bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Febrile seizures in an urban Tanzanian population: lessons learned from a community‐based random cluster survey
Authors: Stelzle Dominik , Storz Corinna , Baxmann Arlette , Liang Linda A. , Burtscher Clemens , Matuja William , Schmutzhard Erich , Winkler Andrea S. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo analyse the cumulative incidence of febrile seizures, to evaluate the accuracy of our screening questionnaire and to describe clinical characteristics of children with febrile seizure in an urban population in Tanzania.MethodsA large random cluster sampled population was screened for a febrile seizure history as part of a larger epilepsy study using a standardised questionnaire in a two‐stage door‐to‐door survey in Tanzania. A subset of screen positive participants was further examined for confirmation of diagnosis and evaluation of clinical characteristics.ResultsOverall, 49 697 people were screened for a febrile seizure history of whom 184 (0.4%) screened positive. Women more commonly screened positive than men (112 [0.4%]vs. 72 [0.3%]). There was no marked difference between age groups or education. The positive predictive value of the screening tool was 37% (95% CI 24–51%) but its accuracy varied with the age of interviewed individuals. Cumulative incidence rates were estimated between 1.1% and 2.0% after adjusting for the inaccuracy of the screening tool. Most febrile seizures occurred before the age of two (65%) and most children had more than one episode (80%). A large proportion of children had complex febrile seizure (65%), often caused by malaria or respiratory infections.ConclusionsThe community‐based cumulative incidence of a febrile seizure history in an urban Tanzanian population was similar to rates reported from other rural populations after adjusting for the inaccuracy of our screening tool. Based on the integrated nature of the febrile seizure questionnaire, screening positivity rates may have been too low. This has implications for the design of future studies. The majority of cases had complex febrile seizures often associated with malaria. This has implications for clinical case management.
A comparison of outcomes between laparoscopic and open adrenalectomies in dogs
Authors: Taylor Colin J. , Monnet Eric 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo compare short‐ and long‐term outcomes of dogs with adrenal tumors treated by adrenalectomy with laparoscopy or laparotomy.Study designRetrospective study of dogs that underwent adrenalectomy with laparoscopy or laparotomy.Sample populationFourteen dogs treated with laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) and twenty‐six dogs treated with open midline adrenalectomy (OA).MethodsDogs treated with LA were matched with 1 or 2 dogs treated with OA on the basis of histological nature, size, and side of the tumor. Intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, and long‐term survival were compared between LA and OA.ResultsIntraoperative hypotension occurred in 2 of 14 (14.3%) dogs in the LA group and in 16 of 26 (61.5%) dogs in the OA group (P = .007). The surgical time was 69.8 ± 21.8 minutes for the LA group and 108.6 ± 42 minutes for the OA group (P = .0003). The hospitalization time was 39.3 ± 14.9 hours for the LA group and 46.3 ± 25.1 hours for the OA group (P = .1453). The 1‐ and 2‐year survival rates were 77% and 77%, respectively, for the LA group and 77% and 66%, respectively, for the OA group (P = .6144).ConclusionLaparoscopic adrenalectomy was associated with a shorter surgical time and a reduced incidence of hypotension compared with open adrenalectomy in this case‐matched study. Short‐ and long‐term outcomes were not affected by the surgical technique used to complete the adrenalectomy.Clinical significanceLaparoscopy can be recommended for adrenalectomy in dogs; however, appropriate case selection is required.
Implications of Lateral Coupler Forces for Rail Vehicle Curving Resistance
Authors: Wu Qing , Wang Bo , Cole Colin , Spiryagin Maksym 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Curving resistance is an important topic that requires a lot more research. This paper studied the implications of lateral coupler forces for curving resistance. More than 1800 simulations were conducted using a three-piece bogie wagon model developed in the simpack software package. The results show that lateral coupler forces have significant implications for curving resistance and that empty wagons are more sensitive to lateral forces than loaded wagons. With 20 kN lateral forces, curving resistance can be increased by 52% and 225% for loaded and empty wagons, respectively. The implications are significantly greater when the lateral forces are acting on the front and rear ends of a carbody have opposite directions. The differences caused by lateral forces that have opposite directions are more than two times greater than those caused by lateral forces that have the same direction. The results also show that, when front and rear lateral forces have the same direction, forces pushing toward the high rail are generally helpful in reducing curving resistance. However, curving resistance can be increased when these push forces are too high, or track curves already have high cant deficiency. When two lateral forces have opposite directions, curving resistance can be decreased when front lateral forces are pull forces toward low rail.
Validation Metrics for Fixed Effects and Mixed-Effects Calibration
Authors: Porter Nathan W. , Maupin Kathryn A. , Swiler Laura P. , Mousseau Vincent A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe modern scientific process often involves the development of a predictive computational model. To improve its accuracy, a computational model can be calibrated to a set of experimental data. A variety of validation metrics can be used to quantify this process. Some of these metrics have direct physical interpretations and a history of use, while others, especially those for probabilistic data, are more difficult to interpret. In this work, a variety of validation metrics are used to quantify the accuracy of different calibration methods. Frequentist and Bayesian perspectives are used with both fixed effects and mixed-effects statistical models. Through a quantitative comparison of the resulting distributions, the most accurate calibration method can be selected. Two examples are included which compare the results of various validation metrics for different calibration methods. It is quantitatively shown that, in the presence of significant laboratory biases, a fixed effects calibration is significantly less accurate than a mixed-effects calibration. This is because the mixed-effects statistical model better characterizes the underlying parameter distributions than the fixed effects model. The results suggest that validation metrics can be used to select the most accurate calibration model for a particular empirical model with corresponding experimental data.
RailBot: A Novel Assistive Device for Stair Climbing
Authors: Afsar Md Rayhan , Haque Md Rejwanul , Dooley Mason , Shen Xiangrong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
For most older adults, their own homes is the overwhelmingly preferred environment for living and growing older. However, for those living in homes with stairs, the difficulty and risk of injury in stair ascent/descent is a major challenge in their daily life, which may endanger the feasibility of such choice. In this paper, the authors present a novel assistive device, namely RailBot, to help mobility-challenged individuals (including frail older adults) to climb stairs more easily. Unlike the traditional elevators and stair lifts, the RailBot is a highly compact device that can be easily installed in existing stairways, allowing it to benefit a large number of individuals living in homes with stairs. Further, by assisting the users' stair climbing instead of carrying them upstairs, the RailBot enables and encourages the users to maintain and enhance their stair-climbing capabilities, and thus contributes to their long-term physical health. The design details of the RailBot prototype are presented, including the system configuration, the actuation mechanism of the mobile platform, as well as the intuitive control interface for start-stop control and speed regulation. After mounting the prototype in a real-world use environment, a small-scale human study was conducted, with the results clearly demonstrating the effectiveness of the RailBot assistance through the significant reduction of lower-limb muscle activities.
Thermal Behavior of Power Transformers Filled With Waste Vegetable Oil-Based Biodiesel Under Dynamic Load
Authors: Ebrahimnia-Bajestan Ehsan , Tiznobaik Hani , Gheorghe Paul , Arjmand Mohammad 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Petroleum-based oils are widely used as electrically insulating materials in high voltage power transformers for dissipating high generated heat flux and maintaining the temperature below critical values. The operating temperature of a transformer dominantly governs its aging rate. In the present research, a renewable coolant as a versatile substitution for the petroleum-based oils was investigated to be employed in the cooling of transformers. The studied coolant is a vegetable-based oil extracted from the waste cooking oils. A numerical model was developed to follow the instantaneous changes in the load profile and ambient temperature and predict the instantaneous hotspot temperature values in the transformer under dynamic load. Then, this thermal model was used to explore the capability of the studied vegetable oil in the cooling of transformers compared with conventional transformer oil. The realistic ambient temperature and loading profile, as well as thermal properties of oils and characteristics of a transformer, were applied as the model’s inputs. The aging rate of the transformer in the presence of vegetable oil was also compared with the conventional transformer oil. The results indicate a better cooling performance for the vegetable-based oil, where a hotspot temperature reduction of 3 °C was observed in comparison to the petroleum-based oil. Also, the model predicts a significantly longer life for the insulating system of the transformer when the proposed vegetable-based oil is employed. The results of this research suggest a sustainable way of reusing the waste of a renewable resource as an alternative insulating liquid for the cooling of high heat flux electric/electronic devices.
Continuous Jumps Enhance Twitch Peak Torque and Sprint Performance in Highly Trained Sprint Athletes
Authors: Zimmermann Haiko B. , Knihs Débora , Diefenthaeler Fernando , MacIntosh Brian , Dal Pupo Juliano 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of a conditioning activity (CA) composed of continuous countermovement jumps on twitch torque production and 30-m sprint times. Methods: A total of 12 sprint athletes, 10 men (23.5 [7.7] y) and 2 women (23.0 [2.8] y), volunteered to participate in this study. The participants were evaluated in 2 sessions as follows: (1) to determine the effects of the CA (3 sets of 5 continuous vertical jumps with a 1-min interval between sets) on 30-m sprint performance over time (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 min) and (2) to evaluate twitch peak torque to determine the magnitude and time course of the induced postactivation potentiation at the same recovery intervals. Results: Mixed-model analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc verified that there was a decrease on the 30-m sprint time at 2 minutes (P = .01; Δ = 2.78%; effect size [ES] = 0.43) and 4 minutes (P = .02; Δ = 2%, ES = 0.30) compared with pre when the CA preceded the sprints. The peak torque of quadriceps also showed significant increase from pretest to 2 minutes (P < .01; Δ = 17.0% [12.2%]; ES = 0.45) and 4 minutes (P = .02; Δ = 7.2% [8.8%]; ES = 0.20). Conclusion: The inclusion of CA composed of continuous countermovement jumps in the warm-up routine improved 30-m sprint performance at 2- and 4-minute time intervals after the CA (postactivation performance enhancement). Since postactivation potentiation was confirmed with electrical stimulation at the time when sprint performance increased, it was concluded that postactivation potentiation may have contributed to the observed performance increases.
The Effect of Scapular Muscle Strengthening on Functional Recovery in Patients With Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Day Joseph M. , Lucado Ann M. , Dale R. Barry , Merriman Harold , Marker Craig D. , Uhl Tim L. 
Published: January 2021

Context: There is a lack of consensus on the best management approach for lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET). Recently, scapular stabilizer strength impairments have been found in individuals with LET. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of local therapy (LT) treatment to LT treatment plus a scapular muscle-strengthening (LT + SMS) program in patients diagnosed with LET. Design: Prospective randomized clinical trial. Setting: Multisite outpatient physical therapy. Patients: Thirty-two individuals with LET who met the criteria were randomized to LT or LT + SMS. Interventions: Both groups received education, a nonarticulating forearm orthosis, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and thermal modalities as needed. Additionally, the LT + SMS group received SMS exercises. Main Outcome Measure: The primary outcome measure was the patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation; secondary outcomes included global rating of change (GROC), grip strength, and periscapular muscle strength. Outcomes were reassessed at discharge, 6, and 12 months from discharge. Linear mixed-effect models were used to analyze the differences between groups over time for each outcome measure. Results: The average duration of symptoms was 10.2 (16.1) months, and the average total number of visits was 8.0 (2.2) for both groups. There were no significant differences in gender, age, average visits, weight, or height between groups at baseline (P > .05). No statistical between-group differences were found for any of the outcome measures. There were significant within-group improvements in all outcome measures from baseline to all follow-up points (P < .05). Conclusion: The results of this pilot study suggest that both treatment approaches were equally effective in reducing pain, improving function, and increasing grip strength at discharge as well as the 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Our multimodal treatment programs were effective at reducing pain and improving function up to 1 year after treatment in a general population of individuals with LET.
Understanding the perspectives and values of midwives, obstetricians and obstetric registrars regarding episiotomy: qualitative interview study
Authors: Seijmonsbergen-Schermers Anna , Thompson Suzanne , Feijen-de Jong Esther , Smit Marrit , Prins Marianne , van den Akker Thomas , de Jonge Ank 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesInsight into perspectives and values of care providers on episiotomy can be a first step towards reducing variation in its use. We aimed to gain insight into these perspectives and values.SettingMaternity care in the Netherlands.ParticipantsMidwives, obstetricians and obstetric registrars working in primary, secondary or tertiary care, purposively sampled, based on their perceived episiotomy rate and/or region of work.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPerspectives and values of care providers which were explored using semistructured in-depth interviews.ResultsThe following four themes were identified, using the evidence-based practice-model of Satterfield et al as a framework: ‘Care providers’ vision on childbirth’, ‘Discrepancy between restrictive perspective and daily practice’, ‘Clinical expertise versus literature-based practice’ and ‘Involvement of women in the decision’. Perspectives, values and practices regarding episiotomy were strongly influenced by care providers’ underlying visions on childbirth. Although care providers often emphasised the importance of restrictive episiotomy policy, a discrepancy was found between this vision and the large number of varying indications for episiotomy. Although on one hand care providers cited evidence to support their practice, on the other hand, many based their decision-making to a larger extent on clinical experience. Although most care providers considered women’s autonomy to be important, at the moment of deciding on episiotomy, the involvement of women in the decision was perceived as minimal, and real informed consent generally did not take place, neither during labour, nor prenatally. Many care providers belittled episiotomy in their language.ConclusionsCare providers’ underlying vision on episiotomy and childbirth was an important contributor to the large variations in episiotomy usage. Their clinical expertise was a more important component in decision-making on episiotomy than the literature. Women were minimally involved in the decision for performing episiotomy. More research is required to achieve consensus on indications for episiotomy.
Efficacy of vitamin D3supplementation on cancer mortality in the general population and the prognosis of patients with cancer: protocol of a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Schöttker Ben , Kuznia Sabine , Brenner Hermann 
Published: January 2021

IntroductionVitamin D insufficiency is much more common among patients with cancer than the general population. Previous meta-analyses of controlled trials showed an approximately 15% reduction of cancer mortality by vitamin D supplementation compared with placebo or no treatment in the general population.On top of updating the latest systematic review on vitamin D supplementation and cancer mortality in the general population, we aim to conduct the first meta-analyses of trials on vitamin D3supplementation and cancer-specific and overall survival of patients with cancer. Besides, we will conduct for the first time subgroup analyses based on individual patient data collected from randomised controlled trials.Methods and analysisA systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis will be performed on randomised placebo-controlled trials with a vitamin D3intervention. All databases are searched from inception without time restriction. The addressed outcomes are cancer mortality in the general population as well as cancer-specific and overall survival of patients with cancer. The quality appraisal of the studies will be evaluated by the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials. Trial results will be reanalysed using adjusted and unadjusted Cox proportional hazard regression models and meta-analyses are planned. Cochran’s Q-Test and the I2index will be used to statistically assess the level of heterogeneity, while sensitivity and subgroup analyses serve to identify potential causes of heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses will be conducted for vitamin D3dosing, follow-up time, age, sex, obesity, vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency, history of cancer and compliance. Publication bias will be assessed by funnel plots and Egger’s test.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required since no human beings are involved in this systematic review. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal with open access. They will be presented at conferences and sent to patient advocacy groups and German oncological rehabilitation centres.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020185566
Conducting focus groups in neurodegenerative disease populations: ethical and methodological considerations
Authors: Jones Annabel , Morgan-Jones Philippa , Busse Monica , Shepherd Victoria , Wood Fiona 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundInvolvement of vulnerable populations in research is critical to inform the generalisability of evidence-based medicine to all groups of the population.ObjectiveIn this communication, we reflect on our previous research, and that of other authors, to identify and explore key ethical and methodological considerations.DiscussionFocus groups are a widely implemented qualitative methodology, but their use, particularly in vulnerable neurodegenerative disease populations, is not straightforward. Although the risk of harm is generally low in focus group research, neurodegenerative disease populations are particularly vulnerable to issues relating to comprehension and their capacity to consent. Physical and cognitive impairments may also affect social interactions among participants and therefore impact data collection and analyses.ConclusionWe offer a number of ethical and methodological recommendations to facilitate the processes of recruitment and data collection when conducting focus groups with neurodegenerative disease populations.
PHILEOS (haemoPHILia and ostEoporOSis) Study: protocol of a multicentre prospective case–control study
Authors: Tardy‐Poncet Brigitte , Play Barbara , Montmartin Aurélie , Damien Pauline , Ollier Edouard , Presles Emilie , Garcin Arnauld , Tardy Bernard 
Published: January 2021

IntroductionTwo meta-analyses showed lower bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with haemophilia (haemophilia type and severity were often not specified) compared with healthy controls. This finding could be related to reduced mobility and sedentary lifestyle, and/or hepatitis C or HIV infection. The aim of this study is to determine osteoporosis prevalence in patients with haemophilia classified in function of the disease type (A or B) and severity, and to evaluate the potential role of regular prophylactic factor replacement (early vs delayed initiation) in preserving or restoring BMD.Methods and analysisThe haemoPHILia and ostEoporOSis Study is a prospective, controlled, multicentre study that will include patients in France (13 haemophilia treatment centres), Belgium (1 centre) and Romania (1 centre). In total, 240 patients with haemophilia and 240 matched healthy controls will be recruited (1:1). The primary objective is to determine osteoporosis prevalence in patients with severe haemophilia A and B (HA and HB) without prophylaxis, compared with healthy controls. Secondary outcomes include: prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in patients with mild, moderate and severe HA or HB with prophylaxis (grouped in function of their age at prophylaxis initiation), compared with healthy subjects; BMD in patients with HA and HB of comparable severity; correlation between BMD and basal factor VIII/IX levels and thrombin potential; and quantification of plasmatic markers of bone remodelling (formation and resorption) in patients with haemophilia.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol was approved by the French Ethics Committee and by the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (number: 2019-A03358-49). The results of this study will be actively disseminated through scientific publications and conference presentations.Trial registration numberNCT04384341.