bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting targets and costs for feral‐cat reduction on large islands using stochastic population models
Authors: Venning Kathryn R. W. , Saltré Frédérik , Bradshaw Corey J. A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFeral cats are some of the most destructive invasive predators worldwide, particularly in insular environments; hence, density‐reduction campaigns are often applied to alleviate the predation mortality they add to native fauna. Density‐reduction and eradication efforts are costly procedures with important outcomes for native fauna recovery, so they require adequate planning to be successful. These plans should include empirical density‐reduction models that can guide yearly culling quotas, and resource roll‐out for the duration of the culling period. This ensures densities are reduced over the long term and that resources are not wasted. We constructed a stochastic population model with cost estimates to test the relative effectiveness and cost‐efficiency of two main culling scenarios for a 10‐year eradication campaign of cats on Kangaroo Island, Australia: (a) constant proportional annual cull (one‐phase), and (b) high initial culling followed by a constant proportional maintenance cull (two‐phase). A one‐phase cull of at least 0.35 of the annual population size would reduce the final population to 0.1 of its original size, while a two‐phase cull with an initial cull of minimum 0.6 and minimum 0.5 maintenance cull would reduce the final population to 0.01 of its initial size within the 10‐year time frame. Cost estimates varied widely depending on the methods applied (shooting, trapping, aerial poison baits, Felixer™ poison‐delivery system), but using baiting, trapping and Felixers with additional shooting to meet culling quotas was the most cost‐effective combination (minimum cost: AU$19.56 million; range: AU$16.87 million–AU$20.69 million). Our model provides an adaptable and general assessment tool for cat reductions in Australia and potentially elsewhere, and provides relative culling costs for the Kangaroo Island campaign specifically.
Documenting the conservation value of easements
Authors: Kareiva Peter , Bailey Mark , Brown Dottie , Dinkins Barbara , Sauls Lane , Todia Gena 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPlacing conservation easements on private lands could contribute greatly to biodiversity protection in the United States. However, a paucity of data prevents us from knowing to what extent this potential is met. We discuss best practices for baseline documentation reports and biodiversity surveys of properties that could help mitigate this data shortage and contribute to a national database on private land biodiversity. We then examine 49 private properties totaling 3,048 ha in Alabama and tally high priority (i.e., at‐risk) species that are recorded within this portfolio of land parcels protected by conservation easements. The number is 116 species in total, or 38 high‐priority species per 1,000 ha. Not only is the number of these documented at‐risk species per unit area high compared to the number documented from nearby Conecuh National Forest (~38 vs. ~5 per 1,000 ha), 92 of the species recorded from the private lands have not been recorded from the much larger Conecuh National Forest (33,993 ha). This emphasizes the opportunity for well‐positioned easements to complement and be a valuable addition to large networks of public lands.
Efficacy of ultra‐low volume (≤1 L) bowel preparation fluids: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: van Riswijk Milou L. M. , van Keulen Kelly E. , Siersema Peter D. 
Published: May 2021

Background and AimsHigh‐quality bowel preparation is paramount for the diagnostic accuracy and safety of colonoscopy; however, it is often difficult for patients to adhere to high‐volume laxatives, which may contribute to poor bowel preparation. This review aims to assess the efficacy of bowel preparation fluids of 1 L or less (≤1 L).MethodsWe performed a systematic review including all relevant randomized controlled trials on ultra‐low volume (≤1 L) bowel preparation fluids for colonoscopy published since 2015. Primary endpoint was the percentage of adequately prepared patients. Secondary endpoints included adenoma detection rate (ADR) and safety.ResultsBowel preparation with sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate (SPMC; 19 trials, n = 10,287), 1L‐polyethylene glycol with ascorbate (PEGA; 10 trials, n = 1717), sodium phosphate (NaP; 2 trials, n = 621), and oral sulfate solution (OSS; 3 trials, n = 597) was adequate in 75.2%, 82.9%, 81.9%, and 92.1%, respectively, of patients; however, heterogeneity between studies was considerable (I2 range: 86–98%). Pooled ADRs were 31.1% with SPMC, 32.3% with 1L‐PEGA, 30.4% with NaP, and 40.9% with OSS. Temporary electrolyte changes were seen with all ultra‐low volume bowel preparation fluid solutions but without sustained effects in most patients.ConclusionUltra‐low volume bowel preparation fluids do not always meet the 90% quality standard for adequate bowel preparation as defined by current guidelines. Nonetheless, they may be considered in patients intolerant for higher‐volume laxatives and without risk factors for inadequate bowel preparation or dehydration‐related complications.
Sleep problems in children with cerebral palsy and their parents
Authors: Hulst Raquel Y , Gorter Jan Willem , Voorman Jeanine M , Kolk Eveline , Van Der Vossen Sanne , Visser‐Meily Johanna M A , Ketelaar Marjolijn , Pillen Sigrid , Verschuren Olaf 
Published: May 2021

AimTo describe: (1) the frequency and types of sleep problems, (2) parent‐rated satisfaction with their child’s and their own sleep, and (3) child factors related to the occurrence of sleep problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and their parents. The secondary objective was to compare the sleep outcomes of children with CP with those from typically developing children and their parents.MethodThe Sleep section of the 24‐hour activity checklist was used to assess the sleep of children with CP and their parents and the sleep of typically developing children and their parents.ResultsThe sleep outcomes of 90 children with CP (median age 5y, range 0–11y, 53 males, 37 females, 84.4% ambulatory) and 157 typically developing peers (median age 5y, range 0–12y; 79 males, 78 females) and their parents were collected. Children with CP were more likely to have a sleep problem than typically developing children. Non‐ambulatory children with CP were more severely affected by sleep problems than ambulatory children. The parents of non‐ambulatory children were less satisfied about their child’s and their own sleep. Waking up during the night, pain/discomfort in bed, and daytime fatigue were more common in children with CP and more prevalent in children who were non‐ambulatory.InterpretationThese findings highlight the need to integrate sleep assessment into routine paediatric health care practice.
What this paper adds

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are more likely to have a sleep problem than typically developing peers.

Non‐ambulatory children with CP are more severely affected by sleep problems.

One‐third of parents of children with CP report feeling sleep‐deprived often or always compared to a quarter of parents of typically developing children.
The effect of sodium‐glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors on mortality and heart failure in randomized trials versus observational studies
Authors: Krogh Jesper , Hjorthøj Carsten , Kristensen Søren L. , Selmer Christian , Haugaard Steen B. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimRandomized clinical trials (RCTs) allocating type 2 diabetes patients to treatment with sodium‐glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors or placebo have found significant effects on the risk of heart failure and modest effects on mortality. In the wake of the first trials, a number of observational studies have been conducted, some of these reporting a mortality reduction of 50% compared to active comparators. In this review, we systematically assess and compare the results on all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and heart failure hospitalization observed in RCTs with the results obtained in observational studies.MethodWe performed a systematic bibliographical search including cardiovascular outcome trials and observational studies assessing the effect of SGLT‐2 inhibitors on mortality and heart failure.ResultsSeven RCTs and 23 observational studies were included in the current review. The observed heterogeneity between study results for all‐cause mortality (p‐interaction < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (p‐interaction < 0.001) was explained by study type, whereas this was not the case for heart failure (p‐interaction = 0.18).ConclusionMethodological considerations such as the omission of important confounders, immortal‐time bias and residual confounding such as unmeasured social economic inequality may be the cause of the inflated results observed in observational studies and that calls for caution when observational studies are used to guide treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Hemodynamically significant prosthesis‐patient mismatch can be predicted and is associated with early prosthetic valve dysfunction in aortic bioprosthesis
Authors: Ronderos Ricardo , Politi María Teresa , Mahia Mariana Cecilia , Castro María Florencia , Sciancalepore Agustina , Cueva Torres Franklin , Kuschnir Paola , de la Paz Ricapito María , Vrancic Juan Mariano , Camporrotondo Mariano , Piccinini Fernando , Navia Daniel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the accuracy of predicted prosthesis‐patient mismatch (PPM) regarding actual PPM measured postoperatively. To assess the association between PPM and prosthetic valve dysfunction.MethodsRetrospective cohort study including adult patients after aortic valve replacement surgery with a biological prosthesis. Predicted PPM status was determined using mean reference effective orifice area indexed to total body surface (iEOA), without considering reference standard deviations. Postoperative PPM status was determined by measuring iEOA within the first 60 postoperative days. Prosthetic valve dysfunction was defined as thrombosis, pannus, valve degeneration, and/or disruption.Results205 patients were enrolled between January 2003 and June 2017: predicted PPM was absent in 52 patients (25.4%), moderate in 137 patients (66.8%), and severe in 16 patients (7.8%). After surgery, the actual postoperative iEOA was measured: 53 (25.9%) did not have PPM, 73 had moderate PPM (35.6%), and 79 had severe PPM (38.5%). Predicted PPM identified the presence of hemodynamically significant actual postoperative PPM (OR = 2.56; 95%CI 1.30–5.05; P = .006), though not its degree of severity. Prosthetic valve dysfunction was more frequent among patients with hemodynamically significant PPM (53.9% vs. 11.3%; P < .001), compared to those without PPM. The association between PPM and prosthetic valve dysfunction was maintained after adjusting for gender, age, and ever‐smoking (OR = 9.03; P < .001). The incidence of thrombosis or pannus was also nonsignificantly higher in patients with moderate or severe PPM.ConclusionsPredicted PPM identifies the presence, possibly not the severity, of actual postoperative PPM. Moderate or severe PPM is associated with prosthetic valve dysfunction.Actual postoperative prosthesis‐patient mismatch measured within 60 postoperative days showed a distinctive hemodynamic profile and presented a stronger association with prosthetic valve dysfunction than predicted prosthesis‐patient mismatch. A. Echocardiographic follow‐up in patients according to the actual postoperative PPM measured within 60 postoperative days. B. Prediction of prosthetic valve dysfunction based on preoperative predicted PPM or on actual postoperative PPM within 60 postoperative days. PPM: prosthesis‐patient mismatch. OR: Odds ratio.
Exploring specific predictors of psychosis onset over a 2‐year period: A decision‐tree model
Authors: Bjornestad Jone , Tjora Tore , Langeveld Johannes H. , Stain Helen J. , Joa Inge , Johannessen Jan Olav , Friedman‐Yakoobian Michelle , ten Velden Hegelstad Wenche 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimThe fluctuating symptoms of clinical high risk for psychosis hamper conversion prediction models. Exploring specific symptoms using machine‐learning has proven fruitful in accommodating this challenge. The aim of this study is to explore specific predictors and generate atheoretical hypotheses of onset using a close‐monitoring, machine‐learning approach.MethodsStudy participants, N = 96, mean age 16.55 years, male to female ratio 46:54%, were recruited from the Prevention of Psychosis Study in Rogaland, Norway. Participants were assessed using the Structured Interview for Psychosis Risk Syndromes (SIPS) at 13 separate assessment time points across 2 years, yielding 247 specific scores. A machine‐learning decision‐tree analysis (i) examined potential SIPS predictors of psychosis conversion and (ii) hierarchically ranked predictors of psychosis conversion.ResultsFour out of 247 specific SIPS symptom scores were significant: (i) reduced expression of emotion at baseline, (ii) experience of emotions and self at 5 months, (iii) perceptual abnormalities/hallucinations at 3 months and (iv) ideational richness at 6 months. No SIPS symptom scores obtained after 6 months of follow‐up predicted psychosis.ConclusionsStudy findings suggest that early negative symptoms, particularly those observable by peers and arguably a risk factor for social exclusion, were predictive of psychosis. Self‐expression and social behaviour might prove relevant entry points for early intervention in psychosis and psychosis risk. Testing study results in larger samples and at other sites is warranted.
Constriction coefficient based particle swarm optimization and gravitational search algorithm for multilevel image thresholding
Authors: Rather Sajad Ahmad , Bala P. Shanthi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractImage segmentation is one of the pivotal steps in image processing. Actually, it deals with the partitioning of the image into different classes based on pixel intensities. This work introduces a new image segmentation method based on the constriction coefficient‐based particle swarm optimization and gravitational search algorithm (CPSOGSA). The random samples of the image act as searcher agents of the CPSOGSA algorithm. The optimal number of thresholds is determined using Kapur's entropy method. The effectiveness and applicability of CPSOGSA in image segmentation is accomplished by applying it to five standard images from the USC‐SIPI image database, namely Aeroplane, Cameraman, Clock, Lena, and Pirate. Various performance metrics are employed to investigate the simulation outcomes, including optimal thresholds, standard deviation, MSE (mean square error), run time analysis, PSNR (peak signal to noise ratio), best fitness value calculation, convergence maps, segmented image graphs, and box plot analysis. Moreover, image accuracy is benchmarked by utilizing SSIM (structural similarity index measure) and FSIM (feature similarity index measure) metrics. Also, a pairwise non‐parametric signed Wilcoxon rank‐sum test is utilized for statistical verification of simulation results. In addition, the experimental outcomes of CPSOGSA are compared with eight different algorithms including standard PSO, classical GSA, PSOGSA, SCA (sine cosine algorithm), SSA (salp swarm algorithm), GWO (grey wolf optimizer), MFO (moth flame optimizer), and ABC (artificial bee colony). The simulation results clearly indicate that the hybrid CPSOGSA has successfully provided the best SSIM, FSIM, and threshold values to the benchmark images.
The utility of biomarkers in prognosis assessment of patients with acute liver failure
Authors: De Clercq Pauline , Geerts Anja , Van Vlierberghe Hans , Verhelst Xavier 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundAcute liver failure (ALF) is a rare but potential lethal condition characterized by the sudden development of jaundice, coagulopathy and hepatic encephalopathy in patients without underlying liver disease. In selected patients, emergency liver transplantation is required. Selection of these patients is based on clinical criteria such as the Kings College Criteria (KCC) or the Clichy criteria.AimsThe aim of this work is to provide an overview of potential biomarkers that could improve the prognostic value of KCC.ResultsSeveral promising biomarkers involved in related pathophysiological processes have been identified. Some could be as stand‐alone biomarkers; however, the best prognostic values have been observed in the combination of biomarkers with current models. Among these, the ALFSG Index that combines clinical parameters and circulating blood levels of CK18 claims a higher prognostic value than KCC.ConclusionsIn this review, all potential biomarkers for ALF have been summarized to give an overview of the work performed over the last years, and a glimpse of what to expect in this field in the coming years.
Dynamic navigation: a laboratory study on the accuracy and potential use of guided root canal treatment
Authors: Torres Andres , Boelen Gerd‐Jan , Lambrechts Paul , Pedano Mariano Simon , Jacobs Reinhilde 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimTo evaluate 3D accuracy and outcome of a dynamic navigation method for guided root canal treatment of severe pulp canal obliteration (PCO) in 3D printed jaws.MethodologyThree operators with different levels of experience in Endodontics performed navigated access cavities, using the Navident system (ClaroNav), in two sets (maxillary and mandibular) of 3D‐printed jaw models with teeth presenting severe PCO. Models were mounted on a phantom to mimic a real clinical situation. After treatment, a postoperative high resolution Cone‐Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) scan (NewTom) was taken for each model and registered to the preoperative model. All access cavities were then segmented using 3‐Matic Medical software 15.0 (Materialise). Length and volume of each access cavity were measured, and a comparison was done by measuring the distance deviation in mm at the coronal entry point, apical point, vertical deviation, total deviation and angular deviation of the access cavity in comparison with the virtual planning. Additionally, all access cavities were scouted with a size 10 K‐file and inspected on the CBCT to confirm that the canal was located. Descriptive statistics for each parameter were performed. Normality of the data was assessed; data were transformed if needed to make it normally distributed. One‐way analysis of variance (anova) was applied to assess differences between parameters for tooth type, jaw, and operators and corrected for simultaneous hypothesis testing according to Tukey. Significance level was set at .05.ResultsAfter training with the system (28 cavities per operator), a total of 132 teeth and 168 access cavities (56 per operator) were prepared. All operators located a total of 156 canals, obtaining an overall success of 93% without a difference between operator experience (p > .05). The mean deviation at the apical point was 0.63 mm (SD 0.35) and was significantly lower in anterior teeth in comparison with molars (p < .05). The mean angular deviation from the planning was 2.81° (SD 1.53).ConclusionDynamic navigation was an accurate approach for root canal treatment in teeth with severely calcified canals. However, the technique has a learning curve and requires extensive training prior to its use clinically.
A grounded theory study: Exploring health care professionals decision making when managing end stage heart failure care
Authors: Higginbotham Karen , Jones Ian , Johnson Martin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimTo explore how healthcare professionals in an acute medical setting make decisions when managing the care of patients diagnosed with end stage heart failure, and how these decisions impact directly on the patient's end of life experience.DesignA constructivist grounded theory approach was adopted.MethodA purposive sample was used to recruit participants that included 16 registered nurses, 15 doctors and 16 patients. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and focus groups over a 12‐month period of fieldwork concluding in 2017. The interviews were recorded and transcribed and the data were analysed using constant comparison and QSR NVivo.FindingsFour theoretical categories emerged from the data to explain how healthcare professionals and patients negotiated the process of decision making when considering end of life care. These were: signposting symptoms, organizing care, being informed and recognizing dying. The themes revolved around a core category ‘a vicious cycle of heart failure care’.ConclusionHealthcare professionals need to engage in informed decision making with patients to break this ‘vicious cycle of care’ by identifying key stages in the terminal phase of heart failure and correctly signposting the patient to the most suitable healthcare care professional for intervention.ImpactThis study provides a theoretical framework to explain a ‘vicious cycle of care’ for patients diagnosed with end stage heart failure. This theory grounded in data demonstrates the need for both acute and primary care to design an integrative end of life care pathway for heart failure patients which addresses the need for early shared decision making between the healthcare professional, family and the patient when it comes to end of life conversations.
Comparative efficacy and safety of systemic therapies used in moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis: a systematic literature review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Silverberg J.I. , Thyssen J.P. , Fahrbach K. , Mickle K. , Cappelleri J.C. , Romero W. , Cameron M.C. , Myers D.E. , Clibborn C. , DiBonaventura M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGiven the lack of head‐to‐head studies of systemic therapies in moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis (AD), network meta‐analyses (NMAs) can provide comparative efficacy and safety data to inform clinical decision‐making. In this NMA, eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before 24 October 2019 were identified by a systematic literature review. Short‐term (12–16 weeks) efficacy (Investigator’s Global Assessment [IGA] and Eczema Area and Severity Index [EASI] responses), patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) and safety data from each trial were abstracted and analysed separately for monotherapy and combination therapy (systemic plus topical anti‐inflammatory therapy). RCTs were analysed in fixed‐effects and random‐effects Bayesian NMA models. Overall, 19 phase 2 and phase 3 RCTs of abrocitinib, baricitinib, dupilumab, lebrikizumab, nemolizumab, tralokinumab and upadacitinib were included. In monotherapy RCTs, upadacitinib 30 mg once daily (QD) had the numerically highest efficacy (83.6% achieved ≥50% improvement in EASI [EASI‐50 response]), followed by abrocitinib 200 mg QD (74.6%), upadacitinib 15 mg QD (70.5%), dupilumab 300 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) (63.4%) and abrocitinib 100 mg QD (56.7%). Similar trends in EASI‐75 and EASI‐90 response were observed. In combination therapy RCTs, abrocitinib 200 mg QD had the highest EASI‐50 (86.6%), followed by dupilumab 300 mg Q2W (82.4%) and abrocitinib 100 mg QD (79.7%). Similar findings were observed for IGA response and PROs. In monotherapy and combination therapy RCTs, the probability of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was higher among all active treatments than with placebo (except for dupilumab 300 mg Q2W [odds ratio (OR), 0.96; 95% credible interval (CrI), 0.45–2.18] and abrocitinib 100 mg QD [OR, 0.95; 95% CrI, 0.35–2.66] in combination therapy RCTs), although active treatments did not significantly differ from one another. Abrocitinib, dupilumab and upadacitinib were consistently the most effective systemic therapies in adult and adolescent patients with AD, with no significant TEAE differences in short‐term RCTs.