bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Standard versus strict stability criteria in radiofrequency paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation using ablation index
Authors: Zucchelli Giulio , Parollo Matteo , Guarracini Fabrizio , Marini Massimiliano , Di Cori Andrea , Barletta Valentina , De Lucia Raffaele , Segreti Luca , Bonmassari Roberto , Bongiorni Maria Grazia 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPurposeTo compare the outcome of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation via pulmonary vein isolation using Ablation Index (AI) with strict or standard stability criteria.MethodsWe enrolled 130 consecutive naive patients affected by paroxysmal AF who underwent PVI at two high‐volume centers. AI target was ≥380 at the posterior wall and ≥500 at the anterior wall. Strict versus standard stability criteria were set for Group 1 (65 patients) and Group 2 (65 patients), respectively. We compared those strategies with a historical cohort of 72 consecutive patients treated at same centers in the VISITALY study, using average force ≥10 g and strict stability criteria as target parameters. Interlesion distance target was <6 mm. Recurrence was defined as any AF, atrial tachycardia (AT) or atrial flutter (AFL) during the 12 months after ablation, excluding a 90‐days blanking period.ResultsProcedure duration (224.05 ± 47.21 vs. 175.61 ± 51.29 min; p < .001), fluoroscopy time (11.85 ± 4.38 vs. 10.46 ± 6.49 min; p = .019) and pericardial effusion rate (9.23% vs. 0%; p = .01) were higher in Group 1 than in Group 2. Freedom from AF/AT/AFL at 12 months was not significantly different (Group 1: 86.15%; Group 2: 90.77%; p = .42). Compared to VISITALY study, there were not significant differences in terms of recurrences.ConclusionA strategy of PVI using AI with standard stability criteria performed the best in terms of procedure efficiency and safety. Twelve‐months arrhythmia‐free survival rate was comparable with other strategies pursuing an interlesion distance target <6 mm, regardless of the use of AI.
Adjuvant Photodynamic Therapy, Mediated via Topical Versus Systemic Administration of 5‐Aminolevulinic Acid for Control of Murine Mammary Tumor after Surgical Resection†
Authors: Carter Shirron , Miller Joann , Cramer Gwendolyn , Yuan Min , Guzman Stacy , Putt Mary E. , Cengel Keith A. , Freedman Gary M. , Busch Theresa M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTreatment de‐escalation is sought in the management of precursor lesions of early stage breast cancer, driving the appeal of adjuvant modalities to lumpectomy that reduce toxicity and minimally detract from patient quality of life. We investigate photodynamic therapy (PDT), with the photosensitizing prodrug, 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA), as adjuvant therapy to complete resection of murine mammary tumor (propagated from TUBO cells). ALA was delivered either systemically (oral, 250 mg kg−1) at 5 h before 632 nm illumination or topically (20% solution) to the resection site at 10 min before light delivery to 135 J cm−2. Treatment with either oral‐ALA‐PDT (oALA‐PDT) or topical‐ALA‐PDT (tALA‐PDT) to the mammary fat pad after TUBO complete resection (CR) produced long‐term tumor control with 90‐day complete response rates of 21% and 32%, respectively, compared to control rates of 0–5% in mice receiving only CR. Thus, CR/tALA‐PDT was equipotent to CR/oALA‐PDT despite ~10‐fold lower levels of ALA‐induced protoporphyrin XI as photosensitizer after topical versus oral‐ALA administration. CR/oALA‐PDT produced more vascular damage, greater proportion of tissue‐resident neutrophils and stronger inflammation when compared to CR/tALA‐PDT. Collectively, these data provide rationale for ongoing investigation of ALA‐PDT as adjuvant therapy after lumpectomy for increased probability of local control in the treatment of breast cancer.
Spectral and chemical studies of iron and manganese oxyhydroxides in laterite developed on ultramafic rocks
Authors: Tupaz Carmela Alen J. , Watanabe Yasushi , Sanematsu Kenzo , Echigo Takuya 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIron (Fe) oxyhydroxides (goethite and hematite) and manganese (Mn)‐oxyhydroxides (lithiophorite, asbolane, lithiophorite‐asbolane intermediate) are typically fine‐grained and poorly crystalline in nature, and as such are difficult to identify by conventional X‐ray powder diffraction. This study employs Raman spectroscopy and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) to characterize Fe‐ and Mn‐oxyhydroxides found in the Berong Ni–Co laterite deposit at Palawan Island, Philippines. Accurate identification of these minerals is important because these phases contain high Ni and Co contents. Goethite and hematite occur in a wide range of textures, which are related to their compositional variations with respect to Ni, Al, Mn, Cr, and Si. The change in the intensity of the Raman peaks can be linked to the variable concentrations of Ni, Al, Mn, Cr, and Si in goethite. These chemical variations affect the textural transformation of goethite from amorphous to cryptocrystalline. Lithiophorite, asbolane and their intermediates were properly distinguished using Raman spectroscopy. EPMA data shows that these Mn minerals contain appreciable concentrations of Ni, Co, Al, and Fe. The band shift from lithiophorite to asbolane end terms in the 486–593 cm−1 domain indicates the substitution of Al in lithiophorite by Ni, Co, and Fe.
Effective Lockdown and Role of Hospital‐Based COVID‐19 Transmission in Some Indian States: An Outbreak Risk Analysis
Authors: Sardar Tridip , Rana Sourav 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSeveral reports in India indicate hospitals and quarantined centers are COVID‐19 hotspots. To study the transmission occurring from the hospitals and as well as from the community, we developed a mechanistic model with a lockdown effect. Using daily COVID‐19 cases data from six states and overall India, we estimated several important parameters of our model. Moreover, we provided an estimation of the effective (RT), the basic (R0), the community (RC), and the hospital (RH) reproduction numbers. We forecast COVID‐19 notified cases from May 3, 2020, till May 20, 2020, under five different lockdown scenarios in the seven locations. Our analysis suggests that 65% to 99% of the new COVID‐19 cases are currently asymptomatic in those locations. Besides, about 1–16% of the total COVID‐19 transmission are currently occurring from hospital‐based contact and these percentage can increase up to 69% in some locations. Furthermore, the hospital‐based transmission rate (β2) has significant positive (0.65 to 0.8) and negative (‐0.58 to ‐0.23) correlation with R0 and the effectiveness of lockdown, respectively. Therefore, a much larger COVID‐19 outbreak may trigger from the hospital‐based transmission. In most of the locations, model forecast from May 3, 2020, till May 20, 2020, indicates a two‐times increase in cumulative cases in comparison to total observed cases up to April 29, 2020. Based on our results, we proposed a containment policy that may reduce the threat of a larger COVID‐19 outbreak in the future.
What drives Chinese overseas M&A investment? Evidence from micro data
Authors: Fuest Clemens , Hugger Felix , Sultan Samina , Xing Jing 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn recent years Chinese foreign acquisitions have increased significantly. In Europe and the United States, these investments are often criticized. Critics argue that Chinese investors outbid competitors with help from their government, that the acquisitions lead to undesirable technology transfer, or that they may have negative consequences for the employees of the target firm. We use a large deal‐level dataset on cross‐border acquisitions to investigate whether Chinese foreign acquisitions differ from cross‐border investment coming from other countries. We find that relative to non‐Chinese investors, Chinese acquirers indeed appear to be different in some dimensions. They focus on targets with higher debt levels and lower profitability. At the same time, they do not seem to pay more for targets with given characteristics, questioning the view that they are subsidized to outbid other investors. Policy initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and Made in China 2025 influence state‐owned but not private Chinese investors, suggesting that geopolitical or technology interests play a role. In the years after the takeover, target companies acquired by Chinese investors exhibit lower growth in capital productivity but a higher growth of employee compensation.
Screening of Retired Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Incremental Capacity Charging Curve-Based Residual Capacity Estimation Method for Facilitating Sustainable Circular Lithium-Ion Battery System
Authors: Li Honglei , Cong Liang , Ma Huazheng , Liu Weiwei , Deng Yelin , Kong Shuai 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The rapidly growing deployment of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles is associated with a great waste of natural resource and environmental pollution caused by manufacturing and disposal. Repurposing the retired lithium-ion batteries can extend their useful life, creating environmental and economic benefits. However, the residual capacity of retired lithium-ion batteries is unknown and can be drastically different owing to various working history and calendar life. In this study, we used the incremental capacity (IC) curve to estimate the residual capacity of waste power batteries. First, through experimental means, the parameters of the battery and the IC charging curve are measured. Second, to achieve rapid capacity estimation, a battery capacity estimation method based on the adaptive genetic algorithm-back propagation neural network (AGA-BPNN) is proposed and compared with other classic machine learning methods. The proposed algorithm reduced the error of capacity estimation to 3%. Finally, through the analysis of the IC curve, a method for identifying aging mechanism of large-scale decommissioned batteries is obtained. This research provides effective support for the capacity-based classification of large-scale decommissioned power batteries.
Substance use disorders and adherence to antituberculosis medications in Southwest Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Soboka Matiwos , Tesfaye Markos , Adorjan Kristina , Krahl Wolfgang , Tesfaye Elias , Yitayih Yimenu , Strobl Ralf , Grill Eva 
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesIn Ethiopia, little is known about the association between substance use disorders and adherence to antituberculosis (anti-TB) medications. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effect of substance use disorders on adherence to anti-TB medications in Southwest Ethiopia.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingsPatients were recruited from 22 health centres and four hospitals in Southwest Ethiopia.ParticipantsThis study was conducted among 268 patients with TB, aged 18–80 in Southwest Ethiopia between October 2017 and October 2018. At baseline, patients who were exposed substance use disorders (134 patients) and unexposed to substance use disorders (134 patients) were recruited. Patients were followed for 6 months, and data were collected on three occasions.Main outcome measureAdherence to anti-TB medications.ResultsPatients with substance use disorders had consistently higher prevalence of non-adherence than those without, 16.4% versus 3.0% at baseline, 41.7% versus 14.4% at 2-month follow-up and 45.7% versus 10.8% at 6-month follow-up assessments. Patients with khat use disorder were 3.8 times more likely to be non-adherent to anti-TB medications than patients without khat use disorder (Adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=3.8, 95% CI 1.8 to 8.0). Patients who had alcohol use disorder (AUD) were also 3.2 times likely to have poor adherence compared with their counterparts (aOR=3.2, 95% CI 1.6 to 6.6). In addition, being educated (aOR=4.4, 95% CI 1.7 to 11.3), and being merchant (aOR=6.1, 95% CI 1.2 to 30.8) were associated with non-adherence to anti-TB medications.ConclusionKhat and AUDs predict greater likelihood of non-adherence to anti-TB medication. This implies the need to integrate the management for substance use disorders into the existing TB treatment services.
Depression and its correlation with social support and health-promoting lifestyles among Chinese university students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tang Zaili , Feng Shuidong , Lin Jing 
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesTo investigate the prevalence of depression in college students and determine how social support and healthy lifestyle factors are associated with depression in this population.DesignA cross-sectional design.SettingA comprehensive university in Changsha, Hunan, South China. The study was conducted from May to June 2019.ParticipantsA total of 541 students at the comprehensive university.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, Social Support Rating Scale and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II) were used to evaluate depression, social support and lifestyles, respectively, and analyse the mutual relationships among them.ResultsAmong the 541 participants, 161 (29.8%) experienced depressive symptoms, and there were significant gender-related and academic discipline-related differences in self-rated depression. The average social support score was 38.06 (38.06±7.52). The average HPLP-II score was 71.09 (71.09±11.47). A monofactor analysis showed that depression was correlated with social support and a healthy lifestyle. As demonstrated by logistic regression analysis, being a woman (OR=2.613, 95% CI: 1.541 to 4.43), inadequate social support (OR=0.912, 95% CI: 0.877 to 0.948), poor nutrition (OR=0.87, 95% CI: 0.775 to 0.977) and lack of self-actualisation (OR=0.644, 95% CI: 0.572 to 0.724) were significantly correlated with depression.ConclusionsOwing to the high prevalence of depression among Chinese university students, educational institutions must take measures such as providing compulsory mental health education courses and improving the psychological counselling services available to students.
Knowledge of blood donation and associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Getie Addisu , Wondmieneh Adam , Bimerew Melaku , Gedefaw Getnet , Demis Asmamaw 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveTo assess the level of knowledge about blood donation and associated factors in Ethiopia.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsBoth published and unpublished cross-sectional studies on the level of knowledge about blood donation in Ethiopia were included. Articles from different databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, HINARI, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar and African Journals Online were searched. Cochrane I2statistics were used to check for heterogeneity. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses of evidence of heterogeneity were carried out. Egger’s test with funnel plot was conducted to investigate publication bias.ResultTwenty cross-sectional studies with a total of 8338 study participants (4712 men and 3626 women) were included. The overall nationwide level of knowledge about blood donation was 56.57% (95% CI 50.30 to 62.84). Being in secondary school and above (adjusted OR=3.12; 95% CI 2.34 to 4.16) and being male (adjusted OR=1.81; 95% CI 1.44 to 2.28) were the factors associated with level of knowledge about blood donation.ConclusionMore than half of the study participants were knowledgeable about blood donation. Sex and educational status were the factors significantly associated with level of knowledge about blood donation in Ethiopia. Therefore, there is a need for education and dissemination of information about blood donation among the general population to build adequate knowledge and maintain regular blood supply.
Time to market for drugs approved in Canada between 2014 and 2018: an observational study
Authors: Lexchin Joel 
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesThis study examines the length of time between when a patent application is filed in Canada for a new drug and when it is available for patients (time to market) and various components of that time. It also looks at whether various factors explain the time between patent application to New Drug Submission (NDS) and compares Canadian and American times. Drugs approved between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018 are examined.DesignDescriptive study.Data sourcesWebsites from Health Canada, Food and Drug Administration, Merck Index, United States Patent and Trademark Office, WHO and previously published articles.InterventionsNone.Primary and secondary outcomesThe primary outcomes are time to market, time from patent application to NDS (pre-NDS time), review time, time from approval to availability (postapproval time) and factors that may influence the pre-NDS time. The secondary outcome is a comparison of Canadian and American review times and times between patent application and approval.ResultsThere were 113 drugs available for analysis. The median time to market was 11.80 years (IQR 9.40–14.05). The component median times were pre-NDS 10 years (IQR 8.05–12.80), review time 0.96 years (IQR 0.75–1.15) and postapproval time 0.15 years (IQR 0.08–0.28). Less than 8% of the pre-NDS time was explained by the factors that were analysed in a multiple linear regression equation. There was no statistically significant difference between Canadian and American pre-NDS times.ConclusionOnce a drug reaches the market, companies have a median of 8.2 years before the patent expires and generics can reach the market. Most of the time between the filing of a patent application and when a drug is marketed is determined by decisions that are largely under the control of the company.
Efficacy and safety of furosemide for prevention of intradialytic hypotension in haemodialysis patients: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chen Wenwen , Wang Fang , Zhao Yuliang , Zhang Ling , Chen Zhiwen , Dai Mingjin 
Published: July 2021

IntroductionIntradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a frequent and serious complication of maintaining haemodialysis (HD) patients and associated with subsequent cardiovascular events and higher mortality. Furosemide is commonly used in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients and can effectively manage the volume and blood pressure. However, these agents are often discontinued on initiation of dialysis. Two large observational studies have demonstrated that furosemide can lower the rate of IDH episodes. However, there is still no randomised controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the efficacy and safety of furosemide for prevention of IDH in HD patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of furosemide in reducing IDH in HD patients with residual renal function.Methods and analysisA two-arm, parallel, multicente RCT will be conducted at 12 hospitals in China. An estimated sample of 560 HD patients will be recruited. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned to treatment group (patients receive oral furosemide 80 mg/day; after a 2-week treatment, if their urine volume is less than 400 mL/day, the dose of furosemide is adjusted to 160 mg/day) and blank control group via a central randomisation system using 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome is the occurrence of IDH. Outcome assessors and data analysts will be blinded and participants will be asked not to reveal their allocation to assessors. The outcome analyses will be performed both on the intention-to-treat, which includes all patients randomised, and per-protocol population, which includes eligible patients who adhere to the planned treatment and follow-ups.Ethics and disseminationThe trial protocol has been approved by the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of West China Hospital of Sichuan University (2019.385)Results will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberChiCTR2000039724.
Relationship between childhood secondhand smoke exposure and the occurrence of hyperlipidaemia and coronary heart disease among Chinese non-smoking women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Kewei , Wang Yuanqi , Zhao Ruxing , Gong Lei , Wang Lingshu , He Qin , Chen Li , Qin Jun 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure during childhood on type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and coronary heart disease among Chinese non-smoking women.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, the SHS exposure data in childhood were obtained using a questionnaire survey. Self-reported childhood SHS exposure was defined as the presence of at least one parent who smoked during childhood.ResultsOf the 6522 eligible participants, 2120 Chinese women who had never smoked were assessed. The prevalence of SHS exposure in the entire population was 28.1% (596). SHS exposure during childhood was not significant for the standard risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus (p=0.628) and hypertension (p=0.691). However, SHS was positively associated with hyperlipidaemia (p=0.037) after adjusting for age, obesity, education status, physical activity, alcohol consumption, current SHS exposure status, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. In addition, childhood SHS increased the occurrence of coronary heart disease (p=0.045) among non-smokers after further adjusting for hyperlipidaemia.ConclusionSHS exposure during childhood is associated with prevalent hyperlipidaemia and coronary heart disease in adulthood among non-smoking Chinese women.
SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in healthcare workers of a Swiss tertiary care centre at the end of the first wave: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Meylan Sylvain , Dafni Urania , Lamoth Frederic , Tsourti Zoi , Lobritz Michael A , Regina Jean , Bressin Philippe , Senn Laurence , Grandbastien Bruno , Andre Cyril , Fenwick Craig , D'Acremont Valerie , Croxatto Antony , Guilleret Isabelle , Greub Gilbert , Manuel Oriol , Calandra Thierry , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Lazor-Blanchet Catherine 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveTo assess the SARS-CoV-2 transmission in healthcare workers (HCWs) using seroprevalence as a surrogate marker of infection in our tertiary care centre according to exposure.DesignSeroprevalence cross-sectional study.SettingSingle centre at the end of the first COVID-19 wave in Lausanne, Switzerland.Participants1874 of 4074 responders randomly selected (46% response rate), stratified by work category among the 13 474 (13.9%) HCWs.Main outcome measuresEvaluation of SARS-CoV-2 serostatus paired with a questionnaire of SARS-CoV-2 acquisition risk factors internal and external to the workplace.ResultsThe overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rate among HCWs was 10.0% (95% CI 8.7% to 11.5%). HCWs with daily patient contact did not experience increased rates of seropositivity relative to those without (10.3% vs 9.6%, respectively, p=0.64). HCWs with direct contact with patients with COVID-19 or working in COVID-19 units did not experience increased seropositivity rates relative to their counterparts (10.4% vs 9.8%, p=0.69 and 10.6% vs 9.9%, p=0.69, respectively). However, specific locations of contact with patients irrespective of COVID-19 status—in patient rooms or reception areas—did correlate with increased rates of seropositivity (11.9% vs 7.5%, p=0.019 and 14.3% vs 9.2%, p=0.025, respectively). In contrast, HCWs with a suspected or proven SARS-CoV-2-infected household contact had significantly higher seropositivity rates than those without such contacts (19.0% vs 8.7%, p<0.001 and 42.1% vs 9.4%, p<0.001, respectively). Finally, consistent use of a mask on public transportation correlated with decreased seroprevalence (5.3% for mask users vs 11.2% for intermittent or no mask use, p=0.030).ConclusionsThe overall seroprevalence was 10% without significant differences in seroprevalence between HCWs exposed to patients with COVID-19 and HCWs not exposed. This suggests that, once fully in place, protective measures limited SARS-CoV-2 occupational acquisition within the hospital environment. SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion among HCWs was associated primarily with community risk factors, particularly household transmission.