bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementation of point-of-care HbA1C instruments into community pharmacies: Initial development of a pathway for robust community testing
Authors: Radley Andrew , Beer Lewis , Rushdi Danya , Close Hazel , McBurney Stephen , Mackenzie Adrian , Gourlay Anna , Barnett Anna , Grant Alison , Greig Neil , Dow Ellie , Sutherland Calum 
Published: November 2023

Background Point-of-care (POC) analysers in community settings can provide opportunistic and regular HbA1c monitoring. Community pharmacies in NHS Scotland are utilised by populations at greatest risk of type two diabetes (T2D). This study describes initial development of an HbA1c pathway using a POC analyser in community pharmacies. Methods The Abbott Afinion analyser was compared in (i) NHS Tayside’s Blood Sciences Service and (ii) community pharmacies from four Scottish Health Boards. A side by side comparison with standard operating procedures for HbA1c quantification using 80 T2D patient venous samples. The machine was implemented into 11 community pharmacies and 144 samples obtained from patients for comparison to their recent laboratory HbA1c. Four focus groups examined themes around the intervention and an exit questionnaire was administered. Results Laboratory assessment verified the efficacy of the POC test machine. The value for level 1 quality control was 44 mmol/mol and the mean during testing 42.7 mmol/mol. The greatest percent coefficient of variation (cv) was within-run for both levels of quality control material, at a value of 1.63% and 1.62%, respectively. The analyser performed robustly within the pharmacy assessment, with a mean difference of 1.68 and a standard deviation of 0.71 (CV 0.423). Patients with T2D reported positive experiences of using a pharmacy. The focus groups identified an appreciation of the convenience of pharmacies and of the longitudinal relationships with pharmacy staff. Conclusion POC HbA1c analysers can be successfully established in community pharmacies. The target patient group responded positively to the opportunity to use a pharmacy service.
Incidence and risk factors of post-stroke seizures and epilepsy: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nandan Aathmika , Zhou Yi Mei , Demoe Lindsay , Waheed Adnan , Jain Puneet , Widjaja Elysa 
Published: November 2023

Objective Due to variability in reports, the aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of post-stroke early seizures (ES) and post-stroke epilepsy (PSE). Methods The MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched for post-stroke ES/PSE articles published on any date up to November 2020. Post-stroke ES included seizures occurring within 7 days of stroke, and PSE included at least one unprovoked seizure. Using random effects models, the incidence and risk factors of post-stroke ES and PSE were evaluated. The study was retrospectively registered with INPLASY (INPLASY2023100008). Results Of 128 included studies in total, the incidence of post-stroke ES was 0.07 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.05, 0.10) and PSE was 0.10 (95% CI 0.08, 0.13). The rates were higher in children than adults. Risk factors for post-stroke ES included hemorrhagic stroke (odds ratio [OR] 2.14, 95% CI 1.44, 3.18), severe strokes (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.73, 4.14), cortical involvement (OR 3.09, 95% CI 2.11, 4.51) and hemorrhagic transformation (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.58, 4.60). Risk factors for PSE included severe strokes (OR 4.92, 95% CI 3.43, 7.06), cortical involvement (OR 3.20, 95% CI 2.13, 4.81), anterior circulation infarcts (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.34, 8.03), hemorrhagic transformation (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.25, 6.30) and post-stroke ES (OR 7.24, 95% CI 3.73, 14.06). Conclusion Understanding the risk factors of post-stroke ES/PSE may identify high-risk individuals who might benefit from prophylactic treatment.
ChatGPT Hallucinates Non-existent Citations: Evidence from Economics
Authors: Buchanan Joy , Hill Stephen , Shapoval Olga 
Published: November 2023

In this study, we generate prompts derived from every topic within the Journal of Economic Literature to assess the abilities of both GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 versions of the ChatGPT large language model (LLM) to write about economic concepts. ChatGPT demonstrates considerable competency in offering general summaries but also cites non-existent references. More than 30% of the citations provided by the GPT-3.5 version do not exist and this rate is only slightly reduced for the GPT-4 version. Additionally, our findings suggest that the reliability of the model decreases as the prompts become more specific. We provide quantitative evidence for errors in ChatGPT output to demonstrate the importance of LLM verification. JEL Codes: B4; O33; I2
Performance improvement of horizontal axis wind turbines using curved gurney flap: 3D numerical investigation
Authors: Sedighi Hamed , Akbarzadeh Pooria , Salavatipour Ali 
Published: November 2023

The impact of curved Gurney flaps on the performance of a 660 kW V47 horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) is analyzed in this study. The trailing edge of the turbine blades is passively modified by curved flaps. The continuity and momentum equations are solved using a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes solver and Shear-Stress-Transport turbulent model. The effect of the direction and radius of curved flaps on the aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine (torque and power generation, flow separation, and thrust loads) is examined. The study examines how the curved flap’s performance on HAWT is affected by the blade pitch angle ([Formula: see text]) and wind speed ([Formula: see text]). According to the results, curve flaps have a positive impact on the output torque at lower pitch angles ([Formula: see text]). The average torque increase for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is 3.7% for curve flaps, while it is only 2.9% for flat flaps. This conclusion is not valid for higher pitch angles ([Formula: see text]) where the flap disrupts the aerodynamic performance. Further, the use of curve flaps with the radius of [Formula: see text] (inward-type) can improve the torque produced (up to [Formula: see text]) compared to other curved flaps and even flat flaps, especially around the nominal operating point. This conclusion is valid for [Formula: see text], while for higher pitch angles, the flat Gurney flap has better performance generally.
Political Effects on FDI in the CEE Region: Two Cases of Connectivity and Decoupling from the West
Authors: Rudy Kiryl 
Published: November 2023

The article studies two cases of political impacts on FDI in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region. The first case covered 15 CEE countries focusing on FDI sensitivity to democracy and elections during their connectivity with the West from 1991–2019. The panel data multi-factor linear regression method gives some arguable results that show that the fall of democracy increases FDI in CEE economies. It is explained by the FDI’s priority of economic scale and growth over the level and direction of democratic development. At the same time, Western connectivity provides an environment for economic growth in the CEE economies. The second case describes the political effects of decoupling from the West on the China–Belarus Industrial Park (CBIP) in 2020–2022. Based on the event study methodology and field survey of 21 residents of the CBIP, the findings show the negative effects of decoupling on the volume of Chinese capital, the number of registered residents, their profit, payback period, and reliance on government support. Both the cases also demonstrate the drop in FDI during election years. JEL Classification F21, P16, O52
Bond strength of metal-free polyether-ether-ketone knee prostheses compared to metal knee prostheses with bone cement: A preliminary in vitro study
Authors: Wu Dengxian , Wang Qianjin , Tsai Hung-Kang , Zhou Sheng , Zheng Donggui , Jiang Qing , Xu Zhihong 
Published: November 2023

Background Total knee arthroplasty is the most effective treatment for advanced-stage knee arthritis, and the majority of knee prostheses are made of metal. Nevertheless, metal prostheses still have several problems. The objective of this study is to introduce new metal-free knee prostheses made of polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and to compare their cement bond strength with metal prostheses. Methods Twelve sets of knee prostheses were divided into four groups (unloaded PEEK, unloaded Metal, 10 million cycles (MC) PEEK, 10 MC Metal, N = 3 each), and then attached to composite bones using bone cement. Both the 10 MC PEEK and 10 MC Metal groups were subjected to dynamic gait simulations of 10 MC, whereas the other two sets were not. Afterwards, a pull-off strength test was performed on the femoral prostheses and a shear strength test was performed on the tibial prostheses. Results No apparent cracks were observed in the bone cement after subjecting the PEEK and Metal groups to 10 million cycles of dynamic simulation. No statistically significant differences were observed ( p > .05) in the strength tests for unloaded PEEK vs. unloaded Metal, 10 MC PEEK vs.10 MC Metal in the femoral pull-off test, and for unloaded PEEK vs. unloaded Metal in the tibial shear test. The shear strength of 10 MC PEEK was significantly lower ( p < .05) compared to that of 10 MC Metal. Conclusions By comparing the force analysis of previous investigations on knee prostheses with the failure pattern observed in the PEEK knee prosthesis of this study, which replicates that of the metal prosthesis. We believe that the combination of the peek knee prosthesis with bone cement is reliable. We anticipate that metal-free PEEK knee prostheses will find application in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) in the future, thereby benefiting patients.
National survey of safe handling of hazardous drugs in hospital settings: Use of an innovative approach
Authors: Pinet Emma , Langlais Annie , Chouinard Audrey , Bussières Jean-François , Tanguay Cynthia 
Published: November 2023

Introduction Workers can reduce their risk of exposure to hazardous drugs by following safe handling guidelines. Healthcare centers need to dedicate time and resources in order to implement new safety recommendations. The objective was to present the results of a national survey about the safe handling of hazardous drugs in healthcare centers. Methods Quebec healthcare centers performed an auto-evaluation to the newly updated safe handling guidelines in 2021. Centers rated each criterion as compliant or non-compliant. The guidelines tailored recommendations according to three categories of hazards: G1, consisting mostly of carcinogenic drugs; G2, other hazardous drugs; and G3, those with reproductive toxicity. The questionnaire prompted participants to document their planned corrective measures for non-compliant criteria. Results Most centers participated (28/29, 97%). The overall compliance was 58% (8761/15,216 criteria). The conformity per theme was hygiene and sanitation (1290/1,878, 69%), laundry (221/367, 60%), pharmacy (2658/4,474, 59%), nursing (3436/6,017, 57%), spills and accidental exposure (353/649, 54%), and general measures (803/1,831, 44%). It was higher for recommendations regarding G1s (4226/6,115, 69%) than for G2s (1626/3557, 46%) and G3s (372/916, 41%). Conclusions This project successfully used an innovative approach that combined a national auto-evaluation survey, an actionable report, and the involvement of a community of practice. Centers were able to benchmark their implementation of safe handling guidelines, and community of practices may help in sharing the best practices. The design of the questionnaire helped in targeting corrective measures. More work is needed for safe handling practices that relate to G2 and G3 drugs.
Effect of preoperative arterial diameter on hospitalization and mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis with forearm arteriovenous fistula access
Authors: Gan Wenyuan , Zhu Fan , Mao Huihui , Xiao Wei , Chen Wenli , Zeng Xingruo 
Published: November 2023

Background: As pointed out by the recent Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative Clinical Practice Guideline for Vascular Access, the current quality of evidence supporting preoperative vascular anatomy and patient outcomes is suboptimal and insufficient to make recommendations. This study assessed arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) created with different preoperative arterial diameters on hospitalization and mortality rates in patients undergoing hemodialysis at the authors’ center. Methods: Data from 261 patients who underwent HD between 2017 and 2019 were retrospectively examined. Differences in mortality and hospitalization rates between patients with different preoperative arterial diameters were compared, and risk factors for mortality and hospitalization were analyzed. Results: Smaller preoperative artery diameter (<2 mm) was associated with all-cause mortality (risk ratio [RR] 1.61 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45–1.90]; p < 0.01), and access-related (RR 1.68 [95% CI 1.24–2.44]; p < 0.01), and congestive heart failure (CHF)-related (RR 0.67 [95% CI 0.38–1.01]; p = 0.04) hospitalization. Longer catheter-dependent duration (⩾60 days) was associated with access-related hospitalization (RR 1.48 [95% CI 1.07–2.11]; p = 0.03), and higher postoperative brachial artery blood flow (⩾1500 mL/min) was associated with CHF-related hospitalization (RR 1.58 [95% CI 1.02–2.29]; p < 0.01). Higher postoperative brachial artery blood flow (⩾1500 mL/min) was associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.20 [95% CI 1.09–2.32]; p = 0.04), whereas preoperative artery diameter (HR 0.98 [95% CI 0.93–1.86]; p = 0.08) and catheter-dependent duration (HR 1.06 [95% CI 0.47–2.13]; p = 0.82) were not associated with all-cause mortality. Conclusion: In this cohort, smaller preoperative artery diameter was associated with all-cause and access-related hospitalizations, while a larger preoperative artery and higher postoperative brachial blood flow were associated with CHF-related hospitalization. However, only higher postoperative brachial blood flow was associated with all-cause mortality.
Prospective evaluation of efficacy and safety of distal radial and radial artery access using a novel articulating-tip guidewire
Authors: Tal Michael G , Covey Anne , Qaqish Shaker , Livne Ron , Klass Darren 
Published: November 2023

Background: Guidewire-facilitated access to peripheral vessels is commonplace in vascular access, but guidewire insertion into small vessels, such as the radial and distal radial arteries, can still be challenging. Failure to gain access on the first attempt may contribute to increased risks of procedural complications, such as vessel dissection, spasm, and occlusion. This research assessed the safety and efficacy of radial and distal radial artery access using a novel, FDA-cleared, small-core-diameter guidewire with an articulating tip, under ultrasound guidance. Methods: This was a prospective, single-arm, single-center trial. Patients in need of vascular access were screened for participation and enrolled in the study. Guidewire insertion was attempted by four physicians (three interventional radiologists and an interventional nephrologist) at 162 arterial sites—65 radial and 97 distal radial, having a mean diameter of 2.0 mm. Results: First-attempt successful placement of the guidewire in the artery occurred at 87.6% of access sites (142/162) and differences in the success rate between the radial and distal radial arteries or between vessels with diameter smaller or larger than 2 mm were not observed (62/68 and 67/77, respectively; p = 0.6). Four of the five reported adverse events were unrelated to the study device or procedure. Two of the three distal radial artery spasms occurred before the guidewire was used. The other two events were a radial artery spasm, and a distal radial artery site hematoma. All adverse events resolved spontaneously. Conclusions: First-attempt placement of a novel articulating tip guidewire in the radial and distal radial arteries occurred at a high rate in our study and was not associated with safety concerns.
Novel-miR-81 Promotes the Chondrocytes Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Through Inhibiting Rac2 Expression
Authors: Luo Ziwei , Xie Jinqi , Ye Haoxiang , Zhang Jie , Liu Yangping , Ma Chunmei , Cao Jiahui , Pan Hao , Liu Xiaosheng , Zhou Xianxi , Kong Jiechen , Chen Dongfeng , Liu Aijun 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveMicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in the differentiation of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into chondrocytes. Our previous study found that novel-miR-81 can relieve osteoarthritis, but its role in chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of novel-miR-81 in chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs.MethodsWe used a model in which transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3-induced BMSCs differentiation into chondrocytes. We detected the expression Sox9, Collagen Ⅱ, Aggrecan, novel-miR-81, and Rac2 by real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Western blot was performed to detect the expression of Sox9, Collagen Ⅱ, and Rac2. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that the association between novel-miR-81 and Rac2. In addition, the ectopic chondrocyte differentiation of BMSCs was performed subcutaneously in nude mice. The effect of novel-miR-81 and Rac2 on ectopic chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs was determined by immunohistochemical staining.ResultsNovel-miR-81 upregulated in chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Rac2 was a key target of novel-miR-81. Mimic novel-miR-81 and siRac2 upregulated the expression of Sox9, Collagen Ⅱ, and Aggrecan.ConclusionNovel-miR-81 promotes the chondrocytes differentiation of BMSCs by inhibiting the expression of target gene Rac2, which provides potential targets for BMSCs transplantation to repair cartilage defects.
Does opioid therapy enhance quality of life in patients suffering from chronic non-malignant pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kraft Karl V. L. , Backmund Teresa , Eberhart Leopold , Schubert Ann-Kristin , Dinges Hanns-Christian , Hagen Maria K. , Gehling Markus 
Published: November 2023

Background and objective Chronic pain is associated with a poor health-related quality of life (HRQL). Whereas the prescription rate of opioids increased during the last decades, their use in chronic non-malignant pain remains unclear. However, there is currently no clinical consensus or evidence-based guidelines that consider the long-term effects of opioid therapy on HRQL in patients with chronic non-cancer pain. This systematic review aims to address the question of whether opioid therapy improves HRQL in patients with chronic non-malignant pain and provide some guidance to practitioners. Databases and data treatment PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL were searched in June 2020 for double-blind, randomized trials (RCTs), comparing opioid therapy to placebo and assessed a HRQL questionnaire. The review comprises a qualitative vote counting approach and a meta-analysis of the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), EQ-5D questionnaire and the pain interference scale of the Brief pain inventory (BPI). Results 35 RCTs were included, of which the majority reported a positive effect of opioids for the EQ-5D, the BPI and the physical component score (PCS) of the SF-36 compared to placebo. The meta-analysis of the PCS showed a mean difference of 1.82 [confidence interval: 1.32, 2.32], the meta-analysis of the EQ-5D proved a significant advantage of 0.06 [0.00, 0.12]. In the qualitative analysis of the mental component score (MCS) of the SF-36, no positive or negative trend was seen. No significant differences were seen in the MCS (MD: 0.65 [-0.43, 1.73]). A slightly higher premature dropout rate was found in the opioid group (risk difference: 0.04 [0.00, 0.07], p = .07). The body of evidence is graded as low to medium. Conclusion Opioids have a statistically significant, but small and clinical not relevant effect on the physical dimensions of HRQL, whereas there is no effect on mental dimensions of HRQL in patients with chronic non-malignant pain during the initial months of treatment. In clinical practice, opioid prescriptions for chronic non-cancer pain should be individually assessed as their broad efficacy in improving quality of life is not confirmed. The duration of opioid treatment should be determined carefully, as this review primarily focuses on the initial months of therapy.
Posture Evaluation of Firefighters During Simulated Fire Suppression Tasks
Authors: Kajaks Tara , Ziebart Christina , Galea Vickie , Vrkljan Brenda , MacDermid Joy C. 
Published: November 2023

Background: Posture mechanics during fire suppression tasks are associated with musculoskeletal injuries in firefighters. Methods: This study uses the Ovako Working Posture Analyzing System (OWAS) ergonomics tool to describe and evaluate the postures of 48 firefighters during 3 simulated tasks: (a) hose drag, (b) hose pull, and (c) high-rise pack lift. Ergonomics intervention prioritizations based on the OWAS action classification (AC) scores were identified using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Chi-square analyses identified associations between firefighter characteristics and OWAS AC scores. Findings: The initial hose pick-up phase of each task was identified as a high priority for ergonomics intervention (OWAS AC = 4) in 45.8%, 54.2%, and 45.8% of cases for Tasks 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Lower BMI was associated with higher AC scores for the initial hose pick-up during Task 3 (likelihood ratio = 9.20, p value = .01). Conclusion: The results inform ergonomics priorities for firefighter training based on the tasks analyzed. Application to Practice: This study evaluates the posture mechanics of three commonly performed firefighting tasks. The results help inform an ergonomics training intervention focused on posture mechanics during occupational activities for firefighters.