bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of ultrasonic welding process parameters on seam strength of PVC-coated hybrid textiles for weather protection
Authors: Hussen Muktar S , Kyosev Yordan K , Pietsch Kathrin , Rothe Stefan , Kabish Abera K 
Published: December 2021

Using a lapped seam, PVC-coated hybrid textiles with uniform thickness were bonded by continuous ultrasonic welding and conventional joining method with the help of hot air tape welding technique for weather protection purposes. Three fundamental sewing parameters at two distinct levels and three primary welding parameters at three levels based on 6 and 12 mm welding widths were used. To consider the effect of welding and sewing parameters on seam strength, full factorial designs of experiments were designed, fabricated, and tested. The thermal behavior and possibility of chemical conversion in the welding zone under the influence of ultrasonic vibrations were examined. Variation in width of heat-affected zone of weld seam was measured. The seam strength of ultrasonic weld seam compared with that of conventional seams, and superior seam strength yielding parametric levels were assessed. The parametric influence of both joining techniques on seam quality and their tendencies in the relationship were analyzed statistically. The weld seam strength (1256.392 and 2116.93 N/50 mm) was optimized numerically and identified its trend with the variation of the weld seam. The discovered relationship led to the conclusion that the variation in the weld seam can be used to estimate the tensile strength of the weld seam through the developed effective numerical model as a non-destructive testing method, and its outcome was successful as a destructive testing method. The result shows that the ultrasonic weld seam provided a higher tensile strength ( > 75%) than the conventional seam for both evaluated welding widths and obtained statistically significant results.
Ulnar Superficialis Slip Resection Versus Radial Superficialis Slip Resection: A Biomechanical Pilot Study
Authors: Fuchs Lee , Gafni Nir , Brosh Tamar , Saleh Shadi , Kosashvili Yona , Oron Amir 
Published: December 2021

Background: There are numerous clinical scenarios during which the surgeon contemplates whether the radial or ulnar slip of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) should be sacrificed. To date no study has assessed the point of failure of each one of the FDS slips in each digit, aiding the avid surgeon in deciding which slip to sacrifice. Methods: A total of 41 digits were assessed, each digit was dissected, and a specimen containing the denuded bone of the middle phalanx with the attachments of the ulnar and radial FDS slips was obtained. An Instron 4502 device was utilized to biomechanically assess the point of failure of each slip of each digit. Results: There was no statistical difference between ulnar and radial slip point of failure when compared across all digits and subjects. There was no statistical difference between male and female subject’s specimens. The point of failure was higher in the ulnar slips of the second and third digits, whereas the point of failure was higher in the radial slips of the fourth and fifth digits. Conclusions: Sacrifice of a FDS slip may cause loss of grip strength. In several clinical scenarios one may be faced with the dilemma which FDS slip to sacrifice. Our findings show this is not an arbitrary choice. Hand surgeons should keep our findings in mind when deciding which slip to sacrifice, in effort to preserve function and strength in the injured hand.
Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthroplasty Using the Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet Technique
Authors: Sharma Sidharth , Ong Jason , Putti Amit 
Published: December 2021

Background: Proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) osteoarthritis is a common condition that results in pain, stiffness, and loss of function in the affected hand. Proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty is an effective treatment option when conservative methods have failed. The wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) technique to perform surgery carries advantages such as lack of tourniquet discomfort, reduces the staffing and costs associated with anesthesia and sedation, and allows faster recovery. We aimed to determine whether the WALANT technique was safe and effective in the context of PIPJ arthroplasty. Methods: Patients were enrolled retrospectively from January 2015 to October 2020 by examining operating theater records and surgeon logbooks. Electronic patient records were examined to obtain patient data. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaires and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain were sent by post to patients—with a separate DASH and VAS for each digit operated on. Results: Twenty-nine PIPJ arthroplasties were carried out using WALANT technique by 3 different surgeons all using the dorsal approach. All cases were successfully carried out as day-case procedures. There was a significant correlation with increasing VAS and increasing DASH score. Proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty improved range of motion from 28.9 ± 5.5° to 79.4 ± 13.3° ( P < .0001). Two cases developed complications related to surgery. Conclusions: Our study is the first to report the use of WALANT to perform PIPJ arthroplasty, and shows comparable results with traditional methods. Larger, multicenter prospective trials are required to determine the efficacy of this technique and to quantify its economical benefit.
Association Between Occupational Sitting With High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein: The Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Jones Raymond , Norris Keith C. , McCoy Stephanie M. , Thorpe Roland J. , Bruce Marino A. , Heitman Elizabeth , Beech Bettina M. 
Published: December 2021

Modifiable, behavioral risk factors like occupational sitting may contribute to inflammation, an important cardiovascular risk factor. This study evaluated the association of self-reported occupational sitting with changes in c-reactive protein (CRP) and the role of sex. We examined occupational sitting and baseline CRP levels for 2889 African American participants in the Jackson Heart Study. Four multivariable linear regression models were estimated to determine the association of occupational sitting and CRP. Analyses were conducted in 2020. The mean age was 50.8 years and 61% were female. Participants who reported occupational sitting as “often/always” had CRP levels of 4.9±6.8 mg/L, “sometimes” had levels of 4.8±8.1 mg/L, and “never/seldom” had levels of 4.3±6.8 mg/L. In the unadjusted model, “often/always” engaging in occupational sitting was significantly associated with higher levels of CRP when compared to “never/seldom” ( P < .05). This differed by sex with female participants who reported “often/always” occupational sitting had CRP levels of 6.0±7.6 mg/L compared to only 5.1±6.9 mg/L for “never/seldom.” Neither the overall association nor the female-specific association remained statistically significant in the adjusted models. We found an association between occupational sitting and inflammation, measured by CRP. This association varied by sex but did not remain significant after fully adjusting for covariates.
Intraarterial urokinase for thrombus migration after mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel ischemic stroke
Authors: Neki Hiroaki , Katano Takehiro , Maeda Takuma , Shibata Aoto , Komine Hiroyuki , Kikkawa Yuichiro 
Published: December 2021

Background Achieving rapid and complete reperfusion is the ultimate purpose for ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (LVO). Although mechanical thrombectomy (MT) had been a proverbially important procedure, medium vessel occlusion (MeVO) with thrombus migration can sporadically occur after MT. Moreover, the safe and effective approach for such had been unknown. We reported thrombolysis with intraarterial urokinase for MeVO with thrombus migration after MT. Methods We included 122 patients who were treated by MT with LVO stroke at our institution between April 2019 and March 2021. Of 26 patients (21.3%) who developed MeVO with thrombus migration after MT, 11 (9.0%) underwent additional MT (MT group) and 15 (12.3%) received intraarterial urokinase (UK group). The procedure time; angiographically modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia Scale (mTICI); functional independence, which was defined as modified Rankin Scale 0–2, on day 30 or upon discharge; and symptomatic and asymptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) were compared between the UK and MT groups. Results The procedure time, mTICI, and asymptomatic ICH did not significantly differ between the groups. In the UK group, 8 of 15 (53.3%) patients obtained functional independence, and the functional independence rate was significantly higher in the UK group than in the MT group ( p < 0.05). Symptomatic ICH did not occur in the UK group, and its incidence was significantly smaller than that in the MT group ( p < 0.05). Conclusion The results of this study suggest that intraarterial urokinase for MeVO with thrombus migration after MT may safely improve angiographic reperfusion.
Clinical letters to patients with intellectual disabilities after psychiatric review: A quality improvement project
Authors: Sawhney Indermeet , Zia Asif , Gates Bob , Sharma Anu , Adeniji Adetayo 
Published: December 2021

Aim: This Quality Improvement Project sought to improve communication between patients with intellectual disabilities and their psychiatrists by sharing medical information using an easy read letter format following psychiatric review. Background: Writing directly to patients is in keeping with good medical practice. Previous studies have shown patients with intellectual disabilities prefer letters tailored to meet their needs. Method: An easy read letter was used by nine psychiatrists who handed them to 100 consecutive patients after review. Feedback of acceptability to patients was obtained using a three-item facial rating scale and the use of free text. Feedback of acceptability was obtained from participating psychiatrists. Results: Patients found the easy read letter helpful and felt it should be used routinely. Psychiatrists felt this approach was beneficial as well as aiding patient understanding of review. Conclusions: The easy read letter was reported to improve communication following psychiatric review. Limitations are acknowledged but it is concluded that an easy read letter should be adopted as routine practice following psychiatric review, for people with intellectual disabilities.
Pregnancy danger signs: Knowledge and health-seeking behavior among reproductive age women in southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Yosef Tewodros , Tesfaye Melkamsew 
Published: December 2021

Background: Warning signs of pregnancy are not reliably predictable. But, knowing these early warning signs is very important for pregnant women to eliminate serious complications and start treatment immediately. The higher level of maternal mortality can be reduced by providing quality maternity service and empowering women with good knowledge of the danger signs of pregnancy and promoting appropriate health-seeking behavior. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge of pregnancy danger signs and health-seeking behavior among reproductive age women in southwest Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 526 randomly selected women from 1 to 30 January 2019. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with the outcome variable. The level of significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05. Results: The proportion of mothers who had good knowledge of pregnancy danger signs were 43.2%. The majority (65%) of those surveyed mentioned vaginal bleeding as a pregnancy danger sign. The factors associated with good knowledge of pregnancy danger signs were husbands with secondary education and above (adjusted odds ratio = 2.52, 95% confidence interval (1.08–5.91) monthly income ⩾ 1000 Ethiopian Birr (adjusted odds ratio = 2.64, 95% confidence interval (1.48–4.71) being multigravida (adjusted odds ratio = 2.14, 95% confidence interval (1.17–3.94) and last delivery at the health facility (adjusted odds ratio = 6.84, 95% confidence interval (4.02–11.63) The proportion of mothers who experienced pregnancy danger signs and had good health-seeking behavior was 72.7%. Conclusion: The knowledge of pregnancy danger signs among reproductive age women was low in the study area. This indicates the large proportions of women who do not know the danger signs are likely to delay in deciding to seek care when they face the problem. Therefore, empowering women, improving the quality of health information about danger signs during antenatal care follow-up, and promoting institutional delivery are the recommended interventions.
Impact of cervical cancer on the sexual and physical health of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Ghana: A qualitative phenomenological study
Authors: Osei Appiah Evans , Amertil Ninon P , Oti-Boadi Ezekiel Ezekiel , Lavoe Honest , Siedu Dimah John 
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Although cervical cancer is preventable, it is a major gynecological disorder among women currently. More than 500,000 new cases of cervical cancer are being diagnosed across the globe, with one woman dying of cervical cancer every 2 minutes. In addition, about half of cervical cancer survivors have challenges with their sexual function. Despite these findings, literature regarding the sexual function of women with cervical cancer is scanty. The study aims to assess cervical cancer’s impact on the sexual and physical health of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Ghana. Methods: The researchers of this study employed a qualitative approach with phenomenological design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 30 participants engaged in face-to-face in-depth interviews that were audio-recorded. The content of the transcripts was analyzed using content analysis. Results: This study revealed that cervical cancer patients experienced low libido due to the cervical cancer symptoms and the side effects of chemotherapy. This low libido made them divert their sexual gratification from the vagina to other centers of the body. Findings further revealed that some participants showed apathy toward their partners’ sexual feelings. Some physical problems experienced by the participants were also unraveled. Conclusion: Cervical cancer affects all aspects of a woman’s health, including sexual function and physical well-being. Therefore, there is the need for further studies to help address challenges faced by cervical cancer women about their sexual and physical health.
Optimizing biologic therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: a Delphi consensus in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Annese Vito , Nathwani Rahul , Alkhatry Maryam , Al-Rifai Ahmad , Al Awadhi Sameer , Georgopoulos Filippos , Jazzar Ahmad N. , Khassouan Ahmed M. , Koutoubi Zaher , Taha Mazen S. , Limdi Jimmy K. 
Published: December 2021

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic, relapsing-remitting inflammatory conditions with a substantial negative impact on health-related quality of life and work productivity. Treatment of IBD has been revolutionized by the advent of biologic therapies, initially with anti-TNF agents and more recently with multiple alternatives targets, and yet more under development. Objectives: Approximatively one third of patients do not respond to biologic therapy and more importantly a significant proportion experiences partial response or loss of response during treatment. The latter are common clinical situations and paradoxically are not addressed in the commercial drug labels and available guidelines. There is therefore a clinical need for physicians to understand when and how eventually to optimize the biologic therapy. Design: This consensus using a Delphi methodology was promoted and supported by the Emirates Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology to close this gap. Data Sources and Methods: Following an extensive systematic review of over 60,000 studies, 81 studies with dose escalation and five addressing drug monitoring were selected and in addition five systematic reviews and three guidelines. Results and Conclusion: after three rounds of voting 18 statements were selected with agreement ranging from of 80% to 100%
Final results regarding the addition of dendritic cell vaccines to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in early HER2-negative breast cancer patients: clinical and translational analysis
Authors: Santisteban Marta , Solans Belén Pérez , Hato Laura , Urrizola Amaia , Mejías Luis Daniel , Salgado Esteban , Sánchez-Bayona Rodrigo , Toledo Estefanía , Rodríguez-Spiteri Natalia , Olartecoechea Begoña , Idoate Miguel Angel , López-Díaz de Cerio Ascensión , Inogés Susana 
Published: December 2021

Background: Primary breast cancer (BC) has shown a higher immune infiltration than the metastatic disease, justifying the optimal scenario for immunotherapy. Recently, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors has demonstrated a gain in pathological complete responses (tpCR) in patients with BC. The aim of our study is to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of the addition of dendritic cell vaccines (DCV) to NAC in HER2-negative BC patients. Methods: Thirty-nine patients with early BC received DCV together with NAC conforming the vaccinated group (VG) and compared with 44 patients as the control group (CG). All patients received anthracyclines and taxanes-based NAC (ddECx4→Dx4) followed by surgery ± radiotherapy ± hormonotherapy. Results: The tpCR rate was 28.9% in the VG and 9.09% in the CG ( p = 0.03). Pathological CR in the triple negative (TN) BC were 50.0% versus 30.7% ( p = 0.25), 16.6% versus 0% in luminal B ( p = 0.15), and none among luminal A patients in VG versus CG, respectively. Impact of DCV was significantly higher in the programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) negative population ( p < 0.001). PD-L1 expression was increased in patients with residual disease in the VG as compared with the CG ( p < 0.01). No grade ⩾3 vaccine-related adverse events occurred. With a median follow-up of 8 years, no changes were seen in event-free survival or overall survival. Phenotypic changes post DCV in peripheral blood were observed in myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), NK, and T cells. Increase in blood cell proliferation and interferon (IFN)-γ production was detected in 69% and 74% in the VG, respectively. Humoral response was also found. Clonality changes in TCR-β repertoire were detected in 67% of the patients with a drop in diversity index after treatment. Conclusion: The combination of DCV plus NAC is safe and increases tpCR, with a significant benefit among PD-L1-negative tumors. DCV modify tumor milieu and perform cellular and humoral responses in peripheral blood with no impact in outcome. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01431196. EudraCT 2009-017402-36.
Validity, reliability and viability of pre-school educators’ use of early years toolbox early numeracy
Authors: Howard Steven J , Neilsen-Hewett Cathrine , de Rosnay Marc , Melhuish Edward C , Buckley-Walker Kellie 
Published: December 2021

There is need and opportunity for assessments that support quick and playful – yet also accurate, rigorous and developmentally sensitive – appraisals of early numeracy. Ideally, these should be accessible to those who have opportunity to support children’s learning development and ultimately shift children’s trajectories. The iPad-based Early Years Toolbox (EYT) Early Numeracy assessment was developed and evaluated to determine its validity and reliability, and appropriateness of use by researchers and preschool educators. Results from two studies with 246 children aged 3–5 years indicated the following: construct validity and internal consistency, concurrent validity with established measures, developmental sensitivity, test–retest reliability and highly comparable results whether used by a researcher or an educator. This yields a brief and playful assessment of early numeracy and a potential approach to develop broad-use early years assessments.
What the World Christian Encyclopedia Tells Us about Freedom of Religion or Belief
Authors: Ochab Ewelina U. 
Published: December 2021

The third edition of the World Christian Encyclopedia presents important findings regarding the current situation of Christians in the world, how it has been changing, and how it is expected to change. Some of the changes consider the limitations of the right to freedom of religion or belief in various parts of the world. This article discusses troubling trends in this area in the Middle East. The projections of the WCE-3 for 2050 should be seen as a warning for anyone working on the issue of the right to freedom of religion or belief, especially in the Middle East. [Formula: see text]
Psoriatic Onycho-Pachydermo-Periostitis
Authors: Hesni Susan , Khodatars Davoud , Rees Richard , Khanna Monica , Walker Miny 
Published: December 2021

Psoriatic onycho-pachydermo-periostitis (POPP) is an unfamiliar and poorly recognised condition first described in 1989 by Fournie et al. It is a variant of psoriatic arthritis comprising the triad of onycholysis, soft tissue thickening and radiographically apparent periostitis. Whilst typically affecting the great toe, any of the digits of the hands and feet may be affected. A ‘drumstick’ appearance to the digits of the foot is the most common clinical presentation and can be extremely painful. Nail changes are another hallmark of POPP and can be mistakenly diagnosed as fungal infection leading to lengthy periods of incorrect treatment. In this article, we will outline the clinical presentation, imaging features, pathogenesis and treatment options for POPP. Currently, the existence of POPP is not widely known. Awareness of this unusual condition will allow early appropriate treatment and can aid in the diagnosis of indeterminate seronegative disease.
THE CABE PROJECT: Developing a model to conceptualise the sexual attitudes, behaviours, and experiences of men who have sex with men and Waria in Bali, Indonesia: Protocol for a mixed-methods design within a community-engaged research study
Authors: Septarini Ni Wayan , Burns Sharyn , Maycock Bruce 
Published: December 2021

Introduction The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among MSM (men who have sex with men) and transgender women (waria) in Bali is of significant public health concern. According to the 2015 Integrated Biological and Behavioural Survey (IBBS), HIV prevalence among MSM in Denpasar (the capital city of Bali) was 36% – the highest prevalence in this population reported nationally. In addition, 26% of MSM and 25% of waria in Indonesia were living with HIV in 2015. There is limited research examining the attitudes, behaviours and experiences of MSM in Indonesia, and specifically in Bali. This study will develop a model to help understand the social-cultural context, attitudes, behaviours, and experiences to inform interventions to increase safe sex practices amongst Indonesian MSM and waria who live in Bali. Methods and analysis The community-engaged research (CEnR) study, employing a sequential mixed-methods approach, will engage MSM and waria community throughout all five phases. The first two phases will include partnership building and exploratory research (focus group discussions/FGDs). Phase three will include the administration of a survey ( n = 374 Indonesian MSM and waria). Phases four and five include explanatory (in-depth interviews) and dissemination phases, respectively. Multivariate analysis will be employed for the quantitative data (the survey) and thematic analysis will be used to analyse the qualitative data (FGDs and in-depth interviews). Discussion The findings of this CEnR will inform culturally congruent interventions for organisation working with MSM and transgender to promote safer sexual health practice and improve general well-being of this community.