bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘There’s something about admitting that you are lonely’ – prevalence, impact and solutions to loneliness in terminal illness: An explanatory sequential multi-methods study
Authors: Hanna Jeffrey R , McConnell Tracey , Harrison Craig , Patynowska Katarzyna A , Finucane Anne M , Hudson Briony , Paradine Sharon , McCullagh Angela , Reid Joanne 
Published: September 2022

Background: Loneliness is a prevalent societal issue and can impact on a person’s physical and mental health. It is unclear how loneliness impacts on end of life experiences or how such feelings can be alleviated. Aim: To explore the perceived prevalence, impact and possible solutions to loneliness among people who are terminally ill and their carers in Northern Ireland through the lens of health and social care professionals. Design: An explanatory multi-method study. Setting/participants: An online survey ( n = 68, response rate 30%) followed by three online focus groups with palliative and end of life care health and social care professionals ( n = 14). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results: Loneliness was perceived by professionals as highly prevalent for people with a terminal illness (92.6%) and their carers (86.8%). Loneliness was considered a taboo subject and impacts on symptoms including pain and breathlessness and overall wellbeing at end of life. Social support was viewed as central towards alleviating feelings of loneliness and promoting connectedness at end of life. Four themes were identified: (1) the stigma of loneliness, (2) COVID-19: The loneliness pandemic (3) impact of loneliness across physical and mental health domains and (4) the power of social networks. Conclusion: There is a need for greater investment for social support initiatives to tackle experiences of loneliness at end of life. These services must be co-produced with people impacted by terminal illness to ensure they meet the needs of this population.
Potential diagnostic value of the hematological parameters lymphocyte–monocyte ratio and hemoglobin–platelet ratio for detecting colon cancer
Authors: Yu Kuanyong , Qiang Guanghui , Peng Shuangshuang , Kuang Rongkang 
Published: September 2022

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of using the lymphocyte–monocyte ratio (LMR), hemoglobin–platelet ratio (HPR), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels alone or in combination for diagnosing colon cancer. Methods We assessed 124 consecutive patients who were pathologically diagnosed with colon cancer and 131 patients who were diagnosed with benign colon tumors in this retrospective study. We then analyzed correlations between LMR, HPR, and clinicopathological findings. The diagnostic values of LMR, HPR, and CEA alone or in combination in colon cancer patients were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves. Results The median LMR, HPR, and CEA values in colon cancer patients showed significant correlation with the depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage. Moreover, there was a significant difference in HPR between patients with tumor size ≥5 cm and those with tumor size <5 cm. Compared with LMR, HPR, or CEA alone, combinations of CEA with LMR, CEA with HPR, and HPR with LMR all had higher area under the curve values, among which the combination of all three (LMR, HPR, and CEA) had the highest area under the curve. Conclusion The combination of LMR, HPR, and CEA may be a valuable indicator for monitoring colon cancer.
Effectiveness of onabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX®) for the preventive treatment of chronic migraine: A meta-analysis on 10 years of real-world data
Authors: Lanteri-Minet Michel , Ducros Anne , Francois Clement , Olewinska Elzbieta , Nikodem Mateusz , Dupont-Benjamin Laure 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundThis meta-analysis evaluated the real-world effectiveness of onabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX®), the first preventive treatment FDA-approved specifically for chronic migraine in 2010.MethodsWe systematically reviewed onabotulinumtoxinA observational data in chronic migraine published between 1 January 2010 and 31 March 2021. Random-effects models evaluated available data for primary and secondary endpoints defined in onabotulinumtoxinA pivotal trials at approximately 24 weeks and 52 weeks.ResultsOf the 44 full-text eligible studies (29 prospective; 13 retrospective; 2 other), seven evaluated change from baseline (mean[confidence interval]) at ∼24 weeks and ∼52 weeks, respectively, for onabotulinumtoxinA in: number of headache days/month: (–10.64 [–12.31, –8.97]; –10.32 [−14.92, –5.73]); number of days of acute headache pain medication intake per month (–7.40 [–13.04, –1.77]; overlapping CIs at 52 weeks); total Headache Impact Test-6 score (–11.70 [–13.86, –9.54]); –11.80 [14.70, –8.90]); and Migraine-Specific Quality-of-Life v2.1 score (MSQ; 23.60 [CI: 21.56, 25.64]; 30.90 [CI: 28.29, 33.51]). At ∼24 weeks onabotulinumtoxinA showed total Migraine Disability Assessment score of 44.74 [28.50, 60.99] and ≥50% reduction in migraine days response rate of 46.57% [29.50%, 63.65%]. A sensitivity analysis at study-end suggested durability of onabotulinumtoxinA effectiveness on MSQ.ConclusionThe meta-analysis reflecting real-world practice broadly corroborated with evidence from pivotal and long-term open-label studies of onabotulinumtoxinA in chronic migraine preventive treatment.
Development of Kevlar®/polypropylene towpregs through optimized commingling nozzle and processing parameters for thermoplastic composites
Authors: Jogur Ganesh , Das Apurba , Alagirusamy Ramasamy 
Published: September 2022

The current study aims at optimizing nozzle diameter and processing conditions for producing quality Kevlar®/polypropylene commingled towpregs meant for thermoplastic composite applications. ANSYS 3D CFD simulation and various experimental techniques are used for the same purpose. The study also investigates the effect of optimized commingled towpregs on the consolidation quality, void % and flexural properties of the developed UD composites. It is concluded that the nozzle diameter of 7 mm has proven to be ideal for producing quality towpregs as it leads to the formation of high nip frequency at 4.5 bar air pressure. The other nozzle diameters, 3 mm, 5 mm, and 9 mm, performed poorly in forming nips. Among these diameters, the 7 mm nozzle has optimum free space between the internal wall of the nozzle and the feed fibre bundle. This optimum space keeps the filaments within the potential air interaction zone and thus leading to the individual filament displacement and entrapment to form stable nips. The Box-Behnken design expert is used for obtaining ideal commingling conditions. The optimized Kevlar®/PP towpregs are produced using a custom fabricated commingling machine with a 7 mm diameter nozzle at the processing conditions - 4.5 bar air pressure, 2 m/min delivery speed, 3% and 1% overfeed, respectively for Kevlar® and polypropylene (PP). These commingled towpregs are flexible, compact, and regular in structure. These towpregs have the highest nip frequency, nip stability, weavability and homogeneous fibre-matrix mixing quality in yarn cross-section along the length. Using such towpregs makes the textile pre-forming effortless and yields composites with better resin impregnation quality and low void content. The UD Kevlar®/PP composites made through these towpregs offered good consolidation quality with a low void (4.3%). These composites showed flexural strength and modulus of 130 MPa and 28 GPa, respectively.
Real-World Reversal of Factor Xa Inhibition in the Setting of Major Life-Threatening Bleeding or Urgent Surgery
Authors: Schmidt Lauren E. , Hinton Matthew S. , Martin Niels D. 
Published: September 2022

Background: Management of major life-threatening bleeding with factor Xa (FXa) inhibition poses complex challenges involving novel direct reversal agents competing with non-specific preexisting strategies. The recent availability of andexanet alfa (AA) led to a health-system guideline incorporating its use alongside the most commonly used historic agent, four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC). Objectives: The objective was to characterize the use and efficacy of AA and 4F-PCC for reversal of FXa inhibition after implementation of the health-system guideline. Methods: This multi-hospital, retrospective cohort study included patients aged >18 years administered either AA or 4F-PCC between October 2018 to June 2020 with the indication for urgent reversal of FXa inhibitor-induced coagulopathy. The primary outcome assessed hemostatic efficacy between treatment groups. Secondary outcomes evaluated adjunct blood product administration, incidence of repeat pharmacologic reversal, incidence of thromboembolism, intensive care unit and hospital length of stays, and in-hospital mortality. Results: Eighty-five patients were included; 33 patients received AA and 52 patients received 4F-PCC. Effective hemostasis was achieved at similar rates in both treatment groups (84.8% vs 76.9%; P = .373). Thrombotic events occurring during the observed hospitalization were more frequent among the AA treated group (18% vs 3.8%, P = .027). No differences were observed for other secondary outcomes. Conclusion: Guideline use resulted in similar rates of effective hemostasis with a higher incidence of VTE in patients receiving AA. Further exploration with a larger, prospective study to evaluate these findings is warranted.
Cultural Influences on Mental Health Provision in the Caribbean: How Do Contemporary Perceptions and Beliefs About Persons With Mental Illness Inform Workforce Transformation?
Authors: Ocho Oscar Noel , Moorley Calvin , Richardson Sheppard Claudine , Caesar-Greasley Lu-Ann , Hardy Sally 
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Mental illness is a global phenomenon in society, including trained health professionals, often responding to people with mental illness based on perceptions and beliefs. The research examined “contemporary perceptions and beliefs about mental illness held by stakeholders” attending a mental health symposium in Trinidad. Methods: Data were collected using a 43-item questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS Version 22. Overall, 84 attendees working directly or experienced in mental health completed the survey. Results: Respondents believed mental illness should be treated within local community settings. Participants who were more comfortable sharing their mental health diagnosis with friends were more likely to share with others, including their employers. There was a relationship between perception of the superstitious causes of mental illness and its effects on healing. Discussion: Qualifications and experience in mental health do not reduce stigma associated with mental illness which has implications for addressing mental health literacy among health professionals.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Behavioral Problems in 5-Year-Old Children Born with Cleft Lip and/or Palate from the Cleft Collective
Authors: Berman Samantha , Sharp Gemma C. , Lewis Sarah J. , Blakey Rachel , Davies Amy , Humphries Kerry , Wren Yvonne , Sandy Jonathan R. , Stergiakouli Evie 
Published: September 2022

Objectives To determine the UK prevalence of behavioral problems in 5-year-old children born with isolated or syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) compared to the general population and identify potentially associated factors. Design Observational study using questionnaire data from the Cleft Collective 5-Year-Old Cohort study and three general population samples. Main Outcome Measure The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Participants Mothers of children (age: 4.9-6.8 years) born with CL/P ( n  =  325). UK general population cohorts for SDQ scores were: Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) ( n  =  12  511), Office of National Statistics (ONS) normative school-age SDQ data ( n  =  5855), and Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) ( n  =  9386). Results By maternal report, 14.2% of children born with CL/P were above clinical cut-off for behavioral problems, which was more likely than in general population samples: 7.5% of MCS (OR  =  2.05 [1.49-2.82], P < 0.001), 9.8% of ONS (OR  =  1.52 [1.10-2.09], P  =  0.008), and 6.6% of ALSPAC (OR  =  2.34 [1.70-3.24], P < 0.001). Children in the Cleft Collective had higher odds for hyperactivity, emotional and peer problems, and less prosocial behaviors. Maternal stress, lower maternal health-related quality of life and family functioning, receiving government income support, and maternal smoking showed evidence of association (OR range: 4.41-10.13) with behavioral problems, along with maternal relationship status, younger age, and lower education (OR range: 2.34-3.73). Conclusions Findings suggest elevated levels of behavioral problems in children born with CL/P compared to the general population with several associated maternal factors similar to the general population.
A Novel Missense Variant in the TCOF1 Gene in one Chinese Case With Treacher Collins Syndrome
Authors: Yin Bin , Pang Yu-Ya , Shi Jia-Yu , Lin Yan-Song , Sun Jia-Lin , Zheng Qian , Shi Bing , Jia Zhong-Lin 
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical characteristics of a Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) patient carrying a de novo variant of TCOF1, and briefly analyze the correlation between genetic results and clinical features. Also, the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of TCS are reviewed. A Chinese pedigree with TCS containing 8 members was enrolled. Phenotype of the proband was evaluated by a surgeon, then whole exome sequencing of the proband was performed. Then we verified the proband-derived variants by Sanger sequencing in the pedigree. Correlation between genotype and phenotype was analyzed. The study was conducted in a stomatological hospital. A Chinese pedigree with TCS containing 8 members. To ascertain the genetic variants in the Chinese pedigree with TCS. Blood samples were collected. We reported a case of typical TCS with a de novo missense variant (NM_001371623.1:c.38T>G, p.(Leu13Arg)) in exon 1 of TCOF1, who presented asymmetrical facial abnormalities, including downward slanting of the palpebral fissures, sparse eyebrows, lateral tilt of the eyeballs, bilateral external ears deformities, hypoplasia of midface, reduction of the zygomatic body, bilateral orbital invagination, right external auditory canal atresia, mandibular ramus short deformity, cleft palate and the whole face was convex. This research found a novel variant of TCS in Chinese, expanding the spectrum of TCS pathogenic variants. Genetic results combined with clinical phenotype can make a definite diagnosis and provide genetic counseling for the family.
Pharmacotherapy in Clinical Trials for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Su Zhixiang , Guo Jianming , Gu Yongquan 
Published: September 2022

Objective There is no medical treatment proven to limit abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression. This systematic review aimed to summarise available trial evidence on the efficacy of pharmacotherapy in limiting AAA growth and AAA-related events. Methods A systematic literature search was performed to examine the efficacy of pharmacotherapy in reducing AAA growth and AAA-related events. Pubmed, Embase (Excerpta Medica Database), and the Cochrane library were searched from March, 1999 to March 29, 2022. AAA growth (mm/year) in the intervention and control groups was expressed as mean and standard deviation (SD). The results of AAA growth were expressed as mean difference (MD) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for the AAA-related events.Heterogeneity was quantified using the I2 statistic. Forest plots were created to show the pooled results of each outcome. Outcomes A total of 1373 articles were found in different databases according to the search strategy, and 10 articles were identified by hand searching. A total of 26 articles were included in our systematic review after the screening. For the studies of metformin, the meta-analysis demonstrated that metformin use was associated with a lower AAA growth rate (MD: −0.81 mm/y, 95% CI: −1.19 to −0.42, P < 0.0001, I2 = 87%), Metformin use also was related to the lower rates of AAA-related events (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.76, P = 0.0007, I2 = 60%). The hypotensive drugs of the studies mainly included angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARB), and propranolol. The overall meta-analysis of blood pressure-lowering drugs reported no significant effect in limiting the AAA growth (MD: 0.31mm/year, 95%CI: −0.03 to 0.65, P = 0.07, I2 = 66%) and AAA-related events (OR: 1.33, 95%CI: 0.76 to 2.32, P = 0.32, I2 = 98%), In the subgroup analysis of the hypotensive drugs, the ACEI/ARB and propranolol also showed no significant in reducing the AAA growth and AAA-related events. The meta-analysis of the antibiotics demonstrated that the antibiotics were not associated with a lower AAA growth rate (MD: −0.27 mm/y, 95% CI: −0.88 to 0.34, P = 0.39, I2 = 77%) and AAA-related events (OR: 0.94, 95%CI: 0.65 to 1.35, P = 0.72, I2 = 0%). The results of statins also showed no significant effect in limiting AAA growth (MD: −1.11mm/year, 95%CI: −2.38 to 0.16, P = 0.09, I2 = 96%) and AAA-related events (OR: 0.53, 95%CI: 0.26 to 1.06, P = 0.07, I2 = 92%). Conclusion In conclusion, effective pharmacotherapy for AAA was still lacking. Although the meta-analysis showed that metformin use was associated with lower AAA growth and AAA-related events, all of the included studies about metformin were cohort studies or case-control studies. More randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed for further verification.
Intra-Subject Variability, Intelligence, and ADHD Traits in a Community-Based Sample
Authors: Schulz-Zhecheva Yoanna , Voelkle Manuel C. , Beauducel André , Biscaldi Monica , Klein Christoph 
Published: September 2022

Objective: The present study investigates the predictive validity of intra-subject variability (ISV) for ADHD traits in a community-based sample and the stability of the relationship between ISV and fluid intelligence (gf) across the continuum of ADHD traits. Method: Age-residualized data from 426 participants (8–18 years, 6% ADHD) was used to investigate whether ex-Gaussian and DDM parameters derived from simple choice-reaction-time tasks can predict continuously assessed ADHD traits. Multiple-Group-Analyses and Latent-Moderated-Structural-Equations were used to test whether ADHD traits moderate the relationship between ISV and gf. Results: σ and μ of the ex-Gaussian model as well as DDM parameters drift rate ( v) and boundary separation ( a) significantly predicted general ADHD traits, while τ predicted attention difficulties specifically. Across the ADHD continuum, σ and v were significant predictors of gf. Conclusion: The results confirm the link between ISV and ADHD. The relationship between ISV and gf appears stable across the ADHD continuum.
Rho-Kinase inhibition decreases focal cerebral ischemia-induced glial activation in rats
Authors: Sheikh Abdullah Md , Yano Shozo , Mitaki Shingo , Tabassum Shatera , Yamaguchi Shuhei , Nagai Atsushi 
Published: September 2022

Background Rho-kinase inhibition in a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model is reported to improve neurological functions and decrease infarction size. Objective The objective of this study is to investigate the underlying mechanisms of such improvement by evaluating the effects of Rho-kinase inhibition on astrocytes and microglial accumulation and activation in this condition. Methods Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used to generate the MCAO model, which received an I.P injection of a chemical Rho-kinase inhibitor (Fasudil- 5 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (PBS) for 2 and 4 days. Results Fasudil treatment significantly decreased the stroke volumes and water content in the lesion areas, as revealed by MRI. Immunostaining and Western blotting results demonstrated that Fasudil significantly decreased the levels of Aquaporin-4, a water channel protein. The number of GFAP+ astrocytes and Iba-1+ macrophage/microglia was decreased in the lesion areas. Proinflammatory transcription factor NF-κB protein levels were decreased in the Fasudil group 2 days after MCAO. Also, proinflammatory mediators including TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS levels were decreased. In vitro migration study using a human microglial cell line (HMO6) confirmed the inhibitory effects of Fasudil on the process. Fasudil also decreased combined IL-1β and IFNγ-induced NF-κB nuclear translocation in HMO6. Moreover, Fasudil transiently decreased combined IL-1β and IFNγ-induced iNOS, TNFα, and IL-1β mRNA levels in HMO6. Conclusion Our study demonstrates the inhibitory effects of Rho-kinase on NF-κB-mediated glial activation and cerebral edema, which might be a promising therapeutic target in acute cerebral ischemia conditions.
Posterior Interosseous Nerve Compression in the Forearm, AKA Radial Tunnel Syndrome: A Clinical Diagnosis
Authors: Patterson J. Megan M. , Medina Manuel A. , Yang Alexander , Mackinnon Susan E. 
Published: September 2022

Background: Posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) compression in the forearm without motor paralysis is a challenging clinical diagnosis. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical assessment, diagnostic studies, and outcomes following surgical decompression of the PIN in the forearm. Methods: This study reviewed 182 patients’ medical charts following PIN decompression between 2000 and 2020 by a single surgeon. After exclusion of combined nerve entrapments, polyneuropathy, motor palsy, or lateral epicondylitis, the study included 14 patients. Data collected included: clinical presentation and pain drawings, provocative testing, functional outcomes, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores. Results: There were 15 PIN decompressions (14 patients, mean follow-up = 11.9 months). Clinical presentation included pain (n = 14) (proximal dorsal forearm, n = 14; distal forearm over radial sensory nerve, n = 3) and positive clinical tests (sensory collapse test over the radial tunnel, n = 8; pain with forearm pronation and compression over the radial tunnel, n = 10; Tinel sign, n = 5). Postoperatively, there were significant improvements in Visual Analog Scale pain scores (6.7 to 3.3, P = .0006), quality-of-life scores (74.7 to 32.7, P = .0001), and DASH scores (46.3 to 33.6, P = .02). Conclusions: The PIN compression in the forearm without motor paralysis is a clinical diagnosis supported by pain drawings, pain quality, and provocative tests. Patients with persistent, therapy-resistant dorsal forearm pain should be evaluated for PIN compression. Surgical decompression provides statistically significant quantifiable improvement in pain and quality of life.