bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reducing research waste by promoting informed responses to invitations to participate in clinical trials
Authors: Gillies Katie , Chalmers Iain , Glasziou Paul , Elbourne Diana , Elliott Jim , Treweek Shaun 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Poor recruitment to, and retention in, clinical trials is a source of research waste that could be reduced by more informed choices about participation. Barriers to effective recruitment and retention can be wide-ranging but relevance of the questions being addressed by trials and the outcomes that they are assessing are key for potential participants. Decisions about trial participation should be informed by general and trial-specific information and by considering broader assessments of ‘informedness’ and how they impact on both recruitment and retention. We suggest that more informed decisions about trial participation should encourage personally appropriate decisions, increase recruitment and retention, and reduce research waste and increase its value.
Outcome in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a population-based study from Sweden
Authors: Berthold Elisabet , Månsson Bengt , Kahn Robin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundAs the treatment arsenal for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has expanded during the last decades, follow-up studies are needed on children diagnosed in the era of biological treatment to evaluate if this has improved the outcome. Our aim was to study the epidemiology and outcome of JIA in southern Sweden using a population-based cohort of children with a validated diagnosis of JIA collected over 9 years.MethodsPotential cases of JIA between 2002 and 2010 were collected after a database search, using the ICD codes M08-M09. The study area was Skåne, the southernmost county of Sweden (population 1.24 million; 17.6% aged < 16 years). The JIA diagnosis was validated and subcategorized through medical record review based on the criteria defined by the International League of Associations for Rheumatism (ILAR). Parameters on disease activity and pharmacologic treatment were recorded annually until the end of the study period (December 31, 2015).ResultsIn total, 251 cases of JIA were confirmed. The mean annual incidence rate for JIA was estimated to be 12.8/100,000 children < 16 years, with the highest age-specific annual incidence at the age of 2 years (36/100,000). Oligoarthritis was the largest subgroup (44.7%), and systemic JIA was the smallest subgroup (2.8%). Methotrexate was the most common disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug prescribed (60.6%). Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors were used as treatment for 23.9% of the children. Only 40.0% of the follow-up years, with a median follow-up time of 8 years, were free of arthritis or uveitis. Uveitis occurred in 10.8% of the children (8.0% chronic uveitis), and the need for joint corrective orthopedic surgery was 9.2%.ConclusionsThe incidence of JIA in this well-defined, population-based cohort is slightly lower than in previously published studies from Scandinavia. The need for orthopedic surgery and the presence of uveitis are diminished compared to studies with patients diagnosed more than 20 years ago. Children with JIA however still experience disease activity more than 50% of the time. In conclusion, we still have long-term challenges in the care for children with JIA, in spite of state-of-the-art treatment.
Patient advocacy organizations’ information for patients on pre-approval access to investigational treatments
Authors: Folkers Kelly McBride , Leone Sarah , Caplan Arthur 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the availability of information regarding patient access to investigational treatments through clinical trials and non-trial pre-approval access pathways from a sample of patient advocacy organization (PAO) websites in the United States.

Results
We systematically analyzed the content of 118 randomly selected PAO websites to assess whether they contained information on clinical trials and non-trial pathways—e.g., the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded access (EA) program and right to try—over the course of two months from February to March 2019. A majority (81%, n = 96) of PAOs provided a link to ClinicalTrials.gov, and 73% (n = 86) had their own clinical trial finder or list of relevant trials. 23% (n = 27) mentioned EA, with 8% (n = 9) providing specific resources for FDA’s EA program. 8% (n = 10) provided a statement on the passage of the federal right to try law. A majority of PAO websites contained information on clinical trials, but a minority discussed non-trial pre-approval access. The lack of information on the latter highlights an area in need of improvement.
Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in Hawassa University students’ clinic, Southern Ethiopia: a 10-year retrospective study
Authors: Menjetta Tadesse , Simion Teketel , Anjulo Wondimu , Ayele Kidist , Haile Mekides , Tafesse Tewodros , Asnake Solomon 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Objective
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among patients who had attended Hawassa University students’ clinic, Southern Ethiopia.

Result
Over the 10 years period, a total of 13,679 patients visiting Hawassa University students’ clinic were included in the study. A total of 6553 (47.9%) patients were positive for at least one intestinal parasite. The overall prevalence of intestinal helminth and protozoan infections was 20.3% and 27.6% respectively. There were four dual infections and one triple infection. E. histolytica/E. dispar trophozoite was the most common identified parasite, which was seen in 18% of the patients while Enterobius vermicularis (0.1%) was the least reported parasite. Other parasites identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (15.0%), Hookworm species (2.0%), Taenia species (1.8%), Hymenolepis nana (0.7%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.3%), Trichuris trichuria (0.2%), and Shistosoma mansoni (0.2%). The prevalence of helminthes was higher in females (23.3%) than in males (19.5%) (P < 0.00001) while that of protozoan infections was 28.5% in males than females (23.8%) (574/2414) (P < 0.00001).
Influence of pig gut microbiota on Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae susceptibility
Authors: Surendran Nair Meera , Eucker Tyson , Martinson Brian , Neubauer Axel , Victoria Joseph , Nicholson Bryon , Pieters Maria 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis study investigated the influence of gut microbiome composition in modulating susceptibility toMycoplasma hyopneumoniaein pigs. Thirty-two conventionalM. hyopneumoniaefree piglets were randomly selected from six different litters at 3 weeks of age and were experimentally inoculated withM. hyopneumoniaeat 8 weeks of age. Lung lesion scores (LS) were recorded 4 weeks post-inoculation (12 weeks of age) from piglet lungs at necropsy. Fecal bacterial community composition of piglets at 3, 8 and 12 weeks of age were targeted by amplifying the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The LS ranged from 0.3 to 43% with an evident clustering of the scores observed in piglets within litters. There were significant differences in species richness and alpha diversity in fecal microbiomes among piglets within litters at different time points (p < 0.05). The dissimilarity matrices indicated that at 3 weeks of age, the fecal microbiota of piglets was more dissimilar compared to those from 8 to 12 weeks of age. Specific groups of bacteria in the gut that might predict the decreased severity ofM. hyopneumoniaeassociated lesions were identified. The microbial shift at 3 weeks of age was observed to be driven by the increase in abundance of the indicator family, Ruminococcaceae in piglets with low LS (p < 0.05). The taxa,Ruminococcus_2 having the highest richness scores, correlated significantly between litters showing stronger associations with the lowest LS (r = −0.49,p = 0.005). These findings suggest that early life gut microbiota can be a potential determinant forM. hyopneumoniaesusceptibility in pigs.
Risk of major bleeding during extended oral anticoagulation in patients with first unprovoked venous thromboembolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Khan Faizan , Kimpton Miriam , Tritschler Tobias , Le Gal Grégoire , Hutton Brian , Fergusson Dean A. , Rodger Marc A. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
The optimal duration of anticoagulation after a first unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains controversial. Deciding to stop or continue anticoagulant therapy indefinitely after completing 3 to 6 months of initial treatment requires balancing the long-term risk of recurrent VTE if anticoagulation is stopped against the long-term risk of major bleeding if anticoagulation is continued. However, knowledge of the long-term risk for major bleeding events during extended anticoagulation in this patient population is limited. We plan to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the risk for major bleeding events during extended oral anticoagulation in patients with first unprovoked VTE.

Methods
Electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials will be systematically searched with the assistance of an information specialist (from inception to March 1, 2019) to identify randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies reporting major bleeding during extended oral anticoagulation in patients with first unprovoked VTE, who have completed at least 3 months of initial anticoagulant therapy. Study selection, risk of bias assessment, and data extraction will be performed independently by at least two investigators. The number of major bleeding events and person-years of follow-up will be used to calculate the rate (events per 100 person-years) with its 95% confidence interval for each study cohort, during clinically relevant time periods of extended anticoagulant therapy. Results will be pooled using random effect meta-analysis.

Discussion
The planned systematic review and meta-analysis will provide reliable estimates of the risk for major bleeding events during extended anticoagulation. This information will help inform patient prognosis and assist clinicians with balancing the risks and benefits of treatment to guide management of unprovoked VTE.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42019128597.
Histopathological and genetic changes proved the anti-cancer potential of free and nano-capsulated sinapic acid
Authors: Badr Doaa A. , Amer Mohamed E. , Abd-Elhay Wagih M. , Nasr Mohamed S. M. , Abuamara Tamer M. M. , Ali Harbi , Mohamed Aly F. , Youssef Maha A. , Awwad Nasser S. , Ju Yi-Hsu , Fazary Ahmed E. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Cancer is known to be a fierce disease that causes a large percentage of the deaths worldwide. The common cancer treatments; chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery are known for their severe side effects; therefore scientists are working on finding solutions to reduce these drawbacks. One of these treatment systems is the sustained released drugs formulations, these systems depend on the encapsulation of the chemotherapy within an emulsifying agent, in order to obtain a slow drug release of low doses over long time intervals. In this study, the anti-cancer effects of free and encapsulated sinapic acid was tested against lung (A549), and colon (CaCo2) cancer cell lines, along with normal fibroblast cells (HFB4) as a negative control. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was performed for IC50 evaluation, also cell cycle assay was performed to detect cell cycle arrest status and related anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic; Blc-2, BAX, and P53 gene profile fold changes post cellular treatment. Data recorded revealed that encapsulated SA showed a lower toxicity than the free form to both cell lines and also to the normal cells. The cell cycle analysis showed a cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase post cell treatment with the free and encapsulated sinapic acid accompanied with up regulation of Bax and P53 and a down regulation of Blc-2 genes in both cell lines. The data suggest a promising anti-cancer and anti-proliferative potential of free and encapsulated sinapic acid. Also they show that the anti-cancer effect of free and encapsulated sinapic acid is quite close.
Tropical cyclones alter short-term activity patterns of a coastal seabird
Authors: Wilkinson Bradley P. , Satgé Yvan G. , Lamb Juliet S. , Jodice Patrick G. R. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundMobile organisms in marine environments are expected to modify their behavior in response to external stressors. Among environmental drivers of animal movement are long-term climatic indices influencing organism distribution and short-term meteorological events anticipated to alter acute movement behavior. However, few studies exist documenting the response of vagile species to meteorological anomalies in coastal and marine systems.MethodsHere we examined the movements of Eastern brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis carolinensis) in the South Atlantic Bight in response to the passage of three separate hurricane events in 2 years. Pelicans (n = 32) were tracked with GPS satellite transmitters from four colonies in coastal South Carolina, USA, for the entirety of at least one storm event. An Expectation Maximization binary Clustering algorithm was used to discretize pelican behavioral states, which were pooled into ‘active’ versus ‘inactive’ states. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess behavioral state probabilities in relation to changes in barometric pressure and wind velocity.ResultsIndividual pelicans were more likely to remain inactive during tropical cyclone passage compared to baseline conditions generally, although responses varied by hurricane. When inactive, pelicans tended to seek shelter using local geomorphological features along the coastline such as barrier islands and estuarine systems.ConclusionsOur telemetry data showed that large subtropical seabirds such as pelicans may mitigate risk associated with spatially-extensive meteorological events by decreasing daily movements. Sheltering may be related to changes in barometric pressure and wind velocity, and represents a strategy common to several other classes of marine vertebrate predators for increasing survival probabilities.
Sarm1 deletion suppresses TDP-43-linked motor neuron degeneration and cortical spine loss
Authors: White Matthew A. , Lin Ziqiang , Kim Eugene , Henstridge Christopher M. , Pena Altamira Emiliano , Hunt Camille K. , Burchill Ella , Callaghan Isobel , Loreto Andrea , Brown-Wright Heledd , Mead Richard , Simmons Camilla , Cash Diana , Coleman Michael P. , Sreedharan Jemeen 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative condition that primarily affects the motor system and shares many features with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Evidence suggests that ALS is a ‘dying-back’ disease, with peripheral denervation and axonal degeneration occurring before loss of motor neuron cell bodies. Distal to a nerve injury, a similar pattern of axonal degeneration can be seen, which is mediated by an active axon destruction mechanism called Wallerian degeneration. Sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing 1 (Sarm1) is a key gene in the Wallerian pathway and its deletion provides long-term protection against both Wallerian degeneration and Wallerian-like, non-injury induced axonopathy, a retrograde degenerative process that occurs in many neurodegenerative diseases where axonal transport is impaired. Here, we explored whether Sarm1 signalling could be a therapeutic target for ALS by deletingSarm1from a mouse model of ALS-FTD, a TDP-43Q331K, YFP-H double transgenic mouse.Sarm1deletion attenuated motor axon degeneration and neuromuscular junction denervation. Motor neuron cell bodies were also significantly protected. Deletion ofSarm1also attenuated loss of layer V pyramidal neuronal dendritic spines in the primary motor cortex. Structural MRI identified the entorhinal cortex as the most significantly atrophic region, and histological studies confirmed a greater loss of neurons in the entorhinal cortex than in the motor cortex, suggesting a prominent FTD-like pattern of neurodegeneration in this transgenic mouse model. Despite the reduction in neuronal degeneration,Sarm1deletion did not attenuate age-related behavioural deficits caused by TDP-43Q331K. However,Sarm1deletion was associated with a significant increase in the viability of male TDP-43Q331Kmice, suggesting a detrimental role of Wallerian-like pathways in the earliest stages of TDP-43Q331K-mediated neurodegeneration. Collectively, these results indicate that anti-SARM1 strategies have therapeutic potential in ALS-FTD.
Modelling clay materials used in artworks: an infrared spectroscopic investigation
Authors: Stuart B. H. , Thomas P. S. , Barrett M. , Head K. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Modelling clays are utilised by artists for their malleable properties. One of the challenges in managing collections containing such materials is the variety of commercial compositions available and, therefore, the variation in the requirements for storage and maintenance of such artefacts. The Art Gallery of New South Wales in Australia is responsible for the care of a range of artworks that contain modelling materials, some of which show detrimental property changes and there is concern for the longevity of such works. The aim of the current research is to determine the compositions of the modelling materials utilised in works produced by different artists in the gallery’s collection. Infrared spectroscopy was used to identify the main constituents of samples collected from the works of four different artists and a variety of material types were determined. Oil-based, air-hardening and polymer clays of varying composition were identified in the survey of artworks. Signs of deterioration in particular artworks were able to be characterised using spectroscopy, with the mechanisms identified including loss and oxidation of the oil component. Where a polymer clay was chosen by one artist, the distortion of the artwork was due to flow of the material over time and demonstrates the need for an understanding of the long term properties of the materials being used. The study has highlighted the need for conservators to have a detailed understanding of modelling materials to ensure the longevity of artworks containing this class of materials.
A fine-scale assessment of the ecosystem service-disservice dichotomy in the context of urban ecosystems affected by alien plant invasions
Authors: Potgieter Luke J. , Gaertner Mirijam , O’Farrell Patrick J. , Richardson David M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundNatural resources within and around urban landscapes are under increasing pressure from ongoing urbanisation, and management efforts aimed at ensuring the sustainable provision of ecosystem services (ES) are an important response. Given the limited resources available for assessing urban ES in many cities, practical approaches for integrating ES in decision-making process are needed.MethodsWe apply remote sensing techniques (integrating LiDAR data with high-resolution multispectral imagery) and combined these with supplementary spatial data to develop a replicable approach for assessing the role of urban vegetation (including invasive alien plants) in providing ES and ecosystem disservices (EDS). We identify areas denoting potential management trade-offs based on the spatial distribution of ES and EDS using a local-scale case study in the city of Cape Town, South Africa. Situated within a global biodiversity hotspot, Cape Town must contend with widespread invasions of alien plants (especially trees and shrubs) along with complex socio-political challenges. This represents a useful system to examine the challenges in managing ES and EDS in the context of urban plant invasions.ResultsAreas of high ES provision (for example carbon sequestration, shade and visual amenity) are characterized by the presence of large trees. However, many of these areas also result in numerous EDS due to invasions of alien trees and shrubs – particularly along rivers, in wetlands and along the urban edge where tall alien trees have established and spread into the natural vegetation (for example increased water consumption, increased fire risk and reduced soil quality). This suggests significant trade-offs regarding the management of species and the ES and EDS they provide.ConclusionsThe approach applied here can be used to provide recommendations and to guide city planners and managers to fine-tune management interventions at local scales to maximise the provision of ES.
Citizenship acquisition of Turkish immigrants in Canada and Germany: a comparative analysis
Authors: Yetkin Aker Deniz 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis study aims to shed light on how high-skilled and business Turkish immigrants (HSBTI) decide to acquire host country’s citizenship and why some of them choose not to seek naturalization. With this in mind, a comparative case study of Canada and Germany was designed. It is proposed that host country citizenship and migration policy, social, economic and political costs and benefits of host country’s citizenship and individuals’ conceptualization of citizenship impact the decision-making process of HSBTI. Based on the data results, the study argues that social, economic and political opportunities in host countries (such as the right to vote), multicultural migration and citizenship policies of those countries and valuing citizenship as a commodity positively influence the naturalization decisions of HSBTI interviewees, while restricted policies, economic costs of citizenship and seeing citizenship as a sense of belonging adversely affect their decisions.
Laparoscopic versus open pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Zhou Wentao , Jin Weiwei , Wang Dansong , Lu Chao , Xu Xuefeng , Zhang Renchao , Kuang Tiantao , Zhou Yucheng , Wu Wenchuan , Jin Dayong , Mou Yiping , Lou Wenhui 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundA growing body of evidence supports the use of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) as an efficient and feasible surgical technique. However, few studies have investigated its applicability in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and the long‐term efficacy of LPD on PDAC remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the short‐ and long‐term outcomes between LPD and open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) for PDAC.MethodsThe data of patients who had OPD or LPD for PDAC between January 2013 and September 2017 were retrieved. Their postoperative outcomes and survival were compared after propensity score matching.ResultsA total of 309 patients were included. After a 2:1 matching, 93 cases in the OPD group and 55 in the LPD group were identified. Delayed gastric emptying (DGE), particularly grade B/C DGE, occurred less frequently in the LPD group than in the OPD group (1.8% vs. 36.6%, P < 0.001; 1.8% vs. 22.6%, P = 0.001). The overall complication rates were significantly lower in the LPD group than in the OPD group (49.1% vs. 71.0%, P = 0.008), whereas the rates of major complications were similar (10.9% vs. 14.0%, P = 0.590). In addition, the median overall survival was comparable between the two groups (20.0 vs. 18.7 months, P = 0.293).ConclusionLPD was found to be technically feasible with efficacy similar to OPD for patients with PDAC.