bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relation Between New York Heart Association Functional Class and Remnant Cholesterol, and Non-high Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Coronary Heart Disease Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Cheng Qi , Li Zhu , Wang Xu , Wang Shuo , Liu Yijia , Huang Mengnan , Li Yue , Xue Xiaoxue , Bu Huaien , Yang Rongrong , Xu Yilan , Li Lin , Gao Shan , Zheng Yanchao , Yu Chunquan 
Published: April 2022

Remnant cholesterol (RC) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) are associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the association between RC, non-HDL-C, and CHD patients with T2DM has not been comprehensively investigated. We analyzed the association between RC, non-HDL-C, and cardiac function in CHD patients with T2DM. Of the 22 022 CHD patients from six hospitals in Tianjin, 5373 (24.4%) patients with T2DM had higher levels of RC and non-HDL-C ( P < .001) than those without T2DM. Among CHD patients with T2DM, RC and non-HDL-C were positively associated with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class Ⅱ [RC: odds ratio (OR), 1.74; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.50–2.01; P < .01; non-HDL-C: OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.15–1.31; P < .01]. After adjusting for confounding factors, this association remained (RC: OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.03–1.45; P < .05; non-HDL-C: OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02–1.17; P < .05). These findings provide evidence of an independent positive association between RC, non-HDL-C, and NYHA functional classes. More research is warranted to confirm these findings and determine the mechanisms involved.
Should Propranolol Remain the Gold Standard for Treatment of Infantile Hemangioma? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Propranolol Versus Atenolol
Authors: Chen Tiffany , Gudipudi Rachana , Nguyen Shaun A. , Carroll William , Clemmens Clarice 
Published: April 2022

Background: Although propranolol has been established as the gold standard when treatment is sought for infantile hemangioma, concerns over its side effect profile have led to increasing usage of atenolol, a beta-1 selective blocker. Methods: A systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Cochrane was conducted following PRISMA guidelines using MeSH terms and keywords for the terms propranolol, atenolol, and infantile hemangioma, including alternative spellings. All randomized control trials (RCTs) or cohort studies directly comparing outcomes of hemangioma treatment with atenolol and propranolol were included. A meta-analysis with pooled mean differences, pooled odds ratios, and analysis of proportions was performed. Results: A total of 669 participants in 7 studies (3 RCTs and 4 cohort) were included. Propranolol showed a significantly higher rate of complete response compared to atenolol (73.3% vs 85.4%, P = .0004). The pooled mean difference of 0.07 (95% CI –0.12, 0.27) in Hemangioma Activity Score (HAS) was not statistically significant. In terms of side effects, there were significantly more agitation and bronchial hyperreactivity events in the propranolol group ( P = .0245 and P < .0001, respectively). Overall, there was a significantly greater number of adverse events in the propranolol group compared to the atenolol group (185 vs 117, P < .00001). The overall pooled odds ratio was 2.70 (95% CI 1.90, 3.84), indicating that there is 2.7 times higher odds of adverse events in the propranolol group. Conclusion: Propranolol treatment leads to a significantly higher rate of complete response than atenolol. However, its use must be weighed against its greater side effect profile.
Investigation of mechanical, physicochemical, and thermal properties of new fiber from Silybum marianum bark fiber
Authors: Laifa Fakhreddine , Rokbi Mansour , Amroune Salah , Zaoui Moussa , Seki Yasemin 
Published: April 2022

The present investigation aimed to understand the physicochemical properties of the new cellulosic fiber extracted from the bark of Silybum marianum (SM), in view of using it as a potential reinforcement for polymer composites. The morphological and anatomy, physical, thermal and mechanical properties of fibers were firstly discussed in this paper. The Silybum marianum fibers (SMF) were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), optical microscope, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and single fiber tensile test. The average Young’s modulus and the breaking stress data presented by the fibers are 15.97 GPa and 201.16 MPa, respectively. XRD reveals the presence of cellulose with a crystallinity index of 45%. Thermal stability (250°C) and maximum degradation temperature (357.72°C) of the SMF are established by the thermogravimetric analysis. An analysis of the mechanical properties was carried out on a population of 35 samples using Weibull statistics with two and three parameters.
Deriving Constitutional Implications: The Role of ‘External’ Sources in the Text and Structure Approach
Authors: Avgoustinos Costa 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe High Court applies the ‘text and structure approach’ when deriving constitutional implications. This requires implications to be drawn from the ‘text’ and ‘structure’ of the document. A particular line of criticism has been made by some scholars that frames this approach as a falsehood. According to these scholars, judges claim to be drawing implications solely from the ‘text’ and ‘structure’ but are, in fact, employing ‘external’ sources when carrying out this task. I argue that this criticism is misguided. Judges are using ‘external’ sources to help illuminate the ideas conveyed by, or contained within, the ‘text’ and ‘structure’. This means that their use of ‘external’ sources is not necessarily a circumvention of the text and structure approach but an accompaniment to it. The relevant scholars’ critique seems to be rooted in flawed conceptualisations of the Constitution’s ‘text’ and ‘structure’ and their ideational content. This work examines the problems with the relevant scholars’ critique and offers what I consider to be a more accurate explanation of the operation (and shortcomings) of the text and structure approach.
Revisiting Marginal Intra-Industry Trade and Portuguese Labour Market
Authors: Leitão Nuno Carlos , Braz Henrique Freixa , Oliveira Pedro 
Published: April 2022

Objectives This study aims to empirically test the smooth adjustment hypothesis (SAH) in the Portuguese labour market during 2000–2018, considering changes in employment, wage, productivity, consumption and the marginal intra-industry trade. Research Design So, following the literature, a greater marginal intra-industry trade intensity should reduce adverse shocks expressed in temporary inefficiencies such as undesirable job search costs and workers’ relocation and retraining. According to state of the art, our research strategy considered a battery of diagnosis tests about the random generating process of variables included in a dynamic panel data model. Methods The extensive work developed in this paper is a further step to introduce recent techniques such as the Method of Moments Quantile Regression and the cointegration panel models to infer long-term dynamics. Results and Conclusions Overall, the main point is that we find evidence confirming the hypothesis mentioned above, showing that mutual interactions reduce adverse shocks above mentioned. Thus, the study demonstrates that the marginal intra-industry trade promotes smooth adjustment in the Portuguese economy.
Implementation of the graduated compression as an adjunct to pharmaco-thromboprophylaxis in surgery trial results across the UK
Authors: Lawton Rebecca , Shalhoub Joseph , Davies Alun H 
Published: April 2022

Objectives This study aims to examine uptake and dissemination of a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA)–funded trial – Graduated compression as an Adjunct to Pharmaco-thromboprophylaxis in Surgery (GAPS) (project number: 14/140/61) amongst health professionals in the UK. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the trial on venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention policies 7 months after publication. Method A 12-question online survey emailed to 2750 individuals via several vascular societies, 34 VTE Exemplar Centre leads and 1 charity over a 3-month period. Results In total, 250 responses were received; a 9.1% response rate. Over half of all respondents (52.4%) had read the GAPS trial results prior to completing the survey. Precisely, 77.1% said their hospital had not yet made changes or did not intend to make changes to local hospital VTE policy based on the GAPS trial. Conclusions Findings must be interpreted in the context of the low response rate. Further in-depth interviews would aid understanding of barriers to implementing change.
Does a powerlifting inspired exercise programme better compliment pain education compared to bodyweight exercise for people with chronic low back pain? A multicentre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gibbs Mitchell T , Morrison Natalie MV , Raftry Sean , Jones Matthew D , Marshall Paul W 
Published: April 2022

Background Contemporary management of chronic low back pain involves combined exercise and pain education. Currently, there is a gap in the literature for whether any exercise mode better pairs with pain education. The purpose of this study was to compare general callisthenic exercise with a powerlifting style programme, both paired with consistent pain education, for chronic low back pain. We hypothesised powerlifting style training may better compliment the messages of pain education. Methods An 8-week single-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted comparing bodyweight exercise (n  =  32) with powerlifting (n  =  32) paired with the same education, for people with chronic low back pain. Exercise sessions were one-on-one and lasted 60-min, with the last 5–15 min comprising pain education. Pain, disability, fear, catastrophizing, self-efficacy, anxiety, and depression were measured at baseline, 8-weeks, 3-months, and 6-months. Results No significant between-group differences were observed for pain ( p≥0.40), or disability ( p≥0.45) at any time-point. Within-group differences were significantly improved for pain ( p ≤ 0.04) and disability ( p ≤ 0.04) at all time-points for both groups, except 6-month disability in the bodyweight group ( p  =  0.1). Behavioural measures explained 39–60% of the variance in changes in pain and disability at each time-point, with fear and self-efficacy emerging as significant in these models ( p ≤ 0.001) Conclusions Both powerlifting and bodyweight exercise were safe and beneficial when paired with pain education for chronic low back pain, with reductions in pain and disability associated with improved fear and self-efficacy. This study provides opportunity for practitioners to no longer be constrained by systematic approaches to chronic low back pain.
Effect of midazolam on delirium in critically ill patients: a propensity score analysis
Authors: Shi He-Jie , Yuan Rui-Xia , Zhang Jun-Zhi , Chen Jia-Hui , Hu An-Min 
Published: April 2022

Objective To observe the association between exposure to midazolam within 24 hours prior to delirium assessment and the risk of delirium. Methods We performed a systematic cohort study with two sets of cohorts to estimate the relative risks of outcomes among patients administered midazolam within 24 hours prior to delirium assessment. Propensity score matching was performed to generate a balanced 1:1 matched cohort and identify potential prognostic factors. The outcomes included the odds of delirium, mortality, length of intensive care unit stay, length of hospitalization, and odds of being discharged home. Results A total of 78,364 patients were included in this study, of whom 22,159 (28.28%) had positive records. Propensity matching successfully balanced covariates for 9348 patients (4674 per group). Compared with no administration of midazolam, midazolam administration was associated with a significantly higher risk of delirium, higher mortality, and a longer intensive care unit stay. Patients treated with midazolam were relatively less likely to be discharged home. There was no significant difference in hospitalization duration. Conclusions Midazolam may be an independent risk factor for delirium in critically ill patients.
Thermoplastic elastomers based on recycled high-density polyethylene/ground tire rubber/ethylene vinyl acetate: Effect of ground tire rubber regeneration on morphological and mechanical properties
Authors: Fazli Ali , Rodrigue Denis 
Published: April 2022

This work investigates the properties of different types of regenerated recycled rubbers (RR1 and RR2) to produce thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) based on recycled high-density polyethylene (RHD) as the matrix. The higher regeneration degree of RR2 (24%) compared to RR1 (15%) was able to better restore the plasticity and processability of the ground tire rubber (GTR). So better entanglement between RR2 free chains and the thermoplastic macromolecules was obtained inducing stronger interfacial interaction leading to higher elongation at break (159%) and impact strength (342 J/m) of the blends filled with 80 wt.% RR2. To further improve the adhesion and achieve rubber-like properties, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) was used as a compatibilizer. The microstructure analysis showed that uniform dispersion of the particles and ground tire rubber encapsulation by EVA increased the resistance to crack propagation and failure of the compatibilized blends. The swelling, mechanical and physical properties of the ternary blends (RHD/GTR/EVA) showed that EVA improved the interfacial interactions between GTR and RHD which was confirmed by enhanced elongation at break (203%) and impact strength (379 J/m) by the addition of 10 wt.% EVA.
Transparent polyimide films with ultra-low coefficient of thermal expansion
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Yang Zhenghui , Piao Fengyu , Guo Haiquan 
Published: April 2022

According to the application requirements of colorless transparent polyimide (CPI) film for low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) in the field of OLED display, the new aromatic dianhydride monomers with amide bond structure were synthesized, namely s-ABDA, i-ABDA, EADA. Furthermore, a series of CPI films were prepared by two-step method from the reaction of as-synthesized dianhydrides with 2.2′-bis (trifluoromethyl) −4.4′-diaminobiphenyl (TFMB) or trans-1.4′-cyclohexanediamine ( t-CHDA). Based on the analysis of performance results, the incorporation of amide group and biphenyl, benzene or ether bond into dianhydride monomer helped this new type of transparent polyimide film with excellent optical properties (T550 nm> 88%), great heat stability (CTE <4.4 ppm/K; Tg >314°C; Td5% >478°C) and good mechanical strength (σ > 208 MPa). The film s-ABDA/TFMB showed ultra-low CTE value at 4.4 ppm/K, aligning with the maximum birefringence, indicating that the role of hydrogen bonding was of great benefit to the regulation of thermal expansion.
The effects of subconjunctival bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept on corneal neovascularization
Authors: Eski MT , Teberik Kuddusi , Oltulu Pembe , Ankaralı Handan , Kaya Murat , Alpay Merve 
Published: April 2022

Purpose To investigate the effects of subconjunctival bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept in an experimental corneal neovascularization model. Materials and methods The eyes of 24 rats were chemically cauterized and randomly divided into four groups: bevacizumab group (0.05 mL/1.25 mg bevacizumab), ranibizumab group (0.05 mL/0.5 mg ranibizumab), aflibercept group (0.05 mL/1.25 mg aflibercept), and control group (0.05 mL saline solution). Plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were among the major measurement outcomes to assess corneal neovascularization. The collected plasmas were analyzed using the SIGMA RAB0511 Rat VEGF Elisa kit. The PCR technique and VEGF amplification procedures were used for molecular analysis. Each cornea was removed and histologically examined on day 21. Corneal images were evaluated by image analyzer software. Results In the post-injection period, the number of major corneal arteries decreased significantly in the injection groups when compared to the control group ( p = 0.037), but no statistically significant differences were noted among the injection groups ( p > 0.05). The aflibercept group had the lowest area of neovascularization. Immunohistochemical staining revealed substantially lower VEGF percentages in neovascularized arteries of the injection groups than the control group ( p = 0.015). In TUNEL staining, the mean TUNEL value (number/1hpf) was substantially greater in the control group than in the injection groups, but the mean TUNEL values were similar between the injection groups ( p = 0.019, p > 0.05, respectively). No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of corneal surface area with increased cellularity, edema, and inflammation ( p = 0.263). The mean plasma VEGF concentration in the control group was statistically greater than those in the injection groups ( p = 0.001). Conclusion Subconjunctival bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept crossed the blood and seemed to be effective in inhibiting corneal neovascularization without causing epitheliopathy in an experimental rat model compared to the controls. However, no significant results were noted between these three anti-VEGF molecules.
Health care utilization and costs of systemic lupus erythematosus in the United States: A systematic review
Authors: Lin Dora H , Murimi-Worstell Irene B , Kan Hong , Tierce Jonothan C , Wang Xia , Nab Henk , Desta Barnabas , Hammond Edward R , Alexander G Caleb 
Published: April 2022

Objectives To evaluate health care utilization and costs for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by disease severity. Methods We searched PubMed and Embase from January 2000 to June 2020 for observational studies examining health care utilization and costs associated with SLE among adults in the United States. Two independent reviewers reviewed the selected full-text articles to determine the final set of included studies. Costs were converted to 2020 US $. Results We screened 9224 articles, of which 51 were included. Mean emergency department visits were 0.3–3.5 per year, and mean hospitalizations were 0.1–2.4 per year (mean length of stay 0.4–13.0 days). Patients averaged 10–26 physician visits/year. Mean annual direct total costs were $17,258–$63,022 per patient and were greater for patients with moderate or severe disease ($19,099–$82,391) compared with mild disease ($12,242–$29,233). Mean annual direct costs were larger from commercial claims ($24,585–$63,022) than public payers (Medicare and Medicaid: $18,302–$27,142). Conclusions SLE remains a significant driver of health care utilization and costs. Patients with moderate to severe SLE use more health care services and incur greater direct and indirect costs than those with mild disease.
Social impact of disease parameters and damage accrual in adult Brazilian patients with childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Tanigava Nicolas Y , Sakamoto Ana P , Franco André S , Balbi Gabriela GM , Sales Lucas P , Aikawa Nadia E , Terreri Maria T , Pereira Rosa MR 
Published: April 2022

Objectives To describe the frequency and investigate potential associations of unemployment, need of financial assistance and health-related quality of life in adult patients with childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (cSLE). Methods In this multicenter cross-sectional retrospective cohort study including cSLE adult patients, questionnaires were applied evaluating demographic characteristics, medical history, treatment, receipt of government financial assistance, work status, quality of life, economic classification, disease activity, and damage accrual. Disease activity and disease damage were measured at the study visit. Results Sixty-nine cSLE patients with a median age of 21 years from two Brazilian tertiary centers were included (median disease duration 9 years). Twenty-eight (40.6%) patients were unemployed and 16 (23.2%) were receiving financial assistance or retirement pension. Work unemployment was associated with higher damage scores (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.09, p = 0.024), and the need of financial assistance was associated with longer disease duration (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.31, p = 0.045) and worse economic score (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.99, p = 0.038). Emotional health and body image perception were the most compromised domains of quality of life but showed no association with disease parameters. Disease activity, on the other hand, was inversely associated with symptoms scores (β = −1.377, p = 0.014) and scores of adverse effects of medications (β = −1.286, p = 0.020). Conclusion cSLE is a disease with severe outcomes and high social burden that profoundly impacts patients. Damage accrual is a major contributor to unemployment during adulthood and its prevention must be central in the management of cSLE.
Effectiveness and Safety of Lower Dose of Rivaroxaban for Cancer-Related Venous Thromboembolism: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chang Chia-Ling , Lin Yi-Jei , Pan Chia-Chia , Kuo Chun-Nan 
Published: April 2022

Background Primary and recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) commonly occur in patients with cancer. However, because of the National Health Insurance regulations, available dosage forms, and clinical conditions, the prescribed dose of rivaroxaban may not be consistent with its recommended dose. Objective To evaluate the 6-month recurrence rate of VTE and safety of rivaroxaban for patients with cancer. Methods Patients with new cancer diagnosis or recurrence from 2014 to 2018 who initiated rivaroxaban for VTE from January 2015 to January 2019 were included. We set the rivaroxaban initiation date as the index date and followed up the patients for 180 days. We collected information regarding the starting and maintenance dose/frequency and the treatment duration. The efficacy outcome was the recurrence of VTE within 180 days. The safety outcome included the major bleeding rate and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (CRNMB) rate. Results Approximately, 46.2% of the 65 included patients received a standard starting dose, and 45% of patients received a maintenance dose above 15 mg (median: 23.9 and 13.1 mg per day, respectively). Two-thirds of the patients stopped treatment within 180 days. Recurrent VTE occurred in 2 (3.1%) patients within 6 months. The major bleeding rate was 7.7%, and the CRNMB rate was 3.1%. Conclusion and Relevance The 6-month recurrence rate of VTE and safety profile were similar between the lower and standard dose of rivaroxaban. This result may be applied to the institutions with dosage availability limited by formulary regulation and patients who cannot use full dose because of clinical considerations.