bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the influence of data collector training for predictive risk of death models: an observational study
Authors: Rajamani Arvind , Huang Stephen , Subramaniam Ashwin , Thomson Michele , Luo Jinghang , Simpson Andrew , McLean Anthony , Aneman Anders , Madapusi Thodur Vinodh , Lakshmanan Ramanathan , Flynn Gordon , Poojara Latesh , Gatward Jonathan , Pusapati Raju , Howard Adam , Odlum Debbie 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundSeverity-of-illness scoring systems are widely used for quality assurance and research. Although validated by trained data collectors, there is little data on the accuracy of real-world data collection practices.ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of formal data collection training on the accuracy of scoring system data in intensive care units (ICUs).Study design and methodsQuality assurance audit conducted using survey methodology principles. Between June and December 2018, an electronic document with details of three fictitious ICU patients was emailed to staff from 19 Australian ICUs who voluntarily submitted data on a web-based data entry form. Their entries were used to generate severity-of-illness scores and risks of death (RoDs) for four scoring systems. The primary outcome was the variation of severity-of-illness scores and RoDs from a reference standard.Results50/83 staff (60.3%) submitted data. Using Bayesian multilevel analysis, severity-of-illness scores and RoDs were found to be significantly higher for untrained staff. The mean (95% high-density interval) overestimation in RoD due to training effect for patients 1, 2 and 3, respectively, were 0.24 (0.16, 0.31), 0.19 (0.09, 0.29) and 0.24 (0.1, 0.38) respectively (Bayesian factor >300, decisive evidence). Both groups (trained and untrained) had wide coefficients of variation up to 38.1%, indicating wide variability. Untrained staff made more errors in interpreting scoring system definitions.InterpretationIn a fictitious patient dataset, data collection staff without formal training significantly overestimated the severity-of-illness scores and RoDs compared with trained staff. Both groups exhibited wide variability. Strategies to improve practice may include providing adequate training for all data collection staff, refresher training for previously trained staff and auditing the raw data submitted by individual ICUs. The results of this simulated study need revalidation on real patients.
HBV vaccination and HBV infection induces HBV-specific natural killer cell memory
Authors: Wijaya Ratna S , Read Scott A , Truong Naomi R , Han Shuanglin , Chen Dishen , Shahidipour Haleh , Fewings Nicole L , Schibeci Stephen , Azardaryany Mahmoud K , Parnell Grant P , Booth David , van der Poorten David , Lin Rita , George Jacob , Douglas Mark W , Ahlenstiel Golo 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveVaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV) confers protection from subsequent infection through immunological memory that is traditionally considered the domain of the adaptive immune system. This view has been challenged following the identification of antigen-specific memory natural killer cells (mNKs) in mice and non-human primates. While the presence of mNKs has been suggested in humans based on the expansion of NK cells following pathogen exposure, evidence regarding antigen-specificity is lacking. Here, we demonstrate the existence of HBV-specific mNKs in humans after vaccination and in chronic HBV infection.DesignNK cell responses were evaluated by flow cytometry and ELISA following challenge with HBV antigens in HBV vaccinated, non-vaccinated and chronic HBV-infected individuals.ResultsNK cells from vaccinated subjects demonstrated higher cytotoxic and proliferative responses against autologous hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-pulsed monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) compared with unvaccinated subjects. Moreover, NK cell lysis of HBsAg-pulsed moDCs was significantly higher than that of hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg)-pulsed moDCs (non-vaccine antigen) or tumour necrosis factor α-activated moDCs in a NKG2D-dependent manner. The mNKs response was mediated by CD56dim NK cells coexpressing CD57, CD69 and KLRG1. Further, mNKs from chronic hepatitis B patients exhibited greater degranulation against HBcAg-pulsed moDCs compared with unvaccinated or vaccinated patients. Notably, mNK activity was negatively correlated with HBV DNA levels.ConclusionsOur data support the presence of a mature mNKs following HBV antigen exposure either through vaccination or infection. Harnessing these antigen specific, functionally active mNKs provides an opportunity to develop novel treatments targeting HBV in chronic infection.
Selective embolization of the mastoid emissary vein for pulsatile tinnitus treatment: when is it indicated?
Authors: Eliezer Michael , Freitas Rafael Kiyuze , Fantoni Matteo , Guedon Alexis , Houdart Emmanuel 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundVenous pulsatile tinnitus (PT) can be caused by the perception of blood flow through the mastoid emissary vein (MEV). However, the causal relationship of this anomaly has not been established as selective occlusion of this vein has never been performed. The aim of this study was to report on a small series of patients suspected of having PT caused by an MEV, who underwent MEV embolization as treatment for PT, and to identify the correct indications for this procedure.MethodsThis was a single center retrospective study (CNIL 2215065) including six patients with isolated disabling PT treated by embolization of the MEV, recruited between December 2017 and August 2019. Patient charts were systematically reviewed. All patients underwent non-contrast temporal bone CT and MRI.ResultsMean age of the patients (five women, one male) was 56.3 years (range 40–71 years). Two patients presented with venous PT and four had neutral PT. The MEV was in direct contact with the mastoid air cells on temporal bone CT in all patients. Based on clinical examination, two patients presented with venous PT while four patients had neutral PT. In all cases of venous PT, selective embolization of the MEV caused the tinnitus to disappear, suggesting technical success. In contrast, embolization of the MEV had no effect in patients with neutral PT.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that MEV could be a source of venous PT. Embolization of the MEV was effective only in cases of clinical venous PT.
Isolating the Odderon in central production in high energy pA and AA collisions
Authors: McNulty R. , Khoze V. A. , Martin A. D. , Ryskin M. G. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe study the rapidity dependence of the central exclusive production cross sections of C-even mesons inpAandAAcollisions, whereAis a heavy ion. We observe qualitatively different behaviour of the contributions arising from$$\gamma $$γ-Odderon and Pomeron–Pomeron fusion mechanisms. This can be used to extract the Odderon signal from the events of$$f_2$$f2mesons exclusively produced in the forward region. Estimates, obtained using expected values of the Odderon cross section, indicate that the$$\gamma $$γ-Odderon contribution may exceed by a few times the Pomeron-induced background in Pb–Pb collisions. Moreover, the Odderon effect can be clearly seen in terms of the asymmetry inpAandAAcollisions with the beam and target reversed. It is particularly interesting to note that the asymmetry for$$\gamma $$γ-Odderon fusion reaches its maximum value close to 1 in the forward direction, whereas the asymmetry for the Pomeron–Pomeron fusion contribution is small. The role of additional interactions of the$$f_2$$f2meson with nucleons in the heavy ion, and also the contributions from secondary Reggeons, are estimated. The photon–Odderon contribution has a large normalisation uncertainty but the enhanced cross-section in the forward region combined with a large asymmetry increases the chance of experimentally detecting the Odderon.
Catalytic etching of {100}-oriented diamond coating with Ni and Cu nanoparticles under hydrogen
Authors: Cui Naiyuan , Wang Fei , Guo Lei 
Published: March 2020

Nanopores formed in insulating solid state membrane is of great importance in many fields such as detection of DNA/RNA molecules in their internal environment, probing and manipulating biopolymers. Here, we present an effective and convenient method to form nanopores in diamond etched by self-assembled Ni or Cu nanoparticles in hydrogen atmosphere. With our method, homogeneous nanopores with lateral size in the range of [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] were created without using Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) process. In this work, the etching pits of Ni and Cu etched diamond were investigated, respectively. A novel step-like pattern of etching pits was observed on diamond etched by Ni. In order to study the etching process and figure out the etching mechanism of diamond, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the etching morphology. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope (LSCM) were used to visualize the image of diamond etching pits and investigate the step-like pattern. A fixed step height was observed in each pit. Based on these observations and findings, a hypothesis is proposed, which can help to provide a new controllable etching method.
A triple-channel incremental zoom-ADC for 3-DoF MEMS digital gyroscopes
Authors: Lv Risheng , Chen Weiping , Fu Qiang , Yin Liang , Zhang Yufeng , Liu Xiaowei 
Published: March 2020

This paper presents a multiplexed analog-to-digital converter (ADC) consisting mainly of high-precision sampling holders (S/H) and an incremental zoom ADC. Flip-around design is employed in S/H modules for power economy and noise suppression. Based on efficient coordination between S/H and multiplexers, synchronous sampling is available in the whole triple-channel ADC to maintain phase accordance. The core converter employed a hybrid architecture of successive approximation register (SAR) and Sigma-Delta [Formula: see text], which constitutes an energy-efficient zoom ADC. Final conversion result is a combination of the two steps. Both the SAR and [Formula: see text] modulation share a third-order loop filter to compromise between systematic stability and input range. On-chip digital logic include capacitor array controlling and dynamic-element-matching (DEM) technique. Manufactured in a standard [Formula: see text]m CMOS technology, the whole chip occupies an area of 2.7 mm2. Experimental results show a maximum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 100.2 dB, with a power consumption of 2.1 mW from a 5 V supply.
Broadband gradient phase discontinuity all-dielectric metasurface
Authors: Liu Yahong , Li Meize , Song Kun , Jing Yuhao , Guo Jiale , Hai Qingyu , Zhao Xiaopeng 
Published: March 2020

In recent years, metasurfaces have widely been studied due to their ability to offer a spatially varying phase response, low losses, ultrathin size, and easy fabrication. In this paper, a gradient phase discontinuity all-dielectric metasurface consisting of arrays of silicon cube resonator is designed. By adjusting the dimension of the silicon cube resonator, a [Formula: see text] transmission phase covered from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] phase intervals is realized in a frequency from 9.7 GHz to 11.8 GHz. We demonstrate the all-dielectric metasurface can produce the anomalous refraction, vortex beams, and wave-focusing in the microwave and infrared band, respectively. It can be expected that the proposed metasurfaces can find wide applications in communication, designing integrated optical devices, and focusing lenses.
Targeting the NLRP3 Inflammasome With Inhibitor MCC950 Prevents Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections in Mice
Authors: Ren Pingping , Wu Darrell , Appel Richard , Zhang Lin , Zhang Chen , Luo Wei , Robertson Avril A. B. , Cooper Matthew A. , Coselli Joseph S. , Milewicz Dianna M. , Shen Ying H. , LeMaire Scott A. 
Published: March 2020

Background
Aortic aneurysms and dissections are highly lethal diseases for which an effective treatment strategy is critically needed to prevent disease progression. The nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain–like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)–caspase‐1 inflammasome cascade was recently shown to play an important role in aortic destruction and disease development. In this study, we tested the effects of MCC950, a potent, selective NLRP3 inhibitor, on preventing aortic destruction and aortic aneurysm and dissection formation.

Methods and Results

In a model of sporadic aortic aneurysm and dissection induced by challenging wild‐type mice with a high‐fat, high‐cholesterol diet and angiotensin II infusion, MCC950 treatment significantly inhibited challenge‐induced aortic dilatation, dissection, and rupture in different thoracic and abdominal aortic segments in both male and female mice. Aortic disease reduction by MCC950 was associated with the prevention of NLRP3–caspase‐1 upregulation, smooth muscle cell contractile protein degradation, aortic cell death, and extracellular matrix destruction. Further investigation revealed that preventing matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP‐9) expression and activation in macrophages is an important mechanism underlying MCC950's protective effect. We found that caspase‐1 directly activated MMP‐9 by cleaving its N‐terminal inhibitory domain. Moreover, the genetic knockdown of
Nlrp3
or
Casp‐1
in mice or treatment of mice with MCC950 diminished the challenge‐induced N‐terminal cleavage of MMP‐9, MMP‐9 activation, and aortic destruction.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that the NLRP3–caspase‐1 inflammasome directly activates MMP‐9. Targeting the inflammasome with MCC950 is a promising approach for preventing aortic destruction and aortic aneurysm and dissection development.
Hypertension in Rural India: The Contribution of Socioeconomic Position
Authors: Thrift Amanda G. , Ragavan Rathina Srinivasa , Riddell Michaela A. , Joshi Rohina , Thankappan K. R. , Chow Clara , Oldenburg Brian , Mahal Ajay S. , Kalyanram Kartik , Kartik Kamakshi , Suresh Oduru , Mini G. K. , Ismail Jordan , Gamage Dilan Giguruwa , Hasan Aniqa , Srikanth Velandai K. , Thomas Nihal , Maulik Pallab K. , Guggilla Rama K. , Evans Roger G. 
Published: March 2020

Background

Various indicators of socioeconomic position (
SEP
) may have opposing effects on the risk of hypertension in disadvantaged settings. For example, high income may reflect sedentary employment, whereas greater education may promote healthy lifestyle choices. We assessed whether education modifies the association between income and hypertension in 3 regions of South India at different stages of epidemiological transition.

Methods and Results

Using a cross‐sectional design, we randomly selected villages within each of rural Trivandrum, West Godavari, and Rishi Valley. Sampling was stratified by age group and sex. We measured blood pressure and anthropometry and administered a questionnaire to identify lifestyle factors and
SEP
, including education, literacy, and income. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between various components of
SEP
and hypertension, and interaction analyses were used to determine whether educational attainment modified the association between income and hypertension. Trivandrum, the region of highest
SEP
, had the greatest prevalence of hypertension, whereas Rishi Valley, the lowest
SEP
region, had the least. Overall, greater income was associated with greater risk of hypertension. In interaction analyses, there was no evidence that educational attainment modified the association between income and hypertension.

Conclusions
Education is widely considered to ameliorate the risk of hypertension in high‐income countries. Why this effect is absent in rural India merits investigation.
ShareDisk: A novel visual tool to assess perceptions about who should be responsible for supporting persons with mental health problems
Authors: Iyer Srividya N , Pope Megan A , Jordan Gerald , Mohan Greeshma , Loohuis Heleen , Ramachandran Padmavati , Rangaswamy Thara , Malla Ashok K 
Published: March 2020

Objectives: Views on who bears how much responsibility for supporting individuals with mental health problems may vary across stakeholders (patients, families, clinicians) and cultures. Perceptions about responsibility may influence the extent to which stakeholders get involved in treatment. Our objective was to report on the development, psychometric properties and usability of a first-ever tool of this construct. Methods: We created a visual weighting disk called ‘ShareDisk’, measuring perceived extent of responsibility for supporting persons with mental health problems. It was administered (twice, 2 weeks apart) to patients, family members and clinicians in Chennai, India ( N = 30, 30 and 15, respectively) and Montreal, Canada ( N = 30, 32 and 15, respectively). Feedback regarding its usability was also collected. Results: The English, French and Tamil versions of the ShareDisk demonstrated high test–retest reliability ( rs = .69–.98) and were deemed easy to understand and use. Conclusion: The ShareDisk is a promising measure of a hitherto unmeasured construct that is easily deployable in settings varying in language and literacy levels. Its clinical utility lies in clarifying stakeholder roles. It can help researchers investigate how stakeholders’ roles are perceived and how these perceptions may be shaped by and shape the organization and experience of healthcare across settings.
Impact of simulation-based anesthesiology training using an anesthetized porcine model for ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block
Authors: Park Sang Jun , Kim Hyun Joo , Yang Hun-Mu , Yoon Kyung Bong , Lee Ki-Young , Ha Taehoon , Jang Hun , Kim Shin Hyung 
Published: March 2020

Objective This study was performed to assess the impact of simulation-based training for ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block using anesthetized pigs. Methods In this prospective study, 23 participating residents (10 in their second year, 13 in their third year) underwent simulation-based training for ultrasound-guided TAP block. The residents completed standard questionnaires comprising 10 multiple-choice questions regarding essential general knowledge of abdominal ultrasound and TAP block before and after the training session. On a 5-point Likert scale, they reported their levels of comfort with the use of ultrasound and block equipment, subject/operator positioning, proper block technique, image documentation, needle handling, anxiety, and their overall confidence with the procedure. Results Compared with those before training, the comfort levels of the residents significantly improved for all measures except needle handling. The participants also indicated significantly reduced anxiety regarding performance of the TAP block technique. Conclusion The use of anesthetized pigs in simulation-based training for ultrasound-guided TAP block improves procedural knowledge and confidence while reducing the associated anxiety in anesthesiology trainees.
Effect of subdural muscle packing in repairing dura mater after retrosigmoid craniotomy
Authors: Yang Hong-an , Sun Shi-cheng , Zheng Xiang-rong , Ding Feng , Bie Yi-fan 
Published: March 2020

Objective This study was performed to evaluate a new type of autologous muscle tamponade to repair dura mater that has undergone dural defects to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage or subcutaneous fluid accumulation. Methods Three hundred thirty-two patients who underwent retrosigmoid craniotomy were selected and divided into two groups: bone window craniotomy and bone flap craniotomy. Each group was further divided into two groups: artificial dura repair and autologous muscle repair. We then analysed the incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage or subcutaneous fluid accumulation and compared the effects of the two repair methods. Results For all patients, autologous muscle repair of the dura mater had a lower incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage than artificial dura mater repair, especially in patients with craniotomy. Conclusions Subdural craniotomy of the bone window is more effective than conventional methods in preventing cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
Prognostic value of non-invasive fibrosis indices post-curative resection in hepatitis-B-associated hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Zhang Ting-Ting , Ye Si-Si , Liang Jun , Bai Li 
Published: March 2020

The occurrence and acuteness of liver cirrhosis were strongly associated with the hepatocarcinogenesis and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study compared the prognostic significance of non-invasive fibrosis panel containing 15 indices in hepatitis-B-associated HCC patients’ post-curative resection. Four hundred and five consecutive hepatitis-B-related HCC patients who went through curative hepatectomy were investigated retrospectively. The multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). The accuracy in diagnosis of each non-invasive fibrosis index in cirrhosis detection was determined by the area under receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve. Preoperative AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), Goteburg University Cirrhosis Index (GUCI), and King Score all exhibited a superior performance in diagnosis of cirrhosis detection with AUC > 0.7. APRI and Fibro-α Score were the risk factors that behaved independently in predicting the OS of HCC patients, with an hazard ratio (HR) value of 1.550 (P = 0.012) and 1.420 (P = 0.033), respectively. Preoperative APRI was a relatively accurate predictor of cirrhotic status and prognosis in HCC due to hepatitis-B among the 15 non-invasive fibrosis indices. Impact statement Non-invasive fibrosis indices, according to regular laboratory and clinical data, could be useful in assessing liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis patients. However, the role of these biomarkers remains unclear in predicting the outcome of HBV-associated HCC in patients. This study was carried out retrospectively and included a relatively large sample size (n = 405) with a heterogeneous population of HBV infected patients and longer duration of prospective follow-up. Our study suggested that APRI and Fibro-α Scores are inversely correlated with overall survival in HBV-associated HCC patients. Meanwhile, GUCI, King Score, and APRI were highly correlated with cirrhosis status. Also, in subgroups of cirrhosis or non-cirrhosis, Fibro-α Scores could differentiate patients with good prognosis from those with poor outcome. This result would aid clinicians in acquiring preventive and therapeutic methods in patients with high risk.