bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-intensity treadmill training and self-management for stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation: a feasibility study
Authors: Brauer Sandra G. , Kuys Suzanne S. , Paratz Jennifer D. , Ada Louise 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundPhysical activity undertaken by stroke survivors is generally low. This trial investigated the feasibility of delivering a high-intensity treadmill and self-management program to people with stroke undergoing inpatient rehabilitation and determine whether physical activity, walking ability and cardiorespiratory fitness could be increased.MethodA phase I, single-group, pre-post intervention study was conducted with stroke survivors undergoing inpatient rehabilitation who could walk. Participants undertook a high-intensity treadmill and self-management program for up to 30 min, three times a week for 8 weeks under the supervision of their usual physiotherapist. Feasibility was determined by examining compliance, satisfaction and adverse events. Clinical outcomes were amount of physical activity, walking ability, and cardiorespiratory fitness collected pre-training (week 0), post-training (week 8), and at follow-up (week 26).ResultsForty stroke survivors participated, completing 10 (SD 6) sessions, 94% at the specified training intensity, with high satisfaction and no adverse events related to the intervention. At week 8, participants completed 2749 steps/day (95% CI 933 to 4564) more physical activity than at week 0. Walking distance increased by 110 m (95% CI 23 to 196), walking speed by 0.24 m/s (95% CI 0.05 to 0.42), and VO2 peak by 0.29 ml/kg/min (95% CI 0.03 to 0.56). At week 26, increases in physical activity, walking distance and speed, and cardiorespiratory fitness were maintained.ConclusionsA high-intensity treadmill training program embedded within a self-management approach during inpatient rehabilitation appears feasible and potentially may offer sustained improvements in physical activity, walking ability, fitness, and quality of life. A randomised trial is warranted.Trial registrationThis feasibility study was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12613000764730).
Anti-diabetic effect of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis on low dose streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed on a high-fat diet
Authors: Idu Mac Donald , Edehia Owen – Obaseki , Gabriel Benjamin Ogunma 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionThis study evaluates the anti-diabetic effect of ethanol extract ofStachytarpheta jamaicensisleaf on streptozotocin (STZ) - induced diabetic rats fed on high-fat diet (HFD).MethodsSets of male albino rats of the Wistar strain weighing between 180 and 250 g were exposed to high fat diet (margarine and oil from vegetable sources in a ratio of 2:1 w/v) for 3 weeks. Then the animals were fasted overnight; hyperglycemic state was induced using reduced dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) and animals were randomly divided into five groups (n = 7); group A received the HFD + STZ (35 mg/kg i.p.); group B received HFD + STZ + gliberclamide (10 mg/kg; i.p); groups C, D and E were administered the HFD + streptozotocin with different doses of the ethanol extract (30, 35 and 100 mg/kg p.o., respectively).ResultsResults showed significant (p < 0.05) decrease in blood glucose concentration of the rats treated with different doses ofS. jamaicensisextract and those treated with gliberclamide compared to the untreated diabetic rats (negative control). Significant (p < 0.05) reductions in activities of serum AST, ALP, total protein and bilirubin were noticed in the groups in contrast to the control. Levels of urea, creatinine, potassium and chloride were considerably (p < 0.05) low while sodium and bicarbonate levels were high in the groups except the control. Lipid profile revealed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, LDL, VLDL while HDL levels were high in the groups compared to the control. The extract significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated weight loss. Histopathology of the liver, kidney and pancreas showed ameliorative effect of the extract against the deleterious changes occasioned by the HFD and STZ induced diabetic state.ConclusionThese findings have provided scientific basis for the use ofS. jamaicensisin the treatment of diabetes mellitus in ethnomedicinal practices in Nigeria.
Intravitreal aflibercept following treat and extend protocol versus fixed protocol for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Abdin Alaa Din , Mohamed Asem , Munteanu Cristian , Weinstein Isabel , Langenbucher Achim , Seitz Berthold , Suffo Shady 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
To assess the morphological and functional outcome of intravitreal aflibercept following the treat and extend protocol compared to the fixed protocol for treatment of eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Methods
This retrospective study included 126 eyes of 113 patients with primary onset neovascular age-related macular degeneration who were followed for 12 months. All eyes were treated with 2 mg/0.05 mL aflibercept. All eyes received an upload with three monthly aflibercept injections. We subsequently studied two groups of eyes. For group 1, 54 eyes were treated following the treat and extend protocol. For group 2, 72 eyes were treated following the fixed protocol (fixed 2-monthly interval). Main outcome measures included: best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) and number of injections.

Results
BCVA (logMAR) in group 1 vs group 2 was (0.61 ± 0.3 vs 0.72 ± 0.3, p = 0.09) before treatment and (0.48 ± 0.3 vs 0.51 ± 0.3, p = 0.6) after one year of treatment. CMT in group 1 vs group 2 was (371 ± 101 μm vs 393 ± 116 μm, p = 0.5) before treatment and (284 ± 60 μm vs 290 ± 67 μm, p = 0.1) after one year of treatment. Number of injections/eye in group 1 vs group 2 was (8.5 ± 2.2 vs 7.0 ± 0, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Significant differences regarding BCVA and central macular thickness were not found between both treatment protocols during the first year of treatment using aflibercept. However, a significantly higher number of injections was needed for eyes in the treat and extend group during the first year of treatment. This might suggest that aflibercept should better not be extended past an 8 weeks interval during the first year of treatment.

Study registration
This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Association of Saarland, Germany (Nr. 123/20, Date: 16.06.2020). All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. This article does not contain any studies with animals performed by any of the authors.
Evaluation of microbial contamination on cuff syringe, cuff pressure gauge, and their surroundings in the operating room
Authors: Oishi Rieko , Nakamura Kiwamu , Yahagi Yoko , Ohashi Kazutaka , Takano Yukiko , Harada Rie , Obara Shinju , Inoue Satoki , Kanemitsu Keiji , Murakawa Masahiro 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Some institutions reuse cuff syringes and do not periodically sterilize cuff pressure gauges. Pathogenic bacterial contamination of such equipment may increase the probability of pathogen transmission to patients during anesthetic procedures. Therefore, microbial contamination on cuff syringes, cuff pressure gauges, and their surroundings was assessed in the operating rooms of a university-affiliated tertiary care hospital in Japan.

Methods
This study was conducted between April and May 2019 in 14 operating suites at a hospital. The following sites in each operating suite were sampled: cuff syringe (inner/outer components), outer components of cuff pressure gauge, cuff syringe and cuff pressure gauge storage drawers, and computer mice. The swabs were directly streaked onto agar plates and incubated. Then, the bacterial species were identified using mass spectrometry.

Results
The highest bacterial isolation was observed in computer mice, followed by the outside of cuff pressure gauges and the drawers of cuff pressure gauges (92.9, 78.6, and 64.3%, respectively). Most of the identified bacteria belonged to the Bacillus species, with colonization rates of 85.7, 57.1, and 57.1% on computer mice, cuff pressure gauges, and cuff pressure gauge storage drawers, respectively. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was found in 35.7% of the specimens and was more prevalent on computer mice (71.4%), followed by on cuff pressure gauges (64.3%).

Conclusion
Anesthesiologists should be aware of the possible pathogen contamination risk from cuff syringes, cuff pressure gauges, or associated equipment and take appropriate infection control measures to minimize the risk of pathogenic transmission.
Advances in liver US, CT, and MRI: moving toward the future
Authors: Vernuccio Federica , Cannella Roberto , Bartolotta Tommaso Vincenzo , Galia Massimo , Tang An , Brancatelli Giuseppe 
Published: December 2021

AbstractOver the past two decades, the epidemiology of chronic liver disease has changed with an increase in the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in parallel to the advent of curative treatments for hepatitis C. Recent developments provided new tools for diagnosis and monitoring of liver diseases based on ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as applied for assessing steatosis, fibrosis, and focal lesions. This narrative review aims to discuss the emerging approaches for qualitative and quantitative liver imaging, focusing on those expected to become adopted in clinical practice in the next 5 to 10 years. While radiomics is an emerging tool for many of these applications, dedicated techniques have been investigated for US (controlled attenuation parameter, backscatter coefficient, elastography methods such as point shear wave elastography [pSWE] and transient elastography [TE], novel Doppler techniques, and three-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasound [3D-CEUS]), CT (dual-energy, spectral photon counting, extracellular volume fraction, perfusion, and surface nodularity), and MRI (proton density fat fraction [PDFF], elastography [MRE], contrast enhancement index, relative enhancement, T1 mapping on the hepatobiliary phase, perfusion). Concurrently, the advent of abbreviated MRI protocols will help fulfill an increasing number of examination requests in an era of healthcare resource constraints.
Exploring meal frequency and vegetable intake among immigrants 70 years or older in Sweden
Authors: Johannesson Julie , Gustafsson Susanne , Slinde Frode , Rothenberg Elisabet 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Earlier research regarding immigrants has shown that lifestyle and environmental factors are of importance for the risk of developing certain diseases. Food habits are one of these factors. As there is little research concerning immigrants and food habits, the aim of the present paper was to explore food habits operationalised as meal frequency and vegetable intake among a group of older immigrants in Sweden. Specifically, the following questions were explored: changes in food habits when migrating, missing food from the native country, gender differences in food habits and association between food habits and self-rated health and well-being.

Method
A total of 131 persons from the health-promoting study “Promoting Aging Migrants’ Capabilities” (PAMC) conducted in Gothenburg, Sweden, 2011–2014, were included in this exploratory secondary analysis of questionnaire data. Participants were 70 years or older, cognitively intact, and living in ordinary housing. They had all migrated to Sweden from Finland or the Western Balkan Region (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia). Descriptive statistics as well as binary logistic regression were used to answer the research questions.

Results
Forty-eight percent of the participants in PAMC reported that they had changed their food habits when migrating, and 17% considered that they missed certain foods from their native country. Most of the participants migrated to Sweden more than 20 years ago. There was a significant difference in self-rated health in favour of the male participants (p = 0.02), but food habits, operationalised as meal frequency and vegetable intake, were not associated with self-rated health or life satisfaction.

Conclusion
Men rated their health as better than women did, but food habits operationalised as meal frequency or vegetable intake, were not associated with self-rated health or life satisfaction. Results from this secondary analysis were affected by methodological shortcomings. Further studies to understand the role of food habits in relation to health in a migration context are desired.
Trial registration: NCT01841853, Registered April 29, 2013. Retrospectively registered.
Cardiac hydatid cyst presenting as ventricular arrhythmia: a case report
Authors: Ameen Abdullah , Hilal Kiran , Shaikh Asra , Khan Faheemullah , Fatimi Saulat 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Hydatid disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus commonly involves the liver followed by lungs. Cardiac involvement is a rare occurrence and presents a challenging scenario.

Case presentation
Our case describes a middle-aged gentleman who presented to the emergency room with an episode of sudden loss of consciousness resulting from ventricular tachycardia. After successful cardiac resuscitation, the patient underwent imaging that showed a lesion compatible with hydatid cyst. Surgical treatment with pharmacologic coverage was provided which resulted in good clinical outcome.

Conclusions
The case highlights rare occurrence of isolated cardiac hydatid disease presenting as cardiac arrhythmia in contrast to its common routine outpatient presentation involving the liver and lungs. Good knowledge of the unusual presentations and its epidemiology is essential to the proper management of such patients.
Could potentially calprotectin be a promising biomarker to oracle biologic therapy response in rheumatoid arthritis?
Authors: El-Kady Rania Abd El-Hamid , Fathy Ayah , Othman Talaat , Hafez Eman 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe advent of novel biologic agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has proven to be highly productive. Nonetheless, high cost, side effects, and unresponsiveness to these agents dictates the assignment of biomarkers that can foretell treatment response. Currently, calprotectin (a member of the S100 protein family) is amongst the enormously studied candidates in this perspective. Yet, conflicting results have been published. The main purpose of this study was to explore the role of serum concentration of calprotectin to predict the response to biological therapy in RA patients, so as to customize RA treatment.ResultsBaseline serum calprotectin levels were significantly higher in RA patients compared to the control subjects (Pvalue < 0.001). After receiving biologic therapy, a remarkable reduction (P< 0.001) in serum calprotectin was noted in RA cohort. Moreover, no correlation was found between the 28 joint count disease activity score (DAS28) and serum calprotectin levels neither before or after biologics. Intriguingly, no statistically significant association was detected between circulating calprotectin level and response to biological therapy.ConclusionSerum calprotectin concentrations could not be used as a biomarker to forecast clinical response to biological therapy in RA patients. However, further studies involving larger cohort of RA patients should be carried out to deliver more insight in this regard.
A novel differential diagnosis for diffuse cavitating nodules: primary pulmonary plasmacytoma
Authors: Panduranga Shruthi , Kade Samson , Shivakumar Swarna , V Harisha , Mehta Ravindra M. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Extramedullary plasmacytoma is a rare monoclonal plasma cell neoplasm that originates from tissues other than the bone marrow and constitutes only 3%–5% of all plasma cell neoplasms. Most cases involve the upper respiratory tract. Extramedullary plasmacytoma involving the lung is extremely rare. Primary pulmonary plasmacytoma is a rare type of extramedullary plasmacytoma, usually presenting with a nodule or mass in hilar region. Literature search has shown very few cases of immunohistochemically confirmed cases of pulmonary plasmacytoma. Diffuse pulmonary infiltration is an unusual presentation.

Case presentation
We report the case of a 56 year old lady with history of cough and breathlessness since one month. Computed Tomography revealed diffusely scattered multiple cavitating nodules and consolidation in both lungs. Computed Tomography guided biopsy of one of the lung nodules was done. Histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry showed features of pulmonary plasmacytoma .This is an unique case of primary pulmonary plasmacytoma with the rare presentation as diffusely scattered multiple cavitating nodules and consolidation. According to our literature search, primary pulmonary plasmacytoma manifesting as cavitating nodules is being reported for the first time.

Conclusions
Primary pulmonary plasmacytoma should be also be considered in the differential diagnosis of multiple diffusely scattered cavitating lung nodules.
Effect of standardized post-coercion review on subjective coercion: Results of a randomized-controlled trial
Authors: Wullschleger A. , Vandamme A. , Mielau J. , Stoll L. , Heinz A. , Bermpohl F. , Bechdolf A. , Stelzig M. , Hardt O. , Hauth I. , Holthoff-Detto V. , Mahler L. , Montag C. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Post-coercion review has been increasingly regarded as a useful intervention in psychiatric inpatient setting. However, little is known about its effect on perceived coercion.

Methods
A multicenter, two-armed, randomized controlled trial was conducted, aiming at analyzing the effect of post-coercion review on perceived coercion. People with severe mental disorders, who experienced at least one coercive measure during inpatient treatment, were randomized using Zelen’s design to an intervention group receiving standardized post-coercion review, or a control group treated as usual. The MacArthur admission experience scale (AES) and the coercion ladder (CL) were used to assess perceived coercion during inpatient treatment. The coercion experience scale (CES) measured experienced coercion during the coercive intervention. Analyses of covariance were performed to determine group differences.

Results
Of 422 randomized participants, n = 109 consented to participate in the trial. A restricted intention-to-treat analysis of all individuals who consented revealed no significant effect of the intervention on perceived coercion. A significant interaction effect between the factors gender and intervention on the AES scores was found. Sensitivity analysis revealed significant effects of the intervention on both AES and CL scores and an interaction effect between intervention and gender, indicating a higher efficacy in women. No effect of the intervention on CES scores was found.

Conclusions
Standardized post-coercion review sessions did not alleviate the subjective perception of coercion in the total sample. However, post hoc analysis revealed a significant effect of the intervention in women. Results indicate the need to further address gender-specific issues related to coercion.
Οι οχυρώσεις ενός στρατηγικού Περάσματος
Authors: Καράμπελας Νίκος Δ. 
Published: December 2021

Το στόμιο του Αμβρακικού κόλπου σχηματίζει έναν οφιοειδή πορθμό μήκους 12 περίπου χιλιομέτρων, το πλάτος του οποίου κυμαίνεται από 600 μέτρα μέχρι 4.500 μέτρα. Το στενότερο σημείο του πορθμού αυτού χρησιμοποιήθηκε, όπως ήταν φυσικό και λογικό, από τον άνθρωπο ως τόπος διαπεραίωσης από τη μια ακτή στην άλλη˙ ως πέρασμα, πέραμα. Το πέραμα αυτό πήρε αυτονόητα το όνομα της χρήσης του, του περάσματος δηλαδή, στη γλώσσα που ήταν κοινή στην περιοχή την εποχή που ονοματίστηκε, τουτέστιν Πρέβεζα, το οποίο στα αρβανίτικα σημαίνει πέρασμα.Αλλαγή στον οικιστικό χάρτη της περιοχής επέφερε η οχύρωσή της ‒λίγα χρόνια μετά την κατάκτηση της περιοχής από τους Οθωμανούς, το 1463‒ με την κατασκευή, το 1478, ισχυρού κάστρου στην είσοδο του κόλπου, στη Μπούκα του κόλπου, ala bucca delo gulfo κατά του Βενετσιάνους, στο Πέρασμα, στην Πρέβεζα κατά τους Αρβανίτες.Στα άρθρο αναφέρονται έντεκα τουλάχιστον κάστρα/οχυρά που κατασκευάστηκαν μέσα σε τέσσερις αιώνες, από τα τέλη του 15ου μέχρι το τέλος του 19ου αιώνα, στην περιοχή της Πρέβεζας.
Στο σπίτι της ανέπνεε η άλλη Πρέβεζα
Authors: Νιάρχος Θανάσης 
Published: December 2021

Βιβλιοκριτκή για το βιβλίο του πρεβεζάνου συγγραφέα Σπύρου Μπρίκου, "Αγία Παπαλίνα η καλλονή"
Etienne Labranche και Κωνσταντίνος Α. Βλαστός Δύο πολεμικοί ανταποκριτές της Le Temps στην Πρέβεζα του 1912-13
Authors: Καράμπελας Νίκος Δ. 
Published: December 2021

Φωτογραφικό ντοκουμέντοο για την Πρέβεζα από του πολεμικούς ανταποκριοτές Etienne Labranche και Κωνσταντίνος Α. Βλαστός της Le Temps στην Πρέβεζα του 1912-13
Enhancement of pyocyanin production by subinhibitory concentration of royal jelly in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Amly Dina Auliya , Hajardhini Puspita , Jonarta Alma Linggar , Yulianto Heribertus Dedy Kusuma , Susilowati Heni 
Published: December 2021

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterium, produces pyocyanin, a virulence factor associated with antibiotic tolerance. High concentrations of royal jelly have an antibacterial effect, which may potentially overcome antibacterial resistance. However, in some cases, antibiotic tolerance can occur due to prolonged stress of low-dose antibacterial agents. This study aimed to investigate the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of royal jelly on bacterial growth, pyocyanin production, and biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa. Methods: Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145 and clinical isolates were cultured in a royal jelly-containing medium to test the antibacterial activity. Pyocyanin production was observed by measuring the absorbance at 690 nm after 36 h culture and determined using extinction coefficient 4310 M-1 cm-1. Static microtiter plate biofilm assay performed to detect the biofilm formation, followed by scanning electron microscopy. Results: Royal jelly effectively inhibited the viability of both strains from a concentration of 25%. The highest production of pyocyanin was observed in the subinhibitory concentration group 6.25%, which gradually decreased along with the decrease of royal jelly concentration. Results of one-way ANOVA tests differed significantly in pyocyanin production of the two strains between the royal jelly groups. Tukey HSD test showed concentrations of 12.5%, 6.25%, and 3.125% significantly increased pyocyanin production of ATCC 10145, and the concentrations of 12.5% and 6.25% significantly increased production of the clinical isolates. Concentrations of 12.5% and 6.125% significantly induced biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa ATCC 10145, in line with the results of the SEM analysis. Conclusions: The royal jelly concentration of 25% or higher inhibits bacterial growth; however, the subinhibitory concentration increases pyocyanin production and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. It is advisable to determine the appropriate concentration of royal jelly to obtain beneficial virulence inhibiting activity.