bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acupuncture for chronic pain in adults with sickle cell disease: a mixed-methods pilot study
Authors: Li Hongjin , Patil Crystal L , Molokie Robert E , Njoku Franklin , Steffen Alana D , Doorenbos Ardith Z , Schlaeger Judith M 
Published: June 2021

Objective: Chronic pain is a common symptom experienced among patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Our aims were to assess the feasibility and acceptability of performing acupuncture for the treatment of chronic pain in adults with SCD. Methods: This was a single-arm, prospective pilot study of six adults with SCD. Participants reported ⩾ 3 months of chronic pain and were > 18 years of age. Per protocol, acupuncture was to be administered twice per week for 5 weeks, for 30 min per session. All treatments were performed in the acupuncture treatment laboratory at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing. Pain intensity, pain interference, and other symptoms were measured at baseline and after the intervention. Participants completed a semi-structured interview and a protocol acceptability questionnaire after the acupuncture intervention. Results: Six participants (mean age 52.5 years, six Black) were enrolled. Although the study was suspended due to COVID-19 and not all participants completed the 10-session protocol, completion rates were high with no missed appointments. One participant did not complete the study due to hospitalization unrelated to acupuncture. No adverse events were reported. At completion of the intervention at 4–5 weeks post-baseline, all participants had reduced pain intensity and pain interference. The mean acceptability score on the protocol acceptability questionnaire was 82%. Conclusion: It was feasible and acceptable to implement acupuncture in adults with SCD. This study can be used to guide a larger randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on reducing chronic pain in adults with SCD. Trial registration number: NCT04156399 (ClinicalTrials.gov)
Values and self-perception of behaviour among critical care nurses
Authors: Ashida Kaoru , Kawakami Aki , Kawashima Tetsuharu , Tanaka Makoto 
Published: June 2021

Background: Moral distress has various adverse effects on nurses working in critical care. Differences in personal values, and between values and self-perception of behaviour are factors that may cause moral distress. Research aims: The aims of this study were (1) to identify ethical values and self-perception of behaviour of critical care nurses in Japan and (2) to determine the items with a large difference between value and behaviour and the items with a large difference in value from others. Research design: A nationwide, cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants and research context: We developed a self-administered questionnaire with 28 items, which was completed by 1014 critical care nurses in Japan. The difference between value and self-perception of behaviour was calculated from the score of each value item minus the score of each self-perception of behaviour item. The size of the difference in value from the others was judged by the standard deviation of each item. Ethical considerations: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Tokyo Medical and Dental University (approval nos. M2018-214, M2019-045). Results: The items with a large difference between value and behaviour sources were related to the working environment and decision-making support. The items with a large difference in value from others were related to hospital management and disclosure of information to patients. Discussion: Improving the working environment for nurses is important for reducing moral distress. Nurses are faced with a variety of choices, including advocating for patients and protecting the fair distribution of medical resources, and each nurse’s priorities might diverge from those of other team members, which can lead to conflict within the team. Conclusion: This study revealed items with particularly high risks of moral distress for nurses. The results provide foundational information that can guide the development of strategies to mitigate moral distress.
Beyond the Guidelines: Treatment of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Tompkins Madeline G. , Pettit Rebecca 
Published: June 2021

Objective: To review the available literature addressing alternative allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) treatment options for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Data Sources: A literature search of PubMed was performed (January 2002 to April 2021) using the following search terms: allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, aspergillus-related lung disease, cystic fibrosis. Manufacturer prescribing information, clinical practice guidelines, and data from ClinicalTrials.gov were incorporated in the reviewed data. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Relevant English-language studies or those conducted in humans were considered for inclusion. Data Synthesis: Available literature for alternative ABPA treatments in CF is lacking randomized controlled trials, but there is considerable support in case reports and case series describing the benefits in pediatric and adult patients. Recent literature has begun to explore the place in therapy for novel, corticosteroid-sparing treatment approaches. The alternative therapies summarized in this review all resulted in clinical improvement and subsequent discontinuation or dose reductions of oral corticosteroids, with minimal reported adverse drug effects. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Although corticosteroids are the cornerstone of ABPA management, the toxicities can be significant limitations in an already high-risk patient population. Patients may fail or become intolerant to guideline-recommended therapies and require alternative treatment approaches. Conclusions: Alternative treatment modalities for ABPA in patients with CF, including azole antifungals, pulsed intravenous glucocorticoids, omalizumab, mepolizumab, and inhaled amphotericin, appear to be efficacious and well tolerated. Pharmacological properties including route of administration, storage and stability, beyond use dating, and adverse effects of the various treatment modalities must be considered when selecting a practical care plan for patients.
High-speed elevator car horizontal vibration fluid–solid interaction modeling method
Authors: Qiu Lemiao , Su Guannan , Wang Zili , Zhang Shuyou , Zhang Lichun , Li Heng 
Published: June 2021

High-speed elevator horizontal vibration seriously affects passenger comfort. To reach the smooth operation of the high-speed elevators, it is extremely important to study the horizontal vibration of the elevator car. There are two main factors that cause the horizontal vibration of the high-speed elevator car, namely, the guidance system excitations and the car aerodynamic characteristics running in the hoistway. Under the coupling action of these two factors, the horizontal vibration of the high-speed elevator car system is aggravated. To accurately obtain the horizontal vibration information of the high-speed elevator, we developed the high-speed elevator car horizontal vibration fluid–solid interaction model. It is decoupled by the proposed fluid–solid interaction decoupling solution. The influence of the high-speed elevator running speed, the guide rail profile deviation, and the rolling guide shoe dynamic parameters on the car horizontal vibration is analyzed. To verify the feasibility of the proposed method, the 5 m/s, 7 m/s, 8 m/s, and 10 m/s high-speed elevators are applied in a 288 m test tower. The simulation accuracy using the proposed method reaches the minimum of 0.93% in 5 m/s case of the peak-to-peak value, reaches the minimum of 3.11% in 10 m/s case of the A95 value, and reaches the minimum of 0.13% in 10 m/s case of the main frequency value. In general, the compared results of the peak-to peak vibration acceleration, the A95 value, and the main frequency are all closed in both 5 m/s, 7 m/s, 8 m/s, and 10 m/s cases.
Feline ureteral obstruction: a case-control study of risk factors (2016–2019)
Authors: Kennedy Alexandra J , White Joanna D 
Published: June 2021

Objectives Ureteral obstruction (UO) in cats causes acute kidney injury and typically requires surgical intervention. Information is required about potentially modifiable risk factors to inform prevention strategies. Methods A case-control study was performed to assess risk factors associated with feline UO. Cases were defined as cats with either of the following: (1) ureteral obstruction (ureteroliths: 13/18; unknown: 5/18) confirmed with pyelography; or (2) a creatinine concentration >140 µmol/l with both UO (ureteroliths: 6/10; blood clots: 3/10; pyonephrosis: 1/10) and pyelectasia ⩾5 mm on abdominal ultra sonography. Controls were defined as cats without evidence of UO on history, physical examination and abdominal ultrasound. Age, sex, breed (domestic shorthair/longhair), diet (predominantly dry, mixed or predominantly moist food), housing (indoors or mixed) and plasma total calcium were evaluated for their association with UO using multivariable logistic regression. A receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was created to evaluate the predictive ability of the final model. Results In total, 168 cats (28 cases, 140 controls) were included. Age, sex, breed, housing and total calcium were not significantly associated with UO; however, diet was. Compared with cats eating a predominantly moist food diet, cats fed a predominantly dry food diet were 15.9 times more likely to develop a UO (95% confidence interval 2.9–295; P = 0.009). There was no difference in the association between diet and UO in cats fed a mixed diet vs cats fed a predominantly moist food diet ( P = 0.25). The area under the ROC curve was 72%. Conclusions and relevance Changes in diet formulation could provide a simple and economical method to reduce the risk of UO.
Comparison of total keratometry with corneal power measured by optical low-coherence reflectometry and placido-dual Scheimpflug system
Authors: Kommineni Usha Bhanu , Mohamed Ashik , Vaddavalli Pravin K , Reddy Jagadesh C 
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To compare the total keratometry (TK) and astigmatism measurements in eyes with cataract using automated keratometry of swept-source optical coherence tomography (ss-OCT), optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR), simulated keratometry (SimK), and total corneal power (TCP) of combined placido-dual Scheimpflug imaging system. Setting: The study was conducted at LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India. Design: Retrospective evaluation of electronic medical records of patients who were evaluated for cataract surgery Methods: Twenty-eight eyes of 28 patients were included in the study. All patients evaluated for cataract surgery underwent corneal power measurements using three devices: ssOCT, OLCR, and combined placido-dual Scheimpflug imaging were included in the study. Vector analysis was performed to evaluate corneal astigmatism and Bland-Altman analysis was conducted to evaluate the limits of agreement of similar parameters among devices. Results: The mean TK was statistically significantly different from the keratometry obtained from optical biometers and values measured by the Scheimpflug imaging system. The magnitude of mean difference was greater between TK and TCP (0.75 ± 0.25) compared to other variables. The mean difference in astigmatism between TK, ss-OCT-K (0.09 ± 0.12, p = 0.48), OCLR-K (0.10 ± 0.48, p = 0.91), and TCP (0.09 ± 0.47, p = 0.31) was not statistically significant but was statistically significant between TK and SimK values (0.23D ± 0.49D). The axis of orientation (<20°) of astigmatism was comparable (100%, 28 eyes) between two keratometry variables measured by ss-OCT. Conclusion: There appears to be a greater correlation of automated keratometry, and TK values obtained from ss-OCT compared to other variables studied. The measurements from TK, Simk, and TCP cannot be used interchangeably.
Incidence and Treatment Efficacy of Trigger Finger in the Breast Cancer Population on Aromatase Inhibitors
Authors: Regent-Smith Andrew J. , Childers Evan J. , Dzwierzynski William W. , Morgan Aaron L. 
Published: June 2021

Background Trigger finger is a common hand complaint of the general population. Limited literature exists implicating a low-estrogen state in patients on aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy for breast cancer who develop trigger finger. The authors’ objective was to determine the incidence and treatment outcomes of this population. Methods A single-center retrospective chart review was conducted on patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer on AI who developed trigger finger from 2010 to 2019. The total population of patients during this time served as our population, and patients with breast cancer not on AI with trigger finger served as our control. Primary outcomes included total number of injections and need for surgery. Secondary outcomes included risk factors for surgery. χ2 analysis and logistical regression model determined the significance of primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Results In all, 192 patients of a population size of 664 751 met our study group criteria. The study group showed a higher incidence of trigger finger (5.1% vs 1.3%; P < .001) compared with our population. Patients treated with AI for breast cancer had both higher incidence of trigger finger (5.1% vs 1.5%, P < .001) and injections (77.1% vs 66.5%, P < .001) compared with patients not on AI therapy. Independent risk factors requiring surgical treatment were found in patients with diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 3.54; P = .01) and in patients with concomitant radiation therapy (OR, 3.17; P = .02). Conclusions This study demonstrates for the first time the incidence, treatment outcomes, and surgical risk factors of trigger finger in patients on AI therapy for breast cancer.
Increased nerve growth factor expression in the synovial tissues of patients with rotator cuff tears
Authors: Tazawa Ryo , Kenmoku Tomonori , Uchida Kentaro , Arendt-Nielsen Lars , Nagura Naoshige , Nakawaki Mitsufumi , Matsumoto Toshihide , Inoue Gen , Takeuchi Hiroto , Jimbo Takenori , Nakazawa Toshiyuki , Fukuda Michinari , Takaso Masashi 
Published: June 2021

Background Rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are often associated with severe shoulder pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, not recommended for long-term use, do not effectively manage RCT-induced pain, resulting in reduced quality of life. To improve management, a better understanding of the fundamental properties of RCT pain is needed. Here, we aimed to compare the expression levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA in the synovial tissues of patients with RCT-induced pain and patients with non-painful recurrent shoulder dislocation (RSD). Methods The study included 32 patients with RCT who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and 28 patients with non-painful RSD who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair. Synovial tissue samples were harvested from subacromial bursa and rotator interval of RCT patients and from the rotator interval of RSD patients. Samples were analyzed quantitatively expression levels for NGF and COX2 mRNA and NGF protein. Results NGF mRNA and protein levels were significantly higher in the rotator interval of RCT patients than in the rotator interval of RSD patients ( p = 0.0017, p = 0.012, respectively), while COX2 mRNA levels did not differ significantly between the two patient groups. In RCT patients, COX2 mRNA was more highly expressed in the rotator interval than in the subacromial bursa ( p = 0.038), whereas the mRNA and protein levels of NGF did not differ between the two tissues. The expression of NGF mRNA in the synovium of the rotator interval was significantly correlated with the numeric rating scale of pain (ρ = 0.38, p = 0.004). Conclusion NGF mRNA and protein levels were elevated in patients with painful RCT compared with those in patients with non-painful RSD, whereas COX-2 levels were comparable in the two patient groups. These findings provide insights into novel potential strategies for clinical management of RCT.
Variability of environmental sound levels: An observational study from a general adult intensive care unit in the UK
Authors: Darbyshire Julie L , Duncan Young J 
Published: June 2021

Background Intensive care units are significantly louder than WHO guidelines recommend. Patients are disturbed by activities around them and frequently report disrupted sleep. This can lead to slower recovery and long-term health problems. Environmental sound levels are usually reported as LAeq24, a single daily value that reflects mean sound levels over the previous 24-h period. This may not be the most appropriate measure for intensive care units (ICUs) and other similar areas. Humans experience sound in context, and disturbance will vary according to both the individual and acoustic features of the ambient sounds. Loudness is one of a number of measures that approximate the human perception of sound, taking into account tone, duration, and frequency, as well as volume. Typically sounds with higher frequencies, such as alarms, are perceived as louder and more disturbing. Methods Sound level data were collected from a single NHS Trust hospital general adult intensive care unit between October 2016 and May 2018. Summary data (mean sound levels (LAeq) and corresponding Zwicker calculated loudness values) were subsequently analysed by minute, hour, and day. Results The overall mean LAeq24 across the study duration was 47.4 dBA. This varied by microphone location. We identified a clear pattern to sound level fluctuations across the 24-h period. Weekends were significantly quieter than weekdays in statistical terms but this reduction of 0.2 dB is not detectable by human hearing. Peak loudness values over 90 dB were recorded every hour. Conclusions Perception of sound is sensitive to the environment and individual characteristics and sound levels in the ICU are location specific. This has implications for routine environmental monitoring practices. Peak loudness values are consistently between 90 and 100 dB. These may be driven by alarms and other sudden high-frequency sounds, leading to more disturbance than LAeq24 sound levels suggest. Addressing sounds with high loudness values may improve the ICU environment more than an overall reduction in the 24-h mean decibel value.
The free vascularized lateral femoral trochlea osteochondral graft: a reliable alternative for Stage III Kienböck’s disease
Authors: Windhofer Christian M. , Anoshina Maria , Ivusits Patrick , Bürger Heinz P. 
Published: June 2021

Lunate reconstruction using a lateral femoral trochlea osteochondral graft was carried out in 27 patients with Stage III Kienböck’s disease from 2012 to 2019. Twenty-three of these patients could be followed-up in this retrospective study. Ten were women and 13 men. Nine were Lichtman Stage IIIA, seven Stage IIIB and seven Stage IIIC. The mean follow-up was 39 months (range 12–86). Bony consolidation was found in 18 of the 23 patients, with no graft loss. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH score) was 11 and the Modified Mayo Wrist Score was 83. There were only two radiological deteriorations, with the same or improved Lichtman classifications in the other patients and a significant reduction in pain. Postoperative extension of the wrist (52°) and flexion (48°) were comparable with preoperative values and, respectively, 81% and 72% of the contralateral side. Grip strength and pinch grip were 32 kg and 12 kg, 88% and 94% of the other hand, respectively, and an insignificant increase compared with the preoperative values. The vascularized lateral femoral trochlea osteochondral graft yields good short- and mid-term results in Grade III Kienböck’s disease. Level of evidence: IV
Estimating Enhanced Endogenous Glucose Production in Intensive Care Unit Patients with Severe Insulin Resistance
Authors: Yahia Anane , Szlávecz Ákos , Knopp Jennifer L. , Norfiza Abdul Razak Normy , Abu Samah Asma , Shaw Geoff , Chase J. Geoffrey , Benyo Balazs 
Published: June 2021

Background: Critically ill ICU patients frequently experience acute insulin resistance and increased endogenous glucose production, manifesting as stress-induced hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. STAR (Stochastic TARgeted) is a glycemic control protocol, which directly manages inter- and intra- patient variability using model-based insulin sensitivity (SI). The model behind STAR assumes a population constant for endogenous glucose production (EGP), which is not otherwise identifiable. Objective: This study analyses the effect of estimating EGP for ICU patients with very low SI (severe insulin resistance) and its impact on identified, model-based insulin sensitivity identification, modeling accuracy, and model-based glycemic clinical control. Methods: Using clinical data from 717 STAR patients in 3 independent cohorts (Hungary, New Zealand, and Malaysia), insulin sensitivity, time of insulin resistance, and EGP values are analyzed. A method is presented to estimate EGP in the presence of non-physiologically low SI. Performance is assessed via model accuracy. Results: Results show 22%-62% of patients experience 1+ episodes of severe insulin resistance, representing 0.87%-9.00% of hours. Episodes primarily occur in the first 24 h, matching clinical expectations. The Malaysian cohort is most affected. In this subset of hours, constant model-based EGP values can bias identified SI and increase blood glucose (BG) fitting error. Using the EGP estimation method presented in these constrained hours significantly reduced BG fitting errors. Conclusions: Patients early in ICU stay may have significantly increased EGP. Increasing modeled EGP in model-based glycemic control can improve control accuracy in these hours. The results provide new insight into the frequency and level of significantly increased EGP in critical illness.
Cephalic/cardiac neural crest cell and moyamoya disease
Authors: Ota Takahiro , Komiyama Masaki 
Published: June 2021

Background The neural crest is a transient structure present in early embryogenesis. Cephalic neural crest cells migrate into the pharyngeal arches and the frontonasal process that becomes the forehead and midfacial structures. They also contribute to forming the media of the arteries of the circle of Willis and their branches. The cardiac neural crest produces vascular smooth muscle cells in the ascending aorta, cardiac septum and coronary arteries. Methods In this review, we evaluate the role of the neural crest in moyamoya disease and the pathological implications from the concurrence of moyamoya disease and cardiovascular diseases from the point of view of neural crest cell distributions. Results Midline craniofacial and central nervous system anomalies with eye anomalies, morning glory disc anomaly in patients with moyamoya disease can both be explained as a subtype of cephalic neurocristopathy. Further, the association between moyamoya disease and cardiac manifestations (congenital cardiac defects and coronary artery disease) have also been reported. Both the cephalic neural crest and cardiac neural crest contribute to these concurrent arterial diseases, as cardio-cephalic neurocristopathy. Conclusion The concept of cephalic/cardio-cephalic neurocristopathy provides a new perspective to understanding the underlying aetiological associations and to developing future therapeutic approaches for concomitant moyamoya disease and cardiovascular diseases.