bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breast adipose tissue attenuation as a novel imaging biomarker for cardiometabolic risk
Authors: Bunnell Katherine M , Galdamez Marilyn E , Torriani Martin , Bredella Miriam A 
Published: December 2022

Background Certain adipose tissue depots infer higher cardiometabolic risk than body mass index (BMI). Purpose To assess breast adipose tissue (BrAT) attenuation as a novel imaging biomarker for cardiometabolic risk. Material and Methods We studied 151 women (mean age = 56 ± 1 years) across the weight spectrum. BrAT attenuation, abdominal adipose tissue cross-sectional areas (CSA), and attenuation were quantified using non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scans. Cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed from medical records. Results BrAT attenuation was lower in obese women compared to lean women. BrAT attenuation was inversely associated with BMI, waist circumference, abdominal fat CSA, fasting glucose, and triglycerides ( P ≤ 0.02), and positively associated with abdominal adipose tissue attenuation ( P < 0.001). BrAT attenuation had a sensitivity of 90% but a specificity of only 35% in detecting the metabolic syndrome (area under the curve = 0.63). Conclusion BrAT attenuation is associated with cardiometabolic risk markers and could serve as an imaging biomarker for opportunistic risk assessment in patients undergoing CT examination of the chest.
Microbiological study on foreign body and vitreous samples of patients with intraocular foreign body
Authors: Tabatabaei Seyed Ali , Sheikhi Kazhaal , Ghaffari Reza , Soleimani Mohammad , Shahriari Mansoor , Esmaili Kosar , Hobaby Sara , Cheraqpour Kasra 
Published: December 2022

Objective To evaluate the relationship between the microbiological results of the vitreous humor and those of foreign body specimens in patients with intraocular foreign body (IOFB). Methods Seventy-one patients with an IOFB were included in this descriptive prospective case series. All patients underwent immediate IOFB removal. Vitreous sampling was performed during vitrectomy. Foreign bodies were placed directly into culture media for microbiological study. Results Thirteen (18.3%) patients developed endophthalmitis. The results of microbiological analysis of IOFB and vitreous humor specimens were negative in nine patients and positive in four. Fifty-eight (81.6%) patients with an IOFB had no evidence of endophthalmitis. Among them, seven patients showed positive microbiological results of foreign bodies with no manifestations of endophthalmitis. In five patients, a Staphylococcus epidermidis strain was observed in the culture of the IOFB specimen. Two patients had only positive smear test results of their vitreous humor specimen. Conclusion A correlation appears to be present between the microbiological results of the vitreous humor and IOFB specimens in patients with clinical findings of endophthalmitis but not in patients with a pure IOFB without clinical features of endophthalmitis. This may justify early use of intravitreal and intravenous antibiotics before the development of endophthalmitis.
Ethical harms for migrant 24h caregivers in home care arrangements
Authors: Kuhn Eva , Seidlein Anna-Henrikje 
Published: December 2022

The glaring lack of formal and informal caregivers in Germany has not only become apparent in hospitals and nursing homes but also in home care arrangements. One tension is particularly pertinent in such arrangements: a ‘family-oriented’ logic of the long-term care insurance and the individual wishes of those in need of care meet the actual possibilities of family carers. This care gap has been compensated for by 24-hour care workers, so-called ‘live-ins’, from Eastern Europe for some years. This contribution maps the ‘live-ins’ situation comprehensively from an ethical perspective. Based on different constellations regarding the ‘live-ins’ status as a professional nurse or non-professional caregiver, which ethical principles and moral norms are affected by whom and potentially conflict with each other in such home care arrangements at a micro and meso level of care are outlined. Special attention is paid to the tension between self-care and care for others, and to questions of the shared responsibility in and social responsibility of those external services that are involved in home care in addition to the ‘live-in’. In order to uncover, understand and influence the current ethical problems, an ethical framework that considers both the divergent interests of all individuals involved in the home care arrangement and their mutual dependency and vulnerability is needed.
Protocol for a Prospective Observational Study of Revision Palatoplasty Versus Pharyngoplasty for Treatment of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Following Cleft Palate Repair
Authors: Sitzman Thomas J. , Baylis Adriane L. , Perry Jamie L. , Weidler Erica M. , Temkit M’hamed , Ishman Stacey L. , Tse Raymond W. ,   on behalf of the VPI-OPS Study Consortium
Published: December 2022

Objective To present the design and methodology for an actively enrolling comparative effectiveness study of revision palatoplasty versus pharyngoplasty for the treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) Design Prospective observational multicenter study Setting Twelve hospitals across the United States and Canada Participants Individuals who are 3–23 years of age with a history of repaired cleft palate and a diagnosis of VPI, with a total enrollment target of 528 participants Interventions Revision palatoplasty and pharyngoplasty (either pharyngeal flap or sphincter pharyngoplasty), as selected for each participant by their treatment team Main Outcome Measure(s) The primary outcome is resolution of hypernasality, defined as the absence of consistent hypernasality as determined by blinded perceptual assessment of a standard speech sample recorded twelve months after surgery. The secondary outcome is incidence of new onset obstructive sleep apnea. Statistical analyses will use propensity score matching to control for demographics, medical history, preoperative severity of hypernasality, and preoperative imaging findings. Results Study recruitment began February 2021. As of September 2022, 148 participants are enrolled, and 78 have undergone VPI surgery. Enrollment is projected to continue into 2025. Collection of postoperative evaluations should be completed by the end of 2026, with dissemination of results soon thereafter. Conclusions Patients with VPI following cleft palate repair are being actively enrolled at sites across the US and Canada into a prospective observational study evaluating surgical outcomes. This study will be the largest and most comprehensive study of VPI surgery outcomes to date.
Defining the Treatment Gap in Nasoalveolar Molding: Factors Affecting the Utilization of NAM in an Urban Cleft Center
Authors: Park Jenn J. , Alfonso Allyson R. , Kalra Aneesh , Staffenberg David A. , Flores Roberto L. , Shetye Pradip R. 
Published: December 2022

Background Many cleft centers incorporate NasoAlveolar Molding (NAM) into their presurgical treatment protocols. However, there are limited data on eligible patients who do not receive or complete NAM. This study characterizes the demographics associated with non-utilization or completion of NAM. Methods A single-institution retrospective review was performed of all patients with cleft lip and alveolus undergoing primary unilateral and bilateral cleft lip repair from 2012-2020. Patients were grouped based on utilization or non-utilization of NAM. Demographic and treatment data were collected, including documented reasons for not pursuing or completing NAM. Results Of 230 eligible patients, 61 patients (27%) did not undergo or complete NAM (no-NAM). In this group, 37 (60.7%) received no presurgical intervention, 12 (19.7%) received presurgical nostril retainers, 3 (4.9%) received lip taping, 1 (1.6%) received a combination of taping/nostril retainers, and 8 (13.1%) discontinued NAM. The most common reasons for not receiving NAM were sufficiently aligned cleft alveolus (21.3%), medical complexity (16.4%), late presentation (16.4%), and alveolar notching (18%). Compared to the NAM group, the no-NAM group had significantly lower rates of prenatal cleft diagnosis/consult, and significantly higher proportion of non-married and non-English speaking caregivers. Multivariable analysis controlling for insurance type, primary language, prenatal consult, marital status, and age at first appointment found that age at first appointment is the only statistically significant predictor of NAM utilization ( P < .001). Conclusions Common reasons for non-utilization of NAM include well-aligned cleft alveolus, medical complexity, and late presentation. Early presentation is an important modifiable factor affecting rates of NAM utilization.
Optical coherence tomography angiography quantitative analysis of retinal and choroidal microvasculature in patients with dyslipidemia
Authors: Remolí Sargues Lidia , Monferrer Adsuara Clara , Castro Navarro Verónica , Navarro Palop Catalina , Montero Hernández Javier , Cervera Taulet Enrique 
Published: December 2022

Introduction The purpose of this investigation was to report swept source-optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) quantitative information of retinal and choroidal microvascularization in patients with dyslipidemia (DL). Methods We performed a retrospective study. The study enrolled 37 eyes of 20 patients with DL and 40 eyes of 23 healthy subjects. OCTA quantitative parameters (vessel density (VD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), middle capillary plexus (MCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and choriocapillaris (CC)) in 6 mm × 6 mm and 4,5 mm × 4,5 mm cubes were recorded. Results No differences in VD in SCP, MCP and DCP were demonstrated between DL group and control group ( p > 0,05). Conversely, VD in the central region at CC was diminished in patients with DL in both cubes ( p < 0,05). Moreover, total VD in CC was decreased in the DL group in 6 mm × 6 mm cube ( p < 0,05). Regarding FAZ area, we demonstrated and enlargement of FAZ in each retinal capillary plexus, but it did not reach statistical significance ( p > 0,05). Conclusion We objectified a diminution of VD in the CC, suggesting that DL mainly affects the choroidal microvasculature. Nonetheless, further studies with a larger population are needed.
Study Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Trial of a Virtual Occupational Therapy Fall Prevention Intervention for People With HIV and Alcohol Use
Authors: Shin Danny , Gill Simone V , Kim Theresa W , Magane Kara M , Mason Tiana , Heeren Timothy , Winter Michael , Helfrich Christine , Saitz Richard 
Published: December 2022

Background: People living with HIV (PLWH) are at risk for falls due to polypharmacy, unhealthy substance (risky alcohol and/or illicit drug) use, low physical activity, and frailty combined with typical age-related physical changes. Fall prevention is needed to reduce the morbidity related to falls and fractures, however, there is a paucity of data on the design of a fall prevention intervention and whether it can be delivered virtually. We describe the protocol of a pilot randomized trial of a virtual occupational therapy fall prevention intervention for people with HIV at high risk for falls and recent alcohol and/or drug use. Method: PLWH will be recruited from the Boston ARCH 4F Cohort study, an observational study of PLWH to examine the impact of alcohol on falls. Trial participants will be randomized to either an occupational therapy-led fall prevention intervention or provided with written education about fall prevention and alcohol use (control). The 10-week fall prevention intervention was based upon results from qualitative interviews with PLWH about falls and will consist of weekly virtual group sessions, home exercises and phone-check-ins, delivered by occupational therapists. The primary outcome measures will be number of groups attended and a participant-completed satisfaction survey. Change in number of falls, alcohol and other drug use, and physical functioning will be examined. Discussion: A virtual occupational therapy fall prevention intervention addresses the emerging concern of fall risk in PLWH and alcohol use. This pilot study will provide preliminary estimates of fall-related outcomes as well as feasibility of study procedures for a larger trial. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04804579. Boston University Protocol Record H-41041
Evaluation of Blood Biochemistry and Cardiopulmonary status of Hospitalized Covid-19 Patients in 3 Months Post Discharged Follow up Survey
Authors: Nateghi Saeed , Hesari Elahe , Mansouri Fariba , Akrami Majid , Pourian Mandana , Khosravani Arezoo , Taghizadeh Fatemeh , Akbarpour Samaneh , Faraji Neda 
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND The new coronavirus causes systemic inflammation and damage to various organs. So, this study aimed to follow up patients with COVID −19 after recovery for three months by performing cardiac, pulmonary and laboratory tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a prospective cohort study of COVID-19 patients who were discharged from Baharloo Hospital. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by PCR or long CT scan. Inclusion criteria were age over 18 years and patients with more than 50% of pulmonary involvement in lung CT scan. The patients were called to Baharloo hospital three months after recovery and were examined for cardiac, pulmonary and blood tests. RESULT Our study included 178 participants with mean age of 55.70, and 50.6% of them were male. Among pulmonary factors in the hospital, 71.9%, 15.7%,1.7%,19.1% and 53.4% had positive GGO, consolidation, reverse halo sign, traction bronchiectasis and vascular enlargement, respectively. After three months follow up, percentage of patients who had reticulation, honeycombing, fibrotic brand and bullae were 12%, 1.1%,8.4% and 0%, respectively. The Mean values of FVC and FEV1 were reported 4.21 and 3.01, respectively. Among Cardiac factors, positive PVC, PAC and mean Pap were decreased after three months. Only Growth in myalgia and Decreased sense of taste were statistically significant. Also, D dimer, UA protein, PMN, Ferritin CRP, PMN, LDH and HB amounts had decreased significantly. CONCLUSION Our study indicated that in addition to pulmonary changes, rapid damage to other organs and the occurrence of cardiac symptoms and changes in laboratory result were also reported in patients recovered from COVID-19.
Relationships of Walking and non-Walking Physical Activities in Daily Life with Cognitive Function and Physical Characteristics in Male Patients with Mild Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Egoshi Shojiro , Horie Jun , Nakagawa Akinori , Matsunaga Yuriko , Hayashi Shinichiro 
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is accompanied by dyspnea on exertion due to airflow limitation caused by bronchial stenosis, with afflicted patients being less physically active. Therefore, physical activity is important for disease management. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the relationships of walking and non-walking physical activities with cognitive function or physical characteristics of patients with mild COPD in a community without respiratory rehabilitation. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. DATA SOURCES AND METHODS We included 40 male patients (mean age, 75.7 ± 6.7 years) with stable mild COPD. A three-axis accelerometer was used to evaluate walking and non-walking physical activities in daily life. Cognition, respiratory function, skeletal muscle mass, limb muscle strength, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life were assessed. RESULTS Regarding daily exercise amount (metabolic equivalents × hours; Ex), 87.5% of the participants had walking activities of 0–2 Ex, while 67.5% had non-walking activities of 1–3 Ex. Walking activity was significantly correlated with cognitive function ( P < .05), walking distance ( P < .01), and health-related quality of life ( P < .05), but not with muscle mass. However, non-walking activity was significantly correlated with the body mass index ( P < .05), muscle mass ( P < .05), and walking distance ( P < .01), but not with cognitive function. Moreover, the relationship between non-walking activity and health-related quality of life was weaker than the corresponding relationship with walking activity. CONCLUSION In patients with mild COPD, walking and non-walking physical activities showed different relationships with cognitive function and physical characteristics. The findings suggest that self-management of such patients requires maintenance of both walking and non-walking activities in a balanced manner.
The relevance of fatigue to relapse rate in multiple sclerosis: Applying patient preference data to the OPTIMUM trial
Authors: Fox Robert J , Tervonen Tommi , Phillips-Beyer Andrea , Sidorenko Tatiana , Boyanova Neli , Brooks Anne , Hennessy Brian , Jamieson Carol , Levitan Bennett 
Published: December 2022

Background: In the OPTIMUM trial in patients with relapsing MS, treatment differences in annualized relapse rate (ARR, 0.088) and change in fatigue at week 108 (3.57 points, measured using the Fatigue Symptoms and Impacts Questionnaire–Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis, symptom domain (FSIQ-RMS-S)) favored ponesimod over teriflunomide. However, the importance of the fatigue outcome to patients was unclear. Objective: To assess the importance of the OPTIMUM FSIQ-RMS-S results using data from an MS discrete choice experiment (DCE). Methods: The DCE included components to correlate levels of physical and cognitive fatigue with FSIQ-RMS-S scores. Changes in relapses/year and time to MS progression equivalent to the treatment difference in fatigue in OPTIMUM were determined for similar fatigue levels as mean baseline fatigue in OPTIMUM. Results: DCE participants would accept 0.06 more relapses/year or a 0.15–0.17 year decrease in time to MS progression for a 3.57-point difference in physical fatigue on the FSIQ-RMS-S. To improve cognitive fatigue by 3.57-points on the FSIQ-RMS-S, DCE participants would accept 0.09–0.10 more relapses/year or a 0.24–0.28 year decrease in time to MS progression. Conclusion: MS patients would accept 0.06 more relapses/year to change their fatigue by a similar magnitude as the between-treatment difference observed in the OPTIMUM trial.
Acute sleep deprivation aggravates nitroglycerin-evoked hyperalgesia in mice
Authors: Yu Zhe , Li Bozhi , Tang Wenjing , Dong Zhao , Liu Ruozhuo , Yu Shengyuan 
Published: December 2022

Sleep deprivation can trigger migraine, and migraineurs often choose to sleep to relieve headaches during acute migraine. This study aimed to explore the effect of acute sleep deprivation on hyperalgesia induced by nitroglycerin in mice. In part one, after either 6-h sleep deprivation or 6-h normal sleep, mice were intraperitoneally injected with nitroglycerin or saline. The mechanical pain threshold and withdrawal latency of the hindpaw were measured every 30 min for 6 h. Next, the same sleep deprivation and injection procedure was performed with new mice, and mice were sacrificed 4.5 h after injection. The trigeminal nucleus caudalis and upper cervical spinal segments were taken for immunofluorescence Fos staining. In part two, after injection of saline or nitroglycerin, the mice were either deprived of sleep for 6 h or allowed to sleep without interference. The mechanical and thermal pain threshold were measured after 6 h. In part three, we compared the sleep time of mice after intraperitoneal injection of saline or nitroglycerin without interference. Sleep deprivation for 6 h did not cause any changes in the baseline pain thresholds in mice. However, pretreatment with 6-h sleep deprivation significantly prolonged the duration of hyperalgesia induced by nitroglycerin. Additionally, the expression of Fos at 4.5 h was significantly higher in the 6-h sleep deprivation and nitroglycerin group than in the other three groups. When intraperitoneal injection was given first, the mechanical pain threshold of the hind paw was significantly lower in the group that received nitroglycerin with 6-h sleep deprivation than in the other groups. Compared to the saline injection, one-time nitroglycerin injection would result in a significant increase in sleep latency and decrease in sleep duration for the normal mice. Acute sleep deprivation significantly aggravated the hyperalgesia induced by nitroglycerin in mice, which highlights the importance of sleep disorders for migraine.
Longitudinal association of physical activity during pregnancy with maternal and infant outcomes: Findings from the Australian longitudinal study of women’s health
Authors: Beetham Kassia S , Spathis Jemima G , Hoffmann Samantha , Brown Wendy J , Clifton Vicki , Mielke Gregore I 
Published: December 2022

Background: Physical activity has known benefits during pregnancy; however, the optimum volume of physical activity through the different stages of pregnancy is not well known. Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate the associations of physical activity volume in pregnant women in each trimester of pregnancy with maternal and infant outcomes. Design: The study involved 1657 pregnant women from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, who completed surveys from 2006 to 2012 (aged 28–39 years). Methods: Women reported being in either the first, second or third trimester of pregnancy. Women were grouped into four groups according to their self-reported physical activity during pregnancy: (1) Nil (0–<33.3 MET.min/week), (2) Low (33.3–<500 MET.min/week), (3) Moderate (500–<1000 MET.min/week) and (4) High (⩾1000 MET.min/week). Women who reported their physical activity during pregnancy completed a survey within three years after the birth, relating to outcomes associated with pregnancy and childbirth (gestational diabetes, hypertension, and antenatal depression and anxiety) and infant outcomes (birthweight and prematurity). Results: There was no association of physical activity in any trimester with infant birthweight, prematurity, gestational diabetes, hypertension or antenatal depression. Antenatal anxiety was less prevalent in women who reported low (1.7%) or moderate (1.1%) physical activity than in those who reported no activity (4.7%; p = 0.01). Conclusion: Different amounts of physical activity during pregnancy were not associated with the measured adverse health outcomes. However, low and moderate amounts of physical activity were associated with reduced incidence of antenatal anxiety.