bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of polar liquids using support vector machine based classification model
Authors: Prasanna Thushara Haridas , Shantha Mridula , Pradeep Anju , Mohanan Pezholil 
Published: August 2022

<div align="left">The dispersive nature of polar liquids creates ambiguity in their identification process. It requires a long time and effort to compare the measured values with the available standard values to identify the unknown liquid. Nowadays machine learning techniques are being used widely to assist the measurement techniques and make predictions with great accuracy and less human effort. This paper proposes a support vector machine (SVM) based classification model for the identification of six polar liquids- butan-1-ol, dimethyl sulphoxide, ethanediol, ethanol, methanol and propan-1-ol for a temperature range of 10 °C–50 °C and frequency range of 0.1 GHz – 5 GHz. The model is constructed using the data from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) report MAT 23. The identification of unknown liquid is based on complex permittivity measurement. If the measurement error in complex permittivity is less than ±6% of the standard value in NPL report, the proposed model identifies the liquids with 100% accuracy in the entire temperature and frequency range. The performance of the model is validated by testing the model with data external to the dataset used. The findings show that the proposed model is a useful and efficient tool for identifying unknown polar liquids.</div>
Gender Representation in Japan’s National and International Diplomacy
Authors: Flowers Petrice R. 
Published: August 2022

Summary
How do we account for the discrepancy between the number of Japanese women serving in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the number in United Nations (UN) organisations? This article identifies where women and men are located in both national and international diplomacy. I argue that in ministries of foreign affairs around the world, institutional rules and norms account for the low numbers of women in these organisations. This research makes a new contribution to the literature by demonstrating that institutional rules and norms at the UN provide many opportunities for Japanese women to engage in diplomatic work, in contrast to national MFAs where norms and rules tend to circumscribe women’s participation. I argue that women choose to seek out these opportunities to fulfil their goals. Thus, this article investigates women’s agency in pursuing careers in international affairs as well as the effect of institutional rules and norms.
A Single-Center, Retrospective Cohort Study Evaluating the Use of Probiotics for the Prevention of Hospital-Onset Clostridioides difficile Infection in Hospitalized Patients Receiving Intravenous Antibiotics
Authors: Shah Punit Jitendra , Halawi Hala , Kay Jessica , Akogun Adanma , Wise Silvia , Aly Sarfraz , Daoura Nicolas , Putney David 
Published: August 2022

Background: Exposure to antimicrobials is a known risk factor for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Antimicrobials cause collateral damage by disrupting the natural intestinal microbiota allowing for C. difficile to thrive and production of C. difficile toxins. Probiotics could modulate the onset and course of CDI. However, the data on probiotics for the prevention of CDI is conflicting. Objective: To evaluate the rates of hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infection (HO-CDI) among patients who received intravenous (IV) antibiotics plus probiotics versus IV antibiotics alone. Design: Retrospective, single-center cohort study. Methods: We included adult patients that received at least 1 dose of IV antibiotics and had a hospital length of stay of at least 3 days between August 2017 and July 2020. Patients were separated into 2 cohorts, either receipt of probiotics or non-receipt of probiotics. Patients with positive C. difficile toxin test prior to antibiotic therapy, or receipt of only C. difficile active treatment were excluded. The primary outcome was incidence of HO-CDI in patients who received IV antibiotics plus probiotics compared to those that received IV antibiotics alone. Logistic regression was performed to account for confounding variables. Results: We identified 17 598 patients that received IV antibiotics alone and 2659 patients received IV antibiotics plus probiotics. HO-CDI occurred in 46 (0.26%) of those that received antibiotics alone compared to 5 (0.19%) of those that received probiotics with IV antibiotics (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.28-1.81). ICU admission (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.02-3.19) and history of CDI (OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.07-10.97) in the past 12 months were associated with a higher incidence of HO-CDI. Conclusion: The addition of probiotics did not reduce the incidence of HO-CDI among inpatients receiving IV antibiotics.
Overcoming the influence of a 2 metre long pipe offset on water flow capacity of drainage with secondary ventilation in a high-rise building
Authors: Li Qinwen , Yan Xin , Shang Yu , Guan Yuxi , Fang Zheng 
Published: August 2022

A potential consequence of installing a 2 m long pipe offset on a ventilated drainage system in a high-rise buildings is that the water seal could be damaged when the flowrate exceeds the maximum discharge capacity of a drainage system, thereby threatening the indoor health safety. Some high-rise buildings are designed for commercial and residential use to achieve economic and social benefits, so the whole building use and layout changes in the vertical direction. The drainage stack may be designed with an offset between floors to avoid structural obstacles inside the building. The flow direction change could destroy the water seal of sanitary appliances and threaten the health of residents. To better understand the influence of the form of a pipe offset on the drainage capacity, a full-scale experiment was conducted to study the secondary ventilated system with an antireflux H-tube pipe, which was equipped with two guide plates inside to improve the air-water flow pattern and prevent backflow, installed between floor. This study also considered a kind of offset where the offset distance was 2.0 m rather than the S-shaped offset joint, which is more common in commercial and residential complexes. The influence on the discharge capacity of installing an extra antireflux H-tube pipe was compared with normal 90-degree elbow and only one antireflux H-tube pipe above the offset point. The pressure fluctuation and water seal losses under constant discharge rates were adopted as experimental parameters to determine the maximum discharge capacity according to Standard for Capacity Test of Vertical Pipe of the Domestic Residential Drainage System. Results show that the installation of an extra antireflux H-tube pipe can release the air accumulation caused by pipe offset, and the combined installation of a large curvature elbow and an extra antireflux H-tube pipe can effectively improve the discharge capacity.Practical Application: 2 metre long offsets are not unusual in ventilated drainage systems in high-rise buildings, however, designers and builders do not pay sufficient attention to the adverse consequences of the pipe offset. An extra antireflux H-tube pipe can be installed above the offset joint to optimise the drainage system to perform as it would without the offset. In a system with 2 m long pipe offset, installing a large curvature elbow together with an extra antireflux H-tube pipe together provides a better effect.
Clinical features and antibiotic treatment of early-onset neonatal listeriosis
Authors: Wu Fang , Nizar Sithany , Zhang Luan , Wang Fangfang , Lin Xiaojie , Zhou Xihui 
Published: August 2022

Objective To analyze the clinical features, efficacy of antibiotic treatment, and outcome of neonatal listeriosis. Methods This was a retrospective study that included all neonates diagnosed with listeriosis between January 2010 and December 2021. Results Nine male patients and five female patients were analyzed, including 11 preterm and 3 term infants. The mean gestational age was 34 ± 2.6 weeks (29 + 2–40 + 2 weeks), and the mean birth weight was 2392 ± 603 g (1370–3580 g). The maternal clinical manifestations included fever (13/14 [92.9%]), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (12/14 [85.7%]), and intrauterine fetal distress (11/14 [78.6%]). The neonates presented with fever (14/14 [100%]), generalized maculopapular rash (7/14 [50%]), and convulsions (8/14 [57.1%]). Laboratory tests showed leukocytosis (11/14 [78.6%]), monocytosis (9/14 [64.3%]), elevated C-reactive protein levels (13/14 [92.9%]), and thrombocytopenia (6/14 [42.9%]). Eight patients had central nervous system involvement, and Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from the blood in all cases. Empiric antibiotic therapy consisted of a combination of third-generation cephalosporins and penicillin or vancomycin. Four patients died, and 10 patients were cured. Conclusions Preterm infants were more susceptible to listeria infection than term infants, with most having multiple organ injuries. Combined antibiotic application improved the effectiveness of treatment.
Sex-related differences in cluster headache: A hospital-based study in Taiwan
Authors: Liaw Yi-Chia , Wang Yen-Feng , Chen Wei-Ta , Chen Shih-Pin , Wu Jr-Wei , Chen Shu-Ting , Lai Kuan-Lin , Fuh Jong-Ling , Wang Shuu-Jiun 
Published: August 2022

Objectives To compare the clinical profiles between male and female cluster headache patients from a large cohort. Methods This hospital-based study enrolled patients diagnosed with cluster headache between 1997 to 2021. Participants completed structured questionnaires collecting information on demographics, clinical profiles, and quality of life. Treatment regimens and effectiveness were determined through medical chart review. All variables were compared between the sexes. Results In total, 798 patients (M/F:659/139) were enrolled. The male-to-female ratio was 4.7:1 for the full study period, but it declined from 5.2:1 to 4.3:1 for patients enrolled before and after 2010, respectively. The frequencies of chronic cluster headache (M:1.2%, F:1.4%) and aura (M:0.3%, F:0.7%) were low but similar between the sexes. Most headache features showed no difference between men and women. Female patients had significantly longer attack duration, shorter inter-bout duration, higher frequencies for eyelid edema, nausea and vomiting and lower frequencies for conjunctival injection and pacing. Sex difference did not influence headache-associated disability, anxiety, or depression, but poor sleep quality was significantly more common in women. Among menstruating women, 22/122 (18.0%) reported worsening headaches during menses. The effectiveness of treatment was similar between the sexes. Conclusions Despite a decline of male-to-female ratio in the past two decades, most clinical profiles were similar between the sexes.
The Impact of Community-Based Testing Sites and Gift Incentives on COVID-19 Testing Uptake in Maryland, April 29 – May 9, 2021
Authors: Turbyfill Caitlin , Thomas Isabel , Agravat Namita , Prasher Joanna M , Nett Randall J , Stevens Melody , Ricaldi Jessica N , Dunams Tambra M , Brickhouse-Frazier Latasha , Carter Melissa D , Gebru Yonathan , King Ashley , May Coral S , Miller Joseph D , Oguh Chigo , Pullman Amanda , Roman Kaylin , Rose Charles , Scherr Robert , Sidibe Turquoise , Soelaeman Rieza , Weinstein Jonathan , Wilson Todd , Tran Cuc H 
Published: August 2022

Purpose Information on incentives for COVID-19 testing is needed to understand effective practices that encourage testing uptake. We describe characteristics of those who received an incentive after performing a rapid antigen test. Design Cross-sectional descriptive analysis of survey data. Setting During April 29–May 9, 2021, COVID-19 rapid antigen testing was offered in 2 Maryland cities. Sample Convenience sample of 553 adults (≥18 years) who tested and received an incentive; 93% consented to survey. Measures Survey questions assessed reasons for testing, testing history, barriers, and demographics. Analysis Robust Poisson regressions were used to determine characteristic differences based on testing history and between participants who would re-test in the future without an incentive vs participants who would not. Results The most common reasons for testing were the desire to be tested (n = 280; 54%) and convenience of location (n = 146; 28%). Those motivated by an incentive to test (n = 110; 21%) were 5.83 times as likely to state they would not test again without an incentive, compared to those with other reasons for testing (95% CI: 2.67-12.72, P < .001). Critical Limitations No comparative study group. Conclusion Results indicate internal motivation and convenience were prominent factors supporting testing uptake. Incentives may increase community testing participation, particularly among people who have never tested. Keywords COVID-19, pandemic, incentives, health behavior, community testing.
Evaluating the Incidence and Risk Factors for Acute Cellular Rejection in a Steroid Sparing Liver Transplant Center
Authors: Zhang Xunjie , Lichvar Alicia , Chan Christine , Choi David 
Published: August 2022

Background: Corticosteroids has been the mainstay of immunosuppression (IMS) following liver transplant (LT). With the advent of more potent IMS, complete steroid withdrawal has become possible after LT. However, there is limited data regarding the incidence and risk factors for acute cellular rejection (ACR) in LT recipients on steroid sparing regimens. Objective: To identify the incidence and risk factors of ACR in LT recipients at an urban LT center utilizing a steroid-sparing IMS regimen. Methods: This was a single center retrospective study evaluating incidence of ACR in adults (>18 years) who received a LT between 01/01/2008 and 6/30/2019 at a steroid-sparing liver transplant center. Data between patients who had ACR and patients who did not were compared and risk factors were identified by multivariate logistic linear regression. Results: A total of 266 patients were included in this analysis, of which 18.4% experienced ACR within the first year of LT. Median time to first ACR was 134 (interquartile range [IQR]: 34-246) days. Black race (odds ratio [OR]: 4.39, P < 0.001), continued need for prednisone (OR: 2.80, P = 0.015) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia (OR: 6.27, P < 0.001)) were independent risk factors for ACR. Tacrolimus use was associated with less ACR (OR: 0.33, P = 0.013). Conclusion and Relevance: Steroid sparing regimens for IMS post-LT were not associated with an increased incidence of ACR when compared to reported ACR rates in literature. Potential risk factors for ACR include Black race, the use of prednisone maintenance IMS therapy, and CMV viremia.
Major Bleeding Postadministration of Tenecteplase Versus Alteplase in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Walton Mary N. , Hamilton Leslie A. , Salyer Sonia , Wiseman Brian F. , Forster Ann M. , Rowe A. Shaun 
Published: August 2022

Background: Tenecteplase is a genetically engineered fibrinolytic with growing interest in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Compared to alteplase, tenecteplase is effective for neurologic improvement following ischemic stroke in patients with large vessel occlusions who are eligible for thrombectomy and for mild ischemic strokes with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale of 0 to 5. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine if safety outcomes are different in patients receiving tenecteplase and alteplase for acute ischemic stroke. Methods: This retrospective cohort reviewed all patients who received alteplase or tenecteplase from January 2019 to December 2020. Patients admitted before April 28, 2020, received alteplase intravenous bolus over 1 minute followed by an infusion over 1 hour, for a total of 0.9 mg/kg. Patients admitted after this date received tenecteplase 0.25 mg/kg as an intravenous bolus over 5 to 10 seconds. Any patient transferring from an outside facility was excluded. The primary outcome was major bleeding. Results: There was no significant difference in major bleeding between alteplase and tenecteplase (40 [18%] vs 21 [18.1%], P = 0.985). There was no significant difference in all-cause inpatient mortality for alteplase versus tenecteplase (10 [5%] vs 5 [4%], P = 0.934) or in adverse events between the groups (22 [9%] vs 14 [12%], P = 0.541) for alteplase and tenecteplase, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance: Tenecteplase had similar rates of major bleeding versus alteplase and may be a reasonable alternative in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.
Perioperative Antiplatelet Bridging With Cangrelor: A Cohort Study and Narrative Review
Authors: Salgia Alok , Krueger Chelsea K. , Gillette Michael A. 
Published: August 2022

Background: In patients who received a cardiac stent, practice guidelines recommend dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). However, an urgent procedure may be required necessitating interruption of DAPT. Intravenous cangrelor was previously shown to be an alternative due its short-half life and quick onset/offset. Objective: To determine the safety and effectiveness of cangrelor bridging for patients undergoing invasive procedures in a veteran population. Methods: Retrospective cohort of patients from Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and the VA North Texas Health Care Systems who underwent perioperative cangrelor bridging. The primary outcome was the incidence of bleeding using the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria. The secondary outcome was a composite of nonfatal stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), mortality, and unplanned revascularization within 30 days. A narrative review was also performed to summarize cangrelor bridging for noncardiac invasive procedure. Results: There were 41 patients that met the eligibility criteria. Patients were predominantly Caucasian (57.5%) men with a median age of 70 years. The median duration on cangrelor bridging was 2.6 days with 11 and 30 patients undergoing cardiac and noncardiac invasive procedures, respectively. Nine patients (22%) had a bleeding event of which 8 were minor. One was severe due to significant iliopsoas hematoma following drain placement. All bleeding events occurred postoperatively except for 2 perioperative events that occurred during orthopedic procedures. Ischemic events up to 30 days occurred in 3 patients (7.3%) which consisted of 1 (2.4%) nonfatal MI requiring revascularization and 2 (4.9%) deaths, 1 of which was sudden cardiac. Conclusion and Relevance: This study suggests that cangrelor bridging may be a reasonable alternative to holding oral P2Y12 inhibitors in patients requiring interruption of antiplatelet therapy for an urgent surgery/invasive procedure.
The Statistical Fragility of Operative vs Nonoperative Management for Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Systematic Review of Comparative Studies
Authors: Fackler Nathan P. , Karasavvidis Theofilos , Ehlers Cooper B. , Callan Kylie T. , Lai Wilson C. , Parisien Robert L. , Wang Dean 
Published: August 2022

Background: The statistical significance of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative studies is often conveyed utilizing the P value. However, P values are an imperfect measure and may be vulnerable to a small number of outcome reversals to alter statistical significance. The interpretation of the statistical strength of these studies may be aided by the inclusion of a Fragility Index (FI) and Fragility Quotient (FQ). This study examines the statistical stability of studies comparing operative vs nonoperative management for Achilles tendon rupture. Methods: A systematic search was performed of 10 orthopaedic journals between 2000 and 2021 for comparative studies focusing on management of Achilles tendon rupture reporting dichotomous outcome measures. FI for each outcome was determined by the number of event reversals necessary to alter significance ( P < .05). FQ was calculated by dividing the FI by the respective sample size. Additional subgroup analyses were performed. Results: Of 8020 studies screened, 1062 met initial search criteria with 17 comparative studies ultimately included for analysis, 10 of which were RCTs. A total of 40 outcomes were examined. Overall, the median FI was 2.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 2-4), the mean FI was 2.90 (±1.58), the median FQ was 0.032 (IQR 0.012-0.069), and the mean FQ was 0.049 (±0.062). The FI was less than the number of patients lost to follow-up for 78% of outcomes. Conclusion: Studies examining the efficacy of operative vs nonoperative management of Achilles tendon rupture may not be as statistically stable as previously thought. The average number of outcome reversals needed to alter the significance of a given study was 2.90. Future analyses may benefit from the inclusion of a fragility index and a fragility quotient in their statistical analyses.
Artificial Insemination in Queens in the Clinical Practice Setting: Protocols and challenges
Authors: Zambelli Daniele , Cunto Marco 
Published: August 2022

Practical relevance: Despite substantial advances in assisted reproductive techniques having been recently reported in cats, the use of these is limited and routine application is still far from being a reality in veterinary clinics. Nevertheless, there is an increasing demand from domestic cat breeders for artificial insemination (AI) techniques that are already commonly used in dogs. Where natural breeding is not possible in tom cats and queens of high breeding value, AI could offer a solution. Clinical challenges: AI in cats is more difficult than in other species – both in terms of semen collection/handling and oestrous cycle management given that ovulation must be induced. Aim: For practitioners wishing to perform AI in queens, there are challenges to overcome, and a good understanding of the techniques and procedures involved is pivotal. This review aims to contribute to improved knowledge by providing an overview of AI protocols, encompassing choice of breeding animals, procedures for semen collection, oestrus and ovulation induction, AI techniques and equipment. Equipment and technical skills: Depending on the animals involved and the specific AI technique chosen, essential equipment may include an artificial vagina, electroejaculator, endoscope (sialendoscope, which can be fairly expensive) and special catheters for transcervical insemination. Other instrumentation and materials needed are typically readily available in a veterinary clinic. In general, no particular skills are needed to perform the procedures described in this review, with the exception of endoscopic transcervical catheterisation, where the ability to use an endoscope is required. Evidence base: The information and advice/recommendations provided are based on specific feline research and reviews published in scientific peer-reviewed journals, animal reproduction textbooks, and presentations at national and international congresses. The authors also drew on their own clinical experience with regard to the choice of protocols and procedures presented in this review.