bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure and Molecular Weight Determinations of Unsaturated Polyester Prepolymers by Steric Exclusion Chromatography
Authors: Leroux F. , Mortaigne B. , Belan F. 
Published: March 2023

Four model unsaturated polyester prepolymers and two industrial resins were studied by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). A calibration curve was set up with model resins and used to characterize the industrial unsaturated polyester resins. Weight average molecular prepolymer weights were determined from the new calibration curve. They were lower than those determined with polystyrene or epoxy calibration curves. The observation of SEC chromatographs proves the formation of diol-ISO-diol (where ISO = isophthalic acid) and MAA-diol-MAA structures (where MAA = maleic anhydride) in the beginning of polycondensation reactions. This gives information on the future structure of the UP network.
Effects of Structure and Microcracks on the Flexure, Interlaminar Shear and Impact Properties of Three-Dimensional Composites
Authors: Chou Shen , Chen Hong-En 
Published: March 2023

Three-dimensional carbon fibre/epoxy resin composites were prepared, which had either three-axis or five-axis carbon fabrics (3D-3A or 3D-5A) in four woven gauges, and Teflon® was embedded in the fabric structures to initiate various types of microcracks. The flexural, interlaminar shear, and impact properties of these 3-D composites were studied. The results indicated that the flexural properties of 3D-3A were better than those of 3D-5A. However, 3D-5A structures gave better impact strength compared to 3D-3A. The interlaminar shear strength depended on the weave gauge. The effect of microcracks on the properties of 3-D composites was generally kept within 10%, but transverse microcracks lowered the flexural properties of 3-D composites by 10–20%. The 3D-3A composites showed cracks along the interface between the Z axial bundles and the matrix, whereas the 3D-5A showed 45°-axial bundle pull-out.
Continuous Manufacturing of Thermoplastic Composite Sheets
Authors: Ostgathe M. , Mayer C. , Neitzel M. 
Published: March 2023

For high speed press forming of fibre reinforced thermoplastic sheet materials, a high impregnation quality is advantageous for utilisation of the potential regarding mechanical properties. Hence, the impregnation process is crucial to material properties and economy. In this paper the influence of process parameters on mechanical properties is investigated using an isobaric double belt press technique. Relevant process parameters are defined and varied using the Taguchi technique. Evaluating impregnation quality with 3-point bending tests and micrographs, the influence and meaning of process parameters is specified. Process parameters are optimised regarding flexural stress and strength, and a process window for a fabric reinforced polyamide PA 12 is defined.
What factors contribute towards ambulance on-scene times for suspected stroke patients? An observational study
Authors: McClelland Graham , Burrow Emma , Alton Abi , Shaw Lisa , Finch Tracy , Price Chris 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Pre-hospital stroke care focusses on rapid access to specialist stroke units, but UK ambulance data shows increasing pre-hospital times. This study aimed to describe factors contributing towards ambulance on-scene times (OST) for suspected stroke patients and identify targets for a future intervention. Patients and methods: Ambulance clinicians in North East Ambulance Service were asked to complete a survey after transporting any suspected stroke patients to describe the patient encounter, interventions and timings. Completed surveys were linked with electronic patient care records. Potentially modifiable factors were identified by the study team. Poisson regression analysis quantified the association of selected potentially modifiable factors with OST. Results: About 2037 suspected stroke patients were conveyed between July and December 2021, resulting in 581 fully completed surveys by 359 different clinicians. The median age of patients was 75 years (interquartile range (IQR) 66–83) and 52% of patients were male. Median OST was 33 min (IQR 26–41). Three potentially modifiable factors were identified as contributors to extended OST. Performing additional advanced neurological assessments added 10% to OST (34 vs 31 min, p = 0.008); intravenous cannulation added 13% (35 vs 31 min, p = <0.001) and ECGs added 22% (35 vs 28 min, p = <0.001). Conclusions: This study identified three potentially modifiable factors that increased pre-hospital OST with suspected stroke patients. This type of data can be used to target interventions at behaviours that extend pre-hospital OST but which have questionable patient benefit. This approach will be evaluated in a follow up study in the North East of England.
The impact of anti-eosinophilic therapy on exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle strength in patients with severe asthma
Authors: Franceschi Elisa , Drick Nora , Fuge Jan , Santus Pierachille , Fischer Bettina , Kayser Moritz , Welte Tobias , Suhling Hendrik 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionExercise limitation is frequently described among asthmatic patients and could be related to different mechanisms of the pulmonary, cardiovascular and muscular systems. Despite this, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) does not have an established role in the management of severe asthma. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of CPET and inspiratory pressure measurement in exercise capacity and muscle strength in severe asthmatic patients treated with anti-IL-5 therapy.MethodsA monocentric observational study was conducted at Hanover Medical School, Germany, from April 2018 to June 2019. Patients affected by severe asthma treated with either mepolizumab or benralizumab were included. All patients underwent CPET before the initiation of antibody therapy and after 3 months, and follow-up visits were scheduled at 3, 6 and 12 months with plethysmography, inspiratory pressure measurement and blood gas analysis.Results14 patients were enrolled: 10 (71.4%) females, median age 52 years (IQR 47–61). Seven patients were treated with benralizumab, seven with mepolizumab. Oxygen uptake (V′O2peak) did not change significantly after 3 months of antibody treatment, while the mean value of the breathing reserve exhaustion reduced significantly from 78% to 60% (p=0.004). Whereas at baseline seven patients depleted the breathing reserve and two of them experienced oxygen desaturation during exercise, at 3 months no one presented any desaturation or breathing reserve exhaustion. The inspiratory pressure remained unchanged before and after the antibody therapy.ConclusionCPET could show hints of alveolar recruitment and ventilatory efficiency in severe asthma patients treated with antibody therapy.
Airspace Dimension Assessment for early detection of lung function impairment in the peripheral airways of firefighters
Authors: Kisiel Marta A. , Cai Gui-Hong , Petersson Sjögren Madeleine , Löndahl Jakob , Jakobsson Jonas , Wollmer Per , Malinovschi Andrei , Svartengren Magnus 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionFirefighters have increased risk of chronic respiratory disease. Standard clinical techniques used in medical checkups may not detect the earliest microstructural changes in peripheral airways. A new technique called Airspace Dimension Assessment (AiDA) has been shown to enable early detection of emphysema in COPD. This method may be useful in the occupational setting to detect early pulmonary changes and enable prevention. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether AiDA detects changes in the most peripheral airways of firefighters.MethodsAiDA, measuring the effective airspace radius (rAiDA) and zero-second recovery (R0), was used as a complement to other standardised lung function measures in 21 male firefighters and 16 age-matched male controls.ResultsThere were significant differences inrAiDAandR0between firefighters (mean±sdrAiDA0.301±0.024 mm; mean±sdR00.336±0.116 arbitrary units) and controls (mean±sdrAiDA0.276±0.044 mm; mean±sdR00.5760.168 arbitrary units), p=0.03 and p<0.001, respectively. Higher forced vital capacity was found in firefighters (mean 101% of predicted) than in controls (mean 93% of predicted; p=0.03). No significant differences were found with regard to either the ratio between forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity or forced expiratory volume in 1 s. The majority of firefighters had diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, oscillometry and single-breath nitrogen washout values within the normal ranges.ConclusionAiDA parameters can provide information on early pulmonary peripheral changes that may not be seen with standard techniques used in screening of pulmonary function.
Decreased breathing variability is associated with poorer outcome in mechanically ventilated patients
Authors: Rolland-Debord Camille , Poitou Tymothee , Bureau Come , Rivals Isabelle , Similowski Thomas , Demoule Alexandre 
Published: March 2023

RationaleBreathing is a cyclic activity that is variable by nature. Breathing variability is modified in mechanically ventilated patients. We aimed to evaluate whether decreased variability on the day of transition from assist-control ventilation to a partial mode of assistance was associated with a poorer outcome.MethodsThis was an ancillary study of a multicentre, randomised, controlled trial comparing neurally adjusted ventilatory assist to pressure support ventilation. Flow and the electrical activity of the diaphragm (EAdi) were recorded within 48 h of switching from controlled ventilation to a partial mode of ventilatory assistance. Variability of flow and EAdi-related variables were quantified by the coefficient of variation, the amplitude ratio of the spectrum's first harmonic to its zero-frequency component (H1/DC) and two surrogates of complexity.Main results98 patients ventilated for a median duration of 5 days were included. H1/DC of inspiratory flow and EAdi were lower in survivors than in nonsurvivors, suggesting a higher breathing variability in this population (for flow, 37%versus45%, p=0.041; for EAdi, 42%versus52%, p=0.002). By multivariate analysis, H1/DC of inspiratory EAdi was independently associated with day-28 mortality (OR 1.10, p=0.002). H1/DC of inspiratory EAdi was lower in patients with a duration of mechanical ventilation <8 days (41%versus45%, p=0.022). Noise limit and the largest Lyapunov exponent suggested a lower complexity in patients with a duration of mechanical ventilation <8 days.ConclusionHigher breathing variability and lower complexity are associated with higher survival and lower duration of mechanical ventilation.
Pulmonary artery wedge pressure and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure during exercise in patients with dyspnoea
Authors: Baratto Claudia , Faini Andrea , Gallone Gianluca P. , Dewachter Céline , Perego Giovanni B. , Bondue Antoine , Muraru Denisa , Senni Michele , Badano Luigi P. , Parati Gianfranco , Vachiéry Jean-Luc , Caravita Sergio 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundPulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) during exercise, as a surrogate for left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure (EDP), is used to diagnose heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, LVEDP is the gold standard to assess LV filling, end-diastolic PAWP (PAWPED) is supposed to coincide with LVEDP and mean PAWP throughout the cardiac cycle (PAWPM) better reflects the haemodynamic load imposed on the pulmonary circulation. The objective of the present study was to determine precision and accuracy of PAWP estimates for LVEDP during exercise, as well as the rate of agreement between these measures.Methods46 individuals underwent simultaneous right and left heart catheterisation, at rest and during exercise, to confirm/exclude HFpEF. We evaluated: linear regression between LVEDP and PAWP, Bland–Altman graphs, and the rate of concordance of dichotomised LVEDP and PAWP ≥ or < diagnostic thresholds for HFpEF.ResultsAt peak exercise, PAWPMand LVEDP, as well as PAWPEDand LVEDP, were fairly correlated (R2>0.69, p<0.01), with minimal bias (+2 and 0 mmHg respectively) but large limits of agreement (±11 mmHg). 89% of individuals had concordant PAWP and LVEDP ≥ or <25 mmHg (Cohen's κ=0.64). Individuals with either LVEDP or PAWPM≥25 mmHg showed a PAWPMincrease relative to cardiac output (CO) changes (PAWPM/CO slope) >2 mmHg·L−1·min−1.ConclusionsDuring exercise, PAWP is accurate but not precise for the estimation of LVEDP. Despite a good rate of concordance, these two measures might occasionally disagree.
Factors associated with the choice of supplementary hospital insurance in Switzerland – an analysis of the Swiss Health Survey
Authors: Altwicker-Hámori Szilvia , Stucki Michael 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Switzerland has universal coverage via mandatory health insurance that covers a generous basket of health services. In addition to the basic coverage, the insured can buy supplementary insurance for the inpatient sector. Supplementary hospital insurance in Switzerland provides additional services during inpatient stays. Little is known about which factors are associated with the choice of semi-private and private hospital insurances. However, this is of importance to policy makers and the insured population, who might be concerned about a “two-class” inpatient care system. Therefore, the aim of the paper was to explore the factors associated with supplementary hospital insurance enrolment in Switzerland.

Methods
We used the five most recent waves of the representative Swiss Health Survey (1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017) to explore which factors are associated with supplementary hospital insurance enrolment in adults aged 25 or older. We estimated the same probit model for all five surveys waves and computed average marginal effects.

Results
Our study shows that in all cross-sections the likelihood of enrolling in supplementary hospital insurance increased with higher age, education, household income and was higher for people with a strong preference for unrestricted choice of a specialist and with a higher-than-default deductible choice. The likelihood of supplementary hospital insurance enrolment was lower for the unemployed relative to their inactive counterparts and those living in rural areas relative to comparable urban residents. Ever-smoker status was not statistically significantly associated with supplementary hospital insurance choice. However, our findings indicated differences in estimates over the years regarding demographic as well as insurance-related variables. For example, women were more likely to choose supplementary hospital insurance than comparable men in earlier years.

Conclusion
Most importantly, our results indicate that factors related to socioeconomic status – such as education, labour market status, and income – consistently show significant associations with the probability of having supplementary hospital insurance for the entire study period, as opposed to demographic variables – such as nationality and sex.
A survival analysis approach to determine factors associated with non-retention of newly hired health workers in Iran
Authors: Ghavami Vahid , Tabatabaee Seyed Saeed 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background and aim
One of the main tasks of the healthcare human resource management is to maintain and retain professional staff. The high level turnover of professional staff may reduce the quality of healthcare service delivery. Therefore, this study investigated the factors associated with the turnover of the newly recruited healthcare professionals using survival analysis method in Iran.

Materials and methods
This historical cohort analysis comprised 6811 employees who began working at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences between 2005 and 2020. Employees recruited at any of the university’s units between the years 2005 to 2019 were included. We used appropriate descriptive indices and Log-rank test and the Cox proportional-hazards model to assess the staff turnover. A significance level of 0.05 was used for all tests.

Results
The findings of the survival analysis showed that the probability of turnover in one year, two years, and five years of employment were 0.12, 0.16, and 0.27. Based on the findings of the Log-rank test, the probability of turnover in entire of the study period was not statistically different between male and female (p = 0.573), and likewise between employees with healthcare occupations and non-healthcare occupations (p = 0.351). Employees whose current workplace and birthplace were not similar had a significantly higher probability of turnover (p < 0.001). Accordingly, the Cox regression result showed, the risk of turnover for the singles was 1.22 times higher than the married. For the Ph.D degree was 3.23 times higher compared to those with a diploma or an associate degree, and for a bachelor’s or master’s degree was 2.06 times more likely to change their workplace than those with a diploma or an associate degree.

Conclusion
Policies promoting the recruitment of native-born professionals, given priority to the married candidates than single ones, and/or recurring candidates to pledge to stay in the locality of recruitment site can increase the staff retention and reduce the costs of staff turnover including re-hiring, initial and on-the-job training, accommodation, and other extra living consumptions away from home and family.
Atorvastatin-pretreated mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles promote cardiac repair after myocardial infarction via shifting macrophage polarization by targeting microRNA-139-3p/Stat1 pathway
Authors: Ning Yu , Huang Peisen , Chen Guihao , Xiong Yuyan , Gong Zhaoting , Wu Chunxiao , Xu Junyan , Jiang Wenyang , Li Xiaosong , Tang Ruijie , Zhang Lili , Hu Mengjin , Xu Jing , Xu Jun , Qian Haiyan , Jin Chen , Yang Yuejin 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) pretreated with atorvastatin (ATV) (MSCATV-EV) have a superior cardiac repair effect on acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The mechanisms, however, have not been fully elucidated. This study aims to explore whether inflammation alleviation of infarct region via macrophage polarization plays a key role in the efficacy of MSCATV-EV.

Methods
MSCATV-EV or MSC-EV were intramyocardially injected 30 min after coronary ligation in AMI rats. Macrophage infiltration and polarization (day 3), cardiac function (days 0, 3, 7, 28), and infarct size (day 28) were measured. EV small RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were conducted for differentially expressed miRNAs between MSCATV-EV and MSC-EV. Macrophages were isolated from rat bone marrow for molecular mechanism analysis. miRNA mimics or inhibitors were transfected into EVs or macrophages to analyze its effects on macrophage polarization and cardiac repair in vitro and in vivo.

Results
MSCATV-EV significantly reduced the amount of CD68+ total macrophages and increased CD206+ M2 macrophages of infarct zone on day 3 after AMI compared with MSC-EV group (P < 0.01–0.0001). On day 28, MSCATV-EV much more significantly improved the cardiac function than MSC-EV with the infarct size markedly reduced (P < 0.05–0.0001). In vitro, MSCATV-EV also significantly reduced the protein and mRNA expressions of M1 markers but increased those of M2 markers in lipopolysaccharide-treated macrophages (P < 0.05–0.0001). EV miR-139-3p was identified as a potential cardiac repair factor mediating macrophage polarization. Knockdown of miR-139-3p in MSCATV-EV significantly attenuated while overexpression of it in MSC-EV enhanced the effect on promoting M2 polarization by suppressing downstream signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (Stat1). Furthermore, MSCATV-EV loaded with miR-139-3p inhibitors decreased while MSC-EV loaded with miR-139-3p mimics increased the expressions of M2 markers and cardioprotective efficacy.

Conclusions
We uncovered a novel mechanism that MSCATV-EV remarkably facilitate cardiac repair in AMI by promoting macrophage polarization via miR-139-3p/Stat1 pathway, which has the great potential for clinical translation.
The role of the desmosomal protein desmocollin 2 in tumour progression in triple negative breast cancer patients
Authors: Reimer Francesca , Bryan Sarah , Legler Karen , Karn Thomas , Eppenberger-Castori Serenella , Matschke Jakob , Pereira-Veiga Thais , Wikman Harriet , Witzel Isabell , Müller Volkmar , Schmalfeldt Barbara , Milde-Langosch Karin , Schumacher Udo , Stürken Christine , Oliveira-Ferrer Leticia 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
The disruption of epithelial features represents a critical step during breast cancer spread. In this context, the dysregulation of desmosomal proteins has been associated with malignant progression and metastasis formation. Curiously, both tumour suppressive and pro-metastatic roles have been attributed to desmosomal structures in different cancer entities. In the present study, we describe the pro-metastatic role of the desmosomal protein desmocollin 2 (DSC2) in breast cancer.

Methods
We analysed the prognostic role of DSC2 at mRNA and protein level using microarray data, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Functional consequences of DSC2 overexpression and DSC2 knock down were investigated in the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line MDA-MB-231 and its brain-seeking subline MDA-MB-231-BR, respectively in vitro and in vivo.

Results
We found a significantly higher DSC2 expression in the more aggressive molecular subtypes HER2-positive and TNBC than in luminal breast cancers, as well as a significant correlation between increased DSC2 expression and a shorter disease-free—also in multivariate analysis—and overall survival. Additionally, a significant association between DSC2 expression in the primary tumour and an increased frequency of cerebral and lung metastasis could be observed. In vitro, ectopic DSC2 expression or DSC2 down-regulation in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-231-BR led to a significant tumour cell aggregation increase and decrease, respectively. Furthermore, tumour cells displaying higher DSC2 levels showed increased chemoresistance in 3D structures, but not 2D monolayer structures, suggesting the importance of cell aggregation as a means for reduced drug diffusion. In an in vivo brain dissemination xenograft mouse model, reduced expression of DSC2 in the brain-seeking TNBC cells led to a decreased amount of circulating tumour cells/clusters and, in turn, to fewer and smaller brain metastatic lesions.

Conclusion
We conclude that high DSC2 expression in primary TNBC is associated with a poorer prognosis, firstly by increasing tumour cell aggregation, secondly by reducing the diffusion and effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents, and, lastly, by promoting the circulation and survival of tumour cell clusters, each of which facilitates distant organ colonisation.