bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacotherapy for the pseudobulbar affect in individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Clay Fiona J. , Hicks Amelia J. , Perry Luke A. , Ponsford Jennie L. , Jayaram Mahesh , Hopwood Malcolm
Published: October 2018

Review objective/question:

The objective of this systematic review is to synthesize current evidence on the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy as compared to all comparators for the management of pseudobulbar affect in adults 16 years and over who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. The specific review question is: What is the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy for the management of pseudobulbar affect in adults 16 years and over who have sustained a traumatic brain injury?
Effectiveness of corneal abrasion prevention interventions for adults undergoing general anesthesia for more than one hour: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Morris Amanda , Bonanno Laura , Bennett Marsha
Published: October 2018

Review question

The question of this review is: what is the effectiveness of eye lubrication, tape and/or a combination of these interventions in preventing corneal abrasions in adult patients aged 18 and over undergoing general anesthesia for more than one hour?
Impact of mobile health interventions during the perinatal period for mothers in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Dol Justine , Campbell-Yeo Marsha , Tomblin Murphy Gail , Aston Megan , McMillan Douglas , Richardson Brianna
Published: October 2018

Review question:

The objective of this review is to determine the impact of mother-targeted mobile health (mHealth) education interventions available during the perinatal period in low- and middle-income countries on maternal and newborn outcomes. Thus, the review questions are: what is the impact of mother-targeted mHealth education interventions on:
Flow Rate Effect on Wax Deposition Behavior in Single-Phase Laminar Flow
Authors: Kang Pan-Sang , Hwang Ji Yu , Lim Jong-Se
Published: October 2018

Wax deposition is an extremely common occurrence affecting flow assurance in oil fields. Under the laminar flow condition, the effect of the flow rate on wax deposition is still unclear. In this study, a flow loop test was conducted by considering the depletion effect to investigate the flow effect on wax deposition in single-phase laminar flow. The measured data were compared with the estimated data using models (wax deposition, hydrodynamic, and heat transfer models). The data obtained from the models were matched with the measured data; thus, thereby model parameters were tuned and the wax deposit thickness along the pipeline was estimated with respect to flow rate. The study results indicate that the wax deposit thickness decreases when the flow rate increases at the thickest spot (TS). The volume of wax deposits increases when the flow rate increases. An increase in the flow rate increases the distance between the inlet and the location of the TS.
Fractional PD-IλDμ Error Manifolds for Robust Tracking Control of Robotic Manipulators
Authors: Muñoz-Vázquez Aldo Jonathan , Parra-Vega Vicente , Sánchez-Orta Anand , Romero-Galván Gerardo
Published: October 2018

Linear proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller stands for the most widespread technique in industrial applications due to its simple structure and easy tuning rules. Recently, considering fractional orders λ and μ, there has been studied the fractional-order PIλDμ (FPID) controller to provide salient advantages in comparison to the conventional integer-order PID, such as, a more flexible structure and a preciser performance. In addition, proportional and derivative (PD) and PID error manifolds have been classically proposed; however, there remains the question on how FPID-like error manifolds perform for the control of nonlinear plants, such as robots. In this paper, this problem is addressed by proposing a PD-IλDμ error manifold for novel vector saturated control. The stability analysis shows convergence into a small vicinity of the origin, wherein, such hybrid combination of integer- and fractional-order error manifolds provides further insights into the closed-loop response of the nonlinear plant. Simulations studies are carried out to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed scheme.
Asymptotic Stress Fields for Complete Contact Between Dissimilar Materials
Authors: Hong Kisik , Thouless M. D. , Lu Wei , Barber J. R.
Published: October 2018

We investigate the influence of material dissimilarity on the traction fields at the corners of a contact between an elastic right-angle wedge and an elastic half-plane. The local asymptotic fields are characterized in terms of the properties of the leading eigenvalue for cases of slip and stick as a function of the Dundurs bimaterial parameters α and β, and the coefficient of friction f. Permissible values of α and β are partitioned into two possible ranges, one where behavior is qualitatively similar to the case where the indenting wedge is rigid [α = 1] and the other where behavior is similar to the case where the materials are the same [α = β = 0]. The results give insight into the high local stresses at the edge of a contact between elastically dissimilar bodies and can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of mesh refinement in corresponding finite element models.
Agreement Between the Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters of Healthy Adults From the OptoGait System and a Traditional Three-Dimensional Motion Capture System
Authors: Healy Aoife , Linyard-Tough Kimberley , Chockalingam Nachiappan
Published: October 2018

While previous research has assessed the validity of the OptoGait system to the GAITRite walkway and an instrumented treadmill, no research to date has assessed this system against a traditional three-dimensional motion analysis system. Additionally, previous research has shown that the OptoGait system shows systematic bias when compared to other systems due to the configuration of the system's hardware. This study examined the agreement between the spatiotemporal gait parameters calculated from the OptoGait system and a three-dimensional motion capture (14 camera Vicon motion capture system and 2 AMTI force plates) in healthy adults. Additionally, a range of filter settings for the OptoGait were examined to determine if it was possible to eliminate any systematic bias between the OptoGait and the three-dimensional motion analysis system. Agreement between the systems was examined using 95% limits of agreement by Bland and Altman and the intraclass correlation coefficient. A repeated measure ANOVA was used to detect any systematic differences between the systems. Findings confirm the validity of the OptoGait system for the evaluation of spatiotemporal gait parameters in healthy adults. Furthermore, recommendations on filter settings which eliminate the systematic bias between the OptoGait and the three-dimensional motion analysis system are provided.
Finite Element Analysis of Additive Manufacturing Based on Fused Deposition Modeling: Distortions Prediction and Comparison With Experimental Data
Authors: Cattenone Alberto , Morganti Simone , Alaimo Gianluca , Auricchio Ferdinando
Published: October 2018

Additive manufacturing (or three-dimensional (3D) printing) is constantly growing as an innovative process for the production of complex-shape components. Among the seven recognized 3D printing technologies, fused deposition modeling (FDM) covers a very important role, not only for producing representative 3D models, but, mainly due to the development of innovative material like Peek and Ultem, also for realizing structurally functional components. However, being FDM a production process involving high thermal gradients, non-negligible deformations and residual stresses may affect the 3D printed component. In this work we focus on meso/macroscopic simulations of the FDM process using abaqus software. After describing in detail the methodological process, we investigate the impact of several parameters and modeling choices (e.g., mesh size, material model, time-step size) on simulation outcomes and we validate the obtained results with experimental measurements.
Assessing bimanual motor skills with optical neuroimaging
Authors: Nemani Arun , Yücel Meryem A. , Kruger Uwe , Gee Denise W. , Cooper Clairice , Schwaitzberg Steven D. , De Suvranu , Intes Xavier
Published: October 2018

Optical neuroimaging differentiates and classifies surgical motor skill levels with higher accuracy than current methods.
Couples showing off: Audience promotes both male and female multimodal courtship display in a songbird
Authors: Ota Nao , Gahr Manfred , Soma Masayo
Published: October 2018

Socially monogamous songbird couples show off their courtship display in front of other individuals.
Atomic arrays power quantum computers
Authors: Chen Sophia
Published: October 2018

Neutral atoms rise as dark horse qubit candidate.
Golden Goose prize recognizes serendipitous discoveries
Authors: Ham Becky
Published: October 2018

Roots of the immune system, cell communication, and implicit bias are honored in the 2018 awards
Interrupted carbonyl-olefin metathesis via oxygen atom transfer
Authors: Ludwig Jacob R. , Watson Rebecca B. , Nasrallah Daniel J. , Gianino Joseph B. , Zimmerman Paul M. , Wiscons Ren A. , Schindler Corinna S.
Published: October 2018

Two ways out of an oxetane

Oxetanes are highly reactive four-membered rings that contain three carbon atoms and an oxygen atom. Recently, they were implicated as transient intermediates in Lewis acid–catalyzed intramolecular metathesis reactions of ketones with olefins. Ludwig
et al.
now report that by replacing the Lewis acid with a strong Brønsted acid, they can change the course of the oxetane ring-opening. In a so-called interrupted metathesis, the oxygen atom migrates and then departs through dehydration, while the remaining carbon framework cyclizes to form tetrahydrofluorene compounds.

Science
, this issue p.
1363
An axial Hox code controls tissue segmentation and body patterning in
Nematostella vectensis
Authors: He Shuonan , del Viso Florencia , Chen Cheng-Yi , Ikmi Aissam , Kroesen Amanda E. , Gibson Matthew C.
Published: October 2018

Hox code in segmentation and patterning

Hox
genes encode conserved transcription factors that are best known for their role in governing anterior-posterior body patterning in diverse bilaterian animals. He
et al.
used a combination of CRISPR mutagenesis and short hairpin RNA–based gene knockdowns to interrogate
Hox
gene function in a cnidarian, the sea anemone
Nematostella vectensis
(see the Perspective by Arendt). Four homeobox-containing genes constitute a molecular network that coordinately controls the morphogenesis of radial endodermal segments and the patterning of tentacles. Thus, an ancient Hox code may have evolved to regulate both tissue segmentation and body patterning in the bilaterian-cnidarian common ancestor.

Science
, this issue p.
1377
; see also p.
1310
Response to Comment on “DNA damage is a pervasive cause of sequencing errors, directly confounding variant identification”
Authors: Chen Lixin , Liu Pingfang , Evans Thomas C. , Ettwiller Laurence M.
Published: October 2018

Following the Comment of Stewart
et al
., we repeated our analysis on sequencing runs from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) using their suggested parameters. We found signs of oxidative damage in all sequence contexts and irrespective of the sequencing date, reaffirming that DNA damage affects mutation-calling pipelines in their ability to accurately identify somatic variations.
Predicting global killer whale population collapse from PCB pollution
Authors: Desforges Jean-Pierre , Hall Ailsa , McConnell Bernie , Rosing-Asvid Aqqalu , Barber Jonathan L. , Brownlow Andrew , De Guise Sylvain , Eulaers Igor , Jepson Paul D. , Letcher Robert J. , Levin Milton , Ross Peter S. , Samarra Filipa , Víkingson Gísli , Sonne Christian , Dietz Rune
Published: October 2018

PCB—still a problem

Until they were recognized as highly toxic and carcinogenic, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were once used widely. Their production was banned in the United States in 1978, though they are still produced globally and persist in the environment. Persistent organic compounds, like PCBs, magnify across trophic levels, and thus apex predators are particularly susceptible to their ill effects. Desforges
et al.
looked at the continuing impact of PCBs on one of the largest marine predators, the killer whale. Using globally available data, the authors found high concentrations of PCBs within killer whale tissues. These are likely to precipitate declines across killer whale populations, particularly those that feed at high trophic levels and are the closest to industrialized areas.

Science
, this issue p.
1373
Chromatin plasticity: A versatile landscape that underlies cell fate and identity
Authors: Yadav Tejas , Quivy Jean-Pierre , Almouzni Geneviève
Published: October 2018

During development and throughout life, a variety of specialized cells must be generated to ensure the proper function of each tissue and organ. Chromatin plays a key role in determining cellular state, whether totipotent, pluripotent, multipotent, or differentiated. We highlight chromatin dynamics involved in the generation of pluripotent stem cells as well as their influence on cell fate decision and reprogramming. We focus on the capacity of histone variants, chaperones, modifications, and heterochromatin factors to influence cell identity and its plasticity. Recent technological advances have provided tools to elucidate the underlying chromatin dynamics for a better understanding of normal development and pathological conditions, with avenues for potential therapeutic application.
Biosynthesis of the neurotoxin domoic acid in a bloom-forming diatom
Authors: Brunson John K. , McKinnie Shaun M. K. , Chekan Jonathan R. , McCrow John P. , Miles Zachary D. , Bertrand Erin M. , Bielinski Vincent A. , Luhavaya Hanna , Oborník Miroslav , Smith G. Jason , Hutchins David A. , Allen Andrew E. , Moore Bradley S.
Published: October 2018

How algae turn tides toxic

Algal blooms can devastate marine mammal communities through the production of neurotoxins that accumulate within the food web. Brunson
et al.
identified a cluster of genes associated with biosynthesis of the neurotoxin domoic acid in a marine diatom (see the Perspective by Pohnert
et al.
). In vitro experiments established a series of enzymes that create the core structure of the toxin. Knowledge of the genes involved in domoic acid production will allow for genetic monitoring of algal blooms and aid in identifying conditions that trigger toxin production.

Science
, this issue p.
1356
; see also p.
1308
The making of a plankton toxin
Authors: Pohnert Georg , Poulin Remington X. , Baumeister Tim U. H.
Published: October 2018

A combined genetic and chemical study reveals the biosynthetic steps involved in making the toxin domoic acid
Hox
genes and body segmentation
Authors: Arendt Detlev
Published: October 2018

An ancient gene cluster controls the formation of repetitive body parts in a sea anemone
Comment on “The plateau of human mortality: Demography of longevity pioneers”
Authors: Beltrán-Sánchez H. , Austad S. N. , Finch C. E.
Published: October 2018

Barbi
et al
. (Reports, 29 June 2018, p. 1459) reported that human mortality rate reached a “plateau” after the age of 105, suggesting there may be no limit to human longevity. We show, using their data, that potential lifespans cannot increase much beyond the current 122 years unless future biomedical advances alter the intrinsic rate of human aging.
GABA
A
receptor availability is not altered in adults with autism spectrum disorder or in mouse models
Authors: Horder Jamie , Andersson Max , Mendez Maria A. , Singh Nisha , Tangen Ämma , Lundberg Johan , Gee Antony , Halldin Christer , Veronese Mattia , Bölte Sven , Farde Lars , Sementa Teresa , Cash Diana , Higgins Karen , Spain Debbie , Turkheimer Federico , Mick Inge , Selvaraj Sudhakar , Nutt David J. , Lingford-Hughes Anne , Howes Oliver D. , Murphy Declan G. , Borg Jacqueline
Published: October 2018

There are no alterations in GABA
A
receptor availability in adults with autism spectrum disorder or in commonly used rodent models of the condition.
Dried Blood Spot Technique-Based Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method as a Simple Alternative for Benznidazole Pharmacokinetic Assessment
Authors: Galindo Bedor Danilo César , Tavares Cavalcanti Bedor Noely Camila , Viturino da Silva José Wellithom , Damasceno Sousa Giovana , Pereira de Santana Davi , Garcia-Bournissen Facundo , Altcheh Jaime , Blum Bethania , Alves Fabiana , Ribeiro Isabela
Published: October 2018

Chagas disease (CD) is recognized as one of the major neglected global tropical diseases. Benznidazole (BNZ) is the drug of choice for the treatment of adults, young infants, and newborns with CD.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility of 260 Clostridium botulinum Type A, B, Ba, and Bf Strains and a Neurotoxigenic Clostridium baratii Type F Strain Isolated from California Infant Botulism Patients
Authors: Barash Jason R. , Castles Joe B. , Arnon Stephen S.
Published: October 2018

Infant botulism is an infectious intestinal toxemia that results from colonization of the infant large bowel by
Clostridium botulinum
(or rarely, by neurotoxigenic
Clostridium baratii
or
Clostridium butyricum
), with subsequent intraintestinal production and absorption of botulinum neurotoxin that then produces flaccid paralysis. The disease is often initially misdiagnosed as suspected sepsis or meningitis, diagnoses that require prompt empirical antimicrobial therapy.
Polymorphisms in Receptors Involved in Opsonic and Nonopsonic Phagocytosis, and Correlation with Risk of Infection in Oncohematology Patients
Authors: Herrero-Sánchez M. Carmen , Angomás Eduardo B. , de Ramón Cristina , Tellería Juan J. , Corchete Luis A. , Alonso Sara , Ramos M. del Carmen , Peñarrubia María J. , Márquez Saioa , Fernández Nieves , García Frade Luis J. , Sánchez Crespo Mariano
Published: October 2018

High-risk hematological malignancies are a privileged setting for infection by opportunistic microbes, with invasive mycosis being one of the most serious complications. Recently, genetic background has emerged as an unanticipated risk factor.
Identification and Characterization of Orientia chuto in Trombiculid Chigger Mites Collected from Wild Rodents in Kenya
Authors: Masakhwe Clement , Linsuwanon Piyada , Kimita Gathii , Mutai Beth , Leepitakrat Surachai , Yalwala Santos , Abuom David , Auysawasi Nutthanun , Gilbreath Tom , Wanja Elizabeth , Waitumbi John
Published: October 2018

We present data that concurs with the reported geographical expansion of scrub typhus outside the “Tsutsugamushi Triangle” and addition of
Orientia chuto
as a second species in the
Orientia
genus. Wild rodents were caught in Marigat, Baringo County, Kenya, and ectoparasites, including chiggers, were recovered.
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Latency and the Kinetics of Reactivation Are Regulated by a Complex Network of Interactions between the Herpesvirus Entry Mediator, Its Ligands (gD, BTLA, LIGHT, and CD160), and the Latency-Associated Transcript
Authors: Wang Shaohui , Ljubimov Alexander V. , Jin Ling , Pfeffer Klaus , Kronenberg Mitchell , Ghiasi Homayon
Published: October 2018

The effects of BTLA, LIGHT, and CD160 on latency reactivation are not known. We show here that in BTLA, LIGHT, or CD160 null mice, latency is reduced; however, HVEM expression is upregulated compared to that of WT mice, and this upregulation is associated with higher reactivation that is independent of LAT but dependent on gD expression. Thus, one of the mechanisms by which BTLA, LIGHT, and CD160 null mice enhance reactivation appears to be the increased expression of HVEM in the presence of gD. Thus, our results suggest that blockade of HVEM-LIGHT-BTLA-CD160 contributes to reduced HSV-1 latency and reactivation.
Exosomes Exploit the Virus Entry Machinery and Pathway To Transmit Alpha Interferon-Induced Antiviral Activity
Authors: Yao Zhenlan , Qiao Yunsheng , Li Xiaofang , Chen Jieliang , Ding Jiahui , Bai Lu , Shen Fang , Shi Bisheng , Liu Jia , Peng Lu , Li Jianhua , Yuan Zhenghong
Published: October 2018

Our previous study showed that LNPC-derived exosomes could transmit IFN-α-induced antiviral activity to HBV replicating hepatocytes, but the concrete transmission mechanisms, which include exosome entry and exosomal cargo release, remain unclear. In this study, we found that virus entry machinery and pathway were also applied to exosome-mediated cell-to-cell antiviral activity transfer. Macrophage-derived exosomes distinctively exploit hepatitis A virus receptor for access to hepatocytes. Later, CME and macropinocytosis are utilized by exosomes, followed by exosome-endosome fusion for efficient transfer of IFN-α-induced anti-HBV activity. We believe that understanding the cellular entry pathway of exosomes will be beneficial to designing exosomes as efficient vehicles for antiviral therapy.
First
De Novo
Draft Genome Sequence of the Pathogenic Fungus Fusarium udum F02845, Associated with Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millspaugh) Wilt
Authors: Srivastava Alok Kumar , Kashyap Prem Lal , Chakdar Hillol , Kumar Murugan , Srivastava Anchal Kumar , Yadav Jagriti , Jamali Hena , Srivastava Ruchi , Sharma Anjney , Tiwari Praveen , Singh Alok , Saxena Anil Kumar
Published: October 2018

Fusarium udum
F02845 is a destructive fungal pathogen which causes pigeonpea (
Cajanus cajan
L. Millspaugh) wilt.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas sp. Strain MWU13-2860, Isolated from a Wild Cranberry Bog in Truro, Massachusetts
Authors: Ebadzadsahrai Ghazal , Thomson Jonathon , Soby Scott
Published: October 2018

Pseudomonas
sp. strain MWU13-2860 was isolated from the rhizosphere of wild cranberry plants and is not closely related to
Pseudomonas
spp.
Genome Sequences of Five African Swine Fever Virus Genotype IX Isolates from Domestic Pigs in Uganda
Authors: Masembe Charles , Sreenu Vattipally B. , Da Silva Filipe Ana , Wilkie Gavin S. , Ogweng Peter , Mayega Francis Johnson , Muwanika Vincent B. , Biek Roman , Palmarini Massimo , Davison Andrew J.
Published: October 2018

Complete genome sequences of five African swine fever virus isolates were determined directly from clinical material obtained from domestic pigs in Uganda. Four sequences were essentially identical to each other, and all were closely related to the only known genome sequence of p72 genotype IX.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequences of Seven Listeria monocytogenes Strains with Variations in Virulence and Stress Responses
Authors: Liu Yanhong , Xu Aixia , Fratamico Pina M. , Sommers Christopher H. , Rotundo Luca , Boccia Federica , Jiang Yuji , Ward Todd J.
Published: October 2018

Listeria monocytogenes
is an important foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of seven
L. monocytogenes
strains isolated from food, environmental, and clinical sources.
Complete Genome Sequence of Salinisphaera sp. Strain LB1, a Moderately Halo-Acidophilic Bacterium Isolated from Lake Brown, Western Australia
Authors: O’Dell Kaela B. , Hatmaker E. Anne , Guss Adam M. , Mormile Melanie R.
Published: October 2018

Salinisphaera
sp. strain LB1 was isolated from Lake Brown, Western Australia, surface water enriched at pH 4.0 and with 5% (wt/vol) NaCl.
A Computational Modeling Approach Predicts Interaction of the Antifungal Protein AFP from
Aspergillus giganteus
with Fungal Membranes via Its γ-Core Motif
Authors: Utesch Tillmann , de Miguel Catalina Alejandra , Schattenberg Caspar , Paege Norman , Schmieder Peter , Krause Eberhard , Miao Yinglong , McCammon J. Andrew , Meyer Vera , Jung Sascha , Mroginski Maria Andrea
Published: October 2018

Fungal pathogens pose a serious danger to human welfare since they kill more people per year than malaria or tuberculosis and are responsible for crop losses worldwide. The treatment of fungal infections is becoming more complicated as fungi develop resistances against commonly used fungicides. Therefore, discovery and development of novel antifungal agents are of utmost importance.
Biofilm Formation Drives Transfer of the Conjugative Element ICE
Bs1
in
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Lécuyer Frédéric , Bourassa Jean-Sébastien , Gélinas Martin , Charron-Lamoureux Vincent , Burrus Vincent , Beauregard Pascale B.
Published: October 2018

Transfer of mobile genetic elements from one bacterium to another is the principal cause of the spread of antibiotic resistance. However, the dissemination of these elements in environmental contexts is poorly understood. In clinical and environmental settings, bacteria are often found living in multicellular communities encased in a matrix, a structure known as a biofilm. In this study, we examined how forming a biofilm influences the transmission of an integrative and conjugative element (ICE). Using the model Gram-positive bacterium
B. subtilis
, we observed that biofilm formation highly favors ICE transfer. This increase in conjugative transfer is due to the production of extracellular matrix, which creates an ideal biophysical context. Our study provides important insights into the role of the biofilm structure in driving conjugative transfer, which is of major importance since biofilm is a widely preponderant bacterial lifestyle for clinically relevant bacterial strains.
Physiological-based cord clamping in preterm infants using a new purpose-built resuscitation table: a feasibility study
Authors: Brouwer Emma , Knol Ronny , Vernooij Alex S N , van den Akker Thomas , Vlasman Patricia E , Klumper Frans J C M , DeKoninck Philip , Polglase Graeme R , Hooper Stuart B , te Pas Arjan B
Published: October 2018

Objective

Physiological-based cord clamping (PBCC) led to a more stable cardiovascular adaptation and better oxygenation in preterm lambs, but in preterm infants, this approach has been challenging. Our aim was to assess the feasibility of PBCC, including patterns of oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate (HR) during stabilisation in preterm infants using a new purpose-built resuscitation table.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Tertiary referral centre, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands.

Patients

Infants born below 35 weeks’ gestational age.

Interventions

Infants were stabilised on a new purpose-built resuscitation table (Concord), provided with standard equipment needed for stabilisation. Cord clamping was performed when the infant was stable (HR >100 bpm, spontaneous breathing on continuous positive airway pressure with tidal volumes >4 mL/kg, SpO2 ≥25th percentile and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) <0.4).

Results

Thirty-seven preterm infants were included; mean (SD) gestational age of 30.9 (2.4) weeks, birth weight 1580 (519) g. PBCC was successful in 33 infants (89.2%) and resulted in median (IQR) cord clamping time of 4:23 (3:00–5:11) min after birth. There were no maternal or neonatal adverse events. In 26/37 infants, measurements were adequate for analysis. HR was 113 (81–143) and 144 (129–155) bpm at 1 min and 5 min after birth. SpO2 levels were 58%(49%–60%) and 91%(80%–96%)%), while median FiO2 given was 0.30 (0.30–0.31) and 0.31 (0.25–0.97), respectively.

Conclusion

PBCC in preterm infants using the Concord is feasible. HR remained stable, and SpO2 quickly increased with low levels of oxygen supply.

Trial registration number

NTR6095, results.
Collaboration between academics and industry in clinical trials: cross sectional study of publications and survey of lead academic authors
Authors: Rasmussen Kristine , Bero Lisa , Redberg Rita , Gøtzsche Peter C , Lundh Andreas
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To determine the role of academic authors, funders, and contract research organisations in industry funded trials of vaccines, drugs, and devices and to determine lead academic authors’ experiences with industry funder collaborations.

Design

Cross sectional analysis of trial publications and survey of lead academic authors.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

The most recent 200 phase III and IV trials of vaccines, drugs, and devices with full industry funding, at least one academic author, published in one of the top seven high impact general medical journals (
New England Journal of Medicine
,
Lancet
,
JAMA
,
BMJ
,
Annals of Internal Medicine
,
JAMA Internal Medicine
, and
PLoS Medicine
).

Results

Employees of industry funders co-authored 173 (87%) of publications; 183 (92%) trials reported involvement of funders in design, and 167 (84%) reported involvement of academic authors. Data analysis involved the funder in 146 (73%) trials and the academic authors in 79 (40%). Trial reporting involved the funder in 173 (87%) trials and academic authors in 197 (99%). Contract research organisations were involved in the reporting of 123 (62%) trials.

Eighty (40%) of 200 lead academic authors responded to the survey. Twenty nine (33%) of the 80 responders reported that academics had final say on the design. Ten responders described involvement of an unnamed funder and/or contract research organisation employee in the data analysis and/or reporting. Most academic authors found the collaboration with industry funder beneficial, but 3 (4%) experienced delay in publication due to the industry funder and 9 (11%) reported disagreements with the industry funder, mostly concerning trial design and reporting.

Conclusions

Industry employees and academic authors are involved in the design, conduct, and reporting of most industry funded trials in high impact journals. However, data analysis is often conducted without academic involvement. Academics view the collaboration as beneficial, but some report loss of academic freedom.
Safety and efficacy of self-administered inhaled loxapine (ADASUVE) in agitated patients outside the hospital setting: protocol for a phase IV, single-arm, open-label trial
Authors: Gil Emilio , Garcia- Alonso Fernando , Boldeanu Anca , Baleeiro Teixeira Thaïs
Published: October 2018

Introduction

There is a need for fast-acting, non-injection antiagitation treatments that are well tolerated and can be used outside of healthcare facilities. In phase II/III trials, an inhaled formulation of loxapine (ADASUVE®), a well-established, first-generation antipsychotic agent, provided rapid control of mild to moderate agitation in the hospital setting. The present study was designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of inhaled loxapine when self-administered outside the hospital setting.

Methods and analysis

This phase IV, multicentre, single-arm, open-label clinical trial is being conducted in five countries in Europe: Spain, Germany, Norway, Romania and Austria. The aim is to include approximately 500 patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder who previously received and responded well to inhaled loxapine in the hospital setting. Eligible patients will be followed up for 6 months from baseline. They will be given a 10 mg dose of inhaled loxapine to self-administer outside the hospital setting to treat an agitation episode, should one occur. Patients will also be given a short-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator for treatment of possible severe respiratory side effects. The primary endpoint is incidence of serious adverse events (AEs) and respiratory AEs of special interest related to use of inhaled loxapine outside the hospital setting. Secondary endpoints include incidence of other AEs, Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scores up to 2 hours after self-administration of inhaled loxapine, time to improvement of agitation, patient satisfaction with treatment, treatment outcomes according to agitation severity and concordance between the patient (or a family member/caregiver) and the physician in scoring of agitation severity and the decision to self-administer inhaled loxapine.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol received ethics committee approval in the participating countries between January and August 2016. The results of this study will be disseminated through one or more scientific papers.

Trial registration number

EudraCT2015-003331-36;NCT02525991; Pre-results.
Association of Meniere’s disease and retinal vascular calibre: a prospective observational study in China
Authors: Wang Yixu , Diao Tongxiang , Han Lin , Tao Ye , Yu Lisheng
Published: October 2018

Objective

It is believed that Meniere’s disease (MD) is associated with vascular disorders, but few studies have reported the relationship between retinal vascular disorders and MD. We evaluated and compared the retinal vascular calibres in patients with MD with healthy subjects matched for age, sex and vascular risk factors using retinal photographs to explore the association between MD and retinal vascular calibre.

Study design

A prospective study.

Setting

Tertiary referral centre.

Participants

Sixty patients with MD and 62 healthy subjects matched for age, sex and vascular risk factors were enrolled in this study. Twenty-four patients with MD had migraines, and 36 patients with MD did not have migraines.

Main outcome measure

Retinal vascular calibres were calculated and compared not only between patients with MD and healthy subjects but also between subgroups of patients with MD.

Results

Compared with healthy subjects, patients with MD had a slightly larger retinal artery calibre (126.30±10.45vs 119.61±15.86, p=0.006) and a higher retinal artery/vein ratio (0.79±0.09vs 0.75±0.10, p=0.005). Among patients with MD, those with migraines had a larger retinal artery calibre (130.73±11.55vs 123.35±8.61, p=0.006) than those without migraines. Moreover, the presence of migraines and the high frequency of vertigo attacks appeared to increase the retinal artery calibre.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that a relationship exists between retinal vascular calibre and MD. Although the pathophysiological relationship between migraine and MD remains unclear, the presence of migraine attacks may aggravate endolymphatic hydrops (EH) and accelerate the outflow of EH in patients with MD. More extensive studies are required to explore the association between retinal vascular calibre and MD.
Getting the most out of intensive longitudinal data: a methodological review of workload–injury studies
Authors: Windt Johann , Ardern Clare L , Gabbett Tim J , Khan Karim M , Cook Chad E , Sporer Ben C , Zumbo Bruno D
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To systematically identify and qualitatively review the statistical approaches used in prospective cohort studies of team sports that reported intensive longitudinal data (ILD) (>20 observations per athlete) and examined the relationship between athletic workloads and injuries. Since longitudinal research can be improved by aligning the (1) theoretical model, (2) temporal design and (3) statistical approach, we reviewed the statistical approaches used in these studies to evaluate how closely they aligned these three components.

Design

Methodological review.

Methods

After finding 6 systematic reviews and 1 consensus statement in our systematic search, we extracted 34 original prospective cohort studies of team sports that reported ILD (>20 observations per athlete) and examined the relationship between athletic workloads and injuries. Using Professor Linda Collins’ three-part framework of aligning the theoretical model, temporal design and statistical approach, we qualitatively assessed how well the statistical approaches aligned with the intensive longitudinal nature of the data, and with the underlying theoretical model. Finally, we discussed the implications of each statistical approach and provide recommendations for future research.

Results

Statistical methods such as correlations, t-tests and simple linear/logistic regression were commonly used. However, these methods did not adequately address the (1) themes of theoretical models underlying workloads and injury, nor the (2) temporal design challenges (ILD). Although time-to-event analyses (eg, Cox proportional hazards and frailty models) and multilevel modelling are better-suited for ILD, these were used in fewer than a 10% of the studies (n=3).

Conclusions

Rapidly accelerating availability of ILD is the norm in many fields of healthcare delivery and thus health research. These data present an opportunity to better address research questions, especially when appropriate statistical analyses are chosen.
Cognitive control and daily affect regulation in major depression and borderline personality disorder: protocol for an experimental ambulatory assessment study in Berlin, Germany
Authors: Schulze Lars , Bürkner Paul-Christian , Bohländer Julian , Zetsche Ulrike
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Affective disturbances and difficulty in affect regulation are core features of major depressive disorder (MDD) as well as borderline personality disorder (BPD). Whereas depressed individuals are characterised by affective inertia, individuals with BPD are characterised by affective instability. Both groups have been found to use more maladaptive affect regulation strategies than healthy controls. Surprisingly, however, there have been hardly any studies directly comparing these two disorders to disentangle shared and disorder-specific deficits in affective dynamics and affect regulation.

Furthermore, theoretical models link deficits in affect regulation to deficits in cognitive control functions. Given that individuals with MDD or BPD are both characterised by impairments in cognitive control, the present study will further examine the link between individual differences in cognitive control and disturbances in affect dynamics and regulation in the daily life of individuals with MDD or BPD.

Methods and analyses

We will use a smartphone application to assess negative and positive affect as well as affect regulation strategies at eight times a day for 7 days. We will further employ four computerised tasks to assess two cognitive control functions, namely interference control and discarding irrelevant information from working memory. Our hypotheses will be tested using a multimethod approach. Power analyses determined a sample size of 159 (53 MDD, 53 BPD, 53 controls) to detect medium effect sizes.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained from the Freie Universität Berlin. Data collection started in January 2017 and will last until the end of 2018. Results will be disseminated to relevant psychotherapeutic and patient communities in peer-reviewed journals, and at scientific conferences.
Opportunistic HPV vaccination at age 16–23 and cervical screening attendance in Sweden: a national register-based cohort study
Authors: Kreusch Teresa , Wang Jiangrong , Sparén Pär , Sundström Karin
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To investigate whether cervical screening attendance differs between human papillomavirus (HPV)-vaccinated and unvaccinated women and to investigate potential underlying socioeconomic factors.

Design

Prospective cohort using registry linkage of vaccinations, screening invitations, screening attendance and socioeconomic covariates.

Setting

Swedish national HPV vaccination and cervical screening programmes.

Participants

All Swedish women born between 1988 and 1991 and invited to screening (n=261 434).

Outcome measures

All participants were followed for up to 3 years. Screening attendance was compared between HPV-vaccinated and unvaccinated women. HR and 95% CI were estimated using Cox regression.

Results

Vaccination age averaged 18.1 years and the coverage for≥1 dose was 13.5%. In HPV-vaccinated women (n=35 460), screening attendance was higher than in unvaccinated women (n=225 974) (74%vs69%, p<0.001). The crude HR of attendance in HPV-vaccinated women was 1.32 (95% CI 1.30 to 1.34). A positive association remained after adjustment for education, income and migration history (HR=1.10, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.12).

Conclusion

HPV-vaccinated women were more likely to attend screening than unvaccinated women. Yet, the question needs to be reassessed in routinely vaccinated cohorts, since the vaccinated women included here represent a selected group and may be prone to more health-conscious habits.
Randomised controlled trial of the Limit of Detection of Troponin and ECG Discharge (LoDED) strategy versus usual care in adult patients with chest pain attending the emergency department: study protocol
Authors: Carlton Edward , Campbell Sarah , Ingram Jenny , Kandiyali Rebecca , Taylor Hazel , Aziz Shahid , Beresford Peter , Kendall Jason , Reuben Adam , Smith Jason , Vickery Patricia Jane , Benger Jonathan Richard
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Observational data suggest a single high-sensitivity troponin blood test taken at emergency department (ED) presentation could be used to rule out major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in 10%–60% of ED patients with chest pain. This is done using an ‘undetectable’ cut-off (the Limit of Detection: LoD). We combined the LoD cut-off with ECG findings to create the LoDED strategy. We aim to establish whether the LoDED strategy works under real-life conditions, when compared with existing strategies, in a way that is cost-effective and acceptable to patients.

Methods and analysis

This is a parallel-group pragmatic randomised controlled trial across UK EDs. Adults presenting to ED with suspected cardiac chest pain will be randomised 1:1. Existing rule-out strategies in current use across study centres, using serial high-sensitivity troponin testing, will be compared with the LoDED strategy. The primary outcome is successful early discharge (discharge from hospital within 4 hours of arrival) without MACE occurring within 30 days. Secondary outcomes include initial length of hospital stay; comparative costs; patient satisfaction and acceptability to patients. To detect a 9% difference between the early discharge rates (assuming an 8% rate in the standard care group) with 90% power, 594 patients need to be recruited, assuming a 95% follow-up rate.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Frenchay Research Ethics Committee (reference 18/SW/0038). Results will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal. Lay summaries will be made available to patients.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN86184521; Pre-results.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of community pharmacy error rates in the USA: 1993–2015
Authors: Campbell Patrick J , Patel Mira , Martin Jennifer R , Hincapie Ana L , Axon David Rhys , Warholak Terri L , Slack Marion
Published: October 2018

Importance

While much is known about hospital pharmacy error rates in the USA, comparatively little is known about community pharmacy dispensing error rates.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the rate of community pharmacy dispensing errors in the USA.

Methods

English language, peer-reviewed observational and interventional studies that reported community pharmacy dispensing error rates in the USA from January 1993 to December 2015 were identified in 10 bibliographic databases and topic-relevant grey literature. Studies with a denominator reflecting the total number of prescriptions in the sample were necessary for inclusion in the meta-analysis. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted to estimate an aggregate community pharmacy dispensing error rate. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2statistic prior to analysis.

Results

The search yielded a total of 8490 records, of which 11 articles were included in the systematic review. Two articles did not have adequate data components to be included in the meta-analysis. Dispensing error rates ranged from 0.00003% (43/1 420 091) to 55% (55/100). The meta-analysis included 1 461 128 prescriptions. The overall community pharmacy dispensing error rate was estimated to be 0.015 (95% CI 0.014 to 0.018); however, significant heterogeneity was observed across studies (I2=99.6). Stratification by study error identification methodology was found to have a significant impact on dispensing error rate (p<0.001).

Conclusion and relevance

There are few published articles that describe community pharmacy dispensing error rates in the USA. Thus, there is limited information about the current rate of community pharmacy dispensing errors. A robust investigation is needed to assess dispensing error rates in the USA to assess the nature and magnitude of the problem and establish prevention strategies.
Impact of the NHS Health Check on inequalities in cardiovascular disease risk: a difference-in-differences matching analysis
Authors: Chang Kiara C-M , Vamos Eszter P , Palladino Raffaele , Majeed Azeem , Lee John Tayu , Millett Christopher
Published: October 2018

Background

We assessed impacts of a large, nationwide cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment and management programme on sociodemographic group inequalities in (1) early identification of hypertension, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD); and (2) management of global CVD risk among high-risk individuals.

Methods

We obtained retrospective electronic medical records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink for a randomly selected sample of 138 788 patients aged 40–74 years without known CVD or diabetes, who were registered with 462 practices between 2009 and 2013. We estimated programme impact using a difference-in-differences matching analysis that compared changes in outcome over time between attendees and non-attendees.

Results

National Health Service Health Check attendance was 21.4% (29 672/138 788). A significantly greater number of hypertension and T2D incident cases were identified in men than women (eg, an additional 4.02%, 95% CI 3.65% to 4.39%, and 2.08%, 1.81% to 2.35% cases of hypertension in men and women, respectively). A significantly greater number of T2D incident cases were identified among attendees living in the most deprived areas, but no differences were found for hypertension and CKD across socioeconomic groups. No major differences in CVD risk management were observed between sociodemographic subgroups (eg, programme impact on 10-year CVD risk score was −1.13%, −1.48% to −0.78% in male and −1.53%, −2.36% to −0.71% in female attendees).

Conclusion

During 2009–2013, the programme had low attendance and small overall impacts on early identification of disease and risk management. The age, sex and socioeconomic subgroups appeared to have derived similar level of benefits, leaving existing inequalities unchanged. These findings highlight the importance of population-wide interventions to address inequalities in CVD outcomes.
RT-QuIC: a new test for sporadic CJD
Authors: Green Alison J E
Published: October 2018

The diagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) can be difficult, but the real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assays have made a considerable impact on its clinical diagnosis. This technique exploits the ability of the misfolded pathological form of prion protein (PrPSc) found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to induce conversion of normal PrP to the misfolded form, which subsequently aggregates. The formation of these aggregates of misfolded PrP is monitored in real time using fluorescent dyes. The current sensitivity of CSF RT-QuIC undertaken at the UK National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit is 92% and the specificity is 100%. The interpretation of the RT-QuIC traces is affected by the presence of raised CSF red and white cells counts and elevated total protein concentrations. We recommend that CSF samples for RT-QuIC analysis are clear and colourless with a white cell count of <10 x10^6/L and have a total protein concentration of <1 g/L.