bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Valproic Acid Use With Post-Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure Development: A Meta-Analysis of Two Retrospective Case–Control Studies
Authors: English Joseph D. , Tian Shuo , Wang Zhong , Luzum Jasmine A. 
Published: November 2022

Background: Despite advances in treatments, myocardial infarction (MI) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Our team has previously shown that valproic acid (VPA) is cardio-protective when administered to rats post-MI. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of VPA use with post-MI heart failure (HF) development in humans. Methods: This study was a random effects meta-analysis of two retrospective case–control studies collected from electronic health record (Michigan Medicine) and claims data (OptumInsight). Cases with an active prescription for VPA at the time of their MI were matched 1:4 to controls not taking VPA at the time of their MI by multiple demographic and clinical characteristics. The primary outcome, time-to-HF development, was analyzed using the Fine-Gray competing risks model of any VPA prescription versus no VPA prescription. An exploratory analysis was conducted to evaluate the association of different VPA doses (≥1000 mg/day vs <1000 mg/day vs 0 mg/day VPA). Results: In total, the datasets included 1313 patients (249 cases and 1064 controls). In the meta-analysis, any dose of VPA during an MI tended to be protective against incident HF post-MI (HR = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.72-1.01). However, when stratified by dose, high-dose VPA (≥1000 mg/day) significantly associated with 30% reduction in risk for HF post-MI (HR = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.49-0.91), whereas low-dose VPA (<1000 mg/day) did not (HR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.78-1.13). Conclusion: VPA doses ≥1000 mg/day may provide post-MI cardio-protection resulting in a reduced incidence of HF.
Mechanical and performance properties of re-vulcanized blends of GTR/NR
Authors: Zitzumbo R , Becerra María B , Padilla-Rizo Beatriz , Estrada-Monje Anayansi , Alonso-Romero Sergio 
Published: November 2022

The effect of natural rubber (NR) on the mechanical and performance properties of ground tire rubber (GTR) has been investigated. The mechanical properties of vulcanized GTR/NR blends were determined in a universal testing machine. It was found a decreasing in the mechanical properties of the GTR/NR blends as the number of re-vulcanization processes increases. This behavior was attributed to the decrease in the concentration on GTR in the vulcanized GTR/NR blend with respect to the next one, and to a structural net degradation into the re-vulcanized GTR/NR blend due to the reversion process (over vulcanization). In the loss modulus charts was observed that the peaks of the curves got smaller and wide as the re-vulcanization process increased, due to the mechanical loses and elastic gains of the GTR/NR re-vulcanized blends. On the other hand, in the performance results was found that the cut growth values of Flexion Ross were more affected by the thickness of the plaque of vulcanized rubber than for the number of re-vulcanization processes of the GTR/NR blend. In addition, as the re-vulcanization processes increased, the structural degradation of the tridimensional cross-linked net, increased as well, more severely from the fourth re-vulcanization process. It could be concluded that the GTR/NR blends with high GTR content, could be used in the sole shoe fabrication, taking care that the thickness is ≤ 4.5 mm, and that the GTR/NR blends have not been subjected to more than two re-vulcanization processes.
Emergency Endovascular Management of Inadvertent False Lumen Stent Graft Implantation After Frozen Elephant Trunk Procedure: A Case Report
Authors: Zhao Xinghan , Ma Xiaohai , Wu Wenhui 
Published: November 2022

False lumen stent graft implantation is an infrequent but intractable complication of surgery for dissection. Surgery has a high rate of morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a 28-year-old patient with complicated type A aortic dissection (TAAD) who developed acute visceral malperfusion after implantation of a stent graft into the false lumen. The patient underwent urgent endovascular revision involving septal fenestration and distal extension of the stent graft into the true lumen. Clinical Impact This technology is a good supplement to the clinical practice, providing a new solution to the problem of stent placement in the prosthetic cavity, avoiding the patient to have another surgical operation, which is good for both medicine and patients.
Microstructure design of polyester industrial yarns with excellent flame retardancy and high strength
Authors: Ji Hong , Song Minggen , Wei Ting , Jiang Quan , Ye Fei , Zhang Yue , Zhang Yumei 
Published: November 2022

In order to solve the problem that it is difficult to balance the high strength and flame retardancy of polyester industrial yarn, the possibility of controlling the uniform dispersion of flame retardant without affecting the crystallization of polyester was discussed in this paper. The long-chain branched flame retardant with good thermal stability in the range of processing temperature was chosen to blend with high viscosity polyester. The addition of flame retardant reduced the melt viscosity and the crystallization ability of polyester, so the melt spinning and drawing process of the flame retardant polyester industrial yarn were optimized for the sufficient crystallization of polyester based on the rheological and crystallization properties of flame retardant polyester. Due to the steric effect of flame retardant, it was eliminated from the crystal region and only existed in the amorphous region of polyester. As a result, the microstructure with high crystallinity and orientation and the morphology with a uniform dispersion of flame retardant were obtained. The flame retardant high strength polyester industrial yarn was successfully prepared with a limiting oxygen index of 32.0% and a breaking strength of 8.0 cN/dtex, which meets the UL-94 V-0 standard and shows good durability of flame retardant after washing and rubbing treatment, achieving the goal of flame retardancy and high strength for the polyester industrial yarn.
Biophysical Modeling of the Ionizing Radiation Influence on Cells Using the Stochastic (Monte Carlo) and Deterministic (Analytical) Approaches
Authors: Fornalski Krzysztof W. , Adamowski Łukasz , Bugała Ernest , Jarmakiewicz Rafał , Kirejczyk Marek , Kopyciński Jakub , Krasowska Julianna , Kukulski Piotr , Piotrowski Łukasz , Ponikowska Julia , Reszczyńska Joanna , Słonecka Iwona , Wysocki Paweł , Dobrzyński Ludwik 
Published: November 2022

This review article describes our simplified biophysical model for the response of a group of cells to ionizing radiation. The model, which is a product of 10 years of studies, acts as (a) a comprehensive stochastic approach based on the Monte Carlo simulation with a probability tree and (b) the thereof derived detailed deterministic models describing the selected biophysical and radiobiological phenomena in an analytical manner. Specifically, the presented model describes effects such as the risk of neoplastic transformation of cells relative to the absorbed radiation dose, the dynamics of tumor development, the priming dose effect (also called the Raper–Yonezawa effect) based on the introduced adaptive response approach, and the bystander effect. The model is also modifiable depending on users’ potential needs.
Antenatal and postpartum immunological markers levels in women with HIV infection and malnutrition in a low resource setting: A pilot study
Authors: Chandiwana Panashe , Munjoma Privilege T , Mazhandu Arthur J , Mazengera Lovemore R , Misselwitz Benjamin , Jordi Sebastian B U , Yilmaz Bahtiyar , Duri Kerina 
Published: November 2022

Objectives: Both, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and malnutrition are major challenges in pregnancy and postpartum in low-resource settings and the respective cytokine levels remain poorly described. The main objectives of this study were to find immune markers that are associated with HIV infection and malnutrition in pregnant women and to determine how these would change at 14 weeks postpartum.Method: Pregnant women of at least 20 weeks gestational age were enrolled into this longitudinal observational single centre pilot study at 4 primary health clinics in high-density areas around Harare, Zimbabwe. Socio-demographic and clinical data including plasma samples were collected in pregnancy and 14 weeks postpartum (PP). Mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) ≤23 cm was used as an indicator for malnourishment. Fifty-six cytokines and chemokines were assayed in plasma using the Mesoscale multiplex assay. We determined cytokine/chemokine levels including markers for vascular injury in HIV-infection and malnutrition. Associations remaining significant after multiple test correction were confirmed in multivariable analyses after controlling for confounders.Results: Ninety-seven pregnant women were recruited for this study and from these, 44 were randomly selected for cytokine assaying of which 20 HIV infected, 15 malnourished, and 9 well-nourished HIV uninfected participants. HIV infection was associated with significantly higher interleukin (IL)-4 ( q < 0.05) and IL-10 ( q < 0.001) in pregnancy. Longitudinally, IL-4 ( q < 0.01) and IL-10 ( q < 0.001) significantly increased in HIV uninfected women whilst in the HIV-infected both were non-significantly decreased. IL-8 (q < 0.05) levels significantly increased in HIV-infected women from pregnancy to 14 weeks PP. Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (VCAM-1) ( q < 0.05) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) ( q < 0.05) were significantly lower in malnourished women in pregnancy and 14 weeks PP, respectively. Conclusions: IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, and VCAM-1 are potential biomarkers for monitoring immune functioning in HIV-infected pregnant women and malnutrition. However, studies with larger sample size are warranted to confirm these findings.
Prophylactic cryoprecipitate transfusion in patients undergoing scoliosis surgery: A randomised-controlled trial
Authors: Ismail Tarek I , Mahrous Rabab SS 
Published: November 2022

Background: Scoliosis surgeries in adults often have a high risk of massive blood loss and significant transfusion of blood products during and after surgery. It is not known whether early cryoprecipitate therapy is useful in reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements. The objective of this randomised, prospective placebo control study was to evaluate whether prophylactic administration of cryoprecipitate would reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements during scoliosis surgery. Methods: Eighty adult patients scheduled to undergo elective scoliosis correction were randomly assigned to receive either ten units of cryoprecipitate before incision (cryo group) or an equivalent volume of 0.9% saline (placebo group). Blood loss, transfusion requirements, coagulation parameters and complications were assessed. Results: No significant differences were found in the volume of transfused blood products, intraoperative estimated blood loss between the intervention and placebo groups. Postoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the cry group when compared to the other group. During adult surgical correction of scoliosis, prophylactic administration of cryoprecipitate did not diminish the amount of transfused blood products or decrease intraoperative blood loss. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the prophylactic administration of cryoprecipitate shows no differences in intraoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements during scoliosis surgery.
Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Adolescents and Young Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Can Improve Quality of Life
Authors: Chesser Hannah , Srinivasan Shylaja , Puckett Cassidy , Gitelman Stephen E. , Wong Jenise C. 
Published: November 2022

Objective: Real-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is effective for diabetes management in cases of type 1 diabetes and adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) but has not been assessed in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with T2D. The objective of this pilot interventional study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of real-time CGM use in AYAs with T2D. Methods: Adolescents and young adults (13-21 years old) with T2D for six months or more and hemoglobin A1c (A1c) greater than 7%, on any Food and Drug Administration–approved treatment regimen, were included. After a blinded run-in period, participants were given access to a real-time CGM system for 12 weeks. The use and acceptability of the real-time CGM were evaluated by sensor usage, surveys, and focus group qualitative data. Results: Participants’ (n = 9) median age was 19.1 (interquartile range [IQR] 16.8-20.5) years, 78% were female, 100% were people of color, and 67% were publicly insured. Baseline A1c was 11.9% (standard deviation ±2.8%), with median diabetes duration of 2.5 (IQR 1.4-6) years, and 67% were using insulin. Seven participants completed the study and demonstrated statistically significant improvement in diabetes-related quality of life, with the mean Pediatric Quality of Life inventory (PedsQL) diabetes score increasing from 70 to 75 after using CGM ( P = .026). Focus group results supported survey results that CGM use among AYAs with T2D is feasible, can improve quality of life, and has the potential to modify behavior. Conclusion: Real-time CGM is feasible and acceptable for AYAs with T2D and may improve the quality of life of patients with diabetes. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the effects on glycemic control and healthy lifestyle changes.
The role of digital health in palliative care for people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
Authors: Mwase Christopher , Nkhoma Kennedy , Allsop Mathew J 
Published: November 2022

Background In 2018, 26.6 million people were living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Palliative care services are recommended for people living with HIV at all stages from diagnosis through to end-of-life. However, the provision of palliative care in sub-Saharan Africa is limited, leading to little or no access for the majority of patients. Digital technologies in sub-Saharan Africa present an opportunity to improve access to palliative care for people living with HIV in the region. This review synthesised literature on digital health interventions for palliative care for people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa and assessed their effects on patient outcomes. Methods Literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and Global Health. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Two independent reviewers conducted study screening, data extraction and quality appraisal. A narrative synthesis was performed to draw together and report findings across heterogeneous studies. Reporting of this review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis checklist. Results Out of 4117 records, 25 studies were included, covering 3592 people living with HIV, across 21 countries. Studies included three randomised controlled trials, three qualitative, three pre- and post-test, two observational, two case series, six cross-sectional and six mixed methods studies. Telemedicine was the most reported digital health intervention, with 12 studies demonstrating the effectiveness of digital health interventions. Conclusion Emerging evidence suggests digital health interventions can be effective in facilitating patient-provider communication and health professional decision-making as a part of palliative care for people living with HIV. There is a need for further development and evaluation of digital health interventions alongside determining optimal approaches to their implementation as a part of palliative care provision in sub-Saharan Africa.
Imaging features of β-catenin-activated hepatocellular adenoma with weak β-catenin activation: A rare case report
Authors: Minamiguchi Kiyoyuki , Marugami Nagaaki , Uchiyama Tomoko , Kusano Hironori , Yasuda Satoshi , Sho Masayuki , Tanaka Toshihiro 
Published: November 2022

We report valuable imaging findings in a case of β-catenin-activated hepatocellular adenoma (β-HCA) with weak β-catenin activation. A 40 year-old female presented with a liver tumor in S8 that was incidentally detected on ultrasonography. The tumor showed marked enhancement and early venous drainage into the middle hepatic vein in the arterial phase of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). The tumor revealed slight hypointensity in the hepatobiliary phase of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI). Six months after detection, the tumor had increased in size and a biopsy indicated hepatocellular carcinoma. The tumor was resected and pathologically diagnosed as β-HCA with weak β-catenin activation such as exon 3 S45 mutation and exon 7/8 mutation. Marked enhancement in the arterial phase of CT and MRI is a characteristic finding of β-HCA with weak β-catenin activation. Furthermore, the degree of β-catenin activation might determine the signal intensity of β-HCA in the hepatobiliary phase of EOB-MRI.
Identification of the Apex of the Medial Longitudinal Arch Break in Progressive Collapsing Foot Disorder
Authors: Weigelt Lizzy , Philpott Matthew , Kelly Gerry , Kasture Sarang P. , Mason Lyndon W. , Molloy Andrew P. 
Published: November 2022

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Progressive Collapsing Foot Disorder (PCFD) is caused by failure of both dynamic and static structures. The aim of this study was to identify the anatomical location of the medial longitudinal arch break in symptomatic flat foot deformity and analyze its relationship with Meary's angle. Methods: We analyzed weight-bearing radiographs of 81 patients [mean age 53.7 years (range, 18-81) with 101 flat feet. The apex of the medial arch break was determined on the lateral foot radiographs as the intersection of the anatomical axis of the talus and the first metatarsal. Therefore, the overall centre of rotation of angulation (CORA) of the medial arch break was documented as the angle at its apex (Meary's angle). Each separate joint angulation was then calculated to determine if the overall CORA was made of separate CORAs. Correlations between the apex location, and the number of apices, with Meary's angle were conducted. Results: There was an isolated apex of deformity in 50.4% (51/101) of cases. These were localised at talonavicular joint (TNJ) in 47% (24/51), the naviculocuneiform joint (NCJ) in 52.9% (27/51) and none at the cuneiform-first metatarsal joint (C-1MTJ). The remaining 49.5% (50/101) had combination apices with the primary deformity being at TNJ in 58% (29/50), the NCJ in 40% (20/50), and 2% (1/50) at the C-1MTJ. The mean Meary's angle was -17.9° for isolated and -18° for combination which was not statistically significant (p=0.92). There was no statistical difference in the talonavicular uncoverage angle between the single and combination apices group (p= 0.99). Conclusion: The apex of the medial arch break occurs distal to the talonavicular joint in the majority of cases, and thereby the main insertion points of the posterior tibial tendon and spring ligament. In 52.9% (27/51) of cases, the deformity occurs solely distal to the TNJ and in 58% (29/50) cases, it involves joints in addition to the TNJ. These will involve pathology of other structures, including the naviculocuneiform ligament. Surgical strategies in successfully correcting Progressive Collapsing Foot Disorder will therefore need to address joints distal to the TNJ in the majority of cases.
Racial Disparities in Early Adverse Events and Unplanned Readmission after Open Fixation of Below- Knee Fractures
Authors: Xu Amy L. , Raad Micheal , Shafiq Babar , Srikumaran Umasuthan , Aiyer Amiethab A. 
Published: November 2022

Category: Trauma; Ankle; Hindfoot; Other Introduction/Purpose: Race-based differences in the surgical management of hip fractures are well-established. Studies assessing these disparities for below-knee fractures have yet to be conducted despite their high volume. Our purpose was to determine whether 1) early postoperative complications and 2) time to surgery for operative fixation of below-knee fractures differ for black versus white patients, and to assess whether disparities exist between fracture subtypes. Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried for patients (>=18 years) undergoing open fixation of below-knee fractures between 2010-2019. This yielded 9,172 patients; 1,120 (12%) were black. We collected patient demographics and preoperative risk factors. Primary outcomes were 30-day postoperative complications and time to surgical fixation. Fractures were further subclassified as tibia and/or fibula shaft, isolated malleolar, bi/trimalleolar, and pilon fractures. Nearest-neighbor propensity score matching in a 1:1 ratio was applied to compare outcomes by race. Alpha = 0.05. Results: After matching, we identified 1,120 white patients with equal propensity scores as our black patients. Black patients had 1.5 times higher odds (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0-2.0) of experiencing any early adverse event when compared with matched white counterparts. Blacks also had 1.9 times higher odds (95% CI: 1.2-3.0) of requiring unplanned readmission within 30 days of operative fixation. Fifty-eight black patients (5.3%) required short-term readmission, compared with 351 white patients (4.5%) - 32 (2.9%) in the matched cohort. The most common reasons for readmission were wound, gastrointestinal, thromboembolic, and recurrent musculoskeletal complications for both races. There were no significant differences by race in time to surgery. Fracture subtype was not associated with postoperative complications or time to surgery in the multivariable analysis. Conclusion: Racial disparities in the early postoperative course after open fixation of below-knee fractures exist, with significantly higher rates of early adverse events and unplanned readmission for black versus white patients that persist after propensity matching. These trends may be secondary to a host of community- and hospital-level factors, illustrating the importance of interventions that consider the differences between hip and non-hip fractures and increase resources to vulnerable areas.