bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plantar Venous Pump Activity, Generalized Joint Hypermobility, and Foot Mobility in Ballerinas: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Kablan Nilüfer , Uzun Selda , Kulalı Fatma , Tatar Yaşar 
Published: March 2022

Context: The plantar venous pump (PVP) is a vascular network located between the muscles of the foot arch. It has been suggested foot mobility is critical for PVP activation. Objective: This study investigates the effect of generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) on foot mobility and PVP activity in ballerinas and to determine how a short-term warm-up exercise impacts these parameters in the presence of GJH. Design: Prospective study. Methods: Twelve ballerinas (age = 16.73 [1.8] y) and 15 non-dancer-matched controls (age = 16.31 [2.1] y) were included. When performing weight-bearing activities, venous return parameters (diameter, velocity, and flow volume) from the posterior tibial vein were measured using color and spectral Doppler ultrasonography. Foot mobility was determined using navicular drop test. The participants performed a 10-minute cycling exercise to reveal its effect on reducing tissue stiffness. All measurements were performed synchronously and twice—before and after the cycling exercise. Results: The results showed the navicular height obtained before and after exercise in the ballerinas was significantly different compared with that obtained in the sitting position, and the values obtained in the 3 measurement positions in the nondancer group were significantly different from each other (P < .05). The difference between the venous diameter values measured before and after exercise and the reference value was significant in both groups (P < .001). There was a significant decrease in venous velocity following exercise in the nondancer group (P = .044). The venous volume values obtained after exercise were significantly different between the groups (P = .039). Conclusions: The GJH has no distinctive effect on foot mobility and PVP activity in ballerinas. The presence of GJH did not influence the effect of short-term warm-up exercise on foot mobility and PVP activity. We believe that measuring the navicular drop and venous return with a more precise synchronization may provide additional information regarding the link between arch tension and venous return.
Sex differences in glycemic measures, complications, discharge disposition, and postdischarge emergency room visits and readmission among non-critically ill, hospitalized patients with diabetes
Authors: Patel Neeti , Swami Janya , Pinkhasova Diana , Karslioglu French Esra , Hlasnik Deborah , Delisi Kristin , Donihi Amy , Siminerio Linda , Rubin Daniel J , Wang Li , Korytkowski Mary T 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionThe purpose of this prospective observational cohort study was to examine sex differences in glycemic measures, diabetes-related complications, and rates of postdischarge emergency room (ER) visits and hospital readmissions in non-critically ill, hospitalized patients with diabetes.Research design and methodsDemographic data including age, body mass index, race, blood pressure, reason for admission, diabetes medications at admission and discharge, diabetes-related complications, laboratory data (hematocrit, creatinine, hemoglobin A1c, point-of-care blood glucose measures), length of stay (LOS), and discharge disposition were collected. Patients were followed for 90 days following hospital discharge to obtain information regarding ER visits and readmissions.Results120 men and 100 women consented to participate in this study. There were no sex differences in patient demographics, diabetes duration or complications, or LOS. No differences were observed in the percentage of men and women with an ER visit or hospital readmission within 30 (39% vs 33%, p=0.40) or 90 (60% vs 49%, p=0.12) days of hospital discharge. More men than women experienced hypoglycemia prior to discharge (18% vs 8%, p=0.026). More women were discharged to skilled nursing facilities (p=0.007).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that men and women hospitalized with an underlying diagnosis of diabetes have similar preadmission glycemic measures, diabetes duration, and prevalence of diabetes complications. More men experienced hypoglycemia prior to discharge. Women were less likely to be discharged to home. Approximately 50% of men and women had ER visits or readmissions within 90 days of hospital discharge.Trial registration numberNCT03279627.
First in-human trial and prospective case series of an articulated laparoscopic camera system in minimally invasive surgery in gynecology: an IDEAL stage 1 and 2a study
Authors: Ng Tong Yow , Ngu Siew Fei , Kam Tat Yan Deyoung , Ng Sai Yan , Lo Ping Lai Benny 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesPrecision Robotics’ Sirius Robotic Flexible Endoscopic System is a new, fully integrated, compact three-dimensional laparoscopic camera system with a disposable single-use flexible tip that can change its viewing direction. This IDEAL Stage 1 and 2a study assessed its safety, reliability and potential efficacy particularly for single incision laparoscopic surgery and vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.DesignProspective single-institution, single-surgeon study.SettingThe study was conducted in a multispecialty hospital.ParticipantsWomen aged 18–70 years scheduled for gynecological laparoscopic surgery were invited to participate. An information sheet and consent was available for the women and an informed consent was obtained. Thirteen participants completed this study.InterventionsThe laparoscopic procedures were done in the usual manner. The only difference was the Sirius System was used in place of the conventional laparoscope. All other procedures and instruments remained the same.Main outcome measuresPrimary outcome was the proportion of women who successfully completed the intended procedure using the Sirius System without conversion to another camera system, camera users and surgeon’s view and experience, and iterations and modifications to the system. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications during the first 6 weeks following surgery, and duration of surgery.Results85% (11/13) of women had their procedure completed successfully using the Sirius System. Two women required immediate conversion to the conventional laparoscope due to technical issues. There were no intraoperative complications. Users agreed that the improved field of view was beneficial for laparoscopic surgery. Iterative improvements were made in the imaging quality, user interface and manufacturing quality.ConclusionsSirius System has early indications for safety and efficacy for intermediate and major minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures in gynecology. Further studies are needed to confirm it can replace a conventional laparoscope in the surgical workflow.Trial registration numberNCT05048407.
Association between mirtazapine use and serious self-harm in people with depression: an active comparator cohort study using UK electronic health records
Authors: Joseph Rebecca M , Jack Ruth H , Morriss Richard , Knaggs Roger David , Butler Debbie , Hollis Chris , Hippisley-Cox Julia , Coupland Carol 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundStudies report an increased risk of self-harm or suicide in people prescribed mirtazapine compared with other antidepressants.ObjectivesTo compare the risk of serious self-harm in people prescribed mirtazapine versus other antidepressants as second-line treatments.Design and settingCohort study using anonymised English primary care electronic health records, hospital admission data and mortality data with study window 1 January 2005 to 30 November 2018.Participants24 516 people diagnosed with depression, aged 18–99 years, initially prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and then prescribed mirtazapine, a different SSRI, amitriptyline or venlafaxine.Main outcome measuresHospitalisation or death due to deliberate self-harm. Age–sex standardised rates were calculated and survival analyses were performed using inverse probability of treatment weighting to account for baseline covariates.ResultsStandardised rates of serious self-harm ranged from 3.8/1000 person-years (amitriptyline) to 14.1/1000 person-years (mirtazapine). After weighting, the risk of serious self-harm did not differ significantly between the mirtazapine group and the SSRI or venlafaxine groups (HRs (95% CI) 1.18 (0.84 to 1.65) and 0.85 (0.51 to 1.41) respectively). The risk was significantly higher in the mirtazapine than the amitriptyline group (3.04 (1.36 to 6.79)) but was attenuated after adjusting for dose.ConclusionsThere was no evidence for a difference in risk between mirtazapine and SSRIs or venlafaxine after accounting for baseline characteristics. The higher risk in the mirtazapine versus the amitriptyline group might reflect residual confounding if amitriptyline is avoided in people considered at risk of self-harm.Clinical implicationsAddressing baseline risk factors and careful monitoring might improve outcomes for people at risk of serious self-harm.
Prevalence and haemodynamic profiles of pulmonary hypertension in cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Slivnick Jeremy , Zareba Karolina M , Varghese Juliet , Truong Vien , Wallner Alexander L , Tong Matthew S , Hummel Christopher , Mazur Wojciech , Rajpal Saurabh 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesWhile cardiac amyloidosis (CA) classically involves the left ventricle (LV), less is known about its impact on the right ventricle (RV) and pulmonary vasculature. We performed a retrospective analysis to identify the prevalence and types of pulmonary hypertension (PH) profiles in CA and to determine haemodynamic and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).MethodsPatients with CA who underwent CMR and right heart catheterisation (RHC) within 1 year between 2010 and 2019 were included. Patients were assigned the following haemodynamic profiles based on RHC: no PH, precapillary PH, isolated postcapillary PH (IPCPH), or combined precapillary and postcapillary PH (CPCPH). The relationship between PH profile and MACE (death, heart failure hospitalisation) was assessed using survival analysis. CMR and RV parameters were correlated with MACE using Cox-regression analysis.ResultsA total of 52 patients were included (age 69±9 years, 85% men). RHC was performed during biopsy in 44 (85%) and for clinical indications in 8 (15%) patients. Rates of no PH, precapillary PH, IPCPH and CPCPH were 5 (10%), 3 (6%), 29 (55%) and 15 (29%), respectively. Haemodynamic PH profile did not correlate with risk of death (p=0.98) or MACE (p=0.67). Transpulmonary gradient (TPG) (HR 0.88, CI 0.80 to 0.97), RV, (HR 0.95, CI 0.92 to 0.98) and LV ejection fraction (HR 0.95, CI 0.92 to 0.98) were significantly associated with MACE.ConclusionsPH is highly prevalent in CA, even at the time of diagnosis. While IPCPH was most common, CPCPH is not infrequent. TPG and RV ejection fraction (RVEF) are prognostic markers in this population.
Sulfolane in contaminated sites: environmental toxicity and bioremediation technologies
Authors: Khan Muhammad Faizan , Yu Linlong , Achari Gopal 
Published: March 2022

Sulfolane is widely used around the world as an industrial solvent for purifying sour natural gas. However, because of accidental spillage and improper on-site storage/disposal procedures, reports of groundwater, aquifer, and soil contaminations have raised concerns about its potential impacts on humans and the ecosystem. As a contaminant of emerging concern, there is a lack of information on the human toxicity of sulfolane. Several bioremediation technologies have been conducted to assess the biodegradation potential of sulfolane in contaminated groundwater and soils. This review presents and discusses the available literature on the toxicity of sulfolane, which could be useful for developing proper sulfolane guidelines in different media. The oral LD50 of sulfolane varies from 0.6 to 3.5 g·(kg body mass)–1 for different mammalian species, including guinea pig, mouse, rabbit, and rat. In addition, we also review the various sulfolane bioremediation studies to date, highlighting the efficacy of aerobic versus anaerobic bioremediation of sulfolane at contaminated sites. The zero-order biodegradation rate of sulfolane varies from 0.033 to 190 mg·L–1·day–1 depending on the initial concentration of sulfolane, nutrients, oxygen levels, temperature, and other parameters. Effective aerobic treatment technologies can lead to the complete mineralization of sulfolane with sulfuric acid as its major end by-product. Furthermore, the application of aerobic granulation as a promising biotechnology for sulfolane biodegradation is also discussed. This review further discusses the significance of utilizing sulfolane-degrading bacteria to reduce treatment times and presents information for future researchers and scientists on the specific isolates recorded.
Beam-based aperture measurements with movable collimator jaws as performance booster of the CERN Large Hadron Collider
Authors: Fuster-Martínez N. , Aßmann R. W. , Bruce R. , Giovannozzi M. , Hermes P. , Mereghetti A. , Mirarchi D. , Redaelli S. , Wenninger J. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe beam aperture of a particle accelerator defines the clearance available for the circulating beams and is a parameter of paramount importance for the accelerator performance. At the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the knowledge and control of the available aperture is crucial because the nominal proton beams carry an energy of 362 MJ stored in a superconducting environment. Even a tiny fraction of beam losses could quench the superconducting magnets or cause severe material damage. Furthermore, in a circular collider, the performance in terms of peak luminosity depends to a large extent on the aperture of the inner triplet quadrupoles, which are used to focus the beams at the interaction points. In the LHC, this aperture represents the smallest aperture at top-energy with squeezed beams and determines the maximum potential reach of the peak luminosity. Beam-based aperture measurements in these conditions are difficult and challenging. In this paper, we present different methods that have been developed over the years for precise beam-based aperture measurements in the LHC, highlighting applications and results that contributed to boost the operational LHC performance in Run 1 (2010–2013) and Run 2 (2015–2018)
Localizing RFIDs in Pixel Dimensions
Authors: An Zhenlin , Lin Qiongzheng , Yang Lei , Guo Yi , Li Ping 
Published: March 2022

Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) is emerging as a vital technology of the Internet of Things (IoT). Billions of RFID tags have been deployed to locate daily objects such as equipment, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, and so on. Unlike previous solutions that focus on localizing tagged objects in the world coordinate system in reference to reader antennas, this work exploits a system, called RFCamera, that can identify and locate RFID-tagged objects in images with pixel dimensions. Our core insight is that an image is a visual AoA profile in terms of lights, which is resulted from the pinhole camera model. Similarly, we generate an RF image derived from the AoA profile of a tag using the same pinhole model as the camera. Consequently, the locations of visual entities corresponding to tagged objects are highlighted by comparing two types of images. To this end, we customized a camera system equipped with a pair of rotatable reader antennas. Our experimental evaluation demonstrates that RFCamera enables a mean error of 5.7∘ and 2.9∘ at azimuth and elevation angle estimation, respectively. It can locate a visual entity with a mean error of 51 pixels (i.e., ≈1.3 cm at 96 dpi) in a 640× 480 image.
Management and Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction-Cardiogenic Shock in Uninsured Compared With Privately Insured Individuals
Authors: Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra , Kumar Vinayak , Sundaragiri Pranathi R. , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Miller P. Elliott , Harsha Patlolla Sri , Gersh Bernard J. , Lerman Amir , Jaffe Allan S. , Shah Nilay D. , Holmes David R. , Bell Malcolm R. , Barsness Gregory W. 
Published: March 2022

Background:
There are limited data on uninsured patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS). This study sought to compare the management and outcomes of AMI-CS between uninsured and privately insured individuals.

Methods:
Using the National Inpatient Sample (2000–2016), a retrospective cohort of adult (≥18 years) uninsured admissions (primary payer—self-pay or no charge) were compared with privately insured individuals. Interhospital transfers were excluded. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality, temporal trends in admissions, use of cardiac procedures, do-not-resuscitate status, palliative care referrals, and resource utilization.

Results:

Of 402 182 AMI-CS admissions, 21 966 (5.4%) and 93 814 (23.3%) were uninsured and privately insured. Compared with private insured individuals, uninsured admissions were younger, male, from a lower socioeconomic status, had lower comorbidity, higher rates of acute organ failure, ST-segment elevation AMI-CS (77.3% versus 76.4%), and concomitant cardiac arrest (33.8% versus 31.9%; all
P
<0.001). Compared with 2000, in 2016, there were more uninsured (adjusted odds ratio, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.13–1.17];
P
<0.001) and less privately insured admissions (adjusted odds ratio, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.83–0.87];
P
<0.001). Uninsured individuals received less frequent coronary angiography (79.5% versus 81.0%), percutaneous coronary intervention (60.8% versus 62.2%), mechanical circulatory support (54% versus 55.5%), and had higher palliative care (3.8% versus 3.2%) and do-not-resuscitate status use (4.4% versus 3.2%; all
P
<0.001). Uninsured admissions had higher in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.55–1.68];
P
<0.001) and resource utilization.

Conclusions:
Uninsured individuals have higher in-hospital mortality and lower use of guideline-directed therapies in AMI-CS compared with privately insured individuals.
Post‐Intracranial Hemorrhage Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Lin Shin‐Yi , Chang Yu‐Chen , Lin Fang‐Ju , Tang Sung‐Chun , Dong Yaa‐Hui , Wang Chi‐Chuan 
Published: March 2022

Background
To investigate the effectiveness and safety of withholding or restarting antithrombotic agents, and different antithrombotic therapies among patients with atrial fibrillation post‐intracranial hemorrhage.

Methods and Results
This is a nationwide retrospective cohort study involving patients with atrial fibrillation receiving antithrombotic therapies who subsequently developed intracranial hemorrhage between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2017. The risk of ischemic stroke (IS), recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and all‐cause mortality were investigated between patients receiving no treatment versus patients reinitiating oral anticoagulants (OACs) or antiplatelet agents, and warfarin versus non‐vitamin K antagonist OACs. We applied inverse probability of treatment weighting to balance the baseline characteristics and Cox proportional hazards model to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) of different outcomes of interest. Compared with no treatment, OACs reduced the risk of IS (HR, 0.61; 0.42–0.89), without increase in the risk of ICH (1.15, 0.66–2.02); antiplatelet agent users showed a similar risk of IS (1.13, 0.81–1.56) and increased risk of ICH (1.81, 1.07–3.04). Use of OACs or antiplatelet agents did not reduce the risk of all‐cause mortality (0.85, 0.72–1.01; and 0.88, 0.75–1.03, respectively). Compared with warfarin, non‐vitamin K antagonist OAC users showed a similar risk of IS (0.92, 0.50–1.70), non‐significantly reduced risk of ICH (0.53, 0.22–1.30), and significantly reduced all‐cause mortality (0.60, 0.43–0.84).

Conclusions
OACs are recommended in patients with atrial fibrillation and intracranial hemorrhage because they reduced the risk of IS with no increase in the risk of subsequent ICH. Non‐vitamin K antagonist OACs are recommended over warfarin owing to their survival benefits.
Haptoglobin Regulates Macrophage/Microglia‐Induced Inflammation and Prevents Ischemic Brain Damage Via Binding to HMGB1
Authors: Morimoto Mayuka , Nakano Takafumi , Egashira Saki , Irie Keiichi , Matsuyama Kiyoshi , Wada Momoka , Nakamura Yoshihiko , Shigemori Yutaka , Ishikura Hiroyasu , Yamashita Yuta , Hayakawa Kazuhide , Sano Kazunori , Mishima Kenichi 
Published: March 2022

Background
HMGB1 (high‐mobility group box 1) is known to worsen the functional prognosis after cerebral ischemia. Hp (haptoglobin) binds and sequesters HMGB1. Furthermore, Hp‐HMGB1 complexes are rapidly cleared by scavenger receptors on macrophages/microglia and modulate polarization of macrophages/microglia toward the M2 phenotype. Therefore, Hp may prevent aggravation by HMGB1 after cerebral ischemia and promote tissue repair by M2 macrophages/microglia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Hp on ischemic brain damage induced by a high systemic HMGB1 level in mice subjected to 4 hours of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).

Methods and Results
One day after MCAO, Hp was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 20 or 200 U/kg once daily for 7 days. Neurological scores, motor coordination, and plasma HMGB1 levels were measured 1, 3, and 7 days after MCAO. Expression of M1 and M2 macrophage/microglia markers, such as CD16/32 and CD206, were evaluated by immunostaining 7 days after MCAO. Treatment with Hp for 7 days improved the neurological score, motor coordination, and survival and prevented brain damage after MCAO. The systemic HMGB1 level increased 1 to 7 days after MCAO and was higher at 7 days than at day 1. Hp significantly decreased the systemic HMGB1 level and increased the M2 phenotype when compared with the M1 phenotype after MCAO.

Conclusions
Hp improved functional outcomes, including survival, motor function, and brain damage by binding to HMGB1 and modulating the polarization of macrophages/microglia. Hp may be an effective option in the treatment of cerebral ischemia.
A case of polygyny in the Bornean white-bearded gibbon (Hylobates albibarbis)
Authors: Thompson Carolyn , Cahyaningrum Eka , Birot Hélène , Aziz Abdul , Cheyne Susan M. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Gibbons (family Hylobatidae) typically form groups that encompass a single breeding pair. Here, we present the first evidence of polygyny (where a single male has more than one female mate) in the Bornean white-bearded gibbon (Hylobates albibarbis). In July 2014, an adult female yet to have emigrated from her natal group gave birth to an infant, bringing the total group size to six individuals (one adult male, two adult females, one subadult female, and two infant females). Forty months later in November 2017, the same female gave birth to a second infant. Between July 2014 and April 2018, the two breeding females within the group remained mutually tolerant of each other, often singing the characteristic female vocalisation, the great call, in unison, until the eldest adult female dispersed in November 2018. We explore possible reasons behind this group’s mating system flexibility by examining dispersal limitation due to environmental constraints, factors associated with a large home range size, mutual tolerance between females, and a lack of mating opportunities.