bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenges facing the introduction of SMART patrols in a game reserve, western Tanzania
Authors: Wilfred Paulo , Kayeye Heri , Magige Flora John , Kisingo Alex , Nahonyo Cuthbert L. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe spatial monitoring and reporting tool (SMART) is being implemented in Tanzania's protected areas to help improve the efficiency of ranger patrols. Unfortunately, there has been no attempt to understand users' perspectives regarding site‐specific factors likely to affect its use. In this study, we investigated the perspectives of staff in Ugalla Game Reserve, a protected area in western Tanzania, to understand the challenges that affect the use of SMART in the reserve. The main challenges included a lack of motivation to use SMART, limited knowledge of SMART among game scouts, insufficient ranger capacity, difficulty collecting data during night patrols, limited resources for patrolling, and difficulty accessing some remote sections of Ugalla. The presence of trophy hunting company patrol teams has led Ugalla rangers to concentrate their effort in less‐patrolled areas. We recommend introducing incentives to encourage game rangers to use SMART alongside improving patrol coverage in wet seasons. Advanced and regular refresher trainings in SMART should be conducted to enhance data collection. Furthermore, game scouts should be trained and equipped to participate effectively in the SMART process. Although SMART is now becoming increasingly popular in Tanzania, understanding local factors that influence its implementation will be important to improve uptake.
Nationwide epidemiology of early‐onset sepsis in Israel 2010‐2015, time to re‐evaluate empiric treatment
Authors: Glikman Daniel , Curiel Nitzan , Glatman‐Freedman Aharona , Megged Orli , Youngster Ilan , Marom Ronella , Lavie Karen , Smolkin Tatiana , Troitzky Mara , Stein Michal ,   the EOS Israeli study group
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimEarly‐onset neonatal sepsis (EOS) may lead to significant morbidity and mortality, yet the recommended antimicrobials have not changed for many years. We aimed to optimise EOS treatment by examining EOS pathogens, resistance rates and resistance risk factors.MethodsA retrospective, nationwide cohort study analysing 2010‐2015 EOS data in Israel.ResultsThe 21 participating centres constitute 92% of the total birth cohort (around 180 000 live births/year). Of 549 EOS neonates (0.57/1000 live births), 306 (56%) and 243 (44%) were full‐term and preterm, respectively (0.35 vs. 2.94 per/1000 live births). Gram‐negative pathogens predominated, especially in preterms. Escherichia coli and Streptococcus agalactiae were most common pathogens (0.2 and 0.19 per 1000 live births, respectively). In 277 Gram‐negatives, 16%, 14%, 8% and 3% were gentamicin‐resistant, extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL)‐positive, gentamicin‐resistant and ESBL‐positive, and amikacin‐resistant, respectively; preterms had higher resistance rates. No risk factors for antimicrobial resistance were identified. Mortality was reported in 21% of Gram‐negative EOS versus 7% of Gram‐positive EOS [OR 3.4 (95% CI 1.8‐6.2), p < 0.01].ConclusionIn this nationwide study, EOS was caused predominantly by Gram‐negatives, with high gentamicin resistance and ESBL phenotype rates, without identifiable resistance risk factors. As EOS is life‐threatening, modification of empiric therapy for amikacin‐based regimens should be considered, mainly in preterms.
Rifaximin reduces the incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, variceal bleeding and all‐cause admissions in patients on the liver transplant waiting list
Authors: Salehi Shayon , Tranah Thomas H. , Lim Samuel , Heaton Nigel , Heneghan Michael , Aluvihare Varuna , Patel Vishal C. , Shawcross Debbie L. 
Published: June 2019

SummaryBackgroundRifaximin reduces the risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and is associated with significant reductions in hospitalisations and 30‐day readmissions.AimTo examine the outcomes of patients listed for liver transplantation with a diagnosis of HE on rifaximin compared to those naïve to the drug.MethodsPatient records of those listed for liver transplantation over a 2‐year period were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were included if they had at least two episodes of overt HE resulting in hospitalisation or were encephalopathic at the time of assessment.ResultsOf the 622 patients listed for transplantation, 101 had HE. Sixty‐six patients were treated with rifaximin and 35 were naïve at listing. The use of concurrent lactulose was not significantly different between groups. Median MELD score was similar (15 [14‐16)] rifaximin‐treated and 16 [14‐18] rifaximin‐naïve). Patients on the waiting list treated with rifaximin had reduced all‐cause admissions, episodes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and variceal bleeding. Mean length of stay was 9 days (95% CI 6‐12) in the rifaximin‐treated group vs 14 (95% CI 7‐21) in the rifaximin‐naïve group. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that rifaximin was independently associated with an increase in average days to readmission (adjusted effect estimate 71, 95% CI 3‐140 days) and reduced likelihood of requirement for prioritisation on the waiting list (odds ratio 0.29; 95% CI 0.89‐0.93).ConclusionRifaximin prescribed for HE in patients listed for liver transplantation improved outcomes with significant reduction in admissions related to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, ascites and variceal bleeding.
Efficacy and safety of a bortezomib and reduced‐intensity cytarabine‐based protocol, TMC ALLR1, for relapsed childhood ALL in India
Authors: Roy Prakriti , Islam Rubina , Saha Debparna , Gogoi Manash , Kumar Mishra Deepak , Arora Neeraj , Parihar Mayur , Krishnan Shekhar , Saha Vaskar 
Published: June 2019

SummaryThe feasibility of bortezomib (BZB) in induction and reduced cytarabine doses in intensification was evaluated in children with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (rALL) at a single centre in India. Of 55 children with rALL, 23 received supportive care and 7 refused treatment, with a median survival of 2 (interquartile range 1–6) months. Twenty‐two (88%) of 25 children who were treated achieved second remission and 9 (69%) of 13 had end‐of‐induction minimal residual disease of <10−4. The lower cytarabine dose was associated with decreased hospitalisation. One‐year event‐free and overall survival for the treated group was 74·7% (95% confidence interval 52–88) and 79·6% (58–91) respectively.
Planning for the future: Exploring the experiences of older carers of adult children with a learning disability
Authors: Deville Jane , Davies Helen , Kane Ros , Nelson David , Mansfield Paul 
Published: June 2019

Accessible summaryThere are a large number of adults with learning disabilities who live with and are cared for by their parents.There is a need for interventions to support older carers with their caring role and to plan for a time when they can no longer continue caring.This research looked at a local support service in England that aimed to support carers over 55 who had an adult child with a learning disability living at home.Twelve carers were interviewed individually.The study highlights the unmet needs of older family carers and shows the value of support from a carer perspective.AbstractBackgroundThere are a significant number of adults with a learning disability who live with and are cared for by their parents. There is a pressing need for interventions to support older parent carers with their role and to plan for a time when they can no longer continue caring. This article reports on the experiences of older parent carers who have been in receipt of an intervention to support future planning, in a rural part of England, delivered to older carers of their adult children with learning disabilities.MethodsSemi‐structured carer interviews (n = 12) were conducted and analysed thematically.ResultsFour themes were identified (a) emotional needs of carer, (b) future planning, (c) accessing other services and resources and (d) links to adult care services. Carers welcomed the flexibility of the intervention and its focus on support for them, relieving their sense of isolation.ConclusionsThe research highlights the unmet needs of older family carers and shows the value of tailored support from a carer perspective. The findings have implications for national social care provision delivered to carers of adult children with learning disabilities in rural areas.
Monitoring of cancer patients via next‐generation sequencing of patient‐derived circulating tumor cells and tumor DNA
Authors: Onidani Kaoru , Shoji Hirokazu , Kakizaki Takahiko , Yoshimoto Seiichi , Okaya Shinobu , Miura Nami , Sekikawa Shoichi , Furuta Koh , Lim Chwee Teck , Shibahara Takahiko , Boku Narikazu , Kato Ken , Honda Kazufumi 
Published: June 2019

AbstractLiquid biopsy of circulating tumor cells (CTC) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is gaining attention as a method for real‐time monitoring in cancer patients. Conventional methods based upon epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) expression have a risk of missing the most aggressive CTC subpopulations due to epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and may, thus, underestimate the total number of actual CTC present in the bloodstream. Techniques utilizing a label‐free inertial microfluidics approach (LFIMA) enable efficient capture of CTC without the need for EpCAM expression. In this study, we optimized a method for analyzing genetic alterations using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of extracted ctDNA and CTC enriched using an LFIMA as a first‐phase examination of 30 patients with head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer (CRC). Seven patients with advanced CRC were enrolled in the second‐phase examination to monitor the emergence of alterations occurring during treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐specific antibodies. Using LFIMA, we effectively captured CTC (median number of CTC, 14.5 cells/mL) from several types of cancer and detected missense mutations via NGS of CTC and ctDNA. We also detected time‐dependent genetic alterations that appeared during anti–EGFR therapy in CTC and ctDNA from CRC patients. The results of NGS analyses indicated that alterations in the genomic profile revealed by the liquid biopsy could be expanded by using a combination of assays with CTC and ctDNA. The study was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (ID: UMIN000014095).
Clinical characteristics and depression score response after parathyroidectomy in primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Kearns Ann E. , Espiritu Rachel P. , Vickers Douglass Kristin , Thapa Prabin , Wermers Robert A. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveSeveral studies indicate that patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) undergoing parathyroid surgery have improvement in mood and neuropsychological functioning. The current analysis aims to examine the relationship between biochemical and clinical variables and the improvement in depression scores and in specific symptoms, after parathyroidectomy.DesignA prospective observational case‐control study at a referral centre.PatientsPatients with PHPT undergoing parathyroidectomy (n = 88) or thyroid surgery (n = 85).MeasurementsThe Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) was utilized to obtain depression scores at enrolment and 12 months after surgery. The changes in PHQ‐9 were analysed and correlated with baseline clinical and biochemical parameters.ResultsAt enrolment, there was no difference between the groups in the number with a depression diagnosis (PHPT 34.1%, thyroid surgery, 35.5%, P = 0.86). However, baseline PHQ‐9 scores were significantly higher in PHPT (median 7.5, range 0‐27) than thyroid surgery patients (median 3.0, range 0‐18, P < 0.0001). Following surgery, all PHQ‐9 scores, total and symptom group (cognitive, somatic) improved and were no longer different between PHPT (total PHQ‐9 median 2, range 0‐16) and thyroid (median 1, range 0‐14, P = 0.31) groups. Baseline parathyroid hormone level, but not calcium, had a weak relationship with change in PHQ‐9 score after parathyroid surgery (P = 0.003). Baseline PHQ‐9 score was correlated with change in PHQ‐9 score at 12 months after parathyroid surgery (P < 0.001).ConclusionsDepression scores improve in both somatic and cognitive domains after parathyroidectomy for PHPT and baseline severity of depression predicts the response.
Role of diffusion‐weighted imaging in the discrimination of purulent intrasinusal content: A retrospective study
Authors: Radulesco Thomas , Scemama Ugo , Mancini Julien , Moulin Guy , Dessi Patrick , Michel Justin , Varoquaux Arthur 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study was to analyse MRI with morphological (T1, T2) and diffusion sequences (DWI, b1000) in patients presenting non‐aggressive patterns of sinus opacity and operated on by functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).DesignA retrospective study.SettingDiffusion imaging in paranasal sinus pathology remains little known. To date, no imaging system is capable of determining the purulent content of a non‐enhanced sinus filling.ParticipantsWe included consecutive patients having undergone FESS in whom MRI of the paranasal sinuses was performed. Subjects were allocated to Case (pus) or Control (no pus) groups depending on sinus content found intraoperatively. FESS was performed for bacterial acute rhinosinusitis, acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis, non‐purulent sinusitis, naso‐sinusal polyposis, antrochoanal polyp, isolated polyp, angiomatous polyp and eosinophilic fungal sinusitis. Tumours, mucoceles and fungus balls were excluded.Main outcome measuresWe analysed T1, T2, b1000 and MRI sequences and ADC map.ResultsOn univariate analysis, intermediate signal in T2 and high signal in b1000 were associated with Cases (P < 0.001) as were low ADC values (P < 0.001). The difference in mean ADC values between Cases and Controls was statistically significant (respectively, 0.518 vs 2.041 × 10−3 mm2/sec, P < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, MRI with ADC < 0.725 × 10−3 mm2/sec and b1000_SI > brain was significantly associated with the case group. MRI with b1000_SI < brain and ADC > 1.450 × 10−3 mm2/sec was significantly associated with the control group.ConclusionsDiffusion MRI offers extremely promising results regarding content characterisation of infectious sinus diseases.
Function and regulation of transforming growth factor β1 signalling in antler chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Ma Li , Yang Zhan‐Qing , Ding Jun‐Li , Liu Shu , Guo Bin , Yue Zhan‐Peng 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectivesChondrocyte proliferation and differentiation are crucial for endochondral ossification, but their regulatory mechanism remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine the physiological function of TGFβ1 signalling in the proliferation and differentiation of antler chondrocytes and explore its relationship with Notch, Shh signalling and Foxa.Materials and methodsImmunofluorescence, Western blot, MTS assay, flow cytometry, RNA interference and real‐time PCR were used to analyse the function and regulatory mechanisms of TGFβ1 signalling in antler chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation.ResultsTGFβ1, TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 were highly expressed in antler cartilage. TGFβ1 promoted chondrocyte proliferation, increased the proportion of S‐phase cells and induced the expression of hypertrophic chondrocyte markers Col X, Runx2 and Alpl. However, this induction was weakened by TGFβ receptor inhibitor SB431542 and Smad3 inhibitor SIS3. Simultaneously, TGFβ1 activated Notch and Shh signalling whose blockage attenuated the above effects of rTGFβ1, whereas addition of rShh rescued the defects in chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation elicited by SB431542 and SIS3. Further analysis revealed that inhibition of Notch signalling impeded TGFβ1 activation of the Shh pathway. Knockdown of Foxa1, Foxa2 and Foxa3 abrogated the effects of TGFβ1 on chondrocyte differentiation. Notch and Shh signalling mediated the regulation of Foxa transcription factors by TGFβ1.ConclusionsTGFβ1 signalling could induce the proliferation and differentiation of antler chondrocytes through Notch‐Shh‐Foxa pathway.
Logging roads as surrogates for elephant trails: Facilitating social signaling by small forest ungulates despite increasing risks
Authors: Naude Vincent N. , Becker François S. , Mayberry Jillian L. , Vieira Wilson F. , du Toit Johan T. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWith global elephant populations in decline, a grave consideration is the loss of their ecological engineering effects that benefit other species, such as the maintenance of extensive trails through tropical forests. Anthropogenic roads can serve as surrogates for elephant trails despite exposing users to higher risk from bushmeat harvest. We explored the use of forest management roads by Weyns's duiker (Cephalophus weynsi) in Kibale Forest, Uganda. Faecal latrines were located on the road, clustered, and frequently revisited and replaced, with no latrines found in the surrounding forest or trails. Latrines occurred most frequently at road/trail intersections, at the road center, and where canopy and ground vegetation cover were lowest. Latrine decay in the forest was significantly higher than on the road and an exclusion treatment indicated coprophagous beetles as the primary agents of dung removal. Our findings demonstrate the dependence of a forest ungulate on roads for social signaling through dung, which is a behavior common to cryptic forest mammals that coevolved with trail‐forging megaherbivores. While logging roads pose multiple threats to forest biodiversity, the catastrophic decline of elephant populations means that forest managers must consider weighing these costs against the benefits of conserving at least some roads as surrogates for elephant trails.
Combining data from field surveys and archaeological records to predict the distribution of culturally important trees
Authors: Benner Jordan , Knudby Anders , Nielsen Julie , Krawchuk Meg , Lertzman Ken 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimIndigenous communities involved in conservation planning require spatial datasets depicting the distribution of culturally important species. However, accessing datasets on the location of these species can be challenging, particularly when the current distribution no longer reflects areas with the full range of suitable growing conditions because of past logging. We test whether using occurrence data from community‐based field surveys and archaeological records in species distribution models can help predict the distribution of monumental western redcedar trees (Thuja plicata)—large, high‐quality trees suitable for cultural purposes such as carving dug‐out canoes, totem poles and traditional houses. This species is critically important to indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest of North America, but trees suitable for traditional carving and building are diminishing in abundance due to logging.LocationOur analysis covers the spatial extent of the traditional territory of the Heiltsuk First Nation, which encompasses a portion of the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia, Canada.MethodsWe built and compared species distribution models using the machine learning program, Maxent, based on occurrence data from field surveys and archaeological records of culturally modified trees.ResultsOur findings highlight similarities and differences between the predictions from these species distribution models. When validating these models against occurrences from an independent dataset, the archaeological record model performs better than the field survey model. These findings may arise because the independent dataset was collected on an unlogged island—an environment that aligns more closely with the historic forest conditions revealed by the archaeological records than the current distribution revealed by the field surveys.Main conclusionsWe demonstrate and discuss the utility of using archaeological data in species distribution modelling and conservation planning when the target species is associated with shifting environmental baselines, data limitations and an important cultural resource.
Paternity and egg cannibalism in the ringlegged earwig Euborellia annulipes (Dermaptera: Anisolabididae)
Authors: Jacobs Anne C. , Stigall Tyler 
Published: June 2019

AbstractCannibalism is a common occurrence in nature, and many cannibals prey on relatively small and defenseless life stages, such as eggs or young juveniles. Such behavior provides many benefits to the cannibal, but cannibalistic individuals also face risks, including the cost of decreasing their inclusive fitness by eating close relatives such as siblings or offspring. This risk can be mitigated if cannibals can recognize and avoid preying on kin. Here, we tested whether male ringlegged earwigs Euborellia annulipes avoid cannibalizing eggs that they had sired. In this species, females care for their own eggs, but males provide no care and frequently prey upon eggs. We found that when presented with an unguarded clutch of eggs, male earwigs nearly always cannibalized some eggs, but that the proportion of eggs eaten was smaller if the male had sired the clutch. This suggests that males can distinguish between their own offspring and unrelated offspring and that they avoid harming their kin.
Pylera® plus ranitidine vs Pylera® plus esomeprazole in first‐line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: Two pilot studies
Authors: Ciccaglione Antonio Francesco , Cellini Luigina , Marzio Leonardo 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have shown that Pylera® (three‐in‐one capsules containing 140 mg bismuth potassium subcitrate, 125 metronidazole, and tetracycline 125 mg) in association with omeprazole or esomeprazole is a good option in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. In particular, the adjunction of a PPI to Pylera® may be useful to overcome metronidazole resistance. However, omeprazole and its derivatives can promote greater bismuth absorption and enhance its toxicity. The H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) ranitidine seems to induce less bismuth absorption and as a consequence less systemic toxicity.AimTo evaluate whether Pylera® in combination with esomeprazole or with ranitidine is equally effective in the treatment of H. pylori infection.Material and MethodsTwo separate groups of patients were treated simultaneously. One group was treated with Pylera® three capsules qid plus esomeprazole 40 mg bid for 10 days (group A), and the other group was treated with Pylera® three capsules qid plus ranitidine 300 mg bid for 10 days (group B). H. pylori eradication was defined as a negative result in 13C urea breath test performed at least 8 weeks after the end of treatment with a delta‐over‐baseline value less than 5.ResultsThirty‐two patients were recruited for group A and thirty‐three patients in group B. Eradication rates were 93.7% (30/32) and 90.9% (30/33), respectively, at intention‐to‐treat analysis, and 96.6% (29/30) and 93.3% (28/30), respectively, at per‐protocol analysis. Adverse events occurred in 26 patients and led to the suspension of treatment in one patient in group A and in one patient in group B.ConclusionThe results showed that Pylera® plus a PPI or ranitidine were equally effective in the population studied. The high cure rates of bismuth triple therapy (without an antisecretory drug) and the lack of susceptibility testing make it impossible to exclude the possibility that the results would have been similar if neither the PPI nor the ranitidine were given.