bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Species Composition, Abundance, Distribution Features and Size Characteristics of Fish of the Genus Liparis (Cottiformes: Liparidae) in the East-Siberian and Laptev Seas
Authors: Smirnova E. V. , Chernova N. V. , Karamushko O. V. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract—
Information on the distribution and occurrence of three species of the genus Liparis, Liparis bathyarcticus Parr, 1931, L. cf. fabricii Krøyer, 1847 and L. tunicatus Reinhardt, 1836 on the shelf of the Laptev and East Siberian seas, depending on the temperature, salinity and sediment types is presented according to the data of trawl surveys in 2014 and 2017. L. cf. fabricii is the most common species in the surveyed water area with the frequency of occurrence of 22.4% in the Laptev Sea and 24.7% in the East Siberian Sea. The total relative abundance and biomass of all species of the genus Liparis in the East Siberian Sea (377.7 ind./km2 and 9.14 kg/km2) were slightly higher than in the Laptev Sea (326 ind./km2 and 8.32 kg/km2). The maximum length of L. tunicatus in the East Siberian Sea (172 mm) exceeds the previously known one (160 mm). The average length and weight of fish of all three species of Liparis in the East Siberian Sea are greater than in the Laptev Sea.
Homozygous V377I mutation causing mevalonate kinase
Authors: Brito Teresa , Banganho Denise , Pedrosa Cristina , Farela Neves João 
Published: October 2022

Hyperimmunoglobulinaemia D syndrome (HIDS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the mevalonate kinase (MVK) gene, located on chromosome 12. The most common mutation identified in MVK gene so far is V377I. Compound heterozygotes that include this variant may exhibit a more severe phenotype of the disease and homozygotes are rarely found in clinical practice probably they express a milder phenotype. HIDS is a chronic autoinflammatory disease characterised by recurrent febrile episodes, associated with lymphadenopathies, abdominal pain, rash and arthritis. These flares can be triggered by vaccination, minor trauma, surgery and stress.We report a case of a 2-year-old girl who had recurrent attacks of fever associated with cervical lymphadenopathy, macular erythematous skin rash, abdominal pain and aphthous ulcers in the mouth. The patient was found to excrete elevated amounts of urinary mevalonic acid and a homozygous V337I mutation in the MVK gene was identified.
Global and regional estimates of maternal near miss: a systematic review, meta-analysis and experiences with application
Authors: Firoz Tabassum , Trigo Romero Carla Lionela , Leung Clarus , Souza João Paulo , Tunçalp Özge 
Published: October 2022

IntroductionMaternal near miss (MNM) is a useful means to examine quality of obstetric care. Since the introduction of the WHO MNM criteria in 2011, it has been tested and validated, and is being used globally. We sought to systematically review all available studies using the WHO MNM criteria to develop global and regional estimates of MNM frequency and examine its application across settings.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review by implementing a comprehensive literature search from 2011 to 2018 in six databases with no language restrictions. The predefined data collection tool included sections on study characteristics, frequency of near-miss cases and study quality. Meta-analysis was performed by regional groupings. Reported adaptations, modifications and remarks about application were extracted.Results7292 articles were screened by title and abstract, and 264 articles were retrieved for full text review for the meta-analysis. An additional 230 articles were screened for experiences with application of the WHO MNM criteria. Sixty studies with near-miss data from 56 countries were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled global near-miss estimate was 1.4% (95% CI 0.4% to 2.5%) with regional variation in MNM frequency. Of the 20 studies that made adaptations to the criteria, 19 were from low-resource settings where lab-based criteria were adapted due to resource limitations.ConclusionsThe WHO MNM criteria have enabled the comparison of global and sub-national estimates of MNM frequency. There has been good uptake in low-resource countries but contextual adaptations are necessary.
Virtual reality device to improve the tolerability of lumbar puncture
Authors: Hill Katie , Brown Chris , Gibbs Austin , Mitchell Andrew Robert John 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundVirtual reality is increasingly being used as an adjunct or replacement to pharmacological analgesia and sedation during medical procedures.Methods and resultsWe report the successful use of a virtual reality device in a highly anxious patient undergoing lumbar puncture.ConclusionThe case demonstrates how virtual reality technology may benefit patients undergoing invasive procedures such as lumbar puncture. Virtual reality may, therefore, offer an alternative or adjunct to sedation and analgesia and may reduce the amount of pharmacological therapy required.
Randomised controlled monocentric trial to compare the impact of using professional actors or peers for communication training in a competency-based inverted biochemistry classroom in preclinical medical education
Authors: Schneider Achim , Messerer David Alexander Christian , Kühn Veronika , Horneffer Astrid , Bugaj Till Johannes , Nikendei Christoph , Kühl Michael , Kühl Susanne Julia 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveIn medical education, biochemistry topics are usually knowledge based, and students often are unaware of their clinical relevance. To improve students’ awareness of the relevance, we integrated communication skills training into biochemistry education. No studies before have examined the difference between peer and standardised patient (SP) role plays where students explain the biochemical background of a disease in patient-centred language. Therefore, we evaluated whether students’ self-perceived competency in Canadian Medical Education Directives for Specialists (CanMEDS) roles and their opinion of the quality of role play differ if the layperson is played by peers or SPs.MethodsWe randomly assigned medical students in a preclinical semester to one of the two groups. The groups used predefined scripts to role play a physician–parent consultation with either a peer (peer group) or an SP (SP group) in the parent role. Students then assessed the activity’s effects on their competency in CanMEDS roles and motivation and the relevance of the role play. To determine whether students achieved biochemistry learning goals, we evaluated results of a biochemistry exam.ResultsStudents’ self-perceived competency improved in both groups. The SP group rated their competency in the roles ‘Scholar’ and ‘Professional’ significantly higher than the peer group did. The peer group rated their competency in the role of ‘Medical Expert’ significantly higher if they played the role of the parent rather than physician or observer. The SP group agreed more that they were motivated by the role play and wanted to receive more role play-based teaching. The SP group perceived the role play as being realistic and rated the feedback discussion as more beneficial. The examination results were the same in both groups.ConclusionWe showed that role plays in a biochemistry seminar improve students’ self-perceived competency. The use of SPs has some advantages, such as being more realistic.
Association of the Intermountain Risk Score with major adverse health events in patients positive for COVID-19: an observational evaluation of a US cohort
Authors: Horne Benjamin D , Bledsoe Joseph R , Muhlestein Joseph B , May Heidi T , Peltan Ithan D , Webb Brandon J , Carlquist John F , Bennett Sterling T , Rea Susan , Bair Tami L , Grissom Colin K , Knight Stacey , Ronnow Brianna S , Le Viet T , Stenehjem Edward , Woller Scott C , Knowlton Kirk U , Anderson Jeffrey L 
Published: October 2022

ObjectivesThe Intermountain Risk Score (IMRS), composed using published sex-specific weightings of parameters in the complete blood count (CBC) and basic metabolic profile (BMP), is a validated predictor of mortality. We hypothesised that IMRS calculated from prepandemic CBC and BMP predicts COVID-19 outcomes and that IMRS using laboratory results tested at COVID-19 diagnosis is also predictive.DesignProspective observational cohort study.SettingPrimary, secondary, urgent and emergent care, and drive-through testing locations across Utah and in sections of adjacent US states. Viral RNA testing for SARS-CoV-2 was conducted from 3 March to 2 November 2020.ParticipantsPatients aged ≥18 years were evaluated if they had CBC and BMP measured in 2019 and tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was a composite of hospitalisation or mortality, with secondary outcomes being hospitalisation and mortality separately.ResultsAmong 3883 patients, 8.2% were hospitalised and 1.6% died. Subjects with low, mild, moderate and high-risk IMRS had the composite endpoint in 3.5% (52/1502), 8.6% (108/1256), 15.5% (152/979) and 28.1% (41/146) of patients, respectively. Compared with low-risk, subjects in mild-risk, moderate-risk and high-risk groups had HR=2.33 (95% CI 1.67 to 3.24), HR=4.01 (95% CI 2.93 to 5.50) and HR=8.34 (95% CI 5.54 to 12.57), respectively. Subjects aged <60 years had HR=3.06 (95% CI 2.01 to 4.65) and HR=7.38 (95% CI 3.14 to 17.34) for moderate and high risks versus low risk, respectively; those ≥60 years had HR=1.95 (95% CI 0.99 to 3.86) and HR=3.40 (95% CI 1.63 to 7.07). In multivariable analyses, IMRS was independently predictive and was shown to capture substantial risk variation of comorbidities.ConclusionsIMRS, a simple risk score using very basic laboratory results, predicted COVID-19 hospitalisation and mortality. This included important abilities to identify risk in younger adults with few diagnosed comorbidities and to predict risk prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Health and coping strategies of nursing home residents and their relatives during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study protocol
Authors: Ortoleva Bucher Claudia , Abt Maryline , Berthoud Laurent , Cohen Christine 
Published: October 2022

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic hit older adults particularly hard, especially those living in nursing homes. The present study’s primary aim is to quantify the states of physical and mental health of nursing home residents and their relatives following the implementation of the exceptional confinement measures. The secondary aim is to explore the lived experiences of the stressors perceived by older adults and their relatives, as well as the support strategies implemented by health professionals and their results.Methods and analysisWe chose a mixed-methods (quantitative/qualitative) study to best deliver a profound understanding of this phenomenon.Quantitative phase: participants are asked to complete several questionnaires. The study population includes all the nursing home residents in four French-speaking cantons of Switzerland (and their relatives) who are living through the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistics will be calculated for the scores of the General Health Questionnaire-12, Impact of Event Scale-6, Perceived Stress Scale, Brief Cope, Post-traumatic Growth Inventory, World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF(WHOQOL-BREF) and WHOQOL-OLD scales. Correlational analyses will be considered.Qualitative phase: data are collected from several sources (individual semi-structured interviews, focus groups, field notes). Interviews are planned with about 12 representatives of each group of participants (residents and relatives). Two focus groups made up of healthcare professionals will be constituted to explore the lived experiences of the stressors perceived by residents and relatives, the coping strategies those two groups implemented to deal with them. The interviews and focus groups will be subjected to a thematic contents analysis.Integrating the quantitative and qualitative data will take place jointly with data interpretation.Ethics and disseminationThis project was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Canton of Vaud on 14 December 2020 (project ID: 2020-02397). The prior written informed consent of the study subjects is collected by a member of the research team before data collection. Study results will be disseminated via professional and peer-reviewed publications.Trial registration numberISRCTN12345167.
Issues related to pregnancy, pregnancy prevention and abortion in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: a WHO qualitative study protocol
Authors: Cecatti Jose Guilherme , Bahamondes Luis , Ali Moazzam , Alangea Deda Ogum , Brizuela Vanessa , Nahyuha Chomi Eunice , Kouanda Seni , Karmaliani Rozina , Ladak Laila , Lumbiganon Pisake , Emefa Modey , Jen Sothornwit , Kuganantham Hamsadvani , Kim Caron 
Published: October 2022

IntroductionWHO has generated standardised clinical and epidemiological research protocols to address key public health questions for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. We present a standardised protocol with the aim to fill a gap in understanding the needs, attitudes and practices related to sexual and reproductive health in the context of COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on pregnancy, pregnancy prevention and abortion.Methods and analysis planThis protocol is a prospective qualitative research, using semi-structured interviews with at least 15 pregnant women at different gestational ages and after delivery, 6 months apart from the first interview. At least 10 partners, 10 non-pregnant women and 5 healthcare professionals will be interviewed once during the course of the research. Higher number of subjects may be needed if a saturation is not achieved with these numbers. Data collection will be performed in a standardised way by skilled trained interviewers using written notes or audio-record of the interview. The data will be explored using the thematic content analysis and the researchers will look for broad patterns, generalisations or theories from these categories.Ethics and disseminationThe current protocol was first technically assessed and approved by the WHO scientific committee and then approved by its ethics review committee as a guidance document. It is expected that each country/setting implementing such a generic protocol adapted to their conditions also obtain local ethical approval. Comments for the user’s consideration are provided the document, as the user may need to modify methods slightly because of the local context in which this study will be carried out.
Assessing the role of depressive symptoms in the association between social engagement and cognitive functioning among older adults: analysis of cross-sectional data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI)
Authors: Kumar Manish , Muhammad T , Dwivedi Laxmi Kant 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to examine the confounding effects of depressive symptoms and the role of gender in the association between social engagement and cognitive functioning among older Indian adults.DesignLarge-scale cross-sectional survey data were analysed.Setting and participantsData from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (2017–2019) were used in the analysis. The sample included 23 584 individuals aged 60 years and above (11 403 men and 12 181 women).Outcome measuresThe outcome variable was cognitive functioning, which was based on various measures including immediate and delayed word recall, orientation, executive functioning, arithmetic ability and object naming. Social engagement measure consists of marital status, living arrangement, availability of confidant, and participation in indoor games, and social and cultural functions. The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms.ResultsSignificant gender differences in mean cognition scores (men: 25.8, women: 21.1; on a scale of 0–43) were observed. Two-way stratification between social engagement and depressive symptoms was significantly associated with cognitive functioning after controlling for selected explanatory factors. Older men with a low level of social engagements had significantly poor cognitive functioning (β=−1.12; 95% CI: −1.53 to –0.72) compared with men with a high level of social engagements. On the other hand, women with a higher level of social engagement performed poorly on cognitive tests (β=−1.54; 95% CI: −2.11 to –0.98) compared with men with higher social engagements. Three-way stratification between social engagement, gender and depressive symptoms suggests that social engagement’s buffering effects are lower in women than in men. The Karlson-Holm-Breen method identified a significant confounding effect of depressive symptoms on the relationship between social engagement and cognitive functioning.ConclusionThe positive association of social engagement with cognitive functioning was significantly confounded by depressive symptoms, suggesting the need for maintaining social relations that help improve mental health and cognitive functioning among older adults.
Histopathological profile of orbito-ocular cancers at a tertiary hospital in Northern Malawi: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Sinyiza Frank Watson , Chisale Master R O , Kayira Alfred B , Chimbatata Chikondi Sharon , Kaseka Paul Uchizi , Kamudumuli Pocha , Wu Tsung-Shu Joseph , Mbakaya Balwani Chingatichifwe 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveOrbito-ocular cancers are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in our population, yet these cancers have not been adequately described in Malawi. This study sought to describe the burden and histopathological profile of orbito-ocular cancers in Northern Malawi.Methods and AnalysisA retrospective review of pathology reports was done. Descriptive analyses were performed to summarise patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics, and histopathological results. A binary logistic regression was used to explore the association between demographic variables, site of lesion and cancer.Results210 pathology reports of orbito-ocular biopsies were reviewed. 60.0% of patients were female. The majority (39.5%) of patients were in the 31 to 40 age group but overall mean age (±SD) was 34.81±15.9 years. Cancer was diagnosed in 84 (40.0%) patients. Squamous cell carcinoma constituted the majority (82.1%) of cancers followed by retinoblastoma at 7.1%. Orbito-ocular cancers were associated with HIV infection (OR5.9, 95% CI 2.0 to 17.2) and intraocular tumours were 8.3 times (OR 8.3, 95% CI 2.0 to 33.8) more likely to be malignant. However, squamous cell carcinoma was the only type of cancer found in patients with HIV infection and mostly affected the conjunctiva, constituting 94.4% of cancers affecting this site. Retinoblastoma on the other hand only affected children less than 10 years of age.ConclusionCancer constituted a substantial proportion of orbito-ocular lesions in our study population, with conjunctiva being the common site. This calls for improved capacity to prevent, diagnose and manage orbito-oracular cancers in Northern Malawi and similar settings.
Associations with visual acuity outcomes after 12 months of treatment in 9401 eyes with neovascular AMD
Authors: Relton SD , Chi GC , Lotery Andrew , West RM ,   Real world AMD treatment outcomes EMR User Group, McKibbin Martin 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveTo record visual acuity outcomes after 12 months of treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NvAMD), investigate variation between sites and explore associations with baseline characteristics and care processes.Methods and analysisAnonymised demographic and clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records at treating National Health Service (NHS) Trusts. Associations with acuity outcomes were investigated using multivariate linear and logistic regression.ResultsAnalysis included 9401 eyes (7686 patients) treated at 13 NHS Trusts. From baseline to month 12, median acuity improved from LogMAR 0.50 (IQR 0.30–0.80) to 0.40 (0.22–0.74) and the proportion of eyes with LogMAR ≥0.3 increased from 34.5% to 39.8%. Baseline visual acuity was the strongest predictor of visual acuity outcomes. For each LogMAR 0.1 worsening of baseline acuity, the acuity at 12 months was improved by LogMAR 0.074 (95% CI 0.073 to 0.074) and the odds of a ‘poor’ acuity outcome was multiplied by 1.66 (95% CI 1.61 to 1.70). Younger age, independent living status, lower socioeconomic deprivation, timely loading phase completion and higher number of injections were associated with better acuity outcomes. Despite case-mix adjustments, there was evidence of significant variation in acuity outcomes between sites.ConclusionsEven after adjustment for other variables, variation in acuity outcomes after NvAMD treatment within the NHS remains. Meaningful comparison of outcomes between different providers requires adjustment for a range of baseline characteristics, not visual acuity alone. Identifying best practice at sites with better outcomes and adapting local care processes are required to tackle this health inequality.
Longer-term rates of survival and reintervention after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for blunt aortic injury: a retrospective population-based cohort study from Ontario, Canada
Authors: Evans Christopher C D , Li Wenbin , Yacob Michael , Brogly Susan 
Published: October 2022

ObjectivesBlunt aortic injury (BAI) is associated with a high rate of mortality. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has emerged as the preferred treatment option for patients with BAI. In this study, we compare the longer-term outcomes of patients receiving TEVAR with other treatment options for BAI.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using administrative health data on patients with BAI in Ontario, Canada between 2009 and 2020. Patients with BAI and who survived at least 24 hours after hospital admission were identified using diagnostic codes. We classified patients as having received TEVAR, open surgical, hybrid repair, or medical management as their initial treatment approach based on procedure codes. The primary outcome was survival to maximum follow-up. Secondary outcomes included aorta-related mortality or aortic reintervention. Cox’s proportional hazards models were used to estimate the effect of TEVAR on survival.Results427 patients with BAI were followed for a median of 3 years (IQR: 1–6 years), with 348 patients (81.5%) surviving. Survival to maximum follow-up did not differ between treatment groups: TEVAR: 79%, surgical repair: 63.6%, hybrid repair: 85.7%, medical management: 83.3% (p=0.10). In adjusted analyses, TEVAR was not associated with improved survival compared with surgical repair (HR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.3 to 1.6), hybrid repair (HR: 1.4, 95% CI: 0.5 to 3.6), or medical management (HR: 1.5, 95% CI: 0.8 to 2.6). Aortic reinterventions were required in only 2.6% of surviving patients but were significantly more common in the TEVAR group (p<0.01).ConclusionsThe longer-term survival from BAI appears highly favorable with low rates of reintervention and death in the years after injury, regardless of the initial treatment approach.Level of evidenceIV, Therapeutic study.