bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and sustainability of a multidisciplinary care model for patients with hemodialysis access dysfunction
Authors: Gan Chye Chung , Pang Suh Chien , Tan Ru Yu , Tng Alvin Ren Kwang , Tan Chee Wooi , Lim Lydia Wei Wei , Tay Hsien Ts’ung , Zhuang Kun Da , Ng Li Choo , Tay Kiang Hiong , Chong Tze Tec , Tan Chieh Suai 
Published: November 2024

Background: A multidisciplinary care model involving the interventional radiologist, vascular surgeon, interventional nephrologist, renal advanced nurse practitioner, and renal coordinators was implemented to improve the care for the patient admitted with dysfunctional hemodialysis access. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of this multidisciplinary care model. Method: A dedicated interventional nephrology suite was established to perform endovascular procedures for patients admitted with hemodialysis access dysfunction via the emergency department of the hospital. We retrospectively collected data from electronic medical records 1-year before and after the implementation (April 2015). Outcome measures include waiting time for intervention, length of stays (LOS), number of dialysis catheter insertions before the intervention, number of inpatient dialysis required, and success rates of the interventions. The waiting time for intervention and LOS was tracked over the next 3 years to determine the sustainability of the care model. Results: Eight hundred eighty-one endovascular interventions (314 angioplasties, 567 thrombolysis) were performed on 554 patients. Post-implementation, a greater proportion of intervention was performed within 24 h (238 (50.2%) vs 70 (17.2%), p < 0.001) with lesser proportion of patients requiring bridging hemodialysis via temporary catheter, 156 (32.9%) versus 215 (52.8%), p < 0.001. A shorter median LOS and days-to-intervention were reported, 3 (IQR 2–6) versus 5 days (IQR 3–8), p < 0.001 and 1 (IQR 1–2) versus 3 days (IQR 2–4), p < 0.001 respectively. Less hemodialysis session/patient required, 2 (IQR 1–3) versus 3 (IQR 2–4), p < 0.001. The procedural success rate was greater, 440 (92.8%) versus 355 (87.2%), p = 0.020. Three years following implementation, the proportion of patients who received intervention within 24 h and were discharged within 48 h was reported to be persistently greater, 43% versus 13%, p < 0.001, and 27% versus 6%, p < 0.001 respectively. Discussion: This multi-disciplinary collaboration demonstrated a sustainable care model in improving the delivery of healthcare services for patients with dysfunctional hemodialysis access.
Effect of virtual reality video application on fistula puncture-associated pain in patients undergoing hemodialysis: Assessor-blinded randomized trial
Authors: Ersoy Nese Altınok , Kesik Gülşah , Dede Fatih 
Published: November 2024

Objective: To elucidate the effect of virtual reality video application on fistula puncture-associated pain in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Design: Attention controlled and assessor-blinded randomized trial. Materials and methods: Attention controlled and assessor-blinded randomized trial was conducted 28 patients at the hemodialysis center of City Hospital. The patients in the intervention group ( n = 14) participated in 12 hemodialysis sessions with virtual reality video application under the researcher’s supervision. The patients in the control group ( n = 14) received a 6-min training session on diet compliance. The Sociodemographic Form and Visual Analog Scale were used to collect data in person at various time points: baseline (t0), during the 1st to 12th hemodialysis sessions (t1–t12), and 1 week after implementation (t13). Results: Virtual reality video application helped in effectively decreasing pain over time, as revealed by significant differences in the measurements at t1–t12 and t13 ( p < 0.05). Time-based variations in within-group differences revealed that the median fistula puncture-associated pain values were significantly higher at baseline and t13 measurements in the intervention group ( p < 0.05). In contrast, no significant differences were observed in the median fistula puncture-associated pain values in the control group ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: In patients undergoing hemodialysis, the application of virtual reality helps decrease fistula puncture-associated pain values. Advances in technology, particularly virtual reality, may play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare.
Experimental and statistical investigation on temperature gradient of CFST truss chords
Authors: Yan Xinkai , Liu Yongjian , Liu Jiang , Zhang Guojing , Wang Zhuang 
Published: November 2024

Due to mutual shading occlusion among staggered components, the solar temperature fields of CFST truss are complex, and the temperature actions of the truss chords differ from that of single-tube members, posing challenges in the calculation and assessment of thermal effects. This study proposed a temperature action mode tailored to independent thermal effects of CFST truss. Experimental testing over 1 year was conducted on a CFST truss specimen, with temperature gradients of chords analyzed using an extreme value statistical method and various machine learning algorithms. Structural parameters affecting temperature gradients were also examined through numerical simulation. The findings were applied to assess thermal responses in a real bridge scenario. Significant differences in the temperature gradients were observed between upper and lower chords, with the upper chords showing larger vertical temperature difference and the lower chords exhibiting slightly larger lateral temperature difference. A linear relationship in the temperature actions across different chords was notable. Bending effects induced by temperature gradients in chords may equal or surpass those caused by vehicle loads, necessitating careful consideration in CFST bridge design. The proposed extreme value statistical method for bridge temperatures, based on fourth-order linear moments, effectively determined optimal thresholds and probability distributions, demonstrating excellent performance when applied to tested data. Advanced machine leaning-based predictive models for bridge temperatures offer enhanced flexibility and accuracy compared to traditional predictive formulas.
Participatory developed school-based interventions targeting physical activity and sedentary behaviour among children and adolescents: A scoping review
Authors: Van Oeckel Veerle , Vandendriessche Anneke , Deforche Benedicte , Altenburg Teatske , Koobasi Muguet , Pauwels Nele S. , Verloigne Maïté 
Published: November 2024

Aims: A significant number of children and adolescents are insufficiently physically active and have a sedentary lifestyle, which is associated with adverse health outcomes, necessitating effective interventions. Using a participatory approach, which engages youth in intervention development, may enhance intervention effectiveness, as such interventions are believed to be more tailored to the needs of the target group. This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of the results of process and effect evaluations of studies that developed school-based physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour interventions using a participatory approach among children and adolescents. Methods: Six databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), Scopus and SPORTDiscus) were searched. Studies were included when they evaluated the participatory process, intervention implementation or health-related intervention effects. A quality assessment was completed using two QualSyst checklists. Extracted data included characteristics of studies, interventions, and participatory processes; characteristics of participants from whom data were collected; outcomes measured and measurement methods used; and key findings. Results: Twenty-five papers, covering 18 original studies, were included. Studies suggested that participatory processes were generally perceived positively, resulting in pupils feeling empowered, experiencing ownership and gaining certain skills. Participatory developed interventions also seemed to be generally well received, although the intervention dose delivered and intervention reach seemed to vary between studies. Finally, studies generally tended to report no effects on health. Conclusions: Although a participatory approach could be promising in empowering pupils and promoting intervention acceptance, apparent differences in intervention implementation and limited effectiveness highlight the need to enhance participatory processes and intervention effectiveness.
Results of Vertical Infra-Axillary Thoracotomy for Total Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Do Tien Anh , Luong Bao Tuan , Nguyen Tran Thuy , Nguyen Phong Ba , Luong Huyen Nhu Thi , Nguyen Viet Bang , Le Minh Ngoc , Nguyen Duong Ha Thai , Le Thanh Ngoc 
Published: November 2024

Objective: To demonstrate the efficacy of minimally invasive surgery via a vertical infra-axillary incision for complete tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) correction. Methods: In a study conducted from April to October 2023, 33 patients with TOF underwent total repair using this approach. On average, the patient age was 5.94 ± 2.68 months, weight was 6.49 ± 0.97 kg, and mean z-score index for the pulmonary valve annulus was –1.38 ± 0.92. Results also highlighted abnormal coronary artery pathways in 18.2% of cases, including 1 patient with dextrocardia and situs inversus. Results: The average incision length was 4.01 ± 0.6 cm, with bypass and clamping times of 95.42 ± 33.19 min and 69.24 ± 28.15 min, respectively. Preservation of the pulmonary valve annulus was achieved in 67% of patients. No postoperative deaths occurred, and there were no significant ventilation differences between groups. After surgery, no severe pulmonary valve regurgitation was observed, with patients remaining in excellent condition throughout the 7-month follow-up. The pulmonary valve pressure gradient after the procedure was 23.97 ± 10.65 mm Hg, and no heart failure cases were reported per the Ross classification at the latest follow-up. Conclusions: The vertical infra-axillary incision approach for total TOF repair is safe, effective, and cosmetically advantageous.
Minimally Invasive Video-Assisted Surgery for Concomitant Ascending Aorta and Aortic Valve Replacement via Right Infra-Axillary Thoracotomy
Authors: Wang Shuwei , Luo Chentao , Zhou Bing , Hu Zhibin , Liu Zhifang , Han Erlei , Wu Changhao , Mei Fuyang , Lu Xiaofeng , Chen Weikang , Dong Zhiqiang , Cui Yong 
Published: November 2024

Objective: This study aims to assess the safety, efficacy, and esthetic outcomes of an innovative 4 cm right infra-axillary incision approach for concomitant ascending aorta and aortic valve replacement (AAR and AVR), with a specific focus on achieving optimal surgical outcomes while ensuring minimal visible scarring. Methods: We retrospectively examined all elective cases of concomitant AAR and AVR surgery performed at our institution from July 2021 to June 2023. Exclusions encompassed emergency surgery, acute type A aortic dissection, active aortic valve endocarditis, redo cardiac surgery, the necessity for concurrent mitral valve replacement, or left ventricular assist device implantation. We collected and analyzed perioperative data for the patients. Results: The study comprised 24 consecutive patients. Cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamp time averaged 215.0 (interquartile range [IQR], 38.0) and 158.0 (IQR, 37.0) min, respectively. No instances of reoperation due to postoperative bleeding or need for permanent pacemaker implantation were recorded. Initial 24-h postoperative drainage volume averaged 186.9 ± 76.9 mL. Average follow-up duration was 21.7 ± 6.2 months (range, 5 to 30 months). Throughout short-term follow-up, no occurrences of valve dysfunction, paravalvular leak, cardiovascular events necessitating readmission, or mortality were observed. Conclusions: The right infra-axillary incision approach effectively yields secure, successful, and cosmetically pleasing outcomes for concomitant AAR and AVR. Further research and comparisons are warranted to validate these findings.
5-years patency results of Zilver PTX on the femoro-popliteal arterial segment: A Northern Sydney experience
Authors: Saricilar Erin C , Anning Naomi , Gatmaitan Raleene , Patel Kiraati , Fisher Charles , Puttaswamy Vikram 
Published: November 2024

Background The burden of peripheral arterial disease is increasing. Treatment of femoro-popliteal lesions remains challenging despite novel endovascular devices. Drug-eluting stents suppress post-treatment inflammation and reducing neo-intimal hyperplasia to reduce in-stent restenosis. Methods A multi-centre retrospective 5-years longitudinal study was undertaken to evaluate freedom from clinically driven target limb revascularisation (FF CD-TLR) and patency of Zilver PTX stents in treating symptomatic femoro-popliteal stenotic lesions. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to demonstrate FF CD-TLR, primary, primary assisted and secondary patency. Results There were 148 patients and 183 lesions treated with a mean age of 80.3 years and 52% males. The all-cause 5-years mortality was 25%. FF CD-TLR yearly patencies to 5 years were 81%, 67%, 62%, 57% and 52%, respectively, with significantly poorer outcomes for in-stent restenosis, longer stent lengths and lesions at the femoro-popliteal junction. Primary patencies were 63%, 47%, 40%, 34% and 24%, assisted primary patencies were 90%, 75%, 68%, 59% and 48% and secondary patencies were 96%, 94%, 94%, 92% and 92%. Major adverse limb events were 5% at 1-year and cumulative at 5-years was 16%. Discussion The clinical outcomes in this study population are comparable to recent publications with smaller cohorts. Our study confirms Zilver PTX has very good primary patency over 5 years with no discernible effect on all-cause mortality in an elderly cohort with particularly long treated lesions. Our results are similar to those seen in younger patients with shorter lesions. Nonetheless, longer lesions required more reinterventions to maintain patency. Conclusion Zilver PTX is a safe and durable drug-eluting stent when utilised in the management of femoro-popliteal stenotic lesions with good long-term patency and limited need for re-intervention.
Buddy taping after reduction of displaced extra-articular phalangeal finger fractures in children: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Weber Daniel M. , Luckert Christian , Kalisch Markus , Subotic Ulrike , Weil Robert , Seiler Michelle 
Published: November 2024

In this randomized controlled trial, we assessed the non-inferiority of buddy taping to splinting after reduction of displaced extra-articular proximal and middle phalangeal finger fractures in children. The primary outcome was the rate of secondary fracture displacements; the secondary outcomes were patient comfort, analgesic efficacy and total range of active motion 6 months after injury. Eighty-one patients participated: 43 with taping and 38 with splinting. Secondary displacement occurred in eight patients: five in the splinting group and three in the taping group. Risk difference was below the predefined non-inferiority of 10%. Patient comfort was significantly higher in the taping group, with no group differences for other parameters. Our previous study recommended taping for undisplaced finger fractures in children. With the current data, we recommend taping these finger fractures irrespective of displacement or need for reduction. We are encouraged to propose taping as an alternative to splinting for increased patient comfort, lower cost, and shorter application time. Level of evidence: I
Incident dementia in ischaemic stroke patients with early cardiac complications: A propensity-score matched cohort study
Authors: Bucci Tommaso , Choi Sylvia E , Tsang Christopher TW , Yiu Kai-Hang , Buckley Benjamin JR , Pignatelli Pasquale , Scheitz Jan F , Lip Gregory YH , Abdul-Rahim Azmil H 
Published: November 2024

Introduction: The risk of dementia in patients with stroke-heart syndrome (SHS) remains unexplored. Patients and methods: Retrospective analysis using the TriNetX network, including patients with ischaemic stroke from 2010 to 2020. These patients were categorised into two groups: those with SHS (heart failure, myocardial infarction, ventricular fibrillation, or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy within 30 days post-stroke) and those without SHS. The primary outcome was the 1-year risk of dementia (vascular dementia, dementia in other disease, unspecified dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease). The secondary outcome was the 1-year risk of all-cause death. Cox regression analysis after 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the outcomes. Results: We included 52,971 patients with SHS (66.6 ± 14.6 years, 42.2% females) and 854,232 patients without SHS (64.7 ± 15.4 years, 48.2% females). Following PSM, 52,970 well-balanced patients were considered in each group. Patients with SHS had a higher risk of incident dementia compared to those without SHS (HR 1.28, 95%CI 1.20–1.36). The risk was the highest during the first 31 days of follow-up (HR 1.51, 95%CI 1.31–1.74) and was mainly driven by vascular and mixed forms. The increased risk of dementia in patients with SHS, was independent of oral anticoagulant use, sex and age but it was the highest in those aged <75 years compared to ⩾75 years. Discussion and conclusion: SHS is associated with increased risk of dementia. Future studies are needed to develop innovative strategies for preventing complications associated with stroke-heart syndrome and improving the long-term prognosis of these patients.
Design optimization of ceramic membrane filters based on a response surface method
Authors: Owusu Sekyere Augustine , Baidoo Martina Francisca , Ohemeng-Boahen Godfred , Essandoh Helen MK 
Published: November 2024

Ceramic membrane filters fabricated from local raw materials are excellent for municipal wastewater treatment. This paper studied the fabrication of ceramic membranes using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). It also looked at the influence of clay, palm kernel shell ash, kaolin, and starch on the properties of ceramic membrane filters. Optimal test conditions and procedures were determined by selecting a fitting model based on experimental data. The Box–Behnken design (BBD) was chosen for its ability to reduce the number of experimental trials, thus making it cost-effective. The BBD design was executed using Design-Expert 13 software (Stat-Ease, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA), requiring 29 experimental runs. According to the study, responses such as porosity, flow rate, thickness, and density were used in the model. The fabrication of the 29 ceramic membranes includes formulation, shaping (slip casting method), drying, and sintering. Based on RSM, an optimum ceramic membrane design was proposed: Kaolin = 413 g, Clay = 180 g, Starch 147 g, Palm Kernel shell ash = 13 g. Compared with the test results, this combination possesses favorable and reliable accuracy. The addition of kaolin played a role in creating a porous framework within the ceramic membrane. Clay serves as a binding agent, aiding the consolidation of ceramic particles within the membrane matrix. Starch served as a pore-forming agent during the fabrication process. From the study, the palm kernel shell ash served as a binder and a reinforcing agent, bolstering mechanical strength and structural robustness.
Aligning our actions with our words: A systematic review of gender and racial diversity in surgical subspecialties
Authors: Lewis Joshua E , Pride Lornee C , Luk Hannah G , Oyejide Kafayat , Wilson Isha M , Tawiah Winston E , Watkins Cale M , Lee Wei-Chen 
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Persistent racial and gender disparities are prevalent within the higher education and medical training system, notably seen in the underrepresentation of Hispanic or Latinos, Black Americans, and female surgeons compared to their respective population proportions. This study aims to quantify publications addressing ethnic or gender diversity across various surgical specialties, analyze publication trends, and explore specific topics within medical literature. Database: The Database includes PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus Methods: Employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), we conducted a systematic literature review utilizing the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. A broad inclusion criterion for both ethnic and gender diversity of plastic surgery, neurosurgery, otolaryngology, dermatology, orthopedic surgery, and gender surgery was utilized. The literature was selected between 2014 and 2024. In the content of our study, diversity in articles was defined as any article that focused on addressing gender or racial/ethnicity in the subspecialty. Results: Of 1529 initially screened articles, 346 were included. Orthopedic surgery had the most diversity publications (n = 86), followed by general surgery (n = 67) and plastic surgery (n = 51). Significant increases in diversity publications were observed across all specialties. Orthopedic surgery showed the highest growth (+0.17 publications/year, p < 0.001), followed by plastic surgery (+0.12, p = 0.002) and general surgery (+0.11, p = 0.003). Race/ethnicity was the primary focus (51.4%), with fewer articles on gender (19.7%) or both (28.9%). Diversity topics included demographics, pipeline/recruitment, application process, training experience, leadership, and workplace treatment. Conclusion: These insights underscore the importance of continued efforts to promote diversity within surgical specialties to enhance patient care and outcomes. Further research and initiatives are needed to ensure equitable representation in surgical fields. Addressing diversity issues in surgical specialties is essential for improving healthcare outcomes and reducing disparities.
CUDASW++4.0: ultra-fast GPU-based Smith–Waterman protein sequence database search
Authors: Schmidt Bertil , Kallenborn Felix , Chacon Alejandro , Hundt Christian 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
The maximal sensitivity for local pairwise alignment makes the Smith-Waterman algorithm a popular choice for protein sequence database search. However, its quadratic time complexity makes it compute-intensive. Unfortunately, current state-of-the-art software tools are not able to leverage the massively parallel processing capabilities of modern GPUs with close-to-peak performance. This motivates the need for more efficient implementations.

Results
CUDASW++4.0 is a fast software tool for scanning protein sequence databases with the Smith-Waterman algorithm on CUDA-enabled GPUs. Our approach achieves high efficiency for dynamic programming-based alignment computation by minimizing memory accesses and instructions. We provide both efficient matrix tiling, and sequence database partitioning schemes, and exploit next generation floating point arithmetic and novel DPX instructions. This leads to close-to-peak performance on modern GPU generations (Ampere, Ada, Hopper) with throughput rates of up to 1.94 TCUPS, 5.01 TCUPS, 5.71 TCUPS on an A100, L40S, and H100, respectively. Evaluation on the Swiss-Prot, UniRef50, and TrEMBL databases shows that CUDASW++4.0 gains over an order-of-magnitude performance improvements over previous GPU-based approaches (CUDASW++3.0, ADEPT, SW#DB). In addition, our algorithm demonstrates significant speedups over top-performing CPU-based tools (BLASTP, SWIPE, SWIMM2.0), can exploit multi-GPU nodes with linear scaling, and features an impressive energy efficiency of up to 15.7 GCUPS/Watt.

Conclusion
CUDASW++4.0 changes the standing of GPUs in protein sequence database search with Smith-Waterman alignment by providing close-to-peak performance on modern GPUs. It is freely available at https://github.com/asbschmidt/CUDASW4.