bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychological and Physical Health Outcomes in Adults With Craniosynostosis
Authors: Stock Nicola Marie , Costa Bruna , Wilkinson-Bell Karen , Culshaw Laura , Kearney Anna , Edwards Wendy 
Published: December 2021

Objectives Within current research, little is known about the long-term outcomes of craniosynostosis. A priority-setting exercise by UK charity Headlines Craniofacial Support identified 2 key questions in this area: (1) What are the long-term physical and psychological effects for individuals with syndromic and non-syndromic craniosynostosis? and (2) Are individuals with craniosynostosis likely to suffer from mental health difficulties, or are they more resilient? The aim of the current study was to conduct an initial investigation of these priority questions. Methods A comprehensive UK-wide survey consisting of 9 standardized psychological outcome measures and open-ended questions was distributed online. Thirty-six eligible adults (69.4% female) with a mean age of 30.8 years responded to the survey. Participants reported having single suture craniosynostosis (27.8%) or syndromic craniosynostosis (52.8%), with 19.4% being unsure of their diagnosis. Sample means were compared to published norms using independent samples t tests. Qualitative responses were analysed using inductive content analysis. Results Compared to the general population, participants reported significantly less favorable scores related to appearance concerns, attachment in adult relationships, anxiety, optimism, and resilience. Self-worth, depression, and social anxiety scores were similar to norms. Qualitative responses provided additional insight into participants’ satisfaction with appearance, physical health, medical treatment, employment, relationships, and recurrence risks. Few participants had accessed psychological support. Discussion This preliminary study illustrates the potential long-term implications for individuals with craniosynostosis. Improved treatment protocols are needed to address physical health concerns in adulthood, while dedicated psychological resources are necessary to promote emotional well-being, social confidence, and resilience.
Impact of Intraoperative Salvaged Blood Autotransfusion During Obstetric Hemorrhage on the Coagulation Function: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Sun Ling , Xu Ying , Huang Lingfei 
Published: December 2021

Objective This study aimed to explore the effect of intraoperative blood salvage (autotransfusion) on coagulation function in the rescue of an obstetric hemorrhage. Methods A total of 65 pregnant women who were diagnosed with placenta previa in our Hospital and gave birth in the hospital were enrolled in the study. All the patients underwent thromboelastography, routine blood tests, and blood coagulation series + D-dimer before and within 30 min of the autologous blood transfusion. The differences in various indicators were evaluated. Results (1) After the autotransfusion, the hemoglobin and neutrophil counts were significantly higher than beforehand, and the platelet count was significantly reduced; the differences were statistically significant (p < .05). (2) There were no significant differences in prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen, and D-dimer levels before and after the autotransfusion ( p > .05). The activated partial thromboplastin time after autotransfusion was shorter than that beforehand, and the difference was statistically significant ( p < .05). (3) There were no significant differences in the R value, K value, α value, and MA value of the thromboelastogram before and after the autotransfusion ( p > .05). Conclusion After the recovery autotransfusion, the hemoglobin of patients with a massive obstetric hemorrhage increased significantly, while the platelet count decreased, but the coagulation function and thromboelastogram did not change significantly, indicating the autotransfusion did not affect the coagulation function of the obstetric hemorrhage rescue. Thus, it would appear that intraoperative blood salvage can be safely used in the clinical rescue of massive hemorrhaging during cesarean section.
Treatment of cystoid macular oedema secondary to pentosan polysulfate maculopathy using anti-VEGF and intravitreal steroid injections
Authors: De Silva Samantha Roshani , De Silva Isuru , Pal Bishwanath 
Published: December 2021

Background Pentosan polysulfate-related maculopathy is a recently described clinical entity, related to dose and long term use of this medication, and may progress despite drug cessation. Cystoid macular oedema (CMO) has been reported in some cases, but there are few reports of treatment outcomes in the literature. Aims We present the case of a 55 year old female, with CMO secondary to pentosan polysulfate maculopathy, that was responsive to treatment with both intravitreal anti-VEGF and steroid injections, stabilising vision over a four year follow up period. Conclusions This is the first report, to our knowledge, of CMO related to pentosan polysulfate maculopathy responding to intravitreal steroid injections, broadening the therapeutic options for preserving vision in these patients.
Engineered properties of polyurethane laden with beetroot and cerium oxide for cardiac patch application
Authors: Jaganathan Saravana Kumar , Mani Mohan Prasath , Fauzi bin Ismail Ahmad , Mohd Khudzari Ahmad Zahran , Faudzi Ahmad Athif Mohd 
Published: December 2021

The cardiac patch provides appropriate physicochemical properties and mechanical strength for the regeneration of damaged heart tissues. In this work, for the first-time, beetroot (BR) is blended with cerium oxide (CeO2) to produce nanofibrous polyurethane (PU) composite patch using electrospinning. The objective of this work is to fabricate the composite and examine its feasibility for cardiac patch applications. Morphological analysis revealed a dramatic reduction of fiber diameter of PU/BR (233 ± 175 nm) and PU/BR/CeO2 (331 ± 176 mm) compared to the pristine PU (994 ± 113 mm). Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR) analysis indicated functional peak intensities of the newly formed composite PU/BR and PU/BR/CeO2 were not similar to PU. The addition of beetroot rendered PU/BR hydrophilic (86° ± 2), whereas PU/BR/CeO2exhibited hydrophobic nature (99° ± 3). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis depicted the reduced surface roughness of the PU/BR (312 ± 12 nm) and PU/BR/CeO2 (390 ± 125 nm) than the pristine PU (854 ± 32 nm). The incorporation of beetroot and CeO2 into PU enhanced the tensile strength compared with the pristine PU. The blood clotting time of PU/BR (APTT-204 ± 3 s and PT-103 ± 2 s) and PU/BR/CeO2 (APTT-205 ± 3 s and PT-105 ± 2s) were delayed significantly than the pristine PU(APTT-176 ± 2 s and PT-94 ± 2 s) as revealed in the coagulation study. Further, hemolysis assay showed the less toxic nature of the fabricated composites than the pristine PU. Hence, it can be inferred that the advanced physicochemical and blood compatible properties of electrospun PU/BR and PU/BR/CeO2 nanocomposite can be engineered successfully for cardiac patch applications.
Study on the correlation between hemodynamic status of the transverse sinus-sigmoid sinus and the clinical efficacy of sigmoid sinus wall reconstruction
Authors: Li Zhenfeng , Jin Long 
Published: December 2021

Background and Purpose For patients with pulsatile tinnitus who have both transverse sinus stenosis and sigmoid sinus wall anomalies, sigmoid sinus wall reconstruction surgery is the first-choice treatment when the trans-stenotic pressure gradient less than 10 mmHg. However, not all patients are cured by surgery. We hypothesized the abnormal hemodynamics caused by transverse sinus stenosis is associated with the clinical efficacy of surgery. Methods Eight pulsatile tinnitus patients treated with surgery were retrospectively reviewed (4 rehabilitated, 4 nonrehabilitated). All patients had radiologically diagnosed transverse sinus stenosis and sigmoid sinus wall anomalies. A numerical simulation of the hemodynamics of the transverse sinus-sigmoid sinus was performed using computational fluid dynamics technology. Changes in the blood flow patterns before and after surgery were observed. The blood flow velocity at the stenosis, vorticity of blood flow in the sigmoid sinus and wall pressure distribution in the sigmoid sinus wall anomalies area were compared. Results The blood flow velocity in the stenosis (preoperative P = 0.04, postoperative P = 0.004) and vorticity in the sigmoid sinus (preoperative P = 0.02, postoperative P = 0.007) pre- and post-surgery were significantly higher in the non-rehabilitation group than in the rehabilitation group. No significant difference was found in the wall pressure distribution in the sigmoid sinus wall anomalies area (preoperative P = 0.12, postoperative P = 0.24). Conclusions There is a clear correlation between the abnormal hemodynamic status caused by transverse sinus stenosis and the clinical efficacy of surgery. The blood flow velocity at the stenosis and vorticity of blood flow in the sigmoid sinus are factors influencing the clinical efficacy of surgery.
Using Communities of Practice Theory to Understand the Crisis of Identity in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME)
Authors: Murray Rebecca , Turner Lynda 
Published: December 2021

Objective To explore the crisis of identity in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) through the lens of Communities of Practice. Methods A closed Facebook group was created to gather qualitative data from participants diagnosed with CFS/ME (n = 22). Data were analysed using a theoretical thematic analysis. Results The current research revealed the reality of enabling and disabling communities in the lived experience of CFS/ME and the role of participation in developing empowered identities. Learning how to be alongside CFS/ME aligned with participants’ experiences of purpose and meaning. New identities may be developed which are not centrally defined by loss or stigma. Discussion Participation in supportive communities enables CFS/ME identities to emerge as a platform for positive change. Engaging with the CFS/ME virtual community may be a way for both families and health professionals to reflect on current practice.
The role of social support in the experience of life with ischemic heart disease for socially disadvantaged patients: A qualitative study
Authors: Rasmussen Amanda Nikolajew , Guise Andrew , Overgaard Charlotte 
Published: December 2021

Objectives Ischemic heart disease (IHD) displays wide social inequalities that are often explained with reference to lifestyle factors. However, research indicates that social support may also play an important role in social inequality in IHD. This study aims to explore the role of social support in the experience of life with IHD for socially disadvantaged patients. Methods The study was conducted as a critical hermeneutic qualitative study in Denmark between October 2018 and August 2019. Data consist of in-depth qualitative interviews with 30 socially disadvantaged patients with IHD. Results The findings showed a notable difference between the participants who were engaged in close and supportive social relationships and those who were not. Life with IHD for those who lacked supportive relationships tended to be marked by feelings of chaos, powerlessness and meaninglessness. Contrarily, those who were engaged in supportive relationships received help to navigate their life with illness, reconcile with what had happened to them, feel empowered, and gain a sense of meaning in their life. Discussion: Social support from close social relationships appears to be crucial for socially disadvantaged ischemic heart patients, and should be encouraged and facilitated in healthcare and interventions targeting this patient group.
A scale development study: Hemodialysis comfort scale version II
Authors: Kosar Sahin Cansu , Cinar Pakyuz Sezgi 
Published: December 2021

Aim Aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable measuring tool in order to evaluate comfort of patients receiving hemodialysis treatment. Background There has been available a scale developed to evaluate comfort of hemodialysis patients “HDCS (Hemodialysis Comfort Scale).” Due to HDCS consisted of nine items and evaluated comfort in two sub-dimensions, researchers who developed HDCS, stated that number of scale items and dimensions is not sufficient to fully evaluate comfort. Therefore, (Hemodialysis Comfort Scale Version II) HDCS-II was developed with this research and its development process were discussed in this article. Materials and Methods Sample of this methodological research was consisted of 436 chronic hemodialysis patients, treated at five hemodialysis centers between October 2018 and May 2019. In process of creation item pool, comfort theory and literature was examined. The items in the old scale were also revised and included. Thereby a new question pool of 87 items was created. This draft scale was sent for expert opinion. In validity of scale; content validity index, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were used. In reliability study; Item analysis, cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient, parallel form reliability and item analysis based on upper-lower group averages were used. Results There was consistency between expert views relating to items in scale. According to exploratory factor analysis, scale consisted of six dimensions. Cronbach alpha coefficient of 26-item scale was 0.79. Alpha values of the six factor in scale were, respectively; for physical relief 0.83, for physical ease 0.71, for psychospiritual ease 0.87, for psychospiritual transcendence 0.85, for environmental transcendence 0.82, and for sociocultural ease 0.61. Conclusion HDCS-II is a 5-point likert type and consists of 26 items and 6 factors. This scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool that can be used to determine comfort of patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment.
Risk factors for wound dehiscence following radical cystectomy: a prediction model
Authors: Nasrallah Ali A. , Mansour Mazen , Abou Heidar Nassib F. , Ayoub Christian , Najdi Jad A. , Tamim Hani , El Hajj Albert 
Published: December 2021

Objectives: Radical cystectomy (RC) is a complex urologic procedure performed for the treatment of bladder cancer and causes significant morbidity. Wound dehiscence (WD) is a major complication associated with RC and is associated with multiple risk factors. The objectives of this study are to identify clinical risk factors for incidence of WD and develop a risk-prediction model to aid in patient risk-stratification and improvement of perioperative care. Materials and Methods: The American College of Surgeons – National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was used to derive the study cohort. A univariate analysis provided nine variables eligible for multivariate model entry. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was conducted and refined considering clinical relevance of the variables, and then bootstrapped with 1000 samples, resulting in a five-factor model. Model performance and calibration were assessed by a receiver operated curve (ROC) analysis and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test for goodness of fit, respectively. Results: A cohort of 11,703 patients was identified from years 2005 to 2017, with 342 (2.8%) incidences of WD within 30 days of operation. The final five-factor model included male gender [odds ratio (OR) = 2.5, p < 0.001], surgical site infection (OR = 6.3, p < 0.001), smoking (OR = 1.8, p < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR = 1.9, p < 0.001), and weight class; morbidly obese patients had triple the odds of WD (OR = 2.9, p < 0.001). The ROC analysis provided a C-statistic of 0.76 and calibration R2 was 0.99. Conclusion: The study yields a statistically robust and clinically beneficial five-factor model for estimation of WD incidence risk following RC, with good performance and excellent calibration. These factors may assist in identifying high-risk patients, providing preoperative counseling and thus leading to improvement in perioperative care.
Nasal Nitric Oxide and Nasal Cytology as Predictive Markers of Short-Term Sublingual Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy Efficacy in Children with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Parisi Giuseppe Fabio , Manti Sara , Papale Maria , Amato Melania , Licari Amelia , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Leonardi Salvatore 
Published: December 2021

Background Few studies have been conducted on the short-term response to sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). Objective The purpose of our experimental trial was to evaluate if two markers such as nasal nitric oxide (nNO) and nasal cytology could be useful to identify a precocious clinical efficacy of SLIT treatment. Methods We enrolled 34 children aged 6 to 14 years old with diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (AR) and documented sensitization towards house dust mites. We started allergoid-monomeric tablets immunotherapy along with any conventional therapy for AR and we evaluated at baseline (T0), after one (T1), two (T2), three (T3), and six months (T6) the effects of the treatment through the study of: i) a visual analogue scale (VAS 1-10); ii) measurement of nNO; iii) measurement of FeNO; iv) nasal cytology; v) spirometry; and vi) evaluation of any conventional therapy. Results We observed an improvement in symptoms evaluated by global VAS (T0 vs. T6: 47.13 vs. 17.57; p < .05) and a statistically significant reduction of nNO (1035.2 ± 956.08 vs. 139.2 ± 59.01; p < .05). In this case, significance was reached when the patients completed the 6 months of treatment. Cytological evaluation revealed significant reduction in nasal eosinophils (T0 vs. T6: 87% vs. 16%; p < .01). Moreover, at T0, 56% of patients had also neutrophils that were reduced up to the 8% at T6 (p < .05). Conclusions Our data confirm the effectiveness of SLIT treatment from a clinical perspective and identifies two biomarkers, such as nNO and nasal cytology, as predictive of treatment efficacy in the short term.
CSF neurofilament light chain predicts 10-year clinical and radiologic worsening in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bhan Alok , Jacobsen Cecilie , Dalen Ingvild , Bergsland Niels , Zivadinov Robert , Alves Guido , Myhr Kjell-Morten , Farbu Elisabeth 
Published: December 2021

Background Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is an attractive biomarker of disease activity and progression in MS, but there is a lack in long-term prognostic data. Objective To test the long-term clinical and radiological prognostic value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-NfL among newly diagnosed patients with MS. Methods Newly diagnosed MS patients where followed prospectively with baseline CSF-NfL and repeated MRI and clinical assessments for up to 10 years. Associations between baseline CSF-NfL and longitudinal MRI and clinical assessments were found by Generalized Estimating Equations analysis. Results Forty-two participants were included. CSF-NfL at baseline was significantly associated with the rate of atrophy in globus pallidus ( p = 0.009) and hippocampus ( p = 0.001) as evaluated by MRI. Baseline volumes of thalamus (β −0.33; 95% CI −0.57 to −0.10, p = 0.006), T1 (β 0.28; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.44, p = 0.001) and T2 (β 0.16; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.27, p = 0.008) lesions and baseline levels of CSF-NfL (β 0.9; 95% CI 0.3 to 1.5, p = 0.002) significantly predicted EDSS worsening over 10 years. Baseline CSF-NfL gave a comparable prediction to the best MRI volumetric predictors. Conclusion CSF-NfL predicted the clinical and radiological course of newly diagnosed patients with MS over a 10-year period, underlining its prognostic role.
Factors that affect the one-year mortality rate after lower limb amputation in the Hong Kong Chinese population
Authors: Chung Pui M , Chau Bolton KH , Chow Esther C-S , Lam Kwok H , Wong Nang MR 
Published: December 2021

Introduction Lower limb amputation has significant morbidity and mortality. This study reviews the potential factors affecting the one-year mortality rate after lower limb amputation in the Hong Kong Chinese population. Methods Cases with lower limb amputations (toe, ray, below-knee, and above-knee amputations) from a regional hospital from January 2016 to December 2017 were recruited. Amputations due to trauma were excluded. The one-year mortality rate and the potential risk factors (age, sex, length-of-stay, multiple operations, extent of surgery (minor vs. major), medical comorbidities including (1) end-stage renal failure (ESRF), (2) cardiac diseases, (3) ischemic heart disease, (4) peripheral vascular disease and (5) diabetes mellitus) were analyzed by multiple logistic regression using Matlab 2018a. Results A total of 132 patients were recruited (173 operations). The one-year mortality rate was 36.3%. The mean age at death was 72.2 years. The results of the regression analysis showed patients having ESRF (β = 2.195, t 120 = 3.008, p = 0.003) or a major amputation (including above- or below-knee amputation) (β = 1.079, t 120 = 2.120, p = 0.034), had a significantly higher one-year mortality. The remaining factors showed no significant effect. The one-year mortality rate in ESRF patients was 77.8%; while the one-year mortality rate without ESRF was 29.8%. The mean age at death in the ESRF group was 62.9 years; while that without ESRF was 76.1 years. The one-year mortality for patients with major amputation was 45.8% while that for minor amputation was 20.4%. Conclusion ESRF and major amputation are factors that increase the one-year mortality rate after lower limb amputation.