bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Virtual reality exposure therapy for adolescents with fear of public speaking: a non-randomized feasibility and pilot study
Authors: Kahlon Smiti , Lindner Philip , Nordgreen Tine 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Public Speaking Anxiety (PSA) is a common anxiety with onset in adolescence and early adulthood. With the advent of consumer virtual reality (VR) technology, VR-delivered exposure therapy is now a scalable and practical treatment option and has previously been shown to be efficacious with adults. In this non-randomized feasibility and pilot trial, we explore the effect of one-session (90 min) VR-delivered exposure therapy for adolescents (aged 13–16) with PSA.

Methods
A total of 27 adolescents were recruited from Norwegian high schools and completed self-report measures of PSA twice prior to treatment, 1 week after treatment, and at 1 and 3 month follow-up. Heart rate was recorded during the treatment session. A low-cost head-mounted VR display with a custom-built VR stimuli material depicting a cultural and age appropriate classroom and audience were used when a series of speech (exposure exercises) were performed.

Results
Linear mixed effects model revealed a significant decrease in PSA symptoms (Cohen’s d = 1.53) pre-post treatment, and improvements were maintained at follow-ups. Physiological data revealed a small increase in heart rate during exposure tasks. Based on feedback from the adolescents, the feasibility of the intervention was increased during the trial.

Conclusions
The results show that low-cost, consumer VR hardware can be used to deliver efficacious treatment for PSA in adolescents, in a feasible one-session format.
An adjunctive human-animal interaction intervention for veterans with PTSD: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Grubaugh Anouk L. , Myers Ursula S. , Keller Stephanie M. , Wangelin Bethany C. , Lozano Brian E. , Tuerk Peter W. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rarely remits over time, and if left untreated, leads to significant distress, functional impairment, and increased health care costs. Fortunately, effective evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for PTSD, such as Prolonged Exposure (PE), exist. Despite their availability and efficacy, a significant number of individuals with PTSD do not initiate treatment when offered or dropout prematurely. One proposed theory suggests that the emotional-numbing symptoms of PTSD (e.g., blunted affect, apathy) can serve as a barrier to engaging in, and successfully completing, treatment; and the broad human-animal interaction (HAI) literature available suggests that HAI can potentially reduce emotional numbing related to PTSD. Accordingly, this manuscript describes an ongoing, federally funded, randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of RESCUE, an HAI intervention, as a viable adjunctive treatment component for PE.

Methods/design
The study will include 70 veterans with PTSD treated at a Southeastern Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). All participants in the trial receive up to 12 sessions of PE. Participants are randomly assigned 1:1 to (1) volunteer at a local animal shelter or (2) volunteer at a community agency of their choice as part of their in-vivo exposure exercises for PE. Outcomes will be examined via standard clinical interviews, self-report questionnaires, and thematic interviews.

Discussion
It is hypothesized that participants in the HAI condition will report greater decreases in emotional-numbing symptoms and increased treatment compliance and completion rates relative to those in the community volunteer condition. If successful, RESCUE, could be easily incorporated into standard PE and broadly disseminated.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov. ID: NCT03504722. Retrospectively registered on 2 May 2017.
Building internal capacity in pragmatic trials: a workshop for program scientists at the US National Cancer Institute
Authors: Norton Wynne E. , Zwarenstein Merrick , Czajkowski Susan , Kato Elisabeth , O’Mara Ann , Shelburne Nonniekaye , Chambers David A. , Loudon Kirsty 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundBuilding capacity in research funding organizations to support the conduct of pragmatic clinical trials is an essential component of advancing biomedical and public health research. To date, efforts to increase the ability to design and carry out pragmatic trials have largely focused on training researchers. To complement these efforts, we developed an interactive workshop tailored to meet the roles and responsibilities of program scientists at the National Cancer Institute—the leading cancer research funding agency in the USA. The objectives of the workshop were to improve the understanding of pragmatic trials and enhance the capacity to distinguish between elements that make a trial more pragmatic or more explanatory among key programmatic staff. To our knowledge, this is the first reported description of such a workshop.Main bodyThe workshop was developed to meet the needs of program scientists as researchers and stewards of research funds, which often includes promoting scientific initiatives, advising prospective applicants, collaborating with grantees, and creating training programs. The workshop consisted of presentations from researchers with expertise in the design and interpretation of trials across the explanatory-pragmatic continuum. Presentations were followed by interactive, small-group exercises to solidify participants’ understanding of the purpose and conduct of these trials, which were tailored to attendees’ areas of expertise across the cancer control continuum and designed to reflect their scope of work as program scientists at NCI. A total of 29 program scientists from the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences and the Division of Cancer Prevention participated; 19 completed a post-workshop evaluation. Attendees were very enthusiastic about the workshop: they reported improved knowledge, significant relevance of the material to their work, and increased interest in pragmatic trials across the cancer control continuum.ConclusionTraining program scientists at major biomedical research agencies who are responsible for developing funding opportunities and advising grantees is essential for increasing the quality and quantity of pragmatic trials. Together with workshops for other target audiences (e.g., academic researchers), this approach has the potential to shape the future of pragmatic trials and continue to generate more and better actionable evidence to guide decisions that are of critical importance to health care practitioners, policymakers, and patients.
Examining the effects of a high-protein total diet replacement on energy metabolism, metabolic blood markers, and appetite sensations in healthy adults: protocol for two complementary, randomized, controlled, crossover trials
Authors: Oliveira Camila L. P. , Boulé Normand G. , Sharma Arya M. , Elliott Sarah , Siervo Mario , Ghosh Sunita , Berg Aloys , Prado Carla M. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
High-protein diets and total diet replacements are becoming increasingly popular for weight regulation; however, further research is needed to elucidate their impact on the physiology of body weight regulation. The aim of this inpatient metabolic balance study is to compare the impact of a high-protein total diet replacement versus a control diet (North American) on energy expenditure, macronutrient oxidation rates and balances, metabolic blood markers and appetite sensations in healthy adults.

Methods
Two randomized, controlled, cross-over clinical trials conducted separately in men and women will be conducted. In each trial, participants will be allocated to two isocaloric arms: a) Control diet: 55% carbohydrate, 15% protein, and 30% fat; b) High-protein total diet replacement: 35% of carbohydrate, 40% protein, and 25% fat. They will receive the prescribed diets for 32 h while inside the whole-body calorimetry unit. Diets will be designed to ensure participants are in energy balance. The following physiological changes will be compared between groups: energy expenditure, macronutrient oxidation rates and balances, metabolic blood markers, and appetite sensations. Body composition will be assessed at baseline using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Discussion
This will be the first inpatient metabolic balance study examining the impact of a high-protein total diet replacement on energy metabolism, metabolic blood markers and appetite sensations in healthy young adults (of both sexes) using a whole-body calorimetry unit. Results of this clinical trial can ultimately be used to develop strategies to optimize high-protein diet interventions and weight management.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT02811276 (registered on 16 June 2016) and NCT03565510 (registered on 11 June 2018).

Protocol version
NCT02811276: version 10 (2 March 2018); NCT03565510: version 3 (28 September 2018).
Impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) self-collection on subsequent cervical cancer screening completion among under-screened US women: MyBodyMyTest-3 protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Spees Lisa P. , Des Marais Andrea C. , Wheeler Stephanie B. , Hudgens Michael G. , Doughty Sarah , Brewer Noel T. , Smith Jennifer S. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundScreening substantially reduces cervical cancer incidence and mortality. More than half of invasive cervical cancers are attributable to infrequent screening or not screening at all. The current study, My Body My Test (MBMT), evaluates the impact of mailed kits for self-collection of samples for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing on completion of cervical cancer screening in low-income, North Carolina women overdue for cervical cancer screening.Methods/designThe study will enroll at least 510 US women aged 25–64 years who report no Pap test in the last 4 years and no HPV test in the last 6 years. We will randomize participants to an intervention or control arm. The intervention arm will receive kits to self-collect a sample at home and mail it for HPV testing. In both the intervention and control arms, participants will receive assistance in scheduling an appointment for screening in clinic. Study staff will deliver HPV self-collection results by phone and assist in scheduling participants for screening in clinic. The primary outcome is completion of cervical cancer screening. Specifically, completion of screening will be defined as screening in clinic or receipt of negative HPV self-collection results. Women with HPV-negative self-collection results will be considered screening-complete. All other participants will be considered screening-complete if they obtain co-testing or Pap test screening at a study-affiliated institution or other clinic. We will assess whether the self-collection intervention influences participants’ perceived risk of cervical cancer and whether perceived risk mediates the relationship between HPV self-collection results and subsequent screening in clinic. We also will estimate the incremental cost per woman screened of offering at-home HPV self-collection kits with scheduling assistance as compared to offering scheduling assistance alone.DiscussionIf mailed self-collection of samples for HPV testing is an effective strategy for increasing cervical cancer screening among women overdue for screening, this method has the potential to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality in medically underserved women at higher risk of developing cervical cancer.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT02651883, Registered on 11 January 2016.
A DAF-3 co-Smad molecule functions in Haemonchus contortus development
Authors: Di Wenda , Liu Lu , Zhang Ting , Li Fangfang , He Li , Wang Chunqun , Ahmad Awais Ali , Hassan Mubashar , Fang Rui , Hu Min 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe Smad proteins function in TGF-β signalling transduction. In the model nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans, the co-Smad, DAF-3 mediates R-Smads and performs a central role in DAF-7 signal transduction, regulating dauer formation and reproductive processes. Considering the divergent evolutionary patterns of the DAF-7 signalling pathway in parasitic nematodes, it is meaningful to explore the structure and function of DAF-3 in parasitic nematodes, such asHaemonchus contortus.MethodsAdaf-3gene (Hc-daf-3) and its predicted product (Hc-DAF-3) were identified fromH. contortusand characterised using integrated genomic and genetic approaches. In addition to immunohistochemistry employed to localiseHc-DAF-3 within adult worm sections, real-time PCR was conducted to assess the transcriptional profiles in different developmental stages ofH. contortusand RNA interference (RNAi) was performedin vitroto assess the functional importance ofHc-daf-3in the development ofH. contortus.ResultsHc-DAF-3 sequences predicted fromHc-daf-3displayed typical features of the co-Smad subfamily. The nativeHc-DAF-3 was localised to the gonad and cuticle of adult parasites. In addition,Hc-daf-3was transcribed in all developmental stages studied, with a higher level in the third-stage larvae (L3) and adult females. Moreover, silencingHc-daf-3by RNAi retarded L4 development.ConclusionThe findings of the present study demonstrated an important role ofHc-DAF-3 in the development ofH. contortuslarvae.
Genetic variation of Echinococcus spp. in yaks and sheep in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China based on mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Ohiolei John Asekhaen , Xia Chen-Yang , Li Li , Liu Jian-Zhi , Tang Wen-Qiang , Wu Yan-Tao , Danqulamu  , Zhu Guo-Qiang , Shi Bin , Fu Bao-Quan , Yin Hong , Yan Hong-Bin , Jia Wan-Zhong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundCystic echinococcosis (CE) in humans and livestock is caused byEchinococcus granulosus(sensu lato). In China where CE is endemic, a number of studies have shown thatEchinococcus granulosus(sensu stricto) is majorly responsible for CE. However,E. canadensis(G6) which is the second leading cause of CE is now being detected in most parts of the country. In this study, the species diversity and genetic variation ofEchinococcus granulosus(s.l.) in four counties in Tibet Autonomous Region of China were investigated.MethodsInfection withEchinococcus granulosus(s.s.) in yaks and sheep was identified using NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 and 5 (nad1 andnad5) mitochondrial genes while the genotype G6 ofE. canadensisinitially diagnosed with NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) was further confirmed by analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome and a phylogenetic network constructed based on thenad2 andnad5 genes.ResultsOut of 85 hydatid cyst samples collected from slaughtered sheep (n = 54) and yaks (n = 31), 83 were identified asE. granulosus(s.s.) G1 (n = 77), G3 (n = 6) and 2 were identified asE. canadensisG6. Analysis of thenad1/nad5 genes revealed 16/17 mutations with 9/14 parsimony informative sites resulting in 15/14 haplotypes, respectively. Haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (π) ofE. granulosus(s.s.) population were 0.650 and 0.00127 fornad1 and 0.782 and 0.00306 fornad5, respectively, with an overall negative Tajima’sDand Fu’s Fs. A low FSTindicated no genetic difference between isolates from sheep and yaks.ConclusionPockets of infection withE. canadensis(G6, G7, G8 and G10) have been previously reported in sheep, goats, yaks and/or humans in different parts of China. While the G6 genotype has been previously reported in sheep in the Tibet Autonomous Region, the detection in a yak in the present study represents the first to the best of our knowledge. Therefore, we recommend future surveys and control efforts to comprehensively investigate other potential intermediate hosts for the prevalence and genetic diversity of theE. canadensisgroup (G6, G7, G8 and G10) across the country and their inclusion into the existing CE control programme.
Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus in canines in North-Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran, identified using morphology and genetic characterization of mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Heidari Zahra , Sharbatkhori Mitra , Mobedi Iraj , Mirhendi Seyed Hossein , Nikmanesh Bahram , Sharifdini Meysam , Mohebali Mehdi , Zarei Zabihollah , Arzamani Kourosh , Kia Eshrat Beigom 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundCanids are definitive hosts ofEchinococcus multilocularisandEchinococcus granulosus.This study aimed to survey these twoEchinococcusspecies in canids of North-Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran, using morphological criteria and genetic characterization of mitochondrial DNA.MethodsThe carcasses of 106 canids, namely 61 jackals (Canis aureus), 23 foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 19 dogs (Canis familiaris) and three wolves (Canis lupus) were collected from the study area in 2013–2014 and examined forEchinococcusspecies. Morphological features were assessed by microscopy of adult worms. For molecular characterization, DNA was extracted, mostly from the adult worms but also from eggs. DNA fragments of the cytochromecoxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) mitochondrial genes were amplified and sequenced. Sequences were aligned and compared with reference sequences. Intraspecific and interspecific diversity were calculated and phylogenetic analysis was performed.ResultsOverall, 9.4% of the canids (eight jackals and two foxes) were found infected withE. multilocularisby molecular methods, of which seven cases were also confirmed using morphological description of the adult worms.Echinococcus granulosuswas found in 6.6% of the canines (four dogs, two jackals and one wolf) as determined by both molecular methods and adult cestode morphology. AllE. granulosusisolates were identified as the G1 genotype. Comparative sequence analysis indicated 0–0.7% and 0% intraspecific divergence withinE. granulosusisolates and 0% and 0–0.2% withinE. multilocularisisolates forcox1 andnad1, respectively.ConclusionsThis study revealed the presence ofE. multilocularisandE. granulosusin canids of North-Khorasan Province of Iran. Jackals were found infected with bothE. multilocularisandE. granulosus, but infection with the former species was higher.
Antimicrobial activity of a selection of organic acids, their salts and essential oils against swine enteropathogenic bacteria
Authors: Gómez-García Manuel , Sol Cinta , de Nova Pedro J. G. , Puyalto Mónica , Mesas Luis , Puente Héctor , Mencía-Ares Óscar , Miranda Rubén , Argüello Héctor , Rubio Pedro , Carvajal Ana 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Accurate screening of new alternative antimicrobial compounds is essential for their use to control pathogens in swine production due to the replacement of antibiotics and zinc oxide. Most in vitro studies have separately reported the antimicrobial activity of organic acids and essential oils (EOs) using diverse methods for susceptibility testing. In addition, in vitro outcomes can help in the selection of the suitable antimicrobial compound and effective combinations of these compounds in the control of pathogens of interest in pork production. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determinate the antibacterial activity of six organic acids and six EOs against Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Clostridium perfringens isolates, some of them multi-resistant to antibiotics, from swine origin. The synergistic effects between the products with higher activity for each bacteria were also calculated.

Results
All products tested showed activity against at least one bacterial species, except for black pepper EO. The results showed that formic acid with the shortest chain length was the most effective against E. coli and Salmonella spp., while the sodium salt of coconut fatty acid distillates with long chain acids was the most effective against C. perfringens. The susceptibility of isolates tested to EOs was similar, a result that demonstrates a similar activity of these products against phylogenetically unrelated pathogens. In addition, an additive effect was shown for carvacrol-oregano EO for E. coli, formic acid-carvacrol and formic acid-thymol for Salmonella spp. and carvacrol-cinamaldehyde for C. perfringens.

Conclusions
The susceptibility of isolates to EOs was similar, a result that demonstrates a similar activity of these products against phylogenetically unrelated pathogens in contrast to organic acids. In addition, an additive effect was shown for several combinations of these compounds.
Risk for Infections During Treatment With Denosumab for Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Diker-Cohen Talia , Rosenberg Dana , Avni Tomer , Shepshelovich Daniel , Tsvetov Gloria , Gafter-Gvili Anat 
Published: January 2020

AbstractContextDenosumab inhibits the receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-Β ligand, an immune system modulator. Safety endpoints including risk for infections were assessed as secondary outcomes in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the drug.ObjectiveTo assess the risk of serious adverse events of infections (SAEI) in denosumab-treated patients.Data SourcesPubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to May 27, 2019.Study SelectionAll RCTs of denosumab (60 mg every 6 months) versus any comparator were included. We excluded trials in cancer patients for prevention of skeletal-related events.Data ExtractionTwo reviewers independently applied selection criteria and extracted the data. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using a fixed effect model. Sensitivity analysis was based on risk of bias.Data SynthesisThirty-three studies (22 253 patients) were included. There was a higher incidence of SAEI during denosumab treatment versus any comparator (RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.04-1.40; I2 = 0%), mainly of ear, nose, and throat (RR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.20-5.91) and gastrointestinal origin (RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.02-2.01). RR was similar in a sensitivity analysis based on adequate allocation concealment. The RR of any infection (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.99-1.06) and infection-related mortality (RR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.20-1.23) was comparable between groups.ConclusionsA higher incidence of SAEI is demonstrated during treatment with denosumab in an osteoporosis dose. Nevertheless, the overall risk for any infection or related mortality is similar to comparator groups. These findings merit consideration before therapy initiation.
Seeded optical parametric oscillator light source for precision spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Z.-T. , Tan Y. , Wang J. , Cheng C.-F. , Sun Y. R. , Liu A.-W. , Hu S.-M. 
Published: January 2020

Precision spectroscopy of fundamental bands of molecules in the mid-infrared (MIR) region is of great interest in applications of trace detection and testing fundamental physics, where high-power and narrow-linewidth MIR lasers are needed. By using a frequency-stabilized near-infrared laser as a seed of the signal light of a continuous-wave optical parametric oscillator, we established a broadly tunable MIR light source that has an output power of several hundred milliwatts and a linewidth of a few tens of kilohertz. The MIR laser frequency drift was reduced to below 1 kHz by using an optical frequency comb to stabilize the frequency of the 1064 nm pumping laser. The performance of the light source was investigated and tested by measuring the saturated absorption spectroscopy of a few molecular transitions at 3.3 µm.