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Anat Histol Embryol 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Department of Anatomy and Histology with Embryology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Microvascularization of domestic fowl kidneys was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of vascular corrosion casts (VCCs). Two types of nephrons, mammalian-type (MT) and reptilian-type (RT) nephrons and their glomerular structure were analysed quantitatively by 3D morphometry. A significant difference in shape and size between the MT and RT glomeruli was found. Read More

Thromb Haemost 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

National Cancer Center Research Institute, Immune Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is used clinically because it has higher binding specificity for insoluble fibrin (IF) than urokinase (UK), but even pro-tPA has catalytic activity in places other than IF. UK has the advantage that it is specifically activated on IF, but it binds IF weakly. Previously, we established a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that recognizes a pit structure formed only in IF. Read More

Yearb Med Inform 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.

Objectives: To highlight the role of technology assessment in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method: An overview of existing research and evaluation approaches along with expert perspectives drawn from the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) Working Group on Technology Assessment and Quality Development in Health Informatics and the European Federation for Medical Informatics (EFMI) Working Group for Assessment of Health Information Systems.

Results: Evaluation of digital health technologies for COVID-19 should be based on their technical maturity as well as the scale of implementation. Read More

Yearb Med Inform 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK.

Objective: Internationally, primary care practice had to transform in response to the COVID pandemic. Informatics issues included access, privacy, and security, as well as patient concerns of equity, safety, quality, and trust. This paper describes progress and lessons learned. Read More

Yearb Med Inform 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.

Objectives: The emerging COVID-19 pandemic has caused one of the world's worst health disasters compounded by social confusion with misinformation, the so-called "Infodemic". In this paper, we discuss how open technology approaches - including data sharing, visualization, and tooling - can address the COVID-19 pandemic and infodemic.

Methods: In response to the call for participation in the 2020 International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) Yearbook theme issue on Medical Informatics and the Pandemic, the IMIA Open Source Working Group surveyed recent works related to the use of Free/Libre/Open Source Software (FLOSS) for this pandemic. Read More

Yearb Med Inform 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Puttaparthi, India.

Objectives: Telehealth implementation is a complex systems-based endeavour. This paper compares telehealth responses to (COrona VIrus Disease 2019) COVID-19 across ten countries to identify lessons learned about the complexity of telehealth during critical response such as in response to a global pandemic. Our overall objective is to develop a health systems-based framework for telehealth implementation to support critical response. Read More

Yearb Med Inform 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Department of Medical Informatics, Amsterdam University Medical Center - University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Objectives: The study aims at understanding the structural characteristics and content features of COVID-19 literature and public health data from the perspective of the 'Language and Meaning in Biomedicine' Working Group (LaMB WG) of IMIA. The LaMB WG has interest in conceptual characteristics, transparency, comparability, and reusability of medical information, both in science and practice.

Methods: A set of methods were used (i) investigating the overall speed and dynamics of COVID-19 publications; (ii) characterizing the concepts of COVID-19 (text mining, visualizing a semantic map of related concepts); (iii) assessing (re)usability and combinability of data sets and paper collections (as textual data sets), and checking if information is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR). Read More

Am J Perinatol 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier, Universiatire de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Santé Reproduction Mère et Enfant, Québec, Canada.

Objective:  Daily aspirin, started in the first trimester of pregnancy, is commonly used for the prevention of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction in multiple gestation. However, the optimal dose remains controversial and the evidence for the use of aspirin in multiple pregnancies is scarce. We aimed to estimate the impact of 80 mg of aspirin in twin pregnancies. Read More

Am J Perinatol 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.

Objective:  This study aimed to assess the impact of common asthma medication regimens on asthma symptoms, exacerbations, lung function, and inflammation during pregnancy.

Study Design:  A total of 311 women with asthma were enrolled in a prospective pregnancy cohort. Asthma medication regimen was categorized into short-acting β agonist (SABA) alone, SABA + inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), SABA + ICS + long-acting β agonist (LABA), and no asthma medications (reference). Read More

Am J Perinatol 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Section of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Service Line, Ochsner Health, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Objective:  Centralized remote fetal monitoring (CRFM) has been proposed as a method to improve the performance of intrapartum fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring and perinatal outcomes. The purpose of this study is to determine whether CRFM was associated with a reduction in unexpected term neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions.

Study Design:  A pre-post design was used to examine the effectiveness of CRFM which was implemented in stages across five hospitals. Read More

Appl Clin Inform 2021 Mar 21;12(2):329-339. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

University of Colorado Health Medical Group and University of Colorado Health, Aurora, Colorado, United States.

Objective:  The objective of the study was to highlight and analyze the outcomes of software configuration requests received from Sprint, a comprehensive, clinic-centered electronic health record (EHR) optimization program.

Methods:  A retrospective review of 1,254 Sprint workbook requests identified (1) the responsible EHR team, (2) the clinical efficiency gained from the request, and (3) the EHR intervention conducted.

Results:  Requests were received from 407 clinicians and 538 staff over 31 weeks of Sprint. Read More

ALTEX 2021 ;38(2):348-350

Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Environment and Health Department, Rome, Italy.

Int J Prosthodont 2021 Mar-Apr;34(2):254-260

Purpose: To assess the absolute linear distances of three different intraoral scan bodies (ISBs) using an intraoral scanner compared to a conventional impression in a common clinical model setup with a gap and a free-end situation in the maxilla.

Materials And Methods: An implant master model with a reference cube was digitized using x-ray computed tomography and served as the reference file. Digital impressions (TRIOS, 3Shape) were taken using three different ISB manufacturers: NT Trading, Kulzer, and Medentika (n = 10 per group). Read More

Int J Prosthodont 2021 Mar-Apr;34(2):221-228

Purpose: To investigate whether high-level irradiance and short light exposure times with light-emitting diode (LED) curing units could provide bond strength comparable to halogen lights for ceramic laminate veneers (CLVs).

Materials And Methods: A total of 160 extracted human maxillary central incisors were prepared to receive CLVs (lithium disilicate) in shades A1 and A3.5. Read More

Int J Prosthodont 2021 Mar-Apr;34(2):212-220

Purpose: To compare the accuracy of posts fabricated using a conventional direct technique with casting to the accuracy of posts fabricated using a fully digital protocol with CAD/CAM technology and selective laser melting.

Materials And Methods: Ten extracted permanent maxillary incisors were endodontically treated and prepared for a post. For each tooth, two metal posts were fabricated, one by casting (Group C) and one by a fully digital protocol (Group D). Read More

Int J Prosthodont 2021 Mar-Apr;34(2):204-211

Purpose: To evaluate the color stability and mechanical properties of two commonly used maxillofacial silicone elastomers after addition of pigments and opacifiers and before and after artificial aging.

Materials And Methods: This study evaluated two maxillofacial silicone elastomers: A-2000 and M511. Two different pigment and opacifier systems (e-Skin and Reality Series) were used with the elastomers. Read More

Int J Prosthodont 2021 Mar-Apr;34(2):173-182

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of low-dose laser therapy to that of conservative treatment using two different occlusal splints (stabilization and anterior repositioning splints) in patients with internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Materials And Methods: The study population consisted of patients with disc displacement with reduction diagnosed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) Axis I and Axis II. In addition, disc displacement with reduction was confirmed in all patients using TMJ ultrasonography. Read More

J Nurs Adm 2021 May;51(5):271-278

Author Affiliations: Chief Nurse Executive, TriStar Division (Dr Sisk), and Chief Nurse Executive, National Group (Dr Mosier), HCA Healthcare, Nashville, Tennessee; Associate Chief Nurse (Dr Williams), Research, and Statistician (Mr Coppin), Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple; and Regents Professor (Dr Robinson), School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Services, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights.

Objective: The aim of this study was to measure structural empowerment (SE) and capture short-term changes in perception for senior nurse leaders before and after a formal development experience.

Background: The body of literature related to SE in senior nurse leaders is limited. Applying the SE concept to senior levels of nursing leadership provides a vehicle to impact nurse leader retention and ultimately the organization beyond singular units. Read More

Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2021 Apr 19. Epub 2021 Apr 19.

Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (NOCERAL), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Study Design: Prospective randomized double-blinded trial.

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of high dose versus low dose tranexamic acid (TXA) in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) corrective surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: Corrective surgery for AIS is associated with significant blood loss. Read More

Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2021 Apr 19. Epub 2021 Apr 19.

Spine Center, Hakodate Central General Hospital, Hakodate, Japan Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.

Study Design: Prospective longitudinal study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate temporal changes of bone turnover markers (BTMs) after lumbar spinal fusion in patients without osteoporosis.

Summary Of Background Data: Radiological studies are the standard method to monitor bony fusion, but they do not allow a timely assessment of bone healing. Read More

Curr Opin Oncol 2021 Apr 20. Epub 2021 Apr 20.

Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA Department of Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto and Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Purpose Of The Review: The Transatlantic Australasian Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Working Group (TARPSWG) is a bottom-up clinical network established in 2013 with the goal of improving the care and outcomes of patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS). Here, we review the knowledge produced by this collaborative effort and examine the future potential of this group.

Recent Findings: TARPSWG has produced retrospective studies focused on patients with primary and recurrent RPS allowing a better understanding of patient prognosis, treatment outcomes and tumor biology. Read More

Clin Obstet Gynecol 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Freeman Hospital System, Joplin Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, BJC Medical Group Craig Conner Chiropractic, LLC, St. Louis, Missouri.

Chiropractic care is a commonly used treatment modality for musculoskeletal pain in pregnancy. Low back pain, pelvic pain, and other neuromuscular complaints are prevalent in pregnancy and contribute to significant maternal discomfort in many women. Nonpharmacologic therapies to relieve pain are increasingly important during pregnancy because of the opioid epidemic. Read More

Urol Int 2021 Apr 21:1-9. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.

Introductions: The objective of this study was to determine the prognostic value of positive lymph nodes (LNs) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and tumor thrombus (TT) and to explore risk factors predicting LNs metastasis.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 216 patients with RCC and TT treated at a single institution from January 2015 to December 2019. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier curves divided by pathological LN status. Read More

Folia Primatol (Basel) 2021 Apr 21:1-12. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Department of Anthropology, University of California, Davis, California, USA.

Although the vast majority of critically endangered Grauer's gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri) inhabit low-elevation rain forests, current insights into this ape's life history and ecology stem predominantly from 2 small populations ranging in highland habitats. Here, we provide an initial and non-exhaustive overview of food items of Grauer's gorillas in the Nkuba Conservation Area (NCA), a lower-elevation (500-1,500 m) forest located between Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Maiko National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Community-based conservation efforts at the NCA aim to protect a population of unhabituated Grauer's gorillas, which we have studied since 2014. Read More

Blood Purif 2021 Apr 21:1-8. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Department of Nephrology, Jiujiang No. 1 People's Hospital, Jiujiang, China.

Purpose: Recent research has shown that hypomagnesemia is associated with increased all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients. However, the relationship between the long-term prognosis of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and the study is not yet clear. This study will analyze the effects of hypomagnesemia on all-cause, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and non-CVD mortality in PD patients. Read More

Dermatology 2021 Apr 21:1-7. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Siaal Research Center for Family Medicine and Primary Care, Division of Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.

Background: Given that common pathophysiological factors play a role in atopic dermatitis (AD) and infertility, we assumed that the 2 conditions might demonstrate an epidemiological association. Large-scale epidemiological data on this topic are lacking.

Objectives: The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential association between AD and infertility in a broad community-based population. Read More

Phys Med Biol 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, CHINA.

Mass segmentation in the mammogram is a necessary and challenging task in the computer-aided diagnosis of breast cancer. Most of the existing methods tended to segment the mass by manually or automatically extracting mass-centered image patches. However, manual patch extraction is time-consuming, and automatic patch extraction can introduce errors that will affect the performance of subsequent segmentation. Read More

Biomed Phys Eng Express 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Medical Physics and Research Department, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, 8/F, Li Shu Fan Block, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital,, 2 Village Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, N/A, HONG KONG.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the performance of a commercial 1.5T MR-Linac by analyzing its patient-specific quality assurance (QA) data collected during one full year of clinical operation.

Methods And Materials: The patient-specific QA system consisted of offline delivery QA (DQA) and online calculation-based QA. Read More

Nanotechnology 2021 Apr 21. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Materials Science Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden, Colorado, 80401-3393, UNITED STATES.

The approaching end of Moore's Law scaling has significantly accelerated multiple fields of research including neuromorphic-, quantum-, and photonic computing, each of which possesses unique benefits unobtained through conventional binary computers. One of the most compelling arguments for neuromorphic computing systems is power consumption, noting that computations made in the human brain are approximately 106 times more efficient than conventional CMOS logic. This review article focuses on the materials science and physical mechanisms found in metal chalcogenides that are currently being explored for use in neuromorphic applications. Read More

Eur J Oncol Nurs 2021 Apr 18;52:101960. Epub 2021 Apr 18.

Manisa Celal Bayar University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Oncology, Manisa, Turkey. Electronic address:

Purpose: The study purpose was to determine the effects on quality of life (QoL) of a mobile phone app-based training for supportive care of women with breast cancer who were using adjuvant endocrine hormonal therapy.

Methods: The study is based on a randomized pre-post test design. Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group that received routine care or an intervention group that received routine care plus access to the mobile phone app-based training support for 12 weeks. Read More