bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing the effectiveness of a weight loss intervention to enhance self-regulation in adults who are obese: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Frie Kerstin , Hartmann-Boyce Jamie , Jebb Susan A , Aveyard Paul 
Published: December 2019

IntroductionPrevious trials finding an effect of self-monitoring on weight loss have considered the effect to be mediated by self-regulatory processes. However, a qualitative think-aloud study asking people to record thoughts and feelings during weighing showed that self-regulation occurs only rarely without further instruction. The aim of this trial is to test a novel intervention guiding people through the self-regulatory processes to see whether it facilitates weight loss.Methods and analysesA parallel group, randomised controlled trial will be conducted to test the concept that a self-regulation intervention for weight loss increases weight loss compared with daily self-weighing without further support. One hundred participants with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2will be randomised to either the control or intervention group. The control group will be asked to weigh themselves daily for 8 weeks, the intervention group will be encouraged to follow the self-regulation intervention. They will be prompted to weigh daily, track their weight using an app, plan daily actions for weight loss and reflect on their action plans on a weekly basis. This self-regulation cycle will allow them to experiment with different weight loss strategies and identify effective and sustainable actions. Primary and process outcomes will be measured at baseline and 8 weeks’ follow-up. Linear regression analysis of the primary outcome, weight change, will assess the early effectiveness of the intervention. The process outcomes liking, perceived effectiveness, as well as usage and barriers with regard to the self-regulation intervention, will be assessed through qualitative analysis of follow-up interviews and quantitative analysis of adherence rates and responses to a final questionnaire.Ethics and disseminationThis trial was reviewed and approved by the NHS National Research Ethics Committee and the Health Research Authority (reference number: 18/SC/0482). The findings of the trial will be published in peer reviewed journals and presented at conferences.Trial registration numberISRCTN14148239, prerecruitment.Protocol versionVersion 1.1, 7 December 2018.
Prospective cohort study to investigate the burden and transmission of acute gastroenteritis in care homes: epidemiological results
Authors: Inns Thomas , Pulawska-Czub Anna , Harris John P , Vivancos Roberto , Beeching Nicholas J , Iturriza-Gomara Miren , O'Brien Sarah J 
Published: December 2019

ObjectivesTo estimate the incidence of gastroenteritis in individuals in care homes.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingFive participating care homes in North West England, UK.ParticipantsResidents and staff present at the five study care homes between 15 August 2017 and 30 May 2019 (n=268).Outcome measuresWe calculated incidence rates for all gastroenteritis cases per 1000 person-years at risk and per 1000 bed-days at risk. We also calculated the incidence rate of gastroenteritis outbreaks per 100 care homes per year.ResultsIn total 45 cases were reported during the surveillance period, equating to 133.7 cases per 1000 person-years at risk. In residents the incidence rate was 0.62 cases per 1000 bed-days. We observed seven outbreaks in all care homes included in surveillance, a rate of 76.4 outbreaks per 100 care homes per year. 15 stool samples were tested; three were positive for norovirus, no other pathogens were detected.ConclusionsWe found that surveillance of infectious gastroenteritis disease in care homes based on outbreaks, the current general approach, detected a majority of cases of gastroenteritis. However, if policymakers are to estimate the burden of infectious gastroenteritis in this setting using only routine outbreak surveillance data and not accounting for non-outbreak cases, this study implies that the total burden will be underestimated.
A 4-Stage Pipelined Architecture for Point Multiplication of Binary Huff Curves
Authors: Rashid Muhammad , Imran Malik , Jafri Atif Raza , Mehmood Zahid 
Published: December 2019

This work has proposed a 4-stage pipelined architecture to achieve an optimized throughput over area ratio for point multiplication (PM) computation in binary huff curves (BHC) cryptography. The original mathematical formulation of BHC is revisited with an objective to reduce the required area. Consequently, a simplified formulation of BHC is obtained with 43% reduction in the hardware resources. As far as the throughput is concerned, it is improved first by reducing the critical path and second by minimizing the number of clock cycles (CCs) required to compute one PM. The critical path is reduced through the placement of pipeline registers, whereas the number of required CCs are minimized through an efficient scheduling of computations. These two factors i.e., the area reduction and throughput optimizations, have resulted in maximizing the throughput over area ratio. The proposed pipelined architecture is implemented over [Formula: see text] field, using standard NIST curve parameters. The architecture is modeled in Verilog and synthesized using Xilinx (ISE 14.7) design tool on Virtex 7 FPGA. The implementation results show that 17% improvement in clock frequency, 13% reduction in the time required to compute one PM and 2.6% improvement in throughput/area are achieved when compared with the most recent state of the art solutions.
From the Geological Committee of Russia to the Russian Geological Research Institute: solving problems of state geological mapping
Authors: Petrov Oleg V. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
This paper provides a brief overview of the long history of the A.P. Karpinsky Geological Committee and Russian Geological Research Institute (VSEGEI) in the development of the Geological Survey and reinforcement of the mineral resource base of Russia. The status of state geological mapping in the country is highlighted. The issues, challenges and future prospects for state geological mapping in Russia are outlined.
Transforming Pairwise Duplicates to Entity Clusters for High-quality Duplicate Detection
Authors: Draisbach Uwe , Christen Peter , Naumann Felix 
Published: December 2019

Duplicate detection algorithms produce clusters of database records, each cluster representing a single real-world entity. As most of these algorithms use pairwise comparisons, the resulting (transitive) clusters can be inconsistent: Not all records within a cluster are sufficiently similar to be classified as duplicate. Thus, one of many subsequent clustering algorithms can further improve the result.
We explain in detail, compare, and evaluate many of these algorithms and introduce three new clustering algorithms in the specific context of duplicate detection. Two of our three new algorithms use the structure of the input graph to create consistent clusters. Our third algorithm, and many other clustering algorithms, focus on the edge weights, instead. For evaluation, in contrast to related work, we experiment on true real-world datasets, and in addition examine in great detail various pair-selection strategies used in practice. While no overall winner emerges, we are able to identify best approaches for different situations. In scenarios with larger clusters, our proposed algorithm, Extended Maximum Clique Clustering (EMCC), and Markov Clustering show the best results. EMCC especially outperforms Markov Clustering regarding the precision of the results and additionally has the advantage that it can also be used in scenarios where edge weights are not available.
Favorable Response to CD34+ Cell Therapy Is Associated with a Decrease of Galectin-3 Levels in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Poglajen Gregor , Ksela Jus , Frljak Sabina , Zemljic Gregor , Boznar Alic Elizabeta , Cerar Andraz , Vrtovec Bojan 
Published: December 2019

Background. Galectin-3 plasma levels (gal-3) were shown to correlate with the scar burden in chronic heart failure (CHF) setting. As scar burden predicts response to stem cell therapy, we sought to explore a correlation between gal-3 and response to CD34+ cell transplantation in patients with CHF. Methods. We performed a post hoc analysis of patients, enrolled in 2 prospective trials investigating the clinical effects of CD34+ cell therapy in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP) and nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP). CD34+ cells were mobilized by G-CSF, collected via apheresis, and injected transendocardially using NOGA system. Patients were followed for 3 months and demographic, echocardiographic, and biochemical parameters and gal-3 were analyzed at baseline and at follow-up. Response to cell therapy was defined as an LVEF increase of ≥5%. Results. 61 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age of patients was 52 years and 83% were male. DCMP and ICMP were present in 69% and 31% of patients, respectively. The average serum creatinine was 86±23 μmol/L, NT-proBNP 1132 (IQR 350-2279) pg/mL, and LVEF 30±6%. Gal-3 at baseline and at 3 months did not differ significantly (13.4±5.5 ng/mL vs. 13.1±5.8 ng/mL; p=0.72), and there were no differences in baseline gal-3 with respect to heart failure etiology (15.1±7.2 ng/mL in ICMP vs. 12.7±4.3 ng/mL in DCMP; p=0.12). Comparing responders (N=49) to nonresponders (N=18), we found no differences in baseline gal-3 (13.6±5.7 ng/mL vs. 13.2±4.9 ng/mL; p=0.80). However, responders had significantly lower gal-3 at 3-month follow-up (12.1±4.0 ng/mL vs. 15.7±8.4 ng/mL; p<0.05). Also, responders demonstrated a significant decrease in gal-3 over 3 months, while in nonresponders, an increase in gal-3 occurred (−1.5±5.4 ng/mL vs. +2.7±4.3 ng/mL; p=0.01). Conclusions. In patients with chronic heart failure undergoing CD34+ cell therapy, a decrease in galectin-3 plasma levels is associated with beneficial response to this treatment modality. Further prospective data is warranted to confirm our findings and to deepen our understanding of the role of gal-3 in the field of stem cell therapy.
Colon Cancer Prevention with Walnuts: A Longitudinal Study in Mice from the Perspective of a Gut Enterotype–like Cluster
Authors: Chen Yanfei , Nakanishi Masako , Bautista Eddy J. , Qendro Veneta , Sodergren Erica , Rosenberg Daniel W. , Weinstock George M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThere is limited understanding of how walnut consumption inhibits the development of colorectal cancer. A possible mechanism may involve alterations to the gut microbiota. In this study, the effects of walnut on gut microbiota were tested in a mouse tumor bioassay using the colonotropic carcinogen, azoxymethane (AOM) added to the total Western diet (TWD). 16S rRNA pyrosequencing identified three enterotype-like clusters (E1, E2, and E3) in this murine model. E1, E2, and E3 are associated with AOM exposure, walnut consumption, and TWD diet, respectively. E2 and E3 showed distinct taxonomic and functional characteristics, while E1 represented an intermediate state. At the family level, E1 and E3 were both enriched with Bacteroidaceae, but driven by two different operational taxonomic units (OTU; OTU-2 for E1, OTU-4 for E3). E2 was overrepresented with Porphyromonadaceae and Lachnospiraceae, with OTU-3 (family Porphyromonadaceae) as the “driver” OTU for this cluster. Functionally, E3 is overrepresented with genes of glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, xenobiotic metabolism, and lipid metabolism. E2 is enriched with genes associated with cell motility, replication and repair, and amino acid metabolism. Longitudinally, E2 represents the gut microbial status of early life in these mice. In comparison with E1 and E3, E2 is associated with a moderate lower tumor burden (P = 0.12). Our results suggest that walnuts may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer within a Western diet by altering the gut microbiota. Our findings provide further evidence that colorectal cancer risk is potentially modifiable by diet via alterations to the microbiota.
Coronary Disease-Associated Gene
TCF21
Inhibits Smooth Muscle Cell Differentiation by Blocking the Myocardin-Serum Response Factor Pathway
Authors: Nagao Manabu , Lyu Qing , Zhao Quanyi , Wirka Robert C. , Bagga Joetsaroop , Nguyen Trieu , Cheng Paul , Kim Juyong Brian , Pjanic Milos , Miano Joseph M. , Quertermous Thomas 
Published: December 2019

Rationale:
The gene encoding TCF21 (transcription factor 21) has been linked to coronary artery disease risk by human genome-wide association studies in multiple racial ethnic groups. In murine models, Tcf21 is required for phenotypic modulation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in atherosclerotic tissues and promotes a fibroblast phenotype in these cells. In humans, TCF21 expression inhibits risk for coronary artery disease. The molecular mechanism by which TCF21 regulates SMC phenotype is not known.

Objective:
To better understand how TCF21 affects the SMC phenotype, we sought to investigate the possible mechanisms by which it regulates the lineage determining MYOCD (myocardin)-SRF (serum response factor) pathway.

Methods and Results:

Modulation of
TCF21
expression in human coronary artery SMC revealed that
TCF21
suppresses a broad range of SMC markers, as well as key SMC transcription factors MYOCD and SRF, at the RNA and protein level. We conducted chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing to map SRF-binding sites in human coronary artery SMC, showing that binding is colocalized in the genome with TCF21, including at a novel enhancer in the
SRF
gene, and at the
MYOCD
gene promoter. In vitro genome editing indicated that the SRF enhancer CArG box regulates transcription of the SRF gene, and mutation of this conserved motif in the orthologous mouse SRF enhancer revealed decreased SRF expression in aorta and heart tissues. Direct TCF21 binding and transcriptional inhibition at colocalized sites were established by reporter gene transfection assays. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and protein coimmunoprecipitation studies provided evidence that TCF21 blocks MYOCD and SRF association by direct TCF21-MYOCD interaction.

Conclusions:

These data indicate that
TCF21
antagonizes the MYOCD-SRF pathway through multiple mechanisms, further establishing a role for this coronary artery disease-associated gene in fundamental SMC processes and indicating the importance of smooth muscle response to vascular stress and phenotypic modulation of this cell type in coronary artery disease risk.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Prevention of Stroke Systematic Review of Cardiovascular Outcome Trials With Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bellastella Giuseppe , Maiorino Maria Ida , Longo Miriam , Scappaticcio Lorenzo , Chiodini Paolo , Esposito Katherine , Giugliano Dario 
Published: December 2019

Background and Purpose—
The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of CVOTs (cardiovascular outcome trials) to evaluate the effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists therapy in reducing the risk of stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods—
PubMed and other electronic sources were searched until June 20, 2019, to identify relevant studies. Hazard ratios with 95% CIs were used as a measure of the association between use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and risk of stroke after pooling data across trials.

Results—

Seven CVOTs with 56 004 participants were identified. Use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with 15% lower risk of nonfatal stroke (
P
=0.002), 19% lower risk of fatal stroke (
P
=0.150), and 16% lower risk of total stroke (
P
=0.001). There was no association between reductions of hemoglobin A1c levels or body weight and risk of stroke.

Conclusions—
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists reduce the risk of nonfatal stroke in patients with T2D.
Kava for generalised anxiety disorder: A 16-week double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Sarris Jerome , Byrne Gerard J , Bousman Chad A , Cribb Lachlan , Savage Karen M , Holmes Oliver , Murphy Jenifer , Macdonald Patricia , Short Anika , Nazareth Sonia , Jennings Emma , Thomas Stuart R , Ogden Edward , Chamoli Suneel , Scholey Andrew , Stough Con 
Published: December 2019

Objective: Previous randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have shown that Kava (a South Pacific medicinal plant) reduced anxiety during short-term administration. The objective of this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to perform a larger, longer-term trial assessing the efficacy and safety of Kava in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder and to determine whether gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter (SLC6A1) single-nucleotide polymorphisms were moderators of response. Methods: The trial was a phase III, multi-site, two-arm, 16-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigating an aqueous extract of dried Kava root administered twice per day in tablet form (standardised to 120 mg of kavalactones twice/day) in 171 currently non-medicated anxious participants with diagnosed generalised anxiety disorder. The trial took place in Australia. Results: An analysis of 171 participants revealed a non-significant difference in anxiety reduction between the Kava and placebo groups (a relative reduction favouring placebo of 1.37 points; p = 0.25). At the conclusion of the controlled phase, 17.4% of the Kava group were classified as remitted (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale score < 7) compared to 23.8% of the placebo group ( p = 0.46). No SLC6A1 polymorphisms were associated with treatment response, while carriers of the rs2601126 T allele preferentially respond to placebo ( p = 0.006). Kava was well tolerated aside from poorer memory (Kava = 36 vs placebo = 23; p = 0.044) and tremor/shakiness (Kava = 36 vs placebo = 23; p = 0.024) occurring more frequently in the Kava group. Liver function test abnormalities were significantly more frequent in the Kava group, although no participant met criteria for herb-induced hepatic injury. Conclusion: While research has generally supported Kava in non-clinical populations (potentially for more ‘situational’ anxiety as a short-term anxiolytic), this particular extract was not effective for diagnosed generalised anxiety disorder.
Modinomics 1.0 and the Indian Economy
Authors: Esho Hideki 
Published: December 2019

In this study, we recapitulate the economic policies/measures implemented by Narendra Modi in his first five-year term (2014–2019), referred to as ‘Modinomics’. It rests on two pillars, namely growth strategy and anti-poverty programmes, represented by the ‘Make in India’ and ‘JAM trinity’ initiatives, respectively. Further, we assess the economic performance achieved in his first term. Macro-economic indicators, such as economic growth and inflation rates, show satisfactory results; however, we do not find enough evidence of the main objective of ‘Make in India’ being fulfilled, which is ‘to make India a global hub of manufacturing, design, and innovation’. The continuation/aggravation of ‘jobless growth’ is concerning; thus, India should adapt export-oriented industrialization strategy to enhance the viability of ‘Make in India’ and create enough jobs opportunities. JEL: E24, E61, N15, N35, N65
Foreign Direct Investment Determinants in Oil Exporting Countries: Revisiting the Role of Natural Resources
Authors: Eissa Mohamed Abdelaziz , Elgammal Mohammed M. 
Published: December 2019

This article explores the determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) in oil-dependent economies and revisits the role of natural resources in attracting FDI to countries of this kind. Panel data from the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have been employed, covering the period from 1990 to 2015. First, we investigate the FDI determinants during the entire sample period, and then run another investigation starting from the beginning of 2000, when the FDI in the GCC region increased substantially. The results show that there is a positive nexus between market growth, trade openness, inflation, infrastructure, oil price and FDI. Interestingly, oil reserves have a negative impact on FDI; this may be because countries with large reserves of oil like the GCC countries have enough financial resources to finance their economic development. This leads these governments to set up restrictions to protect their resources, thus reducing the amount of resource-seeking FDI. JEL Codes: E22, F21, F23, F43, O13
Impact of sleep duration during pregnancy on the risk of gestational diabetes in the Japan environmental and Children’s study (JECS)
Authors:   Japan Environment and Children’s Study, Myoga Mai , Tsuji Mayumi , Tanaka Rie , Shibata Eiji , Askew David J. , Aiko Yukiyo , Senju Ayako , Kawamoto Toshihiro , Hachisuga Toru , Araki Shunsuke , Kusuhara Koichi , Morokuma Seiichi , Sanefuji Masafumi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has serious effects on both mother and child. Like Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, it is increasing in prevalence world-wide. In addition to obesity, sleep duration has been named an important risk factor. Using a large cohort study, including data from 48,787 participants of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS), we examined the association between sleep duration and both random blood glucose levels and GDM rates during pregnancy.MethodsRandom blood glucose levels were measured during pregnancy. GDM diagnosis was based on the results of 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Additional anthropometric data was collected from questionnaires for statistical analysis.ResultsCompared to mothers averaging 7 to < 10 h sleep (reference group), women receiving < 5 h or ≥ 10 h sleep exhibited significantly elevated random blood glucose levels. This was associated with an elevated risk for positive GDM screening (< 5 h sleep: OR 1.17 (0.96–1.44)p = 0.126; ≥10 h sleep: OR 1.13 (1.03–1.25)p = 0.006). Calculating the risk for GDM, women sleeping < 5 h or ≥ 10 h exhibited elevated risks of 1.31-fold and 1.21 respectively. However, this trend was not found to be significant.ConclusionsSleep is a critical factor in glucose metabolism, with both abnormally long and short sleep duration increasing random blood glucose levels in pregnant women. Moreover, the risk for positive GDM screening increases significantly with elevated sleep, ≥10 h per night. These findings are promising because they support the idea that sleep duration is a modifiable risk factor, and can be focused upon to improve health and pregnancy outcome.