bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of obesity on perioperative and postoperative outcomes after elective endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
Authors: Gurkan Selami , Gur Ozcan , Sahin Ayhan , Donbaloglu Mehmet 
Published: December 2021

Background Obesity is a common and growing health problem in vascular surgery patients, as it is in all patient groups. Evidence regarding body mass index (BMI) on endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) outcomes is not clear in the literature. We aimed to determine the impact of obesity on perioperative and midterm outcomes of elective EVAR between obese and non-obese patients. Methods Under a retrospective study design, a total of 120 patients (109 males, 11 females, mean age: 74.45 ± 8.59 (53–92 years)) undergoing elective EVAR between June 2012 and May 2020 were reviewed. Patients were stratified into two groups: obese (defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2) and non-obese (mean BMI < 30 kg/m2 (32.25 ± 1.07 kg/m2 vs 25.85 ± 2.69 kg/m2)). Results Of the 120 patients included in the study, 81 (67.5%) were defined as “nonobese,” while 39 (32.5%) were obese. The mean BMI of the study group was 27.93 ± 3.78 kg/m2. In obese patients, the procedure time, fluoroscopy time, and dose area product (DAP) values were longer than those of non-obese patients: 89.74 ± 20.54 vs 79.69 ± 28.77 min ( p = 0.035), 33.23 ± 10.14 vs 38.17 ± 8.61 min ( p = 0.01) and 133.69 ± 58.17 vs 232.56 ± 51.87 Gy.cm2 ( p < 0.001). Although there was no difference in sac shrinkage at 12-month follow-up, there was a significant decrease at 6-month follow-up in both groups ( p = 0.017). Endoleak occurred in 17.9% ( n = 7) of the obese group versus 11.1% ( n = 9) of the non-obese group ( p = 0.302). Iliac branch occlusion developed in four patients, 3 (3.7%) in the non-obese group and 1 (2.6%) in the obese group ( p = 0.608). The all-cause mortality rate was slightly higher in the obese group; however, it did not differ between the groups ( p = 0.463). Conclusion In addition to the longer procedure times, fluoroscopy times, and DAP values in obese patients, regardless of obesity, significant sac shrinkage in the first 6 months of follow-up was observed in both groups. No difference was documented with regards to mortality or morbidity following EVAR.
The Addition of a Krackow Rip Stop Suture Augment After Achilles Tendon Debridement for Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Kelsey LT Thomas J. , Mombell LT Kyle W. , Fellars CDR Todd A. 
Published: December 2021

Background In the operative treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy, the Achilles tendon is often released from its insertion to allow for adequate debridement of pathologic tissue. The use of a double row suture anchor construct has become increasingly favorable among surgeons after Achilles tendon debridement. This study hypothesized that the addition of a Krackow rip stop suture augment to the double row suture anchor construct would increase the repair’s maximum load to failure. A biomechanically stronger repair would potentially decrease the risk of catastrophic failure with early weight-bearing or accidental forced dorsiflexion after operative management for insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Methods Fourteen cadaveric specimens were used to compare the 2 repair techniques. Achilles tendons were debrided and repaired using either a double row suture anchor with and without the additional Krackow rip stop suture augment. The 2 repair techniques were compared using an axial-torsion testing system to measure average load to failure. Results The average load to failure for the double row suture anchor repair alone was 152.00 N. The average load to failure for the tendons with the double row suture anchor with the Krackow rip stop augment was 383.08 N. An independent-samples Mann-Whitney U-test was conducted and the suture anchor plus Krackow augment group had a significantly higher load to failure ( P = .011, Mann-Whitney U = 5.00, n1 = n2 = 7, P < .05, 2-tailed). Conclusion This study confirmed that the addition of a Krakow rip stop augment to the double row suture anchor is able to increase the maximum load to failure when compared to the double row suture anchor alone. These results suggest the potential of this added technique to decrease the risk of catastrophic failure.
Virtual reality to promote wellbeing in persons with dementia: A scoping review
Authors: Appel Lora , Ali Suad , Narag Tanya , Mozeson Krystyna , Pasat Zain , Orchanian-Cheff Ani , Campos Jennifer L 
Published: December 2021

Virtual Reality (VR) technologies have increasingly been considered potentially valuable tools in dementia-related research and could serve as non-pharmacological therapy to improve quality of life (QoL) and wellbeing for persons with dementia (PwD). In this scoping review, we summarize peer-reviewed articles published up to Jan-21, 2021, on the use of VR to promote wellbeing in PwD. Eighteen manuscripts (reporting on 19 studies) met the inclusion criteria, with a majority published in the past 2 years. Two reviewers independently coded the articles regarding A) intended clinical outcomes and effectiveness of the interventions, B) study sample (characteristics of the participants), C) intervention administration (by whom, what setting), D) experimental methods (design/instruments), and E) technical properties of the VR-systems (hardware/devices and software/content). Emotional outcomes were by far the most common objectives of the interventions, reported in seventeen (89.5%) of the included articles. Outcomes addressing social engagement and personhood in PwD have not been thoroughly explored using VR. Based on the positive impact of VR, future opportunities lie in identifying special features and customization of the hardware/software to afford the most benefit to different sub-groups of the target population. Overall, this review found that VR represents a promising tool for promoting wellbeing in PwD, with positive or neutral impact reported on emotional, social, and functional aspects of wellbeing.
Diagnostic performance of digital breast tomosynthesis for predicting response to neoadjuvant systemic therapy in breast cancer patients: A comparison with magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and full-field digital mammography
Authors: Murakami Ryusuke , Tani Hitomi , Kumita Shinichiro , Uchiyama Nachiko 
Published: December 2021

Background The goals of neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) are to reduce tumor volume and to provide a prognostic indicator in assessing treatment response. Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) was developed and has increased interest in clinical settings due to its higher sensitivity for breast cancer detection compared to full-field digital mammography (FFDM). Purpose To evaluate the accuracy of DBT in assessing response to NST compared to FFDM, ultrasound (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in breast cancer patients. Material and Methods In this retrospective study, 95 stages II–III breast cancer patients undergoing NST and subsequent surgeries were enrolled. After NST, the longest diameter of residual tumor measured by DBT, FFDM, US, and MRI was compared with pathology. Agreements and correlations of tumor size were assessed, and the diagnostic performance for predicting pathologic complete response (pCR) was evaluated. Results Mean residual tumor size after NST was 19.9 mm for DBT, 18.7 mm for FFDM, 16.0 mm for US, and 18.4 mm for MRI, compared with 17.9 mm on pathology. DBT and MRI correlated better with pathology than that of FFDM and US. The ICC values were 0.85, 0.87, 0.74, and 0.77, respectively. Twenty-five patients (26.3%) achieved pCR after NST. For predicting pCR, area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for DBT, FFDM, US, and MRI were 0.79, 0.66, 0.68, and 0.77, respectively. Conclusion DBT has good correlation with histopathology for measuring residual tumor size after NST. DBT was comparable to MRI in assessing tumor response after completion of NST.
Natural killer cell deficiency experiences higher risk of sepsis after critical intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Feng Yu , Wu Qian , Zhang Tingbao , Chen Jincao , Wu Xiaohui 
Published: December 2021

Background: Lymphopenia is common in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and may predispose to severe infections such as sepsis. However, what specific kind of lymphocytes subsets decreases is still unclear. We investigated the impact of lymphocytes subsets on post-critical ICH infections and mortality. Methods: Consecutive ICH patients (admitted to a single center between January 2017 and January 2018) were prospectively assessed to evaluate the following main parameters: peripheral blood lymphocytes, infections, and clinical scores. Predicting factors of sepsis were measured using multivariate Logistic regressions analysis. A Kaplan–Meier survival curve was performed to compare the mortality between septic and nonseptic patients. Survival status was evaluated by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results: In total, 112 critical ICH cases were enrolled including 29 septic patients. Total counts of lymphocytes decreased accordingly with reduced lymphocyte subsets, especially natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+T lymphocytes after ICH. Septic patients had a higher incidence of pneumonia, a longer length of stay, higher 90-day mortality, and worse long-term outcomes. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed venous catheterization, high APACHE-II score (>15), low GCS score (3–5), and NK cells percentages on admission were independently associated with ensuing sepsis. After sepsis, the percentages of CD4+T and NK cells percentages decreased, CD8+T cells increased followed by a significantly decreased CD4/CD8 ratio. Bloodstream infection alone directly affected the survival status of patients with sepsis. Conclusions: Critical ICH patients underwent immune dysfunction and NK cells deficiency could favor nosocomial threatening sepsis after ICH.
Intralesional cryotherapy with triamcinolone and onabotulinumtoxinA injections for umbilical keloid: A case report
Authors: Tran Jennifer VH , Lultschik Shantel DJ , Sapra Sheetal , Dong Kevin , Gusic Klaudija , Goldstein Matthew 
Published: December 2021

Introduction Keloid scars are therapeutically challenging and although many treatment options exist, there are no specific guidelines, and few reports have discussed keloids in the umbilical region. Methods Here, we present a successful treatment of a 31-year-old female with a history of a recurrent keloid in the umbilical region. The keloid was treated using intralesional cryotherapy followed by intralesional onabotulinumtoxinA and triamcinolone acetonide injections. Discussion The patient expressed high satisfaction, minimal side effects, and no recurrence. Conclusion Overall, due to the low rate of side effects, high patient satisfaction, and absence of recurrence, this treatment modality should be considered as an option for umbilical keloids. Lay Summary Background to subject: Keloids are a type of scar that are difficult to treat. There are many treatment options available, but there is no single best treatment for keloids that form around the belly button region. Question being asked: Is intralesional cryotherapy with intralesional onabotulinumtoxinA and triamcinolone acetonide injections effective at treating keloids in the belly button region? How the work was conducted: We treated a 31-year-old female with a keloid around the belly button region that returned after prior treatment. The keloid was treated using combination therapy of freezing the keloid from the inside out, which is called intralesional cryotherapy. This was followed by two types of injections, called onabotulinumtoxinA and triamcinolone acetonide, directly into the keloid. What we learned: Overall, due to the low rate of side effects, high patient satisfaction and the keloid not returning, this treatment plan should be considered as an option for keloids in the belly button region. What we did not learn: This treatment may or may not be effective and safe for all patients of all skin types and demographics as this treatment was performed for only one patient.
Estrategias para la transformación de conflictos con el tiempo en el aula de música: Un estudio desde la voz de los docentes
Authors: Vaamonde-Sánchez Romary , Arriaga-Sanz Cristina , Cabedo-Mas Alberto 
Published: December 2021

Durante los últimos años en España se han transformado las condiciones laborales del profesorado de música. En este escenario, surge la necesidad de estudiar los retos que afrontan los maestros de música de educación primaria con la gestión del tiempo. Los múltiples cambios en el contexto educativo han impactado en las vidas cotidianas de los docentes y, por tanto, en el desarrollo de estrategias didácticas para la transformación de conflictos y la adaptación de los requerimientos académicos y contenidos curriculares a los cambios sociales y culturales. El presente estudio busca, por un lado, describir estrategias que los docentes de música articulan para la transformación de los conflictos que surgen con la gestión del tiempo y, por otro, identificar posibilidades que ofrecen para desarrollar actividades musicales innovadoras y creativas. Con este fin, se realizaron 20 entrevistas semiestructuradas a docentes de música de escuelas primarias de la Comunidad Valenciana y el País Vasco. Los resultados permiten explorar el potencial de las estrategias que el profesorado lleva a cabo desde sus experiencias cotidianas para gestionar los retos en relación con el tiempo a los que se enfrentan en su labor profesional y metodologías alternativas en la enseñanza de la música que permitan, entre otras, diseñar e implementar actividades orientadas a hacer uso de la música como una herramienta para la educación en valores.
Limited-stage diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Hawkes Eliza A. , Barraclough Allison , Sehn Laurie H. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common lymphoma subtype, is localized in 25% to 30% of patients. Prognosis in patients with limited-stage DLBCL (LS-DLBCL) is excellent with 10-year overall survival of at least 70% to 80%. Improved insights into the disease biology, the availability of positron-emission tomography (PET) scans, and recent dedicated clinical trials within this unique population have led to evolving treatment paradigms. However, no standard definition of LS-DLBCL exists, and although generally defined as Ann Arbor stages I to II disease with largest mass size &lt;10 cm in diameter, variations across studies cause challenges in interpretation. Similar to advanced-stage disease, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (R-CHOP) immunochemotherapy forms the basis of treatment, with combined modality therapy including 3 cycles of systemic treatment and involved-site radiation therapy being a predominant historical standard. Yet the well-described continuous risk of relapse beyond 5 years and established late complications of radiotherapy have challenged previous strategies. More rigorous baseline staging and response assessment with PET may improve decision making. Recent clinical studies have focused on minimizing toxicities while maximizing disease outcomes using strategies such as abbreviated immunochemotherapy alone and PET-adapted radiotherapy delivery. This comprehensive review provides an update of recent literature with recommendations for integration into clinical practice for LS-DLBCL patients.
Establishment of a predictive model for GVHD-free, relapse-free survival after allogeneic HSCT using ensemble learning
Authors: Iwasaki Makoto , Kanda Junya , Arai Yasuyuki , Kondo Tadakazu , Ishikawa Takayuki , Ueda Yasunori , Imada Kazunori , Akasaka Takashi , Yonezawa Akihito , Yago Kazuhiro , Nohgawa Masaharu , Anzai Naoyuki , Moriguchi Toshinori , Kitano Toshiyuki , Itoh Mitsuru , Arima Nobuyoshi , Takeoka Tomoharu , Watanabe Mitsumasa , Hirata Hirokazu , Asagoe Kosuke , Miyatsuka Isao , An Le My , Miyanishi Masanori , Takaori-Kondo, Akifumi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease-free, relapse-free survival (GRFS) is a useful composite end point that measures survival without relapse or significant morbidity after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We aimed to develop a novel analytical method that appropriately handles right-censored data and competing risks to understand the risk for GRFS and each component of GRFS. This study was a retrospective data-mining study on a cohort of 2207 adult patients who underwent their first allo-HSCT within the Kyoto Stem Cell Transplantation Group, a multi-institutional joint research group of 17 transplantation centers in Japan. The primary end point was GRFS. A stacked ensemble of Cox Proportional Hazard (Cox-PH) regression and 7 machine-learning algorithms was applied to develop a prediction model. The median age for the patients was 48 years. For GRFS, the stacked ensemble model achieved better predictive accuracy evaluated by C-index than other state-of-the-art competing risk models (ensemble model: 0.670; Cox-PH: 0.668; Random Survival Forest: 0.660; Dynamic DeepHit: 0.646). The probability of GRFS after 2 years was 30.54% for the high-risk group and 40.69% for the low-risk group (hazard ratio compared with the low-risk group: 2.127; 95% CI, 1.19-3.80). We developed a novel predictive model for survival analysis that showed superior risk stratification to existing methods using a stacked ensemble of multiple machine-learning algorithms.
Association of dog ownership with accelerometer-measured physical activity and daily steps in 70-year-old individuals: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ballin Marcel , Antonsson Oskar , Rosenqvist Viktor , Nordström Peter , Nordström Anna 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Dog ownership (DO) has been associated with higher levels of self-reported walking and physical activity. However, compared to device-based measures, self-reported measures of physical activity may suffer from bias due to recall and social desirability. They are also incapable of quantifying light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and step volume, both of which may have important health benefits, especially for older adults. In this study, we investigated the association of DO with accelerometer-measured physical activity of different intensities and daily steps in 70-year-old individuals.

Methods
This was a population-based cross-sectional study including 1406 participants aged 70 years [54.1% female] who participated in a health survey in Umeå, Sweden between February 2017–November 2019. All participants self-reported DO [yes/no]. Daily averages of LPA, moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), and steps per day [steps/d] were measured for 1 week using hip-mounted Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers. Associations were investigated using linear- and logistic regression models, adjusted for sociodemographic and health-related factors, date of examination, and accelerometer wear time.

Results
The prevalence of DO was 14.1% [N = 199]. After adjustment for all covariates, DO was associated with 19.2 more minutes/d of LPA [95% CI, 8.8–29.6], 11.4 more minutes/d of MVPA [95% CI, 8.0–14.9] and 1738 more steps/d [95% CI, 1326–2149]. DO was also associated with twice the odds of meeting the physical activity recommendations [OR, 2.07, 95% CI, 1.48–2.90]. Exploratory interaction analyses showed that the association between DO and steps/d was stronger [Pinteraction = 0.030] in female [β = 2165, 95% CI, 1585–2744] than in male [β =1255, 95% CI, 664–1845], with a similar trend for MVPA [Pinteraction = 0.082].

Conclusions
In this study of community-dwelling 70-year-old individuals, DO was associated with higher levels of daily LPA, MVPA, and steps. With the limitation of the observational design of the study, these findings add knowledge regarding the beneficial role that DO may play for promoting physical activity in the older population. In turn, these findings could support the development and evaluation of targeted interventions seeking to promote dog-friendly environments and facilitate dog walking in the community.
Systemic and local cytokine profile and risk factors for persistent allergic airway inflammation in patients sensitised to house dust mite allergens
Authors: Tamasauskiene Laura , Sitkauskiene Brigita 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objective
To evaluate cytokine profile, vitamin D status, symptom score and quality of life in patients with persistent allergic airway diseases sensitised to house dust mites (HDM) in comparison with healthy individuals.

Material and methods
Patients sensitized to HDM with persistent AR and having symptoms for at least 2 years with or without AA were involved into the study. Measurements of vitamin D level in serum and IL-10, IL-13, IL-17, IL-22, IL-33 and IFN-gamma in serum and nasal lavage were performed by ELISA.

Results
Eighty-one subjects were involved into the study. Serum IL-10 concentration was higher in patients with AR than in patients with AR and AA (6.71 ± 1.73 vs. 1.98 ± 0.24, p < 0.05). IFN-gamma level in nasal lavage was higher in patients with AR and AA than in patients with AR (p < 0.01) and healthy individuals (p < 0.05) (7.50 ± 0.37 vs. 6.80 ± 0.99 vs. 6.50 ± 0.22). Serum IL-22 negatively correlated with IL-22 in nasal lavage, whereas serum IFN-gamma positively correlated with IFN-gamma in nasal lavage. Positive correlation between serum IL-17 and total IgE and negative correlation between IL-17 in nasal lavage and eosinophils in nasal smear were found in patients with AR and AA. Serum IFN-gamma decreased the risk of AR for healthy individuals. Serum IL-10 and vitamin D decreased risk for development of AA for patients with AR. IL-22 in serum and IL-10 and IL-33 in nasal lavage increased this risk.

Conclusion
Novel cytokines such as IL-22, IL-17 and IL-33 and vitamin D may be involved in pathogenesis of persistent airway inflammation in patients sensitized to HDM.
Childhood musculoskeletal impairment in Malawi from traumatic and non-traumatic causes: a population- based assessment using the key informant method
Authors: Linder Cortland L. , Atijosan-Ayodele Oluwarantimi , Chokotho Linda , Mulwafu Wakisa , Tataryn Myroslava , Polack Sarah , Kuper Hannah , Pandit Hemant , Lavy Chris 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Musculoskeletal impairment (MSI) in children is an under-recognised public health challenge. Although preventable, road injuries and other traumas continue to cause significant impairments to children worldwide. The study aimed to use the Key Informant Method (KIM) to assess prevalence and causes of MSI in children in two districts in Malawi, estimating the associated need for services provision, with a focus on traumatic aetiology.

Methods
The KIM was conducted in the districts of Thyolo (Southern Malawi) and Ntcheu (Central Malawi) in 2013. Five hundred key informants were trained to identify children who may have one of a range of MSI. The identified children were referred to a screening camp where they were examined by medical experts with standardised assessment protocols for diagnosing each form of impairment.

Results
15,000 children were referred to screening camps. 7220 children were assessed (response rate 48%) for an impairment of whom 15.2% (1094) had an MSI. 13% of children developed MSI from trauma, while 54% had a neurological aetiology. For MSI of traumatic origin the most common body part affected was the elbow. Less than half of children with MSI (44.4%) were enrolled in school and none of these children attended schools with resources for disability. More than half of children with MSI (60%) had not received required services and 64% required further physical therapy.

Conclusions
The KIM method was used to identify a high prevalence of MSI among children in two districts of Malawi and estimates an unmet need for dedicated MSI services.