bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neural processing of food cues in pre‐pubertal children
Authors: Luo S. , Alves J. , Hardy K. , Wang X. , Monterosso J. , Xiang A. H. , Page K. A. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryBackground/ObjectivesNeuroimaging investigations of brain pathways involved in reward and motivation have primarily focused on adults. This study sought to identify brain responses to visual food cues and explore its relationships with adiposity and sex in pre‐pubertal children.MethodsBrain responses to palatable food vs. non‐food cues were measured in 53 children (age: 8.18 ± .66 years; sex: 22 boys, 31 girls) after an overnight fast. Whole‐brain analysis (cluster‐correction Z > 2.3, P < .05) was performed to examine brain food cue reactivity and its relationships with adiposity and sex.ResultsGreater brain activity in response to food vs. non‐food cues was observed in regions implicated in reward (orbital frontal cortex, striatum), taste (insula, postcentral gyrus), appetite (hypothalamus), emotion (amygdala), memory (hippocampus), visual processing (occipital cortex) and attention (parietal cortex). A negative association was found between percent body fat and food cue reactivity in the medial prefrontal cortex and lateral orbital frontal cortex adjusting for age and sex. Boys compared with girls had increased food cue reactivity in right hippocampus and visual cortex.ConclusionsThese data suggest that body fat and sex are important moderators of brain food cue reactivity in children.
Seeing the Forest and the Trees: How a Systems Perspective Informs Paradox Research
Authors: Schad Jonathan , Bansal Pratima 
Published: July 2018

AbstractParadox theory has fundamentally changed how researchers think about organizational tensions by emphasizing their oppositionsandtheir interdependencies. Yet, most paradox studies focus on salient, perceived tensions, ignoring latent, nested tensions and their complex interconnections. This partial view is rooted in the paradox literature focusing on the epistemological realm (actors’ perception of tensions) while disregarding the ontological realm (tensions’ underlying reality). The focus on the epistemological aspects of the tensions impedes researchers from moving to more intricate insights into paradox, which could help address the realities of complex issues, such as wicked problems. We propose a systems perspective on paradox that discriminates the epistemological understandings from the ontological realities of tensions. By revealing the ontology of tensions, the underlying complexity becomes empirically interpretable. We illustrate the power of this perspective by offering two research strategies that can help researchers and organizations apprehend paradoxes grounded in systems.
Effect of target properties and impact velocity on ejection dynamics and ejecta deposition
Authors: Luther Robert , Zhu Meng‐Hua , Collins Gareth , Wünnemann Kai 
Published: July 2018

AbstractImpact craters are formed by the displacement and ejection of target material. Ejection angles and speeds during the excavation process depend on specific target properties. In order to quantify the influence of the constitutive properties of the target and impact velocity on ejection trajectories, we present the results of a systematic numerical parameter study. We have carried out a suite of numerical simulations of impact scenarios with different coefficients of friction (0.0–1.0), porosities (0–42%), and cohesions (0–150 MPa). Furthermore, simulations with varying pairs of impact velocity (1–20 km s−1) and projectile mass yielding craters of approximately equal volume are examined. We record ejection speed, ejection angle, and the mass of ejected material to determine parameters in scaling relationships, and to calculate the thickness of deposited ejecta by assuming analytical parabolic trajectories under Earth gravity. For the resulting deposits, we parameterize the thickness as a function of radial distance by a power law. We find that strength—that is, the coefficient of friction and target cohesion—has the strongest effect on the distribution of ejecta. In contrast, ejecta thickness as a function of distance is very similar for different target porosities and for varying impact velocities larger than ~6 km s−1. We compare the derived ejecta deposits with observations from natural craters and experiments.
Foetal ultrasound measurement imputations based on growth curves versus multiple imputation chained equation (MICE)
Authors: Ferguson Kelly K. , Yu Youfei , Cantonwine David E. , McElrath Thomas F. , Meeker John D. , Mukherjee Bhramar 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundUltrasound measures are valuable for epidemiologic studies of risk factors for growth restriction. Longitudinal measurements enable investigation of rates of change and identification of windows where growth is impacted more acutely. However, missing data can be problematic in these studies, limiting sample size, ability to characterise windows of vulnerability, and in some instances creating bias. We sought to compare a parametric linear mixed model (LMM) approach to multiple imputation in this setting with multiple imputation by chained equation (MICE) methodology.MethodsUltrasound scans performed for clinical purposes were abstracted from women in the LIFECODES birth cohort (n = 1003) if they were close in time to three study visits (median 18, 26, and 35 weeks’ gestation). We created imputed datasets using LMM and MICE and calculated associations between demographic factors and ultrasound parameters cross‐sectionally and longitudinally. Results were compared with a complete‐case analysis.ResultsMost participants had ultrasounds at 18 weeks’ gestation, and ~50% had measurements at 26 and 35 weeks; 100% had birthweight. Associations between demographic factors and ultrasound measures were similar in magnitude, but more precise, when either imputed datasets were used, compared with a complete‐case analysis, in both the cross‐sectional or longitudinal analyses.ConclusionsMICE, though ignoring the non‐linear features of the trajectory and within subject correlation, is able to provide reasonable imputation of foetal growth data when compared to LMM. Because it simultaneously imputes missing covariate data and does not require specification of variance structure as in LMM, MICE may be preferable for imputation in this setting.
Fractional Boundary Layer Flow and Heat Transfer Over a Stretching Sheet With Variable Thickness
Authors: Liu Lin , Zheng Liancun , Chen Yanping , Liu Fawang 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
The paper gives a comprehensive study on the space fractional boundary layer flow and heat transfer over a stretching sheet with variable thickness, and the variable magnetic field is applied. Novel governing equations with left and right Riemann–Liouville fractional derivatives subject to irregular region are formulated. By introducing new variables, the boundary conditions change as the traditional ones. Solutions of the governing equations are obtained numerically where the shifted Grünwald formulae are applied. Good agreement is obtained between the numerical solutions and exact solutions which are constructed by introducing new source items. Dynamic characteristics with the effects of involved parameters on the velocity and temperature distributions are shown and discussed by graphical illustrations. Results show that the velocity boundary layer is thicker for a larger fractional parameter or a smaller magnetic parameter, while the temperature boundary layer is thicker for a larger fractional parameter, a smaller exponent parameter, or a larger magnetic parameter. Moreover, it is thicker at a smaller y and thinner at a larger y for the velocity boundary layer with a larger exponent parameter while for the velocity and temperature boundary layers with a smaller weight coefficient.
Targeted therapy for the post-operative conjunctiva: SPARC silencing reduces collagen deposition
Authors: Seet Li Fong , Tan Yang Fei , Toh Li Zhen , Chu Stephanie WL , Lee Ying Shi , Venkatraman Subbu S , Wong Tina T 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundTo develop targeted antifibrotic therapy for glaucoma filtration surgery; this study determines the effectiveness of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to reduce in vivo secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) expression using the mouse model of conjunctival scarring.MethodsExperimental surgery was performed as described for the mouse model of conjunctival scarring. Scrambled (siScram) or Sparc (siSparc) siRNAs, loaded on layer-by-layer (LbL) nanoparticles, were injected into the conjunctiva immediately after surgery. Expression ofSparc,Col1a1,Fn1andMmp14was measured by real-time PCR and immunoblotting on days 7 and 14 postsurgery. Live imaging of the operated eyes was performed using slit lamp, anterior segment-optical coherence tomography and confocal microscopy. Tissue pathology was evaluated by histochemical and immunofluorescent analyses of operated conjunctival cryosections. Tissue apoptosis was quantitated by annexin V assay.Results siSparc, delivered via expanded LbL nanoparticles, significantly inhibitedSparctranscription in both day 7 (2.04-fold) and day 14 (1.39-fold) treated tissues.Sparcsuppression on day 7 was associated with a significant reduction ofCol1a1(2.52-fold),Fn1(2.89-fold) andMmp14(2.23-fold) mRNAs. At the protein level, both SPARC and collagen 1A1 (COL1A1) were significantly reduced at both time points with siSparc treatment. Nanoparticles were visualised within cell-like structures by confocal microscopy, while overt tissue response or apoptosis was not observed.Conclusions SPARC targeted therapy effectively reduced both SPARC and collagen production in the operated mouse conjunctiva. This proof-of-concept study suggests that targeted treatment of fibrosis in glaucoma surgery is safe and feasible, with the potential to extend to a range of potential genes associated with fibrosis.
Peripapillary and parafoveal vascular network assessment by optical coherence tomography angiography in aquaporin-4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Huang Yongheng , Zhou Lei , ZhangBao Jingzi , Cai Tongjia , Wang Bei , Li Xiaoyang , Wang Liang , Lu Chuanzhen , Zhao Chongbo , Lu Jiahong , Quan Chao , Wang Min 
Published: July 2018

Background/aimsCurrent understanding of the alterations in the retinal vascular network in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) is limited. We aim to assess the peripapillary and parafoveal vessel density in aquaporin-4 antibody-positive NMOSD patients by optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography.MethodsA total of 55 aquaporin-4 antibody-positive NMOSD patients with or without a history of optic neuritis (ON) and 33 healthy controls underwent spectral domain OCT and OCT angiography. Clinical histories, Expanded Disability Status Scale score, visual functional system score (VFSS) and disease duration were collected.ResultsPeripapillary and parafoveal vessel density was significantly decreased in NMOSD eyes with or without a history of ON. The decrease in retinal vessel density could occur before ON and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) atrophy. Peripapillary vessel density correlated well with the spectral domain OCT measurements and VFSS in NMOSD eyes with a history of ON.ConclusionSubclinical primary retinal vasculopathy may occur in NMOSD prior to ON and RNFL atrophy. Peripapillary vessel density might be a sensitive predictor of visual outcomes in NMOSD patients with ON.
Incidence, management and outcome of raised intraocular pressure in childhood-onset uveitis at a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Tan Shi Zhuan , Yau Kenneth , Steeples Laura R , Ashworth Jane , Fenerty Cecilia , Jones Nicholas 
Published: July 2018

Background/aimsTo investigate the incidence, management and outcome of uveitis and raised intraocular pressure (IOP) in children treated at the Manchester Uveitis Clinic (MUC).MethodsThis was a retrospective, observational study of patients who presented with uveitis under the age of 16 to the MUC from July 2002 to June 2016.ResultsA total of 320 children were included in the study. Out of these, 55 (17.2%) patients (75 eyes) were found to have raised IOP requiring treatment. The mean age at diagnosis of uveitis and at first recorded raised IOP was 8.2±4.3 and 10.8±3.6 years, respectively. The pre-treatment IOP was 32.3±6.6 mm Hg and the IOP at the final visit was 15.5±3.7 mm Hg (median follow-up period, 43.7 months) on a median number of 0 medications. Twenty-eight eyes (37.3%) required glaucoma drainage surgery, and eight eyes (12.5%) had cyclodiode laser before this. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that 11.5% of eyes required glaucoma surgery at 1 year after diagnosis of raised IOP, increasing to 50.0% by 5 years. The best-corrected visual acuity at diagnosis of uveitis was 0.26±0.42 logMAR, which remained stable at 0.28±0.65 logMAR at final follow-up visit. Four eyes (5.3%) from four patients fulfilled the definition of blindness by the WHO criteria. The mean cup:disc ratio at final follow-up was 0.4.ConclusionOur cohort of children with raised IOP appeared to have a good outcome overall through aggressive medical and surgical management. Regular long-term follow-up is recommended, and early surgical intervention in eyes with uncontrolled IOP can prevent loss of vision.
Patient-tailored triage decisions by anaesthesiologist-staffed prehospital critical care teams: a retrospective descriptive study
Authors: Friberg Morten Langfeldt , Rognås Leif 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesThe primary objective was to estimate the incidence of patients in the Central Denmark Region triaged to bypass the local emergency department without being part of a predefined fast-track protocol. The secondary objective was to describe these triage decisions in more detail with regard to the most common diagnoses, incidence of direct referral sorted by the prehospital critical care team (PHCCT) and the destination hospital.DesignRetrospective descriptive study.Setting and participantsThe emergency medical service in the Central Denmark Region primarily consists of emergency medical technician (EMT)-staffed ambulances and anaesthesiologist-EMT-staffed PHCCTs. Patients treated by the nine ground-based PHCCTs in the region constituted the study population. The inclusion criteria were all patients treated by the PHCCTs during 2013 and 2014. The exclusion criteria were interhospital transfers, and patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, stroke or were in active labour.EndpointsIncidence of prehospital critical care anaesthesiologist-initiated direct referral, prehospital tentative diagnoses and transport destination.ResultsDuring the study period, the PHCCTs treated 39 396 patients and diverted 989 (2.5%) patients not covered by a predefined fast-track protocol to a specialised hospital department. ‘Resuscitated from cardiac arrest’(n=143),‘treatment and observations following road traffic accident’(n=105) and‘observation and treatment for an unspecified disease/condition’(n=78) were the most common prehospital tentative diagnoses, accounting for 33.0% of all diverted patients. In total, 943 (95.3%) of the PHCCT-diverted patients were diverted to a department at Aarhus University Hospital.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that in 1 out of 40 patient contacts, the anaesthesiologist-staffed PHCCTs in the Central Denmark Region divert critically ill and injured patients directly to a specialised hospital department, bypassing local emergency departments and potentially reducing time to definitive care for these patients. There may be a potential for increased referral of patients with no predefined fast-track directly to specialised departments in the Central Denmark Region.
Causes of premature death and their associated risk factors in the Golestan Cohort Study, Iran
Authors: Nalini Mahdi , Oranuba Ebele , Poustchi Hossein , Sepanlou Sadaf G , Pourshams Akram , Khoshnia Masoud , Gharavi Abdolsamad , Dawsey Sanford M , Abnet Christian C , Boffetta Paolo , Brennan Paul , Sotoudeh Masoud , Nikmanesh Arash , Merat Shahin , Etemadi Arash , Shakeri Ramin , Sohrabpour Amir Ali , Nasseri-Moghaddam Siavosh , Kamangar Farin , Malekzadeh Reza 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesTo examine the causes of premature mortality (<70 years) and associated risk factors in the Golestan Cohort Study.DesignProspective.SettingThe Golestan Cohort Study in northeastern Iran.Participants50 045 people aged 40 or more participated in this population-based study from baseline (2004–2008) to August 2017, with over 99% success follow-up rate.Main outcome measuresThe top causes of premature death, HR and their 95% CI and population attributable fraction (PAF) for risk factors.ResultsAfter 444 168 person-years of follow-up (median of 10 years), 6347 deaths were reported, of which 4018 (63.3%) occurred prematurely. Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) accounted for 33.9% of premature death, followed by stroke (14.0%), road injuries (4.7%), stomach cancer (4.6%) and oesophageal cancer (4.6%). Significant risk/protective factors were: wealth score (HR for highest vs lowest quintile: 0.57, PAF for lowest four quintiles vs top quintile: 28%), physical activity (highest vs lowest tertile: 0.67, lowest two tertiles vs top tertile: 22%), hypertension (1.50, 19%), opium use (1.69, 14%), education (middle school or higher vs illiterate: 0.84, illiterate or primary vs middle school or higher: 13%), tobacco use (1.38, 11%), diabetes (2.39, 8%) and vegetable/fruit consumption (highest vs lowest tertile: 0.87, lowest two tertiles vs top tertile: 8%). Collectively, these factors accounted for 76% of PAF in men and 69% in women.ConclusionIHD and stroke are the leading causes of premature mortality in the Golestan Cohort Study. Enhancing socioeconomic status and physical activity, reducing opium and tobacco use, increasing vegetable/fruit consumption and controlling hypertension and diabetes are recommended to reduce premature deaths.
Attitudes towards a programme of risk assessment and stratified management for ovarian cancer: a focus group study of UK South Asians’ perspectives
Authors: Hann Katie E J , Ali Nasreen , Gessler Sue , Fraser Lindsay Sarah Macduff , Side Lucy , Waller Jo , Sanderson Saskia C , Lanceley Anne 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivePopulation-based risk assessment, using genetic testing and the provision of appropriate risk management, could lead to prevention, early detection and improved clinical management of ovarian cancer (OC). Previous research with mostly white British participants found positive attitudes towards such a programme. The current study aimed to explore the attitudes of South Asian (SA) women and men in the UK with the aim of identifying how best to implement such a programme to minimise distress and maximise uptake.DesignSemistructured qualitative focus group discussions.SettingCommunity centres across North London and Luton.Participants49 women and 13 men who identified as SA (Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi), which constitutes the largest non-European ethnic minority group in the UK.MethodsSeven community-based focus groups were held. Group discussions were transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed thematically.ResultsAwareness and knowledge of OC symptoms and specific risk factors was low. The programme was acceptable to most participants and attitudes to it were generally positive. Participants’ main concerns related to receiving a high-risk result following the genetic test. Younger women may be more cautious of genetic testing, screening or risk-reducing surgery due to the importance of marriage and childbearing in their SA cultures.ConclusionsA crucial first step to enable implementation of population-based genetic risk assessment and management in OC is to raise awareness of OC within SA communities. It will be important to engage with the SA community early on in programme implementation to address their specific concerns and to ensure culturally tailored decision support.
Effectiveness of natural S-equol supplement for premenstrual symptoms: protocol of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Takeda Takashi , Shiina Masami , Chiba Yasutaka 
Published: July 2018

IntroductionPremenstrual syndrome (PMS) comprises a range of mood, behavioural and physical symptoms, and impairs many women’s quality of life. Isoflavones are expected to stabilise the natural fluctuation of the oestrogen cycle through their selective oestrogen receptor modulator-like activities that alleviate PMS symptoms. Equol, a metabolite of a soy isoflavone converted from daidzein by specific gut bacteria, has a greater bioavailability compared with other soy isoflavones. We aim to examine the effect of natural S-equol supplements on premenstrual symptoms.Methods and analysisThis study will enrol 124 women (aged 20–45 years) who have PMS symptoms and are non-equol producers in a double-blind, parallel, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, in which they will receive natural S-equol supplement (equol 10 mg a day) or placebo, orally, twice daily, for three menstrual cycles. The primary outcome measure (Daily Record of Severity of Problems total score) will be assessed during intervention cycles. To compare the primary outcomes between the S-equol group and the placebo group, the mean differences in the Daily Record of Severity of Problems total score between the two groups will be determined. The p values will be determined using Student’s t-test, where the significance level is 5% (two-sided).Ethics and disseminationThe institutional review board at Kindai University approved the study. The findings of this trial will be submitted to an international peer-reviewed journal. Abstracts will be submitted to national and international conferences.Trial registration numberUMIN000031815.
Second-trimester medication abortion outside the clinic setting: an analysis of electronic client records from a safe abortion hotline in Indonesia
Authors: Gerdts Caitlin , Jayaweera Ruvani T , Baum Sarah E , Hudaya Inna 
Published: July 2018

IntroductionUnsafe abortion past the first trimester disproportionately accounts for the majority of global abortion-related morbidity and mortality; research that documents the safety, feasibility and acceptability of existing models for providing information and support to women who self-manage outside of formal clinic settings is needed.MethodsThis study is a retrospective analysis of anonymised electronic client records from callers to a safe abortion hotline in Indonesia. Between July 2012 and October 2016, a total of 96 women contacted the hotline for information on medication abortion beyond 12 weeks' gestation and are included in this study. Descriptive statistics were calculated regarding pregnancy termination status, client experience with warning signs of potential complications, and medical care seeking and treatment.ResultsNinety-six women with pregnancies beyond the first trimester called the hotline for information on medication abortion; 91 women received counselling support from the hotline. Eighty-three women (91.2%) successfully terminated their pregnancies using medication and did not seek medical care. Five women exhibited warning signs of potential complications and sought medical care; one woman sought care after a failed abortion. Two women were lost to follow-up and the outcomes of their pregnancies are unknown.ConclusionsEvidence from our analysis suggests that a model of remote provision of support for abortions later in pregnancy by non-medically trained, skilled abortion counsellors could be a safe alternative for women in need of abortions beyond 12 weeks' gestation in a legally restrictive context. Further examination and documentation of the model is warranted.