bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous Causality Between Telecommunications and Economic Growth: An Application of Hurlin–Venet Process to the Indian States
Authors: Arora Rochna , Kaur Baljit 
Published: December 2021

Keeping in mind the importance of telecommunications sector for India especially post the reform of 1991, the study seeks to study the causal relationship between telecommunication and economic growth for selected panel of 17 Indian states by implicitly taking into account panel heterogeneity. Using Hurlin–Venet causal mechanism, the study investigates homogeneous causality (HC) as against heterogeneous causality (HEC). Homogeneous non-causality and HC hypothesis both of which assume homogeneity are rejected in both the directions thereby implying that Indian panel is made up of heterogeneous cross sections. After this HEC tests are conducted namely heterogeneous non-causality (HENC) and HEC for each and every cross section. The results from HENC and HEC test show that six states show up unidirectional causality from economic growth to telecommunication, four states show unidirectional causality from telecommunications to economic growth, four states show up bidirectional relationship and three states show up no causality. The results are robust to different lags for both our dependent as well as independent variables. This implies that state level differences are very much relevant for India and thus policies suitable for each state would be guided majorly by direction of relationship that is true in a particular state economy. JEL Classifications: C23, L96, O40
What Are the Saudi Community Attitudes Towards Domestic Violence Against Women? A Cross-Sectional Study From Riyadh
Authors: Selim Abeer , Omar Abeer , Almubayi Nada , Alayed Aseel , AlQahtani Jamilah , Almutairi Anwar 
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Culture and social norms shape attitudes towards domestic violence against women (DVAW). Attitudes accepting DVAW contribute to violence. There is scarce evidence about community attitudes towards DVAW in Saudi Arabia. The study explores the Saudi community attitudes towards DVAW. Methods: The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design using a self-report structured questionnaire to collect socio-demographic data and participants’ attitudes towards DVAW. Results: The study sample included 831 Saudi participants, 414 females and 417 males, between 18 and 79 years old. The majority of participants (69.5%) showed rejection of DVAW. Women were five times more likely to reject DVAW than men (OR = 5.19, 95% CI [3.6–7.4]). Participants with pre-university education and lower living standards reported rejection of DVAW compared to their counterparts. Discussion: The results can help stakeholders develop strategies and awareness campaigns targeting different educational and living levels to minimize DVAW.
Design and research of a low-noise pyrotechnic separation device
Authors: Xiong Shihui , Wang Jingcheng , Li Yuan , Wen Yuquan , Wu Yujun , Gao Yanxin 
Published: December 2021

To solve the problem of large operating noise of existing pyrotechnic separation devices, a new low-noise pyrotechnic separation device is designed by changing the utilisation mode of pyrotechnic separation, using micro gas pyrotechnic as heat sources, and shape memory alloy material to convert heat energy into mechanical energy. The results showed that the separation time was 1.526 s when the preload was 20 kN, and the maximum shock response was 319 G (2268 Hz) for 100 Hz–100 kHz. When used underwater, the maximum sound pressure level is 106.9 dB at 12,698 Hz and 98.5 dB from 10 Hz–5 kHz. Compared with a conventional separation nut, the frequency band sound pressure level can be reduced by more than 70 dB, realising underwater low-noise separation.
Associations between radiographic parameters in the reverse shoulder arthroplasty and patient outcomes
Authors: Maksoud Ahmed , Steinlechner Colin , Baldwick Cheryl , Tabi William 
Published: December 2021

Background Various radiological parameters have been measured in the Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (RSA) and correlated to patient outcomes, to determine best baseplate position. Results remain unclear with respect to certain parameters such as inferior baseplate tilt. We have investigated our series of patients to clarify the relationship between radiological parameters and patient outcomes. Methods We conducted a UK based bi-centre retrospective review of 156 prostheses. Critical shoulder angle (CSA), RSA angle (RSAA), Overhang and Deltoid Lever Arm (DLA) were measured on preoperative and postoperative radiographs. Range of motion and Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) (range 1–8 years) were obtained. We assessed for scapular notching at minimum 1 year follow up (n = 138). Results Decreased postoperative CSA and increased DLA were associated with higher OSSs (P = 0.001 and 0.019). Increased overhang and DLA were associated with increased flexion (P = 0.033 and 0.024 respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that CSA and DLA affected notching rate (P = 0.002 and 0.007). Conclusions Baseplate tilt in relation to the acromion (CSA) and DLA are the most predictive parameters for notching and OSS. We recommend considering a maximum CSA of 26 degrees to decrease notching rate and improve OSS. We recommend considering an Overhang of at least 6 mm to improve FF.
Safety and efficacy of veliparib plus carboplatin/paclitaxel in patients with HER2-negative metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer: subgroup analyses by germline BRCA1/2 mutations and hormone receptor status from the phase-3 BROCADE3 trial
Authors: Ayoub Jean-Pierre , Wildiers Hans , Friedlander Michael , Arun Banu K. , Han Hyo S. , Puhalla Shannon , Shparyk Yaroslav , Jakobsen Erik H. , Wu Meijing , Bach Bruce A. , Feng Dai , Ratajczak Christine K. , Maag David , Diéras Véronique 
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To evaluate efficacy and safety of veliparib combined with carboplatin/paclitaxel in patients with advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, germline BRCA (g BRCA)-associated breast cancer defined by hormone receptor (HR) and g BRCA1/ 2 mutation status. Patients and Methods: In this phase-3, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients ( N = 509) with advanced HER2-negative breast cancer and g BRCA1/2 mutations were randomized 2:1 to receive veliparib plus carboplatin/paclitaxel or placebo plus carboplatin/paclitaxel. Patients who discontinued chemotherapy prior to disease progression continued receiving blinded veliparib/placebo monotherapy. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS). Subgroup analyses of PFS stratified by HR and g BRCA1/2 mutation status were prespecified. Results: In the intention-to-treat population, there were similar proportions of patients with g BRCA1 versus g BRCA2 mutations (51% vs 49%) and HR+ disease versus triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (52% vs 48%). Median PFS was longer in the veliparib arm compared with the placebo arm for all subgroups (HR+: 13.0 vs 12.5 months, hazard ratio (95% confidence interval (CI)): 0.69 (0.52, 0.93), p = 0.013; TNBC: 16.6 vs 14.1 months, hazard ratio (95% CI): 0.72 (0.52, 1.00), p = 0.052; g BRCA1: 14.2 vs 12.6 months, hazard ratio (95% CI): 0.75 (0.55, 1.03), p = 0.073; g BRCA2: 14.6 vs 12.6 months, hazard ratio (95% CI): 0.69 (0.50, 0.95); p = 0.021). Benefit was durable, with improved PFS rates at 2 years (HR+, 27.5% vs 15.3%; TNBC, 40.4% vs 25.0%) and 3 years (HR+, 17.5% vs 8.6%; TNBC, 35.3% vs 13.0%) in all subgroups. g BRCA status ( BRCA1 vs BRCA2) did not substantially affect the carboplatin/paclitaxel ± veliparib toxicity profile. Conclusion: Veliparib plus carboplatin/paclitaxel resulted in durable benefit in subgroups defined by HR status or by g BRCA1 versus g BRCA2 mutation. Overall, addition of veliparib to carboplatin/paclitaxel was tolerable, and there were no clinically meaningful differences in adverse events between the g BRCA1 versus g BRCA2 and HR+ versus TNBC subgroups. Trial Registration: NCT02163694, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02163694
Perceived Usability of Seating in an Outpatient Waiting Area: A Combined Approach Utilizing Virtual Reality and Actual Seating Prototypes
Authors: Jafarifiroozabadi Roxana , Joshi Rutali , Joseph Anjali , Wingler Deborah 
Published: December 2021

Objective: This study proposed a combined methodology to evaluate the perceived usability of healthcare seats that were first selected in a virtual waiting room which provided the context of use for the seats. Background: There has been an increased interest in using virtual reality (VR) for evaluation of seating in interior environments. Although VR offers a less expensive approach compared to evaluating seats in situ, using VR has limitations as users cannot experience the actual seat prototypes. Method: Participants ( N = 92) experienced a virtual waiting room with various seat groupings and were prompted with four task-based scenarios through which they selected a seat. After the VR phase, they experienced their selected seats in a lab and used an online questionnaire to evaluate the seating. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to garner similarities and differences in participants’ experience of virtual and real seats. Results: Three categories including comfort, support, and flexibility were extracted from the questionnaire. While support and comfort categories were highly ranked by participants, the category rankings varied depending on participants’ age, gender, tasks, and seat types. Interviews revealed that there were differences in experience of the seating materials in VR versus reality, and therefore experiencing the real seats was useful in seating evaluation. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the combined methodology using VR and real seating in a lab is a reliable tool for designers and furniture manufacturers to obtain users’ perceived usability evaluation of seating during the design process while the actual context is absent.
Efficacy of Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate in men with impaired bladder contractility: A review
Authors: Abuelnaga Mahmoud , Sharaf Ala’a , Armitage James 
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Since Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) was introduced in the 1990s as an endoscopic deobstructing modality for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), several reports have concluded that HoLEP has compared favourably to transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) in relieving Bladder Outlet Obstruction (BOO). However, there has been no consensus regarding the efficacy of surgical management of men with Detrusor Underactivity (DU) and BOO. Methods: We performed a literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. All studies that provided data on the effectiveness of HoLEP in men with BOO and DU were assessed. Data collected included the number of patients, median follow-up, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Qmax, post-void residual (PVR) and catheter dependency pre- and post-intervention. Results: Nine studies were identified in the literature with a follow-up range between 6 and 60 months. Only one prospective study was identified where investigators performed urodynamic studies (UDSs) before and after the intervention. In addition to a significant improvement of voiding parameters, they reported partial recovery of detrusor muscle contractility in approximately 80% of patients. Furthermore, all other studies reported an improvement in all outcome parameters and proved the efficacy of HoLEP in patients with DU and BOO. Conclusion: The current literature underpins the efficacy of HoLEP in patients with impaired bladder contractility. However, current research is limited and the majority of the published data are retrospective in nature. Therefore, more well-conducted prospective randomised studies are needed to reinforce high-level evidence for this hypothesis. Level of evidence: Not applicable.
Renal scintigraphy as an early and efficient method for detecting loss of renal function in a cat
Authors: Schaefer Gabriela C , Brose Mariana M , Becerra José R Herrera , Mello Fabíola PS , Rovaris Inácio B , Herz Berdichevski Eduardo , Ferreira Márcio P , da Costa Fernanda VA 
Published: December 2021

Case summary A 6-year-old mixed-breed male cat was evaluated for a routine annual health assessment. No alterations on physical examination were observed other than mild pain on palpation of the right kidney. Complete blood count, serum biochemistry (including symmetric dimethylarginine), urinalysis and urine protein:creatinine ratio were within the reference intervals for the species. Abdominal ultrasonography showed the presence of asymmetric kidneys, decreased corticomedullary definition, presence of a cyst on the left kidney and moderate renal pelvis dilatation on the right kidney. Dynamic renal scintigraphy (technetium [99mTc]-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid) revealed a single functioning kidney on the left. Static renal scintigraphy (99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid) exhibited renal activity practically restricted to the left kidney (relative uptake was 99% for the left kidney and 1% for the right kidney). Results of renal scintigraphy showed that the left kidney was compensating for the lack of function of the right one. GFR was 2.17 ml/min/kg, which is considered subclinical renal insufficiency and is in accordance with the case, as the cat was asymptomatic and did not present alterations in laboratory parameters. Relevance and novel information Renal scintigraphy was an important tool to determine the loss of renal function in one of the kidneys and mild reduction of global GFR. In this case report, renal scintigraphy proved to be more sensitive in the assessment of renal function than other tests routinely performed.
Gathering Global Perspectives to Establish the Research Priorities and Minimum Data Sets for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Sampling Strategy of the First Round Consensus Surveys of AO Spine RECODE-DCM
Authors: Mowforth Oliver D. , Khan Danyal Z , Wong Mei Yin , Pickering George A. E. , Dean Lydia , Magee Joe , Mullarkey Laura , Hirayama Yuri , Rihova Martina , Butler Max , Stewart Max , Goulson Beth , Ahmed Shahzaib , Fricke Kai , Popa-Nimigean Vladimir , Millar Zack , Venkatesh Ashwin , Willison Alice , Senthil Keerthi , Hazenbiller Olesja , Sarewitz Ellen , Sadler Iwan , Gronlund Toto , Tetreault Lindsay , Harrop James S. , Aarabi Bizhan , Rahimi-Movaghar Vafa , Kurpad Shekar N , Guest James D. , Wilson Jefferson R. , Kwon Brian K. , Fehlings Michael G. , McNair Angus G.K. , Davies Benjamin M. , Kotter Mark R.N. ,   On behalf of the AO Spine RECODE-DCM Steering Committee and AO Spine RECODE-DCM Consortium
Published: December 2021

Study Design Survey. Introduction AO Spine Research Objectives and Common Data Elements for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (AO Spine RECODE-DCM) is an international initiative that aims to accelerate knowledge discovery and improve outcomes by developing a consensus framework for research. This includes defining the top research priorities, an index term and a minimum data set (core outcome set and core data elements set – core outcome set (COS)/core data elements (CDE)). Objective To describe how perspectives were gathered and report the detailed sampling characteristics. Methods A two-stage, electronic survey was used to gather and seek initial consensus. Perspectives were sought from spinal surgeons, other healthcare professionals and people with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). Participants were allocated to one of two parallel streams: (1) priority setting or (2) minimum dataset. An email campaign was developed to advertise the survey to relevant global stakeholder individuals and organisations. People with DCM were recruited using the international DCM charity Myelopathy.org and its social media channels. A network of global partners was recruited to act as project ambassadors. Data from Google Analytics, MailChimp and Calibrum helped optimise survey dissemination. Results Survey engagement was high amongst the three stakeholder groups: 208 people with DCM, 389 spinal surgeons and 157 other healthcare professionals. Individuals from 76 different countries participated; the United States, United Kingdom and Canada were the most common countries of participants. Conclusion AO Spine RECODE-DCM recruited a diverse and sufficient number of participants for an international PSP and COS/CDE process. Whilst PSP and COS/CDE have been undertaken in other fields, to our knowledge, this is the first time they have been combined in one process.
The Mediating Effect of Model-Based Learning on Attitude and Pain Management Awareness Among Nurses During COVID 19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Issa Marwan Rasmi , Awanis Muslim Noor , Mat Sharif Zainon 
Published: December 2021

Background All hospitals are required to provide high-quality pain management; one of the most critical issues in achieving high-quality pain management is that the hospitals have a clear plan to manage the patients’ pain and improve the nurses’ awareness of pain management during the COVID 19 pandemic. However, there is a significant gap in the literature that this study can cover. Aim This study aimed to investigate the mediating effect of model-based learning on nurses’ attitudes toward nurses’ pain management awareness during the COVID 19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia government hospitals. Method The Heath Beliefs Model was used, with a quasi-experimental design, with per experimental one group pre-test post-test design, and a quantitative approach using self-administered questionnaires obtained from 330 nurses working with patients suffering from pain. IBM SPSS V23 and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS)V23 were applied to analyze the causal relationships between the variables. Results A two-step approach to analyze the study: the first step was to test the measurement models’ constructs’ reliability and validity. The second step was to test research hypotheses in the structural models. The results show a significant positive relationship between model-based learning and pain management awareness among nurses during COVID 19 pandemic. Furthermore, model-based learning fully mediated the relationship between nurses’ attitudes and pain management awareness. Conclusions The study successfully improved nurses’ attitudes toward pain management awareness among nurses during COVID 19 pandemic. These findings will help strengthen the debate in the existing literature, and this is a new development window in the pain management area.
Clinical validation of digital biomarkers for paediatric patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis: potential for clinical trials and clinical care
Authors: Kruizinga Matthijs D. , Essers Esmée , Stuurman Frederik E. , Yavuz Yalçin , de Kam Marieke L. , Zhuparris Ahnjili , Janssens Hettie M. , Groothuis Iris , Sprij Arwen J. , Nuijsink Marianne , Cohen Adam F. , Driessen Gertjan J.A. 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundDigital biomarkers are a promising novel method to capture clinical data in a home setting. However, clinical validation prior to implementation is of vital importance. The aim of this study was to clinically validate physical activity, heart rate, sleep and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) as digital biomarkers measured by a smartwatch and portable spirometer in children with asthma and cystic fibrosis (CF).MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study including 60 children with asthma and 30 children with CF (aged 6–16 years). Participants wore a smartwatch, performed daily spirometry at home and completed a daily symptom questionnaire for 28 days. Physical activity, heart rate, sleep and FEV1were considered candidate digital end-points. Data from 128 healthy children were used for comparison. Reported outcomes were compliance, difference between patients and controls, correlation with disease activity, and potential to detect clinical events. Analysis was performed with linear mixed effects models.ResultsMedian compliance was 88%. On average, patients exhibited lower physical activity and FEV1compared with healthy children, whereas the heart rate of children with asthma was higher compared with healthy children. Days with a higher symptom score were associated with lower physical activity for children with uncontrolled asthma and CF. Furthermore, FEV1was lower and (nocturnal) heart rate was higher for both patient groups on days with more symptoms. Candidate biomarkers appeared able to describe a pulmonary exacerbation.ConclusionsPortable spirometer- and smartwatch-derived digital biomarkers show promise as candidate end-points for use in clinical trials or clinical care in paediatric lung disease.
Mechanical ventilation promotes lung tumour spread by modulation of cholesterol cell content
Authors: López-Alonso Inés , López-Martínez Cecilia , Martín-Vicente Paula , Amado-Rodríguez Laura , González-López Adrián , Mayordomo-Colunga Juan , del Busto Cecilia , Bernal Marina , Crespo Irene , Astudillo Aurora , Arias-Guillén Miguel , Fueyo Antonio , Almendros Isaac , Otero Jorge , Sanz-Fraile Héctor , Farré Ramón , Albaiceta Guillermo M. 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundMechanical stretch of cancer cells can alter their invasiveness. During mechanical ventilation, lungs may be exposed to an increased amount of stretch, but the consequences on lung tumours have not been explored.MethodsTo characterise the influence of mechanical ventilation on the behaviour of lung tumours, invasiveness assays and transcriptomic analyses were performed in cancer cell lines cultured in static conditions or under cyclic stretch. Mice harbouring lung melanoma implants were submitted to mechanical ventilation and metastatic spread was assessed. Additionalin vivoexperiments were performed to determine the mechanodependent specificity of the response. Incidence of metastases was studied in a cohort of lung cancer patients that received mechanical ventilation compared with a matched group of nonventilated patients.ResultsStretch increases invasiveness in melanoma B16F10luc2 and lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. We identified a mechanosensitive upregulation of pathways involved in cholesterol processingin vitro, leading to an increase in pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and LDLR expression, a decrease in intracellular cholesterol and preservation of cell stiffness. A course of mechanical ventilation in mice harbouring melanoma implants increased brain and kidney metastases 2 weeks later. Blockade of PCSK9 using a monoclonal antibody increased cell cholesterol and stiffness and decreased cell invasivenessin vitroand metastasisin vivo. In patients, mechanical ventilation increased PCSK9 abundance in lung tumours and the incidence of metastasis, thus decreasing survival.ConclusionsOur results suggest that mechanical stretch promote invasiveness of cancer cells, which may have clinically relevant consequences. Pharmacological manipulation of cholesterol endocytosis could be a novel therapeutic target in this setting.