bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disparities by Sex, Race, and Ethnicity in Use of Left Ventricular Assist Devices and Heart Transplants Among Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Rose Scott W. , Strackman Braden W. , Gilbert Olivia N. , Lasser Karen E. , Paasche‐Orlow Michael K. , Lin Meng‐Yun , Saylor Georgia , Hanchate Amresh D. 
Published: January 2024

Background
The extent to which sex, racial, and ethnic groups receive advanced heart therapies equitably is unclear. We estimated the population rate of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and heart transplant (HT) use among (non‐Hispanic) White, Hispanic, and (non‐Hispanic) Black men and women who have heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods and Results

We used a retrospective cohort design combining counts of LVAD and HT procedures from 19 state inpatient discharge databases from 2010 to 2018 with counts of adults with HFrEF. Our primary outcome measures were the number of LVAD and HT procedures per 1000 adults with HFrEF. The main exposures were sex, race, ethnicity, and age. We used Poisson regression models to estimate procedure rates adjusted for differences in age, sex, race, and ethnicity. In 2018, the estimated population of adults aged 35 to 84 years with HFrEF was 69 736, of whom 44% were women. Among men, the LVAD rate was 45.6, and the HT rate was 26.9. Relative to men, LVAD and HT rates were 72% and 62% lower among women (
P
<0.001). Relative to White men, LVAD and HT rates were 25% and 46% lower (
P
<0.001) among Black men. Among Hispanic men and women and Black women, LVAD and HT rates were similar (
P
>0.05) or higher (
P
<0.01) than among their White counterparts.

Conclusions
Among adults with HFrEF, the use of LVAD and HT is lower among women and Black men. Health systems and policymakers should identify and ameliorate sources of sex and racial inequities.
Devices of Articulation: Who Ever Said They Have to Be Smart?
Authors: Kolks Laurens 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In this article, I argue to expand the application of the concept “devices of articulation”—a term signifying those artifacts that are purposefully created to articulate public issues: controversial phenomena that are too important not to be considered by designers but are not necessarily solvable by political or scientific means. Whereas problems might be fixed, issues can only be temporarily stabilized. I, therefore, investigate how two design projects—Smogware and the Rain Project—forge new relations, meanings, and consequences among elements that are typically understood to be unrelated, to support public engagement with the issue of environmental pollution.
Rule by Metrics
Authors: Infantino Marta , Bussani Mauro 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We live in societies in which an ever-growing array of activities in a range of fields are assessed, controlled and governed according to quantitative techniques. This paper focuses on processes grounded on quantitative tools (e.g. scores, indicators, rankings, algorithms) that are used in order to measure the performance of processes, people or organizations. Such processes are referred to in this paper as ‘legal metrics’. We explore how different legal systems and sectors rely on legal metrics, and develop a twofold argument. On the one hand, we argue that performance-based quantification often qualifies as a form of regulatory intervention. On the other hand, we contend that performance-based measures are always adopted and applied in legal contexts that react differently to the quantification turn. Both sides of this picture have largely been overlooked by comparative lawyers, even though they imply looking for law in extraordinary places and appraising a variety of legal manifestations in different settings. Understanding which forms of quantitative measures are widespread, in which sectors and regions, made by whom and producing what regulatory effects, is a research task that could (and in our opinion should) be of interest for all comparative law scholars.
Bias Correction of Tropical Cyclone Intensity for Ensemble Forecasts Using the XGBoost Method
Authors: Feng Songjiang , Tan Yan , Kang Junfeng , Zhong Quanjia , Li Yanjie , Ding Ruiqiang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In this study, the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm is used to correct tropical cyclone (TC) intensity in ensemble forecast data from the Typhoon Ensemble Data Assimilation and Prediction System (TEDAPS) at the Shanghai Typhoon Institute (STI), China Meteorological Administration (CMA). Results show that the forecast accuracy of TC intensity may be improved substantially using the XGBoost algorithm, especially when compared with a simple ensemble average of all members in the ensemble forecast [as depicted by the ensemble average (EnsAve) algorithm in this study]. The forecast errors for maximum wind speed (MWS) and minimum sea level pressure (MSLP) have been reduced by a significant margin, ranging from 6.3% to 18.4% for MWS and from 4% to 14.9% for MSLP, respectively. The performance of the XGBoost algorithm is overall better than that of the EnsAve algorithm, although there are a few samples when it is worse. The bias analysis shows that TEDAPS underpredicts the MWS and overpredicts the MSLP, meaning that the TEDAPS underestimates TC intensity. However, the XGBoost algorithm can reduce the bias to improve the forecast accuracy of TC intensity. Specifically, it achieves a reduction of over 20% in forecast errors for both the MWS and MSLP of typhoons compared to the EnsAve algorithm, indicating the XGBoost algorithm’s particular advantage in forecasting intense TCs. These results indicate that the TC intensity forecast can be substantially improved using the XGBoost algorithm, relative to the EnsAve algorithm.
Revisiting Earnings Differentials across Socio-religious Groups in the Regular Salaried Employment in India
Authors: Bera Manasi , Dubey Amaresh , Malhotra Surbhi 
Published: January 2024

In India, the differences in a range of development indicators, including wages and earnings, along the spatial, caste, religious and ethnicity lines have been a serious concern. This article revisits the wage disparities and discrimination among regular salaried male workers across five categories of socio-religious groups. Using nationally representative Periodic Labour Force Survey (2018–2019) data, we examine the pattern of disparity and the associated endowment and institutional factors leading to unequal labour market outcomes. Our findings suggest that all the groups—Scheduled Tribes (STs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Muslims continue to earn significantly lower wages than ‘Others’—the non-ST/SC/OBC/Muslim group. On decomposing the wage gap using the Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition method, we observe that the share of unexplained components reflecting discriminatory treatment continues to be significant. While the wage gap is highest for Muslims and SCs, discrimination is high against SCs and OBCs and lowest against Muslims. Higher education and institutional factors explain a significant proportion of the wage gap for these groups. For STs, urban location and higher education explain most of the differences. In addition, quantile regression results indicate a wider gap at the bottom and a narrower gap at the top of the wage distribution, signalling a ‘sticky-floor’ phenomenon for ST, SC and OBC workers. JEL Codes: E24, J71, J49
Effects of Cervical Mobilization on Balance and Gait Parameters in Individuals With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Dengiz Aziz , Baskan Emre 
Published: January 2024

Stroke is a significant health problem that may result in long-term functional deficits. Balance and walking problems are among the most common post-stroke deficits, and they may negatively affect quality of life. Our aim in this study was to investigate the effects of cervical mobilization on balance and gait parameters after stroke. Participants were 24 adults (aged 30–65 years), who scored 24 or above on the Standardized Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) and no more than 3 on the Modified Rankin scale. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental Bobath therapy and cervical mobilization group ( n = 12) or a control group who received Bobath therapy and a sham application ( n = 12). Both groups received 60 minutes of Bobath therapy three times a week for four weeks; additionally, the experimental group received 15 minutes of cervical mobilization in each session, while the control group received 15 minutes of spinal sham mobilization each session. Pre and post treatment, we assessed all participants’ demographic characteristics, gait parameters, balance parameters, and forward head posture values using a clinical data assessment form, spatiotemporal gait analysis (LEGSystm), portable computerized kinesthetic balance device (SportKAT 550), and craniovertebral angle (CVA), respectively. The groups showed no significant differences in their initial demographic and clinical characteristics (age, sex, stroke duration and disability levels.). In comparing changes on variables of interest, we observed significant experimental versus control group improvements in balance parameters except for their left side balance score (right side, left side, forward, backward and total balance scores were significant at p = .003, p = .089, p < .001, p = .022, p < .001, respectively), gait parameters (stride number, stride length, stride time, stride velocity, cadance at p = .007, p = .019, p = .013, p = .005, p = .001, respectively) and CVA ( p < .001). Also, there were findings in favor of the experimental group on the modified timed up and go test on walk out, mid turn, walk back and total times ( p = .028, p = .001, p = .016, and p = .001, respectively),but not for sit-to-stand time or stand-to-sit time. Clinicians involved in stroke rehabilitation should assess and treat the cervical region to enhance rehabilitation effectiveness.
Self-Reported Level of Sports Compared With Objective Data in Athletes With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome
Authors: Lindman Ida , Lagerlöf Nils , Karlsson Louise , Öhlin Axel , Abrahamson Josefin 
Published: January 2024

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is common among ice hockey and soccer players. To evaluate the prevalence of return to sports after hip arthroscopy or level of sports before surgery, self-reported questionnaires such as the Hip Sports Activity Scale (HSAS) are frequently used. There is a risk of self-reporting bias when using these tools. Purpose: To evaluate how self-reported levels of sports using HSAS correspond to objective data. Study Design: Cohort study, Level of evidence: 3. Method: Ice hockey and soccer players undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS between 2011 and 2019 and included in the local hip arthroscopy registry in Gothenburg, Sweden, aged ≥18 years at the time of surgery, with a self-reported HSAS level of 7 or 8 before onset of symptoms, were included. Objective data on level of sports were collected through sports-specific sources ( https://football.instatscout.com , https://hockey.instatscout.com , https://www.eliteprospects.com , and Swedish Football Association). Objective data were collected for the corresponding season when the athletes reported their symptom onset. Agreement between subjective and objective data was described using descriptive statistics, and comparison between subgroups was made. Results: A total of 483 athletes met the inclusion criteria: 80 ice hockey and 403 soccer players. The majority were men (90%). The mean age was 26.5 years (SD, 8.3 years). When comparing HSAS level with objective data, 112 athletes (23%) had a correct self-reported HSAS level. Of 251 athletes with a self-reported HSAS level of 8, 76 (30%) had a matching objective HSAS level, and 36 of 232 (16%) athletes with a self-reported HSAS level of 7 had a matching objective HSAS level. Of the erroneous subjective ratings, 98% were higher than the objective data. Athletes reporting a correct HSAS level were younger (24.6 vs 26.4 years; P = .04) and had a shorter symptom duration (18 vs 24 months; P < .001). Ice hockey players scored themselves correctly more often than soccer players ( P < .001). Conclusion: Only 23% of athletes undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS self-reported an HSAS level before onset of symptoms that was accurate according to the objectively recorded data. The majority self-reported an HSAS level above their correct level of sports. Ice hockey players, younger age, and shorter symptom duration were associated with correct self-assessment.
Comparison of Ultrasound Assisted Versus Palpation Method for Diagnostic Lumbar Puncture in Neonates: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Chandu Pradeep , Jain Ashish , Jain Nidhi , Gupta Swati , Gupta Natasha 
Published: January 2024

Background Our purpose was to determine the beneficial effect of ultrasound (US) assisted lumbar puncture (UALP) to increase lumbar puncture (LP) success compared with the clinical conventional palpation (CCP) method. Methods This parallel randomized controlled single-center trial was conducted in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in a tertiary care Hospital. Neonates >28 weeks requiring LP were enrolled and stratified into two groups ≥34 and <34 weeks gestational age. Prior to study initiation, training under the supervision of a qualified radiologist was undertaken. The primary outcome was successful LP (defined as no dry tap and cerebrospinal fluid RBC <1,000/mm3). Secondary outcomes were time taken for the procedure, US estimation of the point of formation of conus. Results A total of 55 cases were randomized after exclusion out of which 29 cases were assigned to UALP and 26 cases to CCP. There was no difference in the primary outcome of LP success between the UALP group and the CCP group [89.7% vs. 84.6%; difference: 5.1% (95% confidence interval: −12.7% to 22.7%)], p = .57. There was a statistically significant difference in time taken for procedure 81.46 ± 65.21 seconds (mean ± SD) in CCP versus 327.93 ± 128.07 seconds in UALP ( p < .001). Results were similar in both groups (<34 and ≥34 weeks gestational age) if analyzed separately. Conclusion UALP did not improve the successful LP when compared with the CCP method. Time taken for procedure is higher in the UALP group.
Predicting Failure of Conservative Airway Management in Infants with Robin Sequence: The EARN Factors
Authors: McGrath Jennifer L. , Mantilla-Rivas Esperanza , Aivaz Marudeen , Manrique Monica , Rana Md Sohel , Crowder Hannah R. , Oh Nathanael S. , Rogers Gary F. , Oh Albert K. 
Published: January 2024

Objective Evaluate infants with Robin Sequence (RS) who were successfully treated with conservative airway measures alone vs. those who failed and eventually underwent surgical airway intervention after a protracted course of conservative management. Design Retrospective review of prospectively gathered database. Setting Large tertiary care institution. Patients Infants diagnosed with RS (n = 122) who underwent primary airway management at a single institution from 1994–2020. Main Outcome Measure Patient demographics, nutritional and respiratory status, laboratory values, and polysomnographic results were compared between patients who were discharged after successful conservative airway management (Group 1, n = 61) and patients that underwent surgical airway intervention after failing a prolonged course of conservative management (Group 2, n = 61). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was done to assess continuous variables that may predict failure of conservative airway management. Results 122 infants with RS were investigated. While several variables were significantly different between groups, the following polysomnographic EARN factors, with cut points, were identified as most predictive of failed conservative airway management: ETCO2 (max) > 49 mmHg, AHI > 16.9 events/hour, OAHI REM >25.9 events/hour, OAHI Non-REM > 23.6 events/hour. Conclusions We identified factors in infants with RS that were associated with severe UAO that failed to improve despite weeks of conservative airway management. Our results may expedite earlier definitive treatment of these critical patients and reduce risks for known complications of prolonged UAO.
Emicizumab Prophylaxis in Patients with Severe Hemophilia A: Insights from A Resource Limited Country
Authors: Borhany Munira , Arshad Aisha , Qureshi Heeba , Nadeem Rukhshanda , Jamal Arif , Ahmed Khan Raheel 
Published: January 2024

Emicizumab is a humanized, bispecific monoclonal antibody that connects active factor IX and X to replace the function of absent factor VIII, restoring hemostasis. It has a long half-life with a subcutaneous route of administration and high bioavailability. Here, we assessed the efficacy of Emicizumab prophylaxis in terms of efficiency, safety, and quality of life of severe hemophilia A (HA) patients with and without inhibitors before and after this treatment. Methods In this prospective study, severe HA patients were recruited from January 2022 to June 2023. Inhibitor positive and inhibitor negative patients with annual bleeding rate (ABR) 8 or greater and past histories of bleeding like intra-cranial, intra-abdominal, and pseudo-tumors were included. Emicizumab loading dose was 3 mg/kg in the first 4 weeks, and the maintenance dose was started at week 5 at 6 mg/kg/month. Patients’ detailed bleeding history and demographics were recorded. The five-level EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) was used to evaluate patients’ HRQoL. Furthermore, Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) and Functional Independence score in Hemophilia (FISH) were applied for the assessment of joints at different time points. Results were analyzed by SPSS version 21. Results A total of 36 HA male patients with the mean age of 19.7 ± 14.42 years were recruited in the study; among them, 19 patients were inhibitor positive, while 17 were negative. Patients clinically presented with bleeding symptoms which included: hemarthrosis 95%, GI bleeding 13.8%, and bruises and gums bleeding 13.8%. Significant reduction was observed in the bleeding episodes after the therapeutic intervention, and joints assessment and Euro-Quality-of-life Visual Analog Scale showed a significant improvement in health after treatment. Similarly, there was a remarkable reduction in bleeding episodes and improved quality of life among HA patients. The ABR decreased from 53.6% episodes per year prior to treatment to 2.4% during Emicizumab therapy. Prior to initiating Emicizumab therapy, participants exhibited an average FISH score of 16 and HJHS score of 10, indicating moderate limitations due to joint-related issues. After treatment, the mean FISH score improved to 9 and HJHS score to 4 reflecting a substantial enhancement in participants’ ability to perform daily activities ( P < 0.057). Conclusion Our results showed that HA patients on prophylactic treatment with Emicizumab were less restricted and had improved quality of life due to marked decrease in bleeding episodes which resulted in improved health and social lives. In addition, it was well tolerated, and no participant discontinued treatment because of adverse events.
Patterns of interventions for central venous catheter-associated deep vein thrombosis and outcomes in cancer patients
Authors: Ngo Dat , Chen Jason , Nguyen Chris , Choi Kathy , Pullarkat Vinod 
Published: January 2024

Purpose This letter evaluated the impact of different management strategies, specifically the presence or absence of therapeutic anticoagulation, on clinical outcomes for central venous catheter (CVC)-associated deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in cancer patients. Methods One-hundred ninety-eight adult cancer patients with a confirmed CVC-associated DVT diagnosis from February 2013 and February 2021 were included. Results Incidence of symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) was similar between patients who received therapeutic anticoagulation and those who did not (14% vs 16%, p = 0.807). In addition, therapeutic anticoagulation did not significantly alter the incidence of grade 3 and above bleeding events despite most patients having hematologic malignancies (9% vs 8%, p = 0.826). Conclusion and relevance Therapeutic anticoagulation was not associated with a reduction in the incidence of recurrent VTE or increase the incidence of bleeding in adult cancer patients following a CVC-associated DVT diagnosis.
Integrated short peripheral intravenous cannulas and risk of catheter failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gidaro Antonio , Quici Massimiliano , Giustivi Davide , Pinelli Fulvio , Samartin Federica , Casella Francesco , Cogliati Chiara , Rizzi Giulia , Salvi Emanuele , Bartoli Arianna , Foschi Antonella , Castelli Roberto , Calloni Maria , Gemma Marco 
Published: January 2024

Background: Short peripheral catheters (SPCs) are used to provide intravenous therapies in hospitalized patients. Recently, the category of SPC has become more complex, with the introduction in clinical practice of “integrated” SPCs (ISPCs), renewed regarding the material (polyurethane rather than polytetrafluoroethylene) and design (large wing; pre-assembled extension; preassembled needle-free connector (NFC)). Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomized studies in hospitalized patients, analyzing the risk of overall catheter failure as well as the risk of each type of complication (occlusion, infiltration, thrombophlebitis, and dislodgement) for ISPCs compared to non-integrated SPCs. These systematic review and meta-analysis were registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022322970). Data sources: We searched PUBMED®, EMBASE®, and the Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials register from April to November 2022. Results: Included studies: The research identified 1260 articles. After the abstract review, 13 studies were included for full manuscript review and, after that, six papers (4727 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. Description of the effect: We found a significantly reduced risk of catheter failure (pooling all complications) for ISPCs compared to SPCs ( p = 0.002 RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.63–0.9). A significant reduction in the risks of occlusion ( p = 0.007 RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.56–0.92) was observed. As regards the risk of infiltration, thrombophlebitis, and dislodgement, the analysis showed a trend in favor of ISPCs, though not statistically significant (respectively p = 0.2 RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.64–1.1; p = 0.25 RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.78–1.07; p = 0.06 RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.52–1.01). Conclusions: ISPCs significantly reduce the risks of catheter failure (overall complications) and occlusion. More RCTs are needed to understand if the preassembled ISPC is better than the composted closed system (non-integrated SPC + extension line + NFC).