bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Initial Ablation Ratio Predicts Volume Reduction and Retreatment After 5 Years From Radiofrequency Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Bernardi Stella , Cavallaro Marco , Colombin Giacomo , Giudici Fabiola , Zuolo Giulia , Zdjelar Adrian , Dobrinja Chiara , De Manzini Nicolò , Zanconati Fabrizio , Cova Maria Assunta , Stacul Fulvio , Fabris Bruno 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) has gained ground as an effective and well-tolerated technique to treat benign thyroid nodules. Most of the available studies have described the short-term outcomes of RFA, whereas there is a limited number of studies evaluating long-term issues, such as regrowth and the likelihood of retreatments. In addition, risk markers of regrowth and retreatment remain to be defined. The initial ablation ratio (IAR) is an index that measures the amount of ablation after RFA, which has been associated with technique efficacy (i.e. volume reduction &gt;50% after 1 year from the procedure). This study aimed at evaluating i) IAR reproducibility and ii) IAR predictive value for RFA 5-year outcomes.Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective single center study on patients with benign thyroid nodules treated with RFA and followed for 5 years after initial treatment. IAR interobserver reproducibility was evaluated with Bland-Altman method and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (ρc). IAR predictive value for RFA 5-year outcomes was evaluated with linear and logistic regression models, as well as with Cox models, while receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used for cut-offs.ResultsWe selected 78 patients with 82 benign thyroid nodules. The procedure significantly reduced nodule volume and this reduction was generally maintained over time. Technique efficacy was achieved in 92% of patients, while 23% of nodules regrew and 12% of nodules were retreated. Median IAR was 83%. Lin’s concordance and Pearson’s correlation coefficients suggested a good interobserver reproducibility of this index, consistent with the limits of agreement of the Bland-Altman plot. IAR was significantly associated with technique efficacy, 1- and 5-year volume reduction ratio, and with the likelihood of a retreatment, but not with nodule regrowth. ROC analyses showed that IAR cut-off was 49% for technique efficacy and 73% for retreatment.ConclusionsOur results show for the first time that IAR is reproducible and that it predicts the volume reduction and the likelihood of a retreatment after 5 years from RFA.
Switching From Immediate-Release to Fractionated Dual-Release Hydrocortisone May Improve Metabolic Control and QoL in Selected Primary Adrenal Insufficiency Patients
Authors: Delle Cese Francesca , Corsello Andrea , Cintoni Marco , Locantore Pietro , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Corsello Salvatore Maria , Paragliola Rosa Maria 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveThe use of once-daily dual-release HC (DR-HC) in primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is often associated with benefits in metabolic parameters when compared to immediate-release HC (IR-HC). In this study, we evaluated the effects on clinical, biochemical and metabolic parameters of switching from IR-HC to lower-dose DR-HC given both in once and fractionated daily doses.MethodsTwenty autoimmune-PAI subjects were included. Patients on 30 mg/day divided in three doses IR-HC regimen (group A) were switched to DR-HC 25 mg/day given in two daily doses (20 mg in the morning and 5 mg at 2.00 p.m.); patients on 25 mg/day divided in two doses IR-HC regimen (group B) were switched to DR-HC 20 mg once daily. Biochemical and metabolic parameters, BMI and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated at the baseline and six months after the switch.ResultsOur small non-randomized study with short follow up showed significant benefits in both group A and group B without any apparent side-effects. After the switch to DR-HC, a significant decrease in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, cholesterol, BMI as well as a significant improvement in QoL, were observed in both groups. At 6 months, ACTH levels were lower in group A while HbA1C and total cholesterol were lower in group B.ConclusionThe DR-HC is a valid and effective therapeutic strategy to improve the metabolic control and the QoL in PAI. The reduction of ACTH levels with DR-HC regimens reflects a better biochemical control of PAI, obtained by using a lower dose and more physiological HC formulation. Both once-daily and fractionated daily doses of DR-HC showed advantages compared with IR-HC formulation.
Anti-TIF-1γ Antibody Detection Using a Commercial Kit vs In-House Immunoblot: Usefulness in Clinical Practice
Authors: Mariscal Anaís , Milán Milena , Baucells Andrés , Martínez Maria Angeles , Guillen Andrea Garcia , Trallero-Araguás Ernesto , Alvarado-Cardenas Marcelo , Martínez-Martínez Laura , Alserawan Leticia , Franco-Leyva Teresa , Sanz-Martínez María Teresa , Viñas-Giménez Laura , Corominas Hector , Juárez Cándido , Castellví Iván , Selva-O’Callaghan Albert 
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesAnti-TIF-1γ autoantibody detection is important for cancer screening in patients with dermatomyositis. The gold standard for anti-TIF-1γ detection, immunoprecipitation, is only available from a few specialized laboratories worldwide, so commercial ELISA/immunoblot tests have emerged in recent years. To analyze their usefulness in diagnosing cancer-associated dermatomyositis, we compared Euroimmun Euroline profile with our previously validated in-house immunoblot assay with human recombinant TIF-1γ.MethodsWe included 308 adult patients from Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau and Vall Hebrón Hospital (Barcelona, Spain) tested for anti-TIF-1γ autoantibodies using the Euroline profile and an in-house immunoblot assay.ResultsA total of 27 anti-TIF-1γ were detected by the Euroline and 12 by the in-house assay. Fair agreement was observed between Euroline and the in-house immunoblot Cohen’s kappa 0.3163. Expected prevalence of anti-TIF-1γ autoantibodies was observed for the two methods for dermatomyositis and undifferentiated connective tissue diseases, but unexpectedly high prevalence of anti-TIF-1γ autoantibodies was detected by Euroline compared to the in-house immunoblot for other diseases (16.5% Euroline vs 0.8% in-house immunoblot, p&lt;0.01). The in-house IB compared to Euroline more reliably detected cancer in patients with DM with anti-TIF-1γ antibodies (p=0.0014 vs p=0.0502 for in-house immunoblot vs Euroline).ConclusionWe recommend using a second validated method to confirm Euroline-detected anti-TIF-1γ antibodies when the dermatomyositis diagnosis is not definitive. Furthermore, in the context of definite DM diagnosis with negative anti-TIF-1γ antibodies by Euroline and no other myositis specific antibody, is also recommendable to confirm by a second validated method.
Distorted Optic Nerve Portends Neurological Complications in Infants With External Hydrocephalus
Authors: Serlin Yonatan , Ben-Arie Gal , Lublinsky Svetlana , Flusser Hagit , Friedman Alon , Shelef Ilan 
Published: February 2021

Background: Benign external hydrocephalus (BEH) is defined by rapid increase in head circumference in infancy, with neuroimaging evidence of enlarged cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces. BEH was postulated to predispose to subdural hematoma, neurocognitive impairments, and autism. There is currently no consensus on BEH diagnostic criteria and no biomarkers to predict neurological sequalae.Methods: MRI-based quantitative approach was used for measurement of potential imaging markers related to external hydrocephalus and their association with neurological outcomes. We scanned 23 infants diagnosed with BEH and 11 age-similar controls. Using anatomical measurements from a large sample of healthy infants (n = 150), Z-scores were calculated to classify subject's CSF spaces as enlarged (≥1.96SD of mean values) or normal.Results: Subjects with abnormally enlarged CSF spaces had a significantly wider and longer ON (p = 0.017 and p = 0.020, respectively), and a significantly less tortuous ON (p = 0.006). ON deformity demonstrated a high diagnostic accuracy for abnormally enlarged frontal subarachnoid space (AUC = 0.826) and interhemispheric fissure (AUC = 0.833). No significant association found between enlarged CSF spaces and neurological complications (OR = 0.330, 95%CI 0.070–1.553, p = 0.161). However, cluster analysis identified a distinct subgroup of children (23/34, 67.6%) with enlarged CSF spaces and a wider, longer and less tortuous ON, to have an increased risk for neurological complications (RR = 7.28, 95%CI 1.07–49.40).Discussion: This is the first report on the association between external hydrocephalus, ON deformity and neurological complications. Our findings challenge the current view of external hydrocephalus as a benign condition. ON deformity is a potential auxiliary marker for risk stratification in patients with enlarged CSF spaces.
Access to Essential Cardiovascular Medicines in Pakistan: A National Survey on the Availability, Price, and Affordability, Using WHO/HAI Methodology
Authors: Saeed Amna , Saeed Faria , Saeed Hamid , Saleem Zikria , Yang Caijun , Chang Jie , Jiang Minghuan , Zhao Mingyue , Saqlain Muhammad , Ji Wenjing , Aziz Muhammad Majid , Lambojon Krizzia , Gillani Ali Hassan , Hayat Khezar , Gul Sabiha , Fang Yu , Babar Zaheer-Ud-Din 
Published: February 2021

Objective: This national survey was aimed at measuring the access to cardiovascular disease (CVD) medicines in terms of their availability, price, and affordability in Pakistan. This was done by using the standard WHO/Health Action International (HAI) methodology.Methods: The price and availability data for 18 CVD medicines were collected from public sector hospitals (n = 40) and private sector retail pharmacies (n = 40) in eight cities of Pakistan. The outcome measures were availability (calculated as percentage of health facilities stocked with listed medicines), medicine price to the international reference price ratio (i.e., median price ratio (MPR)), and affordability (calculated as number of days’ wages (NDWs) of the lowest paid unskilled government worker required to afford one-month treatment of a chronic disease). The affordability of standard treatment in Pakistan with four CVD drugs was compared with data from six other low and middle income countries (LMICs) using HAI database.Findings: The mean percent availability of CVD medicines was significantly low (p &lt; 0.001) in the public sector as compared to the private sector, that is, 25.5% vs. 54.6% for originator brands (OBs) and 30.4% vs. 34.9% for lowest price generics (LPGs), respectively. For all OBs and LPGs, the inflation-adjusted mean MPR was 2.72 and 1, respectively. CVD medicines were found to be unaffordable with average NDWs of 6.4 and 2.2 for OBs and LPGs, respectively, that is, NDWs of more than 1. In international comparison with countries such as Sudan, Lebanon, Egypt, India, Afghanistan, and China, the affordability of standard treatment with selected CVD medicines (atenolol, amlodipine, captopril, and simvastatin) in Pakistan was found to be low. Overall, all four OBs and three out of four LPGs of selected CVD drugs were found unaffordable in Pakistan.Conclusion: This data indicated that the availability of selected CVD medicines was low in both public and private sector medicine outlets. Both OBs and LPGs were found unaffordable in the private sector, necessitating the redressal of pricing policies, structuring, and their implementation.
Antibacterial Activities of Echinops kebericho Mesfin Tuber Extracts and Isolation of the Most Active Compound, Dehydrocostus Lactone
Authors: Deyno Serawit , Mtewa Andrew G. , Hope Derick , Bazira Joel , Makonnen Eyasu , Alele Paul E. 
Published: February 2021

Echinops keberichoMesfin is traditionally used for the treatment of various infectious diseases. This study investigated antibacterial activity of the essential oil (EO) and the different fractions of ethanol extract. The most active component was isolated and identified. Isolation and purification was accomplished using chromatographic techniques while identification was done by spectroscopic method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the broth micro-dilution method. In bioactive-guided isolation, percent inhibition was determined using optical density (OD) measurement. The MICs of the essential oil ranged from 78.125 μg/ml to 625 μg/ml, and its activity was observed against methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA, NCTC 12493). Ethyl acetate fraction showed high activity against MRSA (NCTC 12493), MIC = 39.075 μg/ml followed byEnterococcus faecalis(ATCC 49532), MIC = 78.125 μg/ml and was least active againstKlebsiella pneumoniae(ATCC 700603), MIC = 1,250 μg/ml. MIC of hexane fraction ranged from 156.2 µg/ml toEscherichia coli(ATCC 49532) to 1,250 μg/ml toE. coli(NCTC 11954). The MICs of chloroform fraction ranged from 312.5 to 2500 μg/ml; while butanol fraction could be considered pharmacologically inactive as its MIC value was 2,500 μg/ml for all and no activity againstE. coli(NCTC 11954). Dehydrocostus lactone was successfully isolated and identified whose MIC was 19.53 μg/ml against MRSA. Dehydrocostus lactone isolated fromE. keberichoM. showed noteworthy antibacterial activity which lends support to ethnopharmacological use of the plant. Further optimization should be done to improve its antibacterial activities and pharmacokinetic profile.
On the Relationship of Interoceptive Accuracy and Attention: A Controlled Study With Depressed Inpatients and a Healthy Cohort
Authors: Schultchen Dana , Schneider Carolin , Berberich Götz , Zaudig Michael , Erle Thorsten M. , Pollatos Olga 
Published: February 2021

ObjectivePrevious research has shown reduced interoceptive accuracy (IAcc) in depression. Attention deficit represents a key symptom of depression. Moreover, IAcc is positively correlated with attention. There is no study that investigates the effect of depression on IAcc and attention. The aim of this study is to examine the mediating effect of IAcc on depression and attention.MethodsThirty-six depressed patients from the Psychosomatic Clinic in Windach were matched with 36 healthy controls according to age and sex and were assessed at Ulm University. All participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the heartbeat perception task to examine IAcc, and the d2 test assessing selective attention.ResultsDepressed patients showed attention deficits—both for general visual attention and IAcc—compared to healthy controls. The mediation analyses revealed that the relationship between depression and attention is not mediated via IAcc. Furthermore, depression predicts IAcc and attention, but these effects are direct and largely unaffected by the respective other variable.DiscussionThe results of the present study highlight both interoceptive as well as attention deficits in depressed patients. No clear mediation between these variables could be shown in this study. More elaborative research is needed to clarify whether different approaches to improve IAcc are effective for these deficits in depressed patients and could therefore be of importance as an additional aspect of therapy in depression.
Less Social Support for Patients With COVID-19: Comparison With the Experience of Nurses
Authors: Li Zhenyu , Ge Jingwu , Feng Jianping , Jiang Riyue , Zhou Qin , Xu Xiaolin , Pan Yinbing , Liu Shijiang , Gui Bo , Wang Zhongyun , Zhu Bin , Hu Yimin , Yang Jianjun , Wang Rong , Su Dongan , Hashimoto Kenji , Yang Meiling , Yang Chun , Liu Cunming 
Published: February 2021

Context: Since December 2019, more than 80,000 patients have been diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China. Social support status of COVID-19 patients, especially the impact of social support on their psychological status and quality of life, needs to be addressed with increasing concern.Objectives: In this study, we used social support rating scale (SSRS) to investigate the social support in COVID-19 patients and nurses.Methods: The present study included 186 COVID-19 patients at a Wuhan mobile cabin hospital and 234 nurses at a Wuhan COVID-19 control center. Responses to a mobile phone app-based questionnaire about social support, anxiety, depression, and quality of life were recorded and evaluated.Results: COVID-19 patients scored significantly lower than nurses did on the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Among these patients, 33.9% had anxiety symptoms, while 23.7% had depression symptoms. Overall SSRS, subjective social support scores and objective support scores of patients with anxiety were lower than those of patients without anxiety. This result was also found in depression. In addition, all dimensions of social support were positively correlated with quality of life. Interestingly, in all dimensions of social support, subjective support was found to be an independent predictive factor for anxiety, depression, and quality of life, whereas objective support was a predictive factor for quality of life, but not for anxiety and depression via regression analysis.Conclusion: Medical staffs should pay attention to the subjective feelings of patients and make COVID-19 patients feel respected, supported, and understood from the perspective of subjective support, which may greatly benefit patients, alleviate their anxiety and depression, and improve their quality of life.
Summary of the Experience in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Complex Preauricular Fistulas in 78 Children
Authors: Xu Ying , Seng Dongjie , Jiang Lan , Wang Shengcai , Ni Xin , Zhang Jie , Han Fugen 
Published: February 2021

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the application of mini-incisions in complex preauricular fistula resection in children.Methods: A total of 78 children who were diagnosed with preauricular fistula infection between January 2017 and December 2019 were included in the study. Their clinical data were analyzed retrospectively, and surgical treatment with mini-incisions based on plastic surgery principles and techniques was provided.Results: All the patients achieved healing following the first application of the treatment. The patients were followed up for 6–42 months, and no recurrence or local auricular deformation occurred.Conclusion: The application of mini-incisions and plastic surgery techniques in complex preauricular fistula resection in children can achieve a good effect and improve the satisfaction of the children and their parents.
Christian Faith and Resilience: Implications for Social Work Practice
Authors: Bauer Sandy , Campbell Caroline 
Published: February 2021

This scoping review was undertaken to understand the current intersection of resilience, Christian faith, and social work practice in the professional literature. Five prominent themes emerged that included characteristics of resilience, cultural and communal resilience, spiritual practices, positive and negative spiritual/religious coping, and social work practice principles.
Implications for practice and research are discussed with an emphasis on building the knowledge and literature on Christian spirituality and resilience within the social work field beyond a conceptual understanding.
НОВІ НАНОКОМПОЗИТИ НА МІДНІЙ ОСНОВІ, АРМОВАНІ ВУГЛЕЦЕВИМИ НАНОТРУБКАМИ
Authors: Roslyk Iryna 
Published: February 2021

Мета - отримання методами порошкової металургії композитного матеріалу на основі міді з додаванням у якості армуючого компоненту вуглецевих нанотрубок та дослідження структури цього матеріалу. Методика. Дослідні зразки виготовляли з порошку міді марки ПМС-1 (ГОСТ 4960-2009) фракції менше 45 мкм. В якості армуючого компонента використані багатостінні ВНТ діаметром від 8 до 28 нм, , які були отримані CVD методом. Вуглецеві нанотрубки додавали в шихту у кількості 0,08 мас. % у стані суспензії в розчині полівінілового спирту та додатковою обробкою ультразвуком упродовж 15 хвилин при частоті коливань 14,1 кГц. Приготовлену суміш просушували при температурі 150 °С для виділення зайвої вологи. Зразки для досліджень виготовляли у вигляді таблеток діаметром 12 мм і висотою 6 мм однобічним пресуванням з подальшим спіканням у атмосфері водню. Дослідні зразки виготовляли за двома технологічними схемами, які включали двократне пресування та спікання. При другому спіканні за схемою 1 температура складала 950 °С, а за схемою 2 температура була більш висока , а саме 1050 °С. Дослідження структурних характеристик порошку міді виконані з використання електронного скануючого мікроскопу (Tescan Mira 3 LMU). Для визначення елементного складу зразків використовували метод енергодисперсійної спектроскопії з використання систем локального аналізу (ЕДС), використовували детектор випромінювання «X-max 80» ("Oxford Instruments" Англія).Результати. Експериментально встановлено, що спосіб додавання ВНТ до порошку міді шляхом рідкофазного змішування в розчині полівінілового спирту та обробкою суспензії ультразвуком сприяє рівномірному розподілу ВНТ в об’ємі спеченого матеріалу. Вуглецеві нанотрубки після спікання розташовуються в мідній матриці по границях зерен та в порах, переважно у вигляді скупчень. Високотемпературне друге спікання при температурі, наближеної до температури плавлення міді, призводить до зниження пористості спеченого матеріалу з мікроструктурою, що відповідає структурі дисперснозміцнених композитів. В мідній матриці рівномірно розташовані пори, які заповнені скупченнями ВНТ.Наукова новизна. Вперше встановлено, що спосіб обробки ультразвуком суспензії ВНТ в розчині полівінілового спирту під час приготування шихти перед пресуванням та застосування другого високотемпературного спікання при температурі наближеної до температури плавлення металу-матриці призводить до утворення структури, яка характерна дисперсно-зміцненим матеріалам. Практична цінність. Результати роботи можуть бути використані для виготовлення матеріалів електротехнічного призначення.
МІЦНІСТЬ ПІЩАНО-РІДКОСКЛЯНИХ СУМІШЕЙ, ЩО СТРУКТУРУВАЛИ ПАРО-МІКРОХВИЛЬОВОЮ ОБРОБКОЮ
Authors: Solonenko Lyudmila , Repyakh Sergei 
Published: February 2021

Мета. Встановлення закономірностей впливу умов плакування кварцового піску рідким склом, параметрів паро-мікрохвильового затвердіння і терміну зберігання суміші на величину її межі міцності при стисненні в структурованому стані.Методика. У дослідженнях використовували кварцовий пісок з вмістом глинистої складової не більше 0,5% за масою і переважним розміром піщинок 0,23 мм, плакований содовим натрієвим рідким склом з силікатним модулем 2,8...3,0 і питомою щільністю 1,43...1,46 г/см3. Для визначення навантаження руйнування структурованих сумішей при стисканні за способом паро-мікрохвильового затвердіння виготовляли зразки розмірами Ø 50×50 мм і Ø 30×30 мм. Випробування зразків проводили на приладі LRu-2e. Температуру сумішей вимірювали з похибкою ±1 °С.Результати. Встановлено, що межа міцності при стисненні в результаті тривалого зберігання плакованого піску навіть в герметично закритій тарі зменшується в 2...3 рази в порівнянні з свіжовиготовленою сумішшю, що, ймовірно, обумовлено частковою карбонізацією рідкого скла в плакованому шарі. Рекомендовано для структурування піщано-рідкоскляної суміші за способом паро-мікрохвильового затвердіння використовувати свіжовиготовлений плакований кварцовий пісок з температурою 20...26 °С. При цьому для плакування натрієвим рідким склом рекомендовано використовувати кварцовий пісок з вмістом води до 0,2 % (за масою) та вмістом вологи в затверділому рідкому склі не більше 2...3 % від маси гідратованого силікату натрію. Наведені описи та аналіз встановлених закономірностей.Наукова новизна. Вперше встановлено, що плакування кварцового піску рідким склом для його подальшого структурування способом паро-мікрохвильового затвердіння слід здійснювати при утриманні в піску вологи не більше 0,2 % (за масою) з наступним сушінням піску до вмісту вологи в затверділому рідкому склі не більше 2...3 % від маси гідратованого силікату натрію.Практична цінність. Отримані дані будуть корисними в ливарному виробництві, а саме в області формоутворення піщано-рідкоскляних сумішей.