bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Refractive prescribing for preschool children by optometrists in England
Authors: Thompson Amy L. , Conway Miriam L. , Ctori Irene , Shah Rakhee , Suttle Catherine M. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractPurposeCorrection of refractive error in children is important for visual and educational development. The aim of this questionnaire‐based study was to explore paediatric refractive correction by optometrists in England.MethodsAn online questionnaire was piloted and distributed to optometrists in England. The questionnaire asked about respondents' characteristics (such as type of practice), management of refractive error in 1‐ and 3‐year‐old children and sources of information used as a basis for decisions on prescribing refractive error in children.ResultsTwo hundred and ninety‐three questionnaires were returned, although only 139 (47%) were fully completed. In an average month, about half of respondents examined no children between 0 and 2 years of age, and about half examined no more than five children aged 3–4 years. A significant proportion indicated they would refer children aged 1 or 3 years with refractive error and no other signs or symptoms into the hospital eye service. Almost a quarter would prescribe in full or in part an isometropic refractive correction of +2.00 D for a 3‐year‐old (within the normal range) with no other signs or symptoms, suggesting a degree of unnecessary prescribing. Almost all would act in cases of clinically significant refractive error. Respondents made similar use of their colleagues, optometric or postgraduate/continuing education, professional guidance and peer‐reviewed research as sources of evidence on which to base decisions about prescribing for paediatric refractive errors. Most reported ‘never’ or ‘rarely’ using Cochrane reviews.ConclusionsThese results suggest optometrists often defer management of paediatric refractive error to the hospital eye service, with implications in terms of underutilisation of community optometric expertise and burden on the National Health Service. In some cases, the results indicate a mismatch between respondents' reported management and existing guidance/guidelines on paediatric prescribing.
Are Both Preoperative Full‐Spine 3Dimensional Computed Tomography Scans and X‐Ray Films Necessary for Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Kyphosis?
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Liu Chao , Hu Fanqi , You Yonggang , Hu Wenhao , Zhang Xuesong 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveThis study is aimed to investigate whether both pre‐operative full‐spine 3Dimensional computed tomography scan (3D CT) and X‐ray film were necessary for patients with severe ankylosing spondylitis (AS) kyphosis deformity.MethodsThe research objects were selected from the inpatients with AS in our hospital from 2017 to 2019. A total of 42 patients were included in the study. On both the synthesized 2Dimensional (2D) lateral radiograph and X‐ray film, the globe kyphosis (GK), the lumber lordosis (LL), the thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK) and the thoracic kyphosis (TK) were measured. And the angle seventh thoracic vertebra (T7), the angle twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12) and the angle third lumber vertebra (L3) were also measured. Two researchers with professional medical education were randomly selected to perform the measurement method and record the measurement data. Two researchers independently completed, recorded, and evaluated the accuracy and consistency of the measurement data. This study used intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to analyze the synthesized 2D lateral radiograph and general X‐ray film of 42 subjects by two researchers, in order to evaluate the consistency of data measurement results between the examiners. Through the comparison of the above parameters that the GK, LL, TLK, TK, angle T7, angle T12 and angle L3, the evaluation was made both pre‐operative full‐spine 3D CT and X‐ray film were necessary for patients with severe AS kyphosis deformity.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the GK, LL, TLK, TK, angle T7, angle T12, angle L3 on the synthesized 2D lateral radiograph and that on X‐ray film (P = 0.240, 0.324, 0.199, 0.095, 0.421, 0.087, 0.478). Agreement two researchers was excellent with ICC of the GK, LL, TLK, TK, angle T7, angle T12, angle L3 (0.977, 0.969, 0.986, 0.945, 0.947, 0.915, 0.857) on the synthesized 2D lateral radiograph. The Bland–Altman plot results that the measurement results of examiners are reliable and stable.ConclusionBy estimating the degree of spinal sagittal imbalance and measuring the Cobb angle, we can see that full‐length spine radiographs of the patients are unnecessary for patients with severe AS kyphosis deformity who will or have undergone preoperative spine 3D CT.
Hereditary fibrosing poikiloderma (POIKTMP syndrome) report of a new mutation and review of the literature
Authors: Hoeger Peter H. , Koehler Lisa M. , Reipschlaeger Maria , Mercier Sandra 
Published: September 2022

AbstractHereditary fibrosing poikiloderma with tendon contractures, myopathy, and pulmonary fibrosis (POIKTMP) is a genodermatosis with autosomal dominant inheritance caused by mutations in FAM111B. We report another case with a new pathogenic variant and analyze all previously published 34 cases with a focus on sequence of clinical presentation and genotype–phenotype correlation. POIKTMP is characterized by marked age‐dependent clinical expressivity. FAM111B encodes a catalytic nuclear protein, expressed in many tissues, which contributes to impaired DNA repair affecting multiple systems. Specific inhibition of catalytic activity might be a future strategy to halt progression of this otherwise untreatable disease. Given the relentless progression of the disease, it would make sense to start such treatment as early as possible. In order to achieve this objective, children with suspected POIKTMP should therefore undergo early imaging of all relevant organ systems.
European beech dieback after premature leaf senescence during the 2018 drought in northern Switzerland
Authors: Frei E. R. , Gossner M. M. , Vitasse Y. , Queloz V. , Dubach V. , Gessler A. , Ginzler C. , Hagedorn F. , Meusburger K. , Moor M. , Samblás Vives E. , Rigling A. , Uitentuis I. , von Arx G. , Wohlgemuth T. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

During the particularly severe hot summer drought in 2018, widespread premature leaf senescence was observed in several broadleaved tree species in Central Europe, particularly in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). For beech, it is yet unknown whether the drought evoked a decline towards tree mortality or whether trees can recover in the longer term.

In this study, we monitored crown dieback, tree mortality and secondary drought damage symptoms in 963 initially live beech trees that exhibited either premature or normal leaf senescence in 2018 in three regions in northern Switzerland from 2018 to 2021. We related the observed damage to multiple climate‐ and stand‐related parameters.

Cumulative tree mortality continuously increased up to 7.2% and 1.3% in 2021 for trees with premature and normal leaf senescence in 2018, respectively. Mean crown dieback in surviving trees peaked at 29.2% in 2020 and 8.1% in 2019 for trees with premature and normal leaf senescence, respectively. Thereafter, trees showed first signs of recovery. Crown damage was more pronounced and recovery was slower for trees that showed premature leaf senescence in 2018, for trees growing on drier sites, and for larger trees. The presence of bleeding cankers peaked at 24.6% in 2019 and 10.7% in 2020 for trees with premature and normal leaf senescence, respectively. The presence of bark beetle holes peaked at 22.8% and 14.8% in 2021 for trees with premature and normal leaf senescence, respectively. Both secondary damage symptoms occurred more frequently in trees that had higher proportions of crown dieback and/or showed premature senescence in 2018.

Our findings demonstrate context‐specific differences in beech mortality and recovery reflecting the importance of regional and local climate and soil conditions. Adapting management to increase forest resilience is gaining importance, given the expected further beech decline on dry sites in northern Switzerland.
Information needs, approaches, and case studies in human health risk communication
Authors: Gochfeld Michael 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis article uses ten case studies to illustrate the information needs, various communication approaches, and the communicator's role in explaining environmental health risks from a variety of hazards, to a variety of audiences, over time frames from days to years, using in person consultation, lectures, zooms, and email formats. Events often had a long history before the communication began and may have had a long tail afterward. Audiences may be public officials, companies, workers, communities, or individuals. Each individual may have their own understanding or mental model regarding the hazard, exposure, and risk. The communicator's role or intention may be to reassure an audience that has unrealistic exaggerated concerns or fears or to protect a client if the fears are realistic. Or it may be altruistic to inform a complacent audience to take the risks it faces more seriously. Although risk assessment research has advanced the techniques for communicating abstruse probabilities to audiences with low numeracy, in my experience, audiences are unimpressed by precise‐sounding probability numbers, and are more interested in whether exposure is occurring or may occur and how to stop it. Often audiences have reason to be outraged and may be more concerned about punishing wrong doers than about the hazard itself, particularly when the exposure is past and cannot be undone. Thus, there is a difference between discussing the riskiness of a situation (risk communication) and what you are going to do about the situation (risk management). Risk communication is successful when the audience responds as intended, calming down or taking action. These case studies are drawn from a large number of risk communication experiences that I and my Rutgers colleagues have engaged in over the past four decades. Through the 20th century, New Jersey was the most densely industrialized State in United States. New Jersey experienced growth of the chemical and petrochemical industries and the unfortunately profligate disposal of toxic wastes. Having the most Superfund sites of any state is a dubious distinction, but New Jersey also has the most experience in evaluating and responding to these hazards.
Controls on the morphology of braided rivers and braid bars: An empirical characterization of numerical models
Authors: Li Wei , Colombera Luca , Yue Dali , Mountney Nigel P. 
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACTBraided rivers exhibit highly variable morphologies, morphodynamic behaviours and resulting depositional records. To evaluate relationships between characteristics of braided‐river channel belts and river depth, water discharge and streambed gradient, 39 numerical modelling experiments were conducted with the software Delft3D to simulate braided‐river evolution under a broad range of boundary conditions. Data from model outputs were integrated with observations from 63 natural braided rivers differing with respect to river depth and streambed gradient. The modelled rivers each underwent similar evolutions, yet each culminated in markedly different final river morphologies, dependent on discharge and riverbed gradient. The rivers underwent evolutionary stages of: (i) formation of transverse unit bars with limited relief from an initially featureless bed; (ii) channel development around bars and in some cases dissecting transverse unit bars; (iii) formation of relatively simpler compound bars; and (iv) amalgamation of these simpler compound bars into more complex compound bars. Quantitative relationships relating to braided‐river channel‐belt morphology and organization are established, and the following results are noted: (i) bar elongation (length‐to‐width ratio) is correlated positively with riverbed gradient; (ii) bar height and area are correlated positively with discharge, and negatively with riverbed gradient; (iii) the river depth is the main predictor of mean braid‐bar area; and (iv) the degree of braiding is primarily associated with river width‐to‐depth ratio and riverbed gradient. Results arising from this research improve our understanding of controls on the morphology and architectures of braided fluvial channel belts; they provide a novel empirical characterization that can be applied for predicting channel depth, bar morphology, streambed gradient, and degree of braiding of modern fluvial systems and of the formative rivers of ancient preserved successions.
False positive serology of prepandemic chagasic samples with SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen
Authors: Zuluaga Juan D. H. , Santos‐Barbosa Juan C. , Cuellar Adriana , Puerta Concepción J. , Gonzalez John M. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether prepandemic sera from patients with Chagas disease recognise SARS‐CoV‐2 antigens.Materials and MethodsForty sera from patients with Chagas disease were tested for the presence of IgG cross‐reactivity against the nucleocapsid protein (NP) and spike (S) SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins by ELISA. Positive samples were tested again using a different ELISA and CLIA, both against NP.ResultsNone of the sera from patients with Chagas disease, previously confirmed as positive for the presence of anti‐Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies reacted against the SARS‐CoV‐2 S protein, and six samples tested positive for the NP antigen (15%). The six positive samples were re‐tested, five remained positive by ELISA and all were negative by CLIA.ConclusionAccording to our data, false‐positive results might be a concern in the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in patients with Chagas disease.
Haematological patients' perception of home transfusions: Effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Gutwein Odit , Herzog Tzarfati Katrin , Apel Arie , Rahimi‐Levene Naomi , Michaeli Hani , Barki‐Harrington Liza , Koren‐Michowitz Maya 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe COVID‐19 pandemic has led to a growing interest in hospital‐at‐home programmes, including home transfusion services. We studied whether the pandemic had influenced patients' perception of home transfusions.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a survey among haematology patients who receive transfusions in the hospital day care facility. Patients were asked about the burden of day care transfusions and whether they would prefer receiving home transfusions. The survey was conducted during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the results were compared with a survey performed before the pandemic (baseline).ResultsSixty patients were included in the COVID‐19 cohort and 31 patients in the baseline cohort. There was a non‐significant decrease in the proportion of patients willing to receive home transfusions during the pandemic compared with baseline (35% vs. 47%, respectively, p = 0.28). More patients in the COVID‐19 cohort were afraid to receive home transfusions (60% compared with 48% at baseline, p = 0.29), and fewer patients believed that hospital transfusion impaired their quality of life (19% compared with 36% at baseline, p = 0.09). These unexpected results may be partly attributed to the shorter time needed to arrive at the hospital during the pandemic and a greater fear of having transfusion‐related adverse effects at home.ConclusionsOur results show that the pandemic did not increase the willingness of patients to receive home transfusions, with a non‐significant drift towards refusal of home transfusions. Patients' opinions should be taken into consideration when planning for future home transfusion services, by creating a comprehensive approach to patients' needs.
Clinical and in vitro evaluation of red blood cells collected and stored in a non‐DEHP plasticized bag system
Authors: Vermeulen Christie , den Besten Gijs , van den Bos Annegeet G. , Go Mya , Gouwerok Eric , Vlaar Richard , Schipperus Martin R. , Spelmink Saskia E. , Janssen Mart , Lagerberg Johan W. , de Korte Dirk , Klei Thomas R. L. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesDi‐ethyl‐hexyl‐phthalate (DEHP) is currently the main plasticizer used for whole blood collection systems. However, in Europe, after May 2025, DEHP may no longer be used above 0.1% (w/w) in medical devices. DEHP stabilizes red cell membranes, thereby suppressing haemolysis during storage. Here we compared in vitro quality parameters of red cell concentrates (RCCs) collected and stored in DEHP‐, DINCH‐ or DINCH/BTHC‐PVC hybrid blood bags with saline‐adenine‐glucose‐mannitol (SAGM) or phosphate‐adenine‐glucose‐guanosine‐saline‐mannitol (PAGGSM) storage solution. Last, we performed haemovigilance surveillance for RCC collected in DINCH‐PVC and stored in PAGGSM/BTHC‐PVC.Materials and MethodsIn vitro quality parameters of RCC were determined during 42 days of storage. Haemovigilance surveillance was conducted to compare the frequency and type of transfusion reaction.ResultsHaemolysis levels were increased in SAGM/BTHC‐PVC as compared to SAGM/DEHP‐PVC (0.66% ± 0.18% vs. 0.36% ± 0.17%). PAGGSM storage solution was able to adequately suppress haemolysis to levels observed during storage in SAGM/DEHP‐PVC, both in BTHC‐PVC (0.38% ± 0.12%), and to a slightly lesser extent in DINCH‐PVC (0.48% ± 0.17%). A total of 1650 PAGGSM/BTHC‐PVC and 5662 SAGM/DEHP‐PVC RCC were transfused yielding a transfusion reaction frequency of 0.24% (95% CI 0.0000–0.0048) and 0.44% (95% CI 0.0027–0.0061) respectively.ConclusionThe in vitro quality of RCC stored in PAGGSM/BTHC‐PVC and SAGM/DEHP‐PVC is comparable. There is no indication that transfusion of erythrocytes stored in PAGGSM/BTHC‐PVC results in increased transfusion reaction frequency. These initial results provide a basis for further clinical evaluation to narrow down the confidence interval of transfusion reaction frequency.
Single‐exon approach to non‐invasive fetal RHD screening in early pregnancy: An update after 10 years' experience
Authors: Uzunel Mehmet , Tiblad Eleonor , Mörtberg Anette , Wikman Agneta 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesAnti‐D prophylaxis, administered to RhD‐negative women, has significantly reduced the incidence of RhD immunization. Non‐invasive fetal RHD screening has been used in Stockholm for more than 10 years to identify women who will benefit from prophylaxis. The method is based on a single‐exon approach and is used in early pregnancy. The aim of this study was to update the performance of the method.Materials and MethodsThe single exon assay from Devyser AB is a multiplex kit detecting both exon 4 of the RHD gene and the housekeeping gene GAPDH. Cell‐free DNA was extracted from 1 ml of plasma from EDTA blood taken during early pregnancy, weeks 10–12. The genetic RHD results were compared with serological typing of newborns for a determination of sensitivity and specificity.ResultsIn total, 4337 pregnancies were included in the study; 44 samples (1%) were inconclusive either due to maternal RHD gene variants (n = 34) or technical reasons (n = 10). Of the remaining 4293 pregnancies, a total number of nine discrepant results were found. False positive results (n = 7) were mainly (n = 4) due to RHD gene variants in the child. False‐negative results were found in two cases, of which one was caused by a technical error. None of the false‐negative cases was due to RHD gene variants. Overall, the sensitivity of the method was 99.93% and specificity 99.56%.ConclusionThe single‐exon assay used in this study is correlated with high sensitivity and specificity.
Explainable haemoglobin deferral predictions using machine learning models: Interpretation and consequences for the blood supply
Authors: Vinkenoog Marieke , van Leeuwen Matthijs , Janssen Mart P. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesAccurate predictions of haemoglobin (Hb) deferral for whole‐blood donors could aid blood banks in reducing deferral rates and increasing efficiency and donor motivation. Complex models are needed to make accurate predictions, but predictions must also be explainable. Before the implementation of a prediction model, its impact on the blood supply should be estimated to avoid shortages.Materials and MethodsDonation visits between October 2017 and December 2021 were selected from Sanquin's database system. The following variables were available for each visit: donor sex, age, donation start time, month, number of donations in the last 24 months, most recent ferritin level, days since last ferritin measurement, Hb at nth previous visit (n between 1 and 5), days since the nth previous visit. Outcome Hb deferral has two classes: deferred and not deferred. Support vector machines were used as prediction models, and SHapley Additive exPlanations values were used to quantify the contribution of each variable to the model predictions. Performance was assessed using precision and recall. The potential impact on blood supply was estimated by predicting deferral at earlier or later donation dates.ResultsWe present a model that predicts Hb deferral in an explainable way. If used in practice, 64% of non‐deferred donors would be invited on or before their original donation date, while 80% of deferred donors would be invited later.ConclusionBy using this model to invite donors, the number of blood bank visits would increase by 15%, while deferral rates would decrease by 60% (currently 3% for women and 1% for men).
Plasma transfusion practices: A multicentre electronic audit
Authors: Khandelwal Aditi , Minuk Leigh , Liu Yang , Arnold Donald M. , Heddle Nancy M. , Barty Rebecca , Hsia Cyrus , Solh Ziad , Shehata Nadine , Thompson Troy , Tinmouth Alan , Perelman Iris , Skeate Robert , Kron Amie T. , Callum Jeannie 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPlasma is often transfused to patients with bleeding or requiring invasive procedures and with abnormal tests of coagulation. Chart audits find half of plasma transfusions unnecessary, resulting in avoidable complications and costs. This multicentre electronic audit was conducted to determine the proportion of plasma transfused without an indication and/or at a sub‐therapeutic dose.MethodsData were extracted on adult inpatients in 2017 at five academic sites from the hospital electronic chart, laboratory information systems and the Canadian Institute for Health Information Discharge Abstract Database. Electronic criteria for plasma transfusion outside recommended indications were: (1) international normalized ratio (INR) < 1.5 with no to moderate bleeding; (2) INR ≥ 1.5, with no to mild bleeding and no planned procedures; and (3) no INR before or after plasma infusion. Sub‐therapeutic dose was defined as ≤2 units transfused.ResultsIn 1 year, 2590 patients received 6088 plasma transfusions encompassing 11,490 units of plasma occurred at the five sites. 77.7% of events were either outside indications or under‐dosed. Of these, 34.8% of plasma orders had no indication identified, and 62% of these occurred in non‐bleeding patients and no planned procedure with an isolated elevated INR. 70.7% of transfusions were under‐dosed. Most plasma transfusions occurred in the intensive care unit or the operating room. Inter‐hospital variability in peri‐transfusion testing and dosing was observed.ConclusionThe majority of plasma transfusions are sub‐optimal. Local hospital culture may be an important driver. Electronic audits, with definitions employed in this study, may be a practical alternative to costly chart audits.