bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Comparison of 7 SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Assays in the North Zealand Covid-19 Cohort
Authors: Wiwe Elias F , Carlsson Elin R , Rasmussen Christina L , Rasmussen Pernille , Ougaard Robert , Hansen Steen I , Schiøler Thomas , Kristiansen Søren , Hansen Young B , Hillig Thore 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic numerous severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody assays have been approved through Emergency Use Authorization and require further evaluation of sensitivity and specificity in clinical laboratory settings prior to implementation.

Methods
We included 1733 samples from 375 PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2–positive individuals of the North Zealand Covid-19 Cohort in an 8-month period. We investigated diagnostic sensitivity and specificity against consensus and PCR and interassay agreement over time for 5 SARS-CoV-2 immunoassays [Roche-nucleocapsid (NC)-total, Roche-receptor binding domain (RBD)-total, Siemens-RBD-IgG, Siemens-RBD-total, Thermo Fisher Scientific (TFS)-RBD-IgG] commercially available on automated platforms and 2 ELISA assays (TFS-RBD-total, Wantai-RBD-total).

Results
Early interassay discrepancy in up to 49% of samples decreased steadily during the first 18 days. By day 18, all assays had reached a plateau between 82.3% and 90.5% seropositivity compared to PCR. Assays ranked by closest agreement with the consensus model beyond day 18 (sensitivity/specificity against consensus) were as follows: Roche-RBD-total, 99.8%/100.0%; Wantai-RBD-total, 99.8%/99.7%; Roche-NC-total, 97.8%/100.0%; Siemens-RBD-total, 98.0%/98.7%; TFS-RBD-total, 96.9%/99.7%; TFS-RBD-IgG, 91.5%/100.0%; and Siemens-RBD-IgG, 94.6%/89.9%. We found that 7.8% of PCR-positive patients remained seronegative in all assays throughout the study.

Conclusions
All included assays had sensitivities against consensus &gt;90% past day 18. For the current recommended use of antibody assays to detect former, undocumented Covid-19, our data suggest the use of total antibody assays rather than IgG-specific assays due to higher long-term sensitivity. Finally, a nonresponding subpopulation of 7.8% in our cohort with persistent seronegative results raises concern of a possible substantial number of people with continued low protection following natural SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Pilot Verification of a Novel Approach to Remove Electrophoretic Interference of the Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibody Daratumumab
Authors: Baloda Vandana , Shurin Michael R , Wheeler Sarah E 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Introduction
The advent of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (tmAbs) in treatment of multiple myeloma poses unique challenges for the clinical laboratory. These tmAbs may appear as a detectable monoclonal protein by electrophoretic methods resulting in misinterpretation or inability to measure therapeutic responses in some patients, and there are currently limited techniques for identifying interference. In this study we performed a preliminary assessment of the SPIFE anti-daratumumab (SPIFE anti-Dara) reagent to determine whether it would be a feasible aid in resolving the interference of tmAbs with serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE).

Methods
We performed a pilot study with 20 serum samples and clinical correlates. All samples had a characteristic daratumumab electrophoretic pattern (cathodal IgG/κ). A pre-electrophoretic sample treatment was performed with SPIFE anti-Dara. The reagent is a derivatized anti-Dara that forms multiple antibody/daratumumab complexes. SPE and IFE technical procedures were performed on Helena SPIFE 3000 according to the manufacturer instructions.

Results
Of the 20 patients, 14 patients were identified to be on daratumumab therapy. In 14/14 of cases, the daratumumab interference was successfully removed both from SPE and IFE assays. Disease associated M-protein was still visible after pretreatment, and quantification of M-protein may be possible with the use of SPIFE anti-Dara procedure.

Discussion
SPIFE anti-Dara is a promising method to remove the interference of therapeutic monoclonal antibody daratumumab with SPE and IFE results in clinical laboratories and warrants further assessment.
Cancer Conspicuity on Low-energy Images of Contrast-enhanced Mammography Compared With 2D Mammography
Authors: Konstantopoulos Christina , Mehta Tejas S , Brook Alexander , Dialani Vandana , Mehta Rashmi , Fein-Zachary Valerie , Phillips Jordana 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objective
Low-energy (LE) images of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) have been shown to be noninferior to digital mammography. However, our experience is that LE images are superior to 2D mammography. Our purpose was to compare cancer appearance on LE to 2D images.

Methods
In this IRB-approved retrospective study, seven breast radiologists evaluated 40 biopsy-proven cancer cases on craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) LE images and recent 2D images for cancer visibility, confidence in margins, and conspicuity of findings using a Likert scale. Objective measurements were performed using contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) estimated from regions of interest placed on tumor and background parenchyma. Reader agreement was evaluated using Fleiss kappa. Per-reader comparisons were performed using Wilcoxon test and overall comparisons used three-way analysis of variance.

Results
Low-energy images showed improved performance for visibility (CC LE 4.0 vs 2D 3.5, P &lt; 0.001 and MLO LE 3.7 vs 2D 3.5, P = 0.01), confidence in margins (CC LE 3.2 vs 2D 2.8, P &lt; 0.001 and MLO LE 3.1 vs 2D 2.9, P &lt; 0.008), and conspicuity compared to tissue density compared to 2D mammography (CC LE 3.6 vs 2D 3.2, P &lt; 0.001 and MLO LE 3.5 vs 2D 3.2, P &lt; 0.001). The average CNR was significantly higher for LE than for digital mammography (CC 2.1 vs 3.2, P &lt; 0.001 and MLO 2.1 vs 3.4, P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
Our results suggest that cancers may be better visualized on the LE CEM images compared with the 2D digital mammogram.
Stakeholder Perspectives on Access to IBD Care: Proceedings From a National IBD Access Summit
Authors: MacDonald Sonja , Heisler Courtney , Mathias Holly , Mirza Raza , MacMillan Mark , Borgaonkar Mark , Rohatinsky Noelle , Jones Jennifer L 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Canada has among the highest incidence and prevalence rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the world. While access to IBD specialty care can have a direct impact on health-related outcomes, the complexity of accessing IBD specialty care within Canada is not well understood and presents a barrier to implementation and evaluation of IBD specialty care.

Aim
The IBD Summit was held in partnership with Crohn’s & Colitis Canada to identify barriers and facilitators of IBD specialty care by exploring the perceptions and experiences of key stakeholders of IBD care across Canada.

Results
A total of 20 key stakeholders attended, including gastroenterologists, patients, researchers and policymakers. Perceptions and experiences of stakeholders were transcribed, coded and thematically analyzed. Three key categories relating to access to IBD care arose: (1) inadequate system structure, (2) process inefficiencies and (3) using outcomes to guide system change. The IBD Summit identified similar perceptions and experiences among stakeholders and across provinces, highlighting common barriers and facilitators that transcended provincial and health care system boundaries.

Conclusions
Key suggestions identify the clinical importance of comprehensive integrated multidisciplinary care approaches with enhanced communication between patient and health care providers, greater information sharing among team members, streamlined referral and triage processes, and improved incorporation of best practice into clinical care. Stakeholders across Canada and in other countries may benefit from the suggestions presented herein, as well as the successful use of collaborative and inclusive methods of gathering the perceptions and experiences of key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
Modeling Bid and Ask Price Dynamics with an Extended Hawkes Process and Its Empirical Applications for High-Frequency Stock Market Data
Authors: Lee Kyungsub , Seo Byoung Ki 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis study proposes a versatile model for the dynamics of the best bid and ask prices using an extended Hawkes process. The model incorporates the zero intensities of the spread-narrowing processes at the minimum bid–ask spread, spread-dependent intensities, possible negative excitement, and nonnegative intensities. We apply the model to high-frequency best bid and ask price data from U.S. stock markets. The empirical findings demonstrate a spread-narrowing tendency, excitations of the intensities caused by previous events, the impact of flash crashes, characteristic trends in fast trading over time, and the different features of market participants in the various exchanges.
The Role of Jumps in Realized Volatility Modeling and Forecasting
Authors: Caporin Massimiliano 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Building on an extensive empirical analysis, I investigate the relevance of jumps and signed variations in predicting realized volatility. I show that properly accounting for intra-day volatility patterns and staleness sensibly reduces the identified jumps, in particular for low and moderate liquidity assets. Modeling realized variance using jumps and intra-day return sign improves the in-sample fit of commonly adopted specifications, irrespective of assets liquidity. From a forecasting perspective, the empirical evidence I report shows that most models, independently from their flexibility, are statistically equivalent in many cases. These results are confirmed with different samples, assets liquidity level, forecast horizons, and possible transformations of the dependent and explanatory variables.
Cyanogenesis in cassava and its molecular manipulation for crop improvement
Authors: McMahon Jennifer , Sayre Richard , Zidenga Tawanda 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
While cassava is one of the most important staple crops worldwide, it has received the least investment per capita consumption of any of the major global crops. This is in part due to cassava being a crop of subsistence farmers that is grown in countries with limited resources for crop improvement. While its starchy roots are rich in calories, they are poor in protein and other essential nutrients. In addition, they contain potentially toxic levels of cyanogenic glycosides which must be reduced to safe levels before consumption. Furthermore, cyanogens compromise the shelf life of harvested roots due to cyanide-induced inhibition of mitochondrial respiration, and associated production of reactive oxygen species that accelerate root deterioration. Over the past two decades, the genetic, biochemical, and developmental factors that control cyanogen synthesis, transport, storage, and turnover have largely been elucidated. It is now apparent that cyanogens contribute substantially to whole-plant nitrogen metabolism and protein synthesis in roots. The essential role of cyanogens in root nitrogen metabolism, however, has confounded efforts to create acyanogenic varieties. This review proposes alternative molecular approaches that integrate accelerated cyanogen turnover with nitrogen reassimilation into root protein that may offer a solution to creating a safer, more nutritious cassava crop.
Development and validation of a nomogram for renal involvement in primary Sjögren syndrome patients: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Huang Xinshi , Wang Xiaobing , Yu Dinglai 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT

Objective
To establish and validate a nomogram for individualized prediction of renal involvement in pSS patients.

Methods
A total of 1293 patients with pSS from the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between January 2008 and January 2020 were recruited and analyzed retrospectively. The patients were randomly divided into development set (70%, n = 910) and validation set (30%, n = 383). The univariable and multivariate logistic regression were performed to analyze the risk factors of renal involvement in pSS. Based on the regression β coefficients derived from multivariate logistic analysis, an individualized nomogram prediction model was developed and subsequently evaluated by AUC and calibration plot.

Results
Multivariate logistic analysis showed that hypertension, anemia, albumin, uric acid, anti-Ro52, hematuria, and ChisholmMason grade were independent risk factors of renal involvement in pSS. The AUC were 0.797 and 0.750, respectively, in development set and validation set. The calibration plot showed nomogram had a strong concordance performance between the prediction probability and the actual probability.

Conclusion
The individualized nomogram for pSS patients those who had renal involvement could be used by clinicians to predict the risk of pSS patients developing into renal involvement and improve early screening and intervention.
Deep learning methods in the diagnosis of sacroiliitis from plain pelvic radiographs
Authors: Üreten Kemal , Maraş Yüksel , Duran Semra , Gök Kevser 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT

Objectives
The aim of this study is to develop a computer-aided diagnosis method to assist physicians in evaluating sacroiliac radiographs.

Methods
Convolutional neural networks, a deep learning method, were used in this retrospective study. Transfer learning was implemented with pre-trained VGG-16, ResNet-101 and Inception-v3 networks. Normal pelvic radiographs (n = 290) and pelvic radiographs with sacroiliitis (n = 295) were used for the training of networks.

Results
The training results were evaluated with the criteria of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and precision calculated from the confusion matrix and AUC (area under the ROC curve) calculated from ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve. Pre-trained VGG-16 model revealed accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision and AUC figures of 89.9%, 90.9%, 88.9%, 88.9% and 0.96 with test images, respectively. These results were 84.3%, 91.9%, 78.8%, 75.6 and 0.92 with pre-trained ResNet-101, and 82.0%, 79.6%, 85.0%, 86.7% and 0.90 with pre-trained inception-v3, respectively.

Conclusions
Successful results were obtained with all three models in this study where transfer learning was applied with pre-trained VGG-16, ResNet-101 and Inception-v3 networks. This method can assist clinicians in the diagnosis of sacroiliitis, provide them with a second objective interpretation and also reduce the need for advanced imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging.
Defining the Therapeutic Singing Voice: Further Examination of the Everyday Singing Practices of Music Therapists
Authors: Bingham Martina C , Schwartz Elizabeth K , Meadows Anthony 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Twelve music therapists were observed working clinically in 3 to 5 of their music therapy sessions and subsequently interviewed about their clinical work in order to further examine and define the essential characteristics of therapeutic singing in music therapy clinical practice. Observational and interview data were analyzed separately using procedures consistent with qualitative content analysis and then integrated to provide a comprehensive picture of these singing practices. Analysis of these data revealed 3 interrelated dimensions of therapeutic singing that were integrated into the larger realization of therapeutic singing: (1) foundational vocal skills, (2) vocal engagement, and (3) authenticity. Implications for the education and training of music therapy students, vocal health, and a reevaluation of the American Music Therapy Association’s competencies contextualize these findings for the profession as a whole.
Systematic review of first responder post-deployment or post-incident psychosocial interventions
Authors: Tan Leona , Petrie Katherine , Deady Mark , Bryant Richard A , Harvey Samuel B 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
First responder populations, such as emergency services and the military, report elevated levels of mental health problems. Although post-deployment or post-incident psychosocial support interventions are widely implemented within these services, its effectiveness in preventing the development of mental disorders is unclear.

Aims
To systematically assess which, if any, post-deployment or post-incident psychosocial interventions are effective at preventing the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and common mental disorders (CMD) amongst military and emergency service worker (ESW) settings.

Methods
A systematic review was conducted by searching four databases for any randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled trials of post-deployment or post-incident interventions. The primary outcomes assessed were differences in symptoms of PTSD and CMD. Study quality was examined using the Downs and Black checklist. Pooled effect sizes and 95% CI were calculated using random-effects modelling for main meta-analyses, planned subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

Results
From 317 articles, seven RCTs were included in the final meta-analysis. Interventions identified included psychological debriefing, screening, stress education, team-based skills training and a peer-delivered risk assessment. A very small but significant effect was found for team-based skills training in reducing CMD symptoms. Some evidence was also found for team cohesion training in reducing both PTSD and CMD.

Conclusions
Limited evidence was found for post-deployment or post-incident psychosocial interventions within military and ESW populations. More high-quality studies, particularly among ESW settings, are urgently needed to determine how to better prevent the development of trauma related disorders after exposure.
How to Deal with Executive Secrecy? Opposition Perspectives and Practices in the German Bundestag
Authors: Riese Dorothee 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Opposition parties in parliamentary democracies act as controllers of the executive. Consequently, executive secrecy should be a pressing issue as it deprives them of information for public scrutiny. This article investigates how parliamentary opposition parties and individual politicians discuss executive secrecy using the example of the German Bundestag. Given disagreement about secrecy’s legitimacy, especially in actual political practice, the article systematises opposition strategies. The analysis reveals two distinct ones: active cooperation strategies, where opposition parties cooperate with the governing majority to legally define secrecy’s framework and oversight, and passive coping strategies where MPs develop scrutiny practices that function despite secrecy.
Characteristics of patients with axial spondyloarthritis by geographic regions: PROOF multicountry observational study baseline results
Authors: Poddubnyy Denis , Sieper Joachim , Akar Servet , Muñoz-Fernández Santiago , Haibel Hildrun , Hojnik Maja , Ganz Fabiana , Inman Robert D 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To compare demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with axial SpA (axSpA) across geographic regions.

Methods
Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis: Multicountry Registry of Clinical Characteristics (PROOF) is an observational study that enrolled recently diagnosed (≤1 year) axSpA patients fulfilling the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society classification criteria from rheumatology clinical practices in 29 countries across six geographic regions. Demographics and disease-related parameters were collected. Here we present baseline data for patients who were classified as radiographic axSpA (r-axSpA) or non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA) confirmed by central reading.

Results
Of the 2170 patients enrolled, 1553 were classified based on central evaluation of sacroiliac radiographs [r-axSpA: 1023 (66%); nr-axSpA: 530 (34%)]. Patients with nr-axSpA had a significantly higher occurrence of enthesitis (40% vs 33%), psoriasis (10% vs 5%) and IBD (4% vs 2%) vs r-axSpA patients. Significant differences in axSpA characteristics were observed between geographic regions. The highest occurrence of peripheral arthritis (60%), enthesitis (52%) and dactylitis (12%) was in Latin America, and the lowest was in Canada (9%, 9% and 2%, respectively). The occurrence of uveitis and psoriasis was highest in Canada (18% and 14%, respectively) and lowest in China (6% and &lt;1%, respectively). IBD was highest in Arabia (21%), and no cases were observed in China. In multivariable analysis adjusted for factors potentially affecting peripheral and extramusculoskeletal manifestations, geographic regions still exhibited significant differences in frequencies of uveitis (P &lt; 0.01), psoriasis (P &lt; 0.0001) and peripheral arthritis (P &lt; 0.0001).

Conclusion
The multinational PROOF study of axSpA patients showed significant regional differences in peripheral and extramusculoskeletal manifestations of SpA, which could be considered in management guidelines and clinical trials.
The FATIGUE-PRO: a new patient-reported outcome instrument to quantify fatigue in patients affected by systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Morel Thomas , Cano Stefan , Bartlett Susan J , Gordon Caroline , Haier Birgit , Regnault Antoine , Schneider Matthias , Stach Christian , Cleanthous Sophie 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to implement a patient-centred and evidence-based approach to develop a novel patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument to measure fatigue in patients with SLE.

Methods
A three-step mixed methods psychometric (MMP) approach was followed. Steps comprised first draft item generation and review using interview data; evaluation and refinement of second draft items using mixed methods data, including interview and quantitative data from a phase 2 clinical study in SLE analysed using Rasch Measurement Theory (RMT) analysis; and evaluation of the final FATIGUE-PRO items using RMT and complementary Classical Test Theory (CTT) analyses. Guided by MMP criteria, a team of clinicians and outcome-measurement experts assessed evidence to inform instrument development.

Results
Step 1 culminated in 55 items (n = 39 patients interviewed). Their refinement in step 2 using mixed methods evidence led to the final FATIGUE-PRO instrument comprising 31 items across three scales of fatigue: physical fatigue (9 items), mental and cognitive fatigue (11 items) and susceptibility to fatigue (11 items). Qualitative (n = 43 patients) and quantitative (n = 106 patients) evidence strongly supported the scales’ content comprehensiveness and targeting, item quality and fit, conceptual uniqueness and appropriateness of the response scale. The FATIGUE-PRO further benefited from excellent reliability (RMT: 0.92–0.94 and CTT: 0.95–0.96) and supportive evidence of construct validity from assessments against other PROs.

Conclusion
The conceptual advances, comprehensive coverage and strong psychometric properties of the FATIGUE-PRO will significantly advance the measurement and management of fatigue in SLE, both in clinical trials and routine practice.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov), NCT02804763