bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applying clinical audit for quality improvement in canine dystocia cases seen at a UK primary‐care emergency practice
Authors: Leicester Lucy , Reid Aoife , Gilbert Sophie , Marshall Racheal , O'Neill Dan G. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe paucity of published veterinary clinical audits suggests that clinical audit is an under‐used tool for quality improvement (QI) in the veterinary profession. Therefore, a continuous QI process was designed and implemented at a UK multisite small animal emergency practice, focusing on audit of clinical management of canine dystocia.MethodsData collection phases were undertaken in 2014, 2019 and 2021, with intervening knowledge dissemination activities. Nine variables relating to clinical management of canine dystocia were selected as audit criteria in the initial dataset, and 21 variables were measured in each subsequent phase.ResultsBetween 2014 and 2021, statistically significant increases (p < 0.05) were demonstrated in recording of bodyweight, use of diagnostic imaging, use of ultrasonography, recording of fetal heart rates, use of calcium gluconate, and use during caesarean section of intravenous fluid therapy, multimodal analgesia, full agonist opioids, paracetamol and local anaesthesia. Statistically significant decreases were demonstrated in median first quantity and median first dose of oxytocin, and in the use of NSAIDs during caesarean section. A clinical audit planning template was created for future audits.LimitationsTypical case presentation and management of canine dystocia cases may vary between dedicated emergency and non‐emergency primary‐care settings.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the feasibility of large‐scale veterinary clinical audit and suggests that the application of the clinical audit process promotes learning within the veterinary team and improved clinical outcomes.
Diagnostic utility of serum bile acids in dogs presenting with epileptic seizures consistent with a tier 1 confidence level diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy
Authors: Fisher Chloe , Harcourt‐Brown Tom 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force consensus guidelines recommend performing fasting serum bile acid (SBA) and/or serum ammonia measurements as part of a tier 1 diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy in dogs. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the diagnostic utility of fasting SBA in this population.MethodsDogs that met the tier 1 confidence level diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy, with the additional requirement of both fasting and 2‐hour postprandial SBA measurements, were included. The incidence of significant hepatopathies and usefulness of dynamic SBA testing and minimum database results were analysed.ResultsA total of 233 dogs were included. All dogs diagnosed with clinically significant hepatopathy had elevations in postprandial SBA, with eight of 14 (57.14%) showing elevations in fasting SBA. The prevalence of clinically significant hepatopathies that could have been missed without using postprandial SBA measurement was 1.29%.LimitationsThe further investigations performed were not uniform and there were limitations in the ability to control sampling techniques due to the retrospective nature of this study. Investigations into hepatopathy were not standardised across this study population.ConclusionsThis study documents the importance of postprandial SBA measurements in the detection of hepatopathies and reveals that non‐dynamic blood sampling has a negative predictive value of 91% for detecting elevated postprandial SBA, specific to dogs meeting the tier 1 confidence level diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy.
Influence of camera model and alignment on the performance of paired camera stations
Authors: Swearingen Tim C. , Klaver Robert W. , Anderson Charles R. , Jacques Christopher N. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe probability of obtaining images of target species may vary across camera models or relative position of cameras at survey locations. Alignment of cameras within paired camera stations (hereafter, stations) could affect species detection due to issues with image exposure. We quantified effects of 3 camera models and alignment (staggered, offset by a perpendicular distance of 4.6 m, and aligned, directly facing one another) on camera performance in a station design. Mean exposure events (flash from one camera overexposes or underexposes pictures) at aligned stations was 3.93 (SE = 1.01; n = 40), whereas no exposure events were documented at staggered (n = 36) stations. Overall frequency of exposure events of mammal images at aligned cameras was 44% (68 exposure events/153 images). On average, 8% (range 0−35%) of mammal images from aligned stations were exposure events. We detected no difference (P = 0.88) in exposure events among paired camera models. Further, we detected no overall differences (P ≥ 0.07) in paired camera performance (i.e., number of mammal images over survey interval) between aligned or staggered stations, though reliability (i.e., percentage of camera stations that lasted entire survey interval) varied (P ≤ 0.001) between model types. Research deploying 2 cameras within a camera station framework can eliminate exposure events by using a staggered camera alignment without affecting the number of usable mammal photos. Rigorous field testing prior to deployment of stations is warranted to optimize reliability. One of our low‐cost models performed as well as a more expensive model within our paired camera stations at collecting mammal images, and thus could be incorporated into study designs without compromising quality of camera photo data. We suggest a pilot study before large‐scale deployment to evaluate reliability and performance of cameras, particularly when deploying multiple models.
(Quasi-) de Sitter solutions across dimensions and the TCC bound
Authors: Andriot David , Horer Ludwig 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In this work, we investigate the existence of string theory solutions with a d-dimensional (quasi-) de Sitter spacetime, for 3 ≤ d ≤ 10. Considering classical compactifications, we derive no-go theorems valid for general d. We use them to exclude (quasi-) de Sitter solutions for d ≥ 7. In addition, such solutions are found unlikely to exist in d = 6, 5. For each no-go theorem, we further compute the d-dependent parameter c of the swampland de Sitter conjecture, $$ {M}_p\frac{\mid \nabla V\mid }{V}\ge c $$

M
p

∣
∇
V
∣

V

≥
c
. Remarkably, the TCC bound $$ c\ge \frac{2}{\sqrt{\left(d-1\right)\left(d-2\right)}} $$
c
≥

2

d
−
1

d
−
2

is then perfectly satisfied for d ≥ 4, with several saturation cases. However, we observe a violation of this bound in d = 3. We finally comment on related proposals in the literature, on the swampland distance conjecture and its decay rate, and on the so-called accelerated expansion bound.
18F-Florzolotau PET imaging captures the distribution patterns and regional vulnerability of tau pathology in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Liu Feng-Tao , Lu Jia-Ying , Li Xin-Yi , Liang Xiao-Niu , Jiao Fang-Yang , Ge Jing-Jie , Wu Ping , Li Gen , Shen Bo , Wu Bin , Sun Yi-Min , Zhu Yu-Hua , Luo Jian-Feng , Yen Tzu-Chen , Wu Jian-Jun , Zuo Chuan-Tao , Wang Jian ,   for the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Neuroimage Initiative (PSPNI)
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Human post mortem studies have described the topographical patterns of tau pathology in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Recent advances in tau PET tracers are expected to herald the next era of PSP investigation for early detection of tau pathology in living brains. This study aimed to investigate whether 18F-Florzolotau PET imaging may capture the distribution patterns and regional vulnerability of tau pathology in PSP, and to devise a novel image-based staging system.

Methods
The study cohort consisted of 148 consecutive patients with PSP who had undergone 18F-Florzolotau PET imaging. The PSP rating scale (PSPrs) was used to measure disease severity. Similarities and differences of tau deposition among different clinical phenotypes were examined at the regional and voxel levels. An 18F-Florzolotau pathological staging system was devised according to the scheme originally developed for post mortem data. In light of conditional probabilities for the sequence of events, an 18F-Florzolotau modified staging system by integrating clusters at the regional level was further developed. The ability of 18F-Florzolotau staging systems to reflect disease severity in terms of PSPrs score was assessed by analysis of variance.

Results
The distribution patterns of 18F-Florzolotau accumulation in living brains of PSP showed a remarkable similarity to those reported in post mortem studies, with the binding intensity being markedly higher in Richardson’s syndrome. Moreover, 18F-Florzolotau PET imaging allowed detecting regional vulnerability and tracking tau accumulation in an earlier fashion compared with post mortem immunostaining. The 18F-Florzolotau staging systems were positively correlated with clinical severity as reflected by PSPrs scores.

Conclusions
18F-Florzolotau PET imaging can effectively capture the distribution patterns and regional vulnerability of tau pathology in PSP. The 18F-Florzolotau modified staging system holds promise for early tracking of tau deposition in living brains.
Corrective bandages and daily manipulations for treatment of congenital vertical talus: a thirteen year follow-up
Authors: Utrilla-Rodríguez Elia , Díaz-Ávila Nieves , Sáez-Díaz Antonia , Munuera-Martínez Pedro V. , Albornoz-Cabello Manuel 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To analyze the results of a conservative method for treating congenital vertical talus in children with early start and to know in which cases surgical treatment was needed.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of all children diagnosed with idiopathic vertical talus was carried out during the years 2008–2021. Thirty-two children (46 feet) were finally included. Children were treated with serial manipulations, muscle stimulation, and corrective bandages. Age at the time of initiation of treatment, duration of treatment, and correction or not of the deformity without surgical intervention were recorded as variables of interest. The talocalcaneal angle, TAMBA, and ankle range of motion were measured before treatment, after treatment, and at the end of the follow-up period. Statistics decision tree was used to determine which variable best discriminated whether the patient needed surgery. To complement the tree diagram, a two-step cluster analysis was carried out.

Results
After treatment, TAMBA and talocalcaneal angle changed from “vertical” to “oblique” category in 45 and 37 feet, respectively. The pathological dorsal flexion of the ankle changed to normal in 37 feet and ankle plantar flexion was normal in 46 feet. These variables showed significant changes between the three measurement moments. The results of the statistics decision tree and cluster analysis indicate that “No surgery” was associated with an age equal to or lower than one week when treatment was started, and with an ankle plantar flexion range of motion lower than 36°.

Conclusions
The beginning of this conservative treatment in the first week of life and having a plantar flexion of the ankle lower than 36° were related to the success of the treatment without surgery.
Drivers of Perceived Nuisance Growth by Aquatic Plants
Authors: Thiemer Kirstine , Immerzeel Bart , Schneider Susanne , Sebola Keneilwe , Coetzee Julie , Baldo Mathieu , Thiebaut Gabrielle , Hilt Sabine , Köhler Jan , Harpenslager Sarah Faye , Vermaat Jan E. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMass developments of macrophytes occur frequently worldwide and are often considered a nuisance when interfering with human activities. It is crucial to understand the drivers of this perception if we are to develop effective management strategies for ecosystems with macrophyte mass developments. Using a comprehensive survey spanning five sites with different macrophyte species in four countries (Norway, France, Germany and South Africa), we quantified the perception of macrophyte growth as a nuisance among residents and visitors, and for different recreational activities (swimming, boating, angling, appreciation of biodiversity, appreciation of landscape and birdwatching). We then used a Bayesian network approach to integrate the perception of nuisance with the consequences of plant removal. From the 1234 responses collected from the five sites, a range of 73–93% of the respondents across the sites considered macrophyte growth a nuisance at each site. Residents perceived macrophytes up to 23% more problematic than visitors. Environmental mindedness of respondents did not influence the perception of nuisance. Perceived nuisance of macrophytes was relatively similar for different recreational activities that were possible in each case study site, although we found some site-specific variation. Finally, we illustrate how Bayesian networks can be used to choose the best management option by balancing people’s perception of macrophyte growth with the potential consequences of macrophyte removal.
Perioperative Risk Assessment in Humanitarian Settings: A Scoping Review
Authors: Wild Hannah , Stewart Barclay T. , LeBoa Christopher , Jewell Teresa , Mehta Kajal , Wren Sherry M. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundNo validated perioperative risk assessment models currently exist for use in humanitarian settings. To inform the development of a perioperative mortality risk assessment model applicable to humanitarian settings, we conducted a scoping review of the literature to identify reports that described perioperative risk assessment in surgical care in humanitarian settings and LMICs.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review of the literature to identify records that described perioperative risk assessment in low‐resource or humanitarian settings. Searches were conducted in databases including: PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, World Health Organization Catalog, and Google Scholar.ResultsOur search identified 1582 records. After title/abstract and full text screening, 50 reports remained eligible for analysis in quantitative and qualitative synthesis. These reports presented data from over 37 countries from public, NGO, and military facilities. Data reporting was highly inconsistent: fewer than half of reports presented the indication for surgery; less than 25% of reports presented data on injury severity or prehospital data. Most elements of perioperative risk models designed for high‐resource settings (e.g., vital signs, laboratory data, and medical comorbidities) were unavailable.ConclusionAt present, no perioperative mortality risk assessment model exists for use in humanitarian settings. Limitations in consistency and quality of data reporting are a primary barrier, however, can be addressed through data‐driven identification of several key variables encompassed by a minimum dataset. The development of such a score is a critical step toward improving the quality of care provided to populations affected by conflict and protracted humanitarian crises.
A 5-year prospective study of health-related quality of life in irradiated head and neck cancer patients: three trends of HRQL over time
Authors: Aghajanzadeh Susan , Tuomi Lisa , Karlsson Therese 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the fastest increasing cancer-types, where both disease and oncologic treatment have severe impact on health-related quality of life (HRQL). This study aimed to report HRQL prospectively up to 5-years following radiotherapy-treatment in HNC and to, if possible, identify trends in HRQL over time.

Methods
This prospective study followed 211 patients receiving curatively intended radiotherapy pre-diagnosis, 3-, 6-, 12- and 60-months post-radiotherapy completion. HRQL was measured using EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-HN35.

Results
A deterioration three months post-radiotherapy was reported in 14/15 domains of EORTC QLQ-C30. Eight out of 12 domains had recovered to baseline-values at 12 months post-radiotherapy and remained unchanged up to study endpoint. Corresponding figures for EORTC QLQ-HN35 were deteriorations in 15/16 domains at three months post-radiotherapy, with recovery of 5 domain at 12-months, whereas the other 11 domains remained significantly worse at 5-years post-RT compared to baseline.

Conclusion
Following the deterioration in HRQL seen immediately following radiotherapy, the continued course of HRQL can be divided into three trends: short-term deterioration, long-term deterioration and long-term improvements. The combination of disease- and diagnosis-specific questionnaires is crucial when assessing HRQL in the HNC population.
Costs and clinical benefits of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in pancreaticoduodenectomy: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Noba Lyrics , Rodgers Sheila , Doi Lawrence , Chandler Colin , Hariharan Deepak , Yip Vincent 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose
ERAS is a holistic and multidisciplinary pathway that incorporates various evidence-based interventions to accelerate recovery and improve clinical outcomes. However, evidence on cost benefit of ERAS in pancreaticoduodenectomy remains scarce. This review aimed to investigate cost benefit, compliance, and clinical benefits of ERAS in pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted on Medline, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL and the Cochrane library to identify studies conducted between 2000 and 2021, comparing effect of ERAS programmes and traditional care on hospital cost, length of stay (LOS), complications, delayed gastric emptying (DGE), readmission, reoperation, mortality, and compliance.

Results
The search yielded 3 RCTs and 28 cohort studies. Hospital costs were significantly reduced in the ERAS group (SMD = − 1.41; CL, − 2.05 to − 0.77; P < 0.00001). LOS was shortened by 3.15 days (MD = − 3.15; CI, − 3.94 to − 2.36; P < 0.00001) in the ERAS group. Fewer patients in the ERAS group had complications (RR = 0.83; CI, 0.76–0.91; P < 0.0001). Incidences of DGE significantly decreased in the ERAS group (RR = 0.72; CI, 0.55–0.94; P = 0.01). The number of deaths was fewer in the ERAS group (RR = 0.76; CI, 0.58–1.00; P = 0.05).

Conclusion
This review demonstrated that ERAS is safe and feasible in pancreaticoduodenectomy, improves clinical outcome such as LOS, complications, DGE and mortality rates, without changing readmissions and reoperations, while delivering significant cost savings. Higher compliance is associated with better clinical outcomes, especially LOS and complications.
Epidemiological study on factors influencing the occurrence of helminth eggs in horses in Germany based on sent-in diagnostic samples
Authors: Boelow Heike , Krücken Jürgen , von Samson-Himmelstjerna Georg 
Published: January 2023

Abstract Gastrointestinal nematodes are ubiquitous parasites of grazing equines with Parascaris spp., and strongyles being the most relevant ones regarding the prevalence and potential disease severity. Despite their importance, epidemiological data regarding the presence and egg-shedding intensities of these parasites are scarce. Data from 1067 horse samples collected on German horse farms initially to compare diagnostic methods were used for epidemiological analyses. Due to its higher sensitivity, presence/absence data were based on a combined sedimentation/flotation technique while faecal egg counts were based on Mini-FLOTAC. For strongyles, 46.5% of the samples were positive and the median egg-shedding intensity was 40 (range 5–2590). In multivariate analyses, prevalence and egg-shedding intensity were significantly influenced by season, age group and sample type. The drug used for the last treatment and the number of foals on the yard only affected prevalence while the number of horses on the yard and sex were only significant for egg-shedding intensity. For Parascaris spp., a prevalence of 4.6% and a median egg-shedding intensity of 0 (range 5–905) were observed. In multivariate analyses, the age group, the time since the last anthelmintic treatment, presence and number of foals had significant effects on ascarid prevalence whereas egg-shedding intensity was significantly influenced by age group and season only. Parascaris occurred only on yards with foals, but with an increasing number of foals, Parascaris egg-shedding intensity decreased. Prevalence and egg-shedding intensity were influenced by different but partially overlapping variables for Parascaris and strongyles.
A large-deviations principle for all the components in a sparse inhomogeneous random graph
Authors: Andreis Luisa , König Wolfgang , Langhammer Heide , Patterson Robert I. A. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractWe study an inhomogeneous sparse random graph, $${\mathcal G }_N$$

G
N

, on $$[N]=\{1,\dots ,N\}$$

[
N
]
=
{
1
,
⋯
,
N
}

as introduced in a seminal paper by Bollobás et al. (Random Struct Algorithms 31(1):3–122, 2007): vertices have a type (here in a compact metric space $${\mathcal S }$$
S
), and edges between different vertices occur randomly and independently over all vertex pairs, with a probability depending on the two vertex types. In the limit $$N\rightarrow \infty $$

N
→
∞

, we consider the sparse regime, where the average degree is O(1). We prove a large-deviations principle with explicit rate function for the statistics of the collection of all the connected components, registered according to their vertex type sets, and distinguished according to being microscopic (of finite size) or macroscopic (of size $$\asymp N$$

≍
N

). In doing so, we derive explicit logarithmic asymptotics for the probability that $${\mathcal G }_N$$

G
N

is connected. We present a full analysis of the rate function including its minimizers. From this analysis we deduce a number of limit laws, conditional and unconditional, which provide comprehensive information about all the microscopic and macroscopic components of $${\mathcal G }_N$$

G
N

. In particular, we recover the criterion for the existence of the phase transition given in Bollobás et al. (2007).