bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of climate change on life‐history traits in hibernating mammals
Authors: Findlay‐Robinson Rachel , Deecke Volker B. , Weatherall Andrew , Hill Davina L. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Animals can respond to climate change through changes in behaviour, morphology or life‐history traits. Changes in life‐history traits do not occur independently, as they trade off or co‐evolve with other traits.

Hibernation is a life‐history trait used to cope with periods of low resource availability. The energetic and survival benefits of hibernation depend on environmental conditions. Climate change‐induced changes in hibernation patterns are therefore likely to affect other life‐history traits through trade‐offs.

We systematically reviewed the literature to: 1) identify studies testing for associations between climatic variables and life‐history traits in mammalian hibernators; and 2) assess variation in responses between species.

Air temperature was the most commonly measured climatic variable, and phenology of hibernation emergence was the most commonly studied life‐history trait. In most studies and species, emergence date became earlier, litter size increased and the number of interbout arousals increased with increasing air temperature.

Despite being considered key life‐history traits due to their potential to influence population dynamics, our search returned no studies on the effects of climatic variables on the age of primiparity or on the age distribution of reproduction.

Directions of associations between climatic variables and life‐history traits often differed between species, and both species‐ and sex‐specific variations occurred in response to climatic variables for some traits.

We highlight the importance of long‐term, species‐specific research, and the need for further studies on indirect effects of climatic cues on co‐adapted traits to understand the potential for mammalian hibernators to respond to ongoing and future climate change.
Assessment of vascular patterns during the treatment of psoriatic patients using narrow‐band ultraviolet B phototherapy by the dermoscope
Authors: El Sayed Mahira , Lotfi Ranya , Hossam Dalia , Onsy Pola , Elhawatky Ahmed 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundPhototherapy is a traditional treatment for psoriasis and patients using it for a long time may be exposed to cumulative toxicity, so dermatologists need continuously diagnostic tools that help in monitoring the disease progression.ObjectivesTo detect dermoscopic changes with the improvement of skin in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis on narrow‐band ultraviolet B phototherapy and evaluate the role of dermoscopy in monitoring the patients.MethodsNarrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy was prescribed to thirty (30) patients with chronic plaque psoriasis for three months according to their disease condition. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI score) were calculated, and dermoscopic evaluation was done at the first visit (W0), after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks of beginning the phototherapy.ResultsAccording to PASI score calculations, a significant correlation was found between changes in the vessel patterns and the improvement that occurred during the treatment sessions in psoriatic lesions, whereas the patients with globular blood vessels were significantly associated with weak clinical results.ConclusionDermoscopy is a rapid, simple tool to predict the response of psoriatic patients to phototherapy using vascular pattern assessment.
The role of the host gut microbiome in the pathophysiology of schistosomiasis
Authors: Stark Klara A. , Rinaldi Gabriel , Cortés Alba , Costain Alice , MacDonald Andrew S. , Cantacessi Cinzia 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe pathophysiology of schistosomiasis is linked to the formation of fibrous granulomas around eggs that become trapped in host tissues, particularly the intestines and liver, during their migration to reach the lumen of the vertebrate gut. While the development of Schistosoma egg‐induced granulomas is the result of finely regulated crosstalk between egg‐secreted antigens and host immunity, evidence has started to emerge of the likely contribution of an additional player—the host gut microbiota—to pathological processes that culminate with the formation of these tissue lesions. Uncovering the role(s) of schistosome‐mediated changes in gut microbiome composition and function in granuloma formation and, more broadly, in the pathophysiology of schistosomiasis, will shed light on the mechanisms underlying this three‐way parasite–host–microbiome interplay. Such knowledge may, in turn, pave the way towards the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and control strategies.
Design of a 3-Degrees-of-Freedom Cable-Driven Parallel Robot for Automated Construction Based on Workspace and Kinematic Sensitivity
Authors: McDonald Ethan , Arsenault Marc , Beites Steven 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn recent years, there has been an increased interest in automating construction tasks to produce more affordable houses at an increased production rate. With this in mind, this article explores the design of a suspended cable-driven parallel robot (CDPR) used as an automated platform for in situ construction. The selected robot topology arranges pairs of cables in parallel to connect the frame and mobile platform. This forms a series of parallelograms that restrict the mobile platform to a pure translational motion so long as the cables are maintained in tension. Contrary to previous works, the CDPR is parameterized to allow more freedom in the definition of the orientation of the parallelograms. The CDPR is designed based on workspace and kinematic sensitivity requirements, while avoiding singularities and mechanical interferences throughout the robot’s desired workspace. The result is an optimal CDPR based on the targeted 3D printing and pick-and-place tasks. It is shown that the parallelogram’s orientation can be selected to improve the robot’s kinematic sensitivity.
“On the Edge” Obstacle Surmounting Method Using Hybrid Locomotion
Authors: Yeldan Alper , Arora Abhimanyu , Soh Gim Song 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
This paper presents on the edge obstacle surmounting method for QuadRunner, a hybrid quadruped robot, to overcome obstacles using hybrid locomotion where both legged and wheel configurations are utilized. When obstacle heights exceed the workspace of its leg, QuadRunner becomes quasi-statically mismatched, meaning the robot’s kinematic constraints are not satisfied, and it fails to achieve the climbing task quasi-statically. By incorporating its body as contact support, the center of gravity (COG) of QuadRunner can be successfully shifted on top of the obstacle to perform surmounting task. The unique design of the QuadRunner leg allows it to behave as a four-bar or slider-crank mechanism depending on the leg’s configuration. Here, we detail the sub-state strategy for its surmount task, where QuadRunner goes through the sub-states {L}EAN, {H}OOK, {F}OUR-BAR, {S}LIDE, {G}ET-UP to climb obstacles. In addition, limitations of the operation are analyzed and the requirements for climbing are identified. With our proposed method, QuadRunner can surmount obstacles of heights between 10 cm and 22 cm (higher than its kinematic max height of 16 cm) within 25 s. Lastly, a reliability test shows that the robot can climb the obstacle with a 70% success rate.
Cessation of smoking trial in the emergency department (CoSTED): protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Notley Caitlin , Clark Lucy , Belderson Pippa , Ward Emma , Clark Allan B , Parrott Steve , Agrawal Sanjay , Bloom Ben M , Boyle Adrian A , Morris Geraint , Gray Alasdair , Coats Tim , Man Mei-See , Bauld Linda , Holland Richard , Pope Ian 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionAttendees of emergency departments (EDs) have a higher than expected prevalence of smoking. ED attendance may be a good opportunity to prompt positive behaviour change, even for smokers not currently motivated to quit. This study aims to determine whether an opportunist smoking cessation intervention delivered in the ED can help daily smokers attending the ED quit smoking and is cost-effective.Methods and analysisA two-arm pragmatic, multicentred, parallel-group, individually randomised, controlled superiority trial with an internal pilot, economic evaluation and mixed methods process evaluation. The trial will compare ED-based brief smoking cessation advice, including provision of an e-cigarette and referral to local stop smoking services (intervention) with the provision of contact details for local stop smoking services (control). Target sample size is 972, recruiting across 6 National Health Service EDs in England and Scotland. Outcomes will be collected at 1, 3 and 6 months. The primary outcome at 6 months is carbon monoxide verified continuous smoking abstinence.Ethics and disseminationThe trial was approved by the South Central—Oxford B Research Committee (21/SC/0288). Dissemination will include the publication of outcomes, and the process and economic evaluations in peer-reviewed journals. The findings will also be appropriately disseminated to relevant practice, policy and patient representative groups.Trial registration numberNCT04854616; protocol V.4.2.
Feasibility study of a Behavioural Intervention for Opioid Reduction (BIOR) for patients with chronic non-cancer pain in primary care: a protocol
Authors: Poole Helen M , Frank Bernhard , Begley Emma , Woods Aimee , Ramos-Silva Andreia , Merriman Mike , McCulough Roisin , Montgomery Catharine 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionAround 30%–50% of adults suffer moderate to severe chronic pain not caused by cancer. Significant numbers are treated with opioids which over time may cease to be effective and produce side effects (eg, nausea, drowsiness and constipation). Stopping taking opioids abruptly can cause unpleasant withdrawal effects. Tapering in small steps is recommended, though some patients might struggle and need support, particularly if they have limited access to pain management alternatives. Awareness of the potential risks as well as benefits of tapering should be explored with patients.Methods and analysisA randomised controlled pilot feasibility study to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of reducing high doses of opioids through a tapering protocol, education and support in primary care. Working with NHS Knowsley Place, we will identify patients taking 50 mg or above morphine equivalent dose of opioids per day to be randomly allocated to either the tapering group or tapering with support group. At an initial joint appointment with a pain consultant and General Practitioner (GP) GP tapering will be discussed and negotiated. Both groups will have their opioid reduced by 10% per week. The taper with support group will have access to additional support, including motivational counselling, realistic goal setting and a toolkit of resources to promote self-management. Some patients will successfully reduce their dose each week. For others, this may be more difficult, and the tapering reduction will be adjusted to 10% per fortnight. We assess opioid use, pain and quality of life in both groups at the start and end of the study to determine which intervention works best to support people with chronic pain who wish to stop taking opioids.Ethics and disseminationThe Behavioural Intervention for Opioid Reduction feasibility study has been granted full approval by Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee on 7 April 2022 (22/NW/0047). The current protocol version is V.1.1, date 6 July 2022. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated to patient stakeholders in a lay summary report available on the project website and in participating GP surgeries.Trial registration numberISRCTN 30201337.
IMPROVE-BMT: a protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial of prehabilitation exercise for adult haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Potiaumpai Melanie , Schmitz Kathryn H , Mineishi Shin , Naik Seema , Wirk Baldeep , Rakszawski Kevin , Ehmann W Christopher , Claxton David , Nickolich Myles , Zemel Babette S , Zheng Hong 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionHaematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) in adults is an intensive medical procedure for a variety of haematological malignancies. Although there is a large body of evidence demonstrating the negative effects of HSCT on physical function and psychosocial parameters, there is limited evidence on the impact of HSCT on body composition and bone health. Further, aerobic and resistance-training exercise interventions aimed at improving physical function and patient-reported outcomes largely take place during the peritransplant and post-transplant period. Prehabilitative exercise, or exercise prior to medical treatment, has been successfully deployed in presurgical candidates and other tumour sites, yet there is a paucity of evidence on the effect of prehabilitation in HSCT patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility, acceptability and safety of a resistance training exercise programme in patients with haematological malignancies prior to HSCT.Methods and analysisIMpact of PRehabilitation in Oncology Via Exercise-Bone Marrow Transplant is a single-site, pilot randomised controlled trial of an exercise intervention compared with usual care. The primary aim is to assess the feasibility, acceptability and safety of the resistance-training exercise intervention prior to HSCT. Secondary aims include evaluating the differences in physical function, body composition, bone mineral density and patient-reported outcomes between the exercise group and usual care control group. Outcome measurements will be assessed: prior to HSCT, on/around day of HSCT admission, +30 days post-HSCT and +100 days post-HSCT. The exercise intervention is a home-based resistance training exercise programme that incorporates resistance band and body weight exercises. The primary outcomes will be reported as percentages and/or mean values. The secondary outcomes will be analysed using appropriate statistical methods to portray within-group and between-group differences.Ethics and disseminationThe study has Penn State College of Medicine approval. Results will be disseminated through scientific publication and presentation at exercise-related and oncology-related scientific meetings.Trial registration numberNCT03886909.
Machine learning approach to predict postpartum haemorrhage: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Boujarzadeh Banafsheh , Ranjbar Amene , Banihashemi Farzaneh , Mehrnoush Vahid , Darsareh Fatemeh , Saffari Mozhgan 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionPostpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the most serious clinical problem of childbirth that contributes significantly to maternal mortality worldwide. This systematic review aims to identify predictors of PPH based on a machine learning (ML) approach.Methods and analysisThis review adhered to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol. The review is scheduled to begin on 10 January 2023 and end on 20 March 2023. The main objective is to identify and summarise the predictive factors associated with PPH and propose an ML-based predictive algorithm. From inception to December 2022, a systematic search of the following electronic databases of peer-reviewed journal articles and online search records will be conducted: Cochrane Central Register, PubMed, EMBASE (via Ovid), Scopus, WOS, IEEE Xplore and the Google Scholar search engine. All studies that meet the following criteria will be considered: (1) they include the general population with a clear definition of the diagnosis of PPH; (2) they include ML models for predicting PPH with a clear description of the ML models; and (3) they demonstrate the performance of the ML models with metrics, including area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, accuracy, precision, sensitivity and specificity. Non-English language papers will be excluded. Data extraction will be performed independently by two investigators. The PROBAST, which includes a total of 20 signallings, will be used as a tool to assess the risk of bias and applicability of each included study.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required, as our review will include published and publicly accessible data. Findings from this review will be disseminated via publication in a peer-review journal.PROSPERO registration numberThe protocol for this review was submitted at PROSPERO with ID number CRD42022354896.
The Australian and New Zealand brain injury lifespan cohort protocol: Leveraging common data elements to characterise longitudinal outcome and recovery
Authors: Catroppa Cathy , Sood Nikita Tuli , Morrison Elle , Kenardy Justin , Lah Suncica , McKinlay Audrey , Ryan Nicholas P , Crowe Louise , Soo Cheryl , Godfrey Celia , Anderson Vicki 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionCognitive, behavioural, academic, mental health and social impairments are common following paediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, studies are often reliant on small samples of children drawn from narrow age bands, and employ highly variable methodologies, which make it challenging to generalise existing research findings and understand the lifetime history of TBI.Method and analysisThis study will synthesise common data sets from national (Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland) and international (New Zealand) collaborators, such that common data elements from multiple cohorts recruited from these four sites will be extracted and harmonised. Participant-level harmonised data will then be pooled to create a single integrated data set of participants including common cognitive, social, academic and mental health outcome variables. The large sample size (n=1816), consisting of participants with mild, moderate and severe TBI, will provide statistical power to answer important questions that cannot be addressed by small, individual cohorts. Complex statistical modelling, such as generalised estimation equation, multilevel and latent growth models, will be conducted.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was granted by the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), Melbourne (HREC Reference Number 2019.168). The approved study protocol will be used for all study-related procedures. Findings will be translated into clinical practice, inform policy decisions, guide the appropriate allocation of limited healthcare resources and support the implementation of individualised care.
SUpervised exercise-therapy and Patient Education Rehabilitation (SUPER) versus minimal intervention for young adults at risk of knee osteoarthritis after ACL reconstruction: SUPER-Knee randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Culvenor Adam G , West Thomas J , Bruder Andrea M , Scholes Mark J , Barton Christian J , Roos Ewa M , Oei Edwin , McPhail Steven M , Souza Richard B , Lee Jusuk , Patterson Brooke E , Girdwood Michael A , Couch Jamon L , Crossley Kay M 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionAnterior cruciate ligament injury and reconstruction (ACLR) is often associated with pain, functional loss, poor quality of life and accelerated knee osteoarthritis development. The effectiveness of interventions to enhance outcomes for those at high risk of early-onset osteoarthritis is unknown. This study will investigate if SUpervised exercise-therapy and Patient Education Rehabilitation (SUPER) is superior to a minimal intervention control for improving pain, function and quality of life in young adults with ongoing symptoms following ACLR.Methods and analysisThe SUPER-Knee Study is a parallel-group, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial. Following baseline assessment, 184 participants aged 18–40 years and 9–36 months post-ACLR with ongoing symptoms will be randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups (1:1 ratio). Ongoing symptoms will be defined as a mean score of <80/100 from four Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS4) subscales covering pain, symptoms, function in sports and recreational activities and knee-related quality of life. Participants randomised to SUPER will receive a 4-month individualised, physiotherapist-supervised strengthening and neuromuscular programme with education. Participants randomised to minimal intervention (ie, control group) will receive a printed best-practice guide for completing neuromuscular and strengthening exercises following ACLR. The primary outcome will be change in the KOOS4from baseline to 4 months with a secondary endpoint at 12 months. Secondary outcomes include change in individual KOOS subscale scores, patient-perceived improvement, health-related quality of life, kinesiophobia, physical activity, thigh muscle strength, knee function and knee cartilage morphology (ie, lesions, thickness) and composition (T2 mapping) on MRI. Blinded intention-to-treat analyses will be performed. Findings will also inform cost-effectiveness analyses.Ethics and disseminationThis study is approved by the La Trobe University and Alfred Hospital Ethics Committees. Results will be presented in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences.Trial registration numberACTRN12620001164987.
Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Reproductive Autonomy Scale for use in the UK
Authors: Riches Eleanor , Barrett Geraldine , Hall Jennifer Anne 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundReproductive autonomy—control over outcomes including contraceptive use and childbearing—is a human right and vital to women’s empowerment. Those whose reproductive autonomy is threatened by the structures and relationships in their lives are at risk of coercion and unplanned pregnancy and could benefit from additional services. The Reproductive Autonomy Scale (RAS) was developed in the USA to assess women’s reproductive autonomy; this study evaluates the RAS for use in the UK.MethodsAfter testing, the RAS was incorporated into an online survey of women of reproductive age. Those who were sexually active were asked to complete the RAS, which was evaluated according to classical test theory. Reliability was assessed via internal consistency and a 3-month test-retest. Construct validity was assessed using hypothesis testing and confirmatory factor analysis.ResultsFor 826 women the RAS was highly acceptable, with a response rate of >97.7%. Almost the whole range of reproductive autonomy scores were captured. Internal consistency was good, with a Cronbach’s α of 0.75. Test-retest reliability was fair-good with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.67. Construct validity analysis found the scale to be valid based on our hypothesis that among women who want to avoid pregnancy, those with higher reproductive autonomy will be more likely to use contraception. The three-factor structure of the scale was confirmed on confirmatory factor analysis.ConclusionThe RAS is valid and reliable for use in the UK. This tool holds potential utility across research, clinical practice, health interventions and policy development.