bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determining minimal important differences for patient-reported outcome measures in shoulder, lateral elbow, patellar and Achilles tendinopathies using distribution-based methods
Authors: Challoumas Dimitris , Zouvani Andrea , Creavin Kevin , Murray Elspeth , Crosbie Gearoid , Ng Nigel , Millar Neal L. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Minimal important difference (MID) is a concept used inconsistently and arbitrarily in tendinopathy research. Our aim was to determine the MIDs for the most commonly used tendinopathy outcome measures using data-driven approaches.

Methods
Recently published systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on tendinopathy management were identified and used for extraction of eligible studies through a literature search. Each eligible RCT was used to obtain information on MID where this was used and it also contributed data for the calculation of the baseline pooled standard deviation (SD) for each tendinopathy (shoulder, lateral elbow, patellar and Achilles). The rule of “half SD” was used for the computation of MIDs for patient-reported pain (visual analogue scale, VAS 0–10, single-item questionnaire) and function (multi-item questionnaires) and the rule of “one standard error of measurement (SEM)” was additionally used for the multi-item functional outcome measures.

Results
A total of 119 RCTs were included for the 4 tendinopathies. MID was defined and used by 58 studies (49%) and there were significant inconsistencies amongst studies where the same outcome measure was used as MID. From our data-driven methods the following suggested MIDs were obtained: a) Shoulder tendinopathy, pain VAS (combined) 1.3 points, Constant-Murley score 6.9 (half SD) and 7.0 (one SEM) points; b) lateral elbow tendinopathy, pain VAS (combined) 1.0 point, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire 8.9 (half SD) and 4.1 (one SEM) points; c) Patellar tendinopathy, pain VAS (combined) 1.2 points, Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment – Patella (VISA-P) 7.3 (half SD) and 6.6 points (one SEM); d) Achilles tendinopathy, pain VAS (combined) 1.1 points, VISA-Achilles (VISA-A) 8.2 (half SD) and 7.8 points (one SEM). The rules of half SD and one SEM produced very similar MIDs except for DASH due to its very high internal consistency. MIDs were also calculated for different pain settings for each tendinopathy.

Conclusions
Our computed MIDs can be used in tendinopathy research to increase consistency. Clearly defined MIDs should be used with consistency in tendinopathy management studies in the future.
Black glucose-releasing silicon elastomer rings for fed-batch operation allow measurement of the oxygen transfer rate from the top and optical signals from the bottom for each well of a microtiter plate
Authors: Sparviero Sarah , Barth Laura , Keil Timm , Dinter Carl , Berg Christoph , Lattermann Clemens , Büchs Jochen 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
In industrial microbial biotechnology, fed-batch processes are frequently used to avoid undesirable biological phenomena, such as substrate inhibition or overflow metabolism. For targeted process development, fed-batch options for small scale and high throughput are needed. One commercially available fed-batch fermentation system is the FeedPlate®, a microtiter plate (MTP) with a polymer-based controlled release system. Despite standardisation and easy incorporation into existing MTP handling systems, FeedPlates® cannot be used with online monitoring systems that measure optically through the transparent bottom of the plate. One such system that is broadly used in biotechnological laboratories, is the commercial BioLector. To allow for BioLector measurements, while applying the polymer-based feeding technology, positioning of polymer rings instead of polymer disks at the bottom of the well has been proposed. This strategy has a drawback: measurement requires an adjustment of the software settings of the BioLector device. This adjustment modifies the measuring position relative to the wells, so that the light path is no longer blocked by the polymer ring, but, traverses through the inner hole of the ring. This study aimed at overcoming that obstacle and allowing for measurement of fed-batch cultivations using a commercial BioLector without adjustment of the relative measurement position within each well.

Results
Different polymer ring heights, colours and positions in the wells were investigated for their influence on maximum oxygen transfer capacity, mixing time and scattered light measurement. Several configurations of black polymer rings were identified that allow measurement in an unmodified, commercial BioLector, comparable to wells without rings. Fed-batch experiments with black polymer rings with two model organisms, E. coli and H. polymorpha, were conducted. The identified ring configurations allowed for successful cultivations, measuring the oxygen transfer rate and dissolved oxygen tension, pH, scattered light and fluorescence. Using the obtained online data, glucose release rates of 0.36 to 0.44 mg/h could be determined. They are comparable to formerly published data of the polymer matrix.

Conclusion
The final ring configurations allow for measurements of microbial fed-batch cultivations using a commercial BioLector without requiring adjustments of the instrumental measurement setup. Different ring configurations achieve similar glucose release rates. Measurements from above and below the plate are possible and comparable to measurements of wells without polymer rings. This technology enables the generation of a comprehensive process understanding and target-oriented process development for industrial fed-batch processes.
Validation of student academic advising and counseling evaluation tool among undergraduate nursing students
Authors: Selim Abeer , Omar Abeer , Awad Shaimaa , Miligi Eman , Ayoub Nahed 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Academic advising and counseling services support students in achieving their educational outcomes. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of research on academic advising and student-support systems among nursing students. Therefore, the current study aims to develop a student academic advising and counseling survey (SAACS) and measure its validity and reliability.

Methods
Cross-sectional design was used to collect online self-administered data from undergraduate nursing students in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The SAACS is developed based on relevant literature and tested for content and construct validity.

Results
A total of 1,134 students from both sites completed the questionnaire. Students’ mean age was 20.3 ± 1.4, and the majority of them were female (81.9%), single (95.6%), and unemployed (92.3%). The content validity index (CVI) of SAACS overall score (S-CVI) is 0.989, and S-CVI/UA (universal agreement) is 0.944, which indicates excellent content validity. The overall SAACS reliability showed an excellent internal consistency with a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.966 – 0.972).

Conclusions
The SAACS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing students’ experience with academic advising and counseling services and can be utilized to improve those services in nursing school settings.
Perceived quality of medical services at outpatient department of public hospitals in Dawro Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Utino Legese , Birhanu Bezawit , Getachew Nigusu , Ereso Berhane Megerssa 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundQuality of care is fundamental to universal health coverage. Perceived quality of medical services is one of the most determining factors of modern health care service utilization. Between 5.7 and 8.4 million deaths are attributed to poor-quality care each year in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and up to 15% of overall deaths are due to poor quality. For instance, in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), public health facilities lack basic facilities such as a physical environment. Hence, this study aims to assess the perceived quality of medical services and associated factors at outpatient departments of public hospitals in the Dawro zone, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on the quality of care among outpatient department attendants of Dawro zone public hospitals from May 23 to June 28, 2021. A total of 420 study participants were included via a convenient sampling technique. An exit interview was used to collect data using a pretested and structured questionnaire. Then it was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. Both bivariable and multivariable linear regressions were carried out. Significant predictors were reported atp < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval.Resultwith a 100% response rate. The overall perceived quality was 51.15%. Fifty-six percent of study participants rated perceived quality as poor, 9% as average, and 35% of participants rated it as good perceived quality. The highest mean perception result was related to the tangibility (3.17) domain. Waiting time less than one hour (β = 0.729,p < 0.001), availability of prescribed drugs (β = 0.185,p < 0.003), having information on diagnoses (illness) (β = 0.114,p < 0.047), and privacy maintained (β = 0.529,p < 0.001) were found to be predictors of perceived good quality of care.ConclusionA majority of the study participants rated the perceived quality as poor. Waiting time, availability of prescribed drugs, information on diagnoses (illness), and provision of service with privacy were found to be predictors of client-perceived quality. Tangibility is the predominant and most important domain of client-perceived quality. The regional health bureau and zonal health department should understand the issue and work with hospitals to improve outpatient service quality by providing necessary medication, reducing wait times, and designing job training for health care providers.
Senior Health Clinic for 75-year-old home-dwelling Finns – study design, clinic protocol and non-response analysis
Authors: Salminen Marika , Stenholm Sari , Koskenniemi Jaana , Korhonen Päivi , Pitkänen Tiina , Viikari Paula , Wuorela Maarit , Viitanen Matti , Viikari Laura 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
In the Finnish policy on older people preventive activities, which maintain functional capacity and independent living, are emphasized. The Turku Senior Health Clinic, aimed at maintaining independent coping of all home-dwelling 75-year-old citizens in the city of Turku, was founded in the beginning of 2020. The aim of this paper is to describe design and protocol of the Turku Senior Health Clinic Study (TSHeC) and provide results of the non-response analysis.

Methods
The non-response analysis used data from 1296 participants (71% of those eligible) and 164 non-participants of the study. Sociodemographic, health status, psychosocial and physical functional ability indicators were included in the analysis. Participants and non-participants were also compared in respect to their neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage. Differences between participants and non-participants were tested using the Chi squared or Fisher´s exact test for categorical variables and t-test for continuous variable.

Results
The proportions of women (43% vs. 61%) and of those with only satisfying, poor or very poor self-rated financial status (38% vs. 49%) were significantly lower in non-participants than in participants. Comparison of the non-participants and participants in respect to their neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage showed no differences. The prevalence of hypertension (66% vs. 54%), chronic lung disease (20% vs. 11%), and kidney failure (6% vs. 3%) were higher among non-participants compared to participants. Feelings of loneliness were less frequent among non-participants (14%) compared to participants (32%). The proportions of those using assistive mobility devices (18% vs. 8%) as well as those having previous falls (12% vs. 5%) were higher in non-participants than in participants.

Conclusions
The participation rate of TSHeC was high. No neighborhood differences in participation were found. Health status and physical functioning of non-participants seemed to be slightly worse than those of the participants, and more women than men participated. These differences may weaken the generalizability of the findings of the study. The differences have to be taken into account when recommendation for the content and implementation of preventive nurse-managed health clinic in primary health care in Finland is going to be given.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05634239; registration date; 1st of December 2022. Retrospectively registered.
Evaluation of in silico pathogenicity prediction tools for the classification of small in-frame indels
Authors: Cannon S. , Williams M. , Gunning A. C. , Wright C. F. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
The use of in silico pathogenicity predictions as evidence when interpreting genetic variants is widely accepted as part of standard variant classification guidelines. Although numerous algorithms have been developed and evaluated for classifying missense variants, in-frame insertions/deletions (indels) have been much less well studied.

Methods
We created a dataset of 3964 small (< 100 bp) indels predicted to result in in-frame amino acid insertions or deletions using data from gnomAD v3.1 (minor allele frequency of 1–5%), ClinVar and the Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD) study. We used this dataset to evaluate the performance of nine pathogenicity predictor tools: CADD, CAPICE, FATHMM-indel, MutPred-Indel, MutationTaster2021, PROVEAN, SIFT-indel, VEST-indel and VVP.

Results
Our dataset consisted of 2224 benign/likely benign and 1740 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants from gnomAD (n = 809), ClinVar (n = 2882) and, DDD (n = 273). We were able to generate scores across all tools for 91% of the variants, with areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.81–0.96 based on the published recommended thresholds. To avoid biases caused by inclusion of our dataset in the tools’ training data, we also evaluated just DDD variants not present in either gnomAD or ClinVar (70 pathogenic and 81 benign). Using this subset, the AUC of all tools decreased substantially to 0.64–0.87. Several of the tools performed similarly however, VEST-indel had the highest AUCs of 0.93 (full dataset) and 0.87 (DDD subset).

Conclusions
Algorithms designed for predicting the pathogenicity of in-frame indels perform well enough to aid clinical variant classification in a similar manner to missense prediction tools.
Triglyceride-glucose index for predicting repeat revascularization and in-stent restenosis in patients with chronic coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Guo Xuantong , Shen Ruihuan , Yan Siyu , Su Yanni , Ma Lihong 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a reliable surrogate indicator of insulin resistance, is independently associated with coronary artery disease of various clinical manifestations. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the TyG index in predicting repeat revascularization and in-stent restenosis (ISR) in chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).MethodsA total of 1414 participants were enrolled and divided into groups according to the tertiles of the TyG index. The primary endpoint was a composite of PCI complications, including repeat revascularization and ISR. The associations between the TyG index and the primary endpoint were assessed by multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis with restricted cubic splines (RCS). The TyG index was calculated as Ln (fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL)/2).ResultsOver a median follow-up of 60 months, 548 (38.76%) patients had experienced at least one primary endpoint event. The follow-up incidence of the primary endpoint increased with the TyG index tertiles. After adjusting for potential confounders, the TyG index was independently associated with the primary endpoint in CCS patients (HR, 1.191; 95% CI 1.038–1.367; P = 0.013). Additionally, the highest tertile of the TyG group was correlated with a 1.319-fold risk of the primary endpoint compared with the lowest tertile of the TyG group (HR, 1.319; 95% CI 1.063–1.637; P = 0.012). Furthermore, a linear and dose–response relationship was observed between the TyG index and the primary endpoint (non-linear P = 0.373, P overall = 0.035).ConclusionsAn increased TyG index was associated with elevated risk for long-term PCI complications, including repeat revascularization and ISR. Our study suggested that the TyG index could be a potent predictor in evaluating the prognosis of CCS patients undergoing PCI.
Sub-microscopic Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia, dihydropteroate synthase (dhps) resistance mutations to sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine, transmission intensity and risk of malaria infection in pregnancy in Mount Cameroon Region
Authors: Mbacham Harry F. , Mosume Diange M , Apinjoh Tobias O. , Ntui Vincent N. , Moyeh Marcel N. , Kalaji Laken N. , Wepnje Godlove B. , Ghogomu Stephen M , Dionne Jodie A , Tita Alan T.N. , Achidi Eric A. , Anchang-Kimbi Judith K. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundPlasmodium falciparumresistance to intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) continues to spread throughout sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed the occurrence of microscopic and sub-microscopicP. falciparumparasitaemia, dihydropteroate synthase mutations associated with resistance to SP and maternal anaemia in the Mount Cameroon area.MethodsConsenting pregnant women living in semi-rural and semi-urban/urbanized settings were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic, antenatal and clinical data were documented. Microscopic and sub-microscopic parasitaemia were diagnosed using peripheral blood microscopy and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) respectively. Thedhpsmutations were genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The presence of A437G, K540E, and A581G was considered a marker for high-level resistance. Haemoglobin levels and anaemia status were determined.ResultsAmong the women, the prevalence of microscopic and sub-microscopicP. falciparuminfection were 7.7% (67/874) and 18.6% (93/500) respectively. Predictors of microscopic infection were younger age (< 21 years) (AOR = 2.89; 95% CI 1.29–6.46) and semi-rural settings (AOR = 2.27; 95% CI 1.31–3.96). Determinants of sub-microscopic infection were the rainy season (AOR, 3.01; 95% CI 1.77–5.13), primigravidity (AOR = 0.45; 95% CI 0.21–0.94) and regular ITN usage (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI 0.27–0.90). Of the145P. falciparumisolates genotyped, 66.9% (97) carried mutations associated with resistance to SP; 33.8% (49), 0%, 52.4% (76) and 19.3% (28) for A437G, K540E, A581G and A437G + A581G respectively. The A581G mutation was associated with ≥ 3 SP doses evident only among sub-microscopic parasitaemia (P = 0.027) and multigravidae (P = 0.009). Women with microscopic infection were more likely from semi-rural settings (AOR = 7.09; 95% CI 2.59–19.42), to report history of fever (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.07–6.31), to harbour parasites with double resistant mutations (AOR = 6.65; 95% CI 1.85–23.96) and were less likely to have received 2 SP doses (AOR = 0.29; 95% CI 1.07–6.31). Microscopic infection decreased Hb levels more than sub-microscopic infection.ConclusionThe occurrence of sub-microscopicP. falciparumparasites resistant to SP and intense malaria transmission poses persistent risk of malaria infection during pregnancy in the area. ITN usage and monitoring spread of resistance are critical.
“There’s absolutely no downside to this, I mean, except community opposition:” A qualitative study of the acceptability of vending machines for harm reduction
Authors: Stewart Rebecca E. , Cardamone Nicholas C. , Loscalzo Emily , French Rachel , Lovelace Collin , Mowenn Winna Koe , Tarhini Ali , Lalley-Chareczko Linden , Brady Kathleen A. , Mandell David S. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Vending machines for harm reduction (VMHR) are an innovative approach to deliver life-saving materials, information, and treatment for hard-to-reach populations, particularly for persons who inject drugs. The current study explores stakeholders’ perspectives on the feasibility and acceptability of VMHR in Philadelphia.

Methods
From October 2021 to February 2022, we conducted 31 semi-structured interviews with potential end users, staff, and leadership at a local federally qualified health center, and community members. Trained coders extracted themes from interview transcripts across four key domains: materials and logistics, location, access, and community introduction.

Results
Interviewees from all stakeholder groups endorsed using VMHR to provide supplies for wound care, fentanyl test strips, naloxone, and materials to connect individuals to treatment and other services. Dispensing syringes and medications for opioid use disorder were commonly endorsed by health center staff but were more controversial among potential end users. Even within stakeholder groups, views varied with respect to where to locate the machines, but most agreed that the machine should be placed in the highest drug use areas. Across stakeholder groups, interviewees suggested several strategies to introduce and gain community acceptance of VMHR, including community education, one-on-one conversations with community members, and coupling the machine with safe disposal of syringes and information to link individuals to treatment.

Conclusions
Stakeholders were generally receptive to VMHR. The current study findings are consistent with qualitative analyses from outside of the USA and contribute new ideas regarding the anticipated community response and best methods for introducing these machines to a community. With thoughtful planning and design, VMHR could be a feasible and acceptable modality to reduce death and disease transmission associated with the opioid and HIV epidemics in cities like Philadelphia.