bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investor–State Dispute Settlement using the ECOWAS Court of Justice: An Analysis and Some Proposals
Authors: Happold Matthew 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
In the light of increasing discontent with arbitration as a method of investor–State dispute settlement (ISDS), alongside proposals for the establishment of court systems for the settlement of such disputes, this article suggests that such a mechanism might already be available for West African States in the form of the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The ECOWAS Court of Justice, the article shows, can already deal with a variety of investor–State disputes, while reforms are suggested to extend its investment jurisdiction and render it more effective. Such initiatives, it argues, would assist in developing African States’ role as ‘investment rule makers’ rather than ‘rule takers’, as well as further ECOWAS’s mission to promote economic integration within West Africa.
Reflections on modern methods: linkage error bias
Authors: Doidge James C , Harron Katie L 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Linked data are increasingly being used for epidemiological research, to enhance primary research, and in planning, monitoring and evaluating public policy and services. Linkage error (missed links between records that relate to the same person or false links between unrelated records) can manifest in many ways: as missing data, measurement error and misclassification, unrepresentative sampling, or as a special combination of these that is specific to analysis of linked data: the merging and splitting of people that can occur when two hospital admission records are counted as one person admitted twice if linked and two people admitted once if not. Through these mechanisms, linkage error can ultimately lead to information bias and selection bias; so identifying relevant mechanisms is key in quantitative bias analysis. In this article we introduce five key concepts and a study classification system for identifying which mechanisms are relevant to any given analysis. We provide examples and discuss options for estimating parameters for bias analysis. This conceptual framework provides the ‘links’ between linkage error, information bias and selection bias, and lays the groundwork for quantitative bias analysis for linkage error.
Reconciliation Barometers: Tools for Postconflict Policy Design
Authors: Cole Elizabeth A , Firchow Pamina 
Published: September 2019

Abstract∞
This article provides a comprehensive overview of several efforts at creating reconciliation barometers in 10 countries worldwide. The discussion is based on reflections from the originators of the barometers themselves convened in a workshop in 2016 about methodology, definitions, challenges and outcomes of these efforts to longitudinally measure reconciliation in postconflict contexts. We conduct a cross-barometer comparison and conclude that the different barometers have many more similarities than differences – a surprising finding considering the variety of contexts they represent. With the proliferation of efforts to develop reconciliation barometers in the past decade, we propose a new research agenda to contribute to a growing need to better understand the consumption of these tools by policy makers and implementers, as well as how they are best developed and disseminated.
Hunting the Snark: the flawed search for mythical Jurassic angiosperms
Authors: Bateman Richard M 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Several recent palaeobotanical studies claim to have found and described pre-Cretaceous angiosperm macrofossils. With rare exceptions, these papers fail to define a flower, do not acknowledge that fossils require character-based rather than group-based classification, do not explicitly state which morphological features would unambiguously identify a fossil as angiospermous, ignore the modern conceptual framework of phylogeny reconstruction, and infer features in the fossils in question that are interpreted differently by (or even invisible to) other researchers. This unfortunate situation is compounded by the relevant fossils being highly disarticulated two-dimensional compression-impressions lacking anatomical preservation. Given current evidence, all supposed pre-Cretaceous angiosperms are assignable to other major clades among the gymnosperms sensu lato. By any workable morphological definition, flowers are not confined to, and therefore cannot delimit, the angiosperm clade. More precisely defined character states that are potentially diagnostic of angiosperms must by definition originate on the phylogenetic branch that immediately precedes the angiosperm crown group. Although the most reliable candidates for diagnostic characters (triploid endosperm reflecting double fertilization, closed carpel, bitegmic ovule, and phloem companion cells) are rarely preserved and/or difficult to detect unambiguously, similar characters have occasionally been preserved in high-quality permineralized non-angiosperm fossils. The angiosperm radiation documented by Early Cretaceous fossils involves only lineages closely similar to extant taxonomic families, lacks obvious morphological gaps, and (as agreed by both the fossil record and molecular phylogenies) was relatively rapid—all features that suggest a primary radiation. It is unlikely that ancestors of the crown group common ancestor would have fulfilled a character-based definition of (and thereby required expansion of the concept of) an angiosperm; they would instead form a new element of the non-angiosperm members of the ‘anthophyte’ grade, competing with Caytonia to be viewed as morphologically determined sister group for angiosperms. Conclusions drawn from molecular phylogenetics should not be allowed to routinely constrain palaeobotanical inferences; reciprocal illumination between different categories of data offers greater explanatory power than immediately resorting to Grand Syntheses. The Jurassic angiosperm—essentially a product of molecular phylogenetics—may have become the holy grail of palaeobotany but it appears equally mythical.
Precision of Fetal DNA Fraction Estimation by Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Quantification of a Differently Methylated Target in Noninvasive Prenatal Testing
Authors: Blais Jonatan , Giroux Sylvie , Caron André , Clément Valérie , Rousseau François 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The performance of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) assays is critically determined by the proportion of fetal DNA or fetal fraction (FF). Fetomaternal differential methylation of certain genomic regions has been proposed as a universal marker of fetal origin, and previous reports have suggested the use of methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme (MSRE) assays to estimate FF.

Methods
We analyzed the performance of FF estimation using an MSRE assay with duplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Mixtures of genomic DNA from placental cells and from adult women were digested with 2 MSRE and FF estimates obtained, for a total of 221 pairwise treatment/control comparisons.

Results
The coefficient of variance (CV) of the MSRE assays was high, ranging from 24% to 60%. An alternative in silico FF estimation algorithm, SeqFF, displayed slightly lower variability, with a CV of 22%.

Conclusion
These results cast doubts on the usefulness of the MSRE-based assay of differentially methylated markers for FF estimation. The lack of a universal method capable of precisely estimating FF remains an incompletely solved issue.
LeGOO: An Expertized Knowledge Database for the Model Legume Medicago truncatula
Authors: Carr�re S�bastien , Verdenaud Marion , Gough Clare , Gouzy J�r�me , Gamas Pascal 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMedicago truncatula was proposed, about three decades ago, as a model legume to study the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis. It has now been adopted to study a wide range of biological questions, including various developmental processes (in particular root, symbiotic nodule and seed development), symbiotic (nitrogen-fixing and arbuscular mycorrhizal endosymbioses) and pathogenic interactions, as well as responses to abiotic stress. With a number of tools and resources set up in M. truncatula for omics, genetics and reverse genetics approaches, massive amounts of data have been produced, as well as four genome sequence releases. Many of these data were generated with heterogeneous tools, notably for transcriptomics studies, and are consequently difficult to integrate. This issue is addressed by the LeGOO (for Legume Graph-Oriented Organizer) knowledge base (https://www.legoo.org), which finds the correspondence between the multiple identifiers of the same gene. Furthermore, an important goal of LeGOO is to collect and represent biological information from peer-reviewed publications, whatever the technical approaches used to obtain this information. The information is modeled in a graph-oriented database, which enables flexible representation, with currently over 200,000 relations retrieved from 298 publications. LeGOO also provides the user with mining tools, including links to the Mt5.0 genome browser and associated information (on gene functional annotation, expression, methylome, natural diversity and available insertion mutants), as well as tools to navigate through different model species. LeGOO is, therefore, an innovative database that will be useful to the Medicago and legume community to better exploit the wealth of data produced on this model species.
Independent and Interwoven: A Qualitative Exploration of Residents’ Experiences With Educational Podcasts
Authors: Riddell Jeffrey , Robins Lynne , Brown Alisha , Sherbino Jonathan , Lin Michelle , Ilgen Jonathan S. 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
Educational podcasts are an increasingly popular platform for teaching and learning in health professions education. Yet it remains unclear why residents are drawn to podcasts for educational purposes, how they integrate podcasts into their broader learning experiences, and what challenges they face when using podcasts to learn.

Method
The authors used a constructivist grounded theory approach to explore residents’ motivations and listening behaviors. They conducted 16 semistructured interviews with residents from 2 U.S. and 1 Canadian institution from March 2016 to August 2017. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. The transcripts were analyzed using constant comparison, and themes were identified iteratively, working toward an explanatory framework that illuminated relationships among themes.

Results
Participants described podcasts as easy to use and engaging, enabling both broad exposure to content and targeted learning. They reported often listening to podcasts while doing other activities, being motivated by an ever-present desire to use their time productively; this practice led to challenges retaining and applying the content they learned from the podcasts to their clinical work. Listening to podcasts also fostered participants’ sense of connection to their peers, supervisors, and the larger professional community, yet it created tensions in their local relationships.

Conclusions
Despite the challenges of distracted, contextually constrained listening and difficulties translating their learning into clinical practice, residents found podcasts to be an accessible and engaging learning platform that offered them broad exposure to core content and personalized learning, concurrently fostering their sense of connection to local and national professional communities.
Safety, Efficacy, and Patient Satisfaction With OnabotulinumtoxinA for the Treatment of Upper Facial Lines in Japanese Subjects
Authors: Kawashima Makoto , Harii Kiyonori , Horiuchi Yuki , Seidman Emily , Lei Xiaofang , Hopfinger René , Lee Elisabeth 
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND
OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment for glabellar lines (GL) or crow's-feet lines (CFL) was previously studied in Japanese subjects.

OBJECTIVE
To assess safety and efficacy of repeated onabotulinumtoxinA for moderate to severe GL and CFL in Japanese subjects.

METHODS
This 13-month, double-blind, Phase 3 study randomized subjects to onabotulinumtoxinA 44 U (n = 48) or 32 U (n = 53) for CFL and GL for up to 5 treatments (CFL: 24 U or 12 U; GL: 20 U). Outcomes included proportion of subjects achieving none/mild severity at maximum smile (CFL) and maximum frown (GL), using the Facial Wrinkle Scale with Asian Photonumeric Guide (FWS-A); proportion of ≥1-grade improvement responders at maximum smile and at rest (CFL), at maximum frown and at rest (GL); subject-reported outcomes; and safety.

RESULTS
Most subjects were responders (none/mild on FWS-A; CFL: 89.6% [44 U], 84.9% [32 U]; GL: 93.8% [44 U], 98.1% [32 U]) on Day 30. Across treatment groups, responder rates were consistent over time and treatments. Most subjects were satisfied with improved CFL appearance and with treatment. Incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and treatment-related TEAEs across groups was similar. All TEAEs but one (peritonitis) were mild or moderate.

CONCLUSION
Repeated onabotulinumtoxinA was effective and well tolerated.
Presbyopia Correction Using Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses in Patients With Monofocal Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Kaida Tomoko , Yukawa Chie , Higashi Shizuka , Minami Keiichiro , Miyata Kazunori 
Published: September 2019

Objectives:
To investigate the effectiveness of presbyopia correction using multifocal soft contact lenses (MF SCLs) for pseudophakic subjects with monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs).

Methods:
In 11 subjects, after monofocal IOL implantation, disposable MF SCLs (Dailies Total 1 Multifocal, Alcon) were daily used for 3 months. Binocular visual acuity between 0.3 and 5 m was measured using an all-distance vision tester (AS-15, Kowa) at 1 and 3 months and compared before and during MF SCL wear. Binocular contrast sensitivity testing was conducted under mesopic and photopic illuminations at 1 month.

Results:
The mean manifest refraction spherical equivalent before MF SCL wear was −0.36 D. The add powers of used MF SCLs were +1.25, +2.00, and +2.50 D in 1, 16, and 5 eyes, respectively. The mean binocular visual acuities during MF SCL wear were 20/20 or better between 0.5 and 5 m and significantly improved at 0.7 m or less (P<0.025). There was no change in the mesopic contrast sensitivity, whereas the photopic contrast sensitivity at 18 cycles per degree was degraded during MF SCL wear.

Conclusions:
The use of MF SCL was effective for presbyopia correction in pseudophakic subjects with monofocal IOL, and favorable binocular vision would be obtained in a range from distance to intermediate.
Transient Hyperthyroidism following the ingestion of complementary medications containing kelp seaweed
Authors: Gherbon Adriana , Frandes Mirela , Lungeanu Diana , Nicula Marioara , Timar Romulus 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
The prevalence of obesity has increased over the past few years, becoming a public health problem. Generally, the primary therapeutic remedies are diet, physical exercise, medication, and bariatric surgery. However, an increased number of obese and overweight people are using complementary and herbal slimming supplements.

Patient concerns:
A 70-years-old Caucasian woman presented to the outpatient clinic with tachycardia (>100 bpm), insomnia, anxiety, and recent weight loss (6 kilos in 3 months). She had no previous thyroid disease, but she presented transient hyperthyroidism at 3 months after ingestion of tablets containing kelp seaweeds.

Diagnoses:
Hypertensive and obese patient, without previous thyroid disease, presented with transient hyperthyroidism at 3 months following ingestion of tablets containing kelp seaweed.

Interventions:
The kelp-containing tablets were discontinued, and antithyroid therapy with Methimazole was initiated as follows: Methimazole at 15 mg/day for 1 month, at 10 mg/day in the second month, and 5 mg/day for the third month.

Outcomes:
After 3 months of antithyroid therapy and without the consumption of kelp - containing tablets, normal thyroid function was regained. Further analysis revealed normal thyroid function, so the hyperthyroidism reversed completely.

Lessons:
Adults who consume complementary medication based on kelp seaweed should be informed of the risk of developing thyroid dysfunction also in the absence of any pre-existing thyroid disease. Due to the high iodine content, supplements containing kelp should be taken with the supervision of a physician and with monitoring of thyroid function.
Multi-drug resistant Enterococcus faecium in late-onset keratitis after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty
Authors: D’Oria Francesco , Galeone Alessandra , Pastore Valentina , Cardascia Nicola , Alessio Giovanni 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Interface keratitis after lamellar keratoplasty is one of the causes of graft failure. We report the first case of microbiologically proven Enterococcus faecium infection following deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and review the available literature.

Patient concerns:
A 37-years-old Caucasian man presented with pain, redness and severe vision loss in his right eye. Five weeks before, he underwent DALK using the FEMTO LDV Z8 in the same eye for the surgical correction of keratoconus.

Diagnoses:
Upon presentation, slit-lamp biomiscroscopy revealed corneal graft edema with multiple infiltrates located in the graft-host interface.

Interventions:
Therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) was carried out in addition with cultures of the donor lenticule removal. Laboratory results isolated a multi-resistant Enterococcus faecium interface infection. According to the antibiogram, the patient was treated with systemic Tigecycline and Linezolid for 7 days.

Outcomes:
During the following weeks, clinical features improved over time and no signs of active infection were visible seven months postoperatively.

Lessons:
Early PKP showed to be a good therapeutic option with great anatomic and functional outcomes.
Qualitative Exploration of Engaging Patients as Advisors in a Program of Evidence Synthesis
Authors: Gierisch Jennifer M. , Hughes Jaime M. , Williams John W. , Gordon Adelaide M. , Goldstein Karen M. 
Published: September 2019

Background:
There is an increasing expectation for research to involve patient stakeholders. Yet little guidance exists regarding patient-engaged research in evidence synthesis. Embedded in a learning health care system, the Veteran Affairs Evidence Synthesis Program (ESP) provides an ideal environment for exploring patient-engaged research in a program of evidence synthesis.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to explore views, barriers, resources, and perceived values of engaging patient advisors in a national program of evidence synthesis research.

Methods:
We conducted 10 qualitative interviews with ESP researchers and 2 focus groups with patient stakeholder informants. We queried for challenges to patient involvement, resources needed to overcome barriers, and perceived values of patient engagement. We analyzed qualitative data using applied thematic and matrix techniques.

Results:
Patient stakeholders and researchers expressed positive views on the potential role for patient engagement in the Veteran Affairs ESP. Possible contributions included topic prioritization, translating findings for lay audiences, and identifying clinically important outcomes relevant to patients. There were numerous barriers to patient involvement, which were more commonly noted by ESP researchers than by patient stakeholders. Although informants were able to articulate multiple values, we found a lack of clarity around measurable outcomes of patient involvement in systematic reviews.

Conclusions:
The research community increasingly seeks patient input. There are many perceived and actual barriers to seeking robust patient engagement in systematic reviews. This study outlines emerging practices that other evidence synthesis programs should consider, such as the careful selection of stakeholders; codeveloped expectations and goals; and adequate training and appropriate resources to ensure meaningful engagement.
A Machine Learning-Based Triage Tool for Children With Acute Infection in a Low Resource Setting*
Authors: Kwizera Arthur , Kissoon Niranjan , Musa Ndidiamaka , Urayeneza Olivier , Mujyarugamba Pierre , Patterson Andrew J. , Harmon Lori , Farmer Joseph C. , Dünser Martin W. , Meier Jens 
Published: September 2019

Objectives:
To deploy machine learning tools (random forests) to develop a model that reliably predicts hospital mortality in children with acute infections residing in low- and middle-income countries, using age and other variables collected at hospital admission.

Design:
Post hoc analysis of a single-center, prospective, before-and-after feasibility trial.

Setting:
Rural district hospital in Rwanda, a low-income country in Sub-Sahara Africa.

Patients:
Infants and children greater than 28 days and less than 18 years of life hospitalized because of an acute infection.

Interventions:
None.

Measurements and Main Results:
Age, vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) capillary refill time, altered mental state collected at hospital admission, as well as survival status at hospital discharge were extracted from the trial database. This information was collected for 1,579 adult and pediatric patients admitted to a regional referral hospital with an acute infection in rural Rwanda. Nine-hundred forty-nine children were included in this analysis. We predicted survival in study subjects using random forests, a machine learning algorithm. Five prediction models, all including age plus two to five other variables, were tested. Three distinct optimization criteria of the algorithm were then compared. The in-hospital mortality was 1.5% (n = 14). All five models could predict in-hospital mortality with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranging between 0.69 and 0.8. The model including age, respiratory rate, capillary refill time, altered mental state exhibited the highest predictive value area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.8 (95% CI, 0.78–0.8) with the lowest possible number of variables.

Conclusions:
A machine learning-based algorithm could reliably predict hospital mortality in a Sub-Sahara African population of 949 children with an acute infection using easily collected information at admission which includes age, respiratory rate, capillary refill time, and altered mental state. Future studies need to evaluate and strengthen this algorithm in larger pediatric populations, both in high- and low-/middle-income countries.
Laparoscopic Billroth I Gastroduodenostomy in Robotic Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancers: Fusion Surgery
Authors: Ojima Toshiyasu , Nakamura Masaki , Hayata Keiji , Nakamori Mikihito , Kitadani Junya , Katsuda Masahiro , Fukuda Naoki , Yamaue Hiroki 
Published: September 2019

Purpose:
The authors outline their stapling technique and retrospectively compare outcomes of laparoscopic staplers versus robotic staplers in patients undergoing robotic distal gastrectomy (RDG) with Billroth I gastroduodenostomy for gastric cancers.

Materials and Methods:
Of our 28 consecutive patients who underwent RDG, 18 underwent Billroth I gastroduodenostomy using laparoscopic staplers (fusion group); robotic staplers were used in the remaining 10 patients (robot group). All RDG procedures were performed using the da Vinci Surgical System.

Results:
The duration of reconstruction was significantly longer for the robot group than for the fusion group. There were no conversions to conventional laparoscopy or open surgery in the fusion group, but 1 patient in the robot group required conversion to laparoscopic reconstruction for duodenal injury during anastomosis. No postoperative complications developed in the fusion group.

Conclusion:
Regarding short-term surgical outcomes, robotic-assisted laparoscopic stapling techniques for reconstruction after RDG are both feasible and safe for gastric cancers.