bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Peer Support on Coping and Cortisol Levels for Women Affected by Domestic Violence and Coercive Control
Authors: Letourneau Nicole , McManus Carrie , Novick Jason , Silverstone Andrea 
Published: August 2024

Purpose Gendered domestic violence and coercive control are prevalent public heath concerns in Canada with dire consequences for survivors. Peer support groups may address and reduce negative impacts of domestic violence and coercive control on women's stress, coping, safety, and alliances with social support network members, the focus of this study. Methods A one-group, pre-test/post-test quasi-experimental study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of Growth Circle, a 14-week peer support program offered at an agency serving women affected by domestic violence in a major western Canadian city. Through convenience sampling, women 18 years and older who experienced domestic violence were recruited and provided data on stress, coping, safety-related empowerment, and social support/alliances. Thirty-five participants provided all pre-test and post-test data, with a subsample of 14 providing repeated hair samples. Hair was employed to determine stress hormone (cortisol) levels. Results A significant reduction in self-reported levels of perceived stress and stress hormone levels following completion of the Growth Circle program was revealed. Participants also reported a significant increase in safety-related empowerment, and supportive alliances with group members. Conclusions The Growth Circle peer support program was demonstrated to be effective. Further implementation and research into the Growth Circle program across Canada is recommended.
Insights into dielectric and thermal properties of polystyrene-zinc oxide nanocomposites: A multifaceted characterization approach
Authors: Rahimli A , Huseynova A , Musayeva N , Alekperov R , Jafarov M 
Published: August 2024

In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) were successfully incorporated into polystyrene (PS) using a combination of solution mixing and hot-pressing methods, yielding a range of PS/ZnO nanocomposites. Characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), impedance spectroscopy (IS), Raman spectroscopy (RS), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed distinct features. XRD analysis of nanocomposites showed both weak and high-intensity peaks at different scattering angles (2θ = 8°–11° and 20°–22°), indicating amorphous phases PS phases with varying sizes of nanoparticles. It has been proved that the addition of higher amounts of ZnO leads to the disappearance of the maximum of weak intensity in the studied substance (PS/10%ZnO), which is due to the formation of microcrystalline regions that lead to the formation of sharp maxima with high intensity. It was determined that the increase in the concentration of ZnO up tp 5 % volume content enhances the dielectric permeability (ε) and polarization capacity of polystyrene. It is believed that, depending on the ZnO concentration, the increased dielectric permeability and polarizability are attributed to phases with different charge densities at the boundaries between the ZnO nanoparticles and the matrix, which promotes additional polarization and contributes to the overall enhanced permittivity. This formation of interfacial boundaries is evident from the stepwise shape of the thermogravimetric (TG) curve with increasing ZnO content. The introduction of ZnO nanoparticles into PS results in the formation of new phases, altering the intensity and position of peaks observed at frequencies of 376 cm⁻1 and 485 cm⁻1 in the Raman scattering spectrum, partially shifting towards higher frequencies.
Non-linear Association of CAR with all-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in Coronary Heart Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study from NHANES
Authors: Ye Ming , Yu Guangzan , Han Fusheng , He Hua 
Published: August 2024

Objective To investigate the relationship between C-reactive protein and albumin ratios (CAR) and all-cause and cardiovascular disease(CVD)-specific mortality in individuals with coronary heart disease(CHD). Methods The data from 1895 patients were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 1999–2010. We used weighted COX regression analyses to explore the association between CAR, all-cause, and CVD-specific mortality. Restricted cubic spline(RCS) regression models and threshold effects analysis were used to analyze nonlinear relationships. Subgroup analyses were also performed to explore these relationships further. Results During a mean follow-up of 115.78 months, 61.48% of deaths occurred, and 21.85% were due to CVD. After adjusting for potential confounders, each 1-unit increase in CAR was associated with a 65% increase in all-cause mortality and a 67% increase in CVD-specific mortality. The RCS model revealed a non-linear association between CAR and the risk of all-cause mortality and CVD-specific mortality in CHD patients (all non-linear P < 0.001). Threshold effects analysis identified inflection points in regression models of all-cause mortality (0.04, P < 0.001) and CVD-specific mortality (0.05, P = 0.0024). The interaction tests found sex, smoking and diabetes influenced the association between CAR and all-cause mortality and sex, smoking and HF influenced its association with CVD-specific mortality (all P < 0.05). Conclusion There was a nonlinear association between CAR and all-cause mortality and CVD mortality in patients with CHD, with a higher hazard ratio before the inflection point. Sex, smoking, diabetes, and HF might have an effect on the associations between CAR and death risks.
Ultrasound-guided modified dynamic needle tip positioning technique for distal radial artery catheterization: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liang Yupeng , Liu Peizhong , Wei Chao , Li Wenjin , Li Chuangpeng , Lai Tianwei , Peng Se , Xu Jiamin , Zhang Hezhen , Li Pusheng , Li Shaohui 
Published: August 2024

Introduction: The distal radial artery presents a particular challenge for puncture and catheterization due to its diminutive size, tortuous path, and tendency to spasm, increasing the risk of procedural failure and injury. Ultrasound guidance improves success rates and reduces risk in radial artery catheterization. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of a refined dynamic needle tip positioning technique for distal radial artery access. Methods: One hundred twelve patients were randomized to either the modified dynamic needle tip positioning technique (MDNTP) or palpation guidance groups (palpation group), each with 56 participants. The primary outcomes were the success rate of the initial puncture and overall puncture success rate, while secondary outcomes included procedural time and complications such as puncture site hematoma and radial artery occlusion within 24 h. Results: The MDNTP group exhibited superior initial puncture success (71.43% vs 46.43%, p < 0.05) and fewer puncture attempts (median 1 (1, 2) vs 2 (1, 4), p < 0.05), resulting in a higher overall puncture success rate (98.21% vs 87.50%, p = 0.028). Notably, sheath insertion times were significantly shorter (17 (12, 21) s vs 57 (32, 100) s, p = 0.001) and the Sheath insertion success rate was higher (96.43% vs 82.14%, p = 0.015) in the MDNTP group. Furthermore, the incidence of puncture site hematomas was reduced (5.36% vs 19.64%, p = 0.022), although puncture time was longer (60 (28, 116) s vs 40 (15, 79) s, p = 0.033). Despite these differences, total procedural time and the incidence of radial artery occlusion at 24 h postoperatively were comparable between the two groups. Conclusion: The MDNTP technique boosts the success of distal radial artery puncture and catheterization, reducing the risk of complications associated with the procedure.
Stroke Measures Analysis of pRognostic Testing—Mortality nomogram predicts long-term mortality after ischemic stroke
Authors: Kim Tae Jung , Lee Ji Sung , Oh Mi Sun , Kim Ji-Woo , Park Soo-Hyun , Yu Kyung-Ho , Lee Byung-Chul , Yoon Byung-Woo , Ko Sang-Bae 
Published: August 2024

Background: Predicting long-term mortality is essential for understanding prognosis and guiding treatment decisions in patients with ischemic stroke. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate the method for predicting 1- and 5-year mortality after ischemic stroke. Methods: We used data from the linked dataset comprising the administrative claims database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service and the Clinical Research Center for Stroke registry data for patients with acute stroke within 7 days of onset. The outcome was all-cause mortality following ischemic stroke. Clinical variables linked to long-term mortality following ischemic stroke were determined. A nomogram was constructed based on the Cox’s regression analysis. The performance of the risk prediction model was evaluated using the Harrell’s C-index. Results: This study included 42,207 ischemic stroke patients, with a mean age of 66.6 years and 59.2% being male. The patients were randomly divided into training (n = 29,916) and validation (n = 12,291) groups. Variables correlated with long-term mortality in patients with ischemic stroke, including age, sex, body mass index, stroke severity, stroke mechanisms, onset-to-door time, pre-stroke dependency, history of stroke, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, cancer, smoking, fasting glucose level, previous statin therapy, thrombolytic therapy, such as intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular recanalization therapy, medications, and discharge modified Rankin Scale were identified as predictors. We developed a predictive system named Stroke Measures Analysis of pRognostic Testing—Mortality (SMART-M) by constructing a nomogram using the identified features. The C-statistics of the nomogram in the developing and validation groups were 0.806 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.802–0.812) and 0.803 (95% CI, 0.795–0.811), respectively. Conclusion: The SMART-M method demonstrated good performance in predicting long-term mortality in ischemic stroke patients. This method may help physicians and family members understand the long-term outcomes and guide the appropriate decision-making process.
Metabolic syndrome and its associated factors among adults with cardiac diseases: A cross-sectional comparative group study
Authors: Abera Alemayehu , Shifeta Mekdes , Tesfaye Sisay , Addisu Bedasa , Hirigo Agete Tadewos 
Published: August 2024

Objective There is limited information about the extent of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among subjects with cardiac diseases in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of MetS among adults with cardiac diseases. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in southern-Ethiopia between May 2021 and August 2021. Data pertaining to the study were collected from 319 participants (153 cardiac and 166 non-cardiac groups) using the WHO stepwise approach. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the revised National Cholesterol Education Program: Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP) were used to define MetS. Results The prevalence of MetS was 44.2% and 50.2% in IDF and ATP III, respectively. Among the cardiac group, 54.9% had MetS in IDF criteria, compared to 34.3% in the non-cardiac group ( p < .001); whereas, it was 60.1% in the cardiac group and 41% in non-cardiac group ( p < .001) by ATP III. Age >60 years, waist–height ratio ≥5, high waist–hip ratio, body mass index 25–29.9 and ≥30 kg/m2 were significantly associated with higher odds of MetS in both IDF and ATP III. Also, smoking history and monthly income were associated with MetS by ATP III, while being female was associated with higher odds of MetS by IDF. Conclusion More than half of the subjects with cardiac diseases developed MetS as compared to non-cardiac controls. Periodic screening and focusing on the identified modifiable high-risk factors such as body weight, smoking, and central adiposity is important to effectively mitigate the risk of further comorbidity and complications in this high-risk population.
Evaluating cognitive performance: Traditional methods vs. ChatGPT
Authors: Fei Xiao , Tang Ying , Zhang Jianan , Zhou Zhongkai , Yamamoto Ikuo , Zhang Yi 
Published: August 2024

Background NLP models like ChatGPT promise to revolutionize text-based content delivery, particularly in medicine. Yet, doubts remain about ChatGPT's ability to reliably support evaluations of cognitive performance, warranting further investigation into its accuracy and comprehensiveness in this area. Method A cohort of 60 cognitively normal individuals and 30 stroke survivors underwent a comprehensive evaluation, covering memory, numerical processing, verbal fluency, and abstract thinking. Healthcare professionals and NLP models GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 conducted evaluations following established standards. Scores were compared, and efforts were made to refine scoring protocols and interaction methods to enhance ChatGPT's potential in these evaluations. Result Within the cohort of healthy participants, the utilization of GPT-3.5 revealed significant disparities in memory evaluation compared to both physician-led assessments and those conducted utilizing GPT-4 ( P < 0.001). Furthermore, within the domain of memory evaluation, GPT-3.5 exhibited discrepancies in 8 out of 21 specific measures when compared to assessments conducted by physicians ( P < 0.05). Additionally, GPT-3.5 demonstrated statistically significant deviations from physician assessments in speech evaluation ( P = 0.009). Among participants with a history of stroke, GPT-3.5 exhibited differences solely in verbal assessment compared to physician-led evaluations ( P = 0.002). Notably, through the implementation of optimized scoring methodologies and refinement of interaction protocols, partial mitigation of these disparities was achieved. Conclusion ChatGPT can produce evaluation outcomes comparable to traditional methods. Despite differences from physician evaluations, refinement of scoring algorithms and interaction protocols has improved alignment. ChatGPT performs well even in populations with specific conditions like stroke, suggesting its versatility. GPT-4 yields results closer to physician ratings, indicating potential for further enhancement. These findings highlight ChatGPT's importance as a supplementary tool, offering new avenues for information gathering in medical fields and guiding its ongoing development and application.
Practical Considerations and Implementation of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitors in Chronic Kidney Disease: Who, When, and How? A Position Statement by Nephrologists
Authors: Rastogi Anjay , Collins Ashté , Kelepouris Ellie , Kotzker Wayne , Middleton John P. , Rajpal Minesh , Roy-Chaudhury Prabir , Chertow Glenn M. 
Published: August 2024

Introduction: There remains an unmet need to reduce kidney and cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This report is therefore intended to provide real-world clinical guidance to primary care providers on sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor use in patients with CKD, focusing on practical considerations. Initially developed as glucose-lowering drugs, SGLT2 inhibitors preserve kidney function and reduce risks of cardiovascular events and mortality. Clinical benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in CKD have been demonstrated in multiple clinical trials, yet utilization in practice remains relatively low, likely due to the complexity of labeled indications (past and present) and misconceptions about SGLT2 inhibitors as a class. Methods: A panel of 8 US-based nephrologists convened in August 2022 to develop consensus guidance for the primary care community surrounding risk assessment as well as initiation and implementation of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with CKD. Here, we provide an adapted version of the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) heatmap and a treatment-decision algorithm. Conclusions: We advocate SGLT2 inhibitors as co-first-line therapy with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, where RAAS inhibitor dose titration need not be completed before initiation of an SGLT2 inhibitor. In fact, SGLT2 inhibitor therapy may facilitate up-titration or maintenance of optimal RAAS inhibitor dosing. We describe potential strategies to aid implementation of an SGLT2 inhibitor in clinical practice, including improving education and awareness among care providers and patients and dispelling misconceptions about the safety of SGLT2 inhibitors. In summary, we support the use of SGLT2 inhibitors with RAAS inhibitors as co-first-line therapy in most patients with CKD.
Poster 239: Chondrocyte Response to Fresh Autologous Conditioned Serum Versus Freeze-Dried Allogenic Conditioned Serum
Authors: Credille Kevin T. , Elias Tristan J. , Allahabadi Sachin , Wang Zachary , Hakimiyan Arnavaz , Chubinskaya Susan , Frisbie David , Yanke Adam B. 
Published: August 2024

Objectives: Traditionally, knee injections for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) have included corticosteroid with local anesthetic and hyaluronic acid (HA), but more recent investigations have delved into the potential benefits of biologic injections such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), and autologous conditioned serum (ACS). While positive clinical results have been seen with the clinical use of commercial ACS products, there are limitations currently precluding its widespread acceptance and use. These challenges include the preparation time and storage requirements, patient variability in both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles, and lack of regulatory approval of a commercial product in the United States. The development of an allogenic freeze-dried ACS product with an unaltered cytokine profile that remains stable at room temperature and would allow for easy storage, transport, and delivery to clinical settings. The purpose of the present study is to (1) compare the composition of freeze-dried allogenic conditioned serum (FD-CS) to fresh ACS and (2) to investigate the response of human knee cartilage after exposure to FD-CS and ACS to determine whether freeze-drying (lyophilization) affects the biological activity of conditioned serum products. Methods: Cartilage explants were collected from 6 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. ACS and FD-CS were created from patient serum samples. Cartilage samples were divided into 6 groups: (1) untreated control, (2) control + ACS, (3) control + FD-CS, (4) IL-1β (5 ng/ml), (5) IL-1β + ACS, and (6) IL-1β + FD-CS. After 10 days of incubation, samples were analyzed and compared for DNA normalized glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, cytokine contents, and histological characterization (Figure 1). Results: There was a significant decrease in pathology scoring for ACS (p = 0.0368) or FD-CS (p = 0.0368) in the presence of IL-1 compared to the control (Figure 2). Both ACS and FD-CS significantly mitigate the IL-1β induced increase in FGF (p = 0.0009 and p = 0.0002, respectively) (Figure 3). FD-CS showed a significant increase in IL-1Ra (Figure 4) and decrease in the IL-1β concentration in the presence of IL-1β compared to the control (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001). ACS treated samples had significantly higher concentration of TNF-α independent of IL-1 (p = 0.0053). Conclusions: Explanted osteoarthritic cartilage responds favorably and equivalently to treatment with ACS and FD-CS from a histological perspective. Both ACS and FD-CS were able to mitigate the IL-1β induced increases in FGF, and FD-CS lowers IL-1β concentration while increasing IL-1Ra concentration. While the cytokine profile of the FD-CS was slightly altered when compared to ACS, it does not affect its biologic activity.
Poster 285: Two-Year KOOS Improvement after Unloading Treatment With Implantable Shock Absorber in Post-Meniscectomy Patients
Authors: Flanigan David C. , Gomoll Andreas H. , Crawford Dennis , Ranawat Anil S. , Sherman Seth L. , Diduch David R. 
Published: August 2024

Objectives: Meniscectomy is a common orthopaedic procedure designed to improve symptoms. However, partial or full meniscectomy can reduce the structure’s ability to absorb and distribute normal joint load, which can result in post-meniscectomy pain. Subjects with and without previous meniscectomy and knee OA were treated with an implantable shock absorber (ISA) to unload the medial compartment. The purpose of this study was to compare subjects with and without previous meniscectomy who were treated with the ISA to evaluate if prior meniscectomy impacted outcomes scores. The objective was to determine if prior meniscectomy impacted two-year KOOS outcomes for patients treated with an implantable shock absorber. Methods: Eighty-one (81) subjects had the ISA implanted, and 23 subjects (28%) previously underwent partial (22) or full (1) medial meniscectomy. Subjects in the medial meniscectomy arm were 50.9 years old compared to 51.4 years old in the non-meniscectomy arm (p=0.8). The two arms were comparable for other baseline demographics, such as BMI, OA disease severity and duration of symptoms. Baseline and 2-year improvements in KOOS subscales were recorded. Results: Subjects with and without previous meniscectomy reported similar improvements in KOOS scores at two years. The post-meniscectomy group reported KOOS Pain improvement of 41.3 points from baseline, compared to a 47.3 point improvement in the non-meniscectomy group (p=0.2584) at two years. Similarly, the meniscectomy group reported a 43.6 improvement in KOOS ADL, compared to a 45.9 point improvement in the non-meniscectomy group (p=0.7075). Subjects reported similarly high levels of improvement in the post-meniscectomy arm compared to the non-meniscectomy group (38.2 vs. 51.4, p=0.1108) on the Sports/Rec Activities scale of KOOS. Through two years, none (0%) of the meniscectomy group underwent a conversion to arthroplasty, and study safety events were comparable between the two arms (p=0.2109). Conclusions: At two years, the implantable shock absorber provided dramatic improvement on KOOS subscales for subjects with prior meniscectomy and knee OA that is comparable to the improvement for subjects without history of meniscectomy. While this study population was more of a general OA population and not a sports-oriented population, the improvement in KOOS Sports/Rec was notable for the post-meniscectomy cohort. Given the attractive safety profile, the ISA is a potential treatment for patients with post-meniscectomy pain, and the treatment should be evaluated further in this population.