bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Height estimation based on second cervical vertebra measured using three-dimensional computed tomographic scanning in Iranian adults
Authors: Saadat Mostafavi Seyed Reza , Memarian Azadeh , Motamedi Omid , Khaleghi Mohammadreza , Pouromidi Mehdi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe cervical vertebrae are more durable than other skeletal components, and therefore may be the only remnants of a dead body. The present study aims to investigate the role of several linear dimensions of the second cervical vertebrae measured by Three-Dimensional Computed Tomographic Scanning (3D CT Scan) in height estimation of Iranian adult population. In this cross-sectional study, height determination was performed by measuring 15 indexes of the second cervical vertebrae. Indexes were obtained by screening cervical CT scan of 66 patients (33 males and 33 females) aged ≥ 18 years at Rasoul Hospital. Chi square, T student and logistic regression tests were used for statistical analysis. The significance level was considered to be < 0.05.ResultIn the total population, among the indexes for the second cervical vertebrae, the Max height of the axis (AMA) (r = 0.470, P = 0.0001), Max length of the axis (CMA) (r = 0.320, P = 0.007), and Sagittal max body diameter (DSMC) (r = 0.281, P = 0.019) had a strong and positive correlation with height. The results of this study showed the accuracy of linear dimensions of cervical vertebrae in determining the body height of the Iranian adult population.
Defective angiogenesis in CXCL12 mutant mice impairs skeletal muscle regeneration
Authors: Hardy David , Fefeu Mylène , Besnard Aurore , Briand David , Gasse Paméla , Arenzana-Seisdedos Fernando , Rocheteau Pierre , Chrétien Fabrice 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundDuring muscle regeneration, the chemokine CXCL12 (SDF-1) and the synthesis of some specific heparan sulfates (HS) have been shown to be critical. CXCL12 activity has been shown to be heavily influenced by its binding to extracellular glycosaminoglycans (GAG) by modulating its presentation to its receptors and by generating haptotactic gradients. Although CXCL12 has been implicated in several phases of tissue repair, the influence of GAG binding under HS influencing conditions such as acute tissue destruction remains understudied.MethodsTo investigate the role of the CXCL12/HS proteoglycan interactions in the pathophysiology of muscle regeneration, we performed two models of muscle injuries (notexin and freeze injury) in mutant CXCL12Gagtm/Gagtmmice, where the CXCL12 gene having been selectively mutated in critical binding sites of CXCL12 to interact with HS. Histological, cytometric, functional transcriptomic, and ultrastructure analysis focusing on the satellite cell behavior and the vessels were conducted on muscles before and after injuries. Unless specified, statistical analysis was performed with the Mann-Whitney test.ResultsWe showed that despite normal histology of the resting muscle and normal muscle stem cell behavior in the mutant mice, endothelial cells displayed an increase in the angiogenic response in resting muscle despite the downregulated transcriptomic changes induced by the CXCL12 mutation. The regenerative capacity of the CXCL12-mutated mice was only delayed after a notexin injury, but a severe damage by freeze injury revealed a persistent defect in the muscle regeneration of CXCL12 mutant mice associated with vascular defect and fibroadipose deposition with persistent immune cell infiltration.ConclusionThe present study shows that CXCL12 is crucial for proper muscle regeneration. We highlight that this homing molecule could play an important role in drastic muscle injuries and that the regeneration defect could be due to an impairment of angiogenesis, associated with a long-lasting fibro-adipogenic scar.
Primer on adult patient satisfaction in perioperative settings
Authors: Trinh Lily N. , Fortier Michelle A. , Kain Zeev N. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The topic of patient satisfaction has gained increasing importance over the past decade. Due to the impact of patient satisfaction on health care quality, understanding factors that predict satisfaction is vital. The purpose of this review is to examine the literature and identify factors related to patient perioperative satisfaction as well as predictive variables that, if modified, can enhance satisfaction scores of patients undergoing surgery. Our review reports that patient satisfaction scores are affected by modifiable factors such as clinician-patient communication, information provision to patients, and operational function of a hospital. Non-modifiable factors affecting patient satisfaction scores include patient demographics such as gender, age, and education. In order to enhance patient perioperative satisfaction, we suggest that anesthesiologists and surgeons focus their efforts on enhancing their communication skills and providing information that is appropriately tailored to the understanding of their patients.
Retrospective analysis of older travellers attending a specialist travel health clinic
Authors: Darrat Milad , Flaherty Gerard T. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Older people represent a significant proportion of overseas travellers. The epidemiology of older international travellers is not well described in the literature. This study aims to identify demographics, travel characteristics and the medical profile of older travellers seeking pre-travel health advice in a specialist travel medicine clinic.

Methods
Records of travellers aged 60 years and older attending the Tropical Medical Bureau clinic in Galway, Ireland between 2014 and 2018 were examined. Descriptive and inferential analysis of data was performed.

Results
A total of 337 older travellers sought pre-travel health advice during the study period. The mean age of the cohort was 65.42 (±10) years. Most of the travellers (n = 267, 80%) had at least one travelling companion. Nearly half of older travellers (n = 155, 46.8%) were travelling with a single companion. Tourism was the main reason for travel for the majority (n = 260, 77.6%), followed by visiting friends and relatives (VFR) (n = 23, 6.9%) travellers. The mean interval remaining before the planned trip was 4.36 (±2) weeks, and the mean duration of travel was 3.16 (±1) weeks. The most popular single country of destination was India with 33 (9.8%) visitors, and South East Asia was the most popular region with 132 (39.2%) older travellers. The majority of travellers (n = 267, 79.2%) had a documented pre-existing medical condition. The most commonly reported medical conditions were hypertension (n = 26, 7.7%), dyslipidaemia (n = 18, 5.3%), diabetes mellitus (n = 12, 3.5%), insect bite sensitivity (n = 11, 3.3%), and hypothyroidism (n = 9, 2.6%). Antihypertensive agents (n = 32, 9.4%) and statins (n = 24, 7.1%) were the most frequently used medications. Typhoid (n = 112, 33.2%) and hepatitis A (n = 84, 24.9%) were the most common vaccinations administered to older travellers at the clinic.

Conclusions
This study provides an insight into the demographics, travel characteristics, and medical profile of elderly travellers seeking advice at a large travel clinic in Ireland. A wide range of travel destinations, diseases and medication use was reported among this group of travellers, which may enable travel medicine physicians to provide more tailored advice and to more appropriately counsel older travellers.
Development and implementation of ISAR, a new synthesis platform for radiopharmaceutical production
Authors: Frank Christopher , Winter Georg , Rensei Fredrik , Samper Victor , Brooks Allen F. , Hockley Brian G. , Henderson Bradford D. , Rensch Christian , Scott Peter J. H. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
PET radiopharmaceutical development and the implementation of a production method on a synthesis module is a complex and time-intensive task since new synthesis methods must be adapted to the confines of the synthesis platform in use. Commonly utilized single fluid bus architectures put multiple constraints on synthesis planning and execution, while conventional microfluidic solutions are limited by compatibility at the macro-to-micro interface. In this work we introduce the ISAR synthesis platform and custom-tailored fluid paths leveraging up to 70 individually addressable valves on a chip-based consumable. The ISAR synthesis platform replaces traditional stopcock valve manifolds with a fluidic chip that integrates all fluid paths (tubing) and valves into one consumable and enables channel routing without the single fluid bus constraint. ISAR can scale between the macro- (10 mL), meso- (0.5 mL) and micro- (≤0.05 mL) domain seamlessly, addressing the macro-to-micro interface challenge and enabling custom tailored fluid circuits for a given application. In this paper we demonstrate proof-of-concept by validating a single chip design to address the challenge of synthesizing multiple batches of [13N]NH3 for clinical use throughout the workday.

Results
ISAR was installed at an academic PET Center and used to manufacture [13N]NH3 in > 96% radiochemical yield. Up to 9 batches were manufactured with a single consumable chip having parallel paths without the need to open the hot-cell. Quality control testing confirmed the ISAR-based [13N]NH3 met existing clinical release specifications, and utility was demonstrated by imaging a rodent with [13N]NH3 produced on ISAR.

Conclusions
ISAR represents a new paradigm in radiopharmaceutical production. Through a new system architecture, ISAR integrates the principles of microfluidics with the standard volumes and consumables established in PET Centers all over the world. Proof-of-concept has been demonstrated through validation of a chip design for the synthesis of [13N]NH3 suitable for clinical use.
A study protocol for the development and internal validation of a multivariable prognostic model to determine lower extremity muscle injury risk in elite football (soccer) players, with further exploration of prognostic factors
Authors: Hughes Tom , Riley Richard , Sergeant Jamie C. , Callaghan Michael J. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Indirect muscle injuries (IMIs) are a considerable burden to elite football (soccer) teams, and prevention of these injuries offers many benefits. Preseason medical, musculoskeletal and performance screening (termed periodic health examination (PHE)) can be used to help determine players at risk of injuries such as IMIs, where identification of PHE-derived prognostic factors (PF) may inform IMI prevention strategies. Furthermore, using several PFs in combination within a multivariable prognostic model may allow individualised IMI risk estimation and specific targeting of prevention strategies, based upon an individual’s PF profile. No such models have been developed in elite football and the current IMI prognostic factor evidence is limited. This study aims to (1) develop and internally validate a prognostic model for individualised IMI risk prediction within a season in elite footballers, using the extent of the prognostic evidence and clinical reasoning; and (2) explore potential PHE-derived PFs associated with IMI outcomes in elite footballers, using available PHE data from a professional team.

Methods
This is a protocol for a retrospective cohort study. PHE and injury data were routinely collected over 5 seasons (1 July 2013 to 19 May 2018), from a population of elite male players aged 16–40 years old. Of 60 candidate PFs, 15 were excluded. Twelve variables (derived from 10 PFs) will be included in model development that were identified from a systematic review, missing data assessment, measurement reliability evaluation and clinical reasoning. A full multivariable logistic regression model will be fitted, to ensure adjustment before backward elimination. The performance and internal validation of the model will be assessed. The remaining 35 candidate PFs are eligible for further exploration, using univariable logistic regression to obtain unadjusted risk estimates. Exploratory PFs will also be incorporated into multivariable logistic regression models to determine risk estimates whilst adjusting for age, height and body weight.

Discussion
This study will offer insights into clinical usefulness of a model to predict IMI risk in elite football and highlight the practicalities of model development in this setting. Further exploration may identify other relevant PFs for future confirmatory studies and model updating, or influence future injury prevention research.
Preliminary diagnosis of medial meniscus posterior root tears using the Rosenberg radiographic view
Authors: Kodama Yuya , Furumatsu Takayuki , Kamatsuki Yusuke , Hiranaka Takaaki , Takahata Tomohiro , Sadakane Masayuki , Ikuta Haruhiko , Yasumitsu Masaharu , Ozaki Toshifumi 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Purpose
To verify the effectiveness of detecting medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) using weight-bearing posterior-anterior (PA) radiographs.

Materials and methods
Twenty-three patients were diagnosed with an MMPRT using magnetic resonance imaging (Group A), with 23 matched individuals forming the control group (Group B). The distance between medial tibial eminence and the lateral edge of the medial femoral condyle (MTE–MFC distance) and medial joint space (MJS) width were measured on weight-bearing PA radiographs, with the knee flexed at 45° (Rosenberg view). Absolute medial meniscus extrusion (MME) was measured on magnetic resonance images.

Results
The MTE–MFC distance was greater and the MJS width was smaller in Group A than Group B (7.7 ± 1.7 mm versus 6.0 ± 1.24 mm and 3.2 ± 0.8 mm versus 4.5 ± 0.7 mm, respectively; P < 0.05). The MTE–MFC distance and MJS width correlated with MME (r = 0.603 and 0.579, respectively; P < 0.05), and the extent of MME was greater in Group A than Group B (4.1 ± 1.1 mm versus 1.8 ± 1.5 mm, respectively; P < 0.05).

Conclusions
MMPRTs increase the MTE–MFC distance and decrease the MJS width, with these measurements correlating to the MME. Therefore, measurement of the MTE–MFC distance and MJS width on the Rosenberg view could be a useful preliminary method for the diagnosis of an MMPRT.

Level of evidence
IV
Role of high-resolution ultrasound in the assessment of abdominal wall masses and mass-like lesions
Authors: Baz Ahmed Abdelrahman Mohamed , El-Azizi Hatem Mohamed Said , Mohamed Mohamed Sayed Qayati , Abdeldayem Ahmed Yehia Ibrahim 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution ultrasound in the assessment of abdominal wall masses and mass-like lesions and to provide an overview of the sonographic appearances of different abdominal wall pathologies, 54 patients were included in a prospective study. The patients’ age was ranging from 1 to 75 years. Twenty-eight were females (51.9%) and 26 were males (48.1%); all were evaluated by a high-resolution ultrasound examination, and the results were correlated to the patients’ operative findings and histopathological results as well as the pelviabdominal CT findings.

Results
In comparison to the operative, histopathological, and CT findings, the high-resolution ultrasound had an overall 100% accuracy for abdominal wall lesions, and for hernia cases, it had 100% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% accuracy, 100% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value.

Conclusion
The current study had encouraging results regarding the role of high-resolution ultrasound in the assessment of abdominal wall masses and mass-like lesions; nevertheless, it is considered as an effective and simple diagnostic tool that may limit the patients’ exposure to invasive biopsies and to the hazardous exposure to ionizing radiation and contrast media administration like that in CT examination.
Noninvasive tool for the diagnosis of NAFLD in association with atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk
Authors: Musa Nevine I. , Safwat Eslam , Abdelhakam Sara M. , Farid Amir M. , Hetta Waleed M. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Whether the severity of liver histology in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with more pronounced cardiovascular disease is unsettled. There is a need to develop a noninvasive tool to help its diagnosis in association with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of NAFLD-liver fat score (NAFLD-LFS) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in magnetic resonance imaging-proved NAFLD. The study comprised 60 patients with NAFLD during the period from October 2015 to June 2017, diagnosed by clinical features, laboratory tests, and magnetic resonance study. Thirty healthy subjects served as controls. All included individuals were subjected to anthropometric measurements and measurement of NAFLD-LFS and CIMT.

Results
On doing ultrasonography, 30 cases showed mild, 24 showed moderate, and 6 cases showed severe steatosis. NAFLD-LFS at a cutoff value of − 1.628 showed a sensitivity of 96.7%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 93.8%, and accuracy 97.8%. CIMT at a cutoff value of 0.6 had a sensitivity of 70%, specificity 53.3%, positive predictive value 75%, negative predictive value 47.1%, and accuracy 64.4%. The combination of CIMT at cutoff 0.7 and NAFLD-LFS at cutoff − 1.628 showed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of 100%.

Conclusion
CIMT combined with NAFLD-LFS can produce a simple noninvasive tool for diagnosis of NAFLD.
Psychiatric assessment of adults in care proceedings
Authors: Nathan Rajan , Scarisbrick Ruth , Brown Gaynor 
Published: September 2019

SUMMARYPsychiatric assessments of adults involved in care proceedings can play a critical role in assisting the family court to resolve proceedings justly. To properly carry out this role, the psychiatric expert should have an up-to-date understanding of the wider context within which they are working. This article outlines the legal framework of care proceedings in England and Wales and summarises the key aspects of the process. The duties of the expert and how the expert is engaged are explained. Finally, guidance is presented on how the expert should approach questions that are commonly raised in these proceedings.LEARNING OBJECTIVESAfter reading this article you will be able to:
•appreciate the legal framework relevant to care proceedings in England and Wales•recognise the circumstances in which expert psychiatric evidence relating to adults in care proceedings is commissioned•understand the common questions posed to expert psychiatrists undertaking assessments of adults in care proceedings and develop an assessment framework.
Functional Hierarchy of Uterotonics Required for Successful Parturition in Mice
Authors: Yoshida Masahide , Takayanagi Yuki , Ichino-Yamashita Azusa , Sato Kei , Sugimoto Yukihiko , Kimura Tadashi , Nishimori Katsuhiko 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Parturition is an essential process in placental mammals for giving birth to offspring. However, the molecular machineries of parturition are not fully understood. We investigated whether oxytocin plays a crucial role in the progress of parturition in cooperation with the prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) receptor. We first examined alterations in the expression of uterine contraction-associated genes in uteri of oxytocin receptor–deficient mice (Oxtr−/−) during parturition. We found that induction of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and connexin 43 expression was impaired in Oxtr−/−, whereas that of PGF2α receptor expression was not. We next generated mice with double knockout of genes for the oxytocin receptor/oxytocin and PGF2α receptor (Oxtr−/−;Ptgfr−/− and Oxt−/−;Ptgfr−/−) and evaluated their parturition with Oxtr−/−, Oxt−/−, Ptgfr−/−, and wild-type mice. In Oxtr−/−;Ptgfr−/− and Oxt−/−;Ptgfr−/−, pregnancy rates were similar to those of other genotypes. However, normal parturition was not observed in Oxtr−/−;Ptgfr−/− or Oxt−/−;Ptgfr−/− because of persistent progesterone from the corpus luteum, as observed in Ptgfr−/−. We administered RU486, a progesterone antagonist, to Ptgfr−/−, Oxtr−/−;Ptgfr−/−, and Oxt−/−;Ptgfr−/− on gestation day 19. These mice were able to deliver a living first pup and the parturition onset was similar to that in Ptgfr−/−. Meanwhile, unlike Ptgfr−/−, ∼75% of Oxtr−/−;Ptgfr−/− and Oxt−/−;Ptgfr−/− administered RU486 remained in labor at 24 hours after the onset of parturition. All of the pups that experienced prolonged labor died. We thus revealed that the oxytocin receptor is an upstream regulator of COX-2 and connexin 43 in the uterus during parturition and that both oxytocin/oxytocin receptor and PGF2α receptor are major components for successful parturition.
Opportunities for youth participatory action research to inform school district decisions
Authors: Cohen Alison K. , Ozer Emily J. , Abraczinskas Michelle , Voight Adam , Kirshner Ben , Devinney Molly 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundYouth participatory action research (YPAR) is an equity-focused approach intended to generate local knowledge and democratise the production of research evidence.
Aims/objectivesWe explore the promise and challenges of YPAR to inform education policy decision making. We focus on California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF)’s Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) initiative, which requires districts to engage with diverse stakeholders to make decisions. We provide a case example of California’s Stockton Unified School District. Stockton currently uses the Peer Leaders Uniting Students’s YPAR curriculum to inform their LCAP work.
Key conclusionsYPAR offers opportunities for new insights, and can be implemented successfully at scale. While Stockton was doing YPAR before LCFF and LCAP existed, they enabled Stockton to expand its YPAR programming, with the goal of using YPAR evidence to provide useful information for educational decision making, policies, and programmes. For example, one YPAR project focused on student tardiness and, using data from multiple sources, proposed lengthening the passing period so that it was physically possible to walk to class in the time permitted. Here, YPAR supports those people most affected by education policy – the students – to have the power to inform decisions that affect them. YPAR can broaden the set of evidence and perspectives that decision makers review to inform policy decisions. We encourage researchers and practitioners to study and create policy structures that support using YPAR to inform policy. We also encourage policy makers to develop more policies that can facilitate the use of YPAR, in education and beyond.