bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brief cognitive-behavioral training for tinnitus relief using a mobile application: A pilot open trial
Authors: Oron Yahav , Ben David Boaz M , Doron Guy 
Published: March 2022

Background: Tinnitus may be a disabling, distressing disorder whereby patients report of sounds, in the absence of external stimulus. Recent evidence supports the effectiveness of psychological interventions, particularly, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) based intervention for the reduction of tinnitus-related distress and disability. This study assessed the effectiveness of mobile delivered cognitive training exercises to reduce tinnitus-related distress. Materials and Methods: Out of 26 patients diagnosed with tinnitus, 14 participants completed all 48 levels of the app. Levels of pre-post intervention tinnitus intrusiveness and handicap were evaluated using the short Hebrew version of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (H-THI). Mood was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Participants were instructed to complete 3–4 min of daily training for 14 days. Results: Repeated-measures ANOVA of completers showed a significant large-effect size reduction on H-THI scores. 50% of completers have shown reliable change (indicated by their Reliable Change Index [RCI] scores). No significant change was found in mood. Discussion: Several minutes a day of training using a CBT-based app targeting maladaptive believes may decreased patients' tinnitus intrusiveness and handicap. Conclusions: Mobile apps can provide access to CBT-based interventions, using an efficient, inviting and simple platform, addressing the ramifications of tinnitus symptoms.
Machine learning model for umbilical cord classification using combination coiling index and texture feature based on 2-D Doppler ultrasound images
Authors: Pradipta Gede A. , Wardoyo Retantyo , Musdholifah Aina , Sanjaya I Nyoman H. 
Published: March 2022

The umbilical cord is an organ that circulates oxygen and nutrition from mother to fetus during pregnancy. This study aims to classify the umbilical cord based on ultrasound images. The similarity of shape and coil between each class becomes a challenge. Therefore, it requires feature values that are relevant to the characteristics of these three classes. The condition of imbalanced data sets in this study is also an obstacle that causes the classifier’s performance to degrade on minority classes. Therefore, this study proposes a machine learning model capable of properly dealing with imbalanced data sets and recognizing the umbilical cord class. Furthermore, this study proposes a new feature extraction method, namely, the umbilical coiling index (UCI), which directly adopts obstetricians’ knowledge. The proposed model consists of five stages: image preprocessing, feature extraction, feature selection, oversampling data using SMOTE, and Classification. Machine learning method observations were carried out comprehensively on five based classifiers: Random Forest, KNN, Decision tree, SVM, Naïve Bayes, and Multiclassifier. The results showed that the Random forest and Multiclassifier methods provide the highest accuracy, precision, recall, and F-measure performance in imbalanced data sets.
Practical steps to identifying the research risk of pragmatic trials
Authors: Kim Scott YH , Kimmelman Jonathan 
Published: March 2022

Background: Pragmatic randomized clinical trials that compare two or more purportedly “within the standard of care” interventions attempt to provide real-world evidence for policy and practice decisions. There is considerable debate regarding their research risk status, which in turn could lead to debates about appropriate consent requirements. Yet no practical guidance for identifying the research risks of pragmatic randomized clinical trials is available. Methods: We developed a practical, four-step process for identifying and evaluating the research risk of pragmatic trials that can be applied to those pragmatic randomized clinical trials that compare two or more “standard of care” or “accepted” interventions. Results: Using a variety of examples of standard of care pragmatic randomized clinical trials (ranging from trials comparing: insurance coverage conditions, patient reminders for health screens, intensive care unit procedures, post-stroke interventions, and drugs for life-threatening conditions), we illustrate in a four-step process how any pragmatic randomized clinical trial purportedly comparing standard interventions can be evaluated for their research risks. Conclusion: Although determining the risk status of a standard of care pragmatic randomized clinical trial is only one necessary element in the ethical oversight of such pragmatic randomized clinical trials, it is a central element. Our four-step process of pragmatic randomized clinical trial risk determination provides a practical, transparent, and systematic approach with likely low risk of bias.
The effects of partial wrist denervation in wrist osteoarthritis: patient-reported outcomes and objective function
Authors: Swärd Elin M. , Franko Mikael Andersson , Wilcke Maria K. 
Published: March 2022

This prospective longitudinal study aimed to analyse the effect of partial wrist denervation on patient-reported outcomes, quality of life and objective function in symptomatic wrist osteoarthritis during the first year after surgery. Sixty consecutive patients underwent an anterior and posterior interosseous neurectomy during 2018–2020. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, EuroQol-5D-3L, pain at rest and on load, and objective function were assessed preoperatively and 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyse the effect on the outcome variables. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation and pain scores improved significantly postoperatively with no decline over time, but no patient reported outcome measure reached the minimal clinically important difference. Quality of life, strength and range of motion did not improve. We found no complications. Seventeen patients needed further surgery during the study period. More studies are needed to evaluate whether denervation is truly effective or not. Level of evidence: II
Gender does not impact clinical outcomes following SLAP repair
Authors: Markus Danielle H , Hurley Eoghan T , Lorentz Nathan , Colasanti Christopher A , Campbell Kirk A , Carter Cordelia W , Strauss Eric J 
Published: March 2022

Background The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether pain, function, satisfaction, return to play (RTP), or psychological readiness to RTP differ between sexes post-operatively following SLAP repair. Methods A retrospective review of patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of a SLAP tear was performed. The American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), patient satisfaction, willingness to undergo surgery again, revisions, and return to play (RTP) were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were compared between male and female patients. Results Our study included 169 patients treated with SLAP repair, 133 of them male (78.7%) and 36 of them female (21.3%), with an average age of 32.3 ± 8.3 and 33.4 ± 6.8 respectively. The mean follow-up duration was 5.8 years. At final follow up, there was no difference between treatment groups in any of the functional outcome measures assessed ( p > 0.05). Conclusion There is no difference in clinical outcomes, function, satisfaction, or revision procedures in mid- to long-term follow-up after SLAP repair between male and female patients. This data is useful in the preoperative counselling of patients undergoing arthroscopic management of symptomatic superior labral pathology. Level of evidence III
Properties of the Nasal Cartilage, from Development to Adulthood: A Scoping Review
Authors: Baddam Pranidhi , Bayona-Rodriguez Francy , Campbell Sandra M. , El-Hakim Hamdy , Graf Daniel 
Published: March 2022

Objective Nasal septum cartilage is a hyaline cartilage that provides structural support to the nasal cavity and midface. Currently, information on its cellular and mechanical properties is widely dispersed and has often been inferred from studies conducted on other cartilage types such as the knee. A detailed understanding of nasal cartilage properties is important for several biological, clinical, and engineering disciplines. The objectives of this scoping review are to (1) consolidate actual existing knowledge on nasal cartilage properties and (2) identify gaps of knowledge and research questions requiring future investigations. Design This scoping review incorporated articles identified using PROSPERO, Cochrane Library (CDSR and Central), WOS BIOSIS, WOS Core Collection, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global databases. Following the screening process, 86 articles were considered. Articles were categorized into three groups: growth, extracellular matrix, and mechanical properties. Results Most articles investigated growth properties followed by extracellular matrix and mechanical properties. NSC cartilage is not uniform. Nasal cartilage growth varies with age and location. Similarly, extracellular matrix composition and mechanical properties are location-specific within the NSC. Moreover, most articles included in the review investigate these properties in isolation and only very few articles demonstrate the interrelationship between multiple cartilage properties. Conclusions This scoping review presents a first comprehensive description of research on NSC properties with a focus on NSC growth, extracellular matrix and mechanical properties. It additionally identifies the needs (1) to understand how these various cartilage properties intersect and (2) for more granular, standardized assessment protocols to describe NSC.
Associations between bone mineral density and coronary artery calcification: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Peiyu , Yang Liu , Xu Qingwen , Zeng Yidi , Yu Yipin , Peng Qinghua , Liang Hao 
Published: March 2022

Background: The studies about the correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) and coronary arterial calcification (CAC) were still controversial. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between BMD and CAC. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Google scholar and Cochrane library for observational studies. We pooled odds ratio (OR) or correlation coefficient, and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the studies. Continuous data were pooled by mean difference (MD). Sub-group analysis was applied to investigate sources of heterogeneity. Funnel plots for publication bias was also performed. Results: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Pooled ORs for the prevalence of CAC in patients with low BMD versus patients with normal BMD was 2.11 (95% CI: 1.11 - 4.02, P = 0.02). The data pooled for comparing CAC score of low BMD and normal BMD patients is 33.77 (95% CI: 23.77 - 43.77, p = 0.000). The pooled ORs of multivariate logistic regression to predict the association were 1.00 (95% CI: 0.92 - 1.10, p = 0.95, age-adjusted), and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.86 - 1.05, p = 0.33, multivariable-adjusted). Cohort category and BMD assessment method were the main sources of heterogeneity. Conclusions: Low BMD is associated with higher prevalence and severity of CAC, especially in postmenopausal women. But the relation is not significant after adjusting age and other confounding variables. Low BMD and CAC may be two independent processes with aging. More large-scale studies with high-quality design are still needed to increase the understanding of them.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis: A real-world evidence study of the perceived benefits of Canesten®
Authors: Zhang Lei , De Salvo Raffaella , Ehret Andreas , Young Kimberley , Trapp Sonja 
Published: March 2022

Objectives: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is common in women, causing discomfort and negatively impacting quality of life. Canesten® is an established over-the-counter brand. Its clotrimazole/fluconazole-based products, available in a variety of different formulations, have demonstrated efficacy and safety in the treatment of women with thrush/vaginal yeast infection in randomized trials. This real-world evidence study, conducted in the United Kingdom and Canada, aimed to provide consumer-important information on the benefits of Canesten, collecting retrospective information from consumers about their recent experience with the product. Methods: Eligible participants were female, aged 18–60 years, and had experienced at least one episode of vaginal thrush (United Kingdom)/vaginal yeast infection (Canada) during the previous 6 months for which they had used at least one of the six Canesten products. Participants completed an online questionnaire eliciting information on the speed of onset of symptom relief, impact on quality of life, and product attributes/satisfaction. Results: Over 90% of respondents reported improvements in symptoms and quality of life after starting treatment with a Canesten product. Improvements in symptoms within 4 h of the first time of use were perceived by 42% of consumers; 76%–88% reported symptomatic relief within 1 day. The perceived general speed of onset of symptomatic relief with a Canesten oral product (1–2 days) was slightly longer than that with a Canesten topical/intra-vaginal product (⩽1 day). Most users of Canesten single (90%) and dual product treatments (95%) reported that the products started to work from the first application. Women experiencing both internal and external symptoms of thrush/vaginal yeast infection reported Canesten dual product formulations to provide faster symptomatic relief than single product treatments. Over 90% of respondents were satisfied with their use of a Canesten product. Conclusion: Canesten was found by consumers to offer rapid relief of the symptoms of thrush/vaginal yeast infection with improvements in quality of life. Consumer satisfaction was high.
A real-world evidence study evaluating Geffer effervescent granules for the symptomatic relief of digestive symptoms
Authors: Alemanni Matteo , de Salvo Raffaella , Moroni Barbara , Ehret Andreas 
Published: March 2022

Objectives: Geffer effervescent granules (active ingredients: metoclopramide, dimethicone, and sodium bicarbonate) is an established over-the-counter medication available in Italy for the symptomatic treatment of hyperacidity (pain and/or heartburn) when accompanied by slowing of gastric transit, nausea, aerophagia, and bloating, all symptoms that can occur in functional dyspepsia and can negatively impact individuals’ quality of life. The aim of this observational study was to explore the perceived benefits of, and consumer experience with, Geffer effervescent granules used for the symptomatic treatment of digestive disorders suggestive of functional dyspepsia under real-life conditions in Italy. Methods: Adults (aged 35–65 years) experiencing symptoms suggestive of functional dyspepsia/indigestion at least once a month and who had used Geffer effervescent granules within the previous 6 months completed an online questionnaire eliciting information on symptom relief (speed of onset and duration) and quality of life. Results: Geffer effervescent granules provided rapid onset of symptom relief, with 21% of respondents perceiving an effect within 10 min and 88% reporting an improvement in overall symptoms within 30 min. A similarly rapid onset of complete resolution of gastric pain/cramps, acidity, bloating, nausea, and bothersome fullness symptoms was reported by 65%–83% of respondents; 50%–59% of respondents were free from such symptoms for more than 3 h or until the next meal. Most participants (92%) reported that their quality of life improved when taking Geffer effervescent granules to treat hyperacidity symptoms. Overall, 95% of the respondents were satisfied with the effectiveness of Geffer effervescent granules on overall symptom relief. Conclusions: In Italian consumers with digestive disorders likely due to functional dyspepsia, Geffer effervescent granules was associated with rapid, complete, and durable relief of symptoms of gastric pain/cramps, acidity, bloating, nausea, and bothersome fullness; an improvement in quality of life; and a high level of consumer satisfaction.
Utilisation of anatomic grading of nerve-spare during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy to prognosticate erectile function recovery
Authors: Yao Henry H , Bazo Alvaro , Ball Kathryn , Terry Timothy R , Walton Thomas J 
Published: March 2022

Objective: To determine if a precise 5-point nerve-spare (NS) scoring system at the time of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) correlates with post-operative erectile function recovery (EFR). Patients and methods: From 2014 to 2018, 277 patients underwent RARP by a single surgeon. NS quality was recorded as: grade 1, non-NS; grade 2, <50%; grade 3, 50%; grade 4, 75%; grade 5, ⩾95%. EFR rates were compared using Fisher’s exact test or Pearson’s chi-square test at 3–24 months, grouped based on the degree of NS: 1 = bilateral full NS (grade 5); 2 = bilateral NS with one good NS (⩾grade 4); 3 = unilateral good NS; 4 = incremental NS (grade 3); 5 = partial neurovascular bundle (NVB) resection (grade 2); 6 = complete NVB resection (grade 1). Results: At 24 months, EFR defined as Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score ⩾17 was 75%, 55%, 41%, 23%, 12% and 0% for groups 1–6, respectively ( p = 0.001). EFR defined as spontaneous erection sufficient for intercourse with or without PDE5i was 60%, 58%, 40%, 33%, 0% and 11% for groups 1–6, respectively ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: A precise anatomic NS scoring system at RARP allows good prognostication of EFR, which may inform patient counselling and erectile dysfunction management. Level of evidence: 4
Comparing the long-term clinical and economic impact of ofatumumab versus dimethyl fumarate and glatiramer acetate in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis: A cost-consequence analysis from a societal perspective in Germany
Authors: Koeditz Dominik , Frensch Juergen , Bierbaum Martin , Ness Nils-Henning , Ettle Benjamin , Vudumula Umakanth , Gudala Kapil , Adlard Nicholas , Tiwari Santosh , Ziemssen Tjalf 
Published: March 2022

Background Evidence suggests that early highly efficacious therapy in relapsing multiple sclerosis is superior to escalation strategies. Objective A cost-consequence analysis simulated different treatment scenarios with ofatumumab (OMB), dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and glatiramer acetate (GA): immediate OMB initiation as first treatment, early switch to OMB after 1 year on DMF/GA, late switch after 5 years or no switch. Methods An EDSS-based Markov model with a 10-year time horizon was applied. Cycle transitions included EDSS progression, improvement or stabilization, treatment discontinuation, relapse or death. Input data were extracted from OMB trials, a network meta-analysis, published literature, and publicly available sources. Results The late switch compared to the immediate OMB scenario resulted in a lower proportion of patients with EDSS 0–3 (Δ − 7.5% DMF; Δ − 10.3% GA), more relapses (Δ + 0.72 DMF; Δ + 1.23 GA) and lower employment rates (Δ − 4.0% DMF; Δ − 5.6% GA). The same applies to late versus early switches. No switch scenarios resulted in worse outcomes. Higher drug acquisition costs in the immediate OMB and early switch scenarios were almost compensated by lower costs for patient care and productivity loss. Conclusion Immediate OMB treatment and an early switch improves clinical and productivity outcomes while remaining almost cost neutral compared to late or no switches.
Effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation versus transarterial chemoembolization for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis
Authors: Gou Haoxian , Liu Shenglu , Zhu Gang , Peng Yisheng , Li Xinkai , Yang Xiaoli , He Kai 
Published: March 2022

Background Both transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are effective methods for the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (RHCC). Thus far, it is unclear which method is more satisfactory in short- and long-term survival benefits. Purpose To compare the overall survival (OS) and complications of TACE and RFA used for the management of RHCC. Material and Methods A literature search was carried out using PubMed, the Cochrane Library and, Embase databases, and Google Scholar, keywords including “RHCC,” “TACEC,” and “RFA” with a cutoff date of 30 April 2021. Used Review Manager software was to calculate short- and long-term OS. The clinical outcomes are major complications and complete response (CR). Results Finally, nine clinical trials met the research standard, including 1326 subjects, of which 518 received RFA and 808 received TACE. The analysis showed that patients who underwent RFA had significantly higher 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS (OR1-year = 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.27–2.91, p = .002; OR3-year = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.30–2.08, p <.0001; OR5-year = 3.22, 95% CI = 1.34–7.72, p=.009). Besides, the patients who chose RFA had an obvious higher rate of CR than those receiving TACE (OR = 33.75, 95% CI = 1.73–658.24, p = .002). However, the major complications were consistency between these two groups. Conclusion Our study discovered that RFA had greater CR and incidence in both the short-term and long-term OS than TACE. In addition, obvious difference was not found in major complications in these two methods.
Does Surgical Treatment Affect the Degree of Anxiety or Depression in Patients With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy?
Authors: Tachibana Naohiro , Doi Toru , Nakajima Koji , Nakamoto Hideki , Miyahara Junya , Nagata Kosei , Nakarai Hiroyuki , Tozawa Keiichiro , Ohtomo Nozomu , Sakamoto Ryuji , Kato So , Taniguchi Yuki , Matsubayashi Yoshitaka , Tanaka Sakae , Oshima Yasushi 
Published: March 2022

Study Design Retrospective cohort study Objectives Preoperative mental state has been reported as one of the factors affecting the surgical outcomes of spine surgery, but few studies have examined in detail how patients’ mental state is affected by spine surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) whether surgery improves preoperative depression and anxiety in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy. Methods We investigated patient-reported outcomes (Mental Component Summary, Physical Component Summary of SF-12 Health Survey, and EQ-5D, Neck Disability Index, JOACMEQ, satisfaction with treatment) and HADS one year after surgery, comparing them before and after surgery between April 2017 and February 2020. Among the cases diagnosed as preoperative anxiety and depression, we additionally compared the patient-reported outcomes based on the presence or absence of postoperative improvement in mental state, having also investigated the correlation between patient-reported outcomes and HADS for sub-analysis. Results Among the 99 patients eligible for inclusion in the present study, we found that patient-reported outcomes and the HADS scores improved significantly after surgery. There was a moderate correlation between the amount of change in HADS-D score before and after surgery and the amount of change in NDI (moderate, r = .41), NRS of neck (moderate, r = .46), and JOACMEQ (cervical spine function; moderate, r = .43, upper extremity function; moderate, r = .41, QOL; moderate, r = .41). Conclusions We found that surgical treatment for patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy may improve postoperative anxiety and depression as well as other patient-reported outcomes.