bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of arteriovenous fistula failure between Malaysian and Australian and New Zealand participants enrolled in the FAVOURED trial
Authors: Hudson Rebecca , Pascoe Elaine M , See Yong Pey , Cho Yeoungjee , Polkinghorne Kevan R , Paul-Brent Peta-Anne , Hooi Lai-Seong , Ong Loke-Meng , Mori Trevor A , Badve Sunil V , Cass Alan , Kerr Peter G , Voss David , Hawley Carmel M , Johnson David W , Irish Ashley B , Viecelli Andrea K 
Published: June 2022

Aim: To describe and compare de novo arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure rates between Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), and Malaysia. Background: AVFs are preferred for haemodialysis access but are limited by high rates of early failure. Methods: A post hoc analysis of 353 participants from ANZ and Malaysia included in the FAVOURED randomised-controlled trial undergoing de novo AVF surgery was performed. Composite AVF failure (thrombosis, abandonment, cannulation failure) and its individual components were compared between ANZ ( n = 209) and Malaysian ( n = 144) participants using logistic regression adjusted for patient- and potentially modifiable clinical factors. Results: Participants’ mean age was 55 ± 14.3 years and 64% were male. Compared with ANZ participants, Malaysian participants were younger with lower body mass index, higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus and lower prevalence of cardiovascular disease. AVF failure was less frequent in the Malaysian cohort (38% vs 54%; adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31–0.93). This difference was driven by lower odds of cannulation failure (29% vs 47%, OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.25–0.80), while the odds of AVF thrombosis (17% vs 20%, OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.62–2.48) and abandonment (25% vs 23%, OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.62–2.16) were similar. Conclusions: The risk of AVF failure was significantly lower in Malaysia compared to ANZ and driven by a lower risk of cannulation failure. Differences in practice patterns, including patient selection, surgical techniques, anaesthesia or cannulation techniques may account for regional outcome differences and warrant further investigation.
Bioinformatics identifies predictors of arteriovenous fistula maturation
Authors: Liu Jia , Zhang Dingyao , Brahmandam Anand , Matsubara Yutaka , Gao Mingjie , Tian Jingru , Liu Bing , Shu Chang , Dardik Alan 
Published: June 2022

Background: Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are the preferred access for hemodialysis but still have poor rates of maturation and patency limiting their clinical use. The underlying mechanisms of venous remodeling remain poorly understood, and only limited numbers of unbiased approaches have been reported. Methods: Biological Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis and differentially expressed genes (DEG) analysis were performed for three AVF datasets. A microRNA enrichment analysis and L1000CDS2 query were performed to identify factors predicting AVF patency. Results: The inflammatory and immune responses were activated during both early and late phases of AVF maturation, with upregulation of neutrophil and leukocyte regulation, cytokine production, and cytokine-mediated signaling. In men with failed AVF, negative regulation of myeloid-leukocyte differentiation and regulation of macrophage activation were significantly upregulated. Compared to non-diabetic patients, diabetic patients had significantly reduced immune response-related enrichment such as cell activation in immune response, regulation of immune-effector process, and positive regulation of defense response; in addition, diabetic patients showed no enrichment of the immune response-regulating signaling pathway. Conclusions: These data show coordinated, and differential regulation of genes associated with AVF maturation, and different patterns of several pathways are associated with sex differences in AVF failure. Inflammatory and immune responses are activated during AVF maturation and diabetes may impair AVF maturation by altering these responses. These findings suggest several novel molecular targets to improve sex specific AVF maturation.
The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a SARS-CoV-2 testing programme on obstetric patients and healthcare workers
Authors: Ross Abigail M , Ramlawi Serine , Fakhraei Romina , Murphy Malia SQ , Ducharme Robin , Dingwall-Harvey Alysha LJ , White Ruth Rennicks , Ritchie Kerri , Muldoon Katherine , El-Chaâr Darine 
Published: June 2022

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the specific impact of a universal SARS-CoV-2 testing programme on obstetric patients and healthcare workers at The Ottawa Hospital. Methods: This was a follow-up survey study of obstetric healthcare workers and then-pregnant patients who participated in a SARS-CoV-2 testing programme conducted in The Ottawa Hospital obstetrical triage units from 19 October to 17 November 2020. Surveys explored the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the testing programme on participants’ psychological well-being. Responses were collected from April to September 2021. Descriptive summary statistics were calculated for both groups. Results: During hospitalization for delivery, obstetric patients (n = 143) worried about giving COVID-19 to their new baby (88.11%), catching COVID-19 (83.22%), and giving COVID-19 to their partner (76.22%). Patients felt relief at being tested for COVID-19 during the universal testing programme (24.65%) and at getting their results (28.87%). Patients also believed that universal SARS-CoV-2 testing was a good way to slow COVID-19 spread (79.72%), reduce anxiety (75.52%), and increase relief (76.22%). In addition, patients felt good about participating in research that could help others (91.61%). Among obstetric healthcare workers (n = 94), job satisfaction decreased and job stress increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The universal testing programme led to minor increases in healthcare worker job stress and burden, particularly among nurses, but the majority (85.23%) believed it was a valuable research initiative. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative psychological impact on obstetric patients and healthcare workers. Universal SARS-CoV-2 testing was generally viewed favourably and may serve as an effective strategy for estimating COVID-19 prevalence without adding undue stress onto patients and healthcare workers during the pandemic.
SARS-CoV-2 vaccination willingness and predictors in patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRD) and without CIRD
Authors: Roman Iulia , Andreica Ioana , Baraliakos Xenofon , Redeker Imke , Kiltz Uta , Braun Jürgen 
Published: June 2022

Background: Recent surveys in chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRD) showed a high degree of vaccine hesitancy. Current knowledge about patients’ attitudes toward vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is limited. Objectives: To assess the willingness of CIRD patients to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 and to identify the influencing factors compared with non-CIRD patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, two cohorts of consecutive patients with and without CIRD were recruited in parallel when presenting to our tertiary hospital and asked to answer questions of a structured interview to assess vaccination willingness to SARS-CoV-2 their experience with SARS-CoV-2 and their personal history of infections and vaccinations. Vaccination willingness was assessed using a numerical rating scale (0: fully disagree; 10: fully agree). Arbitrarily defined cut-offs were used to define definite (score ⩾7) and probable willingness (score of 5 or 6) to be vaccinated. Factors associated with willingness were assessed using Kendall’s tau- b correlation measure and linear regression analysis. Results: A total of 514 CIRD and 100 non-CIRD patients, mean age of 54.7 ± 12.8 and 55.6 ± 9.8 years, respectively, were included. Definite and probable willingness to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 was declared by 79.6% and 90.7% versus 76.0% and 85.0% of CIRD and non-CIRD patients, respectively. Only 60% of CIRD patients believed that the vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 were safe, and 42% indicated to be afraid of side effects. Vaccination willingness was significantly correlated with being in a risk group for COVID-19 (tau- b = −0.149), hypertension (tau- b = 0.14), and information about disease prevention (tau- b = 0.19), while a history of infections or immunosuppressive therapy was not. Vaccination willingness was significantly associated with higher education ( b = 0.65) and age ( b = 0.06). Conclusion: This survey highlights several predictors of relevance for the vaccination willingness of patients with CIRD and controls including appropriate information about its relevance. The good news, however, is that the vast majority of CIRD patients indicated their willingness to be vaccinated. However, there was some uncertainty regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. Since the major influencing factors were education and information about SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine and COVID-19 Disease, patient education should be improved soon.
Elevated Patellofemoral and Tibiofemoral T1ρ Relaxation Times Following a First Time Patellar Dislocation
Authors: Elias John J. , Li Mei , Yang Mingrui , Lartey Richard , Murray John P. , Farrow Lutul D. , Winalski Carl S. , Li Xiaojuan 
Published: June 2022

Objective The study was performed to evaluate cartilage within the knee following a first-time patellar dislocation, using elevated MRI-based T1ρ relaxation times as an indicator of low proteoglycan concentration. The hypothesis is that MRI-based T1ρ relaxation times for patellofemoral and tibiofemoral cartilage are significantly longer for knees being treated for patellar dislocation than for healthy control knees. Design Twenty-one subjects being treated for a first-time, unilateral dislocation of the patella and 16 healthy controls participated in MRI-based T1ρ relaxation time mapping. Mean relaxation times were quantified for patellofemoral and tibiofemoral regions for injured knees, the contralateral knees, and healthy controls. T1ρ values for each region were compared between the 3 groups with generalized estimating equations. Linear regressions were also performed to correlate T1ρ relaxation times with time from injury. Results The knees with a disloction had longer T1ρ relaxation times than the contralateral knees and control group at the medial patella and longer relaxation times than the control group at the lateral tibia ( P < 0.05). T1ρ relaxation times at the medial patella also decreased with time from injury (r2 = 0.21, P = 0.037). Conclusions Compositional changes to cartilage on the medial patella are related to traumatic impact during a dislocation. Potential exists for cartilage properties at the medial patella to improve with time. Cartilage degradation at the lateral tibia is not directly related to traumatic impact. The current baseline data are a starting point to characterize the pathway from a first-time dislocation to progressive cartilage degradation and osteoarthritis.
Pedagogy and Ethics in Early Childhood Education and Care: A Danish Hermeneutic Inquiry
Authors: Rothuizen Jan Jaap 
Published: June 2022

Purpose This article provides an exploration of the internal relationship between ethics and pedagogy in early childhood education and care (ECEC). It aims at a clarification of the interrelationships between political and administrative government, the absence/presence of a pedagogical foundation, and the need for a code of ethics. Design/Approach/Methods The overall approach is hermeneutic and combines interpretations of a narrative research project, a review of recent developments in ECEC in Denmark, and the search for a theoretical conceptualization of a pedagogical foundation for ECEC. Findings ECEC as a pedagogical practice needs a pedagogical foundation. If a foundation is vivid and a clear reference for practice, a separate code of ethical conduct might be superfluous. Nevertheless, such a code can be indispensable if ECEC governance is outcome-oriented and reduces practice to technique. Originality/Value The study includes a discussion of the central European tradition for human science pedagogy and argues for the relevance of insights from this tradition in pedagogical foundations for ECEC. The study combines an empirical study of knowledge at play in ECEC and of specific developments in Danish ECEC with original philosophical, pedagogical, and conceptual reflections and results in a more precise indication of the relationship between ECEC government, pedagogy, and ethics.
Efficacy of Stem Cell Therapy for Tendon Graft Ligamentization After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wang Hong-De , Li Zong , Hu Xiaoqing , Ao Yingfang 
Published: June 2022

Background: Sufficient intra-articular graft ligamentization enhances the biomechanical and biological properties of the femur-graft-tibia complex to ensure knee stability after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a tendon graft. It remains unclear whether stem cell therapy promotes tendon graft ligamentization. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare tendon graft ligamentization after primary ACL reconstruction with versus without stem cell therapy. It was hypothesized was that stem cell therapy would promote tendon graft ligamentization by enhancing the biomechanical and histological properties of the tendon graft after ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A systematic review was performed according to the guidelines outlined in the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement to identify controlled animal studies that compared tendon graft ligamentization outcomes after primary ACL reconstruction in groups with and without stem cell therapy. Biomechanical and histological outcomes were assessed. Results: A total of 4 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells were used in 3 studies, while tendon-derived stem cells were used in 1 study. An intra-articular injection was used to deliver conditioned medium and stem cells in 2 studies, while around-graft application was used to deliver bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells in 2 studies. Stem cell therapy enhanced the biomechanical and histological properties of the tendon graft after ACL reconstruction. Conclusion: This review revealed that stem cell therapy is a promising technique that promotes graft ligamentization by enhancing the biomechanical and histological properties of the tendon graft after ACL reconstruction in animal models. There is a need for future preclinical studies aimed at evaluating the effect of stem cells on graft ligamentization and identifying the optimal method of intra-articular stem cell delivery.
A Prospective Longitudinal Study of Early Childhood Caries Onset in Initially Caries-Free Children
Authors: Kopycka-Kedzierawski D.T. , Billings R.J. , Feng C. , Ragusa P.G. , Flint K. , Watson G.E. , Wong C.L. , Manning S. , Gill S.R. , O’Connor T.G. 
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a complex oral disease that is prevalent in US children. Objectives: The purpose of this 2-y prospective cohort study was to examine baseline and time-dependent risk factors for ECC onset in initially caries-free preschool children. Methods: A cohort of 189 initially caries-free children aged 1 to 3 y was recruited. At each 6-mo study visit, children were examined using the ICDAS index; salivary samples were collected to assess mutans streptococci (MS), lactobacilli, Candida species, salivary cortisol (prior and after a stressor), and salivary IgA. Diet and oral health behavior were assessed from parent report. Child and family stress exposure was assessed from measures of psychological symptoms, stressful life event exposure, family organization and violence exposure, and social support. Sociodemographic factors were also considered. A Kaplan-Meier estimator of survival function of time to ECC and a Cox proportional hazards model were used to identify predictors of ECC onset. Results: Onset of ECC was associated with high salivary MS levels at baseline (log-rank test, P < 0.0001). Cox proportional hazards regression showed that the risk of dental caries significantly increased with salivary MS in log scale over the 6-mo period (hazard ratio, 1.08; P = 0.01). Other risk factors in the model did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Our results provide prospective evidence that an increase in salivary MS predicts ECC onset in young, initially caries-free children, confirming that a high salivary MS count likely plays a causal role in ECC onset, independent of covariates. Knowledge Transfer Statement: These results suggest that we must focus on reducing salivary MS counts in young children and preventing or delaying MS colonization in infants and young children determined to be at risk for ECC.
Systemic and Intraocular Methotrexate for the Prevention and Treatment of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy in Children With Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment and Underlying Inflammatory Disease
Authors: Al-Moujahed, MD, PhD, MPH Ahmad , Saleh, MD Solin , Ghoraba, MD Hashem , Dong Nguyen, MD, MSc Quan , Wood Edward 
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To highlight the efficacy and safety of a combined surgical and medical therapy (with intraocular and systemic methotrexate [MTX]) of pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs) complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods: Three pediatric patients with RRD complicated by PVR in the setting of underlying atopic dermatitis and/or uveitis were treated with a combination of vitreoretinal surgery and intraoperative intravitreal MTX (40 mg) infusion followed by at least 1 injection of 200 μg of MTX into the silicone oil–filled vitreous cavity. The patients received short-term systemic immunosuppression with systemic (oral or subcutaneous 20 mg weekly MTX for 12 weeks) and/or steroids. Results: Retinal reattachment with visual acuity improvement was achieved in all eyes following a single surgery and remained to the final follow-up after oil removal. No side effects of intraocular or systemic MTX were observed. Conclusions: This combination therapy could be a successful strategy for treating pediatric patients with RRD with or without PVR.
The PROMoting the USE of SWATs (PROMETHEUS) programme: Lessons learnt and future developments for SWATs
Authors: Clark Laura , Arundel Catherine , Coleman Elizabeth , Doherty Laura , Parker Adwoa , Hewitt Catherine , Beard David , Bower Peter , Brocklehurst Paul , Cooper Cindy , Culliford Lucy , Devane Declan , Emsley Richard , Eldridge Sandra , Galvin Sandra , Gillies Katie , Montgomery Alan , Sutton Chris , Treweek Shaun , Torgerson David 
Published: June 2022

Introduction The PROMETHEUS programme (PROMoting THE USE of SWATs) was funded by the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) and Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) infrastructure funding from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The purpose was to develop strategies to increase the recruitment and retention evidence base. This paper aims to present observations from this work. Observations The PROMETHUS programme funded 42 SWATs, the average cost of each SWAT was £4007. A central coordination point enabled a concentrated effort in SWAT research activity leading to a rapid increase in the evidence base. The methodological feasibility of undertaking a coordinated SWAT design was established. The international Trial Forge SWAT Network was developed in 2021 to connect research groups in response for the need to connect teams undertaking methodological research. A SWAT reporting template and a database of researchers willing to peer review SWATs are also needed to improve the reporting of SWATs. Discussion There is a need to develop a strategy to aid teams to identify a suitable SWAT for their host trial populations and a mechanism to communicate SWAT research priorities. Work is needed to increase the awareness of the methodological importance of SWAT research with research teams and develop engagement strategies to increase SWAT activity. Continued collaboration with the HRA is necessary to refine the SWAT approvals process. Conclusion The coordination PROMETHEUS provided is crucial to increasing the recruitment retention evidence base. The Trial Forge Network will be key to provide ongoing networking and dissemination opportunities.
Is two better than one? Maximising follow-up of self-reported outcome measures for a stroke survivor population: Results from a study within a trial in the LoTS2Care feasibility study
Authors: Moreau Lauren , Holloway Ivana , Ozer Seline , Forster Anne , Hulme Claire , Hartley Suzanne , Farrin Amanda ,   On behalf of the LoTS2Care Programme Management Group
Published: June 2022

Background: Improving outcome data collection rates is an essential part of managing clinical trials and ensures statistical power and generalisability of results are maintained. Studies within a trial (SWATs) provide a robust methodology to investigate the most efficient methods to maximise outcome follow-up. Methods: LoTS2Care, a feasibility cluster Randomised Controlled Trial, recruited 269 stroke survivors across 10 services, and incorporated a SWAT to evaluate the effect of questionnaire booklet format (one booklet or two) on follow-up rates for self-reported postal outcomes at 6 and 9 months post-recruitment. Available participants were individually randomised (1 : 1) by the Clinical Trials Research Unit and follow-up rates in the two groups were compared. Results: At 6 months post-recruitment, 254 participants were randomised: 126 to receive (125 posted) the single booklet; 128 to receive two booklets. By 9 months post-recruitment, 116 and 123 participants were still available in each group, respectively. For participants randomised to two booklets, return of at least one of the booklets was considered as ‘followed-up’. At 6 months, 114/125 (91.2%) participants sent the single booklet returned it, compared to 108/128 (84.4%) sent two (odds ratio (OR) 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88 to 4.19). By 9 months, 108/116 (93.1%) participants returned the single booklet, compared to 105/123 (85.4%) sent two (OR 2.31, 95% CI 0.97 to 5.55). Conclusions: The SWAT was an inexpensive, straightforward way to test how booklet format affected follow-up rates. Larger participant numbers would be required for conclusive results. These initial findings, however, suggest that including all outcome measures in a single booklet may maximise return rates, especially in trials with similar populations, such as those living with brain injury, cognitive or speech impairment or older people.