bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of surgical and FFP2 masks on cardiopulmonary exercise capacity in patients with heart failure
Authors: Kogel Alexander , Hepp Pierre , Stegmann Tina , Tünnemann-Tarr Adrienn , Falz Roberto , Fischer Patrick , Mahfoud Felix , Laufs Ulrich , Fikenzer Sven 
Published: August 2022

Aims
Surgical and FFP2 masks are recommended to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The cardiopulmonary effects of facemasks in patients with chronic heart failure are unknown. This prospective, cross-over study quantified the effects of wearing no mask (nm), surgical mask (sm), and FFP2 mask (ffpm) in patients with stable heart failure.

Methods
12 patients with clinically stable chronic heart failure (HF) (age 63.8±12 years, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 43.8±11%, NTProBNP 573±567 pg/ml) underwent spiroergometry with and without masks in a randomized sequence. Comfort/discomfort was assessed using a standardized questionnaire.

Results
Maximum power was reduced with both types of masks (nm: 108.3 W vs. sm: 101.2 W vs. ffpm: 95.6 W, p<0.01). Maximum respiratory oxygen uptake (1499ml/min vs. 1481 ml/min vs. 1300 ml/min, p = 0.95 and <0.01), peak ventilation (62.1 l/min vs. 56.4 l/min vs. 50.3 l/min, p = 0.15 and p<0.05) and O2-pulse (11.6 ml/beat vs. 11.8 ml/beat vs. 10.6 ml/beat, p = 0.87 and p<0.01) were significantly changed with ffpm but not sm. Discomfort was moderately but significantly increased (nm: 1.6 vs. sm: 3.4 vs. ffpm: 4.4, p<0.05).

Conclusion
Both surgical and FFP masks reduce exercise capacity in heart failure patients, while FFP2 masks reduce oxygen uptake and peak ventilation. This reduction in cardiopulmonary performance should be considered in heart failure patients whose daily life activities are often just as challenging as exercise is for healthy adults.
Concurrent use of Chinese herbal medicine and anticoagulants may reduce major bleeding events
Authors: Hsu Shuo-Min , Lin Hung-Jen , Kao Yi-Wei , Li Te-Mao , Shia Ben-Chang , Huang Sheng-Teng 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundThis retrospective cohort study investigated the risk of major bleeding events during the concurrent use of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and anticoagulants in clinical practice.MethodsA total of 4,470 patients receiving anticoagulant drugs were selected from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Half (n = 2,235) were also using CHMs (CHM cohort); the other half were not (non-CHM cohort). Each cohort was matched 1:1 using the propensity score. Chi-square testing and the Student’st-test were used to examine differences between two cohorts. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis assessed the risks for major bleeding events in each cohort, as well as bleeding risks associated with specific CHM formulas and herbs. Cumulative incidence curves for major bleeding events were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.ResultsCompared with the non-CHM cohort, the CHM cohort had a lower risk of overall bleeding events (p < 0.001) including hemorrhagic stroke (p = 0.008), gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (p < 0.001), urogenital bleeding (p ≤ 0.001) and nasal/ear/eye bleeding (p = 0.004). Single herbs, such asGlycyrrhiza uralensis et Rhizoma,Panax notoginseng,Panax ginseng,Platycodon grandiflorum,Eucommia ulmoides Oliverand formulas, such as Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang, Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang and Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan were associated with a lower risk of major bleeding events.ConclusionUsing CHMs with anticoagulants appeared to decrease the risk of major bleeding, especially CHMs products containingGlycyrrhiza uralensis et Rhizoma,Panax notoginseng,Panax ginseng,Platycodon grandiflorumandEucommia ulmoides Oliver. Further investigations are needed to determine whether CHM can maintain the therapeutic efficacy of anticoagulants while simultaneously reducing potential side effects.
An apprenticeship model in the training of psychotherapy students. Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial and qualitative investigation
Authors: Brattland Heidi , Holgersen Katrine Høyer , Vogel Patrick A. , Anderson Timothy , Ryum Truls 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundOne approach towards advancing the quality of mental health care is to improve psychotherapists’ skills through education and training. Recently, psychotherapy training has benefitted from adapting training methods from other professions (e.g., deliberate practice). The apprenticeship model has a long history in skill trades and medicine, but has yet to be adopted in training mental health professionals. This study aims to investigate the impact of apprenticeship training on clinical psychology students’ skills.MethodsIn a pragmatic mixed-methods trial, 120 first year students in a Master’s degree clinical psychology program will be randomized to either training-as-usual or training-as-usual plus psychotherapy apprenticeship. In the intervention group, students will participate, over a period of 10 weeks, in weekly treatment sessions together with licensed therapists at outpatient mental health and substance use treatment clinics. Outcomes are assessed post-intervention and at two-year follow-up. The main outcome measure is the Facilitative Interpersonal Skills (FIS) performance test. Additional self-report measures tap self-efficacy, self-compassion, worry, rumination, and stress. Weekly reflection log entries written by the students will be qualitatively analyzed in order to gain an in-depth understanding of the learning process. Students’ and therapists’ experiences with the intervention will be explored in focus group interviews.DiscussionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first controlled study to investigate the impact of apprenticeship as an isolated training component in the education of clinical psychologists. The study is designed so as to yield a comprehensive understanding of an approach which could prove to be a valuable supplement to the existing educational methods in this field and ultimately, contribute to improve the quality of mental health care.
Short birth interval and associated factors among women who gave birth in the last three years in Dembecha district, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Aklil Mastewal Belayneh , Anteneh Kiber Temesgen , Debele Tibeb Zena , Temesgan Wubedle Zelalem 
Published: August 2022

Background
Maternal and child mortality remains a major public health problem in Ethiopia. Improving short birth interval practice is a main strategy to reduce neonatal mortality, maternal mortality, adverse pregnancy outcomes, high fertility rate, and enhance economic development efforts. However, there has been limited study done regarding short birth intervals in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess short birth intervals and associated factors among women who gave birth in the last three years in Dembecha district, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019.

Method
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 880 reproductive-age multipara mothers using a stratified cluster sampling technique. The data were collected by face-to-face interviews through pretested and semi-structured questionnaires. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was fitted. Variables with a p-value ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant factors. Adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to report the association between predictors and the outcome variable.

Results
The prevalence of short birth interval was found to be 43.4% (95% CI: 40.2, 46.9). Husband education (able to read and write) [AOR:2.81,(95% CI:1.04,7.85)], wealth index (lowest quartile) [AOR:3.75,(95% CI:2.35,5.97), residence (urban) [AOR:3.20,(95% CI:1.62,6.33)],age at first marriage (15–17 years old) [AOR: 1.65,(95% CI:1.15, 2.26),and non-use of contraceptive [AOR: 8.78, (95% CI: 6.18, 12.47) were statistically significant variables.

Conclusion
The study revealed that the prevalence of short birth intervals among multipara women is found to be high. Husband education, wealth index, urban residence, age at first marriage, and non-use of contraceptives were variables significantly associated with short birth intervals. Hence, to overcome the problem the focus should be on increasing family planning utilization, avoiding early marriage, strengthening paternal education, and improving family income.
How barefoot and conventional shoes affect the foot and gait characteristics in toddlers
Authors: Gimunová Marta , Kolářová Kateřina , Vodička Tomáš , Bozděch Michal , Zvonař Martin 
Published: August 2022

Objectives
Barefoot shoes have recently become a popular alternative to conventional shoes among the parents of pre-school children. As the long-term effect of habitual shoe-wearing on the foot is still unclear, the aim of this study was to compare the arch index, dynamic foot anthropometry and gait parameters in toddlers who had been habitually wearing barefoot shoes or conventional shoes since their first steps.

Methods
30 toddlers– 15 habitually wearing barefoot shoes (BF group) and 15 habitually wearing conventional shoes (N-BF group)–participated in this study. Each child was measured twice during the study. The first data collection session occurred within one month after the first five consecutive unsupported steps were performed by the toddler. The second data collection session occurred seven months after this event. At each data collection session, the toddler was instructed to walk barefooted at its natural speed over an Emed® platform (Novel GmbH, Germany). The Emed ® software generated data regarding the arch index, dynamic foot anthropometry, foot progression angle, contact area, contact time, peak pressure and maximum force. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the differences between the 1st and 2nd data collections. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences between the BF and N-BF groups.

Results
The results of this study show a higher plantar arch and a smaller foot progression angle in the BF group. The forefoot width in both the BF and N-BF groups remained proportional to the foot length after seven months of independent walking.

Conclusions
These findings may encourage parents and caregivers to introduce barefoot shoes or create a habitual barefoot time for their child.
Informalität im regionalen Wachstumsprozess. Einblick in eine „Black Box“ der Planungspraxis am Beispiel Luxemburgs
Authors: Schmitz Nicolas , Hesse Markus , Becker Tom 
Published: August 2022

This paper deals with the management of settlement growth in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg from the perspective of informality. Luxembourg is subject to high demographic and economic growth pressures across all parts of the country (capital, old-industrialized South, rural North), which strongly challenges the current planning system. At the same time, there is no formal regional planning, apart from approaches of inter-municipal cooperation, which are mainly voluntary in nature. Drawing on empirical case studies in two high-growth municipalities (Junglinster, Schuttrange), the paper outlines planning decisions in the institutional triangle between municipality, state and private institutions. Informality serves here not only to compensate for a lack of planning control, but also to deal with the country’s complex legal framework conditions. The vital interests of landowners come into play informally as well: since parts of the country’s wealth emerge from the valorization of property, speculative interests are immanent, and thus block development processes. In this context, the paper addresses elements of a regional growth management that could close the gap that exists between state planning and municipal autonomy.
Fifty years of newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism: current status in Australasia and the case for harmonisation
Authors: Huynh Tony , Greaves Ronda , Mawad Nazha , Greed Lawrence , Wotton Tiffany , Wiley Veronica , Ranieri Enzo , Rankin Wayne , Ungerer Jacobus , Price Ricky , Webster Dianne , Heather Natasha 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Since its implementation 50 years ago in Quebec, Canada, newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism has become one of the most successful public health measures worldwide. Screening programmes across Australia and New Zealand are characterised by significant commonalities in screening algorithms, and a high degree of regional cooperation in harmonisation efforts. We aimed to conduct a comprehensive survey of current performance and practices related to the total testing process for congenital hypothyroidism screening and provide recommendations for harmonisation priorities within our region.

Methods
A survey was conducted involving the six newborn screening laboratories which provide complete geographic coverage across Australasia. Approximately 360,000 newborns are screened annually. Survey questions incorporated pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical aspects of the screening programmes and an extensive 5-year (2016–2020) retrospective analysis of individual programme performance data. Responses from individual screening programmes were collated.

Results
The uptake of newborn screening was over 98% for the six major jurisdictions. All programmes have adopted a single-tier thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) strategy using the Perkin Elmer GSP instrument. Significant similarities exist between programmes for recommended age of collection and recollection protocols for low birthweight newborns. The process for the determination of TSH cutoffs varies between programmes. TSH lower cut-offs for borderline-positive and positive notifications between 12–15 and 12–25 mIU/L blood, respectively. Recall rates vary between 0.08 and 0.20%. The case definition for congenital hypothyroidism generally includes biochemical and radiological parameters in addition to the commencement of thyroxine. All programmes reported collecting biochemical and clinical data on infants with positive screening tests, and positive predictive values vary between 23.6 and 77.3%. Variation in reported incidence (1:1,300–2,000) cannot be entirely explained by cutoff or recall rate (although one programme reporting fewer cases includes only permanent disease).

Conclusions
Despite similarities between newborn screening algorithms for congenital hypothyroidism across Australia and New Zealand, differences in reported programme performance provide the basis for further harmonisation. Surveillance of a large population offers the potential for the ongoing development of evidence-based screening guidelines.
Pursuing appropriateness of laboratory tests: a 15-year experience in an academic medical institution
Authors: Panteghini Mauro , Dolci Alberto , Birindelli Sarah , Szoke Dominika , Aloisio Elena , Caruso Simone 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Appropriateness in Laboratory Medicine has been the object of various types of interventions. From published experiences, it is now clear that to effectively manage the laboratory test demand it is recommended to activate evidence-based preventative strategies stopping inappropriate requests before they can reach the laboratory. To guarantee appropriate laboratory test utilization, healthcare institutions should implement and optimize a computerized provider order entry (CPOE), exploiting the potential of electronic requesting as “enabling factor” for reinforcing appropriateness and sustaining its effects over time. In our academic institution, over the last 15 years, our medical laboratory has enforced various interventions to improve test appropriateness, all directly or indirectly based on CPOE use. The following types of intervention were implemented: (1) applying specific recommendations supported by monitoring by CPOE as well as a continuous consultation with clinicians (tumour markers); (2) removing outdated tests and avoiding redundant duplications (cardiac markers, pancreatic enzymes); (3) order restraints to selected wards and gating policy (procalcitonin, B-type natriuretic peptide, homocysteine); (4) reflex testing (bilirubin fractions, free prostate-specific antigen, aminotransferases, magnesium in hypocalcemia); and (5) minimum retesting interval (D-Dimer, vitamin B12, C-reactive protein, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase). In this paper, we reviewed these interventions and summarized their outcomes primarily related to the changes in total test volumes and cost savings, without neglecting patient safety. Our experience confirmed that laboratory professionals have an irreplaceable role as “stewards” in designing, implementing, evaluating, and maintaining interventions focused to improving test appropriateness.
Optimierung der Lernergebnisse durch Coaching: Ein trianguläres Modell der Lehr­kommunikation im Proseminar „Historiolinguistik II“
Authors: Windberger-Heidenkummer Erika , Present Eva , Rungger Nadia 
Published: August 2022

AbstractDie aufbauende Lehrveranstaltung Historiolinguistik II ist an der Universität Graz im Bachelorstudium Germanistik als Pflichtfach und im Masterstudium Lehramt Deutsch als Wahlfach verankert. Der Fokus liegt auf grundlegenden Aspekten der historischen Grammatik des Deutschen. Lehrziel ist die Erweiterung und Vertiefung von sprachhistorischem Wissen und der Aufbau von entsprechenden Transferkompetenzen. Seit 2015 gibt es dazu ein begleitendes Coaching-Angebot: Ein bis zwei ausgezeichnete Absolvent:innen des Proseminars aus vergangenen Semestern unterstützen die Teilnehmer:innen bei der Lösung von kontinuierlich angebotenen Arbeitsaufträgen. Sie führen zwei begleitete Übungseinheiten durch und beantworten inhaltliche und methodische Fragen. Dieses trianguläre Modell der Lehrkommunikation (Lehrende, Coaches, Studierende) bewährt sich insbesondere auch bei Distanzlehre. Anhand des Coachings im Wintersemester 2020/21 soll im Zusammenhang mit Ablauf, Inhalten, Zielen und Ergebnissen der Lehrveranstaltung beispielhaft erläutert werden, welche Auswirkungen das Zusatzangebot auf die individuellen Leistungen der Studierenden und auf die Leistung der Gruppe im Gesamten hatte. Es wird auch thematisiert, in welchem Ausmaß die Studierenden auf das Angebot eingegangen sind, in welchen Zeiträumen des Semesters es besonders stark in Anspruch genommen wurde und wie die Qualität der gestellten Anfragen zu bewerten ist.
Connectivity with respect to α-discrete closure operators
Authors: Šlapal Josef 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
We discuss certain closure operators that generalize the Alexandroff topologies. Such a closure operator is defined for every ordinal

α
>
0

\alpha \gt 0

in such a way that the closure of a set

A

A

is given by closures of certain

α

\alpha

-indexed sequences formed by points of

A

A

. It is shown that connectivity with respect to such a closure operator can be viewed as a special type of path connectivity. This makes it possible to apply the operators in solving problems based on employing a convenient connectivity such as problems of digital image processing. One such application is presented providing a digital analogue of the Jordan curve theorem.
Generalized notion of integral inequalities of variables
Authors: AlBaidani Mashael M. , Ganie Abdul Hamid , Almuteb Asia Fahd Mohammad 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe fractional structures of variables using Riemann–Liouville notion have been analyzed by various authors. The novel idea of this article is to introduce the new notion of weighted behavior on random variables using integral inequalities. In view of these, we obtain some new generalized fractional inequalities by using this new fractional integration of continuous random variables.
Novel alginate immobilized TiO2 reusable functional hydrogel beads with high photocatalytic removal of dye pollutions
Authors: Wan Shiqi , Zhao Wei , Xiong Dezhi , Li Shibo , Ye Yao , Du Lisheng 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
TiO2 semiconductor photocatalysis is an effective technology for the treatment of wastewater containing organic dye pollutants, which has been received extensive focus. However, the problems in the recovery and reutilization process impede the large-scale applications of particulate photocatalytic materials. Herein, a macro sized hydrogel bead loaded with nano TiO2 powder was successfully prepared by taking advantage of the cross-linking and gel property of alginate salt, which could form egg-box structure naturally when Na+ ions in sodium alginate (SA) were replaced by divalent ions such as Cu2+, Co2+, and Sr2+ ions. The photocatalytic degradation rate of methyl orange (MO) solution in the presence of the hydrogel beads reaches 99% within 60 min under the ultraviolet light irradiation, which is competitive with that of TiO2 nano powder. Furthermore, the hydrogel beads prepared by this strategy maintain over 95% photocatalytic degradation rate after 10 cycles of degradation process. The results indicate that the network structure of alginate could immobilize and disperse TiO2 particle effectively, and it is readily for the spherical beads to contact and harvest the light, making the alginate beads have excellent photocatalytic functions. Also, the alginate based beads integrate good performance with high stability and excellent recyclability perfectly.
A case of falsely elevated D-dimer result
Authors: Çevlik Tülay , Turkal Rana , Haklar Goncagül , Şirikçi Önder 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Heterophile antibodies can cause interferences in immunometric assays. While many tests are shown to be affected by interference from heterophilic antibodies, the D-dimer test has rarely been reported to be affected. With this case, we report an elevated D-dimer measurement which was not compatible with the clinical presentation.

Case presentation
A 41-year-old patient who was admitted to hospital with heart palpitations had a D-dimer elevation irrelevant to his clinical condition. D-dimer measurements were repeated in new samples directly and after being treated in heterophilic blocking tube with two different reagent lots of a latex-based automated immunoturbidimetric assay and an immunoturbidometric assay. D-dimer values were normalized (0–0.5 mg/L) when we used a new lot of reagent on the same instrument or measured by an immunoturbidometric method on the chemistry analyzer. After treatment with HBT, all samples revealed D-dimer results within the reference ranges.

Conclusions
The presence of heterophile antibodies in a sample should be considered when an elevated D-dimer value that is not compatible with the clinical presentation is encountered. Apart from the patient’s HA’s causing false results, sporadic susceptibility of the reagents should also be kept in mind as a possibility.
Effect of self-recirculating casing treatment on the unsteady flow and stability of counter-rotating axial-flow compressor
Authors: Guo Yanchao , Gao Limin , Mao Xiaochen 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Counter-rotating axial-flow compressor (CRAC) is a promising technology to enhance the thrust-to-weight ratio of aero-engines. Self-recirculating casing treatment (SRCT) is an efficient flow control technique for increasing stall margin in conventional compressors. With the purpose of investigating the applicability and mechanism of SRCT in the CRACs, a two-stage CRAC is selected to investigate the stability enhancement mechanism of SRCT and its effect on the unsteady flow near the rotor tip, and the effect of injector location on the stability improvement capacity of SRCT is also studied. Results show that about 7.73% stall margin improvement can be achieved by configuring the SRCT on the near rotor top, and the injector location also has a significant influence on the stability expansion potential of SRCT. The SRCT delays the stall occurrence by weakening the intensity of tip leakage flow (TLF) and restraining the leading-edge spillages of TLF. The SRCT reduces the unsteady interference between the adjacent rotors by receding the disturbance of the upstream wake and inhibiting the potential flow effect of the downstream. Furthermore, the SRCT reduces the self-excited oscillation frequency of TLF and damps its fluctuation amplitude.