bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypothesis: Pump shoes for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins
Authors: Jahanbani Alireza 
Published: June 2024

Background This hypothesis introduces pump shoes as a method for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins. Method An air pump is placed in the shoe, connected to an airbag wrapped around the leg through a hose. With each step, air is pumped into the foot airbag, applying pressure to the leg muscles and superficial veins. This action mimics muscle pumping, helping to push blood back towards the heart. Excess air is released through an outlet hose with an adjustable sphincter, allowing for increased pressure on the leg. Results & Conclusion These shoes offer a simple mechanism to assist in returning blood from the feet to the heart. They can be beneficial in preventing varicose veins in at-risk individuals or treating those in the early stages of the disease.
Efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy for neuropsychiatric symptoms among patients with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tan Weiqiang , Xie Fengxi , Zhou Jixi , Pan Zhaoquan , Liao Muxi , Zhuang Lixing 
Published: June 2024

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy for neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods We searched eight databases from their inception until 14 April 2024, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, SinoMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Periodical Database, and Wanfang Database. The search aimed to find randomized controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of acupuncture for neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. Literature screening and data extraction were performed independently by the authors. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan V.5.3 software, and Stata 17.0 software was used for detecting publication bias and performing sensitivity analysis. Results Twenty-eight studies, involving 2148 participants, met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed that acupuncture therapy improved depression-related scale scores (standardized mean difference (SMD) = –0.70, 95%CI [–0.98, −0.42], p < 0.00001), anxiety-related scale scores (SMD = –0.78, 95% CI [–1.43, −0.14], p = 0.02), Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 2.74, 95% CI [2.43, 3.05], p < 0.00001), Mini Mental State Examination scores (WMD = 2.36, 95% CI [0.78, 3.94], p = 0.003), Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale scores, and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 scores (WMD = –2.66, 95% CI [–4.83, −0.49], p = 0.02) compared to controls. Conclusion This review supports the application of acupuncture to reduce the severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms including depression, anxiety, and impulse control disorders, and to improve cognition and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease. The adverse effects associated with acupuncture, either alone or as adjunctive therapy, were relatively minor.
Augmentation of perivascular space visualization in basal ganglia and white matter hyperintensity lesion is a meaningful finding for subsequent cognitive decline
Authors: Sugai Yasuhiro , Hiraka Toshitada , Shibata Akiko , Taketa Ayato , Tanae Taiyo , Moriya Yosuke , Ohara Shin , Iseki Chifumi , Ohta Yasuyuki , Kanoto Masafumi 
Published: June 2024

Background Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) causes cognitive decline and perivascular space enlargement is one of the image markers for CSVD. Purpose To search for clinical significance in the time-course augmentation of perivascular space in basal ganglia (BG-PVS) for cognitive decline. Material and Methods This study population included 179 participants from a community-based cohort, aged 70 years at baseline. They had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies two or three times between 2000 and 2008. Based on the severity of BG-PVS or white matter hyperintensity lesions (WMHL) in 2000, the participants were divided into low-grade or high-grade groups, respectively. In addition, their time-course augmentation was evaluated, and we created a categorical BG-PVS WMHL change score based on their augmentation (1 = neither, 2 = BG-PVS augmentation only, 3 = WMHL augmentation only, 4 = both). Cognitive function was assessed based on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); the change was defined as the difference between scores in 2000 and 2008. We used simple or multiple regression analysis for MMSE score change according to MRI findings and clinical characteristics that were probably related to cognitive decline. Results In univariate analysis, MMSE score change was negatively associated with BG-PVS high grade at baseline and BG-PVS WMHL change score 4; this remained significant in multivariate analysis. In the final model based on the Akaike Information Criterion, BG-PVS WMHL change score 4 was associated with a 3.3-point decline in subsequent MMSE score. Conclusions This study suggested that augmentation in both BG-PVS and WMHL was associated with subsequent cognitive decline.
Enhancing 3D-Printed PP-CF parts: A novel resin-filling technique for mechanical property optimization
Authors: Eryildiz Meltem , Kosa Ergin , Akgun Ismail Cem , Yavuzer Bekir 
Published: June 2024

This study investigates a novel post-processing technique aimed at enhancing the mechanical properties of 3D-printed polypropylene-carbon fiber (PP-CF) composite parts. The method involves printing components with internal voids to reduce weight and printing time, subsequently filling these voids with a low-cost resin known for its superior mechanical properties. Through systematic experimentation varying infill density and pattern, key quantitative findings were obtained. Tensile strength generally increased with higher infill density, reaching a maximum of 55.664 MPa for the resin-filled triangle infill pattern with 60% infill density. Impact energy showed a decreasing trend with increasing infill density, with the highest impact energy of 0.5 J recorded for the resin-filled triangle infill pattern with 60% infill density. Microstructural analysis revealed that the triangle infill pattern at 60% infill density exhibited the most effective resin penetration, contributing to superior mechanical performance. These findings emphasize the importance of infill pattern selection in resin distribution and mechanical enhancement in 3D-printed composite materials.
Implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol for Cranial Vault Remodeling Procedures
Authors: Swift Clarice A , Fernstrum Colton J , Howell Haven M , Phillips John B , Aultman Rebekah B , Baker Katherine E , Thames Clay B , Bryant Gidarell C , Velazquez Alexander E , Boydstun Anna G , Sullivan John M , Lebhar Michael S , Hecox Emily E , Humphries Laura S , Hoppe Ian C 
Published: June 2024

Background Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been implemented across surgical disciplines, including cranial vault remodeling for craniosynostosis. The authors aim to describe the implementation of an ERAS protocol for cranial vault remodeling procedures performed for patients with craniosynostosis at a tertiary care hospital. Description Institutional review board approval was received. All patients undergoing a cranial remodeling procedure for craniosynostosis at the authors’ institution over a 10-year period were collected (n = 168). Patient and craniosynostosis demographics were collected as well as operative details. Primary outcome measures were intensive care unit length of stay (ICU LOS) and narcotic usage. Chi squared and independent t-tests were employed to determine significance. A significance value of 0.05 was utilized. Results During the time examined, there were 168 primary cranial vault remodeling procedures performed at the authors’ institution - all of which were included in the analysis. Use of the ERAS protocol was associated with decreased initial 24-hour morphine equivalent usage (p < 0.01) and decreased total morphine equivalent usage (p < 0.01). Patients using the ERAS protocol experienced a shorter ICU LOS (p < 0.01), but the total hospital length of stay was unchanged. Conclusion This study reiterates the benefit of developing and implementing an ERAS protocol for patients undergoing cranial vault remodeling procedures. The protocol resulted in an overall decreased ICU LOS and a decrease in narcotic use. This has implications for ways to maximize hospital reimbursement for these procedures, as well as potentially improve outcomes.
A Nationwide Analysis of the Impact of Cardiopulmonary Anomalies on Cleft Palate Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Stanton Eloise W. , Manasyan Artur , Roohani Idean , Kondra Katelyn , Haynes Karla , Urata Mark M. , Magee William P. , Hammoudeh Jeffrey A. 
Published: June 2024

Objective To increase awareness and improve perioperative care of patients with cleft palate (CP) and coexisting cardiopulmonary anomalies. Design Retrospective cohort. Setting Multi-center. Patients/Participants Patients who underwent surgical repair of CP between 2012–2020 identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric Data File. Chi-squared analysis and Student's t-test were implemented to make associations between congenital heart disease (CHD) and congenital pulmonary disease (CPD) and postoperative complications. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify associations between CP and CHD/CPD while controlling for age, gender, and ASA class. C2 values were used to assess the logistic regressions, with a significance level of 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Main Outcomes Measures Length of stay (LOS), perioperative complications (readmission, reoperation, reintubation, wound dehiscence, cerebrovascular accidents, and mortality). Results 9 96 181 patients were identified in the database, 17 786 of whom were determined to have CP, of whom 16.0% had congenital heart defects (CHD) and 13.2% had congenital pulmonary defects (CPD). Patients with CHD and CPD were at a significantly greater risk of increased LOS and all but one operative complication rate (wound dehiscence) relative to patients with CP without a history of CHD and CPD. Conclusion This study suggests that congenital cardiopulmonary disease is associated with increased adverse outcomes in the setting of CP repair. Thus, heightened clinical suspicion for coexisting congenital anomalies in the presence of CP should prompt referring providers to perform a comprehensive and multidisciplinary evaluation to ensure cardiopulmonary optimization prior to surgical intervention.
A Multi-Country Survey on the Availability of Intraoperative Use of Echocardiography for Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: El Tahan Mohamed M. , Cheng Davy C. , Szegedi Laszlo , Mellin-Olsen Jannicke , Zdravkovic Marko , Lineburger Eric Benedet , Filipescu Daniela , Tritapepe Luigi , Guarracino Fabio , Neto Caetano Nigro , Garcia Paula Camona , Ángel Rodenas Monteagudo Miguel , Granell Manuel Gil , Guillén Rosario Vicente , Gaudard Philippe , Abdulmomen Ahmed , Eldawlatly Abdelazeem Ali , Bubenek-Turconi Serban-Ion , Stoica Radu , Licker Marc , Erdoes Gabor , Mauermann Eckhard , Kirov Mikhail , Lomivorotov Vladimir , Saldien Vera , Momeni Mona , Huang Jiapeng 
Published: June 2024

Background This survey aimed to explore the availability and accessibility of echocardiography during noncardiac surgery worldwide. Methods An internet-based 45-item survey was sent, followed by reminders from August 30, 2021, to August 20, 2022. Results 1189 responses were received from 62 countries. Nearly seventy-one percent of respondents had intraoperatively used transesophageal or transthoracic echocardiography (TEE and TTE, respectively) for monitoring or examination. The unavailability of echocardiography machines (30.3%), lack of trained personnel (30.2%), and absence of clinical indications (22.6%) were the top 3 reasons for not using intraoperative echocardiography in noncardiac surgery. About 61.5% of participants had access to at least one echocardiography machine. About 41% had access to at least 1 TEE probe, and 62.2% had access to at least 1 TTE probe. Seventy-four percent of centers had a procedure to request intraoperative echocardiography if needed for noncardiac cases. Intraoperative echocardiography service was immediately available in 58% of centers. Conclusions Echocardiography machines and skilled echocardiographers are still unavailable at many centers worldwide. National societies should aim to train a critical mass of certified TEE/TTE anesthesiologists and provide all anesthesiologists access to perioperative TEE/TTE machines in anesthesiology departments, considering the increasing number of older and sicker surgical patients scheduled for noncardiac surgery.
DNA Methylation, Inflammation, and Neurobehavior in Preterm Infants
Authors: Nist Marliese Dion , Pickler Rita H. , Shoben Abigail B. , Conley Yvette P. 
Published: June 2024

Objectives: Inflammation contributes to disparate neurodevelopmental outcomes between preterm and term-born infants. In this context, DNA methylation may contribute to inflammation by affecting gene expression. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF) and nuclear factor-kappa-B-inhibitor alpha ( NFKBIA) are important genes for targeted DNA methylation analysis. The aims of this study were to (1) identify associations between inflammatory factors and BDNF and NFKBIA methylation , and (2) identify associations between BDNF and NFKBIA methylation and early neurobehavior in preterm infants. Methods: In a longitudinal cohort study of preterm infants born 28–31 weeks gestational age, blood samples were collected weekly for the quantification of inflammatory factors. We extracted DNA from saliva samples and quantified methylation of six BDNF cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites and five NFKBIA CpG sites. Neurobehavior was assessed using the Neurobehavioral Assessment of the Preterm Infant. Results: Sixty-five infants were included in the analysis. In females, inflammatory factors were positively associated with BDNF methylation of most CpG sites. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist was negatively associated with NFKBIA methylation at two CpG sites. In males, interleukin-6 was negatively associated with BDNF and NFKBIA methylation at most CpG sites. In females, BDNF methylation at two sites was inversely associated with motor performance. In males, NFKBIA methylation at one site was inversely associated with motor performance. Conclusion: This study provides evidence for the relationship between inflammation and neurobehavior in preterm infants, working mechanistically through DNA methylation. The finding of a difference between males and females suggests that female infants are potentially more vulnerable to inflammation and warrants future study.
Efficacy and NSAID-sparing effect of secukinumab 150 mg in ankylosing spondylitis: results from phase IV ASTRUM study
Authors: Kiltz Uta , Baraliakos Xenofon , Brandt-Jürgens Jan , Wagner Ulf , Lieb Sebastian , Sieder Christian , Mann Christian , Braun Jürgen 
Published: June 2024

Background: Radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA), formerly known as ankylosing spondylitis (AS), is a chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease associated with symptoms such as inflammatory back pain, morning stiffness, and arthritis. First-line recommendations for patients with AS include treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for reducing pain and stiffness. Objectives: The objective of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and short-term NSAID-sparing effect of secukinumab in patients with AS currently treated with NSAIDs. Design: We assessed the clinical Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS20) response to secukinumab and evaluated the extent to which the use of concomitant NSAID can be reduced between weeks 4 and 12 in r-axSpA patients treated with secukinumab 150 mg compared with placebo. Methods: ASTRUM was a prospective 24-week randomized controlled trial of adult patients with active r-axSpA [Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) ⩾4] who had a documented inadequate response to ⩾2 NSAIDs. Patients were randomized (1:1:1) to initiate treatment with subcutaneous secukinumab 150 mg from either week 0 (group 1), week 4 (group 2), or week 16 (group 3). From week 4 onward, tapering of NSAIDs was allowed in all groups. Results: This study included 211 patients ( n = 71, 70, and 70 in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). ASAS20 response at week 12 for pooled groups 1 and 2 versus group 3 was 51.1% versus 44.3% ( p = 0.35). A higher proportion of patients in groups 1 and 2 achieved ASAS40 and BASDAI50 and showed improvements in other secondary clinical outcomes as compared to group 3 at week 16. More patients in groups 1 and 2 versus group 3 stopped their NSAID intake from baseline through week 16. Conclusion: Treatment with secukinumab improved clinical outcomes and showed a short-term NSAID-sparing effect in patients with r-axSpA, even though the primary endpoint was not met. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02763046, EudraCT 2015-004575-74.
Postprandial Glucose Control With Different Hybrid Closed-Loop Systems According to Type of Meal in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Scidà Giuseppe , Corrado Alessandra , Abuqwider Jumana , Lupoli Roberta , Rainone Carmen , Della Pepa Giuseppe , Masulli Maria , Annuzzi Giovanni , Bozzetto Lutgarda 
Published: June 2024

Background: Hybrid Closed-Loop Systems (HCLs) may not perform optimally on postprandial glucose control. We evaluated how first-generation and advanced HCLs manage meals varying in carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Method: According to a cross-sectional design, seven-day food records and HCLs reports from 120 adults with type 1 diabetes (MiniMed670G: n = 40, MiniMed780G: n = 49, Control-IQ [C-IQ]: n = 31) were analyzed. Breakfasts (n = 570), lunches (n = 658), and dinners (n = 619) were divided according to the median of their carbohydrate (g)/fat (g) plus protein (g) ratio (C/FP). After breakfast (4-hour), lunch (6-hour), and dinner (6-hour), continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics and early and late glucose incremental area under the curves (iAUCs) and delivered insulin doses were evaluated. The association of C/FP and HCLs with postprandial glucose and insulin patterns was analyzed by univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a two-factor design. Results: Postprandial glucose time-in-range 70 to 180 mg/dL was optimal after breakfast (78.3 ± 26.9%), lunch (72.7 ± 26.1%), and dinner (70.8 ± 27.3%), with no significant differences between HCLs. Independent of C/FP, late glucose-iAUC after lunch was significantly lower in C-IQ users than 670G and 780G ( P < .05), with no significant differences at breakfast and dinner. Postprandial insulin pattern (Ins3-6h minus Ins0-3h) differed by type of HCLs at lunch ( P = .026) and dinner ( P < .001), being the early insulin dose (Ins0-3h) higher than the late dose (Ins3-6h) in 670G and 780G users with an opposite pattern in C-IQ users. Conclusions: Independent of different proportions of dietary carbohydrates, fat, and protein, postprandial glucose response was similar in users of different HCLs, although obtained through different automatic insulin delivery patterns.
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: Evaluation of symptoms, using a questionnaire, in a research setting, before and after treatment
Authors: Briggs Paula , Karavadra Babu , Wyatt James , Lane Steven , Hapangama Dharani K 
Published: June 2024

Background Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a common condition, yet there is no defined, objective, and reproducible intervention with which to make a diagnosis. There are many different treatment options available, but without the correct diagnosis, affected women are unable to access the right therapy. This paper reports on the questionnaire arm of the VAN study (VAginal Health – What’s Normal?) which aimed to evaluate the performance and acceptability of the methods of assessment of GSM, described below. Objectives To determine the value of the Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging (DIVA) questionnaire: a multidimensional measure of the impact of vaginal symptoms on functioning and well-being in postmenopausal women, in a prospective, observational, feasibility study. Methods 60 women were recruited to the study (20 premenopausal, asymptomatic women (control group) and 40 peri- and postmenopausal, symptomatic women). All women had a baseline assessment, using three different interventions, in addition to the DIVA questionnaire and symptomatic women were offered treatment, followed by a second assessment undertaken at 16 weeks, using the same interventions. This paper focusses on the outcomes for the questionnaire and specifically on the paired data sets, before and after treatment. Results An improvement in the score for all four sections of DIVA (Activities of daily living, Emotions, Sexual Activity, and Feelings about yourself and your body (female embodiment)) was observed, following any treatment. Additional questions were added to DIVA, to assess patient preference in relation to the different diagnostic interventions. These included a speculum examination as part of the clinical assessment, a smear taken from the lateral vaginal wall to assess the vaginal maturation index, both undertaken by a clinician and a self-administered tampon to collect vaginal secretions, to determine the small molecule metabolite profile, using NMR spectroscopy, and to enable analysis of the vaginal microbiome. The medical standard tampon was the preferred intervention, before and after treatment, for women eligible for treatment. Conclusion The VAN study demonstrates that DIVA, a previously tested questionnaire, is an easily accessible intervention, to assess the impact of urogenital symptoms on quality-of-life indicators in women in the United Kingdom with GSM and that women prefer to use a tampon themselves, rather than have a clinician performed vaginal speculum examination or a vaginal smear.