bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross-sectional characterization of renal function in cats with caudal stomatitis
Authors: Vetter C Autumn M , Lourenço Bianca N , Meindl Alison G , Mees Angela , Stone Amy , Farnsworth Raelynn , Everett S Ellen , Gonzalez Sara E , Roth Ira G , Schmiedt Chad 
Published: June 2023

Objectives The objective of the study was to compare renal functional biomarkers in cats and in caudal stomatitis (CS) and in age-matched control cats. Methods A cross-sectional, case-control study was conducted on 44 client-owned cats with CS that were prospectively enrolled and evaluated for a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment at one of four institutions. Renal function was assessed with measurement of serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, serum symmetric dimethylarginine, urinalysis, urine protein:creatinine ratio and urine protein electrophoresis. Affected gingiva was biopsied to confirm the diagnosis of stomatitis. Renal biochemical analyses from the experimental group were compared with those of 44 age-matched controls without CS enrolled prospectively or retrospectively after presenting to the primary institution for routine healthcare. Control cats were included if they were clinically stable, their chronic illnesses were well managed and minimal dental disease was present on examination. Renal biomarkers were compared between groups using a t-test or the Mann–Whitney U-test. Frequency of azotemia, proteinuria and the clinical diagnosis of renal disease were compared using Fisher’s exact test. Results Relative to the control group, cats in the CS group had significantly lower serum creatinine ( P <0.001) and albumin concentrations ( P <0.001), urine specific gravity ( P = 0.024) and hematocrit ( P = 0.003), and higher serum phosphorus ( P <0.001), potassium ( P <0.001) and globulin concentrations ( P <0.001), white blood cell count ( P <0.001) and urine protein:creatinine ratio ( P = 0.009). There were no significant differences in serum symmetric dimethylarginine or urea nitrogen concentrations. No clinically significant findings were noted on urine protein electrophoresis. There were no significant differences in the frequency of azotemia, proteinuria or renal disease categories between the two groups. Conclusions and relevance The present study does not demonstrate a significant difference in the frequency of kidney disease between cats with and without CS. Longitudinal evaluation is warranted to investigate the relationship between renal disease and CS.
Association Between Serum Levels of Nicotinamide-Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Oxidase 2 and the Development of Atrial Fibrillation After Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Yan Hui , Zhang JiaYing , Wu Fang Qin , Du Gui Fang 
Published: June 2023

Introduction To investigate the levels of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2 (NOX2) in serum and pericardial drainage samples in the early stage after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and determine whether NOX2 is predictive of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). Materials and Methods This prospective pilot study involved 152 adults without history of atrial fibrillation who underwent first-time elective isolated CABG. Serum and pericardial fluid samples were simultaneously obtained from patients at baseline and 4, 12, and 24 h post operation. NOX2 levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The heart rhythm of patients was continuously monitored through a Holter monitor until discharge. Logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed, as appropriate. Results Fifty-one patients (33.6%) experienced in-hospital POAF. NOX2 concentration in serum and pericardial drainage samples was increased after surgery, reached its peak at 12 h, and gradually declined thereafter toward the baseline levels by 24 h. At 12 h, patients with POAF had higher levels of serum NOX2 than those without (3.96 ± 0.35 vs. 3.70 ± 0.75 μg/mL, respectively, p = 0.004). There were no discernible differences in pericardial NOX2 between the 2 groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that serum NOX2 at 12 h post operation was the strongest independent predictor of POAF (odds ratio: 2.179, 95% confidence interval: 1.084–4.377). The area under the ROC curve of the POAF predictive model was 0.732 (95% confidence interval: 0.654–0.801). Conclusion Serum NOX2 may be useful in the identification of POAF. Larger studies are warranted to substantiate these findings.
Age Differences in Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Vagal Modulation in Women With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Chen Li Juen , Burr Robert , Cain Kevin , Kamp Kendra , Heitkemper Margaret 
Published: June 2023

Background/Aims Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often report upper gastrointestinal (GI) (e.g., nausea and heartburn), somatic, and emotional symptoms. This study seeks to examine the relationships among younger and older women with IBS and indicators of autonomic nervous system (ANS) function and daily nausea and heartburn symptoms. Methods Women were recruited through clinics and the community. Nocturnal heart rate variability (HRV) was obtained using ambulatory electrocardiogram Holter monitors. Individual symptom severity and frequency were collected using 28-day diaries. All variables were stratified by younger (<46 years) and older (≥46 years) age groups. Results Eighty-nine women with IBS were included in this descriptive correlation study ( n = 57 younger; n = 32 older). Older women had reduced indices of vagal activity when compared to younger women. In older women, there was an inverse correlation between nausea and vagal measures (Ln RMSSD, r = −.41, p = .026; Ln pNN50, r = −.39, p = .034). Heartburn in older women was associated with sleepiness ( r = .59, p < .001) and anger ( r = .48, p = .006). Nausea was significantly correlated with anger in the younger group ( r = .41, p = .001). There were no significant relationships between HRV indicators and nausea and heartburn in younger women. Conclusions Age-related differences in ANS function that are associated with nausea may portend unique opportunities to better understand the vagal dysregulation in women with IBS.
Prevalence of refractive errors in population aged 50 years and over: The Gilan eye study
Authors: Behboudi Hassan , Rajavi Zhale , Sabbaghi Hamideh , Katibeh Marzieh , Kheiri Bahareh , Yaseri Mehdi , Moradian Siamak , Alizadeh Yousef , Ahmadieh Hamid , Pakbin Mojgan , Bouyeh Aria , Moradi Amir 
Published: June 2023

Purpose To describe the prevalence of refractive error (RE) and its association with other environmental and health factors among population aged ≥50 years who lived in Gilan, Iran in 2014. Methods In this population-based cross-sectional study, 3281 individuals aged ≥50 years living in Gilan for at least 6 months were enrolled. The prevalence of different types of REs including myopia (spherical equivalent (SE)≤-0.50D), high myopia (SE ≤ -6.00D), hyperopia (SE≥ + 0.50D), high hyperopia (SE≥ + 3.00D), astigmatism (cylinder < -0.50D) and high astigmatism (cylinder < -2.25D) were determined. Anisometropia was defined as the SE difference of ≥1.00D between the two eyes. Associated factors including age, body mass index (BMI) and education were also studied. Results 2587 eligible individuals (58% female subjects) with the mean age of 62.6 ± 8.8 years participated (87.6% response rate). The prevalence of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism was 19.2%, 48.6% and 57.4%, respectively. 3.6% high hyperopia, 0.5% high myopia and 4.5% high astigmatism were identified. The positive simultaneous effects3 of older age (Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.14), nuclear (OR = 1.71) and posterior subcapsular (OR = 1.61) cataracts as well as the negative effects of higher levels of education (OR = 0.28) were obtained on myopia. Higher BMI was found as a risk factor for hyperopia (OR = 1.67), while older patients were less likely to be hyperopic (OR = 0.31). Conclusion Higher incidence of myopia and astigmatism was found in patients aged over 70 years. It was also found that patients at older ages who suffered with cataracts were at a higher risk of myopia, while elderly people with greater BMI were at a higher risk of hyperopia.
An artificial intelligence (AI)-based approach to clinical trial recruitment: The impact of Viz RECRUIT on enrollment in the EMBOLISE trial
Authors: Hassan Ameer E , Ravi Saisree , Desai Sohum , Saei Hamzah M , Mckennon Ermias , Tekle Wondwossen G 
Published: June 2023

Background EMBOLISE (NCT 04402632) is an ongoing randomized controlled trial investigating the safety and efficacy of middle meningeal artery embolization for the treatment of subacute or chronic subdural hematoma (SDH). Viz RECRUIT SDH is an artificial intelligence (AI)-based software platform that can automatically detect SDH in noncontrast computed tomography (NCHCT) images and report the volume, maximum thickness, and midline shift. We hypothesized that the mobile recruitment platform would aid enrollment and coordinate communication and image sharing among the entire research team. Materials and methods Patient enrollment in EMBOLISE prior to and after implementation of Viz RECRUIT SDH at a large comprehensive stroke center was compared along with the performance of the software platform. The EMBOLISE trial was activated on May 5, 2021, and Viz RECRUIT SDH was activated on October 6, 2021. The pre-AI cohort consisted of all patients from EMBOLISE to AI activation (153 days), and the post-AI cohort consisted of all patients from AI activation until August 18, 2022 (316 days). All alerts for suspected SDH candidates were manually reviewed to determine the positive predictive value (PPV) of the algorithm. Results Prior to AI-software implementation, there were 5 patients enrolled (0.99 patients/month) and one screen failure. After the implementation of the software, enrollment increased by 36% to 1.35 patients/month (14 total enrolled), and there were no screen failures. Over the entire post-AI period, a total of 6244 NCHCTs were processed by the system with 207 total SDH detections (3% prevalence). 35% of all alerts for suspected SDH were viewed within 10 min, and 50% were viewed within an hour. The PPV of the algorithm was 81.4 (CI [75.3, 86.7]). Conclusion The implementation of an AI-based software for the automatic screening of SDH patients increased the enrollment rate in the EMBOLISE trial, and the software performed well in a real-world, clinical trial setting.
Optimizing the number of variants tracked to follow disease burden with circulating tumor DNA assays in metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Boutin Mélina , Topham James T. , Feilotter Harriet , Kennecke Hagen F. , Couture Félix , Harb Mohammed , Kavan Peter , Berry Scott , Lim Howard J. , Goffin John R. , Ahmad Chaudhary , Lott Anthony , Renouf Daniel J. , Jonker Derek J. , Tu Dongsheng , O’Callaghan Chris J. , Chen Eric X. , Loree Jonathan M. 
Published: June 2023

Background: The number of somatic mutations detectable in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is highly heterogeneous in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The optimal number of mutations required to assess disease kinetics is relevant and remains poorly understood. Objectives: To determine whether increasing panel breadth (the number of tracked variants in a ctDNA assay) would alter the sensitivity in detecting ctDNA in patients with mCRC. Design: We used archival tissue sequencing to perform an in silico assessment of the optimal number of tracked mutations to detect and monitor disease kinetics in mCRC using sequencing data from the Canadian Cancer Trials Group CO.26 trial. Methods: For each patient, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, or 16 of the most clonal (highest variant allele frequency) somatic variants were selected from archival tissue-based whole-exome sequencing and assessed for the proportion of variants detected in matched ctDNA at baseline, week 8, and progression timepoints. Results: Data from 110 patients were analyzed. Genes most frequently encountered among the top four highest VAF variants in archival tissue were TP53 (51.9% of patients), APC (43.3%), KRAS (42.3%), and SMAD4 (9.6%). While the frequency of detecting at least one tracked variant increased when expanding beyond variant pool sizes of 1 and 2 in baseline ( p = 0.0030) and progression ( p = 0.0030) ctDNA samples, we observed no significant benefit to increases in variant pool size past four variants in any of the ctDNA timepoints ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: While increasing panel breadth beyond two tracked variants improved variant re-detection in ctDNA samples from patients with treatment refractory mCRC, increases beyond four tracked variants yielded no significant improvement in variant re-detection.
Association between mean platelet volume and cardiovascular disease in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Kallel Souha , Kchaou Khouloud , Kharrat Ines , Chaabouni Mohamed Amin , Ayedi Sirine , Charfeddine Ilhem 
Published: June 2023

Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is associated with cardiovascular diseases. Mean platelet volume has emerged as a marker of prothrombotic conditions and cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the mean platelet volume and cardiovascular diseases in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Methods: The medical records of 207 patients were analyzed. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was diagnosed by polygraphy, and patients were classified according to apnea–hypopnea index: control group: individuals with simple snoring (apnea–hypopnea index < 5), mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome group (5 ⩽ apnea–hypopnea index < 15), moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome group (15 ⩽ apnea–hypopnea index < 30), and severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome group (apnea–hypopnea index ⩾ 30). Mean platelet volume was obtained from medical records. Cardiovascular diseases were defined if patients had hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery disease, or arrythmia. The independent predictors related to cardiovascular diseases in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were determined by using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the patients, 175 were included in the analysis. Sixty-three (36%) were males and 112 (64%) were females. The mean age was 51.85 ± 11 years. There were, 26 (14.9%), 53 (30.3%), 38 (21.7%), and 58 (33.1%) participants in the simple snoring, mild, moderate, and severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome groups, respectively. Cardiovascular diseases were significantly different between the four groups ( p = 0.014). Mean platelet volume in severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome group was significantly higher than in mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome group and simple snoring group ( p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between mean platelet volume levels and apnea–hypopnea index ( r = 0.424; p < 0.001). The independent predictors of cardiovascular diseases in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were age ( p < 0.001; odds ratio = 1.134; confidence interval: 1.072–1.2), body mass index ( p = 0.012; odds ratio: 1.105; confidence interval: 1.022–1.194), and mean platelet volume ( p < 0.001; odds ratio: 2.092; confidence interval: 1.386–3.158). Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that there is an association between mean platelet volume levels and cardiovascular diseases in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
Dandy Walker-like malformation in an adult cat with seizures: clinical description and MRI characteristics
Authors: Formoso Sara , Padley Hannah , Alves Lisa 
Published: June 2023

Case summary A 2-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was referred for investigation of a 10-month history of self-limiting, generalised tonic–clonic seizures. The cat was reported to be normal interictally but had always had a static abnormal gait. General physical examination was unremarkable. Neuroanatomical localisation was compatible with a diffuse cerebellar and diffuse forebrain lesion. Complete blood count, biochemistry, bile acid stimulation test, urinalysis, cisternal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, Toxoplasma gondii serology and T gondii polymerase chain reaction in CSF were all unremarkable. MRI revealed an abnormal caudal fossa, absent cerebellar vermis and small cerebellar hemisphere with distension of the fourth ventricle. There were no forebrain abnormalities identified in the MRI or CSF changes that could justify the seizures. Considering the clinical presentation, the cat’s neurological examination and MRI features, a presumptive diagnosis of Dandy Walker-like malformation (DWLM) and epilepsy of unknown aetiology was made. Relevance and novel information This is the first case report of an adult cat diagnosed with cerebellar malformation resembling DWLM and concomitant seizures, its MRI characteristics and long-term follow-up. The 3-year follow-up consultation revealed static neurological status with 2–4 seizures per year. The cat’s quality of life remained good at the time of writing.
The place of digital triage in a complex healthcare system: An interview study with key stakeholders in Australia's national provider
Authors: Churruca Kate , Ellis Louise A , Pope Catherine , MacLellan Jennifer , Zurynski Yvonne , Braithwaite Jeffrey 
Published: June 2023

Background Digital triage tools such as telephone advice and online symptom checkers are now commonplace in health systems internationally. Research has focused on consumers’ adherence to advice, health outcomes, satisfaction, and the degree to which these services manage demand for general practice or emergency departments. Such studies have had mixed findings, leaving equivocal the role of these services in healthcare. Objective We examined stakeholders’ perspectives on Healthdirect, Australia's national digital triage provider, focusing on its role in the health system, and barriers to operation, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Key stakeholders took part in semi-structured interviews conducted online in the third quarter of 2021. Transcripts were coded and thematically analysed. Results Participants (n  =  41) were Healthdirect staff (n  =  13), employees of Primary Health Networks (PHNs; n  =  12), clinicians (n  =  9), shareholder representatives (n  =  4), consumer representatives (n  =  2) and other policymakers (n  =  1). Eight themes emerged from the analysis: (1) information and guidance in navigating the system, (2) efficiency through appropriate care, (3) value for consumers? (4) the difficulties in triage at a distance, (5) competition and the unfulfilled promise of integration, (6) challenges in promoting Healthdirect, (7) monitoring and evaluating digital triage services and (8) rapid change, challenge and opportunity from COVID-19. Conclusion Stakeholders varied in their views of the purpose of Healthdirect's digital triage services. They identified challenges in lack of integration, competition, and the limited public profile of the services, issues largely reflective of the complexity of the policy and health system landscape. There was acknowledgement of the value of the services during the COVID-19 pandemic, and an expectation of them realising greater potential in the wake of the rapid uptake of telehealth.
Identification and description of telerehabilitation assessments for individuals with neurological conditions: A scoping review
Authors: O’Neil Jennifer , Barnes Keely , Morgan Donnelly Erin , Sheehy Lisa , Sveistrup Heidi 
Published: June 2023

Background The clinical adoption of telerehabilitation accelerated rapidly over the last few years, creating opportunities for clinicians and researchers to explore the use of digital technologies and telerehabilitation in the assessment of deficits related to neurological conditions. The objectives of this scoping review were to identify outcome measures used to remotely assess the motor function and participation in people with neurological conditions and report, when available, the psychometric data of these remote outcome measures. Methods MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL, PubMed, PsychINFO, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched between December 13, 2020, and January 4, 2021, for studies investigating the use of remote assessments to evaluate motor function and participation in people with neurological conditions. An updated search was completed on May 9, 2022, using the same databases and search terms. Two reviewers independently screened each title and abstract, followed by full-text screening. Data extraction was completed using a pre-piloted data extraction sheet where outcome measures were reported as per the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Results Fifty studies were included in this review. Eighteen studies targeted outcomes related to body structures and 32 targeted those related to activity limitation and participation restriction. Seventeen studies reported psychometric data; of these, most included reliability and validity data. Conclusion Clinical assessments of motor function of people living with neurological conditions can be completed in a telerehabilitation or remote context using validated and reliable remote assessment measures.
Reliability of the TT-TG Index Versus TT-TG Distance on MRI: Morphometric Analyses in Asian Children and Adolescents
Authors: Park Sin Hyung , Choi Wonchul , Yoon Siyeong , Rhie Jeongbae , Ahn Wooyeol , Oh Jongbeom , Han Dong Hun , Lee Soonchul 
Published: June 2023

Background: The tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to decide the treatment for patellar instability; however, the patient’s joint size is not considered in this measurement. The TT-TG index has been proposed as a knee size–adjusted measurement for tibial tuberosity location. Purpose: To evaluate the reliability of the TT-TG index compared with the TT-TG distance by analyzing variations in measurement according to age and sex in a pediatric Asian population. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 698 knee MRI scans were collected in patients between 4 and 18 years of age who did not have any patellofemoral problems. Patient age, sex, height, and weight were recorded. The scans were divided into 5 groups according to patient age (4-6 years, 46 scans; 7-9 years, 56 scans; 10-12 years, 122 scans; 13-15 years, 185 scans; and 16-18 years, 289 scans); MRI scans were also divided by sex (497 male, 201 female). Three independent observers measured the TT-TG distance and TT-TG index on each scan, and age- and sex-based differences in the measurements were evaluated after adjusting for body mass index (BMI). The reliability of the measurements was calculated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: Good to excellent inter- and intraobserver agreement was found for TT-TG distance (ICC, 0.74) and TT-TG index (ICC, 0.88). The TT-TG distance was significantly different among the groups and increased with age, while variations in the TT-TG index were minimal between age groups and sexes. This finding was also consistent after compensating for the effect of BMI. Conclusion: The TT-TG distance changed with age, while the TT-TG index was relatively constant. Therefore, the TT-TG index may be more reliable and effective for diagnosing and planning treatment, especially in children and adolescents.