bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishment of reference intervals for plasma metanephrines in seated position measured by LC-MS/MS and assessment of diagnostic performance in pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma
Authors: Lin Yuxin , Wang Meihua , Cao Yingping 
Published: January 2023

Background The use of supine reference intervals instead of the corresponding seated reference intervals for seated plasma-free metanephrines (MNs) in pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL) screening has been controversial in recent years. Each clinical laboratory should choose the optimal sampling posture and diagnostic strategy according to local conditions. Methods The reference population consisted of 736 cases aged 14–92 years old and the validation population consisted of 1068 patients aged 8–87 years old. Seated MNs were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and the reference intervals and diagnostic cut-off values were established and the diagnostic performance compared with reference intervals established in a supine position. Results There was no correlation between seated plasma MNs and age ( p > 0.05) and there were differences in MNs among the various disease groups ( p < 0.05). MNs were different in gender ( p < 0.0001). The upper reference limit (URL) established in this study had the same sensitivity (100%) and better specificity (94.6% vs 83.5%) compared with the published age-adjusted supine reference intervals. The proportion of suspected patients with MNs within the URL-2×URL range was lower using seated reference intervals compared to supine intervals (5.3% vs 15.7%). Conclusion Using the corresponding seated reference intervals for seated plasma MNs can reduce the unnecessary re-examinations of suspected patients with slightly elevated MNs. The cut-off value established by seated plasma MNs has good diagnostic performance in PPGL. Use of seated sampling is an acceptable practice and is more convenient and economical than supine sampling.
‘Now you will understand what it is like to be confined’: Did COVID-19 lockdowns affect perceptions about long-term psychiatric hospitalizations? A report from Argentina
Authors: Fernandez Marina Ayelén , Ares Lavalle Guadalupe , Murlender Liza , Agrest Martin , Ardila-Gómez Sara Elena 
Published: January 2023

Background: Lockdowns have been one of the government’s primary measures to control COVID-19, especially during the initial waves of the pandemic, but there is concern on the impact of lockdowns on people’s mental health. Confinement is still today the reality of many people with severe mental illness in many places of the world. Objective: Given that the general population experienced confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic, we sought to explore if that affected perceptions about long-term psychiatric hospitalizations. Methods: About 134 residents from middle-class neighborhoods in urban settings in the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, were surveyed. Participants were asked if they felt emotionally affected by the pandemic and lockdown, and about their perceptions of long-term psychiatric hospitalizations. Association between personal emotional impact by the pandemic or lockdown with perceptions about long-term psychiatric hospitalization were analyzed using chi-square test. Qualitative analysis of pandemic and lockdown effects was held. Results: Respondents tended to overlap the emotional effects of the pandemic and the lockdown. Some responses explicitly referred to confinement. No association was observed between emotional impact by the pandemic or lockdown and perceptions about long-term psychiatric hospitalization among the sample. The general population’s perceptions of long-term psychiatric hospitalization do not appear to be affected by the first-hand experience of confinement, which suggest persistence of stigma, and the need to reconsider public policies and actions that attempt to impact on it.
Social Support and Strain from Different Relationship Sources: Their Additive and Buffering Effects on Psychological Well-Being in Adulthood
Authors: Shin Huiyoung , Gyeong Sunjeong 
Published: January 2023

The present study examined the main and interactive effects of relationship-specific (i.e., spouses, friends, parents, and children) social support and strain on positive (happiness and well-being) and negative (loneliness and depressive symptoms) psychological well-being, and whether the associations varied by age and gender. A dataset was collected from 1033 adults (20–69 years; 50.1% female) from South Korea regarding social support and strain and indicators of psychological well-being. Results revealed that spousal and friend support was associated with enhanced happiness and well-being and reduced loneliness, whereas spousal and friend strain was associated with heightened depressive symptoms. Relationship-specific social support and strain showed interactive effects. Social support from parents and spouses buffered the adverse effects of social strain on psychological well-being, but their protective effects diminished when they experienced high levels of parental or spousal strain. These patterns were dependent on age and gender, with protective effects of friend support being greater for younger adults and women than for older adults and men.
Nd:Yag laser combined with injection sclerotherapy in the treatment of reticular veins and telangiectasias (CLaCS method): A triple-blind randomized clinical trial comparing two sclerosing agents associated with same laser patterns
Authors: Fonseca Marcos M , Mocelin Faberson João , Grill Marcelo Halfen , Gianesini Sergio , Miyake Kasuo , Argenta Rodrigo , Pereira Adamastor H 
Published: January 2023

Background Cryo-Laser & Cryo-Sclerotherapy (CLaCS) is a technique which combines thermal sclerotherapy and injection sclerotherapy. Telangiectasias and small varicosities are targeted by a transdermal laser and right after receive injection sclerotherapy. A cooling device blows −20°C air onto the skin and needle in a pre-, parallel-, and post-fashion. Objective Our objective was to establish if there is a difference in result and complications by varying the sclerosing agent but keeping the same ND:Yag long pulse laser parameters in the treatment of small varicosities. Methods Fifty five patients were enrolled prospectively and randomized to two groups; in the group 1 dextrose 75% was the sclerosing agent used in combination with the ND:Yag long pulse laser and, in the group 2, the same laser technique was used but the sclerosing agent was polidocanol 0.3% and dextrose 67%. Results The results were evaluated 30 days after the treatment by the patients and for blinded evaluators using before and after standardized photos with and without augmented reality. In the patient’s perspective and in the blinded evaluation of the regular photos, no differences between the groups were found. Both groups had low rates of hyperpigmentation and bruising with no statistical difference. Patients treated with polidocanol had less pain after the treatment and a better clearance rate in the photos with augmented reality. No major complications were found. Conclusion The treatment of small varicosities with CLaCS using Dextrose 75% or polidocanol 0.3% and Dextrose 67.5% is a safe and effective procedure and both sclerosing agents can be used with similar results. Possibly, in the polidocanol group more nonvisible reticular veins were cleared, but the implication of this find is not clear.
Schlieren and mie-scattering visualization of an evaporating spray under marine diesel engine conditions
Authors: Liu Rui , Huang Li , Ma Yue , Ju Dehao , Feng Mingzhi , Lu Xingcai 
Published: January 2023

Due to the critical influence on combustion, extensive research has been carried out to deepen the understanding of diesel spray evolution. However, for the greater share of land-based diesel engines, most of the studies have focused on the injectors with small nozzle diameter and rare studies can be found on marine diesel engines, which has a larger mass flow rate and longer injection duration with large nozzle diameter. In this study, the influence of injection pressure, ambient temperature, ambient density and nozzle diameter on spray morphology for medium speed marine diesel engine injectors (with nozzle diameter up to 0.53 mm) were investigated under various non-reacting but evaporative conditions. The experiments were performed via a highly enhanced constant volume chamber (highest temperature of 900 K and highest pressure of 8 MPa) with an optical window diameter of 205 mm. Liquid and vapor penetration of sprays were recorded by Mie-scattering and schlieren optical configurations respectively. Results show that the vapor penetration velocity is mainly affected by injection pressure. Ambient temperature has the most significant effect on liquid penetration length, but less effect can be found on the vapor penetration velocity. Given the obvious deviation from heavy duty engine sprays, the empirical correlations for liquid penetration length and vapor spray evolution are updated to fit the spray characteristics of medium speed marine diesel engine injectors, which is helpful to understand the spray behavior for large nozzle diameter injector under marine diesel engine conditions.
Effects of electroacupuncture at ST36 and BL20 on the diabetic rat testis
Authors: Kizilay Gulnur , Ersoy Onur , Bozer Cuneyt , Demirtas Selim , Cikmaz Selman , Yılmaz Ali 
Published: January 2023

Objective:We aimed to evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 and BL20 on the testicular tissues in a rat model of diabetes and to explore the mechanisms of action.Methods:A total of 34 male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to a control group (n = 10), diabetes (D) group (n = 12) or diabetes + acupuncture (DA) group (n = 12). To model diabetes, rats in groups D and DA received an intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of 35 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) dissolved in citrate buffer (pH = 4.5; 0.1 M) after 2 weeks of high-fat diet administration. Under xylazine/ketamine anesthesia, stainless steel needles (30 mm × 0.25 mm) were inserted bilaterally at ST36 and BL20. The needles were connected to an EA device via cables, and EA was applied for 30 min (15 Hz frequency and 0.2–1 mA intensity) twice a week for 5 weeks.Results:The effects of EA at ST36 and BL20 on blood glucose levels and body weight, biochemical parameters, histopathological, morphometric and immunohistochemical findings, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) analysis were evaluated. A significant decrease was detected in DA versus D groups in blood glucose levels, basement membrane thickness and apoptotic cell/tubule indices. In addition, there was a significant increase in the Johnsen scores, seminiferous tubule diameters, serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone, proliferation indices, and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) and insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) immunoreactivities.Conclusion:EA had multiple positive effects on blood glucose homeostasis and testicular structure/function in this rat model of diabetes. EA may be effective at preventing or eliminating histopathological damage in the diabetic testis.
Over a decade of an eating disorders treatment program: Where to from here?
Authors: Phillipou Andrea , Jenkins Zoe M , Newton J Richard , Gwee Karen , Rossell Susan L , Castle David J 
Published: January 2023

Objective Currently available treatments for eating disorders lack efficacy resulting in poor outcomes for patients. In this paper, we describe a number of issues that we have identified in our clinical service, which are not unique to our treatment program. Conclusions The issues described are common among eating disorder services worldwide and need to be addressed in order to move the field forward. We provide a number of solutions and research areas that need greater focus so that we are able to improve the efficacy of eating disorder treatment services.
Clinical presentation, treatment and outcome in 23 cats with laryngeal or tracheal lymphoma
Authors: Rodriguez-Piza Ignasi , Borrego Juan Francisco , Treggiari Elisabetta , Verganti Sara , Priestnall Simon L , Lara-Garcia Ana 
Published: January 2023

Objectives Feline primary laryngeal or tracheal lymphoma (PLTL) is an uncommon extranodal presentation. Information on long-term survival is scarce, although some small case series describe this being achieved with multiagent protocols; an accurate outcome for cats with PLTL is yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to gather information on the clinical presentation, response to treatment and outcome in a large case series of feline PLTL. Methods This retrospective multicentre study included cats with a cytological or histopathological confirmation of PLTL. Histopathology samples, when available, were reassessed for grade and immunophenotype. Clinical (age, signalment, retroviral status, presence of anaemia, clinical signs, location and therapy type) and outcome (response, progression-free survival [PFS] and overall survival [OS]) variables were recorded. Survival analyses to assess the impact of variables on PFS and OS were performed. Results Twenty-three cases were included; cats had a median age of 11 years (range 2–16) and the male:female ratio was 3.6:1. Common clinical signs at presentation included increased respiratory effort (74%) and abnormal upper respiratory tract sounds (48%). Immunophenotyping was performed in 48% of cases and all were B cell. Debulking surgery was performed in 26% of cases. All cats received chemotherapy, COP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisolone; 39%), CHOP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and prednisolone; 44%) and other protocols (17%); 35% had a partial response and 65% a complete response. Median PFS and OS were 909 days (range 23–1484) and 909 days (range 23–2423), respectively. Complete response was associated with longer PFS ( P <0.001) and OS ( P = 0.012). Pretreatment with steroids was associated with longer OS ( P = 0.003). No other variable was found to be significant. Conclusions and relevance PLTL in cats is mostly of a B-cell phenotype, could be of a low-to-medium grade, and may respond to surgical and medical treatment with a longer survival time than has previously been reported.
Online support groups for carers of people living with dementia: An investigation of videoconferencing support groups in lockdown
Authors: McLoughlin Bethany , Atherton Helen , MacArtney John , Dale Jeremy 
Published: January 2023

Background This study aimed to explore the experiences of carers of people living with dementia who participated in videoconferencing support groups during the COVID-19 pandemic to investigate their preferences and experiences with online, hybrid, and face-to-face support. Methods This convergent mixed methods design study utilised an online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Interviews took place over videoconferencing software and were analysed through thematic analysis. Participants were recruited from support groups based in the UK and Ireland. Results 39 carers of people living with dementia completed the questionnaire and 16 carers participated in interviews. Participants found videoconferencing support groups more convenient, but face-to-face groups more enjoyable. Participants who had found it difficult to access face-to-face groups prior to COVID-19 expressed more positive perceptions of videoconference-based groups. Many felt that hybrid groups would make it easier for more people to attend. However, some carers described lacking the resources and technological skills to participate in online support groups effectively. Some suggested making IT training available may improve the capacity of carers to access support online. Conclusion Videoconferencing support groups can be an appropriate way of supporting carers of people with dementia, especially for those who do not have access to face-to-face support groups. However, face-to-face support remains important to carers and should be made available when it can be implemented safely. Hybrid support groups could allow for increased accessibility while still providing the option of face-to-face contact for those who prefer it or are not adept with technology.
Value Creation Through an Emotional Management Program Adapted to the Needs of a Group of Adult Learners
Authors: Bruno Luana , Iborra Alejandro , García-Varela Ana Belén 
Published: January 2023

Most emotional intervention programs are based on remedial approaches designed to improve one’s emotional management. However, few programs have aimed at promoting developmental changes not to mention value creation processes regarding their coping with emotional experiences. Accordingly, we implement and evaluate an emotional intervention program based on the specific needs of the participants. Nineteen Secondary School teachers volunteered through 5 sessions of 4 hours each. After the intervention, a follow-up was carried out by means of a discussion group and a post-test, using the Bar-On ICE questionnaire. Most emotional intelligence factors increased significantly their scores in the post-test. It is discussed to what extent there is evidence of a transformational change in the participants attributed to the developmental value creation intervention.
Distal medium vessel occlusions in acute ischaemic stroke – Stent retriever versus direct aspiration: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Toh Keith Zhi Xian , Koh Ming Yi , Loh Enver De Wei , Kwok Gabriel Yi Ren , Teo Yao Hao , Teo Yao Neng , Goh Claire Xin Yi , Syn Nicholas Li Xun , Ho Andrew Fu Wah , Sia Ching-Hui , Brouwer Patrick A , Andersson Tommy , Meyer Lukas , Fiehler Jens , Bhogal Pervinder , Sharma Vijay K , Tan Benjamin YQ , Yeo Leonard L L 
Published: January 2023

Background Acute ischaemic stroke due to distal medium vessel occlusion (AIS-DMVO) causes significant morbidity. Endovascular thrombectomy advancement has made treating AIS-DMVO with stent retrievers (SR) and aspiration catheters (AC) possible, however the optimal technique remains unknown. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of SR use compared to purely AC use in patients with AIS-DMVO. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMBASE, from inception to 2nd September 2022, for studies comparing SR or primary combined (SR/PC) against AC in AIS-DMVO. We adopted the Distal Thrombectomy Summit Group’s definition of DMVO. Efficacy outcomes were functional independence (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2 at 90 days), first pass effect (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale (mTICI) 2c-3 or expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale (eTICI) 2c-3 at first pass), successful final recanalisation (mTICI or eTICI 2b-3), and excellent final recanalisation (mTICI or eTICI 2c-3). Safety outcomes were symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH) and 90-day mortality. Results 12 cohort studies and 1 randomised-controlled trial were included, involving 1881 patients with 1274 receiving SR/PC and 607 receiving AC only. SR/PC achieved higher odds of functional independence (odds ratio (OR) 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.67) and lower odds of mortality (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50–0.94) than AC. Odds of successful/excellent recanalisation and sICH were similar between both groups. Stratified to compare only SR and only AC, the use of only SR, achieved significantly higher odds of successful recanalisation as compared to only AC (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.17–2.78). Conclusion There is potential for efficacy and safety benefits in SR/PC use as compared to AC only in AIS-DMVO. Further trials are necessary to validate the efficacy and safety of SR use in AIS-DMVO.
Perioperative safety determinants in ethnic patient groups
Authors: Bloo Gerrit , Calsbeek Hiske , Westert Gert , Dekkers Wim , Akkersdijk George , Krugten Robbert Jan van , Wolff André P , Wollersheim Hub 
Published: January 2023

Background In a Dutch hospital, unexpectedly, safer perioperative care was found in non-western ethnic minority patients compared to Dutch ethnic majority patients undergoing high-risk surgery with a mortality risk >1%. We explored determinants in order to find tools for nurses and physicians to improve patients’ safety and safety experience during the perioperative period. Methods A qualitative grounded theory design was applied to understand patients’ perspective on their needs and safety in the perioperative period we interviewed patients ( n = 17). Results Three themes emerged: ‘Nurse & physician behaviour’, ‘Team performance’, and ‘Patient behaviour’. In the first theme ‘Nurse and physicians’ behaviour’, positive determinants related to an attitude of experienced professionals that provide patients with trust. On the other hand, negative determinants provide patients with experiences of unsafety. In the second theme ‘Team performance’, positive determinants involved effective communication and coordinated care of the nurses and physicians. Negative determinants related to visible disagreement about the treatment. In the third theme ‘Patient behaviour’, positive determinants related to seeking support from nurses, physicians, and family to recover and to endure an anxious period. Negative determinants related to missing appointments or not consulting the information provided. Conclusion and practice implications ‘Nurse & physician behaviour’ and ‘Team performance’ are relevant determinants that contribute to patients’ experiences of safe care. Stimulating an active attitude of patients in seeking support may contribute to experiences of safe care. These results can be used to improve patients’ experience of safe care in an uncertain and vulnerable perioperative period.
Ferro-ferri-katophorite, a new clinoamphibole from the silicocarbonatite dykes in Sierra de Maz, La Rioja, Argentina
Authors: Colombo Fernando , Rius Jordi , Molins Elies , Biglia Héctor , Galliski Miguel Á. , Márquez-Zavalía María Florencia , Baldo Edgardo G. A. , Kriscautzky Agustín 
Published: January 2023

AbstractFerro-ferri-katophorite (IMA2016–008), ideally Na(NaCa)(Fe2+4Fe3+)(Si7Al)O22(OH)2, was found as xenocrysts up to 3 cm long and replacement rims around aegirine–augite in silicocarbonatite dykes cropping out in the Sierra de Maz, La Rioja province, NW Argentina. Ferro-ferri-katophorite is black and has vitreous lustre and a pale green streak. The new mineral is brittle, with perfect {110} cleavage and has a Mohs hardness of 6. The measured density is 3.32(1) g/cm3. In plane-polarised light it is strongly pleochroic, X = light greenish brown, Y = dark greyish brown and Z = dark greyish olive green. Absorption (very strong) is Z > Y > X. The orientation is: Z ∥ b, and X forms a small angle with [001]. Ferro-ferri-katophorite is biaxial (–), with α = 1.688(3), β = 1.697(3), γ = 1.698(3) and 2V(calc) = 36.7°. It is monoclinic, space group C2/m, a = 9.8270(7), b = 18.0300(8), c = 5.316(4) Å, β = 104.626(4)°, V = 911.4(6) Å3 and Z = 2. The strongest five lines in the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d in Å (I)(hkl)] are: 8.416(100)(110), 3.135(50)(310), 2.815(26)(330), 2.720(18)(151) and 1.4422(15)($\bar{6}$61). The chemical composition is SiO2 43.08, TiO2 2.76, ZrO2 0.15, Al2O3 8.76, V2O3 0.07, Fe2O3 9.28, FeO 13.85, MnO 0.43, MgO 6.88, CaO 6.58, ZnO 0.06, Na2O 5.55, K2O 1.18, Cl 0.01, H2O calc 1.36, total 99.95 wt.%. The formula unit (confirmed by single-crystal structural analysis) is (Na0.74K0.23)Σ0.97(Ca1.08Na0.91Mn0.01)Σ2.00(Fe2+1.78Mg1.57Fe3+1.07Ti4+0.32Al0.19Mn2+0.04Zr0.01V3+0.01Zn0.01)Σ5.00(Si6.61Al1.39)Σ8.00O22(OH1.59O0.61)Σ2.00. Aluminium is strongly ordered at the T(1) site. Ferro-ferri-katophorite is the 9th species carrying the katophorite root name and is related to katophorite by the Fe2+ + Fe3+ → Mg2+ + Al3+ substitution. Type material was deposited at the Museo de Mineralogía “Stelzner”, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina, under catalogue number MS003341.