bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ocular involvement in primary antiphospholipid syndrome: results of an extensive ophthalmological evaluation performed in the APS-Rio cohort
Authors: Franco Adriana M de M , Makita Lana S , Perrut Virginia C , Balbi Gustavo G M , Barros Alexandre M , Medina Flavio M C , Signorelli Flavio 
Published: November 2022

Objective To study ophthalmological manifestations in a well-characterized primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) cohort (APS-Rio) and compare them with a healthy control group. Methods We examined PAPS patients and controls with an extensive ophthalmological evaluation, which included anamnesis, visual acuity, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, and retinography of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. PAPS group also underwent angiography exam and optical coherence tomography using spectral domain technology (SD-OCT). Results 98 PAPS patients and 102 controls were included. The most common symptom in PAPS was amaurosis fugax (34.7% vs. 6.9%; p = .001). In the multivariate analyses, Raynaud’s phenomenon was associated with amaurosis fugax (OR 3.71, CI:1.33–10.32; p = .012), and livedo correlated with hemianopia (OR 6.96, CI:1.11–43.72, p = .038) and diplopia (OR 3.49, CI:1.02–11.53, p = .047). After ophthalmological evaluation, 84 PAPS patients had ocular involvement (1.0% glaucoma, 94.0% posterior findings, 62.7% anterior findings, and 56.6% both posterior and anterior findings). Vascular tortuosity was more frequent in the PAPS group (63.2% vs. 42.2%; p = .002), as well as peripheral tortuosity (29.6% vs. 7.8%; p < .001). After excluding patients with atherosclerotic risk factors, peripheral vascular tortuosity was still statistically associated with PAPS (35.0 vs. 7.8%, p < .001). Triple positivity was more frequent in PAPS patients with peripheral vascular tortuosity than in those without this ocular finding (34.5% vs. 15.9%, p = .041). Conclusion Vasomotor phenomena are importantly related to ocular symptoms in PAPS. Vascular tortuosity was a frequent finding in PAPS patients. Peripheral vascular tortuosity was associated with triple positivity and might be a biomarker of ischemic microvascular retinopathy due to PAPS.
Optimization of initiator contents in room temperature polymerization of methyl methacrylate
Authors: Gong Ming , Zhang Daijun , Zhang Jiayang , Li Jun , Chen Xiangbao 
Published: November 2022

Vinyl polymerization is an important path for in-situ polymerization of thermoplastic resins. BPO (Benzoyl peroxide) and DMT (dimethyl-p-toluidine) were chosen to initiate the radical polymerization of MMA (methyl methacrylate) in this work. Optimization of initiator concentration was studied through reaction rate of polymerization progress and properties of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). At first, the catalytic of DMT in MMA polymerization was studied through polymerization experiments and rheological experiments. Results showed that DMT could catalyze more than one molecular BPO in the whole reaction period. It can catalyze the decomposition of BPO after being connected to PMMA chains. Second, the BPO: DMT ratio was set to 2:1 to study the ideal content by comparing the mechanical properties of PMMA. Results showed that with the increase of initiator contents, T g, molecular weight, and residual monomer were all declining. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties of PMMA matrix first increased and then decreased. This phenomenon was analyzed by 1H-NMR and SEM. And the optimal BPO-DMT concentration was 1.0 mol%–0.5 mol%.
Complete Endovascular Reconstruction of the Canine Ascending Aorta, Aortic Arch, and Supra-Aortic Vessels by Implanting a New Unibody Outer Double-Branched Stent-Graft
Authors: Li Weixiao , Li Qiang , Li Jun , Cui Mingzhe , Xu Rutao , Zhai Shuiting , Li Tianxiao , Chen Jiangbo , Zhao Wenli 
Published: November 2022

Purpose: We evaluated the feasibility and safety of using a new unibody outer double-branched stent-graft system to reconstruct the canine ascending aorta, aortic arch, and supra-aortic vessels. Materials and methods: The outer-branched stent-graft was a unibody design. The branched stent-graft consisted of a main stent-graft and 2 branches. The introducer system included a tri-channel catheter, 2 detachable sleeves, a front fixing device, a constraining wire, and a curved outer sheath. The branched stent-graft was loaded into the introducer system. Ten adult mongrel dogs underwent general anesthesia, and the branched stent-grafts were deployed into the canine ascending aorta, aortic arch, and supra-aortic vessels by the introducer system. All animals were followed up for 3 months. At the end of the follow-up period, computed tomographic angiography (CTA) was performed to observe the patency of the branched stent-grafts. Results: The mean operation time was 142.7±13.7 minutes. The mean fluoroscopy time was 20.73±2.22 minutes. The mean dosage of contrast agent was 95.9±8.7 mL. During the operation, the tri-channel catheters successfully paralleled the wires in the aorta. All 10 branched stent-grafts were successfully implanted into the canine ascending aorta and aortic arch. There were no symptoms of cerebral embolization and no incision infection during the follow-up period. Computed tomographic angiography and specimens showed that the branched stent-grafts and native vessels were patent, the inner surfaces of the branched stent-grafts were covered by neointima, and there was no retrograde aortic dissection in the ascending aorta. Conclusions: This animal research demonstrated that the unibody outer double-branched stent-graft system could be applied to reconstruct the canine ascending aorta, aortic arch, and supra-aortic vessels. Clinical Impact Thoracic endovascular aortic repair has been the main treatment method for aortic aneurysms or dissections involving the descending thoracic aorta. However, the aortic arch and ascending aorta remain the last segments of the aorta without a validated and routinely used endovascular option. In this research, we designed a new unibody outer branched stent-graft system to reconstruct the distal ascending aorta, aortic arch and supra-aortic vessels. The unibody outer branched stent-graft system could be applied to treat aortic pathologies which involve the middle and distal proximal ascending aorta, aortic arch and proximal descending aorta.
Combination of anti-glycopeptidolipid-core IgA antibody and clinical features for diagnosing potential nontuberculous mycobacterium pulmonary disease in routine practice
Authors: Iwasaki Takuya , Yamaguchi Fumihiro , Hayashi Makoto , Kobayashi Hitoshi , Hirata Kento , Miyo Kenta , Kondo Chika , Kanzaki Mamiko , Tei Kazusawa , Abe Takashi , Sakakura Shunsuke , Inoue Daisuke , Yamazaki Yohei , Tateno Hidetsugu , Yokoe Takuya , Shikama Yusuke 
Published: November 2022

Background: The anti- Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) antibody test measures levels of IgA antibody against the glycopeptidolipid (GPL) core in the bacterial cell walls and is a useful clinical indicator of nontuberculous mycobacterium pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). However, it is not currently possible to diagnose the disease using anti-MAC antibodies alone. Objectives: The study aim was to assess the efficacy of the combination of anti-MAC antibodies and clinical findings for diagnosing potential NTM-PD. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 938 patients tested using the anti-MAC antibody. NTM-PD was diagnosed by multiple positive cultures of the same species in sputum samples. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the clinical factors related to NTM-PD. Results: Overall, 19.6% (184/938) of participants were diagnosed with NTM-PD. In multivariate analysis, positive anti-MAC antibodies, low body mass index, absence of malignancy, and cavity-forming lung lesions were significantly associated with NTM-PD at diagnosis. The positive rates of the anti-MAC antibody test were 79.4% (135/170) for MAC and 55.6% (5/9) for Mycobacterium abscessus complex, respectively. Conclusions: Bronchoscopic examinations should be performed especially in certain types of individuals from whom sputum samples cannot be obtained. Anti-MAC antibodies are also positive in patients other than those harboring MAC, but the rate may be low because of the different components in GPLs.
Endovascular treatment for anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion ischemic stroke with low ASPECTS: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Safouris Apostolos , Palaiodimou Lina , Szikora István , Kargiotis Odysseas , Magoufis George , Psychogios Klearchos , Paraskevas Georgios , Spiliopoulos Stavros , Brountzos Elias , Nardai Sándor , Goyal Nitin , De Sousa Diana Aguiar , Strbian Daniel , Caso Valeria , Alexandrov Andrei , Tsivgoulis Georgios 
Published: November 2022

Background: Endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients presenting with Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) 0–5 has not yet proven safe and effective by clinical trials. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess whether EVT in AIS patients presenting with low ASPECTS is beneficial. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of available studies in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Data sources and Methods: We have searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and reference lists of articles published until 28 May 2022 with the aim to calculate (1) modified Rankin scale (mRS) score 0–3 at 3 months, (2) mRS score 0–2 at 3 months, (3) symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and (3) mortality at 3 months. Results: Overall, 24 eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis, comprising a total of 2539 AIS patients with ASPECTS 0–5 treated with EVT. The pooled proportion of EVT-treated patients achieving mRS 0–3 at 3 months was calculated at 38.4%. The pooled proportion of EVT-treated patients achieving mRS 0–2 at 3 months was 25.7%. Regarding safety outcomes, sICH occurred in 12.8% of patients. The 3-month pooled mortality was 30%. In pairwise meta-analysis, patients treated with EVT had a higher likelihood of achieving mRS 0–3 at 3 months compared with patients treated with best medical therapy (BMT, OR: 2.41). sICH occurred more frequently in EVT-treated patients compared with the BMT-treated patients (OR: 2.30). Mortality at 3 months was not different between the two treatment groups (OR: 0.71). Conclusion: EVT may be beneficial for AIS patients with low baseline ASPECTS despite an increased risk for sICH. Further data from randomized-controlled clinical trials are needed to elucidate the role of EVT in this subgroup of AIS patients. Registration: The protocol has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Ongoing Systematic Reviews PROSPERO; Registration Number: CRD42022334417.
Transcranial alternating current stimulation and its effects on cognition and the treatment of psychiatric disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Ainsley Ryan Yan Bin , Yau Chun En , Mai Aaron Shengting , Tan Weiling Amanda , Ong Bernard Soon Yang , Yam Natalie Elizabeth , Ho Cyrus Su Hui 
Published: November 2022

Background: Transcranial alternating current stimulation (TACS) is a non-invasive method of brain stimulation that is hypothesised to alter cortical excitability and brain electrical activity, modulating functional connectivity within the brain. Several trials have demonstrated its potential in treating psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. Objectives: To study the efficacy of TACS in ameliorating symptoms of depression and schizophrenia in patients and its effects on cognition in patients and healthy subjects compared to sham stimulation. Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis. Data Sources and Methods: This PROSPERO-registered systematic review (CRD42022331149) is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and PsycINFO were searched from inception to March 2022. Only randomised-controlled trials were included. Results: A total of 12 randomised-controlled trials are reviewed for meta-analysis, with three randomised-controlled trials reporting only effects on cognition in psychiatric and cognitively impaired patients, three trials on cognition in healthy subjects, one trial on cognition in both patients and healthy subjects, one trial on only depression, two on both cognition and depression in patients and two on schizophrenia symptoms. No studies were at significant risk of bias. For cognition, TACS showed significant improvement [positive standardised mean differences (SMD) denoting improvement] over sham stimulation in those with psychiatric disorders with an SMD of 0.60 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14, 1.06). Similarly, among patients with depression, an SMD of 1.14 (95% CI: 0.10, 2.18) was found significantly favouring TACS over sham stimulation. Two studies assessed the effect of TACS on schizophrenia symptoms with mixed results. Conclusion: TACS has shown promise in ameliorating symptoms of both schizophrenia and depression in patients. TACS also improves cognition in both patients and healthy subjects. However, these findings are limited by the sample size of included studies, and future studies may be required to better our understanding of the potential of TACS. Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42022331149)
Vancomycin area under the curve/minimum inhibitory concentration and trough level concordance–evaluation on an urban health unit
Authors: Chen Maggie , Lee Colin , Gnyra Michelle , Wong Michelle 
Published: November 2022

Background: A vancomycin AUC/MIC (area under the curve/minimum inhibitory concentration) of 400–600 mg•h/L is associated with improved clinical outcomes for the treatment of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Currently, there are still limited studies evaluating the relationship between vancomycin trough and AUC. Objectives: To evaluate the correlation between vancomycin trough and AUC/MIC and determine if trough-guided monitoring is an adequate predictor of AUC/MIC in the Urban Health population at St Paul’s Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of 29 patients from November 2019 to February 2021. Patient demographics and laboratory data were collected from electronic medical records. The two-level equation-based approach was used to calculate AUC/MIC. The proportion of AUC/MIC values within target (400–600 mg•h/L) despite subtherapeutic troughs, and the proportion of AUC/MIC values supratherapeutic when trough is within target (15–20 mg/L) were the primary endpoints. Main Results: Fifty-seven sets of levels were collected and 75% of vancomycin troughs and AUC24 were found to be discordant. When trough was 10–14.9 mg/L, AUC24 was > 400 mg•h/L in 94% of cases and when trough was 15–20 mg/L, AUC24 was > 600 mg•h/L in 69% of cases. There was a moderate correlation between vancomycin trough and AUC24h ( R2 = 0.57; p < 0.001). Conclusion: A vancomycin trough between 15 and 20 mg/L may result in an AUC/MIC greater than necessary for clinical efficacy. Considering these findings and the practical concerns of AUC-guided monitoring, a modest reduction in target troughs to prevent vancomycin toxicity warrants clinical consideration and further evaluation.
Establishing therapeutic and supportive relationships throughout delivery of a school-based group parenting program via telehealth: Exploring causal pathways
Authors: Drabarek Dorothy , Hammond Rebecca , Mitchell Michelle , Colton Hannah , Dean John , Stirling Kimberley , Wainwright Leonie , Davies Suzanne , Haarsma Sharon , Puckett Cherie , McCann Darya , Blaydon Danielle , Zandberg Daniel , Harris Jessica , Martiniuk Alexandra 
Published: November 2022

Background Access to specialised early intervention mental health services for children, including group counselling for parents/carers, is still a challenge in non-metropolitan areas of Australia. Aim To gain understanding of the acceptability of a school-based targeted parenting group program delivered via telehealth by exploring the experiences of parents/carers, clinicians and school staff, and asking what works, how, why and in what circumstances. Methods Caregivers, clinicians and school staff involved in the delivery of a mental health program via telehealth into primary schools in two rural Local Health Districts (LHDs) in southern New South Wales (NSW) were invited to participate in interviews and/or focus group discussions. Thematic analysis of the data was conducted with reference to realist theory. Findings We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 caregivers, five semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions with school staff from six participating schools, and three focus groups with seven clinicians who delivered the intervention. We found that the intervention and micro contexts interacted to influence acceptability by initiating or enhancing cohesion among caregivers, establishing channels of communication between caregivers and teachers, and connection between caregivers and clinicians despite geographic distance. Several adaptations were made to strengthen the therapeutic alliance between caregivers and clinicians. Conclusion Relationships crucial to the success of delivering psychological group counselling were established. Regional community contexts can facilitate acceptability of parenting group counselling delivered into schools via telehealth. Implementation of the program was flexible enough to allow clinicians to adjust their approach and materials to better suit the telehealth modality.
Influence of Pelvic Rotation on Lower Extremity Kinematics, Elbow Varus Torque, and Ball Velocity in Professional Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Dowling Brittany , Knapik Derrick M. , Luera Micheal J. , Garrigues Grant E. , Nicholson Gregory P. , Verma Nikhil N. 
Published: November 2022

Background: Early pelvic rotation has been associated with decreased throwing arm kinetics in college baseball pitchers, though professional pitchers have yet to be examined. Purpose: To investigate the effect of pelvic rotation on trunk, pelvis and lower extremity kinematics, as well as throwing arm kinetics and pitch velocity in professional baseball pitchers. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Data were analyzed for 157 professional baseball pitchers throwing fastballs using 3-dimensional motion capture (480 Hz). Pitchers were divided into an open pelvis (rotated toward target; n = 78) and a closed pelvis (n = 79) group based on pelvic rotation at foot contact. Variables of interest were compared between the groups using t tests and 2-way analysis of variance, while Spearman correlation was used to measure relationships between the variables of interest. Results: Pitchers in the open group had a longer stride length (81% ± 5% vs 77% ± 5% body height; P < .01, d = 0.74), greater lead knee flexion (49° ± 6° vs 47° ± 10°; P = .043, d = 0.33), faster peak knee extension velocity (424°/s ± 158°/s vs 325°/s ± 142 °/s; P < .01, d = 0.66), and faster ball velocity (39.1 ± 1.7 m/s vs 38.4 ± 2.1 m/s; P = .029, d = 0.35) compared with those in the closed group. There was no significant difference in elbow varus torque between the 2 groups (open: 87.8 ± 14.7 N·m, closed: 90.5 ± 17.2 N·m; P = .311). There were moderate negative relationships between pelvic rotation at foot contact and stride length ( r S = -0.385, P < .001), lead knee extension ( r S = -0.429, P < .001), and peak lead knee extension velocity ( r S = -0.359, P < .001). Conclusion: Professional pitchers who landed with an open pelvis demonstrated longer stride length, greater lead knee extension, faster lead knee velocity, and faster ball velocity compared with pitchers with a closed pelvis at foot contact. This increase in segment velocities and ball velocity was not associated with an increase in elbow varus torque and displays a potentially efficient method in which pitchers can increase ball velocity without an increase in elbow varus torque. Clinical Relevance: Instructing pitchers to rotate their pelvis toward the target at foot contact may allow pitchers to transfer momentum up the kinetic chain more efficiently, while producing greater ball velocity and limiting the torque sustained at the elbow.
The Use of Advanced Semiautomated Bone Segmentation in Hallux Rigidus
Authors: Carvalho Kepler Alencar Mendes de , Mallavarapu Vineel , Ehret Amanda , Dibbern Kevin , Lee Hee Young , Barbachan Mansur Nacime Salomao , Laleveé Matthieu , de Cesar Netto Cesar 
Published: November 2022

Background: Weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) measurements allow evaluation of several anatomical points for a correct clinical-radiographic diagnosis of pathologies, such as hallux rigidus (HR). In addition, a new semiautomatic segmentation software obtains automated 3D measurements from WBCT scan data sets, minimizing errors in reading angular measurements. The study’s objective was (1) to evaluate the reliability of WBCT semiautomatic imaging measures in HR, (2) to evaluate correlation and agreement between manual and semiautomatic measures in the setting of HR, and (3) to compare semiautomatic measurements between pathologic (HR) and standard control groups. Methods: A retrospective study of HR patients was performed including 20 feet with HR. WBCT manual and semiautomatic 3D measurements were performed using the following parameters: (1) first metatarsal-proximal phalanx angle (1stMPP), (2) hallux valgus angle (HVA), (3) first to second intermetatarsal angle (IMA), (4) hallux interphalangeal angle (IPA), (5) first metatarsal length (1stML), (6) second metatarsal length (2ndML), (7) first metatarsal declination angle (1stMD), (8) second metatarsal declination angles (2ndMD), and (9) metatarsus primus elevatus (MPE). The differences between pathologic and control cases were assessed with a Wilcoxon test. Results: Interobserver and intraobserver agreement for manual vs semiautomatic WBCT measurements demonstrated excellent reliability. According to the Pearson coefficient, there was a strong positive linear correlation between both methods for the following parameters evaluated: HVA (ρ = 0.96), IMA (ρ = 0.86), IPA (ρ = 0.89), 1stML (ρ = 0.96), 2ndML (ρ = 0.91), 1stMD (ρ = 0.86), 2ndMD (ρ = 0.95), and MPE (ρ = 0.87). Comparison between the pathologic group with HR and the control (standard) group allowed for the differentiating of the pathologic (HR) from the non-pathologic conditions for MPE (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Semiautomatic measurements are reproducible and comparable to measurements performed manually, showing excellent interobserver and intraobserver agreement. The software used differentiated pathologic from nonpathologic conditions when submitted to semiautomatic MPE measurements. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Artificial colouration of smectite through adsorbing dyes from wastewater to make a hybrid pigment
Authors: Rodrigues Itamar A. , Anaissi Fauze J. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractArtificially coloured smectites (smectite pigments) were prepared via the sorption of anionic dyes on smectite saturated with ferric ions (Fe-smectite). Fe-smectite has a surface charge and is capable of decolourizing aqueous solutions containing single-component anionic dyes (Amaranth, Brilliant blue FCF and Tartrazine) or multi-component dyes (dye mixtures). Kinetic and equilibrium models were used to describe the sorption of individual dyes, whereas the decolourization of the multi-component system was studied by monitoring the reduction in the intensity of the absorption bands in the visible light region. The Langmuir–Freundlich dual-site model presented the best fit to the experimental data, and the sorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second order model. The smectite pigments were dispersed in colourless paint (10%, w/w), acting as organic–inorganic hybrid pigments. Colorimetric measurements of the powdered smectite pigments dispersed in colourless real-estate paint showed chemical compatibility without the need for solvents as dispersants. These properties allow the application of coloured smectites as pigments in a sustainable circular economy.