bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of factors related to the development of ocular biometric parameters in Chinese children aged 6–10 years: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hu Ting , Wu Rong , Wang Weisuo , Li Hua , Peng Xiaoyan 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesEmmetropia depends on the precise coordination of ocular biometry, including axial length (AL), corneal curvature, lens thickness and anterior chamber depth (ACD). Disruption of this coordination leads to refractive errors such as myopia. This article aimed to determine the factors affecting ocular biometry and myopia development in young children.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingThis study was conducted in a primary school in the Yanqing district of Beijing, China.Participants792 students in grades 1–3 without hyperopia (>+2.00 D), strabismus, or amblyopia were selected. Exclusions: students had conditions affecting best corrected visual acuity and whose guardians refused to provide informed consent. Ocular biometric measurements and non-cycloplegia autorefraction were performed. The questionnaire addressed factors such as perinatal factors and environmental factors.InterventionsNone.Primary and secondary outcomesOcular biometry and myopia.ResultsAccording to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, electronic screen use >2 hours/day (OR=2.175, p=0.013), paternal myopia (OR=1.761, p=0.002), maternal myopia (OR=1.718, p=0.005), taller height (OR=1.071, p<0.001), maternal education (OR=0.631, p=0.012) and maternal gestational hypertension (OR=0.330, p=0.042) were associated with myopia. AL was affected by female sex (OR=0.295, p<0.001), older age (OR=1.272, p=0.002) and taller height (OR=1.045, p<0.001). Female sex (OR=0.509, p<0.001), taller height (OR=1.046, p<0.001), use of electronic screens >2 hours each day (OR=3.596, p<0.001) and time spent outdoors >2 hours each day (OR=0.431, p=0.001) influenced ACD incidence. Central corneal thickness (CCT) was associated with older age (OR=1.113, p=0.008), paternal education (OR=1.474, p=0.007), premature birth (OR=0.494, p=0.031), history of blue light therapy in infancy (OR=0.636, p=0.041) and history of incubator therapy in infancy (OR=0.263, p=0.009). Only sex influenced corneal curvature.ConclusionsThe factors associated with myopia were partly related to ACD and AL, and perinatal factors were associated with myopia and CCT.Trial registration numberChiCTR2200065398.
Perception and views about individualising antibiotic duration for respiratory tract infections when patients feel better: a qualitative study with primary care professionals
Authors: Moragas Ana , Uguet Paula , Cots Josep M , Boada Albert , Bjerrum Lars , Llor Carl 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundEvidence shows a high rate of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in primary care. There is increasing evidence showing that shorter courses for RTIs are safe and help in reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Stopping antibiotics earlier, as soon as patients feel better, rather than completing antibiotic courses, may help reduce unnecessary exposure to antibiotics and AMR.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and views of primary care healthcare professionals about customising antibiotic duration for RTIs by asking patients to stop the antibiotic course when they feel better.DesignQualitative research.Setting and participantsA total of 21 qualitative interviews with primary care professionals (experts and non-experts in AMR) were conducted from June to September 2023. Data were audiorecorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.ResultsOverall, experts seemed more amenable to tailoring the antibiotic duration for RTIs when patients feel better. They also found the dogma of ‘completing the course’ to be obsolete, as evidence is changing and reducing the duration might lead to less AMR, but claimed that evidence that this strategy is as beneficial and safe as fixed courses was unambiguous. Non-experts, however, believed the dogma of completing the course. Clinicians expressed mixed views on what feeling better might mean, supporting a shared decision-making approach when appropriate. Participants claimed good communication to professionals and patients, but were sceptical about the risk of medicalisation when asking patients to contact clinicians again for a check-up visit.ConclusionsClinicians reported positive and negative views about individualising antibiotic courses for RTIs, but, in general, experts supported a customised antibiotic duration as soon as patients feel better. The information provided by this qualitative study will allow improving the performance of a large randomised clinical trial aimed at evaluating if this strategy is safe and beneficial.
Implementation of rapid genomic sequencing in safety-net neonatal intensive care units: protocol for the VIrtual GenOme CenteR (VIGOR) proof-of-concept study
Authors: D'Gama Alissa M , Hills Sonia , Douglas Jessica , Young Vanessa , Genetti Casie A , Wojcik Monica H , Feldman Henry A , Yu Timothy W , G Parker Margaret , Agrawal Pankaj B 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionRapid genomic sequencing (rGS) in critically ill infants with suspected genetic disorders has high diagnostic and clinical utility. However, rGS has primarily been available at large referral centres with the resources and expertise to offer state-of-the-art genomic care. Critically ill infants from racial and ethnic minority and/or low-income populations disproportionately receive care in safety-net and/or community settings lacking access to state-of-the-art genomic care, contributing to unacceptable health equity gaps. VIrtual GenOme CenteR is a ‘proof-of-concept’ implementation science study of an innovative delivery model for genomic care in safety-net neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).Methods and analysisWe developed a virtual genome centre at a referral centre to remotely support safety-net NICU sites predominantly serving racial and ethnic minority and/or low-income populations and have limited to no access to rGS. Neonatal providers at each site receive basic education about genomic medicine from the study team and identify eligible infants. The study team enrols eligible infants (goal n of 250) and their parents and follows families for 12 months. Enrolled infants receive rGS, the study team creates clinical interpretive reports to guide neonatal providers on interpreting results, and neonatal providers return results to families. Data is collected via (1) medical record abstraction, (2) surveys, interviews and focus groups with neonatal providers and (3) surveys and interviews with families. We aim to examine comprehensive implementation outcomes based on the Proctor Implementation Framework using a mixed methods approach.Ethics and disseminationThis study is approved by the institutional review board of Boston Children’s Hospital (IRB-P00040496) and participating sites. Participating families are required to provide electronic written informed consent and neonatal provider consent is implied through the completion of surveys. The results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and data will be made accessible per National Institutes of Health (NIH) policies.Trial registration numberNCT05205356/clinicaltrials.gov.
A scoping review of Indigenous community-specific physical activity measures developed with and for Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand
Authors: Johnson Shara R. , Chilibeck Phil , Oosman Sarah N. , Foulds Heather J.A. 
Published: February 2024

Historical factors including colonization and ongoing socioeconomic inequities impact Indigenous Peoples’ ability to mitigate chronic disease risks such as achieving recommended physical activity (PA) levels. Reliably assessing, reflecting, and promoting PA participation among Indigenous Peoples may be impacted by a lack of culturally appropriate assessment methods and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities throughout the research process. The objectives of this scoping review were to examine: (1) How PA research with Indigenous Peoples used community-specific PA measures developed with and/or for Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand; and (2) How the studies utilized community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles to engage communities. A systematic search was conducted in four electronic databases (Web of Science, Medline, University of Saskatchewan Indigenous Portal, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global). Thirty-one ( n = 31) articles were identified and data extracted for narrative synthesis. Studies using community-specific PA measures have been increasing over time. Adapting questionnaires to traditional Indigenous activities such as cultural dances, ceremonies, and food-gathering activities were the most frequent adjustments undertaken to use community-specific measures. There are, however, gaps in research partnering with communities with only 6% of studies including all eight CBPR principles. Practical ways researchers can engage Indigenous communities and build capacity such as training and employing community members were highlighted. More needs to be done to facilitate community self-determination and develop long-term sustainable initiatives. Using culturally appropriate and relevant methodologies including partnering with Indigenous communities may help identification and implementation of culturally relevant and sustainable health-promoting initiatives.
Effect of feeding calcium gluconate embedded in a hydrogenated fat matrix on performance, gastrointestinal fermentation, ruminal morphology, carcass merit, and meat quality for finishing beef heifers
Authors: Watanabe Daniel H.M. , Doelman John , Seymour Dave J. , Sanz-Fernandez M. Victoria , López-Campos Óscar , Prieto Nuria , Górka Pawel , Penner Gregory B. 
Published: February 2024

Twenty-one beef heifers were used in a randomized complete block design lasting 206 ± 8 day (mean ± SD) to evaluate dry matter intake (DMI), growth, and gastrointestinal tract and carcass characteristics with increasing dose of dietary hydrogenated fat-embedded calcium gluconate (HFCG). Dietary treatments included HFCG included at: 0.0% (CON), 0.09% (CG09), or 0.18% (CG18) DM. Heifers were fed individually and fecal samples were collected on d 171 and 192. Gastrointestinal tissue, digesta, carcass merit, and meat quality and sensory characteristics were assessed after slaughter. Data were analyzed to determine the linear and quadratic effects of HFCG dose. DMI, average daily gain (ADG), and G:F were not affected ( P ≥ 0.08) by dose of HFCG. Gastrointestinal fermentation was minimally affected, while quadratic responses ( P = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively) were observed for jejunal digesta pH and the molar proportion of isovalerate in colonic digesta where both increased and then decreased as HFCG dose increased. Carcass ( P ≥ 0.30), meat quality ( P ≥ 0.06), and sensory characteristics ( P ≥ 0.21) were not affected by dose of HFCG. We conclude that feeding HFCG to finishing beef heifers did not affect DMI, growth, gastrointestinal fermentation parameters, or carcass merit, meat quality, and palatability.
Entanglement island versus massless gravity
Authors: Miao Rong-Xin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEntanglement islands play an essential role in the recent breakthrough in addressing the black hole information paradox. Inspired by double holography, it is conjectured that the entanglement islands can exist only in massive gravity. There are many pieces of evidence but also debates for this conjecture. This paper recovers the massless entanglement island in wedge holography with negative DGP gravity on the brane. However, the spectrum of negative DGP gravity includes a massive ghost, implying the model is unstable. Our work supports the view that there is no entanglement island in a well-defined braneworld model of massless gravity if one divides the radiation and black hole regions by minimizing entanglement entropy. However, such a partition results in a zero radiation region containing no information. Whether there are other physical non-trivial partitions of the radiation region is an open question and deserves further study.
The Hubble tension from the standpoint of quantum cosmology
Authors: Kuzmichev V. E. , Kuzmichev V. V. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe Hubble tension is analyzed in the framework of quantum cosmological approach. It is found that there arises a new summand in the expression for the total energy density stipulated by the quantum Bohm potential. This additional energy density acts similarly to a stiff matter component, modifying the expansion history of the early universe and decaying with scale factor a as $$a^{-6}$$

a

-
6

, faster than radiation, in late universe. Taking account of this matter-energy component of quantum nature can, in principle, eliminate a discrepancy between the direct late time model-independent measurements of the Hubble constant and its indirect model dependent estimates. The considered model allows one to extend the standard cosmology to quantum sector.
Fecal Immunochemical Test Screening: Maximizing Success by Minimizing Failure
Authors: Anderson Joseph C. , Robertson Douglas J. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Implementing fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) through clinic based opportunistic screening or programmatic mailing is not as straightforward as it seems. Liu and colleagues present data for 56,980 individuals who submitted a FIT in a safety net hospital system. In 10.2% (N = 5,819), the test was deemed unsatisfactory. These data demonstrate that there is significant room for improvement in clinical practice regarding colorectal cancer screening with FIT. The high rate of 10% for unsatisfactory FIT tests is higher than the 5% benchmark suggested by the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on colorectal cancer screening. To maximize FIT success, there needs to be a preoccupation with failure at the system level that results in reducing the number of FIT tests that are rejected. Completing a stool test independently at home is not easy. The medical system needs to help and support individuals in completing the test every step of the way. Suggestions include patient related tips such as labelling and mailing the tests. There are also suggestions for the ordering clinician including administrative tracking to notify clinicians when a FIT has not been performed or is rejected. Papers like this get us focused exactly where we need to be to improve FIT-based screening.
See related article by Liu et al., p. 215
Cardiac Pulsed Field Ablation Lesion Durability Assessed by Polarization-Sensitive Optical Coherence Reflectometry
Authors: Terricabras Maria , Martins Raphael P. , Peinado Rafael , Derejko Paweł , Mont Lluís , Ernst Sabine , Herranz David , Bailleul Christophe , Verma Atul 
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:
Pulsed field ablation uses electrical fields to cause nonthermal cell death over several hours. Polarization-sensitive optical coherence reflectometry is an optical imaging technique that can detect changes in the tissue ultrastructure in real time, which occurs when muscular tissue is damaged. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of a polarization-sensitive optical coherence reflectometry system to predict the development of chronic lesions based on acute changes in tissue birefringence during pulsed field ablation.

METHODS:
Superior vena cava isolation was performed in 30 swine using a biphasic, bipolar pulsed field ablation system delivered with a nonirrigated focal tip catheter. Acute changes in tissue birefringence and voltage abatement were analyzed for each individual lesion. A high-resolution electroanatomical map was performed at baseline and 4 to 12 weeks after ablation to locate electrical gaps in the ablated area.

RESULTS:

A total of 141 lesions were delivered and included in the analysis. Acute electrical isolation based on the electroanatomical map was achieved in 96% of the animals, but chronic isolation was only seen in 14 animals (46%). The mean voltage abatement of lesions that showed recovery was 82.8%±14.6% versus 84.4%±17.4% for those that showed fibrosis (
P
=0.7). The mean acute reduction in tissue birefringence in points demonstrating fibrosis was 63.8%±11.3% versus 9.1%±0.1% in the points that resulted in electrical gaps. A threshold of acute reduction of birefringence of ≥20% could predict chronic lesion formation with a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 83%.

CONCLUSIONS:
Acute tissue birefringence changes assessed with polarization-sensitive optical coherence reflectometry during pulsed field ablation can predict chronic lesion formation and guide the ablation procedure although limited by the tissue thickness.
Impact of Embedding a Venous Thromboembolism Risk Assessment Model in the Electronic Health Record Versus Usual Care: A Cluster-Randomized Trial
Authors: Rothberg Michael B. , Hamilton Aaron C. , Hu Bo , Sheehan Megan , Fox Jacqueline , Milinovich Alex , Lisheba Oleg , Goto Toyomi , Speaker Sidra L. , Pappas Matthew A. 
Published: February 2024

Background:
There are multiple risk assessment models (RAMs) for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, but it is unknown whether they increase appropriate prophylaxis.

Methods:
To determine the impact of a RAM embedded in the electronic health record, we conducted a stepped-wedge hospital-level cluster-randomized trial conducted from October 1, 2017 to February 28, 2019 at 10 Cleveland Clinic hospitals. We included consecutive general medical patients aged 18 years or older. Patients were excluded if they had a contraindication to prophylaxis, including anticoagulation for another condition, acute bleeding, or comfort-only care. A RAM was embedded in the general admission order set and physicians were encouraged to use it. The decisions to use the RAM and act on the results were reserved to the treating physician. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients receiving appropriate prophylaxis (high-risk patients with pharmacological thromboprophylaxis plus low-risk patients without prophylaxis) within 48 hours of hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included total patients receiving prophylaxis, venous thromboembolism among high-risk patients at 14 and 45 days, major bleeding, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and length of stay. Mixed-effects models were used to analyze the study outcomes.

Results:
A total of 26 506 patients (mean age, 61; 52% female; 73% White) were analyzed, including 11 134 before and 15 406 after implementation of the RAM. After implementation, the RAM was used for 24% of patients, and the percentage of patients receiving appropriate prophylaxis increased from 43.1% to 48.8% (adjusted odds ratio, 1.11 [1.00–1.23]), while overall prophylaxis use decreased from 73.5% to 65.2% (adjusted odds ratio, 0.87 [0.78–0.97]). Rates of venous thromboembolism among high-risk patients (adjusted odds ratio, 0.72 [0.38–1.36]), rates of bleeding and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (adjusted odds ratio, 0.19 [0.02–1.47]), and length of stay were unchanged.

Conclusions:
Implementation of a RAM for venous thromboembolism increased appropriate prophylaxis use, but the RAM was used for a minority of patients.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03243708?term=nct03243708&rank=1
; Unique identifier: NCT03243708.
Carotid Artery Stenting for Heavily Calcified Lesions Using a Scoring Balloon: A Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Takenobu Yohei , Nomura Noriko , Sugita Yoshito , Okada Akihiro , Kawauchi Takeshi , Yang Tao , Hashimoto Kenji 
Published: February 2024

Objective
Carotid artery stenting for heavily calcified lesions is challenging for interventionists. A calcium burden is associated with suboptimal dilatation, periprocedural complications, high rates of restenosis, and poor outcomes. We describe the first report of 2 cases of successful carotid artery stenting for heavily calcified lesions using a scoring balloon.

Case Presentation
The patients were both aged 75 years, 1 male and 1 female, who had experienced ipsilateral stroke prior to the procedures. They had dense calcifications at the lesions, stenosis rates of 95% (near occlusion) and 86% according to the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial criteria, and calcification arcs of 270° and 360°, respectively. Considering the heavy calcification, predilation with scoring balloons (NSE PTA balloon; Nipro, Osaka, Japan) at the rated burst pressure was performed in both cases. Sufficient dilatation was achieved, followed by carotid stent deployment (Precise Pro RX; Cordis, Miami Lakes, FL, USA). After postdilatation, the stenosis rates decreased to 21% and 23%, respectively. Although 1 patient experienced prolonged bradycardia and hypotension, they were well managed with anticholinergic and vasoconstrictive agents. Both patients remained asymptomatic.

Conclusion
Carotid artery stenting using a scoring balloon obtained acceptable improvements in severe stenosis with heavily calcified lesions. This method could be a useful option for the revascularization of heavily calcified lesions.
Distinct neocortical mechanisms underlie human SI responses to median nerve and laser-evoked peripheral activation
Authors: Thorpe Ryan V. , Black Christopher J. , Borton David A. , Hu Li , Saab Carl Y. , Jones Stephanie R. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Magneto- and/or electro-encephalography (M/EEG) are non-invasive clinically relevant tools that have long been used to measure electromagnetic fields in the somatosensory cortex evoked by innocuous and noxious somatosensory stimuli. Two commonly applied stimulation paradigms that produce distinct responses in the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) linked to innocuous and noxious sensations are electrical median nerve (MN) stimulation and cutaneous laser-evoked (LE) stimulation to the dorsum of the hand, respectively. Despite their prevalence, the physiological mechanisms that produce stereotypic macroscale MN and LE responses have yet to be fully articulated, limiting their utility in understanding brain dynamics associated with non-painful and/or painful somatosensation. Through a literature review, we detailed features of MN and LE responses source-localized to SI that are robust and reproducible across studies. We showed that the first peak in the MN response at ~20 ms post-stimulus (i.e., MN N1) corresponds to upward-directed deep-to-superficial electrical current flow through the cortical laminae, which is followed by downward-directed current at ~30 ms (i.e., MN P1). In contrast, the initial LE response occurs later at ~170 ms (i.e., LE N1) and is directed downward and opposite the direction of the MN N1. We then examined the neocortical circuit mechanisms contributing to the robust features of each response using the Human Neocortical Neurosolver (HNN) neural modeling software tool (Neymotin et al., 2020). Using HNN as a hypothesis development and testing tool, model results predicted the MN response can be simulated with a sequence of layer-specific thalamocortical and cortico-cortical synaptic drive similar to that previously reported for tactile evoked responses (S. R. Jones et al., 2007; Neymotin et al., 2020), with the novel discovery that an early excitatory input to supragranular layers at ~30 ms is an essential mechanism contributing to the downward current flow of the MN P1. Model results further predicted that the initial ~170 ms downward current flow of the LE N1 was generated by a burst of repetitive gamma-frequency (~40 Hz) excitatory synaptic drive to supragranular layers, consistent with prior reports of LE gamma-frequency activity. These results make novel and detailed multiscale predictions about the dynamic laminar circuit mechanisms underlying temporal and spectral features of MN and LE responses in SI and can guide further investigations in follow-up studies. Ultimately, these findings may help with the development of targeted therapeutics for pathological somatosensation, such as somatic sensitivity and acute neuropathic pain.