bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Cancer Receiving Specialist Palliative Care
Authors: Allende-Pérez Silvia Rosa , Cesarman-Maus Gabriela , Peña-Nieves Adriana , Arcos Amelia , Baz-Gutiérrez Patricia , Robles Joanna , LeBlanc Thomas W. 
Published: February 2022

Context The prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cancer is particularly high at disease progression and during relapse. Patients cared for in specialized palliative care units (SPCU) are rarely included in VTE studies. Objective: We sought to study the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and survival of individuals with VTE in an SPCU setting. Methods We retrospectively included 2707 consecutive individuals with active cancer managed at a SPCU. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and frequency for categorical variables. Overall survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier and comparisons by log-rank test. Thrombotic events were confirmed by imaging. Results We studied 1984(73.3%) women and 723 (26.7%) men. The overall prevalence of thrombosis was 22.2% with only 6.2% occurring after initiating SPCU care, and was higher in women (24.6% vs 15.8%), particularly with gynecological tumors (cervical: 30.5%, ovarian: 29.2%). Median survival was slightly longer for patients without VTE (80 days [IQR21-334] and 69 days [IQR 25-235]; p = 0.03). Conclusions Prevalence of VTE was high and varied by tumor origin. VTE may impact survival. Though median survival is short, some patients are followed over months, suggesting that in the absence of high bleeding risk, treatment for thrombosis in an attempt to decrease the morbidity of re-thrombosis should be considered. On the other hand, few patients developed symptomatic VTE during SPCU care, making generalized primary prophylaxis probably unwarranted. Customizing anticoagulation for the risk of hemorrhage and physical performance is essential.
ACE2 Protein Expression During Childhood, Adolescence, and Early Adulthood
Authors: Schurink Bernadette , Roos Eva , Vos Wim , Breur Marjolein , van der Valk Paul , Bugiani Marianna 
Published: February 2022

Purpose and context. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 is the entry receptor for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Variations in ACE2 expression might explain age-related symptomatology of COVID-19, that is, more gastro-intestinal symptoms and less pulmonary complaints. This study qualitatively investigated ACE2 protein expression in various organs from the fetal to the young adolescent stage. Method. Autopsy samples from lung, heart, liver, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, kidney, adrenals, and brain (when available) were obtained from twenty subjects aged 24 weeks gestational age through 28 years. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded 4-um-thick tissue sections were stained against ACE2. Key results. We showed that the extent of ACE2 expression is age-related. With age, expression increases in lungs and decreases in intestines. In the other examined organs, ACE2 protein expression did not change with age. In brain tissue, ACE2 was expressed in astrocytes and endothelial cells. Conclusions. Age-related ACE2 expression differences could be one substrate of the selective clinical vulnerability of the respiratory and gastro-intestinal system to SARS-CoV-2 infection during infancy.
Prevalence of Internet Addiction and its Correlates Among Regular Undergraduate Medicine and Health Science Students at Ambo University. Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Umeta Gurmu Tesfaye , Regasa Sanyi Daba , Taye Getu Melesie , Ayeno Hunduma Dinsa , Tefera Gosaye Mekonen 
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Internet addiction (IA) is causing academic failure, decreased concentration ability, and a negative affective state. In Ethiopia, studies conducted on IA were limited; therefore, this study aimed to assess its prevalence and risk factors among medicine and health science (MHS) students of Ambo University. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study and included MHS students of Ambo University from July 15 to August 15, 2021. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire after receiving informed consent from study participants. The results were analyzed using the statistical software for social sciences version 24. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to explore the relationship between IA and dependent variables. Results: Of the 253 participants who participated in the study, 201 (79%) were found to have an IA. Having one’s own computer, Internet access at home and an email account were 2 times more risky to develop IA compared to their counterparts with AOR = 2.615 (95% CI = 1.118-5.956) with a P value of .022, AOR = 2.154 (95% CI = 1.054-4.405) with a P value of .35 and (=2.154 (95% CI = 1.054-4.405 with a P value of .035 respectively. Additionally, those who use the Internet for news were 2.5 times more likely to develop IA compared to those who do not (AOR = 2.551 (95% CI = 1.225-5.349) with a P-value of .013). The use of the Internet for scientific research and education reduces IA by 0.7 times (AOR = 0.323 (95% CI = 0.120-0.868) with a P value of .025). Conclusions: The prevalence of IA was found to be high in this study. Therefore, strategies are needed to minimize the prevalence of this problem.
Response of centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber considering gravity at low engine speed
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wu Guangqiang , Zhao Guoqiang , Chen Daguan 
Published: February 2022

This study examined the performance of the centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber’s (CPVA) under the influence of centrifugal force and gravity fields. The focus was on identifying the factor that influenced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) problems that originate owing to the centrifugal pendulum absorber being at low engine speed such as engine start-stop or idle. Consequently, mathematical models were established employing Lagrange equation of the second kind, analytical solutions were obtained using the method of multiple scales, and several simple elementary mathematical equations describing the movement of the absorber were derived. Further, the analytical solutions were compared with the numerical simulation results of the complete non-linear equation of motion, which indicated that the former were suitable for studying the performance of CPVA. The theoretical analysis of the application with four absorbers and two absorbers under gravity field was conducted. The absorbers were found to be not always synchronized in the gravity field in certain special conditions such as lower engine speed range or small viscous damping. It was concluded that larger viscous damping coefficient can result in an improvement in the synchronization or reduce the range of nonlinear jumps caused by changes in excitation torque. Further, super-harmonic resonance of CPVA under the gravity field was determined and exact response was calculated, wherein the term “2nd order response gravity impact factor” was defined. In addition, the effects of CPVA installation angle relative to engine ignition angle were analyzed, and a set of tautochronic epicycloid CPVA was tested to verify the findings. The analytical solutions were consistent with the test results, thereby proving the applicability of the research method and results in a vehicle.
Evaluation Results From the Healthy Work Collaborative: A Cross-Sectoral Capacity Building Partnership to Address Precarious Employment
Authors: Welter Christina , Jarpe-Ratner Elizabeth , Bonney Tessa , Pinsker Eve , Fisher Elizabeth , Deb Nandini , Yankelev Anna , Kapadia Devangna , Love Marsha , Zanoni Joseph 
Published: February 2022

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated the profound health and safety risks of precariously employed workers, many of whom are disproportionately Latinx and Black. Precarious employment (PE) is a social determinant of health (SDOH) characterized by low wages, hazardous conditions, unstable work schedules, no termination protection, and few benefits. Even before COVID-19, calls for more effective health promotion efforts to address SDOH like PE existed. Purpose The University of Illinois at Chicago Center for Healthy Work, Healthy Communities Through Healthy Work developed the Healthy Work Collaborative (HWC) as an evidence-informed capacity building policy, systems, and environmental change (PSE) initiative. The HWC aimed to facilitate cross-sectoral partnerships between health and labor sector partners. The labor sector provided technical assistance (TA) to participants to improve their ability to address PE through PSE. Methods This article reports findings from a mixed-methods evaluation using the Kirkpatrick training model including participants’ reactions, learning, behavior, and outcomes. A pre–post survey was administered to participants ( N = 21) and analyzed descriptively; 3-month post HWC interviews were conducted ( N = 13) and thematically analyzed. Conclusion Findings included positive results at all Kirkpatrick levels. Participants’ reported that the HWC curriculum and delivery was valuable and well received; they demonstrated gains toward addressing PE through PSE knowledge and skills and increased or strengthened health/labor partnerships. In addition, HWC influenced participants’ application of HWC concepts, and in a few cases, participants’ made changes in policies and plans in their organizational settings. The HWC may serve as a model to address other SDOH through cross-sectoral PSE change.
Effects of an Interdisciplinary Integrative Oncology Group-Based Program to Strengthen Resilience and Improve Quality of Life in Cancer Patients: Results of a Prospective Longitudinal Single-Center Study
Authors: Savaş Burcu Babadağ , Märtens Bettina , Cramer Holger , Voiss Petra , Longolius Julia , Weiser Axel , Ziert Yvonne , Christiansen Hans , Steinmann Diana 
Published: February 2022

Background: Patients with cancer receiving oncological treatment often suffer from a reduced quality of life (QoL) and resilience. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an interdisciplinary integrative oncology group-based program on resilience and quality of life in patients with cancer during or after conventional oncological therapy. Methods: This prospective longitudinal single-center study evaluated the resilience (Resilience Scale), quality of life (EORTC-QLQ C30), anxiety, depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and distress levels (Distress Thermometer) of 60 patients with cancer who participated in a 10-week interdisciplinary integrative oncology group-based program during or after cancer treatment in outpatient clinics. An average of 12 (range 11-13) patients participated in each 10-week group. The program included recommendations for diet, stress management, relaxation, and exercise, as well as naturopathic self-help strategies and psychosocial support. Results: There were slight increases in global quality of life scores (week 0: 58.05 ± 20.05 vs week 10: 63.13 ± 18.51, n = 59, P = .063, d = −.25) and resilience scores (week 0: 63.50 ± 13.14 vs week 10: 66.15 ± 10.17, n = 52, P = .222, d = −.17) after the group program compared to before; however, these changes were not statistically significant and had small effect sizes. Patients with at least moderate anxiety symptoms ( P = .022, d = .42) and low resilience ( P = .006, d = −.54) benefited most from the program. The patients reported no relevant side effects or adverse events from the program. Conclusions: No significant effects on global quality of life or resilience were found in the general sample; notably, patients with anxiety and low initial resilience benefited the most from the program.
Drug-Coated Balloon Versus Drug-Eluting Stent in Patients With Femoropopliteal Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nugraha Harry G. , Hilman Syawaluddin , Santiana Leni , Dewi Dian K. , Raffaelo Wilson M. , Wibowo Arief , Pranata Raymond , Aristiady Eppy B. 
Published: February 2022

Objective In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to compare drug-coated balloon (DCB) to drug-eluting stent (DES) in patients with femoropopliteal lesions in terms of restenosis, target lesion revascularization (TLR), and mortality. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed through PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases. The intervention group was patients receiving percutaneous balloon angioplasty using the DCB. The control group was patients receiving percutaneous intervention using the DES. The primary outcome was restenosis, and the secondary outcomes were TLR and mortality. Results There were 4 studies comprising 812 patients (906 lesions) included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The rate of restenosis was .19 [.13, .26] in DCB and .24 [.20, .28] in DES. There was a trend toward lower rate of restenosis (OR .73 [.52, 1.03], P = .074; I2: 46.3%) for DCB use compared to DES use. The rate of TLR was .11 [.08, .14] in DCB and .17 [.14, .21] in DES. TLR was lower (OR .61 [.41, .92], P = .017; I2: 1.2%) in the DCB group compared to the DES group. There were no significant differences in mortality (OR 1.38 [.78, 2.44], P = .268; I2: 0%) among the two groups. Meta-regression analysis showed that the rate of restenosis in DCB in this pooled analysis was affected by sex (reference: male, coefficient −.004, P = .009), smoking (coefficient: .003, P = .010), and total occlusion (coefficient: .008, P = .004). Conclusion DCB use in patients with femoropopliteal lesion was associated with similar rate of restenosis, lower TLR, and similar mortality rate compared to DES use.
A Description of Outcomes Experienced by Patients Whose Orders for Peripheral Artery Revascularization Were Reviewed by a Nondenial Prior Authorization Program
Authors: Powell Adam C , Lugo Christopher T. , Dietrich Craig L. , Lucas Elizabeth R. , Long James W. , DeFrance Anthony , Simmons Jeffrey D. 
Published: February 2022

Objective After a nondenial prior authorization program evaluates orders for peripheral artery revascularization (PAR), ordering physicians sometimes withdraw their orders based upon program recommendations. Some patients with withdrawn orders receive PAR if claudication does not resolve. To characterize patient outcomes under this program, we evaluated whether associations existed between the withdrawal of patients’ initial PAR orders and the presence of claims for PAR and claims mentioning intermittent claudication (IC) in the following 16 weeks. Methods Orders for PAR placed from 1/1/19 to 9/30/19 for patients with Medicare Advantage health plans were extracted from a national healthcare organization’s database. Claims data from 0 to 16 weeks following the order were reviewed to determine if patients had downstream PAR claims, or if they had emergency department or hospital claims mentioning IC. Chi-square tests were used to assess the association between order withdrawal and downstream PAR, as well as claims mentioning IC. Multivariate logistic regressions were run to assess the same, controlling for patient age, sex, urbanicity, local median income, state obesity rate, type of PAR, ordering physician specialty, and whether PAR was ordered in a hospital setting. Results Of 1588 orders meeting inclusion criteria, 71.9% (1038/1444) of authorized orders and 61.1% (88/144) of withdrawn orders were followed by PAR within 16 weeks, a significant difference ( P < .01). Relatedly, 69.8% (1008/1444) of authorized orders and 70.8% (102/144) of withdrawn orders were followed by IC claims, an insignificant difference. Multivariate logistic regressions showed patients with withdrawn PAR orders had significantly lower adjusted odds of PAR (OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.44–0.91), but an insignificant difference in their adjusted odds of IC (OR: 1.10; CI: 0.76–1.64). Conclusions Although patients with withdrawn PAR orders were significantly less likely to receive PAR in the subsequent 16 weeks, no association was found between withdrawn PAR orders and subsequent claims mentioning IC.
The Practical Utility of Mixed Methods: An Empirical Study
Authors: Dahler-Larsen Peter 
Published: February 2022

While methodologists often assert that a mixed methods approach has greater practical utility than a monomethod approach used in a similar setting, empirical data have been lacking. To examine this assertion, we studied the practical utility of workplace assessments in 1801 public organizations in Denmark, of which 540 chose mixed methods. We measure utility in terms of action taken as well as perceived utility. We contribute to mixed methods research by documenting higher practical utility in mixed methods. Mixed methods share with qualitative methods an association with influence from local stakeholders and employee engagement, but not the weaknesses of qualitative methods (such as lack of documentation and incompatibility with management preferences). Mixed methods may serve diverse stakeholders as a successful hybrid rather than as a unique paradigm.
Gabapentinoid Prescribing for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Billig Jessica I. , Gunaseelan Vidhya , Yazdanfar Maryam , Sears Erika D. , Iwashyna Theodore J. , Chang Tammy , Waljee Jennifer F. 
Published: February 2022

Background: Gabapentinoids, including gabapentin and pregabalin, are commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain, but robust evidence recommends against using gabapentinoids for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We aimed to quantify national prescribing patterns of gabapentinoids for CTS. Methods: We performed a retrospective population-based cohort study using claims data of gabapentinoid-naïve patients with a new diagnosis of CTS (2009-2016). Our primary outcome was a new gabapentinoid fill for CTS. We assessed temporal trends and characteristics associated with a gabapentinoid fill. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between patient-level factors and a new gabapentinoid fill for CTS. Results: Of the 248 324 previously gabapentinoid-naïve patients with CTS, 9589 patients (4%) filled a gabapentinoid prescription. Sixty-one percent were prescribed by primary care providers or medical subspecialists. Patients with a history of neck pain (odds ratio [OR]: 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-1.38), back pain (OR: 1.25, 95% CI, 1.20-1.31), arthritis (OR: 1.25, 95% CI, 1.18-1.31), and other pain conditions (OR: 1.26, 95% CI, 1.20-1.31) were associated with an increased odds of a new gabapentinoid fill. In addition, patients with a history of alcohol or substance use disorder were significantly associated with a new gabapentinoid prescription fill (OR: 1.33, 95% CI, 1.20-1.47). Conclusions: Despite evidence recommending against the use of gabapentinoids for CTS, gabapentinoids were frequently initiated among those with higher risk for misuse, including substance use disorders. Given the effectiveness of bracing or surgery for CTS and the risks associated with gabapentinoids, efforts aimed at disseminating evidence-based treatment for CTS are critical to minimize the harms of gabapentinoid misuse.
First-line everolimus and cisplatin in patients with advanced extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma: a nationwide phase 2 single-arm clinical trial
Authors: Levy Sonja , Verbeek Wieke H.M. , Eskens Ferry A.L.M. , van den Berg José G. , de Groot Derk Jan A. , van Leerdam Monique E. , Tesselaar Margot E.T. 
Published: February 2022

Background: Extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma (EP-NEC) are an aggressive subgroup of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN). Advanced EP-NEC is generally treated with platinum-based cytotoxic regimens, but progressive disease occurs rapidly, resulting in a poor prognosis. Genetic alterations in the mammalian target for rapamycin (mTOR) pathway have been identified in NEN, providing a rationale for treatment with the mTOR-inhibitor everolimus. Methods: A prospective phase 2 single-arm study included patients with advanced EP-NEC from three Dutch NEN expertise centres between March 2016 and January 2020. Treatment consisted of cisplatin 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks in combination with daily everolimus 7.5 mg for a maximum of six cycles, followed by maintenance everolimus until disease progression. Primary endpoint was disease control rate (DCR), defined as the sum of overall response rate (ORR) plus the rate of stable disease according to RECIST 1.1, assessed at 9-week intervals. Toxicity was evaluated according to CTCAE version 5.0. Results: Thirty-nine patients, with a median age of 64 years (range: 28–74), of whom 20 (51%) were male, were enrolled. DCR was 82.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 66.4–92.4), with an ORR of 58.9% (CI: 42.1–74.4). Median duration of response was 6.4 (CI: 5.8–7.0) months and median progression-free survival was 6.0 (CI: 4.3–7.8) months. Three patients (8%) had durable responses lasting  > 12 months. Median overall survival was 8.7 (CI: 7.8–9.6) months. Most common grade 3/4 toxicities were haematological (36%) and renal (21%). Conclusion: Everolimus in combination with cisplatin is an effective first-line treatment option for advanced EP-NEC, especially in highly selected patients. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02695459, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02695459 .
Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) associated mortality rate of children attending HIV/AIDS care in North West Ethiopia, 2009–2019
Authors: Kebede Fassikaw 
Published: February 2022

Objective: This study aimed to assess Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) associated mortality rate of children attending HIV/AIDS care in North West Ethiopia 2009–2019. Methods: Institutional-based retrospective cohort study was employed among 721 on antiretroviral therapy care seropositive children since 2009–2019. Data were entered using EpiData version 4.2 and exported to STATA (SE) R-14 version statistical software for further analysis. Beside, Besides, WHO (World Health Organization) Anthro Plus software was used to assess the nutritional status of the children. Bivariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify the predictors of mortality. Finally, variables with p-value less than 0.05 were considered significant predictors of mortality. Result: Overall, 721 (N = 721) seropositive children were included with a mean (±SD) age of 118.4 ± 38.24 months. A median time of death was reported at 19.5 months (interquartile range = ±8.5). The overall mortality rate in this study was determined as 5.4 per 100 child-years (95% confidence interval: 3.6–5.8). Severe stunting (height for age Z-score <−3) (hazard ratio = 2.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.8–6.4), admission with septic shock (hazard ratio = 2.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.2–4.3, p < 0.008), CD4+ count below threshold (hazard ratio = 1.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.19–7.9), and World Health Organization Stages III and IV (hazard ratio = 2.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.8–6.4) were at high risk of mortality. Conclusion: A high rate of SAM associated mortality rate within short median (±SD) time to death was reported as compared with previous finding in Ethiopia. Seropositive children presenting with CD4 counts being below a threshold, World Health Organization Stages III and IV, and being nutritionally stunted during antiretroviral therapy initiation were at high risk of early mortality.