bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in lower uterine segment thickness during different gestational weeks in pregnant women qualified for trial of labor after cesarean section
Authors: Rao Jiaming , Fan Dazhi , Chen Ting , Lin Dongxin , Ma Huiting , Lu Demei , Zeng Meng , Liu Yan , Guo Xiaoling , Liu Zhengping 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between lower uterine segment thickness (LUST) and gestational weeks (GW) in women who attempted trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC) and to estimate the reference ranges of LUST.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted between January 2019 and December 2020 at a tertiary‐care center in Foshan, China. A total of 2588 women who attempted TOLAC were included. LUST was measured in different trimesters using transabdominal ultrasound. Histograms were used to review the mean and standard deviations (SD) of LUST at different GW.ResultsThe mean LUST of the patients were 6.90 ± 2.86, 4.36 ± 1.87, 2.83 ± 0.65, and 2.57 ± 0.51 mm in the first (12.10 ± 1.28 weeks), second (21.79 ± 3.40 weeks), middle third (34.28 ± 2.64 weeks), and late third (38.20 ± 1.00 weeks) trimesters, respectively. An inverse correlation was noted between LUST and uterine rupture in women who underwent a planned ERCD (P < 0.001), but not in women who attempted TOLAC during the late third trimester (P = 0.629).ConclusionLUST is inversely correlated with GW and decreases faster in the first and second trimesters than in the middle and late third trimesters. TOLAC should be approached with caution for pregnant women with a thin myometrium in late third trimester.
How to implement deprescribing into clinical practice
Authors: Pruskowski Jennifer A. , Jeffery Sean M. , Brandt Nicole , Zarowitz Barbara J. , Handler Steven M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWe currently live in the age of medication overload. More than 40% of older adults (≥65 years old) are prescribed ≥5 medications a day and nearly 20% take ≥10. Although medications can provide a wide variety of benefits, the number of medications prescribed is the largest predictor of drug‐drug interactions, nonadherence, and most importantly adverse drug events. Increasingly, patients, caregivers, and health care providers are employing deprescribing efforts as a solution to medication overload. Clinical pharmacists are well positioned to lead and/or contribute to deprescribing efforts. Deprescribing, however, is not commonly and consistently taught within the United States health professional curriculums, and deprescribing infrastructure support is currently limited. The goal of this review is to present a pragmatic approach to pharmacist‐driven clinical practice deprescribing implementation.
Efficacy of water skin decontamination in vivo in humans: A systematic review
Authors: Kashetsky Nadia , Law Rebecca M. , Maibach Howard I. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWith the constant possibility of occupational exposures, chemical warfare, and targeted attacks, increased attention has been given to determining effective and timely dermal decontamination strategies. This systematic review summarises experimental studies reporting decontamination with water‐based solutions of dermal chemical contaminants with in vivo human data. Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were comprehensively searched using search terms (“cutaneous” or “skin” or “dermal” or “percutaneous”) and (“decontamination” or “decontaminant” or “skin decontamination”) to include 10 studies, representing 18 chemical contaminants, 199 participants, and 351 decontamination outcomes. Three studies included data from decontamination with water (10.8%, n = 38/351 decontamination outcomes), seven with soap and water (68.4%, n = 240/351 decontamination outcomes), and two with 10% isopropanol distilled water (20.8%, n = 73/351 decontamination outcomes). Results of dermal decontamination using water showed complete decontamination (CD) outcomes in 52.6% (n = 20/38) and partial decontamination (PD) in 47.4% (n = 18/38); using soap and water showed PD outcomes in 92.9% (n = 223/240) and minimal to no effect in 7.1% (n = 17/240); and using 10% isopropanol distilled water achieved PD outcomes in 100.0% (n = 73/73). Available data show that decontamination with water, soap and water, and 10% isopropanol distilled water is incomplete. Much remains to be learned about decontamination of the large variety of chemical contaminants including a range of molecular weights, lipid and water solubilities, melting points, volatility, and hydrogen bonds, as well as clinically relevant anatomic sites. A major void exists in data confirming or denying the completeness of decontamination by measuring absorption and excretion. The development of effective decontamination solutions is of high priority.
Radical versus conservative surgical management for liver hydatid cysts: A single‐center prospective cohort study
Authors: Baimakhanov Zhassulan , Kaniyev Shokan , Serikuly Erbol , Doskhanov Maxat , Askeyev Baglan , Baiguissova Dinara , Skakbayev Aidar , Sadykov Chingiz , Barlybay Raikhan , Seisembayev Manas , Baimakhanov Bolatbek 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground and AimWe prospectively compared the clinical outcomes of radical and conservative surgical procedures for primary liver hydatid cysts, additionally radical surgical procedures with and without the two‐month administration of albendazole after the operation were compared.MethodsOverall, 90 patients undergoing open surgical treatment for liver hydatid cysts were divided into three surgical groups: first group, patients who underwent radical surgery (pericystectomy) followed by albendazole treatment for 2 months following the operation group; second group, patients who underwent radical surgery(pericystectomy) without receiving albendazole after surgery group; third group, patients, who underwent conservative surgery (partial cystectomy) with albendazole treatment after surgery. The clinical outcomes and rate of recurrence were analyzed in follow‐up period.ResultsThe mean surgery duration in the Radical groups was significantly longer in comparison to the Conservative surgery + Albendazole group. (212.0 and 202.5 min vs. 173.2 min; p < 0.05). Blood loss in the Radical groups was significantly higher in comparison to the Conservative surgery + Albendazole group (218.3 and 174.6 ml vs. 67.2 ml; p < 0.05). However, postoperative complication rate in the Radical group was significantly lower in comparison to Conservative surgery + Albendazole group (13.3% [n = 4] and 6.7% [n = 2] vs. 36% [n = 11]; p < 0.05). The postoperative hospital stay in both Radical groups was significantly lower in comparison to the Conservative surgery + Albendazole group (7.9 and 7.4 days vs. 11.3 days; p < 0.05).ConclusionIn comparison to conservative surgery, radical surgery is a preferable treatment modality for patients with active liver hydatid cysts. Postoperative albendazole treatment is preferable, regardless of the type of surgical procedure.
Prevention challenges with current perceptions of HIV burden among HIV‐negative and never‐tested men who have sex with men in the Netherlands: a mixed‐methods study
Authors: Zimmermann Hanne ML , van Bilsen Ward PH , Boyd Anders , Prins Maria , van Harreveld Frenk , Davidovich Udi ,   HIV Transmission Elimination Team Amsterdam
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTIntroductionAs biomedical advances improved HIV treatment, the perceptions of severity and anticipated consequences of HIV could have changed accordingly. This study investigates the current perceptions of severity and anticipated consequences of HIV infection and its association with sexual risk behaviour among HIV‐negative and never‐tested men who have sex with men (MSM) living in the Netherlands.MethodsIn‐depth interviews with recently diagnosed HIV‐positive MSM were used to develop a questionnaire measuring the perceived severity and anticipated consequences of HIV infection. The questionnaire was distributed online between April and July 2019. A structural equation model was constructed to explore the anticipated consequences contributing to the perceived HIV severity and to assess the association between the perceived severity and sexual risk behaviour.ResultsIn total, 1,072 HIV‐negative and never‐tested MSM completed the questionnaire, of whom 28% reported recent sexual risk behaviour. Almost one‐quarter of participants (23%) had a low perceived HIV severity, which was associated with more prevalent sexual risk taking (β = −0.07, 95% CI = −0.12/−0.01). In this model, the perceived severity of HIV was more strongly associated with anticipated psychological consequences of HIV (β = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.44) and to a lesser extent with anticipated negative consequences of HIV on sex/relationships (β = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.19 to 0.38) and disclosure‐related consequences (β = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.07 to 0.26). Health‐related consequences of HIV were not significantly associated with the severity perceptions (β = 0.06, 95% CI = −0.03 to 0.14).ConclusionsAnticipated negative social and psychological consequences of HIV mostly contribute to high HIV‐severity perceptions in MSM. A smaller subgroup of MSM does not perceive HIV as a serious disease, which is associated with increased sexual risk taking. Efforts to normalize living with HIV are essential but might present a challenge for HIV prevention as it could, for a minority of MSM, decrease the motivation to prevent HIV infection.
SARS‐CoV‐2 N‐antigenemia in critically ill adult COVID‐19 patients: Frequency and association with inflammatory and tissue‐damage biomarkers
Authors: Olea Beatriz , Albert Eliseo , Torres Ignacio , Gozalbo‐Rovira Roberto , Carbonell Nieves , Ferreres José , Poujois Sandrine , Costa Rosa , Colomina Javier , Rodríguez‐Díaz Jesús , Blasco María L. , Navarro David 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe current study aimed at characterizing the dynamics of SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid (N) antigenemia in a cohort of critically ill adult COVID‐19 patients and assessing its potential association with plasma levels of biomarkers of clinical severity and mortality. Seventy‐three consecutive critically ill COVID‐19 patients (median age, 65 years) were recruited. Serial plasma (n = 340) specimens were collected. A lateral flow immunochromatography assay and reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) were used for SARS‐CoV‐2 N protein detection and RNA quantitation and in plasma, respectively. Serum levels of inflammatory and tissue‐damage biomarkers in paired specimens were measured. SARS‐CoV‐RNA N‐antigenemia and viral RNAemia were documented in 40.1% and 35.6% of patients, respectively at a median of 9 days since symptoms onset. The level of agreement between the qualitative results returned by the N‐antigenemia assay and plasma RT‐PCR was moderate (k = 0.57; p < 0.0001). A trend towards higher SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA loads was seen in plasma specimens testing positive for N‐antigenemia assay than in those yielding negative results (p = 0.083). SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA load in tracheal aspirates was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the presence of concomitant N‐antigenemia than in its absence. Significantly higher serum levels of ferritin, lactose dehydrogenase, C‐reactive protein, and D‐dimer were quantified in paired plasma SARS‐CoV‐2 N‐positive specimens than in those testing negative. Occurrence of SARS‐CoV‐2 N‐antigenemia was not associated with increased mortality in univariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.49‐3.34; p = 0.59). In conclusion, SARS‐CoV‐2 N‐antigenemia detection is relatively common in ICU patients and appears to associate with increased serum levels of inflammation and tissue‐damage markers. Whether this virological parameter may behave as a biomarker of poor clinical outcome awaits further investigations.
Prevalence and clinical outcomes of pleural effusion in COVID‐19 patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rathore Sawai Singh , Hussain Nabeel , Manju Ade Harrison , Wen Qingqing , Tousif Sohaib , Avendaño‐Capriles Camilo Andrés , Hernandez‐Woodbine Maria Jose , Rojas Gianpier Alonzo , Vatsavayi Priyanka , Tera Chenna Reddy , Ali Muhammad Adnan , Singh Romil , Saleemi Shayan , Patel Deep Manojkumar 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObservational studies indicate that pleural effusion has an association with risk and the clinical prognosis of COVID‐19 disease; however, the available literature on this area is inconsistent. The objective of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to evaluate the correlation between COVID‐19 disease and pleural effusion. A rigorous literature search was conducted using multiple databases. All eligible observational studies were included from around the globe. The pooled prevalence and associated 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the random effect model. Mantel–Haenszel odds ratios were produced to report overall effect size using random effect models for severity and mortality outcomes. Funnel plots, Egger regression tests, and Begg–Mazumdar's rank correlation test were used to appraise publication bias. Data from 23 studies including 6234 COVID‐19 patients was obtained. The overall prevalence of pleural effusion in COVID‐19 patients was 9.55% (95% CI,I2 = 92%). Our findings also indicated that the presence of pleural effusions associated with increased risk of severity of disease(OR = 5.08, 95% CI 3.14–8.22,I2 = 77.4%) and mortality due to illness(OR = 4.53, 95% CI 2.16–9.49,I2 = 66%) compared with patients without pleural effusion. Sensitivity analyses illustrated a similar effect size while decreasing the heterogeneity. No significant publication bias was evident in the meta‐analysis. The presence of pleural effusion can assist as a prognostic factor to evaluate the risk of worse outcomes in COVID‐19 patients hence, it is recommended that hospitalized COVID‐19 patients with pleural effusion should be managed on an early basis.
Optimal parameter estimation of overhead transmission line considering different bundle conductors with the uncertainty of load modeling
Authors: Shaikh Muhammad Suhail , Hua Changchun , Hassan Mannan , Raj Saurav , Jatoi Munsif Ali , Ansari Muhammad Mohsin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe overhead power line is used for the transmission and distribution of electrical power across long distances. It consists of multiple conductors mounted on poles or towers. The parameters of the overhead transmission lines (TLs) are dependent upon certain factors that are associated with bundle conductors. This research work uses a whale optimization algorithm (WOA) to calculate the overhead AC TL parameters. The proposed technique is applied to single‐phase and three‐phase AC TLs. It can be observed that within an AC TL, a change in one parameter will cause the corresponding variation in other parameters. This work has determined capacitance and inductance per unit length for three‐phase using proposed WOA algorithms at different bundle conductor arrangements. However, the study of load modeling for voltage stability is also presented.
Evaluation of biocompatibility of synthesized low molecular weight PLGA copolymers using zinc L‐proline through green route for biomedical application
Authors: Giram Prabhanjan S. , Garnaik Baijayantimala 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPoly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) copolymers were synthesized by ring opening polymerization in presence of zinc proline and stannous octoate in bulk through green route and were designated as PLGA‐1 and PLGA‐2 respectively. These copolymers were characterized using NMR, SEC, DSC, X‐ray and MALDI‐TOF analysis. For the first time, the low molecular weight of PLGA (~11,000 Da) was mainly targeted to explore acute oral toxicity in the presence of zinc L‐proline and stannous octoate. The haemolysis and cell viability assay were carried out for in‐vitro cytotoxicity assessment. Haemolysis assay of PLGA‐2 was confirmed and haemolytic potential exceeded limit of American society of testing of material standard. The cell viability study using fibroblast cell lines (NIH3T3), exhibited statistically significant difference in results between PLGA‐1 and PLGA‐2. The acute toxicity study was performed in Balb/c mice for biomarker, hematological and histopathological analysis. No mortality was observed during the entire observation period, and no macroscopic change of the organs was observed in PLGA‐1 treated group where PLGA‐2 treated group showed sign of toxicity. The results obtained from in‐vitro and in‐vivo studies suggested that PLGA‐2 was toxic whereas PLGA‐1 was nontoxic in nature. Therefore, PLGA‐1 can be regarded as biocompatible biomaterials for potential for drug delivery and biomedical application.
Hydrolytic nondegradable bioactive rosmarinic acid particles
Authors: Sahiner Mehtap 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRosmarinic acid (RS) is as the nonflavonoid polyphenols in the phenolic acid subgroup was cross‐linked with sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) to obtain (p[RS‐co‐STMP]) particles with the size distribution of 2.992 ± 659 nm. The zeta potential values of p(RS‐co‐STMP) particles were measured between pH 2–10, and the isoelectric point was determined as pH 2.66. Fe(II) chelating capability test was done for RS and p(RS‐co‐STMP). At 800 μmol/ml concentrations, p(RS‐co‐STMP) particles chelated 95.06 ± 5.18% Fe(II), while RS molecule did not chelate Fe(II), whereas STMP chelated only 41.8 ± 5.9% Fe(II). The effects of RS and p(RS‐co‐STMP) particles on α‐glucosidase enzyme activity were investigated and were found to inhibit the α‐glucosidase enzyme by 55.7% and 89.6%, respectively. Furthermore, p(RS‐co‐STMP) particles were modified with polyethyleneimine as m‐p(RS‐co‐STMP) to improve antimicrobial properties and found effective against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The interaction of fibrinogen with RS, p(RS‐co‐STMP) and m‐p(RS‐co‐STMP) were studied via the change in intensity of corresponding fluorescence spectra. It was found that p(RS‐co‐STMP) particles interacted lesser with fibrinogen than RS and changed the fluorescence property of fibrinogen protein slightly. On the other hand, m‐p(RS‐co‐STMP) particles did not change the fluorescence intensity of fibrinogen suggesting no influence on the blood clotting.
Theoretical investigations on mechanisms and kinetics of methylketene with H reaction in the atmosphere
Authors: Du Huaming , Sun Yuxi , Li Huirong , Wang Zhiguo , Zhang Yunju , Liu Yongguo , Zhao Meilian 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDetailed oxidation course of H‐initiated degradation of CH3CHCO has been researched taking advantage of quantum chemical methods. Geometrical optimizations of reactants, intermediates, transition states, and products were operated at the B3LYP/6‐31++G(d,p) level. Single‐point energy computations were implemented at the CCSD(T)/cc‐pVTZ//B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) level. The results state clearly that the H association was more energetically beneficial than the abstraction of H, and the dominant pathway is generation of P1 (CH3CH2 + CO). Rate constants of H association reactions are computed by making use of Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM) program at 200–3000 K. Specifically, the total rate constant of H association reactions is 6.47 × 10−13 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 at 298 K, which is consistent with the experimental results (6.58 × 10−13 cm3 molecule−1 s−1). This research offers a thorough comprehending of the reaction mechanism involved in H‐initiated atmospheric degradation of CH3CHCO and might act as a relevant supplemental reference criteria for experimental research.
Etching characteristics of hydrogenated amorphous carbon with different sp2/sp3 hybridization ratios in CF4/O2 plasmas
Authors: Li Jie , Kim Sun J. , Han Seunghun , Kim Yongjae , Chae Heeyeop 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAmorphous carbon is used as a hard mask for dielectric etching with a high aspect ratio in the fabrication processes of semiconductor devices. The dependence of the etching characteristics of hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a‐C:H) films on the sp2/sp3 hybridization ratios was studied for CF4/O2 plasma mixtures. The etch rate of sp3‐rich a‐C:H is 33.7 times higher than that of sp2‐rich a‐C:H in a plasma comprising 50% CF4 and 50% O2. The etch rate of the sp2‐rich a‐C:H exhibits a linear correlation with the ion density of CF4/O2 plasma, whereas that of the sp3‐rich a‐C:H exhibits a second‐order exponential correlation with O radical density. A combined etch rate model was suggested to explain the etch rates of a‐C:H. Ion‐enhanced etching is identified as the dominant etching mechanism for the sp2‐rich a‐C:H, whereas spontaneous chemical etching is the main reaction mechanism for the sp3‐rich a‐C:H in CF4/O2 plasmas.
Formative assessment and feedback for learning in higher education: A systematic review
Authors: Morris Rebecca , Perry Thomas , Wardle Lindsey 
Published: August 2021

AbstractFeedback is an integral part of education and there is a substantial body of trials exploring and confirming its effect on learning. This evidence base comes mostly from studies of compulsory school age children; there is very little evidence to support effective feedback practice at higher education, beyond the frameworks and strategies advocated by those claiming expertise in the area. This systematic review aims to address this gap. We review causal evidence from trials of feedback and formative assessment in higher education. Although the evidence base is currently limited, our results suggest that low stakes‐quizzing is a particularly powerful approach and that there are benefits for forms of peer and tutor feedback, although these depend on implementation factors. There was mixed evidence for praise, grading and technology‐based feedback. We organise our findings into several evidence‐grounded categories and discuss the next steps for the field and evidence‐informed feedback practice in universities.
Context and implicationsRationale for this studyTo gain a better understanding of effective formative assessment and feedback approaches in higher education (HE). To promote a more evidence‐informed approach to teaching and learning in universities.Why the new findings matterThe findings highlight a small number of promising strategies for formative assessment and feedback in HE. They also draw attention to a lack of (quality) evidence in this area overall.Implications for policy‐makers and practitionersUniversities and their regulators/funders should be encouraging and supporting more, high‐quality research in this important area. Researchers in the field also need to look to developing more ambitious, higher‐quality studies which are likely to provide robust, causal conclusions about academic effectiveness (or other outcomes). Those involved in teaching and learning in university should use the findings to inform evidence‐informed approaches to formative assessment and feedback and to challenge approaches which do not appear to have foundations in strong evidence. Students could be made more aware of teaching and learning approaches that are likely to support their academic progress.