bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A pilot study to measure vascular compliance changes during fistula maturation using open-source software
Authors: Belmont Barry , Park Dae Woo , Shih Albert , Leavitt Matthew , Plattner Brett , Henke Peter K , Weitzel William F 
Published: May 2018

Purpose: Autogenous arteriovenous fistulas are the preferred access for hemodialysis. Yet when created, fistulas often fail to mature, requiring surgical or radiologic interventions before their use. This pilot study measures the vascular wall elasticity and flow gradient using an open-source ultrasound software program designed to aid in assessing fistula maturation. Methods: A total of seven end-stage renal disease patients were enrolled for our study after providing informed consent. Ultrasound scanning was performed for the inflow artery, post-arterial anastomotic segment, and outflow vein at initial and follow-up evaluation. Conventional digital imaging and communications in medicine data were collected from the ultrasound machine. The vessel diameter and distensibility of artery, post-arterial anastomotic segment, and vein were computed from the digital imaging and communications in medicine data using an open-source ultrasound software program. Results: The vessel diameter of artery and vein increased from 4.6 ± 1.1 mm to 6.0 ± 1.1 mm and from 5.8 ± 0.7 mm to 7.5 ± 0.9 mm from 1 to 6 weeks post-operation, respectively. Conversely, the vessel diameter of post-arterial anastomotic segment decreased from 4.2 ± 1.0 mm to 3.5 ± 0.9 mm from 1 to 6 weeks post-operation. The distensibility of artery and post-arterial anastomotic segment increased from 3.4% ± 0% to 5.9% ± 1.1% and 3.7% ± 1.2% to 4.9% ± 1.4%, respectively, while the distensibility of vein decreased from 5.0% ± 1.3% to 2.6% ± 0.4% from 1 to 6 weeks post-operation. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the change in vessel diameter and distensibility related to the healthy remodeling as the vein dilates during maturation.
Laparoscopic Redo Ileocolic Resection for Crohn’s Disease in Patients with Previous Multiple Laparotomies
Authors: Celentano V. , Sagias F. , Flashman K. G. , Conti J. , Khan J. 
Published: May 2018

Purposes: Over 80% of patients with primary ileocolic Crohn’s disease have a surgical resection within 10 years of diagnosis, and 40%–50% of them need further surgery within 15 years. Laparoscopic surgery can be challenging due to a thickened mesentery and the potential for fistulas, abscesses, and phlegmons. Aim of this study is to analyze the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic redo ileocolic resections for Crohn’s disease in patients with previous multiple laparotomies. Methods: All patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for ileocolic Crohn’s disease from March 2006 to February 2017 were prospectively evaluated. Short term outcomes of laparoscopic ileocolic resection were compared between patients with previous multiple major surgeries and recurrent Crohn’s disease, and patients undergoing surgery for the first presentation of Crohn’s disease and no history of previous surgery. Conversion rate and 30-day morbidity were the primary outcomes. Reoperations, readmissions, operating time and length of stay were the secondary outcomes. Results: 29 patients with recurrent Crohn’s disease and previous multiple laparotomies were included: the number of laparotomies these patients previously underwent was 2 in 19 cases (65.5%), 3 in 9 (31%), and 4 in 1 (3.5%). In total, 90 patients with no history of any previous abdominal surgery, who underwent laparoscopic ileocecal resection for Crohn’s disease, represented the control group. No differences were found in morbidity and conversion rate. Operating time was longer in patients with history of previous abdominal surgery. Conclusion: Laparoscopic redo ileocolic resection for Crohn’s disease is feasible and safe in patients with previous multiple laparotomies at the expense of longer operating time.
Oxygen saturation and haemodynamic changes prior to circulatory arrest: Implications for transplantation and resuscitation
Authors: Gilhooley Colin , Burnhill Geoff , Gardiner Dale , Vyas Harish , Davies Patrick 
Published: May 2018

Aims To describe the progression of oxygen saturations and blood pressure observations prior to death. Introduction The progression of physiological changes around death is unknown. This has important implications in organ donation and resuscitation. Donated organs have a maximal warm ischaemic threshold. In hypoxic cardiac arrest, an understanding of pre-cardiac arrest physiology is important in prognosticating and will allow earlier identification of terminal states. Methods Data were examined for all regional patients over a two-year period offering organ donation after circulatory death. Frequent observations were taken contemporaneously by the organ donation nurse at the time of and after withdrawal of intensive care. Results In all, 82 case notes were examined of patients aged 0 to 76 (median 52, 4 < 18 years). From withdrawal of intensive care to death took a mean of 28.5 min (range 4 to 185). A terminal deterioration in saturations (from an already low baseline) commenced 14 min prior to circulatory arrest, followed by a blood pressure fall commencing 8 min prior to circulatory arrest, and finally a rapid fall in heart rate commencing 4 min prior to circulatory arrest. Two patients had a warm ischaemic time of greater than 30 min; 15 patients had a warm ischaemia time of 10 min or greater; and 53 patients had a warm ischaemia time of 5 min or less. It was observed that 0/82 patients had saturations of less than 40% for more than 3 min prior to cardiac arrest and 74/82 for more than 2 min. Conclusions There is a perimortem sequence of hypoxia, then hypotension, and then bradycardia. The heart is extremely resistant to hypoxia. A warm ischaemic time of over 30 min is rare.
Is a joint-specific home exercise program effective for patients with first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis? A critical review
Authors: Scott Anna 
Published: May 2018

Introduction First carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis is a common degenerative condition. The thumb has been reported to account for up to 50% of hand function and is functionally and biomechanically unique in the hand. To this end, it would seem appropriate that exercise programs for first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis would be specifically tailored to the thumb. However, this is not widely reflected in the literature. This review aimed to critically evaluate studies presenting primary evidence to determine whether a joint-specific exercise program is effective for patients with osteoarthritis in the first carpometacarpal joint. Methods Six electronic databases were searched for papers presenting primary data relating to home exercise programs that were specific to osteoarthritis in the first carpometacarpal joint. Methodological quality of included papers was evaluated using the Structured Effectiveness for Evaluation of Studies tool and levels of evidence were established based on National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines. Qualitative analysis of the combined body of literature was performed and a recommendation generated and then graded according to NHMRC guidelines. Results Searching identified three relevant papers. Overall, methodological quality was moderate, with limitations primarily related to lack of power. Findings from the body of literature demonstrated considerable variation, but evidence to support specific thumb strengthening exercises was found. This provided an NHMRC Grade D level of recommendation. Conclusions It is recommended that future studies consider optimal frequency of strengthening exercises and the potential role of adductor pollicis release and passive carpometacarpal joint mobilization in home exercise programs for first carpometacarpal osteoarthritis.
Reporting Qualitative Research: Standards, Challenges, and Implications for Health Design
Authors: Peditto Kathryn 
Published: May 2018

Objective: This Methods column describes the existing reporting standards for qualitative research, their application to health design research, and the challenges to implementation. Intended for both researchers and practitioners, this article provides multiple perspectives on both reporting and evaluating high-quality qualitative research. Background: Two popular reporting standards exist for reporting qualitative research—the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) and the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). Though compiled using similar procedures, they differ in their criteria and the methods to which they apply. Creating and applying reporting criteria is inherently difficult due to the undefined and fluctuating nature of qualitative research when compared to quantitative studies. Conclusions: Qualitative research is expansive and occasionally controversial, spanning many different methods of inquiry and epistemological approaches. A “one-size-fits-all” standard for reporting qualitative research can be restrictive, but COREQ and SRQR both serve as valuable tools for developing responsible qualitative research proposals, effectively communicating research decisions, and evaluating submissions. Ultimately, tailoring a set of standards specific to health design research and its frequently used methods would ensure quality research and aid reviewers in their evaluations.
Complete Hypokalemic Quadriparesis as a First Presentation of Sjögren Syndrome
Authors: An Jason , Braam Branko 
Published: May 2018

Rationale: We hope to increase awareness that hypokalemic paralysis may be the first presentation of Sjögren syndrome, for which potassium-sparing diuretics can be an effective adjunct to potassium replenishment. Presenting concerns: A 73-year-old female presented to a peripheral hospital with quadriparesis and a critically low serum potassium of 1.6 mmol/L with U waves on the electrocardiogram (ECG). The initial arterial blood gas showed a pH of 7.19, bicarbonate of 13 mEq/L, and a CO2 of 35 mm Hg. Over the next 6 days, she was administered a total of 450 mEq of potassium supplements. Despite this, her potassium never increased above 2.9 mmol/L and was thus transferred to the University Hospital for further management. On arrival, her vital signs were within normal limits. Her only other symptoms were fatigue and ocular dryness. Physical exam showed slightly weakened quadriceps muscles bilaterally, graded 4/5. Examination was otherwise unremarkable. Admission investigations included a potassium of 2.8 mmol/L, chloride 118 mmol/L, sodium 136 mmol/L, and eGFR 48 mL/min/1.73 m2. Renin aldosterone ratio was normal. Diagnoses: Distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) was diagnosed based on a normal anion gap metabolic acidosis, positive urine anion gap, and elevated urine potassium to creatinine ratio. Investigation of underlying causes revealed a positive Antinuclear antibody (ANA), elevated rheumatoid factor, and high anti-Ro/SSA titre which directed us toward a unifying diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome. A renal biopsy was undertaken as an outpatient and demonstrated severe interstitial nephritis with acute and chronic components, parenchymal scarring, atrophy, and small vessel arteriosclerosis. Interventions: In the acute setting, the patient was treated with bicarbonate and amiloride in addition to potassium supplementation. Outcomes: The patient’s hypokalemic paralysis and metabolic acidosis were corrected. Lessons Learned: Severe hypokalemic paralysis in distal RTA associated with Sjögren syndrome can be successfully treated with amiloride in addition to potassium supplementation. We also review the literature on the aberrancies seen in H+ATPase, Band 3, Pendrin, and carbonic anhydrase that may underlie the pathogenesis of distal RTA in Sjögren syndrome.
Use of Living Strategies among Adults Aging with HIV in Canada: Comparison by Age-Group Using Data from the HIV, Health and Rehabilitation Survey
Authors: O’Brien Kelly Kathleen , Dagenais Matthieu , Solomon Patricia , Worthington Catherine , Chan Carusone Soo , Ibáñez-Carrasco Francisco , Hanna Steven , Gahagan Jacqueline , Baxter Larry , Robinson Gregory , Gayle Patriic , James Dawn , Yates Tammy ,   the HIV Health and Rehabilitation Survey (HHRS) Team
Published: May 2018

Objective: To examine the type and frequency of living strategies used by adults living with HIV. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey that included 51 living strategies: maintaining sense of control, attitudes and beliefs, blocking HIV out of the mind, and social interaction. We examined the frequency of use and compared the proportion of respondents who engaged in strategies across 3 age-groups (<40 years, 40-49 years, and ≥50 years). Results: Of the 935 participants, the majority were men (79%) and most (≥60%) engaged “most” or “all of the time” in healthy lifestyle strategies and maintained a positive outlook living with HIV. Compared to younger participants, a higher proportion of older adults (≥50 years) engaged “most” or “all the time” in strategies that involved maintaining control over health and adopting positive attitudes and outlook living with HIV. Conclusions: Findings can help to inform the role of self-management to enhance successful aging with HIV.
Analysis, design and synthesis of water-based magnetorheological fluid for CMMRF process
Authors: Ranjan Prabhat , Balasubramaniam R. , Jain V. K. 
Published: May 2018

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation has been performed to study the instability behaviour of water-based magnetorheological fluid (MR fluid) which is being used as a polishing medium of the chemo-mechanical magnetorheological finishing (CMMRF) process. This article deals with the flow behaviour of the dispersed solid phase in a continuous liquid phase due to the gravity-assisted flow, which results in sedimentation of the MR fluid with time. In the present work, the causes of the fluid sedimentation have been identified through the CFD simulation. The sedimentation effect is minimized by nano-coating on iron particles using hydrocarbon chains through chemical reaction which is studied and analysed by using ab initio molecular dynamics simulation through density functional theory (DFT). The phenomenon observed through the simulation work is experimentally validated. The experimental results show that the MR fluid with nano-coating yields better stability against sedimentation.
Influence of electrolytes on surface texture characteristics generated by electrochemical micromachining
Authors: Kunar Sandip , Mahata S. , Bhattacharyya B. 
Published: May 2018

Generation of microsurface texture is an important technology for surface engineering that can produce a significant improvement of engineering components in aspects to wear resistance, friction coefficient, load capacities, part lubrication, etc. This research proposes a novel approach of maskless electrochemical micromachining (EMM), which is anodic dissolution based on electrochemical reaction. One reused textured cathode tool with patterned SU-8 2150 mask can fabricate many work samples economically with less time. Maskless EMM set-up with developed EMM cell and vertical crossflow electrolyte supply system is used to generate micro circular patterns on stainless steel (SUS 304) using three different types of electrolytes such as NaCl, NaNO3 and NaCl + NaNO3. The influences of major process parameters such as interelectrode gap (IEG), flow rate, machining time and electrolyte concentration on mean radial overcut and mean machining depth have been investigated using these electrolytes. Out of these three electrolytes, only NaCl + NaNO3 of 20 g l−1 is selected as the best electrolyte with other best parameter settings such as applied voltage of 12 V, duty ratio of 30%, pulse frequency of 5 kHz, flow rate of 3.12 m3 hr−1, IEG of 50 µm and machining time of 3 minutes for generating good textured characteristics with overcut of 27.581 µm and depth of 15.1 µm. Analyses have also been done to investigate the textured characteristics using these electrolytes for acquiring the best parametric combination with suitable electrolyte.
Fibroblast growth factor 23 and Klotho contribute to airway inflammation
Authors: Krick Stefanie , Grabner Alexander , Baumlin Nathalie , Yanucil Christopher , Helton Scott , Grosche Astrid , Sailland Juliette , Geraghty Patrick , Viera Liliana , Russell Derek W. , Wells J. Michael , Xu Xin , Gaggar Amit , Barnes Jarrod , King Gwendalyn D. , Campos Michael , Faul Christian , Salathe Matthias 
Published: May 2018

Circulating levels of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)23 are associated with systemic inflammation and increased mortality in chronic kidney disease. α-Klotho, a co-receptor for FGF23, is downregulated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, whether FGF23 and Klotho-mediated FGF receptor (FGFR) activation delineates a pathophysiological mechanism in COPD remains unclear. We hypothesised that FGF23 can potentiate airway inflammationviaKlotho-independent FGFR4 activation.FGF23 and its effect were studied using plasma and transbronchial biopsies from COPD and control patients, and primary human bronchial epithelial cells isolated from COPD patients as well as a murine COPD model.Plasma FGF23 levels were significantly elevated in COPD patients. Exposure of airway epithelial cells to cigarette smoke and FGF23 led to a significant increase in interleukin-1β releaseviaKlotho-independent FGFR4-mediated activation of phospholipase Cγ/nuclear factor of activated T-cells signalling. In addition, Klotho knockout mice developed COPD and showed airway inflammation and elevated FGFR4 expression in their lungs, whereas overexpression of Klotho led to an attenuation of airway inflammation.Cigarette smoke induces airway inflammation by downregulation of Klotho and activation of FGFR4 in the airway epithelium in COPD. Inhibition of FGF23 or FGFR4 might serve as a novel anti-inflammatory strategy in COPD.
Tobacco smoke exposure in early life and adolescence in relation to lung function
Authors: Thacher Jesse D. , Schultz Erica S. , Hallberg Jenny , Hellberg Ulrika , Kull Inger , Thunqvist Per , Pershagen Göran , Gustafsson Per M. , Melén Erik , Bergström Anna 
Published: May 2018

Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with impaired lung function among young children, but less is known about long-term effects and the impact of adolescents' own smoking. We investigated the influence of maternal smoking during pregnancy, secondhand smoke exposure and adolescent smoking on lung function at age 16 years.The BAMSE (Barn/Child, Allergy, Milieu, Stockholm, Epidemiology) birth cohort collected information on participants' tobacco smoke exposure through repeated questionnaires, and measured saliva cotinine concentrations at age 16 years. Participants performed spirometry and impulse oscillometry (IOS) at age 16 years (n=2295).Exposure to maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio of −1.1% (95% CI −2.0 to −0.2%). IOS demonstrated greater resistance at 5–20 Hz (R5–20) in participants exposed to maternal smoking during pregnancy. Adolescents who smoked had reduced FEV1/FVC ratios of −0.9% (95% CI −1.8 to −0.1%) and increased resistance of 6.5 Pa·L–1·s (95% CI 0.7 to 12.2 Pa·L–1·s) inR5–20. Comparable associations for FEV1/FVC ratio were observed for cotinine concentrations, using ≥12 ng·mL−1as a cut-off for adolescent smoking.Maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with lower FEV1/FVC ratios and increased airway resistance. In addition, adolescent smoking appears to be associated with reduced FEV1/FVC ratios and increased peripheral airway resistance.
The use of whole-genome sequencing in cluster investigation of a multidrug-resistant tuberculosis outbreak
Authors: Lalor Maeve K. , Casali Nicola , Walker Timothy M. , Anderson Laura F. , Davidson Jennifer A. , Ratna Natasha , Mullarkey Cathy , Gent Mike , Foster Kirsty , Brown Tim , Magee John , Barrett Anne , Crook Derrick W. , Drobniewski Francis , Thomas H. Lucy , Abubakar Ibrahim 
Published: May 2018

We used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to delineate transmission networks and investigate the benefits of WGS during cluster investigation.We included clustered cases of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB)/extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB linked by mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit variable tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) strain typing or epidemiological information in the national cluster B1006, notified between 2007 and 2013 in the UK. We excluded from further investigation cases whose isolates differed by greater than 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Data relating to patients' social networks were collected.27 cases were investigated and 22 had WGS, eight of which (36%) were excluded as their isolates differed by more than 12 SNPs to other cases. 18 cases were ruled into the transmission network based on genomic and epidemiological information. Evidence of transmission was inconclusive in seven out of 18 cases (39%) in the transmission network following WGS and epidemiological investigation.This investigation of a drug-resistant TB cluster illustrates the opportunities and limitations of WGS in understanding transmission in a setting with a high proportion of migrant cases. The use of WGS should be combined with classical epidemiological methods. However, not every cluster will be solvable, regardless of the quality of genomic data.
Infant nasal nitric oxide over time: natural evolution and impact of respiratory tract infection
Authors: Marthin June K. , Philipsen Maria C. , Rosthoj Susanne , Nielsen Kim G. 
Published: May 2018

Nasal nitric oxide (NO) discriminates between patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and healthy individuals. We report feasibility of measurement and natural evolution of nasal NO and upon the impact of respiratory tract infection (RTI) on nasal NO in healthy infants (HI), followed from birth until age 2 years, with comparison to nasal NO in infant PCD.Tidal-breathing nasal NO measurements were performed at scheduled visits at 2 weeks old and at 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 months old, with extra visits during RTIs. Historical nasal NO measurements for infant PCD were included for comparison.Altogether, 224 nasal NO measurements were performed in 44 enrolled infants. Median newborn nasal NO was 46 ppb (interquartile range (IQR) 29–69 ppb), increasing at a rate of 5.4% per month up to 283 ppb (IQR 203–389 ppb) at the age of 2 years. RTIs in 27 out of 44 infants temporarily suppressed nasal NO by 79%. Values for nasal NO in seven infants with PCD ranged from 6–80 ppb. The success rate to accept nasal NO sampling was 223 out of 224 measurements (99.6%).Tidal-breathing nasal NO measurement was indeed feasible in infancy and nasal NO in HI increased significantly up to 2 years of age, in opposition to nasal NO in PCD cases, which stayed low past 2 years of age. RTI episodes caused marked, temporary reductions in nasal NO in HI indistinguishable from that in infant PCD, suggesting that nasal NO should be measured in RTI-free intervals.