bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the Number of Documented Diabetes Process-of-Care Indicators Associated With Cardiometabolic Risk Factor Levels, Patient Satisfaction, or Self-Rated Quality of Diabetes Care?
Authors: Ackermann Ronald T. , Thompson Theodore J. , Selby Joseph V. , Safford Monika M. , Stevens Mark , Brown Arleen F. , Narayan K.M. Venkat 
Published: August 2006

OBJECTIVE—Simple process-of-care indicators are commonly recommended to assess and compare quality of diabetes care across health plans. We sought to determine whether variation in the number of simple diabetes processes of care across provider groups is associated with variation in other quality indicators, including cardiometabolic risk factor levels, patient satisfaction with care, or patient-rated quality of care.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We used cross-sectional survey and chart audit data for 8,733 patients with diabetes who received care from 68 provider groups nested in 10 health plans that participated in the Translating Research Into Action for Diabetes study. Analyses using hierarchical regression models assessed associations of the mean number of seven simple process measures with each of the following: HbA1c (A1C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, patient satisfaction with care, and patient-rated quality of care.
RESULTS—After adjusting for case-mix differences across groups and plans, an average of one additional documented process of care for each patient in a group or plan was associated with significantly lower mean LDL cholesterol levels (−4.51 mg/dl [95% CI 1.46–7.58]) but not with A1C, SBP, or HDL cholesterol levels. The number of care processes documented was associated with patient satisfaction measures and self-rated quality of diabetes care.
CONCLUSIONS—Variation in the number of simple process-of-care indicators across provider groups or health plans is associated with differences in patient-centered measures of quality, but assessment of the quality of cardiometabolic risk factor control will require more advanced clinical performance indicators.
Decline in Neurophysiological Function After 7 Years in an Adolescent Diabetic Cohort and the Role of Aldose Reductase Gene Polymorphisms
Authors: Thamotharampillai Keerthi , Chan Albert K.F. , Bennetts Bruce , Craig Maria E. , Cusumano Janine , Silink Martin , Oates Peter J. , Donaghue Kim C. 
Published: August 2006

OBJECTIVE—This 7-year longitudinal study examines the potential impact of aldose reductase gene (AKR1B1) polymorphisms on the decline of nerve function in an adolescent diabetic cohort.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Patients with type 1 diabetes (n = 262) were assessed with three cardiovascular autonomic tests (heart rate variation during deep breathing, Valsalva maneuver, and during standing from a lying position) and pupillometry (resting pupil diameter, constriction velocity, and reflex amplitude), thermal, and vibration thresholds on the foot. Genotyping was performed for promoters (C-106T and C-12G), (CA)n dinucleotide repeats, and intragenic BamH1 polymorphism.
RESULTS—Median time between first and last assessment was 7.0 years (interquartile range 5.1–11.1), with a median of five assessments (four to seven) per individual. At first assessment, median age was 12.7 years (11.7–13.9), median duration was 5.3 years (3.4–8.0), and median HbA1c was 8.5% (7.8–9.3). All tests declined over time except for two cardiovascular autonomic tests and vibration discrimination. Faster decline in maximum constriction velocity was found to associate with the Z-2 allele (P = 0.045), Z-2/Z-2 (P = 0.026). Slower decline in hot thermal threshold discrimination associated with Z+2 (P = 0.044), Z+2/Z+2 (P &lt; 0.0005), Z+2/T (P = 0.038), and bb (P = 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS—Most autonomic and quantitative sensory nerve testings declined over time. AKR1B1 polymorphisms were strongly associated with the rate of decline of these complications.
Validation of a Novel Point-of-Care Nerve Conduction Device for the Detection of Diabetic Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy
Authors: Perkins Bruce A. , Grewal Jaspreet , Ng Eduardo , Ngo Mylan , Bril Vera 
Published: August 2006

OBJECTIVE—The diagnosis of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy using objective electrophysiological tests is hindered by limited access to the specialized laboratories and technicians that perform and interpret them. We evaluated the performance characteristics of a novel portable and automated point-of-care nerve conduction study device, which can be operated by nontechnical personnel, and compared it with conventional nerve conduction studies performed in a specialist setting.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Seventy-two consecutive patients with diabetes (8 type 1, 64 type 2) from a diabetes and a neuropathy outpatient clinic were evaluated concurrently with conventional nerve conduction studies (the reference standard) and the point-of-care device for sural nerve function (sural nerve amplitude potentials in microvolts [μV]).
RESULTS—Sural nerve amplitude potentials measured by the point-of-care device shared very strong correlation with the reference standard (Spearman’s correlation coefficient 0.95, P &lt; 0.001). The Bland and Altman method yielded agreement despite a small systematic underestimation by the point-of-care device of 1.2 ± 3.4 μV. Despite this small systematic bias, the sensitivity and specificity of normal and abnormal sural nerve amplitude potentials measured by the point-of-care device for the detection of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy defined by standard clinical and electrophysiological criteria were 92 and 82%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS—A novel point-of-care device has excellent diagnostic accuracy for detecting electrophysiological abnormality in the sural nerve of patients who have diabetes. This automated device represents an alternative to conventional nerve conduction studies for the diagnosis of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy.
Wavelength Scale Singlet Achromatic Microlenses Based on High Refractive Index Materials
Authors: Wang Xueqian , Liu Chuanbao , Qiao Lijie , Zhou Ji , Bai Yang , Sun Jingbo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe common methods used for correcting chromatic aberration are typically based on multi‐lens and multi‐material systems, resulting in lens thicknesses that are several orders of magnitude greater than the wavelength and complex combination designs. A method to achieve the singlet achromatic microlens of the wavelength‐scale thickness by utilizing high refractive index materials with an aspherical profile is proposed. A theoretical model based on the dispersion effect is developed to guide the selection of materials and the design of thicknesses for achieving chromatic aberration correction in singlet microlenses of a given diameter and numerical aperture. H‐ZLaF68N (68N) glass, sapphire, and fused silica with relatively high to low refractive index are selected to prepare the singlet achromatic microlenses to verify the validity of the model. The thicknesses of three microlenses are 573, 737 nm, and 1.27 µm, respectively, and all of them have achieved achromatic correction as designed. This indicates that the high refractive index material not only achieves achromatic aberration but also reduces the thickness by ≈50% compared with the conventional low refractive index material of silica glass. The presented wavelength‐scale singlet achromatic microlens hold significant promise for compact wearable devices, dynamic holography, and color projection displays.
Dexmedetomidine target controlled infusion for awake craniotomy†
Authors: Al‐Attar A. , Back M. , Sebastian J. 
Published: March 2024

SummaryA 73‐year‐old woman underwent an awake craniotomy for the resection of a supratentorial brain tumour. We provided sedation for the surgery using a dexmedetomidine target controlled infusion using the Dyck pharmacokinetic model. Using a target controlled infusion allowed more rapid titration to the desired plasma level compared with a manual infusion, without any unexpected cardiovascular, respiratory or other complications. Rapid titration of sedation during awake craniotomy is desirable, allowing deeper sedation during stimulating parts of the surgery, followed by lighter sedation – or absence of sedation – during cortical mapping. While this can be performed manually, we found utilising the Dyck model in this case simple and quick to use, avoiding the need to manually calculate infusion rates. We believe this is the first report of using a target controlled infusion model to administer dexmedetomidine for awake craniotomy, and suggest it could be considered as an alternative to administering a manual infusion.
Solid‐state fermentation pro‐enzymes supplementation benefits growth performance, health, and intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens fed wheat‐based diet
Authors: Li Jiaheng , Bai Guosong , Gao Yan , Gao Qingtao , Zhong Ruqing , Chen Liang , Wang Yunlong , Ma Teng , Zhang Hongfu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWheat as a kind of diet material can be used for broiler production. However, due to non‐starch polysaccharides in wheat, wheat may lead to lower growth performance and worth health. To reverse the negative effect, solid‐state fermentation pro‐enzymes were added. In this experiment, growth performance, intestinal health‐related genes, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and intestinal microbiota were detected to find the effects of wheat meal and combined with enzymes on broiler chickens from 15 to 42 days of age. A total of 432 1‐day‐old Arbor Acres broiler chickens were fed corn‐based diet (CD) for 14 days as the preparation stage of the experiment. Then, they were randomly divided into three groups and fed three different kinds of diets which were corn‐based diet (CD group), wheat‐based diet (WD group), and SFP enzymes supplementation in WD (Enzymes+Wheat‐based diet group). The results showed that compared with broilers in CD group, broilers in WD group had lower weight gain and higher Feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) during the whole experimental period especially from day 15 to day 21, but there was no significant effect on feed intake (p > 0.05). Moreover, SFP enzymes decreased the spleen index (p < 0.05). Wheat also had trends to decrease the expression of ZO‐1 (p = 0.096) and increase the concentrations of acetate (p < 0.05), butyrate (p < 0.05) and total SCFAs (p < 0.05), in which SFP enzymes caused the opposite results except for butyrate, and SFP enzymes even increased the expression of ZO‐1 (p < 0.001) and OCCLUDIN (p = 0.075) and decreased the expression of TNF‐α (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, wheat enhanced the abundances of Barnesiella and Bifidobacterium (p < 0.05) and inhibited the abundances of Flavonifractor, Sellimonas, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Subdoligranulum, and Ruminococcus_gauvreauii_group (p < 0.05), and SFP enzymes could reverse the negative effects, and the changes in microbiota could explain the other different parameters. Collectively, wheat results in inflammation and worse growth performance, but SFP enzymes supplementation in WD benefits chickens' growth performance by improving intestinal barrier function, decreasing inflammation, modulating cecal microbiota and SCFAs production.
The non‐paretic‐hand‐to‐opposite‐ear test: A simple test to detect aphasia and neglect and an indicator of large anterior vessel occlusion in patients with suspected acute stroke
Authors: Herrmann Matthias L. , Franck Clara , Schuchardt Florian F. , Meier Simone , Henningsen Max , Wimmesberger Nicole , Rau Diana , Busch Hans‐Jörg , Taschner Christian A. , Farin‐Glattacker Erik , Brich Jochen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionAphasia and neglect in combination with hemiparesis are reliable indicators of large anterior vessel occlusion (LAVO). Prehospital identification of these symptoms is generally considered difficult by emergency medical service (EMS) personnel. Therefore, we evaluated the simple non‐paretic‐hand‐to‐opposite‐ear (NPE) test to identify aphasia and neglect with a single test. As the NPE test includes a test for arm paresis, we also evaluated the diagnostic ability of the NPE test to detect LAVO in patients with suspected stroke.MethodsIn this prospective observational study, we performed the NPE test in 1042 patients with suspected acute stroke between May 2021 and May 2022. We analyzed the correlation between the NPE test and the aphasia/neglect items of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Additionally, the predictive values of the NPE test for LAVO detection were calculated.ResultsThe NPE test showed a strong, significant correlation with both aphasia and neglect. A positive NPE test result predicted LAVO with a sensitivity of 0.70, a specificity of 0.88, and an accuracy of 0.85. Logistic regression analysis showed an odds ratio of 16.14 (95% confidence interval 10.82–24.44) for predicting LAVO.ConclusionThe NPE test is a simple test for the detection of both aphasia and neglect. With its predictive values for LAVO detection being comparable to the results of LAVO scores in the prehospital setting, this simple test might be a promising test for prehospital LAVO detection by EMS personnel. Further prospective prehospital validation is needed.
Ectopic production of beta‐hCG in anal cancer: A case report
Authors: Silverwood Sierra , Kohler Peter , Kier Yelena 
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical MessageBeta‐hCG‐producing anal cancer, though rare, poses significant diagnostic challenges and may resist standard therapies. Recognizing the potential for hormone production in anal cancer is important, as it underscores the need for more specialized diagnostic techniques and tailored treatments.AbstractThis case report describes the second reported case of ectopic production of beta‐hCG in anal cancer. A 53‐year‐old female presented with a new anal lesion. Biopsy showed a poorly differentiated squamous cell cancer (SCC) with undifferentiated sarcomatoid features, stage IIIA (cT2cN1cM0). Before starting concurrent chemotherapy and radiation, the patient had a positive urine pregnancy test. The beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin (beta‐hCG) production was attributed to the tumor, and upon completion of treatment, beta‐hCG normalized. Six weeks from treatment completion, recurrence was noted along with a positive beta‐hCG urine test. This case aims to highlight beta‐hCG as an ectopic hormone that can indicate the presence of squamous cell anal cancer and discuss the potential implications it may have on management.
Single catheter approach for treatment of premature ventricular contractions
Authors: Dilk Patrick , Dinov Borislav , Darma Angeliki , Bollmann Andreas , Dagres Nikolas , Hindricks Gerhard , Arya Arash 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundCatheter ablation has become one of the main treatment strategies in patients with premature ventricular complexes (PVC). The successful mapping and ablation can be performed with an ablation catheter without additional diagnostic catheters.HypothesisWe hypothesize that using a single catheter for PVC ablation may decrease complications, procedure time, and fluoroscopy exposure while maintaining comparable success rates.MethodsSixty‐nine consecutive patients with PVC were treated with a single catheter approach compared to a historical cohort, in which a conventional setup was used. Propensity score matching was conducted with a 1:1 ratio. Outcome parameters included acute procedural success with elimination of all premature ventricular contractions after catheter ablation, procedural data as well as complication rates.ResultsPatients treated with a single catheter approach had shorter total procedure (60 minutes [IQR: 47,5–69,0 minutes] vs. 90 minutes [IQR 60–120 minutes]; p = 0.001) and fluoroscopy times (218 seconds [IQR: 110,5–446 seconds] vs. 310 seconds [IQR 190–640 seconds]; p = 0.012), which consecutively leads to a reduction of radiation exposure signified by a lower dose area product (155 cGycm² [IQR 74.4–334.5 cGycm²] vs. 368.4 cGycm² [IQR: 126–905.4 cGycm²]; p value 0.009). Acute procedural success rates were comparable in both groups (54 [84.3%] in the single catheter approach group and 58 [90.6%] in the conventional group; p: 0.287).ConclusionA single catheter approach for the treatment of PVC is associated with a reduction of procedure‐ and fluoroscopy time, as well as a lesser radiation exposure, while maintaining equivalent acute success and complication rates compared with a conventionally used catheter setup.
Room‐temperature tunable tunneling magnetoresistance in Fe3GaTe2/WSe2/Fe3GaTe2 van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Pan Haiyang , Singh Anil Kumar , Zhang Chusheng , Hu Xueqi , Shi Jiayu , An Liheng , Wang Naizhou , Duan Ruihuan , Liu Zheng , Parkin Stuart S. P. , Deb Pritam , Gao Weibo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe exceptional properties of two‐dimensional (2D) magnet materials present a novel approach to fabricate functional magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ) by constructing full van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures with atomically sharp and clean interfaces. The exploration of vdW MTJ devices with high working temperature and adjustable functionalities holds great potential for advancing the application of 2D materials in magnetic sensing and data storage. Here, we report the observation of highly tunable room‐temperature tunneling magnetoresistance through electronic means in a full vdW Fe3GaTe2/WSe2/Fe3GaTe2 MTJ. The spin valve effect of the MTJ can be detected even with the current below 1 nA, both at low and room temperatures, yielding a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) of 340% at 2 K and 50% at 300 K, respectively. Importantly, the magnitude and sign of TMR can be modulated by a DC bias current, even at room temperature, a capability that was previously unrealized in full vdW MTJs. This tunable TMR arises from the contribution of energy‐dependent localized spin states in the metallic ferromagnet Fe3GaTe2 during tunnel transport when a finite electrical bias is applied. Our work offers a new perspective for designing and exploring room‐temperature tunable spintronic devices based on vdW magnet heterostructures.
Dysregulation of intercellular communication in vitro and in vivo via extracellular vesicles secreted by pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma cells and generated under the influence of the AG9 elastin peptide‐conditioned microenvironment
Authors: Nannan Lise , Decombis Salomé , Terryn Christine , Audonnet Sandra , Michel Jean , Brassart‐Pasco Sylvie , Gsell Willy , Himmelreich Uwe , Brassart Bertrand 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis due to its highly metastatic profile. Intercellular communication between cancer and stromal cells via extracellular vesicles (EVs) is crucial for the premetastatic microenvironment preparation leading to tumour metastasis. This study shows that under the influence of bioactive peptides derived from the extracellular matrix microenvironment, illustrated here by the AG‐9 elastin‐derived peptide (EDP), PDAC cells secrete more tumour‐derived EVs. Compared to PDAC‐derived EVs, tumour‐derived EVs resulting from AG‐9 treatment (PDAC AG‐9‐derived EVs) significantly stimulated cell proliferation. At constant amount, tumour‐derived EVs were similarly taken up by PDAC and HMEC‐1 cells. Tumour‐derived EVs stimulated cell proliferation, migration, proteinase secretion, and angiogenesis. Bioluminescence imaging allowed tumour‐derived EV/FLuc+ tracking in vivo in a PDAC mouse model. The biodistribution of PDAC AG‐9‐derived EVs was different to PDAC‐derived EVs. Our results demonstrate that the microenvironment, through EDP release, may not only influence the genesis of EVs but may also affect tumour progression (tumour growth and angiogenesis), and metastatic homing by modifying the in vivo biodistribution of tumour‐derived EVs. They are potential candidates for targeted drug delivery and modulation of tumour progression, and they constitute a new generation of therapeutic tools, merging oncology and genic therapy.
The Hearing of Erastus “Deaf” Smith, Hero of the Texas Revolution
Authors: Todd N. Wendell , Beck Steven D. 
Published: March 2024

ObjectivesTo describe the speech and hearing abilities of Erastus “Deaf” Smith, the first Texas Ranger, and speculate on the etiology of his hearing loss.MethodsReview of credible historical data of what Erastus could and could not hear, descriptions of his voice, and loudness tolerance. Modern analysis of acoustical physics data generated by 0.69‐inch diameter non‐spinning musket balls.ResultsThe onset of Erastus' bilateral hearing loss was early childhood. He could hear some. He was intolerant of very loud sounds. His speech was “weak”, “squeaky” and high‐pitched. He did not use manual communication. He could not hear musket balls passing near his head. The frequency of sound generated by flying 0.69‐inch diameter musket balls has been determined as predominantly in the range of 2000–2500 Hz. In contrast to most bilateral childhood sensorineural hearing losses that are worse in high and mid frequencies, Erastus' hearing loss was worse in the low and mid frequencies – preserving at least some high‐frequency hearing.ConclusionErastus' reverse‐slope hearing problem may well have been attributable to incomplete partition type III. If you can't hear it, you can't speak it.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 134:3532–3536, 2024
Observations on Valence‐Band Electronic Structure and Surface States of Bulk Insulators Based on Fast Stabilization Process of Sample Charging in UPS
Authors: Zhu Lei , Li Wei , Ma Liran , Xu Xuefeng , Luo Jianbin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe valence‐band electronic structure is one of the most basic properties of materials and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) is the most commonly used technique for its measurement. To obtain credible UPS spectra on insulator surfaces, eliminating the charging effects at the surfaces is essential but is very difficult. Here, a reliable measurement for the valence‐band structure of bulk insulators is shown. It has been observed that, during UPS measurements without any charge compensation, the charging on irradiated insulator surfaces reaches its steady state very quickly and the fluctuation of the charging‐induced surface potential is very small. Therefore, the whole UPS spectrum undergoes just a parallel shift and can be calibrated by comparison with the corresponding X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectrum even though XPS often has a poorer resolution than UPS. From the calibrated valence‐band spectra, it is found that noticeable electronic energy levels (i.e., the “surface states”) exist in the bandgap, and based on the density of states (DOS) calculations, the surface states are attributed to the truncation of the bulk periodic structure at the surfaces. This work is anticipated to provide a way to obtain the valence band structure and the surface states of bulk insulators which play crucial roles in many physical processes.