bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inframalleolar thrice distal puncture in a single endovascular treatment session for successful revascularization
Authors: Ota Issei , Nomura Tetsuya , Ono Kenshi , Sakaue Yu , Shoji Keisuke , Wada Naotoshi 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Most patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) have infrapopliteal arterial disease, which are often challenging to treat. In endovascular treatment (EVT) for these complex lesions, establishing retrograde access is an essential option not only for guidewire crossing but also for device delivery. However, no EVT case has yet been reported requiring inframalleolar thrice distal puncture in a single EVT session so far.

Case presentation
A 60-year-old CLTI patient with grade 3 Wound, Ischemia and foot Infection (WIfI) classification underwent EVT for occluded dorsal artery and posterior tibial artery. First, we conducted successful balloon angioplasty of the posterior tibial artery by establishing a retrograde approach via the lateral plantar artery. To treat the occlusion of the dorsal artery, we punctured the first dorsal metatarsal artery, and retrogradely advanced a guidewire to the dorsal artery occlusion; however, the microcatheter could not follow the guidewire. Therefore, we punctured the occluded distal anterior tibial artery and introduced the retrograde guidewire into the puncture needle. After guidewire externalization, we pulled up the retrograde microcatheter into the occlusion of dorsal artery using the “balloon deployment using forcible manner” technique. Thereafter, we were able to advance the antegrade guidewire into the retrograde microcatheter. After guidewire externalization, an antegrade balloon catheter was delivered and inflated for the purpose of dorsal artery dilation and hemostasis at the “needle rendezvous” point. Consecutively, balloon dilation was performed for puncture site hemostasis of the first dorsal metatarsal artery and complete hemostasis was achieved. Finally, we confirmed good vascular patency and favorable blood flow. After revascularization, transmetatarsal amputation was performed and the wound healed favorably.

Conclusions
We can markedly increase the success rate of revascularization by effectively utilizing the retrograde approach in EVT for complex chronic total occlusions in infrapopliteal arterial diseases.
Gastrointestinal congenital malformations: a review of 230 cases at Albert Royer National Children’s Hospital Center in Senegal
Authors: Zeng Florent Tshibwid A. , Mbaye Papa Alassane , Gueye Doudou , Niang Rosalie , Wellé Ibrahima Bocar , Seck Ndeye Fatou , Fall Mbaye , Ndoye Ndeye Aby , Sagna Aloïse , Ndour Oumar , Ngom Gabriel 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Congenital malformations are the third cause of mortality in children under five. We aimed to report sociodemographic and diagnostic aspects of gastrointestinal ones and their outcomes.

Methods
We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of patients admitted from January 2018 to January 2021 to our department at Albert Royer National Children’s Hospital Center in Dakar, Senegal. A total of 230 were included.

Results
The frequency of these malformations was 6.18%. The mean age was 1.9 years, with neonates representing 43.48% and males 59.56%. 64.35% of patients came from the Dakar area. Parental consanguinity was reported in 11.73%, prenatal diagnosis in 5.56% of 36 cases, and prematurity in 28.84% of 52 patients. The most typical reasons for referral or symptoms were constipation (23.91%), imperforated anus (23.91%), and vomiting (23.48%). In 93.91%, the malformation was isolated, of which Hirschsprung’s disease accounted for 30.56% and anorectal malformation for 30.09%. Esophageal atresia and anorectal malformations had more associated anomalies with 28.57% each. The VACTER-L association represented 21.42% of associated anomalies. Mortality was 27.83%, and lethality was 100% for intestinal atresia, 87.5% for esophageal atresia, and 85.71% for polymalformation. Causes of mortality were reported in 21%, with septic shock and respiratory distress in all esophageal atresia patients (Manama, Contribution à l’étude des malformations congénitales : à propos de 188 cas du service de néonatologie de l’Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec de Dakar, 1983) and hypovolemic shock in all patients with duodenal atresia (Wright et al., Lancet 398:325–39, 2021).

Conclusion
Congenital malformations of the gastrointestinal tract are still lately diagnosed in our environment, resulting in higher mortality. Further studies should analyze delayed presentation and mortality, and their risk factors in our settings.
Promising hepatoprotective agents from the natural sources: a study of scientific evidence
Authors: Pandey Bipindra , Baral Rishiram , Kaundinnyayana Atisammodavardhana , Panta Sushil 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundNatural bioactive components derived from plant secondary metabolites have been pronounced as valuable alternatives for anticipating and subsiding hepatotoxic effects and its chronic complications based on experimental verification. The focus of this review is to elucidate the commonly used modern medicine for the treatment of liver disease and how major phytoconstituents have been tested for hepatoprotective activity, mechanism of action of some promising agents from natural sources, and clinical trial data for treating in patients with different liver diseases by the aid of natural phytoconstituents.Main textThe review shows fifteen major isolated phytoconstituents, their biological sources, chemical structures, utilized plant parts, type of extracts used, hepatoprotective assay method, and their possible mechanism of action on the hepatoprotection. Nine promising hepatoprotective leads from natural sources with their chemistry and hepatoprotective mechanism are mentioned briefly. The review further includes the recent clinical trial studies of some hepatoprotective leads and their clinical outcome with different liver disease patients. Scientific studies revealed that antioxidant properties are the central mechanism for the phytoconstituents to subside different disease pathways by upsurging antioxidant defense system of cells, scavenging free radicals, down surging lipid peroxidation, improving anti-inflammatory potential, and further protecting the hepatic cell injury. In this review, we summarize recent development of natural product-based hepatoprotective leads and their curative potential for various sort of liver diseases. Furthermore, the usefulness of hit and lead molecules from natural sources for significant clinical benefit to discover new drug molecule and downsizing the problems of medication and chemical-induced hepatotoxic effects is extrapolated.ConclusionFurther research are encouraged to elucidate the pharmacological principle of these natural-based chemical agents which will stimulate future pharmaceutical development of therapeutically beneficial hepatoprotective regimens.
The modification, translation, and validation of the Malaysian version of Score for Allergic Rhinitis (SFAR) questionnaire
Authors: Cheah Siew Chung , Hamizan Aneeza Khairiyah Wan , Zahedi Farah Dayana , Baki Marina Mat , Husain Salina 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Score for Allergic Rhinitis (SFAR) is a validated self-administered questionnaire to assess for allergic rhinitis (AR) in a population setting but was designed for a temperate climate.

Objective
This study aims to modify the SFAR for the tropical climate, translate the modified SFAR from English to Malay Language, and validate this Malaysian version of SFAR (MySFAR).

Methods
This was a cross-sectional study at an outpatient Otorhinolaryngology clinic in a tertiary center. There were 2 phases in the study: (1) the translation and validation of SFAR and (2) the testing of diagnostic accuracy. Two different groups of participants were recruited for the respective phase.

Results
In phase 1, the total MySFAR score showed good discriminant validity between AR and healthy controls (13.44 ± 1.58 v 1.00 ± 2.12, p < 0.01). The internal consistency and test–retest reliability of MySFAR was excellent with Cronbach’s alpha 0.92 (95% CI 0.90–0.94) and intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.97, p < 0.01. In phase 2, MySFAR gave an AUC of 0.98 (95% CI = 0.96–1.00, p < 0.01), and a cut-off score of > 9 (J = 0.92) was determined based on the highest Youden index. This cut-off was 97.8% sensitive and 93.9% specific to predicting allergic rhinitis from non-allergic rhinitis.

Conclusion
The present study showed good validity and reliability of MySFAR among the Malaysian population. The cut-off score of > 9 was able to predict allergic rhinitis. This would be a useful screening tool for allergic rhinitis population studies in tropical countries.
Radiotherapy and Limb-Sparing Surgery in the Management of Localized Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Tertiary Care Center Experience From Pakistan
Authors: Raza Syed M. , Riaz Adeel , Mansha Muhammad A. , Fasih Samir , Awan Umme Kalsoom , Siddiqui Kashif , Rafi Ilyas , Shoaib Ahmed , Abu Bakar Muhammad , Fareed Muhammad M. 
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE When combined with radiotherapy, limb salvage surgery is an alternative to amputation. This study sought to determine the limb-sparing treatment outcomes in patients diagnosed with soft tissue extremity sarcomas treated at our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS All adult patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma treated with the radical limb salvage strategy at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Canter, Lahore, Pakistan, between January 2017 and December 2019 were retrospectively assessed. RESULTS A total of 122 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 42 years (range 19-82), and 64 (52.5%) were males. The majority of patients, 65 (53.3%), were diagnosed with stage III and grade III disease according to American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM classification (Eighth edition). The most common surgical modality was wide local excision that was performed in 106 (86.9%) patients. Adjuvant radiation treatment was given in 111 (91%) patients, whereas 11 (9%) patients received neoadjuvant radiation treatment. The mean dose was 58 Gy (range: 46-66 Gy). Eighty-two (67.2%) of the patients were disease-free on post-treatment radiologic scans with disease recurrence observed in 40 (32.8%) patients. The median disease-free survival was 8 months (95% CI, 5.45 to 10.55). Local recurrence and distant metastases developed in 16 (13%) and 24 (20%) patients, respectively. CONCLUSION About two thirds of patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma were successfully treated with limb salvage strategy, surgery, and radiation therapy. However, high rate of relapse warrants further novel strategies in this patient population.
Effect of Different Load Intensity Transition Schemes on Muscular Strength and Physical Performance in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: CARNEIRO MARCELO A. S. , KASSIANO WITALO , OLIVEIRA-JÚNIOR GERSIEL , SOUSA JAIRO F. R. , CYRINO EDILSON S. , ORSATTI FÁBIO L. 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT

Purpose
In postmenopausal women, optimizing muscular strength and physical performance through proper resistance training (RT) is crucial in achieving optimal functional reserve later in life. This study aimed to compare if a higher-load-to-lower-load (HL-to-LL) scheme is more effective than a lower-load-to-higher-load (LL-to-HL) scheme on muscular strength and physical performance in postmenopausal women after 12 and 24 wk of RT.

Methods
Twenty-four postmenopausal women were randomized into two groups: LL-to-HL (n = 12, 27–31 repetitions maximum (RM) in the first 12 wk, and 8–12RM in the last 12 wk) or HL-to-LL (n = 12, 8–12RM during the first 12 wk, and 27–31RM in the last 12 wk). Muscular dynamic (1RM test) and isometric strength (MIVC) and functional tests (sit-to-stand power, 400-m walking, and 6-min walking) were analyzed at baseline, after 12 and 24 wk.

Results
Different load intensity transition schemes resulted in enhancements (P < 0.05) in dynamic (45° leg press: LL-to-HL = 21.98% vs HL-to-LL = 16.07%; leg extension: LL-to-HL = 23.25% vs HL-to-LL = 16.28%; leg curl: LL-to-HL = 23.89% vs HL-to-LL = 13.34%) and isometric strength (LL-to-HL = 14.63% vs HL-to-LL = 19.42%), sit-to-stand power (LL-to-HL = 7.32% vs HL-to-LL = 0%), and walking speed (400-m test: LL-to-HL = 3.30% vs HL-to-LL = 5.52%; 6-min test: LL-to-HL = 4.44% vs HL-to-LL = 5.55%) after 24 wk of RT, without differences between groups (P > 0.05). However, only the HL increased the dynamic strength in 45° leg press and leg extension and sit-to-stand power. Moreover, walking speed changes were more strongly correlated with the changes in MIVC (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Our results indicate that both load intensity transition schemes produce similar improvements in muscular strength and physical performance in postmenopausal women after 24 wk of RT. However, the HL was more effective in increasing 45° leg press and leg extension strength, as well as power (mainly when performed after the LL), whereas having little effect on leg curl strength, isometric strength, and walking speed. Our findings suggest that although an HL makes a muscle isotonically stronger, it may have limited impact on isometric strength and walking speed in postmenopausal women.
Dental MRI—only a future vision or standard of care? A literature review on current indications and applications of MRI in dentistry
Authors: Flügge Tabea , Gross Christian , Ludwig Ute , Schmitz Johanna , Nahles Susanne , Heiland Max , Nelson Katja 
Published: March 2023

MRI is increasingly used as a diagnostic tool for visualising the dentoalveolar complex. A comprehensive review of the current indications and applications of MRI in the dental specialities of orthodontics (I), endodontics (II), prosthodontics (III), periodontics (IV), and oral surgery (V), pediatric dentistry (VI), operative dentistry is still missing and is therefore provided by the present work. The current literature on dental MRI shows that it is used for cephalometry in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics, detection of dental pulp inflammation, characterisation of periapical and marginal periodontal pathologies of teeth, caries detection, and identification of the inferior alveolar nerve, impacted teeth and dentofacial anatomy for dental implant planning, respectively. Specific protocols regarding the miniature anatomy of the dentofacial complex, the presence of hard tissues, and foreign body restorations are used along with dedicated coils for the improved image quality of the facial skull. Dental MRI poses a clinically useful radiation-free imaging tool for visualising the dentoalveolar complex across dental specialities when respecting the indications and limitations.
The sensitivity of TIRADS scoring on ultrasonography in the management of thyroid nodules
Authors: Anwar Khurshid , Yar Mohammad Adnan , Dr Saeed Khan  
Published: March 2023

Objective: To determine the sensitivity of ACR-TIRADS scoring by comparing its results with those obtained on biopsy of respective specimens.
Method: This prospective study including N=205 patients with thyroid nodules was conducted in ENT Department of MTI Hayatabad Medical complex, Peshawar during the period from May 1, 2019 to April 30, 2022. Preoperative ultrasonography with assigning of TIRADS scores was performed in all patients. Appropriate thyroidectomies were performed in these patients and specimen biopsied. Pre-op TIRADS scores were compared with biopsy results. To determine the sensitivity of TIRADS, TR1 and TR2 were considered ‘benign’ and TR3, TR4, TR5 were considered ’malignant’ for comparison with biopsy results.
Results: The mean age of patients was 37.68 years with standard deviation of ±11.52. The M: F ratio was 1:3.5. Nineteen patients (9.27%) had solitary thyroid nodules & 186 (90.73%) had multinodular goiters. TIRADS scoring was benign for 171 (83.41%) and malignant for 34 (16.58%) nodules. The biopsy results revealed 180 (87.80%) nodules to benign and the rest as malignant. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy were calculated at 80%, 92.77% and 91.21% respectively. Chi square test and p-value determination showed that there was a strong positive concordance between TIRADS scores & biopsy results which is highly significant (p=.001).
Conclusion: The Ultrasonographic ACR-TIRADS scoring and risk stratification system is highly sensitive for detecting malignancy in thyroid nodules. It is, therefore, a reliable technique in the initial assessment of thyroid nodules and decisions can safely be based on its results. In cases of doubt, clinical judgment should be exercised before making final decision.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.7313
How to cite this: Anwar K, Mohammad AY, Khan S. The sensitivity of TIRADS scoring on ultrasonography in the management of thyroid nodules. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(3):870-874. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.7313
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Infection prevention and control: a guide for community nurses
Authors: Ramadan Francesca 
Published: March 2023

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of infection prevention and control (IPC), and accentuated the need for better health and safety measures to protect both healthcare professionals and their patients. In this article, Francesca Ramadan provides an overview of IPC measures for community nurses, such as hand hygiene and personal protective equipment, along with the safe management of care equipment and the care environment.
Advance planning for co-caring couples
Authors: Lezard Ruth , Latham Hannah 
Published: March 2023

This article explores joint advance planning for co-caring couples in the community, a group growing in number and need. A health crisis for one, exposes the vulnerability of the other. Lack of planning for this eventuality leaves health and social care struggling to provide an adequate safety net in a short timeframe. This inability to adequately support, can lead to harm to the couple. The authors conducted a formal reflective investigation to discover themes that impacted on their ability to meet the needs of such a couple in their care. The themes were: the need for advanced care planning in co-caring situations; capacity assessed through different lenses; using safeguarding systems appropriately to support questions of capacity; challenges when care is not accepted; and compassion fatigue. These themes were then used to develop an action plan to improve ways of working to reduce risk in these situations.
Multifunctional terahertz metamaterial based on vanadium dioxide and silicon
Authors: Wang Junlin , Wang Zelong , Wang Xin , Shi Kaixuan , Lu Yuhang , Sun Zhanshuo 
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a multifunctional metamaterial device operating in the terahertz (THz) band. The metamaterial device can switch functions by using the phase transition properties of vanadium dioxide (VO2) and the photoconductive effect of silicon. An intermediate metal layer divides the device into the I side and II side. When VO2 is in the insulating state, the I side can achieve polarization conversion from linear polarization waves to linear polarization waves at 0.408–0.970 THz. When VO2 is in the metal-like state, the I side can perform polarization conversion from linear polarization waves to circular polarization waves at 0.469–1.127 THz. When silicon is not excited in the absence of light, the II side can perform polarization conversion from linear polarization waves to linear polarization waves at 0.799–1.336 THz. As the light intensity increases, the II side can realize stable broadband absorption at 0.697–1.483 THz when silicon is in the conductive state. The device can be applied to wireless communications, electromagnetic stealth, THz modulation, THz sensing, and THz imaging. Moreover, it provides a fresh idea for the design of multifunctional metamaterial devices.
Optical attenuation coefficient of skin under low compression
Authors: de Souza Bachour Raquel Pantojo , Dominguez Christian Tolentino , Cardoso George C. 
Published: March 2023

In various biomedical optics therapies, knowledge of how light is absorbed or scattered by tissues is crucial. Currently, it is suspected that a low compression applied to the skin surface may improve light delivery into tissue. However, the minimum pressure needed to be applied to significantly increase the light penetration into the skin has not been determined. In this study, we used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure the optical attenuation coefficient of the human forearm dermis in a low compression regime (<8kPa). Our results show low pressures such as 4 kPa to 8 kPa are sufficient to significantly increase light penetration by decreasing the attenuation coefficient by at least 1.0mm−1.
Design and research of a dual-parameter photonic crystal fiber sensor
Authors: Feng Yue , Zhang Wenbo , Xu Tao , Huang Longhao , Liu Chi , Shen Tao 
Published: March 2023

We propose a dual-parameter photonic crystal fiber (PCF) sensor based on a surface plasmon resonance (SPR). It is used to detect a change in the refractive index (RI) and the temperature of the liquid. The contact area between the PCF and the liquid to be tested increases by polishing the PCF up and down. The large air holes that are on the upper and lower sides of the fiber core are plated with gold and silver film, respectively, to detect the RI of the external liquid. Moreover, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is introduced into the large upper air hole to detect the temperature of the external liquid. Based on the finite element method, the diameter of the large air hole, the diameter of the ordinary air hole, the period, and the thickness of the metal layer are analyzed and discussed to find the most suitable parameter values to improve the sensor’s performance. The simulation results show that when the RI detection is in the range of 1.34–1.46, and the temperature detection is in the range of 20°C–30°C, the maximum RI sensitivity is 8400 nm/RIU and the maximum temperature sensitivity is 4.5 nm/°C. The proposed design is simple in structure and principle and solves the problem of multiparameter cross-sensitivity.