bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apathy as a Predictor for Conversion From Mild Cognitive Impairment to Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies
Authors: Fresnais David , Humble Mats B. , Bejerot Susanne , Meehan Adrian D. , Fure Brynjar 
Published: April 2022

Background Apathy is one of the most prevalent neurobehavioral manifestations in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and is included among the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Studies suggest that the presence of apathy could be associated with increased dementia risk. The role of apathy in conversion from MCI to dementia, and whether apathy could be a relevant predictor for dementia progression, are still matters of investigation. Aim To study the relationship between apathy and progression to dementia in individuals with MCI. Methods A systematic literature search in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos, PsychINFO, and CINAHL was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The search included longitudinal studies reporting on the association between apathy and dementia. Results The main outcome was pooled unadjusted hazard ratios (HR) of apathy in dementia conversion and included 11 studies with 9504 individuals. There was a significant association between apathy and dementia conversion, HR = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.29, 1.84. Subgroup analysis showed a significant association between apathy and progression to AD. Conclusion Apathy was associated with an increased risk of conversion to AD and all-cause dementia in patients with MCI. The role of apathy as a marker for incident dementia needs to be investigated in large, high-quality studies.
Combined hygrothermal aging and mechanical loading effect on unidirectional glass/epoxy composites
Authors: Angrizani Clarissa C , de Oliveira Branca F , Lorandi Natalia P , Ornaghi Heitor L , Amico Sandro C 
Published: April 2022

Composites are subjected to different use conditions. Hence, the mechanical properties under different aging conditions are crucial in the composite field. This study aims to investigate the aging effect of a glass/epoxy unidirectional composite in three distinct conditions: mechanical, hygrothermal (hot water), and combined (mechanical and hygrothermal) aging. The composites in the longitudinal [0°] and transversal [90°] directions were molded by RTM with a 37% volume fraction. The aging effects on tensile, compressive, shear, short-beam properties, and dynamic-mechanical characteristics, in 0° and 90° fiber direction, were studied. The aging conditions are affected differently, depending on the property analyzed. Comparing aged and non-aged composites, the tensile (from 380 GPa to 140 GPa and from 80 GPa to 40 GPa for non-aged and combined aging in 0° and 90° directions, respectively) and compressive strength (from 250 MPa to 50 MPa and from 100 MPa to 25 MPa for non-aged and combined aging in 0° and 90° directions, respectively) showed greater relative drop than the elastic modulus (a decrease of 3–4 GPa for all aging analyzed compared to the no-aged composites) due to a deleterious effect on the interface and the chemical aging present in the polymeric matrix attenuates the deleterious effect on it. Besides, the properties measured in the 0° direction were more affected than in the 90° direction with the combined aging the most affected property.
Epidemiology, Management, and Long-Term Survival Outcomes of Intracranial Typical Site Germinomas: An Analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results (SEER) Database
Authors: Che Wenqiang , Wang Yujiao , Zhou Yanmin , Wang Xiangyu , Lyu Jun 
Published: April 2022

Background The correlations of epidemiological characteristics and clinical outcomes with different tumor sites in patients with intracranial typical site germinomas (ICTSGs) have not yet been well established. We analyzed ICTSGs using a multicenter database, focusing on its demographic, management patterns, and long-term survival outcomes. Methods Patients diagnosed with ICTSGs were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results (SEER) database. Demographic information and management patterns of ICTSGs were extracted for data analysis stratified by different tumor sites. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to evaluate the survival outcome stratified by treatment, tumor site and tumor size. Results Among the 327 patients enrolled in the study, 16.21% had tumors located in the suprasellar region and 83.79% in the pineal region. The proportion of males was significantly higher among pineal germinomas (94.16 vs 66.04%; P < .001). Smaller tumors (<24 mm) were more common in the suprasellar region (37.74 vs 18.87%; P < .001). A higher percentage of patients with suprasellar germinomas underwent surgery. Radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT) was, respectively, administered to 82.97 and 60.61% of patients during the treatment period, with no significant difference between suprasellar and pineal germinomas. CT plus RT was the most common treatment modality for both pituitary (30.19%) and pineal (33.94%) germinomas. Both RT and CT were associated with improved long-term survival. No survival difference was observed between suprasellar and pineal germinomas. Conclusions Despite significant differences in epidemiology and management, pineal and suprasellar germinomas had a similar long-term clinical outcome.
Frailty predicts increased risk of reintervention in the 2 years after arteriovenous fistula creation
Authors: Stavert Bethany , Monaro Sue , Naganathan Vasikaran , Aitken Sarah 
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Frailty is associated with adverse survival and increased hospital use in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Dialysis access failure is an important source of morbidity and mortality for these patients. There is limited evidence about the interactions between frailty and haemodialysis access failure. This population-based cohort study aimed to determine if haemodialysis access reintervention was predicted by frailty. Methods: Routinely-collected hospital data linked with death records were analyzed for all patients with ESKD who had a new arteriovenous fistula or graft (AVF) created between 2010 and 2012 in New South Wales, Australia. Frailty risk was assigned by the Hospital Frailty Risk Score. Multivariate Cox-proportional hazard ratios (HR), adjusted for patient and procedural variables, quantified if frailty was prognostic for adverse haemodialysis access outcomes in the 2 years after AVF creation. Results: Almost one quarter of the 2302 patients who had a new AVF created during the study period were classified as high frailty risk (554, 24.1%). Compared to low frailty risk patients, patients with high frailty had a significantly greater risk of reintervention for AVF failure in the 2 years after creation (HR 1.68; 95% CI 1.45–1.96), adjusted for age, sex and prior AVFs. Frailer patients were also more likely to have perioperative complications, longer hospital length of stay and readmission to hospital. Frailty was associated with a higher risk of mortality at 2 years after AVF creation (adjusted HR 2.65; 95% CI 1.72–4.10). Conclusion: Frailty predicted adverse haemodialysis access outcomes, with frailer patients having higher rates of AVF reinterventions. These results can assist clinicians engaging in shared decision-making discussions about dialysis access risks and help personalize dialysis access decisions.
Multilingual learning and cognitive restructuring: The role of audiovisual media exposure in Cantonese–English–Japanese multilinguals’ motion event cognition
Authors: Wang Yi , Wei Li 
Published: April 2022

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions: Can learning additional languages affect what we perceive to be similar events? The current study explores the impact of learning a second language (L2) and a third language (L3) on how motion is categorized in functional Cantonese–English–Japanese multilinguals. Specifically, it examines the extent to which L1 speakers of Cantonese (equipollent-framed) with an L2-English (satellite-framed) and an L3-Japanese (verb-framed) restructure their lexicalization and conceptualization of voluntary motion through audiovisual media exposure to the target language. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 150 participants were recruited and divided into five groups: three groups of monolinguals in Cantonese, English, and Japanese as well as Cantonese–English bilinguals and Cantonese–English–Japanese multilinguals. Participants were given a linguistic encoding task and a non-linguistic similarity judgement task. Data and analysis: Mixed-effects modelling was used to compute participants’ encoding patterns and categorical preferences, as well as the correlation between audiovisual media exposure and the degree of cognitive restructuring. Findings/conclusions: Multilinguals’ L1-based verbalization and categorization showed reverse transfer from both L2 and L3. The degree of cognitive restructuring was modulated by audiovisual media exposure to TV watching in English and Japanese. Originality: This study extends the thinking-for-speaking hypothesis from bilingualism to multilingualism and explores the language–thought interface through reverse cross-linguistic influence. It focuses on how functional Cantonese–English–Japanese multilinguals with partially overlapping language systems encode and gauge similarity of voluntary motion in their L1, which is a rarely studied language combination. Significance/implications: Looking at the cognitive effects of additional language learning can shed light on the mechanism of cognitive restructuring in the thinking-for-speaking perspective, and inform the language learning question of how learners integrate both linguistic and non-linguistic experience to recalibrate their cognitive dispositions when given sufficient multimodal input.
Rethinking systemic ableism: A response to Zagouras, Ellick, and Aulisio
Authors: Andrews Erin E , Ayers Kara B , Stramondo Joseph A , Powell Robyn M 
Published: April 2022

Introduction This article is a response to Zagouras, Ellick, and Aulisio who presented a case study justifying the questioning of the capacity and autonomy of a young woman with a physical disability who was pregnant and facing coercive pressure to terminate. Case description Julia is described as a 26-year-old woman with a neurological disability that requires her to receive assistance with activities of daily living. She was described as living with her parents who provided her with personal care assistance. Julia became pregnant and her parents wished her to terminate because they did not want to care for her child in addition to her. In fact, Julia's parents threatened her with institutionalization if she did not elect to terminate the pregnancy. Her health care team questioned her decision-making capacity based on her alleged “mental age” and experiences of being sheltered and excluded. The health care team used directive tactics to convince Julia to terminate the pregnancy, which describe as both an ethical and feminist intervention. Discussion The current authors take issue with the case analysis provided by and argue that they neglected to account for numerous instances of systemic ableism that adversely affected Julia, demonstrated prejudicial and judgmental attitudes toward pregnancy and disability, inappropriately questioned her decision-making capacity by infantilizing her, misconstrued the feminist concept of relational autonomy, and colluded with coercive interference from family members. This is a classic example of discriminatory and culturally incompetent reproductive health care for a disabled woman.
Robot-assisted sacro(hystero)colpopexy with anterior and posterior mesh placement: impact on lower bowel tract function and clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up
Authors: Li Marzi Vincenzo , Morselli Simone , Di Maida Fabrizio , Musco Stefania , Gemma Luca , Bracco Francesco , Tellini Riccardo , Vittori Gianni , Mari Andrea , Campi Riccardo , Carini Marco , Serni Sergio , Minervini Andrea 
Published: April 2022

Background: Robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSCP) is an established option for the treatment of apical, anterior, and proximal posterior compartment pelvic organ prolapses (POP). However, there is lack of evidence investigating how lower bowel tract symptoms (LBTS) may change after RSCP. Methods: Data from consecutive patients treated with RSCP for stage 3 or higher POP from 2012 to 2019 at a single tertiary referral center with at least 1 year of follow-up were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. RSCP was performed following a standardized technique which always employed both anterior and posterior hand-shaped meshes. Outcomes were collected at follow-up and analyzed. LBTS were evaluated through the Wexner questionnaire. Results: Overall, 114 women underwent RSCP. Eleven were excluded for missing data, whereas 12 had insufficient follow-up. Thus, 91 (79.8%) patients were included in this cohort. Median follow-up was 42 [interquartile range (IQR), 19–62] months. Mean age was 65 ± 10 years. In our series, RSCP was mainly performed for anterior and apical/medium stage 3 POP (in 95.6% of patients). Anatomic success rate of RSCP was 97.8%, with 89 patients with POP stage 0–1 at 12-month follow-up. Two patients (2.2%) experienced POP recurrence and were treated with redo-SCP. No patient experienced clinically significant posterior vaginal wall prolapse after RSCP. When analyzing LBTS, there was no significant change in postoperative total Wexner’s score as compared to the preoperative value ( p > 0.05). However, the manual assistance subscore was statistically significantly lower within the first-year follow-up ( p = 0.04), but it spontaneously improved during the follow-up ( p = 0.12). Conclusion: RSCP with simultaneous placement of both anterior and posterior mesh is safe and successful to treat high-stage POP in carefully selected patients. Of note, LBTS appear unaffected by posterior mesh placement, supporting its routine use to prevent posterior POP recurrence. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.
Determinants of uterine rupture at public hospitals of western Ethiopia: A case–control study
Authors: Tesema Oliyad , Tilahun Temesgen , Kejela Gemechu 
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Uterine rupture is a separation of the entire thickness of the uterine wall with the extrusion of fetal parts to the peritoneal cavity. It contributes to high maternal and perinatal mortality in Ethiopia. This study was aimed to identify determinants of uterine rupture among mothers who gave birth at East Wollega Zone public hospitals. Methods: A facility-based unmatched case–control study was conducted among 239 samples (47 cases and 192 controls) from 5 June 2019 to 30 September 2019. Cases were those with uterine rupture, and controls were those free from uterine rupture. Cases were selected consecutively, and controls were selected using a systematic sampling method. For analysis, data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics were performed to describe the variables. Binary and multivariable logistic regression were used in the analysis. The outputs were presented using an adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Two hundred thirty-nine (47 cases and 192 controls) mothers who gave birth in public hospitals in the East Wollega zone were interviewed, making a response rate of 100%. Living in an urban area (adjusted odds ratio = 0.219, 95% confidence interval: 0.067, 0.717), prolonged labor (adjusted odds ratio = 5.401, 95% confidence interval: 1.825, 15.981), obstructed labor (adjusted odds ratio = 4.333, 95% confidence interval: 1.276, 14.715), previous history of C/S (adjusted odds ratio = 6.5261, 95% confidence interval: 1.889, 22.554), and having no history of female genital cutting (adjusted odds ratio = 0.190, 95% confidence interval: 0.053, 0.682) were predictors of uterine rupture. Conclusion: In this study, socio-demographic, maternal nutrition, obstetric, and health system-related factors were identified as risks of uterine rupture. Particular emphasis should be given to modifiable risk factors to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality in the study area.
Determinants of pelvic organ prolapse among gynecologic patients attending public referral hospitals in Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2020: Institution-based unmatched case-control study design
Authors: Sirage Nurye , Hailu Desta , Kahsay Tensay , Amaje Elias 
Published: April 2022

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse is a common disorder, with up to 40% of women worldwide having some form of anatomical prolapse, and it is a significant public health problem in developing countries including Ethiopia. The prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse in Ethiopia is 13% in Benchi Maji. This study is designed to provide information about the determinants of pelvic organ prolapse among gynecologic patients attending public referral hospitals in the Amhara region, 2020. Method: Institution-based unmatched case-control study design was conducted from March to June 2020 among randomly selected 348 mothers (116 cases and 232 controls). A convenient sampling technique was used to select cases, and controls were selected by systematic random sampling technique. A pre-tested and structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were coded and entered into Epi data version 3.1 and then exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science IBM version 25 for analysis. Finally, adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were used to declare statistical significance. Result: The result showed that being unable to read and write (illiterate) (adjusted odds ratio = 3.91; 95% confidence interval = 1.06–14.39), age of women >= 40 (adjusted odds ratio = 2.91; 95% confidence interval = 1.255–6.736), giving first birth before age of 20 (adjusted odds ratio = 5.72; 95% confidence interval = 1.73–18.94), carrying heavy objects (adjusted odds ratio = 2.296; 95% confidence interval = 1.102–4.785), parity ⩾ 4 (adjusted odds ratio = 7.02; 95% confidence interval = 1.16–42.45), and family history of pelvic organ prolapse (adjusted odds ratio = 3.09; 95% confidence interval = 1.24–7.71) were significantly associated with pelvic organ prolapse. Conclusion: This study concluded that being unable to read and write, age ⩾ 40, multiparity, family history of pelvic organ prolapse, early childbirth, and carrying heavy objects were the risk factors of pelvic organ prolapse. Providing health education on planning the number of children, and the impact of carrying heavy loads on pelvic organs, preventing early childbirth, and encouraging women to pursue their education at least up to primary school level is recommended.
Nicardipine Is a Safe, Efficacious, and Cost-Effective Antihypertensive for Neonates and Young Infants Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Lushaj Entela , Hermsen Joshua L. , Nelson Kari , Amond Kate , Bogenschutz Monica , Arndt Shannon , Wilhelm Mike , Anagnostopoulos Petros V. 
Published: April 2022

Objective The use of nicardipine in congenital cardiac surgery has been guarded given the calcium sensitivity of immature myocardium and paucity of clinical data. Reports of nicardipine use have excluded neonates with single ventricles. The goal of this study was to compare the use of nicardipine and sodium nitroprusside for postoperative blood pressure control in young patients recovering from cardiac surgery. Methods All neonates (<30 days) and young infants (31-180 days) who received either sodium nitroprusside or nicardipine as first-line therapy for blood pressure control were retrospectively reviewed. Some patients had multiple index operations and each index operation was counted separately regarding treatment with sodium nitroprusside or nicardipine. Results A total of 59 patients underwent 70 procedures (24 as neonates and 46 as infants). Nicardipine was administered as initial therapy following 33 procedures (n = 28 patients), and sodium nitroprusside was administered as initial therapy following 37 index procedures (n = 31 patients). The duration of treatment was longer ( P = .025) when sodium nitroprusside was the initial treatment. Five (15%) patients that received nicardipine required a second blood pressure management agent, and seven (19%) patients that received sodium nitroprusside required a second agent ( P = .66). No adverse events related to titratable antihypertensive therapy were recorded in any treatment group. The use of nicardipine resulted in significant medication cost reduction. Based on average wholesale price, patient costs for sodium nitroprusside use were $182,952 ($5,544/pt), while costs for nicardipine were only $24,960 ($780/pt). Conclusions Nicardipine can be safely used as a first-line antihypertensive in infants. The use of nicardipine as initial antihypertensive therapy rather than sodium nitroprusside can lead to a significant reduction in medication costs without jeopardizing clinical outcomes.
Risk of surgery and epidemiological profile of athletes presenting to a single sports injury clinic in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Ashley Ying-Ying , Man Gene Chi-Wai , Wu Yuen-Man , Wong Hiu-Wun , Ong Michael Tim-Yun , Yung Patrick Shu-Hang 
Published: April 2022

Background Although participation in sports and exercise is promoted widely due to its health benefits, sports-related injuries can also be a detriment to an individual's health and a burden for the healthcare system. Herein, the aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive review on the epidemiological profile and the risk for surgery of athletes presented to a sports injuries clinic in Hong Kong. Methods A total of 566 patients attending the sports injuries clinic at a local hospital between October 2017 and September 2018 were reviewed. Only 271 patients sustaining injuries from sports activities were included. These patients attended a survey-based data collection session, which recorded their demographic, injury site, events leading to injury, exercise details (type, level-of-play, frequency, experience), and functional score according to the injury site. Results The highest proportion of injuries was observed in amateur athletes (45.4%) than in recreational (28.8%) and professional (25.8%). Those patients aged between 18–29 years old (50.2%) had the most injuries. Both soccer (25.1%) and basketball (25.1%) were the two most common sports to incurred injuries. Whereas, the lower extremities being the most common injured sites. Based on our logistic model, athletes with less experience were more prone to required surgeries with injuries in the lower extremities. Conclusion Preventive measures should be targeted at less experience athletes, focusing on strengthening the knee region, to reduce sports-related injuries and surgeries. Importantly, this study demonstrates the need to further identify factors to develop effective sports injury prevention programmes for tailoring athletes at different levels-of-play.