bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Corporate Lobbying on Federal Contracting
Authors: Dusso Aaron , Holyoke Thomas T. , Schatzinger Henrik 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveCorporations spend significant resources lobbying for billions of dollars in federal procurement contracts, yet this important opportunity to assess the political influence of business has gone unstudied by scholars of business politics. We study it here.MethodsWe approach it by analyzing the influence of direct lobbying of five federal departments, along with data on the lobbying of, and campaign contributions to, members of Congress on patterns of contract awards broken out by congressional districts.ResultsOur analysis reveals that while there are many reasons to expect lobbying Congress to produce valuable contracts, we instead find that it is the direct lobbying of executive branch agencies that is most likely to bring big rewards.ConclusionThese results highlight the importance of studying corporate political power outside of the legislative branch, suggesting that it is the long‐term relationships that lobbyists build with bureaucrats that yield the most lucrative contracts.
Development of a conditional localization approach to control apicoplast protein trafficking in malaria parasites
Authors: Roberts Aleah D. , Nair Sethu C. , Guerra Alfredo J. , Prigge Sean T. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSecretory proteins are of particular importance to apicomplexan parasites and comprise over 15% of the genomes of the human pathogens that cause diseases like malaria, toxoplasmosis and babesiosis as well as other diseases of agricultural significance. Here, we developed an approach that allows us to control the trafficking destination of secretory proteins in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Based on the unique structural requirements of apicoplast transit peptides, we designed three conditional localization domains (CLD1, 2 and 3) that can be used to control protein trafficking via the addition of a cell permeant ligand. Studies comparing the trafficking dynamics of each CLD show that CLD2 has the most optimal trafficking efficiency. To validate this system, we tested whether CLD2 could conditionally localize a biotin ligase called holocarboxylase synthetase 1 (HCS1) without interfering with the function of the enzyme. In a parasite line expressing CLD2‐HCS1, we were able to control protein biotinylation in the apicoplast in a ligand‐dependent manner, demonstrating the full functionality of the CLD tool. We have developed and validated a novel molecular tool that may be used in future studies to help elucidate the function of secretory proteins in malaria parasites.
Greater Association of Relative Thresholds Than Absolute Thresholds With Noncontact Lower-Body Injury in Professional Australian Rules Footballers: Implications for Sprint Monitoring
Authors: O’Connor Fergus , Thornton Heidi R. , Ritchie Dean , Anderson Jay , Bull Lindsay , Rigby Alex , Leonard Zane , Stern Steven , Bartlett Jonathan D. 
Published: May 2019

Sprint capacity is an important attribute for team-sport athletes, yet the most appropriate method to analyze it is unclear. Purpose: To examine the relationship between sprint workloads using relative versus absolute thresholds and lower-body soft-tissue and bone-stress injury incidence in professional Australian rules football. Methods: Fifty-three professional Australian rules football athletes’ noncontact soft-tissue and bone-stress lower-body injuries (N = 62) were recorded, and sprint workloads were quantified over ∼18 months using the global positioning system. Sprint volume (m) and exposures (n) were determined using 2 methods: absolute (>24.9 km·h−1) and relative (≥75%, ≥80%, ≥85%, ≥90%, ≥95% of maximal velocity). Relationships between threshold methods and injury incidence were assessed using logistic generalized additive models. Incidence rate ratios and model performances’ area under the curve were reported. Results: Mean (SD) maximal velocity for the group was 31.5 (1.4), range 28.6 to 34.9 km·h−1. In comparing relative and absolute thresholds, 75% maximal velocity equated to ~1.5 km·h−1 below the absolute speed threshold, while 80% and 85% maximal velocity were 0.1 and 1.7 km·h−1 above the absolute speed threshold, respectively. Model area under the curve ranged from 0.48 to 0.61. Very low and very high cumulative sprint loads ≥80% across a 4-week period, when measured relatively, resulted in higher incidence rate ratios (2.54–3.29), than absolute thresholds (1.18–1.58). Discussion: Monitoring sprinting volume relative to an athlete’s maximal velocity should be incorporated into athlete monitoring systems. Specifically, quantifying the distance covered at >80% maximal velocity will ensure greater accuracy in determining sprint workloads and associated injury risk.
Effect of Rest Duration Between Static Stretching on Passive Stiffness of Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle In Vivo
Authors: Nakamura Masatoshi , Sato Shigeru , Kiyono Ryosuke , Takahashi Nobushige , Yoshida Tomoichi 
Published: May 2019

Context: In clinical and sports settings, static stretching (SS) is usually performed to increase range of motion (ROM) and decrease passive muscle stiffness. Recently, the shear elastic modulus was measured by ultrasonic shear wave elastography as an index of muscle stiffness. Previous studies reported that the shear elastic modulus measured by ultrasound shear wave elastography decreased after SS, and the effects of SS on shear elastic modulus were likely affected by rest duration between sets of SS. Objective: To investigate the acute effects of SS with different rest durations on ROM and shear elastic modulus of gastrocnemius and to clarify whether the rest duration between sets of SS decreases the shear elastic modulus. Design: A randomized, repeated-measures experimental design. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: Sixteen healthy males volunteered to participate in the study (age 21.3 [0.8] y; height 171.8 [5.1] cm; weight 63.1 [4.5] kg). Main Outcome Measures: Each participant underwent 3 different rest interval durations during SS (ie, long rest duration: 90 s; normal rest duration: 30 s; and short rest duration: 10 s). This SS technique was repeated 10 times, thus lasting a total of 300 seconds with different rest durations in each protocol. The dorsiflexion ROM and shear elastic modulus were measured before and after SS. Results: Our results revealed that dorsiflexion ROM and shear elastic modulus were changed after 300-second SS; however, no effects of the rest duration between sets of SS were observed. Conclusions: In terms of decreasing the shear elastic modulus, clinicians and coaches should not focus on the rest duration when SS intervention is performed.
The Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Joint Position Sense: A Systematic Review
Authors: Takasaki Hiroshi , Okubo Yu , Okuyama Shun 
Published: May 2019

Context: Accurate joint position sense (JPS) is necessary for effective motor learning and high performance in activities that require fine motor control. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) can be a promising intervention. Objective: To examine existing peer-reviewed original studies that have investigated the effect of PNF techniques on the JPS in terms of the methodological quality, PNF techniques, outcomes, and participant characteristics. Evidence Acquisition: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, SocINDEX, Scopus, and Cochrane Library from inception to January 2018. The following inclusion criteria were used: (1) assessment of the JPS; (2) peer-reviewed original studies with a randomized controlled trial or quasi-randomized controlled trial design; (3) participants with musculoskeletal disorders or healthy individuals (ie, neither animal studies nor those involving neurological problems); and (4) no cointervention with PNF, except for warm-up procedures. The methodological quality was assessed using PEDro scale and 5 additional criteria. Effect size (η2) was calculated where a positive value indicated an increased JPS after PNF as compared with other approaches including the wait-and-see method. Evidence Synthesis: Nine studies were examined for their methodological quality, and only one study scored >6 on the PEDro scale. Positive and large effect size (η2 > .14) was detected in 2 studies where JPS of the knee with contract-relax and replication techniques was assessed in healthy individuals. However, the methodological quality of these studies was poor (PEDro scores of 3 and ≤5 in the total quality score out of 16, respectively). Conclusions: The current study did not find multiple studies with high methodological quality and similar PNF techniques, outcomes, and characteristics of participants. More high-quality studies are required to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the effect of PNF on the JPS.
Visual improvement in amblyopic eye following treatment-induced vision loss in dominant eye with uveal melanoma
Authors: Vagge Aldo , Shields Carol L , Shields Jerry A , Pointdujour-Lim Renelle , Schnall Bruce 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveTo determine the frequency and amount of visual improvement in amblyopic eyes of adults following visual loss in the dominant eye resulting from treatment of uveal melanoma.Methods and analysisRetrospective case series of adult patients with amblyopia and dominant eye visual loss resulting from treatment of uveal melanoma. Review of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in each eye (amblyopia eye vs melanoma eye) at date first seen and over time following treatment of uveal melanoma. BCVA in each eye was graded as improved (>2 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) lines) or unimproved (<2 logMAR lines).ResultsTwenty-one patients that met the inclusion criteria. Mean age at presentation was 56 years (range 39–73 years). Following treatment of the uveal melanoma and decline of BCVA in the dominant, the BCVA in the amblyopic eye improved in 11/21 (52%; 95% CI 30% to 74 %) patients. The degree of visual loss in the melanoma eye was to the level of the amblyopic eye or worse in 14 patients. In this group, BCVA improved in the amblyopic eye in 9/14 (64%; 95% CI 35% to 87 %) patients. Of these nine with improved eyes, the mean starting visual acuity was logMAR 0.6 (20/80) with mean improvement of logMAR 0.4 (4 lines±0.13 (range 0.2–0.6). Eight of nine eyes achieved a BCVA of 20/25 (n=3) or 20/20 (n=5).ConclusionVisual acuity in the amblyopic eye of adults can improve following visual loss in the contralateral dominant eye associated with treatment for uveal melanoma.
Association between birth weight and refractive error in adulthood: a Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Plotnikov Denis , Williams Cathy , Guggenheim Jeremy A 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundPathological myopia is one of the leading causes of blindness globally. Lower birth weight (BW) within the normal range has been reported to increase the risk of myopia, although findings conflict. We sought to estimate the causal effect of BW on refractive error using Mendelian randomisation (MR), under the assumption of a linear relationship.MethodsGenetic variants associated with BW were identified from meta-analysis of a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for self-reported BW in 162 039 UK Biobank participants and a published Early Growth Genetics (EGG) consortium GWAS (n=26 836). We performed a one-sample MR analysis in 39 658 unrelated, adult UK Biobank participants (independent of the GWAS sample) using an allele score for BW as instrumental variable. A two-sample MR sensitivity analysis and conventional ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analyses were also undertaken.ResultsIn OLS analysis, BW showed a small, positive association with refractive error: +0.04 D per SD increase in BW (95% CI 0.02 to 0.07; p=0.002). The one-sample MR-estimated causal effect of BW on refractive error was higher, at +0.28 D per SD increase in BW (95% CI 0.05 to 0.52, p=0.02). A two-sample MR analysis provided similar causal effect estimates, with minimal evidence of directional pleiotropy.ConclusionsOur study suggests lower BW within the normal range is causally associated with a more myopic refractive error. However, the impact of the causal effect was modest (range 1.00 D covering approximately 95% of the population).
Comparison of changes in corneal endothelial cell density and central corneal thickness between conventional and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery: a randomised, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Dzhaber Daliya , Mustafa Osama , Alsaleh Fares , Mihailovic Aleksandra , Daoud Yassine J 
Published: May 2019

Background/AimTo identify changes in endothelial cell density (ECD) and central corneal thickness (CCT) in eyes undergoing femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) compared with conventional phacoemulsification surgery (CPS).MethodsThis is an intraindividual randomised, controlled clinical trial. One eye was randomised to receive FLACS, while the contralateral eye of the same patient received CPS. The femtosecond laser pretreatment included creating main and side-port corneal incisions, capsulotomy and lens fragmentation. Non-contact endothelial cell microscopy and pachymetry were performed preoperatively and at postoperative day 1, week 1, month 1 and month 3.ResultsA total of 134 paired eyes from 67 patients were included in the analysis. ECD was not significantly different between the two groups at either postoperative month 1 (2370±580 cells/mm2and 2467±564 cells/mm2in FLACS and CPS groups, respectively; p=0.18) or at postoperative month 3 (2374±527 cells/mm2and 2433±526 cells/mm2in FLACS and CPS groups, respectively; p=0.19). No significant difference was observed in the mean CCT values between the two groups over the follow-up period (p>0.05).ConclusionPostoperative corneal ECD and CCT were comparable between FLACS and CPS during the 3 months’ follow-up period.
Relationship between lamina cribrosa curvature and the microvasculature in treatment-naïve eyes
Authors: Kim Ji-Ah , Kim Tae-Woo , Lee Eun Ji , Girard Michael J A , Mari Jean Martial 
Published: May 2019

Background/AimsTo investigate the relationship between the lamina cribrosa (LC) curvature and the microvasculature within the LC in treatment-naïve eyes with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and in healthy eyes.MethodsForty-one eyes with treatment-naïve NTG and 41 age and sex-matched healthy control eyes were included. The optic nerve head (ONH) area was scanned using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) to examine the LC curvature quantified as the LC curvature index (LCCI). OCT angiography of the ONH area was performed to determine the LC vessel density (LCVD) in the en face images obtained from the layer segmented at the level of the LC. The LCVD was calculated as the percentage area occupied by vessels within the measured region.ResultsThe LCCI was larger (9.53±1.33 vs 6.55±1.02, p<0.001) and LCVD was smaller (28.0%±6.1% vs 35.2±6.3%, p<0.001) in NTG eyes than in healthy eyes. There were overall significant associations of a smaller retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness (p<0.001), a smaller visual field mean deviation (MD) (p=0.003) and a larger LCCI (p≤0.004) with a smaller LCVD. In NTG group, the LCVD was positively associated with the RNFL thickness (p=0.012) and visual field MD (p=0.023), and negatively associated with the axial length (p≤0.013) and LCCI (p≤0.007). In healthy group, a smaller RNFL thickness (p=0.023) was associated with a smaller LCVD.ConclusionA larger LCCI was significantly associated with a smaller LCVD in treatment-naïve NTG eyes but not in healthy eyes, indicating that mechanical strain potentially influences the perfusion within the LC in eyes with NTG.
Prevalence of treatment with glaucoma medication in Scotland, 2010–2017
Authors: Rotchford Alan P , Hughes John , Agarwal Pankaj Kumar , Tatham Andrew J 
Published: May 2019

AimsTo report the number and demographic distribution of patients receiving intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medications across the whole population of Scotland for the years 2010–2017 and, using national census data, show how the observed changes compare with those predicted by the increasing age of the population structure over this period.MethodsData were sourced from the Prescribing Information System of the NHS Information and Statistics Division for Scotland. The number of patients dispensed any IOP-lowering medication from a community pharmacy during each calendar year was collected by gender and by 5-year age bands. National census data were used to model the expected annual increase in treatment numbers due to population ageing.ResultsThe number of treated patients in 2017 was 61 249 which represents 1.13% of the whole population (or 2.16% over 40 years of age). The number increased from 48 178 in 2010—an increase over this period of 27.13% (3.88% per year).Prevalence increased with age, reaching 10.67% in those over 90 years. After age adjustment, more men were treated than women (OR 1.26).The expected number treated in 2017 based on census predictions was 54 075 (an increase of 5897 (12.24%) from 2010). The observed growth of 27.13% was 2.22-fold greater than the rate expected by population changes over the period 2010–2017.ConclusionThe number of patients on medication for glaucoma and ocular hypertension in Scotland is increasing. The rate of increase cannot be explained by changes in the size and age structure of the population alone.
Mental health symptoms and disorders in elite athletes: a systematic review on cultural influencers and barriers to athletes seeking treatment
Authors: Castaldelli-Maia João Mauricio , Gallinaro João Guilherme de Mello e , Falcão Rodrigo Scialfa , Gouttebarge Vincent , Hitchcock Mary E , Hainline Brian , Reardon Claudia L , Stull Todd 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveTo summarise the literature on the barriers to athletes seeking mental health treatment and cultural influencers of mental health in elite athletes.DesignSystematic reviewData sourcesPubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, SportDiscus (Ebsco), and PsycINFO (ProQuest) up to November 2018.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesQualitative and quantitative original studies of elite athletes (those who competed at the professional, Olympic, or collegiate/university levels), published in any language.ResultsStigma, low mental health literacy, negative past experiences with mental health treatment-seeking, busy schedules, and hypermasculinity are barriers to elite athletes seeking mental health treatment. Cultural influencers of mental health in elite athletes include: (1) the lack of acceptance of women as athletes; (2) lower acceptability of mental health symptoms and disorders among non-white athletes; (3) non-disclosure of religious beliefs; and (4) higher dependence on economic benefits. Coaches have an important role in supporting elite athletes in obtaining treatment for mental illness. Brief anti-stigma interventions in elite athletes decrease stigma and improve literary about mental health.ConclusionThere is a need for various actors to provide more effective strategies to overcome the stigma that surrounds mental illness, increase mental health literacy in the athlete/coach community, and address athlete-specific barriers to seeking treatment for mental illness. In this systematic review, we identified strategies that, if implemented, can overcome the cultural factors that may otherwise limit athletes seeking treatment. Coaches are critical for promoting a culture within elite athletes’ environments that encourages athletes to seek treatment.
Does occupational distress raise the risk of alcohol use, binge-eating, ill health and sleep problems among medical doctors? A UK cross-sectional study
Authors: Medisauskaite Asta , Kamau Caroline 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the prevalence of health problems (eg, insomnia, binge-eating, substance use and ill health) among UK doctors and to investigate whether occupational distress increases the risk of health problems.DesignThis study reports the analysis of data collected at the baseline stage of a randomised controlled trial (protocol #NCT02838290).SettingDoctors were invited through medical Royal Colleges, the British Medical Association’s research panel and a random selection of NHS trusts across various UK regions.Participants417 UK doctors with an equivalent split of gender (48% males) and seniority (49% consultants).Main outcomes and measuresOutcomes were sleep problems (eg, insomnia), alcohol/drug use (eg, binge-drinking), ill health (eg, backache) and binge-eating (eg, uncontrollable eating). Predictor variables were occupational distress (psychiatric morbidity, burnout, job effort, work-life imbalance, coping with stress through self-blame or substances) and work factors (workplace and years practising medicine).Results44% of doctors binge-drank and 5% met the criteria for alcohol dependence; 24%–29% experienced negative emotions after overeating and 8% had a binge-eating disorder; 20%–61% had some type of sleep problem and 12% had severe/moderate insomnia; 69% had fatigue and 19%–29% experienced other types of ill health problems. The results show that occupational distress and job factors increase the odds of doctors using substances, having sleep problems, presenting with frequent symptoms of ill health and binge-eating. For example, burnout increased the risk of all types of sleep problems, eg, difficulty falling/staying asleep, insomnia (OR ≥1.344; p≤0.036). Even taking into consideration whether or not a doctor works in a hospital, the risk of health problems still rises when doctors have signs of occupational distress.ConclusionEarly recognition of occupational distress can prevent health problems among UK doctors that can reduce the quality of patient care because of sickness-related absence.
Intramucosal fat is uncommon in large bowel polyps but raises three differential diagnoses
Authors: Wong Newton A C S , O'Mahony Orla 
Published: May 2019

AimsThis case series intends to expand currently limited knowledge regarding the existence and diagnostic significance of intramucosal fat in colorectal polyps.MethodsClinicopathological features of nine such polyps were reported following histopathological review, including S100 and EMA immunohistochemistry.Results and conclusionsSuch review subdivided seven polyps into three groups: (1) mucosal perineurioma/serrated polyps with fat among the perineurial stroma (three cases); (2) submucosal lipomas with adipose tissue extending into the overlying mucosa (two cases) and (3) polyps with intramucosal adipose tissue only, that is, the newly described but less-recognised entity known as intramucosal lipoma (two cases). The two remaining polyps of this series did not include submucosa but, from assessing their muscularis mucosae, were favoured to represent intramucosal lipomas. The first two phenomena are formally described for the first time by this case series. The last of these three diagnoses should prompt investigations for Cowden syndrome, but intramucosal lipomas are more often sporadic/non-syndromic.