bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Failure Risk of Short Dental Implants Under Immediate Loading: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wu Hao , Shi Quan , Huang Yang , Chang Ping , Huo Na , Jiang Yi , Wang Juncheng
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Currently, there is no clear clinical evidence that short implants are suitable for immediate loading. Therefore, this meta‐analysis aims to evaluate whether immediate loading increases the failure risk of short dental implants.

Materials and Methods

This meta‐analysis was registered at PROSPERO (CRD 42020195890). PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to collect all clinical studies comparing the failure rates of short dental implants (<10 mm) and standard implants (≥10 mm) under the condition of immediate loading and studies comparing the failure rates of short dental implants under immediate loading versus early or delayed loading. All of the clinical studies with available relevant data were eligible for inclusion. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was adopted to evaluate the risk of bias for the randomized controlled trial (RCT), while Newcastle‐Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) was used for the observational studies (OS). The OR value of each included study and its 95% CI were pooled to estimate the failure risk of short dental implants under immediate loading. The heterogeneity among studies was evaluated through Cochran's Q test and I2.

Results

Seventeen studies, 5 RCTs and 12 OS studies, with a total of 2461 dental implants were analyzed. Four of the RCT studies were of low risk of bias and one was of unclear risk, while all of the OS studies were of moderate or high quality. Compared with standard implants, short implants did not have an increased failure risk under immediate loading (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 0.67‐2.84, p = 0.997, fixed model). In addition, the OR value of implant failure for short implants under immediate loading compared to that for short implants under early or delayed loading was 1.22 (95% CI: 0.33‐4.55, p = 0.104, random model), which was also not significantly different.

Conclusions

There is not enough evidence to show that short dental implants under immediate loading may have higher implant failure risk compared to standard implants under immediate loading and short implants under early or delayed loading. Therefore, an immediate loading protocol may not increase the failure risk of short dental implants.
Was Banfield right? New insights from a nationwide laboratory experiment
Authors: Aassve Arnstein , Conzo Pierluigi , Mattioli Francesco
Published: May 2021

Since the pioneering study by Banfield, the North‐South gap in Italian social capital has been considered by international scholars as an example of how cultural diversity within a country can generate different developmental outcomes. Most studies, however, suffer from limited external validity and measurement error. This paper exploits a new and representative online lab‐experiment to assess social‐capital patterns in Italy. Unlike previous experiments, we do not inform participants about the geographic origins of their counterparts. This feature allows us to assess the North‐South gap in universal, as opposed to parochial, behavior. Results suggest that Southerners and Northerners do not systematically differ in generalized prosocial preferences. Only trustworthiness is higher among. Northerners, while they are statistically similar to Southerners in many other economic preferences such as cooperation, trust, expected trustworthiness, altruism, and risk tolerance. We also show that the gap in trustworthiness stems from the lower reciprocity of Southerners in response to large transfers, and it is characterized by the intergenerational transmission of norms. Possible policy implications are discussed.
Staff awareness and bundling reduce skin breaks and blood tests in neonatal intensive care
Authors: Zhou Lindsay , Taylor Jacqueline , Kidman Anna , Stewart Alice , Bhatia Risha
Published: May 2021

Aim

Skin breaks (SBs) for procedures and blood sampling are common in neonatal intensive care units (NICU), contributing to pain, infection risk and anaemia. We aimed to document their prevalence, identify areas for improvement and, through staff awareness, reduce their frequency.

Methods

Quality improvement project via prospective audit at a tertiary‐level NICU in Australia was conducted. All infants admitted to the NICU for >24 h during two audit periods were included in the study. A specifically designed bedside audit tool was used to prospectively document all SB and blood tests performed on infants during a 4‐week audit period (audit 1). Results were reviewed to identify areas for improvement, and disseminated to staff at unit meetings, shift handover and email. Following education and awareness, the audit was repeated (audit 2), and data were compared. Frequency of SB and blood tests performed was measured. Data were tested for normality and analysed using parametric or non‐parametric tests where appropriate.

Results

There were 52 NICU admissions during each audit period (104 total), with 34 (65%) and 31 (60%) having audit sheets completed, respectively. Median (interquartile range) gestational age and mean (standard deviation) birthweight were 29 (26.3–35) weeks and 1836 (1185) g for audit 1, 30 (28.5–31.5) weeks and 1523 (913) g for audit 2. The reduction in total blood tests (mean) was 36.3%, skin breaks per admitted baby day reduced by 60% and total blood volume sampled (mean) by 37.7%.

Conclusions

A quality improvement project by prospective audit and staff education was associated with reductions in frequency of skin breaks and blood tests in the NICU.
Niche properties constrain occupancy but not abundance patterns of native and alien woody species across Hawaiian forests
Authors: Craven Dylan , Weigelt Patrick , Wolkis Dustin , Kreft Holger
Published: May 2021

Questions

Islands harbour a disproportionate amount of global plant diversity, yet their unique native assemblages are particularly vulnerable to biological invasions. It is therefore critical to identify the macroecological constraints that mediate spatial distributions of alien species on islands. Here, we examined abundance–occupancy relationships of native and alien woody plant species, and the role of niche properties and functional traits related to dispersal and competition in shaping occupancy and abundance patterns.

Location

Hawaiian Islands.

Methods

We calculated relative abundance and occupancy for 64 woody species (42 natives, 22 naturalized aliens), and estimated each species' niche breadth and position. We fitted phylogenetic hierarchical Bayesian models to evaluate abundance–occupancy relationships and the impacts of niche properties and functional traits on occupancy and abundance of native and alien species.

Results

Our analyses revealed that locally more abundant native species were also more widespread, but that the abundance of alien species was unrelated to their occupancy. Yet, we found evidence that alien species with longer residence times on the Hawaiian Islands were more widespread. While widespread native and alien woody species both had broad niches, widespread alien woody species exhibited a tendency to occur in more marginal niche positions than widespread native woody species. Niche properties did not affect abundances of either native or alien woody species. Traits associated with dispersal capacity and competitive ability had minimal impacts on either occupancy or abundance of native and alien woody species.

Conclusions

We found that niche properties shape the occupancy but not the abundance of native and alien woody species across Hawaiian forests. Our results suggest that, because of substantial invasion debts, the impacts of alien woody invasions in native forests have yet to fully manifest.
Defining Specially Designed Instruction: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Rodgers Wendy J. , Weiss Margaret P. , Ismail Hazim Aal
Published: May 2021

Specially designed instruction (SDI) is at the heart of special education. The broad legal definition of SDI allows special educators to customize it for students, but could lead to role ambiguity, particularly in inclusive classes where most students with learning disabilities receive services. To examine interpretations of SDI, we conducted a systematic literature review. We identified 73 relevant documents and conducted a content analysis to determine how authors defined what SDI is, who provides it, where it is provided, and why it is offered. We found that conceptualizations of SDI varied widely across documents, and even contradicted each other at times. We present our findings and discuss implications of them for implementation of SDI in practice.
To be or not to be, that is the question: The Marsala meteorite (Italy, 1834) and the role of the doubtful meteorites in the history of meteoritics
Authors: Franza Annarita , Morelli Marco , Faggi Daniela , Pratesi Giovanni
Published: May 2021

This work focuses on the historical and scientific investigation of a presumed meteorite fall that occurred in the Sicilian township of Marsala in 1834. Preliminary studies have classified this phenomenon as a “doubtful meteorite.” This term describes, according to the Nomenclature Committee of the Meteoritical Society, an object for which there was significant uncertainty over whether it was a real meteorite or, in some cases, whether it ever existed. Thanks to the analysis of untapped sources, the first objective of this work is to clarify the nature of the event. Subsequently, the results of the minero‐chemical analyses that were performed, in 1835, on two fragments recovered after the event are discussed for the first time. This work then shows the collecting history of one of the presumed meteorite specimens. Based on the results presented here, this work highlights the role of doubtful meteorites as a fundamental resource for the history of meteoritics and meteorite collecting as well as for studying the processes that have led to the scientific study of meteorites.
Ice seals as sentinels for algal toxin presence in the Pacific Arctic and subarctic marine ecosystems
Authors: Hendrix Alicia M. , Lefebvre Kathi A. , Quakenbush Lori , Bryan Anna , Stimmelmayr Raphaela , Sheffield Gay , Wisswaesser Gabriel , Willis Maryjean L. , Bowers Emily K. , Kendrick Preston , Frame Elizabeth , Burbacher Thomas , Marcinek David J.
Published: May 2021

Domoic acid (DA) and saxitoxin (STX)‐producing algae are present in Alaskan seas, presenting exposure risks to marine mammals that may be increasing due to climate change. To investigate potential increases in exposure risks to four pagophilic ice seal species (Erignathus barbatus, bearded seals; Pusa hispida, ringed seals; Phoca largha, spotted seals; and Histriophoca fasciata, ribbon seals), this study analyzed samples from 998 seals harvested for subsistence purposes in western and northern Alaska during 2005–2019 for DA and STX. Both toxins were detected in bearded, ringed, and spotted seals, though no clinical signs of acute neurotoxicity were reported in harvested seals. Bearded seals had the highest prevalence of each toxin, followed by ringed seals. Bearded seal stomach content samples from the Bering Sea showed a significant increase in DA prevalence with time (logistic regression, p = .004). These findings are consistent with predicted northward expansion of DA‐producing algae. A comparison of paired samples taken from the stomachs and colons of 15 seals found that colon content consistently had higher concentrations of both toxins. Collectively, these results suggest that ice seals, particularly bearded seals (benthic foraging specialists), are suitable sentinels for monitoring HAB prevalence in the Pacific Arctic and subarctic.
Computerised dynamic posturography for postural control assessment in subjects wearing multifocal contact lenses dedicated for myopia control
Authors: Przekoracka Katarzyna , Michalak Krzysztof Piotr , Olszewski Jan , Michalski Andrzej , Przekoracka‐Krawczyk Anna
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To measure body balance using computerised dynamic posturography in young adults wearing multifocal contact lenses (MFCL) with high addition powers designed for myopia control.

Methods

Twenty‐four young adults (mean age: 24 years) wearing distance‐centred soft MFCL (SwissLens Orbis Relax) with two different central zones (3 and 4.5 mm), two addition powers (+2 D, +4 D) and single vision control lenses. Body balance was measured on a moving platform under three viewing conditions: (1) eyes open when fixating on letters at 3 m or (2) at 40 cm, as well as (3) with the eyes closed. Parameters of body stabilisation were analysed: the rate of body stabilisation (τrelax), the stabilisation time (Tmax) and the number of oscillations (Nosc).

Results

The MFCLs did not produce a significant difference in the mean values of the analysed parameters (p > 0.05 for τrelax, Tmax, Nosc). However, a positive correlation was found between pupil size and Nosc and Tmax (p < 0.01), suggesting an effect of the +4 D add with the 3 mm central zone on the posturographic parameters. As was expected, dynamic body stabilisation was better with eyes open versus eyes closed (p < 0.005).

Conclusions

Distance‐centred MFCLs with a medium addition (+2 D) do not disturb body stabilisation in young adults. However, high additions (+4 D) with a small central zone may affect body balance control in subjects with large pupil size.
Widespread cutaneous eruption after aluminum‐containing vaccination: A case report and review of current literature
Authors: Mistry Bhavik D. , DeKoven Joel G.
Published: May 2021

Aluminum salts are adjuvants found in many vaccines. Although rare, patients have reported cutaneous reactions to aluminum salts including persistent pruritic subcutaneous nodules at the injection site. We report the case of an 11‐year‐old male who at the age of 5 years developed a generalized pruritic cutaneous eruption after receiving the aluminum‐containing Quadracel® vaccination. Patch testing at that time was positive to aluminum salts and again on repeat patch testing 6 years later. Our case highlights a delayed systemic cutaneous reaction to a vaccine containing aluminum salts. We review cutaneous allergic reactions to vaccines containing aluminum salts and vaccination advice for patients with aluminum contact allergy.
Profitability of fungicide applications for managing soybean rust in scenarios of variable efficacy and costs: A stochastic simulation
Authors: Alves Kaique S. , Barro Jhonatan P. , Guimarães Mariana , Del Ponte Emerson M.
Published: May 2021

Soybean rust (SBR) in Brazil is controlled with fungicides, which have shown variable, sometimes declining, efficacy over time. A Monte Carlo simulation framework was implemented as a decision tool and to estimate the probability for a fungicide programme being profitable depending on efficacy and total cost defined by the user. Probability distributions were fitted to slopes and intercepts of the disease–yield relationship and severity in the untreated plots reported in the literature, as well as historical records of soybean price. Simulations of disease reduction conditioned to predefined control efficacy and total application costs were split into scenarios that combined two categories of severity (high and low) and two attainable yield classes (high and low). These categories were defined based on the median of severity (57.8%) and median of the intercept (yield when severity is zero, 2995.1 kg/ha). Probability matrices were constructed relating fungicide efficacy and costs. A higher frequency of break‐even events occurred in scenarios of high disease pressure and higher yield. Yearly simulations, starting with 79.4% efficacy, assuming two rates of decline previously determined for tebuconazole (high decline rate), showed that the programme may remain profitable during the first 5 to 7 years of use, in contrast to cyproconazole (low decline rate), a fungicide that would be profitable during the entire decade. This approach was shown to be useful and can be adapted to other diseases of soybean and other crops, as long as damage functions are available. An interactive web app was developed to perform the simulations accessible at alvesks.shinyapps.io/rusty‐profits/.
The Historical Presidency: Two Centuries of Presidential Elections
Authors: Mayhew David R.
Published: May 2021

The United States has held 59 presidential elections, nearly half of which are covered in the University Press of Kansas's book series American Presidential Elections. Surprises, renovations of old understandings, and punctures of conventional wisdoms abound in this smartly rendered series. Surveying these accounts of elections past from the vantage point of a political scientist, with an eye for patterns and techniques as well as the rich substance that the many volumes provide, highlights the ways that events, independent of creeds or philosophies, have underpinned this electoral past, and underscores the importance of infusing “conditions” considerations into accounts of candidates, issues, and campaigns, particularly in crisis elections.
A low exhaled nitric oxide level excludes a short‐term benefit from inhaled corticosteroids in suspected asthma: A randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Sutherland Lissa , Shaw Karen , Parrish Clair , Singleton Nicola , McKeever Tricia M. , Stewart Iain , Shaw Dominick , Martin Matthew J. , Harrison Tim
Published: May 2021

Background and objective

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a non‐invasive biomarker that reflects IL‐4/IL‐13 production and therefore represents T2 allergic inflammation. FeNO has previously been used to guide inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment in asthma. The purpose of this study was to determine if a low FeNO (≤27 ppb) could be used to reliably identify patients with symptoms suggestive of asthma who would not benefit from initiating treatment with an ICS.

Methods

A total of 180 steroid‐naïve adults with healthcare professional suspected asthma and an FeNO of ≤27 ppb were randomized to receive either 400 mcg of budesonide or placebo daily for 3 months. The primary outcome was the difference in the Asthma Control Questionnaire 7 (ACQ7) between treatment groups and the study was powered to determine equivalence. Secondary outcomes were the difference in FEV1, Medical Research Council and Leicester Cough Questionnaire scores.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐four patients (68 budesonide and 66 placebo) completed the study and were included in the analysis. The between‐group mean difference in ACQ7 from baseline to the end of the study was −0.25 and the 95% CI around this difference was −0.004 to 0.495 confirming equivalence (p < 0.05). Differences in forced expiratory volume over 1 s and other secondary outcomes were also small and clinically unimportant.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that steroid‐naïve patients with symptoms suggestive of asthma and an FeNO ≤ 27 ppb are unlikely to benefit from initiating treatment with an ICS over 3 months. However, further research is recommended to confirm these findings before withholding ICS treatment.
How management practices affect silicon uptake by Hordeum vulgare grown in a highly calcareous soil
Authors: Sierra María José , Schmid Thomas , Guirado María , Escolano Olga , Millán Rocio
Published: May 2021

There are many studies on the beneficial effects of silicon (Si) in plants related to a decrease of stress (biotic/abiotic). The objective of the present work was to study how plant‐available Si in highly calcareous soil with different soil chemical properties, amendments and growing conditions can affect Si absorption by Hordeum vulgare L. (Barley) and its biomass. Barley was cultivated under field conditions in dryland agriculture. Three treatments were compared: phytolithic biochar, compost pellets and no amendment. Greenhouse trials with the same soil and treatments were also carried out to achieve a better understanding of the dynamics in the soil–plant system under controlled growing conditions. In both experiments, physical and chemical soil and plant parameters were determined from collected samples. Results showed that the Si uptake and biomass in soils with the highest available Si (33 ± 1 mg kg−1) was 4.7‐fold and 2.4‐fold higher, respectively, than in soils with the lowest available Si (22 ± 1 mg kg−1). Also, with greater Si uptake there was an increase in N uptake (τ = 0.68, p < 0.01). Therefore, Si could improve N use efficiency within the plant. A strategy to improve Si values would be to use organic amendments that are enriched with Si and supply N in a form other than ammonium (). A high pH in this type of soil produces dissolution of the biogenic Si pool and low electrical conductivity values improve plant‐available Si values. It is important to increase plant‐available Si in highly calcareous soils as this has important implications for improving barley production.
Video‐assisted reflection: improving OSCE feedback
Authors: Mitchell Oliver , Cotton Natalia , Leedham‐Green Kathleen , Elias Salem , Bartholomew Brent
Published: May 2021

Background

Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) are commonly used to provide feedback to students on their performance in formative examinations. However, students are often unable to act independently on the feedback they receive. This study explored how the use of video‐assisted reflection in OSCEs can enhance students’ ability to reflect and engage in sustainable feedback.

Methods

Twenty‐one students undertaking a mock‐final OSCE consented to have one of their examination stations filmed. Participants completed a series of reflective forms immediately after the OSCE, after verbal feedback from an examiner and finally, after watching the video of their own performance. Students were asked to predict their overall grade as well as list areas for improvement. Pearson r correlations examined the relationship between the examiners’ grades and the candidates’ self‐predicted grades. Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were used to compare the length of reflections at each stage. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted to explore students’ beliefs on self‐efficacy and how the video‐assisted reflection altered their ability to act on feedback.

Results

The students’ ability to self‐assess and gauge their own performance improved significantly after undertaking the video‐assisted reflection (p < 0.01). Furthermore, video‐assisted reflection significantly increased the length of the student's reflections.

In interviews, participants described multiple ways in which the video‐assisted reflection improved their confidence and ability to act on feedback, highlighting a clear enhancement in self‐efficacy.

Discussion

Video‐assisted reflection of recorded OSCE stations represents an effective approach to increase student self‐efficacy and subsequently improve engagement in sustainable feedback practice.
Positional error modeling of sky‐view factor measurements within urban street canyons
Authors: Wang Zian , Tang Guoan , Lü Guonian , Ye Cheng , Zhou Fangzhuo , Zhong Teng
Published: May 2021

The sky‐view factor (SVF) in the urban street canyon is a single point‐specific measurement that can only represent the ratio of the visible sky of a specific point. The positional error of the SVF observation point (PE‐SVFOP) to the measurement of the SVF for specific applications is often ignored. This study conducted a quantitative exploration of the positional error in SVF measurements (PE‐SVF) by comparing the SVF estimated at the desired SVF observation point and the corresponding actual SVF observation point. A numerical geometric‐based method was applied in urban street canyons with five typical aspect ratios to explore the effect of both the lateral and vertical positional error of SVF observation points on the measurement of SVF. An empirical case study using a simulation‐based method was then conducted with a 3D city model of a typical street canyon in Hong Kong. The empirical results show that the average and maximum PE‐SVFs were −0.0051 and 0.0181, respectively, and the average and maximum relative PE‐SVFs (RPE‐SVFs) were 7.68 and 20.37%, respectively. An open‐source toolbox was developed to evaluate the PE‐SVF and RPE‐SVF, which can assist specific SVF applications with a more comprehensive consideration of the PE‐SVF.
Divergent Cytochrome
c
Maturation System in Kinetoplastid Protists
Authors: Belbelazi Asma , Neish Rachel , Carr Martin , Mottram Jeremy C. , Ginger Michael L.
Published: May 2021

Cytochromes
c
are essential proteins for respiratory and photosynthetic electron transfer. They are posttranslationally modified by covalent attachment of a heme cofactor.
Health outcomes in international migrant children: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Armitage Alice Jane , Heys Michelle , Lut Irina , Hardelid Pia
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Migration status is a key determinant of health, but health outcomes among migrant children and young people (CYP), that is, those aged under 18 years, are poorly understood. A ‘healthy migrant’ effect has been demonstrated among adults, but evidence for the same effect in CYP is lacking. No large studies or reviews exist reporting comprehensive or holistic health outcomes among migrant CYP. We aim to identify and synthesise original quantitative research on health of migrant CYP to explore the relations between migration status and health outcomes.

Methods and analysis

A search of PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane and grey literature sites will be undertaken for any original quantitative research on health outcomes of migrant CYP from 01 January 2000 onwards. Outcomes addressed: mortality, communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, nutritional status, mental health, disability, vaccine coverage, and accidental and non-accidental injuries (including assault and abuse). Search results will be screened and presented in a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagram.

The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale assessment tool will be used to assess study quality. If feasible, depending on study availability data heterogeneity (explored using I2statistic), results will be pooled for meta-analysis. If sufficient data are available, a priori defined subgroup analyses will be undertaken. A narrative quantitative synthesis will be presented, taking account of study quality and assessed risk of bias.

The anticipated search completion date is 01 June 2021 with write-up completed by 01 April 2022.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval will not be sought as we will be accessing data already in the public domain. This review will be submitted for publication in a high-impact journal and presented at international conferences. The results of this work will be shared with groups of migrant children as part of an ongoing engagement project.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020166305.
Living with Dementia in Aotearoa (LiDiA): a cross-sectional feasibility study protocol for a multiethnic dementia prevalence study in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: Martinez-Ruiz Adrian , Yates Susan , Cheung Gary , Dudley Makarena , Krishnamurthi Rita , Fa’alau Fuafiva , Roberts Mary , Taufa Seini , Fa’alili-Fidow Jacinta , Rivera-Rodriguez Claudia , Kautoke Staverton , Ma’u Etuini , Kerse Ngaire , Cullum Sarah
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Aotearoa/New Zealand (NZ) is officially recognised as a bicultural country composed of Māori and non-Māori. Recent estimations have projected a threefold increase in dementia prevalence in NZ by 2050, with the greatest increase in non-NZ–Europeans. The NZ government will need to develop policies and plan services to meet the demands of the rapid rise in dementia cases. However, to date, there are no national data on dementia prevalence and overseas data are used to estimate the NZ dementia statistics. The overall aim of the Living with Dementia in Aotearoa study was to prepare the groundwork for a large full-scale NZ dementia prevalence study.

Methods and analysis

The study has two phases. In phase I, we will adapt and translate the 10/66 dementia assessment protocol to be administered in Māori, Samoan, Tongan and Fijian–Indian elders. The diagnostic accuracy of the adapted 10/66 protocol will be tested in older people from these ethnic backgrounds who were assessed for dementia at a local memory service. In phase II, we will address the feasibility issues of conducting a population-based prevalence study by applying the adapted 10/66 protocol in South Auckland and will include NZ–European, Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Chinese and Fijian–Indian participants. The feasibility issues to be explored are as follows: (1) how do we sample to ensure we get accurate community representation? (2) how do we prepare a workforce to conduct the fieldwork and develop quality control? (3) how do we raise awareness of the study in the community to maximise recruitment? (4) how do we conduct door knocking to maximise recruitment? (5) how do we retain those we have recruited to remain in the study? (6) what is the acceptability of study recruitment and the 10/66 assessment process in different ethnic groups?

Ethics and dissemination

The validity and feasibility studies were approved by the New Zealand Northern A Health and Disability Ethics Committee (numbers 17NTA234 and 18NTA176, respectively). The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed academic journals, national and international conferences, and public events. Data will be available on reasonable request from the corresponding author.
Aquablation versus holmium laser enucleation of the prostate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in medium-to-large-sized prostates (ATHLETE): protocol of a prospective randomised trial
Authors: Müllhaupt Gautier , Güsewell Sabine , Schmid Hans-Peter , Zumstein Valentin , Betschart Patrick , Engeler Daniel S , Abt Dominik
Published: May 2021

Introduction

A novel method for the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) called Aquablation has become commercially available. Previous studies have been able to show similar functional results when compared with transurethral resection of the prostate and a high efficacy has been demonstrated when this approach is applied to patients with a prostate size of 80–150 cm3.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a well-established procedure in the surgical treatment of BPH in prostate glands larger than 30 mL and a first-line therapy in glands over 80 mL. To date, no data are available whether Aquablation is non-inferior compared with HoLEP in the treatment of patients with medium-to-large-sized prostates regarding safety and efficacy.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective, randomised, open-label, non-inferiority clinical trial conducted at a Swiss centre of tertiary care. The primary outcome is assessment of non-inferiority of Aquablation compared with HoLEP in reducing lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic obstruction measured by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Randomisation will be performed using secuTrial, stratifying on age (<70 years, 70+ years) and prostate volume (<100 mL, 100+ mL). Both interventions are performed in an inpatient setting and regular follow-up controls starting 8 weeks after intervention and continuing up to 5 years will be performed. The primary outcome (change in IPSS from baseline to 6 months) will be tested for non-inferiority with a one-sided t-test. Secondary outcomes, such as efficacy parameters, several patient-reported outcome measures, and periprocedural and safety parameters will be described by calculating means or relative frequencies for each treatment group and testing differences with two-sided standard superiority tests.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the local ethics committee (EKOS 2020-02353). Results of the primary endpoint and each of the secondary endpoints will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04560907).
Risk of asthma in children diagnosed with bronchiolitis during infancy: protocol of a longitudinal cohort study linking emergency department-based clinical data to provincial health administrative databases
Authors: Abdullah Kawsari , Fell Deshayne B , Radhakrishnan Dhenuka , Hawken Steven , Johnson David W , Mandhane Piush , To Teresa , Joubert Gary , Plint Amy C
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The Canadian Bronchiolitis Epinephrine Steroid Trial (CanBEST) and the Bronchiolitis Severity Cohort (BSC) study enrolled infants with bronchiolitis during the first year of life. The CanBEST trial suggested that treatment of infants with a combined therapy of high-dose corticosteroids and nebulised epinephrine reduced the risk of admission to hospital. Our study aims to—(1) quantify the risk of developing asthma by age 5 and 10 years in children treated with high-dose corticosteroid and epinephrine for bronchiolitis during infancy, (2) identify risk factors associated with development of asthma in children with bronchiolitis during infancy, (3) develop asthma prediction models for children diagnosed with bronchiolitis during infancy.

Methods and analysis

We propose a longitudinal cohort study in which we will link data from the CanBEST (ISRCTN56745572, post-results) and BSC study with routinely collected data from provincial health administrative databases. Our outcome is asthma incidence measured using a validated health administrative data algorithm. Primary exposure will be treatment with a combined therapy of high-dose corticosteroids and nebulised epinephrine for bronchiolitis. Covariates will include type of viral pathogen, disease severity, medication use, maternal, prenatal, postnatal and demographic factors and variables related to health service utilisation for acute lower respiratory tract infection. The risk associated with development of asthma in children treated with high-dose corticosteroid and epinephrine for bronchiolitis will be assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. Prediction models will be developed using multivariable logistic regression analysis and internally validated using a bootstrap approach.

Ethics and dissemination

Our study has been approved by the ethics board of all four participating sites of the CanBEST and BSC study. Finding of the study will be disseminated to the academic community and relevant stakeholders through conferences and peer-reviewed publications.
Development of a short-form Swedish version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (s-MoCA-SWE): protocol for a cross-sectional study
Authors: Abzhandadze Tamar , Lundström Erik , Buvarp Dongni , Eriksson Marie , Quinn Terence J , S Sunnerhagen Katharina
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Short forms of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) have allowed quick cognitive screening. However, none of the available short forms has been created or validated in a Swedish sample of patients with stroke.

The aim is to develop a short-form Swedish version of the MoCA (s-MoCA-SWE) in a sample of patients with acute and subacute stroke. The specific objectives are: (1) to identify a subgroup of MoCA items that have the potential to form the s-MoCA-SWE; (2) to determine the optimal cut-off value of s-MoCA-SWE for predicting cognitive impairment and (3) and to compare the psychometric properties of s-MoCA-SWE with those of previously developed MoCA short forms.

Methods and analysis

This is a statistical analysis protocol for a cross-sectional study. The study sample will comprise patients from Väststroke, a local stroke registry from Gothenburg, Sweden and Efficacy oF Fluoxetine—a randomisEd Controlled Trial in Stroke (EFFECTS), a randomised controlled trial in Sweden. The s-MoCA-SWE will be developed by using exploratory factor analysis and the boosted regression tree algorithm. The cut-off value of s-MoCA-SWE for impaired cognition will be determined based on binary logistic regression analysis. The psychometric properties of s-MoCA-SWE will be compared with those of other MoCA short forms by using cross-tabulation and area under the receiving operating characteristic curve analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

The Väststroke study has received ethical approval from the Regional Ethical Review Board in Gothenburg (346–16) and the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (amendment 2019–04299). The handling of data generated within the framework of quality registers does not require written informed consent from patients. The EFFECTS study has received ethical approval from the Stockholm Ethics Committee (2013/1265-31/2 on 30 September 2013). All participants provided written consent. Results will be published in an international, peer-reviewed journal, presented at conferences and communicated to clinical practitioners in local meetings and seminars.
Fatigue in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia: general population comparison and predictive factors
Authors: Oswald Laura B , Venditti Adriano , Cella David , Cottone Francesco , Candoni Anna , Melillo Lorella , Cairoli Roberto , Storti Gabriella , Salutari Prassede , Luppi Mario , Albano Francesco , Martelli Maria Paola , Cuneo Antonio , Tafuri Agostino , Trisolini Silvia Maria , Tieghi Alessia , Fazi Paola , Vignetti Marco , Efficace Fabio
Published: May 2021

Objectives

This study compared the burden of fatigue between treatment-naïve patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and the general population and investigated patient factors associated with fatigue severity.

Methods

Pretreatment patient-reported fatigue was assessed with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue questionnaire in a sample of 463 newly diagnosed patients with AML who were enrolled in a clinical trial. Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate the adjusted mean differences in fatigue between patients with AML and adults from the general population (n=847) by AML disease risk categories. A clinically meaningful difference in fatigue was defined as ≥3 points. Univariable and multivariable linear regression models were used to identify sociodemographic, clinical and molecular correlates of worse fatigue in patients with AML.

Results

Patients with AML reported adjusted mean fatigue scores that were 7.5 points worse than the general population (95% CI −8.6 to −6.4, p<0.001). Across AML disease risk categories, adjusted mean differences in fatigue compared with the general population ranged from 6.7 points worse (patients with favourable risk: 95% CI −8.6 to −4.8, p<0.001) to 8.9 points worse (patients with poor risk, 95% CI −10.5 to −7.2, p<0.001). Overall, 91% of patients with AML reported fatigue that was equal to or worse than the general population’s median fatigue score. Higher pretreatment fatigue was independently associated with female sex, WHO performance status ≥1 and lower platelet levels.

Conclusions

Patients with newly diagnosed AML reported worse fatigue than the general population, and mean differences exceeded twice the threshold for clinical significance. Our findings may help to identify patients with AML most likely to benefit from supportive care interventions to reduce fatigue.
Non-curative surgical oncology: postoperative needs and preferences
Authors: Seibæk Lene , Thaysen Henriette Vind , Lomborg Kirsten Elisabeth
Published: May 2021

Objective

When intended curative cancer surgery is not completed, the postoperative transition to palliative care represents a prognostic landmark to patients and their families. In patients referred for highly specialised surgery for peritoneal metastases from the intestinal tract and ovaries, surgery is not performed in approximately 25%. Still, little is known of their postoperative needs and preferences.

Methods

We performed 14 qualitative research interviews with 12 patients (four men and eight women, aged 41–85 years) undergoing surgery for peritoneal metastases; five of these were together with a relative. Five of the participants had ovarian, and seven had colorectal cancer (four men and seven women). The interviews followed a semistructured interview guide, were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using meaning condensation.

Results

Patients accepted the surgeon’s decision of refraining from the intended surgery. During the postoperative period, when realising the prognostic consequences, their needs changed rapidly, in some cases from day to day, and gradually they developed a reoriented focus on their lives. The findings were framed by two themes dealing with ‘Change in treatment strategy’ and ‘Physical and psychosocial aspects of not undergoing curative surgery’.

Conclusion

When curative cancer surgery is not completed as intended, patient-centred communication is essential for patients’ psychosocial reorientation and quality of life. Further, to support their well-being and action competences, patients have a need for basic supportive care and physical restitution. Finally, high-quality postoperative palliative care needs to be coordinated, which requires staff training and reorganisation of pathways.
Characterizing key agents in the cryptocurrency economy through blockchain transaction analysis
Authors: Liu Xiao Fan , Ren Huan-Huan , Liu Si-Hao , Jiang Xian-Jian
Published: May 2021

The cryptocurrency economy provides a comprehensive digital trace of human economic behavior: almost all cryptocurrency users’ activities are faithfully recorded in transactions on public blockchains. However, the user identifiers in the transaction records, i.e., blockchain addresses, are anonymous. That is, they cannot be associated with any real “off-chain” identify of actual users. Nonetheless, identifying the economic roles of the addresses from their past behaviors is still feasible. This paper analyzes Ethereum token transactions, characterizes key economic agents’ behavior from their transaction patterns, and explores their identifiability through interpretable machine learning models. Specifically, six types of most active economic agents are considered, including centralized cryptocurrency exchanges, decentralized exchanges, cryptocurrency wallets, token issuers, airdrop services, and gaming services. Transaction patterns such as trading volume, transaction tempo, and structural properties of transaction networks are defined for individual blockchain addresses. The results showed that cryptocurrency exchanges and online wallets have signature behavior patterns and hence can be accurately distinguished from other agents. Token issuers, airdrop services, and gaming services can sometimes be confused. Moreover, transaction networks’ features provide the richest information in the economic agent’s identification.
Cytogenetic bio-dosimetry techniques in the detection of dicentric chromosomes induced by ionizing radiation: A review
Authors: Ludovici G. M. , Cascone M. G. , Huber T. , Chierici A. , Gaudio P. , de Souza S. O. , d’Errico F. , Malizia A.
Published: May 2021

Ionizing radiation is ubiquitous in the environment. Its source can be natural, such as radioactive materials present in soil and cosmic rays, or artificial, such as the fuel for nuclear power plants. Overexposure to ionizing radiation may damage living tissue and could cause severe health problems (i.e., mutations, radiation sickness, cancer, and death). Cytogenetic bio-dosimetry has the great advantage to take into account the inter-individual variation, and it is informative even when physical dosimetry is not applicable; moreover, it is the definitive method to assess exposure to ionizing radiation recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Such a procedure involves counting the frequency of dicentric chromosomes (DCs), which are the most studied chromosomal aberrations used as absorbed radiation biomarkers, during the metaphase of cells. A set of algorithms, tested on different programming languages to automatically identify DCs, is analyzed by the authors together with an Automated Dicentric Chromosome Identifying software (ADCI) mostly based on OpenCV programming libraries. The purpose of this work is to review the main results regarding the correlation between ionizing radiation and dicentric chromosomes in cytogenetic bio-dosimetry.
Enhancement of coherence resonance induced by inhibitory autapse in Hodgkin–Huxley model
Authors: Ding Xueli , Jia Bing , Li Yuye , Gu Huaguang
Published: May 2021

Inhibitory effect often suppresses electronic activities of the nervous system. In this paper, the inhibitory autapse is identified to enhance the degree of coherence resonance (CR) induced by noise in the Hodgkin–Huxley (HH) model with Hopf bifurcation from resting state to spiking with nearly fixed period [Formula: see text]. Without noise, the inhibitory autapse can induce a post inhibitory rebound (PIR) spike from the resting state at time delay approximating [Formula: see text] and can inhibit a spike of spiking at time delay approximating [Formula: see text]. In the presence of noise, CR characterized by maximal value of power spectrum of spike trains appears in a wide range of both time delay and conductance of autapse. With increasing autaptic conductance, CR degree becomes stronger for time delay approximating [Formula: see text] plus integer (from 0) multiples of [Formula: see text], because the inhibitory autaptic current pulses can induce more PIR spikes. The decrease of CR degree at time delay approximating integer (from 1) multiples of [Formula: see text] can be explained by the inhibition effect. The promotion of coherence resonance degree and the underlying PIR mechanism induced by inhibitory self-feedback extends the paradoxical phenomenon of inhibitory autapse to stochastic system and presents potential measures to modulate CR degree and information processing.
Extendable PSLC Network-Based High-Gain DC–DC Converter with Switched-Capacitor Circuit for Microbial Fuel Cell
Authors: Divya Navamani J. , Mrinal Rishabh , Nair Anirudh , Chouhan Sagar
Published: May 2021

This paper proposes a model to yield power from the low-power sources like microbial fuel cell (MFC). The structure of the MFC with a suitable energy storage unit is proposed and discussed in detail. The prototype of the MFC model with the charge pump (switched-capacitor) circuit is implemented and tested for an output voltage of 5[Formula: see text]V. Additionally, a novel high-step-up converter is suggested for the low-power applications. It employs a passive switched-inductor–capacitor cell (PSLC), which makes the switching of the LC network simple. This high-gain converter is derived by replacing the diode in the primary switched inductor cell with a capacitor. Compared to several topologies with similar voltage conversion ratio in the literature, the derived converter can achieve high voltage gain with the lesser component count. This study directs to propose a compact and lightweight DC–DC converter. Since the suggested topology is for low-power applications, a 5-W prototype is tested. The implemented setup is most appropriate for microbial fuel cell application, which is closely related to environmental stewardship.