bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy absorption in carbon fiber honeycomb structures manufactured using a liquid thermoplastic resin
Authors: Khan Tayyab , Aziz Alia Ruzanna , Irfan Muhammad S , Cantwell Wesley J , Umer Rehan 
Published: March 2022

In this study, carbon fiber/thermoplastic (Elium®) honeycombs were manufactured using the resin infusion process in a customized metallic mold. Honeycomb cores, based on different carbon fiber layers, were manufactured to achieve four different fiber weight fraction composites. Two different types of specimens, based on a single honeycomb cell and five honeycomb cells, were prepared and subjected to compression loading. The results of these tests were compared with data from similar honeycomb structures based on carbon fiber–reinforced epoxy composite. It has been shown that the compressive strength and the specific energy absorption capacity of the honeycombs increase rapidly with increasing fiber weight fraction. The specific energy absorption capability of the novel thermoplastic honeycomb structures has been shown to be as high as 50 kJ/kg which compares favorably with other energy-absorbing core materials. The thermoplastic honeycomb specimens exhibited a similar specific energy absorption capability and an improved compressive strength compared to their epoxy counterparts. Furthermore, the CF/thermoplastic honeycombs exhibited enhanced structural stability and displayed a more uniform and progressive core failure mode than the longitudinal splitting observed in the CF/epoxy honeycombs. The honeycomb core that exhibited the best performance was then used to manufacture thermoplastic sandwich specimens based on CF/thermoplastic face sheets. Three point bend tests were conducted to determine the flexural strength of the sandwich samples and to identify the failure modes. Optical micrographs revealed that the flexural damage was primarily due to the core crushing and adhesive failure between the core and the composite skins.
Surgical outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection in septuagenarians and octogenarians
Authors: Nakai Yosuke , Yamada Toshiyuki , Ogawa Shinji , Kamiya Shinji , Saitoh Yuhei , Suda Hisao 
Published: March 2022

Background We studied surgical outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection and compared early and late outcomes between septuagenarians and octogenarians. Methods From 2010 to 2019, we evaluated 254 consecutive patients with acute type A aortic dissection. We performed emergent operations within 48 h of symptom onset for 188 patients, including 59 septuagenarians and 32 octogenarians. Results The overall 30-day mortality rate was 8.5% in septuagenarians and 9.4% in octogenarians ( p = 1.0). The hospital mortality rate was 10.2% in septuagenarians and 12.5% in octogenarians ( p = 0.74). Multivariate analysis identified prolonged ventilation (≥ 72 h) as a significant risk factor for hospital mortality. Being an octogenarian was not significantly associated with hospital mortality. The actuarial survival rate at 5 years was 80.1% in septuagenarians and 58.5% in octogenarians (log-rank p = 0.09). The freedom from aortic event rate at 5 years was 91.0% in septuagenarians and 100% in octogenarians (log-rank p = 0.23). Conclusion The two groups showed no significant differences in hospital mortality or morbidity. Our tear-oriented strategies might be appropriate for both septuagenarians and octogenarians. Prolonged ventilation (≥ 72 h) was a significant risk predictor for hospital mortality.
High growth episodes among R&D intensive firms: Evidence for Europe, US and Japan
Authors: Aldieri Luigi , Sena Vania , Vinci Concetto Paolo 
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this article is three-fold: first, it tests whether inter-industry R&D spillovers are positively associated with the likelihood of experiencing high growth episodes among R&D intensive firms in Europe, US and Japan; second, it tests whether such a relationship is conditional on their level of absorptive capacity (ACAP); third, it tests whether the acquisition of foreign patents, an additional channel to access external knowledge, trigger high growth episodes among a sub-set of R&D intensive firms. For the empirical analysis, we focus on R&D intensive manufacturing firms observed between 2002 and 2017, located in Europe, US and Japan. The empirical findings support the hypotheses suggesting that: a) inter-industry R&D spillovers are associated with the likelihood of experiencing high growth episodes; b) ACAP conditions the relationship between inter-industry R&D spillovers and the likelihood of experiencing high growth episodes and c) shares of foreign patents are positively associated with the likelihood of experiencing high growth episodes among high-tech R&D intensive firms. JEL codes: C41, L25, O33.
Dexamethasone Enhances Achilles Tendon Healing in an Animal Injury Model, and the Effects Are Dependent on Dose, Administration Time, and Mechanical Loading Stimulation
Authors: Dietrich-Zagonel Franciele , Aspenberg Per , Eliasson Pernilla 
Published: March 2022

Background: Corticosteroid treatments such as dexamethasone are commonly used to treat tendinopathy but with mixed outcomes. Although this treatment can cause tendon rupture, it can also stimulate the tendon to heal. However, the mechanisms behind corticosteroid treatment during tendon healing are yet to be understood. Purpose: To comprehend when and how dexamethasone treatment can ameliorate injured tendons by using a rat model of Achilles tendon healing. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: An overall 320 rats were used for a sequence of 6 experiments. We investigated whether the drug effect was time-, dose-, and load-dependent. Additionally, morphological data and drug administration routes were examined. Healing tendons were tested mechanically or used for histological examination 12 days after transection. Blood was collected for flow cytometry analysis in 1 experiment. Results: We found that the circadian rhythm and drug injection timing influenced the treatment outcome. Dexamethasone treatment at the right time point (days 7-11) and dose (0.1 mg/kg) significantly improved the material properties of the healing tendon, while the adverse effects were reduced. Local dexamethasone treatment did not lead to increased peak stress, but it triggered systemic granulocytosis and lymphopenia. Mechanical loading (full or moderate) is essential for the positive effects of dexamethasone, as complete unloading leads to the absence of improvements. Conclusion: We conclude that dexamethasone treatment to improve Achilles tendon healing is dose- and time-dependent, and positive effects are perceived even in a partly unloaded condition. Clinical Relevance: These findings are promising from a clinical perspective, as the positive effect of this drug was seen even when given at lower doses and in a moderate loading condition, which better mimics the load level in patients with tendon ruptures.
Partisanship, Messaging, and the COVID-19 Vaccine: Evidence From Survey Experiments
Authors: Golos Aleksandra M. , Hopkins Daniel J. , Bhanot Syon P. , Buttenheim Alison M. 
Published: March 2022

Purpose To investigate partisanship in COVID-19 attitudes, and assess partisan or scientific messaging effects on COVID-19 vaccination intentions. Design Two-wave survey with two-arm randomized experiment. Setting Recruited Pennsylvania residents online. Sample 2037 (May 2020) and 1577 (October 2020) Pennsylvania residents, aged 18–94 years. Intervention Respondents saw messaging that presented either President Trump or scientists endorsing the vaccine, then reported their vaccination intentions. Measures Likert scale items measuring COVID-19 attitudes (May), including mask wearing and vaccination intentions (May and October). Analysis Partisan differences in attitudes were analyzed by chi-square; differences in support for mask wearing and vaccination intentions were also analyzed by Mann–Whitney U. The messaging experiment was analyzed by chi-square, Mann–Whitney U, and survey-weighted multivariate logistic regression. Results Significant partisan differences were found in all attitudes. The partisan split in support for mask wearing increased from May to October, whereas the split in vaccination intentions decreased. Compared to partisan messaging, scientific messaging increased overall odds of intending to vaccinate by 32% in May (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-1.65), and increased odds among Democrats by 142% in October (AOR = 2.42, CI = 1.29-4.55). Scientific messaging had no significant effect on independents or Republicans. Conclusion Partisan COVID-19 attitudes were widespread and persistent. Partisan endorsement of the vaccine positively influenced those with congruent beliefs, while scientific messaging produced consistent effects across political affiliation.
Quasi-Experimental Study Comparing CBT, MBCT, Activity-Based Supportive Counselling for Hong Kong Delinquent Youth
Authors: Wong Daniel Fu Keung , Cheung Yves Cho Ho , Huang Yu-Te , Tam Cherry Hau Lin , Chan Wilson Man Ho , Yeung Kenneth Kin Wa 
Published: March 2022

Purpose: This study compared Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Activity-based Supportive Counselling (treatment-as-usual; TAU) for reducing delinquency, psychological risk factors, mental health symptoms, and improving the quality of life among at-risk youths in Hong Kong outreaching social services. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, non-custodial youths with delinquency and mental health issues underwent eight sessions of CBT ( n = 24), MBCT ( n = 30), or TAU ( n = 61). Results: Dependent-sample t-test showed CBT reduced mental health symptoms and delinquency. TAU reduced mental health symptoms and improved quality of life. MBCT resulted in no significant change. Time x group ANCOVA underscored TAU in improving quality of life. Hierarchical linear regression showed decreases in delinquency and mental health symptoms mediated by decreases in psychological risk factors. Discussion: Results suggest that outreaching social service agencies in Hong Kong could enhance their intervention by augmenting the sports and leisure activities of TAU with structured CBT programs.
Community pharmacists preparedness and barriers for cancer health promotion in North Cyprus
Authors: Bosah Dubem Henry , Birand Nevzat , Başgut Bilgen , Abdi Abdikarim 
Published: March 2022

Introduction The role of a community pharmacist is well recognized in the literature as the most accessible health care provider that promotes health wellness and disease prevention. Evidence supports their role in cancer health promotion though this is not seen yet in practice. The aim of the study was to assess community pharmacists’ preparedness in terms of knowledge, role perception and barriers for providing cancer health promotion in North Cyprus. Methods A cross-sectional face-to-face questionnaire-based study was carried among a randomly selected representative sample of community pharmacists in North Cyprus between June 2020 and August 2020. A pre-validated 31-item questionnaire tool was revised by an expert panel and adopted for purpose of this study. Results 200 (64.5%) out of 310 approached community pharmacists’ have accepted and responded to the questionnaire of which 183 were fully answered. The community pharmacists’ awareness of cancer was moderate, as 70% answered correctly. Most respondents (93.4%) agree that pharmacists should be involved in cancer health promotion. Most respondents (> 90%) agree that pharmacist's lack of interest in oncology, lack of educational material and pharmacist's hesitancy about their knowledge of cancer are respectively the most important barriers for cancer health promotion. Conclusion The study shows that community pharmacist well perceives their role in cancer health promotion despite moderate awareness of cancer related facts and hesitancy of their knowledge necessary for assuming their role. Lack of interest, motivation and cancer educational materials availability are also major barrier to address.
Doppler Ultrasonography Derived Maximal Systolic Acceleration: Value Determination With Artificially Induced Stenosis
Authors: Brouwers Jeroen J. W. M. , van Doorn Louk P. , Pronk Laurie , van Wissen Rob C. , Putter Hein , Schepers Abbey , Hamming Jaap F. 
Published: March 2022

Background In diagnosing peripheral arterial disease (PAD), medial arterial calcification (MAC) hampers arterial compression and could lead to unreliable ankle brachial index (ABI), toe brachial index (TBI) and toe pressure (TP). Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) derived maximal systolic acceleration (ACCmax) might be more accurate to diagnose PAD. In an in vitro study, a strong correlation between ACCmax and the severity of stenotic disease was determined. The aim of this study was to investigate the ACCmax in correlation with conventional non-invasive diagnostics in an in vivo setting. Methods: In twelve healthy individuals, an arterial stenosis was mimicked by compression on the common femoral artery by an ultrasounds probe, creating a local stenosis of 50%, 70% and 90%. The ABI, TBI, TP and several DUS parameters (including ACCmax) were assessed at the ankle during these different degrees of stenosis. All DUS parameters were measured separately by two observers to determine the interobserver variability. Results: Overall the ABI, TBI, TP, ACCmax, ACCsys and PSV decreased significantly when the degree of stenosis increased. The ACCmax showed the highest correlation with the degree of stenosis (r −.884), compared to ABI (r −.726), TBI (r −.716) and TP (r −.758). Furthermore, the interobserver variability of ACCmax was excellent, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of .97. Conclusion: ACCmax is an accurate non-invasive DUS parameter to diagnose and assess the severity of a mimicked arterial stenosis in healthy individuals. Further prospective assessment of the clinical value of ACCmax and its potential benefits in patients with PAD is needed.
Noticable Findings in Cranial MRI of the Patients with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Çankaya Imran , Bayar Muluk Nuray , Burulday Veysel , Karadeniz Bilgili M. Yasemin , Özdemir Adnan 
Published: March 2022

Objectives Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by increased intracranial pressure. We investigated the optic nerve, Meckel’s cavity, internal carotid artery (ICA) and pituitary findings of IIH by Cranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Methods Cranial MRI images of 35 adult patients with IIH and 35 adult subjects with normal cranial MRI results (control) were evaluated. Optic nerve diameter (OND), optic nerve sheat diameter (ONSD), OND/ONSD ratio, ON tortuosity, ON protrusion, posterior scleral flattening, ICA transverse diameter, CSF distance in Meckel’s cavity and ICA transverse diameter/CSF distance in Meckel’s cavity ratio, and pituitary gland measurements (height and transverse dimension; and Optic chiasm- pituitary gland distance) were measured. Results OND and ONSD of the IIH group were significantly higher than those of the control groups at anterior and posterior measurements (p < 0.05). OND/ONSD ratio of the IIH group was lower at anterior measurement; and higher at the posterior measurement than the control group (p < 0.05). Right ICA transverse diameter and bilateral CSF distance in Meckel’s cavity of the IIH group were higher than those of the control. Optic chiasm- pituitary gland distance of the IIH group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion OND/ONSD ratio is different in anterior and posterior measurements. So we recommend measuring OND and ONSD separately in IIH patients to use in the clinical practice. Similarly, optic chiasm-pituitary gland distance is also another point to note for IIH patients on MRI. Our paper adds new approach to IIH in terms of OND/ONSD ratio.
Effect of laser peripheral iridotomy on contrast sensitivity using Spaeth/Richman Contrast Sensitivity test
Authors: Ichhpujani Parul , Thakur Sahil , Singh Tanu , Singh Rohan Bir , Kumar Suresh 
Published: March 2022

Background: Laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) is the current standard of care for primary angle-closure glaucoma. The existing literature lacks evidence regarding the effects of LPI on contrast sensitivity (CS) after the procedure. Objective: This study evaluates central and peripheral CS in patients undergoing LPI using the computer-based, Spaeth/Richman Contrast Sensitivity (SPARCS) test. Methods: We performed a pilot, prospective, interventional cohort study including 30 patients of primary angle-closure suspect (PACS) or primary angle closure (PAC) in both eyes. LPI was performed after a detailed history and clinical examination using standard procedure in all eyes. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and CS testing using SPARCS was performed before, 2 weeks and 3 months after LPI. Results: Data analyses revealed female predominance (66.67%, 20/30); the mean age of enrolled patients was 49.93 ± 10.43 years, and presenting acuity was 0.02 ± 0.06 (Log of Minimum Angle of Resolution [LogMAR]). The mean vertical cup-to-disc ratio (VCDR), mean deviation (MD in dB) and pattern standard deviation (PSD in dB) were 0.34 ± 0.09, –2.36 ± 1.72 and 2.34 ± 0.81, respectively. There was a statistically significant decrease between the pre- (15.17 ± 3.83 mmHg) and 2 weeks post-LPI (11.70 ± 1.53 mmHg) IOP ( p < 0.001). However, CS in the pre- (73.47 ± 9.88) and 3 months post-LPI (75.20 ± 11.98) SPARCS scores did not reveal any statistical difference. The group-wise analysis showed a similar trend between PAC and PACS patients. Conclusion: LPI does not affect central as well as peripheral CS assessment in patients with the primary angle-closure disease.
Utility of PET/CT in assessing early treatment response in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Charalampous Charalampos , Goel Utkarsh , Broski Stephen M. , Dingli David , Kapoor Prashant , Gertz Morie A. , Lacy Martha Q. , Dispenzieri Angela , Hayman Suzanne R. , Buadi Francis , Hwa Lisa , Leung Nelson , Lin Yi , Gonsalves Wilson I. , Kourelis Taxiarchis V. , Warsame Rahma , Fonder Amie , Hobbs Miriam , Binder Moritz , Kyle Robert A. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kumar Shaji K. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy that is characterized by diverse clinical presentations. Although biochemical assessment of disease activity is commonly used to monitor treatment response, findings on magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT), among other imaging modalities, have proven to harbor prognostic value. We sought to corroborate these findings by examining the prognostic significance of fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT scanning in the setting of newly diagnosed MM. We retrospectively analyzed 195 patients with a PET/CT available at diagnosis and at 6 months posttreatment to examine their value as an adjuvant metric to conventional hematologic responses in terms of time to next treatment (TTNT) and overall survival (OS). The median TTNT and OS for the entire cohort were 24.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.4-29.1) and 79 months (95% CI, 63.1-119.1), respectively. When comparing PET/CT negative (−) with PET/CT positive (+) patients, we found significantly prolonged median TTNT (55.2 vs 17.8 months, P &lt; .0001) and OS (unreached vs 60.8 months, P &lt; .0001) in the former group. We then examined the additive value of PET/CT on the hematologic response achieved at 6 months and found that PET/CT (−) is associated with significantly increased median TTNT and OS for the very good partial response (VGPR) group and the less than VGPR group. Importantly, PET/CT retained prognostic significance after adjusting for multiple other predictive variables. We conclude that a PET/CT (−) at 6 months confers a significant prognostic advantage for patients with newly diagnosed MM and adds significant value to the hematologic response assessment.
Programme costs of longer and shorter tuberculosis drug regimens and drug import: a modelling study for Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan
Authors: Kohler Stefan , Sitali Norman , Achar Jay , Paul Nicolas 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThe introduction of new and often shorter tuberculosis (TB) drug regimens affects the cost of TB programmes.MethodsWe modelled drug purchase and import costs for 20-month, 9-month and 4- to 6-month TB drug regimens based on 2016–2020 treatment numbers from a TB programme in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, and 2021 Global Drug Facility prices.ResultsOn average, 2225±374 (±sd) people per year started TB treatment, 30±2.1% of whom were diagnosed with drug-resistant forms of TB. Transitioning from a 6-month to a 4-month drug-susceptible (DS)-TB drug regimen increased the TB programme's annual DS-TB drug cost from USD 65±10 K to USD 357±56 K (p<0.001) and its drug import cost from USD 6.4±1.0 K to USD 9.3±1.4 K (p=0.008). Transitioning from a 20-month all-oral multidrug-resistant (MDR)-TB drug regimen to a 9-month MDR-TB drug regimen with an injectable antibiotic decreased the TB programme's annual MDR-TB drug cost from USD 1336±265 K to USD 266±53 K (p<0.001) and had no significant effect on the drug import cost (USD 28±5.5 KversusUSD 27±5.4 K; p=0.88). Purchasing (USD 577±114 K) and importing (USD 3.0±0.59 K) the 6-month all-oral MDR-TB drug regimen cost more than procuring the 9-month MDR-TB drug regimen but less than the 20-month all-oral MDR-TB drug regimen (both p<0.01).ConclusionIntroducing new and shorter TB drug regimens could increase the cost of TB programmes with low drug resistance rates and decrease the cost of TB programmes with high drug resistance rates.