bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statin use is associated with better post‐operative prognosis among patients with hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yun Byungyoon , Ahn Sang Hoon , Oh Juyeon , Yoon Jin‐Ha , Kim Beom Kyung 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe high postoperative recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant challenge. Patient metabolic factors are potential disease modifiers and should be examined as risk factors for postoperative prognosis. Here, we assessed the association between long‐term statin use and HCC recurrence after surgical resection of hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related HCC.MethodsPatients who initially underwent curative resection for HBV‐related HCC between 2005 and 2015 were recruited and followed up until December 2019. Patients were classified into statin user and non‐statin user groups based on whether or not they had been prescribed statins for ≥2 years. The primary outcome was HCC recurrence, and the secondary outcome was liver‐related mortality. The cumulative incidence by statin use was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log‐rank test. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable Cox regression.ResultsAmong 5653 patients with a median 6.1 years of follow‐up, HCC recurrence and liver‐related mortality occurred in 1603 and 316 patients, respectively. The 5‐year cumulative incidence of HCC recurrence in the statin user group (15.9%) was significantly lower than that in the non‐user group (21.3%; p = .019). From multivariable Cox regression analysis, statin use was significantly associated with a reduced risk of HCC recurrence (aHR 0.77, 95% CI: 0.61–0.98; p = .035) and liver‐related mortality (aHR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.25–0.90; p = .023).ConclusionLong‐term statin use was significantly associated with reduced risk of HCC recurrence and liver‐related mortality after curative resection of HBV‐related HCC.
U‐Pb Saturn: New U‐Pb/Pb‐Pb Data Reduction Software for LA‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Silva Joao P.A. , Lana Cristiano , Mazoz Ariela , Buick Ian , Scholz Ricardo 
Published: December 2022

U‐Pb Saturn is new freeware for U‐Pb LA‐ICP‐MS data reduction. It has been developed to provide easy interaction with and visualisation of LA‐ICP‐MS U‐Pb datasets, and allows fast and reliable data reduction of hundreds of data‐points. Saturn offers dynamic graphic interfaces to quickly view, evaluate, and plot U‐Pb and Pb‐Pb isotope data. It operates online (or offline), giving the freedom to change parameters and reprocess data at any stage of data acquisition. The main interface allows the user to: (1) choose the best statistics for drift correction, (2) include/exclude offset factors and (3) apply (or not) Pbc corrections in different modes. Signal intensities are displayed in a separate graphic interface that allows users to interact with the time‐resolved signal of individual spot analyses. All graphic windows are interactive; any modification to data treatment (e.g., inclusion or exclusion of analyses of reference material, or modification of the time‐resolved signal windows) is instantaneously updated on the data tables. Saturn is particularly attractive for beginners in LA‐ICP‐MS U‐Pb geochronology as it is non‐commercial, easy to install, and very interactive. Coding information and a version of the software can be accessed at http://www.air.ufop.br.
Between Ideology and Nationality: Drivers of Legislative Oversight in the European Parliament's Economic Dialogues
Authors: Akbik Adina , Migliorati Marta 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWhat drives the behaviour of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in legislative oversight? In this article, we explore the interplay between the ideology and nationality of MEPs in policy fields where the two dimensions are likely to come into conflict. Focusing on EU socio‐economic governance, we collect an original dataset of parliamentary questions asked during the Economic Dialogues with the European Commission (2012–2019). By means of content analysis, we detect variation in MEPs' preferences relating to two dimensions central to this field, that is, economic effectiveness and social inequality. We argue that the variation in MEPs' concerns can be explained to different degrees by their ideology and nationality. We find that ideology plays a highly significant role in shaping the type of questions posed in legislative oversight; however, the nationality of MEPs is also an important driver of behaviour, especially when a member state is disproportionately affected by EU measures.
Do insurers respond to active purchasing? Evidence from the Massachusetts health insurance exchange
Authors: Shepard Mark , Forsgren Ethan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractHealth insurance markets face continued challenges with high premiums and limited insurer competition. We describe a unique set of “active purchasing” policies used by Massachusetts' pioneer health insurance exchange to shape the rules of competition and reward lower‐price insurers with additional customers. We provide evidence that these policies significantly influenced insurer pricing. Between 2010 and 2013, over 80% of insurer prices were set exactly at or within 1% of pricing thresholds created by active purchasing policies. A key “limited choice” policy was associated with a 16%–20% reduction in average insurance prices relative to comparison markets in 2012–2014. Insurers achieved these price cuts partly through cost reductions via narrower provider networks and partly through reduced profit margins.
Factors associated with nutrition intervention adherence: Evidence from a cluster‐randomised controlled trial in Kenya
Authors: Siegal Kim , Musau Kelvin , Woodruff Bradley A. , Custer Emily , Vergari Lucie , Anyango Hellen , Donkor William , Kiprotich Marion , Rohner Fabian , Wegmüller Rita 
Published: December 2022

AbstractNutrition experts point to the importance of a multipronged approach to address high stunting rates in rural areas. This can include nutrition‐specific and ‐sensitive interventions, such as the provision of micronutrient powder, eggs, and chlorine, and nutrition training to improve feeding practices. In 2018, an agricultural nongovernmental organisation initiated a multipronged approach as part of a randomised trial. However, adherence to a programme with so many components can be challenging for participants. The aim of this study is to understand which factors are associated with high adherence in complex multifaceted nutrition‐sensitive agricultural programmes. We used a mixed method approach in which we used bivariate and multivariable analyses to estimate the relationship between child and caregiver demographic factors with product adherence. We analyzed data from six focus groups and 120 feedback sessions on barriers to product adherence. We found that the age and sex of the child did not influence product adherence, but caregivers were more likely to adhere to all products if they were not the child's biological mother (most often grandmothers) (0.28 higher adherence score; p < 0.001) and if caregivers were older (0.34 higher adherence score, p < 0.001). A higher monthly training attendance, combining product distribution and interactive training, predicted stronger product adherence. Participants noted that adherence was supported by the early demonstration of positive results, regular reminders, interactive trainings, and the encouragement of family members. These findings underscore the importance of combining product distribution with training and include potentially targeting grandmothers and other caregivers who may demonstrate higher product adherence.
Force behaviour of elastic chains during a simulated gap closure in extraction therapy cases
Authors: Sabbagh Hisham , Bamidis Elias P. , Keller Alexander , Stocker Thomas , Baumert Uwe , Hoffmann Lea , Wichelhaus Andrea 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveTooth movement with elastic chains requires defined force magnitudes. This study assessed the force behaviour of different elastic chains at different configurations of gap width.MethodsSelf‐ligating brackets of teeth 5 & 6 and 2 & 3 were bonded to two movable aluminium plates. The plates were positioned on a joint basis with varying distances of 0.5, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, and 8.0 mm. Reset forces of open and closed chains from four different manufacturers were investigated in four different configurations. Configurations differed in either having an additional intermediate ring within the gap (#1, #3) and/or having intermediate rings between teeth adjacent to the gap (#1, #2), or by no intermediate rings (#4). Forces were measured with a universal testing machine. The results were statistically analysed using U‐test, H‐test and (if applicable) post‐hoc tests with a significance level of .05.ResultsConfigurations #1 and #3, and #2 and #4 formed homogenous subgroups (P < .001). Initial forces in configuration #4 were significantly higher than in configuration #3 (P = .029). Initial forces in closed chains were significantly higher than for open chains (P = .029).ConclusionsIntermediate chain rings adjacent to the gap are not required to modulate the force. In contrast, leaving a ring unapplied in the tooth gap can help modulate the force. Open thermoset chains with an additional ring within the gap (#3) seem to produce suitable initial forces for a gap closure of 4 mm. With a residual gap width of <2 mm, open thermoset chains and closed thermoset chains (#4) seem suitable.
Decompression versus decompression plus fusion for treating degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Peng , Liu Zhenxiu , Liu Hong , Yu Yaqiong , Huang Liqun , Lu Min , Jin Xiaohong 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundDegenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) is a complex clinical syndrome that leads to spinal compression. Decompression with fusion has been the most commonly used surgical procedure for treating DLSS symptoms for many years. However, the exact role of fusion and its effectiveness in DLSS therapy has recently been debated.ObjectiveThe main purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of decompression alone and decompression plus fusion in the treatment of DLSS with or without spondylolisthesis.Study DesignA systematic review and meta‐analysis of the therapeutic effects of decompression for DLSS with or without the combination of fusion.MethodsA literature search in five relevant databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane Library was performed from the inception of the database to March 2022. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the comparison between decompression and decompression plus fusion for DLSS were included.ResultsA total of seven studies, 894 patients were analyzed in this meta‐analysis. Among these, 443 patients were included in the decompression plus fusion group while 451 patients were included in the decompression alone group. Pooled analysis showed that the combination of decompression with fusion had no superior benefits to decompression alone in terms of Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score in the first 2 years and long‐term follow‐up after surgery, also no significant difference in the improvement of back and leg pain was found between two groups. Adding fusion to decompression was associated with a longer operation time, higher complication rate, more blood loss, and extended hospital stay. Furthermore, there was no difference in reoperation rates and patients' satisfaction between the two groups at the last follow‐up.ConclusionDecompression plus fusion may not be associated with a better clinical outcome in ODI scores and back or leg pain improvement but with a longer duration of operation time, extended hospital stay, and more blood loss.
The effect of high‐voltage monophasic pulsed current on diabetic ulcers and their potential pathophysiologic factors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Girgis Beshoy , Carvalho Davide , Duarte José Alberto 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe present review was conducted to determine the efficacy of high‐voltage monophasic pulsed current (HVMPC) in treating diabetic ulcers, assess its effect on skin lesions with each of the pathophysiologic factors potentially contributing to diabetic ulcers, evaluate its safety, and identify treatment parameters. Electronic search of PubMed, Scopus, PEDro and Google Scholar databases was conducted. The revised tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials (RoB 2), the risk of bias in non‐randomised studies‐of interventions (ROBINS‐I) and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool were used to assess risk of bias and methodological quality. Overall quality of evidence was determined using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) principles. Thirty‐two studies matched the eligibility criteria, and included 1061 patients with 1103 skin lesions of selected aetiologies; 12 randomised controlled trials were included in quantitative synthesis. HVMPC plus standard wound care (SWC) likely increased the probability of complete wound healing of pressure ulcers (PrUs) compared with sham/no stimulation plus SWC; relative risk (RR) 2.08; 95% CI: [1.42, 3.04], p = 0.0002; I2 = 0%, p = 0.61; eight studies, 358 ulcers. Although conclusive evidence regarding the effect of HVMPC on diabetic ulcers was not found, collateral evidence might suggest a potential benefit. Direct evidence, with moderate certainty, may support its efficacy in treating PrUs, albeit few adverse reactions were reported. Other observations, moreover, might indicate that this efficacy may not be limited to PrUs. Nonetheless, several aspects remain to be clarified for safe and effective application of electrical stimulation for wound healing.
Theory-derived intervention to improve oral health of older adults: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gao Xiaoli , Wong Mun Loke , Kalhan Ashish Chetan , Xie Joshua Jiaming , Siti Hajar Hamzah , Yeo Alvin Boon Keng , Allen Patrick Finbarr 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionChanging health behaviours is an important and difficult task. Despite growing interest in behavioural theories and models, there is a paucity of research examining their validity in explaining oral health behaviours, and there is a need for interventional studies to assess their effectiveness in improving oral health. This study aims to test the explanatory power of the dominant psychological theories, develop theory-derived intervention and evaluate its effectiveness in improving oral health of older adults.Methods and analysis440 community dwelling older adults will be recruited. To be eligible for this trial, one needs to be 55–79 years old, having at least 8 natural teeth, and with no life-threatening disease, impaired cognitive function, or radiotherapy in the head and neck region. At the initial visit, each participant will be required to complete a detailed questionnaire which collects information on sociodemographic background, oral health behaviours and domains of three psychological theories and models: (1) health belief model, (2) theory of planned behaviour and (3) social cognitive theory. The theory or model that best explains the health behaviours will be selected for designing the oral health intervention. The effectiveness of the theory-derived intervention will be evaluated in a randomised controlled trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups, receiving theory-derived intervention and conventional health education, respectively. At baseline and at 12 and 24 months post intervention, each participant will complete a short questionnaire and undergo an oral examination (dental check-up). The effectiveness of the interventions will be evaluated using behavioural outcomes (diet, toothbrushing, interdental cleaning) and clinical outcomes (oral hygiene, dental caries and periodontal conditions).Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of National University of Singapore (Ref: NUS-IRB-2020-417). Findings will be presented in international conferences and peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT04946292.
Qualitative study to explore UK medical students’ and junior doctors’ experiences of occupational stress and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Tawse James , Demou Evangelia 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesThis qualitative study aimed to explore the occupational experiences of medical students and junior doctors working during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the research sought to identify factors which mediated work stress, barriers to disclosing mental health problems and levels of support medical students and junior doctors received during the pandemic.DesignThis study was a form of thematic analysis and adopted an inductive, ‘bottom-up’ approach, in which coded categories were derived from rich, descriptive data.SettingSemistructured interviews were conducted online with UK-based medical students and junior doctors. Interviews were recorded, and analysis was done by coding salient quotes into themes.ParticipantsThe final sample consisted of seven junior doctors and eight medical students, during the summer of 2021.ResultsHigh levels of occupational stress were identified, which were exacerbated by COVID-19. A number of organisational difficulties associated with the pandemic compounded participants’ experiences of work stress. Participants recognised progress towards promoting and managing mental health within the profession but may still be reluctant to access support services. Barriers to disclosure included fear of stigmatisation, concerns about adding to colleagues’ workloads, lack of clarity about career implications and mistrust of occupational health services.ConclusionsWhile attitudes towards mental health have improved, medical students and junior doctors may avoid seeking help. Given the immense pressures faced by health services, it is imperative that extra measures are implemented to minimise work-stress, encourage help-seeking behaviours and promote supportive work cultures.
Efficacy of perioperative intravenous lidocaine infusion on postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic lung resection surgery: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wang Fei , He Yanxia , Zhou Miyi , Luo Qingyong , Zeng Zuojia , Liu Li , Zeng Si , Lei Qian 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionPostoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are the most common complications following thoracoscopic surgery, resulting in increased hospital costs and perioperative mortality. Studies have shown that intravenous lidocaine infusion can exert its anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the release of proinflammatory cytokines. This study is designed to investigate whether intraoperative intravenous lidocaine infusion can reduce the incidence of PPCs in adult patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic lung resection surgery.Methods and analysisThis single-centre, double-blinded study will enrol 366 patients scheduled for video-assisted thoracoscopic lung resection surgery. Patients will be randomly assigned to the lidocaine or placebo infusion group in a 1: 1 ratio. The lidocaine group will receive lidocaine intravenously during the intraoperative period, while the placebo group will be administered normal saline at an equal volume, infusion rate and timing. The primary outcome is the incidence of PPCs within 7 days following surgery. The secondary outcomes are quality of postoperative recovery 40 scores; length of hospital stay (determined by the number of days from admission to discharge); incidence of moderate to severe pain within 24 and 48 hours at rest and when coughing; incidence of additional rescue analgesics use and incidence of adverse events.Ethics and disseminationThe study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital (approval no. 20222241). Written informed consent will be obtained from all patients before randomisation. The results of this trial will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberChiCTR2200061979.
Tsallis cosmology and its applications in dark matter physics with focus on IceCube high-energy neutrino data
Authors: Jizba P. , Lambiase G. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn this paper we employ a recent proposal of C. Tsallis and formulate the first law of thermodynamics for gravitating systems in terms of the extensive but non-additive entropy. We pay a particular attention to an integrating factor for the heat one-form and show that in contrast to conventional thermodynamics it factorizes into thermal and entropic part. Ensuing two laws of thermodynamics imply Tsallis cosmology, which is then subsequently used to address the observed discrepancy between current bound on the Dark Matter relic abundance and present IceCube data on high-energy neutrinos. To resolve this contradiction we keep the conventional minimal Yukawa-type interaction between standard model and Dark Matter particles but replace the usual Friedmann field equations with Tsallis-cosmology-based modified Friedmann equations. We show that when the Tsallis scaling exponent $$\delta \sim 1.57$$

δ
∼
1.57

(or equivalently, the holographic scaling exponent $$\alpha \sim 3.13$$

α
∼
3.13

) the aforementioned discrepancy disappears.
Prioritising nano- and microparticles: identification of physicochemical properties relevant for toxicity to Raphidocelis subcapitata and Daphnia magna
Authors: Hund-Rinke Kerstin , Broßell Dirk , Eilebrecht Sebastian , Schlich Karsten , Schlinkert Ruben , Steska Tim , Wolf Carmen , Kühnel Dana 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Advanced/innovative materials are an undefined group of nano- and micro-particles encompassing diverse material compositions, structures and combinations. Due to their unique properties that enable specific functions during applications, there are concerns about unexpected hazards to humans and the environment.
In this study, we provide ecotoxicity data for 36 nano- and microparticles of various inorganic species (single constituents and complex compositions; materials releasing toxic ions and others), morphologies (spheroidal, cubic, flaky, elongated/fibrous) and sizes (10 nm–38 µm). By applying Raphidocelis subcapitata algae growth inhibition and Daphnia magna immobilisation tests according to OECD test guidelines 201 and 202, and extensive material characterisation, we aimed to identify indicators of concern. This would allow better predictions of the hazardous properties of these materials in the future.

Results
The chemical identity (toxic ion-releasing materials vs. other materials) and agglomeration behaviour, which is affected by size (nm vs. µm) and morphology (fibres vs. others), were obvious drivers of ecotoxicity on R. subcapitata. Differences in morphology had an impact on agglomeration behaviour. Fibres formed agglomerates of varying sizes with entrapped and attached algae. Small compact (e.g. spheroidal) particles attached to algae. A high coverage resulted in high ecotoxicity, while less toxic materials attached to a much lesser extent. No agglomeration of algae and particles was observed for particles with a µm size. Small toxic components of large hybrid materials did not affect ecotoxicity. For D. magna, despite uptake of all materials studied into the gut, the sole indication of toxicity was the release of toxic ions. This is in line with previous observations on nanomaterials. Based on the identified criteria, charts were developed to indicate the expected toxicity of advanced/innovative materials toward algae and daphnia.

Conclusion
Indicators for the toxicities of advanced materials differ for algae and daphnia. Thus, different materials give rise to concerns for the two aquatic organisms. For D. magna, only the toxic ion-releasing materials are relevant, but for R. subcapitata, more complex interactions between particular materials and cells must be considered.

Graphical Abstract