bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transpulmonary thermodilution in patients treated with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Loosen Gregor , Conrad Alice Marguerite , Hagman Michael , Essert Nils , Thiel Manfred , Luecke Thomas , Krebs Joerg 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
We tested the effect of different blood flow levels in the extracorporeal circuit on the measurements of cardiac stroke volume (SV), global end-diastolic volume index (GEDVI) and extravascular lung water index derived from transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) in 20 patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) treated with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Methods
Comparative SV measurements with transesophageal echocardiography and TPTD were performed at least 5 times during the treatment of the patients. The data were interpreted with a Bland–Altman analysis corrected for repeated measurements. The interchangeability between both measurement modalities was calculated and the effects of extracorporeal blood flow on SV measurements with TPTD was analysed with a linear mixed effect model. GEDVI and EVLWI measurements were performed immediately before the termination of the ECMO therapy at a blood flow of 6 l/min, 4 l/min and 2 l/min and after the disconnection of the circuit in 7 patients.

Results
170 pairs of comparative SV measurements were analysed. Average difference between the two modalities (bias) was 0.28 ml with an upper level of agreement of 40 ml and a lower level of agreement of -39 ml within a 95% confidence interval and an overall interchangeability rate between TPTD and Echo of 64%. ECMO blood flow did not influence the mean bias between Echo and TPTD (0.03 ml per l/min of ECMO blood flow; p = 0.992; CI − 6.74 to 6.81). GEDVI measurement was not significantly influenced by the blood flow in the ECMO circuit, whereas EVLWI differed at a blood flow of 6 l/min compared to no ECMO flow (25.9 ± 10.1 vs. 11.0 ± 4.2 ml/kg, p = 0.0035).

Conclusions
Irrespectively of an established ECMO therapy, comparative SV measurements with Echo and TPTD are not interchangeable.
Such caveats also apply to the interpretation of EVLWI, especially with a high blood flow in the extracorporeal circulation. In such situations, the clinician should rely on other methods of evaluation of the amount of lung oedema with the haemodynamic situation, vasopressor support and cumulative fluid balance in mind.
Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00021050). Registered 03/30/2020
https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00017237
Physical layer security transmission scheme based on artificial noise in cooperative SWIPT NOMA system
Authors: Jin Yong , Hu Zhentao , Xie Dongdong , Wu Guodong , Zhou Lin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAiming at high energy consumption and information security problem in the simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) multi-user wiretap network, we propose a user-aided cooperative non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) physical layer security transmission scheme to minimize base station (BS) transmitted power in this paper. In this scheme, the user near from BS is adopted as a friendly relay to improve performance of user far from BS. An energy harvesting (EH) technology-based SWIPT is employed at the near user to collect energy which can be used at cooperative stage. Since eavesdropper in the downlink of NOMA system may use successive interference cancellation (SIC) technology to obtain the secrecy information of receiver, to tackle this problem, artificial noise (AN) is used at the BS to enhance security performance of secrecy information. Moreover, semidefinite relaxation (SDR) method and successive convex approximation (SCA) technique are combined to solve the above non-convex problem. Simulation results show that in comparison with other methods, our method can effectively reduce the transmitted power of the BS on the constraints of a certain level of the secrecy rates of two users.
Fast ISP coding mode optimization algorithm based on CU texture complexity for VVC
Authors: Liu Zhi , Dong Mengjun , Guan Xiao Han , Zhang Mengmeng , Wang Ruoyu 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn lately published video coding standard Versatile Video Coding (VVC/ H.266), the intra sub-partitions (ISP) coding mode is proposed. It is efficient for frames with rich texture, but less efficient for frames that are very flat or constant. In this paper, by comparing and analyzing the rate distortion cost (RD-cost) of coding unit (CU) with different texture features for using and not using ISP(No-ISP) coding mode, it is observed that CUs with simple texture can skip ISP coding mode. Based on this observation, a fast ISP coding mode optimization algorithm based on CU texture complexity is proposed, which aims to determine whether a CU needs to use ISP coding mode in advance by calculating CU texture complexity, so as to reduce the computation complexity of ISP. The experimental results show that under All Intra (AI) configuration, the coding time can be reduced by 7%, while the BD rate only increase by 0.09%.
Efficacy and safety of clinically managed weight loss programs: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Cachero Katrina , Granger Matthew , Mollard Rebecca C. , Askin Nicole , Okoli George N. , Abou-Setta Ahmed M. , MacKay Dylan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Obesity has become a major driver in the burden of chronic diseases. The Canadian Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend a lifestyle intervention for the management and prevention of obesity. This includes behavior modification, dietary counseling, and physical activity. With the market overwhelmed with weight loss programs, the majority are focused on low-calorie diets and general recommendations for exercise. Most are not personalized and are not administered by healthcare professionals. An interdisciplinary team of highly trained healthcare professionals has the ability to provide medically sound and safe advice in all aspects of an individuals’ life, such as lifestyle, sleep, mental health, and behaviors. A clinically managed weight loss program is defined as a team including a dietitian, exercise professional, psychologist, and/or physician or nurse practitioner oversight. With limiting results in the literature regarding clinically managed weight loss programs, it is difficult to conclude whether it may be effective. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review is to assess clinically managed weight loss programs, with a physician or nurse practitioner oversight in comparison with non-clinically managed weight loss programs with no physician oversight or nurse practitioner oversight in adults who are living with overweight or obesity.

Methods
A literature search will be executed by a knowledge synthesis librarian on MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. The data collected will be extracted, stored, and managed in MS Excel 2016. The extraction of the data will include study details, study population details, health team details, intervention details, and outcome details.

Discussion
The prevalence of obesity has been increasing throughout the decades. The results from this systematic review may aid in recommending a more clinically safe weight loss program for those who struggle with overweight or obesity.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42020170014
Second-order impulsive differential systems with mixed and several delays
Authors: Santra Shyam Sundar , Ghosh Apurba , Bazighifan Omar , Khedher Khaled Mohamed , Nofal Taher A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this work, we present new necessary and sufficient conditions for the oscillation of a class of second-order neutral delay impulsive differential equations. Our oscillation results complement, simplify and improve recent results on oscillation theory of this type of nonlinear neutral impulsive differential equations that appear in the literature. An example is provided to illustrate the value of the main results.
Enhanced ceramides production by Lactobacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201 and its proposed mechanism
Authors: Kim Myun Soo , Lee Minjee , Oh Hanna , Seo Wonsang , Kim Gwang-Seob , Ban O-Hyun , Shin Minhye , Jung Young Hoon , Yang Jungwoo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe use of probiotics has been applied for a variety of fields (e.g., immune system, mental health, and heart). In this study, the feasibility of lysates from L. rhamnosus IDCC 3201 for cosmetic ingredients was evaluated. More specifically, enhanced ceramides production in human epidermal keratinocytes by the lysates and its proposed machanism were investigated through in vitro and genome analysis. In results, enhanced spingomyelinase activity and thereby increased ceramides production by the lysates from L. rhamnosus IDCC 3201 was observed. Furthermore, it was found that the existence of glucosylceramdase in L. rhamonsus IDCC 3201 was attributed to enhanced ceramides production. Finally, it was verified that the lysates from L. rhamonsus IDCC 3201 was regarded as safe for its use as cosmetic materials. Thus, these findings have significant implications that might lead to the development of functional and safe cosmetic products from probiotics.
Expanded adipose derived mesenchymal stromal cells are effective in treating chronic insertional patellar tendinopathy: clinical and MRI evaluations of a pilot study
Authors: Khoury Miguel A. , Chamari Karim , Tabben Montassar , Alkhelaifi Khalid , Ricardo Trueba , Damián Couto , D’hooghe Pieter 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Effect of ultrasound guided injections of autologous ASCs in chronic recalcitrant patellar tendinopathy.

Methods
Fourteen patients (16 knees, 12/2 males/females) with chronic, recalcitrant (unsuccessfully treated with nonoperative treatments) insertional PT underwent clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before intervention. Stromal vascular fraction cells (SVF) were expanded by in-vitro culture and characterized by flow cytometry. Players were injected with three bi-weekly injections of ASCs followed by physiotherapy. They underwent serial clinical evaluations during a 12-month period with repeated MRI at 6-month post-injection.

Results
Victorian Institute of sports assessment-patellar tendon questionnaire (VISA-P) scores improved from 43.8 ± 4.9 at baseline to 58.1 ± 7.1, 70.3 ± 7.9 and 78.7 ± 7.5 at 3, 6, and12months follow-up, respectively. (p = 0.0004 comparing each variable with the previous one). Mean Visual analogue pain in sports (VAS-sport) score during practice significantly decreased from 7.4 ± 0.5 at baseline to 5.2 ± 1.5 9 (p = 0.0005), 3.3 ± 1.1 (p = 0.0004) and 1.5 ± 0.7 (P = 0.0004) at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Mean Tegner-scores for patients were 8.0 ± 0.8 before injury and 2.3 ± 0.9 before treatment, thereafter, improving to 4.8 ± 0.8 and 7.2 ± 0.7 at 6- and 12- months, respectively (p = 0.0001). MRI assessed tendon width’ did not change over the first 6 months post-intervention. Significant changes were observed for: tendon thickness (12.8 ± 1.1 to 10.9 ± 0.7, P = 0.0001); tear length (9.3 ± 1.3 to 2.3 ± 0.7, P = 0.0001), tear width (6.3 ± 0.8 to 3.4 ± 0.4, P = 0.0001), and tear thickness (4.6 ± 0.4 to 2.6 ± 0., P = 0.0001) at baseline and 6 months, respectively.

Conclusion
Patients with recalcitrant insertional PT showed significant clinical improvement and structural repair at the patellar insertional tendinopathy after injections of autologous ASCs. Results of this study are promising and open a new biological therapeutic modality to treat PT.
Improving the oral health of older people in care homes (TOPIC): a protocol for a feasibility study
Authors: Tsakos Georgios , Brocklehurst Paul R. , Watson Sinead , Verey Anna , Goulden Nia , Jenkins Alison , Hoare Zoe , Pye Kirstie , Wassall Rebecca R. , Sherriff Andrea , Heilmann Anja , O’Neill Ciaran , Smith Craig J. , Langley Joe , Venturelli Renato , Cairns Peter , Lievesley Nat , Watt Richard G. , Kee Frank , McKenna Gerald 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Evidence for interventions promoting oral health amongst care home residents is weak. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline NG48 aims to maintain and improve the oral health of care home residents. A co-design process that worked with residents and care home staff to understand how the NG48 guideline could be best implemented in practice has been undertaken to refine a complex intervention. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of the intervention to inform a future larger scale definitive trial.

Methods
This is a protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial with a 12-month follow-up that will be undertaken in 12 care homes across two sites (six in London, six in Northern Ireland). Care homes randomised to the intervention arm (n = 6) will receive the complex intervention based on the NG48 guideline, whilst care homes randomised to the control arm (n = 6) will continue with routine practice. The intervention will include a training package for care home staff to promote knowledge and skills in oral health promotion, the use of the Oral Health Assessment Tool on residents by trained care home staff, and a ‘support worker assisted’ daily tooth-brushing regime with toothpaste containing 1500 ppm fluoride. An average of ten residents, aged 65 years or over who have at least one natural tooth, will be recruited in each care home resulting in a recruited sample of 120 participants. Assessments will be undertaken at baseline, 6 months and 12 months, and will include a dental examination and questionnaires on general health and oral health administered by a research assistant. A parallel process evaluation involving semi-structured interviews will be undertaken to explore how the intervention could be embedded in standard practice. Rates of recruitment and retention, and intervention fidelity will also be recorded. A cost-consequence model will determine the relevance of different outcome measures in the decision-making context.

Discussion
The study will provide valuable information for trialists, policymakers, clinicians and care home staff on the feasibility and associated costs of oral health promotion in UK care homes.

Trial registration
ISRCTN10276613. Registered on 17th April 2020. http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN10276613.
The development and validation of a prognostic model to PREDICT Relapse of depression in adult patients in primary care: protocol for the PREDICTR study
Authors: Moriarty Andrew S. , Paton Lewis W. , Snell Kym I. E. , Riley Richard D. , Buckman Joshua E. J. , Gilbody Simon , Chew-Graham Carolyn A. , Ali Shehzad , Pilling Stephen , Meader Nick , Phillips Bob , Coventry Peter A. , Delgadillo Jaime , Richards David A. , Salisbury Chris , McMillan Dean 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Most patients who present with depression are treated in primary care by general practitioners (GPs). Relapse of depression is common (at least 50% of patients treated for depression will relapse after a single episode) and leads to considerable morbidity and decreased quality of life for patients. The majority of patients will relapse within 6 months, and those with a history of relapse are more likely to relapse in the future than those with no such history. GPs see a largely undifferentiated case-mix of patients, and once patients with depression reach remission, there is limited guidance to help GPs stratify patients according to risk of relapse. We aim to develop a prognostic model to predict an individual’s risk of relapse within 6–8 months of entering remission. The long-term objective is to inform the clinical management of depression after the acute phase.

Methods
We will develop a prognostic model using secondary analysis of individual participant data drawn from seven RCTs and one longitudinal cohort study in primary or community care settings. We will use logistic regression to predict the outcome of relapse of depression within 6–8 months. We plan to include the following established relapse predictors in the model: residual depressive symptoms, number of previous depressive episodes, co-morbid anxiety and severity of index episode. We will use a “full model” development approach, including all available predictors. Performance statistics (optimism-adjusted C-statistic, calibration-in-the-large, calibration slope) and calibration plots (with smoothed calibration curves) will be calculated. Generalisability of predictive performance will be assessed through internal-external cross-validation. Clinical utility will be explored through net benefit analysis.

Discussion
We will derive a statistical model to predict relapse of depression in remitted depressed patients in primary care. Assuming the model has sufficient predictive performance, we outline the next steps including independent external validation and further assessment of clinical utility and impact.

Study registration
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04666662
Small-scale spatial genetic structure of Asarum sieboldii metapopulation in a valley
Authors: Jeong Hyeon Jin , Kim Jae Geun 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Asarum sieboldii Miq., a species of forest understory vegetation, is an herbaceous perennial belonging to the family Aristolochiaceae. The metapopulation of A. sieboldii is distributed sparsely and has a short seed dispersal distance by ants as their seed distributor. It is known that many flowers of A. sieboldii depend on self-fertilization. Because these characteristics can affect negatively in genetic structure, investigating habitat structure and assessment of genetic structure is needed. A total of 27 individuals in a valley were sampled for measuring genetic diversity, genetic distance, and genetic differentiation by RAPD-PCR.

Results
The habitat areas of A. sieboldii metapopulation were relatively small (3.78~33.60 m2) and population density was very low (five to seven individuals in 20×20 m quadrat). The habitat of A. sieboldii was a very shady (relative light intensity = 0.9%) and mature forest with a high evenness value (J = 0.81~0.99) and a low dominance value (D = 0.19~0.28). The total genetic diversity of A. sieboldii was quite high (h = 0.338, I = 0.506). A total of 33 band loci were observed in five selected primers, and 31 band loci (94%) were polymorphic. However, genetic differentiation along the valley was highly progressed (Gst = 0.548, Nm = 0.412). The average genetic distance between subpopulations was 0.387. The results of AMOVA showed 52.77% of variance occurs among populations, which is evidence of population structuring.

Conclusions
It is expected that a small-scale founder effect had occurred, an individual spread far from the original subpopulation formed a new subpopulation. However, geographical distance between individuals would have been far and genetic flow occurred only within each subpopulation because of the low density of population. This made significant genetic distance between the original and new population by distance. Although genetic diversity of A. sieboldii metapopulation is not as low as concerned, the subpopulation of A. sieboldii can disappear by stochastic events due to small subpopulation size and low density of population. To prevent genetic isolation and to enhance the stable population size, conservative efforts such as increasing the size of each subpopulation or the connection between subpopulations are needed.
Association of Helicobacter pylori infection with coronary artery disease: is it an independent risk factor?
Authors: Riad Mohamed 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a dilemma and a serious cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Since CAD has been seen in people without the conventional risk factors like smoking, diabetes, and hypertension, the infectious theory being a risk factor has arisen.

Main body
Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is the most common infection affecting the vast majority of the population worldwide. HP grows in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and responsible for chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric adenocarcinoma, and gastric lymphoma. A review of medical literature mainly PubMed has revealed several studies reporting that HP pathogenesis extends beyond the GIT to be a predisposing factor for atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, thrombosis, and CAD. However, it remains a controversial issue that warrants extensive research.

Conclusion
This article gives insight into the diversity of opinions, evidence, and theories regarding the association between HP infection and CAD. The idea that CAD may be managed with antibiotics in certain patients seems to be creative and inspiring. More research is mandatory to either verify or reject this proposed correlation with strong scientific evidence and also to demonstrate the implications of the results on CAD management and outcome.
Balloon tracheoplasty for tracheal stenosis after prolonged intubation: a simple procedure, but is it effective?
Authors: Nosair Abdallah , Singer Mahmoud , Elkahely Mohamed , Abu-Gamila Rezk , Adel Waleed 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundTracheal stenosis following prolonged intubation is a relatively rare but serious problem. This condition is usually managed by surgical or endoscopic interventions. Bronchoscopic balloon dilatation for tracheal stenosis is considered a valuable tool used for the management of tracheal stenosis. In this article, we try to evaluate the role of balloon tracheoplasty in the management of tracheal stenosis and to assess the number of dilatation sessions usually needed as well as the short to midterm outcome.ResultsThis study involved 40 patients with tracheal stenosis diagnosed by computed tomography (neck and chest) and bronchoscopy at the Security Force Hospital in Riyadh, KSA, between January 2013 and August 2018. Patients’ data were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Patients’ age ranged between 18 and 60 years. Thirty patients were males (75%); those patients underwent balloon tracheoplasty via dilatation of areas of narrowing using catheter balloon insufflation guided by fiber-optic bronchoscope. Ninety-five percent of the patients had initial success with acceptable dilatation of the stenotic area and improvement of the symptoms. There were no technical or major problems which resulted from the procedure, and no patient complained of severe pain or severe discomfort after the procedure. From the total of 81 BBD sessions, no in-hospital mortality is related to the procedure itself, and ICU stay ranged between 1 and 5 days post-procedure. Among those 40 patients, 16 patients (40%) needed one session, 10 patients (25%) needed two sessions, 8 patients (20%) needed three sessions, and 6 patients (15%) needed more than three sessions of balloon dilatation.ConclusionBalloon tracheoplasty is a simple, safe method and could be a promising and effective approach that offers immediate symptomatic relief for tracheal stenosis in cases with a history of prolonged intubation. It is worth mentioning that BBD is considered as a temporary measure, and most of the cases will need definitive or additional treatment either resection or stent placement.