bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of six microscopic methods and two operators for estimation of white and red blood cells in canine urine sediment
Authors: Giraldi Marco , Tagliasacchi Filippo , Paltrinieri Saverio , Vitiello Tiziana , Rossetti Paola , Scarpa Paola 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundLittle information is currently available about the analytical variability of urinalysis.ObjectiveWe aimed to compare results obtained by two operators using six microscopic methods in the quantification of urinary leukocytes (WBC) and erythrocytes (RBC).MethodsForty urine samples (10 mL) were centrifuged (450g, 5 minutes) and resuspended in 0.5 mL of supernatant. Two operators with different expertise in urinalysis interpreted sediment results using the six methods, obtained by combining the use of microscope slides (Slide) or counting chambers (Chamber) with three different techniques: bright‐field (BF) microscopy, phase‐contrast (PC) microscopy, and stained sediment (SS) evaluations. The mean WBC and RBC counts from 10 fields (Slide) or squares (Chamber) observed at 400× were used to calculate the difference and agreement between operators and methods. We also estimated the concordance between methods in classifying microhematuric or pyuric samples.ResultsOperator 2 counted significantly lower WBC counts using Slide+BF (P = 0.009) and Slide+PC (P = 0.001) than Operator 1, whereas no inter‐operator differences were recorded for RBC counts. The concordance between the operators ranged from “good” to “very good.” No differences or biases were found for WBC counts among the methods, and concordances were “good” to “very good”; proportional biases were found for RBC counts between Slide+BF vs Slide+SS and Slide+PC vs Slide+SS. Concordance measurements for RBC counts ranged from “good” to “very good.”ConclusionsAll methods yielded good reproducibility among operators, although stained SS evaluations allowed better identification of WBC by the inexperienced operator. However, we suspected that the SS preparations affected RBC counts. All other methods yielded reproducible WBC and RBC counts.
Subcellular diversity of Nav1.5 in cardiomyocytes: distinct functions, mechanisms and targets
Authors: Marchal Gerard A. , Remme Carol Ann 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn cardiomyocytes, the rapid depolarisation of the membrane potential is mediated by the α‐subunit of the cardiac voltage‐gated Na+ channel (NaV1.5), encoded by the gene SCN5A. This ion channel allows positively charged Na+ ions to enter the cardiomyocyte, resulting in the fast upstroke of the action potential and is therefore crucial for cardiac excitability and electrical propagation. This essential role is underscored by the fact that dysfunctional NaV1.5 is associated with high risk for arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. However, development of therapeutic interventions regulating NaV1.5 has been limited due to the complexity of NaV1.5 structure and function and its diverse roles within the cardiomyocyte. In particular, research from the last decade has provided us with increased knowledge on the subcellular distribution of NaV1.5 as well as the proteins which it interacts with in distinct cardiomyocyte microdomains. We here review these insights, detailing the potential role of NaV1.5 within subcellular domains as well as its dysfunction in the setting of arrhythmia disorders. We furthermore provide an overview of current knowledge on the pathways involved in (microdomain‐specific) trafficking of NaV1.5, and their potential as novel targets. Unravelling the complexity of NaV1.5 (dys)function may ultimately facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing lethal arrhythmias. This is not only of importance for pathophysiological conditions where sodium current is specifically decreased within certain subcellular regions, such as in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but also for other acquired and inherited disorders associated with NaV1.5.
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Training Practices of Football Players During the Early COVID-19 Lockdown Worldwide
Authors: Washif Jad Adrian , Mujika Iñigo , DeLang Matthew D. , Brito João , Dellal Alexandre , Haugen Thomas , Hassanmirzaei Bahar , Wong Del P. , Farooq Abdulaziz , Dönmez Gürhan , Kim Kwang Joon , Duque Juan David Peña , MacMillan Lewis , Matsunaga Ryo , Rabbani Alireza , Romdhani Mohamed , Tabben Montassar , Zerguini Yacine , Zmijewski Piotr , Pyne David B. , Chamari Karim 
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 lockdown challenged the training options of athletes worldwide, including players from the most popular sport globally, football/soccer. Purpose: The authors explored the training practices of football players worldwide during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods: Football players (N = 2482, 30% professional, 22% semipro, and 48% amateur) completed an online survey (May–July 2020) on their training practices before versus during lockdown (March–June 2020). Questions were related to training frequency and session duration, as well as training knowledge and attitudes. Results: Before lockdown, more professional (87%) than semipro (67%) and amateur (65%) players trained ≥5 sessions/wk, but this proportion decreased during the lockdown to 55%, 35%, and 42%, respectively. Players (80%–87%) trained ≥60 minutes before lockdown, but this proportion decreased to 45% in professionals, 43% in amateurs, and 36% in semipros during lockdown. At home, more than two-thirds of players had training space (73%) and equipment (66%) for cardiorespiratory training, while availability of equipment for technical and strength training was <50% during lockdown. Interactions between coach/trainer and player were more frequent (ie, daily) among professional (27%) than amateur (11%) and semipro (17%) players. Training load monitoring, albeit limited, was mostly performed by fitness coaches, more so with professionals (35%) than amateurs (13%) and semipros (17%). The players’ training knowledge and attitudes/beliefs toward training were relatively modest (50%–59%). Conclusion: COVID-19 lockdown negatively affected training practices of football players worldwide, especially amateurs and semipros, for example, in training frequency, duration, intensity, technical, recovery, and other fitness training and coaching-related aspects. During lockdown-like situations, players should be monitored closely and provided appropriate support to facilitate their training.
Task-sharing with lay counsellors to deliver a stepped care intervention to improve depression, antiretroviral therapy adherence and viral suppression in people living with HIV: a study protocol for the TENDAI randomised controlled trial
Authors: Abas Melanie , Mangezi Walter , Nyamayaro Primrose , Jopling Rebecca , Bere Tarisai , McKetchnie Samantha M , Goldsmith Kimberley , Fitch Calvin , Saruchera Emily , Muronzie Thabani , Gudyanga Denford , Barrett Barbara M , Chibanda Dixon , Hakim James , Safren Steven A , O’Cleirigh Conall 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionNon-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the main cause of viral non-suppression and its risk is increased by depression. In countries with high burden of HIV, there is a lack of trained professionals to deliver depression treatments. This paper describes the protocol for a 2-arm parallel group superiority 1:1 randomised controlled trial, to test the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of the TENDAI stepped care task-shifted intervention for depression, ART non-adherence and HIV viral suppression delivered by lay interventionists.Methods and analysisTwo hundred and ninety people living with HIV aged ≥18 years with probable depression (Patient Health Questionnaire=>10) and viral non-suppression (≥ 1000 HIV copies/mL) are being recruited from HIV clinics in towns in Zimbabwe. The intervention group will receive a culturally adapted 6-session psychological treatment, Problem-Solving Therapy for Adherence and Depression (PST-AD), including problem-solving therapy, positive activity scheduling, skills to cope with stress and poor sleep and content to target barriers to non-adherence to ART. Participants whose score on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 remains ≥10, and/or falls by less than 5 points, step up to a nurse evaluation for possible antidepressant medication. The control group receives usual care for viral non-suppression, consisting of three sessions of adherence counselling from existing clinic staff, and enhanced usual care for depression in line with the WHO Mental Health Gap intervention guide. The primary outcome is viral suppression (<1000 HIV copies/mL) at 12 months post-randomisation.Ethics and disseminationThe study and its tools were approved by MRCZ/A/2390 in Zimbabwe and RESCM-18/19–5580 in the UK. Study findings will be shared through the community advisory group, conferences and open access publications.Trial registration numberNCT04018391.
Assessing machine learning for fair prediction of ADHD in school pupils using a retrospective cohort study of linked education and healthcare data
Authors: Ter-Minassian Lucile , Viani Natalia , Wickersham Alice , Cross Lauren , Stewart Robert , Velupillai Sumithra , Downs Johnny 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent childhood disorder, but often goes unrecognised and untreated. To improve access to services, accurate predictions of populations at high risk of ADHD are needed for effective resource allocation. Using a unique linked health and education data resource, we examined how machine learning (ML) approaches can predict risk of ADHD.DesignRetrospective population cohort study.SettingSouth London (2007–2013).Participantsn=56 258 pupils with linked education and health data.Primary outcome measuresUsing area under the curve (AUC), we compared the predictive accuracy of four ML models and one neural network for ADHD diagnosis. Ethnic group and language biases were weighted using a fair pre-processing algorithm.ResultsRandom forest and logistic regression prediction models provided the highest predictive accuracy for ADHD in population samples (AUC 0.86 and 0.86, respectively) and clinical samples (AUC 0.72 and 0.70). Precision-recall curve analyses were less favourable. Sociodemographic biases were effectively reduced by a fair pre-processing algorithm without loss of accuracy.ConclusionsML approaches using linked routinely collected education and health data offer accurate, low-cost and scalable prediction models of ADHD. These approaches could help identify areas of need and inform resource allocation. Introducing ‘fairness weighting’ attenuates some sociodemographic biases which would otherwise underestimate ADHD risk within minority groups.
Escalating the limit of median survival time and predictors of mortality among preterm neonates in Northwest Ethiopia, 2021: a 1-year prospective follow-up study
Authors: Chanie Ermias Sisay , Engedaw Destaw , Eyayu Tahir , Admasu Fitalew Tadele , Amera Eninur Dejen , Azanaw Kefyalew Amogne , Kassaw Amare , Feleke Dejen Getaneh , Ayehu Gashaw Walle , Jimma Melkamu Senbeta , GebreEyesus Fisha Alebel , Moges Natnael , Woelile Tamiru Alene , Kerebeh Gashaw , Birrie Endalk 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesTo examine the survival rate and predictors of mortality among preterm neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit at South Gondar public hospitals, 2021.DesignProspective follow-up study.SettingSouth Gondar public hospitals, Northwest, Ethiopia.ParticipantsWe recruited 283 preterm neonates who were admitted at neonatal intensive care unit at selected hospitals from 15 February 2020 to 22 January 2021.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure of this study was the survival rate of preterm neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit. Moreover, the study assessed the predictors for the occurrence of mortality by the Cox-proportional hazard model. Data were entered into Epi data V.4.2 and exported to Stata V.14 statistical software for analysis. The log-rank test determines the survival difference between predictor variables.ResultsA total of 283 preterm neonates, 61 died during the follow-up. Born from antepartum haemorrhage mother (adjusted HR (AHR)=2.2 (95% CI 1.10 to 4.37)), being small weight for gestational age (AHR=4.6 (95% CI 2.22 to 9.53)), not having kangaroo mother care practice initiated (AHR=2.7 (95% CI 1.39 to 7.74)), hypothermia (AHR=4.0 (95% CI 1.96 to 8.30)) and perinatal asphyxia (AHR=3.9 (95% CI 1.97 to 7.94)) were significant predictors of preterm neonate mortality.ConclusionIn this study, the preterm neonates survival rate (78.4%) and the median survival time (21 days) were found to be low. Preventing and managing the predictors, including an antepartum haemorrhagic mother, small weight for gestational age, hypothermia and prenatal asphyxia, is crucial. In addition, more emphasis should be placed on initiating universal kangaroo mother care practice soon after birth to increase the survival of preterm neonates.
Examining the barriers, facilitators and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccine and public health measures for black communities in Canada: a qualitative study protocol
Authors: Ezezika Obidimma , Girmay Bethelehem , Adedugbe Toluwalope , Jonas Isaac , Thullah Yanaminah , Thompson Chris 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionBlack communities claim the highest number of cases and deaths due to COVID-19 in Canada. Generating culturally/contextually appropriate public health measures and strategies for vaccine uptake in black communities within Canada can better support the disproportionate impact of this pandemic. This study explores the barriers and enablers to public health measures limited to mask-wearing, disinfection, sanitation, social distancing and handwashing, as well as the barriers and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines among the black community.Methods and analysisWe will use qualitative approaches informed by the widely accepted Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to aid our investigation. We will conduct 120 semistructured interviews and five focus groups with black populations across the major provinces of Canada to understand the barriers and facilitators to public health measures, including barriers and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines. Data will be organised and analysed based on the CFIR. Facilitators and barriers to COVID-19 preventative measures and the barriers, facilitators and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines will be organised to explore relationships across the data.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Social Sciences, Humanities and Education Research Ethics Board at the University of Toronto (41585). All participants are given information about the study and will sign a consent form in order to be included; participants are informed of their right to withdraw from the study. Research material will be accessible to all researchers involved in this study as no personal identifiable information will be collected during the key informant semistructured interviews and focus groups. The study results will be provided to participants and published in peer-reviewed journals.
Prevalence of self-reported lifetime medical diagnosis of depression in Brazil: analysis of data from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey
Authors: Mattiello Rita , Ospina Ayala Camila , Freitas Pedron Flaviana , Ferreira Isabel Cristina Schutz , Lessa Gaudie Ley Laura , Medeiros Paungartner Luciana , da Silva Martins Maiara , Bagatini Maria Amélia , Onofre Witt Batista Naycka , Oliveira Machado Cecagno Priscila , Kvitko de Moura Sara , López Tórrez Sergio , Munhoz Tiago N , Santos Iná S. 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of and factors associated with the lifetime medical diagnosis of depression in Brazil.DesignPopulation-based, cross-sectional study.SettingAnalysis of data from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey.Participants90 846 individuals aged ≥15 years were included.Outcome measureThe self-reported medical diagnosis of depression at some point in one’s life was the main outcome. Prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% CIs were calculated by Poisson regression with robust variance. The independent variables included the geographical area of residence, sociodemographic characteristics, current smoking status, alcohol abuse, daily screen time, and the presence of physical disorders and mental health comorbidities.ResultsThe self-reported lifetime prevalence of medical diagnosis of depression was 9.9% (95% CI 9.5% to 10.2%). The probability of having received a medical diagnosis of depression was higher among urban residents (PR 1.23; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.35); females (2.75; 2.52 to 2.99); those aged 20–29 years (1.17; 0.91 to 1.51), 30–39 years (1.73; 1.36 to 2.19), 40–49 years (2.30; 1.81 to 2.91), 50–59 years (2.32; 1.84 to 2.93) and 60–69 years (2.27; 1.78 to 2.90) compared with those under 20 years; white-skinned people (0.69 (0.61 to 0.78) for black-skinned people and 0.74 (0.69 to 0.80) for indigenous, yellow and brown-skinned people compared with white-skinned people); those with fewer years of education (1.33(1.12 to 1.58) among those with 9–11 years, 1.14 (0.96 to 1.34) among those with 1–8 years and 1.29 (1.11 to 1.50) among those with 0 years compared with those with ≥12 years of education); those who were separated/divorced (1.43; 1.29 to 1.59), widowed (1.06; 0.95 to 1.19) and single (1.01; 0.93 to 1.10) compared with married people; smokers (1.26; 1.14 to 1.38); heavy screen users (1.31; 1.16 to 1.48) compared with those whose usage was <6 hours/day; those with a medical diagnosis of a physical disorder (1.80; 1.67 to 1.97); and individuals with a medical diagnosis of a mental health comorbidity (5.05; 4.68 to 5.46).ConclusionThis nationwide population-based study of self-reported lifetime medical diagnosis of depression in Brazil showed that the prevalence was almost 10%. Considering the current Brazilian population, this prevalence corresponds to more than 2 million people who have been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives.
Assessing medication use patterns in patients hospitalised with COVID-19: a retrospective study
Authors: Mueller Tanja , Kurdi Amanj , Hall Elliott , Bullard Ian , Wapshott Jo , Goodfellow Anna , Platt Niketa , Proud Euan , McTaggart Stuart , Bennie Marion , Sheikh Aziz 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveTo describe patterns of medication use—that is, dexamethasone; remdesivir; and tocilizumab—in the management of patients hospitalised with COVID-19.Design and settingRetrospective observational study, using routinely collected, linked electronic data from clinical practice in Scotland. Data on drug exposure in secondary care has been obtained from the Hospital Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration System.ParticipantsPatients being treated with the drugs of interest and hospitalised for COVID-19 between 1 March 2020 and 10 November 2021.OutcomesIdentification of patients subject to the treatments of interest; summary of patients’ baseline characteristics; description of medication use patterns and treatment episodes. Analyses were descriptive in nature.ResultsOverall, 4063 patients matching the inclusion criteria were identified in Scotland, with a median (IQR) age of 64 years (52–76). Among all patients, 81.4% (n=3307) and 17.8% (n=725) were treated with one or two medicines, respectively; dexamethasone monotherapy accounted for the majority (n=3094, 76.2%) followed by dexamethasone in combination with tocilizumab (n=530, 13.0%). Treatment patterns were variable over time but roughly followed the waves of COVID-19 infections; however, the different drugs were used to varying degrees during the study period.The median (IQR) treatment duration differed by medicine: dexamethasone 5 days (2–9); remdesivir 5 days (2–5); and tocilizumab 1 day (1–1). The overall median (IQR) length of hospital stay among all patients included in the study cohort was 9 days (5–17); 24.7% of patients died in hospital.ConclusionThe use of adjuvant medicines in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 appears in line with evolving evidence and changing treatment guidelines. In-hospital electronic prescribing systems are a valuable source of information, providing detailed patient-level data on in-hospital drug use.
Efficacy of virtual reality assisted guided imagery (VRAGI) in a home setting for pain management in patients with advanced cancer: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hartshorn George , Browning Matthew , Chalil Madathil Kapil , Mau Fredric , Ranganathan Shyam , Todd Andrew , Bertrand Jeff , Maynard Allison , McAnirlin Olivia , Sindelar Kailan , Hernandez Rosalba , Henry Gomez Teny 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionPatients with advanced cancer often experience high levels of debilitating pain and pain-related psychological distress. Although there is increasing evidence that non-pharmacological interventions are needed to manage their pain, pharmacologic modalities remain the preferred treatment . Guided imagery is a form of focused relaxation that helps create harmony between the mind and body and has been shown to significantly improve cancer pain. Our study presents Virtual Reality Assisted Guided Imagery (VRAGI) as a complementary treatment modality to manage chronic pain in patients with cancer. We will conduct a randomised controlled trial to test its impact on patients with advanced cancer in a home setting.Methods and analysisWe will recruit 80 patients from Prisma Health, a tertiary-level healthcare centre based in Greenville, South Carolina, USA. The prospective 2×2 randomised controlled trial will randomise participants into four groups: (1) VRAGI, (2) laptop-assisted guided imagery, (3) VR (no guided imagery) and (4) laptop (no guided imagery). Patients allocated to VR groups will be trained to use a head-mounted display that immerses them in 3D audio–video content. The non-VR group will use a laptop displaying 2D video content. We will collect measures before and during the 3-week intervention as well as 3 weeks after the intervention ends. Measures will include patient-reported outcomes of pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue in addition to opioid use. The primary objective of the current study is to assess the efficacy of VRAGI on pain in the home setting. The secondary objective is to assess the efficacy of VRAGI on opioid use, anxiety, depression and fatigue.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Prisma Health Institutional Review Board (#Pro00114598) in November 2021. All participants enrolled in the study will provide written informed consent. Dissemination will be through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.Trial registration numberNCT05348174, clinicaltrials.gov.