bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT), sham-rESWT or a standardised exercise programme in combination with advice plus customised foot orthoses more effective than advice plus customised foot orthoses alone in the treatment of plantar fasciopathy? A double-blind, randomised, sham-controlled trial
Authors: Heide Marte , Røe Cecilie , Mørk Marianne , Myhre Kjersti , Brunborg Cathrine , Brox Jens Ivar , Hoksrud Aasne Fenne 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesTo assess whether radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT), sham-rESWT or a standardised exercise programme in combination with advice plus customised foot orthoses is more effective than advice plus customised foot orthoses alone in alleviating heel pain in patients with plantar fasciopathy.Methods200 patients with plantar fasciopathy were included in a four-arm, parallel-group, sham-controlled, observer-blinded, partly patient-blinded trial. At baseline, before randomisation, all patients received advice plus customised foot orthoses. Patients were randomised to rESWT (n=50), sham-rESWT (n=50), exercise (n=50) or advice plus customised foot orthoses alone (n=50). Patients in the rESWT and sham-rESWT groups received three treatments. The exercise programme comprised two exercises performed three times a week for 12 weeks, including eight supervised sessions with a physiotherapist. Patients allocated to advice plus customised foot orthoses did not receive additional treatment. The primary outcome was change in heel pain during activity in the previous week per Numeric Rating Scale (0–10) from baseline to 6-month follow-up. The outcome was collected at baseline, and 3, 6 and 12 months.ResultsThe primary analysis showed no statistically significant between-group differences in mean change in heel pain during activity for rESWT versus advice plus customised foot orthoses (−0.02, 95% CI −1.01 to 0.96), sham-rESWT versus advice plus customised foot orthoses (0.52, 95% CI −0.49 to 1.53) and exercise versus advice plus customised foot orthoses (−0.11, 95% CI −1.11 to 0.89) at 6 months.ConclusionIn patients with plantar fasciopathy, there was no additional benefit of rESWT, sham-rESWT or a standardised exercise programme over advice plus customised foot orthoses in alleviating heel pain.Trial registration numberNCT03472989.
Annual hepatitis C testing and positive tests among gay and bisexual men in Australia from 2016 to 2022: a serial cross-sectional analysis of sentinel surveillance data
Authors: Harney Brendan L , Sacks-Davis Rachel , Traeger Michael , van Santen Daniela K , Wilkinson Anna L , Asselin Jason , Fairley Christopher K , Roth Norm , Bloch Mark , Matthews Gail , Donovan Basil , Guy Rebecca , Hellard Margaret E , Doyle Joseph S 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveGuidelines recommend annual hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing for gay and bisexual men (GBM) with HIV and GBM prescribed HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). However, there is a limited understanding of HCV testing among GBM. We aimed to examine trends in HCV testing and positivity from 2016 to 2022.MethodsUsing sentinel surveillance data, we examined the proportion of GBM with at least one test and the proportion with a positive test in each year for HCV antibody testing among GBM with no previous HCV positive test, HCV RNA testing among GBM with a positive antibody test but no previous positive RNA test (naïve RNA testing), and HCV RNA testing among people who had a previous RNA positive test and a subsequent negative test (RNA follow-up testing). Trends were examined using logistic regression from 2016 to 2019 and 2020 to 2022.ResultsAmong GBM with HIV, from 2016 to 2019 antibody testing was stable averaging 55% tested annually. Declines were observed for both naïve HCV RNA testing (75.4%–41.4%: p<0.001) and follow-up HCV RNA testing (70.1%–44.5%: p<0.001). Test positivity declined for HCV antibody tests (2.0%–1.3%: p=0.001), HCV RNA naïve tests (75.4%–41.4%: p<0.001) and HCV RNA follow-up tests (11.3%–3.3%: p=0.001). There were minimal or no significant trends from 2020 to 2022.Among GBM prescribed PrEP, antibody testing declined from 2016 to 2019 (79.4%–69.4%: p<0.001) and was stable from 2020 to 2022. Naïve and follow-up HCV RNA testing was stable with an average of 55% and 60% tested each year, respectively. From 2016–2019, the proportion positive from HCV RNA naïve tests declined (44.1%–27.5%: p<0.046) with no significant change thereafter. Positive follow-up HCV RNA tests fluctuated with no or one new positive test among this group in most years.ConclusionThe proportion of GBM with positive HCV tests has declined, however a substantial proportion are not tested annually. A renewed focus on HCV testing, and treatment where required, is warranted to achieve HCV elimination among GBM in Australia.
Gravitational lensing from clusters of galaxies to test disformal couplings theories
Authors: Zamani Saboura , Salzano Vincenzo , Bettoni Dario 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this study, we investigate the potential existence of a non-minimal coupling between dark matter and gravity using a compilation of galaxy clusters. We focus on the disformal scenario of a non-minimal model with an associated coupling length L. Within the Newtonian approximation, this model introduces a modification to the Poisson equation, characterized by a term proportional to $$L^2 \nabla ^2 \rho $$

L
2

∇
2

ρ

, where $$\rho $$
ρ
represents the density of the DM field. We have tested the model by examining strong and weak gravitational lensing data available for a selection of 19 high-mass galaxy clusters observed by the CLASH survey. We have employed a Markov Chain Monte Carlo code to explore the parameter space, and two different statistical approaches to analyse our results: a standard marginalisation and a profile distribution method. Notably, the profile distribution analysis helps out to bypass some volume-effects in the posterior distribution, and reveals lower Navarro–Frenk–White concentrations and masses in the non-minimal coupling model compared to general relativity case. We also found a nearly perfect correlation between the coupling constant L and the standard Navarro–Frenk–White scale parameter $$r_s$$

r
s

, hinting at a compelling link between these two lengths.
Generation of the CMB cosmic birefringence through axion-like particles, sterile and active neutrinos
Authors: Mahmoudi Somayyeh , Sadegh Mahdi , Khodagholizadeh Jafar , Motie Iman , Xue She-Sheng , Blanchard Alain 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe cosmic birefringence (CB) angle refers to the rotation of the linear polarization plane of Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiations when parity-violating theories are considered. We analyzed the Quantum Boltzmann equation for an ensemble of CMB photons interacting with the right-handed sterile neutrino dark matter (DM) and axion-like particles (ALPs) DM in the presence of the scalar metric perturbation. We used the birefringence angle of CMB to study those probable candidates of DM. It is shown that the CB angle contribution of sterile neutrino is much less that two other sources considered here. Next, we combined the results of the cosmic neutrinos’ contribution and the contribution of the ALPs to producing the CMB birefringence and discussed the uncertainty on the parameter space of axions caused by the share of CMB-cosmic neutrino interaction in generating this effect. Finally, we plotted the EB power spectrum of the CMB and showed that this spectrum behaves differently in the presence of cosmic neutrinos and ALPs interactions in small l. Hence, future observed data for $$C^{l}_{EB},$$

C

EB

l

,

will help us to distinguish the CB angle value due to the various sources of its production.
A HAT Trick: Automatically Verifying Representation Invariants using Symbolic Finite Automata
Authors: Zhou Zhe , Ye Qianchuan , Delaware Benjamin , Jagannathan Suresh 
Published: June 2024

Functional programs typically interact with stateful libraries that hide state behind typed abstractions. One particularly important class of applications are data structure implementations that rely on such libraries to provide a level of efficiency and scalability that may be otherwise difficult to achieve. However, because the specifications of the methods provided by these libraries are necessarily general and rarely specialized to the needs of any specific client, any required application-level invariants must often be expressed in terms of additional constraints on the (often) opaque state maintained by the library.In this paper, we consider the specification and verification of such representation invariants using symbolic finite automata (SFA). We show that SFAs can be used to succinctly and precisely capture fine-grained temporal and data-dependent histories of interactions between functional clients and stateful libraries. To facilitate modular and compositional reasoning, we integrate SFAs into a refinement type system to qualify stateful computations resulting from such interactions. The particular instantiation we consider, Hoare Automata Types (HATs), allows us to both specify and automatically type-check the representation invariants of a datatype, even when its implementation depends on stateful library methods that operate over hidden state.We also develop a new bidirectional type checking algorithm that implements an efficient subtyping inclusion check over HATs, enabling their translation into a form amenable for SMT-based automated verification. We present extensive experimental results on an implementation of this algorithm that demonstrates the feasibility of type-checking complex and sophisticated HAT-specified OCaml data structure implementations layered on top of stateful library APIs.
Sex Differences in Characteristics, Resource Utilization, and Outcomes of Cardiogenic Shock: Data From the Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network (CCCTN) Registry
Authors: Daniels Lori B. , Phreaner Nicholas , Berg David D. , Bohula Erin A. , Chaudhry Sunit-Preet , Fordyce Christopher B. , Goldfarb Michael J. , Katz Jason N. , Kenigsberg Benjamin B. , Lawler Patrick R. , Martillo Correa Miguel A. , Papolos Alexander I. , Roswell Robert O. , Sinha Shashank S. , van Diepen Sean , Park Jeong-Gun , Morrow David A. ,   on behalf of the Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network Investigators
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:
Sex disparities exist in the management and outcomes of various cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about sex differences in cardiogenic shock (CS). We sought to assess sex-related differences in the characteristics, resource utilization, and outcomes of patients with CS.

METHODS:
The Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network is a multicenter registry of advanced cardiac intensive care units (CICUs) in North America. Between 2018 and 2022, each center (N=35) contributed annual 2-month snapshots of consecutive CICU admissions. Patients with CS were stratified as either CS after acute myocardial infarction or heart failure–related CS (HF-CS). Multivariable logistic regression was used for analyses.

RESULTS:

Of the 22 869 admissions in the overall population, 4505 (20%) had CS. Among 3923 patients with CS due to ventricular failure (32% female), 1235 (31%) had CS after acute myocardial infarction and 2688 (69%) had HF-CS. Median sequential organ failure assessment scores did not differ by sex. Women with HF-CS had shorter CICU lengths of stay (4.5 versus 5.4 days;
P
<0.0001) and shorter overall lengths of hospital stay (10.9 versus 12.8 days;
P
<0.0001) than men. Women with HF-CS were less likely to receive pulmonary artery catheters (50% versus 55%;
P
<0.01) and mechanical circulatory support (26% versus 34%;
P
<0.0001) compared with men. Women with HF-CS had higher in-hospital mortality than men, even after adjusting for age, illness severity, and comorbidities (34% versus 23%; odds ratio, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.42–2.17]). In contrast, there were no significant sex differences in utilization of advanced CICU monitoring and interventions, or mortality, among patients with CS after acute myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSIONS:
Women with HF-CS had lower use of pulmonary artery catheters and mechanical circulatory support, shorter CICU lengths of stay, and higher in-hospital mortality than men, even after accounting for age, illness severity, and comorbidities. These data highlight the need to identify underlying reasons driving the differences in treatment decisions, so outcomes gaps in HF-CS can be understood and eliminated.
Physician Transfer Versus Patient Transfer for Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Qureshi Adnan I. , Lodhi Abdullah , Maqsood Hamza , Ma Xiaoyu , Hubert Gordian J. , Gomez Camilo R. , Kwok Chun S. , Ford Daniel E. , Hanley Daniel F. , Mehr David R. , Shah Qaisar A. , Suri M. Fareed K. 
Published: June 2024

Background
Physician transfer is an alternate option to patient transfer for expedient performance of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods and Results

We conducted a systematic review to identify studies that evaluate the effect of physician transfer in patients with acute ischemic stroke who undergo mechanical thrombectomy. A search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was undertaken, and data were extracted. A statistical pooling with random‐effects meta‐analysis was performed to examine the odds of reduced time interval between stroke onset and recanalization, functional independence, death, and angiographic recanalization. A total of 12 studies (11 nonrandomized observational studies and 1 nonrandomized controlled trial) were included, with a total of 1894 patients. Physician transfer was associated with a significantly shorter time interval between stroke onset and recanalization with a pooled mean difference estimate of −62.08 (95% CI, −112.56 to −11.61];
P
=0.016; 8 studies involving 1419 patients) with high between‐study heterogeneity in the estimates (
I
2
=90.6%). The odds for functional independence at 90 days were significantly higher (odds ratio, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.00–1.66];
P
=0.046; 7 studies with 1222 patients) with physician transfer with low between‐study heterogeneity (
I
2
=0%). Physician transfer was not associated with higher odds of near‐complete or complete angiographic recanalization (odds ratio, 1.18 [95% CI, 0.89–1.57;
P
=0.25;
I
2
=2.8%; 11 studies with 1856 subjects).

Conclusions
Physician transfer was associated with a significant reduction in the mean of time interval between symptom onset and recanalization and increased odds for functional independence at 90 days with physician transfer compared with patient transfer among patients who undergo mechanical thrombectomy.
Optimal Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Duration For Carotid Artery Stenting On the Basis of Angioscopic Findings
Authors: Fukutome Kenji , Aketa Shuta , Fukumori Junji , Mitsui Takaaki , Shiraishi Yuki , Hayami Hiromichi , Hamanaka Yuma , Murakami Yasutaka , Matsuoka Ryuta , Shiba Mikio , Tei Rinsei , Shin Yasushi , Kanki Hideaki , Higuchi Yoshiharu , Hirayama Atsushi , Motoyama Yasushi 
Published: June 2024

Background
Dual antiplatelet therapy plays a crucial role in preventing thrombosis in the perioperative period of carotid artery stenting (CAS); however, it has been associated with a risk of hemorrhagic complications. A standard regimen for the duration and combination of antiplatelet therapy is yet to be established. Angioscopy enables direct visualization of neointimal coverage and might help determine the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy through the assessment of post‐CAS neointimal coverage.

Methods
This prospective study enrolled 20 patients who were scheduled to undergo CAS at the Osaka Police Hospital. A 2‐month post‐CAS period was chosen for angioscopic neointima evaluation on the basis of previous evidence of reliable neointimal coverage 2 months following coronary artety stenting. Furthermore, antiplatelet therapy was initiated 1 week before CAS and continued until angioscopic examination. Angioscopic evaluation categorized the degree of neointimal coverage and was supplemented with carotid ultrasonography and biplane angiography.

Results
Coincidentally, a dual‐layer stent was used in all cases. The stent lumen was observed in 19 of the 20 cases. One case was difficult to evaluate owing to poor visibility. Angioscopy showed complete neointimal coverage in 18 of 19 cases and partial coverage in 1 case. Ultrasonography could detect neointima in 9 of 20 cases, and angiography showed a radiolucent gap suggestive of neointima in all cases in which neointima was confirmed via angioscopy. No post‐CAS or procedural complications occurred.

Conclusion
Angioscopy performed 2 months following CAS revealed large neointimal coverage, suggesting that a 2‐month duration of dual antiplatelet therapy is generally sufficient. However, as a limitation, this study was performed using the same dual‐layer stent; thus, additional studies with other stents are required.
Predictors and Impact of Ileus on Outcomes After Laparoscopic Right Colectomy: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Emile Sameh Hany , Horesh Nir , Garoufalia Zoe , Gefen Rachel , Zhou Peige , Dasilva Giovanna , Wexner Steven D. 
Published: June 2024

Background Ileus is a common complication of major abdominal surgery, including colorectal resection. The present study aimed to assess the predictors of ileus after laparoscopic right colectomy for colon cancer. Methods This study was a retrospective case-control analysis of a prospective IRB-approved database of patients who underwent laparoscopic right colectomy at the Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida. Patients who developed ileus after right colectomy were compared to patients without ileus to determine the risk factors of ileus. Results The present study included 270 patients with a mean age of 68.7 years. Thirty-six patients (13.3%) experienced ileus after laparoscopic right colectomy. The median duration of ileus was 6 days. Factors associated with ileus were age (71.6 vs 68.2 years, P = .158), emergency colectomy (11.1% vs 3.9%, P = .082), extended hemicolectomy (19.4% vs 6.8%, P = .021), green gastrointestinal anastomosis (GIA) 4.8mm staple height cartridge (19% vs 8.1%, P = .114), and longer operative time (177.9 vs 160.4 minutes, P = .157). The only independent predictor of ileus was extended colectomy (OR: 16.7, P = .003). Conclusions Increased age, emergency surgery, green GIA cartridge, and longer operative times were associated with ileus, yet the only independent predictor of ileus was extended right hemicolectomy.
Evaluating the Factors Influencing Residency Match for Surgical Specialty Applicants and Programs: Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Patel Heli , Wright D-Dre , Hernandez Nickolas , Werling Alaina , Watts Emelia , Havron William S. , Elkbuli Adel 
Published: June 2024

Introduction We aim to evaluate the impact of recent changes in the residency matching process on surgical specialties’ applicants and programs to offer recommendations on residency selection and matching processes. Methods We utilized five databases while employing a Boolean query to search for studies from 2015 to March 2024. The search selection focused on factors and recent changes influencing residency match results across surgical specialties, including USMLE Step 1 pass/fail, research productivity, interview structure, and preference and geographic signaling. Results The shift of the USMLE Step 1 to a pass/fail scoring system revealed a consensus among surgical program directors (PDs) and applicants not in favor of the change due to the emphasis on additional application elements. Research productivity was identified as a significant factor, especially in neurosurgery (with an average of 18.3 publications per applicant) and vascular surgery (8.3 publications), indicating a positive correlation between the number of publications and match outcomes. The adoption of virtual interviews has been well-received by both applicants and PDs, leading to an increase in the number of interviews offered and applicants. The implementation of preference and geographic signaling mechanisms has improved interview rates for applicants who utilize them. Conclusion The transition to a pass/fail USMLE Step 1 has raised concerns among surgical specialties, necessitating a greater focus on Step 2 scores and research productivity. Virtual interviews and signaling have improved the accessibility and reach of the residency application process, however, the full impact of these changes on the perception of applicant-program fit remains unclear.
Impact of Trauma Center Type on Outcomes in Pediatric Population Following Severe Isolated Blunt Traumatic Brain Injuries: A National Analysis
Authors: Nasef Hazem , Chin Brian , Breeding Tessa , Bundschu Nikita , Wright D-Dre , Plumely Donald , Elkbuli Adel 
Published: June 2024

Introduction This study aims to evaluate the association between trauma center type, verification level, and clinical outcomes in pediatric trauma patients with moderate and severe isolated blunt traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods This is a retrospective cohort study utilizing the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Trauma Quality Program (TQP) Participant Use File (PUF) database from 2017 to 2021. Severely injured pediatric (<18 years) trauma patients with isolated moderate and severe TBI (AIS head >2, all other body regions <3) were included. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, discharge disposition, intensive care unit length-of-stay (ICU-LOS), and ventilator-free days (VFDs). Results Patients treated at a level-I combined adult and pediatric trauma centers (CTCs) had significantly lower odds of in-hospital mortality than those treated at adult trauma centers (ATCs) (OR .495, 95% CI 0.291-.841, P = .009). Patients treated at level-I pediatric trauma centers (PTCs) (OR 2.726, 95% CI 2.059-3.609, P < .001) and level-II PTCs (OR 6.18, 95% CI 3.402-11.239, P < .001) were significantly more likely to be discharged home than equivalent-level ATCs. Conclusion Pediatric patients with isolated blunt moderate and severe TBI treated at level-I PTCs and CTCs had reduced odds of in-hospital mortality compared to level-I ATCs. Patients at level I and II PTCs had significantly higher odds of discharge home than those at equivalent-level CTCs and ATCs.
Effects of stitching parameters on the flexural properties of stitched foam core sandwich composites
Authors: Rasouli Rizi Shekoufeh , Nosraty Hooshang , Mirdehghan Seyed Abolfazl 
Published: June 2024

One of the primary challenges faced by sandwich composites is facesheet-core debonding, which can be mitigated through various techniques such as z-pinning and stitching through the thickness. This study investigates the impact of stitching on the bending behavior of sandwich composites comprising E-glass composite facesheets and a polyurethane foam core, employing experimental, numerical, and analytical methods. Specimens were stitched at three stitch spacings of 0.5, 1, and 2 cm, with a stitch pitch of 0.8 cm and stitch seam angles of 0°, 90°, 0/90°, ±45°, 45°/90°, and ±60°. Analysis of facesheet bending stress, core shear stress, and bending rigidity of stitched specimens was conducted through three-point bending tests and compared with unstitched specimens. Results indicate that reducing stitch spacing, thereby increasing stitch density, improves bending strength, and the best bending behavior observed at ±45° stitch seam angles. Damage assessment revealed fractures and depression of the foam, wrinkles on the upper facesheet, and buckling failure of resin columns. Additionally, a theoretical model predicted bending rigidity, showing good agreement (4%–15%) with experimental data. Finite element analysis using the ABAQUS program validated the experimental results, suggesting numerical modeling as a viable method for predicting flexural properties of stitched foam core sandwich composites.