bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between corneal dynamic responses and keratoconus topographic parameters
Authors: Tai Hsi-Yun , Lin Jun-Ji , Huang Yi-Hung , Shih Po-Jen , Wang I-Jong , Yen Jia-Yush 
Published: June 2022

Objective To investigate the correlation between corneal biomechanical properties and topographic parameters using machine learning networks for automatic severity diagnosis and reference benchmark construction. Methods This was a retrospective study involving 31 eyes from 31 patients with keratonus. Two clustering approaches were used (i.e., shape-based and feature-based). The shape-based method used a keratoconus benchmark validated for indicating the severity of keratoconus. The feature-based method extracted imperative features for clustering analysis. Results There were strong correlations between the symmetric modes and the keratoconus severity and between the asymmetric modes and the location of the weak centroid. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (PPMC) between the symmetric mode and normality was 0.92 and between the asymmetric mode and the weak centroid value was 0.75. Conclusion This study confirmed that there is a relationship between the keratoconus signs obtained from topography and the corneal dynamic behaviour captured by the Corvis ST device. Further studies are required to gather more patient data to establish a more extensive database for validation.
Perioperative predictors for complications in patients with Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis treated with nephrectomy
Authors: Montelongo-Rodríguez Fred Alain , Pallares-Mendez Rigoberto , Robles-Torres José Iván , Romero-Mata Rodrigo , Cervantes-Miranda Daniel Eduardo , Gutiérrez-González Adrián , García-Arreola Jorge Ángel 
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is an inflammatory disease characterized by chronic obstruction and infection. This pathology is a life-threatening condition when surgical treatment is carried out. We decided to retrospectively evaluate whether there were perioperative factors that predict complications in patients who undergo nephrectomy. Methods: We reviewed all nephrectomies done in the period of 2013–2018, in a tertiary referral Hospital with the histopathological diagnosis of Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis. Results: The presence of renal abscess at admission was observed as a risk factor associated with perioperative complications ( p = 0.002), presence of abscess was observed in 47.4% of subjects without complications compared to 89.3% of the perioperative complication group. Higher rates of blood transfusion requirement were observed in the perioperative complication group, 89.3% compared to 68.4% ( p = 0.029), furthermore, perioperative bleeding was slightly greater in the complication group compared to its counterpart, 700 mL, and 600 mL, respectively ( p = 0.01). Conclusions: Anemia and the presence of abscess were important perioperative factors that predict perioperative complications.
Temperature distribution analysis of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites during self-resistance electric heating process
Authors: Shen Yan , Lu Yong , Liu Shuting , Hao Xiaozhong 
Published: June 2022

Self-resistance electric (SRE) heating for carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) is an alternative out-of-autoclave curing methodology that has high efficiency and low energy consumption. However, thanks to the heating mechanism of inside-out conduction, which is significantly different from that of the traditional outside-in heating process, the temperature distribution and its homogenization strategy still need further investigation. This work focuses on analyzing the affecting factors of the temperature uniformity of CFRP laminates during the SRE curing process utilizing a multi-physical numerical computation model and experimental verification. It is found that mold sizes have the most significant impact due to the non-uniform center-to-edge heat absorption of the mold. The maximum temperature difference during the untreated process could be lower than 20 K if the excess size proportion of the mold is smaller than 10%. Thermal barriers made of aerogel homogenize the temperature distribution during the dwell stage, reducing the maximum temperature difference by 84.18%. Considering that the mold size is sometimes unchangeable, the existence of auxiliary heating elements compensates the heat dissipation from the self-heated laminate and reduces the maximum temperature difference by 79.81%. Based on analysis results, a temperature homogenization strategy is proposed, where the maximum temperature difference is reduced by 86.15%.
Numerical prediction of mechanical behavior of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene under three-point bending and impact loadings by Anand–Gurtin material model
Authors: Dundar Mehmet Akif , Dhaliwal Gurpinder Singh , Nuraliyev Mirali , Ayorinde Emmanuel O 
Published: June 2022

A satisfactory reproduction of three-point bending and impact test data of an industrially important amorphous polymer, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), in the context of finite element analysis is of prime importance to industry. Constitutive material models developed for amorphous polymers are capable of describing their complex mechanical behavior under multiaxial loadings with a variety of success; therefore, the computational accuracy directly depends on the selection of constitutive model and a proper determination of its associated parameters. Thus, this study aimed at accurately predicting the multiaxial mechanical behavior of ABS by the Anand–Gurtin elastic–viscoplastic material model selected as the constitutive model and employed for the first time in the numerical implementations of the three-point bending and impact tests of ABS. To this end, the constitutive model parameters never identified for ABS before was first determined mainly depending on uniaxial compression test data at various strain rates ranging from 2 × 10−4 s−1 to 2 × 10−1 s−1 and then validated against tension test data for a broad range of strain rates varying from 1 × 10−3 s−1 to 45 s−1. All the experimental data taken into consideration in this study was taken from the previous studies of authors. The material model with the validated constitutive parameters of ABS was utilized in the numerical implementation of three-point bending tests for two different bending speeds (0.05–10 mm/s), in addition, impact tests for two various low impact velocities (4.43–6.23 m/s). Numerical results revealed that the constitutive model successfully reproduces the three-point bending test data of ABS for both bending speeds but acceptably overestimates the impact response of ABS under both low impact velocities in terms of peak impact load. Hence, it was concluded that this computationally inexpensive complex material model with the constitutive parameters determined for ABS can be used in the accurate prediction of its multiaxial material behavior.
The sesquiterpenoid valerenic acid protects neuronal cells from the detrimental effects of the fungicide benomyl on apoptosis and DNA oxidation
Authors: Kara Mehtap , Öztaş Ezgi , Boran Tuğçe , Sevim Çiğdem , Keskin Seda Eren , Veskoukis Aristidis S , Kuzmin Sergei V , Tsatsakis Aristides M 
Published: June 2022

Background Valerenic acid (VA), a sesquiterpenoid of the plant Valeriana officinalis, has attracted attention of the research community due to its potential positive role against neurodegenerative diseases induced by chemicals. However, the relevant evidence in the literature is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the putative protective role of VA on the toxic effects of the fungicide benomyl on SH-SY5Y neural cells. Methods Cell viability was determined via the MTT and NRU assays, DNA damage was assessed via comet assay and apoptosis was evaluated through the expression of relevant genes. Results According to the results, exposure of the cells to benomyl enhanced viability inhibition and promoted DNA damage and apoptosis since the expression levels of the genes coding for MAPK8, NF-kB, Bax, Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 were increased. Treatment of the cells with VA ameliorated these effects in a concentration dependent manner. Conclusion It is concluded that the molecular mechanism through which benomyl exerts its toxic action appears to depend on DNA oxidation and apoptosis induction. Furthermore, VA, a plant-derived compound is a protective antioxidant against pesticide-induced toxicity. Therefore, herbs, extracts and compounds of plant origin could be used as nutritional supplements that back up the beneficial role of medicine in neurodegenerative diseases.
Cessation of group battlefield acupuncture visits due to COVID-19: a pilot study
Authors: McNamara Cynthia F , Kravetz Jeffrey D , Federman Daniel G 
Published: June 2022

Background: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, battlefield acupuncture (BFA) was offered to veterans with chronic pain in multidisciplinary group visits. Objective: We aimed to assess the impact of cessation of BFA due to COVID-19 and to determine the utility of different aspects of the group visits for chronic pain management. Methods: Participants who had attended at least three BFA group visits completed questionnaires assessing the impact of treatment interruption on pain, overall function and desire to resume treatment. Results: Thirty-nine veterans were surveyed; 49% responded to the questionnaire. Ninety percent (17/19) agreed that BFA was an important part of pain management and that their pain had worsened after treatment interruption. Seventy-four percent (14/19) responded that they were taking more pain medications since BFA had ended. Ninety-five percent (18/19) responded that BFA improved daily function; 79% (15/19) agreed that BFA improved their sleep. Ninety-five percent (18/19) were interested in resuming BFA. Camaraderie was mentioned as the most helpful aspect of the group by 8/19 (42%) of participants. Participation of health psychology and nutrition were each mentioned as a most helpful aspect of the group by 5/19 (26%) of participants. Conclusion: Our results suggest that participants may have believed that BFA, camaraderie, and input from nutrition and health psychology services were important contributors to their pain control. The results also suggest that veterans may have suffered worsening pain, used more pain medications, and had worsening quality of sleep and daily function during the COVID-related clinic disruption, and that they were interested in resumption of the program.
A broadband low-frequency muffler based on neural network method and Helmholtz resonator with helical neck
Authors: Bai Chungeng , Wu Fengmin , Wang Junjun , Jiang Jiuxing , Yang Bin 
Published: June 2022

In this study, a design method of broadband low-frequency muffler based on NN method and Helmholtz resonators with helical necks is proposed, which ensures almost perfect ventilation and broadband sound insulation in the low- and medium-frequency range. First, the sound insulation performance of the muffler is improved by adding a helical structure at the port. The slit Helmholtz resonator with a helical structure is able to reduce the cross-sectional area of the resonator port and increase the contact area of thermal viscosity loss, thus reducing the peak frequency of sound insulation and increasing the sound energy loss. Using finite element analysis software, the structural transmission loss is simulated. At the same time, the neural network method is used to predict the combined structure, then, the combined structure can be designed quickly and reasonably to achieve the sound insulation of medium- and low-frequency broadband. Experimental and simulation results show that in the target range of 430 Hz–2220 Hz, the overall TL exceeds 30 dB and the maximum exceeds 60 dB. In addition, when a helical structure is added, the overall pipeline remains unchanged; and when a muffler is added on the basis, the perfect ventilation effect can be achieved. The proposed structural model and the idea of rapid design lay a great foundation for the design and optimization of broadband muffler.
What patient assessment skills do pharmacist independent prescribers require to prescribe immunomodulators in myeloma?
Authors: Slavin Anton , Kurdi Amanj , Wilson Mandy 
Published: June 2022

Aim To gain consensus on the patient assessment skills required by pharmacist independent prescribers prescribing immunomodulators in myeloma across National Health Service Scotland. Methods This was a two-phase study which used nominal group technique to gain local consensus followed by a two-round eDelphi questionnaire to gain national consensus across all cancer networks. Setting This project was conducted across the three cancer networks within NHS Scotland: South East Scotland Cancer Network; West of Scotland Cancer Network and North Cancer Alliance. Subjects Participants were invited from each cancer network (South East Scotland Cancer Network, West of Scotland Cancer Network and North Cancer Alliance) and included haematology consultants, haematology specialist registrars, haematology advanced nurse practitioners and haematology pharmacists. Results There were five participants in the nominal group technique. Twenty-two out of 31 patient assessment skills gained local consensus, seven patient assessment skills did not gain consensus and two patient assessment skills were deemed irrelevant. There were 12 and 14 participants in round one and two of the eDelphi questionnaire, respectively. Twenty-nine patient assessment skills were included in the first-round questionnaire and 21 gained consensus. The remaining eight patient assessment skills were included in round two where seven did not achieve consensus and one achieved disagreement consensus. Conclusion This research outlines 21 patient assessment skills required for pharmacist independent prescribers to prescribe immunomodulators for myeloma patients according to haematology specialists in Scotland. Discussion on patient assessment skills without consensus showed that the pharmacist independent prescribers would have a shared responsibility with the consultant. This work should inform the development of a competency framework to allow training of pharmacist independent prescribers in Scotland. Some patient assessment skills could be transferrable for pharmacist independent prescribers prescribing systemic anti-cancer therapy for other haematological malignancies.
The short external rotators in the anterior approach hip arthroplasty: do the tendons heal or not? A prospective MRI study
Authors: Eilander Wouter , van der Velden Eeke , van Harten Matthijs , van Kampen Paulien , Hogervorst Tom 
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Release of some of the short external rotator tendons may be needed in the direct anterior approach (DAA) for Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). It is unknown if these tendons heal. The purpose of this prospective study is to examine short external rotator tendon healing after release and the associated effect on muscle volume. In addition, we examined the relation with external rotation force and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). Methods: In 21 DAA THA patients, preoperative MRI was compared with postoperative MRI at 6 weeks and 12 months. PROMs and rotation force of both hips were assessed. Tendon integrity and muscle volume of the obturator internus and piriformis were assessed on MRI using dedicated software. Results: In 5 patients all tendons remained intact, in 4 patients only the conjoined tendon was released and in 12 patients both the conjoined and piriformis were released. Obturator externus remained intact in all patients. In patients with tendon release, mean volume of obturator internus and piriformis muscle decreased 27% (SD 11) and 23% (SD 16) 6 weeks after surgery, respectively. Released tendons and muscle volume loss did not recover 12 months after surgery. We found no relation between tendon release and hip rotation force or PROMs. Conclusions: We found absent tendon healing and muscle volume loss when the conjoined or piriformis tendons were released. Although we found no relation between tendon detachment and hip force or PROMs, we have adapted our operative technique to make it more preserving for the piriformis.
Two years’ effect of dimethyl fumarate on focal and diffuse gray matter pathology in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Marastoni Damiano , Crescenzo Francesco , Pisani Anna I , Zuco Carmela , Schiavi Gianmarco , Benedetti Giulia , Ricciardi Giuseppe K , Montemezzi Stefania , Pizzini Francesca B , Tamanti Agnese , Calabrese Massimiliano 
Published: June 2022

Background: Data on the effect of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) on focal and diffuse gray matter (GM) damage, a relevant pathological substrate of multiple sclerosis (MS)-related disability are lacking. Objective: To evaluate the DMF effect on cortical lesions (CLs) accumulation and global and regional GM atrophy in subjects with relapsing–remitting MS. Methods: A total of 148 patients (mean age 38.1 ± 9.7 years) treated with DMF ended a 2-year longitudinal study. All underwent regular Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS assessment), and at least two 3T-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3 and 24 months after DMF initiation. CLs and changes in global and regional atrophy of several brain regions were compared with 47 untreated age and sex-matched patients. Results: DMF-treated patients showed lower CLs accumulation (median 0[0–3] vs 2[0–7], p < 0.001) with respect to controls. Global cortical thickness ( p < 0.001) and regional thickness and volume were lower in treated group (cerebellum, hippocampus, caudate, and putamen: p < 0.001; thalamus p = 0.03). Lower relapse rate (14% vs 40%, p < 0.001), EDSS change (0.2 ± 0.4 vs 0.4 ± 0.9, p < 0.001), and new WM lesions (median 0[0–5] vs 2[0–6], p < 0.001) were reported. No severe adverse drug reactions occurred. Conclusions: Beyond the well-known effect on disease activity, these results provide evidence of the effect of DMF through reduced progression of focal and diffuse GM damage.
Palliative Repair of a Mycotic Aortic Arch Pseudoaneurysm With a Physician-Modified Endograft and In-Situ Laser Fenestration
Authors: Hill Morgan A. , Wooster Mathew , Zeigler Sanford 
Published: June 2022

Purpose: Open aortic arch repair is the gold standard in the treatment of diseases involving the ascending aorta and aortic arch. However, due to the invasive nature of open repair, high-risk patients with multiple comorbidities are often not suitable candidates for open surgical repair. While endovascular aortic repair is far less invasive, endovascular arch repair remains a difficult challenge due to the aortic arch diameter and angulation, origin of the supra-aortic arteries, and the lack of commercially available thoracic branched devices in the United States. Case Report: Here we describe palliation of a mycotic aortic arch pseudoaneurysm with a physician-modified endograft and in situ laser fenestration. Our technique allowed for rapid repair of the pseudoaneurysm with minimal physiologic disturbances and no perioperative complications in a high-risk surgical patient. Conclusion: Physician-modified endografts are feasible and may be an effective treatment option for palliation of acute aortic arch lesions in high-risk surgical patients.
Low-Cost Genetic and Clinical Predictors of Response and Toxicity of Platinum-Based Chemotherapy in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Spasic Jelena , Cavic Milena , Stanic Nemanja , Zaric Bojan , Kovacevic Tomi , Radosavljevic Davorin , Nagorni-Obradovic Ljudmila 
Published: June 2022

Background This study aimed to evaluate for the first time whether certain genetic and clinical factors could serve as minimally invasive predictors of survival and toxicity to platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced lung adenocarcinoma. Methods The study included 121 advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients treated with platinum-based dublets until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Response was evaluated using standard radiological methods and toxicity graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0. Genotyping was performed using PCR-RFLP. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. Results No significant influence of the examined polymorphisms on the occurrence of high-grade toxicity was detected. However, TP53 72Pro allele carriers were more prone to nausea (P = .037) and thrombocytopenia (P = .051). Anemia and neuropathy occurred more frequently in XRCC1 399Arg allele carriers (Pearson χ2 test, P = .025 and P = .004 respectively). RAD51 135CC carriers were significantly more prone to neutropenia (P = .027). Conclusions A set of easily determined genetic and clinical predictors of survival and specific toxicity profiles of platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced lung adenocarcinoma were determined in this study, which might be useful for the construction of population-specific, time- and cost-efficient prognostic and predictive algorithms.
Functional Resistance Training Differentially Alters Gait Kinetics After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Pilot Study
Authors: Washabaugh Edward P. , Brown Scott R. , Palmieri-Smith Riann M. , Krishnan Chandramouli 
Published: June 2022

Background: Quadriceps weakness is common after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and can alter gait mechanics. Functional resistance training (FRT) is a novel approach to retraining strength after injury, but it is unclear how it alters gait mechanics. Therefore, we tested how 3 different types of FRT devices: a knee brace resisting extension (unidirectional brace), a knee brace resisting extension and flexion (bidirectional brace), and an elastic band pulling backwards on the ankle (elastic band)–acutely alter gait kinetics in this population. Hypothesis: The type of FRT device will affect ground-reaction forces (GRFs) during and after the training. Specifically, the uni- and bidirectional braces will increase GRFs when compared with the elastic band. Study Design: Crossover study. Level of Evidence: Level 2. Methods: A total of 15 individuals with ACL reconstruction received FRT with each device over 3 separate randomized sessions. During training, participants walked on a treadmill while performing a tracking task with visual feedback. Sessions contained 5 training trials (180 seconds each) with rest between. Vertical and anterior-posterior GRFs were assessed on the ACL-reconstructed leg before, during, and after training. Changes in GRFs were compared across devices using 1-dimensional statistical parametric mapping. Results: Resistance applied via bidirectional brace acutely increased gait kinetics during terminal stance/pre-swing (ie, push-off), while resistance applied via elastic band acutely increased gait kinetics during initial contact/loading (ie, braking). Both braces behaved similarly, but the unidirectional brace was less effective for increasing push-off GRFs. Conclusion: FRT after ACL reconstruction can acutely alter gait kinetics during training. Devices can be applied to selectively alter gait kinetics. However, the long-term effects of FRT after ACL reconstruction with these devices are still unknown. Clinical Relevance: FRT may be applied to alter gait kinetics of the involved limb after ACL reconstruction, depending on the device used.