bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Choice of ANaesthesia for EndoVAScular treatment of acute ischaemic stroke at posterior circulation (CANVAS II): protocol for an exploratory randomised controlled study
Authors: Liang Fa , Zhao Yan , Yan Xiang , Wu Youxuan , Li Xiuheng , Zhou Yang , Jian Minyu , Li Shu , Miao Zhongrong , Han Ruquan , Peng Yuming 
Published: July 2020

IntroductionObservational and interventional studies indicate that the type of anaesthesia may be associated with the postprocedural neurological function in patients with anterior circulation acute ischaemic stroke undergoing endovascular treatment. Patients with acute posterior circulation ischaemic stroke may experience different physiological changes and result in severe neurological outcome. However, the effect of the type of anaesthesia on postprocedure neurological function remained unclear in this population.Methods and analysisThis is an exploratory randomised controlled trial that will be carried out at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University. Patients with acute posterior circulation ischaemic stroke and deemed suitable for emergency endovascular recanalisation will be recruited in this trial. Eighty-four patients will be randomised to receive either general anaesthesia or conscious sedation with 1:1 allocation ratio. The primary endpoint is the 90-day modified Rankin Scale.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been reviewed by and approved by Ethics Committee of Beijing Tiantan Hospital of Capital Medical University (KY2017-074-02). If the results are positive, the study will indicate whether the type of anaesthesia affects neurological outcome after endovascular treatment of posterior stroke. The findings of the study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national or international conferences.Trial registration numberNCT03317535.
Development and testing of Australian prehospital care quality indicators: study protocol
Authors: Pap Robin , Lockwood Craig , Stephenson Matthew , Simpson Paul 
Published: July 2020

IntroductionHistorically, ambulance services were established to provide rapid transport of patients to hospital. Contemporary prehospital care involves provision of sophisticated ‘mobile healthcare’ to patients across the lifespan presenting with a range of injuries or illnesses of varying acuity. Because of its young age, the paramedicine profession has until recently experienced a lack of research capacity which has led to paucity of a discipline-specific, scientific evidence-base. Therefore, the performance and quality of ambulance services has traditionally been measured using simple, evidence-poor indicators forming a deficient reflection of the true quality of care and providing little direction for quality improvement efforts. This paper reports the study protocol for the development and testing of quality indicators (QIs) for the Australian prehospital care setting.Methods and analysisThis project has three phases. In the first phase, preliminary work in the form of a scoping review was conducted which provided an initial list of QIs. In the subsequent phase, these QIs will be developed by aggregating them and by performing related rapid reviews. The summarised evidence will be used to support an expert consensus process aimed at optimising the clarity and evaluating the validity of proposed QIs. Finally, in the third phase those QIs deemed valid will be tested for acceptability, feasibility and reliability using mixed research methods. Evidence-based indicators can facilitate meaningful measurement of the quality of care provided. This forms the first step to identify unwarranted variation and direction for improvement work. This project will develop and test quality indicators for the Australian prehospital care setting.Ethics and disseminationThis project has been approved by the University of Adelaide Human Research Ethics Committee. Findings will be disseminated by publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at appropriate scientific conferences, as well as posts on social media and on the project’s website.
Ensemble programme for early intervention in informal caregivers of psychiatric adult patients: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rexhaj Shyhrete , Monteiro Shadya , Golay Philippe , Coloni-Terrapon Claire , Wenger Daniel , Favrod Jérôme 
Published: July 2020

IntroductionInformal caregivers play a major role in the support and maintenance of community patients with severe psychiatric disorders. A pilot study showed that an individualised brief intervention such as the Ensemble programme leads to significant improvements in psychological health state and optimism.Methods and analysisThis randomised controlled trial aims to compare the efficacy of using Ensemble in improving informal caregivers’ psychological health states and the ability to play an active role in their situations with that of support as usual. Improvements on the psychological health global index will be measured three times (T0-pre, T1-post and T3 2 months follow) with standardised questionnaires (the Global Severity Index of Brief Inventory Symptoms, the Life Orientation Test-Revised, the 36-item Medical Outcome Study Short-Form Health Survey and the French Zarit Burden Interview). Differences between groups in post-test and pretest values will be examined using an analysis of covariance for each outcome variable. The severity of illness measured by the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale will also be collected at T0 and T2 to compare eventual patient improvements. At the end of the programme, the experiences of the 20 patients participating in the Ensemble programme will be evaluated qualitatively.Ethics and disseminationThe research protocol received full authorisation from the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Vaud state, Switzerland. The principal paper will concern the results of the experimental design used to test the Ensemble programme. The research team will prioritise open access publications.Trial registration numberNCT04020497
Estimating the market size for a dual prevention pill: adding contraception to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to increase uptake
Authors: Begg Lorna , Brodsky Rebecca , Friedland Barbara , Mathur Sanyukta , Sailer Jim , Creasy George 
Published: July 2020

IntroductionUptake of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remains low. The objective of this analysis was to estimate the potential market size in priority sub-Saharan African countries for a 28-day dual prevention pill (DPP) regimen containing the active pharmaceutical ingredients in oral PrEP and oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) for the prevention of HIV and unintended pregnancy.MethodsWe selected 15 countries in sub-Saharan Africa for analysis. Population estimates were based on United Nations Population Division data from 2017. Low, medium and high rates (range 0.25% to 25%) of estimated conversion from current contraceptive method to the DPP were applied by country based on HIV prevalence (≥10% vs <10%), current contraceptive method (OCP, condom or unmet need for contraception) and age group (15–24 or 25–49 years).ResultsIn these 15 countries, between 250 000 and 1.25 million women could switch from their current contraceptive method to the DPP. Given that current PrEP use in the 15 countries combined is estimated to be 113 250 (women and men), the most conservative market size estimate would more than double the number of women currently using PrEP.ConclusionsBy leveraging the existing market for OCPs and assuming modest conversion from condom users and women with an unmet need for contraception, the DPP could lead to a 2- to 10-fold increase in PrEP usage in these 15 sub-Saharan African countries, expanding the broader public health benefit of this proven HIV prevention strategy.
Heterozygous KIF1A variants underlie a wide spectrum of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Nicita Francesco , Ginevrino Monia , Travaglini Lorena , D'Arrigo Stefano , Zorzi Giovanna , Borgatti Renato , Terrone Gaetano , Catteruccia Michela , Vasco Gessica , Brankovic Vesna , Siliquini Sabrina , Romano Silvia , Veredice Chiara , Pedemonte Marina , Armando Michelina , Lettori Donatella , Stregapede Fabrizia , Bosco Luca , Sferra Antonella , Tessarollo Valeria , Romaniello Romina , Ristori Giovanni , Bertini Enrico , Valente Enza Maria , Zanni Ginevra 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundDominant and recessive variants in the KIF1A gene on chromosome 2q37.3 are associated with several phenotypes, although only three syndromes are currently listed in the OMIM classification: hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 2 and spastic paraplegia type 30, both recessively inherited, and mental retardation type 9 with dominant inheritance.MethodsIn this retrospective multicentre study, we describe the clinical, neuroradiological and genetic features of 19 Caucasian patients (aged 3–65 years) harbouring heterozygous KIF1A variants, and extensively review the available literature to improve current classification of KIF1A-related disorders.ResultsPatients were divided into two groups. Group 1 comprised patients with a complex phenotype with prominent pyramidal signs, variably associated in all but one case with additional features (ie, epilepsy, ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, optic nerve atrophy); conversely, patients in group 2 presented an early onset or congenital ataxic phenotype. Fourteen different heterozygous missense variants were detected by next-generation sequencing screening, including three novel variants, most falling within the kinesin motor domain.ConclusionThe present study further enlarges the clinical and mutational spectrum of KIF1A-related disorders by describing a large series of patients with dominantly inherited KIF1A pathogenic variants ranging from pure to complex forms of hereditary spastic paraparesis/paraplegias (HSP) and ataxic phenotypes in a lower proportion of cases. A comprehensive review of the literature indicates that KIF1A screening should be implemented in HSP regardless of its mode of inheritance or presentations as well as in other complex neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental disorders showing congenital or early onset ataxia.
Drivers of variation in 90-day episode payments after mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Daou Badih J , Yost Monica L , Syrjamaki John D , Fearer Kelsey J , Koduri Sravanthi , Burke James F , Gemmete Joseph J , Chaudhary Neeraj , Thompson Byron Gregory , Pandey Aditya S 
Published: July 2020

Background
Although mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke from a large vessel occlusion is now the standard of care, little is known about cost variations in stroke patients following thrombectomy and factors that influence these variations.

Methods

We evaluated claims data for 2016 to 2018 for thrombectomy-performing hospitals within Michigan through a registry that includes detailed episode payment information for both Medicare and privately insured patients. We aimed to analyze price-standardized and risk-adjusted 90-day episode payments in patients who underwent thrombectomy. Hospitals were grouped into three payment terciles for comparison. Statistical analysis was carried out using unpaired
t
-test, Chi-square, and ANOVA tests.

Results
1076 thrombectomy cases treated at 16 centers were analyzed. The average 90-day episode payment by hospital ranged from $53 046 to $81,767, with a mean of $65 357. A $20 467 difference (35.1%) existed between the high and low payment hospital terciles (P<0.0001), highlighting a significant payment variation across hospital terciles. The primary drivers of payment variation were related to post-discharge care which accounted for 38% of the payment variation (P=0.0058, inter-tercile range $11,977–$19,703) and readmissions accounting for 26% (P=0.016, inter-tercile range $3,315–$7,992). This was followed by professional payments representing 20% of the variation (P<0.0001, inter-tercile range $7525–$9,922), while index hospitalization payment was responsible for only 16% of the 90-day episode payment variation (P=0.10, inter-tercile range $35,432–$41,099).

Conclusions
There is a wide variation in 90-day episode payments for patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy across centers. The main drivers of payment variation are related to differences in post-discharge care and readmissions.
Maternal preconception and first trimester exposure to PM10and the risk of oral clefts in offspring: a population-based, case–control study
Authors: Liu Fang-Hua , Dai Hui-Xu , Gong Ting-Ting , Zhang Jia-Yu , Li Jing , Chen Zong-Jiao , Li Li-Li , Chen Yan-Ling , Liu Shu , Jiang Cheng-Zhi , Huang Yan-Hong , Zhao Yu-Hong , Wu Qi-Jun 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundCurrent literature describes limited and controversial evidence on the associations between maternal preconception and first trimester exposure to particulate matter with a diameter ≤10 µm (PM10) and the risk of oral cleft (OC).MethodsWe conducted a case–control study involving 3086 OC cases and 7950 controls, registered in the Maternal and Child Health Certificate Registry in Liaoning Province between 2010 and 2015. PM10concentrations were obtained from the Environment Protection Bureau. The exposure windows included the 3 months before pregnancy, the first trimester and the individual months. Unconditional logistic regression model was performed to estimate the OR and 95% CI for the association between PM10exposure and the risk of OC, cleft lip only (CLO), cleft palate only (CPO), and cleft lip and palate (CLP).ResultsMaternal PM10exposure was positively associated with an increased risk for OC during the 3 months preconception (per 10 µg/m3increment: OR=1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07; highest vs lowest quartile: OR=1.23, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.45) and the first trimester (per 10 µg/m3increment: OR=1.05, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.08; highest vs lowest quartile: OR=1.37, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.64). Analyses based on individual months presented similar positive associations, particularly in the second month of pregnancy (OR=1.77, 95% CI 1.51 to 2.09) for highest versus lowest quartile. In the subtype analysis, stronger associations were observed for CLO, whereas there was negligible evidence for CPO and CLP. Sensitivity analyses using propensity score matching generated similar findings.ConclusionsOur study provides evidence that PM10exposure during the 3 months preconception and the first trimester increases the risk of OC.
Calorimetry with deep learning: particle simulation and reconstruction for collider physics
Authors: Belayneh Dawit , Carminati Federico , Farbin Amir , Hooberman Benjamin , Khattak Gulrukh , Liu Miaoyuan , Liu Junze , Olivito Dominick , Pacela Vitória Barin , Pierini Maurizio , Schwing Alexander , Spiropulu Maria , Vallecorsa Sofia , Vlimant Jean-Roch , Wei Wei , Zhang Matt 
Published: July 2020

AbstractUsing detailed simulations of calorimeter showers as training data, we investigate the use of deep learning algorithms for the simulation and reconstruction of single isolated particles produced in high-energy physics collisions. We train neural networks on single-particle shower data at the calorimeter-cell level, and show significant improvements for simulation and reconstruction when using these networks compared to methods which rely on currently-used state-of-the-art algorithms. We define two models: an end-to-end reconstruction network which performs simultaneous particle identification and energy regression of particles when given calorimeter shower data, and a generative network which can provide reasonable modeling of calorimeter showers for different particle types at specified angles and energies. We investigate the optimization of our models with hyperparameter scans. Furthermore, we demonstrate the applicability of the reconstruction model to shower inputs from other detector geometries, specifically ATLAS-like and CMS-like geometries. These networks can serve as fast and computationally light methods for particle shower simulation and reconstruction for current and future experiments at particle colliders.
Constraints on electroweak gauged unparticle model from the oblique parameters S and T
Authors: Taibi H. , Mebarki N. 
Published: July 2020

We calculate the one loop contribution from an unparticle gauged model, based on the group SU(2)[Formula: see text]U(1), to the electroweak oblique parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Using the current bounds on [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] from electroweak measurements, we find the constraints on the scale dimension [Formula: see text] of the unparticle fermionic fields to be [Formula: see text] and the constraints on the conformal breaking scale [Formula: see text] to be [Formula: see text] Gev. The bounds on [Formula: see text] impose a lower limit on the conformal window of the unparticle fields which means that unparticle are not detectable below [Formula: see text] Gev.
Reimagining Vaccines for Prostate Cancer: Back to the Future
Authors: Shenderov Eugene , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Given the modest clinical benefits observed with immune checkpoint blockade in advanced prostate cancer, there is a renewed interest in exploring other forms of immunotherapy. Here, the authors report the use of a novel plasmid DNA vaccine encoding the androgen receptor, called pTVG-AR, in men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.
See related article by Kyriakopoulos et al., p. 5162
Clinical Portrait of the SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic in European Patients with Cancer
Authors: Pinato David J. , Zambelli Alberto , Aguilar-Company Juan , Bower Mark , Sng Christopher C.T. , Salazar Ramon , Bertuzzi Alexia , Brunet Joan , Mesia Ricard , Seguí Elia , Biello Federica , Generali Daniele , Grisanti Salvatore , Rizzo Gianpiero , Libertini Michela , Maconi Antonio , Harbeck Nadia , Vincenzi Bruno , Bertulli Rossella , Ottaviani Diego , Carbó Anna , Bruna Riccardo , Benafif Sarah , Marrari Andrea , Wuerstlein Rachel , Carmona-Garcia M. Carmen , Chopra Neha , Tondini Carlo , Mirallas Oriol , Tovazzi Valeria , Betti Marta , Provenzano Salvatore , Fotia Vittoria , Cruz Claudia Andrea , Dalla Pria Alessia , D'Avanzo Francesca , Evans Joanne S. , Saoudi-Gonzalez Nadia , Felip Eudald , Galazi Myria , Garcia-Fructuoso Isabel , Lee Alvin J.X. , Newsom-Davis Thomas , Patriarca Andrea , García-Illescas David , Reyes Roxana , Dileo Palma , Sharkey Rachel , Wong Yien Ning Sophia , Ferrante Daniela , Marco-Hernández Javier , Sureda Anna , Maluquer Clara , Ruiz-Camps Isabel , Gaidano Gianluca , Rimassa Lorenza , Chiudinelli Lorenzo , Izuzquiza Macarena , Cabirta Alba , Franchi Michela , Santoro Armando , Prat Aleix , Tabernero Josep , Gennari Alessandra , Avanzi Gian Carlo , Bellan Mattia , Castello Luigi Mario , Martinez Maria , Mollà Meritxell , Pirisi Mario , Scotti Lorenza , Swallow Judith 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic significantly affected oncology practice across the globe. There is uncertainty as to the contribution of patients' demographics and oncologic features to severity and mortality from COVID-19 and little guidance as to the role of anticancer and anti–COVID-19 therapy in this population. In a multicenter study of 890 patients with cancer with confirmed COVID-19, we demonstrated a worsening gradient of mortality from breast cancer to hematologic malignancies and showed that male gender, older age, and number of comorbidities identify a subset of patients with significantly worse mortality rates from COVID-19. Provision of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy did not worsen mortality. Exposure to antimalarials was associated with improved mortality rates independent of baseline prognostic factors. This study highlights the clinical utility of demographic factors for individualized risk stratification of patients and supports further research into emerging anti–COVID-19 therapeutics in SARS-CoV-2–infected patients with cancer.

Significance:
In this observational study of 890 patients with cancer diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2, mortality was 33.6% and predicted by male gender, age ≥65, and comorbidity burden. Delivery of cancer therapy was not detrimental to severity or mortality from COVID-19. These patients should be the focus of shielding efforts during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1426
The Contribution of International Organizations to the Formation, Interpretation and Identification of International Law
Authors: Barkholdt Janina 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In light of increased pressure on multilateral institutions, this article assesses the contribution of international organizations (IOs) to shaping international law. For that purpose, it analyses the recent work of the International Law Commission (ILC) regarding the role of IOs and its reception by States. The article argues that States do not perceive IOs as a relic of bygone times. Instead, the sceptical attitude of some States seems to be based primarily on a lack of conceptual clarity with regard to IO practice. Yet, a changing geopolitical landscape increases the pressure on lawyers to explain firstly, that the relevance of IO practice finds support in international law (and not only in favourable power relations), and secondly, that the law provides means to integrate a more plural international order within a common framework. On that basis, the article sketches possible approaches to four issues which were left open by the ILC.
Jordan’s Commitment towards Compulsory and Free Basic Education as a Constitutional Right: An Analytical Field Study
Authors: Aldabbas Ali Mohamed , Alawamleh Kamal Jamal , Awamleh Worud Jamal 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This study examines the extent to which Jordan is committed to principles of compulsory and free basic education, by analyzing legislation in light of constitutional and international standards regarding the right to education. Methodology includes quantitative assessment of these principles using a questionnaire distributed to students and their teachers in a number of public schools in three Jordanian governorates. Three focus group sessions composed of students and their teachers were held. The study suggests that, whilst the Jordanian Constitution has explicitly adopted such principles, Jordanian law yet includes provisions that diminish providing free basic education to all children of compulsory age and that mitigate the number of students who drop out of school. This study proposes amending the title of Chapter II of the Constitution and Article 20 to ensure that all children living in Jordan enjoy the right to education.
Procedural Haze: The ICC’s Jurisdiction over the Situation in Palestine
Authors: Al-Khudayri Yassir 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Palestine’s ratification of the Rome Statute, and limited retroactive acceptance of the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC, or the Court), constitutes one of the major legal developments of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the past decade. But such a milestone does not come without contentious legal and political challenges. Several procedural obstacles are likely to arise, especially relating to jurisdiction and admissibility, which will determine whether the ICC even gets to substantive questions of accountability. No matter which cases might ultimately be prosecuted, any ICC investigation – and perhaps even the preliminary examination – is thus likely to confront the antagonisms surrounding Palestinian statehood, bilateral agreements between Israel and the Palestinians, border disputes, and domestic criminal proceedings.