bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of sound absorption performance of fibers coming from cigarette butts using a phenomenological model
Authors: García-Cobos Francisco J , Maderuelo-Sanz Rubén 
Published: April 2022

This work deals with experimental and theoretical research about cellulose acetate fibers coming from cigarette butts. This waste, considered one of the most hazardous, numerous, and polluting waste all over the world, represents a high environmental risk. The possibility of using these fibers in sound-absorbing panels is evaluated. The acoustical properties are measured according to ISO 10534-2, and predicted using a phenomenological model over the frequency range from 100 Hz to 6400 Hz. This work includes the study of important non-acoustical properties for a better understanding of the porous structure. The Johnson-Champoux-Allard model provides good accuracy. The experimental results of the sound absorption spectrums show mean errors ranging from 1.1% to 9.0%. Moreover, it is possible to obtain non-acoustic properties of cellulose acetate fibers, which are difficult to obtain experimentally, using the Johnson-Champoux-Allard model and an inverse technique. The input parameters of this model are successfully obtained with low errors concerning the measurements (0.6–5.2% for porosity or 2.6–10.5% for flow resistivity). The results of the sound absorption spectrum at normal incidence of the cellulose acetate show very accurate predictions. The experimental results show values of sound-absorption coefficients close to 1.0 and sound absorption average ranging from 0.42 to 0.8. Therefore, these waste fibers are an alternative to the traditional porous absorbers, mainly composed of synthetic fibers or foams and petroleum-based resins.
SCORE2 versus SCORE in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Quevedo-Abeledo Juan Carlos , González-Gay Miguel Á. , Ferraz-Amaro Iván 
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Recently, the Systematic Coronary Risk Assessment (SCORE), a well-known CV risk algorithm, has been updated to a new predictive model (SCORE2). This new algorithm improves the identification of individuals at high risk of developing CV disease across Europe. Since carotid atherosclerosis is a predictor of future CV events and CV death, our objective was to compare the predictive capacity of SCORE2 versus SCORE for the presence of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in patients with SLE. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-five individuals over 40 years of age diagnosed with SLE were consecutively recruited in this cross-sectional study. SCORE and SCORE2 were calculated. The relationship of SCORE and SCORE2 with each other, and with the presence of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis (both carotid plaque and carotid intima media thickness -cIMT-), was studied. Results: SCORE2 and SCORE did not correlate with each other (Spearman’s Rho = 0.125, p = 0.065). Although SCORE did not correlate with cIMT (Spearman’s Rho = -0.022, p = 0.75), the correlation of SCORE2 with cIMT was statistically significant (Spearman’s Rho = 0.367, p < 0.001). Similarly, SCORE did not show significant discrimination for the presence of carotid plaque [AUC = 0.521 (95% CI = 0.443–0.600)], while SCORE2 did [AUC = 0.720 (95% CI = 0.656–0.785)]. The difference between AUCs was found to be statistically significant ( p < 0.001), thus showing that the prediction capacity of SCORE2 was significantly higher than that of SCORE. Conclusion: In SLE patients, the ability of SCORE2 to predict the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis is higher than that of SCORE. According to our results, SCORE2, rather than SCORE, should be used in the CV risk stratification of patients with SLE. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
SPECTRa: An Online Tool for Simulating Prehospital Patient Care
Authors: Davidson Thomas J. , Waxenegger Harald , Mohamed Ismail , McConnell Duncan S. , Sanderson Penelope M. 
Published: April 2022

Objectives: To (1) develop a simulation software environment to conduct prehospital research during the COVID-19 pandemic on paramedics’ teamwork and use of mobile computing devices, and (2) establish its feasibility for use as a research and training tool. Background: Simulation-based research and training for prehospital environments has typically used live simulation, with highly realistic equipment and technology-enhanced manikins. However, such simulations are expensive, difficult to replicate, and require facilitators and participants to be at the same location. Although virtual simulation tools exist for prehospital care, it is unclear how best to use them for research and training. Methods: We present SPECTRa—Simulated Prehospital Emergency Care for Team Research—an online simulated prehospital environment that lets participants care concurrently for single or multiple patients remotely. Patient scenarios are designed using Laerdal’s SimDesigner. SPECTRa records data about scenario states and participants’ virtual interaction with the simulated patients. SPECTRa’s supporting environment records participants’ verbal communication and their visual and physical interactions with their interface and devices using Zoom conferencing and audiovisual recording. We discuss a pilot research implementation to assess SPECTRa’s feasibility. Results: SPECTRa allows researchers to systematically test small-team interaction in single- or multipatient care scenarios and assess the impact of mobile devices on participants’ assessment and care of patients. SPECTRa also supports pedagogical features that could allow prehospital educators to provide individual trainees or teams with online simulation training and evaluation. Conclusions: SPECTRa, an online tool for simulating prehospital patient care, shows potential for remote healthcare research and training.
Patterns and Trends of Facial Fractures at a Tertiary Care Trauma Center in India - A 13 years Retrospective Study
Authors: Shome Debraj , Surana Monika , Male Shiva Ram , Kumar Vaibhav , Vyavahare Supriya S. , Abrol Arundha , Kapoor Rinky 
Published: April 2022

Study Design Retrospective study Objective The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze the prevalence, pattern, diagnosis, and treatment of the facial fractures falling under ambit of facial plastic surgery in a multi-specialty hospital at India from the year 2006–2019. Methods This retrospective study analyzed 1508 patients, having orbital fractures (from 2006 to 2019) for demographic data, cause of trauma, type of fracture, and the treatment given. The data were compiled in excel and analyzed by using SPSS version 21.0. Results Out of these 1508 patient (1127 (74.73%)–males and 381 (25.27%)–females), the etiology of injuries was Road traffic accident (RTA) (49.20%), assault (26.52%), and sports injuries (11.47%). The most common fracture pattern was Isolated Orbit and/or Orbital Floor fracture in 451 patients (32.08%), followed by Mid-facial fractures (21.93%). Also, 105 patients (6.96%) experienced ocular/retinal trauma along with other fractures. Conclusions Orbit, peri-ocular, and mid-face trauma comprised a large position of this study. It requires a great deal of expertise to treat such complex trauma, which is not covered in one specialty alone. Hence, a holistic approach of craniofacial fracture management, rather than limiting these skills to water-tight craniofacial compartments becomes necessary. The study highlights the critical need of multidisciplinary approach for predictable and successful management of such complex cases.
Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Enhances the Efficacy of Bone Marrow–Derived MSCs in Osteoarthritis Cartilage Repair by Regulating Autophagy-Mediated Exosome Release
Authors: Xia Peng , Wang Qi , Song Jiulong , Wang Xiaoju , Wang Xinwei , Lin Qiang , Cheng Kai , Chen Anliang , Li Xueping 
Published: April 2022

Objective The present study explored whether low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) enhances the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage repair by regulating autophagy-mediated exosome release. Design MSCs were isolated from the rat bone marrow and treated with rapamycin, 3-methyladenine, or LIPUS. The mechanism of the LIPUS-stimulated exosome release by MSCs was analyzed by inhibiting autophagy. In addition, the MSCs were co-cultured with OA chondrocytes and stimulated by LIPUS, with or without exosome release inhibitor intervention. The exosome release was detected through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis, and biomarker expression analysis. Autophagy was analyzed through TEM, autophagy-related gene expression analysis, and immunofluorescence analysis in vitro. Furthermore, a rat knee OA model was constructed and treated with MSCs, GW4869, and LIPUS. The cartilage repair was assessed through histopathological analysis and extracellular matrix protein expression analysis. Results The in vitro results indicated that LIPUS promoted MSC exosome release by activating autophagy. The in vivo results demonstrated that LIPUS significantly enhanced the positive effects of MSCs on OA cartilage. These effects were significantly blocked by GW4869, an inhibitor of exosome release. Conclusions LIPUS can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in OA cartilage repair, and the underlying mechanism is related to the increase in autophagy-mediated exosome release.
Antibiotics non-adherence and its associated factors among households in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Endashaw Hareru Habtamu , Sisay Daniel , Kassaw Chalachew , Kassa Reta 
Published: April 2022

Objectives: This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of antibiotics non-adherence and its associated factor among households in southern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 323 randomly selected households in Wenago town. To collect the data, structured questionnaire was used. Categorical variables were represented by frequency and percentage. For continuous variables, the mean value and standard deviation were used. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors related to antibiotic non-adherence. Finally, for significant factors with p-values less than 0.05, the adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was calculated and evaluated. Results: The prevalence of antibiotic non-adherence in the household was 194 (60.1%) (95% confidence interval = 55.1–65.6). Remission of symptoms (63%) is one of the top reasons for antibiotic non-adherence in the home. Male sex (adjusted odds ratio = 1.77, 95% confidence interval = 1.03–3.08), lower educational status (adjusted odds ratio = 3.42, 95% confidence interval = 1.51–7.75; adjusted odds ratio = 2.37, confidence interval = 1.12–5.02), poor attitude toward antibiotics use (adjusted odds ratio = 1.89; 95% confidence interval = 1.23–3.04), poor knowledge about antibiotics use (adjusted odds ratio = 1.34; 95% confidence interval = 1.11–2.39), and no-prescription information from pharmacy (adjusted odds ratio = 2.02, 95% confidence interval = 1.09–3.72) were all associated with non-adherence. While no medication discomfort (adjusted odds ratio = 0.31, 95% confidence interval = 0.178–0.56) had a negative effect on non-adherence. Conclusion: In this study, antibiotic non-adherence was considerably high among the participants. Being male, lower educational status, poor attitude, poor knowledge, no-prescription information from pharmacy/druggist, and medication discomfort were related with antibiotic non-adherence. As a result, community service providers must provide relevant prescription information as well as appropriate counseling to antibiotic non-adherent patients.
Drug-related problems identified during pharmaceutical care interventions in an intensive care unit at a tertiary university hospital
Authors: Tharanon Vichapat , Putthipokin Krongtong , Sakthong Phantipa 
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Drug-related problems could potentially worsen the clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. Critically ill patients are generally considered more vulnerable to harm from drug-related problems due to frequent medication-related events and complicated clinical courses. However, drug-related problems identified by on-ward clinical pharmacists in medical intensive care units in Thailand are not well reported. This study reports clinically relevant data with the description of identified problems, common causes of drug-related problems, and pharmacists’ interventions performed in real world, so that it may serve as an educational material for pharmacists who implement a pharmaceutical care and participate in medical intensive care units. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary university hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, from January 2015 to December 2020. The drug-related problems were categorized according to Cipolle et al.’s classification. The severity of drug-related problems in this study was rated by modifying the definition of The National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention Taxonomy of Medication Error to report harm from drug-related problem-related patient outcomes. Results: A total of 698 drug-related problems were detected in 374 critically ill patients. The prevalence of drug-related problems occurring in critically ill patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit was 73.9%. The most frequent drug-related problems were dosage too high (27.7%), ineffective drug (17.2%), need for additional drug therapy (15.3%), unnecessary drug therapy (14.6%), dosage too low (14.3%), adverse drug reaction (9.7%), and non-adherence (1.2%). The severity of drug-related problems in the medical intensive care unit was assessed as a drug-related problem with no harm (78.2%). Pharmacists’ interventions were advised according to drug-related problem identification to provide personalized pharmacotherapy optimization in critically ill patients. Conclusion: The most frequent drug-related problem identified during pharmaceutical care interventions in the medical intensive care unit at tertiary university hospital is dosage too high. The severity of drug-related problems is mostly determined as drug-related problems with no harm.
Robotic-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion: Initial South Australian experience
Authors: Shepherd Andrew RH , Bunjo Zachary , Sutherland Peter , Fuller Andrew 
Published: April 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the initial experience with robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) performed by two robotic surgeons at a single, Australian centre. Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 consecutive patients who underwent RARC with ICUD with curative intent for muscle-invasive and high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer between 2017 and 2021. Variables analysed included patient baseline characteristics, operative and peri-operative outcomes, as well as short-term pathological outcomes. Results: A total 30 patients were included; 87% were male and the median age was 71 years. Half of patients had muscle-invasive bladder cancer and 93% had ileal conduit formation (with the remaining two patients undergoing neobladder formation). The median operating time was 247 minutes. The median estimated blood loss was 450 mL and 20% of patients received a blood transfusion. A high-grade complication (Clavien III–V) was encountered in 13% of patients post-operatively. At 90 days, 30 overall complications (Clavien I–V) occurred across 67% of the patients. Conclusion: This series provides further support for the safe introduction of RARC with ICUD in Australia. Further studies with extended duration of follow-up, including oncological outcomes, are required to support widespread adoption of RARC. Level of evidence: Level 4 (case series)
Robot-assisted surgery in horseshoe kidneys: A safety and feasibility multi-centre case series
Authors: Ng Alexander , Nathan Arjun , Campain Nicholas , Fortune-Ely Mariella , Patki Siddhant , Yuminaga Yuigi , Mumtaz Faiz , Gulamhusein Aziz , Tran Maxine , Nathan Senthil , Barod Ravi , Bex Axel , Patki Prasad 
Published: April 2022

Objective: We assessed the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive robot-assisted surgery for horseshoe kidney (HSK). Method: A prospectively maintained data set for consecutive patients undergoing robotic kidney surgery was reviewed for patients with HSK. Cases were performed by experienced robotic surgeons, across two high-volume centres between 2016 and 2020. Results: Seven patients underwent robotic surgery for HSK, comprising three partial nephrectomies for renal masses, one nephroureterectomy and three benign nephrectomies for non-functioning kidneys. The median age was 53 (interquartile range (IQR) = 47–60) years and median body mass index (BMI) was 25 (IQR = 25–26.5). Median console time was 120 (IQR = 118–215) minutes and median estimated blood loss was 150 (IQR = 125–250) mL. The median pre- and post-operative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 76 (IQR = 72–90) and 71 (IQR = 60–81), respectively. There were no higher-grade complications (Clavien–Dindo III–IV) and one Clavien–Dindo grade II complication (wound infection treated with IV antibiotics). Median length of stay (LOS) was 2 days and there were no 30-day readmissions. Negative margins were achieved in 75% of tumour resections. Conclusion: We report one the largest series of robot-assisted surgery on HSK. Robotic surgery is safe and feasible for HSK in centralised high-volume centres with acceptable perioperative outcomes. Established benefits of minimally invasive surgery, such as reduced LOS and low complication rates, were demonstrated. Level of evidence: 4
Rituximab for Adults With Multi-Drug Resistant Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Zhong Ellia , Ghadiri Siavash , Pai Alexander , Marin Judith G. , Barbour Sean J. 
Published: April 2022

Background: Adults with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are frequently resistant to multiple immunosuppressive agents, which is associated with ongoing complications of nephrotic syndrome and a high risk of progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against the B cell CD20 antigen, has shown some preliminary evidence in treating nephrotic syndrome. Objectives: Describe the usage and the efficacy of rituximab for adults with FSGS in British Columbia (BC) (Canada) and perform a literature review of multi-immunosuppressive drug resistant FSGS in adult patients treated with rituximab to estimate the overall response rate. Design: Case series report and a literature review. Patients: For the case-series, all BC patients who received rituximab for a diagnosis of primary FSGS were included. The literature review included all cases of immunosuppressive-resistant FSGS patients treated with rituximab. We excluded transplant and pediatric patients in both groups. Methods: We describe all cases of adults with native-kidney FSGS resistant to conventional immunosuppressive medications from our provincial health database who were treated with rituximab from 2014 to 2018. A review of the existing literature was performed via PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase using the following keywords: rituximab, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and FSGS up to August 2019. Results: We characterize four immunosuppressive-resistant FSGS patients who were treated with rituximab as part of our provincial program, all of whom showed a response to rituximab with a sustained remission. We found 29 specific cases in the literature of adults with native-kidney FSGS treated with rituximab after being resistant to other immunosuppressive medications, of whom 15 cases showed a response to rituximab. This has increased the total response rate from 15/29 (52%) to 19/33 (58%). Limitations: Literature on this topic is coming predominantly from case series. Prospective trials are needed to confirm efficacy, tolerability, and duration of remission. Conclusions: Due to the low number of currently reported cases and variable response rates, these four cases provide critical data to generate a more accurate understanding of the role of rituximab in adults with resistant FSGS. Adding these results to the confirmed literature cases of multiple-immunosuppressive-resistant FSGS patients treated with rituximab results in a total remission rate of 19/33 cases.
Cognitive and behavioural bias in advance care planning
Authors: Whyte Stephen , Rego Joanna , Fai Chan Ho , Chan Raymond J. , Yates Patsy , Dulleck Uwe 
Published: April 2022

Background: We explore cognitive and behavioural biases that influence individual’s willingness to engage advance care planning (ACP). Because contexts for the initiation of ACP discussions can be so different, our objective in this study was to identify specific groups, particular preferences or uniform behaviours, that may be prone to cognitive bias in the ACP decision process. Method: We collected data from the Australian general public ( n = 1253), as well as general practitioners (GPs) and nurses ( n = 117) including demographics, stated preference for ACP decision-making; six cognitive bias tests commonly used in Behavioural Economics; and a framing experiment in the context of ACP. Results: Compared to GPs ( M = 57.6 years, SD = 17.2) and the general public (58.1 years, SD = 14.56), nurses on average recommend ACP discussions with patients occur approximately 15 years earlier ( M = 42.9 years, SD = 23.1; p < 0.0001 in both cases). There is a positive correlation between the age of the general population and the preferred age for the initial ACP discussion ( ρ = 0.368, p < 0.001). Our shared decision-making analysis shows the mean share of doctor’s ACP input is viewed to be approximately 40% by the general public, significantly higher than health professionals (GPs and nurses), who believe doctors should only contribute approximately 20% input. The general public show varying relationships (all p < 0.05) for both first ACP discussion, and shared decision-making for five of six cognitive tests. However, for health professionals, only those who exhibit confirmation bias show differences (8.4% higher; p = 0.035) of patient’s input. Our framing experiment results show that positive versus negative framing can result in as much as 4.9–7.0% shift in preference for factors most relevant to ACP uptake. Conclusion: Understanding how GPs, nurses and patients perceive, engage and choose to communicate ACP and how specific groups, particular preferences or uniform behaviours, may be prone to cognitive bias in the decision process is of critical importance for increasing future uptake and efficient future healthcare provision.
Breaking the Symmetry of a Metal–Insulator–Metal-Based Resonator for Sensing Applications
Authors: Chou Chao Chung-Ting , Chou Chau Yuan-Fong , Chiang Hai-Pang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis article designed a novel multi-mode plasmonic sensor based on a metal–insulator–metal waveguide side-coupled to a circular-shaped resonator containing an air path in the resonator. The electromagnet field distributions and transmittance spectra are investigated using finite element method-based simulations. Simulation results show that an air path in the resonator's core would impact the transmittance spectrum of SPPs. Besides, the air path is crucial in offering efficient coupling and generating multiple plasmon modes in the sensor system. The proposed structure has the advantage of multi-channel, and its sensitivity, figure of merit, and dipping strength can reach 2800 nm/RIU, 333.3 1/RIU, and 86.97%, respectively. The achieved plasmonic sensor can also apply for lab-on-chip in biochemical analysis for detecting the existence or nonappearance of diabetes through the human glucose concentration in urine.