bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protocol for a partially nested randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network Support Group Leader EDucation (SPIN-SSLED) Program
Authors:   SPIN-SSLED Support Group Advisory Team, Thombs Brett D. , Aguila Kylene , Dyas Laura , Carrier Marie-Eve , Fedoruk Claire , Horwood Linda , Cañedo-Ayala Mara , Sauvé Maureen , Kwakkenbos Linda , Malcarne Vanessa L. , El-Baalbaki Ghassan , Peláez Sandra , Connolly Kerri , Hudson Marie , Platt Robert W. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Some people with rare diseases rely on peer-led support groups for disease-specific education and emotional and practical support. Systemic sclerosis (SSc), or scleroderma, is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease. Many people with SSc cannot access support groups, and, when support groups exist, they may not be sustained due to challenges that could be addressed via leader training. The Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN), along with SSc patient organization partners, developed a training program for SSc patient support group leaders, the Scleroderma Support group Leader EDucation (SPIN-SSLED) Program. We recently completed a feasibility trial in which we successfully delivered the program to two groups of support group leaders who reported a high level of satisfaction with the program and its delivery. The primary objective of the full-scale SPIN-SSLED trial is to evaluate the effect of the program on support group leaders’ self-efficacy for carrying out their leadership role. Secondary objectives include evaluating effects on leader burnout, leader satisfaction (participation efficacy), and emotional distress.

Methods/design
The SPIN-SSLED trial is a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which 180 support group leaders will be randomly allocated to training groups of 6 participants each or to a waitlist control. We will use a partially nested RCT design to reflect dependence between individuals in training groups, but not in the waitlist control. Participants allocated to the training program will receive the 13-module SPIN-SSLED Program, delivered via webinar over the course of 3 months in weekly 60–90-min sessions. The primary outcome is leader self-efficacy, measured by the Scleroderma Support Group Leader Self-efficacy Scale post-intervention. Secondary outcomes are leader self-efficacy at 3 months post-intervention, and leader burnout, volunteer job satisfaction (participation efficacy), and emotional distress post-intervention and at 3 months post-intervention.

Discussion
The SPIN-SSLED trial will test whether a training program for SSc patient support group leaders increases the self-efficacy of group leaders to carry out leadership tasks. The program has the potential to significantly improve the effectiveness and sustainability of existing SSc support groups, to increase the number of available support groups, and to be adapted for other chronic diseases.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03965780. Registered on 29 May 2019.
Pulmonary Metastasectomy versus Continued Active Monitoring in Colorectal Cancer (PulMiCC): a multicentre randomised clinical trial
Authors:   PulMiCC Trial Group, Treasure Tom , Farewell Vern , Macbeth Fergus , Monson Kathryn , Williams Norman R , Brew-Graves Chris , Lees Belinda , Grigg Olivia , Fallowfield Lesley 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundLung metastasectomy in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer has been widely adopted without good evidence of survival or palliative benefit. We aimed to test its effectiveness in a randomised controlled trial (RCT).MethodsMultidisciplinary teams in 13 hospitals recruited participants with potentially resectable lung metastases to a multicentre, two-arm RCT comparing active monitoring with or without metastasectomy. Other local or systemic treatments were decided by the local team. Randomisation was remote and stratified by site with minimisation for age, sex, primary cancer stage, interval since primary resection, prior liver involvement, the number of metastases, and carcinoembryonic antigen level. The central Trial Management Group were blind to patient allocation until completion of the analysis. Analysis was on intention to treat with a margin for non-inferiority of 10%.ResultsBetween December 2010 and December 2016, 65 participants were randomised. Characteristics were well-matched in the two arms and similar to those in reported studies: age 35 to 86 years (interquartile range (IQR) 60 to 74); primary resection IQR 16 to 35 months previously; stage at resection T1, 2 or 3 in 3, 8 and 46; N1 or N2 in 31 and 26; unknown in 8. Lung metastases 1 to 5 (median 2); 16/65 had previous liver metastases; carcinoembryonic antigen normal in 55/65. There were no other interventions in the first 6 months, no crossovers from control to treatment, and no treatment-related deaths or major adverse events. The Hazard ratio for death within 5 years, comparing metastasectomy with control, was 0.82 (95%CI 0.43, 1.56).ConclusionsBecause of poor and worsening recruitment, the study was stopped. The small number of participants in the trial (N = 65) precludes a conclusive answer to the research question given the large overlap in the confidence intervals in the proportions still alive at all time points. A widely held belief is that the 5-year absolute survival benefit with metastasectomy is about 35%: 40% after metastasectomy compared to < 5% in controls. The estimated survival in this study was 38% (23–62%) for metastasectomy patients and 29% (16–52%) in the well-matched controls. That is the new and important finding of this RCT.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, ID:NCT01106261. Registered on 19 April 2010
LTR_FINDER_parallel: parallelization of LTR_FINDER enabling rapid identification of long terminal repeat retrotransposons
Authors: Ou Shujun , Jiang Ning 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAnnotation of plant genomes is still a challenging task due to the abundance of repetitive sequences, especially long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons. LTR_FINDER is a widely used program for the identification of LTR retrotransposons but its application on large genomes is hindered by its single-threaded processes. Here we report an accessory program that allows parallel operation of LTR_FINDER, resulting in up to 8500X faster identification of LTR elements. It takes only 72 min to process the 14.5 Gb bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) genome in comparison to 1.16 years required by the original sequential version. LTR_FINDER_parallel is freely available at https://github.com/oushujun/LTR_FINDER_parallel.
Evaluation of MDR1 and MRPA genes expression in different types of dry cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Fekrisoofiabadi Maryam , Fekri Meisam , Moradabadi Alireza , Vahidi Reza , Khaleghi Morteza , Ram Maryam , Dabiri Shahriar 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe resistance to antimony-containing glucantime is a major obstacle to successful treatment, especially in endemic areas. Looking the molecular mechanisms involved in this drug resistance will help in choosing the best treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of multidrug-resistance 1 (MDR1) and multidrug-resistance protein A (MRPA) genes in acute, chronic non-lupoid, and chronic lupoid forms of dry type cutaneous leishmaniasis (DTCL).ResultsMDR1 gene was over-expressed as 14.4- and 1.56-folds in the chronic lupoid and acute forms compared with the chronic non-lupoid form, respectively. Results comparison showed P < 0.05 between the chronic non-lupoid and acute groups, P < 0.01 between acute and chronic lupoid groups, and P < 0.001 between the chronic non-lupoid and chronic lupoid groups. MRPA gene was over-expressed as 266 and 17.7-fold in the chronic lupoid and chronic non-lupoid forms compared with the acute form, respectively. Statistical analysis showed P < 0.01 between the chronic non-lupoid and chronic lupoid groups, P < 0.05 between acute and chronic non-lupoid groups, and P < 0.001 between the acute and chronic lupoid groups.
Lsr operon is associated with AI-2 transfer and pathogenicity in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Zuo Jiakun , Yin Huifang , Hu Jiangang , Miao Jinfeng , Chen Zhaoguo , Qi Kezong , Wang Zhihao , Gong Jiansen , Phouthapane Vanhnaseng , Jiang Wei , Mi Rongsheng , huang Yan , Wang Chen , Han Xiangan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe function of Autoinducer-2 (AI-2) which acts as the signal molecule of LuxS-mediated quorum sensing, is regulated through the lsr operon (which includes eight genes: lsrK, lsrR, lsrA, lsrC, lsrD, lsrB, lsrF, and lsrG). However, the functions of the lsr operon remain unclear in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), which causes severe respiratory and systemic diseases in poultry. In this study, the presence of the lsr operon in 60 APEC clinical strains (serotypes O1, O2, and O78) was investigated and found to be correlated with serotype and has the highest detection rate in O78. The AI-2 binding capacity of recombinant protein LsrB of APEC (APEC-LsrB) was verified and was found to bind to AI-2 in vitro. In addition, the lsr operon was mutated in an APEC strain (APEC94Δlsr(Cm)) and the mutant was found to be defective in motility and AI-2 uptake. Furthermore, deletion of the lsr operon attenuated the virulence of APEC, with the LD50 of APEC94Δlsr(Cm) decreasing 294-fold compared with wild-type strain APEC94. The bacterial load in the blood, liver, spleen, and kidneys of ducks infected with APEC94Δlsr(Cm) decreased significantly (p < 0.0001). The results of transcriptional analysis showed that 62 genes were up-regulated and 415 genes were down-regulated in APEC94Δlsr(Cm) compared with the wild-type strain and some of the down-regulated genes were associated with the virulence of APEC. In conclusion, our study suggests that lsr operon plays a role in the pathogenesis of APEC.
Sustainable intensification of beef production in Colombia—Chances for product differentiation and price premiums
Authors: Charry Andrés , Narjes Manuel , Enciso Karen , Peters Michael , Burkart Stefan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractTo promote the adoption of more sustainable cattle production systems in Colombia (mainly silvopastoral systems with improved forages), some sector stakeholders have proposed the development of differentiated, higher value beef products. However, there have been no rigorous estimations of local market potential and consumer preferences for these hypothetical products yet. On the other hand, while there are clear efforts concerning the environmental impacts of cattle production, its animal welfare implications have taken a secondary place. This research attempts to evaluate the consumer’s response to both the environmental and animal welfare aspects of more sustainable food systems by (i) determining the characteristics of a consumer segment for sustainably produced beef using contingent valuation methods and (ii) estimating the marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) for animal welfare compliance and the environmental benefits derived from sustainable intensification within the identified consumer segment, employing a Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE). In addition, the study estimates the effect of information on consumer’s MWTP for environmentally friendlier beef. Results show that consumers within the identified segment are willing to pay on average 40.2% more for beef certified with both animal welfare and eco-friendly standards, with an increase of nearly 10% after being provided with information of the sector’s environmental impacts. These findings support some of the current climate change mitigation strategies in the national cattle industry while highlighting relevant opportunities and trade-offs in the context of a developing country.
Applying indirect open-circuit calorimetry to study energy expenditure in gnotobiotic mice harboring different human gut microbial communities
Authors: Halatchev Ilia G. , O’Donnell David , Hibberd Matthew C. , Gordon Jeffrey I. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractGiven the increasing use of gnotobiotic mouse models for deciphering the effects of human microbial communities on host biology, there is a need to develop new methods for characterizing these animals while maintaining their isolation from environmental microbes. We describe a method for performing open-circuit indirect calorimetry on gnotobiotic mice colonized with gut microbial consortia obtained from different human donors. In this illustrative case, cultured collections of gut bacterial strains were obtained from obese and lean co-twins. The approach allows microbial contributions to host energy homeostasis to be characterized.
Advancing the implementation and sustainment of medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorders in prisons and jails
Authors: Ferguson Warren J. , Johnston Joan , Clarke Jennifer G. , Koutoujian Peter J. , Maurer Kathleen , Gallagher Colleen , White Julie , Nickl Dyana , Taxman Faye S. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is among the most prevalent medical condition experienced by incarcerated persons, yet medication assisted therapy (MAT) is uncommon. Four jail and prison systems partnered with researchers to document their adoption of MAT for incarcerated individuals with opioid use disorders (OUD) using their established treatment protocols. Employing the EPIS (Exploration, Planning, Implementation, and Sustainment) framework, programs report on systematic efforts to expand screening, treatment and provide linkage to community-based care upon release.

Results
All four systems were engaged with implementation of MAT at the outset of the study. Thus, findings focus more on uptake and penetration as part of implementation and sustainment of medication treatment. The prevalence of OUD during any given month ranged from 28 to 65% of the population in the participating facilities. All programs developed consistent approaches to screen individuals at intake and provided care coordination with community treatment providers at the time of release. The proportion of individuals with OUD who received MAT ranged considerably from 9 to 61%. Despite efforts at all four sites to increase utilization of MAT, only one site achieved sustained growth in the proportion of individuals treated over the course of the project. Government leadership, dedicated funding and collaboration with community treatment providers were deemed essential to adoption of MAT during implementation phases. Facilitators for MAT included increases in staffing and staff training; group education on medication assisted therapies; use of data to drive change processes; coordination with other elements of the criminal justice system to expand care; and ongoing contact with individuals post-release to encourage continued treatment. Barriers included lack of funding and space and institutional design; challenges in changing the cultural perception of all approved treatments; excluding or discontinuing treatment based on patient factors, movement or transfer of individuals; and inability to sustain care coordination at the time of release.

Conclusions
Adoption of evidence-based medication assisted therapies for OUD in prisons and jails can be accomplished but requires persistent effort to identify and overcome challenges and dedicated funding to sustain programs.
Comparison of scandium-44 g with other PET radionuclides in pre-clinical PET phantom imaging
Authors: Ferguson Simon , Jans Hans-Sonke , Wuest Melinda , Riauka Terence , Wuest Frank 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Purpose
The decay characteristics of radionuclides in PET studies can impact image reconstruction. 44gSc has been the topic of recent research due to potential theranostic applications and is a promising radiometal for PET imaging. In this study, the reconstructed images from phantom measurements with scandium in a small-animal PET scanner are compared with 18F and two prominent radiometals: 64Cu and 68Ga

Methods
Three phantoms filled with 18F, 64C, 68Ga, and 44gSc were imaged in the Siemens Inveon PET scanner. The NEMA image quality phantom was used to determine the recovery coefficients (RCs), spill-over ratios (SORs), and noise (%SD) under typical pre-clinical imaging conditions. Image contrast was determined using a Derenzo phantom, while the coincidence characteristics were investigated using an NEC phantom. Three reconstruction algorithms were used, namely filtered back projection (FBP), ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM), and maximum a-posteriori (MAP).

Results
Image quality parameters were measured for 18F, 64Cu, 68Ga, and 44gSc respectively; using FBP, the %SD are 5.65, 5.88, 7.28, and 7.70; the RCs for the 5-mm rod are 0.849, 1.01, 0.615, and 0.825; the SORs in water are 0.0473, 0.0595, 0.141, 0.0923; and the SORs in air are 0.0589, 0.0484, 0.0525, and 0.0509. The contrast measured in the 2.5-mm rods are 0.674, 0.637, 0.196, and 0.347. The NEC rate with 44gSc increased at a slower rate than 18F and 68Ga as a function of activity in the field of view.

Conclusion
44gSc demonstrates intermediate behavior relative to 18F and 68Ga with regard to RC and contrast measurements. It is a promising radionuclide for preclinical imaging.
Nonlinear pre and post-buckled analysis of curved beams using differential quadrature element method
Authors: Zare M. , Asnafi A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis paper studied the in-plane elastic stability including pre and post-buckling analysis of curved beams considering the effects of shear deformations, rotary inertia, and the geometric nonlinearity due to large deformations. Firstly, the governing nonlinear equations of motion were derived. The problem was solved performing both the static and dynamic analysis using the numerical method of differential quadrature element method (DQEM) which is a new and efficient numerical method for rapidly solving linear and nonlinear differential equations. Firstly, the method was applied to the equilibrium equations, leading to a nonlinear algebraic system of equations that would be solved utilizing an arc length strategy. Secondly, the results of the static part were employed to linearize the dynamic differential equations of motion and their corresponding boundary and continuity conditions. Without any loss of generality, a clamped-clamped curved beam under a concentrated load was considered to obtain the buckling loads, natural frequencies, and mode shapes of the beam throughout the method. To validate the proposed method, the beam was modeled using a finite element simulation. A great agreement between the results was seen that showed the accuracy of the proposed method in predicting the pre and post-buckling behavior of the beam. The investigation also included an examination of the curvature parameter influencing the dynamic behavior of the problem. It was shown that the values of buckling loads were completely influenced by the curvature of the beam; also, due to the sharp change of longitudinal stiffness after bucking, the symmetric mode shapes changed more than it was expected.
Does the manual insertion torque of smartpegs affect the outcome of implant stability quotients (ISQ) during resonance frequency analysis (RFA)?
Authors: Kästel Ingrid , de Quincey Giles , Neugebauer Jörg , Sader Robert , Gehrke Peter 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is disagreement about the optimal torque for tightening smartpegs for resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Subjective finger pressure during hand tightening could affect the reliability of the resulting values. The aim of the current study was therefore to assess whether or not the insertion torque of a smartpeg magnetic device influences the implant stability quotient (ISQ) value during RFA.MethodsThirty self-tapping screw implants (XiVE S, Dentsply Sirona Implants, Bensheim, Germany) with a diameter of 3.8 mm and a length of 11 mm were inserted in three cow ribs with a bone quality of D1. The RFA value of each implant was measured (Ostell, FA W&H Dentalwerk, Bürmoos, Austria) in two orthogonal directions (mesial and buccal) after tightening the corresponding smartpeg type 45 with a mechanically defined value of 5 Ncm (Meg Torq device, Megagen, Daegu, South Korea) (test). Additionally, 4 different examiners measured the RFA after hand tightening the smartpegs, and the results were compared (control). Insertion torque values were determined by measuring the unscrew torque of hand seated smartpegs (Tohnichi Manufacturing Co. Ltd, Tokyo, Japan).ResultsThe ISQ values varied from 2 to 11 Ncm by hand tightening and from 2 to 6 Ncm by machine tightening. The comparison of hand and machine tightening of smartpegs displayed only minor differences in the mean ISQ values with low standard deviations (mesial 79.76 ± 2,11, buccal 77.98 ± 2,) and no statistical difference (mesialp= 0,343 and buccalp= 0,890).ConclusionsManual tightening of smartpeg transducers allows for an objective and reliable determination of ISQ values during RFA.
Cerebral infarction detected after laparoscopic partial hepatectomy: case report
Authors: Kobayashi Atsushi , Shirozu Kazuhiro , Karashima Yuji , Matsushita Katsuyuki , Yamaura Ken 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Bleeding and carbon dioxide (CO2) gas embolism have been reported as serious complications associated with laparoscopic surgery. We present a case of cerebral infarction presumably caused by CO2 gas embolism during laparoscopic hepatectomy.

Case presentation
During liver resection, the end-tidal CO2 suddenly dropped from 40 to 21 mmHg. Simultaneously, ST elevation in lead II and ST depression in lead V5 of the electrocardiogram were observed. After improvement of these electrocardiographic changes, surgery was continued. Postoperatively, incomplete paralysis was present in the right arm and leg. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cerebral infarction in the broad area of the left cerebral cortex. These complications might have been caused by paradoxical embolism.

Conclusion
We should always keep in mind the risk of cerebral infarction with neurological deficits in the case of laparoscopic surgery. Careful monitoring and appropriate treatment for gas embolism are necessary during laparoscopic surgery.