bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Suspension Palatoplasty’ – A method of surgical correction of VPI post Cleft Palate repair
Authors: Damalachervu Mukunda Reddy , Yellinedi Rajesh , Dharanipriya A. , Lalasa Mary V. , Nuvvula Rambabu 
Published: March 2024

Objective To design the technique of ‘Suspension Palatoplasty’ for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency (VPI) post Cleft Palate (CP) based on optimal spatial positioning of palate at the time of VPI correction, by using a non-obstructive, high, midline pharyngeal flap for predictable velopharyngeal closure and normal speech. To evaluate the results of CP patients with VPI operated using the technique of ‘Suspension palatoplasty’. Design An ambi-spective longitudinal clinical study. Setting Comprehensive cleft care clinic in a private trust hospital. Patients, Participants Patients operated using the ‘Suspension Palatoplasty’ technique for VPI post CP repair between 2014 and 2018 with a minimum follow-up period of 5 years. Interventions ‘Suspension Palatoplasty’ - Double Opposing Z (DOZ) plasty with palatal myoplasty is used to revise soft palate and a narrow superiorly based pharyngeal flap is used to suspend it for a dynamic velopharyngeal closure. Main outcome measure Speech outcome and surgical complications. Results 70 out of 119 studied were found to have normal speech (59%), and another 25 patients (21%) had acceptable speech. Thus 95 out of 119 patients (80%) had normal or near-normal speech and did not require any further speech therapy or surgeries. 12 patients had snoring without difficulty in breathing. One patient had symptoms suggestive of obstructive sleep apnea. Younger patients had a higher percentage of normal speech outcomes. Many of our adult patients also attained normal speech. Conclusion ‘Suspension Palatoplasty’ aims to achieve normal speech with little effort. It has minimal side effects. The author has performed 403 cases to date.
Additive technologies use to create structures for technical fabric replacement
Authors: Tkac Jozef , Hajnys Jiri , Mizera Ondrej , Molnar Vieroslav , Fedorko Gabriel , Cepova Lenka 
Published: March 2024

The production technology of one of the essential structural parts of rubber-textile conveyor belts, the textile carcass, has not changed much since the start of their use. Specific changes occurred only in the material used when various synthetic fibres gradually replaced cotton. However, with the development of additive technologies, the possibility of changing the production technology is coming to the fore, when industrial textiles produced by classic weaving will not be used to make the carcass but a structure built by 3D printing. Confirmation of this change would represent a revolutionary breakthrough in the technology for rubber-textile conveyor belt production. Based on these facts, the possibility of using continuous 3D printing technology was verified to print a structure that would replace the technical fabric used in the conveyor belt carcass. As part of the research, the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), and Stereolithography (SLA) technologies were verified. Experimental specimens with the dimensions of 145 x 145 x 185 mm were produced in three different positions: at an angle (45°), horizontally, and vertically. The specimens were made of three types of filament: SLA (Elastic 50A), SLS (TPU 1301), and FDM (Flexfill 92A); for each of the three positions of the specimen, filament consumption and printing time were determined due to the use of support material. Created specimens were then assessed regarding their production possibility and achievement of the desired structure.
Assessment of paclitaxel drug-coated balloon angioplasty for intracranial atherosclerotic disease based on high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Jiang Shu , Dong Dong , Chen Kunjian , Zhang Chao , Dou Weiqiang , Wang Xinyi 
Published: March 2024

Background To accurately assess the treatment effect of paclitaxel drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty is essential for intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) patients. This study aimed to investigate the clinical feasibility of high-resolution vessel wall MRI (HR-VWI) in assessing ICAD with DCB angioplasty. Methods Forty-five patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis ≥ 70% confirmed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) underwent HR-VWI before and after DCB angioplasty. Postoperative follow-up was performed after 6 months (±1 month). The differences of pre- and postoperative HR-VWI characteristics, including vessel and lumen area at maximal lumen narrowing (MLN), plaque area and length, degree of stenosis, plaque burden (PB), remodeling index, and plaque enhancement amplitude (PEA) were compared. The relationship between stenotic rate obtained using HR-VWI and DSA was evaluated. Each HR-VWI characteristic and clinical factor before DCB angioplasty was separately evaluated for the association with postoperative restenosis. Results After six months, lumen area of MLN, plaque length and area, degree of stenosis, PB, and PEA showed a significantly difference relative to the value before DCB angioplasty (all P < 0.05). Spearman correlation coefficients of 0.865 and 0.932 were revealed between DSA and HR-VWI regarding the stenotic rate analysis pre- and post-operation (both P < 0.05). ROC analysis showed PEA, plaque length, and PB before DCB angioplasty separately provided robust prediction of postoperative restenosis (area under the curve = 0.909, 0.814 and 0.743; all P < 0.05). Multivariable analysis revealed that PEA was an independent predictor of prognosis. Conclusions The HR-VWI can accurately assess the treatment effect of DCB and robustly predict prognosis.
Risk factors for repeated percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of hemodialysis vascular access after initial intervention
Authors: Tang Bin , Xiong Yuwan , Zhong Yingxue , Hao Guojun , Liu Yuanhao , He Wei , Wong Tak-sui , Yu Zongchao , Hu Bo 
Published: March 2024

Background/Aims Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is a significant intervention to deal with occlusion and stenosis of vascular access. The study aimed to explore the risk factors of repeated PTA (re-PTA) after the initial intervention in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods This retrospective study included 180 patients who underwent successful PTA for the first time between March 2016 and December 2020. Information on demographic, clinical, anatomical, and medication variables was collected. Survival curves were plotted using Kaplan–Meier analysis and the risk factors associated with re-PTA were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses. Results The primary clinical patency rates at 6, 12, and 24 months after PTA were found to be 85.2%, 70.7%, and 58.6%, respectively. The univariate Cox proportion hazards analysis revealed the association of non-antiplatelet agents (HR 2.368 95% CI 1.351 to 4.150, p = .003) and arteriovenous graft (AVG) (HR 2.096 95% CI 1.147 to 3.831, p = .016) with re-PTA. However, only non-antiplatelet therapy showed statistical significance (HR 2.368 95% CI 1.351 to 4.150, p = .003) in multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis. Conclusions Among the patients undergoing hemodialysis, the use of antiplatelet agents was associated with a lower risk of re-PTA. Therefore, the use of antiplatelet drugs may reduce the rates of re-PTA and help in maintaining the patency of vascular access.
Baseline clinical and neuroradiological predictors of outcome in patients with large ischemic core undergoing mechanical thrombectomy: A retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Alexandre Andrea M , Monforte Mauro , Brunetti Valerio , Scarcia Luca , Cirillo Luigi , Zini Andrea , Scala Irene , Nardelli Vincenzo , Arbia Francesco , Arbia Giuseppe , Frisullo Giovanni , Kalsoum Erwah , Camilli Arianna , De Leoni Davide , Colò Francesca , Abruzzese Serena , Piano Mariangela , Rollo Claudia , Macera Antonio , Ruggiero Maria , Lafe Elvis , Gabrieli Joseph D , Cester Giacomo , Limbucci Nicola , Arba Francesco , Ferretti Simone , Da Ros Valerio , Bellini Luigi , Salsano Giancarlo , Mavilio Nicola , Russo Riccardo , Bergui Mauro , Caragliano Antonio A , Vinci Sergio L , Romano Daniele G , Frauenfelder Giulia , Semeraro Vittorio , Ganimede Maria P , Lozupone Emilio , Romi Andrea , Cavallini Anna , Milonia Luca , Muto Massimo , Candelaresi Paolo , Calabresi Paolo , Pedicelli Alessandro , Broccolini Aldobrando 
Published: March 2024

Background: Recent randomized trials have shown the benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) also in patients with an established large ischemic core. Aims: The purpose of this study was to define baseline predictors of clinical outcome in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the anterior circulation and an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS) ⩽ 5, undergoing MT. Material and methods: The databases of 16 comprehensive stroke centers were retrospectively screened for patients with LVO and ASPECTS ⩽5 that received MT. Baseline clinical and neuroradiological features, including the differential contribution of all ASPECTS regions to the composite score, were collected. Primary clinical outcome measure was a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2. Statistical analysis used a logistic regression model and random forest algorithm. Results: A total of 408 patients were available for analysis. In multivariate model, among baseline features, lower age (odd ratio (OR) = 0.962, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.943–0.982) and lower National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR = 0.911, 95% CI = 0.862–0.963) were associated with the mRS score 0–2. Involvement of the M2 (OR = 0.398, 95% CI = 0.206–0.770) or M4 (OR = 0.496, 95% CI = 0.260–0.945) ASPECTS regions was associated with an unfavorable outcome. Random forest analysis confirmed that age and baseline NIHSS score are the most important variables influencing clinical outcome, whereas involvement of cortical regions M5, M4, M2, and M1 can have a negative impact. Conclusion: Our retrospective analysis shows that, along with age and baseline clinical impairment, presence of early ischemic changes involving cortical areas has a role in clinical outcome in patients with large ischemic core undergoing MT. Data access statement: The data that support the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request.
An automated flowchart for the Modified Rankin Scale assessment: A multicenter inter-rater agreement analysis
Authors: C de Andrade Joao Brainer , Quinn Terence J , Carbonera Leonardo Augusto , Montanaro Vinicius Viana Abreu , Robles Alexandre C , Pádua Gomes Rafael , Ribeiro Saulo , Sampaio Silva Gisele 
Published: March 2024

Background and objective: The Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) is a widely adopted scale for assessing stroke recovery. Despite limitations, the mRS has been adopted as primary outcome in most recent clinical acute stroke trials. Designed to be used by multidisciplinary clinical staff, the congruency of this scale is not consistent, which may lead to mistakes in clinical or research application. We aimed to develop and validate an interactive and automated digital tool for assessing the mRS—the iRankin. Methods: A panel of five board-certified and mRS-trained vascular neurologists developed an automated flowchart based on current mRS literature. Two international experts were consulted on content and provided feedback on the prototype platform. The platform contained five vignettes and five real video cases, representing mRS grades 0–5. For validation, we invited neurological staff from six comprehensive stroke centers to complete an online assessment. Participants were randomized into two equal groups usual practice versus iRankin. The participants were randomly allocated in pairs for the congruency analysis. Weighted kappa (kw) and proportions were used to describe agreement. Results: A total of 59 professionals completed the assessment. The kw was dramatically improved among nurses, 0.76 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.55–0.97) × 0.30 (0.07–0.67), and among vascular neurologists, 0.87 (0.72–1) × 0.82 (0.66–0.98). In the accuracy analysis, after the standard mRS values for the vignettes and videos were determined by a panel of experts, and considering each correct answer as equivalent to 1 point on a scale of 0–15, it revealed a higher mean of 10.6 (±2.2) in the iRankin group and 8.2 (±2.3) points in the control group (p = 0.02). In an adjusted analysis, the iRankin adoption was independently associated with the score of congruencies between reported and standard scores (beta coefficient = 2.22, 95% CI = 0.64–3.81, p = 0.007). Conclusion: The iRankin adoption led to a substantial or near-perfect agreement in all analyzed professional categories. More trials are needed to generalize our findings. Our user-friendly and free platform is available at https://www.irankinscale.com/ .
Representaciones de masculinidades en las políticas públicas de salud en Chile
Authors: Saez Sebastián , Bernales Margarita 
Published: March 2024

Objetivo: comprender las representaciones de las masculinidades en las políticas públicas de salud en Chile. Método: desde un diseño metodológico cualitativo, se realizó una revisión documental de programas y políticas del área de la salud sexual y reproductiva, salud mental, violencia y ciclo vital, incluyendo adicionalmente el análisis de 10 entrevistas realizadas a trabajadores de la salud, actores claves y expertos. Se realizó un análisis de contenido temático, utilizando software NVivo. Resultados: los principales resultados constatan que la presencia masculina es menor que la femenina en las políticas públicas de salud, y que las representaciones de los varones suelen tener una perspectiva socio-comportamental donde se concibe que la masculinidad es perjudicial para la salud. Conclusión: los hallazgos instan a incluir una mirada inclusiva de hombres y masculinidades, su contexto social y capacidad de cambio a fin de poder abordar vulnerabilidades y necesidades específicas de la salud de hombres en Chile.
Should organized sport characteristics be considered as a strategy for meeting physical activity guidelines in children?
Authors: Rodrigues Daniela , Machado-Rodrigues Aristides M. , Gama Augusta , Silva Maria-Raquel G. , Nogueira Helena , Padez Cristina 
Published: March 2024

Background: A clearer understanding of the relationships between specific sport context with overall physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) may contribute to the development of more accurate preventive strategies to increase children’s engagement in PA. Purpose: This study aimed to examine how different organized sports contributed to children’s daily PA and ST. Methods: PA was measured for seven days via accelerometers, in 410 children aged 6–10 years (49.8% boys). Of those, 332 (53.0% boys) were engaged in an organized sport and were further considered for statistical analyses. Parents reported children’s sport participation (e.g. which sport, number of times per week, duration). The sports were classified into: indoor vs. outdoor; individuals vs. team; combat vs. individual aesthetic vs. racing vs. invasion. Children’s height and weight were objectively collected. Multiple one-way analyses of covariance were used to examine the effects of sport characteristics on PA and ST. A linear regression, adjusted for children’s sex, age, body mass index and father’s educational level, determined the relationship between being involved in multiple PA and sedentary behaviours with Moderate to Vigorous PA (MVPA) levels. Results: Although engaged in an organized sport, only 30% of the children achieved the PA recommendations. Sport (compared with active commute and active play) was the best contributor to daily MVPA. Outdoor sports ( vs. indoor) contributed the most to vigorous PA (VPA) and MVPA. Team sports ( vs. individual) were significantly associated with lower ST. Children in combat sports accumulated more VPA and MVPA, while those in racing sports showed a higher ST. Conclusions: Sport participation alone does not guarantee children will reach the PA guidelines, and the type of sport can influence children’s PA levels. Gender-stereotypes in sports may prevent girls from achieving their 60 minutes of MVPA daily.
Impact of Pavlik Harness treatment on motor skills acquisition: A case–control study
Authors: Jesus Ana Rita , Pinto Silva Catarina , Romão Luz Inês , Mendes José Eduardo , Balacó Inês , Alves Cristina 
Published: March 2024

Purpose: Our purpose was to analyze the impact of Pavlik Harness treatment on children motor skills development, comparing to a control group. Methods: A total of 121 children were included: 55 cases (children with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip) and 66 healthy controls. Cases were recruited from 2017 to 2021 and followed up to 2022. Controls (healthy children without orthopedic pathology) were recruited from 2020 to 2022. The primary endpoint was the time of achievement of three gross motor milestones (sitting without support, hands-and-knees crawling, and walking independently). Results: The groups had no differences regarding sex distribution, gestational age, birth weight, and rate of twin pregnancy. The prevalence of positive family history of Development Dysplasia of the Hip (20.0% vs 3.0%, p < 0.003), breech presentation (38.2% vs 1.5%, p < 0.001), and C-section delivery (60.0% vs 19.7%, p < 0.001) was significantly higher in Development Dysplasia of the Hip group. Children with Development Dysplasia of the Hip achieved the three gross milestones evaluated 1 month later than healthy controls, although this was not statistically significant (p = 0.133 for sitting, p = 0.670 for crawling, and p = 0.499 for walking). Conclusion: Children with Development Dysplasia of the Hip, treated by Pavlik harness, do not have significant delays in motor skills acquisition.
Impact of Lifting Straps on the Relationship Between Maximum Repetitions to Failure and Lifting Velocity During the Prone Bench Pull Exercise
Authors: Miras-Moreno Sergio , García-Ramos Amador , Rojas-Ruiz Francisco J. , Pérez-Castilla Alejandro 
Published: March 2024

Background: Fastest mean (MVfastest) and peak (PVfastest) velocity of the set have been proposed to predict the maximum number of repetitions to failure (RTF) during the Smith machine prone bench pull (PBP) exercise. Hypothesis: Goodness-of-fit would be higher for individualized compared with generalized RTF-velocity relationships and comparable for both execution equipment conditions (with or without straps), and the MVfastest and PVfastest associated with each RTF would be comparable between execution equipment and prediction methods (multiple- vs 2-point method). Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: After determining the PBP 1-repetition maximum (1RM), 20 resistance-trained male athletes performed 2 sessions randomly, with and without lifting straps, consisting of single sets to failure against the same load sequence (60% to 80% to 70% 1RM). Generalized (pooling data from all subjects) and individualized (separately for each subject using multiple-point or 2-point methods) RTF-velocity relationships were constructed. Results: Individualized RTF-velocity relationships were always stronger than generalized RFT-velocity relationships, but comparable with (MVfastest: r2 = 0.87-0.99]; PVfastest: r2 = 0.88-1.00]) and without (MVfastest: r2 = 0.82-1.00; PVfastest: r2 = 0.89-0.99]) lifting straps. The velocity values associated with each RTF were comparable between execution equipment ( P ≥ 0.22), but higher for the multiple-point compared with the 2-point method ( P < 0.01). Conclusion: The use of lifting straps during the Smith machine PBP exercise does not affect the goodness-of-fit of the RTF-velocity relationships or the velocity values associated with different RTFs. However, caution should be exercised when using different methods. Clinical Relevance: The benefits of the RTF-velocity relationships can be extrapolated when using lifting straps, and the 2-point method can also be used as a quick and more fatigue-free procedure. Nevertheless, it is imperative for coaches to ensure that these relationships are reflective of fatigue experienced during training.
Customized Landing Task for ACL Injury Risk Assessment: Kinematic Sex-Related Differences
Authors: Brunetti Claudia , Rabello Rodrigo , Adragna Federico , Silva Zandonato Lucas , Zucchetti Alessandro , Bertozzi Filippo , Galli Manuela , Sforza Chiarella 
Published: March 2024

Background: Women present a higher anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rate than men, suggesting sex-related biomechanical differences. Task characteristics are often fixed for both sexes, possibly affecting the perceived difficulty. We investigated kinematic sex differences across landing tasks for ACL injury risk assessment, adjusted to participants’ anthropometrics/performance, and whether different tasks affect kinematic sex comparisons. Hypothesis: Female subjects would exhibit motion patterns more associated with ACL injury risk, and sex-related differences may depend on task type. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: A total of 27 female and 29 male amateur players (18-30 years) executed horizontal hop, drop jump (DJ), and DJ followed by vertical or forward jump (length, proportional to maximal forward jump; box, 20% participant’s height). An optoelectronic system provided lower limb kinematics at initial contact and peaks until maximum knee flexion (KF), analyzed separately by multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) (α = 0.05). Results: At initial contact, the interaction term had significant effects on hip adduction ( P < 0.01) and knee abduction (KAb) ( P = 0.04); female participants demonstrated higher KAb ( P < 0.01) and knee internal rotation ( P = 0.05). For peaks analysis, the interaction term had no significant effects on any individual variable, although significant in MANOVA; female participants had higher KAb ( P = 0.01) and lower KF ( P = 0.04). Task type affected hip flexion and knee angles in both analyses. Conclusion: All variables in which significant sex-related differences were found are potential ACL injury risk factors, and all findings indicate that the analyzed female sample exhibited higher injury-related patterns. Although customized, male and female participants showed different landing strategies depending on the task. Clinical Relevance: The findings underline how female participants adopted potentially harmful kinematics while executing customized landing tasks (adjusted by subject’s anthropometrics/performance), which may enhance risk of ACL injury.