bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Commercial use of evidence in public health policy: a critical assessment of food industry submissions to global-level consultations on non-communicable disease prevention
Authors: Lauber Kathrin , McGee Darragh , Gilmore Anna B 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundUltra-processed food industry (UPFI) actors have consistently opposed statutory regulation in health policy debates, including at the WHO. They do so most commonly with claims that regulatory policies do not work, will have negative consequences or that alternatives such as self-regulation work well or better. Underlying this are often assertions that industry is aligned with principles of evidence-based policymaking. In this study, we interrogate if this holds true by exploring the extent and quality of the evidence UPFI respondents employed to support claims around regulatory policy, and how they did this.MethodsFirst, we identified all submissions from organisations who overtly represent UPFI companies to consultations held by the WHO on non-communicable disease policy between 2016 and 2018. Second, we extracted all relevant factual claims made in these submissions and noted if any evidence was referenced in support. Third, we assessed the quality of evidence using independence from UPFI, nature, and publication route as indicators. Lastly, where peer-reviewed research was cited, we examined if the claims made could be justified by the source cited.ResultsAcross 26 included consultation responses, factual claims around regulation were made in 18, although only 10 referenced any evidence at all. Of all 114 claims made, 39 pieces of identifiable evidence were cited in support of 56 claims. Of the 39 distinct pieces of evidence, two-thirds were industry-funded or industry-linked, with only 16 externally peer-reviewed. Over half of industry-funded or industry-linked academic articles failed to declare a conflict of interest (COI). Overall, of only six claims which drew on peer-reviewedandindependent research, none appropriately represented the source.DiscussionUPFI respondents made far-reaching claims which were rarely supported by high-quality, independent evidence. This indicates that there may be few, if any, benefits from consulting actors with such a clear COI.
Effects of flexi-bar training on muscle strength and physical performance in older people with dynapenia: the protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wei Ning , Wang Xinxin , Chen Ling , Lyu Mengyu 
Published: August 2021

IntroductionDynapenia is a new term that is used to describe the age-related loss of muscle strength. Flexi-bar training is a safe and feasible device for older people with dynapenia. This study will investigate the effects of a 12-week flexi-bar training programme on muscle strength and physical function in older people with dynapenia.Methods and analysisA total of 114 participants (aged more than 65 years) with age-related muscle loss will participate in a 12-week flexi-bar training programme. The participants will be randomly divided into three groups, namely, flexi-bar, placebo and control, with equal number of participants in each group. The assessments will be conducted at preintervention, postintervention and 12 weeks after training completion. The primary outcome is timed-up-and-go test. The secondary outcomes are five-repetition sit-to-stand test, 10-metre walking test, handgrip strength, as well as the serum albumin and haemoglobin levels.Ethics and disseminationThe procedures of this study were reviewed and approved by the Human Ethics Review Board of Wuhan Brain Hospital (General Hospital of the Yangtze River Shipping) on 29 September 2020 (#L20200013). The findings of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences. The trial was registered on 6 November 2020.Trial registration numberISRCTN14316668.
Rates of turnover among general practitioners: a retrospective study of all English general practices between 2007 and 2019
Authors: Parisi Rosa , Lau Yiu-Shing , Bower Peter , Checkland Kath , Rubery Jill , Sutton Matt , Giles Sally J , Esmail Aneez , Spooner Sharon , Kontopantelis Evangelos 
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveTo quantify general practitioners’ (GPs’) turnover in England between 2007 and 2019, describe trends over time, regional differences and associations with social deprivation or other practice characteristics.DesignA retrospective study of annual cross-sectional data.SettingAll general practices in England (8085 in 2007, 6598 in 2019).MethodsWe calculated turnover rates, defined as the proportion of GPs leaving a practice. Rates and their median, 25th and 75th percentiles were calculated by year and region. The proportion of practices with persistent high turnover (>10%) over consecutive years were also calculated. A negative binomial regression model assessed the association between turnover and social deprivation or other practice characteristics.ResultsTurnover rates increased over time. The 75th percentile in 2009 was 11%, but increased to 14% in 2019. The highest turnover rate was observed in 2013–2014, corresponding to the 75th percentile of 18.2%. Over time, regions experienced increases in turnover rates, although it varied across English regions. The proportion of practices with high (10% to 40%) turnover within a year almost doubled from 14% in 2009 to 27% in 2019. A rise in the number of practices with persistent high turnover (>10%) for at least three consecutive years was also observed, from 2.7% (2.3%–3.1%) in 2007 to 6.3% (5.7%–6.9%) in 2017. The statistical analyses revealed that practice-area deprivation was moderately associated with turnover rate, with practices in the most deprived area having higher turnover rates compared with practices in the least deprived areas (incidence rate ratios 1.09; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.13).ConclusionsGP turnover has increased in the last decade nationally, with regional variability. Greater attention to GP turnover is needed, in the most deprived areas in particular, where GPs often need to deal with more complex health needs. There is a large cost associated with GP turnover and practices with very high persistent turnover need to be further researched, and the causes behind this identified, to allow support strategies and policies to be developed.
The 20 most important questions for novices of full-endoscopic spinal surgery in China: a mixed-method study protocol
Authors: Liu Can , Chu Hong Ling , Li Geng , He Jiao Yang , Ma Yun Long , Du Chuan Chao , Hai Bao , Zhu Bin 
Published: August 2021

IntroductionThe full-endoscopic spinal surgery (FESS) procedure is widely accepted and welcomed in China. With the continuous development of minimally invasive surgery, the further expansion of indications and the greater diversity of techniques, spinal endoscopic surgery currently accounts for more than 10% of spinal surgery in China, ranking among the top in the world. However, the admission system and standardised training system for spinal endoscopic surgery are not perfect, which presents a challenge and disadvantage for novices.Methods and analysisExploratory mixed methods are applied for designing this study. First, we will collect questions from novices by allowing them to openly list their concerns to those who have completed FESS. These qualitative questions will be categorised using NVivo software. To produce the qualitative results, a questionnaire for the sequential two-round Delphi approach will be developed to identify the 20 most important questions from novices. This study is planned to be started at April 2021, and completed at March 2022.Ethics and disseminationThe Research Ethics Committee of Peking University Third Hospital provided a waiver for this Delphi protocol. We expect that the findings will be published in a clinical journal and presented at conferences. Furthermore, we hope that the results can contribute to answering the questions raised by novices of spinal endoscopy in the form of books and to improving the training system for spinal endoscopy surgery.
Low myocardial energetic efficiency is associated with increased mortality in aortic stenosis
Authors: Bahlmann Edda , Einarsen Eigir , Cramariuc Dana , Midtbø Helga , Mancusi Costantino , Rossebø Anne , Willems Stephan , Gerdts Eva 
Published: August 2021

ObjectivesIn hypertension, low myocardial energetic efficiency (MEEi) has been documented as an integrated marker of metabolic and left ventricular (LV) myocardial dysfunction. We tested the predictive performance of MEEi in initially asymptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) patients free from diabetes and known cardiovascular disease.MethodsData from 1703 patients with mostly moderate AS enrolled in the Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis study followed for 4.3 years was used. MEE was calculated from Doppler stroke volume/([heart rate/60]) and indexed to LV mass (MEEi). The threshold value for MEEi associated with increased mortality was identified in generalised additive model with smoothing splines. Covariables of MEEi were identified in logistic regression analysis. Outcome was assessed in Cox regression analysis and reported as HR and 95% CI.ResultsMEEi <0.34 mL/s per gram was associated with increased cardiovascular mortality (n=80) (HR 2.53 (95% CI 1.50 to 4.28)) and all-cause mortality (n=155) (HR 1.74 (95% CI 1.20 to 2.52)) (both p<0.01). The association was independent of confounders of low MEEI (<0.34 mL/s per gram) identified in multivariable logistic regression analysis, including more severe AS, higher body mass index, lower LV midwall shortening and ejection fraction and presence of hypertension. Comparison of the Cox models with and without MEEi among the covariables demonstrated that MEEi significantly improved the prognostic yield (both p<0.01).ConclusionsIn patients with initially asymptomatic AS, low MEEi was associated with clustering of cardiometabolic risk factors, lower LV myocardial function and subsequent increased mortality during 4.3 years follow-up, independent of known prognosticators.Trial registration numberNCT00092677.
Delivery preferences for psychological intervention in cardiac rehabilitation: a pilot discrete choice experiment
Authors: Shields Gemma Elizabeth , Wright Stuart , Wells Adrian , Doherty Patrick , Capobianco Lora , Davies Linda Mary 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundCardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a programme of care offered to people who recently experienced a cardiac event. There is a growing focus on home-based formats of CR and a lack of evidence on preferences for psychological care in CR. This pilot study aimed to investigate preferences for delivery attributes of a psychological therapy intervention in CR patients with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression.MethodsA discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted and recruited participants from a feasibility trial. Participants were asked to choose between two hypothetical interventions, described using five attributes; intervention type (home or centre-based), information provided, therapy manual format, cost to the National Health Service (NHS) and waiting time. A separate opt-out was included. A conditional logit using maximum likelihood estimation was used to analyse preferences. The NHS cost was used to estimate willingness to pay for aspects of the intervention delivery.Results35 responses were received (39% response rate). Results indicated that participants would prefer to receive any form of therapy compared with no therapy. Statistically significant results were limited, but included participants being keen to avoid not receiving information prior to therapy (β=−0.270; p=0.03) and preferring a lower cost to the NHS (β=−0.001; p=0.00). No significant results were identified for the type of psychological intervention, format of therapy/exercises and programme start time. Coefficients indicated preferences were stronger for home-based therapy compared with centre-based, but this was not significant.ConclusionsThe pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of a DCE in this group, it identifies potential attributes and levels, and estimates the sample sizes needed for a full study. Preliminary evidence indicated that sampled participants tended to prefer home-based psychological therapy in CR and wanted to receive information before initiating therapy. Results are limited due to the pilot design and further research is needed.
Fibromyalgia: a new facet of the post-COVID-19 syndrome spectrum? Results from a web-based survey
Authors: Ursini Francesco , Ciaffi Jacopo , Mancarella Luana , Lisi Lucia , Brusi Veronica , Cavallari Carlotta , D’Onghia Martina , Mari Anna , Borlandelli Elena , Faranda Cordella Jacopo , La Regina Micaela , Viola Pasquale , Ruscitti Piero , Miceli Marco , De Giorgio Roberto , Baldini Nicola , Borghi Claudio , Gasbarrini Alessandro , Iagnocco Annamaria , Giacomelli Roberto , Faldini Cesare , Landini Maria Paola , Meliconi Riccardo 
Published: August 2021

ObjectivePostacute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) is an emerging entity characterised by a large array of manifestations, including musculoskeletal complaints, fatigue and cognitive or sleep disturbances. Since similar symptoms are present also in patients with fibromyalgia (FM), we decided to perform a web-based cross-sectional survey aimed at investigating the prevalence and predictors of FM in patients who recovered from COVID-19.MethodsData were anonymously collected between 5 and 18 April 2021. The collection form consisted of 28 questions gathering demographic information, features and duration of acute COVID-19, comorbid diseases, and other individual’s attributes such as height and weight. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Survey Criteria and the Italian version of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire completed the survey.ResultsA final sample of 616 individuals (77.4% women) filled the form 6±3 months after the COVID-19 diagnosis. Of these, 189 (30.7%) satisfied the ACR survey criteria for FM (56.6% women). A multivariate logistic regression model including demographic and clinical factors showed that male gender (OR: 9.95, 95% CI 6.02 to 16.43, p<0.0001) and obesity (OR: 41.20, 95% CI 18.00 to 98.88, p<0.0001) were the strongest predictors of being classified as having post-COVID-19 FM. Hospital admission rate was significantly higher in men (15.8% vs 9.2%, p=0.001) and obese (19.2 vs 10.8%, p=0.016) respondents.ConclusionOur data suggest that clinical features of FM are common in patients who recovered from COVID-19 and that obesity and male gender affect the risk of developing post-COVID-19 FM.
Baseline clinical characteristics of predicted structural and pain progressors in the IMI-APPROACH knee OA cohort
Authors: van Helvoort Eefje Martine , Ladel Christoph , Mastbergen Simon , Kloppenburg Margreet , Blanco Francisco J , Haugen Ida K , Berenbaum Francis , Bacardit Jaume , Widera Pawel , Welsing Paco M J , Lafeber Floris 
Published: August 2021

ObjectivesTo describe the relations between baseline clinical characteristics of the Applied Public-Private Research enabling OsteoArthritis Clinical Headway (IMI-APPROACH) participants and their predicted probabilities for knee osteoarthritis (OA) structural (S) progression and/or pain (P) progression.MethodsBaseline clinical characteristics of the IMI-APPROACH participants were used for this study. Radiographs were evaluated according to Kellgren and Lawrence (K&L grade) and Knee Image Digital Analysis. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) were used to evaluate pain. Predicted progression scores for each individual were determined using machine learning models. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to evaluate correlations between scores for predicted progression and baseline characteristics. T-tests and χ2 tests were used to evaluate differences between participants with high versus low progression scores.ResultsParticipants with high S progressions score were found to have statistically significantly less structural damage compared with participants with low S progression scores (minimum Joint Space Width, minJSW 3.56 mm vs 1.63 mm; p<0.001, K&L grade; p=0.028). Participants with high P progression scores had statistically significantly more pain compared with participants with low P progression scores (KOOS pain 51.71 vs 82.11; p<0.001, NRS pain 6.7 vs 2.4; p<0.001).ConclusionsThe baseline minJSW of the IMI-APPROACH participants contradicts the idea that the (predicted) course of knee OA follows a pattern of inertia, where patients who have progressed previously are more likely to display further progression. In contrast, for pain progressors the pattern of inertia seems valid, since participants with high P score already have more pain at baseline compared with participants with a low P score.
Complexity of Eccentricities and All-Pairs Shortest Paths in the Quantum CONGEST Model
Authors: Wang Changsheng , Wu Xudong , Yao Penghui 
Published: August 2021

Computing the distance parameters of a network, including the diameter, radius, eccentricities and the all-pairs shortest paths (APSP) is a central problem in distributed computing. This paper investigates the distance parameters in the quantum CONGEST models and establishes almost linear lower bounds on eccentricities and APSP, which match the classical upper bounds. Our results imply that there is not quantum speedup for these two problems. In contrast with the diameter and radius, exchanging quantum messages is able to save the communication when the networks have low diameters [F. L. Gall and F. Magniez, Sublinear-time quantum computation of the diameter in CONGEST networks, in Proc. 2018 ACM Symp. Principles of Distributed Computing (PODC), (2018), pp. 337–346; F. Magniez and A. Nayak, arXiv:2002.11795 ]. We obtain the lower bounds via a reduction from the two-way quantum communication complexity of the set intersection [A. A. Razborov, Izv. Math. 159 (2003)].
Online Non-preemptive Scheduling on Unrelated Machines with Rejections
Authors: Lucarelli Giorgio , Moseley Benjamin , Thang Nguyen Kim , Srivastav Abhinav , Trystram Denis 
Published: August 2021

When a computer system schedules jobs there is typically a significant cost associated with preempting a job during execution. This cost can be incurred from the expensive task of saving the memory’s state or from loading data into and out of memory. Thus, it is desirable to schedule jobs non-preemptively to avoid the costs of preemption.

There is a need for non-preemptive system schedulers for desktops, servers, and data centers. Despite this need, there is a gap between theory and practice. Indeed, few non-preemptive
online
schedulers are known to have strong theoretical guarantees. This gap is likely due to strong lower bounds on any online algorithm for popular objectives. Indeed, typical worst-case analysis approaches, and even resource-augmented approaches such as speed augmentation, result in all algorithms having poor performance guarantees.

This article considers online non-preemptive scheduling problems in the worst-case rejection model where the algorithm is allowed to reject a small fraction of jobs. By rejecting only a few jobs, this article shows that the strong lower bounds can be circumvented. This approach can be used to discover algorithmic scheduling policies with desirable worst-case guarantees.
Specifically, the article presents algorithms for the following three objectives: minimizing the total flow-time, minimizing the total weighted flow-time plus energy where energy is a convex function, and minimizing the total energy under the deadline constraints. The algorithms for the first two problems have a small constant competitive ratio while rejecting only a constant fraction of jobs. For the last problem, we present a constant competitive ratio without rejection.
Beyond specific results, the article asserts that alternative models beyond speed augmentation should be explored to aid in the discovery of good schedulers in the face of the requirement of being online and non-preemptive.
On the Fock Kernel for the Generalized Fock Space and Generalized Hypergeometric Series
Authors: Park Jong-Do 
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we compute the reproducing kernel

B

m
,
α

z
,
w

for the generalized Fock space

F

m
,
α

2

ℂ

. The usual Fock space is the case when

m
=
2

. We express the reproducing kernel in terms of a suitable hypergeometric series

1

F

q

. In particular, we show that there is a close connection between

B

4
,
α

z
,
w

and the error function. We also obtain the closed forms of

B

m
,
α

z
,
w

when

m
=
1
,
2
/
3
,
1
/
2

. Finally, we also prove that

B

m
,
α

z
,
z

~

e

α

z

m

z

m
−
2

as

∣
z
∣
⟶
∞

.
Weight Gain and the Risk of Ovarian Cancer in BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Carriers
Authors: Kim Shana J. , Lubinski Jan , Huzarski Tomasz , Møller Pål , Armel Susan , Karlan Beth Y. , Senter Leigha , Eisen Andrea , Foulkes William D. , Singer Christian F. , Tung Nadine , Bordeleau Louise , Neuhausen Susan L. , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Eng Charis , Weitzel Jeffrey N. , Fruscio Robert , Narod Steven A. , Kotsopoulos Joanne 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background:
Weight gain and other anthropometric measures on the risk of ovarian cancer for women with BRCA mutations are not known. We conducted a prospective analysis of weight change since age 18, height, body mass index (BMI) at age 18, and current BMI and the risk of developing ovarian cancer among BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers.

Methods:
In this prospective cohort study, height, weight, and weight at age 18 were collected at study enrollment. Weight was updated biennially. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for ovarian cancer.

Results:
This study followed 4,340 women prospectively. There were 121 incident cases of ovarian cancer. Weight gain of more than 20 kg since age 18 was associated with a 2-fold increased risk of ovarian cancer, compared with women who maintained a stable weight (HR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.13–3.54; P = 0.02). Current BMI of 26.5 kg/m2 or greater was associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer in BRCA1 mutation carriers, compared with those with a BMI less than 20.8 kg/m2 (Q4 vs. Q1 HR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.04–4.36; P = 0.04). There were no significant associations between height or BMI at age 18 and risk of ovarian cancer.

Conclusions:
Adult weight gain is a risk factor for ovarian cancer in women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.

Impact:
These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight throughout adulthood in women at high risk for ovarian cancer.