bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of “My Experiences Scale” for Children and Adolescents in India
Authors: Bhattacharyya Snigdhasree , Hirisave Uma , Philip Mariamma , Janardhana N. 
Published: August 2020

Background: Experiences that a child or adolescent goes through play a critical role in their development as an individual. To understand the world of adolescents and their mental health and well-being, it would be important to be able to access their experiences. Therefore, an objective measure to assess experiences is necessary. The study aimed to develop a scale to assess experiences and establish their psychometric properties. Materials and methods: My Experiences Scale (MES) is a newly developed 50-item, multiple-choice, self-report measure. Various steps involved in developing the MES and establishing its psychometric properties have been elaborated. The study was carried out across four phases, and the sample consisted of 1,260 school-going children and adolescents. The participants were representative of both genders, a wide age range, and diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Results: MES was found to have good internal consistency (Alpha 0.85) and test–retest reliability (0.96). MES was found to have significant correlations with Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and global self-worth. Conclusions: The newly developed experiences scale shows promising psychometric properties and a wide scope for application.
Preventive effect of trimetazidine on contrast-induced nephropathy undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in elderly moderate and high risk diabetics stratified by mehran score
Authors: Zhang Xue , Zhang Peng , Yang Shicheng , Li Wenyuan , Men Xiuzhen , Fu Naikuan 
Published: August 2020

Background: The aim of this research was to use the Mehran risk score to classify elderly diabetics with coronary heart disease to assess the preventive effect of trimetazidine on contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in different risk population. Methods: An uncompromised of 760 elderly diabetics that went through PCI were included in this research. The patients were first divided into three groups in the light of MRS: low-risk, moderate-risk, and high-risk group, then randomized into trimetazidine group and the control group respectively. The first endpoint was the amount of CIN, which is described as a rise in serum creatinine levels by ⩾44.2 μmol/L or ⩾25% ratio within 48 or 72 hours after medication. Second endpoint included differences in creatinine clearance rate (CrCl), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), cystatin-C (Cys-C), and the incidence of major adverse events after administration. Results: In the three groups, the incidence of CIN in trimetazidine and control group was 5.0% versus 4.9%(χ2 = 0.005, p > 0.05), 8.0% versus 18.0% (χ2 = 7.685, p < 0.05), 10.4% versus 27.1% (χ2 = 4.376, p < 0.05), respectively. The multivariable logistic regression result demonstrated that trimetazidine intervention was a profitable element of CIN in moderate and high-risk groups (OR = 0.294, 95% CI 0.094-0.920, p = 0.035). Conclusion: Our study confirmed that trimetazidine can be considered for preventive treatment of CIN occurrence in elderly diabetics with moderate and high-risk population, while there is no obvious advantage compared with hydration therapy in low-risk patients.
Predictive value of cardiopulmonary fitness parameters in the prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Niu Suping , Wang Fei , Yang Shenghua , Jin Zongxue , Han Xuejie , Zou Shangzhi , Guo Danjie , Guo Caixia 
Published: August 2020

Objectives We aimed to determine the predictive value of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) in the prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods We conducted a retrospective study including patients who underwent CPX within 1 year of PCI between September 2012 and October 2017. Patients were followed-up until the occurrence of a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) or administrative censoring (September 2019). A Cox regression model was used to identify significant predictors of a MACE. Model performance was evaluated in terms of discrimination (C-statistic) and calibration (calibration-in-the-large). Results In total, 184 patients were included and followed-up for a median 51 months (interquartile range: 36–67 months) and 32 events occurred. Multivariable analysis revealed that body mass index and Gensini score were significant predictors of a MACE. Four CPX-related variables were found to be predictive of a MACE: premature CPX termination, peak oxygen uptake, heart rate reserve, and ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide slope. The final prediction model had a C-statistic of 0.92 and calibration-in-the-large 0.58%. Conclusion CPX-related parameters may have high predictive value for poor outcomes in patients with ACS who undergo PCI, indicating a need for appropriate treatment and timely management.
Risk factors for early severe preeclampsia in obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome with conventional treatment. The impact of hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Latino José Omar , Udry Sebastián , Aranda Federico , Wingeyer Silvia Perés , Romero Diego Santiago Fernández , Belizna Cristina , Larrañaga Gabriela de 
Published: August 2020

Objective The first aim was to retrospectively identify risk factors for the development of early severe preeclampsia (sPE) in patients with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (OAPS) who received conventional treatment (CT). The second aim was to evaluate the impact of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in preventing early sPE among a subgroup of patients considered at high risk. Methods A total of 102 women diagnosed with OAPS and treated with CT since the diagnosis of pregnancy were selected. At the end of pregnancy, we identified risk factors associated with early sPE. According to these risk factors, we collected a new cohort of 42 patients who presented high-risk factors for developing early sPE and split them into two groups according to the treatment received: group A, CT (30 patients); and group B, CT+HCQ (12 patients). We evaluated and compared pregnancy outcomes in both groups. Results According to the multivariate analysis, risk factors associated with early sPE and CT were triple positivity for antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) (OR = 24.70, [4.27–142.92], p < 0.001) and a history of early sPE (OR = 7.11, [1.13–44.64], p = 0.036). A low-risk aPL profile was associated with a good response to CT in preventing early sPE (OR = 0.073, [0.014–0.382], p = 0.002). High-risk patients treated with CT+HCQ had a significantly lower early sPE rate than those treated with CT only (8.3% vs 40.0%; p = 0.03). Conclusion Triple positivity for aPL and a history of early sPE are potential strong risk factors for the development of early sPE. HCQ might be an interesting therapeutic option for patients with high-risk factors for early sPE.
Successful treatment of refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with systemic lupus erythematosus with combination of plasma exchange and low-dose rituximab
Authors: Ma Wanlu , Bai Wei , Wu Xueyan , Zhao Jiuliang , Li Mengtao , Zeng Xiaofeng 
Published: August 2020

Objectives Thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura (TTP) associated with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) (i.e., SLE-TTP) is a rare life-threatening disease often requiring intensive immunosuppressive agents, in addition to high-dose corticosteroids and plasma exchange (PEX). The optimal therapy of rituximab is unclear, but 375 mg/m2 weekly for 4 weeks is the usual practice, adopted from regimens for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. We reported two cases of refractory SLE-TTP that showed good efficacy and prognosis with combination of methylprednisolone (MP) pulse, plasma exchange and low-dose rituximab (100 mg weekly for 4 weeks) treatment. Methods Clinical data and treatment outcomes were reviewed of two patients diagnosed with refractory SLE-TTP at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between July 2017 and July 2018. Results Both patients had SLE and presented with microangiopathic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Laboratory assays revealed high anti-nuclear antibody titers, reduced complement 3 and 4 levels, proteinuria, significantly elevated lactate dehydrogenase, schistocytes on peripheral blood smear, low ADAMTS13 activity, and the presence of ADAMTS13 inhibitor. In both patients, platelet counts remained below 50 × 109/L after MP pulse and 6 PEXs, confirming the diagnosis of refractory SLE-TTP. Low-dose rituximab (100 mg weekly for 4 weeks) was administered in both cases, resulting in normalization of platelet counts and significant reductions in B-lymphocyte counts. No TTP relapse or SLE flare occurred during 24 months of follow-up. Conclusions Our cases confirmed the efficacy and good follow-up outcomes of low-dose rituximab treatment (100 mg weekly for 4 weeks) for refractory SLE-TTP.
Health technology assessment: Choice between a cytotoxic safety cabinet and an isolator for oncology drug reconstitution in Tunisia
Authors: Boufaied Manel , Bouhlel Mehdi , Soussi Mohamed Ali , Lazreg Olfa , Khrouf Myriam Razgallah 
Published: August 2020

Introduction In order to implement a centralized cytotoxic reconstitution unit (CCRU), a study was conducted to compare the implementation costs of a CCRU equipped with a cytotoxic safety cabinet (CSC) and one equipped with an isolator with negative pressure. Materials and methods This study compares items such as infrastructure, air treatment and CCRU qualification costs, equipment’s purchase and qualifications costs, as well as staff dressing costs. Two plans were elaborated according to the international recommendations in a way that they respond to the necessary requirements in both cases. Requests for quotes for the compared items were sent to different suppliers. Results The implementations’ cost of a CCRU equipped with a CSC is cheaper than the one equipped with an isolator. The price of an isolator is much higher than a CSC; its qualification is also more expensive. However, the requirements and the costs for the air treatment and the dressing of the staff are less in the case of an isolator. The overall cost of the CCRU’s implementation is approximately 1.3 times higher in the case of an isolator. However, by excluding the equipment purchase cost, the overall cost of a CSC’s implementation becomes higher. Conclusion For Tunisia, it seems that the CSC is the most adapted. However, this work should be completed by the comparison of the CCRU’s operating costs in order to optimize the resources and figure out the cheapest system.
Effects of continuous positive airway pressure administered by a helmet in cats under general anaesthesia
Authors: Di Bella Caterina , Araos Joaquin , Lacitignola Luca , Grasso Salvatore , De Marzo Linda , Crovace Alberto Maria , Staffieri Francesco 
Published: August 2020

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the respiratory effects of non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) administered by a helmet in healthy cats under anaesthesia. Methods Fifteen healthy male cats scheduled for castration were anaesthetised with medetomidine (20 µg/kg), ketamine (10 mg/kg) and buprenorphine (20 µg/kg) intramuscularly. When an adequate level of anaesthesia was achieved, a paediatric helmet was placed on all subjects. The helmet was connected to a Venturi valve supplied with medical air and cats received the following phases of treatments: 0 cmH2O (pre-CPAP), 5 cmH2O (CPAP) and 0 cmH2O (post-CPAP). Each treatment lasted 10 mins. At the end of each phase an arterial blood sample was drawn. The following data were also collected: mean arterial pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate and the anaesthesia level score (0 = awake, 10 = deep anaesthesia). The alveolar to arterial oxygen gradient (P[A-a]O2) and the venous admixture (Fshunt) were also estimated. Data were analysed with two-way ANOVA ( P <0.05). Results The arterial partial pressure of oxygen was higher ( P <0.001) at CPAP (103.2 ± 5.1 mmHg) vs pre-CPAP (77.5 ± 7.4 mmHg) and post-CPAP (84.6 ± 8.1 mmHg). The P(A-a)O2 and the Fshunt were lower ( P <0.001) at CPAP (4.4 ± 2.3 mmHg; 7.4 ± 3.1%) vs pre-CPAP (18.9 ± 6.4 mmHg; 22.8 ± 4.6%) and post-CPAP (15.6 ± 7.3 mmHg; 20.9 ± 4.6 %). No other parameters differed between groups. Conclusions and relevance Non-invasive CPAP applied by a helmet improves oxygenation in cats under injectable general anaesthesia.
Tribological investigations on tribofilm formation and retention under dry sliding conditions with increasing loads
Authors: Saleem Sheikh Shahid , Wani MF , Khan M Jebran 
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a tribological investigation of austenitic steel 21-4N exhaust valve material, dry sliding against ductile cast iron GGG-40 seat material, at a temperature of 500°C, to study the effect of increasing loads on tribofilm formation and retention at the contact interface. The effect of these tribofilms, on the friction and wear behaviour of the tribo-pair, is highlighted. High temperature reciprocating pin-on-disc tests were performed on a tribometer at loads of 20 N to 50 N with a constant stroke of 2 mm and an oscillating frequency of 20 Hz. A distinct running-in behaviour is observed at loads up to 40 N with the coefficient of friction attaining a very low and stable level with increase in sliding time. The average Coefficient of Friction ranges between 0.12 and 0.15. Optical/Scanning Electron Microscope micrographs and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy analysis indicate the creation of compact and durable tribofilms at loads up to 40 N. At the highest load of 50 N, the Coefficient of Friction behaviour is slightly different. With a low value at the beginning, it shows an increasing trend and reaches a peak around the 10-min mark and reduces thereafter. At this load, despite indications of higher abrasive wear, the Coefficient of Friction behaviour, Optical/Scanning Electron Microscope micrographs and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy analysis indicate evidence of early deterioration and subsequent reformation of the tribofilms with increase in sliding time. The seat material exhibited comparatively more wear than the valve material; however, the wear coefficients lie in the mild wear regime for the tribo-pair. The results of this investigation indicate the compatibility of the tribo-pair and suggest its use in the exhaust valve/seat application.
Home-based or remote exercise testing in chronic respiratory disease, during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: A rapid review
Authors: Holland Anne E , Malaguti Carla , Hoffman Mariana , Lahham Aroub , Burge Angela T , Dowman Leona , May Anthony K , Bondarenko Janet , Graco Marnie , Tikellis Gabriella , Lee Joanna YT , Cox Narelle S 
Published: August 2020

Objectives: To identify exercise tests that are suitable for home-based or remote administration in people with chronic lung disease. Methods: Rapid review of studies that reported home-based or remote administration of an exercise test in people with chronic lung disease, and studies reporting their clinimetric (measurement) properties. Results: 84 studies were included. Tests used at home were the 6-minute walk test (6MWT, two studies), sit-to-stand tests (STS, five studies), Timed Up and Go (TUG, 4 studies) and step tests (two studies). Exercise tests administered remotely were the 6MWT (two studies) and step test (one study). Compared to centre-based testing the 6MWT distance was similar when performed outdoors but shorter when performed at home (two studies). The STS, TUG and step tests were feasible, reliable (intra-class correlation coefficients >0.80), valid (concurrent and known groups validity) and moderately responsive to pulmonary rehabilitation (medium effect sizes). These tests elicited less desaturation than the 6MWT, and validated methods to prescribe exercise were not reported. Discussion: The STS, step and TUG tests can be performed at home, but do not accurately document desaturation with walking or allow exercise prescription. Patients at risk of desaturation should be prioritised for centre-based exercise testing when this is available.
Factors Associated With Violence Against Women and Facial Trauma of a Representative Sample of the Brazilian Population: Results of a Retrospective Study
Authors: Mayrink Gabriela , Araújo Stella , Kindely Laisa , Marano Renato , Filho Aguimar Bourguinon de Mattos , de Assis Thassio Vidal , Jadijisky Manoel , de Oliveira Natacha Kalline 
Published: August 2020

Study Design: Violence against women is a challenge in public health. It involves women of all ages, socioeconomic statuses, cultures, and religions. Objective: The objective of this study was to perform an epidemiological survey of facial trauma among women who experienced physical aggression by an intimate partner. Methods: Electronic medical records from a public tertiary referral hospital for trauma in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo were analyzed between 2013 and 2018. Results: Patients were most commonly between 20 and 29 years of age (33.9%), and 50% of the patients were of mixed race. When separated by days of the week, facial trauma was most commonly inflicted on Sundays (24.2%) and on Saturdays (22.6%). Of the 62 women included in the study, 47 had facial fractures, and 7 had more than 1 concomitant fracture. Forty of the total fractures (72.7%) were on the middle and upper thirds of the face, while 15 fractures (27.3%) were on the lower third of the face. The most commonly observed signs and symptoms of these injuries were edema (56.5%), periorbital ecchymosis (35.5%), deviated nasal dorsum (22.6%), and hematoma (16.1%). Conclusions: Facial trauma may be considered an important marker of attempted femicide. Health care professionals must be aware of and attentive to this correlation, since many cases of attempted femicide go unnoticed or are attributed to another etiology.
Observation of Solute Transport between Articular Cartilage and Subchondral Bone in Live Mice
Authors: Huang Yang , Chen Cheng , Wang Fuyou , Chen Guangxin , Cheng Shidi , Tang Zhexiong , Li Zheng , Gong Xiaoyuan , Yang Liu 
Published: August 2020

Objective To establish a method for investigating the permeability of calcified cartilage zone (CCZ) and to observe solute transport between articular cartilage (AC) and subchondral bone (SB) through intact CCZ in vivo. Design We developed a novel fixing device combined with un-decalcified fluorescence observation method to address the permeability of CCZ in live mice. Twenty-four Balb/c female mice aged 1 to 8 months were used to observe the development of CCZ. Eighty-four Balb/c female mice (aged 1 or 6 months) with mature or immature CCZ of distal femur were used to investigate the permeability of intact CCZ in vivo. Diffusivity of rhodamine B (476 Da) and tetramethyl-rhodamine isothicyanate-dextran (TRITC-Dextran, 20 kDa) was tested from AC to SB in 0 minutes, 1 minute, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours. None diffused knee joints (0 minutes) served as blank control, while in vitro immersion of distal femurs in rhodamine B or TRITC-Dextran for 72 hours served as positive control. Results CCZ was well developed in 6-month mice. Both tracers penetrated immature CCZ down to SB in less than 1 hour in live mice, while the diffusion of both tracers decreased rapidly at tidemark in all testing time points. Conclusion Current study provided direct evidence of blocking effect of CCZ in solute transportation during short diffusion period in live animal, indicating the important role of CCZ in joint development and microenvironment maintenance.
Trends in cardiovascular diseases burden and vascular risk factors in Italy: The Global Burden of Disease study 1990–2017
Authors: Cortesi Paolo A , Fornari Carla , Madotto Fabiana , Conti Sara , Naghavi Mohsen , Bikbov Boris , Briant Paul S , Caso Valeria , Crotti Giacomo , Johnson Catherine , Nguyen Minh , Palmieri Luigi , Perico Norberto , Profili Francesco , Remuzzi Giuseppe , Roth Gregory A , Traini Eugenio , Voller Fabio , Yadgir Simon , Mazzaglia Giampiero , Monasta Lorenzo , Giampaoli Simona , Mantovani Lorenzo G ,   the GBD 2017 Italy Cardiovascular Diseases Collaborators
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Aims
An exhaustive and updated estimation of cardiovascular disease burden and vascular risk factors is still lacking in European countries. This study aims to fill this gap assessing the global Italian cardiovascular disease burden and its changes from 1990 to 2017 and comparing the Italian situation with European countries.

Methods
All accessible data sources from the 2017 Global Burden of Disease study were used to estimate the cardiovascular disease prevalence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years and cardiovascular disease attributable risk factors burden in Italy from 1990 to 2017. Furthermore, we compared the cardiovascular disease burden within the 28 European Union countries.

Results
Since 1990, we observed a significant decrease of cardiovascular disease burden, particularly in the age-standardised prevalence (–12.7%), mortality rate (–53.8%), and disability-adjusted life years rate (–55.5%). Similar improvements were observed in the majority of European countries. However, we found an increase in all-ages prevalence of cardiovascular diseases from 5.75 m to 7.49 m Italian residents. Cardiovascular diseases still remain the first cause of death (34.8% of total mortality). More than 80% of the cardiovascular disease burden could be attributed to known modifiable risk factors such as high systolic blood pressure, dietary risks, high low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and impaired kidney function.

Conclusions
Our study shows a decline in cardiovascular mortality and disability-adjusted life years, which reflects the success in reducing disability, premature death and early incidence of cardiovascular diseases. However, the burden of cardiovascular diseases is still high. An approach that includes the cooperation and coordination of all stakeholders of the Italian National Health System is required to further reduce this burden.