bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First-in-human evaluation of a biological regenerative vascular conduit for hemodialysis access
Authors: Ebner Adrian , Gallo Santiago , Castellano Juan , Filartiga Maria , Haarstad Allie , Pries Cory , Gahlbeck Kate , McMahon Mariah , Herrera Camila , Avila Martha , Schankereli Kem , Murphy Rick , Stenoien Mark , Syedain Zeeshan , Wasse Haimanot 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The long-term survival and low complication rate of autogenous fistulas for hemodialysis access is often offset by early thrombosis and slow or failed maturation leading to the use of central venous catheters. A regenerative material may have the potential to overcome these limitations. A completely biological acellular vascular conduit was investigated in this first-in-human clinical study. Methods: With approval of the ethics board and patients’ informed consent, five subjects were enrolled based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Five patients underwent implant of a novel acellular, biological tissue conduit (TRUE AVC™) in the upper arm in a curved configuration between brachial artery and axillary vein. After maturation, standard dialysis was commenced through the new access. Patients were followed up to 26 weeks with ultrasound and physical exam. Serum samples were evaluated for an immune response to the novel allogeneic human tissue implant. Results: This new tissue conduit handled well surgically, with properties similar to that of native human vein. Post procedure conduit flow was excellent in all cases, averaging 1098 ± 388 ml/min at week 4 and remaining stable through 1248 ± 355 ml/min at 26 weeks. Surgical site healing was normal with no edema or erythema by week 4. Six-month primary assisted patency was 80% and secondary patency was 100%. Prescribed dialysis was successfully delivered without infection, and there was no significant change in conduit diameter. Serum testing showed no increase in PRA or IgG specific to the TRUE AVC. One implant required intervention at 5 months with thrombectomy and covered stent procedure. Conclusion: This first-in-human 6-month study with favorable patency and low complication rate establishes the initial safety and feasibility of this novel biological tissue conduit for dialysis access in patients with end-stage kidney disease. Its mechanical durability and lack of immune response establishes TRUE AVC as a potential regenerative material for clinical use.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Ex-Situ and In-Situ Fenestrated Stent-Grafts for Endovascular Repair of Aortic Arch Pathologies
Authors: Boufi Mourad , Alexandru Georgiana , Tarzi Myriam , Zlitni Molka , Taghi Houda , Loundou Anderson D. 
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To gain insight into safety and efficacy of in situ and ex-situ fenestration techniques for total endovascular arch repair. The term ex-situ fenestration is referring to physician-modified stent-graft technique where fenestration is performed on a back table. Methods: Electronic search was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-analyses) guidelines from 2000 to 2020. The main outcomes measured were 30-day mortality, stroke, aortic-related mortality, and reintervention rates. Results: Fifteen studies were eligible: 7 ex-situ fenestration (189 patients) and 8 in-situ fenestration (149 patients). In ex-situ group, dissection was the main pathology treated and proximal sealing zones were Z0 or 1 in 53.5% of patients. In in-situ group, dissection and aneurysm were equally represented in around 40% of cases and proximal sealing zones were Z0 or 1 in 46.5% of patients. Cumulative 30-day all-cause mortality was similar in both groups: 3.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7%–8.2%) and 3.8% (95% CI: 1.6%–8.9%), respectively, in ex-situ and in-situ groups and stroke rate of 2.8% (95% CI: 1.1%–7%) and 5.3% (95% CI: 2.6%–10.5%). After a 11.1 ± 2.6 months mean follow-up for ex-situ and 16.7 ± 2.3 months for in-situ group, there were 5.2 and 1.4 reinterventions per 100 patients-years, respectively, for ex-situ and in situ groups. Aortic-related mortality rates of, respectively, 3.2% (95% CI: 1.3%–7.4%) and 2.6% (95% CI: 0.9%–7.3%) were noted in ex-situ and in situ groups. Conclusion: The reported data show favorable short-term results of both ex-situ and in-situ fenestration techniques with low mortality and strokes rates. However, durability is still questionable given the lack of long-term data. Both options may have their place in arch repair beyond the spectrum of emergent and urgent cases, on condition that results stand the test of time. Clinical Impact In situ and ex-situ fenestration techniques have been initially developed to overcome emergency or as a bail out techniques however giving the promessing favorable short term results indications of these techniques may be extended to elective patients ineligible to customized stent-grafts and possibly in the futur to more elective cases as an option for total endovascular arch repair.
Improved Outcome With Knee Arthroscopy Relative to Physiotherapy for Symptomatic Unstable Meniscal Tears: 2-Year Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Porter Mark D. , Shadbolt Bruce 
Published: March 2023

Background: Although preservation of meniscal tissue is paramount, there are occasions when repair of a torn meniscus is not possible. The surgical option may be a partial meniscectomy, the objective being to alleviate the patient’s symptoms with resection of only that portion of the meniscus that is no longer functioning but is the cause of symptoms. Previous studies have questioned the need to perform such surgery and have recommended nonoperative treatment instead. Our goal was to compare the outcome of partial meniscectomy with that of physiotherapy alone for irreparable meniscal tears. Hypothesis: Clinical outcome following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy may differ from that following physiotherapy alone, for patients with symptomatic irreparable meniscal tears. Study Design: Nonrandomized prospective cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 2. Methods: Patients satisfying the inclusion criteria chose to undergo knee arthroscopy (group A) or physiotherapy (group B). The diagnosis of a meniscal tear was made on physical assessment and magnetic resonance imaging examination. The meniscal tear was preventing them from continuing with their regular weightbearing exercise. Outcomes of interest were the following patient-reported outcomes (PROs): the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Tegner Activity Score (TAS), with minimal clinically important differences being 10 and 1, respectively. PROs were completed at baseline, and at 1-year and 2-year follow-up. Changes in scores within and between groups were compared using analysis of variance and Wilcoxon tests ( P <0.05). A power analysis demanded 65 patients in each group to produce a power of 80% and a P value of 5%. Results: Of 528 patients enrolled in the study, 10 were lost to follow-up and 8 were excluded. Data were complete for 269 in group A, and 228 in Group B. Group A and B were similar in terms of age (41.1 years, SD 7.8 vs 40 years, SD 13.3), body mass index (22.5 kg/m2, SD 3.1 vs 23.1 kg/m2, SD 2.3), radiographic grade of osteoarthritis (median grade 2, range 0-3 in both groups), gender (male:female = 134:135 vs 112:116), and duration of symptoms (44.4 days, SD 5.6 vs 46.6 days, SD 8.8), with P >0.05. At both 1-year and 2-year follow-up, Group A had higher scores in the mean total KOOS (88.8, SD 8.0 vs 72.4, SD 3.8), as well as in all subscales within the KOOS, and the TAS (median 7, range 5-9 vs median 5, range 3-6), with P <0.001 for each variable. Conclusion: Performing a knee arthroscopy with partial meniscectomy is associated with improved KOOS and TAS, relative to treatment with physiotherapy alone, at 2-year follow-up. Clinical Relevance: Physically active patients with symptomatic irreparable meniscal tears may experience a better clinical outcome following knee arthroscopy, relative to to physiotherapy alone.
Pediatric low-dose head CT: Image quality improvement using iterative model reconstruction
Authors: Rabinowich Aviad , Shendler Genady , Ben-Sira Liat , Shiran Shelly I 
Published: March 2023

Purpose To evaluate the differences in pediatric non-contrast low-dose head computed tomography (CT) between filtered-back projection and iterative model reconstruction using objective and subjective image quality evaluation. Methods A retrospective study evaluated children undergoing low-dose non-contrast head CT. All CT scans were reconstructed using both filtered-back projection and iterative model reconstruction. Objective image quality analysis was performed using contrast and signal-to-noise ratios for the supra- and infratentorial brain regions of identical regions of interest on the two reconstruction methods. Two experienced pediatric neuroradiologists evaluated subjective image quality, visibility of structures, and artifacts. Results We evaluated 233 low-dose brain CT scans of 148 pediatric patients. There was a ∼2-fold improvement in the contrast-to-noise ratio between gray and white matter in the infra- and supratentorial regions ( p < 0.001) using iterative model reconstruction compared to filtered-back projection. The white and gray matter signal-to-noise ratio improved more than 2-fold using iterative model reconstruction ( p < 0.001). Furthermore, radiologists graded anatomical details, gray-white matter differentiation, beam hardening artifacts, and image quality using iterative model reconstructions as superior to filtered-back projection reconstructions. Conclusion Iterative model reconstructions had better contrast-to-noise and signal-to-noise ratios with fewer artifacts in pediatric CT brain scans using low-dose radiation protocols. This image quality improvement was demonstrated in the supra- and infratentorial regions. This method thus comprises an important tool for reducing children’s exposure while maintaining diagnostic capability.
The value of clinical routine blood biomarkers in predicting long-term mortality after stroke
Authors: Hatab Isra , Kneihsl Markus , Bisping Egbert , Rainer Peter P , Fandler-Höfler Simon , Eppinger Sebastian , Haidegger Melanie , Berger Natalie , Mangge Harald , Schmidt Reinhold , Enzinger Christian , Gattringer Thomas 
Published: March 2023

Background: Several blood biomarkers have been identified as predictors for poor outcome after ischemic stroke. However, recent studies mainly focused on single or experimental biomarkers and considered rather short follow-up intervals limiting their value for daily clinical practice. We, therefore, aimed to compare various clinical routine blood biomarkers for their predictive value on post-stroke mortality over a 5-year follow-up period. Patients and methods: This data analysis of a prospective single-center study included all consecutive ischemic stroke patients admitted to the stroke unit of our university hospital over a 1-year period. Various blood biomarkers of inflammation, heart failure, metabolic disorders, and coagulation were analyzed from standardized routine blood samples collected within 24 h of hospital admission. All patients underwent a thorough diagnostic workup and were followed for 5 years post-stroke. Results: Of 405 patients (mean age: 70.3 years), 72 deceased (17.8%) during the follow-up period. While various routine blood biomarkers were associated with post-stroke mortality in univariable analyses, only NT-proBNP remained an independent predictor (adjusted odds ratio 5.1; 95% CI 2.0–13.1; p < 0.001) for death after stroke. NT-proBNP levels ⩾794 pg/mL ( n = 169, 42%) had a sensitivity of 90% for post-stroke mortality with a negative predictive value of 97% and was additionally associated with cardioembolic stroke and heart failure (each p ⩽ 0.05). Conclusion: NT-proBNP represents the most relevant routine blood-based biomarker for the prediction of long-term mortality after ischemic stroke. Increased NT-proBNP levels indicate a vulnerable subgroup of stroke patients in which early and thorough cardiovascular assessment and consistent follow-ups could improve outcome after stroke.
Psychosexual Dysfunctions in Male Patients With Diagnosis of Depression and/or Anxiety Disorders Attending Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic in Chhatrapati Shivaji Subharti Hospital, Meerut
Authors: Biswas Rakesh Kumar , Choudhary Sandeep , Kumar Vivek 
Published: March 2023

Background: Sexual dysfunction (SD) among male psychiatric patients is common and may be the result of various bio- psycho-social factors. This study aimed to assess the proportion of men with depression and/or anxiety disorders having SD and evaluate its association with sociodemographic and clinical variables. Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted from November 2018 to June 2020 included 100 men attending the psychiatry outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. Sociodemographic and clinical variables, including diagnosis based on International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision criteria, were assessed. Sexual functioning was measured by the Change in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire-Male Version (CSFQ-M). Results: In the study, sexual pleasure dysfunction, sexual desire dysfunction, sexual desire/interest dysfunction, sexual arousal/erection dysfunction, and sexual orgasmic dysfunction were 71%, 71%, 66%, 68%, and 73%, respectively. Pearson correlation between Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score and sexual desire/interest component of CSFQ-M was r = 0.209 ( P = .008). Correlation between Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale score and sexual desire/frequency component was r = 0.095 ( P = .012), sexual desire/interest component yielded r = 0.114 ( P = .029) and sexual arousal/erection component yielded r = 0.134 ( P = .052). Conclusions: Certain areas of sexual functioning are impacted by depression and/or anxiety disorders symptoms. The hypothesis that those with depression and/or anxiety would have lesser overall sexual functioning is supported in some areas by the results. Clinicians should be vigilant of this association and should plan treatment to enhance compliance and outcome.
A Text-Mining Analysis to Examine Dominant Sources of Online Information and Content on Continuous Glucose Monitors
Authors: Heitkemper Elizabeth M. , Wilcox Gary B. , Zuñiga Julie , Kim Miyong T. , Cuevas Heather 
Published: March 2023

Purpose The purpose of this study is to use text-mining methods to examine the dominant sources of online information and content about continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Because the internet is the most popular source for health information, it is important to understand what is being said about CGMs in online sources of information. Methods A text miner, algorithmic-driven statistical program was used to identify the main sources of online information and topics on CGMs. Content was limited to English and was posted from August 1, 2020, to August 4, 2022. Using Brandwatch software, 17 940 messages were identified. After cleaning, there were 10 677 messages in final analyses conducted using SAS Text Miner V.12.1 software. Results The analysis identified 20 topics that formed 7 themes. Results show that most online information comes from news sources and focuses on the general benefits of CGM use. Beneficial aspects ranged from improvements in self-management behaviors, cost, and glucose levels. None of the themes mentioned changes to practice, research, or policies related to CGM. Conclusions To improve diffusion of information and innovations going forward, novel ways of information sharing should be explored, such as diabetes specialist, provider, and researcher engagement in social media and digital storytelling.
Advancing preclinical cancer models to assess clinically relevant outcomes
Authors: Golebiewska Anna , Fields Ryan C. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCancer models are indispensable research tools for elucidating the mechanisms involved in tumor onset, progression and treatment resistance. They are key in evaluating therapeutics prior clinical trials. In this editorial, we invite contributions for a BMC Cancer’s Collection of articles addressing ‘Advances in pre-clinical cancer models’ towards relivable outcomes at the preclinical stage.
Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NICOLA): health assessment protocol, participant profile and patterns of participation
Authors: Neville Charlotte E , Young Ian S , Kee Frank , Hogg Ruth E , Scott Angela , Burns Frances , Woodside Jayne V , McGuinness Bernadette 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NICOLA) is a prospective, longitudinal study of a representative cohort of older adults living in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. Its aim is to explore the social, behavioural, economic and biological factors of ageing and how these factors change as people age. The study has been designed to maximize comparability with other international studies of ageing thereby facilitating cross-country comparisons. This paper provides an overview of the design and methodology of the health assessment which was carried out as part of Wave 1.MethodsThree thousand, six hundred and fifty five community dwelling adults, aged 50 years and over participated in the health assessment as part of Wave 1 of NICOLA. The health assessment included a battery of measurements across various domains that addressed key indicators of ageing namely: physical function, vision and hearing, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health. This manuscript describes the scientific rationale for the choice of assessments, provides an overview of the core objective measures carried out in the health assessment and describes the differences in characteristics of participants who took part in the health assessment compared to those who did not take part.ResultsThe manuscript highlights the importance of incorporating objective measures of health in population based studies as a means of complementing subjective measures and as a way to advance our understanding of the ageing process. The findings contextualize NICOLA as a data resource within Dementias Platform UK (DPUK), the Gateway to Global Ageing (G2G) and other existing networks of population based longitudinal studies of ageing.ConclusionThis manuscript can help inform design considerations for other population based studies of ageing and facilitate cross-country comparative analysis of key life-course factors affecting healthy ageing such as educational attainment, diet, the accumulation of chronic conditions (including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and cardiovascular disease) as well as welfare and retirement policies.
Three-dimensional analysis of the relationship between mandibular retromolar space and positional traits of third molars in non-hyperdivergent adults
Authors: Huang Yumei , Chen Yunjia , Yang Dan , Tang Yingying , Yang Ya , Xu Jingfeng , Luo Jun , Zheng Leilei 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
The anatomical position of the mandibular third molars (M3s) is located in the distal-most portions of the molar area. In some previous literature, researchers evaluated the relationship between retromolar space (RS) and different classifications of M3 in three‑dimensional (3D) cone—beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods
Two hundred six M3s from 103 patients were included. M3s were grouped according to four classification criteria: PG-A/B/C, PG-I/II/III, mesiodistal angle and buccolingual angle. 3D hard tissue models were reconstructed by CBCT digital imaging. RS was measured respectively by utilizing the fitting WALA ridge plane (WP) which was fitted by the least square method and the occlusal plane (OP) as reference planes. SPSS (version 26) was used to analyze the data.

Results
In all criteria evaluated, RS decreased steadily from the crown to the root (P < 0.05), the minimum was at the root tip. From PG-A classification, PG-B classification to PG-C classification and from PG-I classification, PG-II classification to PG-III classification, RS both appeared a diminishing tendency (P < 0.05). As the degree of mesial tilt decreased, RS appeared an increasing trend (P < 0.05). RS in classification criteria of buccolingual angle had no statistical difference (P > 0.05).

Conclusions
RS was associated with positional classifications of the M3. In the clinic, RS can be evaluated by watching the Pell&Gregory classification and mesial angle of M3.
Upscaling cervical cancer screening and treatment for women living with HIV at a rural referral hospital in Tanzania: protocol of a before-and-after study exploring HPV testing and novel diagnostics
Authors: Di Salvo Ivana , Mnzava Dorcas , Nicoletti Giovanni Jacopo , Senkoro Elizabeth , Ndege Robert C. , Huang Dorothy J. , Makunja Nathalia Tobias , Kassiga George I. , Kaufmann Andreas M. , Weisser Maja , Kind André B. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Cervical cancer (CC) is nearly always caused by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. It is the most common cancer among women living with HIV (WLWH) and is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women in East Africa, with 10,241 new cases reported in Tanzania in 2020. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) presented a global strategy for the elimination of CC as a public health problem, proposing targets to meet by 2030 for HPV vaccine coverage (90% of all 15-year-old girls), CC screening (70% of all women once at 35 and again at 45 years of age) and treatment delivery, to be scaled at national and subnational levels with a context-sensitive approach. This study aims to evaluate the upscaling of screening and treatment services at a rural referral hospital in Tanzania in order to address the second and third WHO targets.

Methods
This is an implementation study with a before-and-after design performed at St. Francis Referral Hospital (SFRH) in Ifakara (south-central Tanzania). CC screening and treatment services are integrated within the local HIV Care and Treatment Center (CTC). The standard of care, consisting of visualization of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA) and cryotherapy has been up-scaled with self-sampled HPV testing and also involved the introduction of mobile colposcopy, thermal ablation and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). Participants are WLWH aged 18 to 65 years. Outcome measures included the percentage of women screened, HPV prevalence and genotype, and adherence to screening, treatment and follow-up plan. Additionally, we will explore the performance of novel diagnostic tests (QG-MPH®, Prevo-Check® and PT Monitor®), which share the features of being manageable and inexpensive, and thus a potential tool for effective triage in HPV high-prevalence cohorts.

Discussion
The study will provide relevant information about HPV prevalence and persistence, as well as reproductive and lifestyle indicators in a CC high-risk cohort of WLWH and about upscaling screening and treatment services at the level of a rural referral hospital in Tanzania. Furthermore, it will provide exploratory data on novel assays.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05256862, date of registration 25/02/2022. Retrospectively registered.