bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing vaccine introduction and uptake timelines in Gavi-supported countries: are introduction timelines accelerating across vaccine delivery platforms?
Authors: Luthra Karuna , Zimmermann Jin Anna , Vasudevan Prarthana , Kirk Karen , Marzetta Carol , Privor-Dumm Lois 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundPrevious studies identified factors influencing regulatory approval to introduction timelines for individual vaccines. However, introduction and uptake timelines have not been comprehensively assessed across the portfolio of Gavi-supported vaccines.MethodsWe analysed median times between introduction milestones from vaccine licensure to country introduction and uptake across six vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), three delivery platforms and 69 Gavi-supported countries. Data were gathered from public, partner and manufacturer records. VPDs and prequalified vaccines analysed includedHaemophilus influenzaetype b (DTwP-HepB-Hib, pentavalent), pneumococcal disease (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, PCV), rotavirus diarrhoea (rotavirus vaccine, RVV), cervical cancer (human papillomavirus vaccine, HPV), polio (inactivated polio vaccine, IPV) and meningococcal meningitis (meningococcal group A conjugate vaccine, MenA).ResultsMedian time from first vaccine licensure to first Gavi-supported country introduction across VPDs at a ‘global level’ (Gavi-supported countries) was 5.4 years. Once licensed, MenA vaccines reached first introduction fastest (campaign=0.6 years; routine immunisation (RI)=1.7 years). Most introductions were delayed. Country uptake following first introduction was accelerated for more recently Gavi-supported RI vaccines compared with older ones.ConclusionFactors accelerating timelines across delivery platforms included rapid product prequalifications by WHO, strong initial recommendations by the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization, achieving target product profiles on first vaccine licensure within a VPD and completing several VPD milestones at a global level prior to licensure. Milestones required for introduction in Gavi-supported countries should start prior or in parallel to licensure to accelerate uptake of vaccines delivered through diverse delivery platforms.
Associations between degree-of-worry, self-rated health and acute hospitalisation after contacting a medical helpline: a Danish prospective cohort study
Authors: Jensen Andrea Nedergaard , Kristiansen Maria , Tolstrup Janne Schurmann , Gamst-Jensen Hejdi 
Published: May 2021

ObjectivesSelf-rated health (SRH) is a strong predictor for healthcare utilisation among chronically ill patients. However, its association with acute hospitalisation is unclear. Individuals’ perception of urgency in acute illness expressed as degree-of-worry (DOW) is however associated with acute hospitalisation. This study examines DOW and SRH, respectively, and their association with acute hospitalisation within 48 hours after calling a medical helpline.DesignA prospective cohort study.SettingThe Medical Helpline 1813 (MH1813) in the Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen.ParticipantsAdult (≥18 years of age) patients and relatives/close friends calling the MH1813 between 24 January and 9 February 2017. A total of 6812 callers were included.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was acute hospitalisation. Callers rated their DOW (1=minimum worry, 5=maximum worry) and SRH (1=excellent, 5=poor). Covariates included age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Score and reason for calling. Logistic regression was conducted to measure the associations in three models: (1) crude; (2) age-and-sex-adjusted; (3) full fitted model (age, sex, comorbidity, reason for calling, DOW/SRH).ResultsOf 6812 callers, 492 (7.2%) were acutely hospitalised. Most callers rated their health as being excellent to good (65.3%) and 61% rated their worry to be low (DOW 1–3). Both the association between DOW and acute hospitalisation and SRH and acute hospitalisation indicated a dose–response relationship: DOW 1=ref, 3=1.8 (1.1;3.1), 5=3.5 (2.0;5.9) and SRH 1=ref, 3=0.8 (0.6;1.4), 5=1.6 (1.1;2.4). The association between DOW and acute hospitalisation decreased slightly, when further adjusting for SRH, whereas the estimates for SRH weakened markedly when including DOW.ConclusionsDOW and poor SRH were associated with acute hospitalisation. However, DOW had a stronger association with hospitalisation than SRH. This suggests that DOW may capture acutely ill patients’ perception of urgency better than SRH in relation to acute hospitalisation after calling a medical helpline.Trial registration numberNCT02979457.
Do screening tools assess palliative care needs and 12-month mortality in patients admitted to hepatology in-patient wards?
Authors: Low Joseph , Carroll Catherine , Wilson Jo , Craig Rachel , Vadera Shree , Cococcia Sara , Thorburn Douglas , Stone Patrick , Marshall Aileen , Vickerstaff Victoria 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundMany liver patients have unmet palliative care needs, but liver clinicians are unclear whom to refer to specialist palliative care (SPC). The Supportive and Palliative Care Indicator Tool (SPICT) and the Bristol Prognostic Screening Tool (BPST) could help identify suitable patients, but neither has been tested for this role. This study evaluated their role as screening tools for palliative care needs and for predicting 12-month mortality.MethodsA case note review of hepatology in-patients, who were not peritransplant and post-transplant status, was conducted in one tertiary unit. Main outcomes were clinical judgement of need for SPC referral, BPST scores, SPICT attribution of caseness and 12-month survival status. Discriminatory ability of tools was assessed using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve.Results117 medical notes were reviewed for survival analysis, 47 of which were additionally assessed for suitability for SPC referral, using clinical judgement. SPICT (sensitivity=93%; PPV=93%; AUROC=0.933) and BPST (sensitivity=59%, PPV=79%, AUROC=0.693) demonstrated excellent and good performance, respectively, in predicting patients’ need for SPC referral. SPICT and BPST only had moderate ability at predicting death at 12 months (PPV: 54% and 56%, respectively).ConclusionSPICT and BPST show potential as screening tools for identifying patients for referral to SPC. Further work is needed to determine how to implement these tools in a clinical setting.
Assessment of cardiovascular risk tools as predictors of cardiovascular disease events in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sivakumaran Jagan , Harvey Paula , Omar Ahmed , Tayer-Shifman Oshrat , Urowitz Murray B , Gladman Dafna D , Anderson Nicole , Su Jiandong , Touma Zahi 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundSLE is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to determine which among QRISK2, QRISK3, Framingham Risk Score (FRS), modified Framingham Risk Score (mFRS) and SLE Cardiovascular Risk Equation (SLECRE) best predicts CVD.MethodsThis is a single-centre analysis on 1887 patients with SLE followed prospectively according to a standard protocol. Tools’ scores were evaluated against CVD development at/within 10 years for patients with CVD and without CVD. For patients with CVD, the index date for risk score calculation was chosen as close to 10 years prior to CVD event. For patients without CVD, risk scores were calculated as close to 10 years prior to the most recent clinic appointment. Proportions of low-risk (<10%), intermediate-risk (10%–20%) and high-risk (>20%) patients for developing CVD according to each tool were determined, allowing sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive value and concordance (c) statistics analysis.ResultsAmong 1887 patients, 232 CVD events occurred. QRISK2 and FRS, and QRISK3 and mFRS, performed similarly. SLECRE classified the highest number of patients as intermediate and high risk. Sensitivities and specificities were 19% and 93% for QRISK2, 22% and 93% for FRS, 46% and 83% for mFRS, 47% and 78% for QRISK3, and 61% and 64% for SLECRE. Tools were similar in negative predictive value, ranging from 89% (QRISK2) to 92% (SLECRE). FRS and mFRS had the greatest c-statistics (0.73), while QRISK3 and SLECRE had the lowest (0. 67).ConclusionmFRS was superior to FRS and was not outperformed by the QRISK tools. SLECRE had the highest sensitivity but the lowest specificity. mFRS is an SLE-adjusted practical tool with a simple, intuitive scoring system reasonably appropriate for ambulatory settings, with more research needed to develop more accurate CVD risk prediction tools in this population.
The cosmic muon and detector simulation framework of the extreme energy events (EEE) experiment
Authors: Abbrescia M. , Avanzini C. , Baldini L. , Ferroli R. Baldini , Batignani G. , Battaglieri M. , Boi S. , Bossini E. , Carnesecchi F. , Cicalò C. , Cifarelli L. , Coccetti F. , Coccia E. , Corvaglia A. , De Gruttola D. , De Pasquale S. , Fabbri F. , Fulci A. , Galante L. , Garbini M. , Gemme G. , Gnesi I. , Grazzi S. , Hatzifotiadou D. , Rocca P. La , Liu Z. , Mandaglio G. , Maron G. , Mazziotta M. N. , Mulliri A. , Nania R. , Noferini F. , Nozzoli F. , Palmonari F. , Panareo M. , Panetta M. P. , Paoletti R. , Pellegrino C. , Pinazza O. , Pinto C. , Pisano S. , Riggi F. , Righini G. , Ripoli C. , Rizzi M. , Sartorelli G. , Scapparone E. , Schioppa M. , Scribano A. , Selvi M. , Serri G. , Squarcia S , Taiuti M. , Terreni G. , Trifirò A. , Trimarchi M. , Triolo A. S. , Vistoli C. , Votano L. , Ungaro M. , Williams M. C. S. , Zichichi A. , Zuyeuski R. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper describes the simulation framework of the extreme energy events (EEE) experiment. EEE is a network of cosmic muon trackers, each made of three multi-gap resistive plate chambers (MRPC), able to precisely measure the absolute muon crossing time and the muon integrated angular flux at the ground level. The response of a single MRPC and the combination of three chambers have been implemented in a GEANT4-based framework (GEMC) to study the telescope response. The detector geometry, as well as details about the surrounding materials and the location of the telescopes have been included in the simulations in order to realistically reproduce the experimental set-up of each telescope. A model based on the latest parametrization of the cosmic muon flux has been used to generate single muon events. After validating the framework by comparing simulations to selected EEE telescope data, it has been used to determine detector parameters not accessible by analysing experimental data only, such as detection efficiency, angular and spatial resolution.
Extraction of the specific shear viscosity of quark-gluon plasma from two-particle transverse momentum correlations
Authors: Gonzalez Victor , Basu Sumit , Marin Ana , Pan Jinjin , Ladron de Guevara Pedro , Pruneau Claude A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe specific shear viscosity, $$\eta /s$$

η
/
s

, of the quark-gluon plasma formed in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions at RHIC and LHC is estimated based on the progressive longitudinal broadening of transverse momentum two-particle correlators, $$G_2$$

G
2

, reported as a function of collision centrality by the STAR and ALICE experiments. Estimates are computed as a function of collision centrality using the Gavin ansatz which relates the $$G_2$$

G
2

longitudinal broadening to the specific shear viscosity. Freeze out times required for the use of the ansatz are computed using a linear fit of freeze out times reported as a function of the cubic root of the charged particle pseudorapidity density ($${\mathrm{d}}N_{\mathrm{ch}}$$

d

N
ch

/d$$\eta )^{1/3}$$

η
)

1
/
3

. Estimates of $$\eta /s$$

η
/
s

based on ALICE data exhibit little to no dependence on collision centrality at LHC energy, while estimates obtained from STAR data hint that $$\eta /s$$

η
/
s

might be a function of collision centrality at top RHIC energy.
Vernacular Cosmologies: Models of the Universe in Old English Literature
Authors: Parker Sarah Jeanne S. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This article describes a tradition of early medieval cosmological thought in the prose and poetry of the Old English corpus. This Old English cosmology uses a small set of cosmological building blocks and a relatively limited vocabulary to describe and explore a variety of structural models of the Universe. In these texts – which include but are not limited to the Old English Prose Boethius, Ælfric’s De temporibus Anni, the Old English Phoenix, and The Order of the World – each structural model relies on a combination of terms for heaven, the firmament, and a cosmic-scale ocean and seafloor. These models, each distinct, appear to fall into two loose categories which may represent two schools of thought in vernacular cosmology.
Metabolomic Expression of Laryngeal and Hindlimb Muscles in Adult versus Senescent Rats
Authors: Shembel Adrianna C. , Siu Yik , Lhakhang Tenzin , Ash Leonard , Jones Drew , Johnson Aaron M. 
Published: May 2021

Objectives: (1) Determine the feasibility of obtaining a global, unbiased metabolomic profile on laryngeal muscle in a rat model; (2) evaluate the impact of biological aging on the laryngeal metabolome; and (3) characterize biochemical expression differences between aged and non-aged laryngeal and hindlimb muscle. Methods: Thyroarytenoid laryngeal muscle and plantaris hindlimb muscle were harvested from 5 young adult (9 months old) and 5 older adult (32 months old) F344BN rats. Tissue was processed and analyzed using LC-MS methods. Detected metabolites were compared to widely used metabolite databases and KEGG pathway enrichment was performed on significant metabolites. Results: The greatest differences in metabolite expression were between laryngeal and limb muscle with 126 different metabolites found between laryngeal and limb within the young group and 149 different metabolites within the old group. Significant hits between muscle groups highlighted amino acid differences between these tissues. There were more robust differences with age in limb muscle compared to laryngeal muscle. Conclusions: Amino acid metabolism is a key difference between muscles of the limbs and larynx. Due to the number of differentially expressed metabolites between the 2 muscle groups, caution should be exercised when applying skeletal limb muscle physiology and biology concepts to the vocal muscles in both aged and non-aged musculoskeletal systems. Mechanisms underlying less robust effects of age on laryngeal muscle compared to limb muscle require elucidation.
Depression and Intolerance of Uncertainty: Association with Decisional Conflict in Otolaryngology Patients
Authors: Cleveland Chelsea , Newby Maxwell , Steinman Shari , Wanstreet Tyler , Callaham Sarah , Razdan Reena , Coutras Steven , Patel Rusha , Carr Michele M. 
Published: May 2021

Objective: To determine if anxiety, stress, depression, worry, and intolerance of uncertainty were related to pre-operative decisional conflict (DC), shared decision making (SDM), or demographic variables in adult otolaryngology surgical patients. Methods: Consecutive adult patients meeting criteria for otolaryngological surgery were recruited and completed DC and SDM scales, Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12), and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Results: The cohort included 118 patients, 61 (51.7%) males and 57 (48.3%) females. Surgery was planned for a benign process in 90 (76.3%) and 46 (39.3%) had previous otolaryngologic surgery. SDM and DC scores did not significantly differ across gender, age, education level, previous otolaryngologic surgery or whether or not surgery was for malignancy. Patients with no malignancy had significantly higher DASS-21 Stress scores (mean 12.94 vs 8.15, P < .05) and total IUS-12 scores (mean 28.63 vs 25.56, P = .004). Women had lower PSWQ scores (41.56 vs 50.87 for men, P = .006). IUS-12 and PSWQ declined with age. DC scores correlated positively with DASS-21 Depression ( r = .256, P = .008) and IUS-12 scores ( r = .214, P = .024). SDM correlated negatively with DASS-21 Depression ( r = −.208, P = .030). Linear regression model for DC scores revealed a significant relationship with DASS depression ( B = 0.674, P = .048). Conclusion: Preoperative decisional conflict is associated with increased depression and intolerance of uncertainty in adults undergoing otolaryngologic surgery. Screening for and management of depression, anxiety, and related concerns may improve surgical outcomes in this group.
An exploratory study of the relationship between typically-developing school-age children’s sensory processing and their activity participation
Authors: Sleeman Hannah RG , Brown Ted 
Published: May 2021

Introduction Children encounter several types of sensory input from their daily living environments and take in and process this information using their sensory systems. Few studies have considered the impact of children’s sensory preferences on their activity participation. This study investigated the relationship between children’s sensory processing factors and the daily activities they chose to participate in. Method Twenty-three parents of typically developing school-aged children completed the Sensory Processing Measure Home Form and Children Participation Questionnaire-School. Spearman correlations were conducted between sensory preferences and participation, as measured by frequency, intensity, independence level, children’s enjoyment and parental satisfaction. Regression models were also completed between each of the participation measures and sensory processing factors. Results Sensory processing accounted for 69.8% ( p = 0.001) of participation diversity’s total variance with unique contributions made by body awareness (proprioception) and planning and ideas ( p = 0.040); 45.9% ( p = 0.024) of participation intensity’s variance with touch made a unique contribution ( p = 0.030) and 42.4% ( p = 0.034) of participation independence’s variance with body awareness (proprioception) made a unique contribution ( p = 0.038). Conclusion Considerations should be made for sensory processing screening for typically developing children and the impacts this could potentially have on their daily participation.
Chinese Studies on the Transformation Problem: A Selective Review
Authors: Huang Kuochih , Liang Junshang 
Published: May 2021

Marxian economists in China have put forward several interpretations of the transformation problem that differ from interpretations available in the English Marxian literature. These contributions remain unfamiliar to the English world due to language barriers. Thus, this paper provides a review of four representative Chinese contributions. JEL Classification: B51, C67, D46
Cost-effectiveness analysis of lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography in an Iranian high-risk population
Authors: Esmaeili Mansur Haji , Seyednejad Farshad , Mahboub-Ahari Alireza , Ameri Hosein , Abdollahzad Hadi , Safaei Naser , Alinezhad Farbod , Yousefi Mahmood 
Published: May 2021

Objective The results of recent studies have shown that using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for screening of lung cancer (LC) improves cancer outcomes. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of LDCT in an Iranian high-risk population. Methods A Markov cohort simulation model with four health states was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of LDCT from a healthcare system perspective in the people aged 55–74 who smoked 25 or more cigarettes per day for 10–30 years. Cost data were collected, reviewing 324 medical records of patients with LC, and utilities and transition probabilities were extracted from the literature. The Monte Carlo simulation method was applied to run the model. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis and one-way analysis were also performed. Results LC screening in comparison to a no-screening strategy was costly and effective. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of screening versus no-screening was IRR (Iranian rials) 98,515,014.04 which falls below the Iranian threshold of three times GDP (gross domestic product) per capita. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the results of the economic analysis were robust to variations in the key inputs for both. Conclusions Using LDCT for screening of LC patients in a high-risk population is a cost-effective strategy.
COVID-19 vaccine trials: The potential for “hybrid” analyses
Authors: Fleming Thomas R , Nason Martha , Krause Philip R , Longini Ira M , Henao-Restrepo Ana-Maria 
Published: May 2021

Background: Although several COVID-19 vaccines have been found to be effective in rigorous evaluation and have emerging availability in parts of the world, their supply will be inadequate to meet international needs for a considerable period of time. There also will be continued interest in vaccines that are more effective or have improved scalability to facilitate mass vaccination campaigns. Ongoing clinical testing of new vaccines also will be needed as variant strains continue to emerge that may elude some aspects of immunity induced by current vaccines. Randomized clinical trials meaningfully enhance the efficiency and reliability of such clinical testing. In clinical settings with limited or no access to known effective vaccines, placebo-controlled randomized trials of new vaccines remain a preferred approach to maximize the reliability, efficiency and interpretability of results. When emerging availability of licensed vaccines makes it no longer possible to use a placebo control, randomized active comparator non-inferiority trials may enable reliable insights. Methods: In this article, “hybrid” methods are proposed to address settings where, during the conduct of a placebo-controlled trial, a judgment is made to replace the placebo arm by a licensed COVID-19 vaccine due to emerging availability of effective vaccines in regions participating in that trial. These hybrid methods are based on proposed statistics that aggregate evidence to formally test as well as to estimate the efficacy of the experimental vaccine, by combining placebo-controlled data during the first period of trial conduct with active-controlled data during the second period. Results: Application of the proposed methods is illustrated in two important scenarios where the active control vaccine would become available in regions engaging in the experimental vaccine’s placebo-controlled trial: in the first, the active comparator’s vaccine efficacy would have been established to be 50%–70% for the 4- to 6-month duration of follow-up of its placebo-controlled trial; in the second, the active comparator’s vaccine efficacy would have been established to be 90%–95% during that duration. These two scenarios approximate what has been seen with adenovirus vaccines or mRNA vaccines, respectively, assuming the early estimates of vaccine efficacy for those vaccines would hold over longer-term follow-up. Conclusion: The proposed hybrid methods could readily play an important role in the near future in the design, conduct and analysis of randomized clinical trials performed to address the need for multiple additional vaccines reliably established to be safe and have worthwhile efficacy in reducing the risk of symptomatic disease from SARS-CoV-2 infections.