bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly efficient charge transport across carbon nanobelts
Authors: Lin Junfeng , Wang Shengda , Zhang Fan , Yang Bowen , Du Pingwu , Chen Chuanfeng , Zang Yaping , Zhu Daoben 
Published: December 2022

Carbon nanobelts (CNBs) are a new form of nanocarbon that has promising applications in optoelectronics due to their unique belt-shaped π-conjugated systems. Recent synthetic breakthrough has led to the access to various CNBs, but their optoelectronic properties have not been explored yet. In this work, we study the electronic transport performance of a series of CNBs by incorporating them into molecular devices using the scanning tunneling microscope break junction technique. We show that, by tuning the bridging groups between the adjacent benzenes in the CNBs, we can achieve remarkably high conductance close to 0.1
G
0
, nearly one order of magnitude higher than their nanoring counterpart cycloparaphenylene. Density functional theory–based calculations further elucidate the crucial role of the structural distortion played in facilitating the unique radial π-electron delocalization and charge transport across the belt-shaped carbon skeletons. These results develop a basic understanding of electronic transport properties of CNBs and lay the foundation for further exploration of CNB-based optoelectronic applications.
Penetration of a Heating Electromagnetic Pulse into Plasma in Magnetic Field
Authors: Grigorovich D. A. , Ovchinnikov K. N. , Uryupin S. A. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Penetration of a heating pulse of quasistationary electromagnetic field into plasma in constant magnetic field directed along its surface was studied. Weakening of electron heat transfer across the magnetic field leads to more efficient heating of electrons near the plasma surface. As a result, the penetration of the field into the plasma decreases, which is accompanied by suppression of the “inverse” skin effect. Inhomogeneous heating of electrons across the magnetic field leads to generation of an electric field strength component orthogonal to both the magnetic field and the direction of temperature gradient. Appearance of the additional field strength component leads to a change in polarization of the reflected pulse. In a sufficiently strong magnetic field, due to suppression of the electron heat flux and less significant effect of the magnetic field on the ion heat flux, a state with large difference of electron and ion temperatures occurs.
Comparative Analysis of the Parameters of the Normal and Abnormal DC Glow Discharges
Authors: Surzhikov S. T. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
A comparative numerical study of the parameters of normal and abnormal direct current glow discharges between two flat disk electrodes with a radius of 3 cm in a 1-cm-high electric discharge gap is performed. A two-dimensional axisymmetric drift-diffusion model of the glow discharge is used for the numerical simulation, including equations for the transfer of electrons and molecular nitrogen ions, and the Poisson equation for finding the electric potential in the discharge gap taking into account the regions of the space charge and the positive column. Abnormal discharges are obtained when the radius of the cathode decreases. A numerical procedure is proposed for smoothing local maxima of the electric field strength near the boundaries of the abnormal glow discharge cathode, which ensures the stability of the solution and the weak effect on the calculated data. The numerical simulation results of the electrodynamic structure of normal and abnormal glow discharges are presented.
Ethnic differences in urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and heparanase-1 levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes: the HELIUS study
Authors: van der Velden Anouk I M , van den Berg Bernard M , van den Born B J , Galenkamp Henrike , Ijpelaar Daphne H T , Rabelink Ton J 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionWe aimed to investigate ethnic differences in two urinary inflammatory markers in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Research design and methodsWe included 55 Dutch, 127 South-Asian Surinamese, 92 African Surinamese, 62 Ghanaian, 74 Turkish and 88 Moroccan origin participants with T2DM from the HEalthy LIfe in an Urban Setting study. Using linear regression analyses, we investigated differences in urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and heparanase-1 (HPSE-1) levels across ethnic minorities compared with Dutch. Associations between the urinary markers and albuminuria (albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR)) was investigated per ethnicity.ResultsUrinary MCP-1 levels were higher in the Moroccan participants (0.15 log ng/mmol, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.26) compared with Dutch after multiple adjustments. Urinary HPSE-1 levels were lower in the African Surinamese and Ghanaian participants compared with the Dutch, with a difference of −0.16 log mU/mmol (95% CI −0.29 to −0.02) in African Surinamese and −0.16 log mU/mmol (95% CI −0.31 to −0.00) in Ghanaian after multiple adjustments. In all ethnic groups except the Dutch and Ghanaian participants, MCP-1 was associated with ACR. This association remained strongest after multiple adjustment in South-Asian and African Surinamese participants, with an increase in log ACR of 1.03% (95% CI 0.58 to 1.47) and 1.23% (95% CI 0.52 to 1.94) if log MCP-1 increased 1%. Only in the Dutch participants, an association between HPSE-1 and ACR was found, with increase in log ACR of 0.40% (95% CI 0.04 to 0.76) if log HPSE-1 increased 1%.ConclusionsWe found ethnic differences in urinary MCP-1 and HPSE-1 levels, in a multi-ethnic cohort of participants with T2DM. In addition, we found ethnic differences in the association of MCP-1 and HPSE-1 levels with albuminuria. These findings suggest differences in renal inflammation across ethnic groups.
Development of a new version of the Bristol Stool Form Scale: translation, content validity, face validity, and reliability of the Persian version
Authors: Shokouhi Nasim , Mohammadi Samira , Ghanbari Zeenat , Montazeri Ali 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesThe Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) is the most widely used scale for stool form assessment. This study aimed to translate the BSFS into the Persian version and determine its content validity, face validity, and reliability.DesignFollowing permission, a forward–backward translation procedure was applied to translate the scale from English into Persian. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 210 participants from the general and gastrointestinal clinics of a teaching hospital affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, from January 2020 to August 2020. The samples were selected using convenience sampling. A group of 10 experts and 10 adults assessed content and face validity, respectively. The kappa index evaluated the reliability of the instruments.ResultsParticipants’ mean (±SD) age was 37.62 (±8.87) years. Most of the participants (65.7%) were women. The highest percentage of concordance was 100% for stool type 7, and stool type 5 had the lowest concordance percentage (78.1%). The overall kappa index was 0.79.ConclusionThe Persian version of the BSFS is a valid and reliable measure for assessing stool form, and now it can be used in research and clinical practice.
Sarcopenia and coexistent risk factors detected using the ‘Yubi-wakka’ (finger-ring) test in adults aged over 65 years in the public annual health check-up in Tama City, Tokyo: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Fujii Hitomi , Kodani Eitaro , Kaneko Tomohiro , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Sasabe Hajime , Tamura Yutaka 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesTo examine the positive rate of sarcopenia using the ‘Yubi-wakka’ (finger-ring) test and associated risk factors among adults aged 65 years and older.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingWe used the Yubi-wakka test, which has been developed and validated as a predictor of sarcopenia, frailty, disability and mortality. A positive test result is indicated by a smaller calf circumference than the finger-ring. The test was administered during annual health check-ups among residents of Tama City, Japan.ParticipantsDuring the 2019 fiscal year, 12 894 individuals aged 65 years and older underwent the Yubi-wakka test at primary care clinics.InterventionsExaminees conducted the test themselves in a seated position. They formed a ring around their calf using both thumbs and index fingers and judged whether their calf was larger, the same or smaller than their finger-ring.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe compared anthropometric and serological data between the positive (smaller calf) and negative (larger calf) test result groups.ResultsThe positive rate was 15.4% among men and 18.5% among women. The prevalence of a positive result was higher in those aged ≥80 years than in younger age groups in both sexes (men: 22.8%; women: 28.8%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was a risk factor for detecting a positive test result in women aged 65–74 years (OR 3.445; 95% CI 1.44 to 8.29) and ≥75 years (OR 3.37; 95% CI 1.97 to 5.78).ConclusionsBecause the Japanese population is healthy and lives long, interventions against sarcopenia are important, especially for older adults aged >75 years. The presence of metabolic syndrome may be a risk factor for sarcopenia (as detected by the Yubi-wakka test) and future frailty, and requires closer attention, especially among women.
Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission in close contacts of adults at high risk of infection due to occupation: results from the contact tracing strategy of the CoVIDA epidemiological surveillance study in Bogotá, Colombia, in 2020–2021
Authors: Ramírez Varela Andrea , Contreras-Arrieta Sandra , Tamayo-Cabeza Guillermo , Salas Zapata Leonardo , Caballero-Díaz Yuldor , Hernández Florez Luis Jorge , Benavidez Andrés Patiño , Laajaj Rachid , De la Hoz Fernando , Buitrago Gutierrez Giancarlo , Restrepo Silvia , Behrentz Eduardo 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesTo estimate the risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission in close contacts of adults at high risk of infection due to occupation, participants of the CoVIDA study, in Bogotá D.C., Colombia.SettingThe CoVIDA study was the largest COVID-19 intensified sentinel epidemiological surveillance study in Colombia thus far, performing over 60 000 RT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study implemented a contact tracing strategy (via telephone call) to support traditional surveillance actions performed by the local health authority.ParticipantsClose contacts of participants from the CoVIDA study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresSARS-CoV-2 testing results were obtained (RT-PCR with CoVIDA or self-reported results). The secondary attack rate (SAR) was calculated using contacts and primary cases features.ResultsThe CoVIDA study performed 1257 contact tracing procedures on primary cases. A total of 5551 close contacts were identified and 1050 secondary cases (21.1%) were found. The highest SAR was found in close contacts: (1) who were spouses (SAR=32.7%; 95% CI 29.1% to 36.4%), (2) of informally employed or unemployed primary cases (SAR=29.1%; 95% CI 25.5% to 32.8%), (3) of symptomatic primary cases (SAR of 25.9%; 95% CI 24.0% to 27.9%) and (4) living in households with more than three people (SAR=22.2%; 95% CI 20.7% to 23.8%). The spouses (OR 3.85; 95% CI 2.60 to 5.70), relatives (OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.33 to 2.70) and close contacts of a symptomatic primary case (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.24 to 1.77) had an increased risk of being secondary cases compared with non-relatives and close contacts of an asymptomatic index case, respectively.ConclusionsContact tracing strategies must focus on households with socioeconomic vulnerabilities to guarantee isolation and testing to stop the spread of the disease.
Effect of vaccination on the case fatality rate for COVID-19 infections 2020–2021: multivariate modelling of data from the US Department of Veterans Affairs
Authors: Murata Glen H , Murata Allison E , Perkins Douglas J , Campbell Heather M , Mao Jenny T , Wagner Brent , McMahon Benjamin H , Hagedorn Curt H 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesTo evaluate the benefits of vaccination on the case fatality rate (CFR) for COVID-19 infections.Design, setting and participantsThe US Department of Veterans Affairs has 130 medical centres. We created multivariate models from these data—339 772 patients with COVID-19—as of 30 September 2021.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome for all models was death within 60 days of the diagnosis. Logistic regression was used to derive adjusted ORs for vaccination and infection with Delta versus earlier variants. Models were adjusted for confounding factors, including demographics, comorbidity indices and novel parameters representing prior diagnoses, vital signs/baseline laboratory tests and outpatient treatments. Patients with a Delta infection were divided into eight cohorts based on the time from vaccination to diagnosis. A common model was used to estimate the odds of death associated with vaccination for each cohort relative to that of unvaccinated patients.Results9.1% of subjects were vaccinated. 21.5% had the Delta variant. 18 120 patients (5.33%) died within 60 days of their diagnoses. The adjusted OR for a Delta infection was 1.87±0.05, which corresponds to a relative risk (RR) of 1.78. The overall adjusted OR for prior vaccination was 0.280±0.011 corresponding to an RR of 0.291. Raw CFR rose steadily after 10–14 weeks. The OR for vaccination remained stable for 10–34 weeks.ConclusionsOur CFR model controls for the severity of confounding factors and priority of vaccination, rather than solely using the presence of comorbidities. Our results confirm that Delta was more lethal than earlier variants and that vaccination is an effective means of preventing death. After adjusting for major selection biases, we found no evidence that the benefits of vaccination on CFR declined over 34 weeks. We suggest that this model can be used to evaluate vaccines designed for emerging variants.
Experience of suffering in patients with hypertension: a qualitative analysis of in-depth interview of patients in a university hospital in Seoul, Republic of Korea
Authors: Sung Jidong , Paik Young-gyung 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveTo describe the suffering experienced by patients with hypertension, not only regarding symptoms, but also suffering in a social context.DesignA qualitative analysis of semi-structured interview data. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A descriptive approach was taken by exploring patient accounts and presenting their experiences and perspectives.SettingCardiology clinic in a university hospital (Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea).ParticipantsPatients with hypertension and without serious comorbidities who had been followed-up at a cardiology clinic of a training university hospital.ResultsNineteen men and women (male:female=12:7) were interviewed. The mean age was 44 years, and the average hypertension duration was 4 years. All 19 patients reported symptoms allegedly to be associated with hypertension. Anxiety about blood pressure fluctuation and hypertension complications, dislike of antihypertensive medication and associated labelling effect, family stress and refusal to be enrolled in life insurance were commonly found among patients’ interviews. Relatively younger (≤50 years of age), actively working patients experienced stigmatisation and discrimination in the workplace.ConclusionThe illness experience of patients with hypertension consists of suffering associated with threatened or damaged self-identity at the individual and social level. Medical professionals should have more awareness of the suffering of these patients to improve the quality of care. An education programme with proper focus on the elements of patients’ suffering may help to alleviate it.
Mechanical thrombectomy is cost-effective versus medical management alone around Europe in patients with low ASPECTS
Authors: Moreu Manuel , Scarica Raffaele , Pérez-García Carlos , Rosati Santiago , López-Frías Alfonso , Egido José A , Gómez-Escalonilla Carlos , Simal Patricia , Arrazola Juan , Bocquet Anne-Laure , Barthe Thomas 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveTo demonstrate, by a cost-effectiveness analysis, the efficiency of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) versus medical management (MM) in patients with a low Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) from the RESCUE Study.MethodsA cost-effectiveness model was designed to project both direct medical costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of MT versus MM in eight European countries (Spain, UK, France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands). Our model was created based on previously published health-economic data in those countries. Procedure costs, acute, mid-term, and long-term care costs were projected based on expected modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores as reported in the RESCUE-Japan LIMIT trial.ResultsMT was found to be a cost-effective option in eight different countries across Europe (Spain, Italy, UK, France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden). with a lifetime incremental cost-effectiveness ratio varying from US$2 875 to US$11 202/QALY depending on the country. A cost-effectiveness acceptability curve showed 100% acceptability of MT at the willingness to pay (WTP) of US$40 000 for the eight countries.ConclusionsMT is efficient versus MM alone for patients with low ASPECTS in eight countries across Europe. Patients with a large ischemic core could be treated with MT because it is both clinically beneficial and economically sustainable.
Comorbidities and treatment patterns in early rheumatoid arthritis: a nationwide Swedish study
Authors: Tidblad Liselotte , Westerlind Helga , Delcoigne Benedicte , Askling Johan , Saevarsdottir Saedis 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveTo examine how comorbidities in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) associate with use of different disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).MethodsWe used Swedish nationwide clinical and quality registers to collect comorbidity data for patients diagnosed with RA during 2006–2019 (n=13 505). We compared the use of DMARDs at diagnosis and after 1 year, in relation to comorbidity categories 5 years prior to RA diagnosis and overall comorbidity burden. For each comorbidity category, we also calculated adjusted ORs of being on treatment with other (or no) DMARDs compared with methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy 1 year after RA diagnosis.ResultsAt RA diagnosis, 68% (n=9178) of all patients were treated with MTX monotherapy, with the lowest proportion in patients with chronic kidney (CKD, 48%, n=50) and respiratory diseases (57%, n=413). At 1 year, most patients still received MTX monotherapy (<11% decrease, across all comorbidity categories). At 1 year, 13% received biological/targeted synthetic DMARDs, with the lowest proportion among patients with malignant diseases (OR=0.69, 95% CI=0.51 to 0.95). Being without DMARD at 1 year was more common among patients with CKD (OR=3.25, 95% CI=2.20 to 4.81), respiratory diseases (OR=1.83, 95% CI=1.32 to 2.53) or a history of hospitalisation due to infection (OR=1.47, 95% CI=1.23 to 1.75), and among patients with higher comorbidity burden and older age.ConclusionIn a nationwide setting with universal healthcare, most comorbid conditions do not limit the initiation or continuation of MTX or other DMARDs in early RA, although patients with certain comorbid conditions, higher comorbidity burden and higher age were somewhat less intensively treated.
Observational UK cohort study to describe intermittent oral corticosteroid prescribing patterns and their association with adverse outcomes in asthma
Authors: Heatley Heath , Tran Trung N , Bourdin Arnaud , Menzies-Gow Andrew , Jackson David J , Maslova Ekaterina , Chapaneri Jatin , Skinner Derek , Carter Victoria , Chan Jeffrey Shi Kai , Ariti Con , Haughney John , Price David B 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionOral corticosteroids (OCS) for asthma are associated with increased risks of developing adverse outcomes (adverse outcomes); no previous study has focused exclusively on intermittent OCS use.MethodsThis historical (2008–2019) UK cohort study using primary care medical records from two anonymised, real-life databases (OPCRD and CPRD) included patients aged≥4 years with asthma receiving only intermittent OCS. Patients were indexed on their first recorded intermittent OCS prescription for asthma and categorised by OCS prescribing patterns: one-off (single), less frequent (≥90 day gap) and frequent (<90 day gap). Non-OCS patients matched 1:1 on gender, age and index date served as controls. The association of OCS prescribing patterns with OCS-related AO risk was studied, stratified by age, Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2020 treatment step, and pre index inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) prescriptions using a multivariable Cox-proportional hazard model.FindingsOf 476 167 eligible patients, 41.7%, 26.8% and 31.6% had one-off, less frequent and frequent intermittent OCS prescribing patterns, respectively. Risk of any AO increased with increasingly frequent patterns of intermittent OCS versus non-OCS (HR; 95% CI: one-off 1.19 (1.18 to 1.20), less frequent 1.35 (1.34 to 1.36), frequent 1.42 (1.42 to 1.43)), and was consistent across age, GINA treatment step and ICS and SABA subgroups. The highest risks of individual OCS-related adverse outcomes with increasingly frequent OCS were for pneumonia and sleep apnoea.ConclusionA considerable proportion of patients with asthma receiving intermittent OCS experienced a frequent prescribing pattern. Increasingly frequent OCS prescribing patterns were associated with higher risk of OCS-related adverse outcomes. Mitigation strategies are needed to minimise intermittent OCS prescription in primary care.
Modified Bilateral V–Y Rotation Advancement Flap for Coverage of Fingertip Amputations
Authors: MOHSEN Ibrahim , MAHMOUD Mostafa , SHAHEEN Ayman 
Published: December 2022

Background: The use of homodigital antegrade flow flaps is an appealing option for coverage of fingertip injuries with exposed bone as it provides good padding, sensation and colour match with no need for splinting or secondary procedure for flap separation. V–Y flaps presented by Atasoy and Kutler have limited ability of distal advancement. We used two separate V flaps each based on a separate neuro-vascular bundle to allow better advancement while keeping good vascularity and sensation. Methods: We used a modified bilateral V–Y rotation advancement flap for coverage of fourteen fingertip injuries with bone exposed in 11 adult patients. Time to complete healing and return to work was recorded. Range of motion of injured finger as well as fingertip sensation using two-point discrimination were assessed and compared to non-injured contralateral finger 6 months after surgery. Fingertip hypersensitivity, cold intolerance and hooked nail deformity were assessed as well. Results: All flaps survived, and all patients resumed their activities after a mean period of 5 weeks. The mean two-point discrimination was 3.9 mm and was comparable to non-injured side. All patients regained full range of motion and were satisfied by the result. Two cases suffered from hypersensitivity that resolved at 3 months post-operative. Hooked nail deformity and cold intolerance were not recorded in our study. Conclusions: This modified bilateral V–Y rotation advancement flap technique presents a simple and single step procedure that provides good padding of fingertip with cosmetically pleasant contour and normal sensation. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)