bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stuck in the middle: a systematic review of authorship in collaborative health research in Africa, 2014–2016
Authors: Hedt-Gauthier Bethany L , Jeufack Herve Momo , Neufeld Nicholas H , Alem Atalay , Sauer Sara , Odhiambo Jackline , Boum Yap , Shuchman Miriam , Volmink Jimmy 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundCollaborations are often a cornerstone of global health research. Power dynamics can shape if and how local researchers are included in manuscripts. This article investigates how international collaborations affect the representation of local authors, overall and in first and last author positions, in African health research.MethodsWe extracted papers on ‘health’ in sub-Saharan Africa indexed in PubMed and published between 2014 and 2016. The author’s affiliation was used to classify the individual as from the country of the paper’s focus, from another African country, from Europe, from the USA/Canada or from another locale. Authors classified as from the USA/Canada were further subclassified if the author was from a top US university. In primary analyses, individuals with multiple affiliations were presumed to be from a high-income country if they contained any affiliation from a high-income country. In sensitivity analyses, these individuals were presumed to be from an African country if they contained any affiliation an African country. Differences in paper characteristics and representation of local coauthors are compared by collaborative type using χ² tests.ResultsOf the 7100 articles identified, 68.3% included collaborators from the USA, Canada, Europe and/or another African country. 54.0% of all 43 429 authors and 52.9% of 7100 first authors were from the country of the paper’s focus. Representation dropped if any collaborators were from USA, Canada or Europe with the lowest representation for collaborators from top US universities—for these papers, 41.3% of all authors and 23.0% of first authors were from country of paper’s focus. Local representation was highest with collaborators from another African country. 13.5% of all papers had no local coauthors.DiscussionIndividuals, institutions and funders from high-income countries should challenge persistent power differentials in global health research. South-South collaborations can help African researchers expand technical expertise while maintaining presence on the resulting research.
Diagnostic performance of image technique based transurethral resection for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: systematic review and diagnostic meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Changhao , Huang Hao , Zhao Yue , Liu Hao , Sylvester Richard , Lin Tianxin , Huang Jian 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveTo explore the diagnostic performance of image technique based transurethral resection for bladder cancer, with white light-guided cystoscopy (WLC) as the reference standard.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesPubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Central Register of Controlled Trials and Embase from inception to 31 March 2018.MethodsIncluded studies reported the diagnostic performance of photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), PDD with hexaminolevulinic acid (HAL) or narrow band imaging (NBI), with WLC as the reference standard at the patient or lesion level. The studies’ risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Studies-2. Data were pooled using a random effect diagnostic meta-analysis, and subgroup analyses were performed.ResultsTwenty-six studies comprising a total of 3979 patients were included in this diagnostic meta-analysis. Pooled sensitivity (SSY), specificity (SPY), diagnostic OR (DOR) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) values were calculated per group for NBI, HAL and 5-ALA at the lesion or patient level. NBI showed significant diagnostic superiority compared with WLC at the lesion level (SSY 0.94, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.98; SPY 0.79, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.85; DOR 40.09, 95% CI 20.08 to 80.01; AUROC 0.88, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.91). NBI presented the highest DOR (358.71, 95% CI 44.50 to 2891.71) in the patient level. Subgroup analyses were performed on studies with low to moderate RoB and at least 100 patients at the lesion level. These results were consistent with those of the overall analysis.ConclusionsPooled data indicated that image technique based transurethral resection (NBI, HAL and 5-ALA) showed diagnostic superiority compared with WLC. Moreover, NBI is potentially the most promising diagnostic intervention, showing the best diagnostic performance outcomes. Further prognostic outcomes of novel imaging technologies compared with those WLC should be explored in addition to current diagnostic performance analysis.
Orthotic management of instability of the knee related to neuromuscular and central nervous system disorders: qualitative interview study of patient perspectives
Authors: McCaughan Dorothy , Booth Alison , Jackson Cath , Lalor Simon , Ramdharry Gita , O'Connor Rory J , Phillips Margaret , Bowers Roy , McDaid Catriona 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesAdults with knee instability related to neuromuscular disorders or central nervous conditions often experience mobility problems and rely on orthoses to improve function and mobility. Patient views of device effectiveness and acceptability are underexplored. Our study aimed to elicit device users’ perspectives regarding fitting, acceptability, effectiveness and use of orthoses, and identify important treatment outcomes.DesignQualitative descriptive study using in-depth semistructured interviews. Interview transcriptions were coded and thematically analysed, using ‘Framework’.Setting and participantsA purposive sample of 24 adult users of orthotic devices. Nineteen patients were recruited across three National Health Service sites, and five people through charities/patient support groups in England. Half of the participants had been diagnosed with poliomyelitis, and the remainder with multiple sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, spinal injury or spina bifida, and stroke. The median age of participants was 64.5 years (range 36–80 years).ResultsPatients’ medical condition impacted significantly on daily life. Participants relied on orthotic devices to enable engagement in daily activities. Patient goals for mobility were linked to individual circumstances. Desired treatment outcomes included reduction in pain, trips and falls, with improved balance and stability. Effectiveness, reliability, comfort and durability were the most valued features of orthoses and associated with reported use. Obtaining suitable footwear alongside orthotic devices was a significant concern. Time pressures during device fitting were viewed negatively.ConclusionsOrthotic devices for knee instability play a crucial role in promoting, maintaining and enhancing physical and psychological health and well-being, enabling patients to work, engage in family life and enjoy social activities. Future research should consider how best to measure the impact of orthotic devices on patient quality of life and daily functioning outside the clinic setting, as well as device use and any adverse effects.Trial registration numberThis qualitative study was retrospectively registered as Current Controlled TrialsISRCTN65240228.
Systematic review of the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine on nausea and vomiting in children with cancer: a study protocol
Authors: Ho Ka Yan , Lam Katherine Ka Wai , Chung Joyce Oi Kwan , Xia Wei , Cheung Ankie Tan , Ho Long Kwan , Chiu Sau Ying , Chan Godfrey Chi Fung , LI Ho Cheung William 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionNausea and vomiting are two most common symptoms reported by children with cancer when they undergo active treatment. However, pharmacological treatment is not sufficient to manage these two symptoms, with over 40% of children still experience nausea and vomiting after receiving antiemetics. There has been an exponential growth of studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of different complementary complementary medicine (CAM) to control nausea and vomiting during cancer treatment. Appropriate application of CAM enhances the effectiveness of antiemetics, thus reducing the symptom burden on children as well as improving their general condition and quality of life during cancer treatment. Nevertheless, it remains unclear which CAM is the best approach to help children to prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting during and after cancer treatment. This paper describes a protocol for identifying, analysing and synthesising research evidence on the effectiveness of CAM on nausea and vomiting in children with cancer.Methods and analysisA total of 10 databases will be searched to identify appropriate literature: MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, LILACS, OpenSIGLE, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, the Chinese Medical Current Contents and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure. All randomised controlled trials which meet the inclusion criteria will be included. The primary outcome is the changes in nausea and vomiting either assessed by self-reported and/or objective measures. Review Manager 5.3 will be used to synthesise the data, calculate the treatment effects, perform any subgroup analysis and assess the risk of bias.Ethical and disseminationThe results will be presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. As no individual data will be involved in this review, ethical approval is not required.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019135404.
Is a hip flip the right trick?
Authors: Oerlemans Leonoor Neline Tess , Zijlstra Wierd P , Lameijer Heleen , Coolsma Constant W 
Published: October 2019

Clinical introductionA 68-year-old man, with known spasticity and a total left hip arthroplasty (THA) performed 6 years ago, was brought to our ED after falling down the stairs. Laying on the stretcher, his left leg was internally rotated and in hyperflexion. An X-ray of the left hip was performed. The diagnosis of posterior hip dislocation was made (figure 1). The patient received sedation and analgesia with 75 mg propofol and 9 mg esketamine intravenously, and a closed reduction procedure was attempted using manual flexion, adduction, traction and internal rotation. Unfortunately, the reduction failed.Figure 1The patient’s X-ray.QuestionWhy is closed reduction not effective in this case?The femoral head is located more cranially expected, due to material failure. The whole THA should be replaced.This is an anterior dislocation. The closed reduction procedure should be performed by using extension, abduction, traction and internal rotation.The femoral head is not reduced centrally in the acetabulum and the closed reduction procedure should be repeated more forcefully.A dual-mobility cup is used and the liner is not in place anymore. Revision surgery is required.For answer see page 2
IR absorption spectra of high-pressure polyethylene modified by fish scales
Authors: Gojayev E. M. , Salimova V. V. , Jabarov S. H. 
Published: October 2019

We study polymeric-based composite materials with nanostructured metal filler and bio-filler; they protect the material from environmental influences, including oxidation, and give the required flexibility to the composite, subject to biocompatibility. Composites were obtained from a homogeneous mixture of the powders of the matrix components and the filler using a heated press at a temperature of 420 K and a pressure of 15 MPa. The quenching crystallization mode is the rapid cooling of samples in a water–ice mixture. The results of a study of IR spectra taken with a Fourier spectrometer Varian 640 FT-IR, high-pressure polyethylene composites modified with biological filler, and LDPE [Formula: see text] vol.% FS [Formula: see text] vol.% Fe bio-nanocomposites in the frequency range 4000–400 cm[Formula: see text] were presented. It was revealed that the introduction of modifiers from fish scales (FS) and metallic nanoparticles (Fe) in LDPE in an optimal amount does not contribute to the appearance of new absorption bands, i.e. it practically does not change the shape of their IR spectrum. This means that the modifier of biological origin is technologically compatible with LDPE. The introduction of fish scale filler to LDPE contributes to a noticeable decrease in the intensity of the formation of C–O groups (1720 cm[Formula: see text]), which is a measure of the oxidative degradation of polymer chains. The results show that the introduction of FS into the structures of high-pressure polyethylene contributes to the formation of an optimal and stable structure, which, in turn, interferes with the intensive development of the photooxidative process caused by UV irradiation.
Thicker Soergel calculus for B3
Authors: Koley Mitra 
Published: October 2019

Diagrammatic algebra provides a useful way to study Soergel bimodules. This approach proceeds via the simpler category [Formula: see text]Bim of Bott–Samelson bimodules, for which there is a well developed diagrammatic calculus. As Soergel bimodules are summands of Bott–Samelson bimodules, it is important to understand idempotents in the category [Formula: see text]Bim. For Coxeter groups of type [Formula: see text], we analyze this problem for certain important idempotents, namely, the idempotent projecting to the indecomposable Soergel bimodule corresponding to the longest element of the Coxeter group. We use a strategy analogous to one used by Elias in type [Formula: see text]. We present a full explicit calculation for the first nontrivial case [Formula: see text]. The strategy is applicable for general [Formula: see text] but much more involved. We hope that the [Formula: see text] case serves as a stepping stone for the general case.
An Energy-efficient Distributed TDMA Scheduling Algorithm for ZigBee-like Cluster-tree WSNs
Authors: Ahmad Aasem , Hanzalek Zdenek 
Published: October 2019

The design of Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) with both limited energy consumption and data delivery time is crucial for industrial and control applications. Since Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) MAC eliminates the collision occurrence and seeks the minimization of the number of time-slots assigned to each node, the energy consumption of the nodes is reduced. Furthermore, with the proper allocation of the time-slots to the nodes, the transmission delay can be significantly reduced.
In this article, we propose TDMA scheduling algorithm for Cluster-tree topology WSNs that meets the timeliness and the energy demands. The algorithm adopts an elegant approach that expresses the timing constraints of the data transmissions as an integer multiple of the length of the schedule period. Moreover, since the distributed algorithm is well-suited to the scarce resources of the WSNs, we focus on the distributed methods that allow each cluster to come up with its allocated time-slots. The algorithm is based on graph theory, such as distributed shortest path, distributed topological ordering, and distributed graph coloring algorithms. The efficiency of the algorithm, regarding the elapsed time to construct the schedule and the energy consumption, is evaluated over benchmark instances up to several thousands of nodes.
Deletion of the microRNA-degrading nuclease, translin/trax, prevents pathogenic vascular stiffness
Authors: Tuday Eric , Nomura Yohei , Ruhela Deepa , Nakano Mitsunori , Fu Xiuping , Shah Aparna , Roman Barbara , Yamaguchi Atsushi , An Steven S. , Steenbergen Charles , Baraban Jay M. , Berkowitz Dan E. , Das Samarjit 
Published: October 2019

Vascular stiffness plays a key role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Recent studies indicate that the age-associated reduction in miR-181b levels in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributes to increased vascular stiffness. As these findings suggest that inhibiting degradation of miR-181b might prevent vascular stiffening, we have assessed whether the microRNA-degrading translin/trax (TN/TX) complex mediates degradation of miR-181b in the aorta.We found that TN−/− mice display elevated levels of miR-181b expression in the aorta. Therefore, we tested whether TN deletion prevents vascular stiffening in a mouse model of hypertension, induced by chronic high-salt intake (4%NaCl in drinking water for 3 wk; HSW). TN−/− mice subjected to HSW stress do not show increased vascular stiffness, as monitored by pulse wave velocity and tensile testing. The protective effect of TN deletion in the HSW paradigm appears to be mediated by its ability to increase miR-181b in the aorta since HSW decreases levels of miR-181b in WT mice, but not in TN KO mice. We demonstrate for the first time that interfering with microRNA degradation can have a beneficial impact on the vascular system and identify the microRNA-degrading TN/TX RNase complex as a potential therapeutic target in combatting vascular stiffness. NEW & NOTEWORTHY While the biogenesis and mechanism of action of mature microRNA are well understood, much less is known about the regulation of microRNA via degradation. Recent studies have identified the protein complex, translin(TN)/trax(TX), as a microRNA-degrading enzyme. Here, we demonstrate that TN/TX is expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells. Additionally, deletion of the TN/TX complex selectively increases aortic miR-181b and prevents increased vascular stiffness caused by ingestion of high-salt water. To our knowledge, this is first report describing the role of a microRNA RNAse in cardiovascular biology or pathobiology.
Increased arrhythmia susceptibility in type 2 diabetic mice related to dysregulation of ventricular sympathetic innervation
Authors: Jungen Christiane , Scherschel Katharina , Flenner Frederik , Jee Haesung , Rajendran Pradeep , De Jong Kirstie A. , Nikolaev Viacheslav , Meyer Christian , Ardell Jeffrey L. , Tompkins John D. 
Published: October 2019

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a greater risk of developing life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Because the underlying mechanisms and potential influence of diabetic autonomic neuropathy are not well understood, we aimed to assess the relevance of a dysregulation in cardiac autonomic tone. Ventricular arrhythmia susceptibility was increased in Langendorff-perfused hearts isolated from mice with T2DM ( db/db). Membrane properties and synaptic transmission were similar at cardiac postganglionic parasympathetic neurons from diabetic and control mice; however, a greater asynchronous neurotransmitter release was present at sympathetic postganglionic neurons from the stellate ganglia of db/db mice. Western blot analysis showed a reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) from the ventricles of db/db mice, which was confirmed with confocal imaging as a heterogeneous loss of TH-immunoreactivity from the left ventricular wall but not the apex. In vivo stimulation of cardiac parasympathetic (vagus) or cardiac sympathetic (stellate ganglion) nerves induced similar changes in heart rate in control and db/db mice, and the kinetics of pacing-induced Ca2+transients (recorded from isolated cardiomyocytes) were similar in control and db/db cells. Antagonism of cardiac muscarinic receptors did not affect the frequency or severity of arrhythmias in db/db mice, but sympathetic blockade with propranolol completely inhibited arrhythmogenicity. Collectively, these findings suggest that the increased ventricular arrhythmia susceptibility of type 2 diabetic mouse hearts is due to dysregulation of the sympathetic ventricular control.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have greater risk of suffering from sudden cardiac death. We found that the increased ventricular arrhythmia susceptibility in type 2 diabetic mouse hearts is due to cardiac sympathetic dysfunction. Sympathetic dysregulation is indicated by an increased asynchronous release at stellate ganglia, a heterogeneous loss of tyrosine hydroxylase from the ventricular wall but not apex, and inhibition of ventricular arrhythmias in db/db mice after β-sympathetic blockade.
Hydrogen sulfide regulation of renal and mesenteric blood flow
Authors: Morales-Loredo Humberto , Barrera Adelaeda , Garcia Joshua M. , Pace Carolyn E. , Naik Jay S. , Gonzalez Bosc Laura V. , Kanagy Nancy L. 
Published: October 2019

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) dilates isolated arteries, and knockout of the H2S-synthesizing enzyme cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) increases blood pressure. However, the contributions of endogenously produced H2S to blood flow regulation in specific vascular beds are unknown. Published studies in isolated arteries show that CSE production of H2S influences vascular tone more in small mesenteric arteries than in renal arteries or the aorta. Therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate H2S regulation of blood pressure, vascular resistance, and regional blood flows using chronically instrumented rats. We hypothesized that during whole animal CSE inhibition, vascular resistance would increase more in the mesenteric than the renal circulation. Under anesthesia, CSE inhibition [β-cyanoalanine (BCA), 30 mg/kg bolus + 5 mg·kg−1·min−1for 20 min iv) rapidly increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) more than saline administration (%Δ: saline −1.4 ± 0.75 vs. BCA 7.1 ± 1.69, P < 0.05) but did not change resistance (MAP/flow) in either the mesenteric or renal circulation. In conscious rats, BCA infusion similarly increased MAP (%Δ: saline −0.8 ± 1.18 vs. BCA 8.2 ± 2.6, P < 0.05, n = 7) and significantly increased mesenteric resistance (saline 0.9 ± 3.1 vs. BCA 15.6 ± 6.5, P < 0.05, n = 12). The H2S donor Na2S (50 mg/kg) decreased blood pressure and mesenteric resistance ,but the fall in resistance was not significant. Inhibiting CSE for multiple days with dl-proparglycine (PAG, 50 mg·kg−1·min−1iv bolus for 5 days) significantly increased vascular resistance in both mesenteric (ratio of day 1: saline 0.86 ± 0.033 vs. PAG 1.79 ± 0.38) and renal circulations (ratio of day 1: saline 1.26 ± 0.22 vs. 1.98 ± 0.14 PAG). These results support our hypothesis that CSE-derived H2S is an important regulator of blood pressure and vascular resistance in both mesenteric and renal circulations. Furthermore, inhalation anesthesia diminishes the effect of CSE inhibition on vascular tone.NEW & NOTEWORTHY These results suggest that CSE-derived H2S has a prominent role in regulating blood pressure and blood flow under physiological conditions, which may have been underestimated in prior studies in anesthetized subjects. Therefore, enhancing substrate availability or enzyme activity or dosing with H2S donors could be a novel therapeutic approach to treat cardiovascular diseases.