bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Data collection methods for patient-reported outcome measures in cancer randomised controlled trials: a protocol for a rapid scoping review
Authors: Lehmann Jens , Krepper Daniela , Pe Madeline , Kuliś Dagmara , Giesinger Johannes M , Sztankay Monika , Kern Scottie , Fitzsimmons Deborah , Holzner Bernhard 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThere are different modes and ways to assess patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in clinical trials. However, there is little systematic information on how often different modes of assessment (MOA) are used in cancer clinical trials and how exactly assessments are conducted. The goal of this scoping review is to gain an understanding of the MOA and data management of PROs in cancer randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and the reporting quality thereof.Methods and analysisThis scoping review protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Relevant trials will be identified via their indexed publications. We will search PubMed for RCTs conducted in cancer populations that evaluate a biomedical treatment with a PRO endpoint. Trials with publications published between January 2019 and November 2023 will be included. Two independent reviewers will review the references for both the abstract and full-text screening. We will extract data from the publications from a trial and the trial protocol if a protocol can be traced. Data will be summarised at the trial level. We will focus on a descriptive analysis of the MOA of PROs and on the relative frequencies of the different MOA. We will also evaluate the quality of reporting for the relevant SPIRIT and CONSORT guidelines that refer to the assessment of PROs in trials. Due to the scoping nature of our review, we will not perform a dedicated quality assessment of all trials.Ethics and disseminationThe proposed review is based on secondary, published data. Hence, no ethics review is necessary. The review is part of an ongoing project on the use of electronic data capture methods in cancer clinical trials. The findings from the review will support the project and contribute to synthesising guidance to ultimately improve the (electronic) measurement of patient-reported outcome measures in clinical trials.
Regional wall motion abnormalities on focused transthoracic echocardiography in patients presenting with acute chest pain: a predefined post hoc analysis of the prospective single-centre observational EPIC-ACS study
Authors: Roggel Anja , Jehn Stefanie , Dykun Iryna , Balcer Bastian , Al-Rashid Fadi , Totzeck Matthias , Risse Joachim , Kill Clemens , Rassaf Tienush , Mahabadi Amir 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesWe evaluated the ability of the assessment of regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) detected via transthoracic echocardiography to predict the presence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients presenting with acute chest pain to the emergency department.DesignProspective single-centre observational study.SettingTertiary care university hospital emergency unit.ParticipantsPatients presenting to the emergency department with acute chest pain suggestive of obstructive CAD.Primary outcome measureThe primary endpoint was defined as the presence of obstructive CAD, requiring revascularisation therapy.ResultsOverall, 657 patients (age 58.1±18.0 years, 53% men) were included in our study. RWMA were detected in 76 patients (11.6%). RWMA were significantly more frequent in patients reaching the primary endpoint (26.2% vs 7.6%, p<0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, the presence of RWMA was associated with threefold increased odds of the presence of obstructive CAD (3.41 (95% CI 1.99 to 5.86), p<0.001). Adding RWMA to a multivariable model of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score, cardiac biomarkers and traditional risk factors significantly improved the area under the curve for prediction of obstructive CAD (95% CI 0.777 to 0.804, p=0.0092).ConclusionRWMA strongly and independently predicts the presence of obstructive CAD in patients presenting with acute chest pain to the emergency department.Trial registrationThe study has been registered online (NCT03787797).
Spatiotemporal patterns and socioeconomic determinants of pulmonary tuberculosis in Dongguan city, China, during 2011–2020: an ecological study
Authors: Zhang Jingfeng , Zhong Minghao , Huang Jiayin , Deng Wenjun , Li Pingyuan , Yao ZhenJiang , Ye Xiaohua , Zhong Xinguang 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivePulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a critical challenge worldwide, particularly in China. This study aimed to explore the spatiotemporal transmission patterns and socioeconomic factors of PTB in Dongguan city, China.Methods/designAn ecological study based on the reported new PTB cases between 2011 and 2020 was conducted in Dongguan city, China. The spatiotemporal analysis methods were used to explore the long-term trend, spatiotemporal transmission pattern and socioeconomic factors of PTB.Main outcome measuresThe number of new PTB cases.ParticipantsWe collected 35 756 new PTB cases, including 23 572 males and 12 184 females.ResultsThe seasonal–trend decomposition indicated a significant downward trend for PTB with a significant peak in 2017 and 2018, and local spatial autocorrelation showed more and more high–high clusters in the central and north-central towns with high incidence. The multivariate spatial time series analysis revealed that the endemic component had a leading role in driving PTB transmission, with a high total effect value being 189.40 (95% CI: 171.65–207.15). A Bayesian spatiotemporal model revealed that PTB incidence is positively associated with the agricultural population ratio (relative risk (RR) =1.074), gender ratio (RR=1.104) and the number of beds in medical institutions (RR=1.028).ConclusionsThese findings revealed potential spatiotemporal variability and spatial aggregation of PTB, so targeted preventive strategies should be made in different towns based on spatiotemporal transmission patterns and risk factors.
Assessing the effect of anthocyanins through diet and supplementation on cognitive function in older adults at risk for dementia: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: do Rosario Vinicius , Lorzadeh Elnaz , Brodaty Henry , Anstey Kaarin J , Chan Karina , Roodenrys Steven , Kent Katherine , Bliokas Vida , Phillipson Lyn , Weston-Green Katrina , Francois Monique E , Jiang Xiaotao , George Jenson , Potter Jan , Batterham Marijka J , Charlton Karen 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionPromising evidence is emerging for the procognitive, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of dietary flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins that provide red, purple and blue plant pigments.Methods and analysisThe ‘Food for Thought’ study is a multicentre, 6-month randomised, parallel 3-arm clinical trial. Its primary aim is to investigate whether anthocyanin consumption, either through diet or supplementation, can prevent memory loss progression and improve inflammatory and cardiovascular health in older adults at risk for dementia. Eligible participants will include those aged 60–85 years with a diagnosis of amnestic mild cognitive impairment or with a self-referral of memory concerns and scoring ≤13 on the Memory Index Score within the Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment screening test. Participants will be randomised to one of three arms: High anthocyanin (‘purple foods’) diet (aiming for a target of 250 mg anthocyanins/day); freeze-dried product derived from blackcurrants (250 mg anthocyanins/day); or control (coloured maltose powder). The primary outcome is auditory anterograde memory functioning assessed by the Buschke and Grober Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test-Immediate Recall. Secondary outcomes are additional cognitive functions including processing speed, working memory, aspects of executive functioning (attentional shifting and word generativity) and premorbid estimate as well as subjective memory problems and self-reported depression symptoms. Additional secondary outcomes are blood pressure, inflammatory biomarkers, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, fatty acid profile, apolipoprotein E and polyphenol metabolites, gut microbiota composition and function and vascular and microvascular endothelial function tests. Repeated measures analysis of variance and/or mixed linear modelling will evaluate changes over time, with the inclusion of covariates.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been obtained from the Greater Western Human Research Ethics Committee (2021/ETH12083). A Consumer Advisory Group was established to guide and review the protocol and dissemination strategy. The results of this trial are intended to be published in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial sponsorNational Health and Medical Research Centre Dementia Collaborative Research Centre.Start date of clinical trial: 02 September 2022.Expected end date: 11 October 2024.Trial registration numberACTRN12622000065796.
Protocol for the LIFEH project: a prospective observational study to explore lifestyle among people living with HIV experiencing weight gain, looking beyond antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Zanini Barbara , Salvi Martina , Marconi Silvia , Tiecco Giorgio , Gilberti Giulia , Castellano Maurizio , Quiros-Roldan Eugenia , Collaboration Group LIFEH 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionWeight gain, together with the onset of overweight and obesity, is a relevant emerging health issue among people living with HIV (PLWH). A large body of literature recognises this issue as a part of the secondary effects of some antiretroviral therapy (ART), but little is known about the role of lifestyle. In order to assess the role of modifiable aspects of lifestyle in addition to ART on the onset of overweight and obesity, we designed a prospective observational study among PLWH.Methods and analysisThis is a prospective observational study among PLWH aged 18–65 years attending the Clinic of Infectious Diseases of Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy, and on ART for at least 24 months. According to the sample size computation, 175 PLWH will be enrolled. PLWH willing to participate in the study are invited to a scheduled clinical visit to collect anthropometric measures, dietary habits and physical activity levels. During the visit, standardised and validated questionnaires are administered regarding emotional distress, food insecurity, use of food supplements, sleep quality, smoking habit and alcohol consumption/risk of addiction. After the interviews, bioimpedance analysis is performed and blood pressure and heart rate are assessed. After 12 months from baseline, each participant will be asked to participate in a further visit, with the same assessments as at baseline. The primary objective of the study is to assess the role of the modifiable factors of lifestyle in the onset of overweight and/or obesity among on-treatment PLWH experiencing weight gain, focusing on diet and physical activity.Ethics and disseminationThe study research protocol and informed consent procedures were approved by Ethics Committee of Brescia Province (Italy) on 23 May 2023 (NP5892). Informed consent will be obtained from participants. Results will be submitted for publication in international peer-reviewed journals and summaries will be provided annually to the funders.
Prehospital emergency nurses’ experiences of caring for patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction: an interview study
Authors: Bjöhle Sebastian , Vicente Veronica , Eriksson Caroline , Bohm Katarina , Dodd Maja , R. Wahlin Rebecka , Lederman Jakob 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveDespite the prevalence of emergency medical service assignments related to chest discomfort, limited research delves into nurses’ experiences of caring for such patients. This study aimed to illuminate prehospital emergency nurses’ (PENs’) experiences of caring for patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI).DesignA qualitative interview study.SettingTwo Swedish emergency medical service organisations in two different regions.ParticipantsConsecutive inclusion of 12 PENs.Data analysisAn inductive content analysis according to Elo and Kyngäs.ResultsThe results underline the active role of PENs in providing care for patients with AMI in the emergency medical service. They emphasise the ability to identify classic symptoms and the need for an open-minded approach to diffuse presentations. Ensuring patient security, projecting knowledge and composure are decisive for instilling a sense of safety. Healthcare providers feel profound responsibility and a fear of errors, especially in critical situations with potential patient deterioration. Prioritisation in time-sensitive cases leans towards medical interventions and immediate transportation. Continuing education is essential to enhance patient management and safety. Effective communication and trust are vital for urgent patient care, and prompt activation of the ST-elevation myocardial infarction pathway is recognised as imperative. Malfunctions result in frustration, underlining the importance of pathway functionality.ConclusionsPENs have immense responsibility for the swift and knowledgeable management of patients with suspected AMI. Balancing patient involvement and urgent medical measures is challenging, emphasising the critical role of mental preparedness and comprehensive education. The study underlines the significance of effective communication and trust between healthcare providers, particularly in time-sensitive scenarios. Establishing feedback mechanisms for prehospital staff is important for advancing prehospital emergency care in this patient category.
Multilevel analysis of individual and community factors of awareness of obstetric fistula among women of childbearing age in Nepal: analysis of recent Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2022 data
Authors: Fente Bezawit Melak , Abrham Asnake Angwach , Negussie Yohannes Mekuria , Asmare Zufan Alamrie , Asebe Hiwot Altaye , Seifu Beminate Lemma , Melkam Mamaru 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundAccording to the WHO, obstetric fistula (OBF) is an abnormal connection between the genital tract and the urinary tract that occurs as the result of obstetric trauma, typically from prolonged obstructed labour. In 2018, globally, 50 000 and 100 000 cases of OBF are reported each year. The core of activities focused on reducing fistulas depends on a review of the disorder’s knowledge and the features of women at risk of having a lack of understanding. The effect of community-level factors on awareness of OBF was not yet known in Nepal. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the community-level and individual-level factors of awareness of OBF among childbearing-aged women in Nepal.MethodsThe 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey data were used for this study. It included 14 845 childbearing-aged women. Because of the clustering effects of Demographic and Health Survey data and the binary nature of the outcome variable, a multilevel binary logistic regression model was applied. An adjusted OR (AOR) with a 95% CI was reported to declare the statistical significance. In addition, the model that had the lowest deviance was the one that best fit the data.ResultsThe overall prevalence of awareness of OBF among childbearing women in Nepal was 35.9% (95% CI 35.1%, 36.7%). Educational status (women who attended secondary education (AOR=1.65; 95% CI 1.41, 3.03) and higher education (AOR=4.29; 95% CI 1.14, 36.70)), currently working status (AOR=1.85; 95% CI 1.04, 3.30), birth history (AOR=2.23; 95% CI 1.48, 4.10), media exposure (AOR=1.54; 95% CI 1.07, 3.09) and women’s age from 30 to 39 (AOR=3.38; 95% CI 1.35, 8.93) and 40 to 49 years old (AOR=4.68; 95% CI 1.60, 13.67) at the individual level, as well as urban residence (AOR=1.53; 95% CI 1.99, 2.87) and high community-level media exposure (AOR=2.05; 95% CI 1.67, 2.64) at the community level were statistically significant factors with awareness of OBF.ConclusionOur study revealed that awareness of OBF among childbearing-aged women in Nepal was low (35.9%). The findings of this study will assist policymakers and public health programmers in understanding the magnitude of OBF awareness and the contributory factors. In addition, it will be useful to increasing awareness of OBF in the communities and promoting primary prevention approaches through education and motivation efforts.
MRI-derived abdominal adipose tissue is associated with multisite and widespread chronic pain
Authors: Kifle Zemene Demelash , Tian Jing , Aitken Dawn , Melton Phillip E , Cicuttini Flavia , Jones Graeme , Pan Feng 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionMusculoskeletal pain typically occurs in multiple sites; however, no study has examined whether excessive visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue are associated with musculoskeletal pain. This study therefore aimed to describe the associations between MRI-derived abdominal adipose tissue and multisite and widespread chronic musculoskeletal pain.MethodsData from the UK Biobank, a large prospective, population-based cohort study, were used. Abdominal MRI scans were performed at two imaging visits to quantify visceral adipose tissue and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Pain in the neck/shoulder, back, hip, knee or ‘all over the body’ was assessed at the corresponding visits. Mixed-effects ordinal/multinomial/logistic regression models were used for the analyses.ResultsA total of 32 409 participants were included (50.8% women, mean age 55.0±7.4 years). In multivariable analyses, there was a dose–response association of visceral adipose tissue, subcutaneous adipose tissue and their ratio with the number of chronic pain sites in both women (visceral adipose tissue: OR 2.04 per SD (95% CI 1.85 to 2.26); subcutaneous adipose tissue: OR 1.60 (95% CI 1.50 to 1.70); and their ratio: OR 1.60 (95% CI 1.37 to 1.87)) and men (visceral adipose tissue: OR 1.34 (95% CI 1.26 to 1.42); subcutaneous adipose tissue: OR 1.39 (95% CI 1.29 to 1.49); and their ratio: OR 1.13 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.20)). Higher levels of adipose tissue were also associated with greater odds of reporting chronic pain in both sexes. The effect estimates of these adipose measures were relatively larger in women than in men.ConclusionAbdominal adipose tissue was associated with chronic musculoskeletal pain, suggesting that excessive and ectopic fat depositions may be involved in the pathogenesis of multisite and widespread chronic musculoskeletal pain. The identified stronger effects in women than men may reflect sex differences in fat distribution and hormones.
Building Community: Community Engagement Models for Violence Prevention
Authors: Williams Ashley , Evans Charity , Nehra Deepika , Stadeli Kathryn M , Bulger Eileen M , Dicker Rochelle 
Published: September 2024

SummaryIn 2023, the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) hosted a panel discussion highlighting existing community engagement models for violence prevention and emphasizing the unique position of trauma surgeons to work with community stakeholders to develop these models. Four distinct programs were discussed.
Nutrient digestibility and availability of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor), poultry by-product meal, and poultry viscera in female mink (Neogale vison) diets: insights on the nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor
Authors: Fong Kiran , Collins Stephanie A. 
Published: September 2024

This study measured the digestibility of crude protein, crude fat, and dry matter in three protein sources: poultry by-product meal (PBPM), poultry viscera, and crushed mealworms using diatomaceous earth as an indicator. A control diet was made, and test diets were mixed in a 70:30 control diet:test ingredient ratio. Forty-four female mink housed in individual cages were fed experimental diets for 5 days, and fecal samples were collected and analyzed for nutrient residues compared to the diet composition to determine digestible nutrient levels. Mealworms had a greater dry matter digestibility ( P < 0.01; 96.26%) than poultry viscera (77.29%) and PBPM (86.76%). PBPM had a lower fat digestibility ( P < 0.01; 84.64%) than mealworms (94.78%) and poultry viscera (98.15%). There was no significant difference among treatments for protein digestibility. Using a standard nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor of 6.25, the crude protein content of the mealworms was 51.74%, although with an apparent digestibility coefficient of 0.77, this ingredient had an available crude protein composition of 39.70 ± 2.95. A nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor of 4.80 would be more accurate than 6.25 when using mealworms as a feed ingredient for monogastric animals.
Cluster radioactivity of heavy elements within an improved Coulomb and Proximity potential model
Authors: Jithya K. K. , Prathapan K. 
Published: September 2024

The Coulomb and Proximity potential Model (CPPM) is improved by introducing an accurate empirical expression for the nuclear surface diffuseness parameter in the expression for the proximity potential. Within the improved CPPM, the decay half-lives of experimentally detected cluster emissions from heavy elements are calculated. The results of the calculations using the Universal Decay Law (UDL) [Qi et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 103 (2009) 072501], the improved empirical formula of Sahu et al. (ImSahuB) [Wang et al., Chin. Phys. C 45 (2021) 044111], and the empirical formula of Horoi [J. Phys. G. Nucl. Part. Phys. 30 (2004) 945] are compared with the predictions of the improved CPPM. The lowest standard deviation is obtained for the predictions using the improved CPPM. The model’s predictive power increases significantly when the proximity potential is modified by including the diffuseness parameter. Furthermore, improved CPPM is employed to calculate the decay half-lives of undiscovered cluster emissions from heavy elements, a valuable information for upcoming experimental investigations. The calculated values are compared with the predictions of the UDL, Horoi formula and the improved empirical formula of Sahu et al. (ImSahuB). There is a high degree of agreement between the improved CPPM, UDL, and Horoi formula predictions. The ImSahuB formula predict decay half-life one or two order magnitudes lower than the predictions of the other models.
Optimization of Post-Annealing Temperature of RF Magnetron-Sputtered ZnO Thin Films for Enhancing Performances of UV Photodetectors
Authors: Wei Xueyuan , Liu Yao , Wei Lesi 
Published: September 2024

In this study, we examined the surface morphology and crystal structure of RF-sputtered ZnO thin films that were annealed at various temperatures. Also, we fabricated UV photodetectors with an Au-ZnO-ITO sandwich structure, utilizing the thin films annealed at 600 °C. The surface roughness of the film initially increases and then decreases as the annealing temperature rises, and the crystalline quality improves with an increase in the annealing temperature. Due to the Schottky heterojunction formed by the Au-semi contact, the fabricated UV photodetector exhibits a responsivity of 7.91 mA W−1 under 405 nm UV light. And the device demonstrates high response stability and rapid response sensitivity, with a swift rise time of 80 ms at a light intensity of 2.56 mW cm−2.