bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does NIH funding differ between medical specialties? A longitudinal analysis of NIH grant data by specialty and type of grant, 2011–2020
Authors: Schlafly Andrew , Sebro Ronnie 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesDifferences in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding between specialties may affect research and patient outcomes in specialties that are less well funded.The aim of this study is to evaluate how NIH funding has been awarded by medical specialty. This study assesses differences and trends in the amount of funding, by medical specialty, for the years 2011–2020, via a retrospective analysis of data from the NIH RePORTER (Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools Expenditures and Results).Study designLongitudinal cross-sectional studySettingNIH RePORTER data from 2011 to 2020 for awarded NIH grants (F32, T32, K01, K08, K23, R01, R03, R21, U01, P30) in the following medical specialties: anaesthesiology, dermatology, emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, neurosurgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, ophthalmology, orthopaedic surgery, otolaryngology, pathology, paediatrics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, plastic surgery, psychiatry, radiation-diagnostic/oncology, surgery, and urology.ParticipantsNIH grant awardees for the years 2011-2020InterventionNonePrimary and secondary outcome measuresThe following measures were studied: (1) number of grants by specialty, (2) number of grants per active physician in each specialty, (3) total dollar amount of grants by specialty, (4) total dollar amount of grants per active physician in each specialty and (5) mean dollar amount awarded by specialty for each grant type. We investigated whether any of these measures varied between medical specialties.ResultsIn general, internal medicine/medicine, psychiatry, paediatrics, pathology and neurology received the most grants per year, had the highest number of grants per active physician, had the highest total amount of funding and had the highest amount of funding per active physician, whereas fields like emergency medicine, plastic surgery, orthopaedics, and obstetrics and gynaecology had the lowest. The mean dollar amount awarded by grant type differed significantly between specialties (p value less than the Bonferroni-corrected alpha=0.00029).ConclusionsNIH funding varies significantly between medical specialties. This may affect research progress and the careers of scientists and may affect patient outcomes in less well funded specialties.
Prevalence and distribution of lacunar stroke in China: a cross-sectional study using self-reported survey data
Authors: Han Shangrong , Sun Dongling , Jiang Bin , Sun Haixin , Ru Xiaojuan , Jin Aoming , Wang Yilong , Wang Wenzhi 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesTo report the prevalence and distribution of lacunar stroke in different regions of China, as well as the demographical characteristics of symptomatic and asymptomatic lacunar stroke.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingData were derived from NESS-China Study that was conducted in 157 sites covering all 31 provinces, including 64 urban and 93 rural areas in mainland China between 1 September 2013 and 31 December 2013. Lacunar stroke was defined as being previously diagnosed according to the participants’ medical history. Patients were further divided into symptomatic or asymptomatic groups, depending on whether they were initially diagnosed with neurological symptoms.Participants458 833 participants aged ≥20 years were enrolled in this study.ResultsA total of 7520 participants (1.63%) were diagnosed with lacunar stroke. The peak rate of diagnosis was between the ages of 70 and 79 years in both men and women. Geographically, the age-standardised and sex-standardised prevalence was highest in Northeast China (2495.3/100 000 persons) and lowest in Southeast China (599.7/100 000 persons), showing a geographical disparity. Over 90% of patients with lacunar stroke were diagnosed in secondary or tertiary hospitals. Patients with symptomatic lacunar stroke had significantly different demographic characteristics in age, sex and geographical regions compared with those who were asymptomatic.ConclusionsIn this study, the prevalence and distribution of lacunar stroke were reported at population level across China. Special attention and prevention should be given to the age, sex and geographical groups that are vulnerable to lacunar stroke.
Cohort profile: methodology and cohort characteristics of the Aotearoa New Zealand Rheumatic Heart Disease Registry
Authors: Tilton Elizabeth , Mitchelson Bryan , Anderson Anneka , Peat Briar , Jack Susan , Lund Mayanna , Webb Rachel , Wilson Nigel 
Published: December 2022

PurposeTo create a cohort with high specificity for moderate and severe rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in New Zealand, not reliant on International Classification of Diseases discharge coding. To describe the demography and cardiac profile of this historical and contemporary cohort.Design and participantsRetrospective identification of moderate or severe RHD with disease onset by 2019. Case identification from the following data sources: cardiac surgical databases, RHD case series, percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty databases, echocardiography databases, regional rheumatic fever registers and RHD clinic lists. The setting for this study was a high-income country with continued incidence of acute rheumatic fever (ARF).Findings to dateA Registry cohort of 4959 patients was established. The initial presentation was RHD without recognised prior ARF in 41%, and ARF in 59%. Ethnicity breakdown: Māori 38%, Pacific 33.5%, European 21.9%, other 6.7%. Ethnic disparities have changed significantly over time. Prior to 1960, RHD cases were 64.3% European, 25.3% Māori and 6.7% Pacific. However, in contrast, from 2010 to 2019, RHD cases were 10.7% European, 37.4% Māori and 47.2% Pacific.Follow-up showed 32% had changed region of residence within New Zealand from their initial presentation. At least one cardiac intervention (cardiac surgery, transcatheter balloon valvuloplasty) was undertaken in 64% of the cohort at a mean age of 40 years. 19.8% of the cohort had multiple cardiac interventions. At latest follow-up, 26.9% of the cohort died. Of those alive, the mean follow-up is 20.5+19.4 years. Māori and Pacific led governance groups have been established to provide data governance and oversight for the registry.Future plansDetailed mortality and morbidity of the registry cases will be defined by linkage to New Zealand national health data collections. The contemporary cohort of the registry will be available for future studies to improve clinical management and outcomes for the 3450 individuals living with chronic RHD.
Feasibility and acceptance of self-hypnosis to reduce chronic stress levels on family in-home caregivers of elderly people: protocol for the POSSAID pilot, randomised, wait-list controlled trial
Authors: Reynaud Danielle , Bruneau Léa 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionFamily members who care for elderly people experience high levels of chronic stress because of the intensive assistance they provide permanently to those who are losing their autonomy. Often considered a burden, this stress causes serious consequences to their health and worsens their quality of life (QoL). Reducing caregivers’ chronic stress via self-hypnosis protocols may be an effective treatment. The objective is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptance of self-hypnosis protocols taught by hypnotherapy-trained nurses to reduce the chronic stress of in-family caregivers.Methods and analysisThis study is a prospective, monocentric, non-blinded, parallel, pilot, randomised waitlist-controlled trial that will be conducted at the University Hospital of Reunion Island. Sixty participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups: a self-hypnosis group (intervention) or a waitlist control group. After an 8-week training programme, intervention participants will practice self-hypnosis for ten minutes/day over 8 weeks and subsequently be followed up for 16 weeks thereafter. The primary outcome is to assess the feasibility of a 16-week self-hypnosis protocol for in-family caregivers. Secondary outcomes include the evaluation of the effects of practising self-hypnosis among in-family caregivers of elderly people concerning their stress levels, sleep disorders, levels of fatigue, and QoL at 2, 4 and 8 months on an exploratory basis.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee CPP Ile de France VI—Groupe Hospitalier Pitié Salpêtrière on 14 April 2021 (ID RCB: 2021-A00009-32). All participants will receive information about the trial in verbal and written forms. They will give an oral consent which is notified in a dedicated research file prior before enrolment. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals as well as presented and disseminated at conferences.Trial registration numberNCT04909970.
Exploring cognitive and biological correlates of sleep quality and their potential links with Alzheimer’s disease (ALFASleep project): protocol for an observational study
Authors: Fauria Karine , Minguillon Carolina , Knezevic Iva , Tort-Colet Núria , Stankeviciute Laura , Hernández Laura , Rădoi Andreea , Deulofeu Carme , Fuentes-Julián Sherezade , Turull Israel , Fusté David , Sánchez-Benavides Gonzalo , Arenaza-Urquijo Eider M , Suárez-Calvet Marc , Holst Sebastian C , Garcés Pilar , Mueggler Thomas , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Arqueros Aurora , Iranzo Álex , Domingo Gispert Juan , Molinuevo José Luis , Grau-Rivera Oriol 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionThe growing worldwide prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and the lack of effective treatments pose a dire medical challenge. Sleep disruption is also prevalent in the ageing population and is increasingly recognised as a risk factor and an early sign of AD. The ALFASleep project aims to characterise sleep with subjective and objective measurements in cognitively unimpaired middle/late middle-aged adults at increased risk of AD who are phenotyped with fluid and neuroimaging AD biomarkers. This will contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms linking sleep with AD, thereby paving the way for the development of non-invasive biomarkers and preventive strategies targeting sleep.Methods and analysisWe will invite 200 participants enrolled in the ALFA+ (for ALzheimer and FAmilies) prospective observational study to join the ALFASleep study. ALFA+ participants are cognitively unimpaired middle-aged/late middle-aged adults who are followed up every 3 years with a comprehensive set of evaluations including neuropsychological tests, blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling, and MRI and positron emission tomography acquisition. ALFASleep participants will be additionally characterised with actigraphy and CSF–orexin-A measurements, and a subset (n=90) will undergo overnight polysomnography. We will test associations of sleep measurements and CSF–orexin-A with fluid biomarkers of AD and glial activation, neuroimaging outcomes and cognitive performance. In case we found any associations, we will test whether changes in AD and/or glial activation markers mediate the association between sleep and neuroimaging or cognitive outcomes and whether sleep mediates associations between CSF–orexin-A and AD biomarkers.Ethics and disseminationThe ALFASleep study protocol has been approved by the independent Ethics Committee Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona (2018/8207/I). All participants have signed a written informed consent before their inclusion (approved by the same ethics committee). Study findings will be presented at national and international conferences and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT04932473.
Feasibility of implementing a mobile phone-based telemonitoring programme to support pregnant women at high-risk for pre-eclampsia in Karachi, Pakistan: protocol for a mixed-methods study
Authors: Shahil Feroz Anam , Yasmin Haleema , Saleem Sarah , Bhutta Zulfiqar , Seto Emily 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionHigh maternal mortality from pre-eclampsia/eclampsia results from lack of early identification and management of pregnant women at high-risk for pre-eclampsia. A potential tool to support pregnant women at high-risk for pre-eclampsia is telemonitoring. There is limited evidence on the use and effectiveness of telemonitoring for pregnant women in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) which limits the understanding of the process and mechanisms through which the intervention works in LMICs. This study will explore the feasibility of implementing a mobile phone-based telemonitoring programme for pregnant women at high-risk for pre-eclampsia in Karachi, Pakistan.Methods and analysisA convergent mixed-methods study will be conducted at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC) in Karachi, Pakistan. This study will recruit 50 pregnant women at high-risk for pre-eclampsia to assess clinical feasibility across the five foci of Bowen’s framework including acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality and limited-efficacy testing. Data sources will include semi-structured interviews with the enrolled women, caregivers and clinicians, as well as quantitative data from paper medical records, research logs and server data. The quantitative and qualitative data will be analysed separately and then integrated at the interpretation and reporting levels to advance our understanding of the telemonitoring programme’s feasibility across the five areas of Bowen’s framework.Ethics and disseminationEthics approvals have been obtained from JPMC, the National Bioethics Committee of Pakistan, University Health Network, Aga Khan University and the University of Toronto. The study results will be disseminated to the scientific community through publications and conference presentations. Findings of the study will provide evidence on the feasibility of using a telemonitoring programme where pregnant women at high-risk for pre-eclampsia in Pakistan will take their own blood pressure readings at home. Lessons learnt in this feasibility trial will be used to determine the appropriateness of a future effectiveness trial.Trial registration numberNCT05662696
Analysis of heart rate variability during emergency flight simulator missions in fighter pilots
Authors: Fernández-Morales Carlos , Espejo-Antúnez L , Clemente-Suárez V J , Tabla-Hinojosa F B , Albornoz-Cabello M 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionManaging emergency situations in different simulated flight segments can entail a workload that could affect the performance of military pilots. The aim was to analyse the modifications in neurovegetative balance (using HR variability, HRV) of professional fighter pilots attending learning/training sessions on emergency situations in a flight simulator.MethodsA total of 18 pilots from the Spanish Air and Space Force were included. HRV was recorded simultaneously during diverse simulated emergency situations in three different flight segments: take-off, in-flight and landing.ResultsThe comparison between take-off and in-flight revealed a statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in percentage of consecutive RR intervals that differ by more than 50 ms from each other (pNN50), root mean square of the successive differences (rMSSD), standard desviation 1 and 2 (SD1 and SD2), and a statistically significant decrease (p<0.000) in stress score (SS) and in the sympathetic to parasympathetic ratio (S:PS). Between flight and landing, a statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in mean HR, minimum HR, maximum HR, SS and S:PS was shown, while experiencing a significant decrease (p<0.000) in pNN50, rMSSD and SD2. Finally, between take-off and landing, the variables which showed significant changes (p<0.05), with these changes being a significant increase, were mean HR, minimum HR, maximum HR, rMSSD, SD1 and SD2. SS and S:PS ratios showed a statistically significant decrease (p<0.000).ConclusionsAn emergency situation in a flight simulator manoeuvre produced an anticipatory anxiety response in pilots, demonstrated by low HRV, which increased during the flight segment and decreased during the landing segment of the flight.Trial registration numberNCT04487899.
Impacto de un programa de educación estructurado sobre el nivel de ansiedad preoperatoria de pacientes pediátricos y de sus padres
Authors: Cárdenas Antonia , Satori Josefina , Baquedano Paulina , Fuentes Ricardo , Rolle Augusto , González Arellano Alejandro 
Published: December 2022

Introducción: los pacientes pediátricos y sus padres sienten ansiedad antes de una cirugía, síntoma que afecta la inducción anestésica, el dolor y el comportamiento postoperatorio. El objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de la educación preoperatoria estructurada en el nivel de ansiedad de niños sometidos a cirugía electiva y de sus padres. Métodos: estudio prospectivo, aleatorio, doble ciego, en niños de 2-12 años, ASA I-II. Los participantes fueron aleatorizados en grupo control (información habitual) y grupo experimental (información estructurada). Se registraron variables demográficas, nivel de ansiedad en unidad preoperatoria y en pabellón en niños y padres; se evaluó el comportamiento de los niños durante la inducción anestésica. Análisis estadístico: t-test, x2; valores expresados en media y desviación estándar; significancia p ≤ 0,05. Resultados: se reclutaron 34 pacientes, 18 en grupo control y 16 en grupo experimental. Los valores ansiedad en niños pre-pabellón fueron 37,7 ± 21,4 en grupo control y 31,9 ± 11,5 en grupo experimental (p= 0,35); durante pre-inducción fue 43,2 ± 25,3 y 36 ± 15,5 respectivamente (p= 0,33). Los niveles de ansiedad en padres pre-pabellón fueron 42,5 ± 15,5 para grupo control y 37,6 ± 6,9 en grupo experimental (p= 0,25), y al retirarse del pabellón fueron de 45,1 ± 16,6 y 43,9 ± 9,8 respectivamente (p= 0,82). No hubo diferencias en el comportamiento durante la inducción anestésica entre ambos grupos (p= 0,24). Conclusiones: no fue posible demostrar efectos de información estructurada en niveles de ansiedad en niños que van a ser operados y en sus padres.
Характеристика клітинного та видового складу мікрофлори слизової оболонки порожнини рота у хворих на червоний плоский лишай
Authors: Божик С. С. 
Published: December 2022

Резюме. Червоний плоский лишай є поліетіологічним захворюванням, у патогенезі якого беруть участь імунні, нейроендокринні, інтоксикаційні, метаболічні процеси з ураженням шкіри і слизових оболонок у вигляді специфічних висипань, що розвиваються унаслідок запальних і дистрофічних процесів в уражених тканинах. Крім того, існує підвищений ризик малігнізації окремих клінічних форм, у зв'язку з чим актуальним є пошук критеріїв ранньої діагностики захворювання.
Мета дослідження – проаналізувати літературні джерела з характеристикою клітинного складу та видового складу мікрофлори слизової оболонки порожнини рота у хворих на червоний плоский лишай.
Матеріали і методи. Огляд та аналіз наукової та медичної літератури на основі баз даних Scopus, Web of Science, MedLine, PubMed, NCBI, вивчення яких не перевищує 10 років, включаючи огляди літератури та результати клінічних випробувань.
Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Червоний плоский лишай слизової оболонки порожнини рота є одним із найбільш поширених хронічних кератозів, у патогенезі яких важливе значення має безліч екзогенних і ендогенних факторів у комплексі, однак дані про частоту ураження вельми суперечливі. Домінуючими патоморфологічними процесами при даному захворюванні є запалення й альтерація тканин. Реалізація даних механізмів відбувається при безпосередній участі системи мікроциркуляції незалежно від етіології захворювання. У зв’язку з цим, при цитологічному та бактеріологічному дослідженнях мають місце як загальні ознаки вищевказаних процесів, так і специфічні маркери, діагностична цінність яких має вагоме значення при встановленні діагнозу, і як наслідок, коректно проведеному комплексі лікувальних заходів.
Висновки. Велика різноманітність клінічних проявів, відсутність чіткого уявлення про етіопатогенетичні механізми розвитку червоного плоского лишаю порожнини рота вимагають персоніфікованого, комплексного лікування, заснованого на індивідуальному підході до кожного хворого з урахуванням імовірного етіологічного чинника, клініки та застосованого спектра лабораторних досліджень.
The China Factor in Africa’s Path to Liberal Democracy
Authors: Venkataraman Manickam , Vignesh R. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This article explores whether China’s political and economic relations with African countries constitute a factor in undermining Africa’s path to liberal democracy or not. It addresses the question of why democratic values like human rights could not be sustained in some African countries. Along this line, could China’s economic influence harm the democratisation of the African continent? The argument of this article is that differing perceptions of democracy coupled with China’s entry in Africa as an alternative to the West have provided a context for several African countries to elude the liberal democratic path. The article concludes that, in providing them with economic support, China has introduced concepts of an alternative model of government to several African countries that had initially embraced liberal democracy. China’s close relations with Africa thus have been a game-changer for the post-Cold War liberal order.
Privatisation Policy and the Ghanaian Gold Mining Industry
Authors: Oppong Nana Yaw 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) help ailing developing economies to address their debts and economic crises. To receive this help, however, these international financial institutions (IFI s) have in the past demanded reforms, termed Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAP). One of the SAP policies has been the privatisation of state-owned enterprises (SOE s), which Ghana embraced and implemented from 1983. This article evaluates Ghana’s privatisation of the Ghanaian gold mining industry (the second-largest foreign-exchange earner and major beneficiary of the policy). Using predominantly academic and popular literature, data from the Ghana Chamber of Mines and insider accounts, this study reveals that the policy has resulted in benefits (organisational and national gains) and costs (social and national costs). The article calls on the World Bank/IMF and the gold mining industry to renew their commitment to the recognition of the social and environmental benefits to the citizens.
From l’Entente to Dhimmis
Authors: Anouti Hani 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This article aims to analyse and assess the exercised discrimination and the decline in the role of Christians, in general, and Copts, particularly, in Egypt from 1952 to 2010. The deterioration of the Coptic situation along with the political, social, cultural, and religious discrimination will be addressed and compared between the authoritarian regimes of Gamal Abdel Nasser, Anwar al Sadat, and Hosni Mubarak respectively. Political and militant Islam will be also addressed from the perspective of Christian politicisation and societal discrimination. The article will clarify in its conclusion, the gradual transformation status of the Copts from being protégé under the entente to become present-day Dhimmis.
Realising Māori Children’s Rights
Authors: Cleland Alison 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This article argues that the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child are of limited relevance, when considering Māori children’s rights. It further argues that law and processes recognising Māori children’s rights should be grounded in the principles of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Treaty of Waitangi. The analysis suggests that realising Māori children’s rights will require decolonisation of youth justice and family justice systems, respect for Māori self-determination and the recognition of Māori children’s collective cultural rights.