bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Evidence Informing Treatment Guidelines on Repurposed Drugs for Hospitalized Patients During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic: Corticosteroids, Anticoagulants, (Hydroxy)chloroquine
Authors: Wüstner Stefanie , Hogger Sara , Gartner-Freyer Daniela , Lebioda Andrea , Schley Katharina , Leverkus Friedhelm 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionIn early 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic spread worldwide, overwhelming hospitals with severely ill patients and posing the urgent need for clinical evidence to guide patient care. First treatment options available were repurposed drugs to fight inflammation, coagulopathy, and viral replication. A vast number of clinical studies were launched globally to test their efficacy and safety. Our analysis describes the development of global evidence on repurposed drugs, in particular corticosteroids, anticoagulants, and (hydroxy)chloroquine in hospitalized COVID-19 patients based on different study types. We track the incorporation of clinical data in international and national treatment guidelines and identify factors that characterize studies and analyses with the greatest impact on treatment recommendations.MethodsA literature search in MEDLINE was conducted to assess the clinical evidence on treatment with corticosteroids, anticoagulants, and (hydroxy)chloroquine in hospitalized COVID-19 patients during the first year of the pandemic. Adoption of the evidence from this clinical data in treatment guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), Germany, and United States (US) was evaluated over time.ResultsWe identified 106 studies on corticosteroids, 141 studies on anticoagulants, and 115 studies on (hydroxy)chloroquine. Most studies were retrospective cohort studies; some were randomized clinical trials (RCTs), and a few were platform trials. These studies were compared to studies directly and indirectly referred to in WHO (7 versions), German (5 versions), and US (21 versions) guidelines. We found that initially large, well-adjusted, mainly retrospective cohort studies and ultimately large platform trials or coordinated meta-analyses of RCTs provided best available clinical evidence supporting treatment recommendations.DiscussionParticularly early in the pandemic, evidence for the efficacy and safety of repurposed drugs was of low quality, since time and scientific rigor seemed to be competing factors. Pandemic preparedness, coordinated efforts, and combined analyses were crucial to generating timely and robust clinical evidence that informed national and international treatment guidelines on corticosteroids, anticoagulants, and (hydroxy)chloroquine. Multi-arm platform trials with master protocols and coordinated meta-analyses proved particularly successful, with researchers joining forces to answer the most pressing questions as quickly as possible.
Fast Online Optimization for Terrain-Blind Bipedal Robot Walking With a Decoupled Actuated SLIP Model
Authors: Wang Ke , Fei Hengyi , Kormushev Petar 
Published: February 2022

We present an online optimization algorithm which enables bipedal robots to blindly walk over various kinds of uneven terrains while resisting pushes. The proposed optimization algorithm performs high-level motion planning of footstep locations and center-of-mass height variations using the decoupled actuated spring-loaded inverted pendulum (aSLIP) model. The decoupled aSLIP model simplifies the original aSLIP with linear inverted pendulum (LIP) dynamics in horizontal states and spring dynamics in the vertical state. The motion planning can be formulated as a discrete-time model predictive control (MPC) problem and solved at a frequency of 1 kHz. The output of the motion planner is fed into an inverse-dynamics–based whole body controller for execution on the robot. A key result of this controller is that the feet of the robot are compliant, which further extends the robot’s ability to be robust to unobserved terrain variations. We evaluate our method in simulation with the bipedal robot SLIDER. The results show that the robot can blindly walk over various uneven terrains including slopes, wave fields, and stairs. It can also resist pushes of up to 40 N for a duration of 0.1 s while walking on uneven terrains.
Expanding Our Knowledge of Menstrual Irregularities Reported by Females With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Mowrey Kate , Northrup Hope , Hashmi Syed Shahrukh , Rodriguez-Buritica David 
Published: February 2022

PurposeThe purpose of our study is to expand the knowledge regarding intrinsic reproductive dysfunction in females with TSC and to explore the impact of mTOR inhibitors (mTORi) on menstrual irregularity in the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) community.MethodsAn electronic survey composed of author-designed questions set out to evaluate reproductive history, presence of menstrual irregularities, mTORi use, as well as maternal reproductive history among females with TSC.ResultsOf the 68 responses from females with TSC regarding age of menarche, the average age was 12.3 years. 56.5% (n = 48) of respondents reported irregular menstrual cycles and noted a total of 102 menstrual irregularities. There was a cohort of 35 women with a reported history of mTORi use. Of these women, 68.6% (n = 24) reported irregular menstrual cycles after taking mTORi. In comparison, among the females with no history of mTORi use (n = 50) only 48% reported irregular menstrual cycles (n = 24).ConclusionsOur data expands the knowledge regarding intrinsic menstrual dysregulation present in women with TSC, demonstrates a rate of menstrual irregularities among females taking mTORi, and identifies a tendency toward early menarche that may be a previously unrecognized feature of TSC.
A Comparison of Puncture and Continuous Pump Analgesia With Two Different Approaches to Thoracic Paravertebral Block for Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Huang Qiao-wen , Lu Zhi-wei , Li Jia-bin , Zhang Wen-qing , Jiang Li-wei , Lin Zhi-jian 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundThis study aims to compare the success rate of thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) and the effect of postoperative analgesia between two approaches.MethodsA total of 34 patients with American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status score II–III, undergoing an optional thoracoscopic surgery, were randomly assigned to a parasagittal approach group (group P, n = 17) and a transverse intercostal approach group (group T, n = 17). The catheterization time, success rate of the puncture and catheterization, block plane and effect at the surgical site were compared between two groups. The mean arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded, as well as the cold tactile block plane and numeric rating scale (NRS) at 0.5, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery. The study was registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=9624 (Registration number: ChiCTR2100054642).ResultsThe catheterization time in group P was significantly longer than that in group T (P &lt; 0.05). The success rate of catheterization in group P was lower than that in group T, but no statistical significance (P = 0.085). There was no significant difference in the success rate of Puncture and blocking effect of the surgical site at 30 min post-injection between two groups (P &gt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in the cold tactile block plane and NRS scores during coughing between two groups at 0.5, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h postoperatively (P &gt; 0.05).ConclusionThis study suggests that there is no significant difference in postoperative block level or pain score during coughing for thoracoscopic surgery between ultrasound-guided parasagittal and transverse intercostal approach, but the parasagittal approach takes longer and has a higher failure rate.
Comparison of Percutaneous Kyphoplasty With or Without Posterior Pedicle Screw Fixation on Spinal Sagittal Balance in Elderly Patients With Severe Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhou Quan , Zhang Junxin , Liu Hao , He Wei , Deng Lei , Zhou Xinfeng , Yang Huilin , Liu Tao 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) with or without posterior pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) on spinal sagittal balance in elderly patients with severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (sOVCF).MethodsFrom January 2016 to December 2018, 102 elderly patients with single-level thoracolumbar sOVCF were enrolled. Among them, 78 cases underwent PKP (Group A), and 24 cases underwent PPSF+KP (Group B). Clinical evaluation included perioperative parameters, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for back pain; Radiographic evaluation included anterior vertebral height (AVH) and rate (AVHr), local kyphotic angle (LKA), and spino-pelvic sagittal balance parameters.ResultsPerioperative parameters including operation time, blood loss, fluoroscopic time and hospital stay in Group A were less than those in Group B (p &lt; 0.05). Compared with the pre-operative results, the ODI and VAS scores of both groups decreased significantly in the three follow-ups after surgery (p &lt; 0.05). The post-operative ODI and VAS scores of Group A were significantly better than those of Group B, but the results were opposite at the final follow-up (p &lt; 0.05). Compared with the pre-operative values, except that there was no significant difference in pelvic incidence (PI) (p &gt; 0.05), other radiographic parameters of both groups were improved significantly in the three follow-ups after surgery (p &lt; 0.05). The AVH, AVHr, LKA and lumbar lordosis (LL) in Group B were better than those in Group A in the three follow-ups after surgery (p &lt; 0.05). At the final follow-up, the sacral slope (SS) and pelvic tilt (PT) differed significantly between the two groups (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsBoth PPSF+KP and PKP can achieve favorable clinical outcomes and maintain the spinal sagittal balance. Compared with PPSF+KP, PKP showed more significant advantages in the early post-operative period. However, in the long-term follow-up, PPSF+KP showed better clinical outcomes and may be better than PKP in maintaining spinal sagittal balance.
A Geodemographic View of the Accessibility of Selected Outpatient Services in Czechia
Authors: Maláková Kateřina 
Published: February 2022

Objectives: Although people use health services throughout their lives, there are important differences in timing, location, and frequency of utilization. The aim of this article is to identify and explain these differences in terms of healthcare accessibility.Methods: Outpatient health services—diabetology, cardiology, and psychiatry—are analysed using anonymized data from the General Health Insurance Company (GHIC) in Czechia for 2019. Healthcare utilization is studied in relation to selected geodemographic characteristics—patient’s age, sex, place of permanent residence, and location of healthcare provision.Results: The analysis found significant differences in the utilization of the selected health services in terms of age, sex, and size of the patient’s municipality of residence. Generally, men tended to travel outside their municipality for healthcare more than women. Young patients were more likely (and also further) to travel outside their municipality for healthcare than older patients.Conclusion: The reasons for this were the location of the health service provider (mostly concentrated in local/regional centres), the patient’s ability and willingness to travel for healthcare, and differences in the patient’s permanent and ordinary place of residence.
Results of the Adult COVID-19 Lifestyle Matching Study
Authors: Zhong Rui , Zhang Qiong , Qiu Yanfang , Chen Lingxia , Xie Jianghua , Chen Yongjun , Zou Yajiao , Zhu Lei , Tong Li , Zou Yanhui , Wang Wei , Zhou Yuhua 
Published: February 2022

Objective: The aim of our case-control study was to find the influence of lifestyle and comorbidities on COVID-19 susceptibility, identify risk factors and protective factors, and identify ways to encourage people to adopt a healthy lifestyle.Methods: Patients with COVID-19 were matched with non-COVID-19 participants in a ratio of 1:2. Univariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test, and multivariate analysis was performed using conditional logistic regression.Results: Multivariate analysis using conditional logistic regression found that alcohol consumption (AC) and a bland diet increased the risk of COVID-19, while college degrees and above, smoking, drinking tea, and exercise, especially walking, significantly reduced the risk of COVID-19.Conclusion: After removing the effects of demographic factors, the study demonstrated that AC significantly reduced the ability of the body to resist COVID-19 infection. Moreover, following a bland diet increased the susceptibility to COVID-19. Notably, people who drank tea and performed regular exercises, especially walking, were significantly less likely to be infected with COVID-19. College degree or above relative illiteracy is COVID-19 protective factors of infection.
Methanol Production in the Brayton Cycle
Authors: Kotowicz Janusz , Brzęczek Mateusz , Walewska Aleksandra , Szykowska Kamila 
Published: February 2022

This article presents the concept of renewable methanol production in the gas turbine cycle. As part of the work, an analysis was performed, including the impact of changing the parameters in the methanol reactor on the obtained values of power, yield and efficiency of the reactor, and chemical conversion. The aim of this research was to investigate the possibility of integrating the system for the production of renewable methanol and additional production of electricity in the system. The efficiency of the chemical conversion process and the efficiency of the methanol reactor increases with increasing pressure and decreasing temperature. The highest efficiency values, respectively η = 0.4388 and ηR = 0.3649, are obtained for parameters in the reactor equal to 160 °C and 14 MPa. The amount of heat exchanged in all exchangers reached the highest value for 14 MPa and 160 °C and amounted to Q˙ = 2.28 kW. Additionally, it has been calculated that if an additional exchanger is used before the expander (heating the medium to 560 °C), the expander’s power will cover the compressor’s electricity demand.
Structure–Activity Relationship of the Thiacalix[4]arenes Family with Sulfobetaine Fragments: Self-Assembly and Cytotoxic Effect against Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Yakimova Luidmila , Kunafina Aisylu , Nugmanova Aigul , Padnya Pavel , Voloshina Alexandra , Petrov Konstantin , Stoikov Ivan 
Published: February 2022

Regulating the structure of macrocyclic host molecules and supramolecular assemblies is crucial because the structure–activity relationship often plays a role in governing the properties of these systems. Herein, we propose and develop an approach to the synthesis of the family of sulfobetaine functionalized thiacalix[4]arenes with regulation of the self-assembly and cytotoxic effect against cancer cell lines. The dynamic light scattering method showed that the synthesized macrocycles in cone, partial cone and 1,3-alternate conformations form submicron-sized particles with Ag+ in water, but the particle size and polydispersity of the systems studied depend on the macrocycle conformation. Based on the results obtained by 1H and 1H-1H NOESY NMR spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy for the macrocycles and their aggregates with Ag+, a coordination scheme for the Ag+ and different conformations of p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene functionalized with sulfobetaine fragments was proposed. The type of coordination determines the different shapes of the associates. Cytotoxic properties are shown to be controlled by the shape of associates, with the highest activity demonstrated by thiacalix[4]arenes in partial cone conformation. This complex partial cone/Ag+ is two times higher than the reference drug imatinib mesylate. High selectivity against cervical carcinoma cell line indicates the prospect of their using as components of new anticancer system.
Two-year outcomes of UK patients newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation: findings from the prospective observational cohort study GARFIELD-AF
Authors: Apenteng Patricia N , Virdone Saverio , Hobbs FD Richard , Camm A John , Fox Keith AA , Pieper Karen S , Kayani Gloria , Fitzmaurice David 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundThe outcomes of patients newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) following the introduction of direct-acting oral anticoagulants are not well known.AimTo determine the 2-year outcomes of patients newly diagnosed with AF, and the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants in everyday practice.Design and settingThis was a prospective observational cohort study in UK primary care.MethodIn total, 3574 patients aged ≥18 years with a new AF diagnosis were enrolled. A propensity score was applied using an overlap weighting scheme to obtain unbiased estimates of the treatment effect of anticoagulation versus no anticoagulation on the occurrence of death, non-haemorrhagic stroke/systemic embolism, and major bleeding within 2 years of diagnosis.ResultsOverall, 65.8% received anticoagulant therapy, 20.8% received an antiplatelet only, and 13.4% received neither. During the study period, the overall incidence rates of all-cause mortality, non-haemorrhagic stroke/systemic embolism, and major bleeding were 4.15 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.69 to 4.65), 1.45 (95% CI = 1.19 to 1.77), and 1.21 (95% CI = 0.97 to 1.50) per 100 person–years, respectively. Anticoagulation treatment compared with no anticoagulation treatment was associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.70 (95% CI = 0.53 to 0.93), significantly lower risk of non-haemorrhagic stroke/systemic embolism (aHR 0.39, 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.62), and a non-significant higher risk of major bleeding (aHR 1.31, 95% CI = 0.77 to 2.24).ConclusionThe data support a benefit of anticoagulation in reducing stroke and death, without an increased risk of a major bleed in patients with new-onset AF. Anticoagulation treatment in patients at high risk of stroke who are not receiving anticoagulation may further improve outcomes.
Modern Technology Advances with Benefits for Humanity to Demonstrate Design with Conventional Sources Islamic
Authors: Lestari Santoso Nuke Puji , Dudhat Amitkumar , Teja Sukmana Husni , Mardiansyah Aditya , Hardini Marviola 
Published: February 2022

There is an urgent interest among Muslims to participate in broader religious thought activities regarding the nature of modern technology in response to the refutation presented by the ideals of current technology. The impact and use on understanding modern technology cannot be limited. It is so much more pervasive because it conditions ideas, creates our goals and desires. In order to measure modern technology from within the framework of Islamic ethics and design the Islamic paradigm, this is very important by looking at psychological, spiritual, social, moral and circles of the latest postmodernist technology. For holistic insight and moral enhancement of technology, fortitude and practical appropriateness to respond to the latest (contemporary) incident produced due to technology that is holy and ethical poor. Maqashid al-syar'ah hold a useful asset. Muslims should review their traditional notions of Advantage (maṣlaḥah) along with take advantage of these fundamental religious ethics. The design of technological development is beneficial for mankind, because modern technology is infused through It is having a plan all by itself regarding good activities. The intense problem of the Islamic background is which kind of human needs (maṣlaḥah) intense a religion legal discussion can deal with the set of technological values. Muslim jurists, when assessing modern technology, often make use of expressions that describe the optimistic predictions of technology when it comes to human success. This resulted in most of them interpreting human benefit (maṣlaḥah) in terms of technology and issuing fatwas. This makes them be given a particularistic technique to the effect of cutting-edge generation with out considering the effect that current era would possibly have on Muslim life. In this article, it is argued that the contextual-important philosophy of contemporary-day era describes one of the preconditions for outlining what constitutes a reputable human interest (maṣlaḥah). This may be accomplished whilst on the identical time increasing the scope of Islamic Goals (maqashid al-syar'ah) to consist of critical lectures. It links the dual hermeneutic action between the Islamic (time) conception of human goodness (maṣlaḥah) and the axiological contextual perception of the problem during the model of technological development.
tango por el territorio perdido al rock por el ganado.
Authors: Eissa Sergio G. , Pardo Bárbara 
Published: February 2022

Carlos Escudé analiza los orígenes del “irredentismo territorial argentino” que, a través de la enseñanza de la historia y la geografía, sostiene que la República Argentina perdió territorios tomando como mito inicial al territorio del Virreinato del Río de la Plata. Este artículo, a partir del marco analítico, principalmente de Oscar Oszlak, sostiene que el 25 de mayo de 1810 se produjo una ruptura del orden político preexistente y que la nueva unidad política que se conformó pudo haber culminado en diferentes configuraciones territoriales.
Por ello, se sostendrá que el actual territorio argentino es resultado de las guerras en las que intervino dicho país en formación entre 1810 y 1917 contra países vecinos que atravesaban el mismo proceso y contra pueblos originarios, y de los reconocimientos externos de los actuales límites fronterizos. En este sentido, el artículo refleja, luego de algunas consideraciones analíticas, a través de un conjunto de mapas, cómo se formó el actual territorio de la República Argentina, mostrando que no hubo pérdidas territoriales y que, por el contrario, el mismo se incrementó desde la Revolución de Mayo.