bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SALpingectomy for STERilisation (SALSTER): study protocol for a Swedish multicentre register-based randomised controlled trial
Authors: Magarakis Leonidas , Idahl Annika , Sundfeldt Karin , Liv Per , Pålsson Mathias , Strandell Annika 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionSalpingectomy is currently suggested as an alternative to tubal ligation for sterilisation. Precursor lesions of ovarian carcinoma can be found in the fallopian tubes; thus, salpingectomy could possibly reduce the incidence. Most of the existing trials on safety are small, on caesarean section and report on surrogate ovarian function measures. Randomised trials in laparoscopy are lacking. Well-designed trials are needed to evaluate safety of laparoscopic opportunistic salpingectomy.Methods and analysisIn SALSTER, a national register-based randomised controlled non-inferiority trial, 968 women <50 years, wishing laparoscopic sterilisation will be randomised to either salpingectomy or tubal ligation. The Swedish National Quality Register of Gynecological Surgery (GynOp) will be used for inclusion, randomisation and follow-up. Primary outcomes areany complicationup to 8 weeks postoperatively, andage at menopause. Both outcomes are measured with questionnaires, complications are also assessed by a gynaecologist. In a nested trial, ovarian function will be evaluated comparing the mean difference of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), assessed preoperatively and 1 year after surgery.Ethics and disseminationPerforming salpingectomy for sterilisation has become increasingly common, despite the unclear risk-benefit balance. SALSTER studies the safety of salpingectomy compared with tubal ligation. Regardless of the result, SALSTER will provide gynaecologists with high quality evidence to inform women to decide on salpingectomy or not. The central ethical review board of Gothenburg, Sweden (Dnr. 316–18) approved the trial in 2018. Results will be presented at scientific congresses and published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The results will be communicated through professional organisations and research networks.Trial registration numberNCT03860805.
Feasibility, effectiveness and acceptability of two perturbation-based treadmill training protocols to improve reactive balance in fall-prone older adults (FEATURE): protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hezel Natalie , Sloot Lizeth H , Wanner Philipp , Becker Clemens , Bauer Jürgen M , Steib Simon , Werner Christian 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionPerturbation-based balance training (PBT) targets the mechanism of falls (eg, slipping, tripping) to specifically train the recovery actions needed to avoid a fall. This task-specific training has shown great promise as an effective and efficient intervention for fall prevention in older adults. However, knowledge about the dose–response relationship of PBT, as well as its feasibility and acceptability in older adults with increased risk of falling is still limited. Thus, the aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of two different treadmill PBT protocols for improving reactive balance control in fall-prone older adults, and to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of these protocols.Methods and analysisThe study is designed as a pilot randomised controlled trial with a 6-week intervention and 6-week follow-up period. Thirty-six community-dwelling, fall-prone (Timed Up and Go >12 s, habitual gait speed <1.0 m/s and/or fall history) older adults will be randomised (1:1) to receive six (weeks 1–6) or two treadmill PBT sessions (weeks 1+6) plus four conventional treadmill training sessions (weeks 2–5). Training sessions are conducted 1×/week for 30 min. Each PBT will include 40 perturbations in anterior–posterior and mediolateral directions. Reactive balance after perturbations in standing (Stepping Threshold Test (STT)) and walking (Dynamic Stepping Threshold Test (DSTT)) will be assessed as the primary outcome for effectiveness. Secondary outcomes are spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters collected during STT, DSTT and PBT, maximum perturbation magnitude for each PBT session, static and dynamic balance, physical capacity, physical activity, concerns with falling and executive functions. Feasibility will be assessed via training adherence, drop-out rate, perturbations actually performed and adverse events; and acceptability via self-designed questionnaire and focus groups.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty Heidelberg (S-602/2022). Findings will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.Trial registration numberDRKS00030805.
Temporal trends of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Denmark: a nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zörner Christopher Ryan , Pallisgaard Jannik , Schjerning Anne-Marie , Jensen Morten Kvistholm , Tønnesen Jacob , Da Riis-Vestergaard Lise , Middelfart Charlotte , Rasmussen Peter Vibe , Gislason Gunnar , Hansen Morten Lock 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesTo describe the population of patients diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in Denmark and determine temporal trends in incidence and patient characteristics over time.DesignNationwide retrospective cohort study.SettingDanish nationwide administrative and clinical registers and databases.ParticipantsAll patients aged ≥16 years diagnosed with HCM from 2005 to 2018.Outcomes measuresTime trends in HCM diagnosis, patient characteristics, comorbidities and pharmacotherapy were identified and tested for significance using the Cochran-Armitage trend test.Results3856 HCM patients were included (median age 68 years (IQR 56–78)). Although there were more males (53%), females were older (72 years vs 63 years) and more likely to have their type of HCM classified as obstructive (54% vs 38%). A consistent rise in HCM cases per year was detected and there was a significant decline in prevalence of heart failure (2005: 20% to 2018: 12%, p<0.001) and ischaemic heart disease (2005: 31% to 2019: 16%, p≤0.001). Prevalence of atrial fibrillation and stroke remained notable and unchanged. Lastly, the rate of hospitalisations decreased over time (2005: 64% to 2016: 46%, p<0.001), while the rate of outpatient follow-up increased (2005: 81% to 2016: 87%, p 0.003).ConclusionThere was a consistent rise in HCM cases with decreasing morbidity burden. Females were older at diagnosis and more likely to have their type of HCM classified as obstructive. The rate of outpatient follow-up is increasing.
Development of a core outcome set for ventilation trials in neurocritical care patients with acute brain injury: protocol for a Delphi consensus study of international stakeholders
Authors: Digitale Jean , Burns Gregory , Fong Nicholas , Boesel Julian , Robba Chiara , Stevens Robert D , Cinotti Raphaël , Pirracchio Romain 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionThere is little consensus and high heterogeneity on the optimal set of relevant clinical outcomes in research studies regarding extubation in neurocritical care patients with brain injury undergoing mechanical ventilation. The aims of this study are to: (1) develop a core outcome set (COS) and (2) reach consensus on a hierarchical composite endpoint for such studies.Methods and analysisThe study will include a broadly representative, international panel of stakeholders with research and clinical expertise in this field and will involve four stages: (1) a scoping review to generate an initial list of outcomes represented in the literature, (2) an investigator meeting to review the outcomes for inclusion in the Delphi surveys, (3) four rounds of online Delphi consensus-building surveys and (4) online consensus meetings to finalise the COS and hierarchical composite endpoint.Ethics and disseminationThis study received ethical approval from the French Society of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine Institutional Review Board (SFAR CERAR-IRB 00010254‐2023-029). The study results will be disseminated through communication to stakeholders, publication in a peer-reviewed journal, and presentations at conferences.Trial registration numberThis study is registered with the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) Initiative.
Determinants of treatment satisfaction among patients with diabetes: multicentre cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Sendekie Ashenafi Kibret , Belachew Eyayaw Ashete , Dagnew Ephrem Mebratu 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveTreatment satisfaction is a significant determinant of quality of care, especially for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Identifying factors that contribute to treatment satisfaction may improve patient outcomes. This study examined treatment satisfaction and determinant factors in patients with diabetes.Design and settingA multicentre hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between April and July 2022 at selected hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia.ParticipantsEligible adult patients with diabetes were included in the study.Main outcome measuresTreatment satisfaction was the main outcome and was measured using the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire, which was valid and reliable in the current sample. A linear regression analysis was used to determine the association between treatment satisfaction scores and independent variables.ResultsOut of the 422 patients approached, 402 (95.3%) participated in the study. Overall, the mean treatment satisfaction score was 17.13 (±3.3) out of 30. Most of the participants had a lower degree of satisfaction with the current treatment (>52%) and its convenience (>63%). More than half of the participants (51.2%) perceived hyperglycaemia most of the time and hypoglycaemia some of the time (64.9%). Treatment satisfaction was influenced by body mass index (BMI) (p<0.01), number of medical conditions and medications (p<0.001), hyperglycaemia perception (p<0.001), healthcare cost coverage (p<0.001), monthly salary (p<0.001), self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) (p=0.017), lifestyle modification status (p<0.01), and comorbidity and/or complications (p<0.001).ConclusionTreatment satisfaction was low among patients with a higher BMI, a higher number of medical conditions and medications, comorbidities and/or complications, a frequent perception of hyperglycaemia and a lower monthly salary. Interventions addressing specific independent variables might enhance treatment satisfaction.
In inflammatory myopathies, dropped head/bent spine syndrome is associated with scleromyositis: an international case–control study
Authors: Pijnenburg Luc , Giannini Margherita , Bouchard-Marmen Maude , Arnaud Laurent , Barsotti Simone , Bellando-Randone Silvia , Bernardi Livio , Bini Paola , Blagojevic Jelena , Codullo Veronica , Couderc Marion , De Moreuil Claire , Dernis Emanuelle , Diamanti Luca , Dubost Jean Jacques , Duval Fanny , Emmi Giacomo , Galempoix Jean-Marc , Geny Bernard , Gottenberg Jacques-Eric , Groza Monica , Guffroy Aurelien , Guichard Isabelle , Guilpain Philippe , Hervier Baptiste , Hudson Marie , Iaccarino Luca , Iannone Florenzo , Lebrun Delphine , Marchioni Enrico , Mariampillai Kuberaka , Maurier Francois , Mosca Marta , Nadaj-Pakleza Aleksandra , Nannini Carlotta , Piot Jean-Maxime , Prieto-González Sergio , Poursac Nicolas , Rouanet Eglantine , Sellam Jérémie , Selva-O'Callaghan Albert , Séverac François , Sibilia Jean , Sole Guilhem , Soulages Antoine , Terrier Benjamin , Tournadre Anne , Troyanov Yves , Vernier Nathalie , Vesperini Veronique , Viallard Jean-François , Ziane Rahima , Cavagna Lorenzo , Meyer Alain 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundSome myopathies can lead to dropped head or bent spine syndrome (DH/BS). The significance of this symptom has not been studied in inflammatory myopathies (IM).ObjectivesTo assess the significance of DH/BS in patients with IM.MethodsPractitioners from five IM networks were invited to report patients with IM suffering from DH/BS (without other known cause than IM). IM patients without DH/BS, randomly selected in each participating centre, were included as controls at a ratio of 2 to 1.Results49 DH/BS-IM patients (DH: 57.1%, BS: 42.9%) were compared with 98 control-IM patients. DH/BS-IM patients were older (65 years vs 53 years, p<0.0001) and the diagnosis of IM was delayed (6 months vs 3 months, p=0.009). Weakness prevailing in the upper limbs (42.9% vs 15.3%), dysphagia (57.1% vs 25.5%), muscle atrophy (65.3% vs 34.7%), weight loss (61.2% vs 23.5%) and loss of the ability to walk (24.5% vs 5.1%) were hallmarks of DH/BS-IM (p≤0.0005), for which the patients more frequently received intravenous immunoglobulins (65.3% vs 34.7%, p=0.0004). Moreover, DH/BS-IM patients frequently featured signs and/or complications of systemic sclerosis (SSc), fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology criteria for this disease in 40.8% of the cases (vs 5.1%, p<0.0001). Distribution of the myopathy, its severity and its association with SSc were independently associated with DH/BS (p<0.05). Mortality was higher in the DH/BS-IM patients and loss of walking ability was independently associated with survival (p<0.05).ConclusionIn IM patients, DH/BS is a marker of severity and is associated with SSc (scleromyositis).
Thirty-day mortality in hospitalised patients with lung cancer: incidence and predictors
Authors: Leonetti Alessandro , Peroni Marianna , Agnetti Virginia , Pratticò Fabiana , Manini Martina , Acunzo Alessandro , Marverti Francesca , Sulas Simone , Rapacchi Elena , Mazzaschi Giulia , Perrone Fabiana , Bordi Paola , Buti Sebastiano , Tiseo Marcello 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesPatients with lung cancer experience high rates of hospitalisation, mainly due to the high risk of complications that emerge during the natural history of the disease. We designed a retrospective, single-centre, observational study aimed at defining the clinical predictors of 30-day mortality in hospitalised patients with lung cancer.MethodsClinical records from the first admission of patients with lung cancer to the oncology ward of the University Hospital of Parma from 1 January 2017 to 1 January 2022 were collected.Results251 consecutive patients were enrolled at the time of data cut-off. In the univariate analysis, baseline clinical predictors of 30-day mortality were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) (≥2 vs 0–1: 27.5% vs 14.8%, p=0.028), high Blaylock Risk Assessment Screening Score (BRASS) (high vs intermediate-low: 34.3% vs 11.9%, p<0.001), presence of pain (yes vs no: 24.4% vs 11.7%, p=0.009), number of metastatic sites (≥3 vs <3: 26.5% vs 13.4%, p=0.017) and presence of bone metastases (yes vs no: 29.0% vs 10.8%, p=0.001). In the multivariate analysis, high BRASS remained significantly associated with increased 30-day mortality (high vs intermediate-low; OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.21 to 6.78, p=0.016).ConclusionOur results suggest that baseline poor ECOG PS, high BRASS, presence of pain, high tumour burden and presence of bone metastases could be used as clinical predictors of 30-day mortality in hospitalised patients with lung cancer. In particular, the BRASS scale should be used as a simple tool to predict 30-day mortality in hospitalised patients with lung cancer.
Comparison of non‐selective adrenocorticolysis with mitotane or trilostane for the treatment of dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Clemente M. , De Andrés P. J. , Arenas C. , Melián C. , Morales M. , Pérez‐Alenza M. D. 
Published: September 2023

Forty‐six dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism were treated with mitotane by the non‐selective adrenocorticolysis protocol and 40 were treated twice a day with trilostane. The treatment groups were compared by chi‐squared tests, and survival data were analysed using Kaplan‐Meier survival plots and a Cox proportional hazard method. The non‐selective adrenocorticolysis protocol was very effective (89 per cent), its toxicity was moderate (24 per cent) and there were fewer recurrences (29 per cent) than reported with the classical selective adrenocorticolysis protocol (58 per cent). In a multivariate model, age and bodyweight at diagnosis were significantly negatively correlated with survival time. The median survival time of the dogs treated with trilostane twice a day (900 days) was longer (P=0·05) than that of the dogs treated with mitotane (720 days).
Sensitivity potential to a light flavor-changing scalar boson with DUNE and NA64$$\mu $$
Authors: Radics B. , Molina-Bueno L. , Fields L. , Sieber H. , Crivelli P. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this work, we report on the sensitivity potential of complementary muon-on-target experiments to new physics using a scalar boson benchmark model associated with charged lepton flavor violation. The NA64$$\mu $$
μ
experiment at CERN uses a 160-GeV energy muon beam with an active target to search for excess events with missing energy and momentum as a probe of new physics. At the same time, the proton beam at Fermilab, which is used to produce the neutrino beam for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), will also produce a high-intensity muon beam dumped in an absorber. Combined with the liquid argon near detector, the system could be used to search for similar scalar boson particles with a lower-energy but higher-intensity beam. We find that both NA64$$\mu $$
μ
and DUNE could cover new, unexplored parts of the parameter space of the same benchmark model, providing a complementary way to search for new physics.
Global-Local Priors for Spatial Small Area Estimation
Authors: Tang Xueying , Ghosh Malay 
Published: September 2023

Small area estimation is gaining increasing popularity among survey statisticians. Since the direct estimates of small areas usually have large standard errors, model-based approaches are often adopted to borrow strength across areas. The models often use covariates to link different areas and random effects to account for the additional variation. In the classic Fay-Herriot model, the random effects are assumed to have independent normal distributions with a shared variance. Recent studies showed that random effects are not necessary for all areas, so global-local priors have been introduced in Tang et al.[ 26 ] to effectively characterize the sparsity in random effects. This article introduces global-local priors in the context of small area estimation where the area level random effects exhibit a spatial structure. This generalizes the findings of Tang et al.[ 26 ] where independence of the area level effects is assumed. Our findings are illustrated via both simulation and real data examples. AMS Subject Classification: 62D05, 62M30
Unseen experiences of non-white third culture kids: Exploring cultural hierarchy and social consciousness in transnational spaces
Authors: Chiu Ivy 
Published: September 2023

The growing number of people in global transit are often families, which means that children are greatly impacted as their family moves. Many of these children are known as third culture kids (TCK), who have grown up in multiple countries. This term was coined by Ruth Useem in the 1950s but attracted more attention in the 1970s when David Pollock and Ruth Van Reken conducted seminars and workshops about TCK. They found that TCKs had similar issues such as rootlessness even though the countries they had been to were different. TCKs became a unique people group that breaks the normal boundaries of cultural and ethnic boxes. However, in recent years, children of expatriates from minority communities in the West or the Majority World have been raising concerns that their experiences growing up in global transit are different from the traditional TCK narratives due to classism and racism. This article seeks to examine the different experiences of non-white TCKs growing up and bringing voices to their untold stories as part of the larger set of TCK issues. TCKs are not a homogenous group. There is a need to have more voices from non-white TCKs to care for this growing trend of global mobile families from the Majority World/Global South. Non-white TCKs face different kinds of complexity in cultural identities as they move between countries. Race, ethnicity, nationality, language/accent, education system, family culture, moving portfolio, and socio-economic status are all factors affecting the TCK experience according to the cultural hierarchy in the locations they are in. International organizations should consider the unique stories of non-white TCKs to help their workers serve effectively in their overseas assignments and return to their countries with smooth re-entry.
Improvement of objective ocular redness measured with Keratograph 5M in glaucoma patients after instilling brimonidine drops
Authors: Montolío-Marzo Elena , Fernández-Narros Rodrigo , Morales-Fernández Laura , García-Bella Javier , Sáenz-Francés Federico , García-Feijoo Julián , Martínez-de-la-Casa Jose María 
Published: September 2023

Objective To compare objective ocular redness measured using OCULUS Keratograph 5 M before and after 0.2% brimonidine instillation in glaucoma patients under topical hypotensive treatment. Methods 60 eyes from 60 subjects diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension under hypotensive ocular topical treatment were analyzed. Basal Ophthalmological examination was performed. Outcome variables were OCULUS Keratograph 5 M redness scores (RS) before and after 0.2% brimonidine instillation; overall, bulbar temporal (BT), bulbar nasal (BN), limbar temporal (LT), and limbar nasal (LN); non-invasive average tear film breakup time (Nia-BUT), non-invasive first tear film breakup time (Nif-BUT) and meibography. In addition, the following clinical data were collected: intraocular pressure, type, duration, amount, and preservatives/or not of hypotensive treatment, fluorescein corneal staining score and lower tear meniscus height. Results All eyes were under topical medication. All redness scores were reduced after brimonidine instillation, mean RS differences were BT 0.82 ± 0.62, BN hyperemia 1.03 ± 0.55, LN hyperemia 0.84 ± 0.49, LT hyperemia 0.71 ± 0.50 and total hyperemia 0.91 ± 0.52 (all p < 0.001). 30 min after brimonidine instillation mean overall RS reduction was 47.97 ± 12.39% (p < 0.001) and after 1 h there was a persistent reduction of overall RS of 45.92 ± 14.27% (p < 0.001). Hyperemia reduction was significant and comparable between preservative and preservative-free group 0.12 ± 0.14 (p > 0.392) and between patient with combination therapy and monotherapy 0.16 ± 0.14 (p > 0.258). Conclusion A significant reduction of conjunctival hyperemia was objectively found in glaucoma patients under topical hypotensive treatment before and after brimonidine instillation. Its fast and long-lasting effect may be useful preoperatively in glaucoma patients to reduce intraoperative bleeding and associated complications.