bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paired sensitivity analysis of four SARS-CoV-2 serological immunoassays in a longitudinal cohort of convalescent hospital staff
Authors: Sim Marcus , Cockcroft Christopher , Darby Denise , Ellis Clare R , Heaps Adrian , Scargill Jonathan , Garcez Tomaz 
Published: June 2021

Background SARS-CoV-2 serological testing has seen extensive academic and clinical use from investigating correlates of immunity to seroprevalence, convalescent plasma and vaccine trials. Interpretation of these studies will depend on robust validation of the longitudinal sensitivities of these assays, especially in the context of mild disease which makes up the majority of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caseload. Methods Hospital staff ( n = 94) returning to work following polymerase chain reaction confirmed COVID-19 were offered antibody testing to assist with laboratory verification. Initial specimens were collected at median 29 days post-symptom onset and run on the Roche, Abbott, Siemens and DiaSorin platforms. Re-sampling occurred at median 142 days from a subset of the initial cohort ( n = 62) that had volunteered to provide further serum samples to assist in longitudinal sensitivity analysis. Samples that were not run across all four platforms were excluded from analysis. Results Comparative sensitivity analysis was conducted on 89/94 of the initial specimens and 55/62 of the repeat specimens. Sensitivity at initial sampling ranged from 78 to 87% across platforms. At re-sampling, sensitivities were: 100% (Roche), 45% (Abbott), 100% (Siemens), and 80% (DiaSorin). Paired analysis using the longitudinal cohort ( n = 55) demonstrated stable or increasing median assay values on three platforms, with a clear reduction seen only on the Abbott platform (4.78 to 1.34) with corresponding sensitivity drop-off (81.8% to 45.4%). Conclusion The Abbott assay demonstrated sensitivity drop-off and decrease in median assay signal below detection threshold at four to five months. This has implications on the interpretation and design of future studies.
Mutual checking system for assessing trainee skills of thoracic surgery
Authors: Miura Naoko , Matsubara Taichi , Takamori Shinkichi , Akamine Takaki , Haratake Naoki , Shikada Yasunori , Yamaguchi Masafumi , Okamoto Tatsuro , Takenoyama Mitsuhiro 
Published: June 2021

Background Video-assisted surgery helps surgeons learn surgical skills efficiently. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mutual evaluation of trainees’ surgical techniques using tabulated common evaluation criteria. Methods We created a check sheet in which a standard pulmonary lobectomy procedure was divided into six parts and the checkpoints to note listed. Both the trainees and trainers used tabulated common evaluation criteria to evaluate lobectomies performed by the trainees. Results From September 2019 to March 2020, 30 lobectomies were performed by three trainees. The trainee’s evaluations of their own procedures were relatively high at first, then decreased, then gradually increased; however, the trainers’ evaluations showed no such tendency. Conclusions Mutual evaluation of surgery using tabulated common evaluation criteria enables trainees to review their own surgery objectively and receive evaluations by trainers, thus helping them to avoid the Dunning–Kruger effect and efficiently acquire basic surgical skills.
Virtual models of care for people with palliative care needs living in their own home: A systematic meta-review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Disalvo Domenica , Agar Meera , Caplan Gideon , Murtagh Fliss EM , Luckett Tim , Heneka Nicole , Hickman Louise , Kinchin Irina , Trethewie Susan , Sheehan Caitlin , Urban Kat , Cohen Joshua , Harlum Janeane , Long Brian , Parker Tricia , Schaefer Isabelle , Phillips Jane 
Published: June 2021

Background: Access to palliative care in the community enables people to live in their preferred place of care, which is often home. Community palliative care services struggle to provide timely 24-h services to patients and family. This has resulted in calls for ‘accessible and flexible’ models of care that are ‘responsive’ to peoples’ changing palliative care needs. Digital health technologies provide opportunities to meet these requirements 24-h a day. Aim: To identify digital health technologies that have been evaluated for supporting timely assessment and management of people living at home with palliative care needs and/or their carer(s), and the evidence-base for each. Design: A systematic review of systematic reviews (‘meta-review’). Systematic reviews evaluating evidence for virtual models of palliative or end-of-life care using one or more digital health technologies were included. Systematic reviews were evaluated using the Risk of Bias Tool for Systematic Reviews. A narrative approach was used to synthesise results. Data sources: Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL and Cochrane Database of systematic reviews were searched for English-language reviews published between 2015 and 2020. Results: The search yielded 2266 articles, of which 12 systematic reviews met criteria. Sixteen reviews were included in total, after four reviews were found via handsearching. Other than scheduled telehealth, video-conferencing, or after-hours telephone support, little evidence was found for digital health technologies used to deliver virtual models of palliative care. Conclusions: There are opportunities to test new models of virtual care, beyond telehealth and/or video conferencing, such as 24-h command centres, and rapid response teams. Systematic review registration number: Prospero CRD42020200266
Good Interrater Reliability for Standardized MRI Assessment of Tendon Discontinuity and Tendon Retraction in Acute Proximal Full-Thickness Hamstring Tendon Injury
Authors: van der Made Anne D. , Smithuis Frank F. , Buckens Constantinus F. , Tol Johannes L. , Six Willem R. , Lauf Kenny , Peters Rolf W. , Kerkhoffs Gino M. , Maas Mario 
Published: June 2021

Background: Proximal full-thickness free hamstring tendon injury (ie, tendon avulsion or rupture) is a severe injury. Treatment decision making relies on clinical factors and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) variables; it specifically relies on which tendons are injured as well as the extent of tendon retraction. According to a worldwide evaluation of current practice, discontinuity of both proximal tendons and retraction of >2 cm are used as surgical indications. However, both the diagnosis and the use of MRI variables in decision making may be fraught with uncertainty in clinical practice. A reliable standardized MRI assessment is required. Purpose: To propose an MRI assessment for acute proximal full-thickness free hamstring tendon injury and to evaluate its interater reliability. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: We included 40 MRI scans of patients with acute (≤4 weeks of injury) proximal full-thickness free hamstring tendon injury. Three musculoskeletal radiologists assessed proximal full-thickness free hamstring tendon discontinuity using the novel “dropped ice cream sign” and tendon retraction (in mm). Quantification of tendon retraction (in mm) was performed using 2 different methods: (1) a direct (ie, shortest distance between the center of the hamstring origin and the tendon stump) method and (2) a combined craniocaudal/mediolateral measurement method. Absolute and relative interrater reliability were calculated. Results: We found an almost perfect interrater agreement (kappa = 0.87) for assessment of full-thickness tendon discontinuity using the dropped ice cream sign. Interrater agreement for the direct and craniocaudal retraction measurements was good for both the conjoint (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], 0.88 and 0.83) and the semimembranosus tendons (ICC, 0.81 and 0.79). The mediolateral retraction measurement yielded only moderate to poor reliability for the conjoint (ICC, 0.53) and semimembranosus tendons (ICC, 0.41). Conclusion: The standardized MRI assessment to identify proximal hamstring tendon discontinuity and quantify tendon retraction is reliable. We recommend using the novel dropped ice cream sign and the direct retraction measurement in clinical practice and research.
Incendies, les sons du silence
Authors: Aronoff Mary Ellen , Ba Ndeye 
Published: June 2021

Résumé Des pièces comme Incendies permettent de libérer des voix silencieuses afin qu’elles puissent raconter des histoires de peine et de souffrance, et le théâtre donne un espace sûr pour présenter ces histoires. L’analyse suivante explore le comportement énigmatique de la protagoniste Nawal et cherche à expliquer pourquoi elle a choisi de s’éloigner de son monde et de vivre en silence. Il y a deux côtés à Nawal. Dans son pays natal, elle est une combattante qui ne recule devant rien. Au Canada, toutefois, Nawal est le contraire. Elle apparaît comme timide et effacée. Le silence dans la pièce revêt de nombreuses formes qui méritent une attention particulière et une analyse poussée. En outre, on peut trouver dans ce silence des dichotomies qui cherchent la réconciliation. La lentille à travers laquelle l’analyse est présentée souligne l’importance que les récits de difficultés et de souffrance soient racontés par ceux qui ont un lien direct avec leur propre histoire.
In Search of ‘Civil’ Society
Authors: Venkataraman L. N. 
Published: June 2021

Ramin Jahanbegloo, Pedagogy of Dissent. Orient BlackSwan, 2021, 108 pp., ₹295. ISBN: 9788194925859 (Paperback). Romila Thapar, Voices of Dissent: An Essay. Seagull Books, 2020, 164 pp., ₹499. ISBN: 978-0857428622 (Hardback).
Are There Resilient Children with ADHD?
Authors: Chan Elizabeth S.M. , Groves Nicole B. , Marsh Carolyn L. , Miller Caroline E. , Richmond Kijana P. , Kofler Michael J. 
Published: June 2021

Objective: The adverse outcomes associated with ADHD are well known, but less is known about the minority of children with ADHD who may be flourishing despite this neurodevelopmental risk. The present multi-informant study is an initial step in this direction with the basic but unanswered question: Are there resilient children with ADHD? Method: Reliable change analysis of the BASC-3 Resiliency subscale for a clinically evaluated sample of 206 children with and without ADHD (ages 8–13; 81 girls; 66.5% White/Non-Hispanic). Results Most children with ADHD are perceived by their parents and teachers as resilient (52.8%–59.2%), with rates that did not differ from the comorbidity-matched Non-ADHD sample. Conclusion Exploratory analyses highlighted the importance of identifying factors that promote resilience for children with ADHD specifically, such that some child characteristics were promotive (associated with resilience for both groups), some were protective (associated with resilience only for children with ADHD), and some were beneficial only for children without ADHD.
X-ray-guided and ultrasound-guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty to treat arteriovenous fistula dysfunction in hemodialysis patients: A retrospective controlled study
Authors: Gan Zhen , Zhou Liang , Wu Xian , Gu Chun-Feng , He Xu , Guo Jin-He 
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To compare the safety and efficacy of X-ray-guided and ultrasound-guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in treating arteriovenous fistula dysfunction. Materials and methods: Data for 219 patients with arteriovenous fistula dysfunction between January 2016 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoints were technical success, clinical success, and primary patency rates. The secondary endpoints were complications and secondary patency rates. Procedure outcomes and both endpoints were evaluated by propensity score analysis. Results: After the propensity score matching, 73 matched pairs of cases were created with 34 pairs of autogenous arteriovenous fistula cases and 39 pairs of prosthetic arteriovenous graft cases. There was no significant difference between the X-ray-guided and ultrasound-guided group, respectively, regarding the technical success rate (84.9% vs 87.7%, p = 0.630), clinical success rate (98.6% vs 97.3%, p = 0.999), and complications (10.9% vs 5.5%, p = 0.228). Although the 6- and 12-month secondary patency rates for the dialysis access between the two groups had significant difference ( p < 0.05), there was no significant difference in primary and secondary patency curves between the two groups ( p > 0.05). Conclusion: The overall efficacy of ultrasound-guided versus X-ray-guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in treating arteriovenous fistula dysfunction might be comparable.
A 4-year study of the use of the short metacarpal cast in the management of metacarpal shaft fractures
Authors: Street Julia , Nessa Luthfun , Logan Andrew , Trickett Ryan W 
Published: June 2021

We report on our experience of using a short, moulded metacarpal cast over a 4-year period in the non-surgical management of metacarpal shaft fractures. Between 6 April 2015 and 6 April 2019, 117 patients were treated using this method. The majority were male, and the mean age was 24.6 years. The most common mechanism of injury was a punch injury (73 patients, 62%). Fifteen patients (13%) were treated for multiple metacarpal fractures. Immediately after cast removal, 68% had a full range of finger movement and 68% were pain free. Few required formal hand therapy. Fifteen patients experienced minor complications, primarily soft tissue irritation from the cast and non-limiting extensor lag. The moulded short metacarpal cast is an effective non-surgical treatment for angulated extra-articular metacarpal fractures of the diaphysis and diametaphyseal junction. Level of evidence: IV
Influences of Physical Layout and Space on Patient Safety and Communication in Ambulatory Oncology Practices: A Multisite, Mixed Method Investigation
Authors: Fauer Alex , Wright Nathan , Lafferty Megan , Harrod Molly , Manojlovich Milisa , Friese Christopher R. 
Published: June 2021

Objective: To examine how physical layouts and space in ambulatory oncology practices influence patient safety and clinician communication. Background: Ambulatory oncology practices face unique challenges in delivering safe care. With increasing patient volumes, these settings require additional attention to support patient safety and efficient clinical work processes. Methods: This study used a mixed methods design with sequential data collection. Eight ambulatory oncology practices (of 29 participating practices) participated in both the quantitative and qualitative phases. In surveys, clinicians ( n = 56) reported on safety organizing and communication satisfaction measures. Qualitative data included observations and semistructured interviews ( n = 46) with insight into how physical layout influenced care delivery. Quantitative analysis of survey data included descriptive and correlational statistics. Qualitative analysis used inductive and thematic content analysis. Quantitative and qualitative data were integrated using side-by-side comparison tables for thematic analysis. Results: Safety organizing performance was positively correlated with clinician communication satisfaction, r(54 df) = .414, p = .002. Qualitative analyses affirmed that the physical layout affected communication around chemotherapy infusion and ultimately patient safety. After data integration, safety organizing and clinician communication were represented by two themes: visibility of patients during infusion and the proximity of clinicians in the infusion center to clinicians in the clinic where providers see patients. Conclusions: Physical layouts of ambulatory oncology practices are an important factor to promote patient safety. Our findings inform efforts to construct new and modify existing infusion centers to enhance patient safety and clinician communication.
Quality of life in ambulatory pulmonary arterial hypertension in connective tissue diseases and its relationship with risk stratification
Authors: Shi Yue , Meng Yanling , Dong Xingbei , Liu Yang , Liu Yongtai , Lai Jinzhi , Tian Zhuang , Zhao Jiuliang , Peng Jinmin , Wang Qian , Li Mengtao , Zeng Xiaofeng 
Published: June 2021

The Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Symptoms and Impact Questionnaire (PAH‐SYMPACT) is a PAH‐specific patient‐reported outcome scale assessing patients’ quality of life from four aspects: cardiopulmonary symptoms, cardiovascular symptoms, physical impacts and cognitive/emotional impacts. This study aimed to validate the Chinese version of PAH‐SYMPACT and explore its relationship with risk stratification in patients with connective tissue disease‐associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (CTD‐PAH). In addition, 75 patients with CTD‐PAH confirmed by right heart catheterization were invited to complete questionnaires including PAH‐SYMPACT, the 36‐item Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Survey (SF‐36) and EuroQol five dimensions questionnaire (EQ‐5D). The demographic, clinical, laboratory and treatment data were collected. The endpoint was treatment goal achievement status in 6–12 months after completing the questionnaires, defined as an integrated outcome. Participants’ mean age was 36.4 ± 11.9 years and the mean pulmonary arterial pressure was 38.9 ± 13.67 mmHg. The reliability of the PAH‐SYMPACT domains ranged from 0.83 to 0.88. Results of factor analysis basically conformed the original PAH‐SYMPACT. The treatment goal achievement (TGA) status in 6–12 months was significantly associated with physical impacts scores (odds ratio: 0.180, 95% confidence interval: 0.036–0.908, P=0.038). The Chinese version of PAH‐SYMPACT is a reliable measurement to evaluate quality of life in CTD‐PAH patients and is also a potential predictor of patient’s condition change in routine clinical practice.
Pulmonary hypertension associated with busulfan
Authors: Hagenburg Jean , Savale Laurent , Lechartier Benoit , Ghigna Maria‐Rosa , Chaumais Marie‐Camille , Jaïs Xavier , Sitbon Olivier , Humbert Marc , Montani David 
Published: June 2021

Busulfan is widely used to treat malignant diseases, particularly for therapeutic intensification prior to an autologous stem cell graft. Numerous side effects consecutive to busulfan are described, but few descriptions of pulmonary hypertension exist, while bronchiolitis obliterans remains a rare complication. We report the clinical observations of four patients from the French Pulmonary Hypertension Registry who experienced subacute pulmonary hypertension after receiving busulfan as preparation regimen before an autologous stem cell graft for malignancies (Hodgkin’s disease, Ewing’s sarcoma and primary large B cell lymphoma of the brain). Patients experienced severe pulmonary arterial hypertension 2 to 4.5 months after busulfan administration. Pulmonary hypertension improved after treatment with approved drugs for pulmonary arterial hypertension and/or corticosteroids. During the follow‐up period, two patients developed chronic respiratory insufficiency due to interstitial lung disease, leading to double lung transplantation. The pathological assessment of explanted lungs revealed interstitial lung fibrosis with advanced bronchiolar lesions and severe pulmonary vascular damage. Three of the four patients were still alive after 36 to 80 months and the fourth died unexpectedly and suddenly after 5 months. In conclusion, PAH is a rare but severe complication associated with busulfan chemotherapy in adults. Histological examinations provide evidence for diffuse pulmonary vascular damage combined with interstitial lung injury in most cases.
Development of a hybrid sleep and physical activity improvement intervention for adults with osteoarthritis-related pain and sleep disturbance: a focus group study with potential users
Authors: Whibley Daniel , Stelfox Kevin , Henry Alasdair L , Tang Nicole KY , Kratz Anna L 
Published: June 2021

Objective: Suboptimal sleep and physical activity are common among people living with osteoarthritis (OA) and simultaneous improvements in both may have a beneficial impact on pain. This study aimed to gather perspectives of people living with OA on important aspects to incorporate in a hybrid sleep and physical activity improvement intervention for OA pain management. Design: Qualitative study using two rounds of two focus groups. Setting and participants: Focus groups were conducted with adults living with OA-related chronic pain and sleep disturbances. Eighteen people attended focus groups in January 2020 and, of these, 16 attended subsequent focus groups in February 2020. Methods: Discussion at the first round of focus groups informed generation of prototype intervention materials that were shared, discussed and refined at the second round of focus groups. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and sub-themes from the data. Results: Three themes, each with three sub-themes, were identified: facilitators of engagement with the intervention (sub-themes: motivational language, accountability and education); barriers to engagement (sub-themes: suboptimal interaction with healthcare practitioners, recording behaviour as burdensome/disruptive and uncertainty about technique) and characteristics of a physical activity intervention component (sub-themes: tailored, sustainable and supported). Conclusion: We have identified important aspects to incorporate into the design and delivery of a hybrid sleep and physical activity improvement intervention for OA pain management. Insights will be incorporated into intervention materials and protocols, with feasibility and acceptability assessed in a future study.
An exercise intervention alters stool microbiota and metabolites among older, sedentary adults
Authors: Erlandson Kristine M. , Liu Jay , Johnson Rachel , Dillon Stephanie , Jankowski Catherine M. , Kroehl Miranda , Robertson Charles E. , Frank Daniel N. , Tuncil Yunus , Higgins Janine , Hamaker Bruce , Wilson Cara C. 
Published: June 2021

Background: Physiologic aging has been associated with gut dysbiosis. Although short exercise interventions have been linked to beneficial changes in gut microbiota in younger adults, limited data are available from older populations. We hypothesized that exercise would produce beneficial shifts in microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in older persons. Methods: Stool samples were collected before and at completion of a supervised 24-week cardiovascular and resistance exercise intervention among 50–75-year-old participants. SCFA levels were analyzed by gas chromatography and microbiome by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Negative binomial regression models compared pre- and post-differences using false discovery rates for multiple comparison. Results: A total of 22 participants provided pre-intervention samples; 15 provided samples at study completion. At baseline, the majority of participants were men (95%), mean age 58.0 (8.8) years, mean body mass index 27.4 (6.4) kg/m2. After 24 weeks of exercise, at the genus level, exercise was associated with significant increases in Bifidobacterium (and other unidentified genera within Bifidobacteriaceae), Oscillospira, Anaerostipes, and decreased Prevotella and Oribacterium ( p < 0.001). Stool butyrate increased with exercise [5.44 (95% confidence interval 1.54, 9.24) mmol/g, p = 0.02], though no significant differences in acetate or propionate ( p ⩾ 0.09) were seen. Conclusion: Our pilot study suggested that an exercise intervention is associated with changes in the microbiome of older adults and a key bacterial metabolite, butyrate. Although some of these changes could potentially reverse age-related dysbiosis, future studies are required to determine the contribution of changes to the microbiome in the beneficial effect of exercise on overall health of older adults. Clinical Trials NCT02404792