bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pneumatic retinopexy versus scleral buckling for the management of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Chizzolini Marzio , Martini Ferdinando , Melis Riccardo , Montericcio Alessio , Raimondi Raffaele , Allegrini Davide , Romano Mario R 
Published: April 2022

Background and objective To compare pneumatic retinopexy (PnR) and scleral buckling (SB) for repair of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Materials and Methods Single-centre retrospective analysis of patients undergoing PnR and SB. Inclusion criteria comprehend phakic patients with a single retinal break or a group of breaks in detached retina in the same quadrant above the 8- and 4-o’clock meridians. A total of 184 patients were included, respectively 106 underwent PnR and 78 SB. Follow-up time was 6 months. Results Final visual outcome did not differ significantly between the two procedures (P  =  0.12). Single-procedure reattachment rate was significantly higher in SB (94%) than in PnR (68%) (P < 0001). Anatomical success rate was not influenced by macular involving. Reattachment rate in repeated PnR was 95% and in these patients visual outcome did not statistically differ compared to those reattached with first attempt (P  =  0.196). Total reattachment rate including repeated procedures was 87% in PnR group and 94% in SB group, the difference was not significant (P  =  0.06). Conclusion SB has a higher single reattachment rate than PnR. However, final visual outcomes of both procedures are comparable. In selected cases, PnR can be repeated with a high successful rate.
Parents with intellectual disability and their reflections about relationships and support
Authors: Starke Mikaela 
Published: April 2022

Summary It is reported that parents with intellectual disability are generally more likely to have depleted social networks and a lack of meaningful friendships. The aim of this study is to explore parents’ descriptions of the relationships in their networks and their reflections on support and what makes the relationships in their networks a valuable resource in their parenting. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 mothers and 6 fathers. The data were analysed using content analysis and theoretical perspectives of social relations and social capital. Findings Three different network types were identified, including formal, informal, and formal/informal relations. Different types of support were identified as well as bonding, bridging and linking social capital, and strong and weak ties. A diversity of support and strong ties together with trustful relations seem to be the most important factors in building social capital for parents. Applications The study increases recognition of how parents reflect on their networks and what supports their social capital. The findings highlight the importance of professional awareness of the existence of social capital and how this is reflected among parents and can be used to improve social work practice.
Public trust of social workers in Sweden: A repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: Nilsson Kristofer , Landstedt Evelina 
Published: April 2022

Summary Public trust towards social workers is essential for legitimacy and accessibility of the social services, as well as for help-seeking behaviour. However, research on public trust towards the social services is lacking. The aim of this study was to describe the extent to which Swedish citizens trust social workers who work within the social services, and to explore patterns in level of trust based on demographic factors and history of service use. The analysis draws on survey data from 2010, 2014, and 2018 (total n = 4975). Logistic regressions were conducted to assess associations between predictor variables and trust. Findings On average, 40 percent of the general public reported a high level of trust regardless of year. Approximately 20 percent reported a low level of trust. The results indicate a slight decrease in trust between 2010 and 2014 but not between 2014 and 2018. No gender or age differences were identified. Low income level, being related to a service user, and low level of education were all associated with low level of trust. Applications Our findings provide new insights regarding variations in levels of trust in the general population. Economically and educationally disadvantaged groups as well as those related to a service user are more likely to report low trust than their more advantaged counterparts. To strengthen legitimacy and accessibility, these groups should be prioritised in trust-enhancing efforts. Still, reports of high trust were predominant, indicating that social workers are generally perceived as trusted providers of social support.
Characterisation of the post-tuberculous phenotype of bronchiectasis: A real-world observational study
Authors: Fong Isaac , Low Teck Boon , Yii Anthony 
Published: April 2022

Objective Bronchiectasis is a heterogeneous disease with distinct phenotypes. The post-tuberculosis (post-TB) bronchiectasis phenotype is prevalent in many countries but is under-studied. Our aim was to identify distinct phenotypic characteristics of post-TB bronchiectasis. Methods We recruited adults admitted between Jan 2010-Oct 2017 at Changi General Hospital, Singapore for bronchiectasis exacerbation. We collected demographics, symptoms, lung function, microbiology and FACED scores. Participants were followed-up until the next hospitalized exacerbation or end of study, whichever was sooner. Participants diagnosed by their attending respiratory specialist to have post-TB bronchiectasis were compared to those with bronchiectasis from other aetiologies. Results 148 participants were included with mean±standard deviation age 63 ± 9 years; 46 (31.1%) had post-TB bronchiectasis and 102 (68.9%) other aetiologies. Compared to other aetiologies, participants with post-TB bronchiectasis had significantly lower body mass index (BMI), more frequent presentation with haemoptysis, lower forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), more frequent isolation of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), and higher FACED scores indicating greater disease severity. Over a median follow-up of 21 months, post-TB bronchiectasis was associated with shorter time to next hospitalized exacerbation (49 vs 76 months, Log-Rank p = .01). Conclusion Post-TB bronchiectasis is a distinct entity with higher rates of haemoptysis and NTM isolation, more frequent exacerbations, and greater disease severity.
Association of post-intervention pressure gradient with symptom-free at 6 months in idiopathic intracranial hypertension with venous sinus stenosis treated by stenting
Authors: Wang Sujie , Tong Xu , Li Xiaoqing , Liu Lian , Liu Zhenqiang , Mo Dapeng , Wang Yilong 
Published: April 2022

Objective This study aimed to identify the key factors that might affect the clinical outcome of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and Venous sinus stenting (VSS). Methods We performed an analysis of a prospectively collected database of patients with IIH and VSS who underwent stenting. The trans-stenotic pressure gradient was measured before and after intervention. In additional, patients’ baseline characteristics, procedure details and clinical outcomes at 6-month follow-up (including changes in headache, visual impairment, papilledema, etc.) were recorded. The effects of post-intervention pressure gradient on symptom-free at 6 months were explored using logistic regression analysis, generalized additive model and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. Results Of 101 patients included in this study, the median pressure gradient across stenosis decreased from 19 mmHg before intervention to 2 mmHg after intervention. At 6 months, symptom-free was observed in 58 cases (57.4%). Multivariable logistic analysis and generalized additive model showed that post-intervention pressure gradient (increased by 1 mmHg) was independently and linearly correlated with symptom-free (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.67–0.94). Moreover, the post-intervention pressure gradient revealed moderate discrimination with an area under ROC curve of 0.68 (95% CI = 0.57–0.78). Similar associations were observed for the disappearance of headache and papilledema, but not for the visual recovery. Conclusion The post-intervention pressure gradient may be a valid and reliable predictor of 6-month clinical outcome in patients with IIH and VSS treated by stenting. Nevertheless, external validation with blinded outcome is still needed to confirm its performance before clinical application.
Comparison of microcatheter and pressure wire for venous sinus manometric evaluation of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Wang Sujie , Tong Xu , Li Xiaoqing , Liu Lian , Liu Zhenqiang , Mo Dapeng , Wang Yilong 
Published: April 2022

Background Venous sinus manometry performed by microcatheter to assess candidacy for venous sinus stenting in patients with idiopathic cranial pressure (IIH) can be tiring, time-consuming and unreliable. Pressure wire is widely used to measure coronary pressure and evaluate coronary stenosis severity, but venous sinus manometry using the pressure guide wire has only been reported in one case, and few studies have examined the accuracy of this approach. Objective To compare venous manometry performed by microcatheter with by pressure wire under awake setting in patients with IIH. Methods The manometry results of 30 patients with IIH were recorded by Rebar-27 microcatheter and a pressure wire under awake setting. The mean venous pressures (MVPs) and trans-stenosis pressure gradients were obtained and compared between microcatheter and pressure wire. Paired t-test) were used to evaluate the data between the two groups. Results MVPs in superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and torcula were slightly higher with microcatheter, though without statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). MVPs in transverse sinus (TS) and sigmoid sinus (SS) were significantly higher with microcatheter (p < 0.05). Trans-stenotic pressure gradient with microcatheter was significantly higher than with pressure wire (p＜0.001). Conclusions Intracranial venous pressure measured with the microcatheter and pressure wire showed a moderate difference. Compared with the traditional microcatheter method，the pressure wire is safe, fast and effective method to identify the patient needing intervention.
A review on the deeper understanding of inflammation and infection of the thoracic aorta
Authors: Cox Kofi , Sundaram Ritika Dilip , Popescu Mara , Pillai Kiran , Kermali Muhammed , Harky Amer 
Published: April 2022

Objective To review the current literature regarding infection and inflammation of the thoracic aorta and to summarise its aetiologies, pathogenesis and clinical presentation. Additionally, the authors sought to compare diagnostic methods and to analyse the different management options. Method A comprehensive electronic search using PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus and Google Scholar was conducted to find relevant journal articles with key search terms including: ‘aortitis’, ‘thoracic aortic infection’ and ‘surgical management of infected thoracic aortic aneurysms’. Prominent publications from 1995 till present (2021) were analysed to achieve a deeper understanding of thoracic aorta infection and inflammation, and the information was then collated to form this review. Results The literature review revealed that infectious causes are more prominent than non-infectious causes, with Gram positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Streptococcus accounting for approximately 60% of the infections. The authors also noted that Staphylococcus Aureus was associated with poorer outcomes. Key diagnostic tools include MRI and multi-slice CT imaging, which are useful imaging modalities in defining the extent of the disease thus allowing for planning surgical intervention. Surgical intervention itself is extremely multifaceted and the rarity of the condition means no large-scale comparative research between all the management options exists. Until more large-scale comparative data becomes available to guide treatment, the optimal approach must be decided on a case-by-case basis, considering the benefits and drawback of each treatment option. Conclusion A high index of suspicion and a comprehensive history is required to effectively diagnose and manage infection and inflammation of the thoracic aorta. Differentiating between infectious and inflammatory cases is crucial for management planning, as infectious causes typically require antibiotics and surgical intervention. Over the years, the post treatment results have shown significant improvement due to earlier diagnosis, advancement in surgical options and increasingly specific microbial therapy.
Adenopathy and extensive skin patch overlying plasmacytoma syndrome—the clue to early diagnosis of polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes: A case series and literature review
Authors: Sanchez Elizabeth Guevara , Ramos César , Ratnarajah Kayadri , Bravo Francisco P , Del Solar Manuel A , Le Michelle , Netchiporouk Elena 
Published: April 2022

Importance: Adenopathy and extensive skin patch overlying plasmacytoma syndrome is a paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by a cutaneous vascular patch overlying a plasmacytoma and systemic manifestations. It is thought to be an early stage of polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes syndrome, which is a rare, but potentially fatal multisystemic disease that is associated with plasma cell dyscrasia. Thus, a high index of suspicion is required to identify patients with adenopathy and extensive skin patch overlying plasmacytoma as they may present with early polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes, which is curable if detected early. Objective: To report additional cases of adenopathy and extensive skin patch overlying plasmacytoma syndrome, describe dermatoscopic and histologic findings of the cutaneous patch and review all up to date literature on adenopathy and extensive skin patch overlying plasmacytoma syndrome. Design: Case series from a single tertiary care center. Participants: Here, we present the second case series of three patients with adenopathy and extensive skin patch overlying plasmacytoma syndrome who all meet the diagnostic criteria for polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes. The diagnosis was suspected based on the presence of the violaceous cutaneous patch along with symptoms of systemic involvement (fatigue, weight loss, weakness). Dermoscopy revealing regular dilated parallel capillaries was suggestive of a benign/reactive vascular process. Histopathology in all three cases showed reactive vascular proliferation with a characteristic 90° branching. To date only 20 cases of adenopathy and extensive skin patch overlying plasmacytoma have been published, including ours. All patients presented with cutaneous lesions (violaceous patch and others) and most, at least 15/20, met the diagnostic criteria for polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes. When clinical follow-up was reported, most patients had a favorable prognosis with partial or complete symptom resolution following treatment of the underlying plasmocytoma.
Cultivating “Webside Manner” at the UME-GME Transition Point During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Novel Virtual Telemedicine Curriculum
Authors: Samuels Roya , McGeechan Stacy , Allmer Erin , Castiglione Joseph , Chen Jack , Sayres Stephanie , Bernstein Henry , Barone Stephen 
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND Telemedicine use in the US has continued to grow over the past few years with the development of new technology and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to a growing need for formal training in telemedicine for clinicians in order to improve communication skills and provide better patient outcomes. METHODS A self-directed, five-unit online curriculum focused on telemedicine essentials was developed through discussions among Pediatric clinical educators and adapted from literature in telemedicine education. Improvement of communication skills was determined through evaluations of interns randomly assigned to either the telemedicine curriculum or the control group, which was then compared to their baseline encounters. RESULTS Interns who completed the telemedicine curriculum showed significant improvement in communication scores compared to those who did not complete the curriculum. CONCLUSION Results from the study show the effectiveness of a formal telemedicine curriculum in improving critical communication skills for application in telemedicine.
Reconsidering treatment guidelines for acute myocardial infarction during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gao Jing , Lu Peng-Ju , Li Chang-Ping , Wang Hui , Wang Ji-Xiang , Zhang Nan , Li Xiao-Wei , Zhao Hai-Wang , Dou Jing , Bai Miao-Na , Shi Yu-Tian , Zhao Jia , Zan Chun , Liu Yin 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19 affects healthcare resource allocation, which could lead to treatment delay and poor outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on AMI outcomes.MethodsWe compared outcomes of patients admitted for acute ST-elevation MI (STEMI) and non-STEMI (NSTEMI) during a non-COVID-19 pandemic period (January–February 2019; Group 1, n = 254) and a COVID-19 pandemic period (January–February 2020; Group 2, n = 124).ResultsFor STEMI patients, the median of first medical contact (FMC) time, door-to-balloon time, and total myocardial ischemia time were significantly longer in Group 2 patients (allp < 0.05). Primary percutaneous intervention was performed significantly more often in Group 1 patients than in Group 2 patients, whereas thrombolytic therapy was used significantly more often in Group 2 patients than in Group 1 patients (allp < 0.05). However, the rates of and all-cause 30-day mortality and major adverse cardiac event (MACE) were not significantly different in the two periods (allp > 0.05). For NSTEMI patients, Group 2 patients had a higher rate of conservative therapy, a lower rate of reperfusion therapy, and longer FMC times (allp < 0.05). All-cause 30-day mortality and MACE were only higher in NSTEMI patients during the COVID-19 pandemic period (p < 0.001).ConclusionsCOVID-19 pandemic causes treatment delay in AMI patients and potentially leads to poor clinical outcome in NSTEMI patients. Thrombolytic therapy should be initiated without delay for STEMI when coronary intervention is not readily available; for NSTEMI patients, outcomes of invasive reperfusion were better than medical treatment.
Diagnosis, management, and outcome of cardiac sarcoidosis and giant cell myocarditis: a Swedish single center experience
Authors: Bobbio Emanuele , Hjalmarsson Clara , Björkenstam Marie , Polte Christian L. , Oldfors Anders , Lindström Ulf , Dahlberg Pia , Bartfay Sven-Erik , Szamlewski Piotr , Taha Amar , Sakiniene Egidija , Karason Kristjan , Bergh Niklas , Bollano Entela 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundCardiac sarcoidosis (CS) and giant cell myocarditis (GCM) are rare diseases that share some similarities, but also display different clinical and histopathological features. We aimed to compare the demographics, clinical presentation, and outcome of patients diagnosed with CS or GCM.MethodWe compared the clinical data and outcome of all adult patients with CS (n = 71) or GCM (n = 21) diagnosed at our center between 1991 and 2020.ResultsThe median (interquartile range) follow-up time for patients with CS and GCM was 33.5 [6.5–60.9] and 2.98 [0.6–40.9] months, respectively. In the entire cohort, heart failure (HF) was the most common presenting manifestation (31%), followed by ventricular arrhythmias (25%). At presentation, a left ventricular ejection fraction of < 50% was found in 54% of the CS compared to 86% of the GCM patients (P = 0.014), while corresponding proportions for right ventricular dysfunction were 24% and 52% (P = 0.026), respectively. Advanced HF (NYHA ≥ IIIB) was less common in CS (31%) than in GCM (76%). CS patients displayed significantly lower circulating levels of natriuretic peptides (P < 0.001) and troponins (P = 0.014). Eighteen percent of patients with CS included in the survival analysis reached the composite endpoint of death or heart transplantation (HTx) compared to 68% of patients with GCM (P < 0.001).ConclusionGCM has a more fulminant clinical course than CS with severe biventricular failure, higher levels of circulating biomarkers and an increased need for HTx. The histopathologic diagnosis remained key determinant even after adjustment for markers of cardiac dysfunction.
Effectiveness of workshops to teach a home-based exercise program (BEST at Home) for preventing falls in community-dwelling people aged 65 years and over: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bates Amanda , Furber Susan , Sherrington Cathie , van den Dolder Paul , Ginn Karen , Bauman Adrian , Howard Kirsten , Kershaw Michelle , Franco Lisa , Chittenden Cathy , Tiedemann Anne 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Falls are a significant public health issue. There is strong evidence that exercise can prevent falls and the most effective programs are those that primarily involve balance and functional exercises, however uptake of such programs is low. Exercise prescribed during home visits by health professionals can prevent falls however this strategy would be costly to deliver at scale. We developed a new approach to teach home exercise through group-based workshops delivered by physiotherapists. The primary aim was to determine the effect of this approach on the rate of falls among older community-dwelling people over 12 months. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of people falling, fear of falling, physical activity, lower limb strength, balance and quality of life.

Methods
A randomised controlled trial was conducted among community-dwelling people aged ≥65 in New South Wales, Australia. Participants were randomised to either the intervention group (exercise targeting balance and lower limb strength) or control group (exercise targeting upper limb strength).

Results
A total of 617 participants (mean age 73 years, +SD 6, 64% female) were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 307) or control group (n = 310). There was no significant between-group difference in the rate of falls (IRR 0.91, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.29, n = 579, p = 0.604) or the number of participants reporting one or more falls (IRR 0.99, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.29, n = 579, p = 0.946) during 12 month follow-up. A significant improvement in the intervention group compared to control group was found for fear of falling at 3, 6 and 12 months (mean difference 0.50, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.8, p = 0.004; 0.39, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.8, p = 0.049; 0.46, 95% CI 0.006 to 0.9, p = 0.047, respectively), and gait speed at 3 months (mean difference 0.09 s, 95% CI 0.003 to 0.19, p = 0.043). No statistically significant between-group differences were detected for the other secondary outcomes.

Conclusions
There was no significant intervention impact on the rate of falls, but the program significantly reduced fear of falling and improved gait speed. Other exercise delivery approaches are needed to ensure an adequate intensity of balance and strength challenge and dose of exercise to prevent falls.