bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient experiences of an ankle fracture and the most important factors in their recovery: a qualitative interview study
Authors: McKeown Rebecca , Kearney Rebecca Samantha , Liew Zi Heng , Ellard David R 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveThe objective of this qualitative research study is to explore patient experiences of ankle fracture and the factors most important to them in recovery.DesignSemistructured interviews exploring patient experiences of ankle fracture recovery at 16–23 weeks following injury. Interviews followed a topic guide and were recorded with an encrypted audio recorder and then transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis was used to identify themes in the data.SettingIndividuals were recruited from a sample of participants of a UK-based clinical trial of immobilisation methods for ankle fracture (ISRCTN15537280 at the pre-results stage at time of writing). Interviews were conducted at the participants’ own homes or on a university campus setting.ParticipantsA purposive sample was used to account for key variables of age, gender and fracture management. Participants recruited from the clinical trial sample were adults aged 18 years or over with a closed ankle fracture.ResultsTen participants were interviewed, five of whom were female and six of whom needed an operation to fix their ankle fracture. The age range of participants was 21–75 years with a mean of 51.6 years. Eight themes emerged from the data during analysis; mobility, loss of independence, healthcare, psychological effects, social and family life, ankle symptoms, sleep disturbance and fatigue, and activities of daily living. Factors of importance to participants included regaining their independence, sleep quality and quantity, ability to drive, ability to walk without walking aids or weight-bearing restrictions, and radiological union.ConclusionsThe results of this research demonstrates the extensive impact of ankle fracture on individuals’ lives, including social and family life, sleep, their sense of independence and psychological well-being. The results of this study will enable an increased understanding of the factors of relevance to individuals with ankle fracture, allowing collection of appropriate outcomes in clinical studies for this condition. Ultimately these results will help formulate appropriate patient-centred rehabilitation plans for these patients.Trial registration numberISRCTN15537280; Pre-results
Triple-arm trial of pH (Tri-pH) effect on live birth after ICSI in Egyptian IVF facilities: protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fawzy Mohamed , Emad Mai , Wilkinson Jack , Mansour Ragaa , Mahran Ali , Fetih Ahmed , Abdelrahman Mohamed , AbdelGhafar Hazem 
Published: February 2020

IntroductionOne potential stressor that can affect preimplantation and postimplantation embryonic growth after in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is the pH of the human embryo culture medium, but no evidence exists to indicate which pH level is optimal for IVF. Based on anecdotal evidence or mouse models, culture media manufacturers recommend a pH range of 7.2 to 7.4, and IVF laboratories routinely use a pH range of 7.25 to 7.3. Given the lack of randomised trials evaluating the effect of pH on live birth rate after IVF, this trial examines the effect of three different pH levels on the live birth rate.Methods and analysisThis multicentre randomised trial will involve centres specialised in IVF in Egypt. Eligible couples for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) will be randomised for embryo culture at pH 7.2, 7.3 or 7.4. The study is designed to detect 10 percentage points difference in live birth rate between the best and worst performing media with 93% power at a 1% significance level. The primary outcome is the rate of live birth (delivery of one or more viable infants beyond the 20th week of gestation) after ICSI. Secondary clinical outcomes include biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage, preterm births, birth weight, stillbirth, congenital malformation and cumulative live birth (within 1 year from randomisation). Embryo development outcomes include fertilisation, blastocyst formation and quality, and embryo cryopreservation and utilisation.Ethics and disseminationThe study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Review Boards of the participating centres. Eligible women will sign a written informed consent before enrolment. This study has an independent data monitoring and safety committee comprised international experts in trial design and in vitro culture. No plan exists to disseminate results to participants or health communities, except for the independent monitoring and safety committee of the trial.Trial registration numberNCT02896777.
Verbal Autopsy with Participatory Action Research (VAPAR) programme in Mpumalanga, South Africa: protocol for evaluation
Authors: Witter Sophie , Van Der Merwe Maria , Twine Rhian , Mabetha Denny , Hove Jennifer , Goosen Gerhard , D’Ambruoso Lucia 
Published: February 2020

IntroductionThere is a growing recognition of the importance of developing learning health systems which can engage all stakeholders in cycles of evidence generation, reflection, action and learning from action to deal with adaptive problems. There is however limited evaluative evidence of approaches to developing or strengthening such systems, particularly in low-income and middle-income settings. In this protocol, we aim to contribute to developing and sharing knowledge on models of building collaborative learning platforms through our evaluation of the Verbal Autopsy with Participatory Action Research (VAPAR) programme.Methods and analysisThe evaluation takes a participatory approach, focussed on joint learning on whether and how VAPAR contributes to its aims, and what can be learnt for this and similar settings. A realist-informed theory of change was developed by the research team as part of a broader collaboration with other stakeholders. The evaluation will draw on a wide variety of perspectives and data, including programme data and secondary data. This will be supplemented by in-depth interviews and workshops at the end of each cycle to probe the different domains, understand changes to the positions of different actors within the local health system and feedback into improved learning and action in the next cycle. Quantitative data such as verbal autopsy will be analysed for significant trends in health indicators for different population groups. However, the bulk of the data will be qualitative and will be analysed thematically.Ethics and disseminationEthics in participatory approaches include a careful focus on the power relationships within the group, such that all groups are given voice and influence, in addition to the usual considerations of informed participation. Within the programme, we will focus on reflexivity, relationship building, two-way learning and learning from failure to reduce power imbalances and mitigate against a blame culture. Local engagement and change will be prioritised in dissemination.
Interactive online survey raises awareness about cornea donation
Authors: Tsigkos Dimitrios , Tzelepi Anna , Kopsini Dimitra , Manolakou Danae , Konistis Evangelos , Palioura Sotiria 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of a 5 min interactive online survey on raising awareness about cornea donation and willingness to become a donor.MethodsAn interactive online questionnaire was used to collect information regarding awareness, perceptions and attitudes towards cornea donation and to educate the participants about the process and value of cornea donation. Willingness to become a cornea donor was assessed at the beginning and the end of the survey.ResultsThe survey was completed by 1769 Greek residents. Willingness to become a cornea donor increased from 40.5% (n=717) at the beginning of the survey to 55.2% (n=977) by the end of it (p<0.00001). Younger participants, those whose work or studies were unrelated to the medical field, and those with the least knowledge about cornea donation and transplantation were more likely to change their views towards donation by the end of the survey (42.3%, 44.8% and 82.1% increase in willingness to donate, respectively). Major deterrents to donation were lack of information, concerns about the use of the donated corneas and corruption within the medical field.ConclusionOur 5 min online survey had a significant impact on changing the mentality towards cornea donation in Greece. We live in an online era and incorporation of online tools and applications in awareness campaigns towards cornea and organ donation has become a necessity.
Expert artificial intelligence-based natural language processing characterises childhood asthma
Authors: Seol Hee Yun , Rolfes Mary C , Chung Wi , Sohn Sunghwan , Ryu Euijung , Park Miguel A , Kita Hirohito , Ono Junya , Croghan Ivana , Armasu Sebastian M , Castro-Rodriguez Jose A , Weston Jill D , Liu Hongfang , Juhn Young 
Published: February 2020

IntroductionThe lack of effective, consistent, reproducible and efficient asthma ascertainment methods results in inconsistent asthma cohorts and study results for clinical trials or other studies. We aimed to assess whether application of expert artificial intelligence (AI)-based natural language processing (NLP) algorithms for two existing asthma criteria to electronic health records of a paediatric population systematically identifies childhood asthma and its subgroups with distinctive characteristics.MethodsUsing the 1997–2007 Olmsted County Birth Cohort, we applied validated NLP algorithms for Predetermined Asthma Criteria (NLP-PAC) as well as Asthma Predictive Index (NLP-API). We categorised subjects into four groups (both criteria positive (NLP-PAC+/NLP-API+); PAC positive only (NLP-PAC+only); API positive only (NLP-API+only); and both criteria negative (NLP-PAC−/NLP-API−)) and characterised them. Results were replicated in unsupervised cluster analysis for asthmatics and a random sample of 300 children using laboratory and pulmonary function tests (PFTs).ResultsOf the 8196 subjects (51% male, 80% white), we identified 1614 (20%), NLP-PAC+/NLP-API+; 954 (12%), NLP-PAC+only; 105 (1%), NLP-API+only; and 5523 (67%), NLP-PAC−/NLP-API−. Asthmatic children classified as NLP-PAC+/NLP-API+showed earlier onset asthma, more Th2-high profile, poorer lung function, higher asthma exacerbation and higher risk of asthma-associated comorbidities compared with other groups. These results were consistent with those based on unsupervised cluster analysis and lab and PFT data of a random sample of study subjects.ConclusionExpert AI-based NLP algorithms for two asthma criteria systematically identify childhood asthma with distinctive characteristics. This approach may improve precision, reproducibility, consistency and efficiency of large-scale clinical studies for asthma and enable population management.
Per-region interobserver agreement of Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scores (ASPECTS)
Authors: Nicholson Patrick , Hilditch Christopher Alan , Neuhaus Ain , Seyedsaadat Seyed Mohammad , Benson John Charles , Mark Ian , Tsang Chun On Anderson , Schaafsma Joanna , Kallmes David F , Krings Timo , Brinjikji Waleed 
Published: February 2020

Background and purposeThe Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) is a commonly used scoring system to select patients with stroke for endovascular treatment (EVT). However, the inter- and intra-reader variability is high.ObjectiveTo determine whether the inter- and intra-reader variability is different for various regions of the ASPECTS scoring system by evaluating the interobserver variability of ASPECTS between different readers in a per-region analysis.Materials and methodsAll patients with acute ischemic stroke who proceeded to EVT in our institutions over a 4-year period were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained database. Images were reviewed by two experienced neuroradiologists, who recalculated the ASPECTS independently. We examined each region of the ASPECTS system to evaluate agreement between the raters in each area.Results375 patients were included. The median total ASPECTS was 9 (IQR 8–9). The most common region showing ischemic change was the insula, with the M6 region being least commonly affected. Overall interobserver agreement for ASPECTS using Cohen’s κ was 0.56 (95% CI 0.51 to 0.61). The region with the highest agreement was the insula (κ=0.56; 0.48 to 0.64). The region with the lowest agreement was M3 (κ=0.34; 0.12 to 0.56). Agreement was relatively good when ASPECTS were dichotomized into 0–5 versus 6–10 (κ=0.66; 0.49 to 0.84).ConclusionsSubstantial interobserver variability is found when calculating ASPECTS. This variability is region dependent, and practitioners should take this into account when using ASPECTS for treatment decisions in patients with acute stroke.
Utility evaluation of HLA-B*13:01 screening in preventing trichloroethylene-induced hypersensitivity syndrome in a prospective cohort study
Authors: Dai Yufei , Zhou Wei , Jia Qiang , Dong Haiyan , Niu Yong , He Jiaxi , Bin Ping , Yi Juan , Xiang Yingping , Duan Huawei , Huang Huiping , Sha Yan , Shen Meili , Ye Meng , Huang Xianqing , Zheng Yuxin 
Published: February 2020

ObjectivesTrichloroethylene (TCE) -induced hypersensitivity syndrome (TIHS) is a potentially life-threatening disease. Several genetic susceptibility biomarkers have been found to be associated with TIHS, and this systematic prospective study has been conducted to evaluate the utility of these genetic susceptibility biomarkers in preventing the disease.MethodsThe newly hired TCE-exposed workers were recruited from March 2009 to October 2010. HLA-B*13:01 genotyping and 3-month follow-up procedure were conducted. All workers were monitored for adverse reaction by telephone interview every week. The workers with early symptoms of TIHS were asked to go to the hospital immediately for further examination, diagnosis and treatment. The medical expense record data of patients with TIHS were collected for cost-effectiveness analysis in 2018.ResultsAmong 1651 workers, 158 (9.57%) were found to carry the HLA-B*13:01 allele and 16 (0.97%) were diagnosed with TIHS. HLA-B*13:01 allele was significantly associated with an increased TIHS risk (relative risk=28.4, 95% CI 9.2 to 86.8). As a risk predictor of TIHS, HLA-B*13:01 testing had a sensitivity of 75%, a specificity of 91.1% and an area under curve of 0.83 (95% CI 0.705 to 0.955), the positive and negative predictive values were 7.6% and 99.7%, respectively. The incidence of TIHS was significantly decreased in HLA-B*13:01 non-carriers (0.27%) compared with all workers (0.97%, p=0.014). Cost-effectiveness analysis showed that HLA-B*13:01 screening could produce an economic saving of $4604 per TIHS avoided.ConclusionsProspective HLA-B*13:01 screening may significantly reduce the incidence of TIHS and could be a cost effective option for preventing the disease in TCE-exposed workers.
Collapse in a mare during standing sedation with a fatal outcome
Authors: Carrozzo Maria Valentina , Ambros Barbara 
Published: February 2020

A 6‐year‐old 559‐kg Canadian Warmblood mare with lacerations over the neck and all four limbs was presented to the Western College Veterinary Medicine. Medical treatment and wound lavage was carried out for 5 days with no clinical improvement. Ultrasonography of the gluteal region showed disruption of normal muscle architecture, predominantly on the right side. A diagnosis of compartmental syndrome was confirmed with intracompartment pressure measurements. Fasciotomy of the semimembranosus and tendinosus muscles was elected. Standing sedation was achieved with intermittent boluses of butorphanol and detomidine, and caudal epidural analgesia was performed with 13 mL of lidocaine 2 per cent. Forty minutes after the epidural injection, the mare became ataxic and fell. The horse was anaesthetised with ketamine and diazepam followed by total intravenous anaesthesia until the effects of the epidural lidocaine were presumed to have resolved. In recovery, the mare was unable to stand. The owner elected humane euthanasia.
Calibrating the standard candles with strong lensing
Authors: Wen Xudong , Liao Kai 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe propose a new model-independent strategy to calibrate the distance relation in Type Ia supernova (SN) observations and to probe the intrinsic properties of SNe Ia, especially the absolute magnitude$$M_B$$MB, basing on strong lensing observations in the upcoming Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) era. The strongly lensed quasars can provide the Time Delay Distances (TDD) and the Angular Diameter Distances (ADD) to the lens galaxies. These absolute distance measurements can model-independently anchor the SNe Ia at cosmological distances. We simulated 55 high-quality lensing systems with$$5\%$$5%uncertainties for both TDD and ADD measurements basing on future observation conditions. For the time delay distances and the angular diameter distances as the calibration standards, the calibrated$$1\sigma $$1σuncertainties of$$M_{B}$$MBare approximately 0.24 mag and 0.03 mag, respectively. Besides, we also consider an evolving distance relation, for example, caused by the cosmic opacity. In this case, the$$1\sigma $$1σuncertainties of$$M_B$$MBcalibrated with TDD and ADD are approximately 0.31 mag and 0.06 mag, respectively. The results show that the ADD method will be a promising tool for calibrating supernovae.
Generalized Lomb–Scargle analysis of $$\mathrm {^{36}Cl}$$ decay rate measurements at PTB and BNL
Authors: Dhaygude Akanksha , Desai Shantanu 
Published: February 2020

AbstractRecently Pomme et al. (Solar Phys 292:162, 2017) did an analysis of $${^{36}\hbox {Cl}} $$36Cl radioactive decay data from measurements at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), in order to verify the claims by Sturrock and collaborators of an influence on beta-decay rates measured at Brookhaven National Lab (BNL) due to the rotation-induced modulation of the solar neutrino flux. Their analysis excluded any sinusoidal modulations in the frequency range from 0.2 to 20/year. We carry out an independent analysis of the same PTB and BNL data, using the generalized Lomb–Scargle periodogram to look for any statistically significant peaks in the range from 0 to 14 per year, and by evaluating the significance of every peak using multiple methods. Our results for the PTB data are in agreement with those by Pomme et al. For BNL data, we do find peaks at some of the same frequencies as Sturrock et al., but the significance is much lower. All our analysis codes and datasets have been made publicly available.
Occupational safety evaluation index-based obstacles prediction for manufacturing industries
Authors: Singh Satnam , Kaur Maninder , Bahl Ankur , Uppal Raminder Singh 
Published: February 2020

A new safety index known as Occupational Safety Evaluation Index (OSEI) is developed to evaluate and map the level of workplace safety in medium size iron and steel manufacturing industries (MSMIs) of Punjab. Delphi method is used to devise the OSEI based on a set of 40 key factors validated by content validity index (CVI). In order to determine the various obstacles in workplace safety, stepwise regression analysis is carried out using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS, version 20.0). The analysis reveals that factors such as organizational attributes, workplace layout and housekeeping, occupational exposures, personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene factors are the main obstacles for workplace safety in MSMIs. It is therefore recommended that the MSMIs should uplift these safety parameters to minimize the obstacles for better and safe working environment at the workplace. Hence, OSEI proves to be a useful tool to evaluate the safety performance of industries and by following the corrective measures suggested in this study, the level of safety in MSMIs of Punjab can be improved upon.
Sidi M'Barek: a representative example of the Moroccan massive sulfide deposits
Authors: Outigua Abdelhak , Essaifi Abderrahim , Corsini Michel , Outhounjite Mohamed , Zouhair Mohamed 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

In addition to a Zn-rich lens representing the northern prolongation of the Draa Sfar volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit, the Sidi M'Barek deposit includes Cu-rich lenses in which gold is being recovered profitably as a by-product. The Cu-rich mineralization is composed of numerous structurally controlled veins whose morphology suits that of a lode rather than that of a stratiform orebody. Although the Cu-rich and Zn-rich orebodies are dominated by pyrrhotite, pyrrhotite is coarser grained in the Cu-rich lenses and mineralization is polyphase. Pyrrhotite is deformed and recrystallized; it is cross-cut and replaced by pyrite infilling veins. Pyrite also crystallizes along the S
1
cleavage and in pressure shadows around bioclasts in the disseminated ore. Chalcopyrite veins postdate both the pyrrhotite and pyrite phases.

The concentration of Co and Au is higher in the Cu-rich lenses relative to the Zn-rich lenses, which have higher concentrations of Pb, Ag and As. Pyrite and pyrrhotite have distinct sulfur and lead isotopic signatures. We propose a polygenetic model in which a pre-existing syngenetic pyrrhotite-rich mineralization is remobilized in shear zones during a major ductile deformation event allowing deposition of pyrite. The shear zones were reopened during a late ductile–brittle deformation event allowing deposition of chalcopyrite.
Effect of Modulating FcRn Binding on Direct and Pretargeted Tumor Uptake of Full-length Antibodies
Authors: Nazarova Lidia , Rafidi Hanine , Mandikian Danielle , Ferl Gregory Z. , Koerber James T. , Davies Christopher W. , Ulufatu Sheila , Ho Jason , Lau Jeffrey , Yu Shang-Fan , Ernst James , Sadowsky Jack D. , Boswell C. Andrew 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFull-length antibodies lack ideal pharmacokinetic properties for rapid targeted imaging, prompting the pursuit of smaller peptides and fragments. Nevertheless, studying the disposition properties of antibody-based imaging agents can provide critical insight into the pharmacology of their therapeutic counterparts, particularly for those coupled with potent payloads. Here, we evaluate modulation of binding to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) as a protein engineering-based pharmacologic strategy to minimize the overall blood pool background with directly labeled antibodies and undesirable systemic click reaction of radiolabeled tetrazine with circulating pretargeted trans-cyclooctene (TCO)-modified antibodies. Noninvasive SPECT imaging of mice bearing HER2-expressing xenografts was performed both directly (111In-labeled antibody) and indirectly (pretargeted TCO-modified antibody followed by 111In-labeled tetrazine). Pharmacokinetic modulation of antibodies was achieved by two distinct methods: Fc engineering to reduce binding affinity to FcRn, and delayed administration of an antibody that competes with binding to FcRn. Tumor imaging with directly labeled antibodies was feasible in the absence of FcRn binding, rapidly attaining high tumor-to-blood ratios, but accompanied by moderate liver and spleen uptake. Pretargeted imaging of tumors with non-FcRn-binding antibody was also feasible, but systemic click reaction still occurred, albeit at lower levels than with parental antibody. Our findings demonstrate that FcRn binding impairment of full-length IgG antibodies moderately lowers tumor accumulation of radioactivity, and shifts background activity from blood pool to liver and spleen. Furthermore, reduction of FcRn binding did not eliminate systemic click reaction, but yielded greater improvements in tumor-to-blood ratio when imaging with directly labeled antibodies than with pretargeting.