bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cannabis vaporisation: Understanding products, devices and risks
Authors: MacCallum Caroline A. , Lo Lindsay A. , Pistawka Carly A. , Christiansen April , Boivin Michael 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIssuesVaporisation is a common method of cannabis administration. Inconsistent terminology and jargon regarding vaporisation has led to confusion. The increasing public interest and access to cannabis, combined with possible safety concerns associated with certain cannabis vaping products, warrants improved consumer and public and health care professional knowledge.ApproachTo improve this knowledge, we conducted a review of the common terminology, regulatory status, products and device types related to cannabis vaporisation.Key FindingsCannabis vaporisation devices can be separated into nine types. While vaporisation reduces respiratory risks associated with cannabis combustion, not all vaping products and device types carry the same level of safety. Metered dose inhalers and dried product vaporisers present the lowest safety risk due to a lower risk of toxin exposure and the use of lower tetrahydrocannabinol potency products.ImplicationsAs both vaping and cannabis use increase in popularity, focusing on accurate health education will help facilitate health promotion to encourage lower risk use. The current lack of understanding on risk differences between types of cannabis vaporisation is a missed opportunity for harm reduction. Increased opportunities for public health and health care professional education on different cannabis vaporisation devices and associated risks are warranted. Improvements to health warning labelling may also be beneficial.ConclusionNot all cannabis vaporisation devices and products carry the same level of risk. A better understanding of risk differentiation is needed among consumers and health professionals. Continued research, policy development and health education can lead to safer cannabis vaporisation.
Prevalence of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in Germany – analysis of claims data
Authors: Hagenström Kristina , Müller Katharina , Garbe Claudia , Augustin Matthias 
Published: December 2023

SummaryBackground and ObjectivesFew studies are available on the epidemiology of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in Germany. The aim of this study was to estimate this prevalence based on different case definitions.MethodsStatutory health insurance (SHI) data were examined (2017 to 2019). Prevalence was analyzed and validated using three different case definitions: (1) At least one inpatient or outpatient diagnosis within one year, (2) additionally at least two outpatient diagnoses within one year, (3) additionally within three years.ResultsThe administrative prevalence of psoriasis including psoriatic arthritis ranged from 1.90% to 2.51%. For all case definitions, the prevalence increased with age, decreasing from the age of 70 with psoriasis and from the age of 65 with psoriatic arthritis. Males were more likely to be affected at an older age (p <0.0001), while in the under‐20 age group, more girls were affected (p = 0.04).ConclusionsPsoriasis is a common skin disease in Germany. The internal diagnoses validation showed that in future studies with claims data, the narrow and broad criteria should be used to identify patients with psoriasis, depending on the research question.
Abnormal causal connectivity of anterior cingulate cortex‐visual cortex circuit related to nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug efficacy in migraine
Authors: Wei Heng‐Le , Yang Qian , Zhou Gang‐Ping , Chen Yu‐Chen , Yu Yu‐Sheng , Yin Xindao , Li Junrong , Zhang Hong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and visual cortex are integral components of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying migraine, yet the impact of altered connectivity patterns between these regions on migraine treatment remains unknown. To elucidate this issue, we investigated the abnormal causal connectivity between the ACC and visual cortex in patients with migraine without aura (MwoA), based on the resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data, and its predictive ability for the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The results revealed increased causal connectivity from the bilateral ACC to the lingual gyrus (LG) and decreased connectivity in the opposite direction in nonresponders compared with the responders. Moreover, compared with the healthy controls, nonresponders exhibited heightened causal connectivity from the ACC to the LG, right inferior occipital gyrus (IOG) and left superior occipital gyrus, while connectivity patterns from the LG and right IOG to the ACC were diminished. Based on the observed abnormal connectivity patterns, the support vector machine (SVM) models showed that the area under the receiver operator characteristic curves for the ACC to LG, LG to ACC and bidirectional models were 0.857, 0.898, and 0.939, respectively. These findings indicate that neuroimaging markers of abnormal causal connectivity in the ACC‐visual cortex circuit may facilitate clinical decision‐making regarding NSAIDs administration for migraine management.
Analysis of potassium ion diffusion from neurons to capillaries: Effects of astrocyte endfeet geometry
Authors: Djurich Sara , Secomb Timothy W. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNeurovascular coupling (NVC) refers to a local increase in cerebral blood flow in response to increased neuronal activity. Mechanisms of communication between neurons and blood vessels remain unclear. Astrocyte endfeet almost completely cover cerebral capillaries, suggesting that astrocytes play a role in NVC by releasing vasoactive substances near capillaries. An alternative hypothesis is that direct diffusion through the extracellular space of potassium ions (K+) released by neurons contributes to NVC. Here, the goal is to determine whether astrocyte endfeet present a barrier to K+ diffusion from neurons to capillaries. Two simplified 2D geometries of extracellular space, clefts between endfeet, and perivascular space are used: (i) a source 1 μm from a capillary; (ii) a neuron 15 μm from a capillary. K+ release is modelled as a step increase in [K+] at the outer boundary of the extracellular space. The time‐dependent diffusion equation is solved numerically. In the first geometry, perivascular [K+] approaches its final value within 0.05 s. Decreasing endfeet cleft width or increasing perivascular space width slows the rise in [K+]. In the second geometry, the increase in perivascular [K+] occurs within 0.5 s and is insensitive to changes in cleft width or perivascular space width. Predicted levels of perivascular [K+] are sufficient to cause vasodilation, and the rise time is within the time for flow increase in NVC. These results suggest that direct diffusion of K+ through the extracellular space is a possible NVC signalling mechanism.
Rib fracture as a cause of hindlimb lameness in a horse
Authors: Jimenez‐Rihuete Pablo , Staempfli Simon A. , Waterhouse Mathew , Rubio‐Martínez Luis M. 
Published: December 2023

SummaryA 2‐year‐old racing Thoroughbred gelding in training was presented with moderate (6/10) right hindlimb lameness unresponsive to regional anaesthesia of the right hindlimb. Gamma scintigraphic examination revealed severe, focal, increased radio‐pharmaceutical uptake over the dorsal aspect of the right 18th rib, which had an abnormal contour. Ultrasonographic examination of this area confirmed the presence of a complete, displaced fracture of the proximal aspect of the right 18th rib. Local infiltration with anaesthetic solution around the right 18th right rib (10 mL cranial and 10 mL caudal to the fracture site) abolished the right hindlimb lameness. A diagnosis of rib fracture causing moderate ipsilateral hindlimb lameness was made. The horse returned to walking exercise after 12 weeks of rest and was reported to be sound on the same limb 12 months after presentation. Caudal rib fractures should be considered as a possible cause of hindlimb lameness. Local diagnostic anaesthesia around the fracture site can aid localisation of the origin of lameness.
Assessment of variations in the haematological and hepatorenal biomarkers alongside oxidant‐antioxidant imbalance in exotic and indigenous horses infected with Theileria equi
Authors: Gupta Kapil Kumar , Balajee Santha Subramanian , Dey Sahadeb , Tripathi Prashant , Kumar Rajender , Pal Yash , Kumar Sanjay , Gupta Neha , Sudan Vikrant 
Published: December 2023

SummaryBackgroundTheileria equi latently infected horses remain under oxidative stress which can be easily determined by evaluating the concerned biomarkers. Until now, very limited data are available regarding study of oxidative stress alongside hepatorenal biomarker alterations in carrier equids.ObjectivesThis study was aimed to investigate oxidative stress and hepato‐renal alterations in respective biomarkers in latently T. equi‐infected exotic and indigenous horses.Study designThe study involved 24 (n = 24) T. equi latently infected horses (11 exotic and 13 indigenous) while 50 horses (n = 50) served as the non‐infected group. Haematological, hepato‐renal and oxidative stress biomarkers analysis was carried out to evaluate the effect of latent T. equi infection on these parameters.ResultsIn the T. equi‐infected exotic horse group, significant decreases in Hb, PCV, TLC and eosinophils were observed in comparison with the T. equi‐infected indigenous horse group. Blood glucose and SOD levels were significantly lower while serum MDA levels were significantly increased in T. equi‐infected horses than the noninfected groups. Higher MDA levels are suggestive of biochemical changes in parasitised erythrocytes making their membrane rigid and liable to erythrolysis. Decreased SOD levels were indicative of a disturbance in anti‐oxidative mechanisms leading to accumulation of free radicals attributing to oxidative injuries to T. equi‐infected erythrocytes.Main limitationsLatently infected animals with very low parasitaemia which are unable to damage host cells may lead to false negative results. Another limitation is the difficulty in ruling out other similar disease‐causing oxidative stresses.ConclusionThese observations indicated that T. equi naturally latently infected exotic horses were more liable to develop a condition in comparison to indigenous infected horses. From the above results, we can conclude that T. equi infection exerts a marked effect on the hepato‐renal biomarkers and significantly affects the key antioxidant defence mechanisms of infected erythrocytes, leading to oxidative damage to the erythrocytes membrane and ultimately its haemolysis.
Habitat modulates population‐level responses of freshwater salmon growth to a century of change in climate and competition
Authors: Price Michael H. H. , Moore Jonathan W. , McKinnell Skip , Connors Brendan M. , Reynolds John D. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe impacts of climate change are widespread and threaten natural systems globally. Yet, within regions, heterogeneous physical landscapes can differentially filter climate, leading to local response diversity. For example, it is possible that while freshwater lakes are sensitive to climate change, they may exhibit a diversity of thermal responses owing to their unique morphology, which in turn can differentially affect the growth and survival of vulnerable biota such as fishes. In particular, salmonids are cold‐water fishes with complex life histories shaped by diverse freshwater habitats that are sensitive to warming temperatures. Here we examine the influence of habitat on the growth of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in nursery lakes of Canada's Skeena River watershed over a century of change in regional temperature and intraspecific competition. We found that freshwater growth has generally increased over the last century. While growth tended to be higher in years with relatively higher summer air temperatures (a proxy for lake temperature), long‐term increases in growth appear largely influenced by reduced competition. However, habitat played an important role in modulating the effect of high temperature. Specifically, growth was positively associated with rising temperatures in relatively deep (>50 m) nursery lakes, whereas warmer temperatures were not associated with a change in growth for fish among shallow lakes. The influence of temperature on growth also was modulated by glacier extent whereby the growth of fish from lakes situated in watersheds with little (i.e., <5%) glacier cover increased with rising temperatures, but decreased with rising temperatures for fish in lakes within more glaciated watersheds. Maintaining the integrity of an array of freshwater habitats—and the processes that generate and maintain them—will help foster a diverse climate‐response portfolio for important fish species, which in turn can ensure that salmon watersheds are resilient to future environmental change.
Impact of cancer history on long‐term outcome after elective neuro‐endovascular treatment in patients aged 80 years or older: A retrospective multicenter observational study
Authors: Fujita Kyohei , Sato Yohei , Hanazawa Ryoichi , Sagawa Hirotaka , Ishikawa Mariko , Fujii Shoko , Aoyama Jiro , Hirai Sakyo , Yoshimura Masataka , Yoshino Yoshikazu , Kawano Yoshihisa , Shigeta Keigo , Taira Naoki , Karakama Jun , Ishiwada Tadahiro , Yamashina Motoshige , Hirakawa Akihiko , Sumita Kazutaka 
Published: December 2023

AimAssessing the indication for elective neuro‐endovascular treatment (EVT) in older patients requires consideration of the impact of systemic comorbidities on their overall reduced life expectancy. The objective of this study was to determine the long‐term outcomes of elective neuro‐EVT in patients aged ≥80 years, and to investigate the impact of pre‐existing cancer on their long‐term outcomes.MethodsOf the patients enrolled in multicenter observational registry, those aged ≥80 years undergoing elective neuro‐EVT between 2011 and 2020 were enrolled. A history of cancer was defined as a pre‐existing solid or hematologic malignancy at the time of EVT. The primary outcome was time to death from elective neuro‐EVT.ResultsOf the 6183 neuro‐EVT cases implemented at 10 stroke centers, a total of 289 patients (median age, 82 years [interquartile range 81–84 years]) were analyzed. A total of 58 (20.1%) patients had a history of cancer. A total of 78 patients (27.0%) died during follow up. The 5‐year survival rate of enrolled patients was 64.6%. Compared with patients without a history of cancer, those with a history of cancer showed significantly worse survival (log‐rank test, P = 0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed history of cancer was an independent predictor of time to death from elective neuro‐EVT (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.01–3.00, P = 0.047). Cancer was the leading cause of death, accounting for 25.6% of all deaths.ConclusionsThe present study showed that history of cancer has a significant impact on time to death from elective neuro‐EVT in patients aged ≥80 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 211–217.
Healing rate of hospital‐acquired skin tears using adhesive silicone foam versus meshed silicone interface dressings: A prospective, randomized, non‐inferiority pilot study
Authors: Fulbrook Paul , Miles Sandra J. , Williams Damian M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundA skin tear is a traumatic wound that occurs in up to one in five hospitalized patients. Nursing care includes application of a dressing to create a moist wound healing environment.AimTo compare the effectiveness of two standard dressings (adhesive silicone foam vs. meshed silicone interface) to heal hospital‐acquired skin tear.MethodsAn intention‐to‐treat pilot study was designed using a randomized, non‐inferiority trial in an Australian tertiary hospital setting. Consenting participants (n = 52) had acquired a skin tear within the previous 24 h and had agreed to a 3‐week follow‐up. Data were collected between 2014 and 2020. The primary outcome measure was wound healing at 21 days.ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar in both arms. Per protocol, 86% of skin tears were fully healed at 3 weeks in the adhesive silicone foam group, compared to 59% in the meshed silicone interface group. Greater healing was observed across all skin tear categories in the adhesive silicone foam dressing group. In the intention‐to‐treat sample, healing was 69% and 42%, respectively.ConclusionsResults suggest the adhesive silicone foam dressing may be superior, as it produced clinically significant healing of skin tears at 3 weeks compared to the meshed silicone interface dressing. Accounting for potential loss to follow‐up, a sample of at least 103 participants per arm would be required to power a definitive study.
Comparative assessment of cleaning efficacy of two exclusive paediatric rotary files in root canals of primary teeth: An in vitro study
Authors: Bhattacharjee Abhisek , Singh Rajeev Kumar , Patil Ranjit Kumar , Chandra Shaleen , Singhai Atin , Singh Uma Shankar , Ansari Afroz Alam , Khanna Richa 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundPaediatric rotary file systems have recently been developed for primary teeth use.AimTo study the cleaning efficacies of two paediatric rotary endodontic files, the Prime PedoTM, and the Kedo‐SG BlueTM against the standard H files.DesignThis in vitro study included 54 freshly extracted primary molars, which were randomised into three groups (n = 18 each) and were prepared using either Kedo‐SG BlueTM, Prime PedoTM or hand H files after injecting methylene blue dye into the canals. Pre‐ and post‐operative cone beam computerised tomography (CBCT) was performed to assess change in root canal volumes. Methylene blue dye removal from canals was assessed using stereomicroscopy, and canal cleanliness was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).ResultsBoth Prime PedoTM and Kedo‐SG BlueTM files reduced significantly less dentine when compared with conventional hand filing with Prime PedoTM removing the least amount of dentine. No significant difference was found in median SEM scores among the groups in the cervical, middle and apical thirds of the roots. Stereomicroscopic assessment of root canal cleanliness using dye removal technique shows a statistically significant difference existing between Kedo‐SG BlueTM and hand H files groups.ConclusionPrime PedoTM removed the least amount of dentine. Kedo‐SG BlueTM performed significantly better than conventional hand filing with H files when the root canal cleanliness was assessed.
Management of nocturnal hypertension: An expert consensus document from Chinese Hypertension League
Authors: Liu Jing , Li Yan , Zhang Xinjun , Bu Peili , Du Xueping , Fang Lizheng , Feng Yingqing , Guo Yifang , Han Fei , Jiang Yinong , Li Yuming , Lin Jinxiu , Liu Min , Liu Wei , Long Mingzhi , Mu Jianjun , Sun Ningling , Wu Hao , Xie Jianhong , Xie Jingyuan , Xie Liangdi , Yu Jing , Yuan Hong , Zha Yan , Zhang Yuqing , Zhu Shanzhu , Wang Jiguang ,   Chinese Hypertension League expert consensus committee on the management of nocturnal hypertension
Published: December 2023

AbstractNocturnal hypertension is highly prevalent among Chinese and Asian populations, which is mainly attributed to high salt intake and high salt sensitivity. Nocturnal hypertension increases the risk of cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality, independent of daytime blood pressure (BP). However, it can usually be detected by 24‐h ambulatory BP monitoring, rather than routine office or home BP measurement, thus is often underdiagnosed in clinical practice. Currently, no specific guidance is available for the management of nocturnal hypertension in China or worldwide. Experts from the Chinese Hypertension League summarized the epidemiologic and pathophysiologic characteristics and clinical phenotype of nocturnal hypertension and provided consensus recommendations on optimal management of nocturnal hypertension, with the goal of maximally reducing the cardiovascular disease risks. In this consensus document, 24‐h ABPM is recommended for screening and diagnosis of nocturnal hypertension, especially in the elderly, patients with diabetes, chronic kidney diseases, obstructive sleep apnea and other conditions prone to high nocturnal BP. Lifestyle modifications including salt intake restriction, exercise, weight loss, sleep improvement, and mental stress relief are recommended. Long‐acting antihypertensive medications are preferred for nocturnal and 24‐h BP control. Some newly developed agents, renal denervation, and other device‐based therapy on nocturnal BP reduction are evaluated.
532‐nm potassium titanyl‐phosphate laser versus 595‐nm pulsed dye laser for port‐wine birthmarks: A prospective, randomized, split‐side study
Authors: Nguyen Lynhda , Seeber Nikolaus , Kautz Gerd , Hartjen Anna , Schneider Stefan W. , Herberger Katharina 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundPulsed dye lasers (PDL) are currently the first‐line treatment of port‐wine birthmarks (PWB). Due to high maintenance costs and instable technology, alternative methods are needed.ObjectivesTo compare clinical outcomes of a variable‐sequenced, long‐pulsed 532‐nm potassium titanyl‐phosphate (KTP) laser and PDL on treating PWB.MethodsA prospective, randomized, split‐side study. Patients were treated with a KTP laser and PDL with 1 to 5 sessions at intervals of 6–8 weeks. A follow‐up visit was scheduled 6 weeks post‐treatment. Efficacy was evaluated through colorimetric analysis, area reduction measurements and clinical evaluations by two blinded investigators based on photo documentation. Subjects provided rating of pain intensity during treatment, post‐treatment reactions and satisfaction. Safety was measured by adverse events. Maintenance issues of the laser systems were documented.ResultsA total of 35 patients (mean age 42.1 years) were enrolled. 63% were female. Patients received 2.4 (SD 1.4; 1–5) treatment sessions. Colorimetric analysis indicated a comparable clearance effect in PWB of both KTP laser and PDL. Independent investigators rated clinical appearance to be significantly improved compared to baseline. No significant difference was observed between both laser systems. Regarding post‐treatment reactions, the KTP laser caused less swelling, purpura and crusts. 96% would recommend both treatment modalities. Patients were satisfied with both laser systems. During the study, PDL systems malfunctioned for 6.6 months in total. For the KTP laser, we did not observe any system failures.ConclusionOur data indicate that the KTP laser of the latest generation with large‐spot sizes, subpulse technology and cryogen cooling has a comparable efficacy to the PDL in treating PWB. In addition, KTP laser is associated with greater tolerability, fewer technical failures and lower repair costs. Further prospective studies are required to determine the true effectiveness of the KTP laser in PWB treatment.This study was preregistered in Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05771298).
Quality discrimination in healthcare markets
Authors: Esteves Rosa‐Branca , Ghandour Ziad , Straume Odd Rune 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRecent advances in healthcare information technologies allow healthcare providers to more accurately track patient characteristics and predict the future treatment costs of previously treated patients, which increases the scope for providers to quality discriminate across different patient types. We theoretically analyze the potential implications of such quality discrimination in a duopoly setting with profit‐maximizing hospitals, fixed prices, and heterogeneous patients. Our analysis shows that the ability to quality discriminate tends to intensify competition and lead to higher quality provision, which benefits patients but makes the hospitals less profitable. Nevertheless, the effect on social welfare is a priori ambiguous, since quality discrimination also leads to an inefficient allocation of patients across hospitals.