cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.15657651.v1
title: The role of left atrial peak systolic strain in atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation. A systematic review and meta-analysis

description: This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the prognostic role of left atrial peak systolic longitudinal strain (LA-PLSsys) as a predictor of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation. We systematically searched major electronic databases and grey literature for studies assessing the role of pre-ablation LA-PLSsys, measured in at least two segments, in post-ablation AF recurrence, after a follow-up period of at least 6 months. Seventeen eligible studies were included, resulting in 1704 patients (68.6% men) with a pooled mean age of 59.9 ± 10.6 years, 65.9% with paroxysmal AF. Recurrence occurred in 32.7% of patients. Those without recurrence had significantly higher LA-PLSsys (pooled mean ± <i>SD</i>: 22.22 ± 10.64%, weighted mean difference: 5.43%, 95%CI: 4.03–6.84%, <i>I</i><sup>2</sup>: 82.7%). Subgroup analysis revealed that the methodology used (echocardiographic view and segments assessed), was a significant source of heterogeneity (<i>p</i> = 0.02). Meta-regression analysis demonstrated that the effect size was inversely related to the baseline LA volume index (<i>p</i> = 0.004), while concerns are also raised about patients with extremely high/low pre-ablation LA strain. Pre-ablation LA-PLSsys seems to be a useful predictor of post-ablation AF recurrence, that could optimise patients selection. Nevertheless, the substantial heterogeneity that was noted may limit its clinical use. Further investigation using a uniform methodological assessment technique is required to derive a reference range, with adequate positive and negative predictive value for recurrence.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.21545838
title: Tactile perception of roughness to assess activity in artificial initial caries lesions with a novel force-controlled probe

description: Abstract Roughness-tactile perception is part of activity assessment in initial-caries-lesions. Hypothesizing that a probe’s design influences this examiner’s assessment, four probes were designed. The aims of this study were to select the probe with highest inter-/intra-examiners’ roughness-assessment agreement and to determine its diagnostic accuracy on artificial initial-caries lesions. A pilot study was conducted with trained dentists to select one controlled-pressure probe design (n = 4) by assessing roughness on known-roughness metal plaques with 5-point Likert scale. Diagnostic accuracy of roughness assessment was conducted with the selected controlled-pressure probe and the WHO-probe on sound and artificial initial-caries-lesion (n = 20) human enamel blocks. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and quadratic weighted-Kappa scores were used to assess examiners’ reproducibility and Multilevel Poisson models to determine diagnostic accuracy between both probes controlling for confounding variables. The probe design with the highest inter/intra-examiner’s agreement (ICC = 0.96) was selected for subsequent analyses. Unadjusted sensitivity, specificity and accuracy values were for the controlled-pressure and the WHO probes: 71.1%,90.6%,81.2%, and 67.4%,84.6%,75.8%, respectively (p &gt; 0.05). Examiner remained the most important factor influencing diagnostic accuracy. While this study did not show significantly higher diagnostic accuracy of the designed controlled-pressure vs. the WHO-probe when used by trained dentists, all over roughness-assessment accuracy and reproducibility were high.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.21545838.v1
title: Tactile perception of roughness to assess activity in artificial initial caries lesions with a novel force-controlled probe

description: Abstract Roughness-tactile perception is part of activity assessment in initial-caries-lesions. Hypothesizing that a probe’s design influences this examiner’s assessment, four probes were designed. The aims of this study were to select the probe with highest inter-/intra-examiners’ roughness-assessment agreement and to determine its diagnostic accuracy on artificial initial-caries lesions. A pilot study was conducted with trained dentists to select one controlled-pressure probe design (n = 4) by assessing roughness on known-roughness metal plaques with 5-point Likert scale. Diagnostic accuracy of roughness assessment was conducted with the selected controlled-pressure probe and the WHO-probe on sound and artificial initial-caries-lesion (n = 20) human enamel blocks. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and quadratic weighted-Kappa scores were used to assess examiners’ reproducibility and Multilevel Poisson models to determine diagnostic accuracy between both probes controlling for confounding variables. The probe design with the highest inter/intra-examiner’s agreement (ICC = 0.96) was selected for subsequent analyses. Unadjusted sensitivity, specificity and accuracy values were for the controlled-pressure and the WHO probes: 71.1%,90.6%,81.2%, and 67.4%,84.6%,75.8%, respectively (p &gt; 0.05). Examiner remained the most important factor influencing diagnostic accuracy. While this study did not show significantly higher diagnostic accuracy of the designed controlled-pressure vs. the WHO-probe when used by trained dentists, all over roughness-assessment accuracy and reproducibility were high.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19429643
title: Toward genetic counseling practice standards for diagnostic testing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia

description: <i>Objective:</i> Genetic counseling and diagnostic genetic testing are considered part of the multidisciplinary care of individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We aimed to investigate the ideal components of genetic counseling for ALS/FTD diagnostic testing amongst various stakeholders using an online, modified Delphi survey. <i>Methods:</i> Experts in genetic counseling and testing for ALS/FTD were purposively then snowball recruited and included genetic health professionals, health professionals outside of genetics and consumer experts (patients, relatives, and staff representatives from ALS/FTD support organizations). First-round items were informed by two systematic literature reviews and qualitative interviews with patients and families who had experienced diagnostic testing. Analysis of each round informed the development of the subsequent round and the final results. <i>Results:</i> Forty-six experts participated in the study, 95.65% completed both rounds. After round one, items were updated based on participant responses and were presented again for consensus in round two. After round two, a high level of consensus (≥80% agreement) was achieved on 16 items covering various topics related to genetic counseling service delivery, before and after diagnostic testing is facilitated. <i>Conclusions:</i> Genetic counseling for individuals with ALS/FTD and their families should include the provision of client-centered counseling, education and support throughout. The items developed are adaptable to varied healthcare settings and may inform a standard of genetic counseling practice for health professionals who facilitate testing and counseling discussions. This area of work is timely, given demand for testing is likely to increase as more genotype-driven clinical trials become available.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19429643.v1
title: Toward genetic counseling practice standards for diagnostic testing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia

description: <i>Objective:</i> Genetic counseling and diagnostic genetic testing are considered part of the multidisciplinary care of individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We aimed to investigate the ideal components of genetic counseling for ALS/FTD diagnostic testing amongst various stakeholders using an online, modified Delphi survey. <i>Methods:</i> Experts in genetic counseling and testing for ALS/FTD were purposively then snowball recruited and included genetic health professionals, health professionals outside of genetics and consumer experts (patients, relatives, and staff representatives from ALS/FTD support organizations). First-round items were informed by two systematic literature reviews and qualitative interviews with patients and families who had experienced diagnostic testing. Analysis of each round informed the development of the subsequent round and the final results. <i>Results:</i> Forty-six experts participated in the study, 95.65% completed both rounds. After round one, items were updated based on participant responses and were presented again for consensus in round two. After round two, a high level of consensus (≥80% agreement) was achieved on 16 items covering various topics related to genetic counseling service delivery, before and after diagnostic testing is facilitated. <i>Conclusions:</i> Genetic counseling for individuals with ALS/FTD and their families should include the provision of client-centered counseling, education and support throughout. The items developed are adaptable to varied healthcare settings and may inform a standard of genetic counseling practice for health professionals who facilitate testing and counseling discussions. This area of work is timely, given demand for testing is likely to increase as more genotype-driven clinical trials become available.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.17491219
title: Using the ALSFRS-R in multicentre clinical trials for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: potential limitations in current standard operating procedures

description: <i>Objective:</i> Uniform data collection is fundamental for multicentre clinical trials. We aim to determine the variability, between ALS trial centers, in the prevalence of unexpected or implausible improvements in the revised ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R) score, and its associations with individual patient and item characteristics. <i>Methods:</i> We used data from two multicentre studies to estimate the prevalence of an unexpected increase or implausible improvement in the ALSFRS-R score, defined as an increase of 5 points or more between two consecutive, monthly visits. For each patient with a 5-point or more increase, we evaluated the individual contribution of each ALSFRS-R item. <i>Results:</i> Longitudinal ALSFRS-R scores, originating from 114 trial centers enrolling a total of 1,240 patients, were analyzed. A 5-point or more increase in ALSFRS-R total score was found in 151 (12.2%) patients, with prevalence per study center ranging from 0% to 83%. Bulbar onset, faster disease progression at enrollment, and a lower ALSFRS-R score at baseline were associated with a sudden 5-point or more increase in the ALSFRS-R total score. ALSFRS-R items 2 (saliva), 9 (stairs), 10 (dyspnea), and 11 (orthopnea) were the primary drivers when a 5-point or more increase occurred. <i>Conclusions:</i> Sudden 5-point or more increases in ALSFRS-R total scores between two consecutive visits are relatively common. These sudden increases were not found to occur with equal frequency in trial centers; which underscores the need for amending existing standard operating procedures toward a universal version and monitoring of data quality during the study, in multicentre research.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.17491219.v1
title: Using the ALSFRS-R in multicentre clinical trials for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: potential limitations in current standard operating procedures

description: <i>Objective:</i> Uniform data collection is fundamental for multicentre clinical trials. We aim to determine the variability, between ALS trial centers, in the prevalence of unexpected or implausible improvements in the revised ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R) score, and its associations with individual patient and item characteristics. <i>Methods:</i> We used data from two multicentre studies to estimate the prevalence of an unexpected increase or implausible improvement in the ALSFRS-R score, defined as an increase of 5 points or more between two consecutive, monthly visits. For each patient with a 5-point or more increase, we evaluated the individual contribution of each ALSFRS-R item. <i>Results:</i> Longitudinal ALSFRS-R scores, originating from 114 trial centers enrolling a total of 1,240 patients, were analyzed. A 5-point or more increase in ALSFRS-R total score was found in 151 (12.2%) patients, with prevalence per study center ranging from 0% to 83%. Bulbar onset, faster disease progression at enrollment, and a lower ALSFRS-R score at baseline were associated with a sudden 5-point or more increase in the ALSFRS-R total score. ALSFRS-R items 2 (saliva), 9 (stairs), 10 (dyspnea), and 11 (orthopnea) were the primary drivers when a 5-point or more increase occurred. <i>Conclusions:</i> Sudden 5-point or more increases in ALSFRS-R total scores between two consecutive visits are relatively common. These sudden increases were not found to occur with equal frequency in trial centers; which underscores the need for amending existing standard operating procedures toward a universal version and monitoring of data quality during the study, in multicentre research.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19207823.v2
title: Incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Sardinia, Italy: age–sex interaction and spatial–temporal variability

description: <i>Objective:</i> This study assessed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) incidence in Sardinia, Italy, and the combined contribution of age and gender to disease risk. We also checked disease incidence for spatial–temporal variability. <i>Methods</i>: ALS patients from all neurological centers of the study area who had onset during 2010–2019 and fulfilled El Escorial revised diagnostic criteria were included. Incidence was calculated for the overall study area and each province separately. Additive interaction between age and sex on ALS incidence was assessed. <i>Results</i>: The average crude annual incidence rate was 3.6/100,000 person-years (95% CI, 3.2–4.1), 3.1/100,000 person-years (95% CI, 2.7–3.5) when age-adjusted. Incidence was greater among people aged ≥65 years and men, with the two variables undergoing significant additive interaction. Incidence increased yearly over the study period, with annual incidence correlating with the increasing yearly frequency of people aged ≥65 years, but not with the proportion of incident cases carrying genetic mutations. Stratifying by province, the rates from Oristano and South Sardinia were higher than the rate from Cagliari. ALS patients from areas at different risk were comparable for frequency of clinical/genetic features. <i>Conclusion</i>: ALS incidence in Sardinia was in the upper part of the European range of variability. We also provided new information about age and sex as risk factors for ALS, showing male sex as a modifier of the effect of aging on ALS incidence. Spatial–temporal variations in ALS incidence correlated to changes in the proportion of the aging population rather than to the distribution of genetic factors.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.21545840
title: Use of electronic devices, practice of sports, and awake bruxism in schoolchildren aged eight to ten years

description: Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate whether possible awake bruxism (AB) is associated with the use of electronic devices and the practice of sports in schoolchildren aged eight to ten years. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 739 students in public and private schools in the city of Campina Grande, Brazil. Parents/guardians answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic data. The children answered questions about use of electronic devices, practice of sports, and AB. Statistical analysis involved robust logistic regression for complex samples (α = 5%). The prevalence of possible AB was 14.9%. Being female (OR = 1.71, 95%CI: 1.11–2.63), being the middle child (OR = 2.19, 95%CI: 1.14–3.88), having unmarried parents (OR = 1.73, 95%CI: 1.13–2.65), daily use of a cell phone/tablet/computer (OR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.19–2.80), use of electronic devices for two or more hours per day (OR = 1.97, 95%CI: 1.35–2.86), and playing sports in and/or out of school (OR = 1.60, 95%CI: 1.18–2.52) remained associated with possible AB in the final model. The presence of possible AB was influenced by the use of electronic devices and the practice of sports among schoolchildren aged eight to ten years.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.21545840.v1
title: Use of electronic devices, practice of sports, and awake bruxism in schoolchildren aged eight to ten years

description: Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate whether possible awake bruxism (AB) is associated with the use of electronic devices and the practice of sports in schoolchildren aged eight to ten years. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 739 students in public and private schools in the city of Campina Grande, Brazil. Parents/guardians answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic data. The children answered questions about use of electronic devices, practice of sports, and AB. Statistical analysis involved robust logistic regression for complex samples (α = 5%). The prevalence of possible AB was 14.9%. Being female (OR = 1.71, 95%CI: 1.11–2.63), being the middle child (OR = 2.19, 95%CI: 1.14–3.88), having unmarried parents (OR = 1.73, 95%CI: 1.13–2.65), daily use of a cell phone/tablet/computer (OR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.19–2.80), use of electronic devices for two or more hours per day (OR = 1.97, 95%CI: 1.35–2.86), and playing sports in and/or out of school (OR = 1.60, 95%CI: 1.18–2.52) remained associated with possible AB in the final model. The presence of possible AB was influenced by the use of electronic devices and the practice of sports among schoolchildren aged eight to ten years.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19207823
title: Incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Sardinia, Italy: age–sex interaction and spatial–temporal variability

description: <i>Objective:</i> This study assessed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) incidence in Sardinia, Italy, and the combined contribution of age and gender to disease risk. We also checked disease incidence for spatial–temporal variability. <i>Methods</i>: ALS patients from all neurological centers of the study area who had onset during 2010–2019 and fulfilled El Escorial revised diagnostic criteria were included. Incidence was calculated for the overall study area and each province separately. Additive interaction between age and sex on ALS incidence was assessed. <i>Results</i>: The average crude annual incidence rate was 3.6/100,000 person-years (95% CI, 3.2–4.1), 3.1/100,000 person-years (95% CI, 2.7–3.5) when age-adjusted. Incidence was greater among people aged ≥65 years and men, with the two variables undergoing significant additive interaction. Incidence increased yearly over the study period, with annual incidence correlating with the increasing yearly frequency of people aged ≥65 years, but not with the proportion of incident cases carrying genetic mutations. Stratifying by province, the rates from Oristano and South Sardinia were higher than the rate from Cagliari. ALS patients from areas at different risk were comparable for frequency of clinical/genetic features. <i>Conclusion</i>: ALS incidence in Sardinia was in the upper part of the European range of variability. We also provided new information about age and sex as risk factors for ALS, showing male sex as a modifier of the effect of aging on ALS incidence. Spatial–temporal variations in ALS incidence correlated to changes in the proportion of the aging population rather than to the distribution of genetic factors.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19336305
title: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mortality rates in Latin America and the Caribbean: a meta-analysis

description: <i>Background</i>: Recent studies have described a low occurrence of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in Latin America. Significant differences in ALS risk have been reported among ethnic populations in the region. We conducted a meta-analysis using population-based data to describe ALS mortality rates in Latin America. We explored sources of heterogeneity among key covariates. <i>Methods</i>: National mortality registries from Latin American countries were searched to identify ALS deaths according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9: code 335.2 and ICD-10: code G12.2). Crude and standardized mortality rates were calculated. A random-effect meta-analysis was conducted to estimate pooled mortality rates. Subgroup analysis was performed as a means of investigating heterogeneity. <i>Results</i>: Overall, 28,548 ALS deaths and 819 million person-years of follow-up (PYFU) from ten Latin American countries were considered. Standardized mortality varied among countries. The highest mortality rates were observed in Uruguay and Costa Rica at 1.3 and 1.2 per 100,000 PYFU, respectively. The pooled crude mortality rate was 0.38 (95%CI: 0.28–0.53) and the pooled standardized mortality was 0.62 (95%CI: 0.49–0.77) per 100,000 PYFU. Heterogeneity was high (I2: 99.9%, Cochran’s Q <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed a higher mortality rate among countries with a higher proportion of Caucasian populations and higher income levels. <i>Conclusion</i>: There is a lower ALS occurrence in Latin America compared to Europe and North America. This meta-analysis supports the hypothesis of a higher ALS risk among the Caucasian population. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of ancestral origins in ALS, taking socioeconomic status into consideration.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.21541593
title: Mean-standard deviation based electric vehicle routing problem using Lagrangian relaxation and extended alternating direction method of multipliers based decomposition algorithm

description: This is the experimental data of the manuscript entitled “ Mean-standard deviation based electric vehicle routing problem using Lagrangian relaxation and extended alternating direction method of multipliers based decomposition algorithm”. In this data set, small and large instances are included, and each instance gives the information of the links, such as the start node, end node and variance of the link.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.21541593.v1
title: Mean-standard deviation based electric vehicle routing problem using Lagrangian relaxation and extended alternating direction method of multipliers based decomposition algorithm

description: This is the experimental data of the manuscript entitled “ Mean-standard deviation based electric vehicle routing problem using Lagrangian relaxation and extended alternating direction method of multipliers based decomposition algorithm”. In this data set, small and large instances are included, and each instance gives the information of the links, such as the start node, end node and variance of the link.