplinary expert panel (n = 7) from National Health Service (NHS) Lothian, part of the South East Scotland Cancer Network (SCAN). Secondly, a national survey was distributed to expert cancer care pharmacists with experience in clinical trial verification across NHS Scotland (n = 86). Results Of the 28 competencies proposed, 100% achieved consensus and were deemed important by the expert panel during the NGT. From the national survey, 26 (92.9%) of the competencies achieved national agreement and were considered transferable across Scotland. The final national competencies were split into four categories: general trial background (n = 13); calculations, laboratory results and toxicity assessments (n = 7); administration details (n = 3); prescription and patient details (n = 3). Based on the themes identified during the NGT the final national competencies were further split into two suggested complexity levels; Level 1 (core) and Level 2 (advanced). Conclusion The competency requirements for clinical pharmacist verification of SACT prescribed within a clinical trial were defined for national use across Scotland. The competencies were split into four categories and two complexity levels. Further work will be required to identify training requirements, develop a training programme to support these and to determine how these competencies should be assessed. In addition, further work could be undertaken to develop a United Kingdom wide competency framework based on the results of this study.
Early Exposure is Necessary for the Lifespan Extension Effects of Cocoa in C. elegans
Authors: Munasinghe Mihiri , Almotayri Abdullah , Thomas Jency , Heydarian Deniz , Jois Markandeya 
Published: July 2021

Background: We previously showed that cocoa, a rich source of polyphenols improved the age-associated health and extended the lifespan in C. elegans when supplemented starting from L1 stage. Aim: In this study, we aimed to find out the effects of timing of cocoa exposure on longevity improving effects and the mechanisms and pathways involved in lifespan extension in C. elegans. Methods: The standard E. coli OP50 diet of wild type C. elegans was supplemented with cocoa powder starting from different larval stages (L1, L2, L3, and L4) till the death, from L1 to adult day 1 and from adult day 1 till the death. For mechanistic studies, different mutant strains of C. elegans were supplemented with cocoa starting from L1 stage till the death. Survival curves were plotted, and mean lifespan was reported. Results: Cocoa exposure starting from L1 stage till the death and till adult day 1 significantly extended the lifespan of worms. However, cocoa supplementation at other larval stages as well as at adulthood could not extend the lifespan, instead the lifespan was significantly reduced. Cocoa could not extend the lifespan of daf-16, daf-2, sir-2.1, and clk-1 mutants. Conclusion: Early-start supplementation is essential for cocoa-mediated lifespan extension which is dependent on insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway and mitochondrial respiration.
Randomized controlled trial of technology-assisted case management in low-income adults with type 2 diabetes: Effect on quality of life and blood pressure
Authors: Egede Leonard E , Dawson Aprill Z , Walker Rebekah J , Garraci Emma , Knapp Rebecca G 
Published: July 2021

Introduction A novel randomized controlled trial tested the efficacy of a technology-assisted case management program in a low income, rural population previously where nurses titrated medication over the phone instead of in a clinic. The primary analysis showed significant improvement in glycemic control at 6 months post-randomization decreasing hemoglobin A1c by 1%. This study aimed to test if the intervention was also effective at decreasing blood pressure without compromising quality of life. Methods A total of 113 adults with poorly controlled diabetes (hemoglobin A1c ≥ 8%) were randomly assigned to the technology-assisted case management intervention or usual care. Participants received a 2-in-1 telehealth system to monitor glycemic and blood pressure control, which was uploaded daily to a central server. A nurse case manager was trained to titrate medication under physician supervision every 2 weeks based on the readings. Outcomes were blood pressure and quality of life (12-item Short-Form Health Survey) at 6 months. Baseline adjusted mixed models using a random intercept were used to evaluate change at 6 months for the technology-assisted case management intervention group compared to usual care. Results There were no statistically significant differences in systolic blood pressure, physical component of quality of life, or mental component of quality of life between the technology-assisted case management and control group. However, there was a significant change in diastolic blood pressure over time, with the technology-assisted case management group decreasing at 6 months ( p = .05), whereas the control group remained stable. Conclusions Technology-assisted case management by a nurse with medication titration under physician supervision was efficacious in improving diastolic blood pressure without compromising quality of life in low-income rural adults with diabetes.
KeyLoop: Mechanical Retraction of the Abdominal Wall for Gasless Laparoscopy
Authors: Gupta Aryaman , Brown Erin , Davis Joseph T. , Sekabira John , Ramanujam Nimmi , Mueller Jenna , Fitzgerald Tamara N. 
Published: July 2021

Background. Despite favorable outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in high-income countries, its implementation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is challenging given a shortage of consumable supplies, high cost, and risk of power outages. To overcome these barriers, we designed a mechanical retractor that provides vertical tension on the anterior abdominal wall. Methods. The retractor design is anatomically and mathematically optimized to provide exposure similar to traditional gas-based insufflation methods. Anatomical data from computed tomography scans were used to define retractor size. The retractor is constructed of biocompatible stainless steel rods and paired with a table-mounted lifting system to provide 5 degrees of freedom. Structural integrity was assessed through finite element analysis (FEA) and load testing. Functional testing was performed in a laparotomy model. Results. A user guide based on patient height and weight was created to customize retractor size, and 4 retractor sizes were constructed. FEA data using a 13.6 kg mass (15 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum) show a maximum of 30 mm displacement with no permanent deformation. Physical load testing with applied weight from 0 to 13.6 kg shows a maximum of 60 mm displacement, again without permanent deformation. Retraction achieved a 57% larger field of view compared to an unretracted state in a laparotomy model. Conclusions. The KeyLoop retractor maintains structural integrity, is easily sterilized, and can be readily manufactured, making it a viable alternative to traditional insufflation methods. For surgeons and patients in LMICs, the KeyLoop provides a means to increase access to laparoscopic surgery.
Analysis of Radiographic Spinopelvic Parameters in Patients With Degenerative Lumbar Kyphoscoliosis
Authors: Ge Rile , Yang Peng , Liu Xin , Wen Bingtao , Guo Zhaoqing , Chen Zhongqiang 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To analyze the relationships between coronal and sagittal spinopelvic parameters in degenerative lumbar kyphoscoliosis (DLKS). Methods: We enrolled 75 patients with DLKS for a radiographic study between January 2016 and September 2018. Correlations between coronal and sagittal spinopelvic radiographic parameters were analyzed. Then patients were divided into 2 groups: sagittal balanced group (SVA< = 5 cm, 30 patients) and sagittal imbalanced group (SVA >5 cm, 45 patients), and relevant parameters were compared. Results: The Cobb angle and lumbar lordosis of the DLKS patients were 24.87 ± 11.59° and 17.26 ± 12.24°, respectively. The average age was 68 years old (range: 42-82), and the sex ratio was 2.6:1 (female: 54 patients; male: 21 patients). 50 patients (66.7%) located convexity of the curve at left side, while 25 patients (33.3%) at right side. The Cobb angle correlated with LL-TK (r = −0.228, p = 0.049), LL (r = −0.255, p = 0.027) and SS (r = −0.232, p = 0.045). There were significant differences in PI-LL (t = −3.484, P = 0.001), LL-TK (t = 2.354, P = 0.023), PI (t = −3201, P = 0.002) and PT (t = −2.521, P = 0.014) between sagittal balanced and imbalanced group. Conclusions: In degenerative lumbar kyphoscoliosis, there are some correlations between coronal and sagittal spinopelvic parameters. Moreover, PI-LL, LL-TK, PI, PT were significantly different between sagittal balanced and imbalanced DLKS patients.
The gender dimension of the 2020 Belarusian protest: Does female engagement contribute to the establishment of gender equality?
Authors: Navumau Vasil , Matveieva Olga 
Published: July 2021

One of the distinctive traits of the Belarusian ‘revolution-in-the-making’, sparked by alleged falsifications during the presidential elections and brutal repressions of protest afterwards, has been a highly visible gender dimension. This article is devoted to the analysis of this gender-related consequences of protest activism in Belarus. Within this research, the authors analyse the role of the female movement in the Belarusian uprising and examine, and to which extent this involvement expands the public sphere and contributes to the changes in gender-related policies. To do this, the authors conducted seven semi-structured in-depth interviews with the gender experts and activists – four before and four after the protests.