bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of radiographic and functional results of die-punch fracture of distal radius between volar locking plating (VLP) and external fixation (EF)
Authors: Zhou Yanqing , Zhu Yanbin , Zhang Xiong , Tian Dehu , Zhang Bing 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to investigate the radiographic and functional results of die-punch fracture of distal radius treated by volar locking plate (VLP) or external fixation (EF).

Methods
Between January 2015 and June 2018, 87 patients who were treated with EF or VLP were included in this study. At postoperative 6 months and at least 12 months, radiographic and functional outcomes were evaluated, and compared between two groups using SPSS 21.0.

Results
The follow-up period was 15.6 months in average, and at the mean 8.5 weeks bony union was achieved in all patients. At 6-month visit, patients in VLP group had significantly better wrist flexion (79.2° vs. 71.8°) and pronation (79.5° vs. 75.2°) than those in EF group, but the difference was non-significant at the last visit (> 12 months); as for other parameters, no significant differences were observed. No significant difference was found between both groups in term of volar tilt, radial inclination, radial height, ulnar variance, or Gartland–Werley score and DASH. The articular step-off was significantly greater in EF than VLP group (0.6 mm vs. 0.3 mm, p < 0.001). The overall incidence of complications seemed higher in EF group (25% vs. 14%), but not approaching to the statistical significance level.

Conclusions
Patients with VLP fixation of die-punch fractures had better wrist flexion and pronation at 6-month visit and more favorable wrist joint congruence at the last visit, but ultimately their outcome was comparable with those treated by EF.
Comparison of the umbilical cord Blood’s anti-Mullerian hormone level in the newborns of mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy mothers
Authors: Tadaion Far Faezeh , Jahanian Sadatmahalleh Shahideh , Ziaei Saeideh , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine diseases. At present, the cause of the disease is not fully understood, but many studies have shown that PCOS is associated with genetic and environmental factors. The present study aimed to assess the umbilical cord blood’s Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) level in the newborns of mothers suffering from PCOS comparing to healthy mothers.

Methods
This prospective cohort study was conducted on 120 pregnant women with PCOS, who were selected through Rotterdam criteria, and 60 healthy pregnant women as the control group. The subjects in each group were divided into obese and non-obese mothers according to their body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy. The cord blood samples were collected from the offsprings on the time of childbirth. Finally, the circulating concentrations of AMH in both sexes of the newborns were determined by specific assays.

Results
The research results showed that the blood level of AMH was higher in the neonates of obese mothers with PCOS comparing to the controls (P < 0.001). Mean AMH level was higher in male neonates born from non-obese PCOS mothers than in the controls (P < 0.001); however, there was not a significant difference in the level of AMH in female neonates between these two groups (P = 0.264). Also the level of the above biomarker was higher in both sexes of the neonates belonging to obese PCOS mothers compared with the neonates born from non-obese PCOS mothers (P < 0.001).

Conclusion(s)
It can be said that the cord blood AMH level of neonates from obese women with PCOS is higher than that in the newborns of non-obese PCOS mothers. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the clinical findings of the present research.
Thy-1 predicts poor prognosis and is associated with self-renewal in ovarian cancer
Authors: Connor Elizabeth V. , Saygin Caner , Braley Chad , Wiechert Andrew C. , Karunanithi Sheelarani , Crean-Tate Katie , Abdul-Karim Fadi W. , Michener Chad M. , Rose Peter G. , Lathia Justin D. , Reizes Ofer 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer death in the United States despite effective first-line systemic chemotherapy. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) retain the ability to self-renew and proliferate and may be a means of harboring disease that evades standard treatment strategies. We previously performed a high-throughput screen to assess differential protein expression in ovarian CSCs compared to non-CSCs and observed that Thy-1 was more highly expressed in CSCs. Our primary aim was to validate Thy-1 (CD90) as a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), correlate with clinical outcomes, and assess as a potential therapeutic target.

Results
Kaplan Meier (KM) Plotter data were correlated with survival outcomes. Quantitative real-time PCR, flow cytometry, and immunoblots assessed RNA and protein expression. Limiting dilution assays assessed self-renewal capacity and proliferation assays assessed proliferative capacity. RNA in-situ hybridization was performed on patient specimens to assess feasibility. Thy-1 (CD90) is more highly expressed in ovarian CSCs than non-CSCs, in EOC compared to benign ovarian epithelium (P < 0.001), and is highest in serous EOC (P < 0.05). Serous ovarian cancers with high Thy-1 expression have poorer outcomes (median PFS 15.8 vs. 18.3 months, P = 0 < 0.001; median OS 40.1 v. 45.8 months, P = 0.036). Endometrioid ovarian cancers with high Thy-1 have poorer PFS, but no difference in OS (upper quartile PFS 34 v. 11 months, P = 0.013; quartile OS not reached, P = 0.69). In vitro, Thy-1 expression is higher in CSCs versus non-CSCs. EOC cells with high Thy-1 expression demonstrate increased proliferation and self-renewal. Thy-1 knockdown in EOC cells decreases proliferative capacity and self-renewal capacity, and knockdown is associated with decreased expression of stem cell transcription factors NANOG and SOX2. RNA in situ hybridization is feasible in ovarian cancer tissue specimens.

Conclusions
Thy-1 is a marker of ovarian CSCs. Increased expression of Thy-1 in EOC predicts poor prognosis and is associated with increased proliferative and self-renewal capacity. Thy-1 knockdown decreases proliferative and self-renewal capacity, and represents a potential therapeutic target.
Highlights and recent developments in skin allergy and related diseases in EAACI journals (2018)
Authors: Akdis C. A. , Bousquet J. , Grattan C. E. , Eigenmann P. A. , Hoffmann-Sommergruber K. , Agache I. , Jutel M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) supports three journals: Allergy, Paediatric Allergy and Immunology as well as Clinical and Translational Allergy. The major goals of EAACI include (i) supporting health promotion in which the prevention of allergy and asthma plays a critical role and (ii) disseminating the knowledge of allergy to all stakeholders including the EAACI junior members. Substantial progress was made in 2018 in the identification of basic mechanisms of atopic dermatitis and urticaria and the translation of these mechanisms into clinics. Many large epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses have been the highlights of the last year.
Acceptability, feasibility, and efficacy of Internet cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) for pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Babiano-Espinosa Lucía , Wolters Lidewij H. , Weidle Bernhard , op de Beek Vivian , Pedersen Sindre A. , Compton Scott , Skokauskas Norbert 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by recurring obsessions and compulsions affecting 1–3% of children and adolescents. Current treatment options are limited by accessibility, availability, and quality of care. New technologies provide opportunities to address at least some of these challenges. This paper aims to investigate the acceptability, feasibility, and efficacy of traditional cognitive behavioral therapy with Internet cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) for pediatric OCD according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Method
We searched EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, LILACS, CINAHL, and Scopus. Results include articles from 1987 to March 2018. Main inclusion criteria were patients aged 4–18, primary diagnosis of OCD, and iCBT.

Results
Of the 2323 unique articles identified during the initial search, six studies with a total of 96 participants met our inclusion criteria: three randomized controlled trials, one single-case multiple-baseline design, one open-label trial, and one case series. Four studies reported a significant decrease in OCD severity on the Children’s Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS) following iCBT, one study reported significant decrease in CY-BOCS scores for iCBT relative to waitlist, and the case series reported (some) symptom reduction in all participants. Six studies reported high rates of feasibility, and five studies reported good acceptability of iCBT.

Conclusion
At present, evidence regarding acceptability, feasibility, and efficacy of iCBT for pediatric OCD is limited. Results are promising but need to be confirmed and refined in further research.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD4201808587
On an initial inverse problem for a diffusion equation with a conformable derivative
Authors: Binh Tran Thanh , Luc Nguyen Hoang , O’Regan Donal , Can Nguyen H. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the initial inverse problem for a diffusion equation with a conformable derivative in a general bounded domain. We show that the backward problem is ill-posed, and we propose a regularizing scheme using a fractional Landweber regularization method. We also present error estimates between the regularized solution and the exact solution using two parameter choice rules.
An experimental investigation on the effect of adhesive distribution on strength of bonded joints
Authors: Pisharody A. P. , Blandford B. , Smith D. E. , Jack D. A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAdhesive joints are widely used due to their higher strengths, lower weights, lesser expenses and ease of fabrication than other methods of joining. Hence, they are used extensively in aerospace and automobile industries. High quality bonds require the use of fixtures which are essential to ensure proper curing and to attain uniform thickness. Improper adhesive application and method of fixturing can cause irregularities in the distribution of the adhesive along the overlap which could affect the joint strength. This is especially critical for aerospace components as the replacement of parts can be costly and time consuming. This paper presents a nondestructive test (NDT) methodology to quantify the bonded joints where the adhesive does not completely cover the overlap area. Single lap adhesive joints with carbon fiber adherents were fabricated using a two-part epoxy based adhesive. The adhesive region was fabricated to have various shapes including elliptical and circular of different sizes and a joint with full coverage for comparison. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) cutouts were used to mask regions of adhesive to achieve the desired coverage pattern. After fabrication all samples were ultrasonically scanned with a 10 MHz spherically focused immersion transducer using pulse-echo ultrasonics to determine the actual as tested adhesive distribution shape. The scans were able to resolve the shape of adhesive distribution across the overlap region of 25.4 × 25.4 mm and were correlated with the actual adhesive distribution at the interface after lap shear tests. Lap shear tests were then performed on the samples fabricated and the samples were loaded to failure. It was found that the shape and the orientation of the adhesive shape relative to the loading direction had an effect on failure strength.
Success factors for high-quality oak forest (Quercus robur, Q. petraea) regeneration
Authors: Mölder Andreas , Sennhenn-Reulen Holger , Fischer Christoph , Rumpf Hendrik , Schönfelder Egbert , Stockmann Johannes , Nagel Ralf-Volker 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundWithin the framework of close-to-nature forestry, oak forest (Quercus robur,Q. petraea) regeneration techniques that consider both silvicultural and nature conservation demands have become a very important issue. While there are many experimental and local studies that aim at disentangling the relationships between different environmental and silvicultural factors and the success of oak regeneration, systematic supra-regional studies at the greater landscape level are missing so far.Against this background, the first objective (a) of this study was to present an efficient and sufficiently accurate sampling scheme for supra-regional forest regrowth inventories, which we applied to young oaks stands. The second, and major, objective (b) was to identify the crucial success factors for high-quality oak forest regeneration in northwest Germany.ResultsObjective (a): Factors that have been identified as potentially crucial for the success or failure of oak regeneration were either included in a field inventory procedure or extracted from forest inventory databases. We found that the collected data were suitable to be analyzed in a three-step success model, which was aimed at identifying the crucial success factors for high-quality oak forest regeneration.Objective (b): Our modeling procedure, which included a Bayesian estimation approach with spike-and-slab priors, revealed that competitive pressure from the secondary tree species was the most decisive success factor; no competition, or low competition by secondary tree species appeared to be particularly beneficial for the success of high-quality oak regeneration. Also fencing and the absence of competitive vegetation (weeds, grass, bracken) seemed to be beneficial factors for the success of oak regeneration.ConclusionsTrusting in biological automation was found to be mostly useless regarding economically viable oak forest regeneration. To efficiently organize oak regeneration planning and silvicultural decision-making within a forest enterprise, it is strongly recommended to initially evaluate the annual financial and personnel capacities for carrying out young growth tending or pre-commercial thinning and only then to decide on the extent of regenerated oak stands. Careful and adaptive regeneration planning is also indispensable to secure the long-term ecological continuity in oak forests. Oak regeneration should therefore preferably take place within the close vicinity of old oak stands or directly in them. The retention of habitat trees is urgently advised.
Standardization of the size and shape of virtual human body for apparel products
Authors: Kim Hye Suk , Choi Hee Eun , Park Chang Kyu , Nam Yun Ja 
Published: November 2019

AbstractInternational virtual human body (VHB) standards from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) specifically used in virtual garment systems in the apparel field, as suggested in ISO/TC 133/WG 2 (Working group 2), contain fundamental content regarding definitions of terms, attributes of composition, and the expression and alteration of VHBs. As the first attempt in the series of international standards dealing with VHBs, this study has dealt with fundamental content related to VHB size. Additional standardization is required to allow the size and shape of VHB to be reproducible. Therefore, this study suggests academic and industrial requirements from the perspective of standardization to identify and solve issues regarding the reproduction of human bodies in terms of VHB size and shape. This study is meaningful in that it provides an overview of current VHB standardization efforts, related proceedings, and additionally required assignments. The suggested industrial and academic requirements are anticipated to be helpful in the systematic development and utilization of VHB and general standardization work.
A feasibility randomised controlled trial of short-term fasting prior to CAPOX chemotherapy for stage 2/3 colorectal cancer: SWiFT protocol
Authors: Shingler Ellie , Perks Claire , Herbert Georgia , Ness Andy , Atkinson Charlotte 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) chemotherapy is a standard treatment for stage 2/3 colorectal cancer. Treatment is associated with dose-limiting toxicities such as neutropenia, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomatitis. Short-term fasting prior to chemotherapy may help protect normal cells from the toxic effects of chemotherapy by allowing them to conserve energy for maintenance and repair. However, there is a lack of evidence to support the efficacy of short-term fasting in protecting against chemotherapy-related toxicities in humans, and it is not known whether people due to undergo chemotherapy will be willing and able to follow a short-term fast. Preliminary data confirming this is feasible are required before adequately powered trials can be designed and conducted.

Methods
The short-term, water only, fasting trial (SWiFT) is a two-armed feasibility randomised controlled trial, aiming to recruit 30 people scheduled to begin routine treatment with CAPOX chemotherapy for stage 2/3 colorectal cancer. Participants will be randomly allocated, in a 1:1 ratio, to either a 36-h fast or standard dietary advice prior to chemotherapy administration for the first 3 cycles of chemotherapy. The primary outcome measures will assess the feasibility of the trial and include: adherence to intervention, recruitment, retention, and data completion rates as well as the acceptability of the intervention which will be qualitatively assessed. The secondary outcome measures aim to provide further information on possible outcomes of interest for a definitive trial and include side effects of chemotherapy, quality of life, markers of cellular metabolism and inflammation, appetite, and sarcopenia.

Discussion
It is not known whether it is possible to recruit to a trial of short-term fasting in this population, or whether participants would be able to adhere to the intervention. Therefore, we aim to test the feasibility of a pre-chemotherapy, 36-h, water-only fast in people receiving CAPOX chemotherapy for stage 2/3 colorectal cancer.

Trial registration
This trial has been registered with the ISRCTN Registry. Trial registration no: ISRCTN17994717. Date of registration: 23 October 2018. URL: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN17994717
A feasibility study of ‘The StepSmart Challenge’ to promote physical activity in adolescents
Authors: Corepal Rekesh , Best Paul , O’Neill Roisin , Kee Frank , Badham Jennifer , Dunne Laura , Miller Sarah , Connolly Paul , Cupples Margaret E. , van Sluijs Esther M. F. , Tully Mark A. , Hunter Ruth F. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundInactive lifestyles are becoming the norm and creative approaches to encourage adolescents to be more physically active are needed. Little is known about how gamification techniques can be used in physical activity interventions for young people. Such approaches may stimulate interest and encourage physical activity behaviour. The study investigated the feasibility of implementing and evaluating a physical activity intervention for adolescents which included gamification techniques within schools. We tested recruitment and retention strategies for schools and participants, the use of proposed outcome measures, and explored intervention acceptability.MethodsThis school-based feasibility study of a randomised cluster trial recruited adolescents aged 12–14 years (n = 224) from five schools (three intervention; two control) in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The 22-week intervention (The StepSmart Challenge) informed by self-determination theory and incorporating gamification strategies involved a school-based pedometer competition. Outcomes, measured at baseline, and post-intervention (at 22 weeks post-baseline and 52 weeks post-baseline) included daily minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (measured using ActiGraph accelerometer), mental wellbeing (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale), social support for physical activity, time preference (for delayed and larger rewards or immediate and smaller rewards), pro-social behaviour (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)) and the influence of social networks. The intervention’s acceptability was explored in focus groups.ResultsWe invited 14 schools to participate; eight showed interest in participating. We recruited the first five who responded; all five completed the trial. Of the 236 pupils invited, 224 participated (94.9%): 84.8% (190/224) provided valid MVPA (minutes/day) at baseline and 57.2% (123/215) at 52 weeks. All other outcomes were well completed apart from the SDQ (65% at baseline). Qualitative data highlighted that participants and teachers found The StepSmart Challenge to be an acceptable intervention.ConclusionsThe level of interest and high recruitment and retention rates provide support for the feasibility of this trial. The intervention, incorporating gamification strategies and the recruitment methods, using parental opt-out procedures, were acceptable to participants and teachers. Teachers also suggested that the implementation of The StepSmart Challenge could be embedded in a lifelong learning approach to health within the school curriculum. As young people’s lives become more intertwined with technology, the use of innovative gamified interventions could be one approach to engage and motivate health behavioural change in this population.Trial registrationNCT02455986(date of registration: 28 May 2015).
Optimization of glutaminase-free L-asparaginase production using mangrove endophytic Lysinibacillus fusiformis B27
Authors: Prihanto Asep Awaludin , Yanti Indah , Murtazam Mohammad Achsanil , Jatmiko Yoga Dwi 
Published: November 2019

Background: The mangrove, Rhizophora mucronata, an essential source of endophytic bacteria, was investigated for its ability to produce glutaminase-free L-asparaginase. The study aimed to obtain glutaminase-free L-asparaginase-producing endophytic bacteria from the mangrove and to optimize enzyme production. Methods: The screening of L-asparaginase-producing bacteria used modified M9 medium. The potential producer was further analyzed with respect to its species using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Taguchi experimental design was applied to optimize the enzyme production. Four factors (L-asparagine concentration, pH, temperature, and inoculum concentration) were selected at four levels. Results: The results indicated that the endophytic bacteria Lysinibacillus fusiformis B27 isolated from R. mucronata was a potential producer of glutaminase-free L-asparaginase. The experiment indicated that pH 6, temperature at 35°C, and inoculum concentration of 1.5% enabled the best production and were essential factors. L-asparagine (2%) was less critical for optimum production. Conclusions: L. fusiformis B27, isolated from Rhizophora mucronata, can be optimized for L-ASNase enzyme production using optimization factors (L-ASNase, pH, temperature, and inoculum), which can increase L-ASNase enzyme production by approximately three-fold.