bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blastema formation and periosteal ossification in the regenerating adult mouse digit
Authors: Dawson Lindsay A. , Schanes Paula P. , Kim Patrick , Imholt Felisha M. , Qureshi Osama , Dolan Connor P. , Yu Ling , Yan Mingquan , Zimmel Katherine N. , Falck Alyssa R. , Muneoka Ken 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTWhile mammals cannot regenerate amputated limbs, mice and humans have regenerative ability restricted to amputations transecting the digit tip, including the terminal phalanx (P3). In mice, the regeneration process is epimorphic and mediated by the formation of a blastema comprised of undifferentiated proliferating cells that differentiate to regenerate the amputated structures. Blastema formation distinguishes the regenerative response from a scar‐forming healing response. The mouse digit tip serves as a preclinical model to investigate mammalian blastema formation and endogenous regenerative capabilities. We report that P3 blastema formation initiates prior to epidermal closure and concurrent with the bone histolytic response. In this early healing response, proliferation and cells entering the early stages of osteogenesis are localized to the periosteal and endosteal bone compartments. After the completion of stump bone histolysis, epidermal closure is completed and cells associated with the periosteal and endosteal compartments blend to form the blastema proper. Osteogenesis associated with the periosteum occurs as a polarized progressive wave of new bone formation that extends from the amputated stump and restores skeletal length. Bone patterning is restored along the proximal–distal and medial digit axes, but is imperfect in the dorsal–ventral axis with the regeneration of excessive new bone that accounts for the enhanced regenerated bone volume noted in previous studies. Periosteum depletion studies show that this compartment is required for the regeneration of new bone distal to the original amputation plane. These studies provide evidence that blastema formation initiates early in the healing response and that the periosteum is an essential tissue for successful epimorphic regeneration in mammals.
Determinants of Nominal Effective Exchange Rate in Uganda (2000-2017): A Vecm Approach
Authors: Nakijoba Sawuya 
Published: August 2018

This study analyses the main determinants of the nominal effective exchange rate using quarterly time series data covering the period 2000 to 2017. The Augmented Dickey Fuller test confirms that all the with the exception of interest rate were non stationary in levels. This study employs the reduced form Vector Auto-regression (VAR) and Johansen and Juselius cointegration to estimate the long run relationship between exchange rate and other key variables. The VAR is used following the Mundell-Fleming model which argues that, in an open economy with external trade and financial transactions the key macro variables interact and influence each other with lags. The impulse response functions are used to investigate the monetary policy transmission mechanism (MPTM). The study indicates that money supply, terms of trade and inflation were negative while gross domestic product and interest rate were positively related to exchange rate . The variables were found to have a long run relationship. The estimate of the speed of adjustment indicates that when nominal effective exchange rate deviates from the equilibrium, it returns to the equilibrium quickly because of its coefficient of adjustment which is 0.25.
Adherence to activity monitoring devices or smartphone applications for improving physical activity in adults with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Kourbelis Constance , Franzon Julie , Foote Jonathon W. , Brown Alex , Daniel Mark , Coffee Neil T. , Newman Peter , Ganesan Anand , Nicholls Stephen , Clark Robyn A. 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT

Review question:
The question of this review is: what is the adherence to the use of activity monitoring devices or applications to improve physical activity in adults with cardiovascular disease?
Specifically, the review objectives are:i) To quantify the extent of adherence (as specified by the study protocol) in the use of activity monitoring devices in the last five years.ii) To determine if the extent of adherence differs by gender, age, length of study, types of device and/or how the device is worn.iii) To determine if wearing an activity tracking device changes participants’ level of physical activity.iv) To determine the perceived acceptability (satisfaction) of participants using an activity monitoring device or application to change levels of physical activity.
Effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for pain and physical function in adults with rib fractures: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Weinberg Beverley , Roos Ronel , van Aswegen Heleen 
Published: August 2018

Review question/objectives:
The review question is: what are the effects of non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions on pain and physical function in adults with rib fractures?
The objectives of this systematic review are to determine:What non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions are used in addition to pharmacological management strategies (standard care) for pain following acute rib fractures.The effects of non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions on pain levels in adults following acute rib fractures.The effects of non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions on physical and respiratory function in adults following acute rib fractures.
Evolving systems biology approaches to understanding non‐coding RNAs in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Harvey Lloyd D. , Chan Stephen Y. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractOur appreciation of the roles of non‐coding RNAs, in particular microRNAs, in the manifestation of pulmonary hypertension (PH) has advanced considerably over the past decade. Comprised of small nucleotide sequences, microRNAs have demonstrated critical and broad regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of PH via the direct binding to messenger RNA transcripts for degradation or inhibition of translation, thereby exerting a profound influence on cellular activity. Yet, as inherently pleiotropic molecules, microRNAs have been difficult to study using traditional, reductionist approaches alone. With the advent of high‐throughput –omics technologies and more advanced computational modelling, the study of microRNAs and their multi‐faceted and complex functions in human disease serves as a fertile platform for the application of systems biology methodologies in combination with traditional experimental techniques. Here, we offer our viewpoint of past successes of systems biology in elucidating the otherwise hidden actions of microRNAs in PH, as well as areas for future development to integrate these strategies into the discovery of RNA pathobiology in this disease. We contend that such successful applications of systems biology in elucidating the functional architecture of microRNA regulation will further reveal the molecular mechanisms of disease, while simultaneously revealing potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in disease amelioration.
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Immunological failure in HIV-infected adults from 2003 to 2015 in Southwest Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gesesew Hailay Abrha , Ward Paul , Woldemichael Kifle , Mwanri Lillian 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence, trend and associated factors for immunological failure (IF), and the magnitude of antiretroviral therapy (ART) shift among adults infected with HIV in Southwest Ethiopia.SettingA retrospective cohort study was undertaken using the data from ART clinic at Jimma University Teaching Hospital from 21 June 2003 to 15 March 2015.ParticipantsRetrospective analysis of 4900 HIV-infected adult patient records dating from June 2003 to March 2015 was conducted.Primary outcome measureThe primary outcome was IF defined when cluster for differentiation 4 (CD4) count falls to the baseline (or below) or persistent CD4 levels below 100 cells/mm3after 6 months of ART treatment. The analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics.Results546 (19.5%) adults had developed clinical failure (CF), 775 (19.7%) adults had developed IF and 1231 (25.1%) had developed either CF or IF or both. The prevalence of IF was consistently high throughout the decade. Age 25 to ≤50 years adjusted OR (AOR 1.5, 9% CI 1.2 to 2.4), being female (AOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.9), late presenter for HIV care (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.6 to 2.7) and having baseline CD4 count below 200 cells/mm3(AOR 5.5, 95% CI 4.1 to 7.4), and having no history of HIV testing before diagnosis (AOR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 0.9) were the predictors for IF. Only 29 (0.9%) adults infected with HIV were shifted to second-line ART regimen.ConclusionsThe magnitude of CF or IF or both was found significant and consistently high throughout the calendar year although ART shift was found minimal. HIV-infected adult patients with IF were early age adults, females, late presenters for HIV care, and those who had low baseline CD4 counts and history of HIV testing before diagnosis.
Risk of metabolic disorders in childless men: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Bungum Ane Berger , Glazer Clara Helene , Bonde Jens Peter , Nilsson Peter M , Giwercman Aleksander , Søgaard Tøttenborg Sandra 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveTo study whether male childlessness is associated with an increased risk of metabolic disorders such as metabolic syndrome (MetS) and diabetes.DesignA population-based cohort study.SettingNot applicable.Participants2572 men from the population-based Malmö Diet and Cancer Cardiovascular Cohort.InterventionsNone.Main outcome measuresFrom cross-sectional analyses, main outcome measures were ORs and 95% CIs for MetS and diabetes among childless men. In prospective analyses, HRs and 95% CI for diabetes among childless men.ResultsAt baseline, in men with a mean age of 57 years, the prevalence of MetS was 26% and 22% among childless men and fathers, respectively. Similarly, we observed a higher prevalence of diabetes of 11% among childless men compared with 5% among fathers. In the cross-sectional adjusted analyses, childless men had a higher risk of MetS and diabetes, with ORs of 1.22 (95% CI 0.87 to 1.72) and 2.12 (95% CI 1.34 to 3.36) compared with fathers. In the prospective analysis, during a mean follow-up of 18.3 years, we did not see any increase in diabetes risk among childless men (HR 1.02 (0.76 to 1.37)).ConclusionThis study provides evidence of an association between male childlessness and a higher risk of MetS and diabetes. However, as these associations were found in cross-sectional analyses, reverse causation cannot be excluded.
Does perturbation-based balance training prevent falls among individuals with chronic stroke? A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mansfield Avril , Aqui Anthony , Danells Cynthia J , Knorr Svetlana , Centen Andrew , DePaul Vincent G , Schinkel-Ivy Alison , Brooks Dina , Inness Elizabeth L , Mochizuki George 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesNo intervention has been shown to prevent falls poststroke. We aimed to determine if perturbation-based balance training (PBT) can reduce falls in daily life among individuals with chronic stroke.DesignAssessor-blinded randomised controlled trial.SettingTwo academic hospitals in an urban area.InterventionsParticipants were allocated using stratified blocked randomisation to either ‘traditional’ balance training (control) or PBT. PBT focused on improving responses to instability, whereas traditional balance training focused on maintaining stability during functional tasks. Training sessions were 1 hour twice/week for 6 weeks. Participants were also invited to complete 2 ‘booster’ training sessions during the follow-up.ParticipantsEighty-eight participants with chronic stroke (>6 months poststroke) were recruited and randomly allocated one of the two interventions. Five participants withdrew; 42 (control) and 41 (PBT group) were included in the analysis.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was rate of falls in the 12 months post-training. Negative binomial regression was used to compare fall rates between groups. Secondary outcomes were measures of balance, mobility, balance confidence, physical activity and social integration.ResultsPBT participants reported 53 falls (1.45 falls/person-year) and control participants reported 64 falls (1.72 falls/person-year; rate ratio: 0.85(0.42 to 1.69); p=0.63). Per-protocol analysis included 32 PBT and 34 control participants who completed at least 10/12 initial training sessions and 1 booster session. Within this subset, PBT participants reported 32 falls (1.07 falls/person-year) and control participants reported 57 falls (1.75 falls/person-year; rate ratio: 0.62(0.29 to 1.30); p=0.20). PBT participants had greater improvement in reactive balance control than the control group, and these improvements were sustained 12 months post-training. There were no intervention-related serious adverse effects.ConclusionsThe results are inconclusive. PBT may help to prevent falls in daily life poststroke, but ongoing training may be required to maintain the benefits.Trial registration numberISRCTN05434601; Results.
Ginkgo biloba extract for prevention of acute mountain sickness: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Tsai Tou-Yuan , Wang Shih-Hao , Lee Yi-Kung , Su Yung-Cheng 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveTrials of ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) for the prevention of acute mountain sickness (AMS) have been published since 1996. Because of their conflicting results, the efficacy of GBE remains unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether GBE prevents AMS.MethodsThe Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Google Scholar and PubMed databases were searched for articles published up to 20 May 2017. Only randomised controlled trials were included. AMS was defined as an Environmental Symptom Questionnaire Acute Mountain Sickness-Cerebral score ≥0.7 or Lake Louise Score ≥3 with headache. The main outcome measure was the relative risk (RR) of AMS in participants receiving GBE for prophylaxis. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models. Sensitivity analyses, subgroup analyses and tests for publication bias were conducted.ResultsSeven study groups in six published articles met all eligibility criteria, including the article published by Leadbetteret al, where two randomised controlled trials were conducted. Overall, 451 participants were enrolled. In the primary meta-analysis of all seven study groups, GBE showed trend of AMS prophylaxis, but it is not statistically significant (RR=0.68; 95% CI 0.45 to 1.04; p=0.08). The I2statistic was 58.7% (p=0.02), indicating substantial heterogeneity. The pooled risk difference (RD) revealed a significant risk reduction in participants who use GBE (RD=−25%; 95% CI, from a reduction of 45% to 6%; p=0.011) The results of subgroup analyses of studies with low risk of bias, low starting altitude (<2500 m), number of treatment days before ascending and dosage of GBE are not statistically significant.ConclusionThe currently available data suggest that although GBE may tend towards AMS prophylaxis, there are not enough data to show the statistically significant effect of GBE on preventing AMS. Further large randomised controlled studies are warranted.
Process evaluation of a randomised controlled trial of a pharmacological strategy to improve hypertension control: protocol for a qualitative study
Authors: Salam Abdul , Webster Ruth , Patel Anushka , Godamunne Pavithra , Pathmeswaran Arunasalam , de Silva H Asita , Rogers Anthony , Jan Stephen , Laba Tracey-Lea 
Published: August 2018

IntroductionGlobally, the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension is high, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. There is a critical need for strategies to improve hypertension control. The early use of a fixed low-dose combination of three antihypertensive drugs (triple pill) has the potential to significantly improve hypertension control. TheTRIple Pill vs.Usual careManagement forPatients with mild-to- moderateHypertension (TRIUMPH) randomised controlled trial (RCT) is designed to test the effects of this strategy compared with usual care in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension. This paper reports the protocol of a process evaluation of the TRIUMPH RCT. The objectives are to understand factors related to implementation of the intervention, mechanisms of effect, contextual factors that underpin the effectiveness of the triple pill strategy and the potential barriers and facilitators to implementing the strategy in clinical practice.Methods and analysisFace-to-face semistructured in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of TRIUMPH RCT participants and healthcare professionals in Sri Lanka will be conducted. Healthcare professionals will include physicians and their staff who were involved in conducting the TRIUMPH RCT. Interviewees will be recruited sequentially until thematic saturation is achieved. Interviews will be audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed in NVivo using framework analysis methods.Ethics and disseminationThe TRIUMPH RCT and process evaluation have received approval from the relevant Ethics Review Committee. All participants will be asked to provide written consent before participation. Findings from the study will be disseminated through publications and conference presentations.Trial registration numberACTRN12612001120864 , SLCTR/2015/020 ; Pre-results.
Enhancing peer support experience for patients discharged from acute psychiatric care: protocol for a randomised controlled pilot trial
Authors: Urichuk Liana , Hrabok Marianne , Hay Katherine , Spurvey Pamela , Sosdjan Daniella , Knox Michelle , Fu Allen , Surood Shireen , Brown Robert , Coulombe Jeff , Kelland Jill , Rittenbach Katherine , Snaterse Mark , Abba-Aji Adam , Li Xin-Min , Chue Pierre , Greenshaw Andrew J , Agyapong Vincent I O 
Published: August 2018

IntroductionThis study will evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative peer support programme. The programme incorporates leadership training, mentorship, recognition and reward systems for peer support workers, and supportive/reminder text messaging for patients discharged from acute (hospital) care. We hypothesise that patients enrolled in the peer support system plus daily supportive/reminder text messages condition will achieve superior outcomes in comparison to other groups.Methods and analysisThis is a prospective, rater-blinded, four-arm randomised controlled trial. 180 patients discharged from acute psychiatric care in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada will be randomised to one of four conditions: (1) enrolment in a peer support system; (2) enrolment in a peer support system plus automated daily supportive/reminder text messages; (3) enrolment in automated daily supportive/reminder text messages alone; or (4) treatment as usual follow-up care. Patients in each group will complete evaluation measures (eg, recovery, general symptomatology and functional outcomes) at baseline, 6 months and 12months. Patient service utilisation data and clinician-rated measures will also be used to gauge patient progress. Patient data will be analysed with descriptive statistics, repeated measures and correlational analyses. The peer support worker experience will be captured using qualitative methods.Ethics and disseminationThe study will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (Hong Kong Amendment) and Good Clinical Practice (Canadian Guidelines). The study has received ethical clearance from the Health Ethics Research Board of the University of Alberta (Ref # Pro00078427) and operational approval from our regional health authority (AHS- (PRJ) #35293). All participants will provide informed consent prior to study inclusion. The results will be disseminated at several levels, including patients/peer supports, practitioners, academics/researchers, and healthcare organisations.Trial registration numberNCT03404882; Pre-results.
Digital health app development standards: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Van Velthoven Michelle Helena , Smith James , Wells Glenn , Brindley David 
Published: August 2018

IntroductionThere is currently a lack of clear and accepted standards for the development (planning, requirement analysis and research, design and application testing) of apps for medical and healthcare use which poses different risks to developers, providers, patients and the public. The aim of this work is to provide an overview of the current standards, frameworks, best practices and guidelines for the development of digital health apps. This review is a critical ’stepping stone’ for further work on producing appropriate standards that can help mitigate risks (eg, clinical, privacy and economic risks).Methods and analysisA systematic review identifying criteria from applicable standards, guidelines, frameworks and best practices for the development of health apps. We will draw from standards for software for medical devices, clinical information systems and medicine because of their relatedness and hope to apply lessons learnt to apps. We will exclude other types of publications, and those published in languages other than English. We will search websites of relevant regulatory and professional organisations. For health apps, we will also search electronic research databases (eg, MEDLINE, Embase, SCOPUS, ProQuest Technology Collection and Engineering Index) because relevant publications may not be found on other websites. We will hand-search reference lists of included publications. The review will focus on international, USA, European and UK standards because these are the markets of primary interest to the majority of app developers currently. We will provide a narrative overview of findings and tabular summaries of extracted data. Also, we will examine the relationship between different standards and compare USA and European Union standards.Ethics and disseminationNo ethics approval is required. The review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and inform efforts that aim to improve the quality of health apps through existing links with relevant organisations.