bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acupoint catgut embedding for diabetic gastroparesis
Authors: Xia Tingwei , Yang Yue , Li Weihong , Tang Zhaohui , Li Zongrun , Guo Yongsong 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background:
Diabetic gastroparesis (DG) is a common complication to diabetes mellitus (DM). A lot of clinical researches have focused on acupoint catgut embedding for diabetic gastroparesis. However, there is no systematic review and meta-analysis has been conducted. We aim to systematically review the effect of acupoint catgut embedding on diabetic gastroparesis.

Methods:
The databases including PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, Ovid LWW, EMBASE, CNKI, Wanfang Database will be searched. Studies published from the time when the database establishment to July 2019 will be retrieved. Randomized controlled clinical trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials on acupoint catgut embedding for diabetic gastroparesis will be included. The primary outcomes are gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) or a similar scale to score dyspeptic symptoms. RevMan V.5.3 software will be used to perform the analyses.

Results:
This study will provide a high-quality synthesis of the effectiveness and safety of acupoint catgut embedding for diabetic gastroparesis.

Conclusion:
This systematic review will provide a high-quality evidence to judge whether the acupoint catgut embedding is beneficial to treat diabetic gastroparesis.

PROSPERO registration number:
CRD42019140951
A Dimension in Recovery
Authors: Şengün İnan Figen , Günüşen Neslihan , Özkul Burcu , Aktürk Nesrin 
Published: October 2019

Background
Returning to work (RTW) after breast cancer is an important step in psychosocial recovery.

Objective
To explore experiences of Turkish breast cancer survivors about returning or continuing to work.

Methods
This study utilized a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through semistructured interviews conducted with 12 breast cancer survivors with full employment. The data were analyzed using inductive content analysis method.

Results
Four themes emerged as a result of analysis of obtained data: decision-making process, difficulties in work life, sources of motivation for maintenance of work life, and benefits of RTW.

Conclusions
The results of the study showed that RTW involves many uncertainties, and women experience difficulties resulting from themselves, work life, and colleagues. Support from family, colleagues, and employers is an important source of motivation in women’s coping with these difficulties. In addition, RTW positively influences psychosocial well-being.

Implications for Practice
Health professionals should provide support as part of follow-up care regarding difficulties in the return to and continuation of work experienced by breast cancer survivors. Future studies could focus on experiences of all stakeholders including physicians, nurses, colleagues, and employers.
Predictors of Failure to Reach Viral Suppression Within 1 Year After Human Immunodeficiency Virus Diagnosis: A Surveillance-Based Analysis
Authors: Whelan Bridget M. , Hebert Paul L. , Ahrens Kym R. , Katz David A. , Buskin Susan E. , Golden Matthew R. , Dombrowski Julia C. 
Published: October 2019

Background
Identifying factors associated with poor human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care continuum outcomes in the first year after HIV diagnosis could guide care engagement efforts at the time of diagnosis.

Methods
We analyzed data from newly diagnosed persons living with HIV (PLWH) who received a partner services (PS) interview in King County, WA from January 1, 2013, to June 30, 2016. The outcome measure was failure to reach viral suppression, defined as the lack of an HIV RNA result <200 copies/mL reported to surveillance within one year after diagnosis. We constructed Kaplan-Meier curves of time to viral suppression and examined associations between viral suppression and demographic characteristics, substance use, housing status, and plan for HIV care.

Results
Among 549 individuals, 69 (13%) did not achieve viral suppression within 1 year. Failure to reach suppression was associated with having no plan for HIV care at the time of PS interview (n = 72; 13% of the total population; RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.04–1.36] and unstable housing (n = 81; 15% of the total population; [RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.05–1.35). Among persons with one of these two risk factors, 76% achieved viral suppression, compared with 91% of those with stable housing and a plan for care. Overall, 80% of persons who ultimately reached suppression did so by 7.3 months.

Conclusions
Providing early support services to PLWH who have unstable housing or no plan for care at the time of HIV partner services interview and to those who do not reach viral suppression shortly after diagnosis could improve the HIV care continuum.
Accuracy and Time-Efficiency of an Automated Software Tool to Assess Left Ventricular Parameters in Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Bartolomé Pablo , Caballeros Meylin , Quílez-Larragan Almudena , Núñez-Córdoba Jorge M. , Fernández González Óscar , Ezponda Ana , Bastarrika Gorka 
Published: October 2019

Purpose:Routine manual tracing of cardiac contours is time-consuming and subject to variability. A fully automated software tool may improve reading efficiency. This study was performed to assess the accuracy, reliability, and time-efficiency of a fully automated left ventricular (LV) segmentation software tool to calculate LV volumes and function compared with conventional manual contouring.Materials and Methods:Sixty-seven consecutive patients (53 male, mean age 62.5±10.9 y) underwent adenosine stress/rest perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance examination to rule out myocardial ischemia. Double-oblique short-axis 6-mm slice thickness steady-state free precession cine images were acquired to assess LV ejection fraction (EF), end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), and stroke volume (SV) using manual contour tracing and a recently developed fully automated software tool. The length of time needed to obtain LV volumes with each segmentation method was also compared.Results:Compared with manual contouring, the fully automated software tool minimally underestimated LV-EF (mean difference of 2.9%±3.9%) and SV (mean difference of 4.4±8.5 mL) and slightly overestimated ESV (mean difference of −6.4±10.8 mL) and LV mass (mean difference of −14±20.4 g). EDV quantification did not statistically differ. Reliability for EF (concordance correlation coefficient [CCC]=0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-0.95), EDV (CCC=0.98, 95% CI, 0.97-0.99), ESV (CCC=0.96, 95% CI, 0.94-0.97), SV (CCC=0.93, 95% CI, 0.89-0.95), and LV mass (CCC=0.84, 95% CI, 0.76-0.89) was very good. The evaluated software allowed to quantify LV parameters with a 79% reduction in the time required for manual contouring (414.7±91 s vs. 85±16.1 s, respectively,P<0.001).Conclusion:Quantification of LV volumes using the evaluated fully automated segmentation software is accurate and time-efficient.
Wide Variation in the Percentage of Donation After Circulatory Death Donors Across Donor Service Areas: A Potential Target for Improvement
Authors: Sonnenberg Elizabeth M. , Hsu Jesse Y. , Reese Peter P. , Goldberg David S. , Abt Peter L. 
Published: October 2019

Background.
Substantial differences exist in the clinical characteristics of donors across the 58 donor service areas (DSAs). Organ procurement organization (OPO) performance metrics incorporate organs donated after circulatory determination of death (DCDD) donors but do not measure potential DCDD donors.

Methods.
Using 2011–2016 United Network for Organ Sharing data, we examined the variability in DCDD donors/all deceased donors (%DCDD) across DSAs. We supplemented United Network for Organ Sharing data with CDC death records and OPO statistics to characterize underlying process and system factors that may correlate with donors and utilization.

Results.
Among 52 184 deceased donors, the %DCDD varied widely across DSAs, with a median of 15.1% (interquartile range [9.3%, 20.9%]; range 0.0%–32.0%). The %DCDD had a modest positive correlation with 4 DSA factors: median match model for end-stage liver disease, proportion of white deaths out of total deaths, kidney center competition, and %DCDD livers by a local transplant center (all Spearman coefficients 0.289–0.464), and negative correlation with 1 factor: mean kidney waiting time (Spearman coefficient –0.388). Adjusting for correlated variables in linear regression explained 46.3% of the variability in %DCDD.

Conclusions.
Donor pool demographics, waitlist metrics, center competition, and DCDD utilization explain only a portion of the variability of DCDD donors. This requires further studies and policy changes to encourage consideration of all possible organ donors.
WITOD: A Tool for Within-Taxon Operational Taxonomic Unit Diversity Analysis
Authors: Cava John Kevin , Li Gaoyang , Du Wei , Cao Huansheng 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMotivationTaxonomic analysis of microbiomes based on 16S rRNA amplicons has so far been usually restricted to abundance analysis of operational taxonomic units (OTUs), which are usually mapped to genus, as the furthest level for a balance between accuracy and speed. Biodiversity within taxa has been little studied, due to lack of proper computational tools. Within-taxon diversity reflects genetic polymorphism within the taxa to reveal whether there are potentially more variants/lineages for some microbiome-associated traits, e.g., diseases or bioconversion efficiency. The diversity will aid diagnosis decisions.ResultsHere we introduce a tool, WITOD, for the WIthin-Taxon Operational taxonomic unit Diversity analysis. WITOD works on the alignment of all the OTU sequences within a taxon to get a non-redundant alignment with consensus regions on both ends (due to the conservation of the 16S regions used). Then the relative abundance of identical OTUs is combined; more specific taxonomy is obtained through BLASTn of these OTU sequences against the Silva database. One of the outputs is an OTU table with these unique OTUs with new taxonomy, combined relative abundance. In addition, another table can be constructed which we call the diversity table that associates the number of OTUs for a specific Taxa and the relative abundance in that environment. This can be used to further discover the importance of differing diversity in a given environment.ConclusionsIn this paper, we have introduced a python program WITOD which is a computational tool to analyze the within-taxon biodiversity of microbiome composition. It will be useful in revealing the genetic polymorphism in general and aiding identifying the causative human pathogens or environmental disease vectors. WITOD is available at https://github.com/johncava/WITOD
The Bayesian polyvertex score (PVS-B): a whole-brain phenotypic prediction framework for neuroimaging studies
Authors: Zhao Weiqi , Palmer Clare E. , Thompson Wesley , Jernigan Terry L. , Dale Anders M. , Fan Chun Chieh 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTThe traditional brain mapping approach has greatly advanced our understanding of the localized effect of the brain on behavior. However, the statistically significant brain regions identified by standard mass univariate models only explain minimal variance in behavior despite increased sample sizes and statistical power. This is potentially due to the generalizable explanatory signal in the brain being non-sparse, therefore not captured by the thresholded, localized model. Here we introduced the Bayesian polyvertex score (PVS-B), a whole-brain prediction framework that aggregates the effect sizes across all vertices to predict individual variability in behavior. The PVS-B estimates the posterior mean effect size at each vertex with mass univariate summary statistics and the correlation structure of the imaging phenotype, and weights the imaging phenotype of participants from an independent sample with these posterior mean effect sizes to estimate the generalizable effect of a brain-behavior association. Empirical data showed that the PVS-B was able to double the variance explained in general cognitive ability by an n-back fMRI contrast when compared to prediction models based on the mass univariate parameter estimates as well as models in which only vertices thresholded based on p-value were included. A fivefold improvement in variance explained by the PVS-B was observed using a stop signal task fMRI contrast to predict individual variability in the stop signal reaction time. We believe that the PVS-B can shed light on the multivariate investigation of brain-behavioral associations and will empower small scale neuroimaging studies with more reliable and accurate effect size estimates.
A transcriptional toolbox for exploring peripheral neuro-immune interactions
Authors: Liang Zhi , Hore Zoe , Harley Peter , Stanley Federico Uchenna , Michrowska Aleksandra , Dahiya Monica , La Russa Federica , Jager Sara E. , Villa-Hernandez Sara , Denk Franziska 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCorrect communication between immune cells and peripheral neurons is crucial for the protection of our bodies. Its breakdown is observed in many common, often painful conditions, including arthritis, neuropathies and inflammatory bowel or bladder disease. Here, we have characterised the immune response in a mouse model of neuropathic pain using flow cytometry and cell-type specific RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). We found few striking sex differences, but a very persistent inflammatory response, with increased numbers of monocytes and macrophages up to 3½ months after the initial injury. This raises the question of whether the commonly used categorisation of pain into “inflammatory” and “neuropathic” is one that is mechanistically appropriate. Finally, we collated our data with other published RNA-seq datasets on neurons, macrophages and Schwann cells in naïve and nerve injury states. The result is a practical web-based tool for the transcriptional data-mining of peripheral neuroimmune interactions.http://rna-seq-browser.herokuapp.com/
Ischaemic preconditioning and pharmacological preconditioning with dexmedetomidine in an equine model of small intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion
Authors: König K.S. , Verhaar N. , Hopster K. , Pfarrer C. , Neudeck S. , Rohn K. , Kästner S.B.R. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractSmall intestinal strangulation associated with ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is common in horses. In laboratory animals IRI can be ameliorated by ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) and pharmacological preconditioning (PPC) with dexmedetomidine. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of PPC with dexmedetomidine or IPC in an equine model of small intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion (IR).In a randomized controlled experimental trial, 15 horses were assigned to three groups: control (C), IPC, and PPC with dexmedetomidine (DEX). All horses were placed under general anaesthesia and 90% jejunal ischaemia was induced for 90 minutes, followed 30 minutes of reperfusion. In group IPC, three short bouts of ischaemia and reperfusion were implemented, and group DEX received a continuous rate infusion of dexmedetomidine prior to the main ischaemia. Jejunal biopsies were collected before ischaemia (P), and at the end of ischaemia (I) and reperfusion (R). Mucosal injury was assessed by the Chiu-Score, inflammatory cells were stained by cytosolic calprotectin. The degree of apoptosis and cell necrosis was assessed by cleaved-caspase-3 and TUNEL.Parametric data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA for repeated measurements followed by Dunnetts t-test. Non parametric data were compared between groups at the different time points by a Kruskal-Wallis-Test and a Wilcoxon-2-Sample-test.The mucosal injury score increased during I in all groups. After reperfusion, IRI further progressed in group C, but not in IPC and DEX. In all groups the number of cleaved caspase-3 and TUNEL positive cells increased from P to I. The number of TUNEL positive cells were lower in group DEX compared to group C after I and R. Infiltration with calprotectin positive cells was less pronounced in group DEX compared to group C, whereas in group IPC more calprotectin positive cells were seen.In conclusion, IPC and DEX exert protective effects in experimental small intestinal ischaemia in horses.
What monetary discretion can and cannot do under boom and bust cycles? Evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Hayat Zafar , Ahmed Jameel , Balli Faruk 
Published: October 2019

PurposeThe conventional and new inflation bias theories present two distinct facets to explain the outcome of excess inflation without output gains by a discretionary central banker. First is the temptation to achieve a higher than potential output, and, second is not to let it falter. The authors explicitly account for these two distinct dimensions in empirical formulations both exogenously and endogenously. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to investigate what monetary discretion can and cannot do in terms of dual objectives – inflation and growth – across boom and bust cycles, both directly and indirectly.Design/methodology/approach(i) Segregate the economic activity into boom and bust cycles; (ii) Explicitly account for the two dimensions of conventional and new inflation bias theories; and (iii) model and estimate the direct and indirect effects of monetary discretion across business cycles.FindingsThe results indicate considerable asymmetries in the effects of monetary discretion and distribution thereof across objectives and cycles. The direct impact of monetary discretion tends to induce significantly higher inflation in boom and bust cycles, while it exerts a positive but insignificant effect on output. The inflation effects are more pronounced in boom than bust cycles and vice versa are the output effects. The indirect effects on output via inflation are significantly pernicious, which are more pronounced in expansions than recessions.Originality/valueIn a nutshell, instead of benefiting, monetary discretion tends to harm in terms of both the dual policy objectives, which cautions about its well calculated and constrained use only.
Education's Love Triangle
Authors: Aldridge David 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
It has been acknowledged that education includes ‘a love of what one teaches and a love of those whom one teaches’ (Hogan 2010: 81), but two traditions of writing in philosophy of education—concerning love for student and love for subject—have rarely been brought together. This paper considers the extent to which the ‘triangular’ relationship of teacher, student and subject matter runs the risk of the rivalry, jealousy and strife that are characteristic of ‘tragic’ love triangles, or entails undesirable consequences such as transference from one intended object of love to another. It argues that this faultline in the literature of educational love corresponds to education's ‘divided heart’. The implication of this exploration of education's triangular relationship is that we cannot ignore the ‘dark of love’, nor can we address it simply by asserting that educational love must be of a more honourable sort than romantic love. These tensions can be reconciled through the loving recourse of ‘ceasing to strive’ and the possibility of sublimating the two originary loves into a higher ‘love of truth’.
A SNP in PLAG1 is associated with body height trait in Chinese cattle
Authors: Hou J. , Qu K. , Jia P. , Hanif Q. , Zhang J. , Chen N. , Dang R. , Chen H. , Huang B. , Lei C. 
Published: October 2019

SummaryStature is an important quantitative trait for cattle performance, which influences herd productivity. Previous studies have reported that an SNP (AC_000171.1:g.25015640G>T, rs109815800) in Pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) on chromosome 14 (CHR14) is associated with bovine stature. To validate whether rs109815800 is associated with the body height of Chinese cattle, we carried out an association analysis using 558 adult cattle samples from seven populations. Then, 1038 samples from 38 Chinese cattle breeds were used to show the geographical distribution of this variant in China. The results showed that the Q allele (G allele) increased the height of cattle. Furthermore, the frequencies of Q allele in Chinese native breeds tend to decrease from northern China to southern China, and the frequency of Q allele in two Chinese beef cattle breeds is much higher than that in another 36 Chinese local cattle breeds. Our data suggest that the prevalence of the Q allele is correlated with latitude in China.
Altered cord serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D signaling and placental inflammation is associated with pre‐term birth
Authors: Budhwar Snehil , Verma Priyanka , Verma Rachna , Gupta Shreshtha , Rai Sangeeta , Rajender Singh , Singh Kiran 
Published: October 2019

AbstractProblemVitamin D is well‐known for having anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Impaired maternal vitamin D status has been known to increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes like pre‐term birth. The present study aims to evaluate the impact of fetal cord serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D‐mediated signaling in mediating inflammatory responses in placenta during pre‐term birth.Method of studyFor the above purpose, cord serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH)D were measured in term (n = 20) and pre‐term (n = 20) born babies using ELISA. Vitamin D downstream signaling has also been checked in placenta (VDR, CYP27B1, cathelicidin LL37) along with expression of inflammatory markers (S100A8, HMGB1, TLR2, p‐NF‐kappaB) using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Pearson correlation model was used to do correlation study.ResultsCompared with term born babies (59.31 ± 3.476), decline in cord serum 25(OH)D levels is observed in pre‐term born babies (22.26 ± 1.083, P = <0.0001) that showed strong positive correlation with gestational age (r = .9368***) and birthweight (r = .9559***). On the other hand, vitamin D signaling markers were found to be downregulated and inflammatory markers were upregulated in placental tissue of pre‐term born babies.ConclusionThus, our study demonstrated that insufficient cord 25(OH)D levels may disturb the homeostasis of inflammation in placenta. Altered cord serum 25(OH)D mediated anti‐inflammatory signaling may be acting as trigger signals in modulating inflammatory responses in placenta and eliciting premature activation of spontaneous labor in pre‐term birth.