bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimisation of a protocol for detection and management of post-parathyroidectomy hypocalcaemia
Authors: Lau Joshua 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Hypocalcaemia is the most common complication after parathyroid surgery. The aim of this project was to evaluate effectiveness of the currently used departmental protocol in detecting and managing patients with post-parathyroidectomy hypocalcaemia.

Methods
All consecutive patients who underwent first-time parathyroidectomy (without concomitant thyroidectomy) for primary hyperparathyroidism in a UK tertiary centre between October 2017 to March 2019 were included. Data on demographics, perioperative biochemistry, adherence to current protocol (treatment if PTH less than 1.6pmol/L or adj. calcium less than 2.1mmol/L day 1 post-op) and short-term clinical outcomes were collected and analysed.

Results
Of 189 patients, 75% were female. The median (inter-quartile range) age was 59 (50–70) years. 181 (96%) were cured. Ninety-eight bilateral neck exploration (BNE) and 91 targeted parathyroidectomy/ unilateral neck exploration (TP/UNE) were done. The rate of adherence to protocol was 88%. 4 patients (2%) reattended hospital within 30 days due to hypocalcaemia; At first follow up, 3 (1.5%) had hypocalcaemia (adjusted calcium &lt; 2.1 mmol/L) despite treatment on discharge. Three (1.5%) had treatment related hypercalcaemia. Using this protocol, 61% of patients did not require any supplements on discharge. When compared to TP/UNE, BNE has higher overall risk of calcium related complications (14.2% vs 4% respectively; p=0.034) and failure of treatment (7% vs 1% respectively; p=0.02).

Conclusion
This protocol is reliable in identifying patients at risk of hypocalcaemia post parathyroidectomy and avoids unnecessary supplementation. Further modifications (including avoidance of active vitamin D after TP/UNE and prophylactic supplements in select cohorts) will be introduced and potentially reduce hypo- and hypercalcaemia even further.
Audit of the accuracy of the UK Registry of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Cooper Duncan , Aspinall Sebastian , Hay Ashley , Adamson Richard , Nixon Iain 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Clinician-inputted data is collected in the UK Registry of Thyroid Surgery (UKRETS) on endocrine operations performed by members of the British Association of Thyroid Surgeons (BAETS) and analyses of the data published annually in the Surgeon Specific Outcome Reports, National Audit Report and peer reviewed journals. However, UKRETS has never been externally validated. The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy of data reported in the UKRETS.

Methods
Retrospective audit of the accuracy of data in UKRETS for all thyroid operations performed by two surgeons from a single centre between 1/7/2016-30/6/2019. UKRETS data was compared with data extracted by an independent assessor from hospital Electronic Patient Records (EPR).

Results
204 patients were analysed. 91 (44.6%) had total thyroidectomy, 101 (49.5%) thyroid lobectomy and 34 (16.7%) neck dissection +/- thyroidectomy. 4080 data points from UKRETS were analysed. 94.0% (3835/4080) were accurate when compared to EPR. Pre-operative data was the least accurate 91.9% (937/1020) and peri-operative data was the most accurate 97.7% (997/1020). Post-operative and follow-up data had accuracies of 93.8% (957/1020) and 92.5% (944/1020) respectively. Date of operation was the most accurate, 99.0% (202/204) and date of discharge the least, 89.0% (182/204).

Conclusions
This study is the first external validation of data in the UKRETS and, while limited in number of surgeons / single centre, suggests that current data collection in UKRETS is accurate, particularly for peri-operative data. Further validation across multiple centres needs to be undertaken to confirm these findings.
Retrospective observational study comparing hand-assisted, retroperitoneal and trans-abdominal laparoscopic adrenalectomy
Authors: Shaw Alexander , Doran Helen , Kim Isaac , Mehra Sanjay , Fullwood Catherine , Moinuddin Zia , Augustine Titus 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Aim
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is considered the optimal approach for most lesions. Various subsets of minimally invasive adrenalectomy are practiced in the UK, including trans-abdominal (TLA), hand-assisted (HLA) and retroperitoneal (RLA) laparoscopic procedures. We aimed to examine the relative operative outcomes between the 3 techniques.

Methods
We performed a retrospective observational review of contemporaneously maintained databases from two nearby institutions to establish differences in outcomes between minimally invasive adrenalectomy for any size lesion. Statistical analysis was undertaken using R v3.6.0.

Results
Two hundred and ninety-seven patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy and were included in the analysis (45 RLA, 77 HLA and 175 TLA).
There were no significant differences between groups for institution location, wound infection, intra-operative bleeding, blood product requirements, visceral injury, open conversion, re-operation, incisional hernia, laterality of lesion, oncological outcomes and medical complications. Boxplots revealed a wider spread and increased mean operating time for TLA, with less difference in operation time between HLA and RLA groups. This was confirmed by an overall significant finding from Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test (p=&lt;0.001) and pairwise comparisons using Wilcoxon rank sum test with a bonferroni correction for multiple testing which demonstrated significant differences between HLA and TLA, and RLA and TLA (p&lt;0.001), but not between RLA and HLA (p=1.000).

Conclusion
Minimally invasive adrenalectomy can safely be performed by any of 3 techniques. TLA showed a longer mean operating time. The analysis of outcomes revealed otherwise no significant differences in operative or medical outcomes.
Initial experience with 4DCT: Apt Choice for Parathyroid Localization?
Authors: Rajan Sendhil , Bhatt Dhruti , Graveling Alex , McAteer Dympna , Abraham Prakash , Aspinall Sebastian 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Aims
Optimal modality for pre-operative radiological parathyroid localization in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is controversial. Four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) is a newer imaging technique that can provide detailed anatomic information. We aimed to evaluate the performance of 4DCT as a localization tool for patients with PHPT.

Methods
Between 03/2018 and 05/2021, 121 patients were operated for primary hyperparathyroidism at our institution. 4DCT was used as a second line investigation in patients &lt;60 years due to concerns about radiation. Electronic patient records including operation notes and pathology were reviewed. 80(66%) had 4DCT for localization.

Results
Mean age of the study population was 68.4 years (Range27–88). Mean tumour size on CT was 16.13mm (range 4–38). Mean serum calcium and PTH levels were 2.89mmol/L and 20.76pmol/L. 4DCT identified a lesion in 61 patients (sensitivity 76.2%) and correctly lateralized a pathological parathyroid in 58/61 patients (specificity 95.1%). Hyperplasia and smaller gland size were non-significantly associated with non-detection (p&gt;0.05). Of the 61 patients with a positive 4DCT, 4 (6.5%) developed persistent disease – in two a lymph node/thyroid nodule was excised and two had multigland disease. In this study 4DCT correctly localized recurrent disease in 4 of 5 patients, and 12 of 15 patients with negative Sestamibi SPECT CT scan.

Discussion
4DCT offers accurate localization of abnormal glands in first-time parathyroidectomy for PHPT. Advantages include simplicity and speed of scan. Using 4DCT for first-time localisation is changing conventional practice of ultrasound+sestamibi scanning. It may have an added role in localizing disease in recurrent HPT and in patients who have a negative nuclear scan.
Retrospective cohort study into the long term effects of parathyroidectomy on renal function.
Authors: Windle Rebecca , Balasubramanian Sabapathy 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Primary hyperparathyroidism is associated with decline in renal function due to the effects of hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis. Renal impairment is a well-known indication for parathyroidectomy. However, some studies of short term outcomes suggest that renal function may even decline after parathyroidectomy. Long term data is sparse and this study looks at patients over an 8 year period with focus on how this may affect the consent process.

Methods
This is a retrospective cohort study of 422 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHPT between January 2013 and December 2017. Twenty-one patients were excluded due to incomplete data records. Renal function was assessed using creatinine and eGFR for a period of up to 8 years following parathyroidectomy.

Results
Of 381 patients where postoperative biochemistry was available, 157 (46%) had a &gt;10% decline in eGFR. While there was no overall difference between pre-operative and ‘post-12’ months eGFR in the cohort (p=0.11) where data was available; however, 32% of patients had a &gt;10% decline in renal function. Of 98 patients who had follow up data over 5 years, 27% had a &gt;10% decline, 57% showed no change and 11% showed &gt; 10% improvement in eGFR.

Conclusions
Surgeons should be aware of the potential for decline in renal function and plan appropriate perioperative monitoring. The lack of improvement in renal function over the long term should be considered in the discussions about risks and benefits of surgery in patients with mild, asymptomatic disease.
Scoring system to quantify clinical resolution of Cushing syndrome after adrenal surgery
Authors: Pryer Olivia , Mihai Radu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Adrenalectomy for Cushing syndrome is a rare operation. There is no disease-specific tool to quantify the severity of symptoms in such patients.

Methods
Retrospective analysis of consecutive unselected patients who underwent adrenal surgery for Cushing syndrome. A standard questionnaire was used to assess symptoms on a visual analogue scale (VAS, &lt;10=very poor, &gt;90=excellent) or as categorical categories for severity of symptoms.

Results
Between Jan2016-Aug2021, 21 patients (10M:11F, median age 56 years) underwent unilateral (n=18) or bilateral (n=3) adrenalectomy for Cushing syndrome caused by adrenal adenoma (n=15), adrenocortical cancer (n=3) or ectopic ACTH secretion (n=3). Patients had a median admission of 3 days (range 1–20 days). Most common perioperative complications were related to thrombotic events. Patients with ectopic-ACTH syndrome due to metastatic neuroendocrine tumours are alive at 11–66 months after their operation. Patients with adrenocortical cancer were not contacted.
Eighteen patients were contacted by post at median 37 months (range 3–66 months) postop. Assessment of general health on VAS improved from median 25 to 72.5 (out of 100), symptoms score decreased from 17.5 to 6 (p&lt;0.05) through improvement in scores for muscle power and physical signs. Length of time need for recovery ranged from a minimum of 3–6 months (n=3) to over 1–2 years (n=4). Three patients had emergency admissions with Addisonian crisis.

Conclusion
These data will inform patients about the expected timeline for symptoms resolution after adrenalectomy for Cushing syndrome. A multicentre prospective cohort study should use this new score system to quantify severity of symptoms associated with hypercortisolism.
Co-existence in practice: a collaborative study of the effects of the Westermost Rough offshore wind development on the size distribution and catch rates of a commercially important lobster (Homarus gammarus) population
Authors: Roach Michael , Revill Andy , Johnson Magnus J 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The global expansion of offshore windfarms (OWF), whilst seen as a tool to combat climate change, can often be of concern to fishing communities already challenged by spatial restrictions. Static gear fisheries, due to their strong fidelity to specific sites, can be particularly affected by spatial conflict with OWF. Here we investigate, using four sampling efforts over a six-year period, the effects of the development of the Westermost Rough OWF (UK) on a commercially important European Lobster (Homarus gammarus) population. A collaborative study was developed and conducted by the local fishery and the developer. A baseline potting survey was conducted ∼ every 4 days over the summer months of 2013 (pre-construction) and post-construction surveys were conducted in 2015, 2017, and 2019. Size, catch, and landings per unit of effort (CPUE & LPUE) of all lobsters were recorded and compared between sites and between years. Size structure and catch rates differed between years, however differences were not observed in comparisons of the windfarm and export cable to their associated control sites within each year, although there were compounding factors associated with the proximity of the control sites to the treatment sites. There was a short-term increase in size and catch rates of lobsters associated with the construction phase of the windfarm site, but this was not observed during the subsequent operational phase surveys. Although the impacts of windfarms on fisheries will vary on a case-by-case basis, this study has implications for the expansion of offshore wind developments on other static gear crustacean fisheries.
Mass-to-Charge Ratio Set Matching: A Novel and Efficient Compound Identification Method
Authors: Hu Yuting , Yu Jiancheng , Xie Chengyi , Tang Keqi , Wu Yong 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
GC–MS is a powerful tool for component analysis of unknown compounds, especially in the fields of analytical chemistry and detection of biological samples. To effectively identify compounds in GC–MS, one of the most important ways is to use a matching algorithm to compare the similarity between the reference spectrum and the query spectrum.

Objective
To propose a novel way to improve compound identification accuracy.

Methods
This article proposes a method based on an m/z set match. First of all, select the maximum m/z and the m/z corresponding to the highest peak intensity in a pre-search. Next, employ the space vector model to carry on a refined search in the remaining spectra after the pre-search. Then, distinguish stereoisomers according to the order of the G value.

Results
Compared with the 10 peaks and the method based on an m/z number matching pre-search, the method based on m/z set matching showed higher accuracy and fewer remaining (missing) spectra. Furthermore, the refined search which is based on the m/z set matching method possesses shorter calculation time compared with no pre-search.

Conclusions
The method can reduce the remaining spectra and speed up the identification of compounds.

Highlights
The accuracy is higher, the number of remaining spectra is less, and the computational time is shorter.
Effects of maternal winter vs. year-round supplementation of protein and energy on postnatal growth, immune function, and carcass characteristics ofBos indicus-influenced beef offspring
Authors: Palmer Elizabeth A , Vedovatto Marcelo , Oliveira Rhaiza A , Ranches Juliana , Vendramini Joao M B , Poore Matthew H , Martins Thiago , Binelli Mario , Arthington John D , Moriel Philipe 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis 2-yr study evaluated the effects of winter vs. year-round supplementation of Bos indicus-influenced beef cows on cow reproductive performance and impact on their offspring. On day 0 of each year (approximately day 122 ± 23 of gestation), 82 to 84 mature Brangus cows/yr were stratified by body weight (BW; 475 ± 67 kg) and body condition score (BCS; 4.85 ± 0.73) and randomly assigned to 1 of 6 bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pastures (13 to 14 cows/pasture). Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures consisting of winter supplementation with molasses + urea (WMOL), or year-round supplementation with molasses + urea (YMOL) or wheat middling-based range cubes (YCUB). Total yearly supplement DM amount was 272 kg/cow and supplements were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous (75% TDN and 20% CP). On day 421 (weaning; approximately 260 ± 24 d of age), 33 to 35 steers/yr were vaccinated against parainfluenza-3 (PI3) and bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 (BVDV-1) and transported 1,193 km to a feedlot. Steers were penned according to maternal pasture and managed similarly until slaughter. Data were analyzed using the MIXED and GLIMMIX procedures of SAS. On day 217 (start of breeding season), BCS was greater (P = 0.01) for YMOL than WMOL cows, whereas BCS of YCUB did not differ (P ≥ 0.11) to both WMOL and YMOL cows. The percentage of cows that calved, calving date, birth BW, and preweaning BW of the first offspring did not differ (P ≥ 0.22) among maternal treatments. Plasma cortisol concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.001) for YCUB steers at feedlot arrival (day 422) than WMOL and YMOL steers. Moreover, YCUB steers had greater (P = 0.02) and tended (P = 0.08) to have greater plasma concentrations of haptoglobin compared to WMOL and YMOL steers, respectively. Antibody titers against PI3 and BVDV-1 viruses did not differ (P ≥ 0.25) among maternal treatments. Steer BW at feedlot exit was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for YMOL and WMOL than YCUB steers. However, feedlot DMI did not differ (P ≥ 0.37) by maternal treatment. Hot carcass weight, yield grade, LMA, and marbling did not differ (P ≥ 0.14) among maternal treatments. Percentage of steers that graded low choice was enhanced (P ≤ 0.05) for WMOL and YCUB than YMOL steers. Maternal year-round supplementation of range cubes or molasses + urea either did not impact or decrease growth, immune function, and carcass characteristics of the offspring when compared with maternal supplementation of molasses + urea during winter only.
Meta-analysis of the effects of chemical and microbial preservatives on hay spoilage during storage
Authors: Killerby Marjorie A , Reyes Diana C , White Robin , Romero Juan J 
Published: March 2022

AbstractA meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of chemical (50 articles) and microbial (21 articles) additives on hay preservation during storage. Multilevel linear mixed-effects models were fit with response variables calculated as predicted differences (Δ) between treated and untreated samples. Chemical preservatives were classified into five groups such as propionic acid (PropA), buffered organic acids (BOA), other organic acids (OOA), urea, and anhydrous ammonia (AA). Moderators of the models included preservative class (PC), forage type (FT; grass, legumes, and mixed hay), moisture concentration (MC), and application rate (AR). Dry matter (DM) loss during storage was affected by PC × FT (P = 0.045), PC × AR (P &lt; 0.001), and PC × MC (P = 0.009), relative to the overall effect of preservatives (−0.37%). DM loss in PropA-treated hay was numerically reduced to a greater extent in grasses (−16.2), followed by mixed hay (−1.76), but it increased (+2.2%) in legume hay. Increasing AR of PropA resulted in decrease in DM loss (slope = −1.34). Application of BOA, OOA, PropA, and AA decreased visual relative moldiness by −22.1, −29.4, −45.5, and −12.2 percentage points, respectively (PC; P &lt; 0.001). Sugars were higher in treated grass hay (+1.9) and lower in treated legume hay (−0.8% of DM) relative to their untreated counterparts (P &lt; 0.001). The application of all preservatives resulted in higher crude protein (CP) than untreated hay, particularly urea (+7.92) and AA (+5.66% of DM), but PropA, OOA, and BOA also increased CP by 2.37, 2.04, and 0.73 percentage points, respectively. Additionally, preservative application overall resulted in higher in vitro DM digestibility (+1.9% of DM) relative to the untreated hay (x¯=58.3%), which increased with higher AR (slope = 1.64) and decreased with higher MC (slope = −0.27). Microbial inoculants had small effects on hay spoilage because the overall DM loss effect size was −0.21%. Relative to untreated (x¯=4.63% DM), grass hay preserved more sugars (+1.47) than legumes (+0.33) when an inoculant was applied. In conclusion, organic acid-based preservatives prevent spoilage of hay during storage, but their effectiveness is affected by FT, MC, and AR. Microbial inoculants had minor effects on preservation that were impaired by increased MC. Moreover, legume hay was less responsive to the effects of preservatives than grass hay.
Slavery, lived realities, and the decolonisation of forced migration histories: An interview with Dr Portia Owusu
Authors: Carpi Estella , Owusu Portia 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Academic institutions in the global North have historically claimed leadership in the production of high-quality scholarship. As such, it is their work that often informs pedagogical materials in secondary and tertiary education worldwide. This dominance has serious cultural impacts. At the very least, it positions Western academics as ‘custodians’ of knowledge with the ability to influence what is taught and how it is taught. Within this framework, learning is politicised, and the teaching of subjects such as history, becomes a space of contention. These issues touch on the aim of the Southern Responses to Displacement from Syria (SRD) project, financed by the European Research Council (grant agreement no. 715582) and led by Professor Elena Fiddian-Qasmiyeh in the Migration Research Unit at University College London. In particular, it aligns with the project’s goal to explore a multi-directional approach to knowledge production and to centralise the experience of displaced peoples and actors from the global South in scholarship. The Research Associate Dr Estella Carpi discussed slavery as an ignored form of forced migration with Dr Portia Owusu, Assistant Professor of English Literature at Texas A&M. The SRD team’s conversation with Dr Owusu, indeed, endeavours to rethink mainstream forced migration studies and rather engages with neglected—and, at times, silenced—epistemologies of forced migration.
Lucky imaging speckle statistics applied to halo suppression
Authors: Cagigal Manuel P , Valle Pedro J , Canales Vidal F , Cagigas Miguel A 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTIn ground based astronomy, the Lucky Imaging (LI) technique consists of selecting the best quality pictures among those that have been taken with a short exposure time to freeze the atmosphere distortions. Although it has different advantages, the peak intensity of a star is always surrounded by speckled light which, once averaged, provides the halo. The halo can make it difficult to detect faint companions immersed in it. In this paper, we take advantage of the speckle statistics to remove the halo and so to make more effective current detection techniques. Theoretical predictions are confirmed using experimental LI data. Finally, a photometry algorithm is also proposed.