bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transanal vs laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: a multicenter randomized phase III clinical trial (TaLaR trial) protocol
Authors: Kang Liang , Zeng Ziwei , Luo Shuangling , Zhang Hong , Wang Quan , Ren Mingyang , Wu Miao , Tong Weidong , Xu Qing , Xiao Yi , Wu Aiwen , Chen Yuan-Guang , Feng Bo , Shen Zhanlong , Huang Liang , Zhang Xingwei , Zheng Minhua , Wang Jian-Ping 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Total mesorectum excision (TME) is considered the standard surgical procedure for rectal-cancer treatment. Transanal TME (taTME) is a new procedure to treat low rectal cancer. Some published studies have proven that taTME can provide a better-quality resected specimen in low-rectal-cancer patients in comparison to the transabdominal procedure, yet long-term outcomes must be investigated. We designed this non-inferiority trial (TaLaR trial) to compare short-term and long-term outcomes between taTME and laparoscopic TME (lapTME) for rectal cancer.

Methods
The TaLaR trial is a phase III open-labeled multicenter randomized–controlled trial. Patients who are diagnosed with rectal cancer with no more than T3N2 stage, and with the tumor location below the peritoneal reflection by magnetic resonance imaging scan, digital rectal examination, or colonoscopy, qualify for this study. After calculating, a total of 1,114 patients (557 per group) will be randomly allocated to either the taTME or the lapTME group. Primary endpoints are the 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate. Secondary endpoints include specimen quality, perioperative results, pelvic and anal function, and quality of life.

Discussion
The TaLaR trial is expected to clarify whether taTME can achieve comparable oncological outcomes, as well as improve specimen quality and recovery conditions in rectal-cancer patients compared with lapTME.
Volunteer Motivation and Retention of Older Peer Walk Leaders: A 4-Month Long Investigation
Authors: Kritz Marlene , Ntoumanis Nikos , Mullan Barbara , Stathi Afroditi , Thøgersen-Ntoumani Cecilie 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Peer volunteers offer a promising avenue for promoting physical activity in older adults. However, recruiting and retaining such volunteers are challenging. We aimed to examine longitudinally factors that determine whether older volunteer walk leaders will persist in their role.

Research Design and Methods
We recruited older adults volunteering as walk leaders, from retirement villages in Perth, at the start of a 16-week walking intervention. Using a mixed-methods multiple case study design, informed by self-determination theory, we examined the motivational processes of three profiles: Dropouts, Completers, and Extenders. One male and 10 female (medianAge = 75 years, age range: 66–83 years) peer walk leaders were interviewed twice over 4 months, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Questionnaires provided information on volunteer characteristics, leadership confidence, and volunteer motivation.

Results
Self-orientated goals, obligation and guilt, emotional exhaustion, lack of psychological need satisfaction, and perceived lack of support were barriers to volunteer persistence. Social confidence and relatedness satisfaction motivated volunteers to persist until program completion (Completers). Altruistic goals, using sustainable helping strategies, psychological need satisfaction, optimism, and enjoyment were important for continuing the role after the program (Extenders).

Discussion and Implications
Results describe how differences in volunteer motives, personal characteristics, and training may affect motivational processes that determine persistence as an older peer walk leader. We provide suggestions on selecting, training, and supporting older volunteer walk leaders to facilitate their retention.
Artificial intelligence and China's authoritarian governance
Authors: Zeng Jinghan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
China has adopted a proactive and strategic approach to embrace the age of artificial intelligence (AI). This article argues that China's bold AI practices are part of its broad and incoherent adaptation strategy to governance by digital means. AI is part of a digital technology package that the Chinese authoritarian regime has actively employed not only to improve public service, but also to strengthen its authoritarian governance. China's digital progress benefits from its huge internet market, strong state power and weak civil awareness, making it more competitive than western democratic societies where privacy concern restricts their AI development. However, China's ambitious AI plan contains considerable risks; its overall impact depends on how AI affects major sources of political legitimacy including economic growth, social stability and ideology. China's approach is gambling on its success in (a) delivering a booming AI economy, (b) ensuring a smooth social transformation towards the age of AI and (c) proving ideological superiority of its authoritarian and communist values.
Trail camera video systems: investigating their utility in interpreting patterns of marine, recreational, trailer-boat fishers’ access to an offshore Marine Park in differing weather conditions
Authors: Lynch T P , Foster S , Devine C , Hegarty A , McEnnulty F , Burton M , Lyle J M 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWhen monitoring marine recreational fishers at sub-bio-regional scales—for example those who are accessing a Marine Park—on-site sampling is often required. This poses various logistical challenges, such as the efficient timing of intercept interviews. Here, we examine these challenges, combining trail cameras, closed-circuit television (CCTV), weather stations, and interviews at boat ramps that bracket an offshore Marine Park. Trail camera results were similar to those from a CCTV system co-located at one of the boat ramps. Fishers’ boat launches peaked early, but return times varied considerably by ramp and weather. Both the numbers of launches and trip durations were strongly responsive to good weather, particularly at ramps used for offshore fishing. Weather was a more important factor to predict the likelihood of intercept interview opportunities than holiday period, which may reflect changing dynamics in work culture and improvements in weather prediction. Interviewed fishers reported preferences to individual ramps over the fishing season and nearly all trips to the Marine Park were reported by fishers accessing just one ramp. The strong relationships between fishing, weather, and ramp, observed by the trail camera and correlated with the weather station data, may allow for the efficient targeting of intercept interviews and potentially the modelling of fishing effort.
Impact of arginine supplementation on serum prolactin and mRNA abundance of amino acid transporter genes in mammary tissue of lactating sows
Authors: Krogh Uffe , Farmer Chantal , Huber Lee-Anne , Theil Peter K , Trottier Nathalie L 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that supplemental dietary Arg to late-pregnant and lactating sows increases serum prolactin concentrations and mRNA abundance of SLC7A1, SLC7A2, and SLC6A14 in mammary parenchymal tissue. From day 108 of gestation and until day 21 of lactation, sows were fed a diet either supplemented with 0.10 g of l-Arg/kg body weight (BW) per day (n = 10, ARG) or 0.34 g of l-Glu/kg BW per day (n = 10, control). Litters were standardized to 10 piglets on day 1 of lactation and piglets were weighed on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 of lactation. Sow BW was recorded on day 108 of gestation and days 1, 10, and 21 of lactation. Lactation sow feed intake was recorded daily. Mammary parenchymal tissue was biopsied on day 5 of lactation to measure mRNA abundance SLC7A1, SLC7A2, and SLC6A14. On days 4 and 18 of lactation, blood samples were collected from sows at 2, 4, and 6 hr postfeeding to measure serum prolactin concentrations. Milk samples were collected on days 4, 10, and 18 of lactation to measure fat, lactose, urea N, and true protein concentrations. Sow BW, backfat, and feed intake over all sampling days did not differ between treatments. Piglet BW on d 1 tended to be greater for the ARG treatment than the control treatment (P = 0.12). Sow milk yield and composition (fat, protein, lactose, and urea N) and mammary mRNA abundance of candidate genes did not differ between the ARG and the control group. Compared to controls, serum prolactin concentrations tended to be greater (P = 0.08) in ARG sows on day 4 of lactation, and did not differ on day 18. Current findings show a potential beneficial effect of dietary supplementation with Arg to late-pregnant multiparous sows on BW of their piglets on day 1. Dietary Arg supplementation at a rate of 0.10 g/kg BW during late pregnancy and lactation tended to increase serum prolactin concentrations with no increase in mammary transcript abundance of SLC7A1, SLC7A2, and SLC6A14 in early lactation.
A new cryptic species of yellow-eared bat Vampyressa melissa species complex (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) from Colombia
Authors: Morales-Martínez Darwin M , Rodríguez-Posada Miguel E , Ramírez-Chaves Héctor E 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The Vampyressa melissa species complex comprises three rare bat species poorly represented in museum collections. Vampyressa melissa and V. sinchi are restricted to the eastern slope of the Andes, while V. elisabethae only is known from Panama, in Central America. The species complex has received recent attention in terms of systematic reviews, which concluded in the description of two species: one from Panama (V. elisabethae) and one from Colombia (V. sinchi). Vampyressa melissa recently was reported from the eastern slopes of the Cordillera Oriental of Colombia, in the department of Casanare. However, morphological and genetic (Cytochrome b) comparisons showed that these specimens belong to an undescribed species of the genus. The new species is the smallest member of the V. melissa complex and has a unique set of morphological characters compared to other Vampyressa species. Molecular evidence shows that the new species is sister to V. melissa (sensu stricto) from Colombia and Peru, albeit with high genetic divergence (7.9%). Nevertheless, Cytochrome b sequences of V. elisabethae and V. sinchi still are unknown. This new species increases to six the number of species in the genus. Vampyressa melissa, V. sinchi, and the new species, exhibit restricted distributions in the eastern slopes of the Andean Cordillera, in specific altitudinal ranges. Because of geographic constraints, their biological rarity, and the high deforestation rates in their distributional area, we suggest that these three species must be considered as taxa threatened with extinction.
NGO standing in petroleum pollution litigation in Nigeria—Centre for Oil Pollution Watch v Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation
Authors: Anozie Miriam Chinyere , Wingate Emmanuel Onyedi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been at the forefront of securing environmental justice for the people of Nigeria’s Niger Delta suffering the effects of pollution arising from petroleum exploitation. Standing constraints have, however, limited NGOs’ abilities to access the courts to prevent or remedy pollution. This article analyses the recent decision of Nigeria’s Supreme Court in Center for Oil Pollution Watch v Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). It finds that environmental NGOs, previously unable to institute action under existing public interest litigation procedures, can now institute action in their own rights to prevent or remedy environmental pollution in Nigeria.
Production of a novel heterodimeric two-chain insulin-Fc fusion protein
Authors: Faust Christine , Ochs Christian , Korn Marcus , Werner Ulrich , Jung Jennifer , Dittrich Werner , Schiebler Werner , Schauder Rolf , Rao Ercole , Langer Thomas 
Published: October 2020

AbstractInsulin is a peptide hormone produced by the pancreas. The physiological role of insulin is the regulation of glucose metabolism. Under certain pathological conditions the insulin levels can be reduced leading to the metabolic disorder diabetes mellitus (DM). For type 1 DM and, dependent on the disease progression for type 2 DM, insulin substitution becomes indispensable. To relieve insulin substitution therapy for patients, novel insulin analogs with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles aiming for long-lasting or fast-acting insulins have been developed. The next step in the evolution of novel insulins should be insulin analogs with a time action profile beyond 1–2 days, preferable up to 1 week.Nowadays, insulin is produced in a recombinant manner. This approach facilitates the design and production of further insulin-analogs or insulin-fusion proteins. The usage of the Fc-domain from immunoglobulin as a fusion partner for therapeutic proteins and peptides is widely used to extend their plasma half-life. Insulin consists of two chains, the A- and B-chain, which are connected by two disulfide-bridges. To produce a novel kind of Fc-fusion protein we have fused the A-chain as well as the B-chain to Fc-fragments containing either ‘knob’ or ‘hole’ mutations. The ‘knob-into-hole’ technique is frequently used to force heterodimerization of the Fc-domain. Using this approach, we were able to produce different variants of two-chain-insulin-Fc-protein (tcI-Fc-protein) variants. The tcI-Fc-fusion variants retained activity as shown in in vitro assays. Finally, prolonged blood glucose lowering activity was demonstrated in normoglycemic rats. Overall, we describe here the production of novel insulin-Fc-fusion proteins with prolonged times of action.
Development and Validation of a Computerized Adaptive Assessment Tool for Discrimination and Measurement of Psychotic Symptoms
Authors: Guinart Daniel , de Filippis Renato , Rosson Stella , Patil Bhagyashree , Prizgint Lara , Talasazan Nahal , Meltzer Herbert , Kane John M , Gibbons Robert D 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Objective
Time constraints limit the use of measurement-based approaches in research and routine clinical management of psychosis. Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) can reduce administration time, thus increasing measurement efficiency. This study aimed to develop and test the capacity of the CAT-Psychosis battery, both self-administered and rater-administered, to measure the severity of psychotic symptoms and discriminate psychosis from healthy controls.

Methods
An item bank was developed and calibrated. Two raters administered CAT-Psychosis for inter-rater reliability (IRR). Subjects rated themselves and were retested within 7 days for test-retest reliability. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was administered for convergent validity and chart diagnosis, and the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID) was used to test psychosis discriminant validity.

Results
Development and calibration study included 649 psychotic patients. Simulations revealed a correlation of r = .92 with the total 73-item bank score, using an average of 12 items. Validation study included 160 additional patients and 40 healthy controls. CAT-Psychosis showed convergent validity (clinician: r = 0.690; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.610–0.757; self-report: r = .690; 95% CI: 0.609–0.756), IRR (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.733; 95% CI: 0.611–0.828), and test-retest reliability (clinician ICC = 0.862; 95% CI: 0.767–0.922; self-report ICC = 0.815; 95%CI: 0.741–0.871). CAT-Psychosis could discriminate psychosis from healthy controls (clinician: area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.965, 95% CI: 0.945–0.984; self-report AUC = 0.850, 95% CI: 0.807–0.894). The median length of the clinician-administered assessment was 5 minutes (interquartile range [IQR]: 3:23–8:29 min) and 1 minute, 20 seconds (IQR: 0:57–2:09 min) for the self-report.

Conclusion
CAT-Psychosis can quickly and reliably assess the severity of psychosis and discriminate psychotic patients from healthy controls, creating an opportunity for frequent remote assessment and patient/population-level follow-up.
Efficacy of prostatic urethral lift compared with transurethral resection of the prostate
Authors: Mortzfeldt Anna 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT
This article reviews the prostatic urethral lift (PUL) and its potential benefits and risks compared with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). TURP is the traditional procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and is associated with ejaculatory and erectile dysfunction. PUL is a minimally invasive option, but its efficacy has not been well studied. A literature review indicates that both procedures should be afforded equal consideration, and both have limitations. Further long-term research is needed to establish if PUL is superior to TURP.
Postpartum Depression in American Indian/Alaska Native Women
Authors: Heck Jennifer L. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background:
Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common complication of childbirth and affects one in nine new mothers in the United States.

Objective:
The purpose of this review was to synthesize PPD research in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women. Specific aims were to 1) explore the extent to which PPD literature includes AI/AN women measured by the proportion of study samples that were AI/AN women and 2) identify and analyze gaps in the PPD literature for AI/AN women.

Design:
Databases were searched using: “postpartum depression” and “American Indian,” “Native American,” “Alaska Native,” “Inuit,” and “Indigenous.” “Postpartum depressive symptoms” and “puerperal mood disorder” were each paired with race/ethnicity search terms, yielding a final sample of nine articles.

Results:
The proportion of study samples that were AI/AN women ranged from 0.8% to 100%. Compared with all women in the United States (11%), AI/AN women have higher PPD prevalence (14%-29.7%), suggesting a disparity among the different groups of women. Screening instruments were inconsistent among studies, and not all studies used a screening instrument specific to PPD. No cultural influences, risk, or protective factors were reported for AI/AN women. In the only intervention study, no significant differences in PPD symptoms between groups were found after the intervention.

Conclusions:
This review uncovered significant gaps in the literature and suggested ways to advance the PPD science for AI/AN women. Clinical implications were described.
An Adolescent With Intermittent Claudication
Authors: Camozzi Pietro , Wyttenbach Marina , De Rosa Vincenzo , Renzi Samuele , Bianchetti Mario G. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Intermittent claudication is very uncommon in children and adolescents. We describe the case of a 14-year-old adolescent girl experiencing left calf pain for a year that occurs during running and becomes unbearable after around 2 km. She was ultimately diagnosed with extrinsic compression of the popliteal artery caused by an osteocartilaginous exostosis (osteochondroma) originating from the fibula.
Appropriate antibiotics in dog bite injuries: an audit study
Authors: Al Omran Yasser , Evans Ellie , Jordan Chloe , Yang Ding , Huq Shahidal 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Dog bite injuries are a common presentation to Accident and Emergency. In the United Kingdom ~250,000 people attend emergency units each year as a result of dog wounds. Currently, there is a lack of consistency in the approach and management of such wounds across plastic surgery units in the United Kingdom.

Method:
A retrospective review of medical record of patients who were admitted under the care of the Plastic Surgery Department at University Hospital North Midlands NHS Foundation Trust with dog-bite wounds between January and December 2018.

Results:
Of the 69 patients that were included in the study, 14 (20%) of them had been prescribed antibiotics that were ineffective and against antimicrobial guidelines. Following liaison with the antimicrobial governance team and input from NICE guidelines, the trust’s MicroGuide Antibiotic Prescribing Guidelines App was updated. A reaudit from November 2019 to February 2020 showed that there was 100% compliance with guidance.

Conclusion:
Updating the University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust’s MicroGuide antibiotic prescribing guidelines for the treatment of dog-bite injuries resulted in 100% of patients being treated with the correct antibiotic. Given the polymicrobial nature of animal-bite wounds, and the high levels of resistance demonstrated by organisms commonly found in such injuries, this increased compliance with guidelines helps minimize patient suffering, morbidity, length of stay, and disability, while reducing costs incurred. The intervention should be implemented within other units within the United Kingdom who similarly lack clear, detailed guidelines, in order to maximize treatment continuity and patient outcomes nationwide.
Timing of thromboprophylaxis in patients with blunt abdominal solid organ injuries undergoing nonoperative management
Authors: Gaitanidis Apostolos , Breen Kerry Ann , Nederpelt Charlie , Parks Jonathan , Saillant Noelle , Kaafarani Haytham M.A. , Velmahos George C. , Mendoza April E. 
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND
Decision making regarding the optimal timing for initiating thromboprophylaxis in patients with blunt abdominal solid organ injuries (BSOIs) remains ill-defined, with no guidelines defining optimal timing. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship of the timing of thromboprophylaxis with thromboembolic and bleeding complications in the setting of BSOIs.

METHODS
A retrospective analysis of the Trauma Quality Improvement Program database was performed between 2013 and 2016. All patients with isolated BSOIs (liver, spleen, pancreas, or kidney, Abbreviated Injury Scale score, <3 in other regions) who underwent initial nonoperative management (NOM) were included. Patients were divided into three groups (early, <48 hours; intermediate, 48–72 hours; and late, >72 hours) based on timing of thromboprophylaxis initiation. Primary outcomes were rates of thromboembolism and bleeding after thromboprophylaxis initiation.

RESULTS
Of the 25,118 patients with isolated BSOIs, 3,223 met the inclusion criteria (age, 38.7 ± 17.3 years; males, 2.082 [64.6%]), among which 1,832 (56.8%) received early thromboprophylaxis, 703 (21.8%) received intermediate thromboprophylaxis, and 688 (21.4%) received late thromboprophylaxis. Late thromboprophylaxis initiation was independently associated with a higher likelihood of both deep vein thrombosis (odds ratio [OR], 3.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68–5.91, p < 0.001) and pulmonary embolism (OR, 4.29; 95% CI, 1.95–9.42; p < 0.001). Intermediate thromboprophylaxis initiation was independently associated with a higher likelihood of deep venous thrombosis (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.20–4.74; p = 0.013), but not pulmonary embolism (p = 0.960) compared with early initiation. Early (but not intermediate) thromboprophylaxis initiation was independently associated with a higher likelihood of bleeding (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.11–2.18; p = 0.023), along with a history of diabetes mellitus, splenic, and high-grade liver injuries.

CONCLUSION
Early thromboprophylaxis should be considered in patients with BSOIs undergoing nonoperative management who are at low likelihood of bleeding. An intermediate delay (48–72 hours) of thromboprophylaxis should be considered for patients with diabetes mellitus, splenic injuries, and Grades 3 to 5 liver injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic, Level IV.