bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the Treatment of High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tsai Hao-Yu , Wang Yu-Tang , Lee Wei-Chieh , Yen Hsu-Ting , Lo Chien-Ming , Wu Chia-Chen , Huang Kwan-Ru , Chen Yin-Chia , Sheu Jiunn-Jye , Chen Yen-Yu 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesVeno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used to treat high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE). However, its efficacy and safety remain uncertain. This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine whether ECMO could improve the clinical outcomes of patients with high-risk PE.MethodsForty patients with high-risk PE, who were admitted to Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between January 2012 and December 2019, were included in this study. Demographic data and clinical outcomes were compared between patients treated without ECMO (non-ECMO group) and those treated with ECMO (ECMO group). Appropriate statistical tools were used to compare variables between groups and the survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsThe overall in-hospital mortality rate was 55%, in which 65% (26/40) of patients presented with cardiac arrest with a mortality rate of 77%, which was higher than that of patients without cardiac arrest (14%). There was no significant difference in major complications and in-hospital mortality between the non-ECMO and ECMO groups. However, in subgroup analysis, compared with patients treated without ECMO, earlier ECMO treatment was associated with a reduced risk of cardiac arrest (P = 0.023) and lower in-hospital mortality (P = 0.036). A log-rank test showed a significantly higher cumulative overall survival in the earlier ECMO treatment group (P = 0.033).ConclusionsIn this retrospective cohort study, earlier ECMO treatment was associated with lower in-hospital mortality among unstable patients without cardiac arrest. Our findings suggest that ECMO can be considered as an initial treatment option for patients with high-risk PE in higher-volume hospitals.
High Prevalence of Asymptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerosis in Elder Women With Tubal Ligation: Result From a Community-Based Study in Shandong, China
Authors: Ma Xiaotong , Sang Shaowei , Zhao Yuanyuan , Wang Xiang , Ji Xiaokang , Shao Sai , Wang Guangbin , Xue Fuzhong , Du Yifeng , Lv Ming , Sun Qinjian 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundIn addition to traditional cardiovascular risk factors, gender-specific factors may also contribute to intracranial atherosclerosis. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the association between asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis (aICAS) and menstrual or reproductive history (MRH), namely, menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and contraception.MethodsParticipants in this study were selected from the Kongcun town aICAS study. MRH was collected through structured case report forms, in which menarche age, menstrual regularity, dysmenorrhea, number of pregnancies, number of childbirths, age of first pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, menopause age, and contraceptive methods were all involved. All characteristics were compared by chi-squared and nonparametric tests as applicable. Logistic regression model and sensitivity analysis were used to analyze the association between aICAS and MRH.ResultsA total of 1,052 female participants were involved in this study, of which 5.7% had moderate to severe aICAS. Tubal ligation was significantly associated with aICAS in univariate analysis [crude odds ratio (OR), 2.85; 95% CI, 1.22–6.62; P = 0.015]. This association was still significant among female participants over 60 years old after multivariate adjustment (adjusted OR, 4.36; 95% CI, 1.55–12.24; P = 0.005). Sensitivity analysis showed a similar result (adjusted OR, 3.76; 95% CI, 1.24–11.41; P = 0.020). Menopause lost significant association with aICAS after multivariate adjustment (adjusted OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 0.66–4.24; P = 0.275). No other MRH factors were found to be associated with aICAS.ConclusionTubal ligation may be associated with a higher prevalence of aICAS in Chinese elderly women. This provides a new perspective to study the epidemiological characteristics of ICAS.
Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Elderly: Worldwide Preliminary Data of LINAC-Based Stereotactic Arrhythmia Radioablation Prospective Phase II Trial
Authors: Di Monaco Antonio , Gregucci Fabiana , Bonaparte Ilaria , Troisi Federica , Surgo Alessia , Di Molfetta Domenico , Vitulano Nicola , Quadrini Federico , Carbonara Roberta , Martinelli Gaetano , Guida Pietro , Ciliberti Maria Paola , Fiorentino Alba , Grimaldi Massimo 
Published: March 2022

Treatment approach for elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is difficult. The present prospective phase-II trial evaluated LINAC-based stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation safety in this population. The reported data of the first 5 patients worldwide, showed no side effects, absence of AF episodes and without antiarrhythmic drugs.Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04575662.
Geoarchaeology and Heritage Management: Identifying and Quantifying Multi-Scalar Erosional Processes at Kisese II Rockshelter, Tanzania
Authors: Patania Ilaria , Porter Samantha T. , Keegan William F. , Dihogo Rukia , Frank Sara , Lewis Jason , Mashaka Husna , Ogutu Julius , Skosey-Lalonde Elena , Tryon Christian A. , Niespolo Elizabeth M. , Colarossi Debra , Ranhorn Kathryn L. 
Published: March 2022

Natural and anthropogenically induced soil erosion can cause serious loss of the archaeological record. Our work shows the value of multi-scalar geoarchaeological study when excavating and re-excavating rockshelters in a highly dynamic sedimentary environment where erosion is prominent. Here we present our work on Kisese II rockshelter, Tanzania, originally excavated in the 1950s and largely unpublished, that preserves an important Pleistocene-Holocene archaeological record integral to understanding the deep history of the Kondoa Rock-Art World Heritage Center. Unlike rockshelters in quiescent tectonic settings, like much of central Europe or South Africa, Kisese II exists in highly dynamic sedimentary environments associated with the active tectonics of the Great Rift Valley system exacerbated by human-induced environmental and climate change. We report on our 2017 and 2019 exploratory research that includes integrated regional-, landscape-, and site-scale geoarchaeological analyses of past and present sedimentary regimes and micromorphological analyses of the archaeological sediments. Historical records and aerial photographs document extensive changes in vegetation cover and erosional regimes since the 1920s, with drastic changes quantified between 1960 and 2019. Field survey points to an increased erosion rate between 2017 and 2019. To serve future archaeologists, heritage specialists, and local populations we combine our data in a geoarchaeological catena that includes soil, vegetation, fauna, and anthropogenic features on the landscape. At the site, micromorphological coupled with chronological analyses demonstrate the preservation of in situ Pleistocene deposits. Comparison of photographs from the 1956 and 2019 excavations show a maximum sediment loss of 68 cm in 63 years or &gt;10% of &gt;6-m-thick sedimentary deposit. In the studied area of the rockshelter we estimate ~1 cm/yr of erosion, suggesting the ongoing removal of much of the higher archaeological sediments which, based on the coarse stratigraphic controls and chronology of the original Inskeep excavations, would suggest the loss of much of the archaeological record of the last ~4000 years. These multi-scalar data are essential for the construction of appropriate mitigation strategies and further study of the remaining stratigraphy.
Effects of In Situ Remediation on Copper Distribution and Soil Aggregate Adsorption–Desorption Characteristics in Smelter-Impacted Soil
Authors: Xu Lei , Xing Xiangyu , Peng Jianbiao , Ji Mingfei 
Published: March 2022

To evaluate the effect of in situ chemical remediation on copper (Cu) immobilisation and migration, in situ chemically remediated soils from a smelter-impacted field were partitioned into four aggregate size fractions and their Cu adsorption characteristics were investigated. The results indicate that the highest Cu concentration occurred in the &lt;0.053 mm size fraction, while the highest Cu mass loading was obtained in the 0.25–2 mm size fraction (39.9–42.5%). However, in situ remediation increased the Cu mass loading levels in the &gt;0.25 mm aggregates. A pseudo-second-order model was used to fit the adsorption process obtained in kinetic experiments, while the data from isothermal experiments were described using the Freundlich model. The fastest adsorption rate was observed in the &lt;0.053 mm fraction, and the adsorption capacity of the soil aggregates improved after combined in situ remediation. The amount of Cu2+ adsorbed increased with increasing pH. The &lt;0.053 mm fraction exhibited lower desorption compared with the other fractions at low pH values. In addition, all particle size aggregates treated with apatite and Elsholtzia splendens had the lowest desorption rates at different pH values.
Impact of Late and Recurrent Acute Graft Pyelonephritis on Long-Term Kidney Graft Outcomes
Authors: Pacaud Margaux , Colas Luc , Kerleau Clarisse , Le Borgne Florent , Giral Magali , Brouard Sophie , Dantal Jacques 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundWhile Urinary tract infections are the most common infections in kidney transplant recipients, the impact of late acute graft pyelonephritis (AGPN) on graft outcomes remains unknown. Our study was performed to more precisely evaluate the long-term impact of AGPN.MethodsWe included 9052 kidney and combined kidney-pancreas recipients who underwent transplantation between 2008 and 2018 from a French multicenter cohort. The relationships between AGPN and patient and graft survival were analyzed with a time-dependent multivariate Cox model.ResultsThe cumulative incidence of AGPN was 20.9%. A first episode of early AGPN is associated with a non-significant increase in the risk of graft failure (hazard ratio [HR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.90 to 1.79). Though, cumulative number of AGPN episodes (HR = 1.51; 95% CI, 0.89 to 2.57 for two episodes and HR = 2.08; 95% CI, 1.17 to 3.69 for three or more episodes) is associated with an increased risk of graft failure. In contrast, when the first episode of AGPN occurred late (i.e., 6 months post transplantation), the risk of graft failure is significantly increased (HR = 2.25; 95% CI, 1.65 to 3.07), and this risk remains relatively stable with the recurrence of late AGPN episodes. The onset of late AGPN were also associated with a higher risk of patient death. ConclusionThis analysis shows that late AGPN and recurrent AGPN are both risk factors for a poor long-term graft outcome and mortality. Late AGPN should not be considered benign infections in post-transplantation follow-up.
Imidazo [1,2-a] Pyrimidine Derivatives as Effective Inhibitor of Mild Steel Corrosion in HCl Solution: Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Cao Kun , Huang Wenheng , Huang Xi , Pan Jie 
Published: March 2022

The inhibitory performance of imidazole [1,2-a] pyrimidine derivatives, namely, 2,4-diphenylbenzo [4,5]imidazo [1,2-a]pyrimidine (DPIP) and 2-(4-octylphenyl)-4-phenylbenzo [4,5]imidazo [1,2-a]pyrimidine (OPIP), against mild steel corrosion in 1 mol L−1 HCl solution was studied by weight loss at different temperatures, potentiodynamic polarization curves (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and surface analysis technology. The two corrosion inhibitors showed an outstanding inhibition performance, and the inhibition efficiency achieved 91.9% for OPIP and 90.5% for DPIP at a concentration of 0.1 mmol L−1. Electrochemical methods showed that DPIP and OPIP behaved as mixed-type inhibitors. Density function theory (DFT) and molecular dynamic simulation (MD) were approached to theoretically study the relationship of the inhibitor structure and anti-corrosion performance, which were also compatible with the weight loss and electrochemical observations.
The Pivotal Role of Quality Technical Structures for Clinical Trials Oversight in the Achievement of Long-Term Capacity Strengthening Outcomes
Authors: Owusu Sekyere Solomon , Škrnjug-Yudov Ivana , Pinz Alexander , Meyer Heidi , Conrad Christoph 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundDevelopment of safe and efficacious medicines in many sub-Sahara African countries remains hampered due to fragmented health research infrastructure and ineffective regulatory oversight. To boost the latter in the area of Clinical Trials (CT) Oversight (CTO), many international programs and Regional Centers for Regulatory Excellence (RCORE) initiatives offer various trainings to help strengthen human resource capacity. Here, we aimed at evaluating the training outcomes (at home-institution level) of sponsored fellows for one of such capacity strengthening interventions; a measure that is less often reported and thus remains poorly understood.MethodThe Global Health Protection Programme's VaccTrain project sponsored nine regulatory staff from eight National Medicines Regulatory Authorities (NMRAs) in sub-Saharan Africa for the RCORE CT Training Fellowship by FDA Ghana in a particular year. Using a systematized evaluation framework based on the theory of change, we assessed the individual- and NMRA-level achievement of pre-defined training outcomes. For this purpose, data was collected at pre-training and at short- and long-term evaluation time-points using a survey instrument.ResultsAt pre-training, our data revealed existence of differential expectations and orientations among the training participants, thus providing an early indication of potential distinctive patterns in achievement of desired training outcomes. In a short-term post-training follow-up evaluation, a two-group clustering of fellows based on the achievement of training outcomes where only one group (representing 44%) reported achievement of CTO-related outcomes was observed. At this time-point, achievement of training outcomes was associated with the vibrancy of CT activity and existence of a comprehensive technical structure for CTO. In a further long-term follow-up evaluation, our data revealed a successful achievement of CTO-related individual- and/or institutional-level outcomes in all but one fellow. Here again, availability of a robust technical structure for CTO (and perhaps fellow affiliation/selection)–but not CT vibrancy–showed a trend of temporal association with achievement of training outcomes.ConclusionGiven the pivotal role operational structures of international standards at home institutions play in translating training-acquired knowledge into measurable CTO-related outcomes, we encourage that capacity strengthening projects aimed at achieving health-related targets of Sustainable Development Goals adopt an approach built on this foundation.
Reproducibility of Standardized Uptake Values Including Volume Metrics Between TOF-PET-MR and TOF-PET-CT
Authors: Tanaka Aruki , Sekine Tetsuro , ter Voert Edwin E. G. W. , Zeimpekis Konstantinos G. , Delso Gaspar , de Galiza Barbosa Felipe , Warnock Geoffrey , Kumita Shin-ichiro , Veit Haibach Patrick , Huellner Martin 
Published: March 2022

PurposeTo investigate the reproducibility of tracer uptake measurements, including volume metrics, such as metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and tumor lesion glycolysis (TLG) obtained by TOF-PET-CT and TOF-PET-MR.Materials and MethodsEighty consecutive patients with different oncologic diagnoses underwent TOF-PET-CT (Discovery 690; GE Healthcare) and TOF-PET-MR (SIGNA PET-MR; GE Healthcare) on the same day with single dose−18F-FDG injection. The scan order, PET-CT following or followed by PET-MR, was randomly assigned. A spherical volume of interest (VOI) of 30 mm was placed on the liver in accordance with the PERCIST criteria. For liver, the maximum and mean standard uptake value for body weight (SUV) and lean body mass (SUL) were obtained. For tumor delineation, VOI with a threshold of 40 and 50% of SUVmax was used (VOI40 and VOI50). The SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak, MTV and TLG were calculated. The measurements were compared between the two scanners.ResultsIn total, 80 tumor lesions from 35 patients were evaluated. There was no statistical difference observed in liver regions, whereas in tumor lesions, SUVmax, SUV mean, and SUVpeak of PET-MR were significantly underestimated (p &lt; 0.001) in both VOI40 and VOI50. Among volume metrics, there was no statistical difference observed except TLG on VOI50 (p = 0.03). Correlation between PET-CT and PET-MR of each metrics were calculated. There was a moderate correlation of the liver SUV and SUL metrics (r = 0.63–0.78). In tumor lesions, SUVmax and SUVmean had a stronger correlation with underestimation in PET-MR on VOI 40 (SUVmax and SUVmean; r = 0.92 and 0.91 with slope = 0.71 and 0.72, respectively). In the evaluation of MTV and TLG, the stronger correlations were observed both on VOI40 (MTV and TLG; r = 0.75 and 0.92) and VOI50 (MTV and TLG; r = 0.88 and 0.95) between PET-CT and PET-MR.ConclusionPET metrics on TOF-PET-MR showed a good correlation with that of TOF-PET-CT. SUVmax and SUVpeak of tumor lesions were underestimated by 16% on PET-MRI. MTV with % threshold can be regarded as identical volumetric markers for both TOF-PET-CT and TOF-PET-MR.
Prevalence and Main Clinical Characteristics of Fully Vaccinated Patients Admitted to Hospital for Delta Variant COVID-19
Authors: Vassallo Matteo , Clement Nicolas , Lotte Laurene , Manni Sabrina , Sindt Audrey , Bertrand Pierre M. , Durant Jacques 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesThe Delta variant of the novel beta coronavirus responsible for the current coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) spread across Europe during the summer of 2021. Little is known of vaccine efficacy on this variant. Our aim was to study the prevalence and clinical characteristics of fully vaccinated subjects admitted to hospital for Delta variant COVID-19.MethodsWe identified patients admitted to Cannes hospital for Delta-variant-related Covid-19 infection from July to September 2021. Their main demographic parameters, inflammatory markers, and clinical characteristics were recorded. Differences between fully vaccinated subjects and unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated individuals were analyzed.ResultsWe included 126 patients (57% male, mean age 64 years, mean delay since symptoms onset 7.8 days). Among admitted patients, 94 (75%) were not vaccinated, 11 (8%) incompletely so and 21 (17%) were fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated patients were older (77 vs. 61 vs. 62 years, p = 0.003), with fewer days since symptoms onset (5.9 vs. 8.0 vs. 9.3 days, p = 0.035) than unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated patients, respectively. Severe pneumonia was less frequent among completely vaccinated subjects (67 vs. 84 vs. 100%, p = 0.038), while rates of transfer to the ICU, mechanical ventilation or death did not differ. Thirteen fully vaccinated patients underwent a thoracic CT scan, revealing involvement of lung parenchyma in four of them.DiscussionPrevalence of hospitalization for Delta-variant COVID-19 in fully vaccinated subjects was low and, despite their age and comorbid conditions, these patients had a high rate of favorable outcome.
Changes in Mortality According to Creatinine/Cystatin C Ratio in Chronic Kidney Disease and Non-chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Hwang Jeong Ah , Song Younghoon , Shin Jaeun , Cho Eunjung , Ahn Shin Young , Ko Gang Jee , Kwon Young Joo , Kim Ji Eun 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundSerum creatinine and cystatin C are not only good indicators of renal function but have also been confirmed to be related to disease prognosis and mortality in various diseases via creatinine/cystatin C ratio (CCR). However, although they are biomarkers of renal function, there is no study regarding renal impairment as a confounding variable in the relationship between CCR and all-cause mortality.MethodsPatients who had simultaneous measurements of serum creatinine and cystatin C between 2003 and 2020 were enrolled. The patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were defined as having an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) CKD-EPI Cr-Cystatin C &lt; 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. CCR was calculated by dividing the serum creatinine level by the cystatin C level measured on the same day. The main outcome assessed was all-cause mortality according to CCR in CKD or non-CKD groups.ResultsAmong the 8,680 patients in whom creatinine and cystatin C levels were measured simultaneously, 4,301 were included in the CKD group, and 4,379 were included in the non-CKD group, respectively. CCR was 1.4 ± 0.6 in total participants. The non-CKD group showed higher mean CCR, (1.5 ± 0.7 vs. 1.3 ± 0.5) as well as a wider distribution of CCR (p &lt; 0.001) when compared to the CKD group. In non-CKD group, 1st, 4th and 5th quintiles of CCR significantly increased the all-cause mortality risk compared to 2nd quintile of CCR, suggesting U-shaped mortality risk according to CCR in non-CKD. On the other hand, in CKD group, the risk of all-cause mortality linearly increased and 5th quintile of CCR showed 1.82 times risk of mortality compared to 2nd quintile of CCR. In the subgroup analysis of mortality by age and sex, the mortality difference according to CCR were diminished in old age and female sex subgroups.ConclusionWe discovered a U-shaped relationship between mortality and CCR levels in normal renal function, and an increased risk of mortality in CKD with elevated CCR.
Accuracy of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Measurements in Pocket-Sized Ultrasound Devices in a Simulation Model
Authors: Johnson Garrett G. R. J. , Jelic Tomislav , Derksen Angela , Unger Bertram , Zeiler Frederick A. , Ziesmann Markus T. , Gillman Lawrence M. 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionTransorbital sonographic measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is an emerging non-invasive technique for the identification and monitoring of intracranial hypertension. In recent years, new pocket ultrasound devices have become available, and it is uncertain if they have the resolution to measure such small structures appropriately as compared to their predecessors. In this study, we measure the performance of three ultrasound units on a simulation model to establish their precision and accuracy.MethodsONSD was measured by three expert point-of-care sonographers using ultrasound machines three times on each of seven discrete ONS model sizes ranging from 3.5 to 7.9 mm. Two pocket ultrasounds (IVIZ, Sonosite, and Lumify, Philips) and one standard-sized portable ultrasound (M-Turbo, Sonosite) were used. Measurements were analyzed for mean error and variance and tested for significance using blocked covariance matrix regression analyses.ResultsThe devices differed in their variances (Lumify: 0.19 mm2, M-Turbo: 0.26 mm2, IVIZ: 0.34 mm2) and their mean error (Lumify: −0.05 mm, M-Turbo: 0.10 mm, IVIZ: −0.10 mm). The difference in mean error between users is not significant (p = 0.45), but there is a significant difference in mean error between devices (p = 0.02).ConclusionsAccurate ONSD measurement is possible utilizing pocket-sized ultrasound, and in some cases, may be more accurate than larger portable ultrasound units. While the differences in these devices were statistically significant, all three were highly accurate, with one pocket device (Lumify) outperforming the rest. Further study in human subjects should be conducted prior to using pocket ultrasound devices for in vivo diagnosis of intracranial hypertension.