bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in linear bone measurements occur following puberty but do not influence femoral or tibial torsion
Authors: Carman Laura , Besier Thor , Stott N. Susan , Choisne Julie 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTorsional, angular, and linear measurements in a paediatric population are clinically important but not well defined and understood. Different methods of measurement and discrepancies between assessors leads to a lack of understanding of what should be defined as typical or atypical for the growing skeleton. From a large dataset of 333 paediatric CT scans, we extracted three-dimensional torsional, angular, and linear measurements from the pelvis, femur, and tibia/fibula. Sex differences in linear measurements were observed in bones of children aged 13+ (around puberty), but femoral and tibial torsion were similar between males and females. The rotational profile (femoral anteversion minus tibial torsion) tended to increase with growth. Epicondylar, condylar, and malleolar widths were smaller in females than males for the same bone length after the age of 13 years, which could explain why females may be more at risk for sport injuries during adolescence. This rich dataset can be used as an atlas for researchers and clinicians to understand typical development of critical rotational profiles and linear bone measurements in children.
Diagnostic performance of SARC-F and SARC-CalF in screening for sarcopenia in older adults in Northern Brazil
Authors: Barreto de Lima Alex , dos Santos Ribeiro Gustavo , Henriques-Neto Duarte , Rúbio Gouveia Élvio , Baptista Fátima 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTo compare the performance of SARC-F and SARC-CalF as screening tools for sarcopenia. Cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 312 community-dwelling older people. Sarcopenia was defined as low handgrip strength (HGS) or low gait speed (GS ≤ 0.8 m/s). HGS was measured by dynamometry and GS by the 4-m walking speed test. For HGS, six criteria (C) were used to identify sarcopenia in men/women: CI: < 27 kg/16 kg; CII: < 35.5 kg/20.0 kg; CIII: grip over body mass index < 1.05/< 0.79; CIV: grip strength over total body fat < 1.66/< 0.65; CV: grip over bodyweight < 0.45/< 0.34; CVI: < 27 kg/16 kg and low skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI); CI and CVI defined according to the European Working Group on sarcopenia in older people and the rest according to the sarcopenia definition and outcomes Consortium. For sarcopenia screening, the SARC-F (≥ 4 points) and the SARC-CalF (≥ 11 points) were used. The kappa analysis revealed no agreement between the SARC-F and the various criteria for the identification of sarcopenia in men. The same lack of agreement was observed in women with some exceptions: CI = 0.161 ± 0.074, p = 0.020; GS = 0.209 ± 0.076, p = 0.003. Concerning the Cohen’s kappa between the SARC-Calf and the reference criteria of sarcopenia, the following coefficients were observed as significant for women: CI = 0.201 ± 0.069, p = 0.003; CII = 0.186 ± 0.064, p = 0.005; GS = 0.273 ± 0.068, p = 0.0001; and for men: CII = 0.139 ± 0.053, p = 0.021; GS = 0.223 ± 0.099, p = 0.011. ROC curves revealed the SARC-Calf with acceptable discrimination and reasonable sarcopenia predictive capacity considering a cutoff value of 10.5 in both men (AUC: 67.5%, p = 0.022; Se = 52.9%; Sp = 76.8%) and women (AUC: 72.4%, p < 0.001; Se = 63%; Sp = 68.5%) concerning GS. The SARC-CalF performed better than the SARC-F for screening sarcopenia in the population ≥ 60 years of age in the Amazonas, measured through walking slowness.
Solving inference problems of Bayesian networks by probabilistic computing
Authors: Hong Seokmin 
Published: July 2023

Recently, probabilistic computing approach has shown its broad application in problems ranging from combinatorial optimizations and machine learning to quantum simulation where a randomly fluctuating bit called p-bit constitutes a basic building block. This new type of computing scheme tackles domain-specific and computationally hard problems that can be efficiently solved using probabilistic algorithms compared to classical deterministic counterparts. Here, we apply the probabilistic computing scheme to various inference problems of Bayesian networks with non-linear synaptic connections without auxiliary p-bits. The results are supported by nanomagnet-based SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis) results, behavioral model, and hardware implementations using a field-programmable gate array. Two types of Monte Carlo sampling methods are tested, namely rejection and importance samplings, where clamping of p-bits is applicable as in Boltzmann networks in the latter. Partial parallelism that can be used for the sequential update of each p-bit in Bayesian networks is presented. Finally, the model is directly applied to temporal Bayesian networks with relevant inference problems. We believe that the proposed approaches provide valuable tools and practical methods for various inference problems in Bayesian networks.
“Without Losing What We Know”: Dissenting social work in the context of epochal crises
Authors: Baines Donna 
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION: This article builds on Fraser’s (2021, 2019) argument that the overlapping crises of social reproduction, climate, economy, and public health have resulted in a splintering of the hegemony of dominant groups. This generates a “wilding of the public sphere” in which groups urgently seek counter-hegemonic storylines and alternative solutions to interwoven crises (Fraser, 2021, n.p.). This article further theorises consent and dissent in social work practice and workplaces.
METHODS: Data were collected using qualitative interviews and a convenience sample of ten executive directors and managers of social services in a large city in Canada. Data were analysed using a constant comparison method involving multiple readings of the field notes and transcripts, until patterns and themes could be discerned.
FINDINGS: The article analyses three themes, namely, dissent as: 1) working on the edges of the state; 2) working on decolonisation including what it means to be a settler; and 3) critical reflection. The themes are then discussed together under a final interwoven theme that is argued to reflect new hegemonies, in particular political world-making, building new emancipatory knowledges, theory, practice and hegemonies.
CONCLUSION: Social-justice-engaged practices can emerge within systems hostile to social solidarity, suggesting that dissent is resilient to neoliberalism though it may sometimes operate quietly and at the level of individual practice. This resistance and the nascent, shared, dissenting narratives can contribute to the de-legitimatisation of oppressive social structures as social workers search for, and build, more emancipatory approaches.
Comparison of antivascular endothelial growth factor treatment for myopia choroidal neovascularisation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Dong Liming , Li Guangyao , Song Zhihui , Cheng Xiao , Bai Jie , Zhang Chao 
Published: July 2023

ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy for myopia choroidal neovascularisation (CNV), and to compare the efficacy of two different anti-VEGF retreatment criteria.Data sourcesPubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to 31 July 2022.Study selectionRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing anti-VEGF with sham, photodynamic therapy (PDT) or PDT combination therapy in patients with myopia CNV were reviewed and selected. RCTs comparing visual acuity (VA) stabilisation or disease activity as anti-VEGF retreatment criteria were also included in the study.Data extraction and synthesisTwo reviewers independently conducted data extraction and quality assessment. We used a random-effects model for all analyses. Primary outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness. Secondary outcomes included number of patients who gained more than three lines in BCVA, number of anti-VEGF injections and ocular adverse event (AE).ResultsSeven RCTs involving 1007 patients were included. Compared with sham and PDT therapy, anti-VEGF therapy achieved better BCVA gains of −0.28 logMAR (95% CI −0.36 to −0.20, p<0.00001) and −0.14 logMAR (95% CI −0.17 to −0.10, p<0.00001), respectively. Both ranibizumab and bevacizumab improved patients’ vision better than PDT therapy and no definitive increased risk of ocular AE was observed. Analysis of two small RCTs showed that PDT combination therapy had similar visual improvement and needed fewer anti-VEGF injections compared with anti-VEGF monotherapy (weighted mean difference (WMD)=1.30; 95% CI 1.24 to 1.37, p<0.00001). Anti-VEGF retreatment guided by disease activity criteria resulted in comparable visual improvement and reduced anti-VEGF injections compared with retreatment guided by VA stabilisation (WMD=0.83; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.25, p<0.0001).ConclusionsAnti-VEGF therapy is effective and well-tolerated for myopia CNV patients. Anti-VEGF retreatment guided by disease activity criteria can achieve comparable efficacy and potentially reduce anti-VEGF injections.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021292806.
Effect of prehabilitation-relatedDIETary protein intake onQualityofRecovery after elective cardiac surgery (DIETQoR) study: protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cheung Helen Hoi TIng , Yau Derek King Wai , Chiu Lok Ching Sandra , Wong Man Kin Henry , Yeung Suey Shuk Yu , Underwood Malcolm John , Wong Randolph Hung Leung , Joynt Gavin Mathew , Lee Anna 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionProtein malnutrition is associated with higher risks of postoperative complications, mortality, prolonged postoperative stays in hospital, slower physical and mental recovery after surgery and lower subsequent health-related quality of life. To reduce the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality, nutritional prehabilitation programmes have been developed recently to build up patient’s nutritional reserve to withstand the stress of surgery. The intervention involves nutritional screening and counselling, and increasing dietary protein intake in protein-malnourished patients in the several weeks before surgery. However, there are few well-conducted preoperative studies to examine the effect of increasing dietary protein intake on the quality of recovery of malnourished patients after elective cardiac surgery.Method and analysisThis randomised controlled trial of malnourished patients undergoing major elective cardiac surgery will compare the quality of postoperative recovery in patients with or without nutritional prehabilitation. One hundred and thirty-two patients will be randomised to receive nutritional prehabilitation (target-adjusted whey protein powder supplementation and an individualised 1 hour session/week counselling by a dietician 1 month before operation date) or standard care (no nutritional prehabilitation). Primary outcomes will be the quality of recovery after surgery (15-item Quality of Recovery) on the third postoperative day. Secondary outcomes will include days (alive and) at home within 30 days, changes in the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, changes in health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) and Cardiac Postoperative Morbidity Survey. An outcomes assessor will be blinded to the treatment allocation. Appropriate univariate analyses, generalised estimating equations and multiple regressions will be performed for intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses.Ethics and disseminationThe Joint CUHK-NTEC Clinical Research Ethics Committee approved the study protocol (CREC Ref. No.: 2021.703 T). The findings will be presented at scientific meetings, peer-reviewed journals and to study participants.Trial registration numberChiCTR2200057463.
Mapping the characteristics, concepts and methodologies of matching-adjusted indirect comparison studies assessing pharmacological therapies in oncology: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Farinasso Cecília Menezes , Rocha Aline Pereira , Medeiros Flávia Cordeiro , Marra Lays Pires , Silva Parreira Patrícia Carmo , Oliveira Layssa Andrade , Ferreira Vinícius Lins , Lucchetta Rosa Camila , De Oliveira Junior Haliton Alves 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionMatching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) studies are a subtype of indirect comparison, which uses propensity score weighting to enhance comparability. This method adjusts aggregated data based on covariables from individual patient data from studies to produce population-adjusted indirect comparisons. Some national Health Technology Assessment agencies have recently received submissions containing MAIC models. However, there can be a lack of confidence in its estimates when they are poorly reported and inconsistent with other techniques. The objective of this study is to map the characteristics, concepts and methodology of MAIC studies used for pharmacological therapies in the field of oncology.Methods and analysisA scoping review methodology will be applied following the Joanna Briggs Institute framework and the results will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. Studies that used MAIC to compare treatments in oncology conditions will be considered eligible. A systematic search will be conducted in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. No restriction of location or language will be applied. Study screening will be documented and presented in a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagram. Data will be extracted and recorded on a predefined data form and will be presented in a tabular form accompanied by a descriptive summary.Ethics and disseminationNo ethical approval is required for this study. The results of this scoping review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.
Our health, our research. Identifying public health research priorities among children and youth in a multiethnic population: protocol for a community-based participatory health research priority survey
Authors: Irgens Eirik Lind , Berglen Gunnhild , Christoffersen Tore , Henninen Anita Pettersen , Hermansen Rune , Karlsen Maret Risten Eira , Kokkvoll Ane Sofie , Liabo Kristin , Møllersen Snefrid , Rugland Grete , Stock Magnhild Helen , Zachariassen Tonje Olsen , Kjaer Mette 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionEmphasis on public involvement (PI) in health research has increased in the last 20 years. However, there is limited literature on PI in planning and conducting population-based health research. This study aims to identify child and adolescent health research priorities among children and stakeholder groups in Northern Norway by inviting PI groups to collaborate with researchers to develop and conduct a research priority survey.Methods and analysisThis is a community-based participatory research project. The methods for research prioritisation are informed by those developed by the James Lind Alliance. In addition, the survey design and engagement plans are developed in extensive collaboration with child and youth stakeholder groups. Nine PI groups have met three times to develop an anonymous child and youth health research priority survey, as well as strategies for recruitment and dissemination of results. All 5th–10th grade pupils in the Finnmark region will be invited to participate in the survey, as well as caretakers and adults working for and with children and youth. The survey results will be analysed in collaboration with the PI groups, and research priorities checked with existing research literature.Ethics and disseminationThe study is registered and approved by the Data Protection Authorities at the Finnmark Hospital Trust and the Expert Committee for Sami Health Research. Descriptions of methods applied and the survey results will be published in popular and scientific publications.
Effect of online interventions on reducing anxiety and depression for women with breast cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Xiong Juan , Chen Qianqian , Li Wenjie , Zheng Xujuan 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionBreast cancer has becoming the most common malignancy in women globally. Various online interventions have been conducted to help women with breast cancer to manage their psychological symptoms. However, there has been not yet a network meta-analysis that has synthesised scientific evidence about online intervention on reducing anxiety and depression for women with breast cancer. To fill the literature gap, this protocol aims to generate a systematic review and network meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of online interventions on reducing anxiety and depression for these women with breast cancer. The study results may inform the recommendations for clinical guidelines and facilitate the decision-making process to improve psychological health of women with breast cancer.Methods and analysisThe protocol is in compliance with the guideline of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols and for Systematic Reviews and Network Meta-Analysis. The electronic databases of Pubmed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials and OpenGrey will be used for searching of related randomised controlled trials from their inception. No restrictions on publication date and language will be applied. The primary outcomes are the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and the secondary outcome is the satisfaction with the received healthcare. Two reviewers independently evaluate the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias tool. The assessment of heterogeneity, inconsistency, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and publication bias will be conducted. The netmeta package of R software will be used to perform the network meta-analysis.Ethics and disseminationThis study will be based on previous research findings, so that ethics approval is not required. Data searching commences in July 2023 and expects to complete in January, 2024. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022318530.
Assessment of redundancy, methodological and reporting quality, and potential discrepancies of results of systematic reviews of early mobilisation of critically ill adults: a meta-research protocol
Authors: Gutierrez-Arias Ruvistay , Pieper Dawid , Nydahl Peter , González-Seguel Felipe , Jalil Yorschua , Oliveros Maria-Jose , Torres-Castro Rodrigo , Seron Pamela 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionSeveral systematic reviews (SRs) have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of early mobilisation in critically ill adults with heterogeneous methodology and results. Redundancy in conducting SRs, unclear justification when leading new SRs or updating, and discordant results of SRs on the same research question may generate research waste that makes it difficult for clinicians to keep up to date with the best available evidence. This meta-research aims to assess the redundancy, methodological and reporting quality, and potential reasons for discordance in the results reported by SRs conducted to determine the effectiveness of early mobilisation in critically ill adult patients.Methods and analysisA meta-research of early mobilisation SRs in critically ill adult patients will be conducted. A search of MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos and other search resources will be conducted. Two independent reviewers will perform study selection, data extraction and quality appraisal. Discrepancies will be resolved by consensus or a third reviewer. The redundancy of SRs will be assessed by the degree of overlap of primary studies. In addition, the justification for conducting new SRs will be evaluated with the ‘Evidence-Based Research’ framework. The methodological quality of the SRs will be assessed with the A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2 tool, and the quality of the reports through compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. To assess the potential reasons for discordance in the results of the SRs considering divergence in results and their interpretation.Ethics and disseminationAs meta-research, this study does not involve the participation of people whose rights may be violated. However, this overview will be developed rigorously and systematically to achieve valid and reliable results. The findings of this meta-research study will be presented at conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal related to rehabilitation, critical care or research methodology.Trial registration numberosf.io/kxwq9.
Epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic features and predictors of death among COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Parakou: a cross-sectional study in Northern Benin
Authors: Angelo Attinsounon Cossi , Clodel Yamongbè , Léopold Codjo , Serge Adé , Ibrahim Mama Cissé , Julien Attinon , Roger Klikpezo , de Tovè Kofi-Mensa Savi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 is an emerging contagious infection with polymorphic clinical manifestations. The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic features and identify the predictors of mortality among COVID-19 hospitalized cases in Parakou.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic study. Systematic recruitment was used to include all patients hospitalized with COVID-19 from May 8, 2020, to December 31, 2021, whose medical records were available and usable. The variables studied were clinical and paraclinical signs, diagnostic and therapeutic means, evolution under treatment and prognostic factors. This study was approved by the Local Ethical Committee. The data were analyzed using Stata/MP 14.1 software.

Results
A total of 198 cases of COVID-19 were identified, 117 of whom were men. The mean age was 51.53 ± 19.51 years. The presenting signs were fever 146 (74.11%), cough 157 (79.70%) and dyspnea 118 (53.90%). It was severe COVID-19 in 108 cases (54.55%). Therapeutically, 95 patients (47.98%) had received the combination of Lopinavir/ritonavir and Ribavirin and 95 others (47.98%) received chloroquine. Recovery was noted in 151 (76.26%) patients. Mortality rate was 18.18%. Predictors of death were high blood pressure, presence of signs of severity, high-concentration mask ventilation used, and elevated transaminases.

Conclusion
COVID-19 was a reality in Parakou, with a significant number of severe cases requiring hospitalization. Several factors are associated with the prognosis of the disease.