bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parental attitudes and willingness to donate children’s biospecimens for congenital heart disease research: a cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Gao Hongxiang , Jiang Jun , Feng Bei , Guo Aihua , Hong Haifa , Liu Shijian 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesTo assess attitudes and willingness of parents of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) regarding donating biospecimens for future CHD research, and to identify factors associated with biospecimen donation.DesignFace-to-face cross-sectional survey data were analysed using logistic regression.SettingCardiothoracic Surgery Inpatient Department, Shanghai Children’s Medical Centre.ParticipantsParents of children attending the cardiothoracic surgery inpatient department at Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, 1 March–31 December 2016.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWillingness and motivation regarding donating children’s biospecimens, and ethical and legal considerations concerning children’s future willingness to donate.ResultsOf 550 parents, 508 completed the questionnaire (response rate=92.4%). Overall, 69.1% (n=351) were willing to donate their children’s biospecimens for medical research. Multivariate analysis indicated higher education level (college/graduate degree: OR 2.435, 95% CI 1.221 to 4.857, p=0.012; high school: OR 1.827, 95% CI 1.190 to 2.804, p=0.006) and children’s hospitalisation history (OR 1.581; 95% CI 1.069 to 2.338, p=0.022) were positively associated with willingness to donate. The most common motivation for donation was potential benefit to other children with CHD (81.2%, n=285). The main barriers to donation were physical discomfort to their children (52.3%, n=54) and concerns about personal privacy (47.1%, n=48). Most parents (86.0%, n=302) wanted to be informed of research results using their children’s donated biospecimens, and 34.8% (n=177) believed that children aged 10–18 years had the right to consent independently to research participation.ConclusionsNearly 70% of the parents in this study were willing to donate their children’s biospecimens for future CHD research. Parents’ education level and children’s hospitalisation history influenced willingness to donate. Most parents wanted to receive the research results related to their children’s biospecimens.
Cross-sectional analysis of UK research studies in 2015: results from a scoping project with the UK Health Research Authority
Authors: Clark Tim , Wicentowski Richard H , Sydes Matthew R 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesTo determine whether data on research studies held by the UK Health Research Authority (HRA) could be summarised automatically with minimal manual intervention. There are numerous initiatives to reduce research waste by improving the design, conduct, analysis and reporting of clinical studies. However, quantitative data on the characteristics of clinical studies and the impact of the various initiatives are limited.DesignFeasibility study, using 1 year of data.SettingWe worked with the HRA on a pilot study using research applications submitted for UK-wide ethical review. We extracted into a single dataset, information held in anonymised XML files by the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) and the HRA Assessment Review Portal (HARP). Research applications from 2014 to 2016 were provided. We used standard text extraction methods to assess information held in free-text fields. We use simple, descriptive methods to summarise the research activities that we extracted.ParticipantsNot applicable—records-based studyInterventionsNot applicable.Primary and secondary outcome measuresFeasibility of extraction and processing.ResultsWe successfully imported 1775 non-duplicate research applications from the XML files into a single database. Of these, 963 were randomised controlled trials and 812 were other studies. Most studies received a favourable opinion. There was limited patient and public involvement in the studies. Most, but not all, studies were planned for publication of results. Novel study designs (eg, adaptive and Bayesian designs) were infrequently reported.ConclusionsWe have demonstrated that the data submitted from IRAS to the HRA and its HARP system are accessible and can be queried for information. We strongly encourage the development of fully resourced collaborative projects to further this work. This would aid understanding of how study characteristics change over time and across therapeutic areas, as well as the progress of initiatives to improve the quality and relevance of research studies.
Effectiveness and safety of herbal medicines for induction of labour: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zamawe Collins , King Carina , Jennings Hannah Maria , Mandiwa Chrispin , Fottrell Edward 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveThe use of herbal medicines for induction of labour (IOL) is common globally and yet its effects are not well understood. We assessed the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines for IOL.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of published literature.Data sourcesWe searched in MEDLINE, AMED and CINAHL in April 2017, updated in June 2018.Eligibility criteriaWe considered experimental and non-experimental studies that compared relevant pregnancy outcomes between users and non-user of herbal medicines for IOL.Data extraction and synthesisData were extracted by two reviewers using a standardised form. A random-effects model was used to synthesise effects sizes and heterogeneity was explored through I2statistic. The risk of bias was assessed using ‘John Hopkins Nursing School Critical Appraisal Tool’ and ‘Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool’.ResultsA total of 1421 papers were identified through the searches, but only 10 were retained after eligibility and risk of bias assessments. The users of herbal medicine for IOL were significantly more likely to give birth within 24 hours than non-users (Risk Ratio (RR) 4.48; 95% CI 1.75 to 11.44). No significant difference in the incidence of caesarean section (RR 1.19; 95% CI 0.76 to 1.86), assisted vaginal delivery (RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.47 to 1.14), haemorrhage (RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.44 to 1.60), meconium-stained liquor (RR 1.20; 95% CI 0.65 to 2.23) and admission to nursery (RR 1.08; 95% CI 0.49 to 2.38) was found between users and non-users of herbal medicines for IOL.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that herbal medicines for IOL are effective, but there is inconclusive evidence of safety due to lack of good quality data. Thus, the use of herbal medicines for IOL should be avoided until safety issues are clarified. More studies are recommended to establish the safety of herbal medicines.
Protocol for a gender-sensitised weight loss and healthy living programme for overweight and obese men delivered in Australian football league settings (Aussie-FIT): A feasibility and pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Quested Eleanor , Kwasnicka Dominika , Thøgersen-Ntoumani Cecilie , Gucciardi Daniel F , Kerr Deborah A , Hunt Kate , Robinson Suzanne , Morgan Philip J , Newton Robert U , Gray Cindy , Wyke Sally , McVeigh Joanne , Malacova Eva , Ntoumanis Nikos 
Published: October 2018

IntroductionOverweight and obesity are highly prevalent among Australian men. Professional sports settings can act as a powerful ‘hook’ to engage men in weight loss programmes; the Football Fans in Training programme delivered in professional UK soccer clubs was successful and cost-effective in helping men lose weight. The Australian Football League (AFL) is a potentially attractive setting to engage men in a weight loss programme. We aim to develop, pilot and evaluate the feasibility of a weight loss intervention for overweight/obese middle-aged men, delivered in AFL settings, to promote weight loss and healthier lifestyles and determine its suitability for a future randomised control trial.Methods and analysis120 overweight/obese male fans will complete baseline physical and psychological health measures and objective measures of physical activity (PA), weight, waist size and blood pressure prior to randomisation into the intervention or waitlist comparison group. The intervention group will receive 12 weekly 90 min workshops incorporating PA, nutrition education, behaviour change techniques and principles of effective motivation. Four community coaches will be trained to deliver Aussie-FIT at two AFL clubs in Western Australia. Measurements will be repeated in both groups at 3 months (post-intervention) and 6 months (follow-up). Outcomes will include programme uptake, attendance, changes in lifestyle and weight variables to inform power calculations for a future definitive trial, fidelity of programme delivery, acceptability, satisfaction with the programme and perceptions of effectiveness. We will also determine trial feasibility and potential to gather cost-effectiveness data.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was granted by Curtin University’s Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC2017-0458). Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and reports. A multicomponent dissemination strategy will include targeted translation and stakeholder engagement events to establish strategies for sustainability and policy change.Trial registration numberACTRN12617000515392; Pre-results.
Local Finite-Amplitude Wave Activity as a Diagnostic for Rossby Wave Packets
Authors: Ghinassi Paolo , Fragkoulidis Georgios , Wirth Volkmar 
Published: October 2018

AbstractUpper-tropospheric Rossby wave packets (RWPs) are important dynamical features, because they are often associated with weather systems and sometimes act as precursors to high-impact weather. The present work introduces a novel diagnostic to identify RWPs and to quantify their amplitude. It is based on the local finite-amplitude wave activity (LWA) of Huang and Nakamura, which is generalized to the primitive equations in isentropic coordinates. The new diagnostic is applied to a specific episode containing large-amplitude RWPs and compared with a more traditional diagnostic based on the envelope of the meridional wind. In this case, LWA provides a more coherent picture of the RWPs and their zonal propagation. This difference in performance is demonstrated more explicitly in the framework of an idealized barotropic model simulation, where LWA is able to follow an RWP into its fully nonlinear stage, including cutoff formation and wave breaking, while the envelope diagnostic yields reduced amplitudes in such situations.
Clinical use of Sherlock-3CG® for positioning peripherally inserted central catheters
Authors: Pittiruti Mauro , Scoppettuolo Giancarlo , Dolcetti Laura , Emoli Alessandro 
Published: October 2018

Introduction: Intracavitary electrocardiogram technique is recognized as a safe, accurate, and inexpensive method for verifying the tip location of central venous access devices. While the technique can be carried out with any standard electrocardiogram monitor, dedicated electrocardiogram monitors specifically designed for the intracavitary electrocardiogram are also available. One of these dedicated monitors is Sherlock-3CG®, characterized by the integration of a magnetic-based tip navigation method with an electrocardiogram-based tip location method. Methods: In this prospective study, we inserted 130 peripherally inserted central catheters using Sherlock-3CG, evaluating the safety, feasibility, and accuracy of both tip navigation and tip location. Magnetic-based tip navigation was compared with ultrasound-based navigation; electrocardiogram-based tip location was compared with electrocardiogram-based tip location performed by another dedicated monitor (Nautilus®) and with post-procedural tip location by chest X-ray. Results: All insertions were successful and the overall safety of the device was 100%. In terms of tip navigation, the maneuver was feasible only in 81%; the accuracy was 100%. In terms of tip location, feasibility was 94% and accuracy was 100%, while Nautilus showed a 100% feasibility and 100% accuracy. Conclusion: Our study could not demonstrate any specific advantage of Sherlock-3CG either as a magnetic-based tip navigation method or as an electrocardiogram-based tip location method.
Symbol Digit Modalities Test: A valid clinical trial endpoint for measuring cognition in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Strober Lauren , DeLuca John , Benedict Ralph HB , Jacobs Adam , Cohen Jeffrey A , Chiaravalloti Nancy , Hudson Lynn D , Rudick Richard A , LaRocca Nicholas G ,   Multiple Sclerosis Outcome Assessments Consortium (MSOAC)
Published: October 2018

Background: The need for more robust outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trials has been a main priority of the field for decades. Dissatisfaction with existing measures has led to several consensus meetings and initiatives over the past few decades in hopes of defining and gaining acceptance of measures that are valid, reliable, sensitive to change and progression, and most importantly, relevant to those living with MS. The Multiple Sclerosis Outcome Assessments Consortium (MSOAC) was formed for this purpose. Objective: The objective of this paper is to describe the results of the MSOAC plan to obtain qualification for a cognitive performance measure that meets these requirements. Methods: Using data from 14 MS disease-modifying registration trials, we completed a comprehensive examination of the psychometric qualities of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) with the goal of compiling evidence to support the utilization of one of these measures in future clinical trials. Results and conclusion: Consistent with the published literature, the SDMT proved superior to the PASAT. The SDMT should be considered the measure of choice for MS trials in assessing cognitive processing speed.
ASA classification – What is the real impact of the introduction of the new clinical examples?
Authors: Godinho Pedro , Gonçalves Lúcia , Muendane Paulo , dos Anjos Dixe Maria , Valente Elisabete 
Published: October 2018

Aim The American Society of Anesthesiologists scale is used worldwide for the assessment of the physical status of patients proposed for anaesthesia interventions. This study aims to assess the level of agreement of the last updated American Society of Anesthesiologists classification version, with the introduction of examples for each class, and search for variables that could promote inconsistency. Methods An online questionnaire was sent to anaesthesiology specialists and residents in Portugal, describing 10 fictitious clinical cases. Sociodemographic and labour data were also correlated. Results/findings: A total of 243 anaesthesiology physicians participated. There was a high diversity in responses. Years of practice influence this diversity (P < 0.05). Discussion and conclusions: The need for a universal scale for classification of patients proposed for anaesthesia is consensual. Despite the last update in 2014, the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification continues to present limitations regarding consistency and objectivity. Efforts should be made to reduce their interpersonal variability.
The Stressed Executive: Sources and Predictors of Stress Among Participants in an Executive Health Program
Authors: Ganesh Ravindra , Mahapatra Saswati , Fuehrer Debbie L , Folkert Levi J , Jack Whitney A , Jenkins Sarah M , Bauer Brent A , Wahner-Roedler Dietlind L , Sood Amit 
Published: October 2018

Background Stress is highly prevalent in the U.S. society, especially in executives, and is a well-documented risk factor for a wide range of medical disorders. Knowledge of common sources of stress and predictive factors may help identify executives at risk of high stress and allow us to appropriately refer them for stress management treatment. Objective The primary aim of this study was to identify common sources of stress, predictors of high stress, and other correlates among executives. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey of executives who requested a stress management consult at our institution. We abstracted the data from a 14-item intake survey as well as from the patient interview. Results Of the 839 executives, 827 executives (98.6%) who were referred for individual stress management consults completed the stress-related questions of the survey; 51.3% of these executives reported having a high stress level. Study participants mostly struggled with the well-being measures of sleep, anxiety, energy level, and diet. The majority reported that their main stressor was work related (n = 540, 64.4%) followed by family related (n = 371, 44.2%), health related (n = 170, 20.3%), and work–life balance (n = 62, 7.4%). In unadjusted analysis, high stress was associated with younger age ( P = .006), lower quality-of-life scores ( P < .001), and less physical activity ( P < .001). In multivariable analyses, the strongest predictors for high stress level were younger age (odds ratios [OR] = 0.84, P = .045) and worse quality-of-life indicators such as anxiety (OR = 2.72, P < .001), diet (OR = 0.78, P = .02), and sleep (OR = 0.74, P < .003). Conclusion These findings suggest that executives with a high level of stress might be best helped through a multimodality stress management program. Our findings merit replication in larger studies and more definitive confirmation with prospective clinical trials.
Complete RHD next-generation sequencing: establishment of reference RHD alleles
Authors: Tounsi Wajnat A. , Madgett Tracey E. , Avent Neil D. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe Rh blood group system (ISBT004) is the second most important blood group after ABO and is the most polymorphic one, with 55 antigens encoded by 2 genes, RHD and RHCE. This research uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) to sequence the complete RHD gene by amplifying the whole gene using overlapping long-range polymerase chain reaction (LR-PCR) amplicons. The aim was to study different RHD alleles present in the population to establish reference RHD allele sequences by using the analysis of intronic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their correlation to a specific Rh haplotype. Genomic DNA samples (n = 69) from blood donors of different serologically predicted genotypes including R1R1 (DCe/DCe), R2R2 (DcE/DcE), R1R2 (DCe/DcE), R2RZ (DcE/DCE), R1r (DCe/dce), R2r (DcE/dce), and R0r (Dce/dce) were sequenced and data were then mapped to the human genome reference sequence hg38. We focused on the analysis of hemizygous samples, as these by definition will only have a single copy of RHD. For the 69 samples sequenced, different exonic SNPs were detected that correlate with known variants. Multiple intronic SNPs were found in all samples: 21 intronic SNPs were present in all samples indicating their specificity to the RHD*DAU0 (RHD*10.00) haplotype which the hg38 reference sequence encodes. Twenty-three intronic SNPs were found to be R2 haplotype specific, and 15 were linked to R1, R0, and RZ haplotypes. In conclusion, intronic SNPs may represent a novel diagnostic approach to investigate known and novel variants of the RHD and RHCE genes, while being a useful approach to establish reference RHD allele sequences.
Frequent STAT3 mutations in CD8+ T cells from patients with pure red cell aplasia
Authors: Kawakami Toru , Sekiguchi Nodoka , Kobayashi Jun , Imi Tatsuya , Matsuda Kazuyuki , Yamane Taku , Nishina Sayaka , Senoo Yasushi , Sakai Hitoshi , Ito Toshiro , Koizumi Tomonobu , Hirokawa Makoto , Nakao Shinji , Nakazawa Hideyuki , Ishida Fumihiro 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDysregulation of T-cell–mediated immunity is responsible for acquired pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). Although STAT3 mutations are frequently detected in patients with T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL), which is often complicated by PRCA and which is also reported to be associated with acquired aplastic anemia (AA) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), whether STAT3-mutated T cells are involved in the pathophysiology of PRCA and other types of bone marrow failure remains unknown. We performed STAT3 mutation analyses of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells from PRCA patients (n = 42), AA (n = 54), AA–paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (AA-PNH; n = 7), and MDS (n = 21) using an allele-specific polymerase chain reaction and amplicon sequencing. STAT3 mutations were not detected in any of the 82 patients with AA/PNH/MDS but were detected in 43% of the 42 PRCA patients. In all 7 STAT3-mutation–positive patients who were studied, the STAT3 mutations were restricted to sorted CD8+ T cells. The prevalence of STAT3 mutation in idiopathic, thymoma-associated, autoimmune disorder–associated, and T-LGLL–associated PRCA was 33% (5 of 15), 29% (2 of 7), 20% (1 of 5), and 77% (10 of 13), respectively. The STAT3-mutation–positive patients were younger (median age, 63 vs 73 years; P= .026) and less responsive to cyclosporine (46% [6 of 13] vs 100% [8 of 8]; P= .0092) in comparison with STAT3-mutation–negative patients. The data suggest that STAT3-mutated CD8+ T cells may be closely involved in the selective inhibition of erythroid progenitors in PRCA patients.
Redefining Paternal Filiation through DNA Testing
Authors: Serrano-Ruano Delfina 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The social malaise produced by thousands of children born out of wedlock and abandoned is widely understood in the Maghreb. It has opened a breach in traditional Islamic legal discourses as well as social practices regarding the establishment of filiation in Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria. Analysis of Islamic jurisprudence and opinions, court decisions, and state laws since 1999 shows that the crisis of abandoned children combined with the biological truth revealed by DNA testing have helped produce a paradigm shift. Islamic legal opinions now argue for the need to grant paternal filiation and rights for children born out of wedlock in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Majority juristic opinions do not always determine state legal practices, and contemporary Islamic legal positions are neither monolithic nor static.
Muftis in the Matrix
Authors: Wynn L. L. , Foster Angel M. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
English- and Arabic-language cyberfatwas on emergency contraception (EC) illuminate current debates around sexuality in the global Muslim community. In websites with fatwas about EC, there are significant differences in the way that English- and Arabic-language fatwa websites discuss this reproductive health technology. During the study period of 2016–17, English-language sites were more likely to rule that EC was not religiously acceptable, whereas no Arabic-language online fatwas declared the technology forbidden to Muslims. In contrast, Arabic questions to online fatwa sites were more concerned about whether EC would facilitate illicit sex and the health risks of contraceptives. Only English-language sites discussed the morality of pharmacists providing EC. These websites and fatwas reveal different visions of Muslims’ relationships with technology, science, and scientific experts. They also suggest the influence of non-Islamic religious constituencies on Muslim interpretations of reproductive health technologies.