bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ZAMENIX™ R, ROBOTIC-ASSISTED RETROGRADE INTRARENAL SURGERY SYSTEM FOR RENAL STONE REMOVAL AND ITS EFFICACY AND SAFETY EVALUATION
Authors: Lee Dong-Ho , Kim Joonhwan , Han Jungmin , Seo Hyeonse , Lee Joo Yong , Cho Sung Yong , Park Hyung Keun , Kwon Dong-Soo 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
We introduce Zamenix™ R, a novel robotic retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) system that can remotely control a ureteroscope, laser, and stone basket. The efficacy and safety of the system were explored in an in vivo comparative pilot study using a porcine model and a multicenter, prospective, single-arm, pivotal human clinical trial. In the in-vivo test, 10 pigs were randomly divided into two groups: conventional RIRS and robotic RIRS. Three surgeons with different RIRS proficiency participated and they performed two tasks: 1) Stone retrieval test, then followed by 2) Stone fragmentation and retrieval test. In the clinical study, forty-seven adult patients who have one or more stones with a maximum size of 5-30 mm were recruited. The stone-free rate was 93.5%. The postoperative complication rate was 6.5% with three cases of Grade II urinary tract infection (Clavien-Dindo Classification). The experimental results demonstrated the feasibility and comparable safety to conventional RIRS with improved operator’s fatigue and radiation exposure.
DESIGN OF A WEARABLE ULTRASOUND PATCH WITH SOFT AND CONFORMAL MATCHING LAYER
Authors: Krings Ethan J. , Truong Sequoia L. , Reeser Kiersten A. , Hage Benjamin D. , Bashford Gregory R. , Markvicka Eric J. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive diagnostic technique used to measure internal structures such as blood vessels and the velocity of blood flow in the human body. The ability to continuously measure blood flow in major cerebral arteries would enable the early detection of medical problems such as stroke. However, current ultrasound technology consists of rigid, hand-held probes that are arduous to use, sensitive to movement, and are primarily designed for intermittent, instead of continuous use. Here, we describe the design of a wearable ultrasound patch for continuously measuring blood flow velocity through the middle cerebral artery (MCA) that can be assessed from the temple region of the head. The wearable ultrasound patch is composed of an array of piezoelectric elements that are wired together using flexible electrical conductors and encapsulated in an elastic substrate. To improve ultrasound energy transfer, a soft and conformal composite matching layer is introduced. The matching layer consists of gallium-based liquid metal (LM) microdroplets dispersed in a silicone elastomer. The acoustic impedance of the matching layer can be tuned by varying the volume loading of LM. The wearable ultrasound patch will provide new opportunities to continuously measure blood flow velocity and ultimately enable early detection of medical problems such as stroke.
Patiromer utility as an adjunct treatment in patients needing urgent hyperkalaemia management (PLATINUM): design of a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study
Authors: Rafique Zubaid , Budden Jeffrey , Quinn Carol Moreno , Duanmu Youyou , Safdar Basmah , Bischof Jason J , Driver Brian E , Herzog Charles A , Weir Matthew R , Singer Adam J , Boone Stephen , Soto-Ruiz Karina M , Peacock W Frank 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionHyperkalaemia is common, life-threatening and often requires emergency department (ED) management; however, no standardised ED treatment protocol exists. Common treatments transiently reducing serum potassium (K+) (including albuterol, glucose and insulin) may cause hypoglycaemia. We outline the design and rationale of the Patiromer Utility as an Adjunct Treatment in Patients Needing Urgent Hyperkalaemia Management (PLATINUM) study, which will be the largest ED randomised controlled hyperkalaemia trial ever performed, enabling assessment of a standardised approach to hyperkalaemia management, as well as establishing a new evaluation parameter (net clinical benefit) for acute hyperkalaemia treatment investigations.Methods and analysisPLATINUM is a Phase 4, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in participants who present to the ED at approximately 30 US sites. Approximately 300 adult participants with hyperkalaemia (K+≥5.8 mEq/L) will be enrolled. Participants will be randomised 1:1 to receive glucose (25 g intravenously <15 min before insulin), insulin (5 units intravenous bolus) and aerosolised albuterol (10 mg over 30 min), followed by a single oral dose of either 25.2 g patiromer or placebo, with a second dose of patiromer (8.4 g) or placebo after 24 hours. The primary endpoint is net clinical benefit, defined as the mean change in the number of additional interventions less the mean change in serum K+, at hour 6. Secondary endpoints are net clinical benefit at hour 4, proportion of participants without additional K+-related medical interventions, number of additional K+-related interventions and proportion of participants with sustained K+reduction (K+≤5.5 mEq/L). Safety endpoints are the incidence of adverse events, and severity of changes in serum K+and magnesium.Ethics and disseminationA central Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Ethics Committee provided protocol approval (#20201569), with subsequent approval by local IRBs at each site, and participants will provide written consent. Primary results will be published in peer-reviewed manuscripts promptly following study completion.Trial registration numberNCT04443608.
Conducting a systematic review and evaluation of commercially available mobile applications (apps) on a health-related topic: the TECH approach and a step-by-step methodological guide
Authors: Gasteiger Norina , Dowding Dawn , Norman Gill , McGarrigle Lisa , Eost-Telling Charlotte , Jones Debra , Vercell Amy , Ali Syed Mustafa , O'Connor Siobhan 
Published: June 2023

ObjectivesTo provide an overview of the methodological considerations for conducting commercial smartphone health app reviews (mHealth reviews), with the aim of systematising the process and supporting high-quality evaluations of mHealth apps.DesignSynthesis of our research team’s experiences of conducting and publishing various reviews of mHealth apps available on app stores and hand-searching the top medical informatics journals (eg, The Lancet Digital Health, npj Digital Medicine, Journal of Biomedical Informatics and the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association) over the last five years (2018–2022) to identify other app reviews to contribute to the discussion of this method and supporting framework for developing a research (review) question and determining the eligibility criteria.ResultsWe present seven steps to support rigour in conducting reviews of health apps available on the app market: (1) writing a research question or aims, (2) conducting scoping searches and developing the protocol, (3) determining the eligibility criteria using the TECH framework, (4) conducting the final search and screening of health apps, (5) data extraction, (6) quality, functionality and other assessments and (7) analysis and synthesis of findings. We introduce the novel TECH approach to developing review questions and the eligibility criteria, which considers the Target user, Evaluation focus, Connectedness and the Health domain. Patient and public involvement and engagement opportunities are acknowledged, including co-developing the protocol and undertaking quality or usability assessments.ConclusionCommercial mHealth app reviews can provide important insights into the health app market, including the availability of apps and their quality and functionality. We have outlined seven key steps for conducting rigorous health app reviews in addition to the TECH acronym, which can support researchers in writing research questions and determining the eligibility criteria. Future work will include a collaborative effort to develop reporting guidelines and a quality appraisal tool to ensure transparency and quality in systematic app reviews.
Implementation of medication reconciliation at admission and discharge in Ministry of Defense Health Services hospitals: a multicentre study
Authors: Alghamdi Dalia S , Alhrasen Mohammed , Kassem Ahmed , Alwagdani Alaa , Tourkmani Ayla Mohammad , Alnowaiser Noura , Al Barakah Yasser , Alotaibi Yasser K 
Published: June 2023

There is potential for many medication errors to occur due to the complex medication use process. The medication reconciliation process can significantly lower the incidence of medication errors that may arise from an incomplete or inaccurate medication history as well as reductions in length of hospital stay, patients’ readmissions and lower healthcare costs.The quality improvement collaborative project was conducted as a pilot study in two hospitals, then implemented on a broader scale in 18 hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The goal of the project was to reduce the percentage of patients with at least one outstanding unintentional discrepancy at admission by 50%, over 16-month period (July 2020–November 2021). Our interventions were based on the High 5’s project medication reconciliation WHO, and Medications at Transitions and Clinical Handoffs toolkit for medication reconciliation by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Improvement teams used the Institute of Healthcare Improvement’s (IHI’s) Model for improvement as a tool for testing and implementing changes. Collaboration and learning between hospitals were facilitated by conducting learning sessions using the IHI’s Collaborative Model for Achieving Breakthrough Improvement. The improvement teams underwent three cycles.By the end of the project significant improvements were observed. The percentage of patients with at least one outstanding unintentional discrepancy at admission showed a 20% reduction (27% before, 7% after; p value <0.05) (Relative Risk (RR) 0.74) with a mean reduction in the number of discrepancies per patient by 0.74. The percentage of patients with at least one outstanding unintentional discrepancy at discharge showed 12% reduction (17% before, 5% after; p value <0.05) (RR 0.71) with a mean reduction in the number of discrepancies per patient by 0.34.Compliance to medication reconciliation documentation within 24 hours of admission and discharge showed significant improvement by an average of 17% and 24%, respectively. Additionally, the implementation of medication reconciliation had a negative correlation with the percentage of patients with at least one outstanding unintentional discrepancy at admission and discharge.
Accuracy and validity of determined cause of death and manner of death following forensic autopsy prosection
Authors: Shergill Armaan , Conner Peter , Wilson Machelle , Omalu Bennet 
Published: June 2023

AimsThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and validity of the determination of cause of death (COD) and manner of death (MOD) at the completion of the forensic autopsy prosection.MethodsWe analysed 952 autopsy cases conducted from 2019 to 2020 and compared every patient’s COD, other significant contributing factors to death (OSC), and MOD after prosection to their COD, OSC and MOD after completion of the final autopsy report.ResultsWe found that 83% of cases (790 patients) did not have an unexpected change and 17% of cases (162 patients) exhibited a true change in their final diagnosis; the relationship between age and changes in COD and MOD was significant.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that in the majority of forensic autopsy cases, medical professionals can reasonably complete death certification after the autopsy prosection. In addition to improving the accuracy of COD and MOD, advances in this field will enhance timely decedent affairs management, timely investigations of crimes and timely closure to families who have lost loved ones. We recommend implementing combined interventional education and consultation with expert pathologists, and a well-followed structured method of death classification as the best course of practice.
The effects of feeding hempseed cake on pancreatic and jejunal digestive enzymatic activity in finishing heifers
Authors: Mia Md G.K. , Winders Thomas M. , Serum Eric M. , Amat Samat , Neville Bryan W. , Dahlen Carl R. , Smith David J. , Swanson Kendall C. 
Published: June 2023

To evaluate the effects of feeding hempseed cake on digestive enzymes, crossbred heifers ( n = 32; 494 ± 10 kg body weight) were fed diets containing 20% (dry matter basis) dried corn distillers grains plus solubles or hempseed cake for 111 days. There was greater ( P = 0.05) pancreatic mass relative to body weight in heifers fed hempseed cake. No differences ( P ≥ 0.19) in digestive enzyme activity in the pancreas (α-amylase, trypsin, and lipase) and jejunum (maltase, glucoamylase, and isomaltase) were observed between treatments. Our results suggest that feeding hempseed cake did not influence digestive enzyme activity.
Private Schools and Student Achievement
Authors: Azimi Ebrahim , Friesen Jane , Woodcock Simon 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
We investigate the effects of private schools on reading and numeracy scores using rich population data. Conditional on lagged test scores and narrowly defined neighborhood indicators, Catholic and non-Christian faith private schools on average raise test scores by 0.18 standard deviation or more relative to the average public school, while non-Catholic Christian private schools have negligible effects. The effects of secular private “prep” schools are similar to those of Catholic schools, but selection bias is a greater concern in this case. We use school-specific estimates of effectiveness to investigate private school choice decisions and the determinants of private school effectiveness.
Indonesian Throughflow Partitioning between Leeuwin and South Equatorial Currents
Authors: Gruenburg Laura K. , Gordon Arnold L. , Thurnherr Andreas M. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) waters move along multiple pathways within the Indian Ocean. The western route is within the thermocline of the South Equatorial Current (SEC), and the southern route is via injection into the Leeuwin Current (LC) along western Australia. We use gridded Argo data to examine heat content anomaly (HCa) within three boxes in the eastern Indian Ocean, one adjacent to the ITF outflow from the Indonesian Seas (ITF box), the second in the eastern portion of the SEC (SEC box), and the third in the LC (LC box). Although interannual HCa variability in the SEC and ITF boxes is well correlated, a large increase in HCa within the ITF box does not appear in the SEC box in 2011 but is evident in the LC box. The 2011 change in the SEC–LC partitioning is investigated using GODAS reanalysis by examining the strength of the SEC and LC during a 2009 HCa increase within the ITF box and the subsequent increase in 2011. During 2009, a strong SEC and weakened LC spread the increased ITF HCa into the central Indian Ocean, whereas a weak SEC and strengthened LC during 2011 transmit the HCa signal to the south. Near-surface winds and mean sea level pressure from NCEP–NCAR reanalysis reveal that Ningaloo Niño events led to shifts in ocean circulation during 2000 and 2011. LC and SEC exports show a high negative correlation at interannual time scales, indicating that a reduction of outflow from one pathway is partially compensated by an increase from the other.
Using Existing Argo Trajectories to Statistically Predict Future Float Positions with a Transition Matrix
Authors: Chamberlain Paul , Talley Lynne D. , Mazloff Matthew , van Sebille Erik , Gille Sarah T. , Tucker Tyler , Scanderbeg Megan , Robbins Pelle 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The Argo array provides nearly 4000 temperature and salinity profiles of the top 2000 m of the ocean every 10 days. Still, Argo floats will never be able to measure the ocean at all times, everywhere. Optimized Argo float distributions should match the spatial and temporal variability of the many societally important ocean features that they observe. Determining these distributions is challenging because float advection is difficult to predict. Using no external models, transition matrices based on existing Argo trajectories provide statistical inferences about Argo float motion. We use the 24 years of Argo locations to construct an optimal transition matrix that minimizes estimation bias and uncertainty. The optimal array is determined to have a 2° × 2° spatial resolution with a 90-day time step. We then use the transition matrix to predict the probability of future float locations of the core Argo array, the Global Biogeochemical Array, and the Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling (SOCCOM) array. A comparison of transition matrices derived from floats using Argos system and Iridium communication methods shows the impact of surface displacements, which is most apparent near the equator. Additionally, we demonstrate the utility of transition matrices for validating models by comparing the matrix derived from Argo floats with that derived from a particle release experiment in the Southern Ocean State Estimate (SOSE).
New Traditional Chinese Medicine Supplement Reduces Pain Faster than Conventional Pain Pills Alone: A Phase I/II Prospective, Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial
Authors: Hart Kristel , Huynh Desmond , Oh Cherin , Herndon Charles , Fadaee Negin , Capati Isabel , Turek Paul J. , Towfigh Shirin 
Published: June 2023

Background The opioid crisis demands novel solutions for postoperative pain control. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has used herbs for the treatment of pain for thousands of years. We studied whether a synergistic multimodal TCM supplement could reduce the need for conventional pain pills for low risk surgical procedures. Methods In a Phase I/II, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial (PRCT), 93 patients were randomized to either TCM supplement or placebo oral medication for low-risk outpatient surgical procedures. Study medications began 3 days preoperatively and continued for 5 days postoperatively. Conventional pain pill use was not restricted. Patients were monitored postoperatively for all forms of pain pill use (Pain Pill Scoring Sheet) and subjective pain ratings (Brief Pain Inventory Short Form). Primary outcomes included type and number of pain pills used and subjective pain ratings. Secondary outcomes included an assessment of mood, general activity, sleep, and enjoyment of life. Results TCM use well tolerated. Conventional pain pill use was similar between groups. Linear regression analysis revealed that TCM reduced postoperative pain 3 times faster than placebo ( P < .0001) with a 4-fold greater magnitude of relief by postoperative day 5 ( P = .008). TCM also significantly improved sleep habits ( P = .049) during the postoperative period. TCM effect was independent of type of surgery or amount of preoperative pain. Discussion This PRCT is the first to show that a multimodal, synergistic TCM supplement is safe and can effectively reduce acute postoperative pain more rapidly, and to a lower level, than conventional pain pills alone.
The epidemiology of acute methamphetamine toxicity presenting to emergency departments in Hong Kong
Authors: Lam Rex Pui Kin , Chan Chi Keung , Tse Man Li , Lau Eric Ho Yin , Tsui Matthew Sik Hon , Rainer Timothy Hudson 
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Recreational use of methamphetamine is increasing worldwide, but epidemiology studies from Asia are lacking. We aimed to characterise the trends, drug use pattern, clinical presentations and health services utilisation of acute methamphetamine toxicity presenting to emergency departments and the current practice of emergency department psychosocial interventions in Hong Kong. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a retrospective study on emergency department patients reported to the Hong Kong Poison Information Centre between 2010 and 2019 for acute toxicity related to recreational methamphetamine use. We studied the trend using a negative binominal regression model. Results: During the study period, 1225 episodes (involved 979 patients; 68.9% men; with a median age of 33.0 years) were reported. Acute methamphetamine toxicity did not increase significantly (odds ratio = 1.10, 95% confidence interval = 0.86–1.40, p = 0.46). Polysubstance abuse predominated. Many patients developed hypokalaemia (24.0%), rhabdomyolysis (17.2%), acute kidney injury (9.4%) and myocardial injury (4.7%); psychotic symptoms including auditory hallucination (23.8%) and paranoid delusion (21.1%); various acute behavioural disturbances and injuries. Overall, 66 patients required intensive care and 14 patients died. Only a minority of the patients were referred to social workers and voluntary drug treatment and rehabilitation services. Conclusion: Methamphetamine has a significant impact on physical and mental health in Hong Kong. Our findings highlight the need for screening for hypokalaemia, rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney injury, myocardial injury and psychosis in methamphetamine users and support policies that address polysubstance abuse, prevent drug use through continued public education and strengthen the referral system by integrating substance abuse services at the emergency department.
Aquatic Dual-Task Training and Its Relation to Motor Functions, Activities of Daily Living, and Quality of Life of Individuals With Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: da Silva Adriano Zanardi , Iucksch Dielise Debona , Israel Vera Lúcia 
Published: June 2023

Objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that impacts the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra, leading to motor and non-motor symptoms, as well as changes in activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QoL). Aquatic physical exercises and dual-task physical exercises have been used to manage PD symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a dual-task aquatic exercise program on the ADL, motor symptoms, and QoL of individuals with PD. Methods: A randomized controlled trial with a parallel group design was employed, and participants were randomized into 2 groups: a control group and an experimental group. The intervention was a 10-week program consisting of twice-weekly 40-minute aquatic dual-task exercises. Pre-intervention evaluations of ADL, motor function, and QoL were conducted at baseline (AS1), immediately after the intervention (AS2), and 3 months post-intervention (follow-up—AS3). The Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) II and III sections and the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire 39 (PDQ-39) were utilized for outcome measures. Results: A total of 25 individuals completed the study. The experimental group showed significant improvements in both the UPDRS II (ADL) and III (motor function) sections ( P’s < .05), but there was no significant difference in PDQ-39 scores. Additionally, significant differences were observed in the experimental group between the AS2 and AS3 time periods ( P < .05) for both UPDRS II and III scores ( P < .05). Conclusions: Aquatic dual-task training may be effective in improving both ADL and motor functions in individuals with PD. Furthermore, the combination of aquatic environment and dual-task exercises may represent a promising approach to maintaining and improving the functionality of individuals with PD.