bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kidney trajectory charts to assist general practitioners in the assessment of patients with reduced kidney function: a randomised vignette study
Authors: Guppy Michelle , Glasziou Paul , Beller Elaine , Flavel Richard , Shaw Jonathan E , Barr Elizabeth , Doust Jenny 
Published: December 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the decisional impact of an age-based chart of kidney function decline to support general practitioners (GPs) to appropriately interpret estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and identify patients with a clinically relevant kidney problem.Design and settingRandomised vignette studyParticipants372 Australian GPs from August 2018 to November 2018.InterventionGPs were given two patient case scenarios: (1) an older woman with reduced but stable renal function and (2) a younger Aboriginal man with declining kidney function still in the normal range. One group was given an age-based chart of kidney function to assist their assessment of the patient (initial chart group); the second group was asked to assess the patients without the chart, and then again using the chart (delayed chart group).Main outcome measuresGPs’ assessment of the likelihood—on a Likert scale—that the patients had chronic kidney disease (CKD) according to the usual definition or a clinical problem with their kidneys.ResultsPrior to viewing the age-based chart GPs were evenly distributed as to whether they thought case 1—the older woman—had CKD or a clinically relevant kidney problem. GPs who had initial access to the chart were less likely to think that the older woman had CKD, and less likely to think she had a clinically relevant problem with her kidneys than GPs who had not viewed the chart. After subsequently viewing the chart, 14% of GPs in the delayed chart group changed their opinion, to indicate she was unlikely to have a clinically relevant problem with her kidneys.Prior to viewing the chart, the majority of GPs (66%) thought case 2—the younger man—did not have CKD, and were evenly distributed as to whether they thought he had a clinically relevant kidney problem. In contrast, GPs who had initial access to the chart were more likely to think he had CKD and the majority (72%) thought he had a clinically relevant kidney problem. After subsequently viewing the chart, 37% of GPs in the delayed chart group changed their opinion to indicate he likely had a clinically relevant problem with his kidneys.ConclusionsUse of the chart changed GPs interpretation of eGFR, with increased recognition of the younger male patient’s clinically relevant kidney problem, and increased numbers classifying the older female patient’s kidney function as normal for her age. This study has shown the potential of an age-based kidney function chart to reduce both overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis.
Preventable deaths from SARS-CoV-2 in England and Wales: a systematic case series of coroners’ reports during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Swift Bethan , Heneghan Carl , Aronson Jeffrey , Howard David , Richards Georgia C 
Published: December 2021

ObjectivesTo examine coroners’ Prevention of Future Deaths (PFDs) reports to identify deaths involving SARS-CoV-2 that coroners deemed preventable.DesignConsecutive case series.SettingEngland and Wales.ParticipantsPatients reported in 510 PFDs dated between 01 January 2020 and 28 June 2021, collected from the UK’s Courts and Tribunals Judiciary website using web scraping to create an openly available database:https://preventabledeathstrackernet/.Main outcome measuresConcerns reported by coroners.ResultsSARS-CoV-2 was involved in 23 deaths reported by coroners in PFDs. Twelve deaths were indirectly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, defined as those that were not medically caused by SARS-CoV-2, but were associated with mitigation measures. In 11 cases, the coroner explicitly reported that COVID-19 had directly caused death. There was geographical variation in the reporting of PFDs; most (39%) were written by coroners in the North West of England. The coroners raised 56 concerns, problems in communication being the most common (30%), followed by failure to follow protocols (23%). Organisations in the National Health Service were sent the most PFDs (51%), followed by the government (26%), but responses to PFDs by these organisations were poor.ConclusionsPFDs contain a rich source of information on preventable deaths that has previously been difficult to examine systematically. Our openly available tool (https://preventabledeathstracker.net/) streamlines this process and has identified many concerns raised by coroners that should be addressed during the government’s inquiry into the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, so that mistakes made are less likely to be repeated.Study protocol preregistrationhttps://osf.io/bfypc/.
Funding received from breastmilk substitute manufacturers and policy positions of national maternity care provider associations: an online cross-sectional review
Authors: Qassin Salma , Homer Caroline S E , Wilson Alyce N 
Published: December 2021

ObjectivesMaternity care providers play an essential role in supporting women to breast feed. It is critical that their professional associations limit influence from breastmilk substitute (BMS) manufacturers. Aims of this study were (i) to examine whether maternity care provider associations had policy or positions statements addressing BMS marketing and (ii) to explore the type of funding received by these associations.DesignAn online cross-sectional review.SettingNational or regional maternity provider professional associations in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and the UK.ParticipantsTwenty-eight maternity care provider (obstetricians, midwives, nurses and others involved in perinatal care) professional association websites.InterventionsWebsites were examined from November 2019 to October 2020.Primary and secondary outcome measuresEvidence of BMS industry funding and policy or position statements addressing acceptance of funding from industries such as BMS.ResultsPolicies addressing the BMS industry were found for 14 associations (50%). UK-based associations (5/5, 100%) and perinatal associations (4/6, 67%) were most likely to have a policy. Six associations (6/28, 21%) received some form of BMS financial support. The highest rates of BMS support were seen in the form of event advertising (5/28, 18%); closely followed by event sponsorship (4/28, 14%). At a provider level, obstetric associations had the highest rates of BMS support (2/4, 50%). At a country level, US-based associations were most likely to receive BMS support (3/7, 43%).ConclusionsBMS industry financial support was received by one-fifth of maternity care provider associations. Half of these associations had policies addressing BMS marketing. BMS industry support can create conflicts of interest that can threaten efforts to support, protect and promote breast feeding. Healthcare provider associations should avoid BMS funding and at a minimum have policy or position statements addressing BMS marketing.
Systematic review of lay consultation in symptoms and illness experiences in informal urban settlements of low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Onuegbu Chinwe , Larweh Maxwell , Harlock Jenny , Griffiths Frances 
Published: December 2021

ObjectivesLay consultation is the process of discussing a symptom or an illness with lay social network members. This can have positive or negative consequences on health-seeking behaviours. Understanding how consultation with lay social networks works in informal urban settlements of low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) is important to enable health and policy-makers to maximise its potential to aid healthcare delivery and minimise its negative impacts. This study explored the composition, content and consequences of lay consultation in informal urban settlements of LMICs.DesignMixed-methodsystematic review.Data sourcesSix key public health and social science databases, Google Scholar and reference lists of included studies were searched for potential articles.Eligibility criteriaPapers that described discussions with lay informal social network members during symptoms or illness experiences.Data analysis and synthesisQuality assessment was done using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data were analysed and synthesised using a stepwise thematic synthesis approach involving two steps: identifying themes within individual studies and synthesising themes across studies.Results13 studies were included in the synthesis. Across the studies, three main categories of networks consulted during illness: kin, non-kin associates and significant community groups. Of these, kin networks were the most commonly consulted. The content of lay consultations were: asking for suggestions, negotiating care-seeking decisions, seeking resources and non-disclosure due to personal or social reasons. Lay consultations positively and negatively impacted access to formal healthcare and adherence to medical advice.ConclusionLay consultation is mainly sought from social networks in immediate environments in informal urban settlements of LMICs. Policy-makers and practitioners need to utilise these networks as mediators of healthcare-seeking behaviours.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020205196.
Efficiency benchmarks in the surgical management of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: a monocentric register cohort study of operating room time metrics and influential factors
Authors: Angermann Reinhard , Huber Anna Lena , Hofer Markus , Nowosielski Yvonne , Egger Stefan , Kralinger Martina T , Zehetner Claus 
Published: December 2021

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of clinical, methodological and logistic factors on operating room (OR) efficiency in the surgical management of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).DesignMonocentric retrospective register cohort study.SettingSingle tertiary centre in the western region of Austria.ParticipantsWe audited patients diagnosed with primary RRD who were treated between January 2014 and August 2019. In total, 783 eyes of 776 consecutive patients were included in this study. Various risk factors affecting OR time efficiency and anatomical success after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) procedures and scleral buckle (SB) surgery were analysed.Primary and secondary outcome measuresOR efficiency was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures were the primary success rate after PPV procedures and SB surgery.ResultsPPV was performed in 641 (81.9%) eyes and SB surgery in 142 (18.1%) eyes. Mean surgical times in PPV and SB under retrobulbar anaesthesia (RA) were 74.0 (±32.6) min and 62.1 (±24.6) min (p<0.001), respectively, while under general anaesthesia (GA), these values were 112.0 (±52.0) min and 76.0 (±22.5) min (p<0.001), respectively. A regression analysis revealed the following main risk factors for prolonged OR time for the surgical management of RRD with PPV (all p<0.001): presence of a giant tear (β=24.01; 32%), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)-C (β=16.43; 22%), surgery postponed for 72 hours after diagnosis (β=21.40; 29%), GA (β=23.64; 32%) or surgery performed by a trainee (β=17.35; 23%). PVR (p=0.022) in PPV cases, after-hours settings (p=0.006) and surgeon experience (p=0.030) in SB cases were independent risk factors for reduced success rates.ConclusionsOR coordinators should consider various independent clinical (giant tear, PVR-C, advanced detachment), methodological (PPV vs SB) and logistic (GA vs RA, after-hours setting and surgeon experience) factors to improve the success rate and surgical management planning of RRD accurately while optimising OR resources and staff efficiency.
Neonatal heart rate variability: a contemporary scoping review of analysis methods and clinical applications
Authors: Latremouille Samantha , Lam Justin , Shalish Wissam , Sant'Anna Guilherme 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundNeonatal heart rate variability (HRV) is widely used as a research tool. However, HRV calculation methods are highly variable making it difficult for comparisons between studies.ObjectivesTo describe the different types of investigations where neonatal HRV was used, study characteristics, and types of analyses performed.Eligibility criteriaHuman neonates ≤1 month of corrected age.Sources of evidenceA protocol and search strategy of the literature was developed in collaboration with the McGill University Health Center’s librarians and articles were obtained from searches in the Biosis, Cochrane, Embase, Medline and Web of Science databases published between 1 January 2000 and 1 July 2020.Charting methodsA single reviewer screened for eligibility and data were extracted from the included articles. Information collected included the study characteristics and population, type of HRV analysis used (time domain, frequency domain, non-linear, heart rate characteristics (HRC) parameters) and clinical applications (physiological and pathological conditions, responses to various stimuli and outcome prediction).ResultsOf the 286 articles included, 171 (60%) were small single centre studies (sample size <50) performed on term infants (n=136). There were 138 different types of investigations reported: physiological investigations (n=162), responses to various stimuli (n=136), pathological conditions (n=109) and outcome predictor (n=30). Frequency domain analyses were used in 210 articles (73%), followed by time domain (n=139), non-linear methods (n=74) or HRC analyses (n=25). Additionally, over 60 different measures of HRV were reported; in the frequency domain analyses alone there were 29 different ranges used for the low frequency band and 46 for the high frequency band.ConclusionsNeonatal HRV has been used in diverse types of investigations with significant lack of consistency in analysis methods applied. Specific guidelines for HRV analyses in neonates are needed to allow for comparisons between studies.
Radio interferometry applied to the observation of cosmic-ray induced extensive air showers
Authors: Schoorlemmer Harm , Carvalho Washington R. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWe developed a radio interferometric technique for the observation of extensive air showers initiated by cosmic particles. In this proof-of-principle study we show that properties of extensive air showers can be derived with high accuracy in a straightforward manner. When time synchronisation below $$\sim $$
∼
1 ns between different receivers can be achieved, direction reconstruction resolution of $$< 0.2^\circ $$

<
0
.

2
∘

and resolution on the depth of shower maximum of $$<10$$

<
10

g/cm$$^2$$

2

are obtained over the full parameter range studied, with even higher accuracy for inclined incoming directions. In addition, by applying the developed method to dense arrays of radio antennas, the energy threshold for the radio detection of extensive air showers can be significantly lowered. The proposed method can be incorporated in operational and future cosmic particle observatories and with its high accuracy it has the potential to play a crucial role in unravelling the composition of the ultra-high-energy cosmic-particle flux.
Anabar–Lena Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element, northern East Siberia
Authors: Khudoley A. K. , Frolov S. V. , Akhmanov G. G. , Bakay E. A. , Drachev S. S. , Egorov A. Yu , Ershova V. B. , Korobova N. I. , Shevchuk N. S. , Rogov M. A. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

The Anabar–Lena Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element (AL CTSE) is located in northern East Siberia extending for
c.
700 km along the Laptev Sea coast between the Khatanga Bay and Lena River delta. The AL CTSE consists of rocks from the Mesoproterozoic to Late Cretaceous in age with the total thickness reaching 14 km. It evolved through the following tectonic settings: (1) Meso-Early Neoproterozoic intracratonic basin; (2) Ediacaran–Early Devonian passive margin; (3) Middle Devonian–Early Carboniferous rift; (4) late Early Carboniferous–latest Jurassic passive margin; (5) Permian foreland basin; (6) Triassic to Jurassic continental platform basin; and (7) latest Jurassic–earliest Late Cretaceous foreland basin. Proterozoic and lower–middle Paleozoic successions are composed mainly of carbonate rocks, while siliciclastic rocks dominate upper Paleozoic and Mesozoic sections. Several petroleum systems are assumed in the AL CTSE. Permian source rocks and Triassic sandstone reservoirs are the most important play elements. The presence of several mature source rock units and abundant oil and gas shows (both in wells and in outcrops), including the giant Olenek Bitumen Field, suggests that further exploration in this area may result in economic discoveries.
Association of a Healthy Lifestyle Index with Risk of Breast Cancer among Women with Normal Body Mass Index in the UK Biobank
Authors: Peila Rita , Arthur Rhonda S. , Dannenberg Andrew J. , Rohan Thomas E. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background:
A high healthy lifestyle index (HLI), a composite score based on good diet quality, low alcohol consumption, no smoking, moderate to high physical activity, and waist circumference &lt;80 cm, has been consistently associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Recently, high levels of body fat were found to be associated with an elevated risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women with a normal body mass index (BMI; 18.5–&lt;25 kg/m2). Whether the HLI is associated with breast cancer risk in women with normal BMI is unknown.

Methods:
We studied 102,572 women aged 40 to 69 years with a normal BMI at enrollment into the UK Biobank cohort study. The HLI was created by assigning to each component higher scores for healthier behaviors and then summing the scores. The HLI was categorized by tertiles and age- and multivariable-adjusted HRs for the association of the HLI with breast cancer risk by menopausal status were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results:
In postmenopausal women, compared with a low HLI, higher scores were associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer [HRHLI-3rd tertile = 0.76; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.64–0.91]. Findings were similar for premenopausal women, although they did not reach statistical significance, except when smoking status was excluded from the HLI score (HLIwithout smoking: HR3rd tertile = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56–0.90).

Conclusions:
In normal BMI postmenopausal women, a high HLI score was associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer.

Impact:
Following a healthy lifestyle may reduce the risk of breast cancer among normal weight postmenopausal women.
Comparison of Performance of Two Stool DNA Tests and a Fecal Immunochemical Test in Detecting Colorectal Neoplasm: A Multicenter Diagnostic Study
Authors: Jin Peng , You Peng , Fang Jingyuan , Kang Qian , Gu Fang , Cai Yunlong , Zhai Huihong , Wang Bangmao , Li Yanqing , Xu Junfeng , Wang Jiheng , He Yuqi , Wang Yang , Dai Min , Sheng Jianqiu 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background:
The most widely used noninvasive screening tests for colorectal cancer are fecal occult blood tests. Stool DNA test was developed in recent years. However, direct comparative analyses of these tests within the same population are still sparse.

Methods:
A total of 2,842 participants who visited outpatient clinics or cancer screening centers were enrolled. Stool DNA test-I (KRAS, BMP3, NDRG4, and hemoglobin immunochemical tests), stool DNA test-II (SDC2 and SFRP2 tests), and fecal immunochemical test (FIT) alone were performed and colonoscopy was used as the gold standard among 2,240 participants. Forty-two and 302 participants had colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas (AA), respectively.

Results:
The sensitivity for colorectal cancer of stool DNA test-I, -II, and FIT was 90.5%, 92.9%, and 81.0%, respectively. The sensitivity for advanced neoplasm (AN; colorectal cancer plus AA) of stool DNA test-I, -II, and FIT was 34.9%, 42.2%, and 25.9%, respectively. The specificity of stool DNA test-I, -II, and FIT was 91.4%, 93.3%, and 96.8%, respectively, among those with negative results on colonoscopy. When the specificity of FIT was adjusted to match that of stool DNA tests by changing the threshold, no significant difference was seen in the sensitivities among the three tests for detecting colorectal cancer. For AN, the sensitivity of FIT was higher than DNA test-I and similar to DNA test-II under the same specificities.

Conclusions:
There was no significant advantage of the two stool DNA tests compared with FIT in detecting colorectal cancer or AN in this study.

Impact:
Our findings do not support extensive use of stool DNA tests instead of FIT.
Cutaneous β HPVs, Sun Exposure, and Risk of Squamous and Basal Cell Skin Cancers in Australia
Authors: Kricker Anne , Weber Marianne F. , Pawlita Michael , Sitas Freddy , Hodgkinson Verity S. , Rahman Bayzidur , van Kemenade Cathelijne H. , Armstrong Bruce K. , Waterboer Tim 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackground:Sun exposure causes cutaneous squamous (SCC) and basal cell (BCC) carcinomas. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection might cause SCC.Methods:We examined associations of β and γ HPV infection in skin-swab DNA and serum antibodies with skin cancer risk, and modification of the carcinogenic effects of sun exposure by them, in case–control studies of 385 SCC cases, 832 BCC cases, and 1,100 controls nested in an Australian prospective cohort study (enrolled 2006–2009).Results:Presence of β-1 and β-3 HPV DNA appeared to increase risks for SCC and BCC by 30% to 40% (P adjusted &lt;0.01). BCC was also associated with genus β DNA, OR = 1.48; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10 to 2.00 (P adjusted &lt;0.01). Associations were strengthened with each additional positive β HPV DNA type: SCC (OR = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02–1.12) and BCC (OR = 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03–1.10), Ptrend&lt;0.01. Positivity to genus β or γ in serology, and genus γ in DNA, was not associated with either cancer. There was little evidence that any β HPV type was more strongly associated than others with either cancer. A weaker association of sun exposure with SCC and BCC in the presence of β-3 HPVs than in their absence suggests that β-3 HPVs modify sun exposure's effect.Conclusions:Our substantive findings are at the level of genus β HPV. Like SCC, BCC risk may increase with increasing numbers of β HPV types on skin.Impact:The consistency in our findings that HPV infection may moderate the effects of sun exposure, the main environmental cause of SCC and BCC, merits further investigation.
Remodeling Chondroitin-6-Sulfate–Mediated Immune Exclusion Enhances Anti–PD-1 Response in Colorectal Cancer with Microsatellite Stability
Authors: Wu Qijing , Huang Qiong , Jiang Yu , Sun Fei , Liang Bishan , Wang Jiao , Hu Xingbin , Sun Mengting , Ma Zhenfeng , Shi Yulu , Liang Yanxiao , Tan Yujing , Zeng Dongqiang , Yao Fangzhen , Xu Xin , Yao Zhiqi , Li Shaowei , Rong Xiaoxiang , Huang Na , Sun Li , Liao Wangjun , Shi Min 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Metastatic microsatellite-stable (MSS) colorectal cancer rarely responds to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Metabolism heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment (TME) presents obstacles to antitumor immune response. Combining transcriptome (The Cancer Genome Atlas MSS colorectal cancer, n = 383) and digital pathology (n = 96) analysis, we demonstrated a stroma metabolism–immune excluded subtype with poor prognosis in MSS colorectal cancer, which could be attributed to interaction between chondroitin-6-sulfate (C-6-S) metabolites and M2 macrophages, forming the “exclusion barrier” in the invasive margin. Furthermore, C-6-S derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts promoted co–nuclear translocation of pSTAT3 and GLI1, activating the JAK/STAT3 and Hedgehog pathways. In vivo experiments with C-6-S–targeted strategies decreased M2 macrophages and reprogrammed the immunosuppressive TME, leading to enhanced response to anti–PD-1 in MSS colorectal cancer. Therefore, C-6-S–induced immune exclusion represents an “immunometabolic checkpoint” that can be exploited for the application of combination strategies in MSS colorectal cancer ICI treatment.