bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Twenty-year observational study of paediatric tonsillitis and tonsillectomy
Authors: Hulse Kate , Lindsay Ewan , Rogers Alexander , Young David , Kunanandam Thushitha , Douglas Catriona M 
Published: August 2022

IntroductionTonsillectomy is now only indicated in the UK when specific criteria are met, as outlined by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) and The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). As a result, fewer numbers of tonsillectomy are being performed. Tonsillectomy is the primary treatment for recurrent tonsillitis; therefore, we hypothesise that acute admissions to hospital with tonsillitis and infective complications will have risen since criteria were introduced. Our aim was to assess the rates of acute hospital admissions with tonsillitis in children and the factors associated with this.MethodsData were provided by Information Service Division for all under 16s in Scotland between 1996/1997 and 2016/2017. Socioeconomic background was determined from the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) score. Poisson regression analysis was used to model predictors of surgery and correlation analysis to study the relationship between tonsillitis and other factors.Results60 456 tonsillectomies were performed. The number of tonsillectomies dropped significantly following the introduction of SIGN guidelines, and the rates of tonsillitis increased; however, admissions with tonsillitis were already on an upward trajectory. Children from the most deprived areas were 72.0% (95% CI 60% to 85%, p<0.001) more likely to receive tonsillectomy and were also more likely to be admitted with tonsillitis than the least deprived areas.ConclusionTonsillectomy and tonsillitis rates are highest in the most deprived; postulated reasons include antibiotic stewardship and difficulty accessing primary care. Current guidelines on tonsillectomy may be disproportionately harmful in children from deprived households.
Growth trajectory during the first 1000 days and later overweight in very preterm infants
Authors: Simon Laure , Hadchouel Alice , Arnaud Catherine , Frondas-Chauty Anne , Marret Stéphane , Flamant Cyril , Darmaun Dominique , Delacourt Christophe , Marchand-Martin Laetitia , Ancel Pierre Yves , Roze Jean-Christophe 
Published: August 2022

ObjectiveTo identify the characteristics of early life growth associated with later overweight or obesity (OWO) in very preterm population.DesignLength, weight and body mass index (BMI) were prospectively recorded from three prospective, population-based cohorts with 5 years (Loire Infant Follow-up Team (LIFT), EPIPAGE2 (Etude EPIdémiologique sur les Petits Ages GEstationnels 2)) and 15 years (EPIPAGEADO, Etude EPIdémiologique sur les Petits Ages GEstationnels-Adolescents) of follow-up. Missing data were imputed.SettingRegional (LIFT), national (EPIPAGE2) and multiregional (EPIPAGEADO) cohorts in France.PatientsEligible infants born before 33 weeks of gestation in 1997 (EPIPAGEADO), between 2003 and 2014 (LIFT), and in 2011 (EPIPAGE2).Main outcome measuresOWO was determined as BMI Z-score >85th percentile of the WHO reference curves at 5 years (LIFT, EPIPAGE2) and 15 years (EPIPAGEADO).ResultsIn EPIPAGEADO, LIFT and EPIPAGE2, BMI Z-scores were known for 302 adolescents, 1016 children and 2022 children, respectively. In EPIPAGEADO, OWO was observed in 42 (13.9%, 95% CI 10.5 to 18.3) adolescents. In multivariable models, birthweight Z-score, increase in weight Z-score during neonatal hospital stay and increase in BMI between discharge and at 2 years of corrected age were positively associated with OWO at 15 years (adjusted OR (aOR)=3.65, 95% CI 1.36 to 9.76; aOR=3.82, 95% CI 1.42 to 10.3; and aOR=2.55, 95% CI 1.72 to 3.78, respectively, by Z-score), but change in length Z-score during neonatal hospital stay was negatively associated (aOR=0.41, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.78, p=0.007). These four associations with OWO assessed at 5 years were confirmed in the LIFT and EPIPAGE2 cohorts.ConclusionsChange in length Z-score during hospitalisation, a putative proxy of quality of neonatal growth, was negatively associated with risk of later OWO when change in BMI between discharge and at 2 years was included in the multivariable model.
Exploring the mutational landscape of genes associated with inherited retinal disease using large genomic datasets: identifying loss of function intolerance and outlying propensities for missense changes
Authors: Tanner Alexander , Chan Hwei Wuen , Schiff Elena , Mahroo Omar A , Pulido Jose S 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundLarge databases permit quantitative description of genes in terms of intolerance to loss of function (‘haploinsufficiency’) and prevalence of missense variants. We explored these parameters in inherited retinal disease (IRD) genes.MethodsIRD genes (from the ‘RetNet’ resource) were classified by probability of loss of function intolerance (pLI) using online Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD) and DatabasE of genomiC varIation and Phenotype in Humans using Ensembl Resources (DECIPHER) databases. Genes were identified having pLI ≥0.9 together with one or both of the following: upper bound of CI <0.35 for observed to expected (o/e) ratio of loss of function variants in the gnomAD resource; haploinsufficiency score <10 in the DECIPHER resource. IRD genes in which missense variants appeared under-represented or over-represented (Z score for o/e ratio of <−2.99 or >2.99, respectively) were also identified. The genes were evaluated in the gene ontology Protein Analysis THrough Evolutionary Relationships (PANTHER) resource.ResultsOf 280 analysed genes, 39 (13.9%) were predicted loss of function intolerant. A greater proportion of X-linked than autosomal IRD genes fulfilled these criteria, as expected. Most autosomal genes were associated with dominant disease. PANTHER analysis showed >100 fold enrichment of spliceosome tri-snRNP complex assembly. Most encoded proteins were longer than the median length in the UniProt database. Fourteen genes (11 of which were in the ‘haploinsufficient’ group) showed under-representation of missense variants. Six genes (SAMD11,ALMS1,WFS1,RP1L1,KCNV2,ADAMTS18) showed over-representation of missense variants.ConclusionA minority of IRD-associated genes appear to be ‘haploinsufficient’. Over-representation of spliceosome pathways was observed. When interpreting genetic tests, variants found in genes with over-representation of missense variants should be interpreted with caution.
Asthma control with ICS-formoterol reliever versus maintenance ICS and SABA reliever therapy: a post hoc analysis of two randomised controlled trials
Authors: Hatter Lee , Houghton Claire , Bruce Pepa , Holliday Mark , Eathorne Allie , Pavord Ian , Reddel Helen K , Hancox Robert J , Braithwaite Irene , Oldfield Karen , Papi Alberto , Weatherall Mark , Beasley Richard 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundIn randomised controlled trials, as-needed inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-formoterol reliever therapy reduces severe exacerbation risk compared with maintenance ICS plus short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) reliever in adolescent and adult asthma, but results in slightly worse control of asthma symptoms, as measured by mean Asthma Control Questionnaire-5 (ACQ-5) score.ObjectiveTo assess the levels and changes in asthma control for as-needed budesonide–formoterol versus maintenance budesonide plus SABA in post hoc analyses from the Novel START and PRACTICAL clinical trials.MethodsThe number and proportion of participants at study end in each ACQ-5 category (‘well-controlled’, ‘partly controlled’ or ‘inadequately controlled’ symptoms), and in each responder category based on the minimal clinically important difference for ACQ-5 of 0.5 (improved, no change and worse) with as-needed budesonide–formoterol and maintenance budesonide plus SABA treatment were calculated.ResultsWith last observation carried forwards, 189/214 (88.3%) and 354/434 (81.6%) of patients in the budesonide–formoterol group had ‘well-controlled’ or ‘partly controlled’ symptoms at the end of the study, vs 183/214 (85.5%) and 358/431 (83.1%) in the budesonide maintenance group, for Novel START and PRACTICAL, respectively. The proportion of patients whose symptom control was either improved or unchanged from baseline was 190/214 (88.8%) and 368/434 (84.8%) for budesonide–formoterol, vs 185/214 (86.4%) and 376/431 (87.2%) for maintenance budesonide, in Novel START and PRACTICAL respectively.ConclusionsThere were no clinically important differences in the proportions of patients with ‘well-controlled’ or ‘partly controlled’ asthma symptoms, or proportions who improved or maintained their level of control, with as-needed budesonide–formoterol versus maintenance budesonide plus SABA.
Shared decision making in cardiology: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mitropoulou Panagiota , Grüner-Hegge Nicolai , Reinhold Johannes , Papadopoulou Charikleia 
Published: August 2022

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to improve shared decision making (SDM) in cardiology with particular focus on patient-centred outcomes such as decisional conflict.MethodsWe searched Embase (OVID), the Cochrane library, PubMed and Web of Science electronic databases from inception to January 2021 for randomised controlled trials that investigated the effects of interventions to increase SDM in cardiology. The primary outcomes were decisional conflict, decisional anxiety, decisional satisfaction or decisional regret; a secondary outcome was knowledge gained by the patients.ResultsEighteen studies which reported on at least one outcome measure were identified, including a total of 4419 patients. Interventions to increase SDM had a significant effect on reducing decisional conflict (standardised mean difference (SMD) −0.211, 95% CI −0.316 to −0.107) and increasing patient knowledge (SMD 0.476, 95% CI 0.351 to 0.600) compared with standard care.ConclusionsInterventions to increase SDM are effective in reducing decisional conflict and increasing patient knowledge in the field of cardiology. Such interventions are helpful in supporting patient-centred healthcare and should be implemented in wider cardiology practice.
Relationship between orthostatic blood pressure changes and intensive blood pressure management in patients with hypertension
Authors: Pei Junyu , Zhang Hao , Li Yanan , Yan Jiafu , Zheng Keyang , Wang Xiaopu , Zheng Xi-Long , Hu Xinqun 
Published: August 2022

IntroductionThe Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) demonstrated that closely controlling blood pressure (BP) could decrease cardiovascular outcome risk without increasing the orthostatic hypotension rate. We aimed to evaluate the association between baseline orthostatic BP change and major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) occurrence.MethodsWe conducted a post hoc analysis using SPRINT data including 9329 patients with hypertension. The SPRINT trial was a two-arm, multicentre, randomised clinical trial designed to test whether an intensive treatment aimed at reducing systolic BP (SBP) to <120 mm Hg would reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Orthostatic BP change was defined as baseline standing systolic BP (SBP)−baseline mean seated SBP, or diastolic BP (DBP)−baseline mean seated DBP.ResultsWe found a U-shaped relationship between orthostatic BP changes and MACE occurrence. All lowest risk points were around 0 mm Hg. On the left side of the inflection point, MACE risk decreased with orthostatic BP change decrease (HR=0.99, 95% CI (0.98 to 1.00), p=0.04, SBP change) (HR=0.97, 95% CI (0.95 to 0.99), p<0.01, DBP change); on the right side, MACE risk increased with orthostatic BP change increase (HR=1.02, 95% CI (1.01 to 1.06), p<0.01, SBP change) (HR=1.01, 95% CI (1.00 to 1.03), p=0.16, DBP change). There was no significant interaction effect between orthostatic SBP (p for interaction=0.37) or DBP changes (p for interaction=0.33) and intensive BP management.ConclusionsOrthostatic DBP increase and SBP decrease were associated with an increased MACE risk. The benefits of intensive BP management were also consistent across different orthostatic BP change ranges.
Quantification of human embryonic ζ-globin chains in Southeast Asian deletion (--SEA) carriers
Authors: Ye Yuhua , Sun Guoying , Ren Zhe , Liang Yidan , Luo Hualei , Lin Peng , Wang Xingmin , Dong Zejun , Huang Li , Qin Lang , Yu Wenfang , Wang Ge , Zhou Yuqiu , Tang Jia , Lou Jiwu , Liu Yanhui , Zeng Xianqi , Chen Yajun , Li Yihong , Zhang Qianqian , Huang Jin , Zhu Ping , Lin Liang , Zhang Xinhua , Xu Xiangmin 
Published: August 2022

AimsReactivation of embryonic ζ-globin is a promising strategy for genetic treatment of α-thalassaemia. However, quantification of ζ-globin as a quantitative trait in α-thalassaemia carriers and patients remains incompletely understood. In this study, we aimed to set up a reliable approach for the quantification of ζ-globin in α-thalassaemia carriers, followed by a population study to investigate its expression patterns.Methodsζ-globin was purified as monomers from cord blood haemolysate of a Hb Bart’s fetus, followed by absolute protein quantification, which was then tested by in-house ELISA system and introduced as protein standard. It was then used for large-scale quantification in peripheral blood samples from 6179 individuals. Finally, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) introduced as an independent validating approach by measuring ζ-globin expression in a second cohort of 141-SEA/αα carriers.ResultsThe ELISA system was proved sensitive in distinguishing individuals with varied extent of ζ-globin. Large scale quantitative study of this --SEA/αα carrier cohort indicated the high diversity of ζ-globin expression ranging from 0.00155 g/L to 1.48778 g/L. Significant positive correlation between ELISA and LC-MS/MS (R=0.400, p<0.001) was observed and it is more sensitive in distinguishing the samples with extreme expression of ζ-globin (R=0.650, p<0.001).ConclusionOur study has reported reliable approaches for the quantification of ζ-globin and presented the expression patterns of ζ-globin among the --SEA/αα carrier population, which might lay a foundation on subsequent genotype–phenotype studies on mechanisms of delayed haemoglobin switch in α-thalassaemia.
Intermittent and Persistent Type 2 lupus: patient perspectives on two distinct patterns of Type 2 SLE symptoms
Authors: Eudy Amanda M , Rogers Jennifer L , Corneli Amy , McKenna Kevin , Maheswaranathan Mithu , Pisetsky David S , Criscione-Schreiber Lisa G , Doss Jayanth , Sadun Rebecca E , Sun Kai , Clowse Megan E B 
Published: August 2022

ObjectiveWe have developed a new conceptual model to characterise the signs and symptoms of SLE: the Type 1 and 2 SLE Model. Within the original model, Type 1 SLE consists of inflammatory manifestations like arthritis, nephritis and rashes; Type 2 SLE includes symptoms of fatigue, myalgia, mood disturbance and cognitive dysfunction. Through in-depth interviews, we explored how the Type 1 and 2 SLE Model fits within the lived experience of patients with SLE, with a focus on the connection between Type 1 and Type 2 SLE symptoms.MethodsSemistructured in-depth interviews were conducted among adult participants meeting 1997 American College of Rheumatology or Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics criteria for SLE. Participants were purposefully selected for age, race, sex and nephritis history. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed through episode profile and thematic analysis.ResultsThrough interviews with 42 patients with SLE, two patterns of Type 2 SLE emerged: Intermittent (n=18) and Persistent (n=24). Participants with Intermittent Type 2 SLE described feeling generally well when Type 1 is inactive; these participants were younger and had more internal SLE manifestations. Participants with Persistent Type 2 described always experiencing Type 2 symptoms despite inactive Type 1, although the severity may fluctuate. Participants with Persistent Type 2 SLE experienced traditional lupus symptoms of joint pain, hair loss and rash, but less often had severe organ system involvement.ConclusionsBy listening to the stories of our patients, we found two underlying patterns of Type 2 SLE: Intermittent Type 2 symptoms that resolve in synchrony with Type 1 inflammatory symptoms, and Persistent Type 2 symptoms that continue despite remission of Type 1 symptoms.
Association of body mass index with outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation: GARFIELD-AF
Authors: Camm Christian Fielder , Virdone Saverio , Goto Shinya , Bassand Jean-Pierre , van Eickels Martin , Haas Sylvia , Gersh Bernard J , Pieper Karen , Fox Keith A A , Misselwitz Frank , Turpie Alexander G G , Goldhaber Samuel Z , Verheugt Freek , Camm John , Kayani Gloria , Panchenko Elizaveta , Oh Seil , Luciardi Hector Lucas , Sawhney Jitendra Pal Singh , Connolly Stuart J , Angchaisuksiri Pantep , ten Cate Hugo , Eikelboom John W , Kakkar Ajay K 
Published: August 2022

ObjectiveWhile greater body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF), the impact of BMI on outcomes in newly diagnosed AF is unclear. We examine the influence of BMI on outcomes and whether this is modified by sex and evaluate the effect of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients with high BMI.MethodsGARFIELD-AF is a prospective registry of 52 057 newly diagnosed AF patients. The study population comprised 40 482 participants: 703 underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), 13 095 normal (BMI=18.5–24.9 kg/m2), 15 043 overweight (BMI=25.0–29.9 kg/m2), 7560 obese (BMI=30.0–34.9 kg/m2) and 4081 extremely obese (BMI ≥35.0 kg/m2). Restricted cubic splines quantified the association of BMI with outcomes. Comparative effectiveness of NOACs and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) by BMI was performed using propensity score overlap-weighted Cox models.ResultsThe median age of participants was 71.0 years (Q1; Q3 62.0; 78.0), and 55.6% were male. Those with high BMI were younger, more often had vascular disease, hypertension and diabetes. Within 2-year follow-up, a U-shaped relationship between BMI and all-cause mortality was observed, with BMI of ~30 kg/m2associated with the lowest risk. The association with new/worsening heart failure was similar. Only low BMI was associated with major bleeding and no association emerged for non-haemorrhagic stroke. BMI was similarly associated with outcomes in men and women. BMI did not impact the lower rate of all-cause mortality of NOACs compared with VKAs.ConclusionsIn the GARFIELD-AF registry, underweight and extremely obese AF patients have increased risk of mortality and new/worsening heart failure compared with normal or obese patients.
Going ‘Super Value’ in New Zealand: cigarette pricing strategies during a period of sustained annual excise tax increases
Authors: Gendall Philip , Gendall Katherine , Branston J Robert , Edwards Richard , Wilson Nick , Hoek Janet 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundBetween 2010 and 2020, the New Zealand (NZ) Government increased tobacco excise tax by inflation plus 10% each year. We reviewed market structure changes and examined whether NZ tobacco companies shifted excise tax increases to maintain the affordability of lower priced cigarette brands.MethodsWe cluster-analysed market data that tobacco companies supply to the NZ Ministry of Health, created four price partitions and examined the size and share of these over time. For each partition, we analysed cigarette brand numbers and market share, calculated the volume-weighted real stick price for each year and compared this price across different price partitions. We calculated the net real retail price (price before tax) for each price partition and compared these prices before and after plain packaging took effect.ResultsThe number and market share of Super Value and Budget brands increased, while those of Everyday and Premium brands decreased. Differences between the price of Premium and Super Value brands increased, as did the net retail price difference for these partitions. Following plain packaging’s implementation, Super Value brand numbers more than doubled; contrary to industry predictions, the price difference between these and higher priced brands did not narrow.ConclusionsBetween 2010 and 2020, NZ tobacco companies introduced more Super Value cigarette brands and shifted excise tax increases to reduce the impact these had on low-priced brands. Setting a minimum retail price for cigarettes could curtail tobacco companies’ ability to undermine tobacco taxation policies designed to reduce smoking.
Insights about wood density in Atlantic Forest ecosystems: spatial variability and alternative measurement
Authors: Minini Daniela , da Silva João Gabriel Missia , Paula Ranieri Ribeiro , Rocha Sofia Maria Gonçalves , Filho Telmo Borges Silveira , Gaui Tatiana Dias , Dias Henrique Machado , Nabais Cristina , Vidaurre Graziela Baptista 
Published: August 2022

Basic wood density (BWD) is a functional characteristic important to quantify carbon storage and is related to tree growth and its survival. We investigated BWD variability among tree species, populations, and forest types across the Atlantic Forest biome in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. We sampled and measured 576 trees of 83 species in 28 natural ecosystems in the Dense Ombrophilous Forest, Seasonal Semi-deciduous Forest, and the Restinga Forest. Stem wood from two different heights at each tree was acquired using a drill borer; discs were removed from branches in 20% of the height from 39 trees. BWD means increased from 0.42 for the most humid ecosystem to 0.675 g⋅cm−3 from the driest ecosystem. We identified changes in the wood as a result of climatic variables particular to different typologies, such as increased wood density in areas with lower precipitation and higher temperatures, were also observed within species, but with little difference in means. We identified three groups of species according to their BWD, different in mean height and diameter. The branches can be used to estimate tree wood density.
Impedance modelling and collective effects in the Future Circular e+e− Collider with 4 IPs
Authors: Migliorati M. , Antuono C. , Carideo E. , Zhang Y. , Zobov M. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe FCC-ee impedance model is being constantly updated closely following the vacuum chamber design and parameters evolution. In particular, at present, a thicker NEG coating of 150 nm (instead of previous 100 nm) has been suggested by the vacuum experts, and a more realistic impedance model of the bellows has been investigated. Moreover, also the transverse impedance has been updated by considering the same sources as for the longitudinal case. Therefore, the FCC-ee impedance database is getting more complete and the impedance model is being refined. In this paper we describe the presently available machine coupling impedance in both longitudinal and transverse planes, and study the impedance-driven single bunch instabilities (with and without beam-beam interaction) for the new FCC-ee parameter set with 4 interaction points (IPs). The results are compared with the previously obtained ones and a further possible mitigation of the beam-beam head-tail instability (X-Z instability) is proposed.