bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross-sectoral communication by bringing together patient with cancer, general practitioner and oncologist in a video-based consultation: a qualitative study of oncologists’ and nurse specialists’ perspectives
Authors: Hansen Dorte Gilså , Trabjerg Theis Bitz , Sisler Jeffrey James , Søndergaard Jens , Jensen Lars Henrik 
Published: May 2021

Shared care models in the field of cancer aim to improve care coordination, role clarification and patient satisfaction. Cross-sectoral communication is pivotal. Involvement of patients may add to intended mechanisms.A randomised controlled trial ‘The Partnership Study’ tested the effect of bringing together patient, general practitioner (GP) and oncologist for a consultation conducted by video.PurposeAs part of the process evaluation, this study aimed to explore experiences, attitudes and perspectives of the oncological department on sharing patient consultations with GPs using video.MethodsFour semistructured interviews with five oncologists and four nurse specialists were conducted in February 2020. We focused on the informants’ experiences and reflections on the potential of future implementation of the concept ‘inviting the GP for a shared consultation by video’. The analyses were based on an inductive, open-minded, hermeneutic phenomenological approach.ResultsA total of six overall themes were identified: structuring consultation and communication, perceptions of GP involvement in cancer care, stressors, making a difference, alternative ways of cross-sector communication and needs for redesigning the model. The concept made sense and was deemed useful, but solving the many technical and organisational problems is pivotal. Case-specific tasks and relational issues were targeted by pragmatically rethinking protocol expectations and the usual way of communication and structuring patient encounters. Case selection was discussed as one way of maturing the concept.ConclusionThis Danish study adds new insight into understanding different aspects of the process, causal mechanisms as well as the potential of future implementation of video-based tripartite encounters. Beyond solving the technical problems, case selection and organisational issues are important. Acknowledging the disruption of the usual workflow, the introduction of new phases of the usual encounter and the variety of patient–GP relationships to be embraced may help to better understand and comply with barriers and facilitators of communication and sharing.Trial registration numberNCT02716168.
Application of Andersen’s behavioural model of health services use: a scoping review with a focus on qualitative health services research
Authors: Lederle Mareike , Tempes Jana , Bitzer Eva M 
Published: May 2021

IntroductionQualitative methods have become integral in health services research, and Andersen’s behavioural model of health services use (BMHSU) is one of the most commonly employed models of health service utilisation. The model focuses on three core factors to explain healthcare utilisation: predisposing, enabling and need factors. A recent overview of the application of the BMHSU is lacking, particularly regarding its application in qualitative research. Therefore, we provide (1) a descriptive overview of the application of the BMHSU in health services research in general and (2) a qualitative synthesis on the (un)suitability of the model in qualitative health services research.MethodsWe searched five databases from March to April 2019, and in April 2020. For inclusion, each study had to focus on individuals ≥18 years of age and to cite the BMHSU, a modified version of the model, or the three core factors that constitute the model, regardless of study design, or publication type. We used MS Excel to perform descriptive statistics, and applied MAXQDA 2020 as part of a qualitative content analysis.ResultsFrom a total of 6319 results, we identified 1879 publications dealing with the BMSHU. The main methodological approach was quantitative (89%). More than half of the studies are based on the BMHSU from 1995. 77 studies employed a qualitative design, the BMHSU was applied to justify the theoretical background (62%), structure the data collection (40%) and perform data coding (78%). Various publications highlight the usefulness of the BMHSU for qualitative data, while others criticise the model for several reasons (eg, its lack of cultural or psychosocial factors).ConclusionsThe application of different and older models of healthcare utilisation hinders comparative health services research. Future research should consider quantitative or qualitative study designs and account for the most current and comprehensive model of the BMHSU.
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Probiotics To Eliminate COVID-19 Transmission in Exposed Household Contacts (PROTECT-EHC): a clinical trial protocol
Authors: Tang Helen , Bohannon Lauren , Lew Meagan , Jensen David , Jung Sin-Ho , Zhao Aaron , Sung Anthony D , Wischmeyer Paul E 
Published: May 2021

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be an unprecedented challenge to worldwide health, and strategies to mitigate the spread and severity of COVID-19 infection are urgently needed. Emerging evidence suggests that the composition of the gut microbiome and modification of microbial ecology via probiotics can affect susceptibility to a wide range of infections, including respiratory tract infections. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effects of the probioticLactobacillus rhamnosus GG(LGG) versus placebo on COVID-19 infection status and the gut microbiome in subjects with a household contact who has tested positive for COVID-19.Methods and analysisIn this double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, we will randomise 1132 subjects having a household contact who has recently (≤7 days) tested positive for COVID-19 to daily oral LGG or placebo for 28 days. We hypothesise that taking LGG as a probiotic will protect against COVID-19 infection and reduce the severity of disease in those who become infected (primary endpoint: decreased symptoms), and will be associated with beneficial changes in the composition of the gut microbiome. Stool samples and nasal swabs will be collected to evaluate the microbiome by 16S rRNA sequencing and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 by PCR, respectively. We will also conduct multivariate analysis of demographic, behavioural, temporal, and other variables that may predict development of symptoms and other outcomes.Ethics and disseminationThis trial is conducted under a Food and Drug Administration Investigational New Drug for LGG, has received ethics approval by the institutional review board of Duke University and enrolment has begun. We plan to disseminate the results in peer-reviewed journals and at national and international conferences.Trial registration numberNCT04399252.
Factors predicting successful vaginal birth after caesarean section: protocol for evidence-based consensus recommendations using a Delphi survey
Authors: Zhu Weiying , Ai Ling , Feng Ying , Yuan Haiyan , Wang Yu , Wang Meitang , Mei Zubing 
Published: May 2021

IntroductionWith the wide adoption of the two-child policy in China since 2016, a large percentage of women with a history of caesarean delivery plan to have a second child. Accordingly, the rate of vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) delivery is increasing. Women attempting repeat VBAC may experience multiple morbidities, which is also one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality. However, it remains to be addressed how we evaluate factors for successful VBAC. This study aims to use a novel approach to identify a set of potential predictive factors for successful VBAC, especially for Chinese women, to be included in prediction models which can be most applicable to pregnant women in China. We plan to assess all potential predictive factors collected through a comprehensive literature review. Then the certainty of the evidence for the identified potential predictive factors will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation process. Finally, a two-round international Delphi survey will be conducted to determine the level of consensus.Methods and analysisThis study will apply a methodology through an evidence-based approach. A long list of potential predictive factors for successful VBAC will be extracted and identified through the following stages: First, an up-to-date systematic review of the published literature will be conducted to extract identified potential predictive factors for successful VBAC. Second, an online Delphi survey will be performed to achieve expert consensus on which factors should be included in future prediction models. The online questionnaires will be developed in the field of patient, maternal and fetal-related factors. A two-round international Delphi survey will be distributed to the expert panel in the field of perinatal medicine using Google Forms. Experts will be asked to score each factor using the 9-point Likert rating scale to establish potential predictive factors for the successful VBAC. The expert panel will determine on whether to include, potentially include or exclude predictive factors, based on a systematic review of clinical evidence and the Delphi method.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Jiaxing Maternity and Children Healthcare Hospital (approval number: 2019–79). The results of this study will be submitted to international peer-reviewed journals or conferences in perinatal medicine or obstetrics.
Study protocol of the Edinburgh and Lothian Virus Intervention Study in Kids: a randomised controlled trial of hypertonic saline nose drops in children with upper respiratory tract infections (ELVIS Kids)
Authors: Ramalingam Sandeep , Graham Catriona , Oatey Katherine , Rayson Phillip , Stoddart Andrew , Sheikh Aziz , Cunningham Steve 
Published: May 2021

IntroductionEdinburgh and Lothians’ Viral Intervention Study Kids is a parallel, open-label, randomised controlled trial of hypertonic saline (HS) nose drops (~2.6% sodium chloride) vs standard care in children <7 years of age with symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI).Methods and analysisChildren are recruited prior to URTI or within 48 hours of developing URTI symptoms by advertising in areas such as local schools/nurseries, health centres/hospitals, recreational facilities, public events, workplaces, local/social media. Willing parents/guardians, of children <7 years of age will be asked to contact the research team at their local site. Children will be randomised to either a control arm (standard symptomatic care), or intervention arm (three drops/nostril of HS, at least four times a day, until 24 hours after asymptomatic or a maximum of 28 days). All participants are requested to provide a nasal swab at the start of the study (intervention arm: before HS drops) and then daily for four more days. Parent/guardian complete a validated daily diary, an end of illness diary, a satisfaction questionnaire and a wheeze questionnaire (day 28). The parent/guardian of a child in the intervention arm is taught to prepare HS nose drops. Parent/guardian of children asymptomatic at recruitment are requested to inform the research team within 48 hours of their child developing an URTI and follow the instructions already provided. The day 28 questionnaire determines if the child experienced a wheeze following illness. Participation in the study ends on day 28.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the West of Scotland Research Ethics Service (18/WS/0080). It is cosponsored by Academic and Clinical Central Office for Research and Development—a partnership between the University of Edinburgh and National Health Service Lothian Health Board. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and via the study website.Trial registration numberNCT03463694.
Analytical validation of GMEX rapid point-of-careCYP2C19genotyping system for the CHANCE-2 trial
Authors: Meng Xia , Wang Anxin , Zhang Guojun , Niu Siying , Li Wei , Han Sifei , Fang Fang , Zhao Xingquan , Dong Kehui , Jin Zening , Zheng Huaguang , Chen Kelin , Li Hao , Yang Chengyuan , Wang Yongjun 
Published: May 2021

Background and purposeRapid genotyping is useful for guiding early antiplatelet therapy in patients with high-risk nondisabling ischaemic cerebrovascular events (HR-NICE). Conventional genetic testing methods used inCYP2C19genotype-guided antiplatelet therapy for patients with HR-NICE did not satisfy the needs of the Clopidogrel in High-Risk Patients with Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events (CHANCE)-2 trial. Therefore, we developed the rapid-genotyping GMEX (point-of-care) system to meet the needs of the CHANCE-2 trial.MethodsHealthy individuals and patients with history of cardiovascular diseases (n=408) were enrolled from six centres of the CHANCE-2 trial. We compared the laboratory-based genomic test results with Sanger sequencing test results for accuracy verification. Next, we demonstrated the accuracy, timeliness and clinical operability of the GMEX system compared with laboratory-based technology (YZY Kit) to verify whether the GMEX system satisfies the needs of the CHANCE-2 trial.ResultsGenotypes reported by the GMEX system showed 100% agreement with those determined by using the YZY Kit and Sanger sequencing for all threeCYP2C19alleles (*2, *3 and *17) tested. The average result’s turnaround times for the GMEX and YZY Kit methods were 85.0 (IQR: 85.0–86.0) and 1630.0 (IQR: 354.0–7594.0) min (p<0.001), respectively.ConclusionsOur data suggest that the GMEX system is a reliable and feasible point-of-care system for rapidCYP2C19genotyping for the CHANCE-2 trial or related clinical and research applications.
Physical activity and aging research: opportunities abound
Authors: Varesco G. , Hunter S.K. , Rozand V. 
Published: May 2021

Aging is associated with large between-subjects variability in motor function among older adults, which can compromise identifying the mechanisms for age-related reductions in motor performance. This variability is in part explained by differences among older adults in habitual physical activity. Quantifying and accounting for physical activity levels of the participants in aging studies will help differentiate those changes in motor function associated with biological aging rather than those induced by inactivity. Novelty: Quantification of physical activity levels in studies with older participants will help differentiate the effects of aging rather than physical inactivity.
On the temperature of gravitation in the de Sitter space-time
Authors: Santos A. F. , Ulhoa S. C. , Furtado T. F. , Khanna Faqir C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe temperature associated with gravitation as presented in the Unruh effect and Hawking temperature serves to link different areas of physics, such as gravity, statistical mechanics, and quantum physics. In this paper, teleparallel gravity is considered to study temperature effects on the de Sitter space-time. The effects of temperature are introduced using the thermo field dynamics formalism. The gravitational Stefan-Boltzmann law is obtained. Then the temperature of gravitation in the de Sitter space-time is calculated. Here an Unruh-type effect is discussed. This effect relates the temperature and the acceleration of a particle in the de Sitter space-time. The gravitational Casimir effect is calculated. The result shows that there is a transition between an attractive and a repulsive Casimir effect.
Inverse correlation of fluctuations of cerebral blood and water concentrations in humans
Authors: Borchardt Viola , Korhonen Vesa , Helakari Heta , Nedergaard Maiken , Myllylä Teemu , Kiviniemi Vesa 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNear-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measures concentrations of oxygenated (HbO) and deoxygenated (HbR) hemoglobin in the brain. Recently, we demonstrated its potential also for measuring concentrations of cerebral water ($$\hbox {cH}_{2}\hbox {O}$$cH2O). We performed fNIRS measurements during rest to study fluctuations in concentrations of$$\hbox {cH}_{2}\hbox {O}$$cH2O, HbO and HbR in 33 well-rested healthy control subjects (HC) and 18 acutely sleep-deprived HC. Resting-state fNIRS signal was filtered in full-band, cardiac, respiratory, low-, and very-low-frequency bands. The sum of HbO and HbR constitutes the regional cerebral blood volume (CBV). CBV and$$\hbox {cH}_{2}\hbox {O}$$cH2Oconcentrations were analyzed via temporal correlation and phase synchrony. Fluctuation in concentrations of$$\hbox {cH}_{2}\hbox {O}$$cH2Oand CBV was strongly anti-correlated across all frequency bands in both frontal and parietal cortices. Fluctuation in concentrations of$${\hbox {cH}}_{2}{\hbox {O}}$$cH2Oand CBV showed neither a completely synchronous nor a random phase relationship in both frontal and parietal cortices. Acutely sleep-deprived subjects did not show significant differences in temporal correlation or phase synchrony between fluctuations in$${\hbox {cH}}_{2}{\hbox {O}}$$cH2Oand CBV concentrations compared with well-rested HC. The reciprocal interrelation between fluctuations in CBV and$${\hbox {cH}}_{2}{\hbox {O}}$$cH2Oconcentrations is consistent with the Munro–Kellie doctrine of constant intracranial volume. This coupling may constitute a functional mechanism underlying glymphatic circulation, which persists despite acutely disturbed sleep patterns.
European option pricing using Gumbel distribution
Authors: Purohit Seema Uday , Lalit Prasad Narahar 
Published: May 2021

A risk-neutral-density (RND) function plays a key role in determining option prices accurately. The RND function is useful in understanding the negative skewness and the excess kurtosis of the stock returns. RND models bases on the log-normal distribution (for example, Black–Scholes (BS) model (Black, F and M Scholes (1973). The pricing of options and corporate liabilities, The Journal of Political Economy 3, 637–654)) are less accurate to capture the negative skewness and the excess kurtosis of stock returns (Markose, S and A Alentorn (2011). The generalized extreme value distribution, implied tail index, and option pricing, The Journal of Derivatives 18(3), 35–60). The Extreme Value Theory (EVT) is useful in addressing the tail behavior of stock returns. The tail shape parameter in a Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distribution class helps control tails’ size and shape. This paper model, the RND function in pricing the European call option, is modeled using a GEV distribution class, namely, a Gumbel distribution. It then compares GEV distribution option values with the BS values. It observes that the BS model underprices the call option values near maturity compared to those obtained by the GEV model. The Gumbel distribution for stock returns is useful in reducing the pricing bias of the BS model.
Using a ‘speedy’ unspiked K–Ar methodology to investigate age patterns in giant mafic dyke swarms
Authors: Oliveira Alisson Lopes , Hollanda Maria Helena Bezerra Maia , Siqueira Roberto , Macêdo Filho Antomat Avelino 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We present the results of a geochronological investigation that was conducted on mafic rocks (dolerites) that form two giant dyke swarms in NE Brazil, whose intrusion was correlated to the break-up of the West Gondwana supercontinent and the opening of the Atlantic Ocean. Despite their impressive dimensions, these swarms lack any geological information, which motivated us to develop a speedy, low-cost analytical protocol, modified from the Cassignol unspiked K–Ar technique, to define age patterns. The results were interpreted in light of basic statistical treatments and, although some limitations were mostly related to grain-size heterogeneities, they successfully matched other
40
K-based ages (conventional K–Ar and
40
Ar/
39
Ar) reported in the literature and showed that the dyke swarms share two main age intervals of rock formation identified as the Early Cretaceous and Late Jurassic.
Petroleum Hydrocarbon Bioremediation Using Native Fungal Isolates and Consortia
Authors: Hamad Asmaa A. , Moubasher Hani A. , Moustafa Yasser M. , Mohamed Nermen H. , Abd-el rhim Eman H. 
Published: May 2021

Crude oil spills as a result of natural disasters or extraction and transportation operations are common nowadays. Oil spills have adverse effects on both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and pose a threat to human health. This study have been concerned with studying the capability of six fungal species (Curvularia brachyspora, Penicillium chrysogenum, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Alternaria alternata, and Stemphylium botryosum) and three fungal consortia (FC), FC1 (P. chrysogenum and C. brachyspora), FC2 (S. brevicaulis and S. botryosum), and FC3 (S. brevicaulis, S. botryosum, and C. sphaerospermum), to remediate petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs). Qualitative and quantitative changes in polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and saturated hydrocarbons (SH) mixtures and the patterns of PHs degradation have been examined using HPLC and GC. Studying the GC chromatogram of C. sphaerospermum revealed severe degradation of SHs exhibited by this species, and the normal-paraffin and isoparaffin degradation percentage have been valued 97.19% and 98.88%, respectively. A. alternata has shown the highest significant (at

P

˂ 0.05) PAH degradation percent reaching 72.07%; followed by P. chrysogenum, 59.51%. HPLC data have revealed that high-molecular-weight PAH percent/total PAHs decreased significantly from 98.94% in control samples to 68.78% in samples treated with A. alternata. FC1 and FC2 consortia have exhibited the highest significant PH deterioration abilities than did the individual isolates, indicating that these fungal consortia exhibited positive synergistic effects. The study supports the critical idea of the potential PAH and SH biodegradation as a more ecologically acceptable alternative to their chemical degradation.
High PDGFRb Expression Predicts Resistance to Radiotherapy in DCIS within the SweDCIS Randomized Trial
Authors: Strell Carina , Folkvaljon Dick , Holmberg Erik , Schiza Aglaia , Thurfjell Viktoria , Karlsson Per , Bergh Jonas , Bremer Troy , Akslen Lars A. , Wärnberg Fredrik , Östman Arne 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurpose:This study analyzes the potential of stromal platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFRb) expression as biomarker for radiotherapy (RT) benefit on ipsilateral breast events (IBE) in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Improved identification of DCIS patients refractory to adjuvant whole-breast RT is needed. Predictive biomarker studies in DCIS have focused on tumor cell features rather than the tumor-associated stroma, despite growing evidence of its influence on therapy efficiency.Experimental Design:Samples from the Swedish randomized radiotherapy DCIS trial (SweDCIS) were subjected to IHC analysis for stromal PDGFRb expression. IBE incidence at 10 years after breast-conserving surgery was the primary endpoint. Interactions between marker and treatment were analyzed.Results:PDGFRb score was predictive for RT benefit with regard to IBE (Pinteraction = 0.002 and Pinteraction = 0.008 adjusted multivariably). Patients of the PDGFRblow group had a strong benefit from RT regarding IBE risk [HR, 0.23; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.12–0.45; P &lt; 0.001] with an absolute risk reduction of 21% (cumulative risk 7% vs. 28%) at 10 years. No significant risk reduction by RT was observed for patients of the PDGFRbhigh group (HR, 0.83; 0.51–1.34; P = 0.444; cumulative risk 22% vs. 25%). The RT response–predictive effect of stromal PDGFRb was equally strong in analyses for in situ and invasive IBE when analyzed separately (in situ IBE: P = 0.029; invasive IBE: P = 0.044).Conclusions:Results suggest high stromal PDGFRb expression as a novel biomarker identifying DCIS patients who are refractory to standard whole-breast adjuvant RT. The data imply previously unrecognized fibroblast-mediated modulation of radiosensitivity of DCIS, which should be further explored from mechanistic and targeting perspectives.