bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endorsement of reporting guidelines and study registration by endocrine and internal medicine journals: meta-epidemiological study
Authors: Zuñiga-Hernandez Jorge Alberto , Dorsey-Treviño Edgar Gerardo , González-González Jose Gerardo , Brito Juan P. , Montori Victor M. , Rodriguez-Gutierrez Rene 
Published: September 2019

ObjectivesTo improve the trustworthiness of evidence, studies should be prospectively registered and research reports should adhere to existing standards. We aimed to systematically assess the degree to which endocrinology and internal medicine journals endorse study registration and reporting standards for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews (SRs) and observational studies (ObS). Additionally, we evaluated characteristics that predict endorsement of reporting or registration mechanism by these journals.DesignMeta-epidemiological study.SettingJournals included in the ‘Endocrinology and Metabolism’ and ‘General and Internal Medicine’ 2017 Journal Citation Reports.ParticipantsJournals with an impact factor of ≥1.0, focused on clinical medicine, and those who publish RCTs, SRs and ObS were included.Primary outcomesRequirement of adherence to reporting guideline and study registration as determined from the journals’ author instructions.ResultsOf the 170 (82 endocrinology and 88 internal medicine) eligible journals, endorsing of reporting standards was the highest for RCTs, with 35 (43%) of endocrine journals and 55 (63%) of internal medicine journals followed by SRs, with 21 (26%) and 48 (55%), respectively, and lastly, by ObS with 41 (50%) of endocrine journals and 21 (24%) of internal medicine journals. In 78 (46%) journals RCTs were required to be registered and published in adherence to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement. Only 11 (6%) journals required registration of SRs. Internal medicine journals were more likely to endorse reporting guidelines than endocrine journals except for Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology. No other journal characteristic proved to be an independent predictor of reporting standard endorsement for RCTs besides trial registration.ConclusionOur results highlight that study registration requirement and reporting guideline endorsement are suboptimal in internal medicine and endocrine journals. This malpractice may be further enhanced since endorsement does not imply enforcement, impairing the practice of evidence-based medicine.
Choosing appropriate tools and referral criteria for vision screening of children aged 4–5 years in Canada: a quantitative analysis
Authors: Nishimura Mayu , Wong Agnes , Cohen Ashley , Thorpe Kevin , Maurer Daphne 
Published: September 2019

ObjectivesTo assess the diagnostic accuracy of five vision screening tools used in a school setting using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV).DesignWe compared the results of the five best evidence-based screening tools available in 2014 to the results of a comprehensive eye exam with cycloplegic refraction by a licenced optometrist. Screening included Cambridge Crowded Acuity Cards, Plusoptix S12 and Spot photoscreeners, Preschool Randot Stereoacuity Test and the Pediatric Vision Scanner (PVS). Referral criteria followed AAPOS (2013) guidelines and published norms.SettingA large school in Toronto, Canada, with 25 split classrooms of junior kindergarten (JK: 4 year olds) and senior kindergarten (SK: 5 year olds) children.ParticipantsOver 2 years, 1132 eligible children were enrolled at the school. After obtaining parental consent, 832 children were screened. Subsequently, 709 children had complete screening and optometry exam data.Main outcome measuresThe presence/absence of a visual problem based on optometrist’s assessment: amblyopia, amblyopia risk factors (reduced stereoacuity, strabismus and clinically significant refractive errors) and any other ocular problem (eg, nystagmus).ResultsOverall, 26.5% of the screened children had a visual problem, including 5.9% with amblyopia. Using all five tools, screening sensitivity=84% (95% CI 78 to 89), specificity=49% (95% CI 44 to 53), PPV=37% (95% CI 33 to 42), and NPV=90% (95% CI 86 to 93). The odds of having a correct screening result in SK (mean age=68.2 months) was 1.5 times those in JK (mean age=55.6 months; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.1), with sensitivity improved to 89% (95% CI 80 to 96) and specificity improved to 57% (95% CI 50 to 64) among SK children.ConclusionsA school-based screening programme correctly identified 84% of those kindergarten children who were found to have a visual problem by a cyclopleged optometry exam. Additional analyses revealed how accuracy varies with different combinations of screening tools and referral criteria.
Companion robots for older people: importance of user-centred design demonstrated through observations and focus groups comparing preferences of older people and roboticists in South West England
Authors: Bradwell Hannah Louise , Edwards Katie Jane , Winnington Rhona , Thill Serge , Jones Ray B 
Published: September 2019

ObjectiveCompanion robots, such as Paro, may reduce agitation and depression for older people with dementia. However, contradictory research outcomes suggest robot design is not always optimal. While many researchers suggest user-centred design is important, there is little evidence on the difference this might make. Here, we aimed to assess its importance by comparing companion robot design perceptions between older people (end users) and roboticists (developers).DesignOlder people and roboticists interacted with eight companion robots or alternatives at two separate events in groups of two to four people. Interactions were recorded, participants’ comments and observations were transcribed, and content was analysed. Subsequently, each group participated in focus groups on perceptions of companion robot design. Discussions were recorded and transcribed, and content was analysed.Participants and settingsSeventeen older people (5 male, 12 female, ages 60–99) at a supported living retirement complex, and 18 roboticists (10 male, 8 female, ages 24–37) at a research centre away-day.ResultsWe found significant differences in design preferences between older people and roboticists. Older people desired soft, furry, interactive animals that were familiar and realistic, while unfamiliar forms were perceived as infantilising. By contrast, most roboticists eschewed familiar and realistic designs, thinking unfamiliar forms better suited older people. Older people also expressed desire for features not seen as important by developers. A large difference was seen in attitude towards ability to talk: 12/17 (71%) older people but only 2/18 (11%) roboticists requested speech. Older people responded positively towards life-simulation features, eye contact, robot personalisation and obeying commands, features undervalued by roboticists. These differences were reflected in preferred device, with ‘Joy for All’ cat chosen most often by older people, while roboticists most often chose Paro.ConclusionThe observed misalignment of opinion between end users and developers on desirable design features of companion robots demonstrates the need for user-centred design during development.
Health-related quality of life among patients with hypertension: population-based survey using EQ-5D-5L in Hong Kong SAR, China
Authors: Wong Eliza Lai Yi , Xu Richard Huan , Cheung Annie Wai Ling 
Published: September 2019

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of hypertension and related comorbidities on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using EuroQol 5-dimensions instrument with five-level scale (EQ-5D-5L) Hong Kong (HK) version.DesignData were analysed by a secondary data analysis based on a cross-sectional study assessing experience on public specialist outpatient service.SettingA representative sample was recruited from 26 specialist outpatient clinics in HK.ParticipantsA total of 4528 patients with hypertension aged 18 or above who responded to the survey.InterventionEQ-5D-5L HK was applied to assess the HRQoL. The five-dimension descriptive system and the utility index of EQ-5D-5L were treated as the dependent variable in the current study. Regression modelling was applied to estimate the effect of hypertension and related comorbidities on health-related quality of life.ResultsMore respondents were women (53.9%), aged ≥65 years old (60.1%), and with primary educational attainment or below (52.3%). A total of 1466 respondents (32.4%) also reported suffering from diabetes, heart disease (20.8%), vision problem (1.7%) and cancer (1.5%). In the ordinal least squares model, utility decreased most when patients reported having physical disability associated with hypertension (beta=−0.395, SE=0.047), and 0.128, 0.064, 0.05 and 0.048 for mental problem, cancer, vision problem and heart problem. In the Tobit model, the utility reduced most for comorbidity of physical disability, and then mental problem, cancer, vision problem, heart problem and diabetes. For first part of two-part model, respondents coliving with mental problem were 10% less likely to report a full health. For the second part of two-part model, the respondents with physical disability had 0.294 lower in utility.ConclusionsRespondents with hypertension reported a low EQ-5D utility score. Respondents were women, with a high education, fully employed and living with families reported better HRQoL. There is a significant effect of comorbidity influence on the decreased HRQoL, particularly those with physical disability and mental problem.
Comparing single-best-answer and very-short-answer questions for the assessment of applied medical knowledge in 20 UK medical schools: Cross-sectional study
Authors: Sam Amir H , Westacott Rachel , Gurnell Mark , Wilson Rebecca , Meeran Karim , Brown Celia 
Published: September 2019

ObjectivesThe study aimed to compare candidate performance between traditional best-of-five single-best-answer (SBA) questions and very-short-answer (VSA) questions, in which candidates must generate their own answers of between one and five words. The primary objective was to determine if the mean positive cue rate for SBAs exceeded the null hypothesis guessing rate of 20%.DesignThis was a cross-sectional study undertaken in 2018.Setting20 medical schools in the UK.Participants1417 volunteer medical students preparing for their final undergraduate medicine examinations (total eligible population across all UK medical schools approximately 7500).InterventionsStudents completed a 50-question VSA test, followed immediately by the same test in SBA format, using a novel digital exam delivery platform which also facilitated rapid marking of VSAs.Main outcome measuresThe main outcome measure was the mean positive cue rate across SBAs: the percentage of students getting the SBA format of the question correct after getting the VSA format incorrect. Internal consistency, item discrimination and the pass rate using Cohen standard setting for VSAs and SBAs were also evaluated, and a cost analysis in terms of marking the VSA was performed.ResultsThe study was completed by 1417 students. Mean student scores were 21 percentage points higher for SBAs. The mean positive cue rate was 42.7% (95% CI 36.8% to 48.6%), one-sample t-test against ≤20%: t=7.53, p<0.001. Internal consistency was higher for VSAs than SBAs and the median item discrimination equivalent. The estimated marking cost was £2655 ($3500), with 24.5 hours of clinician time required (1.25 s per student per question).ConclusionsSBA questions can give a false impression of students’ competence. VSAs appear to have greater authenticity and can provide useful information regarding students’ cognitive errors, helping to improve learning as well as assessment. Electronic delivery and marking of VSAs is feasible and cost-effective.
Factors influencing access to kidney transplantation: a research protocol of a qualitative study on stakeholders’ perspectives
Authors: Kloss Katja , Ismail Sohal , Redeker Steef , van Hoogdalem Lothar , Luchtenburg Annemarie , Busschbach Jan J V , van de Wetering Jacqueline 
Published: September 2019

IntroductionUnequal access to kidney transplantation is suggested, but no systematic inventory exists about factors influencing access to kidney transplantation. There is an absence of any research that has combined stakeholder perspectives along the complete trajectory of transplantation. The present qualitative study explores the contributing factors from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders in this trajectory, including patients, health professionals and health insurance and financial representatives in the Netherlands. Moreover, stakeholders will be invited to suggesting strategies and solutions for handling the facilitating and hindering factors found. By means of interaction, stakeholder groups will arrive at a consensus for new policymaking in the field of a Dutch transplantation care.Methods and analysisThe different stakeholders’ perspectives and possible solutions will be explored by interviewing in three phases. In the first phase, stakeholders’ group perspectives will be explored with individual interviews and focus group interviews without confrontation of views from other perspectives. In the second phase of focus group interviewing, perspectives will be confronted with the other stakeholders’ perspectives assessed. Finally, in the third phase, stakeholders will be invited to focus group discussions for suggesting solutions to overcome barriers and promote facilitators for improving access to transplantation. Approximately, groups from six to twelve participants per focus group and four to maximal six focus groups will be held per stakeholder, depending on the level of saturation, as prescribed by grounded theory. The interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, and qualitative data will be analysed according to the principles of grounded theory supported by using NVivo software.Ethics and disseminationThe Medical Ethical Committee of Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, has approved this study. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and major international conferences.
Long-term impact of giving antibiotics before skin incision versus after cord clamping on children born by caesarean section: protocol for a longitudinal study based on UK electronic health records
Authors: Šumilo Dana , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Willis Brian H , Rudge Gavin , Martin James , Gokhale Krishna , Thayakaran Rasiah , Adderley Nicola J , Chandan Joht Singh , Okoth Kelvin , Hewston Ruth , Skrybant Magdalena , Deeks Jonathan J , Brocklehurst Peter 
Published: September 2019

IntroductionIn the UK, about a quarter of women give birth by caesarean section (CS) and are offered prophylactic broad-spectrum antibiotics to reduce the risk of maternal postpartum infection. In 2011, national guidance was changed from recommending antibiotics after the umbilical cord was cut to giving antibiotics prior to skin incision based on evidence that earlier administration reduces maternal infectious morbidity. Although antibiotics cross the placenta, there are no known short-term harms to the baby. This study aims to address the research gap on longer term impact of these antibiotics on child health.Methods and analysisA controlled interrupted time series study will use anonymised mother-baby linked routine electronic health records for children born during 2006–2018 recorded in UK primary care (The Health Improvement Network, THIN and Clinical Practice Research Datalink, CPRD) and secondary care (Hospital Episode Statistics, HES) databases. The primary outcomes of interest are asthma and eczema, two common allergy-related diseases in childhood. In-utero exposure to antibiotics immediately prior to CS will be compared with no exposure when given after cord clamping. The risk of outcomes in children delivered by CS will also be compared with a control cohort delivered vaginally to account for time effects. We will use all available data from THIN, CPRD and HES with estimated power of 80% and 90% to detect relative increase in risk of asthma of 16% and 18%, respectively at the 5% significance level.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from the University of Birmingham Ethical Review Committee with scientific approvals obtained from the independent scientific advisory committees from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for CPRD and the data provider, IQVIA for THIN. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at national and international conferences and disseminated to stakeholders.
Pharmacokinetics of prednisolone in children: an open-label, randomised, two-treatment cross-over trial investigating the bioequivalence of different prednisolone formulations in children with airway disease
Authors: Haslund-Krog Sissel Sundell , Schmidt Maria , Mathot Ron , Kryger Jensen Andreas , Jørgensen Inger Merete , Holst Helle 
Published: September 2019

IntroductionOne in three Danish children under 3 years of age experience asthma-like symptoms, and one-third will later be diagnosed with asthma. Oral prednisolone is used in various formulations to treat acute asthma. However, the potential differences in bioequivalence between these formulations have never been examined in children despite interchangeable use in clinical practice.Methods and analysisAn open-label, randomised, two-treatment cross-over trial investigating the bioequivalence of different prednisolone formulations in children with airway disease.The included patients (6 months–11 years of age) are admitted to the Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine Nordsjællands University Hospital, Hillerød, with asthma or asthma-like symptoms.The primary objective is to assess the bioequivalence between different prednisolone formulations herein area under the concentration time curve, Cmax and Tmax using saliva samples. The secondary objectives are to evaluate tolerability (five-point face scale), adverse events and severity of the disease. If the patient has an intravenous access for other purposes, the saliva samples will be validated with plasma samples.A total of 66 evaluable patients are needed according to European Medicines Agency Guideline on bioequivalence.Ethics and disseminationTraditional pharmacokinetic trials are burdensome due to the extent of blood samples necessary to capture the time-dependant drug profile. Saliva sampling is far more acceptable for paediatric patients. In addition, this trial adheres to standard dosing strategies. No additional venepunctures are performed, and no additional prednisolone doses are administered.Guidelines for paediatric bioequivalence trials are warranted.Trial registration numberThe Danish Medicines Agency EudraCT: 2017-003590-33, The Ethics Committee case no: H-17027252, and the Danish Data Protection Agency: BFH-2017–103, I-Suite no.: 05935.
The relationship of gross upper and lower limb motor competence to measures of health and fitness in adolescents aged 13–14 years
Authors: Weedon Benjamin David , Liu Francesca , Mahmoud Wala , Metz Renske , Beunder Kyle , Delextrat Anne , Morris Martyn G , Esser Patrick , Collett Johnny , Meaney Andy , Howells Ken , Dawes Helen 
Published: September 2019

IntroductionMotor competence (MC) is an important factor in the development of health and fitness in adolescence.AimsThis cross-sectional study aims to explore the distribution of MC across school students aged 13–14 years old and the extent of the relationship of MC to measures of health and fitness across genders.MethodsA total of 718 participants were tested from three different schools in the UK, 311 girls and 407 boys (aged 13–14 years), pairwise deletion for correlation variables reduced this to 555 (245 girls, 310 boys). Assessments consisted of body mass index, aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, and upper limb and lower limb MC. The distribution of MC and the strength of the relationships between MC and health/fitness measures were explored.ResultsGirls performed lower for MC and health/fitness measures compared with boys. Both measures of MC showed a normal distribution and a significant linear relationship of MC to all health and fitness measures for boys, girls and combined genders. A stronger relationship was reported for upper limb MC and aerobic capacity when compared with lower limb MC and aerobic capacity in boys (t=−2.21, degrees of freedom=307, P=0.03, 95% CI −0.253 to –0.011).ConclusionNormally distributed measures of upper and lower limb MC are linearly related to health and fitness measures in adolescents in a UK sample.Trial registration numberNCT02517333.
$$dS_5$$ vacua from matter-coupled 5D $$N=4$$ gauged supergravity
Authors: Dao H. L. , Karndumri Parinya 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
We study $$dS_5$$dS5 vacua within matter-coupled $$N=4$$N=4 gauged supergravity in five dimensions using the embedding tensor formalism. With a simple ansatz for solving the extremization and positivity of the scalar potential, we derive a set of conditions for the gauged supergravity to admit $$dS_5$$dS5 as maximally symmetric background solutions. The results provide a new approach for finding $$dS_5$$dS5 vacua in five-dimensional $$N=4$$N=4 gauged supergravity and explain a number of notable features pointed out in previous works. These conditions also determine the form of the gauge groups to be $$SO(1,1)\times G_{\text {nc}}$$SO(1,1)×Gnc with $$G_{\text {nc}}$$Gnc being a non-abelian non-compact group. In general, $$G_{\text {nc}}$$Gnc can be a product of SO(1, 2) and a smaller non-compact group $${G^{\prime }}_{{\text {nc}}}$$G′nc together with (possibly) a compact group. The SO(1, 1) factor is gauged by one of the six graviphotons, that is singlet under $$SO(5)\sim USp(4)$$SO(5)∼USp(4) R-symmetry. The compact parts of SO(1, 2) and $${G^{\prime }}_{{\text {nc}}}$$G′nc are gauged by vector fields from the gravity and vector multiplets, respectively. In addition, we explicitly study $$dS_5$$dS5 vacua for a number of gauge groups and compute scalar masses at the vacua. As in the four-dimensional $$N=4$$N=4 gauged supergravity, all the $$dS_5$$dS5 vacua identified here are unstable.