bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contrast timing optimization of a two-volume dynamic CT pulmonary perfusion technique
Authors: Zhao Yixiao , Hubbard Logan , Malkasian Shant , Abbona Pablo , Molloi Sabee 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to develop and validate an optimal timing protocol for a low-radiation-dose CT pulmonary perfusion technique using only two volume scans. A total of 24 swine (48.5 ± 14.3 kg) underwent contrast-enhanced dynamic CT. Multiple contrast injections were made under different pulmonary perfusion conditions, resulting in a total of 141 complete pulmonary arterial input functions (AIFs). Using all the AIF curves, an optimal contrast timing protocol was developed for a first-pass, two-volume dynamic CT perfusion technique (one at the base and the other at the peak of AIF curve). A subset of swine was used to validate the prospective two-volume pulmonary perfusion technique. The prospective two-volume perfusion measurements were quantitatively compared to the previously validated retrospective perfusion measurements with t-test, linear regression, and Bland–Altman analysis. As a result, the pulmonary artery time-to-peak ($${T}_{PA}$$

T

PA

) was related to one-half of the contrast injection duration ($$\frac{{T}_{Inj}}{2}$$

T

Inj

2

) by $${T}_{PA}=1.01\frac{{T}_{Inj}}{2}+1.01$$

T

PA

=
1.01

T

Inj

2

+
1.01

(r = 0.95). The prospective two-volume perfusion measurements (PPRO) were related to the retrospective measurements (PRETRO) by PPRO = 0.87PRETRO + 0.56 (r = 0.88). The CT dose index and size-specific dose estimate of the two-volume CT technique were estimated to be 28.4 and 47.0 mGy, respectively. The optimal timing protocol can enable an accurate, low-radiation-dose two-volume dynamic CT perfusion technique.
ZnO size and shape effect on antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity profile
Authors: Babayevska Nataliya , Przysiecka Łucja , Iatsunskyi Igor , Nowaczyk Grzegorz , Jarek Marcin , Janiszewska Ewa , Jurga Stefan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe aim of our work was the synthesis of ZnO nano- and microparticles and to study the effect of shapes and sizes on cytotoxicity towards normal and cancer cells and antibacterial activity toward two kinds of bacteria. We fabricated ZnO nano- and microparticles through facile chemical and physical routes. The crystal structure, morphology, textural properties, and photoluminescent properties were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, electron microscopies, nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The obtained ZnO structures were highly crystalline and monodispersed with intensive green emission. ZnO NPs and NRs showed the strongest antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus compared to microparticles due to their high specific surface area. However, the ZnO HSs at higher concentrations also strongly inhibited bacterial growth. S. aureus strain was more sensitive to ZnO particles than the E. coli. ZnO NPs and NRs were more harmful to cancer cell lines than to normal ones at the same concentration.
White blood cell count is not associated with flow-mediated vasodilation or nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation
Authors: Kishimoto Shinji , Maruhashi Tatsuya , Kajikawa Masato , Harada Takahiro , Yamaji Takayuki , Han Yiming , Mizobuchi Aya , Hashimoto Yu , Yoshimura Kenichi , Nakano Yukiko , Chayama Kazuaki , Goto Chikara , Yusoff Farina Mohamad , Nakashima Ayumu , Higashi Yukihito 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIt is well known that white blood cell (WBC) count is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. However, associations of WBC count and WBC subtypes with endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and vascular smooth muscle function assessed by nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation (NID) are unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships of WBC count and WBC subtypes with vascular function assessed by FMD and NID. A total of 1351 subjects in whom FMD and NID had been measured were recruited from Hiroshima University Vascular Registry. Mean values were 3.7 ± 2.8% for FMD and 11.8 ± 5.9% for NID. WBC was not correlated with FMD or NID. NID was significantly correlated with lymphocytes in univariate analysis but not with other hematologic parameters. In multiple linear regression analyses, NID was not correlated with lymphocytes. In all subgroups including subgroups of age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking and tertile of WBC count, WBC count was not correlated with FMD or NID. WBC count and WBC subtypes were not associated with endothelial function assessed by FMD or vascular smooth muscle function assessed by NID. WBC count and vascular function assessed by FMD and NID may reflect different aspects of atherosclerosis.Clinical Trial Registration Information: URL for Clinical Trial: http://www.umin.ac.jp Registration Number for Clinical Trial: UMIN000039512.
Predefined and data driven CT densitometric features predict critical illness and hospital length of stay in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Shalmon Tamar , Salazar Pascal , Horie Miho , Hanneman Kate , Pakkal Mini , Anwari Vahid , Fratesi Jennifer 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare whole lung CT density histograms to predict critical illness outcome and hospital length of stay in a cohort of 80 COVID-19 patients. CT chest images on segmented lungs were retrospectively analyzed. Functional Principal Component Analysis (FPCA) was used to find the main modes of variations on CT density histograms. CT density features, the CT severity score, the COVID-GRAM score and the patient clinical data were assessed for predicting the patient outcome using logistic regression models and survival analysis. ROC analysis predictors of critically ill status: 87.5th percentile CT density (Q875)—AUC 0.88 95% CI (0.79 0.94), F1-CT—AUC 0.87 (0.77 0.93) Standard Deviation (SD-CT)—AUC 0.86 (0.73, 0.93). Multivariate models combining CT-density predictors and Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio showed the highest accuracy. SD-CT, Q875 and F1 score were significant predictors of hospital length of stay (LOS) while controlling for hospital death using competing risks models. Moreover, two multivariate Fine-Gray regression models combining the clinical variables: age, NLR, Contrast CT factor with either Q875 or F1 CT-density predictors revealed significant effects for the prediction of LOS incidence in presence of a competing risk (death) and acceptable predictive performances (Bootstrapped C-index 0.74 [0.70 0.78]).
Transarterial chemoembolization of unresectable renal cell carcinoma with doxorubicin-loaded CalliSpheres drug-eluting beads
Authors: Bi Yonghua , Shi Xiaonan , Ren Jianzhuang , Yi Mengfei , Han Xinwei 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe safety and efficacy of drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) for unresectable renal cell carcinoma (RCC) still unknown. We aimed to assess the feasibility, safety and clinical efficacy of DEB-TACE with doxorubicin-loaded CalliSpheres beads (CB) in patients with unresectable RCC. Between 2016 and 2020, thirty-five patients with unresectable RCC underwent DEB-TACE with doxorubicin-loaded CB. The objective response rate (ORR) was the primary endpoint, and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were the secondary endpoints. Fifteen-seven times of DEB-TACE were performed in 35 patients using doxorubicin-loaded (median 60 mg) CB. Fifteen patients underwent an additional session of DEB-TACE, with intervals of 1 to 1.5 months. Twenty-one patients underwent transarterial infusion with cisplatin or oxaliplatin before DEB-TACE. The median follow-up time was 9.0 months (Range 1.8–43.6 months). ORR and DCR were 47.1% and 94.1%, 29.0% and 87.1%, 23.1% and 84.6% respectively at 1-, 3-, and 6- months after DEB-TACE. The median PFS was 21.4 months, and the 3-, 6- and 12- month PFS rates were 84.7%, 73.7% and 62.3%, respectively. The median OS was 24.6 months, and the 3-, 6- and 12- month OS rates were 93.9%, 87.6% and 65.2%, respectively. There were no treatment-related deaths or severe adverse events of grade 3 or more. In conclusion, DEB-TACE with doxorubicin-loaded CB is a safe, feasible and effective palliative treatment option for patients with unresectable RCC.
Effects of ischemic conditioning on head and neck free flap oxygenation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Min Se-Hee , Choe Suk Hyung , Kim Won Shik , Ahn Soon-Hyun , Cho Youn Joung 
Published: May 2022

AbstractFlap failure after microvascular reconstructive surgery is a rare but devastating complication caused by reperfusion injury and tissue hypoperfusion. Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) provides protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury and reduces tissue infarction. We hypothesized that RIC would enhance flap oxygenation and exert organ-protective effects during head and neck free flap reconstructive surgery. Adult patients undergoing free flap transfer surgery for head and neck cancer were randomized to receive either RIC or sham-RIC during surgery. RIC consisted of four cycles of 5-min ischemia and 5-min reperfusion applied to the upper or lower extremity. The primary endpoint, tissue oxygen saturation of the flap, was measured by near-infrared spectroscopy on the first postoperative day. Organ-protective effects of RIC were evaluated with infarct size of rat hearts perfused with plasma dialysate from patients received RIC or sham-RIC. Between April 2018 and July 2019, 50 patients were randomized (each n = 25) and 46 were analyzed in the RIC (n = 23) or sham-RIC (n = 23) groups. Tissue oxygen saturation of the flap was similar between the groups (85 ± 12% vs 83 ± 9% in the RIC vs sham-RIC groups; P = 0.471). Myocardial infarct size after treatment of plasma dialysate was significantly reduced in the RIC group (44 ± 7% to 26 ± 6%; P = 0.018) compared to the sham-RIC group (42 ± 6% to 37 ± 7%; P = 0.388). RIC did not improve tissue oxygenation of the transferred free flap in head and neck cancer reconstructive surgery. However, there was evidence of organ-protective effects of RIC in experimental models.Trial registration: Registry number of ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03474952.
Acute effects of high intensity training on cardiac function: a pilot study comparing subjects with type 2 diabetes to healthy controls
Authors: Ness Henning O. , Ljones Kristine , Gjelsvik Randi H. , Tjønna Arnt Erik , Malmo Vegard , Nilsen Hans Olav , Hollekim-Strand Siri Marte , Dalen Håvard , Høydal Morten Andre 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis study evaluated acute cardiac stress after a high-intensity interval training session in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) versus healthy controls. High intensity aerobic exercise was performed by 4 × 4-min intervals (90–95% of maximal heart rate), followed by a ramp protocol to peak oxygen uptake. Echocardiography was performed before and 30 min after exercise. Holter electrocardiography monitored heart rhythms 24 h before, during, and 24 h after the exercise. Left atrial end-systolic volume, peak early diastolic mitral annular velocity, and the ratio of peak early to late diastolic mitral inflow velocity were reduced by approximately 18%, 15%, and 31%, respectively, after exercise across groups. Left ventricular end-diastolic wall thickness was the only echo parameter that significantly differed between groups in response to exercise. The T2D group had a rate of supraventricular extrasystoles per hour that was 265% greater than that of the controls before exercise, which remained higher after exercise. A single exhaustive exercise session impaired left ventricular diastolic function in both groups. The findings also indicated impaired right ventricular function in patients with T2D after exercise.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02998008.
Energy supply and influencing factors of mountain marathon runners from Baiyin marathon accident in China
Authors: Sun Jichao 
Published: May 2022

AbstractHigh temperature impacts the performance of marathon athletes, and hypothermia harms athletes. Twenty-one runners died, and eight were injured in the China Baiyin marathon on May 22, 2021. It’s a typical human life test. The energy equations are combined with the maximum energy supply of Chinese male athletes to study this accident. We analyze the human body’s route slope, travel speed, and heat dissipation under low temperatures in this marathon. The study shows that the large slope and long-distance of CP2 to CP3 section and the low temperature during the competition are the main reasons for the accident. The method of quantifying the slope and temperature and calculating the percentage of athletes’ physical consumption proposed in this paper can evaluate the route design of field marathons. We suggest that the physical energy consumption ratio of 90%, i.e. 315 cal/min/kg, should be taken as the maximum energy supply for Chinese male marathon runners. Dangerous risk zones for wind speed and temperature on dangerous path sections are also formulated for athletes to make their assessments. This paper’s theories and methods can effectively help design the marathon route and determine the race time.
Post-acute COVID-19 outcomes in children requiring hospitalisation
Authors: Bossley Cara J. , Kavaliunaite Ema , Harman Katharine , Cook James , Ruiz Gary , Gupta Atul 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPost-acute COVID-19 causes long term sequalae in adults. This is less well described in children. We performed clinical assessments on a large cohort of children and young people admitted with a positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA swab. We assessed for symptoms of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome after 4 weeks or more. We found that most (85%) of children made a full recovery following SARS-CoV-2 infection. A small number had symptoms which lasted for more than 4 weeks, most of which had resolved at 3 months. Symptoms included dry cough, fatigue and headache. One patient suffered from anosmia. We conclude that most children and young people do not suffer from past-acute COVID-19 syndrome, and make a full recovery from infection.
Spatiotemporal stop-and-go dynamics of the mitochondrial TOM core complex correlates with channel activity
Authors: Wang Shuo , Findeisen Lukas , Leptihn Sebastian , Wallace Mark I. , Hörning Marcel , Nussberger Stephan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSingle-molecule studies can reveal phenomena that remain hidden in ensemble measurements. Here we show the correlation between lateral protein diffusion and channel activity of the general protein import pore of mitochondria (TOM-CC) in membranes resting on ultrathin hydrogel films. Using electrode-free optical recordings of ion flux, we find that TOM-CC switches reversibly between three states of ion permeability associated with protein diffusion. While freely diffusing TOM-CC molecules are predominantly in a high permeability state, non-mobile molecules are mostly in an intermediate or low permeability state. We explain this behavior by the mechanical binding of the two protruding Tom22 subunits to the hydrogel and a concomitant combinatorial opening and closing of the two β-barrel pores of TOM-CC. TOM-CC could thus represent a β-barrel membrane protein complex to exhibit membrane state-dependent mechanosensitive properties, mediated by its two Tom22 subunits.
Applying Appraisal Tools in Aphasia Systematic Reviews: A Tutorial
Authors: Patterson Janet P. , Raymer Anastasia M. 
Published: May 2022

Purpose:
A systematic review (SR) represents a rigorous process of identifying and summarizing current research to answer specific clinical questions. Not all SRs present high-quality information, because they do not adhere to established standards of conduct or reporting. This tutorial aims to (a) describe two tools developed in epidemiology for reporting (PRISMA 2020; Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and appraising (AMSTAR 2; A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) SRs and (b) exemplify the use of AMSTAR 2.

First, we describe the intents of PRISMA 2020 and AMSTAR 2 and compare the items on each checklist. Next, we apply the AMSTAR 2 list of domains to critically appraise methodological quality in two randomly selected SRs, which describe aphasia treatment. Appraisal results are reported, including the AMSTAR 2 ratings for overall confidence in the results of each review. For each SR, the overall rating was
critically low
, indicating that within the seven critical domains of AMSTAR 2, the SR had more than one critical weakness.

Conclusions:
While PRISMA 2020 is a tool to guide preparation of SRs, to examine SR quality, the AMSTAR 2 is the tool of choice. Applied to two current aphasia treatment SRs, the AMSTAR 2 demonstrates that although both SRs were thorough, thoughtful summaries of a body of aphasia treatment literature, they did not achieve high ratings for methodological quality. Clinicians reading SRs are advised to familiarize themselves with quality assessment tools to assure that an SR meets expected criteria to document internal and external validity of the SR process, so resulting findings can be confidently applied for patients with aphasia.
A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists' Use of Patient Medication Information for Patients With Dysphagia
Authors: Lawton Jolene , AlDuraiby Abrar , Terhorst Lauren , Leslie Paula 
Published: May 2022

Purpose:
Medications can produce side effects that negatively impact swallowing and cognition. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who know which medications their patients are taking are able to consider the potential impact of medication side effects on their patient's swallow function and progress in therapy. The goal of this investigation was to gain preliminary information on how often SLPs report that they review a patient's medications as part of their standard practice, as well as the most common reasons for not reviewing patient medications.

Method:
A 10-item online questionnaire was distributed to practicing SLPs to collect information regarding their clinical experience, patient caseload, and whether they routinely review patient medications. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine which variables were associated with medication review.

Results:

Responses were received from 205 SLPs. Approximately half reported “always” reviewing patient medications (
n
= 116). The most frequent reason given for not reviewing medications was lack of pharmacology training. The results indicated that SLPs with 15 years or more of experience were nearly 3 times more likely to review medications than SLPs with less experience. Not all Special Interest Groups participated in the distribution of the survey.

Conclusions:
Many SLPs reported that they did not consistently check patient medications as part of a patient evaluation. Of concern is the possibility that SLPs do not realize the importance of medication knowledge. Clinicians may gain familiarity with the medications and understanding of the impact that medications have on their patients as they accrue clinical experience. Future research should investigate the best ways to promote knowledge of this topic in new clinicians.
Manifestation eines Typ-1-Diabetes verzögern?
Authors: Bonifacio Ezio , Gemulla Gita 
Published: May 2022

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGTyp-1-Diabetes hat eine präsymptomatische Phase, die durch den Nachweis von Inselautoantikörpern diagnostiziert werden kann. Dabei werden das Stadium 1 (> 1 Inselautoantikörper ohne Dysglykämie) und Stadium 2 (> 1 Inselautoantikörper mit Dysglykämie) unterschieden. Eine Anti-CD3-Therapie kann den fortschreitenden Verlust der Betazellfunktion nach Manifestation verlangsamen. Kürzlich wurde zudem gezeigt, dass eine 14-tägige Behandlung mit dem monoklonalen Anti-CD3-Antikörper Teplizumab die Manifestation eines Typ-1-Diabetes bei Menschen mit präsymptomatischem Diabetes im Stadium 2 um durchschnittlich fast 3 Jahre verzögern kann. Diese Therapie ist nun bei den zuständigen Behörden eingereicht worden und wir erwarten die erste offiziell zugelassene Therapie zur Prävention eines Typ-1-Diabetes.
Impact of antithrombotic drugs on the accuracy of fecal occult blood testing for advanced colorectal neoplasia screening: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Pang Shu-jie , Lin Zhi-peng , Sun Zhe , Zhang Yu , Yuan Zhen-gang , Yang Ning 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background The current meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether antithrombotic drug use would affect the diagnostic accuracy of fecal occult blood testing for advanced colorectal neoplasia.
Methods Articles published between 2000 and 2019 were systematically retrieved and screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria by two reviewers independently. Pooled analyses were conducted with a fixed-effect model if no apparent heterogeneity (I2 ≥ 50%) was found between studies; otherwise, the random effects model would be used. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were also conducted using Review Manager 5.3.
Results Pooled analysis revealed that aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were associated with a decrease in the positive predictive value of fecal occult blood testing for advanced colorectal neoplasia screening, with a RR of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84–0.94) and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.84–0.93, p<0.001) respectively. Subgroup analysis based on data limited to high-quality studies, fecal immunochemical testing, or in Caucasians also showed that the use of aspirin/NSAID drugs decreased the accuracy for advanced colorectal neoplasia screening.
Conclusion Aspirin/NSAIDs and direct oral anticoagulants rather than warfarin may decrease the diagnostic accuracy of fecal occult blood testing for advanced colorectal neoplasia screening.