bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silica botryoids from chemically oscillating reactions and as Precambrian environmental proxies
Authors: Varkouhi Shahab , Papineau Dominic 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In this petrographic and geochemical study, we differentiated diverse quartz botryoids, including circular-concentric, twinned, columnar, wavy, and stromatolite-like structures versus synchronous biotic patterns of similar geometry and size dimensions (filamentous traits and stromatolites) in Precambrian cherts of Barberton, South Africa, and Gunflint, Canada. The botryoidal habits explored retained self-similar patterns of radially aligned acicular quartz with concentric laminae, which are not documented in biologically built stromatolites. These ancient fractals and their composition imitate those in chemically oscillating reactions, implying that the precipitation of botryoids was fueled by abiotic diagenetic degradation of organic matter and subsequently metamorphosed into chert.
Exploring the efficacy of psychotherapies for depression: a multiverse meta-analysis
Authors: Plessen Constantin Yves , Karyotaki Eirini , Miguel Clara , Ciharova Marketa , Cuijpers Pim 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundHundreds of randomised controlled trials and dozens of meta-analyses have examined psychotherapies for depression—yet not all points in the same direction. Are these discrepancies a result of specific meta-analytical decisions or do most analytical strategies reaching the same conclusion?ObjectiveWe aim to solve these discrepancies by conducting a multiverse meta-analysis containing all possible meta-analyses, using all statistical methods.Study selection and analysisWe searched four bibliographical databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials), including studies published until 1 January 2022. We included all randomised controlled trials comparing psychotherapies with control conditions without restricting the type of psychotherapy, target group, intervention format, control condition and diagnosis. We defined all possible meta-analyses emerging from combinations of these inclusion criteria and estimated the resulting pooled effect sizes with fixed-effect, random-effects, 3-level, robust variance estimation,p-uniform and PET-PEESE (precision-effect test and precision-effect estimate with SE) meta-analysis models. This study was preregistered (https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050197).FindingsA total of 21 563 records were screened, and 3584 full texts were retrieved; 415 studies met our inclusion criteria containing 1206 effect sizes and 71 454 participants. Based on all possible combinations between inclusion criteria and meta-analytical methods, we calculated 4281 meta-analyses. The average summary effect size for these meta-analyses was Hedges’gmean=0.56, a medium effect size, and ranged fromg=−0.66 to 2.51. In total, 90% of these meta-analyses reached a clinically relevant magnitude.Conclusions and Clinical ImplicationsThe multiverse meta-analysis revealed the overall robustness of the effectiveness of psychotherapies for depression. Notably, meta-analyses that included studies with a high risk of bias, compared the intervention with wait-list control groups, and not correcting for publication bias produced larger effect sizes.
Evaluating use of mass-media communication intervention ‘MTV-Shuga’ on increased awareness and demand for HIV and sexual health services by adolescent girls and young women in South Africa: an observational study
Authors: Chimbindi Natsayi , Mthiyane Nondumiso , Chidumwa Glory , Zuma Thembelihle , Dreyer Jaco , Birdthistle Isolde , Floyd Sian , Kyegombe Nambusi , Grundy Chris , Cawood Cherie , Danaviah Siva , Smit Theresa , Pillay Deenan , Baisley Kathy , Harling Guy , Seeley Janet , Shahmanesh Maryam 
Published: May 2023

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of exposure to MTV Shuga:Down South’ (MTVShuga-DS) during the scale-up of combination HIV-prevention interventions on awareness and uptake of sexual reproductive health (SRH) and HIV-prevention services by adolescent girls and young women (AGYW).DesignOne longitudinal and three cross-sectional surveys of representative samples of AGYW.SettingAGYW in four South African districts with high HIV prevalence (>10%) (May 2017 and September 2019).Participants6311 AGYW aged 12–24.MeasuresUsing logistic regression, we measured the relationship between exposure to MTV Shuga-DS and awareness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), condom use at last sex, uptake of HIV-testing or contraception, and incident pregnancy or herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) infection.ResultsWithin the rural cohort 2184 (85.5%) of eligible sampled individuals were enrolled, of whom 92.6% had at least one follow-up visit; the urban cross-sectional surveys enrolled 4127 (22.6%) of eligible sampled individuals. Self-report of watching at least one MTV Shuga-DS episode was 14.1% (cohort) and 35.8% (cross-section), while storyline recall was 5.5% (cohort) and 6.7% (cross-section). In the cohort, after adjustment (for HIV-prevention intervention-exposure, age, education, socioeconomic status), MTVShuga-DS exposure was associated with increased PrEP awareness (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.06, 95% CI 1.57 to 2.70), contraception uptake (aOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.45 to 2.98) and consistent condom use (aOR 1.84, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.93), but not with HIV testing (aOR 1.02, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.21) or acquiring HSV-2 (aOR 0.92, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.38). In the cross-sections, MTVShuga-DS was associated with greater PrEP awareness (aOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.43), but no other outcome.ConclusionsAmong both urban and rural AGYW in South Africa, MTVShuga-DS exposure was associated with increased PrEP awareness and improved demand for some HIV prevention and SRH technologies but not sexual health outcomes. However, exposure to MTVShuga-DS was low. Given these positive indications, supportive programming may be required to raise exposure and allow future evaluation of edu-drama impact in this setting.
Feasibility and acceptability of a primary care liver fibrosis testing pathway centred on the diabetes annual review: PRELUDE1 prospective cohort study protocol
Authors: Brindley James Hallimond , Abeysekera Kushala , Hood Gill , Jennings Stacey , Moore John , Hickman Matthew , Alazawi William 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide affecting 20%–25% in the USA and Europe with a 60%–80% lifetime prevalence for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Fibrosis has repeatedly been demonstrated to be the major determinant of liver disease morbidity and mortality and there is currently no routine screening for liver fibrosis in at-risk T2D population.Methods and analysisThis 12-month prospective cohort study of automated fibrosis testing uses the fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4) in patients with T2D linked to the investigation of hospital-based versus community-based second-tier transient elastography (TE) testing. We plan to include >5000 participants across 10 General Practitioner (GP) practices in East London and Bristol. This will determine the rate of undiagnosed significant liver fibrosis in a T2D population, the feasibility of two-tier liver fibrosis screening using FIB-4 at the diabetes annual review and subsequent TE delivered either in the community or secondary care settings. This will include an intention-to-treat analysis for all those invited to attend for diabetes annual review. A qualitative substudy regarding the acceptability of the fibrosis screening pathway will comprise semistructured interviews/focus groups with primary care staff (GPs and practice nurses), and patients taking part in the wider study.Ethics and disseminationThis study received a favourable opinion from the Cambridge East research ethics committee. The results of this study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed scientific journals, conference presentations and local diabetes lay panel meetings.Trial registration numberISRCTN14585543.
What counts as patient-important upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the ICU? A mixed-methods study protocol of patient and family perspectives
Authors: Cook Deborah J , Swinton Marilyn E , Krewulak Karla D , Fiest Kirsten , Dionne Joanna C , Debigare Sylvie , Guyatt Gordon H , Taneja Shipra , Alhazzani Waleed , Burns Karen E A , Marshall John C , Muscedere John G , Gouskos Audrey , Finfer Simon , Deane Adam M , Myburgh John A , Rochwerg Bram , Ball Ian , Mele Tina , Niven Daniel J , English Shane W , Verhovsek Madeleine , Vanstone Meredith 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionClinically important upper gastrointestinal bleeding is conventionally defined as bleeding accompanied by haemodynamic changes, requiring red blood cell transfusions or other invasive interventions. However, it is unclear if this clinical definition reflects patient values and preferences. This protocol describes a study to elicit views from patients and families regarding features, tests, and treatments for upper gastrointestinal bleeding that are important to them.Methods and analysisThis is a sequential mixed-methods qualitative-dominant multi-centre study with an instrument-building aim. We developed orientation tools and educational materials in partnership with patients and family members, including a slide deck and executive summary. We will invite intensive care unit (ICU) survivors and family members of former ICU patients to participate. Following a virtual interactive presentation, participants will share their perspectives in an interview or focus group. Qualitative data will be analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis, wherein codes will be derived directly from the data rather than using preconceived categories. Concurrent data collection and analysis will occur. Quantitative data will include self-reported demographic characteristics. This study will synthesise the values and perspectives of patients and family members to create a new trial outcome for a randomised trial of stress ulcer prophylaxis. This study is planned for May 2022 to August 2023. The pilot work was completed in Spring 2021.Ethics and disseminationThis study has ethics approval from McMaster University and the University of Calgary. Findings will be disseminated via manuscript and through incorporation as a secondary trial outcome on stress ulcer prophylaxis.Trial registration numberNCT05506150.
National survey of referrals for precocious puberty in Germany
Authors: Baehr Sonja , Schnabel Dirk , Woelfle Joachim , Schreiner Felix , Gohlke Bettina 
Published: May 2023

An unusual high number of girls were referred to our paediatric endocrine clinic with suspected precocious puberty (PP) since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We analysed our data and initiated a survey among German paediatric endocrinologists.At our centre, less than 10 patients were diagnosed of PP annually between 2015 and 2019. This increased to n=23 (2020) and n=30 (2021). A German survey confirmed this observation: Out of 44 centres which completed the questionnaire, 30/44 (68%) reported an increase of PP. Above this, 32/44 (72%) stated an increase in girls diagnosed with ‘early normal puberty’ since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Burden of fatal drowning in California, 2005–2019
Authors: Koon William , Stewart Orion , Brander Robert , Quan Linda , Peden Amy E 
Published: May 2023

ObjectiveTo characterise risk factors for fatal drowning in California, USA to inform priorities for prevention, policy and research.MethodsThis retrospective population-based epidemiological review of death certificate data evaluated fatal drowning events in California from 2005 to 2019. Unintentional, intentional, and undetermined drowning deaths and rates were described by person (age, sex, race) and context-based variables (region and body of water).ResultsCalifornia’s fatal drowning rate was 1.48 per 100 000 population (n=9237). Highest total fatal drowning rates occurred in the lower population density northern regions, among older adults (75–84 years: 2.54 per 100 000 population; 85+: 3.47 per 100 000 population) and non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native persons (2.84 per 100 000 population). Male drowning deaths occurred at 2.7 times the rate of females; drowning deaths occurred mainly in swimming pools (27%), rivers/canals (22.4%) and coastal waters (20.2%). The intentional fatal drowning rate increased 89% during the study period.ConclusionsCalifornia’s overall fatal drowning rate was similar to the rest of the USA but differed among subpopulations. These divergences from national data, along with regional differences in drowning population and context-related characteristics, underscore the need for state and regional level analyses to inform drowning prevention policy, programmes and research.
Learning at a distance: results of an international survey on the adoption of virtual conferences and whole slide imaging by pathologists
Authors: Laohawetwanit Thiyaphat , Gonzalez Raul S , Bychkov Andrey 
Published: May 2023

AimsThis study presents the findings of a global survey of pathologists’ views of online conferences and digital pathology.MethodsAn online anonymous survey consisting of 11 questions focusing on pathologists’ perceptions of virtual conferences and digital slides was distributed to practising pathologists and trainees across the globe using the authors’ social media accounts and professional society connections. Participants were asked to rank their preference for various aspects of pathology meetings on a 5-point Likert scale.ResultsThere were 562 respondents from 79 countries. Several advantages of virtual meetings were recognised, including that they are less expensive to attend than in-person meetings (mean 4.4), more convenient to attend remotely (mean 4.3) and more efficient due to no loss of time for travel (mean 4.3). The lack of networking was reported as the main disadvantage of virtual conferences (mean 4.0). Most respondents (n=450, 80.1%) preferred hybrid or virtual meetings. About two-thirds (n=356, 63.3%) had no concern regarding the use of virtual slides for educational purposes and viewed them as an acceptable substitute for glass slides.ConclusionsOnline meetings and whole slide imaging are viewed as valuable tools in pathology education. Virtual conferences allow affordable registration fees and flexibility for participants. However, networking opportunities are limited, meaning in-person meetings cannot be entirely replaced by virtual conferences. Hybrid meetings may be a solution to maximise the benefits of both virtual and in-person meetings.
New pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-40 is produced by activated neutrophils and plays a role in the early stages of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Navrátilová Adéla , Bečvář Viktor , Hulejová Hana , Tomčík Michal , Štolová Lucie , Mann Heřman , Růžičková Olga , Šléglová Olga , Závada Jakub , Pavelka Karel , Vencovský Jiří , Šenolt Ladislav , Andrés Cerezo Lucie 
Published: May 2023

ObjectiveInterleukin (IL)-40 is a new cytokine related to immune system function and malignancies. Recently, an association of IL-40 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and externalisation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETosis) was found. As neutrophils are implicated in RA development, we investigated IL-40 in early stages of RA (ERA).MethodsIL-40 was determined in serum of treatment naïve patients with ERA at baseline (n=60) and 3 months after initiation of conventional therapy and in healthy controls (HC; n=60). Levels of IL-40, cytokines and NETosis markers were measured by ELISA. NETosis was visualised by immunofluorescence. In vitro experiments were performed on peripheral blood neutrophils from ERA patients (n=14). Cell-free DNA was analysed in serum and supernatants.ResultsSerum IL-40 was elevated in ERA compared with HC (p<0.0001) and normalised after 3 months of therapy (p<0.0001). Baseline serum IL-40 correlated with rheumatoid factor (IgM) (p<0.01), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (p<0.01) autoantibodies and NETosis markers (proteinase 3; neutrophil elastase (NE); myeloperoxidase) (p<0.0001). Levels of NE significantly decreased after therapy (p<0.01) and correlated with the decrease of serum IL-40 (p<0.05). In vitro, neutrophils enhanced IL-40 secretion following NETosis induction (p<0.001) or after exposure to IL-1β, IL-8 (p<0.05), tumour necrosis factor or lipopolysaccharide (p<0.01). Recombinant IL-40 up-regulated IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 (p<0.05 for all) in vitro.ConclusionWe showed that IL-40 is significantly up-regulated in seropositive ERA and decreases after conventional therapy. Moreover, neutrophils are an important source of IL-40 in RA, and its release is potentiated by cytokines and NETosis. Thus, IL-40 may play a role in ERA.
Sleep behaviour differs in women and men with psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis with impact on quality of life and depressive symptoms
Authors: Frede Natalie , Rieger Eva , Lorenzetti Raquel , Venhoff Ana C , Kanne Anna-Maria , Finzel Stephanie , Jandova Ilona , Glaser Cornelia , Thiel Jens , Voll Reinhard E , Venhoff Nils 
Published: May 2023

ObjectivesAxial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) may have a profound impact on sleep and health-related quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess sleep quality and quality of life and determine associated factors in patients treated with spondyloarthritides (SpA).MethodsCross-sectional questionnaire-based assessment of sleep behaviour, quality of life, functional impairment and depression (Regensburg Insomnia Scale, WHO Quality of Life questionnaire, Funktionsfragebogen Hannover questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory II, Patient health questionnaire 9) and retrospective medical chart analysis of a monocentric cohort of 330 patients with SpA (n=168 PsA and n=162 axSpA).Results46.6% of patients with SpA demonstrated abnormal sleep behaviour. Linear regression models showed HLA-B27 positivity, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, depressive symptoms, functional capacity and disease duration to be predictive of insomnia symptoms in axSpA, respectively, depressive symptoms, female sex and Disease Activity Score 28 in patients with PsA. Patients with unrestful sleep had a significantly reduced health-related quality of life (p<0.001) as well as significantly more depressive symptoms (p<0.001). Satisfaction with health was rated significantly lower (p<0.001), indicating poor sleep as a burden on general well-being.In particular, female patients had a significantly worse sleep quality with a prolonged sleep latency (p=0.009), increased sleep disturbances (p=0.014) and unrestful sleep (p<0.001) as well as a reduced physical and mental health-related quality of life (p=0.015, p<0.001) and more depressive symptoms (p=0.015).ConclusionDespite treatment, many patients with SpA demonstrate abnormal sleep behaviour with symptoms of insomnia and a reduced quality of life with significant differences between male and female patients. An interdisciplinary and holistic approach may be needed to address unmet needs.
Four trajectories of 24-hour urine protein levels in real-world lupus nephritis cohorts
Authors: Zhang Danting , Sun Fangfang , Chen Jie , Ding Huihua , Wang Xiaodong , Shen Nan , Li Ting , Ye Shuang 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectivesA 24-hour urine protein (24hUP) is a key measurement in the management of lupus nephritis (LN); however, trajectories of 24hUP in LN is poorly defined.MethodsTwo LN cohorts that underwent renal biopsies at Renji Hospital were included. Patients received standard of care in a real-world setting and 24hUP data were collected over time. Trajectory patterns of 24hUP were determined using the latent class mixed modelling (LCMM). Baseline characters were compared among trajectories and multinomial logistic regression was used to determine independent risk factors. Optimal combinations of variables were identified for model construction and user-friendly nomograms were developed.ResultsThe derivation cohort composed of 194 patients with LN with 1479 study visits and a median follow-up of 17.5 (12.2–21.7) months. Four trajectories of 24hUP were identified, that is, Rapid Responders, Good Responders, Suboptimal Responders and Non-Responders, with the KDIGO renal complete remission rates (time to complete remission, months) of 84.2% (4.19), 79.6% (7.94), 40.4% (not applicable) and 9.8% (not applicable), respectively (p<0.001). The ‘Rapid Responders’ distinguish itself from other trajectories and a nomogram, composed of age, systemic lupus erythematosus duration, albumin and 24hUP yielded C-indices >0.85. Another nomogram to predict ‘Good Responders’ yielded C-indices of 0.73~0.78, which composed of gender, new-onset LN, glomerulosclerosis and partial remission within 6 months. When applied to the validation cohort with 117 patients and 500 study visits, nomograms effectively sorted out ‘Rapid Responders’ and ‘Good Responders’.ConclusionFour trajectories of LN shed some light to guide the management of LN and further clinical trials design.
High incidence of asymptomatic genital tract infections in pregnancy in adolescent girls and young women: need for repeat aetiological screening
Authors: Govender Vani , Moodley Dhayendre , Naidoo Megeshinee , Connoly Cathy , Ngcapu Sinaye , Abdool Karim Quarraisha 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionSexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence and incidence estimates for pregnant adolescents are under-reported. We estimated prevalence and incidence of STIs in pregnant adolescents (15–19 years) in comparison with pregnant women 20–24 and >25 years.MethodsPregnant women registering at primary care clinics in Umlazi, a periurban subdistrict in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, were enrolled in an HIV incidence cohort study during February 2017–March 2018. Women were examined for abnormal vaginal discharge, received empirical treatment, tested for HIV-1 and had vaginal swabs taken at their first and a subsequent visit in the third trimester. Vaginal swabs were stored for STI testing at completion of study and tested forTrichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeaeandMycoplasma genitaliumusing PCR.ResultsA total of 752 HIV-negative pregnant women were enrolled at a median gestational age of 17 weeks: 180 (23.9%), 291 (38.7%) and 281 (37.4%) in the 15–19, 20–24 and >25 years age groups. Pregnant adolescents had an STI prevalence of 26.7% at baseline, not significantly lower than the 20–24 (34.7%, OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.0 to 2.1, p=0.09) and >25 years (33.8%, OR 1.4; 95% CI 0.9 to 2.1, p=0.12) age groups.T. vaginalis(11.1%),C. trachomatis(7.8%) andN. gonorrhoeae(4.4%) were most prevalent in adolescents, a trend similar to the other age groups. Overall, 43.4% were symptomatic and treated at baseline. Overall, 40.7% (118 of 290) of women who tested negative for an STI at baseline tested positive at the repeat visit (incidence 19.5/100 person years). STI incidence in pregnant adolescents was 23.9/100 person years and comparable with older age groups (20.5/100 person years and 16.2/100 person years). At the repeat visit, 19.0% of all women with an STI were symptomatic and treated. Performance of syndromic management was poor at baseline (negative predictive value (NPV) 68.6%, positive predictive value (PPV) 34.0%) and at repeat visit (NPV 58.4%, PPV 34.3%).ConclusionsPrevalence of asymptomatic curable STIs in pregnant adolescents is high and comparable with women >20 years old. Adolescents remain at substantial risk of asymptomatic incident STIs during pregnancy.