bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frozen Hybrid Kernelised Expectation Maximisation For Bremsstrahlung SPECT Reconstruction
Authors: Deidda Daniel , Denis-Bacelar Ana M. , Fenwick Andrew J. , Ferreira Kelley M. , Heetun Warda , Hutton Brian F. , Robinson Andrew P. , Scuffham James , Thielemans Kris 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Selective internal radiation therapy with Yttrium-90 microspheres is an effective therapy for liver cancer and liver metastases. Yttrium-90 is mainly a high-energy beta particle emitter. These beta particles emit Bremsstrahlung radiation during their interaction with tissue making post-therapy imaging of the radioactivity distribution feasible. Nevertheless, image quality and quantification is difficult due to the continuous energy spectrum which makes resolution modelling, and attenuation and scatter estimation challenging. Methods: In this study, a modified hybrid kernelised expectation maximisation is used to improve resolution and contrast and reduce noise. The iterative part of the kernel was frozen at the 72nd sub-iteration to avoid over-fitting of noise and background. A NEMA phantom with spherical inserts was used for the optimisation and validation of the algorithm, and data from 5 patients treated with Selective internal radiation therapy were used as proof of clinical relevance of the method. Results: The results suggest a maximum improvement of 56% for region of interest mean recovery coefficient at fixed coefficient of variation and better identification of the hot volumes in the NEMA phantom. Similar improvements were achieved with patient data, showing 47% mean value improvement over the gold standard used in hospitals. Conclusions: Such quantitative improvements could facilitate improved dosimetry calculations with SPECT when treating patients with Selective internal radiation therapy, as well as provide a more visible position of the cancerous lesions in the liver.
A Novel Mri-Method Allows a Rapid and Robust Assessment of Muscle Quantity and Quality in Hemodialysis Patients.
Authors: Indurain Ainhoa , Linge Jennifer , Petersson Mikael Petersson , Romu Thobias , Uhlin Fredrik , Fernström Anders , Segelmark Mårten , Leinhard Olof Dahlqvist 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSarcopenia is a prevalent condition in patients on maintenance hemodialysis and associates with mortality. Research using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has demonstrated the importance of a proper body size-adjustment in the assessment of muscle mass, and that a muscle composition assessment including measurements of both muscle volume and fat infiltration improves the prediction of comorbidity and survival related to sarcopenia. Such combined muscle composition assessment has not previously been performed in hemodialysis patients.MethodsEleven hemodialysis patients were scanned using whole-body fat and water separated MRI and followed regarding survival and comorbidity for five years. Muscle composition was assessed using AMRA® Researcher. Using data from 9615 UK Biobank participants, sex and BMI-matched muscle volume z-scores and sex-adjusted muscle fat infiltration values were calculated for each patient. These measurements were then used for the calculation of a combined muscle score. Resulting three muscle measurements were associated with survival and comorbidity index.ResultsSix patients exhibited low muscle volume (muscle volume z-score <25th percentile (population wide)), and six patients presented with high muscle fat infiltration (>75th percentile (population wide)). During a 68-months follow-up, five patients died, four were transplanted and two remained on hemodialysis treatment. The combined muscle score was significantly associated with comorbidity index (p<0.05) and was highly predictive of survival (AUROC 0.97).ConclusionsThe combined assessment including both body size-adjusted muscle volume and muscle fat infiltration can be used to analyze muscle composition in hemodialysis patients. MRI based muscle composition assessment reflected comorbidity and predicted survival in hemodialysis patients.
Fewer Early Surgical Site Infections After Hip Fracture and Lessons Learned From the Safe Hands Project: A Five-Year Longitudinal Study of 3,553 Patients
Authors: Erichsen Annette , Gillespie Brigid M , Karlsson Magnus , Malchau Henrik , Nellgård Bengt , Wikström Ewa , Rogmark Cecilia , Tillander Jontan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Surgical site infection after acute hip fracture surgery is a devastating complication associated with increased suffering and mortality. The aim of the study was to investigate early SSI, sepsis, pneumonia and urinary tract infections over five years, before and after the implementation of the Safe Hands project.Methods: This was a single-centre observational study with a five-year longitudinal design, investigating the effects of an infection-prevention intervention targeting the clinical care pathway of individuals with acute hip fracture. Statistical analyses were based on routinely collected patient outcome data comprising 3,553 patients. The study conforms to the criteria of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE).Results: The incidence of early SSIs decreased from 2.5% in years 1-2 to 1.1% in years 4-5. Similar results were observed for sepsis (2.7% to 1.3%) and urinary tract infections (14.2% to 4.2%). The multivariable regression shows that, for every observed year, the odds of early SSIs decreased. Male gender, procedure time, sepsis and preoperative skin damage increased the odds significantly.Conclusions Our preventive bundle, based on partnership between researchers, managers and clinicians and a strong commitment to change from the involved professions, appear to be effective in reducing the frequency of potentially devastating SSIs and other HAIs after hip fractures surgery. The use of external and internal facilitators was crucial to enable individual and organisational learning and overcoming barriers to improvements.Trial registration: Clinical Trials.gov ID: NCT02983136 Registered 6 December 2016 - Retrospectively registered.
Reliability And Validity of The Psychiatric Inpatient Patient Experience Questionnaire – Continuous Electronic Measurement (PIPEQ-CEM)
Authors: Iversen Hilde Hestad , Haugum Mona , Bjertnaes Oyvind 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe increasing emphasis on patient-centred care has accelerated the demand for high-quality assessment instruments, but the development and application of measures of the quality of care provided for mental health have lagged behind other areas of medicine. The main objective of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Psychiatric Inpatient Patient Experience Questionnaire – Continuous Electronic Measurement (PIPEQ-CEM), which consists of large-scale measurements from a Norwegian population. The change from cross-sectional surveys to continuous measurements necessitated further validation of the instrument. The secondary objective was to develop a short version of the PIPEQ-CEM. MethodsThe data included responses from the first year of continuous measurement, and included adult inpatients (age ≥18 years) who received specialized mental healthcare from 191 different sections in Norway (n=3,249). Missing data, ceiling effects, factor structure and internal consistency levels were assessed. The short scale was developed by exploring missing items, ceiling effects, results from exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and item performance from item response theory (IRT) analyses.Results Psychometric testing supported previous results and illustrated that the PIPEQ-CEM comprises three empirically based scales with good internal consistency, reliability and validity, and covers structure and facilities, patient-centred interactions, and outcomes. A seven-item short form was developed, which provides an efficient approach for brief yet comprehensive measurements that can be applied in the future. ConclusionThe PIPEQ-CEM can be recommended for use in future national surveys that assess patient experience with inpatient psychiatric care in Norway and in other countries with similar healthcare systems. The short form can be applied where respondent burden and cognitive load are crucial issues. The obtained results illustrate the detailed information about an instrument that can be obtained using a combination of EFA, CFA and IRT.
Composite Scoring System and Optimal Tumor Budding Cut-Off Number for Estimating Lymph Node Metastasis in Submucosal Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kim Jeong-ki , Rhee Ye-Young , Bae Jeong Mo , Kim Jung Ho , Koh Seong-Joon , Lee Hyun Jung , Im Jong Pil , Kim Min Jung , Ryoo Seung-Bum , Jeong Seung-Yong , Park Kyu Joo , Park Ji Won , Kang Gyeong Hoon 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background

Tumor budding is associated with lymph node (LN) metastasis in submucosal colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the rate of LN metastasis associated with the number of tumor buds is unknown. Here, we determined the optimal tumor budding cut-off number and developed a composite scoring system (CSS) for estimating LN metastasis of submucosal CRC.
Methods

In total, 395 patients with histologically confirmed T1N0–2M0 CRC were evaluated. The clinicopathological characteristics were subjected to univariate and multivariate analyses. The Akaike information criterion (AIC) values of the multivariate models were evaluated to identify the optimal cut-off number. A CSS for LN metastasis was developed using independent risk factors.
Results

The prevalence of LN metastasis was 13.2%. Histological differentiation, lymphatic or venous invasion, and tumor budding were associated with LN metastasis in univariate analyses. In multivariate models adjusted for histological differentiation and lymphatic or venous invasion, the AIC value was lowest for five tumor buds. Unfavorable differentiation (odds ratio [OR], 8.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.80–36.89), lymphatic or venous invasion (OR, 5.91; 95% CI, 2.91–11.97), and five or more tumor buds (OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.21–7.69) were independent risk factors. In a CSS using these three risk factors, the rates of LN metastasis were 5.6%, 15.5%, 31.0%, and 52.4% for total composite scores of 0, 1, 2, and ≥ 3, respectively.
Conclusions

For the estimation of LN metastasis in submucosal CRC, the optimal tumor budding cut-off number was five. Our CSS can be utilized to estimate LN metastasis.
Differences in Preoperative Gastric Ultrasound Findings Between Old and Young Surgical Patients: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Ahn Jin Hee , Shim Jae-Geum , Lee Sung Hyun , Ryu Kyoung-Ho , Lee Mi Yeon , Kim Sinae , Gahng Tae-Ryun , Cho Eunah 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Most gastric ultrasound studies have been conducted in young middle-aged patients. Although age is known to influence gastric ultrasound, comparisons of gastric ultrasound in elderly patients with young patients have not been well elucidated. This study aimed to 1) compare gastric ultrasound assessments between young and elderly patients, 2) determine whether the CSA cutoff values for elderly and young patients should be different, and 3) suggest CSA cutoff values for elderly patients.Methods: This retrospective case-control study evaluated the data of 120 patients who underwent elective surgery under general anesthesia between July 2019 and August 2020. Demographic and gastric ultrasound assessment data were retrieved. Patients were divided into the elderly group (n = 58, age: ≥65 years) and young group (n = 62, age: <65 years). The antral cross-sectional area (CSA) in the supine and right lateral decubitus positions (RLDP), semiquantitative three-point Perlas grade (grades 0, 1, and 2), and gastric volume were determined. CSAs according to different Perlas grades were compared between the two groups. The CSA cutoff values for predicting a high risk of pulmonary aspiration in both the groups were determined. Results: Among patients with Perlas grade 0 (empty stomach), the CSA supine and CSA RLDP were greater in the elderly group than in the young group (CSA supine: 5.12 ± 1.99 cm2 vs. 3.92 ± 0.19 cm2, P = 0.002, and CSA RLDP: 6.24 ± 0.43 cm2 vs. 4.58 ± 0.21 cm2, P = 0.002). The specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy of the CSA decreased when the CSA cutoff value for the young group (CSA RLDP: 6.92 cm2) was applied to the elderly group. The CSA cutoff values for the elderly group were: CSA supine, 6.92 cm2 and CSA RLDP, 10.65 cm2.Conclusions: The CSA of the empty stomach was greater in elderly patients than in young patients. The CSA cutoff values for predicting pulmonary aspiration risk in elderly and young patients should be differentiated. We suggest that the following CSA cutoff values should be used for predicting pulmonary aspiration risk in elderly patients: CSA supine, 6.92 cm2 and CSA RLDP, 10.65 cm2.
Incidence and Risk Factors of In-hospital Prosthesis-Related Complications Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Yang Qinfeng , Xie Hao , Liu Shencai , Wu Xuanping , Shi Zhanjun , Wang Jian 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe occurrence of prosthesis-related complications after total shoulder arthroplasty is devastating and costly. The purpose was to determine the incidence and risk of in-hospital prosthesis-related complications after total shoulder arthroplasty utilizing a large-scale sample database.MethodsA retrospective database analysis was performed based on Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2010 to 2014. Patients who underwent total shoulder arthroplasty were included. Patient demographics, hospital characteristics, length of stay, economic indicators, in-hospital mortality, comorbidities, and peri-operative complications were evaluated.ResultsA total of 34,198 cases were capture from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. There were 343 cases of in-hospital prosthesis-related complications after total shoulder arthroplasty and the overall incidence was 1%, with a more than 2.5-fold decrease from 2010 to 2014. Dislocation was the most common category among prosthesis-related complications (0.1%). The occurrence of in-hospital prosthesis-related complications was associated with significantly more total charges and slightly longer length of stay while less usage of Medicare. Risk factors of prosthesis-related complications were identified including younger age (<64 years), female, the native American, hospital in the South, alcohol abuse, depression, uncomplicated diabetes, diabetes with chronic complications, fluid and electrolyte disorders, metastatic cancer, neurological disorders, and renal failure. Interestingly, advanced age (≥65 years) and proprietary hospital were found as protective factors. Furthermore, prosthesis-related complications were associated with aseptic necrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, Parkinson’s disease, prior shoulder arthroscopy, and blood transfusion.ConclusionsIt is of benefit to study risk factors of prosthesis-related complications following total shoulder arthroplasty to ensure the appropriate management and optimize consequences although a relatively low incidence was identified.
Antimicrobial Activity of Pinus Wallachiana Against Fusarium Oxysporum f. sp. Cubense and Analysis of its Fractions by HPLC
Authors: Ain Qurat Ul , Asad Shahzad , Ahad Karam , Safdar Muhammad Naeem , Jamal Atif 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Fusarium wilt has ruined banana production and poses a major threat to its industry because of highly virulent Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) race 4. The present study focused on the efficacy of Pinus wallachiana and its organic fractions against Foc in in vitro and greenhouse experiments. The presence of polyphenols in the fractions was also investigated using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The in vitro tests carried out for the leaf extract of P. wallachiana showed its inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth and based on this evidence, further characterization of fractions were done. Complete mycelial inhibition and the highest zone of inhibition against Foc was observed for the n-butanol fraction in vitro, while the n-hexane and dichloromethane fractions showed lower disease severity index (DSI) in greenhouse experiments. The fractions were further analysed by HPLC using nine polyphenolic standards, namely quercitin, myrecitin, kaempferol, rutin, gallic acid, trans-ferulic acid, coumeric acid, epicatechin and catechin. The highest content of polyphenols, based on standards used, was quantified in the n-butanol fraction followed by the ethyl acetate fraction of the leaf extract. This is the first report of antimicrobial activity of Pinus wallachiana against Foc to the best of our knowledge.
Ab-initio DFT simulation of electronic and magnetic properties of Tin+1and FeTin clusters
Authors: Haichour Rachida , MAHTOUT Sofiane 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We report a computational investigation of the electronic and magnetic properties of neutral Tin+1and FeTin (n=1-10) clusters using ab-initio calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The best structures for Tin+1and FeTin clusters are planar for size n<5, while from n = 5, they showed a compact three dimensional cage structure. For the best structures of the FeTin clusters, the Fe atoms favors the peripheral position with highest coordination with the neighboring Ti atoms. The evolution as a function of the size of the average binding energies (Eb/atom) and HOMO–LUMO gaps of Tin+1 and FeTin (n=1-10) clusters are studied. The stability results show that the Tin+1 clusters have relatively higher stability than the FeTin cluster with the same size. In addition, the vertical ionization potentials and electron affinities, chemical hardness and atomic magnetic moment of Tin+1and FeTin (n=1-10) clusters are also investigated.
Clinical use of Anti-Müllerian Hormone to Monitor Resumption of Ovarian Activity following Removal of a 4.7 mg Deslorelin Implant in Queens.
Authors: Dolcet Lluis Ferré , Ferro Silvia , Contiero Barbara , Fontaine Christelle , Badon Tamara , Gelli Donatella , Romagnoli Stefano 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objective: The use of deslorelin implantsto control reproduction in cats is increasing but because of its prolonged duration, cat breeders oftenrequest implant removal before the end of the treatment. Assaying Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) concentrations might be useful to predict time of resumption of ovarian activity in deslorelin-treated queens following implant removal. In queens a minimum of 3 weeks during increasing photoperiod after implant removal has been described for resumption of ovarian activity but no information about AMH concentrations were observed for determining ovarian activity.Animals: Sixteen queens in whichdeslorelinimplants were surgically removed after3, 6 or 9 months (n= 6, 4 and 6 queens, respectively) were used in this study. Procedures: A general and reproductive health check with a GnRH stimulation test were performed before the treatment.After implant removal queens were checked every 1-2 weeks withreproductive ultrasonography, a vaginal smear and blood collection to assay AMHconcentrations. Results: AMH concentrations decreased significantly during treatment to < 2.5+0.6 ng/ml (p<0.05) and reached a nadir at 1.9+0.9 (p<0.05) one-week post-removal.Following implant removal AMH concentrations started to rise reaching a value of 4.3+1.2 ng/ml on the third week and were not different from pre-treatment levels on week 6 post-removal (5.8 ng/ml +0.9, p>0.05).AMH values did not differ depending on duration of deslorelin treatment but were lower in adult queens (p<0.05).Clinical relevance: AMH assay can be a useful tool to follow resumption of feline ovarian function following a deslorelin treatment.
Association Among Calf Circumference, Physical Performance, and Depression in the Elderly Chinese Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tan Jian-Yu , Zeng Qing-Lian , Ni Meng , Zhang Ying-Xiao , Qiu Tian 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Depression and sarcopenia are common diseases in the elderly population. However, the association between them is controversial. Based on the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) database, a cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the relationship between calf circumference, physical performance, and depression.Methods: From the 8th wave of CLHLS conducted in 2018, data on calf circumference, physical performance, depressive symptoms, and demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related characteristics were collected. A statistical analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between calf circumference, physical performance, and depressive symptoms. Confounding factors were adjusted for in the multiple logistic regression analysis.Results: A total of 12,227 participants, including 5689 (46.5%) men and 6538 (53.5%) women (mean age, 83.4 years), were included in this study. After adjusting for confounding factors, the association between calf circumference and depression disappeared (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92–1.17, p = 0.58). However, a significant inverse correlation persisted between physical performance and depressive symptoms (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.13–1.20, p＜0.001). The subgroup analysis revealed a significant association of calf circumference (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.04–1.62, p = 0.02) and physical performance (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.08–1.22, p < 0.001) with depression in the regular exercise group.Conclusions: Physical performance was significantly associated with depression in the elderly Chinese population. Attention should be paid to assess depressive symptoms in patients with poor muscle condition.
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Carotid Artery Endarterectomy and Carotid Endarterectomy + Patch Plasty in Preventing Restenosis and Stroke in Carotid Artery Occlusions.
Authors: Yıldız Ziya , Özkara Taha 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundCarotid artery stenosis is one of the most important causes of stroke, and atherosclerosis plays a role in one third of all strokes. It has been reported in some studies that the patency rate of carotid endarterectomies performed with patplasty is better than standard surgical treatment. In this retrospective study, we investigated vascular patency rates and strokes due to postoperative restenosis in patients who underwent classical carotid endarterctomy and patch plasty endarterctomy due to carotid artery stenosis.We investigated 126 patients diagnosed with carotid artery occlusion between January 2015 and January 2021. We retrospectively analyzed and compared 44 patients who were operated on using carotid endarterectomy (CAE) with patch technique and 82 patients who underwent only carotid endarterectomy in terms of risk factors, restenosis and stroke. Color Doppler Ultrasonography (CDUS) and Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA) were used in the diagnosis of carotid artery occlusions and the evaluation of restenosis.Results:The characteristics of the risk factors of the patients were examined and recorded. PTFE graft was used as a patch in patients. There were no significant complications during or after the operation. Restenosis and stroke were investigated at the 10th day, third month, sixth month, and first year after discharge, and mostly by imaging with CDUS. Restenosis was detected in one patient in the study group and in thirteen patients in the control group. Stroke was detected in none of the patients in the study group and in four patients in the control group.Conclusion: In our clinic, patch-based CAE is preferred to primary CAE due to its successful results and very low risk of restenosis. We think that CAE with the patch is a much more effective method in protecting patients from neurological pathologies.