bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early giant reveals faster evolution of large body size in ichthyosaurs than in cetaceans
Authors: Sander P. Martin , Griebeler Eva Maria , Klein Nicole , Juarbe Jorge Velez , Wintrich Tanja , Revell Liam J. , Schmitz Lars 
Published: December 2021

Early marine giantThe largest animals to have ever lived occupied the marine environment. Modern cetaceans evolved their large size over tens of millions of years in response to the increased productivity of cold marine waters. However, whales were not the first marine giants to evolve. Sanderet al. describe a 244-million-year-old fossil ichthyosaur that would have rivaled modern cetaceans in size (see the Perspective by Delsett and Pyenson). The animal existed at most 8 million years after the emergence of the first ichthyosaurs, suggesting a much more rapid size expansion that may have been fueled by processes after the Permian mass extinction. —SNV
Vagus nerve stimulation therapy in people with drug-resistant epilepsy (CORE-VNS): rationale and design of a real-world post-market comprehensive outcomes registry
Authors: Sen Arjune , Verner Ryan , Valeriano James P , Lee Ricky , Zafar Muhammad , Thomas Rhys , Kotulska Katarzyna , Jespers Ellen , Dibué Maxine , Kwan Patrick 
Published: December 2021

IntroductionThe Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy System (VNS Therapy) is an adjunctive neuromodulatory therapy that can be efficacious in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in people with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). CORE-VNS aims to examine the long-term safety and clinical outcomes of VNS in people with DRE.Methods and analysisThe CORE-VNS study is an international, multicentre, prospective, observational, all-comers, post-market registry. People with DRE receiving VNS Therapy for the first time as well as people being reimplanted with VNS Therapy are eligible. Participants have a baseline visit (prior to device implant). They will be followed for a minimum of 36 months and a maximum of 60 months after implant. Analysis endpoints include seizure frequency (average number of events per month), seizure severity (individual-rated categorical outcome including very mild, mild, moderate, severe or very severe) as well as non-seizure outcomes such as adverse events, use of antiseizure medications, use of other non-pharmacological therapies, quality of life, validated measures of quality of sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index or Children’s Sleep Habit Questionnaire) and healthcare resource utilisation. While the CORE-VNS registry was not expressly designed to test hypotheses, subgroup analyses and exploratory analysis that require hypothesis testing will be conducted across propensity score matched treatment groups, where possible based on sampling.Ethics and disseminationThe CORE-VNS registry has already enrolled 823 participants from 61 centres across 15 countries. Once complete, CORE-VNS will represent one of the largest real-world clinical data sets to allow a more comprehensive understanding of the management of DRE with adjunctive VNS. Manuscripts derived from this database will shed important new light on the characteristics of people receiving VNS Therapy; the practical use of VNS across different countries, and factors influencing long-term response.Trail registration numberNCT03529045.
Person-centred care transitions for people with stroke: study protocol for a feasibility evaluation of codesigned care transition support
Authors: Flink Maria , Lindblom Sebastian , Tistad Malin , Laska Ann Charlotte , Bertilsson Bo Christer , Wärlinge Carmen , Hasselström Jan , Elf Marie , von Koch Lena , Ytterberg Charlotte 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundCare transitions following stroke should be bridged with collaboration between hospital staff and home rehabilitation teams since well-coordinated transitions can reduce death and disability following a stroke. However, health services are delivered within organisational structures, rather than being based on patients’ needs. The aim of this study protocol is to assess the feasibility, operationalised here as fidelity and acceptability, of a codesigned care transition support for people with stroke.MethodsThis study protocol describes the evaluation of a feasibility study using a non-randomised controlled design. The codesigned care transition support includes patient information using videos, leaflets and teach back; what-matters-to me dialogue; a coordinated rehabilitation plan; bridged e-meeting; and a message system for cross-organisational collaboration. Patients with stroke, first time or recurrent, who are to be discharged home from hospital and referred to a rehabilitation team in primary healthcare for continued rehabilitation in the home will be included. One week after stroke, data will be collected on the primary outcome, namely satisfaction with the care transition support, and on the secondary outcome, namely health literacy and medication adherence. Data on use of healthcare will be obtained from a register of healthcare contacts. The outcomes of patients and significant others will be compared with matched controls from other geriatric stroke and acute stroke units, and with matched historic controls from a previous dataset at the intervention and control units. Data on acceptability and fidelity will be assessed through interviews and observations at the intervention units.Ethics and disseminationEthical approvals have been obtained from the Swedish Ethical Review Authority. The results will be published open-access in peer-reviewed journals. Dissemination also includes presentation at national and international conferences.DiscussionThe care transition support addresses a poorly functioning part of care trajectories in current healthcare. The development of this codesigned care transition support has involved people with stroke, significant other, and healthcare professionals. Such involvement has the potential to better identify and reconceptualise problems, and incorporate user experiences.Trial registration numberhttp://www.clinicaltrials.govid:NCT02925871. Date of registration 6 October 2016.Protocol version1.
Development of an optimised physiotherapist-led treatment protocol for lateral elbow tendinopathy: a consensus study using an online nominal group technique
Authors: Bateman Marcus , Saunders Benjamin , Littlewood Chris , Hill Jonathan C 
Published: December 2021

ObjectivesThere are a wide range of physiotherapy treatment options for people with lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET); however, previous studies have reported inconsistent approaches to treatment and a lack of evidence demonstrating clinical effectiveness. This study aimed to combine the best available research evidence with stakeholder perspectives to develop key components of an optimised physiotherapist-led treatment protocol for testing in a future randomised controlled trial (RCT).DesignOnline consensus groups using nominal group technique (NGT), a systematic approach to building consensus using structured multistage meetings.SettingUK National Health Service (NHS).Participants10 physiotherapists with special interest in LET, 2 physiotherapy service managers and 3 patients who had experienced LET.InterventionsTwo consensus groups were conducted; the first meeting focused on agreeing the types of interventions to be included in the optimised treatment protocol; the second meeting focused on specific details of intervention delivery. Participants were sent an evidence summary of available treatments for LET prior to the first meeting. All treatment options were discussed before anonymous voting and ranking of priority. Consensus for inclusion of each treatment option was set at ≥70% based on OMERACT guidelines. Options with 30%–69% agreement were discussed again, and a second vote was held, allowing for a change of opinion.ResultsThe optimised physiotherapist-led treatment package included: advice and education, exercise therapy and orthotics. Specific components for each of these interventions were also agreed such as: condition-specific advice, health-promotion advice, exercise types, exercise into ‘acceptable’ levels of pain, exercise dosage and type of orthoses. Other treatment options including electrotherapy, acupuncture and manual therapy were excluded.ConclusionAn optimised physiotherapist-led treatment protocol for people with LET was successfully developed using an online NGT consensus approach. This intervention is now ready for testing in a future pilot/feasibility RCT to contribute much needed evidence about the treatment of LET.Trial registration numberThis is the pre-cursor to the OPTimisE Pilot and Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial. Registration:https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN64444585
Proton beam radiation for iris melanoma: case series and review of literature
Authors: Hauzinger Jasmine Alexandra , Blatsios Georgios , Haas Gertrud , Zehetner Claus , Velez-Escola Luisa , Nowosielski Yvonne , Seifarth Christof , Rauchegger Teresa , Haider Bernhard , Bechrakis Nikolaos E 
Published: December 2021

ObjectivePurpose of this study is to analyse the visual outcomes, the complication and eye retention rate as well as tumour control data of patients treated with proton beam radiation therapy (PBRT) for iris melanoma.MethodsRetrospective case series and review based on patients’ records. All tumours were categorised according to the American Joint Committee of Cancer staging criteria for primary iris melanoma und underwent either sectorial or whole anterior segment PBRT.ResultsThirteen cases were identified of which five received PBRT of the whole anterior segment and eight received sectorial PBRT. Local tumour control after a mean follow-up of 25 months was 92%. Complications after PBRT included cataract (46%), secondary glaucoma (31%), superficial keratitis (15%) and madarosis (8%). Complications were more common in patients necessitating irradiation of the entire anterior segment than in patients which received sectorial irradiation. Eye retention was achieved in all cases. No statistically significant difference in the mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) was found before and after treatment. Comparison of mean BCVA and IOP between different treatment groups (complete anterior segment vs sectorial irradiation) at the last follow-up visit were also not significantly different. No patient developed metastatic disease during follow-up.ConclusionPBRT is a safe and vision preserving therapeutic modality for iris melanoma. Complete irradiation of the anterior segment is associated with higher complication rates.
Comparison of the airway microbiota in children with chronic suppurative lung disease
Authors: Ahmed Bushra , Cox Michael J , Cuthbertson Leah , James Phillip , Gardner Laura , Cookson William , Davies Jane , Moffatt Miriam , Bush Andrew 
Published: December 2021

RationaleThe airway microbiota is important in chronic suppurative lung diseases, such as primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and cystic fibrosis (CF). This comparison has not previously been described but is important because difference between the two diseases may relate to the differing prognoses and lead to pathological insights and potentially, new treatments.ObjectivesTo compare the longitudinal development of the airway microbiota in children with PCD to that of CF and relate this to age and clinical status.MethodsSixty-two age-matched children (age range 0.5–17 years) with PCD or CF (n=31 in each group) were recruited prospectively and followed for 1.1 years. Throat swabs or sputum as well as clinical information were collected at routine clinical appointments. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed.Measurements and main resultsThe microbiota was highly individual and more diverse in PCD and differed in community composition when compared with CF. WhileStreptococcuswas the most abundant genus in both conditions,Pseudomonaswas more abundant in CF withHaemophilusmore abundant in PCD (Padj=0.0005). In PCD only, an inverse relationship was seen in the relative abundance ofStreptococcusandHaemophiluswith age.ConclusionsBacterial community composition differs between children with PCD and those with CF.Pseudomonasis more prevalent in CF andHaemophilusin PCD, at least until infection withPseudomonassupervenes. Interactions between organisms, particularly members ofHaemophilus,StreptococcusandPseudomonasgenera appear important. Study of the interactions between these organisms may lead to new therapies or risk stratification.
Sociodemographic and clinical factors, visit expectations and driving factors for emergency department attendance for uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection
Authors: Chow Angela , Keng Bryan , Guo Huiling , Aung Aung Hein , Huang Zhilian , Weng Yanyi , Ang Hou 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundUpper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) account for substantial non-urgent ED attendances. Hence, we explored the reasons for such attendances using a mixed-methods approach.MethodsWe interviewed adult patients with URTI who visited the second busiest adult ED in Singapore from June 2016 to November 2018 on their expectations and reasons for attendance. A structured questionnaire, with one open-ended question was used. Using the Andersen’s Behavioural Model for Healthcare Utilisation, the topmost reasons for ED attendances were categorised into (1) contextual predisposing factors (referral by primary care physician, family, friends or coworkers), (2) contextual enabling factors (convenience, accessibility, employment requirements), (3) individual enablers (personal preference and trust in hospital-perceived care quality and efficiency) and (4) individual needs (perceived illness severity and non-improvement). Multivariable multinomial logistic regression was used to assess associations between sociodemographic and clinical factors, patient expectations for ED visits and the drivers for ED attendance.ResultsThere were 717 patients in the cohort. The mean age of participants was 40.5 (SD 14.7) years, 61.2% were males, 66.5% without comorbidities and 40.7% were tertiary educated. Half had sought prior medical consultation (52.4%) and expected laboratory tests (55.7%) and radiological investigations (46.9%). Individual needs (32.8%) and enablers (25.1%) were the main drivers for ED attendance. Compared with ED attendances due to contextual enabling factors, attendances due to other drivers were more likely to be aged ≥45 years, had prior medical consultation and expected radiological investigations. Having a pre-existing medical condition (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.78, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.04) and an expectation for laboratory tests (aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.64) were associated with individual needs while being non-tertiary educated (aOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.22 to 3.45) and having pre-existing comorbidities (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.10) were associated with individual enablers.ConclusionsMeeting individual needs of perceived illness severity or non-improvement was the topmost driver of ED visits for URTI, while contextual enabling factors such as convenience was the lowest. Patients’ sociodemographic and clinical factors and visit expectations influence their motivations for ED attendances. Addressing these factors and expectations can alleviate the overutilisation of ED services.
Leptomeningeal disease and brain control after postoperative stereotactic radiosurgery with or without immunotherapy for resected brain metastases
Authors: Minniti Giuseppe , Lanzetta Gaetano , Capone Luca , Giraffa Martina , Russo Ivana , Cicone Francesco , Bozzao Alessandro , Alongi Filippo , Nicosia Luca , Fineschi Gioia , Marchetti Luca , Tufo Tommaso , Bianciardi Federico , Esposito Vincenzo , Gentile PierCarlo , Paolini Sergio 
Published: December 2021

PurposeImmunotherapy has shown activity in patients with brain metastases (BM) and leptomeningeal disease (LMD). We have evaluated LMD and intraparenchymal control rates for patients with resected BM receiving postoperative stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and immunotherapy or postoperative SRS alone. We hypothesize that postoperative SRS and immunotherapy will result in a lower rate of LMD with acceptable toxicity compared with postoperative SRS.Patients and methodsOne hundred and twenty-nine patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma BM who received postoperative fractionated SRS (fSRS; 3×9 Gy) in combination with immunotherapy or postoperative fSRS alone for completely resected BM were retrospectively evaluated. The primary endpoint of the study was the rate of LMD after treatments. The secondary endpoints were local failure, distant brain parenchymal failure (DBF), overall survival (OS), and treatment-related toxicity.ResultsSixty-three patients received postoperative SRS and immunotherapy, either nivolumab or pembrolizumab, and 66 patients received postoperative SRS alone to the resection cavity. With a median follow-up of 15 months, LMD occurred in 19 patients: fSRS group, 14; fSRS and immunotherapy, 5. The 12-month LMD cumulative rates were 22% (95% CI 14% to 37%) in the fSRS group and 6% (95% CI 2% to 17%) in the combined treatment group (p=0.007). Resection cavity control was similar between the groups, whereas DBF and OS were significantly different; the 1-year DBF rates were 31% (95% CI 20% to 46%) in the fSRS and immunotherapy group and 52% (95% CI 39% to 68%) in the fSRS group; respective OS rates were 78% (95% CI 67% to 88%) and 58.7% (95% CI 47% to 70%). Twenty-two patients undergoing postoperative fSRS and immunotherapy and nine subjected to postoperative fSRS experienced treatment-related imaging changes suggestive of radiation-induced brain necrosis (p=0.02).ConclusionsPostoperative fSRS in combination with immunotherapy decreases the incidence of LMD and DBF in patients with resected BM from NSCLC and melanoma as compared with fSRS alone, reducing the rate of neurological death and prolonging survival.
Chirp form selection to produce intense and broad harmonic spectra and attosecond pulses in the presence of single and superposition initial states
Authors: Wang Yuning , Feng Liqiang , McCain John , Liu Hang 
Published: December 2021

The chirp form selection for producing intense and broad high-order harmonic spectra has been investigated when the initial state is chosen to be the single or superposition states. It is found that, for the case of a single ground initial state, the down-chirp is much better for extending the harmonic cutoff with the stronger emission intensity. Moreover, the multi-color combined field is beneficial to produce the larger harmonic cutoff and higher harmonic intensity. After the control of laser waveform, the combination of 3-color down-chirps with a proper UV pulse is the best condition to obtain the intense X-ray spectral continuum and the isolated attosecond pulse. For the case of superposition initial state, both the up-chirp and down-chirp are beneficial to generate the high-intensity spectral regions. However, with the combination of multi-color field, only the harmonic cutoff can be further extended, and the harmonic intensity presents almost no changes for the superposition initial state case. Finally, by properly choosing the 3-color up-chirps or 3-color down-chirps combined pulses, the stronger intensity harmonic spectra covering the X-ray region can be obtained, which can produce the isolated pulses of 37 as.
Comparative study of the electronic structure and optical properties of the Heusler alloys Co2MGa and Co2MAl (M = Fe and Ni)
Authors: Shreder E. I. , Makhnev A. A. , Suresh K. G. , Kostenko M. G. , Chernov E. D. , Ivanov V. G. , Lukoyanov A. V. 
Published: December 2021

The electronic structure and optical properties of the Heusler alloys Co2NiGa, Co2NiAl, Co2FeGa, and Co2FeAl are reported and compared in this work. In the Fe-based alloys, Co2FeGa and Co2FeAl, the electronic structure is found to have 100% spin polarization with the indirect energy gap in the [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] direction, whereas in Co2NiGa and Co2NiAl, the density of states is metallic in both spin projections with spin polarization of 55% (Co2NiGa) and 37% (Co2NiAl). Total and Co partial magnetic moments of all Heusler alloys for the optimized lattice parameters were found in a good agreement with previous calculations and experimental data. The frequency dependence of the real and imaginary parts of the complex dielectric constant for the Heusler alloys is studied in the spectrum region of 0.08–5 eV. The research results are discussed based on the performed calculations of the electronic structure. It was found that the character of variations of the spectral parameters of the alloys is typical for media with the metallic conductivity. In the IR region, the mechanism of the intraband acceleration of electrons by the light wave field dominates. The significant changes in the optical spectrum, magnetic moment, spin polarization and electronic structure were revealed in Co2MGa and Co2MAl for different M atoms which motivate further investigations of the Co-based Heusler alloys as promising materials for spintronics.
Counting Homomorphisms to Trees Modulo a Prime
Authors: Göbel Andreas , Lagodzinski J. A. Gregor , Seidel Karen 
Published: December 2021

Many important graph-theoretic notions can be encoded as counting graph homomorphism problems, such as partition functions in statistical physics, in particular independent sets and colourings. In this article, we study the complexity of #

p

H
OMS
T
O
H
, the problem of counting graph homomorphisms from an input graph to a graph
H
modulo a prime number
p
. Dyer and Greenhill proved a dichotomy stating that the tractability of non-modular counting graph homomorphisms depends on the structure of the target graph. Many intractable cases in non-modular counting become tractable in modular counting due to the common phenomenon of cancellation. In subsequent studies on counting modulo 2, however, the influence of the structure of
H
on the tractability was shown to persist, which yields similar dichotomies.

Our main result states that for every tree
H
and every prime
p
the problem #

p

H
OMS
T
O
H
is either polynomial time computable or #

p

P-complete. This relates to the conjecture of Faben and Jerrum stating that this dichotomy holds for every graph
H
when counting modulo 2. In contrast to previous results on modular counting, the tractable cases of #

p

H
OMS
T
O
H
are essentially the same for all values of the modulo when
H
is a tree. To prove this result, we study the structural properties of a homomorphism. As an important interim result, our study yields a dichotomy for the problem of counting weighted independent sets in a bipartite graph modulo some prime
p
. These results are the first suggesting that such dichotomies hold not only for the modulo 2 case but also for the modular counting functions of all primes
p
.