bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ABO blood grouping discrepancies in the donor population
Authors: Jain Ashish , Garg Sachin , Marwaha Neelam , Sharma Ratti Ram 
Published: March 2020

Background and ObjectivesABO discrepancies occur when the reactions in forward grouping are not corroborative to those in the reverse grouping due to weak subgroups of A and/or B, missing or weak ABO antibodies or unexpected alloantibodies. We aimed to determine the prevalence of ABO discrepancies in our donor population and to know the causes by using a standard classification.Materials and MethodsIt was a retrospective study on donor samples. For all the discrepant samples, the ABO and RhD grouping was repeated using tube technique. Adsorption–elution testing was done for detecting weak subgroups of A and B. Antibody screen (3‐cell) and identification (11‐cell) were done by gel technique (Bio‐Rad, Switzerland).ResultsWe detected 93 (0·064%) ABO discrepancies out of the total 144279 donor samples tested. The ABO discrepancies were due to weak anti‐B antibody (33/93; 35·5%), weak anti‐A antibody and weak subgroups of A (24 each; 25·8% each) and weak subgroups of B (5/93; 5·4%). Agglutination with O cells was observed in 7 (7·5%) samples at room temperature testing. The alloantibodies identified in these samples were anti‐M (5) and anti‐Lea in (1), while the remaining 1 sample was of ‘Bombay’ (Oh) phenotype. The autologous control was negative for all the samples.ConclusionThe prevalence of ABO discrepancies in our donor population is 0·064%.
Obituary: Blagovest Sendov, 8 February 1932 – 19 January 2020
Authors: Markov Svetoslav Marinov 
Published: March 2020

I first met Blagovest Sendov in 1963 as a student in mathematics at the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics atВ Sofia University. His first lecture was devoted to Mathematical modeling. On some real life situations Prof. Sendov revealed to us the philosophy of science. Prof. Sendov's ``philosophy'' included a deep understanding of the mechanisms of the underlying real processes, the mathematical description of these processes using contemporary mathematical theories and the solution of the formulated mathematical problems using advanced numerical and computational tools. Prof. Sendov possessed an enormous ability to formulate difficult tasks and problems that need years of efforts to be resolved. At the weekly seminar of ``Mathematical modeling''he used to pose such difficult problems and to make us young collaborators enthusiastic about working on them. He never pressed anybody of us to work on something particular, but he waited that everybody chooses a theme of interest by himself.
Effect of fundus tracking on structure–function relationship in glaucoma
Authors: Montesano Giovanni , Rossetti Luca M , McKendrick Allison M , Turpin Andrew , Fogagnolo Paolo , Oddone Francesco , Lanzetta Paolo , Perdicchi Andrea , Johnson Chris A , Brusini Paolo , Garway-Heath David F , Crabb David P 
Published: March 2020

AimsTo investigate the effect of fundus tracking perimetry on structure–function relationship in glaucoma.MethodsPerimetric data were acquired with the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) and the Compass fundus perimeter (CMP, equipped with fundus tracking). We included data from 696 eyes from 360 healthy people and 711 eyes from 434 patients with glaucoma from the original study, for which the circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer optical coherence tomography scan (Cp-RNFL) was available. We explored the structure–function relationship using both global indices (mean deviation and average Cp-RNFL thickness loss) and anatomically defined visual field clusters comparing the R2 values from mixed-effect models. We then measured the diagnostic ability of a combined Structure Function Index (SFI) using perimetric data from either perimeter. The comparisons were based on partial receiver operating characteristic curves with a minimum specificity of 75% and their areas under the curve.ResultsThe R2 for the global structure–function relationship was 0.50 for the CMP and 0.48 for the HFA. When visual field clusters were included in the model, the R2 was 0.29 for CMP and 0.30 for HFA. Overall, the discrimination ability of the SFI was not significantly higher than the Cp-RNFL for either the CMP (p=0.07) or the HFA (p=0.14). However, it was significantly better in eyes with perimetric damage (p<0.001), in which the CMP-SFI performed significantly better than the HFA-SFI (p=0.03).ConclusionsStructure–function relationship is similar between the two perimeters. Fundus tracking might improve discrimination ability with a combined SFI.Trial registration numberISRCTN13800424.
Rural–urban health-seeking behaviours for non-communicable diseases in Sierra Leone
Authors: Idriss Ayesha , Diaconu Karin , Zou Guanyang , Senesi Reynold GB , Wurie Haja , Witter Sophie 
Published: March 2020

IntroductionNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality globally. In Africa, they are expected to increase by 25% by 2030. However, very little is known about community perceptions of risk factors and factors influencing health-seeking behaviour, especially in fragile settings. Understanding these is critical to effectively address this epidemic, especially in low-resource settings.MethodsWe use participatory group model building techniques to probe knowledge and perceptions of NCD conditions and their causes, health-seeking patterns for NCDs and factors affecting these health-seeking patterns. Our participants were 116 local leaders and community members in three sites in Western Area (urban) and Bombali District (rural), Sierra Leone. Data were analysed using a prior framework for NCD care seeking developed in Ghana.ResultsOur findings suggest adequate basic knowledge of causes and symptoms of the common NCDs, in rural and urban areas, although there is a tendency to highlight and react to severe symptoms. Urban and rural communities have access to a complex network of formal and informal, traditional and biomedical, spiritual and secular health providers. We highlight multiple narratives of causal factors which community members can hold, and how these and social networks influence their care seeking. Care seeking is influenced by a number of factors, including supply-side factors (proximity and cost), previous experiences of care, disease-specific factors, such as acute presentation, and personal and community beliefs about the appropriateness of different strategies.ConclusionThis article adds to the limited literature on community understanding of NCDs and its associated health-seeking behaviour in fragile settings. It is important to further elucidate these factors, which power hybrid journeys including non-care seeking, failure to prevent and self-manage effectively, and considerable expenditure for households, in order to improve prevention and management of NCDs in fragile settings such as Sierra Leone.
PRe-hospital Evaluation of Sensitive TrOponin (PRESTO) Study: multicentre prospective diagnostic accuracy study protocol
Authors: Alghamdi Abdulrhman , Cook Eloïse , Carlton Edward , Siriwardena Aloysius , Hann Mark , Thompson Alexander , Foulkes Angela , Phillips John , Cooper Jamie , Bell Steve , Kirby Kim , Rosser Andy , Body Richard 
Published: March 2020

IntroductionWithin the UK, chest pain is one of the most common reasons for emergency (999) ambulance calls and the most common reason for emergency hospital admission. Diagnosing acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in a patient with chest pain in the prehospital setting by a paramedic is challenging. The Troponin-only Manchester Acute Coronary Syndromes (T-MACS) decision rule is a validated tool used in the emergency department (ED) to stratify patients with suspected ACS following a single blood test.We are seeking to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the T-MACS decision aid algorithm to ‘rule out’ ACS when used in the prehospital environment with point-of-care troponin assays. If successful, this could allow paramedics to immediately rule out ACS for patients in the ‘very low risk’ group and avoid the need for transport to the ED, while also risk stratifying other patients using a single blood sample taken in the prehospital setting.Methods and analysisWe will recruit patients who call emergency (999) ambulance services where the responding paramedic suspects cardiac chest pain. The data required to apply T-MACS will be prospectively recorded by paramedics who are responding to each patient. Paramedics will be required to draw a venous blood sample at the time of arrival to the patient. Blood samples will later be tested in batches for cardiac troponin, using commercially available troponin assays. The primary outcome will be a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, established at the time of initial hospital admission. The secondary outcomes will include any major adverse cardiac events within 30 days of enrolment.Ethics and disseminationThe study obtained approval from the National Research Ethics Service (reference: 18/ES/0101) and the Health Research Authority. We will publish our findings in a high impact general medical journal.Trial registration numberRegistration number: ClinicalTrials.gov, study ID: NCT03561051
Priority setting and personal health responsibility: an analysis of Norwegian key policy documents
Authors: Traina Gloria , Feiring Eli 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundThe idea that individuals are responsible for their health has been the focus of debate in the theoretical literature and in its concrete application to healthcare policy in many countries. Controversies persist regarding the form, substance and fairness of allocating health responsibility to the individual, particularly in universal, need-based healthcare systems.ObjectiveTo examine how personal health responsibility has been framed and rationalised in Norwegian key policy documents on priority setting.MethodsDocuments issued or published by the Ministry of Health and Care Services between 1987 and 2018 were thematically analysed (n=14). We developed a predefined conceptual framework that guided the analysis. The framework included: (1) the subject and object of responsibility, (2) the level of conceptual abstraction, (3) temporality, (4) normative justificatory arguments and (5) objections to the application of personal health responsibility.ResultsAs an additional criterion, personal health responsibility has been interpreted as relevant if: (A) the patient’s harmful behaviour is repeated after receiving treatment (retrospectively), and if (B) the success of the treatment is conditional on the patient’s behavioural change (prospectively). When discussed as a retrospective criterion, considerations of reciprocal fairness have been dominant. When discussed as a prospective criterion, the expected benefit of treatment justified its relevance.ConclusionPersonal health responsibility appears to challenge core values of equality, inclusion and solidarity in the Norwegian context and has been repeatedly rejected as a necessary criterion for priority setting. However, the responsibility criterion seems to have some relevance in particular priority setting decisions.
Resident physician burnout: insights from a Canadian multispecialty survey
Authors: Ferguson Craig , Low Gavin , Shiau Gillian 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundBurnout results from chronic exposure to stress: comprising emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalisation (DP) and a reduced sense of personal achievement (PA). Only a few studies have examined burnout in Canadian residents, and no multispecialty studies using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Health Sciences Survey (MBI-HSS) exist. The purpose of our study is to identify burnout prevalence, contributory factors and solutions.MethodsA prospective 62-item survey, including the 22-item MBI-HSS, was sent to all Alberta residents, with a resident population of 1745. The association between burnout, EE, DP and PA with items in the survey was performed. Continuous data were evaluated using Student’s t-test or analysis of variance. Ordinal data were evaluated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient and Mann-Whitney U test. Nominal data were evaluated using χ2 test.ResultsResponse rate was 41.1% (n=718), with burnout prevalence of 69.4%. 61.6% of residents demonstrated high EE, 47.8% high DP and 29.0% low PA. More hours worked, poor work–life balance, poor service-education balance, poor mental health support, experiencing intimidation/harassment and being unhappy with programme and with career choice were associated with higher burnout (p&lt;0.001). 53.5% of residents experienced intimidation/harassment. Solutions to burnout included improved teaching, improved call/working hours, more wellness days and a change in medicine culture.ConclusionHigh prevalence of burnout in Canadian residents with contributory factors and solutions identified. We hope programmes across the world can use this information to improve the burden of burnout among residents.
Violation of US regulations regarding online marketing and sale of e-cigarettes: FDA warnings and retailer responses
Authors: Nguyen Hang , Dennehy Cathi E , Tsourounis Candy 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to characterise all 2018 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letters specific to e-cigarette products and to evaluate whether online retailers complied with FDA requested actions.MethodsAll 2018 FDA e-cigarette warning letters issued by the Center for Tobacco Products to online retailers were reviewed and characterised. Date of issuance, name, type, and location of the retailer, and violation type were recorded. Retailer websites were rechecked a minimum of 30 days after the issuance of the warning letter to assess compliance with enforcement actions.ResultsOne hundred and thirteen of 124 letters met the inclusion criteria; one duplicate letter and 10 letters unrelated to e-cigarettes were excluded. One manufacturer was cited for associating their e-liquid with prescription drugs, and when analysed, the e-liquid was found to contain phosphodiesterase inhibitors. A majority of violations, 98.2% (111/113), pertained to the sales of an e-cigarette product to a minor and/or use of marketing that appeals to children. The majority of websites (63.7%, 72/113) resolved all violations. However, 19.5% (22/113) inactivated their website, and 16.8% (19/113) did not fully correct all violations.ConclusionsSales of e-cigarette products to minors and the purposeful marketing of e-liquids in a manner that appeals to children and adolescents continues to be problematic. While the warning letters were successful in getting a majority of online retailers to correct the stated violation, many sold other products that would be considered a violation of marketing to minors. The appearance of e-liquids that contain prescription medications is also alarming. Comprehensive and continued enforcement of online e-cigarette retailers is urgently needed.
Sports-related concussions and subconcussive impacts in athletes: incidence, diagnosis, and the emerging role of EPA and DHA
Authors: Lust Cody A.C. , Mountjoy Margo , Robinson Lindsay E. , Oliver Jonathan M. , Ma David W.L. 
Published: March 2020

Sports-related concussions (SRC) are traumatic brain injuries induced as the result of a biomechanical force to the body that temporarily impair neurological functions. Not all traumatic impacts reach the threshold necessary to produce concussive symptoms; however, the culmination of these events is known as a subconcussive impact (SCI). Athletes who have been diagnosed with a SRC or those who accumulate multiple SCI have exhibited structural damage to the brain, impairments to learning and memory, and an increase in depressive symptoms. This area is rapidly evolving, and current clinical definitions of injury, diagnosis, and treatment of SRC and SCI are reviewed. In tandem, there is also growing research examining the role of nutrition in brain injuries, focusing primarily on n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The potential role of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in reducing inflammation and promoting recovery following brain injury are also reviewed. Overall, advancements in the evaluation of SRC and SCI coupled with n-3 PUFA supplementation show promise in the management of brain injuries, leading to better long-term health outcomes for athletes. Novelty SRC have garnered widespread attention due to the growing body of reported prevalence in youth and professional sports. Current definitions and protocol(s) for diagnosing SRC and SCI have improved, but still require further evaluation. n-3, EPA and DHA, reduce inflammation and promote recovery following brain injuries in experimental models.
Free fermion representation of the topological surface code
Authors: Farjami Ashk 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

The toric code is known to be equivalent to free fermions. This paper presents explicit local unitary transformations that map the ℤ2 toric and surface code – the open boundary equivalent of the toric code – to fermions. Through this construction it is shown that the surface code can be mapped to a set of free fermion modes, while the toric code requires additional fermionic symmetry operators. Finally, it is demonstrated how the anyonic statistics of these codes are encoded in the fermionic representations.

Graphical abstract
Computational analysis of amino acids’ adhesion to the graphene surface
Authors: Frederiksen Anders , Solov’yov Ilia A. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

The mechanisms of cellular growth have attracted scientists’ attention for a long time, leading to recent efforts in establishing cellular growth on specific functionalized substrates. In order to fully understand the supported cellular growth mechanisms, one needs first to comprehend how individual amino acids interact with the substrate material as cells are known to attach to surfaces through specific proteins designed to improve adhesion. In this study, we have considered graphene as a candidate material for support-assisted cellular growth and simulated the interaction of all 20 naturally occurring amino acids deposited on graphene. Investigations utilized classical molecular dynamics (MD) for amino acids in aqueous solution and in vacuo, in tandem with quantum chemical calculations. The MD simulations were carried out for classical and polarizable CHARMM force fields. The simulations performed with the polarizable force field confirmed that adhesion of amino acids to the graphene surface may be significantly enhanced due to the polarization forces, which was further supported by quantum chemical calculations. The performed analysis thus revealed the role of polarization on amino acids’ adhesion to the graphene surface.

Graphical abstract
The study on coffee biomass composite materials and their application on green golf grip
Authors: Kuan Chen-Feng , Chiang Chin-Lung , Shen Ming-Yuan , Kuan Hsu-Chiang 
Published: March 2020

In this study, we combine the biodegradable plastic with petrochemical plastics to prepare a biomass elastomer. In addition to the energy saving and carbon footprint reduction, it is safer than traditional one. A biomass Polylactide (PLA) and coffee slag were blended with thermoplastic rubber (TPR), and an environmentally friendly, low-carbon-footprint golf club grip was prepared. The product has higher deodorization ability than traditional one and is comfortable as well. The recipes design, coupling and toughening mechanism, and compounding technology are discussed in this study. The resulted PLA/TPR/coffee composite has tensile strength 213.6 kgf/cm2, which is higher than TPR of 181.0 kgf/cm2. The coefficient of friction (COF) is 4 kg and hardness is Shore A 56, furthermore, it can deodorize 85% ammonia within 2 h, which fits the market requirement.
ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ЦІНОВОЇ КОН’ЮНКТУРИ РИНКУ ЛІКАРСЬКИХ ЗАСОБІВ ДЛЯ ЛІКУВАННЯ ГЛАУКОМИ
Authors: Horodetska I. Ya. , Korniyenko O. M. , Khanyk N. L. , Bobko M .V. 
Published: March 2020

Мета роботи. Порівняльний аналіз оптово-відпускних, закупівельних та роздрібних цін на лікарські засоби (ЛЗ) для лікування глаукоми.
Матеріали і методи. Зареєстровані оптово-відпускні, закупівельні та роздрібні ціни на ЛЗ для лікування глаукоми. Порівняння, систематизація, узагальнення.
Результати й обговорення. Шляхом аналізу Національного переліку основних ЛЗ виділено 15 позицій офтальмологічних ЛЗ, у тому числі три – очні краплі для лікування глаукоми (пілокарпін, тимолол, латанопрост). У реєстрі оптово-відпускних цін виділено 14 моно- і 13 комбінованих назв цих ЛЗ. Для 14 монопрепаратів проведено порівняння зареєстрованих оптово-відпускних цін із мінімальними та максимальними значеннями закупівельних та роздрібних цін; розраховано коефіцієнти ліквідності ціни. Для чотирьох ЛЗ зареєстрована оптово-відпускна ціна була вищою, ніж максимальні значення закупівельних та роздрібних цін. Коефіцієнт ліквідності роздрібної ціни для 64 % ЛЗ перевищував 0,15.
Висновки. Встановлено особливості кон’юнктури ринку протиглаукомних монопрепаратів, ціни на які підлягають державному регулюванню, а саме: завищена виробниками зареєстрована оптово-відпускна ціна (для 4 із 14 ЛЗ), значення коефіцієнта ліквідності роздрібної ціни для більшості (9 з 14) аналізованих ЛЗ перевищують 0,15. Це свідчить про недостатній вплив законодавчих регуляторів на ціноутворення ЛЗ для лікування глаукоми та є неетичним щодо пацієнтів із погляду соціальної відповідальності суб’єктів фармацевтичного ринку.