bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective evaluation of factors associated with emergency frequency and survival in equids presenting for emergency care (2019–2020): 3071 cases
Authors: Bouton Jessica , Fielding Langdon , Major Dustin , Deane Emma , Mayer Jennifer , Rhodes Diane 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo determine factors associated with frequency and outcome of equid emergencies in private practice.DesignRetrospective study from February 2019 to January 2020.SettingPrivate practice large animal hospital.AnimalsA total of 3071 equids of various breeds and ages presenting for emergency care.InterventionsNone.Measurements and Main ResultsVariables included for analysis of daily emergency frequency included day of the week, month, and daily climate data. A Poisson regression model found the maximum temperature (P = 0.05), average barometric pressure (P = 0.005), and decreases in barometric pressure (P = 0.05) were associated with an increasing daily number of emergencies. Overall survival for all emergencies was 89% (2748/3071). Variables included for analysis of nonsurvival for emergencies included signalment, body system, clinical examination findings, laboratory data, and experience of the veterinarian. A logistic regression model for primary emergencies (nonreferral) found that increasing age, increasing heart rate, and decreased gastrointestinal sounds were associated with an increase in nonsurvival. Body system and experience of the veterinarian affected nonsurvival. A logistic regression model for all emergencies (primary and referral) found that absent gastrointestinal sounds and an increasing PCV were associated with increased nonsurvival.ConclusionsThe number of daily emergencies in this practice was affected by the month of the year and day of the week. Additionally, hotter days, increased barometric pressure, or drops in barometric pressure are likely to be associated with a higher emergency caseload. Nonsurvival of primary equid emergencies in private practice increases with age, higher heart rates, and decreased gastrointestinal sounds.
Cardiomyocytes from female compared to male mice have larger ryanodine receptor clusters and higher calcium spark frequency
Authors: Laasmaa Martin , Branovets Jelena , Stolova Jekaterina , Shen Xin , Rätsepso Triinu , Balodis Mihkel Jaan , Grahv Cärolin , Hendrikson Eliise , Louch William Edward , Birkedal Rikke , Vendelin Marko 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSex differences in cardiac physiology are receiving increased attention as it has become clear that men and women have different aetiologies of cardiac disease and require different treatments. There are experimental data suggesting that male cardiomyocytes exhibit larger Ca2+ transients due to larger Ca2+ sparks and a higher excitation–contraction coupling gain; in addition, they exhibit a larger response to adrenergic stimulation with isoprenaline (ISO). Here, we studied whether there are sex differences relating to structural organization of the transverse tubular network and ryanodine receptors (RyRs). Surprisingly, we found that female cardiomyocytes exhibited a higher spark frequency in a range of spark magnitudes. While overall RyR expression and phosphorylation were the same, female cardiomyocytes had larger but fewer RyR clusters. The density of transverse t‐tubules was the same, but male cardiomyocytes had more longitudinal t‐tubules. The Ca2+ transients were similar in male and female cardiomyocytes under control conditions and in the presence of ISO. The synchrony of the Ca2+ transients was similar between sexes as well. Overall, our data suggest subtle sex differences in the Ca2+ influx and efflux pathways and their response to ISO, but these differences are balanced, resulting in similar Ca2+ transients in field‐stimulated male and female cardiomyocytes. The higher spark frequency in female cardiomyocytes is related to the organization of RyRs into larger, but fewer clusters.
imageKey points
During a heartbeat, the force of contraction depends on the amplitude of the calcium transient, which in turn depends on the amount of calcium released as calcium sparks through ryanodine receptors in the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Previous studies suggest that cardiomyocytes from male compared to female mice exhibit larger calcium sparks, larger sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release and greater response to adrenergic stimulation triggering a fight‐or‐flight response.
In contrast, we show that cardiomyocytes from female mice have a higher spark frequency during adrenergic stimulation and similar spark morphology.
The higher spark frequency is related to the organization of ryanodine receptors into fewer, but larger clusters in female compared to male mouse cardiomyocytes.
Despite subtle sex differences in cardiomyocyte structure and calcium fluxes, the differences are balanced, leading to similar calcium transients in cardiomyocytes from male and female mice.
The Effect of Laser Cutting Heuristic Presentation Modality on Design Learning
Authors: Schauer Anastasia M. K. , Bhatt Ritesh J. , Saldaña Christopher , Fu Katherine 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The goal of this work is to study the way student designers use heuristics to effectively design for laser-cut manufacturing methods. With the recent advent of academic makerspaces, digital fabrication tools like laser cutters are relatively new additions to the classroom. Therefore, there is a gap in formal education or training on these tools, and students can find it challenging to design effectively for them. A study was performed to investigate the way students apply heuristics to redesign laser-cut assemblies when received in different modalities. All participants were given an identical lecture on laser cutting heuristics. Then, a redesign problem was presented to students, and three different experimental groups were given the heuristics in different modalities: Text-Only, text with Visual aids, and text with Tactile aids. The novelty and quality of each of the resulting redesigns were evaluated. It was hypothesized that participants would have more difficulty interpreting and applying the Text-Only heuristics, lowering the quality of their redesigned solutions relative to the other two conditions. It was also hypothesized that participants would experience fixation caused by interacting with the tactile aids, leading to the lower novelty of their redesigned solutions relative to the other two conditions. Results showed that modality played a significant role in participants’ feelings of self-efficacy after the intervention, as well as in their understanding of laser cutter design skills when responding to quiz-style questions. However, analysis of novelty and quality showed little significant impact of the intervention and varying modalities on participants’ designs.
A Thickness-Accommodating Method for Void-Free Design in Uniformly Thick Origami
Authors: Kim Tae-Hyun , Jang Keon-Ik , Lee Dae-Young , Han Jae-Hung 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This article proposes a novel thickness-accommodating method to design a void-free for flat-foldable origami pattern without self-intersection. Unlike existing methods, it enables uniform thickness distribution without any holes or voids at any location and maximizes the effective area of the unfolded state. The proposed method is applicable not only to 2D folding but also to a generic flat-foldable degree-4-vertex (D4V) pattern. The pattern's thickness-accommodated configuration to avoid self-intersection is determined through kinematic analysis, and a pattern design flow is provided for the generic D4V systematically. Prototypes of the D4V pattern and a more complex Miura-ori-based tessellation model are fabricated to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. This method can be employed in the design of more complete and diverse foldable structures, such as a foldable space shield with thick materials.
Six-Bar Linkages With Compliant Mechanisms for Programmable Mechanical Structures
Authors: Pieber Michael , Gerstmayr Johannes 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Programmable mechanical structures are formed by autonomous and adaptive cells and can reproduce meshes known from the finite element method. Furthermore, they can change their structure not only through morphing, but also by self-reconfiguration of the cells. A crucial component of the cells, which can preserve the underlying geometry of a triangular mesh, are six-bar linkages. The main part of the present contribution concerns the six-bar linkages as a fully 3D-printable compliant mechanism where each revolute joint of the six-bar linkage is replaced with a notch flexure hinge with the circular contour. The utilization of notch flexure hinges presents two significant drawbacks. First, notch flexure hinges do not maintain the center of rotation. Second, although compliance is an inherent and desirable characteristic of flexural hinges, it gives rise to secondary or parasitic motion. The compliance subsequently lead to alterations in the underlying geometry of a triangular mesh. For self-reconfiguration of the cells, an efficient model is needed to predict the positioning errors. Therefore, the flexure hinge is represented by three distinct models, namely a finite element model, a beam model, and a simplified linearized model based on translational and rotational spring elements. These models are compared and evaluated in succession first to identify the parameters of the simplified model and later on, the simplified model is used to show the deviations of a medium-scaled programmable structure with respect to the idealized behavior. The current work brings us closer to both the development of programmable mechanical structures and the prediction of positioning errors during self-reconfiguration.
Physical Activity During Adolescence and Mental Health in Early Adulthood: Findings From the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study
Authors: da Silva Bruna Gonçalves Cordeiro , Menezes Ana Maria Baptista , Gonçalves Helen , Alves Charles Phillipe de Lucena , Delpino Felipe Mendes , Martins Rafaela Costa , Wehrmeister Fernando César 
Published: August 2023

Background: Low prevalence of physical activity (PA) and a high prevalence of mental health problems are common among youth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between PA during adolescence and depression and anxiety disorders in young adulthood. Methods: Data from the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study were analyzed. Leisure-time PA and total PA (leisure plus commuting) were evaluated at 11, 15, and 18 years using self-reported data. PA was evaluated at each age separately and during adolescence, considering the number of times participants reached PA recommendations. Depression and anxiety were assessed through Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview at 22 years. Crude and adjusted association analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust error variance, providing prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Three thousand two hundred and forty-seven participants were included in the study. In the adjusted analyses, active participants in leisure-time PA (≥300 min/wk) and total PA at 11 years were less likely to be depressed at age 22 (prevalence ratios: 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.33–0.89; prevalence ratios: 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.41–0.97). For leisure-time PA, the more PA recommendations were met during adolescence, the lower the prevalence of depression. There was no association when PA variables were evaluated separately at 15 and 18 years and between PA and anxiety after controlling for potential confounders. Conclusions: Early adolescence appears to be a sensitive period for PA benefits on depression in early adulthood. The more timepoints reaching PA recommendations during adolescence, the lower the risk of depression. On the other hand, PA during adolescence was not associated with anxiety in young adults.
Plasma Excitations in SiGe/Si Quantum Wells
Authors: Khisameeva A. R. , Shchepetilnikov A. V. , Nikolaev G. A. , Lopatina S. A. , Fedotova Ya. V. , Kukushkin I. V. 
Published: August 2023

Plasma and magnetoplasma excitations in high-quality undoped two-dimensional electron systems based on SiGe/Si quantum wells are studied in detail. A two-dimensional electron system is formed by applying a vo-ltage to the top gate, which is partially transparent to subterahertz radiation in the frequency range of 20‒160 GHz. The results for SiGe/Si quantum wells with a Sb δ-doping layer are also presented for comparison. The transport and quantum scattering times for both structures are directly determined. It has been found that the effective electron mass is almost independent of the two-dimensional electron density in a wide density range.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of antibiotic prophylaxis versus no antibiotic prophylaxis for acute cholecystectomy
Authors: Satheeskaran Maya , Hussan Aminah , Anto Ailin , de Preux Laure 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveFor acute cholecystitis, the treatment of choice is laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In mild-to-moderate cases, the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of postoperative infectious complications (POICs) lacks evidence regarding its cost-effectiveness when compared with no prophylaxis. In the context of rising antimicrobial resistance, there is a clear rationale for a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) to determine the most efficient use of National Health Service resources and antibiotic routine usage.Design16 of 226 patients (7.1%) in the single-dose prophylaxis group and 29 of 231 (12.6%) in the non-prophylaxis group developed POICs. A CEA was carried out using health outcome data from thePerioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in the treatment of acute cholecystitis (PEANUTS II) multicentre, randomised, open-label, non-inferiority, clinical trial. Costs were measured in monetary units using pound sterling, and effectiveness expressed as POICs avoided within the first 30 days after cholecystectomy.ResultsThis CEA produced an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of −£792.70. This suggests a modest cost-effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis being marginally less costly and more effective than no prophylaxis. Three sensitivity analyses were executed considering full adherence to the antibiotic, POICs with increased complexity and break-point analysis suggesting caution in the recommendation of systematic use of antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of POICs.ConclusionThe results of this CEA point to greater consensus in UK-based guidelines surrounding the provision of antibiotic prophylaxis for mild-to-moderate cases of acute cholecystitis.
Medical device regulation and oversight in African countries: a scoping review of literature and development of a conceptual framework
Authors: Nasir Naima , Molyneux Sassy , Were Fred , Aderoba Adeniyi , Fuller Sebastian S 
Published: August 2023

Regulatory and other governance arrangements influence the introduction of medical devices into health systems and are essential for ensuring their effective and safe use. Challenges with medical device safety, quality and use are documented globally, with evidence suggesting these are linked to poor governance. Yet, medical device regulation and oversight remain inadequately defined and described, particularly in low-income and middle-income settings. Through this review, we sought to examine the literature available on regulatory and oversight processes for medical devices in African countries.Following a systematic approach, we searched academic databases including PubMed, Embase (Ovid) and MEDLINE (Ovid), supplemented by search for grey literature and relevant organisational websites, for documents describing medical device regulation and oversight in African countries. We summarised the data to present key actors, areas for regulation and oversight and challenges.A total of 39 documents reporting regulation and oversight of medical devices were included for analysis. Regulatory and oversight guidelines and processes were reported as inadequate, including limited pre-market testing, reliance on international certifications and limited processes for post-market monitoring and reporting of adverse events. Challenges for regulation and oversight reported included inadequate funding, personnel and technical expertise to perform regulatory functions. The literature highlighted gaps in guidelines for donated medical devices and in information on governance processes at the national level.The current literature provides a general overview of medical device regulatory guidelines and limited evidence on the implementation of regulatory/oversight processes at national and especially subnational levels. We recommend further research to elucidate existing governance arrangements for medical devices within African countries and propose a conceptual framework to inform future studies. The framework provides entry points for careful examination of governance and oversight in policy and practice, the exploration of governance realities across the health system and the influence of wider system dynamics.
‘Maze’ not pathway: focus group exploration of patients’ and public experiences of the UK NHS elective total joint arthroplasty pathway
Authors: Jasim Sarah , Aspinal Fiona , Mehta Raj , Ledger Jean , Raine Rosalind , Fulop Naomi J , Barratt Helen 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveTo explore patient and public perceptions of planned improvements to the National Health Service (NHS) total joint arthroplasty (TJA) pathway.DesignThree qualitative focus groups undertaken March–May 2018, as part of a mixed-methods evaluation of Getting It Right First Time. Transcripts were subject to framework analysis to identify thematic content between October 2018 and October 2021.SettingElective TJA surgery in the English NHS.ParticipantsTwo focus groups including patients who had undergone TJA in the previous 2 years (group 1: n=5; group 2: n=4) and the other individuals who had not but were aged 60+ (group 3: n=5). Participants were recruited via community groups and patient panels.ResultsFourteen individuals took part in the focus groups; all were aged over 60; seven (50%) were female and nine (64%) had undergone TJA surgery. Participants’ perspectives were categorised into themes and mapped onto stages of the TJA pathway. Although perioperative care is often the focus of improvement efforts, participants argued that the patient journey begins before individuals present to primary care. Participants had concerns about other aspects of the pathway, such as obtaining a surgical referral, with prereferral interventions aimed at potentially avoiding the need for surgery (ie, physiotherapy) being perceived as a mechanism to restrict access to secondary care. Patient experience was also conceptualised as a ‘maze’, rather than the logical, sequential process set out in clinical guidelines; exacerbated by a lack of information, knowledge and power imbalances.ConclusionThe linear conceptualisation of the TJA pathway is at odds with patient experience. Improvement programmes focused on perioperative care fail to consider patient concerns and priorities. Patients should be directly involved in improvement programmes, to ensure that patient experience is optimised, as well as informing related processes and important outcomes of care.
Long-term comparative effectiveness of antihypertensive monotherapies in primary prevention of cardiovascular events: a population-based retrospective inception cohort study in the Netherlands
Authors: Li Xuechun , Bijlsma Maarten J , Bos Jens H J , Schuiling-Veninga Catharina C M , Hak Eelko 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveTo determine the long-term effectiveness of antihypertensive monotherapies in primary prevention of cardiovascular events.DesignRetrospective inception cohort study covering a 25-year study period.SettingUniversity Groningen IADB.nl pharmacy prescription database with data from 1996 to 2020.ParticipantsPatients aged 18 years or older, free of any cardiovascular disease (CVD) drug therapies prior to initiation of a preventive antihypertensive monotherapy (ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers (BBs), calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and thiazides).Outcome measuresPrimary outcome was the time to first prescription of acute cardiac drug therapy (CDT) measured by valid drug proxies to identify a first major CVD event in patients without a history of CVD.ResultsAmong 33 427 initiators, 5770 (17.3%) patients experienced an acute CDT. The average follow-up time was 7.8±5.4 years. The 25-year incidence rate per 1000 person-years were 28.4, 25.2, 20.1, 28.4 and 25.2 for ACEI, ARB, BB, CCB and thiazide starters, respectively. Inverse probability weighted Cox regression showed that thiazide starters had lower hazards than the reference BB starters (HR: 0.88, 95%CI: 0.82 to 0.96). Among patients on diabetes drugs, risks were lower (HR: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.34 to 0.96). CCB starters had higher hazards than reference BB (HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.41). The overall estimated number needed to treat for thiazides compared with BBs to prevent one acute CDT in 25 years was 26, and five among patients on diabetes drugs.ConclusionsAfter adjustments for confounders, patients starting on monotherapy with thiazides had a lower incidence of CDT compared with those starting on BBs, notably among patients on diabetes drugs. Conversely, patients who began CCB monotherapy had a higher incidence of CDT compared with those starting on BBs. Other monotherapies had comparable incidence of cardiovascular disease compared with BBs.
Effectiveness of oestrogen pretreatment in patients with expected poor ovarian response (POSEIDON groups 3 and 4) undergoing GnRH antagonist protocol: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Han Qiao-Song , Wu Zhi-Juan , Zhou Yue , Liang Jing-Nan , Jin Qing-Mei , Song Jing-Yan , Sun Zhen-Gao 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionWomen characterised by diminished ovarian reserve are considered to have poor ovarian response (POR) according to Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number (POSEIDON) criteria. Patients in this population often have a poor prognosis for treatment with assisted reproductive technology. In previous studies, oestrogen pretreatment before ovarian stimulation has been shown to have a beneficial effect. However, recent studies presented conflicting conclusions. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of oestrogen pretreatment in patients with expected POR (POSEIDON groups 3 and 4) undergoing gonadotrophin releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol.Methods and analysisA prospective superiority randomised parallel controlled trial will be conducted at a tertiary university-affiliated hospital. A total of 316 patients will be randomly divided into two groups at a ratio of 1:1. In the intervention group, oral oestrogen pretreatment will be administered from day 7 after ovulation until day 2 of the next menstrual cycle. Afterwards, a flexible GnRH-ant protocol will be initiated. The control group will receive no additional intervention beyond routine ovarian stimulation. The primary outcome is the number of oocytes retrieved. Secondary outcomes include the total number of retrieved metaphase II oocytes, average daily dose of gonadotropin, total gonadotropin dose and duration of ovarian stimulation, cycle cancellation rate, top quality embryos rate, blastocyst formation rate, embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, early miscarriage rate and endometrial thickness on trigger day. All data will be analysed according to the intention-to-treat and per-protocol principles.Ethics and disseminationThe ethical approval has been confirmed by the reproductive ethics committee of the affiliated hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SDUTCM/2022.9.20). In addition, written informed consent will be obtained from all the participants before the study. The results will be disseminated via publications.Trial registration numberChiCTR2200064812.