bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optical and Photocatalytic Properties of CuxS/ZnO Composite Thin Films Deposited by Robotic Spray Pyrolysis Deposition
Authors: Yepseu Adrien P. , Isac Luminita , Nyamen Linda D. , Cleymand Franck , Duta Anca , Ndifon Peter T. 
Published: July 2021

This article reports on VIS-active composite thin films based on zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper sulfide (CuxS) deposited using robotic spray pyrolysis deposition (SPD) for the study of the optical and photocatalytic properties. The first step involves the SPD deposition of a CuxS layer onto the glass substrate at 300°C. The second step consists of the deposition of a ZnO layer onto the CuxS layer to form glass/CuxS-ZnO composites that were further annealed at 400°C. The development of the composite thin films was confirmed by XRD and EDX analyses. The band gap energy (

E

g

) of the bare ZnO thin films decreased from 3.15 eV to an activation energy value of 2.8 eV after the deposition of the ZnO thin layer onto the CuxS layer and from 2.8 to 2.08 eV after annealing the CuxS-ZnO composite at 400°C. The UV-VIS irradiation (5.5% of UV,

G
=
55

W
/

m

2

) of a 10 ppm methylene blue solution was used to investigate the photocatalytic properties of the CuxS-ZnO composites. The annealed CuxS-ZnO thin films at 400°C demonstrates better photocatalytic activity compared to CuxS-ZnO composites deposited at 300°C. The enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of the annealed CuxS-ZnO thin films may be the result of the diode structure and the increased crystallinity that prevent the electron-hole recombination.
Factors Explaining Socio-Economic Inequalities in Survival from Colon Cancer: A Causal Mediation Analysis
Authors: Afshar Nina , Dashti S. Ghazaleh , te Marvelde Luc , Blakely Tony , Haydon Andrew , White Victoria M. , Emery Jon D. , Bergin Rebecca J. , Whitfield Kathryn , Thomas Robert J.S. , Giles Graham G. , Milne Roger L. , English Dallas R. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background:
Socio-economic inequalities in colon cancer survival exist in high-income countries, but the reasons are unclear. We assessed the mediating effects of stage at diagnosis, comorbidities, and treatment (surgery and intravenous chemotherapy) on survival from colon cancer.

Methods:
We identified 2,203 people aged 15 to 79 years with first primary colon cancer diagnosed in Victoria, Australia, between 2008 and 2011. Colon cancer cases were identified through the Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR), and clinical information was obtained from hospital records. Deaths till December 31, 2016 (n = 807), were identified from Victorian and national death registries. Socio-economic disadvantage was based on residential address at diagnosis. For stage III disease, we decomposed its total effect into direct and indirect effects using interventional mediation analysis.

Results:
Socio-economic inequalities in colon cancer survival were not explained by stage and were greater for men than women. For men with stage III disease, there were 161 [95% confidence interval (CI), 67–256] additional deaths per 1,000 cases in the 5 years following diagnosis for the most disadvantaged compared with the least disadvantaged. The indirect effects through comorbidities and intravenous chemotherapy explained 6 (95% CI, −10–21) and 15 (95% CI, −14–44) per 1,000 of these additional deaths, respectively. Surgery did not explain the observed gap in survival.

Conclusions:
Disadvantaged men have lower survival from stage III colon cancer that is only modestly explained by having comorbidities or not receiving chemotherapy after surgery.

Impact:
Future studies should investigate the potential mediating role of factors occurring beyond the first year following diagnosis, such as compliance with surveillance for recurrence and supportive care services.
Prenatal and Perinatal Factors and Risk of Cancer in Middle and Older Adulthood among Men
Authors: Fu Benjamin C. , Chowdhury-Paulino Ilkania M. , Giovannucci Edward L. , Mucci Lorelei A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground:Prenatal factors have been associated with risk of cancers later in life, although studies in men have largely been case–control and focused on birth size only.Methods:We used data from 5,845 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) to prospectively examine associations between several prenatal and perinatal factors and incident adult cancer risk. In 1994, mothers of participants reported information on characteristics and behaviors related to their pregnancy with their sons. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to calculate HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of associations between prenatal and perinatal risk factors and cancer risk.Results:During 20 years of follow-up, 1,228 incident cases of overall cancer were documented. Men with a birth weight of ≥4 kg had a 21% increased risk of overall cancer (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.02–1.43) compared with those with a birth weight of 2.5 to 3.9 kg. Greater weight gain during pregnancy (&gt;13.6 kg vs. 6.8–8.6 kg) was also associated with a higher risk of overall cancer (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.02–1.46), and was stronger for men whose mothers had a prepregnancy BMI&lt;21 kg/m2 (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.00–1.67) compared with body mass index (BMI) ≥21 kg/m2 (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.85–1.51). There was no association between maternal age and overall cancer risk.Conclusions:Higher birth weight and maternal weight gain are associated with increased cancer risk in adult men.Impact:Our findings support the hypothesis that the in utero environment plays a role in the etiology of cancer in middle and older adulthood.
Core Outcome Measures for Palliative and End-of-Life Research After Severe Stroke: Mixed-Method Delphi Study
Authors: Mason Bruce , Boyd Kirsty , Doubal Fergus , Barber Mark , Brady Marian , Cowey Eileen , Visvanathan Akila , Lewis Steff , Gallacher Katie , Morton Sarah , Mead Gillian E. 
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose:
Stroke is the second commonest cause of death worldwide and a leading cause of severe disability, yet there are no published trials of palliative care in stroke. To design and evaluate palliative care interventions for people with stroke, researchers need to know what measurable outcomes matter most to patients and families, stroke professionals, and other service providers.

Methods:
A multidisciplinary steering group of professionals and laypeople managed the study. We synthesized recommendations from respected United Kingdom and international consensus documents to generate a list of outcome domains and then performed a rapid scoping literature review to identify potential outcome measures for use in future trials of palliative care after stroke. We then completed a 3-round, online Delphi survey of professionals, and service users to build consensus about outcome domains and outcome measures. Finally, we held a stakeholder workshop to review and finalize this consensus.

Results:
We generated a list of 36 different outcome domains from 4 key policy documents. The rapid scoping review identified 43 potential outcome measures that were used to create a shortlist of 16 measures. The 36 outcome domains and 16 measures were presented to a Delphi panel of diverse healthcare professionals and lay service users. Of 48 panelists invited to take part, 28 completed all 3 rounds. Shared decision-making and quality of life were selected as the most important outcome domains for future trials of palliative care in stroke. Additional comments highlighted the need for outcomes to be feasible, measurable, and relevant beyond the initial, acute phase of stroke. The stakeholder workshop endorsed these results.

Conclusions:
Future trials of palliative care after stroke should include pragmatic outcome measures, applicable to the evolving patient and family experiences after stroke and be inclusive of shared decision-making and quality of life.
Preferences and Predictions Regarding Palliative Care in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Kelley Katherine M. , Proksch Daisy , White Sasha , Collins Jay , Martyak Michael , Britt L. D. , Burgess Jessica 
Published: July 2021

Introduction In the older intensive care unit (ICU) trauma population, it is common to have to make decisions about end-of-life. We sought to demonstrate uncertainty of patients and providers in this area. Methods Our study is a prospective observational study of trauma patients 50 years and older admitted to the ICU. Patients or surrogates completed a survey including questions regarding end-of-life. Team members were surveyed with their expectation for patient outcome and appropriateness of palliative or comfort care. Patients were followed up for 6 months. Chi-square analysis and Fisher’s exact test were performed. Results 100 patients had data available for analysis. Surveys were completed by the patient for 39 while a surrogate completed the survey for 61 patients. There was a significant increase in uncertainty if a surrogate answered or if there had been no prior discussions about end-of-life. Nurse, resident, and attending predictions about hospital survival were similar with all groups predicting survival in 82%. 6-month survivors were only predicted to be alive 75% of the time. Ideas about comfort care were similar but there was more variation regarding a palliative care consult with nurses saying yes in 27% of surveys while physicians only said yes in 18%. Conclusions The significantly higher rates of uncertainty for both surrogates or in cases where no prior discussion had been had highlight the importance of having more conversations about end-of-life and documentation of advance directives prior to traumatic events. The difference in team member ideas about palliative care demonstrates a need for improved team communication.
Anxiety Screening in Polytrauma Patients by Use of Single-Item Reporting With the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory: How Brief Is Too Brief?
Authors: Palmer Glen A. , Palmer Daniel G. 
Published: July 2021

Purpose/Objective: This study examined the clinical utility of a single item for anxiety from the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) in determining the need for mental health referral for veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Research Method/Design: Three hundred eighty veterans referred for TBI evaluation were administered the NSI and a common anxiety screening measure (Beck Anxiety Inventory; BAI). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were conducted to determine ideal BAI total cutoff scores for a single item of the NSI pertaining to anxiety (i.e., “anxious or tense”). Results Using multiclass ROC curve analyses, NSI scores of 3 and 4 for the sample were comparable to scores of 11 and 22 on the BAI, respectively. Post hoc ROC curve analyses were then conducted on the sample after removal of potentially invalid NSI protocols (i.e., Validity-10 scores greater than 22), and NSI scores 3 and 4 corresponded with scores of 11 and 20, respectively. Conclusion/Implications A minimum score of 3 (severe) on the NSI item was deemed sufficient to indicate the need for further mental health referral without warranting additional screening for anxiety. Further analyses also revealed that removal of positive Validity-10 protocols did not significantly change ROC curve findings, suggesting that the particular NSI item for anxiety can still be used for clinical purposes despite an otherwise invalid protocol. Implications for treatment and recommendations pertaining to when additional screening might be required are discussed.
Perceived stress in different countries at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Gamonal-Limcaoco Sinta , Montero-Mateos Enrique , Lozano-López Maria Teresa , Maciá-Casas Ana , Matías-Fernández Juan , Roncero Carlos 
Published: July 2021

Objective The coronavirus has spread around the world, causing an ongoing pandemic. After the lockdown and quarantine protocols, an evaluation of the population's current emotional state was made through a web-based survey available in both English and Spanish. The objective was to observe how respondents perceived stress and worry as a result of COVID-19. Methods The survey gathered data across three sections: socio-demographic data, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) by Cohen, and additional queries on current worries and behaviors due to this pandemic. Results The survey received 1523 respondents from 48 countries. The mean of the PSS-10 score was 17.4 (SD 6.5). Significantly higher scores were observed among women, young adults, students, and those who expressed concern about getting infected and considered themselves high-risk. No significant differences were observed between health professionals and other professions. Conclusions We describe an increase in stress levels due to the COVID-19 and point out groups at high risk. These findings could help to address the mental health care that is needed.
The impact of disability on performance in a high-stakes postgraduate surgical examination: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ellis R , Cleland J , Scrimgeour DSG , Lee AJ , Brennan PA 
Published: July 2021

Objective Despite rising numbers of doctors in the workforce with disabilities, little is known about the impact of disabilities on postgraduate performance. To ensure all groups are treated fairly in surgical training, it is essential to know whether any attainment differences exist in markers of surgical performance. To address this gap, we assessed the impact of disabilities on performance on the Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons examination (MRCS). Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Secondary care. Participants All UK MRCS candidates attempting Part A ( n = 9600) and Part B ( n = 4560) between 2007 and 2017 with linked disability data in the UK Medical Education Database ( https://www.ukmed.ac.uk ) were included. Main outcome measures Chi-square tests and correlation coefficients established univariate associations with MRCS performance, while multiple logistic regressions identified independent predictors of success. Results Though MRCS Part B pass rates were similar ( p = 0.339), candidates with registered disabilities had significantly lower first-attempt Part A pass rates (46.3% vs. 59.8%, p < 0.001). Candidates with disabilities also performed less well in examinations taken throughout school and medical school, and after adjusting for prior academic performance and sociodemographic predictors of success, logistic regression found that candidates with disabilities were no less likely to pass MRCS than their peers (odds ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 0.66 to 1.62). No significant variation was found in MRCS performance between type of disability or degree of limitations caused by disability ( p > 0.05). Conclusion Although candidates with registered disabilities performed less well in formal, written examinations, our data indicate that they are as likely to pass MRCS at first attempt as their peers who achieved similar grades at high school and medical school. In order to enable equity in career progression, further work is needed to investigate the causes of attainment differences in early career assessments.
Effect of patient education on quality-of-life, pain and fatigue in breast cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Martínez-Miranda Patricia , Casuso-Holgado María Jesús , Jesús Jiménez-Rejano José 
Published: July 2021

Objective: To synthesise the existing evidence about the effect of patient education, either used alone or as adjunctive therapy, on the improvement of quality of life, pain and fatigue in adult breast cancer survivors. Data sources: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Cochrane Plus, PEDro, Dialnet and Clinicaltrials.gov databases. Methods: We conducted this systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Only randomised controlled trials with adult breast cancer survivors were included. We assessed the methodological quality of the studies using the PEDro scale and the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. We synthesised evidence using the GRADE tool. Results: We included 14 studies (PEDro 4–8 points) comprising 1749 adult women who survived breast cancer, of which we included 12 in the quantitative analysis. There were statistically significant short-term benefits for improved global quality-of-life (standardised mean difference [SMD] = 0.43, P = 0.05, 95% CI [0.00, 0.85]; GRADE: low certainty; not important), emotional quality-of-life (SMD = 0.32, P = 0.04, 95% CI [0.02, 0.62]) and fatigue (SMD = 0.24, P = 0.0004, 95% CI [0.11, 0.37]; GRADE: low certainty; not important). However, there were not statistically significant for pain severity (SMD = −0.05, P = 0.67, 95% CI [−0.26, 0.17]; GRADE: low certainty; not important) and fear to recurrence (SMD = −0.05, P = 0.68, 95% CI [−0.31, 0.20]; GRADE: moderate certainty; not important). Conclusion: Patient education have a significative effect in short-term global quality-of-life, emotional quality-of-life and fatigue, though all the results were classified as ‘not important’.
CGRP measurements in human plasma – a methodological study
Authors: Messlinger Karl , Vogler Birgit , Kuhn Annette , Sertel-Nakajima Julika , Frank Florian , Broessner Gregor 
Published: July 2021

Background Calcitonin gene-related peptide plasma levels have frequently been determined as a biomarker for primary headaches. However, published data is often inconsistent resulting from different methods that are not precisely described in most studies. Methods We applied a well-proven enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure calcitonin gene-related peptide concentrations in human blood plasma, we modified parameters of plasma preparation and protein purification and used calcitonin gene-related peptide-free plasma for standard solutions, which are described in detail. Results Calcitonin gene-related peptide levels are stable in plasma with peptidase inhibitors and after deep-freezing. Calcitonin gene-related peptide standard solutions based on synthetic intercellular fluid or pooled plasma with pre-absorbed calcitonin gene-related peptide influenced the measurements but yielded both comprehensible results. In a sample of 56 healthy subjects the calcitonin gene-related peptide plasma levels varied considerably from low (<50 pg/mL) to very high (>500 pg/mL) values. After a 12-hour exposure of these subjects to normobaric hypoxia the individual calcitonin gene-related peptide levels remained stable. Conclusion Buffering with peptidase inhibitors and immediate freezing or processing of plasma samples is essential to achieve reliable measurements. Individuals show considerable differences and partly high calcitonin gene-related peptide plasma levels without detectable pathological reason. Thus plasma measurements are suited particularly to follow calcitonin gene-related peptide levels in longitudinal studies. The use of data for this study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical University of Innsbruck ( https://www.i-med.ac.at/ethikkommission/ ; EK Nr: 1242/2017).
Recovering the primitive in the modern: The cultural turn and the origins of cultural sociology
Authors: Alexander Jeffrey C. 
Published: July 2021

This essay provides an intellectual history for the cultural turn that transformed the human sciences in the mid-20th century and led to the creation of cultural sociology in the late 20th century. It does so by conceptualizing and contextualizing the limitations of the binary primitive/modernity. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, leading thinkers – among them Marx, Weber, Durkheim, and Freud – confined thinking and feeling styles like ritual, symbolism, totem, and devotional practice to a primitivism that would be transformed by the rationality and universalism of modernity. While the barbarisms of the 20th century cast doubt on such predictions, only an intellectual revolution could provide the foundations for an alternative social theory. The cultural turn in philosophy, aesthetics, and anthropology erased the division between primitive and modern; in sociology, the classical writings of Durkheim were recentered around his later, religious sociology. These intellectual currents fed into a cultural sociology that challenged the sociology of culture, creating radically new research programs in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Predictive factors of fetal and maternal pregnancy outcomes in Japanese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Irino Kensuke , Arinobu Yojiro , Ayano Masahiro , Kawano Shotaro , Kimoto Yasutaka , Mitoma Hiroki , Akahoshi Mitsuteru , Akashi Koichi , Horiuchi Takahiko , Niiro Hiroaki 
Published: July 2021

Objective The number of pregnant and delivery cases in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are increasing due to the advances in therapies. However, there are many problems such as the exacerbation of SLE during pregnancy and the risk of fetal complications. We investigated the impact of both pregnancy on lupus and lupus on pregnancy in Japanese patients. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 64 pregnancies in 39 cases of lupus patients at Kyushu University Hospital, Japan, from October 2002 to July 2018 and then assessed the clinical profiles and maternal and fetal outcomes. Results In terms of the impact of pregnancy on SLE, 29.7% of patients had lupus flare during pregnancy. Multivariate analysis showed that flare rates were significantly higher in patients who discontinued the immunosuppressants when pregnancy was detected or before pregnancy. Pregnancy results were 25.0% for preterm birth, 39.1% for low birth weight infants, and 31.3% for small-for-gestational-age infants. Regarding the effect of SLE on fetal death, the rates of stillbirth were significantly higher in cases whose C3 value at 12 weeks of gestation was lower than before conception. Preterm birth was associated with disease duration and lupus flare during pregnancy. Conclusions Discontinuation of immunosuppressive drugs was a predictive factor for lupus flare during pregnancy. Further, the decrease of C3 levels at 12 weeks of gestation from baseline was a predictive factor for fetal loss. It is essential for lupus pregnant patients to prevent flares, even with the use of immunosuppressive medications.
Patient characteristics predicting attendance for elective in-patient treatment of substance use disorder
Authors: Murnion Bridin , Dhaliwal Anupreet , Alsop Julian 
Published: July 2021

Objective: Consumption of alcohol and other drugs constitutes a significant health burden. Treatment access is poor, and a number of barriers are recognised. The objective of this retrospective cohort study is to examine patient characteristics of those attending/not attending for elective in-patient withdrawal management (IWM). Methods: Records of all elective admissions for IWM between 1 March and 30 June 2019 were reviewed. Data were extracted on attendance, age, substance(s) used, pre-arranged rehabilitation admissions following discharge, wait time, legal issues and child welfare agency involvement. Results: Of 274 planned admissions, 193 (70%) attended. Attendance was predicted by residential treatment planned after withdrawal management and older age. People using amphetamines were less likely to attend. Conclusion: There are low attendance rates for elective IWM. Patient characteristics predicting lower attendance include younger age, amphetamine use and not planning rehabilitation. Further research is required to improve attendance.