bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring differential engagement with mathematics support from an engineering student focus
Authors: Gokhool Farhana , Lawson Duncan , Hodds Mark , Aslam Farzana 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This paper explores the differential engagement of engineering students with mathematics support at Coventry University. Mathematics support is an additional help in mathematics that is offered to all students at the University, and engagement with such support is voluntary. Attendance records show that, whilst many students do engage with mathematics support, there are others who do not, even though their results indicate that they might benefit from so doing. Previous studies of engagement with mathematics support have either treated the student cohort as a whole or explored the effect of a single demographic factor such as age or gender. This paper investigates the effect of a range of demographic factors on the engagement of engineering students with mathematics support.
Comparison of Clinical Findings in SARS-CoV-2 with Other Respiratory Viruses in Critically Ill Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Perk Oktay , Ozcan Serhan , Emeksiz Serhat , Uyar Emel , Gulhan Belgin 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and laboratory findings in SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) with those of other respiratory viruses in critically ill children.

Methods
It is a single center retrospective descriptive study conducted in a 32-bed pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Our study was performed in Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, between 1 March 2020, and 1 March 2021. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were collected and we recorded the antibiotic use, antiviral treatments, respiratory and extracorporeal supports, PICU stay and survival rates.

Results
A total of 202 pediatric patients who tested positive for either COVID-19 or for another respiratory virus panel (RVP) were included in the study. Seventy-two patients were COVID-19 positive. The median age of COVID-19 positive patients and RVP positive patients was 97 and 17 months, respectively. Hypoxia was much more common in patients with RVP than in COVID-19 patients. Low oxygen saturation in arterial blood (SaO2), increased oxygen saturation index (OSI) and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) needs were more significant in RVP patients than in COVID-19 patients. Respiratory support therapies, such as high-flow nasal cannula and non-invasive ventilation (NIV), were used more frequently in RVP patients than in COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion
It is important to distinguish between COVID-19 and RVP cases in order to prioritize intensive care needs in these patients. In addition, non-Covid diseases should not be left aside in the pandemic and appropriate care should be provided to them.
Predictors of Dysphagia After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Nguyen Sarah , Sherrod Brandon A. , Paziuk Taylor M. , Rihn Jeffrey A. , Patel Alpesh A. , Brodke Darrel S. , Bisson Erica F. 
Published: November 2021

Study Design.
Multicenter prospective study.

Objective.
Our aim was to evaluate the incidence and predictors of postoperative dysphagia in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Summary of Background Data.
Dysphagia is a common complication after ACDF that can have significant effect on patients’ quality of life, but the frequency of occurrence and potential risk factors are not known.

Methods.
A multicenter prospective study was undertaken at three academic sites to evaluate patients undergoing ACDF between September 2018 and September 2020. Included patients were aged 18 to 80 years and were undergoing primary or revision ACDF for a degenerative condition. Dysphagia was assessed using the validated Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) questionnaire, with dysphagia defined as EAT-10 ≥ 3.

Results.
A total of 170 patients (53.5% female; mean age at surgery 55.0 yr) were included. At preoperative baseline, 23 patients (13.5%) had dysphagia. Rates of dysphagia increased to 45.3% at 2 weeks postoperatively but gradually decreased to 15.3% at 24weeks. On univariate analysis, patients with dysphagia at 2weeks had longer operations (113.1 ± 58.4 vs. 89.0 ± 39.8 minutes, P
= 0.003) and higher baseline dysphagia rates (18.2% vs. 6.2%, P
= 0.018) and were more likely to be female (66.2% vs. 45.7%, P
= 0.009). Patients with prolonged dysphagia had more levels fused (2.1 ± 1.0 vs. 1.7 ± 0.7, P
= 0.020), longer operations (131.8 ± 63.1 vs. 89.3 ± 44.3 min-minutes, P
< 0.001), and higher baseline dysphagia rates (32% vs. 7.1%, P
< 0.001) and were more likely to be smokers (24% vs. 8%, P
= 0.021). On multivariate analysis to determine associations with prolonged dysphagia, only smoking status (OR 6.2, 95% CI 1.57–24.5, P
= 0.009) and baseline dysphagia (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.47–17.6, P
= 0.01) remained significant.

Conclusion.
Dysphagia is common immediately after ACDF, but rates of prolonged dysphagia are similar to preoperative baseline rates. We identified dysphagia rates over time and several patient factors associated with development of short- and long-term postoperative dysphagia.

Level of Evidence: 3
Adjunctive Topical Tranexamic Acid for Blood Salvage Does Not Reduce Postoperative Blood Loss Compared with Placebo in Patients Who Undergo Palliative Decompressive Spinal Metastasis Surgery
Authors: Maethungkul Ronnakrit , Atthakomol Pichitchai , Phinyo Phichayut , Phanphaisarn Areerak , Murakami Hideki , Sangsin Apiruk 
Published: November 2021

Study Design.
Randomized controlled trial.

Objective.
To evaluate the efficacy of adjunctive topical tranexamic acid (tTXA) in reducing postoperative blood loss and packed red cell (PRC) transfusion in patients who underwent palliative decompressive spinal metastasis surgery for malignant epidural spinal cord compression.

Summary of Background Data.
Palliative decompressive spinal metastasis surgery is associated with massive postoperative blood loss and increased transfusion rate. tTXA reduces blood loss in traumatic or degenerative spinal surgery; however, the role of topical TXA in decompressive spinal metastasis surgery remains controversial.

Method.
A total of 65 patients who underwent palliative decompressive thoracolumbar spinal metastasis surgery were included in this study. In 33 patients, 1 g of tTXA (20 mL) was soaked in an absorbable gelatin sponge and placed lateral to the decompressive site. The remaining 32 patients in the control group received the same procedures with normal saline at the same volume, instead of TXA. All of the patients received standard 1 g intravenous TXA, just before initiating the operation. The primary outcome was postoperative blood loss, and the secondary outcomes were postoperative PRC transfusion and complications.

Results.
No differences were found in postoperative blood loss between tTXA and placebo group (P50 778 mL [IQR 347, 1,122 mL] versus P50 490 mL [IQR 295, 920 mL]; P = 0.238). The number of patients requiring postoperative PRC transfusion were quite similar in tTXA and placebo groups (PRC transfusion in 15 patients [45.45%] versus 16 patients [50%]; P = 0.585). No complications related to TXA and absorbable gelatin sponge were observed.

Conclusion.
We do not recommend tTXA as an adjunctive treatment for patients undergoing decompressive spinal metastasis surgery since it does not provide additional benefit to prophylactic intravenous TXA in postoperative blood loss and transfusion rate.

Level of Evidence: 2
Epidural Fat Tissue Is More Effective for Scar Prevention Than Conventional Subcutaneous Fat Grafting After Laminectomy in a Mouse Model
Authors: Hata Kazuhiro , Kobayakawa Kazu , Saiwai Hirokazu , Tamaru Tetsuya , Lura Hirotaka , Haruta Yohei , Ono Gentarou , Kitade Kazuki , Maeda Takeshi , Nakashima Yasuharu , Okada Seiji 
Published: November 2021

Study Design.
Basic science study.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to examine whether epidural fat tissue (EFT) transplantation can prevent epidural adhesion after laminectomy more efficiently than subcutaneous fat tissue (SFT) transplantation.

Summary of Background Data.
Epidural adhesion is almost inevitable after laminectomy. Although many materials have been used to prevent adhesion, none has been widely accepted. As EFT is an ectopic fat tissue located on the dura mater and there is no adhesion between EFT and the dura mater, we focused on the efficacy of EFT for adhesion prevention.

Methods.
We examined the differences in histology and gene expression between EFT and SFT of mice. We performed laminectomy at the 10th thoracic level and immediately transplanted EFT or SFT to the dura mater in mice. At 6 weeks after transplantation, we performed histological and gene expression analyses and evaluated the adhesion tenacity. In addition, we examined the characteristic differences between human EFT and SFT.

Results.
The adipocytes of EFT were significantly smaller than those of SFT in mice and humans. The gene expression of inflammatory cytokine and fibrosis-related factors was significantly higher in SFT than in EFT. At 6 weeks after transplantation, the percentage of the remaining fat area over the dura mater was significantly greater in the EFT group than in SFT group, and the adhesion tenacity score was significantly lower in the EFT group than that in the SFT group. An RNA sequencing analysis revealed 1921 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between human EFT and SFT, and a Gene Ontology term associated with the inflammatory response was most highly enriched in SFT.

Conclusion.
EFT has different molecular and histological profiles from SFT and EFT grafting is more effective for epidural adhesion prevention than conventional SFT transplantation after laminectomy in a mouse model.

Level of Evidence: N/A
Analysis of Spastic Gait in Patients With Cervical Myelopathy Using the Timed Up and Go Test With a Laser Range Sensor
Authors: Koyama Takafumi , Fujita Koji , Iijima Hirotaka , Norose Mio , Ibara Takuya , Sasaki Toru , Yoshii Toshitaka , Nimura Akimoto , Takahashi Masaki , Okawa Atsushi 
Published: November 2021

Study Design.
Cross-sectional study.

Objective.
This study aimed to objectively evaluate spastic gait and reveal its novel characteristics via analysis of gait in patients with cervical myelopathy (CM) using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test with a laser range sensor.

Summary of Background Data.
Among patients with CM, spastic gait is a common diagnostic symptom; thus, objective assessments of spastic gait would be useful for the diagnosis of CM and recognition of disease status. Although spastic gait has been objectively evaluated in previous studies, the methods employed in those studies are not suitable for clinical settings.

Methods.
In total, 37 and 24 participants were recruited for a control group and CM group, respectively. CM was diagnosed by spine surgeons. We developed a laser TUG test, in which the position and velocity of both the legs were captured. The parameter values for both groups were statistically compared, and odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression analyses.

Results.
The total TUG-test time, time to stand up, time to first step, number of steps, and trajectory error for the CM group were significantly higher than those for the control group, whereas the average velocity and average stride length for the CM group were significantly lower than those for the control group. There was a significant independent association between the total TUG-test time and CM. The optimal cutoff point of the total test time for CM risk was approximately 9 seconds.

Conclusion.
Through the use of the laser TUG test, we were able to identify characteristics of spastic gait, which leads to difficulty in standing and taking the first step, wobbling while walking, and an increased risk of falling. We found that the risk of CM was higher if the individual took longer than 9 seconds to complete the TUG test.

Level of Evidence: 4
NPHP1 Full Deletion Causes Nephronophthisis and a Cone-Rod Dystrophy
Authors: Tauqeer Zujaja , O’Neil Erin C. , Brucker Alexander J. , Aleman Tomas S. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract:

Purpose:
To describe in detail the structural and functional phenotype of a patient with cone-rod dystrophy associated with a full deletion of the NPHP1 gene.

Methods:
A 30-year-old male with history of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) presented with progressive vision loss in early adulthood prompting evaluation for retinal disease. Ophthalmic evaluation was performed including, kinetic fields, electroretinography (ERG), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fundus auto-fluorescence (FAF), wide-angle fluorescein angiography and near infrared imaging (NIR).

Results:
Visual acuity was 20/60 in each eye. Fundus examination revealed a subtle bull’s-eye maculopathy confirmed with fundus autofluorescence. SD-OCT demonstrated perifoveal loss of the outer retinal layers with structural preservation further peripherally. Testing of retinal function confirmed loss of cone greater than rod sensitivities in a manner that co-localized to structural findings. ERG revealed decreased photopic and scotopic responses. Genetic testing confirmed a homozygous whole gene deletion of the NPHP1 gene.

Conclusion:

NPHP1-associated retinal degeneration may present as a cone-rod dystrophy in addition to the previously reported rod-predominant phenotypes and can notably be associated with systemic abnormalities, including renal disease. Our work further expands upon the growing literature describing retinal disease associated with systemic ciliopathies.
Development of models of care coordination for rare conditions: A qualitative study
Authors: Walton Holly , Simpson Amy , Ramsay Angus I.G. , Hunter Amy , Jones Jennifer , Ng Pei Li , Leeson-Beevers Kerry , Bloom Lara , Kai Joe , Kokocinska Maria , Sutcliffe Alastair G , Morris Stephen , Fulop Naomi J. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionImproving care coordination for people with rare conditions may help to reduce burden on patients and carers and improve the care that patients receive. We recently developed a taxonomy of different ways of coordinating care for rare conditions. It is not yet known which models of care coordination are appropriate in different situations. This study aimed to: i) explore what types of care coordination may be appropriate in different situations, and ii) use these findings to develop hypothetical models of care coordination for rare conditions.MethodsTo explore appropriateness of different types of care coordination, we conducted interviews (n=30), four focus groups (n=22) and two workshops (n=27) with patients, carers, healthcare professionals, commissioners, and charity representatives. Participants were asked about preferences, benefits and challenges, and the factors influencing coordination. Thematic analysis was used to develop hypothetical models of care coordination. Models were refined following feedback from workshop participants.ResultsStakeholders prefer models of care that: are nationally centralised or a hybrid of national and local care, involve professionals collaborating to deliver care, have clear roles and responsibilities outlined (including administrative, coordinator, clinical and charity roles), provide access to records and offer flexible appointments (in terms of timing and mode). Many factors influenced coordination, including those relating to the patient (e.g., condition complexity, patient’s location and ability to coordinate their own care), the healthcare professional (e.g., knowledge and time), the healthcare environment (e.g., resources) and societal factors (e.g., availability of funding). We developed and refined ten illustrative hypothetical models of care coordination for rare conditions.ConclusionFindings underline that different models of care coordination may be appropriate in different situations. It is possible to develop models of care coordination which are tailored to the individual in context. Findings may be used to facilitate planning around which models of care coordination may be appropriate in different services or circumstances. Findings may also be used by key stakeholders (e.g. patient organisations, clinicians and service planners) as a decision-making tool.
Sensory Impairments and Social Isolation Among Hispanic Older Adults: Towards Culturally Sensitive Measurement of Social Isolation
Authors: Tanner Corinna Trujillo , Yorgason Jeremy B. , Richardson Stephanie , Redelfs Alisha H. , Serrao Hill Melanie M. Y. , White Avalon , Markides Kyriakos S. , Stagg Brian , Ehrlich Joshua R. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectivesSensory disabilities, including vision disability and hearing disability, increase risk for social isolation, which is associated with multiple negative health outcomes. Existing literature suggests that the cultural value of familism may provide a buffer against social isolation. We examined the longitudinal trajectory of social isolation among Hispanic older adults with self-reported vision disability (SRVD) and self-reported hearing disability (SRHD) and tested a modified measure of social isolation incorporating familism.MethodsWe compared 8-year trajectories of social isolation among Hispanics (n = 445) and non-Hispanic Whites (n = 4,861) from the National Health and Aging Trends Study. We used structural equation modeling to explore the longitudinal relationships between sensory disability and social isolation while comparing two measures of social isolation.ResultsSocial isolation increased longitudinally for both groups, with SRVD significantly associated with higher initial levels. Social isolation started and remained higher across time among Hispanics. Using an adjusted measure of social isolation (added familial support), neither initial levels nor trajectories of social isolation differed between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White participants.DiscussionInitially, Hispanics appeared more socially isolated, reporting less social support from outside the home. Yet, we found that they were more likely to report family social connections. Traditional measures of social isolation focusing on social support outside of the home (neglecting support by family) may lack content validity among Hispanic groups. Culturally sensitive measures of social isolation will be increasingly consequential for future research and health policy to meet the needs of a diverse older population.
A Deep Learning-based Genome-wide Polygenic Risk Score for Common Diseases Identifies Individuals with Risk
Authors: Peng Jiajie , Li Jingyi , Han Ruijiang , Wang Yuxian , Han Lu , Peng Jinghao , Wang Tao , Hao Jianye , Shang Xuequn , Wei Zhongyu 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIdentifying individuals at high risk in the population is a key public health need. For many common diseases, individual susceptibility may be influenced by genetic variation. Recently, the clinical potential of polygenic risk score (PRS) has attracted widespread attention. However, the performance of traditional methods is limited in fitting capabilities of the linear model and unable to capture the interaction information between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). To fill this gap, a novel deep-learning-based model named DeepPRS is developed for scoring the risk of common diseases with genome-wide genotype data. Using the UK Biobank dataset, the evaluation shows that DeepPRS performs better than the other two existing state-of-art methods on Alzheimer’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, type 2 diabetes and breast cancer. Since DeepPRS does not only rely on the addictive effect of risk SNPs, DeepPRS has the chance to identify high-risk individuals even with few known risk SNPs.
SARS-CoV-2 testing in the community: Testing positive samples with the TaqMan SARS-CoV-2 Mutation Panel to find variants in real-time
Authors: Ashford Fiona , Best Angus , Dunn Steven , Ahmed Zahra , Siddiqui Henna , Melville Jordan , Wilkinson Samuel , Mirza Jeremy , Cumley Nicola , Stockton Joanna , Ferguson Jack , Wheatley Lucy , Ratcliffe Elizabeth , Casey Anna , Plant Tim ,   The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium, Quick Joshua , Richter Alex , Loman Nicolas , McNally Alan 
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACTGenome sequencing is a powerful tool for identifying SARS-CoV-2 variant lineages, however there can be limitations due to sequence drop-out when used to identify specific key mutations. Recently, Thermo Fisher Scientific have developed genotyping assays to help bridge the gap between testing capacity and sequencing capability to generate real-time genotyping results based on specific variants. Over a 6-week period during the months of April and May 2021, we set out to assess the Thermo Fisher TaqMan Mutation Panel Genotyping Assay, initially for three mutations of concern and then an additional two mutations of concern, against SARS-CoV-2 positive clinical samples and the corresponding COG-UK sequencing data. We demonstrate that genotyping is a powerful in-depth technique for identifying specific mutations, an excellent complement to genome sequencing and has real clinical health value potential allowing laboratories to report and action variants of concern much quicker.
Krebs von den Lungen 6 levels in COVID-19 ICU Patients are Associated with Mortality
Authors: Scarpati Giuliana , Baldassarre Daniela , Lacava Graziella , Oliva Filomena , Pascale Gabriele , Boffardi Massimo , Pagliano Pasquale , Calabrese Vincenzo , Tripepi Giovanni L. , Piazza Ornella 
Published: November 2021

abstractRationaleKrebs von den Lungen 6 (KL-6) is a high molecular weight mucin-like glycoprotein produced by type II pneumocytes and bronchial epithelial cells. Elevated circulating levels of KL-6 may denote disorder of the alveolar epithelial lining.ObjectiveAim of this study was to verify if KL-6 values may help to risk stratify and triage severe COVID-19 patients.MethodsWe performed a retrospective prognostic study on 110 COVID-19 ICU patients, evaluating the predictive role of KL-6 for mortality.Measurements and Main ResultsThe study sample was divided in two groups related according to the median KL-6 value [Group A (KL-6 lower than the log-transformed median (6.73)) and Group B (KL-6 higher than the log-transformed median)]. In both linear and logistic multivariate analyses, ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen (P/F) was significantly and inversely related to KL-6. Death rate was higher in group B than in group A (80.3 versus 45.9%) (p<0.001), Accordingly, the Cox regression analysis showed a significant prognostic role of KL-6 on mortality in the whole sample as well as in the subgroup with SOFA lower than its median value.ConclusionsAt ICU admission, KL-6 serum level was significantly lower in the survivors group. Our findings shown that, in severe COVID19 patients, elevated KL-6 was strongly associated with mortality in ICU.