bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and mechanical characterization of epoxy hybrid composites containing graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Namdev Anurag , Telang Amit , Purohit Rajesh 
Published: April 2022

The light-weight and excellent mechanical properties of polymer composites have attributed their use in different structural parts in the aerospace and automobile industries over the past decades. In this research, carbon fiber and Graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) reinforced hybrid composites were fabricated via hand layup followed by compression molding. Effect of different weight percent of GNP (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1 wt%) on mechanical, thermal, and physical properties were analyzed. In comparison to other composites, the 0.5 wt% GNP filled carbon fiber/epoxy composite has improved tensile and flexural strength, inter laminar shear strength, and Vickers hardness. At 0.25 wt% GNP-filled epoxy hybrid composite, impact strength was at its peak. The maximum tensile and flexural strength values were obtained at 0.5 wt% of GNP, 11%, and 8% higher than neat fiber composites. The 0.5 wt% GNP composite has the highest heat deflection temperature and thermal conductivity in terms of thermal characteristics. The morphology of composites was explored by field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were also performed for nanocomposite characterization.
Renal outcomes of transient proteinuria in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with corticosteroid therapy alone
Authors: Kim Young-Eun , Ahn Soo Min , Oh Ji Seon , Kim Yong-Gil , Lee Chang-Keun , Yoo Bin , Hong Seokchan 
Published: April 2022

Objectives To examine the long-term renal outcomes of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with transient proteinuria. Methods The medical records of SLE patients who showed improvement in proteinuria (urine protein/creatinine ratio < 500 mg/g) after receiving corticosteroid therapy without immunosuppressants were reviewed. Results A total of 38 patients (mean creatinine: 0.74 ± 0.33 mg/dl) showed an improvement of proteinuria (1361 ± 1053 mg/g to 289 ± 125 mg/g) after receiving corticosteroid therapy alone for a median of 25 days (IQR, 10–55). After follow-up (median, 23 months [IQR, 15–121]), 25 (65%) patients maintained the resolution of proteinuria without renal dysfunction. The remaining 13 (34%) patients experienced a relapse of proteinuria during a median follow-up of 13.9 months from baseline (IQR, 1.6–25). There was no significant difference in the baseline laboratory data according to the occurrence of proteinuria relapse, but longer SLE disease duration at baseline was associated with the risk of proteinuria relapse (HR, 1.007; p = 0.033). Of the patients who underwent renal biopsy with proteinuria relapse, class II (53%) lupus nephritis was the most common pathology. None progressed to end-stage renal disease during an additional long-term further follow-up of median 33 months (IQR, 22–49) after proteinuria relapse. Conclusion Two-thirds of SLE patients who showed improvement in proteinuria after corticosteroid alone maintained the non-proteinuric state without renal dysfunction. Thus, performing a kidney biopsy at the first onset of proteinuria could be delayed in patients who show an improvement in proteinuria after treatment with corticosteroids.
Effectiveness of a Self-instructional Module on Knowledge and Observed Practices of Nurses with Regard to Prevention of Central Line–Associated Blood Stream Infection:A Before–After Intervention Study
Authors: Dsilva Fatima , Mathew Sumi , Joseph Gincy 
Published: April 2022

Background: Healthcare-associated infections, a significant burden to patients and public health, are a major cause of increased mortality in critically ill patients. They not only cause increased functional disability and emotional stress but also cause a huge burden financially. Many healthcare professionals have found that education programmes and use of prevention bundles have resulted in decreased incidence of these infections. The present study was a quality improvement initiative by the investigator to improve the knowledge and practices of nurses related to prevention of central line–associated bloodstream infection. Methods: A before–after research design was used. Nurses ( n = 51) working in critical care areas of a 1,200-bedded tertiary care hospital were recruited by purposive sampling. The intervention comprised of a structured self-instructional module which included general information on central line catheters as well as specific information on infection prevention in central line catheters. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention guideline on prevention of 2011 update formed the basis of the module development. A 28-item knowledge questionnaire and an observational checklist were the tools utilised in the study. Results: The post-test mean knowledge and practice scores were significantly higher than the pretest scores ( P < 0.05). There was a 36% increase in knowledge, and the competencies had enhanced by 41% post-intervention. Hand hygiene compliance, which was 47.1% pre-intervention, had increased to 78.4% post-intervention. Conclusion: Frequent ongoing education programmes on infection control are essential for improving the knowledge as well as practices of nurses working in critical care areas.
Co-Occurrence of Taurodontism in Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and Palate Patients in Subset of Indian Population: A Case–Control Study Using CBCT
Authors: Sobti Geetika , Chaudhry Astha , Thanvi Jaishree , Gaurav Isha , Shekhawat Chandni , Banerjee Debopriya , Likhyani Lalit Kumar , Soni Sugandhi 
Published: April 2022

The present study aimed to assess the co-occurrence of taurodontism in nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) patients in a subset of Indian population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).The study was a retrospective case–control kinds assessing 1500 CBCT scans over a period of 2 years; 67 scans out of 1500 showed cleft lip and palate (CLP). After fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 38 subjects out of 67 comprised the case group; 80 randomly selected subjects constituted the control group. The first and second permanent molars in both the arches (8 teeth) of each subject were assessed for the presence and severity of taurodontism using the objective criteria. Statistical analysis was done using the χ2test. Inter and intraobserver agreement was evaluated by Kappa statistics.71.05% subjects showed taurodontism in case group, while 45% subjects showed its presence in control group; results being significant for both the groups. However, the comparison of number of teeth with taurodontism in the 2 groups came out to be statistically insignificant. Also no significant association of taurodontism was seen with gender or the different types of cleft ( P = .437). Hypotaurodontism was the most prevalent type.There was a higher prevalence of taurodontism in both groups which had been underestimated in the previous studies. This emphasizes the significance of the use of CBCT in detection of dental anomalies which would otherwise go undetected.
Conjunctivitis associated with capecitabine treatment in a patient with colon cancer: The importance on educating patients into identifying adverse reactions
Authors: Bello Crespo Marta , Trujillano Ruiz Abel , Gajete Pablos María A. , Roa García Diana Marcela , Gioseffi Hernán Andrés 
Published: April 2022

Introduction Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin translucent mucous membrane, characterized by a dilatation of the conjunctival vessels. Causes leading to conjunctivitis are diverse, being drug related one of them. Case report We report a case of an 80-year-old man with a diagnosis of relapsed stage IV colon cancer who developed a severe conjunctivitis, scar ectropion with lack of tissue and eversion of the subconjunctival conjunctiva after being treated with capecitabine. Management and outcome Capecitabine was discontinued and pharmacological treatment was initiated with a complete resolution of the symptoms. Discussion Ocular toxicity derived from the use of systemic fluorouracil has been widely described in the literature, as well as the relationship between the use of capecitabine and the appearance of conjunctivitis. However, the development of severe conjunctivitis with other complications has not been previously reported. Monitor patients closely and perform full medication assessment should be undertaken when a patient reports visual changes to manage toxicity in the early stages. Following the patient evaluation and evolution and based on the Karch Lasanga algorithm modified by Naranjo, the adverse reaction is considered as probable.
A simple extemporaneous oral suspension of aprepitant yields sufficient pharmacokinetic exposure in children
Authors: Nijstad A Laura , de Vos-Kerkhof Evelien , Enters-Weijnen Catherine F , van de Wetering Marianne D , Tissing Wim J E , Hanff Lidwien M , Lange Rogier , Tibben Matthijs M , Rosing Hilde , Lalmohamed Arief , Zwaan C Michel , Huitema Alwin D R 
Published: April 2022

Introduction Aprepitant is used for the treatment of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. A liquid formulation is needed for treatment of young children. However, the commercial (powder for) suspension was not available worldwide for a prolonged period of time and, therefore, a 10 mg/mL aprepitant oral suspension was extemporarily prepared to prevent suboptimal antiemetic treatment. The current pharmacokinetic study was developed to investigate whether this extemporaneous oral suspension offers an appropriate treatment option. Methods From 49 pediatric patients (0.7–17.9 years) 235 plasma concentrations were collected. Patients were either treated with our extemporaneous oral suspension (n = 26; 53%), commercially available capsules (n = 18; 37%), or the intravenous prodrug formulation of aprepitant (fosaprepitant, n = 5; 10%). Pharmacokinetic analyses were performed using nonlinear mixed effects modelling. Results A one-compartment model adequately described the pharmacokinetics of aprepitant in children. The bioavailability of the extemporaneous oral suspension was not significantly different to that of the capsules (P = 0.26). The observed bioavailability throughout the total population was 83% (95% CI 69%-97%). The absorption of the extemporaneous oral suspension was 39.4% (95%CI 19.5–57.4%) faster than that of capsules (mean absorption time of 1.78 h (95%CI 1.32–2.35), but was comparable to that of the commercial oral suspension. The median area under the curve after (fos)aprepitant was 22.2 mg/L*h (range 8.9–50.3 mg/L*h) on day 1. Conclusion Our extemporaneous oral suspension is an adequate alternative for the commercially (un)available oral suspension in young children. An adequate exposure to aprepitant in children was yielded and the bioavailability of the extemporaneous suspension was comparable to capsules.
Low-vision rehabilitation in Italy: Cross-sectional data from the Device and Aids Registry (D.A.Re)
Authors: Bartolomei Federico , Biagini Ilaria , Sato Giovanni , Falchini Elisabetta , Di Simone Alessia , Mastrantuono Chiara , Micarelli Silvia , Virgili Gianni 
Published: April 2022

Objectives We are reporting on the characteristics of low-vision adults attending large rehabilitation services which provide data to D.A.Re (Devices & Aids REgister) in Italy. D.A.Re aims to gather information about low-vision aids owned by Italian patients with visual impairment. Methods We included consecutive patients attending low-vision rehabilitation centres providing data to D.A.Re from 2019 to July 2021. Demographic features, self-reported use of technology and aids, vision performance, and the Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL) score were collected. Results 720 patients were included in the D.A.Re. About half of the patients were affected by Age-related Macular Degeneration (389, 54.9%). Patients reported a long interval between onset of vision disability and access to low-vision rehabilitation, which was over two years in almost 30% of cases. Blindness registration status was almost complete when reported, but almost 40% were unable to report on this. IADL scores were higher for younger people and those with better visual acuity and critical print size (CPS), and lower for visual field restriction ( p < 0.01 for all predictors). Of interest, better IADL scores were recorded for those with computer knowledge who used optical aids and software in univariate analyses and multivariate analyses, adjusting for level of visual disability and employment status ( p < 0.01 for all predictors). Conclusions We report on the profile of low-vision patients using rehabilitation services in Italy. Longitudinal data during and after vision rehabilitation were collected. Our results support the validity of the D.A.Re to monitor the use of low-vision devices in Italy.
The effectiveness of cardiac telerehabilitation in comparison to centre-based cardiac rehabilitation programmes: A literature review
Authors: Owen Olivia , O’Carroll Veronica 
Published: April 2022

Introduction Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an effective, yet under-utilised, form of secondary prevention in cardiac patients. Telemedicine is one method of overcoming barriers to accessing CR. Previous systematic reviews highlight variation in the effectiveness of telerehabilitation programmes and current literature lacks identification of which telemedicine interventions are most effective, despite differences in the results of primary studies. The objectives of this literature review were to: evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac telerehabilitation compared to centre-based programmes for managing cardiac risk factors, satisfaction and adherence in cardiac patients; identify the technologies used to deliver CR; identify the key components of effective interventions. Methods A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving an intervention group that received telerehabilitation and a control group that attended a CR centre were included. Results Twelve RCTs met the inclusion criteria. There is evidence to suggest that telerehabilitation programmes have similar effectiveness to centre-based CR. Phones were the most commonly used technology. Most studies used a combination of technologies including personal computers and self-monitoring equipment. Phase III telerehabilitation programmes using self-monitoring, motivational feedback and education were more effective than centre-based CR for increasing physical activity and functional capacity. Conclusion Cardiac telerehabilitation is delivered by a range of technologies and has a similar effectiveness to centre-based programmes. While evidence suggests that additional health benefits are seen in patients who receive a telemedicine intervention in Phase III of CR, further evidence would be required to confidently draw this conclusion.
Strategies to engage with involuntary clients
Authors: Al Ketbi Rashed , Bukhari Faheem , Khurram Sara , Hussain Saima 
Published: April 2022

Summary This study explored strategies for dealing with involuntary social service clients of Social Services Centers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Purposive sampling was employed to recruit 21 social workers engaged with involuntary clients from three cities in the UAE (Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia), representing different regions and demographic variables. Data was collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic content analysis (TCA) and Leximancer software Version 4.5 to validate the results. Findings During the interviews, participants described emerging strategies that they found effective for engaging involuntary clients: effective communication, a conducive atmosphere, a positive attitude, client profile/history, freedom of speech, openness, comfort, confidence building, rapport building, supportive environment and empathy. Applications This study created new understandings about social work in the Middle East, relevant for other parts of the world, about tactics that can be used to develop effective communication with involuntary clients.
Effects of D-lactide content and molecular weight on the morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of electrospun nanofiber polylactide mats
Authors: Palak Handan , Güler Ece , Nofar Mohammadreza , Karagüzel Kayaoğlu Burçak 
Published: April 2022

In this study, the effects of both D-lactide content, that is, the change in PLA crystallizability, and molecular weight of polylactide (PLA) on its electrospinning behavior, along with thermal and mechanical properties of the electrospun mats were investigated. Although the effect of D-lactide content on processability of PLA has been studied in extrusion, thermoforming, foaming, and melt spinning, it has not been explored in electrospinning. The current study aimed to analyze electrospinnability of three different PLA grades; two amorphous with high and low molecular weights (i.e., aPLA-H and aPLA-L) and a semicrystalline with a high molecular weight (cPLA-H). PLAs were dissolved at different concentrations in chloroform (CHL)/dimethylformamide (DMF) at various volume ratios. Due to its high crystallizability and molecular weight, coarser nanofibers of cPLA-H were produced from solvents with high CHL content (≥75%), resulting in highest water vapor transmission rate (50,000 g/m2.day) of mats. aPLA-H revealed coarser nanofibers than that of aPLA-L due to its higher molecular entanglement. Although the increase in DMF content in the solvent hindered dissolving and electrospinning of cPLA-H, it caused the refinement of nanofibers in amorphous PLAs. Despite similar tensile strength, cPLA-H showed higher elongation at break (∼69%) than that of aPLA-H (∼59%) possibly due to the existence of some beads within the fibers in aPLA-H. Storage modulus of electrospun cPLA-H was also higher (∼15MPa) than that of other samples (∼10–12 MPa) due to high content of crystallinity (∼37%) while aPLA-L revealed the lowest storage modulus (∼10MPa) due to its amorphous structure and low molecular entanglement.
Quercetin exerts an ameliorative effect in the rat model of diclofenac-induced renal injury through mitigation of inflammatory response and modulation of oxidative stress
Authors: Izak-Shirian Farzad , Najafi-Asl Maryam , Azami Behzad , Heidarian Esfandiar , Najafi Mohammad , Khaledi Mansoor , Nouri Ali 
Published: April 2022

Diclofenac (DIC) is administrated to treat pain, inflammatory disorders, and dysmenorrhea but kidney problems are the main worries of the agent. The literature has revealed that quercetin (QR) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant attributes. This study aims to highlight the possible nephroprotective effects of QR on DIC-exposed rats. In this study, the animals after exposure to DIC (50 mg/kg, i.p) were administrated to QR (100 mg/kg, p.o). Then, the levels, as well as the activity of several oxidant and anti-oxidant mediators, were evaluated. Our results showed that DIC treatment was coupled with the elevation in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and some pro-inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, NF-κB, and IL-1β, suggesting that probably this agent exert its toxicity in the kidney tissue through inducing both oxidative stress and inflammation. Interestingly, QR was successful in restoring the activity of antioxidant compounds such as GSH, GPx, SOD, and CAT in the kidney tissue of DIC-treated rats. Moreover, in the presence of QR, DIC was unable to increase the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that perhaps QR might have anti-inflammatory properties. In agreement with this, the results of the histopathological evaluation also showed that while DIC increased the lymphocyte infiltration into the kidney tissue, QR reduced the number of lymphocytes in DIC-treated rats. The results revealed that QR exerted a supportive effect against diclofenac-induced renal injury in male rats through modulation of oxidative stress and mitigation of inflammatory response.
Development and validation of a non-invasive biomarker-based model to identify endoscopic recurrences of Crohn’s disease
Authors: Zhou Gaoshi , Chen Rirong , Jiang Yueyun , Li Li , Zheng Jieqi , Li Chao , Zhang Shenghong , Chen Minhu 
Published: April 2022

Background: Endoscopic recurrence is common in postoperative patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). Monitoring endoscopic recurrence is important for selecting an appropriate treatment to prevent the development of postoperative disease. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a diagnostic model to identify endoscopic recurrence. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study recruiting postoperative CD patients who underwent endoscopy at the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University from January 2016 to June 2020. Endoscopic recurrence was defined as Rutgeerts score > i1. Thirty non-invasive biomarkers, including C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, vitamin D, complete blood count, and biochemical blood indices, were used as candidate predictors to build a multivariate logistic regression diagnostic model. The predictive ability of the diagnostic models was assessed by receiving the area under the characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration plots, and internal validation was performed by the bootstrap method. Results: Two hundred and nineteen eligible patients were included in this study, and 135 (61.6%) patients had a postoperative endoscopic recurrence. The final diagnostic model included eight biomarkers with an AUC (95% confidence interval (CI)) of 0.796 (0.737–0.855) to identify endoscopic recurrence. The AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of this diagnostic model were 0.781 (0.780–0.782), 0.647 (0.643–0.651) and 0.811 (0.807–0.815), respectively, by internal validation. In addition, the diagnostic model exhibited good calibrability with calibration slope, calibration-in-the-large (‘mean calibration’) and Brier scores of 1.00, 0.00, and 0.175, respectively. Conclusion: This non-invasive biomarker-based diagnostic model has an excellent ability to identify endoscopic recurrence in patients with CD. Application of the model to clinical practice to monitor postoperative patients may be helpful for patient management.
Neuroimaging investigation of the intracranial vasculature is warranted in older adults with lacunes of presumed vascular origin
Authors: Del Brutto Oscar H , Mera Robertino M 
Published: April 2022

Background and purpose Lacunes of presumed vascular origin are perceived as biomarkers of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD), although they may also be related to other pathogenetic mechanisms. We aimed to assess whether lacunes are more often associated with intracranial artery stenosis (IAS) than with white matter hyperintensities (WMH) of presumed vascular origin (a biomarker of cSVD) in older adults. Methods This study included 585 individuals aged ≥60 years living in rural Ecuador. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess the strength of the association between IAS or moderate-to-severe WHM on one side, and lacunes on the other. Mediation analysis was used to estimate the percentage of the effect of IAS on lacunes that was mediated by WMH. Results Lacunes were noticed in 62 (11%) individuals, IAS in 39 (7%), and moderate-to-severe WMH in 169 (29%). Fourteen of 39 individuals (36%) with IAS had lacunes, which corresponded to the territory of the stenotic artery in 50% of cases. Lacunes have a larger association with IAS than with moderate-to-severe WMH. The estimated prevalence rate of lacunes independently of any confounder was 10.6% (95% C.I.: 8.3–12.9%), which increased to 22.2% in subjects with IAS, but only to 16.4% among those with moderate-to-severe WMH. Only 24.5% of the effect of IAS on lacunes was mediated by WMH. Conclusion Lacunes are more often associated with IAS than with WMH at the population level. Neuroimaging investigation of the intracranial vasculature in individuals with lacunes will provide informed-based decisions for secondary stroke prevention.