bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patients’ confidence in treatment decisions for early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Pompili Cecilia , Holch Patricia , Rogers Zoe , Absolom Kate , Clayton Beverly , Franks Kevin , Bekker Hilary , Velikova Galina 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background In early-stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients, little is known about how to measure patient participation in Shared-Decision Making (SDM). We examined the psychometric properties and clinical acceptability of the Decision Self-Efficacy scale (DSE) in a cohort of patients undergoing to Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) or Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) to capture patient involvement in treatment decisions. Methods In the context of a prospective longitudinal study (Life after Lung Cancer-LiLAC) involving 244 patients with early-stage NSCLC, 158 (64.7%) patients completed the DSE either on paper or electronically online prior to treatment with SABR or VATS pulmonary resection. DSE psychometric properties were examined using: principal components analysis of item properties and internal structure, and internal construct validity; we also performed a sensitivity analysis according to Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS), gender, age and treatment received (VATS or SABR) difference. Results Exploratory factor analysis using polychoric correlations substantiated that the 11 item DSE is one scale accounting for 81% of the variance. We calculated a value of 0.96 for Cronbach’s alpha for the total DSE score. DSE scores did not differ by gender ( p =0.37), between the two treatment groups (p=0.09) and between younger and older patients ( p =0.4). However, patients with an ECOG PS >1 have a DSE mean of 73.8 (SD 26) compared to patients with a PS 0-1 who have a DSE mean of 85.8 (SD 20.3 p =0.002). Conclusion Findings provide preliminary evidence for the reliability and validity of the DSE questionnaire in this population. However, future studies are warranted to identify the most appropriate SDM tool for clinical practice in the lung cancer treatment field.
Drug retention of 7 biologics and tofacitinib in biologics-naïve and biologics-switched patients with rheumatoid arthritis -The ANSWER cohort study-
Authors: Ebina Kosuke , Hirano Toru , Maeda Yuichi , Yamamoto Wataru , Hashimoto Motomu , Murata Koichi , Takeuchi Tohru , Shiba Hideyuki , Son Yonsu , Amuro Hideki , Onishi Akira , Akashi Kengo , Hara Ryota , Katayama Masaki , Yamamoto Keiichi , Kumanogoh Atsushi , Hirao Makoto 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: This multi-center, retrospective study aimed to clarify retention rates and reasons for discontinuation of 7 biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and tofacitinib (TOF), one of the janus kinase inhibitors, in bDMARDs-naïve and bDMARDs-switched patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: This study assessed 3,897 patients and 4,415 treatment courses with bDMARDs and TOF from 2001 to 2019 (2,737 bDMARDs-naïve patients and 1,678 bDMARDs-switched patients [59.5% switched to their second agent], female 82.3%, baseline age 57.4 years, disease duration 8.5 years; rheumatoid factor positivity 78.4%; Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using erythrocyte sedimentation rate 4.3; concomitant prednisolone [PSL] dose 6.1 mg/day [42.4%], and methotrexate [MTX] dose 8.5 mg/week [60.9%]). Treatment courses included abatacept (ABT; n=663), adalimumab (ADA; n=536), certolizumab pegol (CZP; n=226), etanercept (ETN; n=856), golimumab (GLM; n=458), infliximab (IFX; n=724), tocilizumab (TCZ; n=851), and TOF (n=101/only bDMARDs-switched cases). Drug discontinuation reasons (categorized into lack of effectiveness, toxic adverse events, non-toxic reasons, or remission) and rates were estimated at 36 months using the Gray’s test, and statistically evaluated after adjusted by potential clinical confounders (age, sex, disease duration, concomitant PSL and MTX usage, starting date, and number of switched bDMARDs) using the Fine-Gray model. Results: Cumulative incidence of drug discontinuation for each reason was as follows: lack of effectiveness in the bDMARDs-naïve group (from 13.7% [ABT] to 26.9% [CZP]; P<0.001 between agents) and the bDMARDs-switched group (from 18.9% [TCZ] to 46.1% [CZP]; P<0.001 between agents). Toxic adverse events in the bDMARDs-naïve group (from 4.6% [ABT] to 11.2% [ETN]; P<0.001 between agents) and the bDMARDs-switched group (from 5.0% [ETN] to 15.7% [TOF]; P=0.004 between agents). Remission in the bDMARDs-naïve group (from 2.9% [ETN] to 10.0% [IFX]; P<0.001 between agents) and the bDMARDs-switched group (from 1.1% [CZP] to 3.3% [GLM]; P=0.9 between agents). Conclusions: Remarkable differences were observed in drug retention of 7 bDMARDs and TOF between bDMARDs-naïve and bDMARDs-switched cases.
Invasive growth of&nbsp;Aspergillus oryzae&nbsp;in rice&nbsp;koji&nbsp;and increase of nuclear number
Authors: Yasui Mizuki , Oda Ken , Masuo Shunsuke , Hosoda Shuji , Katayama Takuya , Maruyama Jun-ichi , Takaya Naoki , Takeshita Norio 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: ‘Rice koji’ is a solid culture of Aspergillus oryzae on steamed rice grains. Multiple parallel fermentation, wherein saccharification of rice by A. oryzae and alcohol fermentation by the budding yeast occur simultaneously, lead to the formation of a variety of ingredients of Japanese sake. In sake brewing, the degree of mycelial invasive growth into the steamed rice, called ‘haze-komi’, highly correlates with the digestibility and quality of rice koji, since the hyphae growing into the rice secrete amylases and digest starch of rice. Results: In this study, we investigated mycelial distribution of GFP-tagged A. oryzae in rice koji made with different types of rice, such as sake rice and eating rice, with 50 or 90% polishing rate to remove abundant proteins and lipids near the surface. In addition, we compared transcriptomes of A. oryzae in the different types of rice koji. Finally, we found that A. oryzae increases the nuclear number and hyphal width in the course of 1-3 days cultivation. Conclusions: Our imaging analyses indicate that A. oryzae hyphae grew more deeply into 50% polished rice than 90% polished rice. The increases of nuclear number may be a selectively acquired characteristic for the high secretory capacity during the breeding in long history.
Engaging Stakeholders in the Adaptation of the Connect for Health Pediatric Weight Management Program for National Implementation
Authors: Simione Meg , Frost Holly M. , Cournoyer Rachel , Mini Fernanda Neri , Cassidy Jackie , Craddock Cassie , Moreland Jennifer , Wallace Jessica , Metlay Joshua , Kistin Caroline J. , Sease Kerry , Hambidge Simon J. , Taveras Elsie M. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Connect for Health is an evidence-based weight management program with clinical- and family-facing components for delivery in pediatric primary care for families of children ages 2 to 12 years. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to guide formative work prior to national implementation. The purpose of this study was to describe the process and results of stakeholder engagement and program adaptation.Methods: We used mixed qualitative and quantitative methods to iteratively adapt and optimize the program by assessing needs and perspectives of clinicians and parents, as well as contextual barriers, facilitators and organizational readiness for the uptake of the proposed program tools and implementation strategies. We conducted interviews with primary care clinicians from four health care organizations in Boston, MA, Denver, CO, and Greenville, SC and used principles of immersion-crystallization for qualitative analyses. We also conducted surveys of parents of children with a body mass index ≥ 85th percentile.Results: We reached thematic saturation after 52 clinician interviews. Emergent themes representing the CFIR domains of intervention characteristics, outer and inner setting, and process included: (1) importance of evidence-based clinical decision support tools that integrate into the workflow and do not extend visit time; (2) developing resources that respond to family’s needs; (3) using multimodal delivery options for family resources; (4) addressing childhood obesity while balancing competing demands; (5) emphasizing patient care rather than documentation and establishing sustainability plans; and (6) offering multiple training methods that incorporate performance feedback. Of the parents surveyed (n=400), approximately 50% were Spanish-speaking and over 75% reported an annual income < $50,000. Parents affirmed the importance of addressing weight management during well-child visits, being provided with referrals and resources, and offering multiple methods for resource delivery. Decisions about program modifications were made at the program and healthcare-system level and based on stakeholder engagement findings. Modifications included cultural, geographic, and target audience adaptations, as well as varied resource delivery options. Conclusions: To ensure the fit between the Connect for Health program and national implementation settings, adaptations were systematically made through engagement of clinician and parent stakeholders to support adoption, sustainability, and health outcomes. Trial Registration: NCT04042493
Extraction of nuclei from archived post-mortem tissues for single-nucleus sequencing applications
Authors: Maitra Malosree , Nagy Corina , Wang Yu Chang , Nascimento Camila , Suderman Matthew , Théroux Jean-Francois , Mechawar Naguib , Ragoussis Jiannis , Turecki Gustavo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Single-cell and single-nucleus sequencing techniques are a burgeoning field with various biological, biomedical, and clinical applications. Numerous high and low-throughput methods have been developed for sequencing the RNA and DNA content of single cells. However, for all these methods the key requirement is high quality input of a single-cell or single-nucleus suspension. Preparing such a suspension is the limiting step when working with fragile, archived tissues of variable quality. This hurdle can prevent such tissues from being extensively investigated with single-cell technologies. We describe a protocol for preparing single-nucleus suspensions within the span of a few hours that reliably works for multiple post-mortem and archived tissues types using standard lab equipment. Moreover, these preparations are compatible with single-nucleus RNA-seq and ATAC-seq using the 10X Genomics’ Chromium system.
Functional benefits of corticosteroid and IVIG combination therapy in a coronary artery endothelial cell model of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Inoue Takashi , Murakami Shokei , Matsumoto Kenji , Matsuda Akio 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most common pediatric systemic vasculitides of unknown etiology. Recent clinical studies led to reappraisal of the usefulness of initial combination therapy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) plus a corticosteroid for patients with severe KD. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the clinical benefits of that combination therapy remain unclear. Here, we used cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs), as a mimic of KD, to study the possible mechanisms responsible for the clinical benefits of adding a corticosteroid to standard IVIG therapy for patients with severe KD.Methods HCAECs were stimulated with TNF-α, IL-1α or IL-1β in the presence and absence of high-dose IgG and/or dexamethasone (DEX). The mRNA and protein concentrations for high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), IL-1α, IL-6 and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in the culture supernatants were measured by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and ELISA, respectively. Apoptosis was evaluated by the caspase 3/7 activities.Results DEX, but not IgG, significantly inhibited apoptosis caused by inflammatory stimuli, resulting in effective reduction of HMGB1 and IL-1α protein release by HCAECs. As previously reported, DEX or IgG alone significantly suppressed TNF-α-induced production of IL-6 and G-CSF and mRNA expression, but induction of those cytokines by IL-1s (IL-1α and IL-1β) was resistant to high-dose IgG.Conclusions A corticosteroid can effectively inhibit the release of HMGB1 and IL-1α, which may be involved in IVIG resistance in KD. Since high-dose IgG does not have such beneficial anti-cytotoxic effects, adding a corticosteroid to standard IVIG therapy may help prevent the progression of IVIG resistance in KD.
The use of ultrasound in primary care: Longitudinal billing and cross-sectional survey study in Switzerland
Authors: Touhami Dima , Merlo Christoph , Hohmann Joachim , Essig Stefan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Ultrasound imaging is utilized in Swiss primary care; however, little is known regarding the extent to which it is performed. With this study, we aim to (1) provide an overview of ultrasound use by general practitioners (GPs), and (2) determine the clinical indications of ultrasound in Swiss general practice.Methods This is a quantitative study, analyzing fifteen years of billing data from 213 GPs in Central Switzerland, and cross-sectional survey data completed by 61 GPs attending 26 certification and refresher courses offered by the Swiss Society of Ultrasound in Medicine (SGUM).Results According to billing data, 49% of the GPs used ultrasound and provided 130,245 exams to 67,180 patients between 2004 and 2018. Over the years, ultrasound use became more frequent among GPs. Male GPs provide more ultrasound exams than female GPs. Patients that are female, ≥65 years, and multi-morbid had more ultrasound exams compared to males, patients <65 years, and those with only one morbidity, respectively. GPs provided a mean of 129 ultrasound exams per physician-year. Abdominal ultrasound comprised almost 69% of all exams. According to survey data, indications covered many organ systems and clinical conditions, with abdominal indications being most frequent among them.Conclusions The use of ultrasound is high among general practitioners and it covers a wide range of clinical indications. Ultrasound is utilized primarily in the diagnosis of clinical indications of the abdomen, and more often for female than male patients.
A multi-centre, pragmatic, three-arm, individually randomised, non-inferiority, open trial to compare Immediate Oral, Immediate Topical or Delayed Oral Antibiotics for Acute Otitis Media with Discharge in children: The Runny Ear Study (REST): Study protocol.
Authors: Curtis Kathryn , Taylor Jodi , Hay Alastair , Moore Michael , Morris Richard , Cabral Christie , Horwood Jeremy , Curcin Vasa , Prasad Vibhore , Schilder Anne , Wilkes Scott , Turner Nicholas 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common painful infection in children, with around 2.8 million cases presenting to primary care in England and Wales annually. Nearly all children who present to their general practitioner (GP) with AOM or AOM with discharge (AOMd) are treated with oral antibiotics. These can cause side effects; contribute to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and more rarely, allergic reactions. Alternative treatments, such as an antibiotic eardrops or “delayed” oral antibiotics, could be at least as effective and safe as immediate oral antibiotics for children with AOMd.Methods: REST is a pragmatic, three-arm, individually randomised, non-inferiority trial being conducted in 50 GP practices across the UK. The study aims to recruit 399 children aged (≥12m and <16yrs) presenting to their GP with AOMd. Children will be randomised to one of three arms: immediate ciprofloxacin 0.3% eardrops; delayed oral amoxicillin (clarithromycin if penicillin allergic); or immediate oral amoxicillin (clarithromycin). Recruitment, including eligibility screening, randomisation and data collection, are conducted using the innovative, TRANSFoRm electronic trial management platform. Integrated within the primary care electronic medical records it provides automatic eligibility checking, part-filling of e-CRFs, study workflow management and routine NHS follow up data collection. The primary outcome is time to resolution of all significant symptoms and will be collected by the parent using a Symptom Recovery Questionnaire (SRQ). Secondary outcomes, including cost-effectiveness, duration of moderately bad or worse symptoms and repeat AOMd episodes, will be collected at day 14 and at 3 months. Discussion: It is unclear whether prescribing oral antibiotics to children with AoMd results in a reduction in symptoms or a shorter duration of illness. The REST trial will allow us to compare the non-inferiority of: immediate topical ciprofloxacin ear drops, or delayed oral amoxicillin (clarithromycin) against immediate oral amoxicillin (clarithromycin). We aim to recruit 399 patients from 175 practices in the UK. Using the Transform software to randomise participants to the trial will enable recruitment for a relatively uncommon condition. Trial registration:Name of Registry: ISCRTNRegistration Number: ISRCTN12873692 This contains all items required to comply with the World Health Organization Trial Registration Data SetDate of Registration: 24th April 2018 http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12873692Name of Registry: EudraCT Registration Number: 2017-003635-10Date of Registration: 6TH September 2017
Molecular detection of concurrent infections of Anaplasma sp. Omatjenne, Theileria mutans, Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale in calves and yearlings in a tick endemic Guinea savannah ecosystem in Cameroon.
Authors: Achukwi Mbunkah Daniel , Sali Ngam , Madder Maxime , Youssouf Mfopit Mouliom , Waingeh Nain Caroline , Kingsley Manchang Tanyi , Daniel Ndzingu Awa , Geysen Dirk 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Ticks play a major role in limiting profitable livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa and the region is beleaguered by a paucity of data on diseases implicated in high morbidity and mortality in most of its livestock production systems.Methods: In a tick endemic Guinea savannah ecosystem, ticks infesting calves and yearlings during their first eighteen months of life were collected weekly and morphologically identified. PCR, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and sequencing were applied on DNA of tick-borne pathogens in animal blood buffy coat to amplify and characterize the 16S rRNA genes of Anaplasma , Ehrlichia and 18S rRNA gene for Babesia spp .Results: Of 31 364 adult ticks, nymphs and larvae collected from the 20 experimental animals, 6525 (20.1%), 7399 (23.6%), 990 (3.2%), 16450 (52.4%) were Amblyomma variegatum, Rhipicephalus spp ., other genera, and tick nymphs/larvae respectively . Tick infestation rates during the rainy season for A.variegatum, Rhipicephalus spp . and nymph/larvae were 50.3, 12.4 and 28.3, respectively, while in the dry season the proportions were one, 26.2 and 72.8 respectively. High Rhipicephalus spp. ( Boophilus ) infestation rates significantly reduced haematocrit (P<0.01). All animals had mixed infections of haemoparasites. The presence of Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma sp. Omatjenne in the blood significantly reduced haematocrit (p<0.0001) while Babesia bigemina and Theileria mutans had no effect (P>0.05). No E. ruminantium was detected. We report for the first time in Cameroon, the detection of Anaplasma sp. Omatjenne and T.mutans infecting all and four of these animals, respectively. Babesia bigemina , and Anaplasma sp. Omatjenne concurrently occurred in all 20 experimental animals, A.marginale in 15. The mean first-time contact periods (in weeks) for B.bigemina , T.mutans , Anaplasma sp. Omatjenne and A.marginale were 15(3-37), 30(9-43), 21(5-55) and 25(7-55) respectively; and they were not significantly different (P>0.05).Conclusion: The absence of disease conditions demonstrate an endemically stable situation in the region for these infections. With no clinical data on A. sp. Omatjenne and T.mutans infections in this area, further insights into their epizootiology should be of interest.
Effect of the Pumping-injection flow rate on Heat Transfer Characteristic of Borehole Heat Exchangers for Coupling Ground-Source Heat Pump System
Authors: Ma Jiuchen , Jiang Qian , Zhang Qiuli , Xie Yacheng , Wang Yahui , Yi Feiyu 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
A coupling ground source heat pump system (CGSHP) is established in areas where groundwater is shallow but the seepage velocity is weak, which sets up pumping and injection wells on both sides of borehole heat exchangers (BHEs). A convection-dispersion analytical model of excess temperature in aquifer that considers groundwater forced seepage and axial effects and thermal dispersion effects is proposed. A controllable forced seepage sandbox is built by equation analysis method and similarity criteria. Through indoor test and the proposed analytical model, the correctness and accuracy of the numerical simulation software FEFLOW7.1 is verified. The influence of different pumping-injection flow rate on the heat transfer characteristic of BHEs is studied by numerical simulation. The results show that the average heat efficiency coefficient of BHEs increases and the heat influence range of downstream BHEs expands with the increasing of pumping-injection flow rate. The relation curve between Pe and the increment of heat transfer rate per unit depth of BHEs (Δ`q) is distributed as Gaussian function. The pumping-injection flow rate that makes Darcy velocity reaches 0.6×10-6~1.4×10-6 m∙s-1 in the aquifer is the best reference range for CGSHP system，so 400~600 m3∙d-1 is taken as the best pumping-injection flow rate in this paper.