bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The BEACON study: protocol for a cohort study as part of an evaluation of the effectiveness of smartphone-assisted problem-solving therapy in men who present with intentional self-harm to emergency departments in Ontario
Authors: Hatcher Simon , Heisel Marnin , Ayonrinde Oyedeji , Campbell Julie K. , Colman Ian , Corsi Daniel J. , Edgar Nicole E. , Gillett Lindsay , Kennedy Sidney H. , Hunt Sophia Lakatoo , Links Paul , MacLean Sarah , Mehta Viraj , Mushquash Christopher , Raimundo Alicia , Rizvi Sakina J. , Saskin Refik , Schaffer Ayal , Sidahmed Alaaddin , Sinyor Mark , Soares Claudio , Taljaard Monica , Testa Valerie , Thavorn Kednapa , Thiruganasambandamoorthy Venkatesh , Vaillancourt Christian 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Patients who present to emergency departments after intentional self-harm are at an increased risk of dying by suicide. This applies particularly to men, who represent nearly two-thirds of those who die by suicide in Ontario. One way of potentially addressing this gap is to offer a course of blended problem-solving therapy, comprised of a brief course of evidence-based psychotherapy for individuals at risk for suicide, facilitated by the use of a patient-facing smartphone application and a clinician-facing “dashboard.” This approach has the potential to combine the benefits of face-to-face therapy and technology to create a novel intervention.

Methods
This is a cohort study nested within a larger pragmatic multicentre pre- and post-design cluster randomised trial. Suicidal ideation assessed by the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation is the primary outcome variable. Secondary outcome measures include depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale), post-traumatic stress disorder (Primary Care PTSD Screen), health-related quality of life (EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level questionnaire), meaning in life (Experienced Meaning in Life Scale), perceived social supports (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support), alcohol use (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), drug use (Drug Abuse Screening Test Short Form 10), problem-solving skills (Social Problem-Solving Inventory–Revised Short Form), and self-reported healthcare costs, as well as health service use measured using Ontario administrative health data. A process evaluation will also be conducted following study completion.

Discussion
The cohort study will test whether better adherence to the intervention results in better outcomes. The value of the cohort study design is that we can examine in more detail certain subgroups or other variables that are not available in the larger cluster randomised trial. This trial will aim to improve standards by informing best practice in management of men who self-harm and present to hospitals in Ontario.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03473535. Registered on March 22, 2018.
A study protocol for HEalth-Related quality of life-intervention in survivors of Breast and other cancers experiencing cancer-related fatigue using TraditionAL Chinese Medicine: the HERBAL trial
Authors: Yap Ning Yi , Loo Wei Sheng , Zheng Huang Fang , Tan Quan Ming , Tan Tze Kiat , Quek Leona Yan Peng , Tan Chia Jie , Toh Yi Long , Ng Chiu Chin , Ang Seng Kok , Tan Veronique Kiak Mien , Ho Han Kiat , Chew Lita , Loh Kiley Wei-Jen , Tan Tira Jing Ying , Chan Alexandre 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a debilitating condition which commonly affects cancer survivors. The management of CRF remains a challenge due to the lack of effective pharmacological interventions. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) could be a potential therapeutic option for CRF. The modified Xiang Bei Yang Rong Tang (XBYRT) is a TCM herbal decoction, formulated to improve fatigue symptoms in cancer survivors. This clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of XBYRT in improving CRF and quality of life (QOL) of cancer survivors.

Methods
This is a single centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel trial. Eighty cancer survivors will be recruited and randomized to receive the XBYRT or placebo decoction, in a ratio of 1:1. Participants will consume the XBYRT/placebo decoction daily for 8 weeks and undergo assessments at baseline and 4, 8 and 10 weeks after baseline. The participants will be assessed for patient-reported outcomes (PRO), blood biomarkers and adverse events at each time point. The primary outcome is the overall health and QOL status, at 8 weeks follow-up. The secondary outcomes are the effects of XBYRT on fatigue levels, cancer-related cognitive impairment and QOL, as assessed by PRO. The incidence of adverse events and the effects of the XBYRT decoction on blood biomarkers associated with CRF will also be evaluated.

Discussion
Efficacy and safety outcomes from this trial will provide important clinical data to guide future large-scale randomized controlled trials, and the evaluation of the objective blood biomarkers can help to delineate the biological mechanisms of CRF.

Trial registration number
ClinicalTrials.govNCT04104113. Registered on 26 September 2019
Differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into erythroid cells
Authors: Ebrahimi Mohsen , Forouzesh Mehdi , Raoufi Setareh , Ramazii Mohammad , Ghaedrahmati Farhoodeh , Farzaneh Maryam 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDuring the last years, several strategies have been made to obtain mature erythrocytes or red blood cells (RBC) from the bone marrow or umbilical cord blood (UCB). However, UCB-derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) are a limited source and in vitro large-scale expansion of RBC from HSC remains problematic. One promising alternative can be human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) that provide an unlimited source of cells. Human PSCs, including embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), are self-renewing progenitors that can be differentiated to lineages of ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. Several previous studies have revealed that human ESCs can differentiate into functional oxygen-carrying erythrocytes; however, the ex vivo expansion of human ESC-derived RBC is subjected to ethical concerns. Human iPSCs can be a suitable therapeutic choice for the in vitro/ex vivo manufacture of RBCs. Reprogramming of human somatic cells through the ectopic expression of the transcription factors (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, c-MYC, LIN28, and NANOG) has provided a new avenue for disease modeling and regenerative medicine. Various techniques have been developed to generate enucleated RBCs from human iPSCs. The in vitro production of human iPSC-derived RBCs can be an alternative treatment option for patients with blood disorders. In this review, we focused on the generation of human iPSC-derived erythrocytes to present an overview of the current status and applications of this field.
Microenvironmental changes induced by placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells restore ovarian function in ovariectomized rats via activation of the PI3K-FOXO3 pathway
Authors: Choi Jong Ho , Seok Jin , Lim Seung Mook , Kim Tae Hee , Kim Gi Jin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Translational studies have explored the therapeutic potential and feasibility of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in several degenerative diseases; however, mechanistic studies of the function of these cells have been insufficient. As ovarian failure causes anovulation as well as ovarian steroid hormonal imbalances, the specific aims of this study were to analyze the therapeutic role of placenta-derived MSCs (PD-MSCs) in an ovarian failure ovariectomy (OVX) rat model and evaluate whether PD-MSC transplantation (Tx) improved folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation in the injured ovary through PI3K/Akt and FOXO signaling.

Methods
Blood and ovary tissue were collected and analyzed after various PD-MSC Tx treatments in an ovariectomized rat model. Changes in the expression of folliculogenesis- and ovary regeneration-related genes induced by PD-MSC treatments were analyzed by qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and histological analysis.

Results
The levels of hormones related to ovary function were significantly increased in the PD-MSC Tx groups compared with those in the nontransplantation group (NTx). The follicle numbers in the ovarian tissues were increased along with the increased expression of genes related to folliculogenesis in the PD-MSC Tx groups compared with the NTx groups. Furthermore, Tx PD-MSCs induced follicle maturation by increasing the phosphorylation of GSK3 beta and FOXO3 (p < 0.05) and shifting the balance of growth and apoptosis in oocytes.

Conclusions
Taken together, these results show that PD-MSC Tx can restore ovarian function and induce ovarian folliculogenesis via the PI3K/Akt and FOXO signaling pathway.
Rayleigh–Bénard instability in nanofluids: a comprehensive review
Authors: Ahuja Jyoti , Sharma Jyoti 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe extraordinary enhancement in heat transfer efficiency of nanofluids at extremely low volume fractions has attracted a lot of attention in identifying the governing mechanisms. The nanoscale effects, Brownian motion (random motion of particles inside the base fluid) and thermophoresis (diffusion of particles due to temperature gradient) are found to be important slip mechanisms in nanofluids. Based on these findings, a set of partial differential equations for conservation laws for nanofluids was formed. Since then, a large number of mathematical studies on convective heat transfer in nanofluids became feasible. The present paper summarizes the studies pertaining to instability of a horizontal nanofluid layer under the impact of various parameters such as rotation, magnetic field, Hall currents and LTNE effects in both porous and non-porous medium. Initially, investigations were made using the model considering fixed initial and boundary conditions on the layer, gradually the model was revised in the light of more practical boundary conditions and recently it has been modified to get new and more interesting results. The exhaustive analysis of instability problems is presented in the paper and prospects for future research are also identified.
Governance of research consortia: challenges of implementing Responsible Research and Innovation within Europe
Authors: Morrison Michael , Mourby Miranda , Gowans Heather , Coy Sarah , Kaye Jane 
Published: November 2020

AbstractResponsible Research and Innovation (‘RRI’) is a cross-cutting priority for scientific research in the European Union and beyond. This paper considers whether the way such research is organised and delivered lends itself to the aims of RRI. We focus particularly on international consortia, which have emerged as a common model to organise large-scale, multi-disciplinary research in contemporary biomedical science. Typically, these consortia operate through fixed-term contracts, and employ governance frameworks consisting of reasonably standard, modular components such as management committees, advisory boards, and data access committees, to co-ordinate the activities of partner institutions and align them with funding agency priorities. These have advantages for organisation and management of the research, but can actively inhibit researchers seeking to implement RRI activities. Conventional consortia governance structures pose specific problems for meaningful public and participant involvement, data sharing, transparency, and ‘legacy’ planning to deal with societal commitments that persist beyond the duration of the original project. In particular, the ‘upstream’ negotiation of contractual terms between funders and the institutions employing researchers can undermine the ability for those researchers to subsequently make decisions about data, or participant remuneration, or indeed what happens to consortia outputs after the project is finished, and can inhibit attempts to make project activities and goals responsive to input from ongoing dialogue with various stakeholders. Having explored these challenges, we make some recommendations for alternative consortia governance structures to better support RRI in future.
Increase of organic carbon burial response to mangrove expansion in the Nanliu River estuary, South China Sea
Authors: Liu Tao , Liu Shengfa , Wu Bin , Xu Huipeng , Zhang Hui 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDue to high productivity, periodic submersion, and rapid sedimentation rate, mangroves are important carbon sinks in tropical-subtropical coastal zones. Mangrove expansion can significantly enhance burial carbon storage in coastal zones and has been reported in many subtropical regions due to climate change in recent years. To better understand the response of carbon storage to climate change in subtropical-tropical coastal zones, it is necessary to estimate the change in burial organic carbon (OC) storage in mangroves undergoing expansion. In the Nanliu River estuary of South China, the total mangrove area has increased from 72 to 622 ha in recent decades. Based on a sedimentology study combined with historical satellite images analysis, the accumulation rate of burial OC in these mangroves is estimated to be 400–500 g‧m−2‧y−1, of which the part imported to the stratigraphy beneath the mangrove deposit layer is approximately 130 g‧m−2‧y−1. Globally, the reported OC accumulation rate is linearly correlated to the accretion rate in mangroves. The accumulation rate of mangrove burial OC estimated in this study is significantly higher than the corresponding value on this fitted curve, indicating that the OC accumulation rates may be underestimated in such mangroves because the OC imported to the lower root layer has been not been taken into account. Based on the estimated OC accumulation rate and the time-series data of the mangrove area, the increase in burial OC storage in the mangroves of the Nanliu River estuary from 1988 to 2018 is estimated at more than 35 Gg. This study provides an example of estimating soil OC storage increase in expanding mangroves, which can help us better understand the response of coastal carbon pool to climate change.
Review of computational neuroaesthetics: bridging the gap between neuroaesthetics and computer science
Authors: Li Rui , Zhang Junsong 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe mystery of aesthetics attracts scientists from various research fields. The topic of aesthetics, in combination with other disciplines such as neuroscience and computer science, has brought out the burgeoning fields of neuroaesthetics and computational aesthetics within less than two decades. Despite profound findings are carried out by experimental approaches in neuroaesthetics and by machine learning algorithms in computational neuroaesthetics, these two fields cannot be easily combined to benefit from each other and findings from each field are isolated. Computational neuroaesthetics, which inherits computational approaches from computational aesthetics and experimental approaches from neuroaesthetics, seems to be promising to bridge the gap between neuroaesthetics and computational aesthetics. Here, we review theoretical models and neuroimaging findings about brain activity in neuroaesthetics. Then machine learning algorithms and computational models in computational aesthetics are enumerated. Finally, we introduce studies in computational neuroaesthetics which combine computational models with neuroimaging data to analyze brain connectivity during aesthetic appreciation or give a prediction on aesthetic preference. This paper outlines the rich potential for computational neuroaesthetics to take advantages from both neuroaesthetics and computational aesthetics. We conclude by discussing some of the challenges and potential prospects in computational neuroaesthetics, and highlight issues for future consideration.
Development of Bioactive Foldamers Using Ribosomally Synthesized Nonstandard Peptide Libraries
Authors: Katoh Takayuki , Suga Hiroaki 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Genetic code manipulation enables the ribosomal synthesis of peptide libraries bearing diverse nonproteinogenic amino acids, which can be applied to the discovery of bioactive peptides in combination with screening methodologies, such as mRNA display. Despite a tremendous number of successes in incorporation of l-α-amino acids with non-proteinogenic sidechains and N-methyl-l-α-amino acids into nascent peptide chains, d-, β-, and γ-amino acids have suffered from low translation efficiency. This obstacle has been hindering their integration into such peptide libraries. However, the use of engineered tRNAs, which can effectively recruit EF-Tu or/and EF-P, has recently made possible significant improvement of their incorporation efficiency into nascent peptides. This article comprehensively summarizes advances in such methodology and applications to the discovery of peptide ligands against target proteins of interest.
Symmetry as a Tool for Solving Chemical Problems
Authors: Moberg Christina 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Symmetry is found all around us. It is a fundamental concept in the arts as well as in the sciences. In chemical reactions, the use of reagents and catalysts with rotational symmetry decreases the number of transition states, a situation that may lead to increased selectivity. The presence of symmetry facilitates strucure determinations, and symmetry arguments may be helpful for elucidating mechanisms and for gaining insight into dynamic molecular processes.
Risk factors for the development of hospital-acquired pediatric venous thromboembolism—Dealing with potentially causal and confounding risk factors using a directed acyclic graph (DAG) analysis
Authors: Campos Leonardo Rodrigues , Petroli Maurício , Sztajnbok Flavio Roberto , da Costa Elaine Sobral , Brandão Leonardo Rodrigues , Land Marcelo Gerardin Poirot 
Published: November 2020

IntroductionHospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (HA-VTE) in children comprises multiple risk factors that should not be evaluated separately due to collinearity and multiple cause and effect relationships. This is one of the first case-control study of pediatric HA-VTE risk factors using a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) analysis.Material and methodsRetrospective, case-control study with 22 cases of objectively confirmed HA-VTE and 76 controls matched by age, sex, unit of admission, and period of hospitalization. Descriptive statistics were used to define distributions of continuous variables, frequencies, and proportions of categorical variables, comparing cases and controls. Due to many potential risk factors of HA-VTE, a directed acyclic graph (DAG) model was created to identify confounding, reduce bias, and increase precision on the analysis. The final model consisted of a DAG-informed conditional logistic regression.ResultsIn the initial conventional univariable model, the following variables were selected as potential risk factors for HA-VTE: length of stay (LOS, days), immobility, ICU admission in the last 30 days, LOS in ICU, infection, central venous catheter (CVC), number of CVCs placed, L-asparaginase, heart failure, liver failure, and nephrotic syndrome. The final model using the set of variables selected by DAG analysis revealed LOS (OR = 1.106, 95%CI = 1.021–1.198, p = 0.013), L-asparaginase (OR = 26.463, 95%CI = 1.609–435.342, p = 0.022), and nephrotic syndrome (OR = 29.127, 95%CI = 1.044–812.508, p = 0.004) as independent risk factors for HA-VTE.ConclusionThe DAG-based approach was useful to clarify the influence of confounders and multiple causalities of HA-VTE. Interestingly, CVC placement—a known thrombotic risk factor highlighted in several studies—was considered a confounder, while LOS, L-asparaginase use and nephrotic syndrome were confirmed as risk factors to HA-VTE. Large confidence intervals are related to the sample size; however, the results were significant.
The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist, rosiglitazone, ameliorates neurofunctional and neuroinflammatory abnormalities in a rat model of Gulf War Illness
Authors: Keledjian Kaspar , Tsymbalyuk Orest , Semick Stephen , Moyer Mitchell , Negoita Serban , Kim Kevin , Ivanova Svetlana , Gerzanich Volodymyr , Simard J. Marc 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundGulf War (GW) Illness (GWI) is a debilitating condition with a complex constellation of immune, endocrine and neurological symptoms, including cognitive impairment, anxiety and depression. We studied a novel model of GWI based on 3 known common GW exposures (GWE): (i) intranasal lipopolysaccharide, to which personnel were exposed during desert sand storms; (ii) pyridostigmine bromide, used as prophylaxis against chemical warfare; and (iii) chronic unpredictable stress, an inescapable element of war. We used this model to evaluate prophylactic treatment with the PPARγ agonist, rosiglitazone (ROSI).MethodsRats were subjected to the three GWE for 33 days. In series 1 and 2, male and female GWE-rats were compared to naïve rats. In series 3, male rats with GWE were randomly assigned to prophylactic treatment with ROSI (GWE-ROSI) or vehicle. After the 33-day exposures, three neurofunctional domains were evaluated: cognition (novel object recognition), anxiety-like behaviors (elevated plus maze, open field) and depression-like behaviors (coat state, sucrose preference, splash test, tail suspension and forced swim). Brains were analyzed for astrocytic and microglial activation and neuroinflammation (GFAP, Iba1, tumor necrosis factor and translocator protein). Neurofunctional data from rats with similar exposures were pooled into 3 groups: naïve, GWE and GWE-ROSI.ResultsCompared to naïve rats, GWE-rats showed significant abnormalities in the three neurofunctional domains, along with significant neuroinflammation in amygdala and hippocampus. There were no differences between males and females with GWE. GWE-ROSI rats showed significant attenuation of neuroinflammation and of some of the neurofunctional abnormalities.ConclusionThis novel GWI model recapitulates critical neurofunctional abnormalities reported by Veterans with GWI. Concurrent prophylactic treatment with ROSI was beneficial in this model.
Training intensity and improvements in exercise capacity in elderly patients undergoing European cardiac rehabilitation – the EU-CaRE multicenter cohort study
Authors: Marcin Thimo , Eser Prisca , Prescott Eva , Prins Leonie F. , Kolkman Evelien , Bruins Wendy , van der Velde Astrid E. , Peña Gil Carlos , Iliou Marie-Christine , Ardissino Diego , Zeymer Uwe , Meindersma Esther P. , Van’t Hof Arnoud W. J. , de Kluiver Ed P. , Wilhelm Matthias 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivesGuidelines for exercise intensity prescription in Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) are inconsistent and have recently been discussed controversially. We aimed (1) to compare training intensities between European CR centres and (2) to assess associations between training intensity and improvement in peak oxygen consumption (V˙O2) in elderly CR patients.MethodsPeakV˙O2, heart rate and work rate (WR) at the first and second ventilatory thresholds were measured at start of CR. Training heart rate was measured during three sessions spread over the CR. Multivariate models were used to compare training characteristics between centres and to assess the effect of training intensity on change in peakV˙O2.ResultsTraining intensity was measured in 1011 out of 1633 EU-CaRE patients in 7 of 8 centers and the first and secondary ventilatory threshold were identified in 1166 and 817 patients, respectively. The first and second ventilatory threshold were found at 44% (SD 16%) and 78% (SD 9%) of peak WR and 78% (SD 9%) and 89% (SD 5%) of peak heart rate, respectively. Training intensity and session duration varied significantly between centres but change in peakV˙O2over CR did not. Training above the first individual threshold (β 0.62, 95% confidence interval [0.25–1.02]) and increase in training volume per hour (β 0.06, 95%CI [0.01–0.12]) were associated with a higher change in peakV˙O2.ConclusionWhile training intensity and volume varied greatly amongst current European CR programs, changes in peakV˙O2were similar and the effect of training characteristics on these changes were small.