bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vasodilators for acute heart failure—A protocol for a systematic review of randomized clinical trials with meta‐analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Grand Johannes , Nielsen Olav W. , Møller Jacob Eifer , Hassager Christian , Jakobsen Janus Christian 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundAbove one million annual hospitalizations occur with a primary diagnosis of acute heart failure in the US, with comparable numbers in Europe. Within 1 year, over a third of patients have died or been re‐hospitalized. Most patients have acutely elevated systemic and/or intra‐cardiac blood pressures as part of the acute heart failure syndrome. Most clinical trials of acute heart failure have aimed at reducing preload and/or afterload through drug‐induced vasodilation. However, recent European guidelines downgraded the treatment recommendation of vasodilators. We aim to assess the beneficial and harmful effects of vasodilators in the treatment of acute heart failure.MethodsThis protocol for a systematic review was undertaken using the recommendations of The Cochrane Collaboration and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis Protocols. We plan to include all randomized clinical trials assessing the use of vasodilators in the treatment of AHF. The systematic review will be conducted based on a systematic search of relevant major medical databases without date restrictions, including MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in addition to clinical trial registries. We will begin the searches in August 2022. All included trials will be assessed and classified at low risk of bias or at high risk of bias. Our conclusions will be based on the results from the primary outcomes with concomitant low risk of bias. Extracted data will be analyzed using Trial Sequential Analysis 0.9.5.10, Review Manager 5.3, and SAS. We will assess the certainty of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. We will register this systematic review at Prospero and aim to update it when new trials are published.DiscussionThis protocol defines the detailed methodology and approach used for a systematic review on whether vasodilation for acute heart failure improves patient outcome. This systematic review will potentially aid clinicians in deciding the optimal treatment of patients admitted with acute heart failure. Furthermore, this review will explore gaps in our knowledge and thus guide future research within acute heart failure.
Can cash incentives modify groundwater pumping behaviors? Evidence from an experiment in Punjab
Authors: Mitra Archisman , Balasubramanya Soumya , Brouwer Roy 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAs groundwater levels steadily decline in India, authorities are concerned about reducing extraction for irrigation purposes without jeopardizing food security. Very low or zero prices for electricity and water in agriculture is partly responsible for overextraction, but charging higher prices is politically not feasible. In this study, we describe the results of a pilot scheme implemented in Punjab, India, where farmers who enrolled were allocated a monthly entitlement of electricity units and compensated for unused electricity. Eight hours of uninterrupted daytime electricity supply were also provided under the scheme instead of the usual mix of daytime and night‐time supply. Analyzing data from a cross‐sectional farm household survey and instrumenting for enrollment, we find that self‐reported hours of irrigation for enrolled farmers were significantly lower than for non‐enrolled ones, with no impact on rice yields. We also find a reduction in monthly electricity consumption at electricity‐feeder level due to the pilot scheme using the synthetic control method. Our results suggest that the combination of daytime electricity provision and cash incentives for unused electricity has the potential to incentivize farmers to reduce electricity consumption and irrigation hours by at least 7.5% and up to 30% without impacting paddy yields.
Insights for Modern Applications of Psilocybin Therapy from a Case Study of Traditional Mazatec Medicine
Authors: González‐Mariscal Jesús M. , Sosa‐Cortés Paulina E. 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACTThe "people of knowledge" of traditional Mazatec medicine have preserved until today the ritual use of psilocybin mushrooms as part of their health care systems. The renewed interest in the effect of psilocybin on human consciousness for both therapeutic and recreational purposes usually obviates the historical and cultural background of indigenous peoples, as well as the legitimation of their practices and knowledge. In this article, through the case study of a foreign person who attended a Mazatec ritual specialist to participate in a ritual night ceremony known as velada, we show the importance of approaching research on psychoactive plants and mushrooms from a transdisciplinary and intercultural perspective, so that we can appreciate the profound complexity of the healing processes that take place in traditional indigenous contexts, as well as the limits of recreational uses or exclusively neopositivist and clinical approaches.
Laparoscopic versus open surgery for elderly patients with colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of matched studies
Authors: Luo Weimin , Wu Mengyuan , Chen Yanling 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundTo compare clinical and survival outcomes between laparoscopic versus open surgery in elderly colorectal cancer patients.MethodsPubMed, Embase and Scopus databases were systematically searched. The review included studies that were either randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or observational in design. STATA was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe meta‐analysis was conducted with 24 studies. Compared with elderly subjects with open surgery, those undergoing laparoscopic surgery had a lower risk of mortality (within 3 months postoperatively) (RR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.94). The long‐term overall survival (HR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.89, 1.04), disease‐free survival (HR 1.02, 95% CI: 0.93, 1.13), risk of recurrence (RR 1.44, 95% CI: 0.90, 2.30) and readmission (RR 1.11, 95% CI: 0.88, 1.40) rates were statistically similar in both the groups. The operative time (in minutes) was higher (WMD 30.37, 95% CI: 17.75, 43.0) and the blood loss (in ml) was lower (WMD −78.85, 95% CI: −101.96, −55.75) in those undergoing laparoscopic surgery. The length of hospital stay (in days) (WMD −2.53, 95% CI: −3.11, −1.95) and the time of return of bowel movements (in days) (WMD −1.06, 95% CI: −1.20, −0.93) was lower in those with laparoscopic surgery. The pooled risk of complications was lower in those with laparoscopic surgery (RR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.60, 0.74), compared with open surgery.ConclusionsFindings suggest that in elderly subjects with colorectal cancer, laparoscopic surgery appears to be more beneficial than open surgery and should be prioritized, subject to the availability of required technical skills and facilities.
The Water Budget Myth and Its Recharge Controversy: Linear vs. Nonlinear Models
Authors: Louwyck Andy , Vandenbohede Alexander , Heuvelmans Griet , Van Camp Marc , Walraevens Kristine 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe water budget myth, which is the idea that safe pumping must not exceed the initial recharge, gave rise to a controversy about the role of recharge in assessing the sustainability of groundwater development. To refute the concept of safe yield, a simplified water budget equation is used, which equals the total pumping rate to the sum of capture and storage change. Since initial recharge and discharge are canceled out from this equation, it is concluded that sustainable pumping has nothing to do with recharge. Investigating the assumptions underlying this equation, it is seen that it expresses the superposition principle, which implicitly assumes the groundwater reservoir can be depleted indefinitely and boundary conditions are an infinite source of water. To evaluate sustainability, however, the limits of the aquifer system must be examined accurately. Theoretically, this can only be accomplished applying nonlinear models, in which case setting up the simplified water budget equation is impossible without knowing the initial conditions. Hence, excluding recharge when assessing sustainable pumping may not be done inconsiderately, which is illustrated by two examples. An analytical solution, developed by Ernst in 1971 to simulate flow to a well in a polder area with a nonlinear function for drainage, even shows that it is not necessarily a misconception to assume the cone of depression stops expanding when the pumping rate is balanced by the infiltration rate.
Structural characterization of the near‐surface region of soda–lime–silica glass by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Roy Barsheek , Baier Felix , Rosin Andreas , Gerdes Thorsten , Schafföner Stefan 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe structural chemistry of the near‐surface region of soda–lime–silica (SLS) glass is described in terms of silicate network connectivity using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A thorough investigation of O1s and Si2p spectral lines by sequential XPS measurements, accompanied by Ar+ sputtering, revealed the variation of concentration of bridging oxygen, non‐bridging oxygen (NBO), and hydrous species (SiOH/H2O) as a function of depth from the glass surface. The Ototal/Si atomic ratio was calculated to vary in the range of 2.90–3.74 throughout the depth of sputtering for a total duration of 110 min, while considering each of the aforementioned oxygen speciations in the curve‐fitted spectra of O1s orbital. The glass surface up to a depth of 1–3 nm had the highest Ototal/Si ratio of 3.74, which was representative for a mechanically weak structure with Q0 and Q1 species, marked by the respective linkages of four and three NBOs per silica tetrahedral unit. This dictates the vital contribution of the hydrous species associated with silanol groups to the near‐surface structure of SLS glass.
The effect of educational interventions in managing nurses' alarm fatigue: An integrative review
Authors: Nyarko Brenda Abena , Nie Huiyu , Yin Zengzhen , Chai Xiaoya , Yue Liqing 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundAlarm fatigue is becoming more widely acknowledged as a serious safety concern in modern clinical practice. Nurses are not always proficient in the alarms' functions and capabilities, and they do not undertake training regularly. Educating nurses on alarms maintains their knowledge and abilities in complex clinical settings. Some education has been undertaken to improve clinical alarm response, but the evidence for evaluating the effectiveness of nurse education interventions is limited.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of educational interventions for reducing alarm fatigue in nurses, including the reduction of excessive, false and non‐actionable alarms, which are major factors causing alarm fatigue in nurses.Data sourcesPUBMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS and OVID databases were systematically searched from 2016 to 2021.DesignIntegrative Review.Review methodsAn integrative review of literature was performed using the PRISMA checklist. Critical appraisal was done using Joanna Briggs Institute level of evidence.ResultsThirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The results of most studies showed that educational intervention was beneficial for reducing the total number of alarms and false alarms. Furthermore, nurses' perceptions and knowledge improved, but the reduction in nurses' alarm fatigue is uncertain. A positive effect in alarm management practices was identified after the educational intervention.ConclusionEducational intervention may be the way to manage nurses' alarm fatigue. The use of medical devices in hospitals is increasing exponentially, and for this reason, alarms are inevitable. The introduction of effective and continuous education and training programs for nurses concerning clinical alarm management as well as raising nurses' awareness of the occurrence of alarm fatigue is vital.
Eradicating ageism through social campaigns: An Israeli case study in the shadows of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Okun Sarit , Ayalon Liat 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThis study examined three social campaigns for the eradication of ageism that were undertaken in Israel during the COVID‐19 pandemic (April, 2020–May, 2021). The documentation and analysis of the campaigns were undertaken via the lens of the Theory of Change and Five Key Principles for social campaigns: planning strategically, communicating effectively, fostering community engagement, implementing key activities, and using research. We conducted desk reviews and qualitative interviews with the campaigns’ organizers. The Theory of Change implemented by the campaigns targeted self‐ageism among independent older people and/or employers of older adults. All campaigns emphasized “active aging” and “successful aging,” to decrease (self)‐ageism. The focus on one dimension of active and positive aging may result in ageism and exclusion of older people who do not fit into the category of independent and active people. The complex timing of the campaigns had influenced the degree of implementation of the five key principles. The joining of forces of different organizations and the employment of more diverse representations of old age, may facilitate the achievement of campaign goals. Finally, an empirical evaluation of social campaigns’ efforts is still necessary to gather evidence about the effectiveness of social campaigns.
Reducing neuropathies between the 2020 and 2021 Covid‐19 surges in a large UK intensive care unit: A quality improvement project
Authors: Jeffrey Jack , Miller Caroline , O'Sullivan Joel , Cahill Emma , Barrios Alejandro , Power Dominic 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundPeripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) can be acquired by patients in intensive care unit (ICU) who are critically unwell with Covid pneumonitis. Prone position ventilation has been linked to this life‐changing complication.AimTo reduce the occurrence and severity of PNIs for patients with Covid pneumonitis requiring prone positioning whilst sedated and ventilated in ICU.Study DesignThis study is a quality improvement project that evolved over the course of the first two surges of Covid pneumonitis admissions within the ICU at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (Surge 1: March 2020–July 2020, 93 prone ventilation survivors; Surge 2: September 2020–May 2021, 309 prone ventilation survivors). Implementation of updated prone positioning guidelines that aimed to reduce the risk of PNI. This was supplemented by face‐to‐face teaching for ICU professionals. The number of patients who sustained PNI and the severity of such injuries were recorded.ResultsDuring the first surge 21 patients (22.6%) had at least one high grade PNI. During the second surge there were 12 patients (3.9%) sustaining an intermediate or high grade PNI. For PNI patients, there was an increase in the mean proning episodes (6–13) and duration (17.8–18.6 h). This represents an 82% reduction in PNI cases. High grade injuries reduced from 14/21 (66%) to 4/12 (33%).ConclusionsOptimizing the position of patients in the prone position in ICU with Covid pneumonitis may be key in reducing the development of PNI. Changes to pharmacological management may have influenced the results seen in this study.Relevance to Clinical PracticeClinicians working within ICU with acutely unwell patients with Covid pneumonitis should acknowledge the heightened risk of PNI and take relevant steps to reduce the risk of injury acquisition.
History of Ultrasound in Medicine from its birth to date (2022), on occasion of the 50 Years Anniversary of EFSUMB. A publication of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound In Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB), designed to record the historical development of medical ultrasound
Authors: Dietrich Christoph F. , Bolondi Luigi , Duck Francis , Evans David H , Ewertsen Caroline , Fraser Alan G. , Gilja Odd Helge , Jenssen Christian , Merz Eberhard , Nolsoe Christian , Nürnberg Dieter , Lutz Harald , Piscaglia Fabio , Saftoiu Adrian , Vilmann Peter , Dong Yi , Hill Christopher R (Kit) 
Published: August 2022

The history of the European Federation of Societies in Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) is closely related to the general history of ultrasound. In the presented paper the physical background and history of technologies including A-mode, Time motion or M-mode, 2D Imaging (B-mode) are summarized. In addition, ultrasound tissue characterization, Doppler ultrasound, 3D and 4D ultrasound, intracavitary and endoscopic ultrasound, interventional ultrasound, ultrasonic therapy, contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and key developments in echocardiography are discussed.
Normative Value of the Cross-Sectional Area of the Median Nerve at the Carpal Tunnel Inlet and Distal Forearm in the Singapore Population
Authors: LIM Jin X. , WANG Feifan , HO Yih X.C. , ER Jian H. , VIJAYAN Joy , SEBASTIN Sandeep J. 
Published: August 2022

Background: Ultrasonography is often used in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However, we were unable to find normative data regarding the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve in the Singapore population as measured by ultrasound. The aims of this study were to establish normative values of the CSA of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet in a healthy population, 5 cm proximal to the carpal tunnel inlet, and to determine if the CSA correlated with side, age, gender or race. Methods: Sixty-nine wrists of 36 healthy subjects with no history of wrist injury or any signs and symptoms of CTS were examined. The CSA of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet and 5 cm proximal to the carpal tunnel inlet was determined using ultrasound by a trained operator. Results: The mean CSA of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet was 6.41 mm2 (SD 2.18 mm2). These were not significantly different from the values for mean CSA obtained 5 cm proximal to the carpal tunnel inlet. We did not find any correlation between the CSA of the median nerve and age, gender or race. Conclusions: The mean CSA of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet in normal subjects in Singapore was found to be lower than other Asian populations. Wide variations of the median nerve CSA at the carpal tunnel inlet exists in the literature, and this is probably due to the heterogeneity of the study methodology and population. Level of Evidence: Level III (Diagnostic)
Desmoplastic Fibroma of Radius Managed with Non-Vascularised Fibular Autograft – A Case Report
Authors: GAUTAM Virender K. , GOEL Prateek , AGRAWAL Ekshit , BHATIA Nishant 
Published: August 2022

Desmoplastic fibromas of bone are extremely rare, slow growing, locally invasive, benign primary bone tumours, bearing close resemblance to the extra-abdominal desmoid tumours of soft tissue. They typically occur in patients around 30 years of age, and most commonly affect the mandible, pelvis and meta-diaphyseal region of long bones. En bloc or wide resection has typically been the treatment of choice to avoid recurrence, however, recent reports support curettage with bone grafting and adjuvant therapy to minimise functional loss. We report a 9-year-old child with a desmoplastic fibroma of right radius. This is an unusual age group for this bone tumor. The tumor was managed with en bloc resection and reconstruction with a non-vascularised fibula autograft. The patient had good functional outcome and no recurrence at 1-year follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)
Refracture of a Regenerated Hook of Hamate in a Professional Baseball Player: A Case Report
Authors: ISHIBASHI Shigeki , KODAMA Akira , SHINOMIYA Rikuo , ADACHI Nobuo 
Published: August 2022

Hook of hamate fracture occurs in baseball players during bat swing. These fractures are usually treated by excision of the fracture fragment and the players can return to the game without delay. We report a professional baseball player who presented with a hook of hamate fracture. He gave history of undergoing excision of the hook 4 years earlier for a fracture of the hook. He underwent re-excision of the regenerated hook and was asymptomatic at his final follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)
Relations of Current and Past Cancer with Severe Outcomes among 104,590 Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: The COVID EHR Cohort at the University of Wisconsin
Authors: Nolan Margaret B. , Piasecki Thomas M. , Smith Stevens S. , Baker Timothy B. , Fiore Michael C. , Adsit Robert T. , Bolt Daniel M. , Conner Karen L. , Bernstein Steven L. , Eng Oliver D. , Lazuk David , Gonzalez Alec , Hayes-Birchler Todd , Jorenby Douglas E. , D'Angelo Heather , Kirsch Julie A. , Williams Brian S. , Kent Sean , Kim Hanna , Lubanski Stanley A. , Yu Menggang , Suk Youmi , Cai Yuxin , Kashyap Nitu , Mathew Jomol , McMahan Gabriel , Rolland Betsy , Tindle Hilary A. , Warren Graham W. , Abu-el-rub Noor , An Lawrence C. , Boyd Andrew D. , Brunzell Darlene H. , Carrillo Victor A. , Chen Li-Shiun , Davis James M. , Deshmukh Vikrant G. , Dilip Deepika , Goldstein Adam O. , Ha Patrick K. , Iturrate Eduardo , Jose Thulasee , Khanna Niharika , King Andrea , Klass Elizabeth , Lui Michelle , Mermelstein Robin J. , Poon Chester , Tong Elisa , Wilson Karen M. , Theobald Wendy E. , Slutske Wendy S. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Background:
There is mixed evidence about the relations of current versus past cancer with severe COVID-19 outcomes and how they vary by patient and cancer characteristics.

Methods:
Electronic health record data of 104,590 adult hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were obtained from 21 United States health systems from February 2020 through September 2021. In-hospital mortality and ICU admission were predicted from current and past cancer diagnoses. Moderation by patient characteristics, vaccination status, cancer type, and year of the pandemic was examined.

Results:
6.8% of the patients had current (n = 7,141) and 6.5% had past (n = 6,749) cancer diagnoses. Current cancer predicted both severe outcomes but past cancer did not; adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for mortality were 1.58 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.46–1.70] and 1.04 (95% CI, 0.96–1.13), respectively. Mortality rates decreased over the pandemic but the incremental risk of current cancer persisted, with the increment being larger among younger vs. older patients. Prior COVID-19 vaccination reduced mortality generally and among those with current cancer (aOR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.53–0.90).

Conclusions:
Current cancer, especially among younger patients, posed a substantially increased risk for death and ICU admission among patients with COVID-19; prior COVID-19 vaccination mitigated the risk associated with current cancer. Past history of cancer was not associated with higher risks for severe COVID-19 outcomes for most cancer types.

Impact:
This study clarifies the characteristics that modify the risk associated with cancer on severe COVID-19 outcomes across the first 20 months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
See related commentary by Egan et al., p. 3