bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advanced image-supported lead placement in cardiac resynchronisation therapy: protocol for the multicentre, randomised controlled ADVISE trial and early economic evaluation
Authors: Wouters Philippe C , van Lieshout Chris , van Dijk Vincent F , Delnoy Peter-Paul HM , Doevendans Pieter AFM , Cramer Maarten J , Frederix Geert WJ , van Slochteren Frebus J , Meine Mathias 
Published: October 2021

IntroductionAchieving optimal placement of the left ventricular (LV) lead in cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is a prerequisite in order to achieve maximum clinical benefit, and is likely to help avoid non-response. Pacing outside scar tissue and targeting late activated segments may improve outcome. The present study will be the first randomised controlled trial to compare the efficacy ofreal-timeimage-guided LV lead delivery to conventional CRT implantation. In addition, to estimate the cost-effectiveness of targeted lead implantation, an early decision analytic model was developed, and described here.Methods and analysisA multicentre, interventional, randomised, controlled trial will be conducted in a total of 130 patients with a class I or IIa indication for CRT implantation. Patients will be stratified to ischaemic heart failure aetiology and 1:1 randomised to either empirical lead placement or live image-guided lead placement. Ultimate lead location and echocardiographic assessment will be performed by core laboratories, blinded to treatment allocation and patient information. Late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and CINE-CMR with feature-tracking postprocessing software will be used to semi-automatically determine myocardial scar and late mechanical activation. The subsequent treatment file with optimal LV-lead positions will be fused with the fluoroscopy, resulting in live target-visualisation during the procedure. The primary endpoint is the difference in percentage of successfully targeted LV-lead location. Secondary endpoints are relative percentage reduction in indexed LV end-systolic volume, a hierarchical clinical endpoint, and quality of life. The early analytic model was developed using a Markov-model, consisting of seven mutually exclusive health states.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee Utrecht (NL73416.041.20). All participants are required to provide written informed consent. Results will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT05053568; Trial NL8666.
Automatic Identification of Harmful, Aggressive, Abusive, and Offensive Language on the Web: A Survey of Technical Biases Informed by Psychology Literature
Authors: Balayn Agathe , Yang Jie , Szlavik Zoltan , Bozzon Alessandro 
Published: October 2021

The automatic detection of conflictual languages (harmful, aggressive, abusive, and offensive languages) is essential to provide a healthy conversation environment on the Web. To design and develop detection systems that are capable of achieving satisfactory performance, a thorough understanding of the nature and properties of the targeted type of conflictual language is of great importance. The scientific communities investigating human psychology and social behavior have studied these languages in details, but their insights have only partially reached the computer science community.In this survey, we aim both at systematically characterizing the conceptual properties of online conflictual languages, and at investigating the extent to which they are reflected in state-of-the-art automatic detection systems. Through an analysis of psychology literature, we provide a reconciled taxonomy that denotes the ensemble of conflictual languages typically studied in computer science. We then characterize the conceptual mismatches that can be observed in the main semantic and contextual properties of these languages and their treatment in computer science works; and systematically uncover resulting technical biases in the design of machine learning classification models and the dataset created for their training. Finally, we discuss diverse research opportunities for the computer science community and reflect on broader technical and structural issues.
Predicting ionized hypocalcemia: External validation of an ionized calcium prediction model in patients with COVID-19 and renal failure
Authors: Yap Ernie , Melaku Yohannes , Puri Isha , Ouyang Jie , Goldwasser Philip 
Published: October 2021

Background Ionized hypocalcemia is common in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and is associated with adverse outcomes. We previously developed a linear model that estimates ionized calcium (ICa) by adjusting total calcium (TCa) for the three components of the anion gap and albumin. On internal validation, it outperformed the popular method that corrects TCa for albumin alone (cTCa) in diagnosing low ICa. In this study, we sought to externally validate our ICa model in hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients. Methods We retrospectively studied all 200 patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center between March 11th and April 30th 2020 and referred to the nephrology service for renal failure, and who had ICa measured on a venous blood gas within 25 min of a comprehensive metabolic panel. We compared the performance of the ICa model and cTCa in diagnosing low ICa by ROC analysis, and also examined the accuracy of the absolute values predicted by the two methods relative to measured ICa. Results On ROC analysis, the ICa model was better than cTCa (area under ROC curve: 0.872 [0.025] vs. 0.835 [0.028]; p = 0.045). The ICa model estimated ICa accurately, but the cTCa method seemed to overcorrect TCa, as a substantial number of patients with clearly normal cTCa values had low ICa. Conclusions In an external validation cohort, the ICa model estimated ICa accurately and was better than cTCa in the diagnosis of low ICa. This finding can be useful in guiding direct ICa testing.
Hepatitis C Virus Screening: Factors Associated With Test Completion in a Large Academic Health Care System
Authors: Kasting Monica L. , Christy Shannon M. , Reich Richard R. , Rathwell Julie A. , Roetzheim Richard G. , Vadaparampil Susan T. , Giuliano Anna R. 
Published: October 2021

Objectives In 2012, onetime hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening was recommended for all baby boomers (people born during 1945-1965) in the United States, but only 4.0%-12.9% of baby boomers have ever had a screening ordered by a health care provider. This study examined the HCV screening prevalence among adult patients in a large academic health care system and assessed factors associated with the completion of screening when ordered for baby boomers. Methods We defined HCV screening completion as the completion of an HCV antibody test when it was ordered. We used electronic health records to examine HCV screening completion rates among adults (N = 106 630) from August 1, 2015, through July 31, 2020, by birth cohort. Among baby boomers whose health care provider ordered HCV screening, we examined frequency and percentages of HCV screening completion by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. We conducted univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses to assess factors associated with HCV screening completion among baby boomers. Results During the study period, 73.0% of baby boomers completed HCV screening when it was ordered. HCV completion did not differ by sex or race and ethnicity among baby boomers. Baby boomers with Medicare supplemental health insurance compared with commercial health insurance (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.87) and those seeing only advanced practice professionals compared with specialty care physicians (aOR = 2.24) were more likely to complete HCV screening when it was ordered. Conclusions Noncompletion of HCV screening is one of many barriers along the HCV treatment continuum. Our findings suggest a need for interventions targeting systems, health care providers, and patients to increase HCV screening rates in the United States.
Are California’s Local Flavored Tobacco Sales Restrictions Effective in Reducing the Retail Availability of Flavored Tobacco Products? A Multicomponent Evaluation
Authors: Andersen-Rodgers Elizabeth , Zhang Xueying , Vuong Tam D. , Hendrix Liz , Edora Cheryl , Williams Rebecca J. , Groves Lauren , Roeseler April , Rogers Todd , Voelker David H. , Schleicher Nina C. , Johnson Trent O. , Henriksen Lisa 
Published: October 2021

Introduction Flavored tobacco appeals to new users. This paper describes evaluation results of California’s early ordinances restricting flavored tobacco sales. Methods A multicomponent evaluation of proximal policy outcomes involved the following: (a) tracking the reach of local ordinances; (b) a retail observation survey; and (c) a statewide opinion poll of tobacco retailers. Change in the population covered by local ordinances was computed. Retail observations compared availability of flavored tobacco at retailers in jurisdictions with and without an ordinance. Mixed models compared ordinance and matched no-ordinance jurisdictions and adjusted for store type. An opinion poll assessed retailers’ awareness and ease of compliance with local ordinances, comparing respondents in ordinance jurisdictions with the rest of California. Results The proportion of Californians living in a jurisdiction with an ordinance increased from 0.6% in April 2015 to 5.82% by January 1, 2019. Flavored tobacco availability was significantly lower in ordinance jurisdictions than in matched jurisdictions: menthol cigarettes (40.6% vs. 95.0%), cigarillos/cigar wraps with explicit flavor descriptors (56.4% vs. 85.0%), and vaping products with explicit flavor descriptors (6.1% vs. 56.9%). Over half of retailers felt compliance was easy; however, retailers in ordinance jurisdictions expressed lower support for flavor sales restrictions. Conclusions The proportion of California’s population covered by a flavor ordinance increased nine-fold between April 2015 and January 2019. Fewer retailers in ordinance jurisdictions had flavored tobacco products available compared to matched jurisdictions without an ordinance, but many still advertised flavored products they could not sell. Comprehensive ordinances and retailer outreach may facilitate sales-restriction support and compliance.
Stakeholder Involvement in Evaluation: Does it Affect Observers’ Perceptions of an Evaluation? And Which Stakeholder Group(s) Do People Think Should to Participate?
Authors: Mark Melvin M. , Allen Julian B. , Goodwin Joshuah L. 
Published: October 2021

Background Stakeholders are often involved in evaluation, such as in the selection of specific research questions and the interpretation of results. Except for the topic of whether stakeholder involvement increases use, a paucity of research exists to guide practice regarding stakeholders. Objectives We address two questions: (1) If a third-party observer knows stakeholders were involved in an evaluation, does that affect the perceived credibility, fairness, and relevance of the evaluation? (2) Among individuals with a possible stake in an evaluation, which stakeholder group(s) do they want to see participate; in particular, do they prefer that multiple stakeholder groups, rather than a single group, participate? Research Design Six studies are reported. All studies address the former question, while Studies 3 to 5 also focus on the latter question. To study effects of stakeholder involvement on third-party views, participants read summaries of ostensible evaluations, with stakeholder involvement noted or not. To examine a priori preferences among potential stakeholders, participants completed a survey about alternative stakeholder group involvement in an evaluation in which they would likely have an interest. Results and Conclusions Across studies, effects of reported stakeholder participation on third-parties’ views were not robust; however, small effects on perceived fairness sometimes, but not always, occurred after stakeholder involvement and its rationales had been made salient. All surveys showed a large preference for the involvement of multiple, rather than single stakeholder groups. We discuss implications for research and practice regarding stakeholder involvement, and for research on evaluation more generally.
Neuropsychological performance in young adults with cannabis use disorder
Authors: Selamoglu Ayla , Langley Christelle , Crean Rebecca , Savulich George , Cormack Francesca , Sahakian Barbara J , Mason Barbara 
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims: Cannabis is a commonly used recreational drug in young adults. The worldwide prevalence in 18- to 25-year-olds is approximately 35%. Significant differences in cognitive performance have been reported previously for groups of cannabis users. However, the groups are often heterogeneous in terms of cannabis use. Here, we study daily cannabis users with a confirmed diagnosis of cannabis use disorder (CUD) to examine cognitive performance on measures of memory, executive function and risky decision-making. Methods: Forty young adult daily cannabis users with diagnosed CUD and 20 healthy controls matched for sex and premorbid intelligence quotient (IQ) were included. The neuropsychological battery implemented was designed to measure multiple modes of memory (visual, episodic and working memory), risky decision-making and other domains of executive function using subtests from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Results: Our results showed that young adult daily cannabis users with CUD perform significantly poorer on tasks of visual and episodic memory compared with healthy controls. In addition, executive functioning was associated with the age of onset. Conclusions: Further research is required to determine whether worse performance in cognition results in cannabis use or is a consequence of cannabis use. Chronic heavy cannabis use during a critical period of brain development may have a particularly negative impact on cognition. Research into the persistence of cognitive differences and how they relate to functional outcomes such as academic/career performance is required.
Development and performance analysis of wear resistant polypropylene composites filled with micro sized Linz–Donawitz sludge particulates
Authors: Purohit Abhilash , Satapathy Alok 
Published: October 2021

Integrated steel plants, in general, produce large amounts of solid wastes during the production of iron and steel. Linz–Donawitz sludge (LDS) is an industrial solid waste generated in huge quantities during steelmaking. These fine solid particles were recovered after wet cleaning of the gas emerging from LD converters. This work aims at processing, characterization, and wear response of a class of polypropylene composites utilizing LDS as a filler material. Mechanical properties of these thermoplastic composites were evaluated under standard test conditions. The actual and the theoretical density values of the polypropylene-LDS composites were measured using Archimedes’ principle and rule of mixture respectively. The micro-structural features of the worn surfaces of various particulate filled composite specimens were examined using scanning electron microscopy in order to ascertain the wear mechanisms. X-Ray Diffraction analysis was carried out to determine the phases and planes of the components present within a material. Sliding wear tests were conducted using Taguchi’s L25 orthogonal arrays over a range of sliding velocities (0.63–3.15 m/s), normal loads (5–25 N), sliding distances (500–2500 m), and LDS contents (0–20 wt.%). The sliding wear tests were performed on the prepared polypropylene-LDS composite specimens as per ASTM G99 using Taguchi’s Orthogonal Arrays followed by the parametric appraisal of the wear process by response surface methodology (RSM). Both Taguchi analysis and RSM suggest that the filler content and the sliding velocity are the most significant factors affecting the specific wear rate of the composite specimens. This work opens up a new avenue for the utilization of LD sludge as a potential filler material.
Populations at high risk of cervical cancer in Guangxi Province: Findings from two screening projects in a minority area of South China
Authors: Lu Huaxiang , He Haoyu , Qin Jian , Chen Mingjian , Liu Qiumei , Li Min , Huang Yongsheng , Wei Anxiang , Liu Shuzhen , Xu Min , Zhang Zhiyong 
Published: October 2021

Objective To analyse the positive rates of low-grade (LSIL) and high-grade (HSIL) squamous intraepithelial lesions, and cervical cancer (CC), and identify groups at high risk for CC in Guangxi. Setting CC screening options in Guangxi, which is the only minority autonomous area in South China, include the National Cervical Cancer Screening Project (NCCSP) and physical examination (PE). Methods This study was based on PE and NCCSP sample data obtained from 2012 to 2019. We calculated the positive rates of LSIL, HSIL, and CC; analysed the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the variables in multivariate logistic regression; and subsequently identified groups at high risk for CC. Results The positive rates of LSIL, HSIL, and CC for the total of 873,880 samples were 1.89%, 0.60%, and 0.03%, respectively. Females over 64 years of age (vs. 50–64; aOR = 2.05; 95% CI, 1.71–2.46; P < 0.001) and those from urban (vs. rural; aOR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.57–1.76; P < 0.001), minority (vs. non-minority; aOR = 1.24; 95% CI, 1.13–1.35; P < 0.001), and coastal (vs. inland; aOR = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.06–1.25; P = 0.001) areas were associated with a high risk of HSIL. Females over 64 (vs. 50–64; aOR = 4.37; 95% CI, 2.88–6.63; P < 0.001) and those from urban (vs. rural; aOR = 3.05; 95% CI, 2.36–3.95; P < 0.001) areas were significantly associated with a high risk of CC. Conclusion Females from urban areas in Guangxi are at high risk for CC. Public health strategies should focus on high-risk populations.
Human papillomavirus self-sampling for long-term non-attenders in cervical cancer screening: A randomised feasibility study in Estonia
Authors: Veerus Piret , Hallik Reeli , Jänes Jaak , Jõers Kai , Paapsi Keiu , Laidra Kaia , Innos Kaire 
Published: October 2021

Objective Organised cervical cancer screening was started in Estonia in 2006, but participation is still low. Human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling has proved to increase screening uptake. This study addressed the feasibility of HPV self-sampling and the acceptance of this method among long-term screening non-attenders. Methods A randomised intervention study was conducted in Estonia in 2020. Women born in 1958–1983 without a Pap smear in 2013–2019 were identified in the Estonian Health Insurance Fund database. From them, 12,000 women were randomly allocated to three equal-sized study groups. The opt-out group received a questionnaire and a Qvintip® sampling device by regular mail. Two opt-in groups received a questionnaire and an e-mail invitation to order a self-sampler online; one received Qvintip and the other Evalyn® Brush. Participantś background characteristics were obtained from the Population Register. The effect of covariates on participation rate was estimated with multivariate Poisson regression. Acceptance of self-sampling was analysed according to agreement with statements in the questionnaire. Results The overall participation rate was 16% with significant differences between opt-out (26%) and opt-in (11%) groups. Compared to the opt-out Qvintip group, adjusted relative risks for the Qvintip and Evalyn Brush opt-in groups were 0.41 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37–0.45) and 0.44 (95% CI 0.40–0.49), respectively. Participation was associated with living place, citizenship, and education. Self-sampling was well accepted: 98% agreed that it was easy to use, 88% preferred it as a screening method in future. Conclusions The results show the feasibility and good acceptance of HPV self-sampling among long-term screening non-attenders in Estonia.
Feature Selection is Critical for 2-Year Prognosis in Advanced Stage High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer by Using Machine Learning
Authors: Laios Alexandros , Katsenou Angeliki , Tan Yong Sheng , Johnson Racheal , Otify Mohamed , Kaufmann Angelika , Munot Sarika , Thangavelu Amudha , Hutson Richard , Broadhead Tim , Theophilou Georgios , Nugent David , De Jong Diederick 
Published: October 2021

Introduction Accurate prediction of patient prognosis can be especially useful for the selection of best treatment protocols. Machine Learning can serve this purpose by making predictions based upon generalizable clinical patterns embedded within learning datasets. We designed a study to support the feature selection for the 2-year prognostic period and compared the performance of several Machine Learning prediction algorithms for accurate 2-year prognosis estimation in advanced-stage high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients. Methods The prognosis estimation was formulated as a binary classification problem. Dataset was split into training and test cohorts with repeated random sampling until there was no significant difference (p = 0.20) between the two cohorts. A ten-fold cross-validation was applied. Various state-of-the-art supervised classifiers were used. For feature selection, in addition to the exhaustive search for the best combination of features, we used the-chi square test of independence and the MRMR method. Results Two hundred nine patients were identified. The model's mean prediction accuracy reached 73%. We demonstrated that Support-Vector-Machine and Ensemble Subspace Discriminant algorithms outperformed Logistic Regression in accuracy indices. The probability of achieving a cancer-free state was maximised with a combination of primary cytoreduction, good performance status and maximal surgical effort (AUC 0.63). Standard chemotherapy, performance status, tumour load and residual disease were consistently predictive of the mid-term overall survival (AUC 0.63–0.66). The model recall and precision were greater than 80%. Conclusion Machine Learning appears to be promising for accurate prognosis estimation. Appropriate feature selection is required when building an HGSOC model for 2-year prognosis prediction. We provide evidence as to what combination of prognosticators leads to the largest impact on the HGSOC 2-year prognosis.