bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is there a correlation between inflammatory markers and coagulation parameters in women with advanced ovarian endometriosis?
Authors: Ding Shaojie , Lin Qiao , Zhu Tianhong , Li Tiantian , Zhu Libo , Wang Jianzhang , Zhang Xinmei 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Endometriosis is defined as a chronic inflammatory disease. Recent studies have shown that increased coagulation parameters including fibrinogen and platelets are associated with endometriosis. The objective of this study was to determine the levels of inflammatory markers and coagulation parameters and their correlations in women with endometriomas compared to those with benign ovarian cysts or normal pelvic anatomy.

Methods
Between June 2015 and June 2017, a total of 548 women who underwent laparoscopic/laparotomic surgery for ovarian endometriomas (OMA group, n = 226), non-endometriosis benign ovarian cysts (Cyst group, n = 210) and tubal reanastomosis (Control group, n = 112) were recruited in this study. Inflammatory markers including c-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and coagulation parameters including platelet count, thrombin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time, and plasma fibrinogen as well as CA-125 were determined.

Results
Compared with Cyst group and Control group, TT and PT in OMA group were significantly shorter and plasma fibrinogen levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05). Moreover, the levels of plasma fibrinogen were positively correlated with CRP, NLR and PLR (P < 0.05). In addition, the confidence intervals for the area under the curve (AUC) for CA-125 × fibrinogen were significantly higher than those for CA-125 (0.904–0.952 vs. 0.899–0.949) in the diagnosis of endometrioma.

Conclusions
These results indicate that women with endometriomas demonstrate a hypercoagulable status due to the inflammatory nature of endometriosis. The combined determination for CA-125 and fibrinogen demonstrate a higher area under the curve than the single detection of CA-125 in those with endometriomas compared to these with benign ovarian cysts.

Trial registration
This study was approved by the Human Ethics Committee of the Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University (No.20170174) and all women provided written informed consent.
Active learning through discussion: ICAP framework for education in health professions
Authors: Lim Jaeseo , Ko Hyunwoong , Yang Ji Won , Kim Songeui , Lee Seunghee , Chun Myung-Sun , Ihm Jungjoon , Park Jooyong 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The ICAP framework based on cognitive science posits four modes of cognitive engagement: Interactive, Constructive, Active, and Passive. Focusing on the wide applicability of discussion as interactive engagement in medical education, we investigated the effect of discussion when it was preceded by self-study and further investigated the effect of generating questions before discussions.

Methods
This study was conducted in the second semester of 2018 and was participated in by 129 students majoring in health professions, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and nursing. The students were assigned to four different trial groups and were asked to fill out a Subjective Mental Effort Questionnaire after completing each session. Their performance in posttest scores was analyzed using Bonferroni test, and mental effort was analyzed using mediation analysis.

Results
These results indicated that the self-study and question group had the highest performance and that the lecture and summary group had the lowest performance when comparing the total score. Using the analysis of mental effort, it was confirmed that the relationship between different study conditions and post-test performance was mediated by mental effort during test.

Conclusions
Our findings support the ICAP framework and provide practical implications for medical education, representing the fact that students learn more when they are involved in active learning activities, such as self-study and question generation, prior to discussions.
Gender-based differences in letters of recommendation written for ophthalmology residency applicants
Authors: Lin Fei , Oh Soo Kyung , Gordon Lynn K. , Pineles Stacy L. , Rosenberg Jamie B. , Tsui Irena 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundTo determine whether gender-based differences may be present in letters of recommendation written for ophthalmology residency applicants.MethodsAll applications submitted through SF Match to the UCLA Stein Eye Institute Residency Training Program from the 2017–2018 application cycle were analyzed using validated text analysis software (Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (Austin, TX)). The main outcome measures were differences in language use in letters of recommendation by gender of applicant.ResultsOf 440 applicants, 254 (58%) were male and 186 (42%) were female. The two gender groups had similar United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 1 scores, undergraduate grade point averages (uGPA’s), proportions of underrepresented minority (URM) applicants and Gold Humanism Honor Society members, numbers of academic and service activities listed, and gender distributions of their letter writers (allPvalues > 0.05). However, letters written for male applicants were determined to use more “authentic” words than those written for female applicants (mean difference, 0.800; 95% CI, 0.001–1.590;P = 0.047). Letters written for male applicants also contained more “leisure” words (mean difference, 0.056; 95% CI, 0.008–0.104;P = 0.023) and fewer “feel” words (mean difference, 0.033; 95% CI, 0.001–0.065;P = 0.041) and “biological processes” words (mean difference, 0.157; 95% CI, 0.017–0.297;P = 0.028).ConclusionsThere were gender differences detected in recommendation letters in ophthalmology consistent with prior studies from other fields. Awareness of these differences may improve residency selection processes.
Responsible data sharing in a big data-driven translational research platform: lessons learned
Authors: Kalkman S. , Mostert M. , Udo-Beauvisage N. , van Delden J. J. , van Thiel G. J. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
To foster responsible data sharing in health research, ethical governance complementary to the EU General Data Protection Regulation is necessary. A governance framework for Big Data-driven research platforms will at least need to consider the conditions as specified a priori for individual datasets. We aim to identify and analyze these conditions for the Innovative Medicines Initiative’s (IMI) BigData@Heart platform.

Methods
We performed a unique descriptive case study into the conditions for data sharing as specified for datasets participating in BigData@Heart. Principle investigators of 56 participating databases were contacted via e-mail with the request to send any kind of documentation that possibly specified the conditions for data sharing. Documents were qualitatively reviewed for conditions pertaining to data sharing and data access.

Results
Qualitative content analysis of 55 relevant documents revealed overlap on the conditions: (1) only to share health data for scientific research, (2) in anonymized/coded form, (3) after approval from a designated review committee, and while (4) observing all appropriate measures for data security and in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations.

Conclusions
Despite considerable overlap, prespecified conditions give rise to challenges for data sharing. At the same time, these challenges inform our thinking about the design of an ethical governance framework for data sharing platforms. We urge current data sharing initiatives to concentrate on: (1) the scope of the research questions that may be addressed, (2) how to deal with varying levels of de-identification, (3) determining when and how review committees should come into play, (4) align what policies and regulations mean by “data sharing” and (5) how to deal with datasets that have no system in place for data sharing.
Use of natural language processing to improve predictive models for imaging utilization in children presenting to the emergency department
Authors: Zhang Xingyu , Bellolio M. Fernanda , Medrano-Gracia Pau , Werys Konrad , Yang Sheng , Mahajan Prashant 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Objective
To examine the association between the medical imaging utilization and information related to patients’ socioeconomic, demographic and clinical factors during the patients’ ED visits; and to develop predictive models using these associated factors including natural language elements to predict the medical imaging utilization at pediatric ED.

Methods
Pediatric patients’ data from the 2012–2016 United States National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey was included to build the models to predict the use of imaging in children presenting to the ED. Multivariable logistic regression models were built with structured variables such as temperature, heart rate, age, and unstructured variables such as reason for visit, free text nursing notes and combined data available at triage. NLP techniques were used to extract information from the unstructured data.

Results
Of the 27,665 pediatric ED visits included in the study, 8394 (30.3%) received medical imaging in the ED, including 6922 (25.0%) who had an X-ray and 1367 (4.9%) who had a computed tomography (CT) scan. In the predictive model including only structured variables, the c-statistic was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.70–0.71) for any imaging use, 0.69 (95% CI: 0.68–0.70) for X-ray, and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.76–0.78) for CT. Models including only unstructured information had c-statistics of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.81–0.82) for any imaging use, 0.82 (95% CI: 0.82–0.83) for X-ray, and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.83–0.86) for CT scans. When both structured variables and free text variables were included, the c-statistics reached 0.82 (95% CI: 0.82–0.83) for any imaging use, 0.83 (95% CI: 0.83–0.84) for X-ray, and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.86–0.88) for CT.

Conclusions
Both CT and X-rays are commonly used in the pediatric ED with one third of the visits receiving at least one. Patients’ socioeconomic, demographic and clinical factors presented at ED triage period were associated with the medical imaging utilization. Predictive models combining structured and unstructured variables available at triage performed better than models using structured or unstructured variables alone, suggesting the potential for use of NLP in determining resource utilization.
Acceptability of Internet-based interventions for problem gambling: a qualitative study of focus groups with clients and clinicians
Authors: Sanchez Sherald , Jindani Farah , Shi Jing , van der Maas Mark , Hagopian Sylvia , Murray Robert , Turner Nigel 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Although Internet-based interventions (IBIs) have been around for two decades, uptake has been slow. Increasing the acceptability of IBIs among end users may increase uptake. In this study, we explored the factors that shape acceptability of IBIs for problem gambling from the perspective of clients and clinicians. Findings from this qualitative study of focus groups informed the design and implementation of an IBI for problem gambling.

Methods
Using a semi-structured interview guide, we conducted three focus groups with clients experiencing gambling problems (total n = 13) and two with clinicians providing problem gambling treatment (total n = 21). Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a two-part inductive-deductive approach to thematic analysis.

Results
Although both user groups reported similar experiences, each group also had unique concerns. Clinician perspectives were more homogeneous reflective of healthcare professionals sharing the same practice and values. Clinicians were more concerned about issues relating to the dissemination of IBIs into clinical settings, including the development of policies and protocols and the implications of IBIs on the therapeutic relationship. In comparison, client narratives were more heterogeneous descriptive of diverse experiences and individual preferences, such as the availability of services on a 24-h basis. There was consensus among clients and clinicians on common factors influencing acceptability: access, usability, high quality technology, privacy and security, and the value of professional guidance.

Conclusions
Acceptability is an important factor in the overall effectiveness of IBIs. Gaining an understanding of how end users perceive IBIs and why they choose to use IBIs can be instrumental in the successful and meaningful design, implementation, and evaluation of IBIs.
AliClu - Temporal sequence alignment for clustering longitudinal clinical data
Authors: Rama Kishan , Canhão Helena , Carvalho Alexandra M. , Vinga Susana 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundPatient stratification is a critical task in clinical decision making since it can allow physicians to choose treatments in a personalized way. Given the increasing availability of electronic medical records (EMRs) with longitudinal data, one crucial problem is how to efficiently cluster the patients based on the temporal information from medical appointments. In this work, we propose applying the Temporal Needleman-Wunsch (TNW) algorithm to align discrete sequences with the transition time information between symbols. These symbols may correspond to a patient’s current therapy, their overall health status, or any other discrete state. The transition time information represents the duration of each of those states. The obtained TNW pairwise scores are then used to perform hierarchical clustering. To find the best number of clusters and assess their stability, a resampling technique is applied.ResultsWe propose the AliClu, a novel tool for clustering temporal clinical data based on the TNW algorithm coupled with clustering validity assessments through bootstrapping. The AliClu was applied for the analysis of the rheumatoid arthritis EMRs obtained from the Portuguese database of rheumatologic patient visits (Reuma.pt). In particular, the AliClu was used for the analysis of therapy switches, which were coded as letters corresponding to biologic drugs and included their durations before each change occurred. The obtained optimized clusters allow one to stratify the patients based on their temporal therapy profiles and to support the identification of common features for those groups.ConclusionsThe AliClu is a promising computational strategy to analyse longitudinal patient data by providing validated clusters and by unravelling the patterns that exist in clinical outcomes. Patient stratification is performed in an automatic or semi-automatic way, allowing one to tune the alignment, clustering, and validation parameters. The AliClu is freely available athttps://github.com/sysbiomed/AliClu.
Economic and non-economic determinants of Iranian pharmaceutical companies’ financial performance: an empirical study
Authors: Masoumi Mohammadreza , Ebadi Fard Azar Farbod , RezaPour Aziz , Mehrara Mohsen 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The pharmaceutical industry in Iran is influenced by various parameters such as internal factors caused by the financial information of each economic unit and external factors including major economic and non-economic variables.

Methods
This study is aiming to examine the effect of such variables on the stock return of 34 pharmaceutical companies in the Tehran Securities Exchange market using quarterly data from 1995 to 2016. In this research, an autoregressive model was utilized to examine the way that variables affect the stock market index. In such patterns, there is no need for explicit short-term structural relationships and structural knowledge is extracted from causal relationships. Finally, to analyze the results, impulse-response functions, forecast error variance, and historical decomposition were collected.

Results
Results of this research show that positive shock to the variables, namely the currency rate, collection period of quests, and healthcare costs lead to a decrease in the return of pharmaceutical companies. On the other hand, a positive shock to the variables such as GDP, and money volume, leads to an increase in the stock return of pharmaceutical companies.

Conclusion
Different factors contribute to the stock return of pharmaceutical companies. Among the variables examined in this study, market currency rate, money volume, pharmaceutical sector inflation, bank interest rate, GDP in the healthcare sector, healthcare costs, and collection period of quests have the most effect on describing changes within the stock return of pharmaceutical companies.
Transcultural adaption and preliminary evaluation of “understanding low back pain” patient education booklet
Authors: Simula Anna Sofia , Jenkins Hazel J. , Holopainen Riikka , Oura Petteri , Korniloff Katariina , Häkkinen Arja , Takala Esa-Pekka , Hancock Mark J. , Karppinen Jaro 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Low back pain (LBP) is the number one cause of disability globally. LBP is a symptom associated with biological, psychological and social factors, and serious causes for pain are very rare. Unhelpful beliefs about LBP and inappropriate imaging are common. Practitioners report pressure from patients to provide inappropriate imaging. A recently developed patient education and management booklet, ‘Understanding low back pain’, was designed to target previously identified barriers for reducing inappropriate imaging. The booklet includes evidence-based information on LBP and supports communication between patients and practitioners. Our aim was to 1) describe the translation process into Finnish and 2) study patients’ and practitioners’ attitudes to the booklet and to evaluate if it improved patients’ understanding of LBP and practitioners’ ability to follow imaging guidelines.

Methods
We translated the booklet from English to Finnish. Preliminary evaluation of the booklet was obtained from LBP patients (n = 136) and practitioners (n = 32) using web-based questionnaires. Open-ended questions were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results
Approximately half of the patients reported that reading the booklet helped them to understand LBP, while a third thought it encouraged them to perform physical activity and decreased LBP-related fear. Eighty percent of practitioners reported that the booklet helped them to follow imaging guidelines. In addition, practitioners reported that they found the booklet helpful and that it decreased the need for imaging.

Conclusions
The booklet seemed to be helpful in LBP management and in decreasing the need for LBP imaging according to patients and practitioners. Further research on the clinical effectiveness of the booklet in controlled study settings is needed.

Trial registration
ISRCTN, ISRCTN14389368, Registered 4 April 2019 - Retrospectively registered; ISRCTN11875357, Registered 22 April 2019 - Retrospectively registered.
Reasons for late presentation for antenatal care, healthcare providers’ perspective
Authors: Jinga Nelly , Mongwenyana Constance , Moolla Aneesa , Malete Given , Onoya Dorina 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundAntenatal care (ANC) provides healthcare services to pregnant women in an attempt to ensure, the best possible pregnancy outcome for women and their babies. Healthcare providers’ understanding of their patient’s behaviour and reasons for engagement in care and their response to this insight can influence patient-provider interactions and patient demand for ANC early in pregnancy. We examined the insight of healthcare providers into women’s reasons for starting ANC later than the South African National Department of Health’s recommended 20 weeks gestation. We also looked at the impact of late ANC presentation on overall healthcare providers’ work experiences and their response in their interactions with patients.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with 10 healthcare providers at Maternal Obstetrics Units (MOU) and Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) in Gauteng, South Africa. Healthcare providers were selected with the assistance of the facility managers. Data analysis was conducted using the qualitative analysis software NVivo 11, using a thematic approach of pinpointing, examining, and recording patterns within the data.ResultsHealthcare providers were aware of patients need for secrecy in the early stages of pregnancy because of fears of miscarriage and women’s preference for traditional care. Women with prior pregnancies presumed to know about stages of pregnancy and neglected to initiate ANC early. Barriers to early ANC initiation also include, women’s need to balance income generating activities; travel cost to the clinic and refusal of care for coming after the daily patient limit has been reached. Healthcare providers encounter negative attitudes from un-booked patients. This has a reciprocal effect whereby this experience impacts on whether healthcare providers will react with empathy or frustration.ConclusionsTiming of ANC is influenced by the complex decisions women make during pregnancy, starting from accepting the pregnancy itself to acknowledging the need for ANC. To positively influence this decision making for the benefit of early ANC, barriers such as lack of knowledge should be addressed prior to pregnancy through awareness programmes. The relationship between healthcare providers and women should be emphasized when training healthcare providers and considered as an important factor that can affect the timing of ANC.
Understanding primary care providers’ perceptions of cancer prevention and screening in a predominantly rural healthcare system in the upper Midwest
Authors: Saman Daniel M. , Walton Kayla M. , Harry Melissa L. , Asche Stephen E. , Truitt Anjali R. , Henzler-Buckingham Hillary A. , Allen Clayton I. , Ekstrom Heidi L. , O’Connor Patrick J. , Sperl-Hillen JoAnn M. , Ziegenfuss Jeanette Y. , Bianco Joseph A. , Elliott Thomas E. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Cancer is the leading cause of death in the United States, with the burden expected to rise in the coming decades, increasing the need for effective cancer prevention and screening options. The United States Preventive Services Task Force has suggested that a shared decision-making process be used when clinicians and patients discuss cancer screening. The electronic medical record (EMR) often provides only reminders or alerts to primary care providers (PCPs) when screenings are due, a strategy with limited efficacy.

Methods
We administered a cross-sectional electronic survey to PCPs (n = 165, 53% response rate) at 36 Essentia Health primary care clinics participating in a large, National Cancer Institute-funded study on a cancer prevention clinical decision support (CDS) tool. The survey assessed PCP demographics, perceptions of the EMR’s ability to help assess and manage patients’ cancer risk, and experience and comfort level discussing cancer screening and prevention with patients.

Results
In these predominantly rural clinics, only 49% of PCPs thought the EMR was well integrated to help assess and manage cancer risk. Both advanced care practitioners and physicians agreed that cancer screening and informed discussion of cancer risks are important; however, only 53% reported their patients gave cancer screening a high priority relative to other health issues.

Conclusions
The impact of EMR-linked CDS delivered to both patients and PCPs may improve cancer screening, but only if it is easy to use and saves PCPs time.