bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P value and Bayesian analysis in randomized-controlled trials in child health research published over 10 years, 2007 to 2017: a methodological review protocol
Authors: Aregbesola Alex , Gates Allison , Coyle Amanda , Sim Shannon , Vandermeer Ben , Skakum Megan , Contopoulos-Ioannidis Despina , Heath Anna , Hartling Lisa , Klassen Terry P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere is an unresolved debate about the reliability of the interpretation ofPvalue. Some investigators have suggested that an alternative Bayesian method is preferred in conducting health research. As randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) are important in generating research evidence, we decided to investigate the extent, if any, the inferential statistical framework in published RCTs in child health research have changed over 10 years. We aim to examine the change inPvalue and Bayesian analysis in RCTs in child health research papers published from 2007 to 2017.MethodsWe will search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Wiley) to identify relevant citations. We will leverage a pre-existing sample of child health RCTs published in 2007 (n=300) used in our previous study of reporting quality of pediatric RCTs. Using the same strategy and study selection methods, we will identify a comparable random sample of child health RCTs published in 2017 (n=300). Eligible studies will include RCTs in health research among individuals aged 21 years and below. One reviewer will select studies for inclusion and extract the data and another reviewer will verify these. Disagreements will be resolved by a discussion between reviewers or by involving another reviewer. We will perform a descriptive analysis of 2007 and 2017 samples and analyze the results using both the frequentist and Bayesian methods. We will present specific characteristics of the clinical trials from 2007 and 2017 in tabular and graphical forms. We will report the difference in the proportion ofPvalue and Bayesian analysis between 2007 and 2017 to assess the 10-year change. Clustering aroundPvalues of significance, if observed, will be reported.DiscussionThis review will present the difference in the proportion of trials that reported onPvalue and Bayesian analysis between 2007 and 2017 to assess the 10-year change. The implications for future clinical research will be discussed and this research work will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. This review has the potential to help inform the need for a change in the methodological approach from the null hypothesis significance test to Bayesian methods.Systematic review registrationOpen Science Frameworkhttps://osf.io/aj2df
Certain fundamental properties of generalized natural transform in generalized spaces
Authors: Al-Omari Shrideh Khalaf , Araci Serkan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper considers the definition and the properties of the generalized natural transform on sets of generalized functions. Convolution products, convolution theorems, and spaces of Boehmians are described in a form of auxiliary results. The constructed spaces of Boehmians are achieved and fulfilled by pursuing a deep analysis on a set of delta sequences and axioms which have mitigated the construction of the generalized spaces. Such results are exploited in emphasizing the virtual definition of the generalized natural transform on the addressed sets of Boehmians. The constructed spaces, inspired from their general nature, generalize the space of integrable functions of Srivastava et al. (Acta Math. Sci. 35B:1386–1400, 2015) and, subsequently, the extended operator with its good qualitative behavior generalizes the classical natural transform. Various continuous embeddings of potential interests are introduced and discussed between the space of integrable functions and the space of integrable Boehmians. On another aspect as well, several characteristics of the extended operator and its inversion formula are discussed.
Dietary seaweed-derived polysaccharides improve growth performance of weaned pigs through maintaining intestinal barrier function and modulating gut microbial populations
Authors: Zou Tiande , Yang Jin , Guo Xiaobo , He Qin , Wang Zirui , You Jinming 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundSeaweed-derived polysaccharides (SDP) represent an attractive source of prebiotic nutraceuticals for the food and animal husbandry industry. However, the mechanism by which SDP fromEnteromorphamediates pig growth are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate how SDP supplementation influences the growth performance and intestinal health in weaned pigs.ResultsIn Exp. 1, 240 weaned pigs were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments and fed with a basal diet or a basal diet containing 200, 400 or 800 mg/kg SDP, respectively, in a 21-day trial. Pigs on the 400 or 800 mg/kg SDP-supplemented group had greater ADG and lower F/G ratio than those on the control group (P<0.05). In Exp. 2, 20 male weaned pigs were randomly assigned to two treatments and fed with a basal diet (CON group) or a basal diet supplemented with 400 mg/kg SDP (the optimum does from Exp. 1), in a 21-day trial. Pigs fed the SDP diet had greater ADG, the concentrations of serum IL-6 and TNF-α and the activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase (P<0.05), and lower F/G, diarrhea rate, as well as serumD-lactate concentrations and diamine oxidase activity (P<0.05). Moreover, dietary SDP supplementation enhanced secretory immunoglobulin A content, villus height and villous height: crypt depth ratio in small intestine, as well as the lactase and maltase activities in jejunum mucosa (P<0.05). SDP supplementation elevated the mRNA levels of inflammatory response-related genes (IL-6,TNF-α,TLR4,TLR6andMyD88), and the mRNA and protein levels of ZO-1, claudin-1 and occludin in jejunum mucosa (P<0.05). Importantly, SDP not only increased theLactobacilluspopulation but also reduced theEscherichia colipopulation in cecum (P<0.05). Furthermore, SDP increased acetic acid and butyric acid concentrations in cecum (P<0.05).ConclusionsThese results not only suggest a beneficial effect of SDP on growth performance and intestinal barrier functions, but also offer potential mechanisms behind SDP-facilitated intestinal health in weaned pigs.
Implementing a new tuberculosis surveillance system in Zhejiang, Jilin and Ningxia: improvements, challenges and implications for China’s National Health Information System
Authors: Jiang Wei-Xi , Huang Fei , Tang Sheng-Lan , Wang Ni , Du Xin , Zhang Hui , Zhao Yan-Lin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
China is still faced with the public health challenge of tuberculosis (TB), and a robust surveillance system is critical for developing evidence-based TB control policies. The Tuberculosis Information Management System (TBIMS), an independent system launched in 2005, has encountered several challenges in meeting the current needs of TB control. The Chinese government also planned to establish the National Health Information System (NHIS) aggregating data in different areas. The China National Health Commission-Gates TB Project Phase III launched a new TB surveillance system to address these challenges and also as a pilot for the countrywide implementation of the NHIS. This commentary highlights the improvements and challenges in implementing the new TB system and also discusses the implications for the roll-out of the NHIS.

Main text
The new TB surveillance system piloted in each prefecture of the project provinces was designed based on the local information system under the unified principle of organizing patient information under a unique ID and realizing the function of data exchange. Upon mid-2019, the data exchange successful rate reached almost 100%, and the system showed good performance in data completeness. Major improvements of the new system included achieving automatic data extraction instead of manual entry, assisting clinical service provision, and the augmented statistical functions. The major challenges in the implementation and scale-up of the new system were the licensing issue and the diversities of infrastructures that hinder the promotion of the new system at a low cost. This pilot also accumulated experiences for the roll-out of the NHIS regarding the technical solutions of reforming current information systems as well as effective training approaches for the developers and users of the new system.

Conclusions
The successful implementation of the new TB surveillance system in the three TB designated medical institutions demonstrated how the diverse infrastructures of the information system could be reformed to achieve the functions of automatic data extraction and data exchange and better cater to the needs of healthcare workers. This pilot also accumulated rich experiences and lessons learnt for developing technical solutions and personnel training for the scale-up of the NHIS.
Self-weighing among young adults: who weighs themselves and for whom does weighing affect mood? A cross-sectional study of a population-based sample
Authors: Hahn Samantha L. , Pacanowski Carly R. , Loth Katie A. , Miller Jonathan , Eisenberg Marla E. , Neumark-Sztainer Dianne 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Self-weighing is widespread among young adults and is sometimes recommended by healthcare providers for weight management. The present study aims to deepen our understanding of who is frequently self-weighing among young adults, and to examine for whom self-weighing impacts mood based on weighing frequency and other eating and weight-related characteristics.

Methods
Survey data were collected from a large population-based sample of young adults (31.1 ± 1.6y) participating in Project EAT-IV (n = 1719). Cross-sectional data were stratified across sex and analyzed with chi-square, t-tests, and linear and logistic regressions controlling for age, ethnicity/race, education level, and income.

Results
Self-weighing frequency was higher among male and female young adults with a current eating disorder, those trying to lose weight or who endorsed any disordered eating behaviors or cognition, and females with higher BMI. Young adult females were significantly more likely than males to report that self-weighing impacted their mood (53% vs 27%, p < 0.05). Among both male and female young adults, there was a higher probability of participants reporting that self-weighing impacted their mood among those who were self-weighing more frequently, had higher BMI, were trying to lose weight, and endorsed disordered eating behaviors or cognitions.

Conclusion
Findings suggest that for many young adults, particularly females and those with weight-related concerns, self-weighing is a behavior that comes with emotional valence. The emotional consequences of self-weighing should be considered when making public health and clinical recommendations regarding the usefulness of self-weighing.
Gut microbial dysbiosis after traumatic brain injury modulates the immune response and impairs neurogenesis
Authors: Celorrio Marta , Abellanas Miguel A. , Rhodes James , Goodwin Victoria , Moritz Jennie , Vadivelu Sangeetha , Wang Leran , Rodgers Rachel , Xiao Sophia , Anabayan Ilakkia , Payne Camryn , Perry Alexandra M. , Baldridge Megan T. , Aymerich Maria S. , Steed Ashley , Friess Stuart H. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe influence of the gut microbiota on traumatic brain injury (TBI) is presently unknown. This knowledge gap is of paramount clinical significance as TBI patients are highly susceptible to alterations in the gut microbiota by antibiotic exposure. Antibiotic-induced gut microbial dysbiosis established prior to TBI significantly worsened neuronal loss and reduced microglia activation in the injured hippocampus with concomitant changes in fear memory response. Importantly, antibiotic exposure for 1 week after TBI reduced cortical infiltration of Ly6Chigh monocytes, increased microglial pro-inflammatory markers, and decreased T lymphocyte infiltration, which persisted through 1 month post-injury. Moreover, microbial dysbiosis was associated with reduced neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus 1 week after TBI. By 3 months after injury (11 weeks after discontinuation of the antibiotics), we observed increased microglial proliferation, increased hippocampal neuronal loss, and modulation of fear memory response. These data demonstrate that antibiotic-induced gut microbial dysbiosis after TBI impacts neuroinflammation, neurogenesis, and fear memory and implicate gut microbial modulation as a potential therapeutic intervention for TBI.
DV-DVFS: merging data variety and DVFS technique to manage the energy consumption of big data processing
Authors: Ahmadvand Hossein , Foroutan Fouzhan , Fathy Mahmood 
Published: March 2021

AbstractData variety is one of the most important features of Big Data. Data variety is the result of aggregating data from multiple sources and uneven distribution of data. This feature of Big Data causes high variation in the consumption of processing resources such as CPU consumption. This issue has been overlooked in previous works. To overcome the mentioned problem, in the present work, we used Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) to reduce the energy consumption of computation. To this goal, we consider two types of deadlines as our constraint. Before applying the DVFS technique to computer nodes, we estimate the processing time and the frequency needed to meet the deadline. In the evaluation phase, we have used a set of data sets and applications. The experimental results show that our proposed approach surpasses the other scenarios in processing real datasets. Based on the experimental results in this paper, DV-DVFS can achieve up to 15% improvement in energy consumption.
Comparison of volume of the forebrain, subarachnoid space and lateral ventricles between dogs with idiopathic epilepsy and controls using a stereological approach: Cavalieri’s principle
Authors: Watson Fraje , Coppi A. Augusto , Volk Holger A. , Packer Rowena M. A. , Tauro Anna , Rusbridge Clare 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundCanine idiopathic epilepsy (IE) is the most common chronic neurological brain disease in dogs, yet it can only be diagnosed by exclusion of all other potential causes. In people, epilepsy has been associated with a reduction in brain volume. The objective was to estimate the volume of the forebrain (FB), subarachnoid space (SAS) and lateral ventricles (LV) in dogs with IE compared to controls using Cavalieri’s principle. MRI scans of case and control dogs were identified from two neurology referral hospital databases. Eight breeds with increased odds of having IE were included: Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Border terrier, German Shepherd dog, Parson Jack Russell terrier, Boxer, and Border Collie. Five dogs of each breed with IE and up to five controls were systematically and uniformly randomly sampled (SURS). The volume of the FB, SAS and LV were estimated from MRI scans by one blinded observer using Cavalieri’s principle.ResultsOne hundred-two dogs were identified; 56 were diagnosed with IE and 46 were controls. There was no statistically significant difference in FB, SAS and LV volume between dogs with IE and controls. Dogs with a history of status epilepticus had significantly larger FB than those without (p = 0.05). There was a border-line trend for LV volume to increase with increasing length of seizure history in the IE group (p = 0.055).ConclusionThe volumes of the FB, SAS and LV are not different between dogs with IE and controls, so IE remains a diagnosis of exclusion with no specific neuroanatomical biomarkers identified. This is the first time FB and SAS volume has been compared in dogs with IE. Unfortunately, we have shown that the results reporting significantly larger FBs in dogs with status epilepticus and LV volume increase with length of seizure history were likely confounded by breed and should be interpreted cautiously. Whilst these associations are interesting and clinically relevant, further investigation with breed-specific or larger, breed-diverse populations are required to permit strong conclusions. The Cavalieri principle provided an effective estimation of FB, SAS and LV volumes on MRI, but may be too time-intensive for use in clinical practice.
Modeling and analyzing users’ behavioral strategies with co-evolutionary process
Authors: Miura Yutaro , Toriumi Fujio , Sugawara Toshiharu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSocial networking services (SNSs) are constantly used by a large number of people with various motivations and intentions depending on their social relationships and purposes, and thus, resulting in diverse strategies of posting/consuming content on SNSs. Therefore, it is important to understand the differences of the individual strategies depending on their network locations and surroundings. For this purpose, by using a game-theoretical model of users called agents and proposing a co-evolutionary algorithm called multiple-world genetic algorithm to evolve diverse strategy for each user, we investigated the differences in individual strategies and compared the results in artificial networks and those of the Facebook ego network. From our experiments, we found that agents did not select the free rider strategy, which means that just reading the articles and comments posted by other users, in the Facebook network, although this strategy is usually cost-effective and usually appeared in the artificial networks. We also found that the agents who mainly comment on posted articles/comments and rarely post their own articles appear in the Facebook network but do not appear in the connecting nearest-neighbor networks, although we think that this kind of user actually exists in real-world SNSs. Our experimental simulation also revealed that the number of friends was a crucial factor to identify users’ strategies on SNSs through the analysis of the impact of the differences in the reward for a comment on various ego networks.
First report of detection of microcystins in farmed mediterranean mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis in Thermaikos gulf in Greece
Authors: Kalaitzidou Maria P. , Nannou Christina I. , Lambropoulou Dimitra A. , Papageorgiou Konstantinos V. , Theodoridis Alexandros M. , Economou Vangelis K. , Giantsis Ioannis A. , Angelidis Panagiotis G. , Kritas Spyridon K. , Petridou Evanthia J. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Microcystins are emerging marine biotoxins, produced by potentially toxic cyanobacteria. Their presence has been reported in aquatic animals in Greek freshwater, while data are few in marine environments. Since the climate change induces eutrophication and harmful algal blooms in coastal marine ecosystems affecting the public health, further research on microcystins’ presence in marine waters is required. The aim of this study was to examine the potential presence of microcystins in mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis in the largest farming areas in Thermaikos gulf, in Northern Greece, and to investigate their temporal and spatial distribution, adding to the knowledge of microcystins presence in Greek Mediterranean mussels.

Results
A 4-year microcystins’ assessment was conducted from 2013 to 2016, in farmed Mediterranean mussels M. galloprovincialis, in five sampling areas in Thermaikos gulf, in northern Greece, where the 90% of the Greek mussels’ farming activities is located. The isolation of potentially toxic cyanobacteria was confirmed by molecular methods. An initial screening was performed with a qualitative and quantitative direct monoclonal (DM) ELISA and results above 1 ng g−1 were confirmed for the occurrence of the most common microcystins-RR, -LR and -YR, by Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with a high- resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS) (Orbitrap analyzer). Microcystin-RR and microcystin-LR were detected, while the intensity of microcystin-YR was below the method detection limit. Most samples that exhibited concentrations above 1 ng g-1 were detected during the warm seasons of the year and especially in spring. Results indicated an overestimation of the ELISA method, since concentrations ranged between 0.70 ± 0.15 ng g−1 and 53.90 ± 3.18 ng g−1, while the confirmation denoted that the levels of microcystins were 6 to 22 times lower.

Conclusions
Microcystin-RR and microcystin-LR were detected for the first time in mussel M. galloprovincialis, harvested from farms in Thermaikos gulf, in Central Macedonia, Greece. Their presence was linked to potentially toxic cyanobacteria. Bioaccumulation was observed in digestive gland, while the concentrations in muscles were found extremely low. Samples with levels above 1 ng g−1 were observed mostly during spring, confirming the seasonal distribution of microcystins. The comparison of the results by the ELISA and the LC-Orbitrap MS method indicated an overestimation of concentration by the ELISA method.
Soil transmitted helminth infection in primary school children varies with ecozone in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Authors: Eltantawy Manar , Orsel Karin , Schroeder Ashley , Morona Domenica , Mazigo Humphrey D. , Kutz Susan , Hatfield Jennifer , Manyama Mange , van der Meer Frank 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundSoil-transmitted helminthiasis is a neglected tropical disease, thriving in environments of poverty and disadvantage. Our objective was to determine the prevalence and intensity of four soil transmitted helminths (STH) among primary school children in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed between May 15thand June 2nd, 2014. Six of 20 primary schools were chosen, based on elevation, designated low elevation ecozone (LEE) or high elevation ecozone (HEE). A total of 340 children from standards one to four were recruited. Height and weight of each child was determined and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Stool samples were analyzed using the Kato-Katz, Wisconsin, and Baermann techniques to detect STH eggs and larvae. An interviewer-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic variables was used to capture information from the school’s headmaster and a checklist was used to assess sanitation facilities.ResultsSTHs identified includedAscaris(presumablylumbricoides),Trichuris(presumablytrichiura), hookworms (presumablyAncylostoma duodenaleand/orNecator americanus), andStrongyloides(presumablystercoralis). The overall prevalence of STH infection was 29.0% in LEE and 34.0% in HEE. Prevalence was 34.3% and 28.2% in males versus females, respectively.Ascarissp.were only identified in HEE, prevalence ofTrichurissp. and hookworms were significantly higher in HEE compared to LEE, andStrongyloidesspp. prevalence was lower in HEE. Intensity ofTrichurissp. was significantly higher in HEE and lower for hookworms. We did not detect a significant relationship between BMI and helminth intensity; however, BMI was lower in lower elevations and in males vs. females. Sanitation practices are taught at the schools, but challenges were identified when implementing. Latrine facilities were available and latrine-cleaning routines were practiced; however, hand washing practices were challenging due to restricted water availability.ConclusionsSignificant differences in prevalence in HEE and LEE exist, and STH infections are still very common among school children suggesting that anthelminthic intervention and education may be necessary in this region. Based on this outcome, the study area in the NCA would be classified as a medium risk area, where periodic treatment recommendations should be based on prevalence estimations in the different ecozones.Trial registrationEthics approval was obtained from the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS; Lake Zone Institutional Review Board MR/53/100/307)); the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (CHREB) at the University of Calgary in Canada (Study ID REB14-0127); the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) of Tanzania; and the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTEC).