bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Following, Regular, and Irregular Long Waves on Wind-Wave Growth with Fetch: An Experimental Study
Authors: Villefer Antoine , Benoit Michel , Violeau Damien , Luneau Christopher , Branger Hubert 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA series of experiments were conducted in a wind-wave tank facility in Marseilles (France) to study the effects of preexisting swell conditions (represented by long mechanically generated waves) on wind-wave growth with fetch. Both monochromatic and irregular (JONSWAP-type) long-wave conditions with different values of wave steepness have been generated in the presence of a constant wind forcing, for several wind velocities. A spectral analysis of temporal wave signals combined with airflow measurements allowed for the study of the evolution of both wave systems with the aim of identifying the interaction mechanisms transportable to prototype scale. In particular, a specific method is used to separate the two wave systems in the measured bimodal spectra. In fetch-limited conditions, pure wind-wave growth is in accordance with anterior experiments, but differs from the prototype scale in terms of energy and frequency variations with fetch. Monochromatic long waves are shown to reduce the energy of the wind-waves significantly, as it was observed in anterior laboratory experiments. The addition of JONSWAP-type long waves instead results in a downshift of the wind-wave peak frequency but no significant energy reduction. Overall, it is observed that the presence of long waves affects the wind-wave energy and frequency variations with fetch. Finally, in the presence of JONSWAP-type long waves, variations of wind-wave energy and peak frequency with fetch appear in close agreement with the wind-wave growth observed at prototype scale both in terms of variations and nondimensional magnitude.
Examining the course of transitions from hospital to home-based palliative care: A mixed methods study
Authors: Saunders Stephanie , Weiss Marianne E , Meaney Chris , Killackey Tieghan , Varenbut Jaymie , Lovrics Emily , Ernecoff Natalie , Hsu Amy T , Stern Maya , Mahtani Ramona , Wentlandt Kirsten , Isenberg Sarina R 
Published: September 2021

Background: Hospital-to-home transitions in palliative care are fraught with challenges. To assess transitions researchers have used patient reported outcome measures and qualitative data to give unique insights into a phenomenon. Few measures examine care setting transitions in palliative care, yet domains identified in other populations are likely relevant for patients receiving palliative care. Aim: Gain insight into how patients experience three domains, discharge readiness, transition quality, and discharge-coping, during hospital-to-home transitions. Design: Longitudinal, convergent parallel mixed methods study design with two data collection visits: in-hospital before and 3–4 weeks after discharge. Participants completed scales assessing discharge readiness, transition quality, and post discharge-coping. A qualitative interview was conducted at both visits. Data were analyzed separately and integrated using a merged transformative methodology, allowing us to compare and contrast the data. Setting and participants: Study was set in two tertiary hospitals in Toronto, Canada. Adult inpatients ( n = 25) and their caregivers ( n = 14) were eligible if they received a palliative care consultation and transitioned to home-based palliative care. Results: Results were organized aligning with the scales; finding low discharge readiness (5.8; IQR: 1.9), moderate transition quality (66.7; IQR: 33.33), and poor discharge-coping (5.0; IQR: 2.6), respectively. Positive transitions involved feeling well supported, managing medications, feeling well, and having healthcare needs met. Challenges in transitions were feeling unwell, confusion over medications, unclear healthcare responsibilities, and emotional distress. Conclusions: We identified aspects of these three domains that may be targeted to improve transitions through intervention development. Identified discrepancies between the data types should be considered for future research exploration.
The impact of a power mobility device on occupational participation and quality of life for people with chronic diseases: A scoping review
Authors: Kemmis Emma , Ashby Samantha , MacDonald-Wicks Lesley 
Published: September 2021

Introduction The aim was to explore occupational participation and quality of life (QoL) for power mobility device users with chronic disease. Methods Arksey and O’Malley’s framework for scoping reviews was used. Six data bases were searched using keywords: wheelchair, scooter, QoL and participation. Data were extracted with coding and thematic analysis performed. Results Forty-one articles met the inclusion criteria. An overarching theme of enhanced QoL was identified with subthemes of (i) independence, (ii) enabling participation in instrumental activities of daily living, (iii) enhanced social participation and leisure, (iv) environmental barriers to occupational participation, (vi) power mobility device (PMD) performance concerns impacting occupational participation and (vii) overcoming risk of harm through PMD training. Conclusion The scoping review identified a heterogeneity of study designs and outcome measures, which makes comparison between studies difficult. For people with chronic diseases, PMDs improve independence in occupational participation, particularly in IADL, social participation and leisure. Unfortunately, improved QoL was often inferred, without the use of an outcome measure. Areas which impacted occupational participation for PMD users were environmental barriers and a lack of PMD training. Further research is needed to understand the impact of a PMD on QoL and occupational participation for those with chronic disease.
Dealing with missing information on covariates for excess mortality hazard regression models – Making the imputation model compatible with the substantive model
Authors: Antunes Luís , Mendonça Denisa , Bento Maria José , Njagi Edmund Njeru , Belot Aurélien , Rachet Bernard 
Published: September 2021

Missing data is a common issue in epidemiological databases. Among the different ways of dealing with missing data, multiple imputation has become more available in common statistical software packages. However, the incompatibility between the imputation and substantive model, which can arise when the associations between variables in the substantive model are not taken into account in the imputation models or when the substantive model is itself nonlinear, can lead to invalid inference. Aiming at analysing population-based cancer survival data, we extended the multiple imputation substantive model compatible-fully conditional specification (SMC-FCS) approach, proposed by Bartlett et al. in 2015 to accommodate excess hazard regression models. The proposed approach was compared with the standard fully conditional specification multiple imputation procedure and with the complete-case analysis using a simulation study. The SMC-FCS approach produced unbiased estimates in both scenarios tested, while the fully conditional specification produced biased estimates and poor empirical coverages probabilities. The SMC-FCS algorithm was then used for handling missing data in the evaluation of socioeconomic inequalities in survival from colorectal cancer patients diagnosed in the North Region of Portugal. The analysis using SMC-FCS showed a clearer trend in higher excess hazards for patients coming from more deprived areas. The proposed algorithm was implemented in R software and is presented as Supplementary Material.
Practice of Taguchi design of experiments in the valuation of mechanical behavior of rigid polyurethane foam composites
Authors: Kaur Raminder , Kumar Mukesh 
Published: September 2021

In the present study, Taguchi design of experiments (DOEs) L18 orthogonal array has been used for the investigation of the mechanical behavior of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) composites. The outcome of the process parameters such as polyol, filler, surfactant, catalyst, blowing agent, and anti-flaming agent on the mechanical properties, such as tensile, flexural, and compressive strengths and hardness (Shore D) of RPUF composites, has been examined, and the resulted data were analyzed by means of Taguchi design of experiments. The raw data for the average values of the mechanical properties and the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio for each parameter were evaluated at three levels, and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and optimum process parameters are determined. The confirmation experiments were performed for the validation of the improved performance and to measure the contribution of individual parameter on the responses. The confirmation experiments revealed the average tensile strength, average compressive strength, average flexural strength, and average hardness (Shore D) as 5.24 MPa, 6.37 MPa, 12.28 MPa, and 72.43, respectively, which fall within the 95% confidence interval of the anticipated optimum process parameters.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Warfarin for Treatment of Thrombosis or Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Cirrhosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Coons Eric M. , Staubes Britta A. , Casey Ashley L. , Elagizi-Youssef Stephanie A. , Mohammed Alaa E. , Sharma Nikhil , Kline Elle R. 
Published: September 2021

Background Evidence for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with cirrhosis is limited. Few patients with Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class B and C cirrhosis have been studied. Objective To compare major bleeding rates in patients with cirrhosis receiving a DOAC versus warfarin. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in adults with cirrhosis receiving a DOAC versus warfarin for venous thromboembolism, portal-vein thrombosis, or atrial fibrillation. The primary outcome was the rate of major bleeding. Secondary outcomes included time to major bleeding, clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding, all bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial bleeding, and new thromboembolic events. The study was approved by the Ochsner Health System Institutional Review Board. Results A total of 44 patients receiving a DOAC and 41 patients receiving warfarin were included. Major bleeding occurred in 4 patients receiving a DOAC and 6 patients receiving warfarin (9.1% vs 14.6%; P = 0.881). Rates of major bleeding were similar in 24 DOAC and 17 warfarin patients with CTP Class B (4.2% vs 17.6%; P = 0.37) and 8 DOAC and 9 warfarin patients with CTP Class C (37.5% vs 11.1%; P = 0.41) cirrhosis. Secondary bleeding and efficacy outcomes were similar between cohorts. The study was limited by a small sample size. Conclusion and Relevance Treatment with DOACs in patients with cirrhosis was associated with a similar rate of major bleeding compared with warfarin. Inclusion of CTP class C patients in future studies remains valuable to evaluate safety and efficacy of DOACs in this population.
Hypertriglyceridemia in Critically Ill Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: El Nekidy Wasim S. , Shatnawei Abdullah , Abdelsalam Manal M. , Hassan Mariam , Dajani Ruba Z. , Salem Nouran , St. John Terrence J. Lee , Rahman Nadeem , Hamed Fadi , Mallat Jihad 
Published: September 2021

Background Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection could develop severe disease requiring critical care admission. Case reports indicated high incidence of hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) in critically ill patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, which might be related to the drugs. Objective We sought to determine the risk factors associated with HTG in this population and to investigate the relationship between HTG and lipase. Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted at our hospital between March 1 and June 30, 2020. Patients were included if they were ≥18 years old, admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and had triglycerides (TG) checked during their hospital stay. Results Of the 111 critically ill patients, 103 patients were included. Males comprised 88.3% of the sample. The median TG at baseline was 197.4 (IQR: 139.8-283) mg/dL. The lipase median level at baseline was 23.00 (IQR: 0.00-69.50) IU/L. The results of the mixed-effects logistic regression analysis indicated that patient-level variables, favipiravir use, blood glucose level, and propofol use were significantly associated with HTG. There was no relationship between lipase and TG levels over time. Furthermore, TG concentrations over time showed a similar trend to inflammatory markers. Conclusion and Relevance The incidence of clinically significant HTG was high and was associated with propofol and favipiravir use. HTG might reflect the high inflammatory state in these patients. Clinicians should look at the full picture before changing therapies based only on HTG. Our findings need to be replicated in a larger prospective study.
Use of the helical SUPERA™ stent and Passeo-18 Lux™ drug-coated balloon to treat recurrent cephalic arch stenosis for dysfunctional brachiocephalic fistulas: 1 year results of the Arch V SUPERA-LUX study
Authors: Tang Tjun Yip , Soon Shereen Xue Yun , Yap Charyl Jia Qi , Chan Sze Ling , Tan Ru Yu , Pang Suh Chien , Choke Edward Tieng Chek , Tan Chieh Suai , Chong Tze Tec 
Published: September 2021

Background: Aim of Arch V SUPERA-LUX was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination therapy of SUPERA™ ( Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA) helical stent implantation and Passeo-18 Lux™ ( Biotronik Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Singapore) drug coated balloon (DCB) elution to treat recurrent cephalic arch stenosis (CAS) in the setting of AV access dysfunction. Methods: Investigator-initiated, single-center, single-arm prospective pilot study of 20 end-stage renal failure Asian patients with a dysfunctional brachiocephalic fistula. All had symptomatic recurrent CAS within 6 months of prior intervention. The lesion was pre-dilated with a standard high-pressure balloon (Biotronik Passeo-35 HP balloon). The DCB (Passeo-18 Lux™) is subsequently inflated and the SUPERA™ stent deployed to sit 2 mm distal to the cephalic arch and covering the CAS but within the DCB zone. All patients were prescribed dual antiplatelet therapy for 3 months and followed up with Duplex ultrasound at 6- and 12-months. Results: There were 9 (45%) males and mean age was 67 ± 11.0 years. Mean time from prior procedure was 113 ± 68 days and main indication for reintervention was high venous pressure (9/20, 45%). Technical success was 100% and there were no peri-procedural complications related to either stent or DCB deployment. Target lesion primary patency at 6- and 12-months was 10/18 (55%) and 5/16 (31%), respectively. Mean time to target lesion re-intervention was 170 ± 82 days. Circuit access patency was 8/18 (44%) and 2/16 (13%) at 6- and 12-months respectively and mortality was 3/20 (15%) attributed to the patients’ underlying co-morbidities. Conclusion: Dual prong strategy of using SUPERA™ stenting and Passeo-18 Lux™ drug elution for recurrent CAS, although safe, was no more efficacious than conventional balloon angioplasty or stenting alone. Development of an intense inflammatory reaction within the stent led to reinterventions of a number of cases with suboptimal results.
Association between timing and duration of breech presentation during pregnancy and developmental dysplasia of the hip: A case-control study
Authors: Konijnendijk Annemieke , Vrugteveen Ellen , Voorthuis Brenda , Boere-Boonekamp Magda 
Published: September 2021

This case-control study investigated the association between timing and duration of breech presentation in pregnancy and developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Children with DDH aged 3 years or younger ( n = 191) were compared with healthy controls ( n = 209). Data on outcome, exposure and, covariates were collected using a parents’ self-report online questionnaire. Term children with breech presentation at one or more check-ups after 30.0 weeks gestation had a twofold higher risk of developing DDH compared to children who had never presented in breech (OR 2.01; 95% CI [1.28, 3.15]). The strength of the association increased with duration of breech presentation (5–8 weeks: OR 2.65; 95% CI [1.36, 5.18]; 9–12 weeks: OR 3.63; 95% CI [1.82, 7.24]). Children who had presented in breech at least once in gestational period 37.0-birth had a 3.24 (95% CI [1.86, 5.65]) times higher risk of DDH, whereas the risk for children with breech presentation in gestational period 30.0–36.6 only was not increased. Also after adjusting for confounders, children who had presented in breech after gestational week 37.0-birth had a more than threefold higher risk of DDH (OR 3.33; 95% CI [1.81, 6.13]) compared to children who were never in breech or in gestational period 30.0–36.6 only.
Relationship Between Physical Function and Health Utility in Patients Undergoing Surgical Treatment for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Tanaka Takashi , Morishita Shinichiro , Hashimoto Masaki , Nakamichi Toru , Uchiyama Yuki , Hasegawa Seiki , Domen Kazuhisa 
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Health utility, which is a measure of patient-reported outcome (PRO), has recently been used in health-related quality of life for patients with various cancers. However, the relationship between health utility and the physical function and of patients undergoing pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) as surgical treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has not been reported in the perioperative and convalescent phases. This study aimed to evaluate the perioperative and postoperative health utility of patients undergoing P/D for MPM at one year postoperatively and to examine the relationship with physical function. Methods: We included patients underwent P/D. Grip strength, knee extension strength, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were measured to assess physical function, and the Short-Form Six-Dimension (SF-6D) was completed to assess health utility. These assessments were performed preoperatively, postoperatively, and one year postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance for comparison of pre and postoperative and one year mean values. Results: There were 24 subjects (23 males, 65.5±8.3 year). SF-6D, 6MWD, FVC, and FEV1 values one year operatively improved significantly compared with postoperative. Additionally, SF-6D was correlated with 6MWD. Conclusion: Health utility were also correlated with exercise capacity.
Pathological findings identified during the posterior approach to the spinal accessory nerve after high-energy trauma
Authors: Power Dominic M. , Jimulia Devanshi , Malone Paul , Shirley Colin , Chaudhry Tahseen 
Published: September 2021

The spinal accessory to suprascapular nerve transfer is a key procedure for restoring shoulder function in upper brachial plexus injuries and is typically undertaken via an anterior approach. The anterior approach may miss injury to the suprascapular nerve about the suprascapular notch, which may explain why functional outcomes are often limited. In 2014 we adopted a posterior approach to enable better visualization of the suprascapular nerve at the notch. Over the next 6 years we have used this approach for 20 explorations after high-energy trauma. In 7/20 we identified abnormalities at the level of the suprascapular ligament, which we would not have identified with an anterior approach: there were two ruptures, two neuromas-in-continuity and three cases of scar encasement, necessitating neurolysis. Nerve transfer could be undertaken distal to the suprascapular notch, bypassing the site of injury. These pathological findings support the wider adoption of the posterior approach in cases of high-energy trauma. Level of evidence: IV
Early institutional experience using the TracStar Large Distal Platform in endovascular flow diversion
Authors: Bageac Devin V , Gershon Blake S , Shigematsu Tomoyoshi , Majidi Shahram , De Leacy Reade A 
Published: September 2021

Introduction The delivery of flow-diverting stents (FDS) necessitates a degree of catheter support beyond that required for endovascular coiling. The TracStar Large Distal Platform (LDP) is a novel 0.088″ platform intended for navigation into the intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA). We present an early institutional experience using the TracStar LDP in 44 cases of endovascular aneurysm embolization using FDS. Methods Inclusion criteria for this single-center retrospective review encompassed all patients >18 years of age who were treated for intracranial aneurysms. Procedural success was defined as successful stent deployment using the TracStar LDP. Other outcomes included periprocedural complications, use of an intermediate catheter, length of stay, and discharge disposition. Results The TracStar LDP was utilized in 44 consecutive FDS cases in 42 patients. Cavernous segment aneurysms constituted the majority of cases (12/42; 28.6%), followed by posterior communicating artery (8/42; 19.0%) and supraclinoid aneurysms (8/42; 19.0%). Successful FDS deployment was achieved in 43/44 cases. The LDP achieved stable positioning within the ascending cavernous ICA in 63.6% of cases. A biaxial system was utilized in 54.5% of cases. There was one complication potentially related to use of the TracStar LDP, which was an asymptomatic ICA vessel dissection managed conservatively. Conclusions The TracStar LDP is safe and effective during use in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with a FDS. Access to the ascending portion of the cavernous ICA was regularly achieved, and the platform allowed for both biaxial and triaxial configurations.
Subthreshold micropulse laser adjuvant to bevacizumab versus bevacizumab monotherapy in treating diabetic macular edema: one- year- follow-up
Authors: El Matri Leila , Chebil Ahmed , El Matri Khaled , Falfoul Yousra , Chebbi Zouheir 
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To compare the therapeutic impact of combining intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (IVB) with micropulse laser (MPL) in central diffuse diabetic macular edema (DME) versus IVB monotherapy during 12 months follow-up. Methods: We conducted a retrospective comparative study of 98 treatment-naive eyes (63 patients) with central diffuse DME. The first group of patients (IVB + MPL group, n = 49) was treated with 3 monthly IVB followed by MPL within 1 week after the third injection. Patients were then followed and treated on a pro re nata (PRN) basis, with MPL retreatment if necessary. The changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), number of IVB injections and MPL sessions were evaluated at 4, 8, and 12 months. A control group of diabetic patients with treatment-naive DME was treated with standard protocol of 3 monthly IVB as monotherapy then followed on a PRN basis (IVB group, n = 49). Statistic comparaison of BCVA, CMT, and IVB number variation was interpreted at 12 months between both groups. Results: In IVB + MPL group, baseline BCVA improvement was not significant at 4 and 8 months ( p = 0.90, p = 0.08), and was statistically significant ( p = 0.01) at 12 months. Mean CMT significantly decreased at 4, 8, and 12 months ( p < 0.01) in IVB + MPL group. The difference in BCVA (p = 0.091) and CMT (p = 0.082) variation at 12 months between both groups was not significant but the number of injections was significantly lower in IVB + MPL group (4.1 ± 1.5 injections) compared to IVB group (7.2 ± 1.3 injections) ( p < 0.005). Conclusion: Combining intravitreal injections of bevacizumab and MPL in the treatment of DME is effective and safe. This protocol may decrease the number of IVB and its frequency. It offers the advantage of lasting therapeutic response with fewer recurrences.