bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RadBone: bone toxicity following pelvic radiotherapy – a prospective randomised controlled feasibility study evaluating a musculoskeletal health package in women with gynaecological cancers undergoing pelvic radiotherapy
Authors: Chatzimavridou Grigoriadou Victoria , Barraclough Lisa H , Baricevic-Jones Ivona , Bristow Robert G , Eden Martin , Haslett Kate , Johnson Karen , Kochhar Rohit , Merchant Zoe , Moore John , O’Connell Sarah , Taylor Sally , Westwood Thomas , Whetton Anthony David , Yorke Janelle , Higham Claire E 
Published: June 2022

IntroductionPatients receiving radiotherapy are at risk of developing radiotherapy-related insufficiency fractures, which are associated with increased morbidity and pose a significant burden to patients’ quality of life and to the health system. Therefore, effective preventive techniques are urgently required. The RadBone randomised controlled trial (RCT) aims to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a musculoskeletal health package (MHP) intervention in women undergoing pelvic radiotherapy for gynaecological malignancies and to preliminary explore clinical effectiveness of the intervention.Methods and analysisThe RadBone RCT will evaluate the addition to standard care of an MHP consisting of a physical assessment of the musculoskeletal health, a 3-month prehabilitation personalised exercise package, as well as an evaluation of the fracture risk and if required the prescription of appropriate bone treatment including calcium, vitamin D and—for high-risk individuals—bisphosphonates. Forty participants will be randomised in each group (MHP or observation) and will be followed for 18 months. The primary outcome of this RCT will be feasibility, including the eligibility, screening and recruitment rate, intervention fidelity and attrition rates; acceptability and health economics. Clinical effectiveness and bone turnover markers will be evaluated as secondary outcomes.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee (Reference: 20/NW/0410, November 2020). The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, will be presented in national and international conferences and will be communicated to relevant stakeholders. Moreover, a plain English report will be shared with the study participants, patients’ organisations and media.Trial registration numberNCT04555317.
Persistence of gastrointestinal symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis: study protocol for a three-arm randomised controlled trial (SOMA.GUT-RCT)
Authors: Löwe Bernd , Nestoriuc Yvonne , Andresen Viola , Vettorazzi Eik , Zapf Antonia , Hübener Sina , Maehder Kerstin , Peters Luisa , Lohse Ansgar W 
Published: June 2022

IntroductionUlcerative colitis (UC) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are distressing chronic diseases associated with abdominal pain and altered bowel habits of unknown aetiology. Results from previous studies indicate that, across both diseases, increased levels of illness-related anxiety and dysfunctional symptom expectations contribute to symptom persistence. Thus, comparing both disorders with regard to common and disease-specific factors in the persistence and modification of gastrointestinal symptoms seems justified. Our primary hypothesis is that persistent gastrointestinal symptoms in UC and IBS can be improved by modifying dysfunctional symptom expectations and illness-related anxiety using expectation management strategies.Methods and analysisTo assess the extent to which persistent somatic symptoms are modifiable in adult patients with UC and IBS, we will conduct an observer-blinded, three-arm randomised controlled trial. A total of 117 patients with UC and 117 patients with IBS will be randomised into three groups of equal size: targeted expectation management aiming to reduce illness-related anxiety and dysfunctional symptom expectations in addition to standard care (SC, intervention 1), non-specific supportive treatment in addition to SC (intervention 2) or SC only (control). Both active intervention groups will comprise three individual online consultation sessions and a booster session after 3 months. The primary outcome is baseline to postinterventional change in gastrointestinal symptom severity.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hamburg Medical Association (2020-10198-BO-ff). The study will shed light onto the efficacy and mechanisms of action of a targeted expectation management intervention for persistent gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with UC and IBS. Furthermore, the detailed analysis of the complex biopsychosocial mechanisms will allow the further advancement of aetiological models and according evidence-based intervention strategies.Trial registration numberISRCTN30800023.
Patient-centered outcomes for gastrointestinal cancer care: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Yang Joanna , Barabash Tori , Rajendran Luckshi , Mahar Alyson L , Hsu Amy T , James Paul D , Gotlib Conn Lesley , Wright Frances C , Ludwig Claire , Kosyachkova Ekaterina , Deleemans Julie , Coburn Natalie G , Hallet Julie 
Published: June 2022

IntroductionFollowing a cancer diagnosis, patients and their caregivers face crucial decisions regarding goals of care and treatment, which have consequences that can persist throughout their cancer journey. To foster informed and value-driven treatment choices, evidence-based information on outcomes relevant to patients is needed. Traditionally, clinical studies have largely focused on a few concrete and easily measurable outcomes such as survival, disease progression and immediate treatment toxicities. These outcomes do not capture other important factors that patients consider when making treatment decisions. Patient-centred outcomes (PCOs) reflect the patients’ individual values, preferences, needs and circumstances that are essential to directing meaningful and informed healthcare discussions. Often, however, these outcomes are not included in research protocols in a standardised and practical fashion. This scoping review will summarise the existing literature on PCOs in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer care as well as the tools used to assess these outcomes. A comprehensive list of these PCOs will be generated for future efforts to develop a core outcome set.Methods and analysisThis scoping review will follow Arksey and O’Malley’s expanded framework for scoping reviews. We will systematically search Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and APA PsycINFO databases for studies examining PCOs in the context of GI cancer. We will include studies published in or after the year 2000 up to the date of the final searches, with no language restrictions. Studies involving adult patients with GI cancers and discussion of any PCOs will be included. Opinion pieces, protocols, case reports and abstracts will be excluded. Two authors will independently perform two rounds of screening to select studies for inclusion. The data from full texts will be extracted, charted and summarised both quantitatively and qualitatively.Ethics and disseminationNo ethics approval is required for this scoping review. Results will be disseminated through scientific publication and presentation at relevant conferences.
It depends on how you tell: a qualitative diagnostic analysis of the implementation climate for community-wide mass drug administration for soil-transmitted helminth
Authors: Avokpaho Euripide , Lawrence Sarah , Roll Amy , Titus Angelin , Jacob Yesudoss , Puthupalayam Kaliappan Saravanakumar , Gwayi-Chore Marie Claire , Chabi Félicien , Togbevi Comlanvi Innocent , Elijan Abiguel Belou , Nindi Providence , Walson Judd L , Ajjampur Sitara Swarna Rao , Ibikounle Moudachirou , Kalua Khumbo , Aruldas Kumudha , Means Arianna Rubin 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesCurrent soil-transmitted helminth (STH) morbidity control guidelines primarily target deworming of preschool and school-age children. Emerging evidence suggests that community-wide mass drug administration (cMDA) may interrupt STH transmission. However, the success of such programmes depends on achieving high treatment coverage and uptake. This formative analysis was conducted to evaluate the implementation climate for cMDA and to determine barriers and facilitators to launch.SettingsPrior to the launch of a cMDA trial in Benin, India and Malawi.ParticipantsCommunity members (adult women and men, children, and local leaders), community drug distributors (CDDs) and health facility workers.DesignWe conducted 48 focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members, 13 FGDs with CDDs and 5 FGDs with health facility workers in twelve randomly selected clusters across the three study countries. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to guide the design of the interview guide and thematic analysis.ResultsAcross all three sites, aspects of the implementation climate that were facilitators to cMDA launch included: high community member demand for cMDA, integration of cMDA into existing vaccination campaigns and/or health services, and engagement with familiar health workers. Barriers to launching cMDA included mistrust towards medical interventions, fear of side effects and limited perceived need for interrupting STH transmission. We include specific recommendations from community members regarding cMDA distribution sites, personnel requirements, delivery timing and incentives, leaders to engage and methods for mobilising participants.ConclusionsPrior to launching the cMDA programme as an alternative to school-based MDA, cMDA was found to be generally acceptable across diverse geographical and demographic settings. Community members, CDDs and health workers felt that engaging communities and tailoring programmes to the local context are critical for success. Potential barriers may be mitigated by identifying local concerns and addressing them via targeted community sensitisation prior to implementation.Trial registration numberNCT03014167; Pre-results.
New autopsy technique in COVID-19 positive dead bodies: opening the thoracic cavity with an outlook to reduce aerosol spread
Authors: Das Somnath , Roy Anshuman , Das Rina 
Published: June 2022

AimsAfter the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries have modified some of their health-related regulations. However, this has not been in the case of the postmortem of deceased because it has a legal aspect. Thus, the healthcare providers knowingly or unknowingly faced the threat of COVID-19 exposure from those dead bodies. To introduce an autopsy technique that reduces the droplet spreads, especially in those mortuaries where the biosafety mechanism is not highly equipped.MethodsThe validity of the new incision was achieved through the calculation of the Scale Content Validity Index (SCVI) taking inputs from 17 forensic specialists. The subjects for the new technique were selected from the patients who were RTPCR positive for COVID-19 or clinically or radiologically showing features of COVID-19.ResultsThe dissection procedure was finalised by achieving the SCVI at 0.92. The chest cavity was approached through the abdominal cavity by opening the diaphragm and dissecting out the contents of the chest using a long blade knife.ConclusionsThe advantage of this approach is that the autopsy surgeon and pathologists do not have to open the chest cavity by dissecting the Sternum, and hence the chance of droplet infection becomes almost nil. This technique is complete, simple, less time-consuming and conducive for sample collection, and even reduces the possibility of body fluid seepage following a postmortem examination
Methionine homozygosity for PRNP polymorphism and susceptibility to human prion diseases
Authors: Kosami Koki , Ae Ryusuke , Hamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Sanjo Nobuo , Tsukamoto Tadashi , Kitamoto Tetsuyuki , Yamada Masahito , Mizusawa Hidehiro , Nakamura Yosikazu 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundNo studies have assessed the independent association of methionine homozygosity at codon 129 with the susceptibility to prion diseases, controlling for the effects of the codon 219 polymorphisms and other potential confounders, using a large-scale population-based dataset.MethodsWe conducted a case-control study using a Japanese nationwide surveillance database for prion diseases. The main exposure was methionine homozygosity at codon 129, and the outcome was development of prion diseases. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed for specific disease subtypes (sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), genetic CJD and Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease (GSS)).ResultsOf 5461 patients registered in the database, 2440 cases and 796 controls remained for the analysis. The cases comprised 1676 patients with sporadic CJD (69%), 649 with genetic CJD (27%) and 115 with GSS (5%). For patients with methionine homozygosity, potential risk for occurring prion diseases: adjusted OR (95% CI) was 2.21 (1.46 to 3.34) in sporadic CJD, 0.47 (0.32 to 0.68) in genetic CJD and 0.3 (0.17 to 0.55) in GSS. Among patients with specific prion protein abnormalities, the potential risk was 0.27 (0.17 to 0.41) in genetic CJD with 180 Val/Ile, 1.66 (0.65 to 5.58) in genetic CJD with 200 Glu/Lys, 3.97 (1.2 to 24.62) in genetic CJD with 232 Met/Arg and 0.71 (0.34 to 1.67) in GSS with 102 Pro/Leu.ConclusionsMethionine homozygosity at codon 129 was predisposing to sporadic CJD, but protective against genetic CJD and GSS, after adjustment for codon 219 polymorphism effect. However, the impacts differed completely among patients with specific prion protein abnormalities.
Access to, usage and clinical outcomes of, online postal sexually transmitted infection services: a scoping review
Authors: Sumray Kirsi , Lloyd Karen C , Estcourt Claudia S , Burns Fiona , Gibbs Jo 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundThere has been considerable expansion in online postal self-sampling (OPSS) STI services in many parts of the UK, driven by increasing demand on sexual health services and developments in diagnostics and digital health provision. This shift in service delivery has occurred against a backdrop of reduced funding and service fragmentation and the impact is unknown. We explored characteristics of people accessing and using OPSS services for STIs in the UK, the acceptability of these services and their impact on sexual health inequalities.MethodsA scoping review was conducted of studies published in English-language based on pre-agreed inclusion/exclusion criteria, between 01 January 2010 and 07 July 2021. Nine databases were searched, and 23 studies that met the eligibility criteria were included. Studies were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.ResultsStudy designs were heterogeneous, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods analyses. The majority were either evaluating a single-site/self-sampling provider, exploratory or observational and of variable quality. Few studies collected comprehensive user demographic data. Individuals accessing OPSS tended to be asymptomatic, of white ethnicity, women, over 20 years and from less deprived areas. OPSS tended to increase overall STI testing demand and access, although return rates for blood samples were low, as was test positivity. There were varied results on whether services reduced time to treatment. OPSS services were acceptable to the majority of users. Qualitative studies showed the importance of trust, confidentiality, discretion, reliability, convenience and improved patient choice.ConclusionOPSS services appear highly acceptable to users. However, uptake appears to be socially patterned and some groups who bear a disproportionate burden of poor sexual health in the UK are under-represented among users. Current provision of online self-sampling could widen health inequalities, particularly where other options for testing are limited. Work is needed to fully evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of OPSS services.
Public health impact of a US menthol cigarette ban on the non-Hispanic black population: a simulation study
Authors: Issabakhsh Mona , Meza Rafael , Li Yameng , Yuan Zhe , Sanchez-Romero Luz Maria , Levy David T 
Published: June 2022

IntroductionWith the US Food and Drug Administration recently proposing to implement a ban on menthol cigarettes, it is critical to estimate the potential public health effects of such a ban. With high rates of menthol cigarette use and important smoking-related health disparity implications, the impact of the ban on the non-Hispanic black (NHB) population merits strong consideration.MethodsWe apply the previously developed Menthol Smoking and Vaping Model to the NHB population. A status quo scenario is developed using NHB-specific population, smoking and vaping initiation, cessation and death rates. Estimates from a recent expert elicitation on behavioural impacts of a menthol cigarette ban on the NHB population are used to develop a menthol ban scenario implemented in 2021. The public health impacts of the menthol ban are estimated as the difference between smoking and vaping attributable deaths (SVADs) and life years lost (LYLs) in the status quo and the menthol ban scenarios from 2021 to 2060.ResultsUnder the menthol ban scenario, overall smoking is projected to decline by 35.7% in 2026 and by 25.3% in 2060 relative to the status quo scenario. With these reductions, SVADs are estimated to fall by about 18.5% and LYLs by 22.1%, translating to 255 895 premature deaths averted, and 4.0 million life years gained over a 40-year period.ConclusionsA menthol cigarette ban will substantially reduce the smoking-associated health impact on the NHB population, thereby reducing health disparities.
Late Pleistocene heather vole,Phenacomys, on the North Pacific Coast of North America: environments, local extinctions, and archaeological implications
Authors: Steffen Martina L. 
Published: June 2022

Phenacomys cf. intermedius, the heather vole, is known from three late Pleistocene and early Holocene localities on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, where they are absent today. This study reports the heather vole specimens from one of these sites, P2 Cave, and provides a human behavioural context for its presence and eventual extirpation as a consequence of changing environments. Heather vole is a cold-adapted rodent. The early Holocene thermal maximum and subsequent development of coastal western hemlock forests contributed to its Vancouver Island extinction without an apparent corresponding range restriction in higher elevation habitats as has been noted elsewhere in Western North America. Tendency for low population densities in closed-canopy forests, antisocial intraspecies behaviours, and limited immigration across fragmented habitats supported local extinction. The absence of heather vole in the modern environment elsewhere along the coasts of British Columbia, Southeast Alaska, and Washington is probably due to similar factors as are highlighted here. Toward environmental reconstruction and the archaeological setting this study suggests that humans are unlikely to have occupied the Vancouver Island area during a hiatus in the vertebrate faunal record including the cold-adapted heather vole from about 19 700 to 14 700 years ago when the Cordilleran Ice Sheet extended west to the continental shelf. Improved environmental conditions for humans occurred both before and after this time. It also suggests that the glacial conditions in which the heather vole occupied Vancouver Island diverge from the Holocene interglacial setting that has seen an expansion of a human presence and of the corresponding archaeological record.
Diffusive transport in the lowest Landau level of disordered 2d semimetals: the mean-square-displacement approach
Authors: Sinner Andreas , Tkachov Gregor 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
We study the electronic transport in the lowest Landau level of disordered two-dimensional semimetals placed in a homogeneous perpendicular magnetic field. The material system is modeled by the Bernevig–Hughes–Zhang Hamiltonian, which has zero energy Landau modes due to the material’s intrinsic Berry curvature. These turn out to be crucially important for the density of states and the static conductivity of the disordered system. We develop an analytical approach to the diffusion and conductivity based on a self-consistent equation of motion for the mean-squared displacement. The obtained value of the zero mode conductivity is close to the conductivity of disordered Dirac electrons without magnetic fields, which have zero energy points in the spectrum as well. Our analysis is applicable in a broader context of disordered two-dimensional electron gases in strong magnetic fields.

Graphicabstract
Constraint on parameters of a rotating black hole in Einstein-bumblebee theory by quasi-periodic oscillations
Authors: Wang Zejun , Chen Songbai , Jing Jiliang 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWe have studied quasi-periodic oscillations frequencies in a rotating black hole with Lorentz symmetry breaking parameter in Einstein-bumblebee gravity by relativistic precession model. We find that in the rotating case with non-zero spin parameter both of the periastron and nodal precession frequencies increase with the Lorentz symmetry breaking parameter, but the azimuthal frequency decreases. In the non-rotating black hole case, the nodal precession frequency disappears for arbitrary Lorentz symmetry breaking parameter. With the observation data of GRO J1655-40, XTE J1550-564, and GRS 1915+105, we find that the constraint on the Lorentz symmetry breaking parameter is more precise with data of GRO J1655-40 in which the best-fit value of the Lorentz symmetry breaking parameter is negative. This could lead to that the rotating black hole in Einstein-bumblebee gravity owns the higher Hawking temperature and the stronger Hawking radiation, but the lower possibility of exacting energy by Penrose process. However, in the range of $$1 \sigma $$

1
σ

, we also find that general relativity remains to be consistent with the observation data of GRO J1655-40, XTE J1550-564 and GRS 1915+105.
Non-radial oscillations and global stellar properties of anisotropic compact stars using realistic equations of state
Authors: Curi Elvis J. Aquino , Castro Luis B. , Flores Cesar V. , Lenzi César H. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn this work, we have made a systematic study of how the gravitational wave frequency of the fundamental mode from compact stars is affected by anisotropic effects using realistic equations of state. Our study is an extension of the seminal research performed by Doneva [Phys Rev D 85:124023, 2012, https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.85.124023], where a polytropic equation of state was used. To achieve our objective, we considered compact stars which were built by using equations of state in the framework of a relativistic mean field theory for the case of hadronic stars and in the framework of the MIT model for the case of quark stars. In order to obtain some pertinent information that could give us the possibility to detect the anisotropy in compact stars, we also studied and analized the behaviour of various global stellar quantities, e.g., gravitational redshift, stellar mass, radius, among others. We concluded that the anisotropic effects can have important consequences, which are strongly related to the anisotropic parameter and the equation of state of high density matter. Additionally, a comparison with observational data has been made and we have shown that the anisotropic parameter $$\lambda $$
λ
can be used as a tuning parameter to reproduce mass and radius observational data of neutron stars.