bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of change in limb volume on functional mobility, health-related quality of life, social appearance anxiety, and depression in patients with lower extremity lymphedema
Authors: Şahinoğlu Ertan , Ergin Gülbin , Karadibak Didem 
Published: February 2022

Objectives This study aims to investigate the impact of change in limb volume on the levels of functional mobility, health-related quality of life, social appearance anxiety, and depression before and after complex decongestive physiotherapy in patients with lower extremity lymphedema. Method Twenty-seven patients with unilateral lower extremity lymphedema were included. The treatment period was 20 sessions. The outcome measures were the limb volume, the Timed Up and Go test, the Short Form-36, the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Results A statistically significant decrease in the limb volume ( p < 0.001) and statistically significant improvements in the Timed Up and Go test performance ( p < 0.001), the Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary score ( p < 0.01), the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale score ( p < 0.001), and the Beck Depression Inventory score ( p < 0.001) were found. No statistically significant difference was found on the Short Form-36 Mental Component Summary score ( p > 0.05). Conclusion The decrease in the limb volume improves the functional mobility, physical health-related quality of life, social appearance anxiety, and depression in patients with lower extremity lymphedema, but not the mental health-related quality of life.
PD-L1 expression in breast invasive ductal carcinoma with incomplete pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Alhesa Ahmad , Awad Heyam , Bloukh Sarah , Al-Balas Mahmoud , El-Sadoni Mohammed , Qattan Duaa , Azab Bilal , Saleh Tareq 
Published: February 2022

Objectives: To investigate the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in breast cancer in association with incomplete pathological response (PR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Methods PD-L1 expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry in post-operative, post-NAC samples of 60 patients ( n = 60) diagnosed with breast invasive ductal carcinoma with incomplete PR to NAC, including 31 matched pre-NAC and post-NAC samples ( n = 31). PD-L1 protein expression was assessed using three scoring approaches, including the tumor proportion score (TPS), the immune cell score (ICS), and the combined tumor and immune cell score (combined positive score, CPS) with a 1% cut-off. Results In the post-operative, post-NAC samples ( n = 60), positive expression rate of PD-L1 was observed in 18.3% (11/60) of cases by TPS, 31.7% (19/60) by ICS, and 25% (15/60) by CPS. In matched samples, positive expression rate of PD-L1 was observed in 19.3% (6/31) of patients by TPS, 51.6% (16/31) by ICS, and 19.3% (6/31) by CPS in pre-NAC specimens, while it was observed in 22.6% (7/31) of matched post-NAC samples by TPS, 22.6% (7/31) by ICS, and 19.3% (6/31) by CPS. In the matched samples, there was a significant decrease in PD-L1 immunoexpression using ICS in post-NAC specimens (McNemar’s, p = 0.020), while no significant differences were found using TPS and CPS between pre- and post-NAC samples ( p = 1.000, p = 0.617; respectively). PD-L1 immunoexpression determined by TPS or CPS was only significantly associated with ER status ( p = 0.022, p = 0.021; respectively), but not with other clinicopathological variables. We could not establish a correlation between PD-L1 expression and the overall survival rate ( p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the tumor infiltrating lymphocytes count between the paired pre- and post-NAC samples ( t = 0.581, p = 0.563 or Wilcoxon’s Signed Rank test; z = -0.625, p = 0.529). Conclusion Our findings indicate that PD-L1 protein expression in infiltrating immune cells was significantly reduced in breast tumors that developed incomplete PR following the exposure to NAC.
Differences in sensitivity of human lymphocytes and fish lymphocytes to polyvinyl chloride microplastic toxicity
Authors: Salimi Ahmad , Alavehzadeh Ali , Ramezani Maral , Pourahmad Jalal 
Published: February 2022

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics are emerging contaminants affecting biological wastewater treatment processes. So far, the toxicological investigation of PVC microplastics usually focused on the anaerobic and denitrifying bacteria. It seems that the primary lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood are more sensitive than most other organ cell types in vitro; therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the cytotoxicity of PVC microplastic on human and fish blood lymphocytes as a useful ex vivo model for accelerated human toxicity studies. Using biochemical analyses, we showed human lymphocytes are more sensitive to toxic effects of PVC microplastic than fish lymphocytes. Our result showed that addition of PVC microplastic at 24, 48, and 96 μ g/ml for 3 h to human blood lymphocytes induced cytotoxicity. The PVC microplastic-induced cytotoxicity on human blood lymphocytes was associated with intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, lysosomal membrane injury, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) collapse, depletion of glutathione, and lipid peroxidation. According to our results, PVC microplastic particles induce oxidative stress and organelle damage in human lymphocytes, while these significant alterations in toxicity parameters in PVC microplastic-treated fish lymphocytes were not observed. Finally, our findings suggest that human lymphocytes are more sensitive to PVC microplastic toxicity compared with fish lymphocytes.
Analysis on strength performance of the last stage blade in steam turbine under low mass flow conditions
Authors: Wang Zhanzhou , Shi Huanyu , Cao Lihua , Si Heyong 
Published: February 2022

Under low mass flow conditions, the velocity field and temperature field are very complicated in the low-pressure cylinder (LPC) of steam turbine, which seriously affects the safe operation of blades. In order to study the safety of the last stage blade under low mass flow conditions, the non-equilibrium condensation model is used to numerically simulate the flow of low-pressure cylinder. The strength performance of the last stage rotor blade is analyzed by the fluid–solid coupling method. The results show that the vortex appears in the flow passage as the load decreases. The last two stages are most affected by the vortex. Under low mass flow conditions, the exhaust steam temperature of LPC rises. Under 5% low-pressure turbine heat-acceptance (LPTHA) condition, the temperature rise has affected the last three stage blades. The maximum temperature is located at the tip exit edge of suction surface of stator blade of the last stage. With the load decreasing, the maximum equivalent stress and maximum deformation show the law of first decreasing and then increasing. Under 10% low-pressure turbine heat-acceptance condition, the maximum equivalent stress is 827.96 MPa, which is over the design value. Under 5% LPTHA condition, the maximum deformation is 6.6301 mm, which is also far beyond the design value. The research results can provide a reference for the operation of steam turbine under low mass flow conditions.
Reaching 95-95-95 targets: The role of private sector health facilities in closing the HIV detection gap—Kisumu Kenya, 2018
Authors: Onyango Dickens , Mchembere Walter , Agaya Janet , Wang Alice , Cain Kevin P , Grobbee Diederick E , van der Sande Marianne AB , Baker Brian , Yuen Courtney M 
Published: February 2022

Background HIV testing efficiency could be improved by focusing on high yield populations and identifying types of health facilities where people with undiagnosed HIV infection are more likely to attend. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis of data collected during an integrated TB/HIV active case-finding intervention in Western Kenya. Data were analyzed from health facilities’ registers on individuals who reported TB-suggestive symptoms between 1 July and 31 December 2018 and who had an HIV test result within one month following symptom screening. We used logistic regression with general estimating equations adjusting for sub-county level data to identify health facility-level predictors of new HIV diagnoses. Results Of 11,376 adults with presumptive TB identified in 143 health facilities, 1038 (9%) tested HIV positive. The median HIV positivity per health facility was 6% (IQR = 2–15%). Patients with TB symptoms were over three times as likely to have a new HIV diagnosis in private not-for-profit facilities compared to those in government facilities (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.40; 95% CI = 1.96–5.90). Patients tested in hospitals were over two times as likely to have a new HIV diagnosis as those tested in smaller facilities (i.e., health centers and dispensaries) (aOR 2.26; 95% CI = 1.60–3.21). Conclusion Individuals with presumptive TB who attended larger health facilities and private not-for-profit facilities had a higher likelihood of being newly diagnosed with HIV. Strengthening HIV services at these facilities and outreach to populations that use them could help to close the HIV diagnosis gap.
Increasing hospital admission rates for anorexia nervosa amongst young women in Australia from 1998 to 2018
Authors: Nguyen Martin , Allison Stephen , Looi Jeffrey CL , Bastiampillai Tarun 
Published: February 2022

Objective This study aims to describe the trends in community incidence, community prevalence, mortality, overnight hospital admission rates and average overnight inpatient length of stay (ALOS) for anorexia nervosa (AN) amongst young females aged 15-29 in Australia, between 1998–2018. Methods Hospitalisation and ALOS data was obtained from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare principal data cubes. Epidemiological data relating to community-level incidence, community-level prevalence, disability adjusted life years (DALY) and mortality were obtained from the Global Health Data Exchange. We analysed the community and hospital rates for AN in 3 female age groups, 15-19, 20-24 and 25-29. Results Overnight hospital female admission rates for AN have substantially increased over the past two decades, with a higher rate increase between 2008-2018 for 15-29 age groups. The largest absolute increases were seen in the 15-19 female age group. Community prevalence and DALYs increased slightly, whilst community incidence has remained relatively stable. During the study period, mortality rates and the average hospital inpatient length of stay for AN declined for females 15-29 years. Conclusion Overnight hospitalisation rates for AN particularly increased amongst young females (15-29) in Australia over the past decade. Less substantial increases in community incidence, community prevalence and DALYs, and declining mortality were also observed.
Clinical Application of Hyperdry Amniotic Membrane in Cleft Palate Repair
Authors: Fujiwara Kumiko , Tsuno Hiroaki , Okabe Motonori , Yoshida Toshiko , Imaue Shuichi , Tomihara Kei , Arai Naoya , Noguchi Makoto 
Published: February 2022

Objective To examine the safety and efficacy of hyperdry amniotic membrane (HDAM) for wound closure after palatoplasty in cleft palate patients. Methods HDAMs were prepared by washing and drying under infrared rays and microwaves at temperatures less than 60°C using a hyperdrying device. A total of 16 cleft palate patients (8 males, 8 females), aged 1 to 3 years (mean age 1 year 9 months), received one-stage pushback palatoplasty. The remaining raw wound after surgery was covered by an HDAM and a plastic cover plate. The cover plate was removed 1 week after surgery and parameters including temperature, feeding, allergic reactions, postoperative bleeding, re-epithelialization, wound dehiscence, and infection were monitored during the follow-up period of 31.2 months. Results All patients could adequately ingest at 5 days postoperation and after removal of the cover plate. None of the patients had a persistent fever or allergic reactions. Ingestion was feasible immediately in all patients, and no postoperative bleeding was observed during ingestion. No secondary hemorrhages were observed during follow-up. No postoperative wound dehiscence on the midline of the palate was observed. No infections were observed after the removal of the cover plate. No patients suffered from severe scar formation or contracture of the wound in the follow-up period. Hemorrhage, undue epithelialization, and scar contracture did not occur in any patient. The mean evaluation score was 7.75 points. Conclusion HDAM can be used safely and effectively for wound closure following palatoplasty in cleft palate infants. Future studies testing the safety of patient's own amnion for palatoplasty, are required.
Oxaliplatin related multiple focal nodular hyperplasia mimicking metastasis from a gastric cancer
Authors: González-Ballesteros Xavier A , Muñoz-Leija David , Muñoz-Díaz Ana C , Negreros-Osuna Adrián A 
Published: February 2022

Introduction The FOLFOX6 scheme is a combination drug chemotherapy that contains calcium leucovorin (folinic acid), fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin, the chronic use of chemotherapy with oxaliplatin can progress to focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), which is a benign hepatic lesion. Case report We present a case of a 26- year-old female diagnosed with an ovarian mixed germ cell tumor with extension to the peritoneum, treated with 12 cycles in 9 months with neoadjuvant chemotherapy FOLFOX 6 scheme and oophorectomy. A three-year follow-up CT showed three nodular and hypervascular hepatic lesions suspicious of metastatic disease; an MRI with liver-specific contrast confirmed the diagnosis of FNH. Management and outcome The patient continued her follow-up without other treatment and metastatic disease. Discussion While most multiple liver lesions in a patient with cancer will be suspicious of metastasis, a careful drug history should be obtained, as an oxaliplatin-related side effect to develop FNH has been reported. MRI with liver-specific contrast has a positive predictive value of 95% because of the biliary excretion through OATP1B3 transporter, expressed in functional hepatocytes and overexpressed in some liver tumors such as FNH, so it should be performed when FNH is suspected.
A randomized controlled study to compare first stick success with Instaflash technology: The FIRSST study
Authors: Seetharam Arun Mavaji , Raju Umashankar , Suresh K 
Published: February 2022

Background: Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are frequently used in clinical settings for intravenous access. Multiple attempts of PIVC insertions leads to patient discomfort, delay in treatment, associated complications, and extensive expenditure cost. Reduced number of attempts causes patient/nursing personnel satisfaction and expenditure costs. The present study evaluated performance efficacy of BD Venflon™ I with Instaflash needle technology (investigational device) as compared to the BD Venflon™ without Instaflash needle technology (control device). Methodology: The PIVC insertions were randomized in the ratio 1:1 using either investigational or control device and were monitored for first stick success rate, ease of insertion, and patient satisfaction. Data was analyzed using R 4.0.3 and Microsoft Excel. Chi square test was used to establish association between two categorical variables. Results: In total, 1402 patients were analyzed for first attempt insertion success which showed 98.72% success rate in investigational device as compared to 88.87% success rate in case of the control device ( p = 0.0004). Marginal differences were observed in ease of insertion in investigational (98.71%) and control devices (99%) signifying high satisfaction levels of nursing personnels. Positive responses were observed in investigational (98.01%) and control devices (99%) underlining satisfactory performances of overall patient experiences. Conclusion: The present study showed that BD Venflon™ I with Instaflash needle technology enhanced first attempt insertion success rate along with marginal differences in its efficacy in comparison with the BD Venflon™ without Instaflash needle technology thus enhancing patient and nursing personnel satisfaction in turn making it a better alternative to be used in hospitals.
Decrease in Plasma miR-27a and miR-221 After Concussion in Australian Football Players
Authors: Shultz Sandy R , Taylor Caroline J , Aggio-Bruce Riemke , O’Brien William T , Sun Mujun , Cioanca Adrian V , Neocleous George , Symons Georgia F , Brady Rhys D , Hardikar Anandwardhan A , Joglekar Mugdha V , Costello Daniel M , O’Brien Terence J , Natoli Riccardo , McDonald Stuart J 
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Sports-related concussion (SRC) is a common form of brain injury that lacks reliable methods to guide clinical decisions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can influence biological processes involved in SRC, and measurement of miRNAs in biological fluids may provide objective diagnostic and return to play/recovery biomarkers. Therefore, this prospective study investigated the temporal profile of circulating miRNA levels in concussed male and female athletes. Methods: Pre-season baseline blood samples were collected from amateur Australian rules football players (82 males, 45 females). Of these, 20 males and 8 females sustained an SRC during the subsequent season and underwent blood sampling at 2-, 6- and 13-days post-injury. A miRNA discovery Open Array was conducted on plasma to assess the expression of 754 known/validated miRNAs. miRNA target identified were further investigated with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in a validation study. Data pertaining to SRC symptoms, demographics, sporting history, education history and concussion history were also collected. Results: Discovery analysis identified 18 candidate miRNA. The consequent validation study found that plasma miR-221-3p levels were decreased at 6d and 13d, and that miR-27a-3p levels were decreased at 6d, when compared to baseline. Moreover, miR-27a and miR-221-3p levels were inversely correlated with SRC symptom severity. Conclusion: Circulating levels of miR-27a-3p and miR-221-3p were decreased in the sub-acute stages after SRC, and were inversely correlated with SRC symptom severity. Although further studies are required, these analyses have identified miRNA biomarker candidates of SRC severity and recovery that may one day assist in its clinical management.
Whole-Brain Radiotherapy Combined With Anlotinib for Multiple Brain Metastases From Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Without Targetable Driver Mutation: A Single-Arm, Phase II Study
Authors: Liu Jianjiang , Xu Jun , Ye Wanli , Zhong Wangyan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Mao Jiwei , Wu Dongping 
Published: February 2022

Background: Existing evidence demonstrates that radiotherapy and antiangiogenic drugs have synergistic antitumour effects and may be a promising treatment option for patients with solid tumour. Thus, we performed a phase II trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) combined with anlotinib for multiple brain metastases (BMs) from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without targetable driver mutations. Methods: Patients with multiple BMs (⩾3) from NSCLC without targetable driver mutations who failed to respond to at least first-line chemotherapy were enrolled. Eligible patients received WBRT (30 Gy/10 f, 5 f/week) and anlotinib (12 mg/day, day 1-14 of 21 days per cycle, 2 cycles) until disease progression or treatment intolerance. The primary endpoint was intracranial objective response rate (iORR) and secondary endpoints included intracranial progression-free survival (iPFS), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), and safety. Results: Between April 2019 and March 2021, 21 patients were enrolled in the trial, of which 12 were aged ⩾60 years (57.1%), 13 were men (61.9%), 7 had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status score of 0 to 1 (81.0%), 18 had adenocarcinoma (85.7%), and 11 had ⩾6 BMs (52.4%). Of the 21 evaluable patients, the iORR was 66.7% (1 complete response + 13 partial response [PR]), and 28.6% (7PR) had extracerebral lesions. The DCRs for intracerebral and extracerebral lesions were 90.5% and 81.0%, respectively. The iPFS and OS were 10.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0-24.8 months) and 13.4 months (95% CI: 0-27.9 months), respectively. The most frequently observed toxicities were loss of appetite (61.9%), hypertension (52.4%), fatigue (47.6%), diarrhoea (28.6%), vomiting (19.0%), dizziness (42.9%), and headache (33.3%). None of the patients developed grade 4 or higher grade adverse reactions. Conclusions: Anlotinib combined with WBRT is effective and well tolerated in patients with multiple BMs (⩾3) from NSCLC without targetable driver mutations. Therefore, further validation studies are required. Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR 1900027769
Fabrication and thermal assessment of three-layer woven heating fabrics
Authors: Nazem Boushehri Arash , Ezazshahabi Nazanin , Tehran Mohammad Amani 
Published: February 2022

Due to the particular physiological conditions of the human body, activity in cold weather condition is of great importance and needs unique thermal clothing. In this research, three-layered heating fabrics were designed and woven to analyze their performance in cold climates. The samples consist of three types of heating elements (nickel-chrome, tungsten, and aluminum-chrome) and two different states for embedding the heating elements in the fabric structure. In order to investigate the effect of voltage on the heat flux and maximum temperature, all specimens were subjected to two voltage levels of 9 and 12 V for 10 min, the process of heat production, the influence of structural factors on the flux and temperature and also the thermal efficiency was analyzed. In addition, in order to select the optimum sample, the amount of required energy for maintaining body comfort was calculated based on the theoretical equations at the ambient temperatures of −5 and −10°C. The results showed that the woven sample using tungsten elements and the weft-to-element ratio of 12 had the desirable heating performance and could maintain the skin surface temperature around the thermal comfort zone.