bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medial and Lateral Tibiofemoral Compressive Forces in Patients Following Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty During Stationary Cycling
Authors: Hummer Erik T. , Thorsen Tanner , Weinhandl Joshua T. , Reinbolt Jeffrey A. , Cates Harrold , Zhang Songning 
Published: May 2022

Patients following unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) display interlimb differences in knee joint kinetics during gait and more recently, stationary cycling. The purpose of this study was to use musculoskeletal modeling to estimate total, medial, and lateral tibiofemoral compressive forces for patients following TKA during stationary cycling. Fifteen patients of unilateral TKA, from the same surgeon, participated in cycling at 2 workrates (80 and 100 W). A knee model (OpenSim 3.2) was used to estimate total, medial, and lateral tibiofemoral compressive forces for replaced and nonreplaced limbs. A 2 × 2 (limb × workrate) and a 2 × 2 × 2 (compartment × limb × workrate) analysis of variance were run on the selected variables. Peak medial tibiofemoral compressive force was 23.5% lower for replaced compared to nonreplaced limbs (P = .004, G = 0.80). Peak medial tibiofemoral compressive force was 48.0% greater than peak lateral tibiofemoral compressive force in nonreplaced limbs (MD = 344.5 N, P < .001, G = 1.6) with no difference in replaced limbs (P = .274). Following TKA, patients have greater medial compartment loading on their nonreplaced compared to their replaced limbs and ipsilateral lateral compartment loading. This disproportionate loading may be cause for concern regarding exacerbating contralateral knee osteoarthritis.
Paediatric neuroblastoma presenting as an asymptomatic abdominal mass: a report on the importance of a complete clinical examination with a view to a timely diagnosis and therapeutic guidance in paediatric oncology
Authors: Granja Cátia , Mota Lourdes 
Published: May 2022

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumour in children after lymphoblastic leukaemias, brain tumours and lymphomas.We report a case of an NB in a previously healthy toddler. Though she had no abdominal complaints, on physical examination, she had a palpable mass identified over the right upper portion of the abdomen. Imaging studies demonstrated a heterogeneous tumour with an irregular capsule and visible calcifications.After initial diagnosis, the patient underwent chemotherapy and was subjected to a radical resection of the tumour 4 months later. One-year follow-up of the patient showed no recurrence.In children, oncological diseases are often asymptomatic or have non-specific symptoms, and in remote locations where specialised/paediatric services may not be available, the importance of medical training in paediatrics is highlighted, with emphasis on performing a complete clinical examination, namely abdominal palpation. The role of timely referral will be evident in such a situation.
Powers, engagements and resultant influences over the design and implementation of medicine pricing policies in Ghana
Authors: Koduah Augustina , Baatiema Leonard , Kretchy Irene A , Agyepong Irene Akua , Danso-Appiah Anthony , de Chavez Anna Cronin , Ensor Timothy , Mirzoev Tolib 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionUniversal availability and affordability of essential medicines are determined by effective design and implementation of relevant policies, typically involving multiple stakeholders. This paper examined stakeholder engagements, powers and resultant influences over design and implementation of four medicines pricing policies in Ghana: Health Commodity Supply Chain Master Plan, framework contracting for high demand medicines, Value Added Tax (VAT) exemptions for selected essential medicines, and ring-fencing medicines for local manufacturing.MethodsData were collected using reviews of policy documentation (n=16), consultative meetings with key policy actors (n=5) and in-depth interviews (n=29) with purposefully identified national-level policymakers, public and private health professionals including members of the National Medicine Pricing Committee, pharmaceutical wholesalers and importers. Data were analysed using thematic framework.ResultsA total of 46 stakeholders were identified, including representatives from the Ministry of Health, other government agencies, development partners, pharmaceutical industry and professional bodies. The Ministry of Health coordinated policy processes, utilising its bureaucratic mandate and exerted high influences over each policy. Most stakeholders were highly engaged in policy processes. Whereas some led or coproduced the policies in the design stage and participated in policy implementation, others were consulted for their inputs, views and opinions. Stakeholder powers reflected their expertise, bureaucratic mandates and through participation in national level consultation meetings, influences policy contents and implementation. A wider range of stakeholders were involved in the VAT exemption policies, reflecting their multisectoral nature. A minority of stakeholders, such as service providers were not engaged despite their interest in medicines pricing, and consequently did not influence policies.ConclusionsStakeholder powers were central to their engagements in, and resultant influences over medicine pricing policy processes. Effective leadership is important for inclusive and participatory policymaking, and one should be cognisant of the nature of policy issues and approaches to policy design and implementation.
Conflict-related excess mortality and disability in Northwest Syria
Authors: Alrashid Alhiraki Omar , Fahham Ola , Dubies Hussam Alden , Abou Hatab Jawad , Ba'Ath Muhammad Eyad 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionThe Syrian conflict that started in 2011 has been ongoing for over a decade without an end in sight. Estimates regarding excess mortality and conflict-related disability vary widely, and little field research has been done to address this topic.MethodsA population-based field survey was conducted from 10 to 18 November 2020 in Northwest Syria. Forty-nine clusters were selected using staged sampling based on predefined population distribution maps. Data were collected for the period from 2000 to 2020 and were divided into pre-conflict (2000–2010) and conflict (2011–2020) periods. Mortality rates were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test, and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 1483 households were surveyed, for a population of 12 268 people. The crude mortality rate increased 3.55 times between the two periods (p>0.001). In total, 54.3% of war-related deaths were caused by aerial attacks. Despite the continued increase in mortality rates during the conflict period, most deaths from 2017 onwards were related to non-violent causes. Overall, directly and indirectly, the conflict seems to have caused approximately 874 000 excess deaths. A total of 14.9% of households reported having at least one substantial violence-related disability since 2011.ConclusionThe conflict caused the tripling of mortality rates in Syria. The estimated excess mortality in our study is higher than previous estimates. From 2017 onwards, most conflict-related deaths were due to non-violent causes. There is a high prevalence of violence-related disabilities in the studied communities. Our data could prove useful for health policymakers.
Does higher early neonatal mortality in boys reverse over the neonatal period? A pooled analysis from three trials of Nepal
Authors: Subedi Seema , Katz Joanne , Erchick Daniel Joseph , Verhulst Andrea , Khatry Subarna K , Mullany Luke C , Tielsch James M , LeClerq Steven C , Christian Parul , West Keith P , Guillot Michel 
Published: May 2022

ObjectivesNeonatal mortality is generally 20% higher in boys than girls due to biological phenomena. Only a few studies have examined more finely categorised age patterns of neonatal mortality by sex, especially in the first few days of life. The objective of this study is to examine sex differentials in neonatal mortality by detailed ages in a low-income setting.DesignThis is a secondary observational analysis of data.SettingRural Sarlahi district, Nepal.ParticipantsNeonates born between 1999 and 2017 in three randomised controlled trials.Outcome measuresWe calculated study-specific and pooled mortality rates for boys and girls by ages (0–1, 1–3, 3–7, 7–14, 14–21 and 21–28 days) and estimated HR using Cox proportional hazards models for male versus female mortality for treatment and control groups together (n=59 729).ResultsNeonatal mortality was higher in boys than girls in individual studies: 44.2 vs 39.7 in boys and girls in 1999–2000; 30.0 vs 29.6 in 2002–2006; 33.4 vs 29.4 in 2010–2017; and 33.0 vs 30.2 in the pooled data analysis. Pooled data found that early neonatal mortality (HR=1.17; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.30) was significantly higher in boys than girls. All individual datasets showed a reversal in mortality by sex after the third week of life. In the fourth week, a reversal was observed, with mortality in girls 2.43 times higher than boys (HR=0.41; 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.79).ConclusionsBoys had higher mortality in the first week followed by no sex difference in weeks 2 and 3 and a reversal in risk in week 4, with girls dying at more than twice the rate of boys. This may be a result of gender discrimination and social norms in this setting. Interventions to reduce gender discrimination at the household level may reduce female neonatal mortality.Trial registration numberNCT00115271, NCT00109616, NCT01177111.
Factors influencing decisions about whether to participate in health research by people of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds: a realist review
Authors: Hoverd Eleanor Jayne , Hawker-Bond George , Staniszewska Sophie , Dale Jeremy 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveTo develop and refine a programme theory that explains factors that influence decisions to take part in health research by people of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.DesignRealist review following a sequence of five steps: (a) scoping search and identification of programme theory; (b) evidence searching; (c) critical appraisal and data extraction; (d) organisation of evidence and (e) refinement of programme theory.Eligibility criteriaDocuments (including peer-reviewed articles, grey literature, websites, reports and conference papers) either full text, or a section of relevance to the overarching research question were included.Data sourcesEMBASE, Medline, Web of Science, Psych Info, Google and Google Scholar were searched iteratively between May and August 2020. Search strategy was refined for each database providing a broad enough review for building of programme theory.AnalysisData from eligible documents was extracted to build understanding of the factors that influence decision-making. Data were mapped to create a data matrix according to context (C), mechanism (M), outcome (O), configurations (C) (CMOCs) for the process of informed consent, to aid interpretation and produce final programme theory.Results566 documents were screened and 71 included. Final programme theory was underpinned by CMOCs on processes influencing decisions to take part in research. Key findings indicate the type of infrastructure required, for example, resources, services and policies, to support inclusion in health research, with a greater need to increase the social presence of researchers within communities, improve cultural competency of individuals and organisations, reduce the complexity of participant information, and provide additional resources to support adaptive processes and shared decision making.ConclusionThe review indicates the need for a more inclusive research infrastructure that facilitates diverse participation in health research through incorporating adaptive processes that support shared decision making within the informed consent process and in the conduct of research projects.
TargetPlex FFPE-Direct DNA Library Preparation Kit for SiRe NGS panel: an international performance evaluation study
Authors: Malapelle Umberto , Pepe Francesco , Pisapia Pasquale , Sgariglia Roberta , Nacchio Mariantonia , Barberis Massimo , Bilh Michel , Bubendorf Lukas , Büttner Reinhard , Cabibi Daniela , Castiglia Marta , De Andrea Carlos E , de Biase Dario , Dumur Catherine I , Fontanini Gabriella , Freire Javier , Gristina Valerio , Hofman Paul , Ilie Marius , Lozano Maria Dolores , Merkelbach-Bruse Sabine , Pappesch Roberto , Pelusi Natalie , Roma Gianluca , Russo Antonio , Savic Spasenija , Siemanowski Janna , Tallini Giovanni , Tischler Verena , Vander Borght Sara , Weynand Birgit , Xu Tom , Troncone Giancarlo 
Published: May 2022

AimNext generation sequencing (NGS) represents a key diagnostic tool to identify clinically relevant gene alterations for treatment-decision making in cancer care. However, the complex manual workflow required for NGS has limited its implementation in routine clinical practice. In this worldwide study, we validated the clinical performance of the TargetPlex FFPE-Direct DNA Library Preparation Kit for NGS analysis. Impressively, this new assay obviates the need for separate, labour intensive and time-consuming pre-analytical steps of DNA extraction, purification and isolation from formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) specimens in the NGS workflow.MethodsThe TargetPlex FFPE-Direct DNA Library Preparation Kit, which enables NGS analysis directly from FFPE, was specifically developed for this study by TargetPlex Genomics Pleasanton, California. Eleven institutions agreed to take part in the study coordinated by the Molecular Cytopathology Meeting Group (University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy). All participating institutions received a specific Library Preparation Kit to test eight FFPE samples previously assessed with standard protocols. The analytical parameters and mutations detected in each sample were then compared with those previously obtained with standard protocols.ResultsOverall, 92.8% of the samples were successfully analysed with the TargetPlex FFPE-Direct DNA Library Preparation Kit on Thermo Fisher Scientific and Illumina platforms. Altogether, in comparison with the standard workflow, the TargetPlex FFPE-Direct DNA Library Preparation Kit was able to detect 90.5% of the variants.ConclusionThe TargetPlex FFPE-Direct DNA Library Preparation Kit combined with the SiRe panel constitutes a convenient, practical and robust cost-saving solution for FFPE NGS analysis in routine practice.
Influence Maximization Revisited: Efficient Sampling with Bound Tightened
Authors: Guo Qintian , Wang Sibo , Wei Zhewei , Lin Wenqing , Tang Jing 
Published: May 2022

Given a social network
G
with
n
nodes and
m
edges, a positive integer
k
, and a cascade model
C
, the
influence maximization (IM)
problem asks for
k
nodes in
G
such that the expected number of nodes influenced by the
k
nodes under cascade model
C
is maximized. The state-of-the-art approximate solutions run in
O(k(n+m)
log
n/
ε
2
) expected time while returning a (1 - 1/
e
- ε) approximate solution with at least 1 - 1/
n
probability. A key phase of these IM algorithms is the random
reverse reachable (RR)
set generation, and this phase significantly affects the efficiency and scalability of the state-of-the-art IM algorithms.

In this article, we present a study on this key phase and propose an efficient random RR set generation algorithm under IC model. With the new algorithm, we show that the expected running time of existing IM algorithms under IC model can be improved to
O(k ċ n
log
n ċ
2
), when for any node
v
, the total weight of its incoming edges is no larger than a constant. For the general IC model where the weights are skewed, we present a sampling algorithm SKIP. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first index-free algorithm that achieves the optimal time complexity of the sorted subset sampling problem.

Moreover, existing approximate IM algorithms suffer from scalability issues in high influence networks where the size of random RR sets is usually quite large. We tackle this challenging issue by reducing the average size of random RR sets without sacrificing the approximation guarantee. The proposed solution is orders of magnitude faster than states of the art as shown in our experiment.
Besides, we investigate the issues of forward propagation and derive its time complexity with our proposed subset sampling techniques. We also present a heuristic condition to indicate when the forward propagation approach should be utilized to estimate the expected influence of a given seed set.
Hospital and Professional Charges and Reimbursement Patterns in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Casar Berazaluce Alejandra M. , Frischer Jason S. 
Published: May 2022

Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an expensive therapeutic modality. We sought to identify the main charge contributors to patient bills and analyze their patterns of reimbursement. We additionally sought to evaluate the impact of 2015 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code changes in professional billing for pediatric surgeons. Methods A retrospective review of ECMO cases at a standalone quaternary children’s hospital between 2008-2017 was performed. Itemized hospital and professional bills were analyzed. Results Top charges included room rates, nitric oxide, medications, invasive support and monitoring, and laboratory testing. Average reimbursement was ∼60% for hospital and ∼36% for professional bills. CPT code changes in 2015 represented a 65% reduction in RVUs and 46% reduction in professional charges. Medicaid reimbursement for professional billing remained stable at 9%, and commercial reimbursement fell from 70% to 59% during the study period. Conclusions The main drivers of ECMO charges are unrelated to ECMO supplies or surgery. Evidence-based guidelines for ECMO management could make a difference in healthcare expenditure. Modern CPT codes depreciate RVUs and professional charges, compromising revenue. As the infrastructure required to provide this service is costly, diminishing returns may limit access to this therapy.
COVID-19 Containment: Comparisons and Suggestions for Global Response
Authors: Cheng Sixiang , Zhao Yuxin , Kaminga Atipatsa Chiwanda , Wang Xiaofen , Zhang Xinping , Xu Huilan 
Published: May 2022

Background The 2019-nCoV (COVID-19) is spreading at an alarming rate worldwide. Therefore, it is currently one of the biggest global health challenges. This research review describes the differences in response to the coronavirus epidemic between countries across the world. In addition, an opinion that the experience of China in response against the epidemic would play an important role globally in the battle against the novel coronavirus has been discussed as well as the insufficient and delayed response by other countries. Objectives To provide an overview of China’s experience in the control and prevention of the COVID-19, and compare it to that of other countries. Methods Relevant literature for this review was obtained from the Chinese government website; the World Health Organization website; Johns Hopkins University website; the European Centre for Disease Prevention website; and the PubMed databases. In addition, related news channels were used to obtain information. Results China’s experience in the fight against COVID-19 provides valuable insight into the handling of this epidemic, and suggests that promoting cooperation between countries is imperative for effective control and prevention measures against this global virus pandemic. Conclusions China’s experience suggests that the following measures were effective in the fight against COVID-19: “social isolation,” “medical observation,” “social distancing” or “limited contact with people,” “self-protection,” and combined modern public health intervention measures. These findings could help control outbreaks in other countries and regions across the world.
Inverse drainage Nd:YAG membranotomy for pre-macular hemorrhage
Authors: Babu Naresh , Kohli Piyush , Rajan Renu P , Ramasamy Kim 
Published: May 2022

Aim To report the outcomes of the “inverse drainage Nd:YAG laser membranotomy” technique for the management of pre-macular hemorrhage (PMH), which has its inferior margin near the fovea. Methods This retrospective study included eyes with PMH, with its inferior margin located within 0.5 disc-diameter (DD) of the fovea. Laser membranotomy was performed near the superior margin of PMH followed by intravitreal injection of 0.3 mL undiluted sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas. The patients were advised to maintain a prone position for three days. Results Twenty patients (20 eyes) with a mean age of 46.1 ± 18.6 years were included in the study. The mean duration of symptoms was 6.9 ± 7.0 days. The mean size of PMH was 4.1 ± 1.2DD. The causes of PMH were Valsalva retinopathy (n = 11) and retinal artery macroaneurysm (RAM, n = 9). The mean maximum height of the blood collection, measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT), within 1 disc-diameter from the inferior and superior borders of the PMH was 738.9 ± 232.9μm and 1240.6 ± 338.1μm respectively ( p = 0.001). The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from logMAR 1.32 ± 0.44 (Snellen equivalent, 20/418) to logMAR 0.11 ± 0.20 (Snellen equivalent, 20/26) ( p = 0.001). Vitrectomy was not required in any case. Persistent pre-macular cavity, macular hole, epiretinal membrane (ERM), intra-ocular pressure spike, or rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) was not noted in any patient. Conclusion This technique can be safely used to treat eyes with PMH having its inferior margin near the fovea.
Increased risk of high-grade heterotopic ossification using direct lateral approach versus a muscle-sparing anterolateral approach to the hip: radiological results from a randomised trial in patients with a femoral neck fracture treated with hemiarthroplasty
Authors: Tellefsen Raymond A , Ugland Terje , Bjørndal Maria M , Ugland Stein , Pripp Are Hugo , Nordsletten Lars 
Published: May 2022

Background and purpose: Hemiarthroplasty is a common treatment in patients with displaced femoral neck fracture. Due to positive claims of less pain, earlier mobilisation and favourable functional outcome, the anterior approaches to the joint are gaining in popularity. This randomised controlled trial investigated if component placement and heterotopic ossification differed between a muscle sparing anterior approach and a direct lateral approach. Patients and methods: 150 patients operated with an uncemented hemiarthroplasty, were randomised to anterolateral or direct lateral approach and assessed postoperatively radiologically. Measurements included leg-length discrepancy, femoral offset, femoral stem position, canal fill ratio and the presence of heterotopic ossification after 12 months. Results: There was an increased risk of high-grade heterotopic ossification in the direct lateral approach ( p < 0.05). We found no statistically significant differences in leg-length discrepancy, femoral stem position or femoral offset. Conclusions: Hemiarthroplasty performed in the direct lateral approach resulted in a higher incidence of Brooker grade 3 heterotopic ossification. Our results support equal geometrical restoration and similar component placement with both approaches. Clinical trial registry: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03974698 Uncemented Hemiarthroplasty, Radiological Features Comparing Lateral Versus Anterolateral Approach https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03974698?term=raymond+tellefsen…draw=2…rank=1