bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implications of a technician-led pharmacy service on a day case unit in a tertiary oncology centre
Authors: Brown Harriet , Finch Milly 
Published: December 2022

Introduction Medicines Management Technicians have been shown to be an underused resource in medicines optimisation and medicines waste. In the United Kingdom, there are national recommendations for the clinical pharmacy service in cancer services ambulatory units, despite these recommendations, there was no clinical pharmacy service on the day case unit at a specialist tertiary centre in England. A lot of the patient pathways had been in place for many years and had not progressed with the changes in the clinical pathways. The main objectives of this study were to analyse how a medicines management technician could reduce medicines waste, improve the current pathway, increase medicines optimisation and ultimately improve the patient experience in an oncology day case unit at a specialist tertiary centre in England. Methods A prospective mixed methods study was carried out at Weston Park Hospital. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted on the quantitative data collected, and thematic analysis was carried out on the qualitative data collected by questionnaire to staff members and patients. Results This study has shown that a medicines management technician can complete some of the tasks more traditionally done by the chemotherapy nurses on the day case unit, increasing their capacity for more clinically appropriate tasks. A medicines management technician can work as part of the wider multidisciplinary team on a day case unit contributing to medicines optimisation and cost savings for the oncology directorate. Conclusions This study has shown that a medicines management technician can act as a valued member of the wider multidisciplinary team, improving communication and patient pathways, improving medicines optimisation and contributing to cost saving initiatives. Further studies are required to assess whether a medicines management technician role can be of the same value on a haematology day case unit.
Comparison of prilocaine/lidocaine cream with piroxicam gel for reducing pain during cannulation of arteriovenous fistula for adults undergoing haemodialysis: A randomized crossover clinical trial
Authors: Shaheen Samia , Arshad Abdul Rehman , Khattak Muhammad Adnan Khan 
Published: December 2022

Background: Pain is a traumatic experience for most patients on hemodialysis. In this trial, we compared prilocaine/lidocaine cream with piroxicam gel for pain reduction during arteriovenous fistula needling. Methods: This randomized double-blind crossover clinical trial was done at dialysis unit of a tertiary care hospital from June to August 2022. Adult patients, aged 18–75 years, on maintenance hemodialysis through an arteriovenous fistula were selected randomly. Pain severity during needling of fistula was assessed during initial two hemodialysis sessions without application of any drug. Patients were then randomized into two groups receiving 5% prilocaine/lidocaine cream or 0.5% piroxicam gel 1 h before the next two hemodialysis sessions. After a 7-day washout period, patients crossed over to other groups for another two hemodialysis sessions. Pain was assessed on all these occasions. Primary outcome was reduction in pain with each intervention. Results: There were 32 patients aged 46.44 ± 11.58 years. Pain intensity was 6.69 ± 0.58, 3.13 ± 1.28, and 4.55 ± 1.95 without any medication, prilocaine/lidocaine cream and piroxicam gel respectively. There was greater pain reduction with prilocaine/lidocaine cream than piroxicam gel (3.56 ± 1.35 vs 2.14 ± 1.78; p = 0.001). Local redness with prilocaine/lidocaine cream was reported by one (3.13%) patient, whereas no side effects were seen with piroxicam gel ( p = 1.000). Conclusion: Prilocaine/lidocaine cream provides better pain relief than piroxicam gel during arteriovenous fistula needling.
Anterior horn atrophy in the cervical spinal cord: A new biomarker in progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tsagkas Charidimos , Huck-Horvath Antal , Cagol Alessandro , Haas Tanja , Barakovic Muhamed , Amann Michael , Ruberte Esther , Melie-Garcia Lester , Weigel Matthias , Pezold Simon , Schlaeger Regina , Kuhle Jens , Sprenger Till , Kappos Ludwig , Bieri Oliver , Cattin Philippe , Granziera Cristina , Parmar Katrin 
Published: December 2022

Background: Spinal cord (SC) gray and white matter pathology plays a central role in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: We aimed to investigate the extent, pattern, and clinical relevance of SC gray and white matter atrophy in vivo. Methods: 39 relapsing–remitting patients (RRMS), 40 progressive MS patients (PMS), and 24 healthy controls (HC) were imaged at 3T using the averaged magnetization inversion recovery acquisitions sequence. Total and lesional cervical gray and white matter, and posterior (SCPH) and anterior horn (SCAH) areas were automatically quantified. Clinical assessment included the expanded disability status scale, timed 25-foot walk test, nine-hole peg test, and the 12-item MS walking scale. Results: PMS patients had significantly reduced cervical SCAH — but not SCPH — areas compared with HC and RRMS (both p < 0.001). In RRMS and PMS, the cervical SCAH areas increased significantly less in the region of cervical SC enlargement compared with HC (all p < 0.001). This reduction was more pronounced in PMS compared with RRMS (both p < 0.001). In PMS, a lower cervical SCAH area was the most important magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-variable for higher disability scores. Conclusion: MS patients show clinically relevant cervical SCAH atrophy, which is more pronounced in PMS and at the level of cervical SC enlargement.
In vivo aging-induced surface roughness alterations of Invisalign® and 3D-printed aligners
Authors: Koletsi Despina , Panayi Nearchos , Laspos Christodoulos , Athanasiou Athanasios E , Zinelis Spiros , Eliades Theodore 
Published: December 2022

Objective: To assess the surface roughness of in-house 3D-printed orthodontic aligners compared with Invisalign® appliances, both retrieved as well as in the ‘as-received’ control status. Design: An in vitro study following intra-oral material aging. Setting and participants: Twelve clinically used Invisalign® appliances and the same number of 3D-printed aligners, without involvement of attachments, were obtained from a respective number of patients. A similar number of ‘as-received’ aligners, of each material, were used as control (CON) groups. Method: Four groups of materials were examined: A = Invisalign® CON; B = Invisalign® used; C = 3D-printed CON; and D = 3D-printed used. Optical profilometry was employed to examine the following surface roughness parameters: amplitude parameters Sa, Sq and Sz and functional parameters Sc and Sv. Descriptive statistics and quantile regression modeling were conducted, and the level of statistical significance was set at α = 0.05. Results: Intra-oral exposure of 3D-printed aligners was significantly associated with increase in all tested parameters ( P < 0.001 at all occasions). Significant differences were detected in the retrieved 3D-printed aligners compared with Invisalign® retrieved, with the exception of Sz. The respective effect sizes (median differences) were as follows: Sa: 169 nm, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 89–248, P < 0.001; Sq: 315 nm, 95% CI = 152–477, P < 0.001; Sc: 233 nm3/nm2, 95% CI = 131–335, P < 0.001; and Sv: 43 nm3/nm2, 95% CI = 17–68, P = 0.002. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, we concluded that surface roughness differences existed between 3D-printed aligners and Invisalign® in the retrieved status, as well as between the control and retrieved 3D-printed groups.
Proactive and Reactive Inhibitory Control Strategies: Exploring the Impact of Interindividual Variables on an ERP Continuous Performance Task (AX-CPT)
Authors: Schröder Elisa , Ingels Anais , Dumitrescu Alexandru , Kornreich Charles , Campanella Salvatore 
Published: December 2022

According to the Dual Mechanisms of Control (DMC) framework, cognitive control can be divided into two strategies: proactive cognitive control, which relies mainly on the active maintenance of contextual information relevant to the ongoing task; and reactive cognitive control, which is a form of transient control triggered by an external cue. Although cognitive control has been studied extensively, little is known about the specificities of inhibition within the framework of the DMC model and the influence of interindividual variables on inhibitory control. Thanks to an inhibitory version of the continuous performance task (CPT), we studied behavioral performances and Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) related to proactive and reactive inhibition, and their links to psychological profile and cognitive performances. One hundred and five young adults underwent the task, along with a short clinical and cognitive evaluation. We were able to observe ERPs related to proactive (cue-N1, cue-N2, cue-P3, and the contingent negative variation) and reactive inhibitory control (target-N2 and target-P3). Our results showed that proactive strategies appeared to be linked with impulsivity, working memory abilities, dominant response inhibition, gender, and the consumption pattern of nicotine. Reactive strategies appeared to be linked with attentional and working memories abilities. Overall, the inhibitory AX-CPT allowed a specific investigation of cognitive control within the framework of the DMC based on behavioral and ERP variables. This provided us an opportunity to investigate the principal ERP components related to proactive and reactive inhibitory control strategies as well as to link them with specific clinical and cognitive variables.
Automated estimation of ischemic core volume on noncontrast-enhanced CT via machine learning
Authors: Chen Iris E , Tsui Brian , Zhang Haoyue , Qiao Joe X , Hsu William , Nour May , Salamon Noriko , Ledbetter Luke , Polson Jennifer , Arnold Corey , BahrHossieni Mersedeh , Jahan Reza , Duckwiler Gary , Saver Jeffrey , Liebeskind David , Nael Kambiz 
Published: December 2022

Background Accurate estimation of ischemic core on baseline imaging has treatment implications in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Machine learning (ML) algorithms have shown promising results in estimating ischemic core using routine noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT). Objective We used an ML-trained algorithm to quantify ischemic core volume on NCCT in a comparative analysis to pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in patients with AIS. Methods Patients with AIS who had both pretreatment NCCT and MRI were enrolled. An automatic segmentation ML approach was applied using Brainomix software (Oxford, UK) to segment the ischemic voxels and calculate ischemic core volume on NCCT. Ischemic core volume was also calculated on baseline MRI DWI. Comparative analysis was performed using Bland–Altman plots and Pearson correlation. Results A total of 72 patients were included. The time-to-stroke onset time was 134.2/89.5 minutes (mean/median). The time difference between NCCT and MRI was 64.8/44.5 minutes (mean/median). In patients who presented within 1 hour from stroke onset, the ischemic core volumes were significantly (p  =  0.005) underestimated by ML-NCCT. In patients presented beyond 1 hour, the ML-NCCT estimated ischemic core volumes approximated those obtained by MRI-DWI and with significant correlation ( r  =  0.56, p < 0.001). Conclusion The ischemic core volumes calculated by the described ML approach on NCCT approximate those obtained by MRI in patients with AIS who present beyond 1 hour from stroke onset.
Embedding new technology into clinical ultrasound practice: Is role extension for sonographers the key to improving patient pathways?
Authors: Parker Pamela , Edwards Hazel , Twiddy Maureen , Whybrow Paul , Rigby Alan 
Published: December 2022

Introduction: MicroUS is a new imaging technique that may have potential to reliably monitor prostate disease and therefore release capacity in MRI departments. Firstly, however, it is essential to identify which healthcare staff may be suitable to learn to use this modality. Based on previous evidence, UK sonographers may be well placed to harness this resource. Topic: Currently, there is sparse evidence on the performance of MicroUS for monitoring prostate disease but early findings are encouraging. Although its uptake is increasing, it is believed that only two sites in the UK have MicroUS systems and only one of those uses just sonographers to undertake and interpret this new imaging technique. Discussion: UK sonographers have a history of role extension dating back several decades and have proven repeatedly that they are reliable and accurate when measured against a gold standard. We explore the background of UK sonographer role extension and postulate that sonographers are best placed to adopt and embed new imaging techniques and technology into routine clinical practice. This is of particular importance given the dearth of ultrasound focussed radiologists in the UK. To effectively introduce challenging new work streams, multi-professional collaboration in imaging, alongside sonographer role extension, will ensure precious resources are maximised thus ensuring optimum patient care. Conclusion: UK sonographers have repeatedly demonstrated reliability in many areas of role extension in various clinical settings. Early data indicate that the adoption of MicroUS for use in prostate disease surveillance may be another role suited to sonographers.
Advances in Insulin Infusion Set in the New Era of Automated Insulin Delivery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Gina , Romo-Anselmo Evan , Kwa Tim , Cohen Ohad , Vigersky Robert , Chattaraj Sarnath 
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Automated insulin delivery (AID) has become a well-known research topic devoted to achieving better glycemic outcomes. AID systems consist primarily of three components: the continuous glucose monitoring system, the insulin delivery system, either tethered or patch pump, and the control system (algorithm). A key component in the tethered pump AID system is the insulin infusion set (IIS). This Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) study was conducted to evaluate the IIS evolution in the era of AID and to provide future perspectives of IIS clinical use. Methods: Literature searches for articles published from January 2016 to July 2022 were performed in Embase/Medline and PubMed. Data were extracted following PRISMA guidelines. Primary meta-analysis outcomes were IIS wear duration, total daily dose of insulin, and IIS failure reasons/modes. Results: We identified 387 publications, of which 15 eligible studies compared various IISs comprising over 1400 participants and >53 000 wears. Half of the studies published in 2022 were focused on extended IISs designed for wear durations of seven days or more. Three clinical trials have demonstrated the safe use of extended IISs to seven days of wear in individuals with type 1 diabetes, and two also demonstrated good glycemic control throughout the seven-day use. Conclusions: Research in insulin infusion technology has increased in the last six years, and extended IISs have demonstrated improved overall performance, particularly in duration of wear. Paths for future products are discussed with an emphasis on understanding the existing barriers related to both technical and nontechnical issues.
Epoxy biocomposites-based chemically treated coffee dystrophy and castor oil
Authors: Mousa Ahmad , Gedan-Smolka Michaela 
Published: December 2022

An agro-waste such as coffee beans has been used to generate cellulose particles. Coffee roast which is brown in color, was treated with 6% sodium chlorite solution, followed by alkali treatment. This chemically treated mass was subjected to acid treatment with 20% sulfuric acid. Cellulose microwhiskers were released. These micro particles were examined by an X-ray diffractometer (XRD). X-Ray diffraction study of these white cellulose particles and the residue showed a highly crystalline nature of the cellulose particles. The fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were carried out to further investigate any structural changes after chemical treatment. The spectra of the treated powder showed lesser peak intensity at 1630 cm−1. This peak is related to the aromatic ring of lignin. Thus, indicating that the removal of aromatic rings of lignin and polysaccharides after hydrolysis process, simultaneously increases degree of crystallinity. Composites of epoxy resin with a conventional amide-type hardener reinforced with renewable materials were investigated in the presence of castor oil (CO). The renewable material was extracted from coffee beans using various chemical agents. The extracted renewable material has been incorporated into epoxy resin. The composites were evaluated by FTIR to check any interactions. The remarkable hint is the increased intensity of the peak located at 3941 cm−1 being assigned to the –NH2 of the amine cured epoxy. The increment in the intensity is being attributed to the enhanced degree of interaction between the multifunctional CO and the amine cured epoxy resin as mentioned earlier. Tests of tensile and impact strength properties were carried out and Izod impact was determined at room temperature. It has been found that the incorporation of CO has significantly increased the elongation at break. The impact resistance of the composites with CO has significantly increased as compared to the control and the samples without CO. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were taken to assess the effects of reinforcement and homogenization of the composites. It was noticed that the incorporation of the CO has turned the topography of the samples to a smooth surface with respect to rugged phase of the samples without CO.
Comparison of two regimens of weekly paclitaxel plus gemcitabine in patients with metastatic breast cancer: propensity score–matched analysis of real-world data
Authors: Gong Chengcheng , Xie Yizhao , Zhao Yannan , Li Yi , Zhang Jian , Wang Leiping , Cao Jun , Tao Zhonghua , Hu Xichun , Wang Biyun 
Published: December 2022

Purpose: Weekly gemcitabine + paclitaxel (wGT) administration is widely applied in real-world clinical practice. The 28-day and 21-day regimens of wGT are the most widely accepted regimens. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of wGT administration in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and compared the two regimens. Methods: Patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2)-negative MBC who received wGT between October 2013 and October 2016 were identified using an electronic database. The outcome variables included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), and safety profile. Propensity score matching was performed to minimize potential confounders. Results: A total of 140 patients were included. The median PFS and OS was 7.8 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 7.0–8.7] months and 22.5 (95% CI = 18.8–26.1) months, respectively. The toxicity of wGT was manageable. Among the patients, 90 (64.3%) received the 21-day regimen and 50 (35.7%) received the 28-day regimen. A higher number of younger patients and patients receiving later-line therapy received the 28-day regimen. There was no significant difference between the two groups in PFS after propensity score matching, though subgroup analysis showed that patients with early relapse benefited more from the 28-day regimen. The ORR was numerically higher in 28-day regimen (37.8% versus 28.0%, p = 0.310). However, the 21-day regimen was better tolerated than the 28-day regimen. Conclusion: wGT administration showed efficacy and safety in patients with MBC. The efficacy was comparable between the two regimens after adjustment for confounding factors while the 21-day regimen was better tolerated. Plain Language Summary 21-day regimen of wGT was well tolerated in patients with metastatic breast cancer Weekly gemcitabine + paclitaxel (wGT) administration is widely applied in real-world clinical practice. The 28-day and 21-day regimens of wGT are the most widely accepted regimens. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of wGT administration in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and compared the two regimens. Patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2)-negative MBC who received wGT between October 2013 and October 2016 were identified using an electronic database. The outcome variables included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), and safety profile. Propensity score matching was performed to minimize potential confounders. We found that the efficacy was comparable between the two regimens after adjustment for confounding factors while the 21-day regimen was better tolerated.
Current Trends in the Use of Postless Hip Arthroscopy: A Survey of the International Society for Hip Arthroscopy Membership
Authors: Kraeutler Matthew J. , Fasulo Sydney M. , Harris Joshua D. , Mei-Dan Omer , Scillia Anthony J. 
Published: December 2022

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated the risks of pudendal nerve and/or soft tissue complications due to the use of a perineal post during hip arthroscopy. Recently, various postless hip arthroscopy techniques have been described in the literature. Purpose: To assess the current international trends in the use of postless hip arthroscopy among hip preservation specialists. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: An anonymous 11-item survey was sent by email to all members of the International Society for Hip Arthroscopy (ISHA) in January 2022. Surgeons were asked various questions regarding their current use of post-assisted or postless hip arthroscopy, if they had changed their setup technique during their career and the reason for that change, and their perceived rate of pudendal nerve and/or perineal soft tissue injuries using their current technique. Descriptive statistics were used to report the results of each question. The Student t test was used to compare the number of years in practice between post-assisted and postless users. Fisher exact tests were performed to compare categorical rates of pudendal nerve and soft tissue complications between post-assisted and postless users. Results: A total of 126 surveys were completed from 431 ISHA members (29.2%). Sixty-one percent of the surgeons currently use a perineal post, while 33% use a postless technique. Seventy-five percent of the perineal post users and 98% of the postless users self-reported a rate of pudendal nerve and/or soft tissue injury of <1% ( P = .015). Among 41 respondents who indicated changing their technique at some point, 59% reported doing so because of pudendal nerve and/or soft tissue complications. Among surgeons who switched from a perineal post to a postless setup, 71% indicated they have noticed a decrease in the rate of pudendal nerve and/or soft tissue complications. Conclusion: Although use of a perineal post is still a more common setup technique among hip arthroscopists, approximately one-third of surgeons use a postless technique. Surgeons who have switched to a postless technique often did so because of perineal complications, with the majority noticing a subjective decrease in these complications with the use of postless hip arthroscopy.