bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Development of Algorithmically Based Decision-Making Systems in Children’s Protective Services: Is Administrative Data Good Enough?
Authors: Gillingham Philip 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Big data techniques are being used in children’s protective services to develop algorithmically based decision support systems (DSSs) to identify the most vulnerable children and introduce early and preventive services. These techniques use administrative data from multiple public agencies but are most reliant on data from children’s protective services. Using key principles from representation theory, and drawing from the author’s research, data from children’s protective services are considered in terms of the extent to which they represent and can be interpreted to provide a faithful representation of the phenomenon of child maltreatment. The aim is to address the question of whether children’s protective services data are good enough to develop accurate and practically useful DSS.
Fine-scale spatial genetic structure, neighbourhood size and gene dispersal in clonal plants: exploring the best possible estimates
Authors: Loh Roberta , Scarano Fabio Rubio , Alves-Ferreira Marcio , Salgueiro Fabiano 
Published: November 2019

AbstractGene movement in plants is determined by seed and pollen flow and its limitation results in spatial structuring of genetic variation, affecting potential levels of inbreeding within populations. In clonal plants, clonal propagation may also play an important role in spatial genetic structure (SGS). Characterization of SGS usually is done by analysing several spatial scales with large sample sizes to ensure a reliable measure. Several sampling strategies are available, but most are not suitable for clonal plants. Here, two sampling strategies were used to characterize within-population SGS structure and gene dispersal in a natural population of the clonal species Aechmea nudicaulis (Bromeliaceae) and the results between them were compared. The first was based on exhaustive sampling in a rectangular closed area, and the second was a stratified design along a linear transect. Different intensities and patterns of SGS were detected for each design and the linear design revealed stronger SGS over a wider range. The significant SGS revealed a restricted dispersal and comparisons of sexual versus vegetative components of gene dispersal suggest that clonal spread can be at least as important as sexual reproduction. Thus, the results suggest that for clonal plants the best strategy is the combination of both sampling schemes since each one unveils important aspects of spatial structure of the population.
KRT17 as a prognostic biomarker for stage II colorectal cancer
Authors: Ujiie Daisuke , Okayama Hirokazu , Saito Katsuharu , Ashizawa Mai , Thar Min Aung Kyi , Endo Eisei , Kase Koji , Yamada Leo , Kikuchi Tomohiro , Hanayama Hiroyuki , Fujita Shotaro , Sakamoto Wataru , Endo Hisahito , Saito Motonobu , Mimura Kosaku , Saze Zenichiro , Momma Tomoyuki , Ohki Shinji , Kono Koji 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAdjuvant chemotherapy is considered for patients with stage II colorectal cancer (CRC) characterized by poor prognostic clinicopathological features; however, current stratification algorithms remain inadequate for identifying high-risk patients. To develop prognostic assays, we conducted a step-wise screening and validation strategy using nine cohorts of stage II patients based on multiple platforms, including microarray, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. Four microarray datasets (total n = 458) were used as the discovery set to screen for single genes associated with postoperative recurrence. Prognostic values of candidate genes were evaluated in three independent microarray/RNA-seq validation cohorts (n = 89, n = 93 and n = 183, respectively), and then IHC for KRT17 was conducted in two independent FFPE series (n = 110 and n = 44, respectively). We found that high levels of KRT17 transcript expression were significantly associated with poor relapse-free survival (RFS) not only in the discovery set, but also in three validation cohorts, and its prognostic impact was independent of conventional factors by multivariate analyses. Positive staining of KRT17 protein was significantly associated with poor RFS in two independent FFPE cohorts. KRT17 protein expression had independent prognostic impact on RFS in a multivariate model adjusted for conventional variables, including high-risk clinicopathological features. In conclusion, using nine independent cohorts consisting of 997 stage II patients, we identified and validated the expression of KRT17 transcript and KRT17 protein as a robust prognostic biomarker that can discriminate postoperative stage II patients who are at high probability of disease recurrence, providing additional prognostic stratification beyond the currently available high-risk factors.
Application of TLC to Evaluate the Lipophilicity of Newly Synthesized Betulin Derivatives
Authors: Bębenek Ewa , Bober-Majnusz Katarzyna , Siudak Szymon , Chrobak Elwira , Kadela-Tomanek Monika , Wietrzyk Joanna , Boryczka Stanisław 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDesigning a new drug has recently become a very important topic that many researches are concerned with. This work relates to a newly synthesized betulin and betulone derivatives which have anticancer activity. Thin-layer chromatography was applied to evaluate the lipophilicity of these triterpenes in order to find the correlation between theoretically and experimentally calculated values of lipophilicity and the structure of compounds investigated. Moreover, the relationships between lipophilicity and pharmacokinetic parameters or anticancer activity were carried out. The similarity analysis was also done for the purpose to divide the compounds investigated into groups pointing which of these can meet the criteria for medicine substances. The cluster analysis showed the differences in the compounds grouping in relation which the values of lipophilicity are considered, i.e., calculated by computer software or obtained experimentally by use of TLC. Analysis clearly shows that those theoretically calculated values of lipophilicity are strongly connected to the structure of the compounds.
Liver Stiffness at the Time of Sustained Virological Response Predicts the Clinical Outcome in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Virus With Advanced Fibrosis Treated With Direct-acting Antivirals
Authors: Corma-Gómez A , Macías J , Téllez F , Freyre-Carrillo C , Morano L , Rivero-Juárez A , Ríos M J , Alados J C , Vera-Méndez F J , Merchante N , Palacios R , Granados R , Merino D , De Los Santos I , Pineda J A 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Some people living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) with sustained virological response (SVR) develop hepatic complications. Liver stiffness (LS) predicts clinical outcome in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with active HCV coinfection, but information after SVR is lacking. We aimed to analyze the predictive ability of LS at SVR for liver complications in people living with HIV/HCV with advanced fibrosis treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAA).

Methods
In sum, 640 people living with HIV/HCV fulfilling the following criteria were included: (i) Achieved SVR with DAA-including regimen; (ii) LS ≥ 9.5 kPa before therapy; and (iii) LS measurement available at SVR. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of a liver complication—hepatic decompensation or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)—or requiring liver transplant after SVR.

Results
During a median (Q1–Q3) follow-up of 31.6 (22.7–36.6) months, 19 (3%) patients reached the primary endpoint. In the multivariate analysis, variables (subhazard ratio [SHR] [95% confidence interval]) associated with developing clinical outcomes were: prior hepatic decompensations (3.42 [1.28–9.12]), pretreatment CPT class B or C (62.5 [3.08–1246.42]) and MELD scores (1.37 [1.03–1.82]), CPT class B or C at SVR (10.71 [1.32–87.01]), CD4 cell counts &lt;200/µL at SVR time-point (4.42 [1.49–13.15]), FIB-4 index at SVR (1.39 [1.13–1.70]), and LS at SVR (1.05 [1.02–1.08] for 1 kPa increase). None of the 374 patients with LS &lt;14kPa at SVR time-point developed a liver complication or required hepatic transplant.

Conclusions
LS at the time of SVR after DAA therapy predicts the clinical outcome of people living with HIV/HCV with advanced fibrosis. These results suggest that LS measurement may be helpful to select candidates to be withdrawn from surveillance programs.
Life events as predictors for depression in men and women: A Finnish twin study
Authors: Piirtola M , Kaprio J , Kiviruusu O , Viertiö S , Suvisaari J , Marttunen M , Korhonen T 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Depression is more common in women than in men, but reasons for the sex/gender difference are not fully known. We analyzed sex/gender differences in the association of past life events (LE) with depression, and if the associations are independent of genetic liability.

Methods
In the 2011 survey of the Finnish Twin Cohort (participation 72%, n = 8410, 45% men, mean age 60 yrs), depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale (cut off value ≥20) showing depression in 13% (11% in men, 15% in women). LE were assessed as negative, positive, and serious (traffic accident, other accident, fire and natural catastrophe, physical abuse, sexual abuse, violent crime, and parental divorce) ones in childhood and/or in adulthood. Pearson’s chi-squared test and age- and sex-adjusted logistic regressions were used to model the strength of associations. The effect of familial factors was tested using conditional logistic regression in 176 genetically identical (MZ) twin pairs (38% male) discordant for depression.

Results
Women experienced more both negative LE (50%/42%, p &lt; 0.001) and positive LE (60%/40%, p &lt; 0.001) than men. Accidents, physical abuse and violent crime were reported more by men, but women reported more sexual abuse (14%/1%, p &lt; 0.01). All LEs were associated with depression (adjusted Odds Ratios [OR] from 1.24, 95% Confidence Intervals [CI] 1.09 - 1.42 to OR 6.91, 95% CI 3.88 - 12.30). Women with physical abuse or violent crime in childhood or in adulthood were more vulnerable for depression than men. High magnitude of negative LEs in both sexes, low rates of positive LE in women, and physical abuse in women remained significantly associated with depression within MZ pairs suggesting independence from familial factors and genetic liability.

Conclusions
We found sex difference in LE prevalence and in vulnerability for depression. These do not appear to be accounted for by familial effects.

Key messages
We found differences between women and men in life event prevalence and in vulnerability for depression. Differences in life experiences and exposures between women and men should be considered in prevention and treatment of depression.
A practical composite risk score for the development of HUS from STEC infection
Authors: Hamilton D , Cullinan J 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS) is a serious complication of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection and the key reason why intensive health protection against STEC is required. However, although many potential risk factors have been identified, accurate estimation of risk of HUS from STEC remains challenging. Therefore, we aimed to develop a practical composite score to promptly estimate the risk of developing HUS from STEC.

Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study where data for all confirmed STEC infections in Ireland during 2013-15 were subjected to statistical analysis with respect to predicting HUS. Multivariable logistic regression was used to develop a composite risk score, segregating risk of HUS into very low risk (0-0.4%), low risk (0.5-0.9%), medium risk (1.0-4.4%), high risk (4.5-9.9%) and very high risk (10.0% and over).

Results
There were 1,397 STEC notifications with complete information regarding HUS, of whom 5.1% developed HUS. Young age, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, Shiga toxin 2, infection during April to November, and infection in Eastern and North-Eastern regions of Ireland, were all statistically significant independent predictors of HUS. Demonstration of a risk gradient provided internal validity to the risk score: 0.2% in the cohort with very low risk (1/430), 1.1% with low risk (2/182), 2.3% with medium risk (8/345), 3.1% with high risk (3/98) and 22.2% with very high risk (43/194) scores, respectively, developed HUS.

Conclusions
We have developed a composite risk score which may be of practical value, once externally validated, in prompt estimation of risk of HUS from STEC infection.

Key messages
We have identified vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, age &lt;10 years, Shiga toxin 2, STEC infection during April-November and in the East/North-East of Ireland as independent predictors of HUS. Using these variables we have developed a practical composite risk score that could be used by clinicians and public health teams to promptly assess the risk of HUS from STEC infection.
Home-Based Physical Activity Programs for People With Dementia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: de Almeida Sara Isabel Lebre , Gomes da Silva Madalena , Marques Alda Sofia Pires de Dias 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Physical activity has the potential to improve health outcomes in people with dementia, namely when living at home. However, the knowledge about home-based physical activity for this population is scarce. Thus, we aim to identify and synthesize the effects of home-based physical activity for people with dementia.

Research Design and Methods
A systematic review was conducted. Quality of studies was assessed using the Delphi List. Effect sizes (ES) were calculated with MetaXL 2.0. A meta-analysis was conducted for the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study Group Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADCS-ADL), Functional Reach test, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Short Physical Performance Battery, Dementia Quality of Life, NPI Caregivers subscale and Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI).

Results
Sixteen randomized controlled trials were included. Most were of high quality and published after 2015. A large heterogeneity of interventions was found. Meta-analysis showed significant results in MMSE (ES = 0.71, 95% CI 0.43, 0.99), NPI (ES = −0.37, 95% CI −0.57, −0.17), ADCS-ADL (ES = 0.80, 95% CI 0.53, 1.07), Functional Reach test (ES = 2.24, 95% CI 1.80, 2.68), TUG test (ES = −2.40, 95% CI −2.84, −1.96), NPI Caregivers subscale (ES = −0.63, 95% CI −0.94, −0.32), and ZBI (ES = −0.45, 95% CI −0.77, −0.13). Few minor adverse events and high adherence to intervention were found.

Discussion and Implications
Home-based physical activity seems safe and effective in delaying cognitive function decline and improving changes in behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, activities of daily living, health-related physical fitness, and carer’s burden in people with dementia living at home.
Reactive extraction of propionic acid using trioctylamine in 1–decanol by response surface methodology optimization technique
Authors: Inyang Victoria M , Lokhat David 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Reactive extraction, a novel technique, was experimentally investigated for the removal of propionic acid, which is usually present in low concentrations in aqueous solutions. The experiments were conducted according to statistical design to develop an appropriate regression model. This was aimed at analyzing and optimizing the process variables and extraction efficiency for propionic acid reactive extraction from dilute aqueous streams using trioctylamine as extractant and 1-decanol as organic diluent. Response surface methodology in combination with Box–Behnken design involving 17 experimental runs was utilized for the propionic acid reactive extraction in this study. Three independent process variables were chosen as temperature (T), initial propionic acid concentration (CPAO) in the aqueous phase and trioctylamine composition (CTOA) in the organic phase. The statistical design analysis demonstrated that the propionic acid concentration and TOA composition had a significant effect while temperature had an insignificant effect on the response value as well as an interactive and quadratic effect on the response. The optimum conditions for propionic acid extraction were established as T = 300.752 K, CTOA = 18.252 %v/v, CPAO = 0.408 kmol/m3. Under these optimum conditions, the propionic acid experimental extraction yield was 89.788 %, which was in close conformity with the predicted yield value of 91.939 %.
Ablation of IL-17A leads to severe colitis in IL-10-deficient mice: implications of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and NO production
Authors: Tachibana Masashi , Watanabe Nobumasa , Koda Yuzo , Oya Yukako , Kaminuma Osamu , Katayama Kazufumi , Fan Zifei , Sakurai Fuminori , Kawabata Kenji , Hiroi Takachika , Mizuguchi Hiroyuki 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
IL-10 is an immune regulatory cytokine and its genetic defect leads to gastrointestinal inflammation in humans and mice. Moreover, the IL-23/Th17 axis is known to be involved in these inflammatory disorders. IL-17A, a representative cytokine produced by Th17 cells, has an important role for the pathological process of inflammatory diseases. However, the precise function of IL-17A in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains controversial. In this study, we evaluated the effect of IL-17A on colitis in IL-10-deficient (Il10−/−) mice. Mice lacking both IL-10 and IL-17A (Il10−/−Il17a−/−) suffered from fatal wasting and manifested more severe colitis compared with Il10−/−Il17a+/− mice. Moreover, we found that CD11b+Gr-1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) accumulated in the bone marrow, spleen and peripheral blood of Il10−/−Il17a−/− mice. These MDSCs highly expressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (Nos2) and suppressed the T-cell response in vitro in a NOS-dependent manner. In correlation with these effects, the concentration of nitric oxide was elevated in the serum of Il10−/−Il17a−/− mice. Surprisingly, the severe colitis observed in Il10−/−Il17a−/− mice was ameliorated in Il10−/−Il17a−/−Nos2−/− mice. Our findings suggest that IL-17A plays suppressive roles against spontaneous colitis in Il10−/− mice in an iNOS-dependent manner and inhibits MDSC differentiation and/or proliferation.
Pregnancy-Related Beliefs and Concerns of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Modified After Accessing e-Health Portal
Authors: Sutton Reed T , Wierstra Kelsey , Bal Jasmin , Ismond Kathleen P , Dieleman Levinus A , Halloran Brendan P , Kroeker Karen I , Fedorak Richard N , Berga Keri-Ann , Huang Vivian W 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Objective
Poor inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-specific reproductive knowledge is associated with concerns and medication noncompliance. Having shown an educational portal can improve knowledge, we evaluated its effectiveness for addressing IBD patients’ reproductive and medication concerns.

Methods
Adult IBD participants (aged 18 to 45 years) were invited to access an e-health portal providing information on heritability, fertility, surgery, pregnancy outcomes, delivery, postpartum, and breastfeeding in the context of IBD and IBD medications. At pre-, post-, and 6+-month postintervention, participants completed a questionnaire on IBD-specific pregnancy concerns, medication concerns from the Beliefs About Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ), and medication adherence via the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare median differences between scores (95% confidence).

Results
Demographics for 78 (70.3%) participants completing postintervention questionnaires: median age 29.3 (interquartile range: 25.6 to 32.9) years; 54 (69.2%) Crohn’s disease; 21 (26.9%) ulcerative colitis; 63 (80.3%) females, 5 (7.9%) pregnant; and 19 (30.2%) previously pregnant. Postintervention, the median number of reproductive concerns decreased from 3 to 1, and remained stable 6+ months later (P &lt; 0.001*). The median BMQ score decreased from 28 to 25, and remained stable 6+ months later (P = 0.032*). Participants adherent to medications increased from 82.4% to 87.8% postintervention (P = 0.099).

Conclusion
Using an e-health portal may potentially reduce IBD-specific reproductive and medications concerns. An e-health portal is feasible as one component of managing IBD patient’s reproductive and medication concerns during preconception and pregnancy.
The drifting subpulses of PSR B0031−07 and its synchronously modulated radio polarization
Authors: Ilie C D , Weltevrede P , Johnston S , Chen T 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
We establish that for PSR B0031−07 the orthogonal polarization modes switch at a single pulse level synchronously with the periodic drifting subpulses seen in total intensity. There are only four other pulsars known for which this phenomenon is observed. PSR B0031−07 is unique as it is the only source in this group which has multiple stable drift modes. For both drift modes visible at our observing frequency centered at 1369 MHz, the modulation of polarization modes is synchronous with the drifting subpulses. In one of the drift modes, a discontinuity in the modulation pattern of polarization properties occurs halfway through the pulse, coinciding with a slight change in the slope of the intensity drift band. In contrast to what has been suggested for this pulsar in the past, this, plus other differences in the polarization of the modulated emission observed for the two drift modes, suggests that a drift mode change is more than a change in the underlying carousel radius and that magnetospheric propagation effects play an important role. The ellipticity evolves asymmetrically in time during the modulation cycle, which in the framework of a carousel model implies that the polarized sub-beams are asymmetric with respect to the sense of circulation, something which is not observed for other pulsars. Birefringence in the magnetosphere, resulting in the orthogonal polarization modes to spatially separate, is not enough to explain these results. It is argued that more complex magnetospheric processes, which possibly allow conversion between orthogonal polarization modes, play a role.