bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Burst, Leakage, and Constant Pressure Infusion Testing of a Convection Enhanced Drug Delivery System for Glioblastoma Treatment
Authors: Salafian Iman , Rylander Christopher G. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) through an arborizing microneedle catheter system is an experimental drug delivery technique used to treat glioblastoma by providing a higher drug volume dispersed (Vd) of therapeutics directly to larger regions of brain tissue. A convection-enhanced thermo-chemotherapy catheter system (CETCS) can simultaneously deliver fluid and thermal energy to the infected area. The CETCS developed in our Medical Device Design lab comprises a bundle of 6 microneedles made from fiber optic capillary tubing, passed through a rigid cannula and individually arborized (branch-out). We are preparing CETCS for regulatory pathway application to advance it further toward clinical and human trials. In this paper, we performed three performance tests: infusion pressure, leakage, and constant pressure flow rate tests required by the FDA to file a traditional 510(K) based upon a potential predicate device. The high-pressure burst and leakage test showed that the CETCS can withstand an internal pressure of 100 psi with no leakage or failure in any connections and attachments, resulting in a substantial equivalency to the predicate devices. The constant pressure flow rate test showed a flow rate average of 0.64 ml/h under 0.7 psi and 1.69 ml/h under 2.1 psi of constant pressure using distilled water column, resulting in substantial equivalency to the predicate devices.
Development of a Dilated Cardiomyopathy Heart Failure Model Employing High-Rate Pacing via an Implantable Leadless Pacemaker: Utilized for in Situ and Ex Vivo Investigations
Authors: Schinstock Emma , Bielecki Michael , Kudlik D’Anne , Eggen Michael , Iaizzo Paul A. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Isolated heart failure models are valuable to researchers for multiple uses, including device design. Currently, models often use artificial materials and/or simulated pulsatile pre-clinical models or alternatively, employ animal models which often present obstacles to gaining access to the heart. The Visible Heart® apparatus allows researchers to benefit from a live tissue model while increasing access to the heart and adding the abilities to directly visualize the anatomic effects of a therapy or device. This work presents the development of a model to mimic dilated cardiomyopathy in humans by utilizing rapid pacing in swine and subsequently reanimating the heart on the Visible Heart® apparatus. This heart failure model allowed for functional assessments, multimodal imaging, and the administrations of various therapeutic approaches.
Optimizing COVID-19 Vaccine Diffusion in Respiratory Mucosa through Stokes-Einstein Modeling
Authors: Zhu Richard , Bhatia Sujata 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
SARS-COV-2 vaccines, all of which are currently intramuscular shots, have the ability to prevent serious injury. However, the absence of sufficient mucosal immunity is a major concern. To counteract this deficiency that has led to continued transmission from vaccinated individuals and breakthrough cases, reformulating vaccines to be inhalable presents a logical administration route. Predecessor research has reported the inhalable route to be viable as aerosolized vaccine nanoparticles, AAV phage nanoparticles, and PIV-5 viruses were recently identified to elicit immune responses. In this study, the diffusion of vaccine nanoparticles across the mucosa is characterized and modeled, with respect to their observed behavior from previous studies in relation to the Stokes-Einstein equation, to predict the most efficient model of an inhalable COVID-19 vaccine. The Stokes-Einstein equation has been used in several studies to predict diffusion coefficients. These predictions may be modified to fit the specifications of mucosal interactions. It was determined that mucosal interactions play a significant role in vaccine nanoparticle diffusion, as demonstrated by the viral vector and virus-like nanoparticle diffusion, and can be characterized by an equivalent hydrodynamic radius. Moreover, as a counter to mucosal interactions, PEGylation was found to drastically decrease the viscous slowing of the mucus medium.
Assessment of Contractile Forces of Swine Skeletal Muscle Following Irreversible Electroporation Therapy
Authors: Ramirez David A , Iaizzo Paul A 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Irreversible electroporation has regained a new popularity as a robust and effective ablation modality. One concern however that remains is the optimization of the several parameters to further implement the technology in medical therapies; one of the most important effects is the mitigation of muscle stimulation.
Here we present the induced contractile force on swine skeletal muscle after delivery of irreversible electroporation therapies. We aim to evaluate two differing waveforms, the classic irreversible electroporation, IRE, with monophasic DC pulses of 100μs pulse widths, and a waveform of High Frequency Irreversible Electroporation, HFIRE. We observed that the short duration pulses of HFIRE, biphasic 2μs pulse width, effectively induced no contractile forces on skeletal muscle. In contrast IRE induced large contractions.
Deep Unsupervised Clustering of Sparse Echo Data to Identify Patients for Implantation of Cardioverter-Defibrillator
Authors: Enayati Moein , Farahani Nasibeh Zanjirani , Scott Christopher G. , Bos Johan M. , Yao Xiaoxi , Ngufor Che G. , Ackerman Michael J. , Arruda-Olson Adelaide 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
According to the 2020 report of the American Heart Association’s Heart & Stroke Statistics report, nearly 1,000 people are dying daily because of sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and unfortunately, their survival rate is as low as 10%. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a relatively rare genetic heart disease is one of these diseases but finding the right patient for the implantation of ICD is still a research question. Implantation of cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) can save the life of some of these patients. Due to the complexity of the identification of HCM patients, financial burdens, and the clinical risks involved in the ICD implantation procedure, HCM patients will go into a monitoring state before reaching the implantation trigger. Our study cohort shows about 82% of HCM deaths, did not have an ICD, which highlights the need to improve the pre-screening algorithms.
In the current paper, we have proposed a new deep learning-based unsupervised clustering technique to facilitate the prioritization of patients to undergo ICD device implantation. This model uses over 900 echocardiographic measurements to find patients who benefit more from the ICD implantation procedure. Our model was trained and tested over 6 years of echo reports collected at Mayo Clinic. This model can be used as a decision support assistant for cardiologists in finding the right HCM patient when decision-making is hard.
Uptake and impact of the English National Health Service digital diabetes prevention programme: observational study
Authors: Ross Jamie Anne Dolan , Barron Emma , McGough Ben , Valabhji Jonathan , Daff Kerry , Irwin Jenny , Henley William E , Murray Elizabeth 
Published: May 2022

Introduction‘Healthier You’, the National Health Service (NHS) diabetes prevention programme (DPP) offers adults in England at high risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) an evidence-based behavioral intervention to prevent or delay T2DM onset. This study assesses the impact of a pilot digital stream of the DPP (DDPP) on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and weight.Research design and methodsA service evaluation employing prospectively collected data in a prospective cohort design in nine NHS local pilot areas across England. Participants were adults with non-diabetic hyperglycemia (NDH) (HbA1c 42–47 mmol/mol or fasting plasma glucose 5.5–6.9 mmol/L) in the 12 months prior to referral. The DDPP comprised five digital health interventions (DHI). Joint primary outcomes were changes in HbA1c and weight between baseline and 12 months. HbA1c and weight readings were recorded at referral (baseline) by general practices, and then at 12-month postregistration. Demographic data and service variables were collected from the DHI providers.Results3623 participants with NDH registered for the DDPP and of these, 2734 (75%) were eligible for inclusion in the analyses. Final (12-month) follow-up data for HbA1c were available for 1799 (50%) and for weight 1817 (50%) of registered participants. Mean change at 12 months was −3.1 (−3.4 to −2.8) kg, p<0.001 for weight and −1.6 (−1.8 to −1.4) mmol/mol, p<0.001 for HbA1c. Access to peer support and a website and telephone service was associated with significantly greater reductions in HbA1c and weight.ConclusionsParticipation in the DDPP was associated with clinically significant reductions in weight and HbA1c. Digital diabetes prevention can be an effective and wide-reaching component of a population-based approach to addressing type 2 diabetes prevention.
Establishment of the LNCaP Cell Line – The Dawn of an Era for Prostate Cancer Research
Authors: Abate-Shen Cory , Nunes de Almeida Francisca 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Among the relatively few established human prostate cancer cell lines, LNCaP cells are unique in their ability to model key stages of prostate cancer progression. Analyses of LNCaP cells and their derivatives have been invaluable for elucidating important translational aspects of prostate tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug response, particularly in the context of androgen receptor signaling. Here, we present major highlights from a wealth of literature that has exploited LNCaP cells and their derivatives to inform on prostate cancer progression and androgen response for improving the treatment of patients with prostate cancer.
See related article by Horoszewicz and colleagues, Cancer Res 1983;43:1809–18
Associations between Preserved Foods and Breast Cancer Risk in Hong Kong Chinese Women
Authors: Lee Priscilla Ming Yi , Kwok Chi-Hei , Tsoi Yee-Kei , Wu Cherry , Law Sze-Hong , Tsang Koon-Ho , Yeung Yiu-Cheong , Chan W.C. , Tse Gary M. , Yuen Karen Ka-Wan , Hung Ray Ka Wai , Wang Feng , Tse Lap Ah 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Preserved food such as cured foods may contain nitrate and nitrite that may contribute to the breast cancer development. Evidence on the associations between these preserved food intakes and risk of breast cancer is sparse. This study aimed to examine the associations between preserved foods (i.e., cured meat, pickled vegetables, canned meat, and canned fruit/vegetables) and breast cancer risk in Hong Kong Chinese women. A total of 1,307 breast cancer cases and 1,050 age-matched controls were recruited from three hospitals during November 2011 through January 2018. We used a standardized questionnaire to collect information on dietary factors, including preserved foods. Unconditional multiple logistic regression was performed to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of breast cancer in relation to preserved food with adjustment of potential confounders. We further performed stratified analysis according to the breast cancer biology subtypes. We found that cured meat consumption was significantly associated with the risk of breast cancer [AOR, 1.32; 95% confidence interval 95% (CI), 1.06–1.64]. Compared with no cured meat consumption, cured meat intake ≥ once per week was associated with an AOR of 2.66 (95% CI, 1.38–5.35). Women with canned fruit/vegetable ≥ consumption once per week had a higher risk of breast cancer (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.00–1.41), particularly for the HER2-positive subtypes, but it became borderline after adjustment of confounders. Our study reveals a positive association between consumption of cured meat and breast cancer risk in Chinese population. Cured meat intake might be a potential novel risk factor for breast cancer but this would have to be confirmed by large prospective cohort studies.

Prevention Relevance:
The main finding of this case–control study, an association between cured meat intake and a higher risk of breast cancer in Hong Kong Chinese women, contributes to the growing evidence for population-level health benefits of reducing cured meat consumption.
Evaluation of Preference and Utility Measures for Transoral Thyroidectomy
Authors: Wu Vincent , Samargandy Shireen , Philteos Justine , Pasternak Jesse D. , de Almeida John R. , Monteiro Eric 
Published: May 2022

Background: Traditional, trans-cervical thyroidectomy results in the presence of a neck scar, which has been shown to correlate with lower quality of life and lower patient satisfaction. Transoral thyroid surgery (TOTS) has been utilized as an alternative approach to avoid a cutaneous incision and scar by accessing the neck and thyroid through the oral cavity. This study was designed to evaluate patient preference through health-state utility scores for TOTS as compared to conventional trans-cervical thyroidectomy. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patient preferences were elicited for TOTS and trans-cervical thyroidectomy with the use of an online survey. Respondents were asked to consider 4 hypothetical health scenarios involving thyroid surgery with varying approaches. Health-state utility scores were elicited using visual analog scale and standard gamble exercises. Results: Overall, 516 respondents completed the survey, of whom 261 (50.6%) were included for analysis, with a mean age of 41.5 years (SD 14.9 years), including 171 (65.5%) females. Health utility scores were similar for TOTS and conventional transcervical techniques. Statistically significant differences in the standard gamble utility score were noted for gender and ethnicity across all scenarios. Comparisons of visual analog score utilities were not statistically significant based on respondent demographics. Conclusion: Preferences for TOTS and trans-cervical thyroidectomy did not significantly differ in the current study. Females and white ethnicity indicated stronger preference for a TOTs approach compared to males and other ethnicities, respectively. Some literature suggests certain types of patients who might prefer minimally invasive thyroidectomy more so than other patients—in keeping with the current findings of this study.
Comparisons of Continuous-wave Doppler Ultrasound Monitor and Echocardiography in Cardiac Postoperative Pediatric Patients
Authors: Shostak Eran , Nahum Elchanan , Shochat Tzippy , Manor Orit , Dagan Ovadia , Schiller Ofer 
Published: May 2022

Rational and Objectives Non-invasive cardiac output (CO) measurements are essential during the immediate post-operative course of young, congenital heart repaired patients. The use of the Ultrasonic Cardiac Output Monitor (USCOM) in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) is increasing. The literature on accuracy of USCOM in young, critically ill, mechanically ventilated, hemodynamically supported patients is scarce. We aimed to assess agreement between the USCOM device and echocardiography for measurements of CO in this population. Materials (Patients) and Methods A prospective observational study in a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU). Paired CO measurements were taken in young, mechanically ventilated, immediate post-operative patients with exclusion of unrepaired or residual intra-cardiac shunt, using USCOM and echocardiography, by two separate senior performers. Agreement between echocardiography and USCOM was assessed by percentage error and Bland-Altman analysis. Results One hundred and thirteen comparison scans were performed on 61 patients: mean age 94 ± 111 d, weight 4.7 ± 2.1 kg, vaso-inotropic score 15.3 ± 11, and STAT score 3–4 (46%). Mean USCOM cardiac index (CI) percent difference was −9.6% (45.6) and velocity-time-integral (VTI) 8.9% (34.7). Bland–Altman analyzes demonstrated poor agreement comparing USCOM to echocardiography with regard to CI, stroke volume (SV), VTI and aortic diameter (AO) measurements. Conclusion Our study shows that USCOM underestimates CI in comparison with echocardiography; therefore USCOM should be used with great caution as an absolute estimate or surrogate of CI in neonates and infants in the immediate post-operative, congenital heart surgery period.
Enhanced wear resistance of cemented carbides reinforced with SiC nanoparticles
Authors: Ghayem Amani Mona , Moazami-Goudarzi Mohammad , Kazemi Arghavan 
Published: May 2022

WC-10 wt% Co cemented carbides containing various amounts (0–4 wt%) of SiC nanoparticles were fabricated by vacuum sintering. The influence of SiC nanoparticles on microstructure, mechanical behavior, and dry sling wear resistance of the produced cemented carbides was explored. Results showed that SiC addition resulted in larger WC grains, thus lowering the hardness. Despite the hardness reduction, the wear resistance increased with increasing SiC content. The specific wear rate of the WC-10Co sample was 12.33 × 10−5 mm3/Nm that decreased to 1.86 × 10−5 mm3/Nm with 4 wt% nanoparticle addition. The improved wear resistance of nanocomposite samples was explained through the effects of SiC particles on modification of pore distribution, increased fracture toughness, and reduction of coefficient of friction. In the unreinforced WC-10Co cemented carbide, microstructural pores were found to be smaller but more numerous, resulting in extensive WC grain pullout. In addition, scuffing was recognized as the prevalent wear mechanism making friction trace completely unstable. In the nanocomposite samples, however, SiC nanoparticles stabilized and reduced the coefficient of friction. The change in friction condition from sliding to rolling abrasion revealed the microabrasive grooving as the predominant wear mechanism of the nanocomposites with enhanced wear resistance.
Ibrexafungerp in the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Authors: Barnes Kylie N. , Yancey Abigail M. , Forinash Alicia B. 
Published: May 2022

Objective To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of ibrexafungerp in the management of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Data Sources Literature was sought using PubMed (1966—February 2022) and EMBASE (1973—February 2022), and clinicaltrials.gov. Search terms included ibrexafungerp, SCY-078, and VVC. Study Selection and Data Extraction All studies including humans and published in English with data assessing the efficacy and safety of ibrexafungerp for the treatment of VVC were evaluated. Data Synthesis A phase 2 dose-finding study found ibrexafungerp had similar efficacy to fluconazole in the clinical cure of VVC (51.9% vs 58.3%, respectively). Two phase 3 clinical trials demonstrated ibrexafungerp had statistical superiority over placebo for clinical cure in moderate to severe VVC ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.023, respectively). The most frequently reported adverse reactions in the clinical trials were gastrointestinal-related symptoms. To date, data comparing efficacy of ibrexafungerp and topical imidazoles in the treatment of VVC are nonexistent. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice Topical imidazoles and oral fluconazole are effective for the treatment of uncomplicated VVC. Due to increased resistance, limited fluconazole coverage for non- Candida albicans species, and potential for significant drug interactions associated with fluconazole use, alternative treatments for VVC are needed. Ibrexafungerp is a new oral triterpenoid antifungal agent indicated for the treatment of VVC. Additional clinical trials are needed to evaluate long-term safety data as well as efficacy and safety in specialty populations. Conclusion Ibrexafungerp, a recently approved triterpenoid antifungal agent, is an effective and well-tolerated option for the treatment of VVC.
Validation of the Radiographic Union Score for HUmeral fractures (RUSHU): A retrospective study in an independent centre
Authors: Fordyce William , Kennedy Grace , Allen James R , Abdelmonem Mohamed , Evans Jonathan , Evans Jonathan Thomas , Guyver Paul 
Published: May 2022

Background Early diagnosis and fixation of fractures unlikely to unite can prevent months of morbidity. The Radiographic Union Score for Humeral fractures (RUSHU) is a summative scoring system developed to aid identification of patients at higher risk of developing humeral shaft non-union. Plain radiographs taken six weeks after injury are given a score between four and 12 based on signs of union. Our aim was to assess the validity of the RUSHU prognostic model in an external population. Methods The radiographs of fifty-seven patients were scored independently according to RUSHU methodology by three reviewers (blinded to patient outcome). Interobserver intraclass correlation (ICC) was calculated. Results Of the cohort, six (10.5%) progressed to non-union after six months. We observed an interobserver ICC co-efficient of 0.89 (95%CI0.84,0.93) in RUSHU score at six weeks. Median score was significantly higher in the union cohort (10v5 p < 0.001). Using the score of < 8 to predict non-union gave an area under the ROC curve of 0.87 (95%CI 0.83,0.90). Conclusions In this retrospective single-centre study, we have demonstrated good inter-rater reliability. We would suggest that the RUSHU model be assessed in further external validation studies. RUSHU has the potential to reduce morbidity of delayed treatment of non-union.
Comparable outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures and for rotator cuff arthropathy in a predominantly asian population
Authors: Tan Marcus Wei Ping , Sim David Shaoen , Cher Eric Wei Liang , Puah Ken Lee , Lie Denny Tjiauw Tjoen 
Published: May 2022

Background Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) was initially developed for rotator cuff arthropathy but has been expanded to treat comminuted proximal humerus fractures. Few studies have compared RSA for traumatic and degenerative indications. We present the first report of mid-term outcomes of RSA comparing both indications in an Asian population. Methods 113 degenerative and 20 fracture patients underwent RSA from 2010 to 2019. Patients with degenerative indications were 4:1 propensity-score matched to fractures and adjusted for age and sex. Patients were assessed for range of motion (ROM), strength, pain, Constant-Murley score (CMS), University of California Los Angeles Shoulder Score (UCLA) and Oxford shoulder score (OSS) preoperatively, at 6-months and 1-year. Patients’ satisfaction, expectation fulfilment and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) were analysed. Results Degenerative patients had better ROM, isometric strength and CMS at 6-months, although at 1-year only abduction was superior (104.8  ±  17.3° vs 86.7  ±  19.8°). No significant differences in pain, UCLA and OSS were observed. Most improvements occurred within 6 months. Similar proportions of patients were satisfied (83.3% vs 73.3%, p = 0.460) and attained MCID (85.0% vs 86.7%, p = 1.000) at 1-year. Discussion Although initially exhibiting slower recovery, patients with proximal humerus fractures can expect similar functional recovery and satisfaction at 1-year compared to those who received RSA for degenerative indications.