bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical efficacy of orally administered fluralaner for treatment of scabies in six free‐ranging raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides)
Authors: Hyun Jae‐Eun , Jang Hyun‐Kyu , Hwang Cheol‐Yong , Yeon Seong‐Chan 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundSarcoptic mange in free‐ranging raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) caused by Sarcoptes scabiei is a widespread zoonotic disease that causes severe skin lesions with significant morbidity and mortality. Fluralaner is a member of the isoxazoline chemical class and is an acaricide and insecticide widely used in flea, tick and mite infections of dogs (Canis lupus familiaris).ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of orally administered fluralaner in free‐ranging raccoon dogs naturally infected with sarcoptic mange.AnimalsSix raccoon dogs rescued at the Seoul Wildlife Center between November 2017 and April 2018.Methods and materialsRaccoon dogs were treated with a single dose of a chewable fluralaner tablet. Clinical lesion scoring and superficial skin scraping were performed weekly for three weeks to assess treatment efficacy; the general health was assessed daily to monitor response and observe any adverse drug reactions.ResultsWithin seven days of treatment, a marked reduction in skin lesions was observed and mites were no longer present in skin scrapings. There was no evidence of re‐infestation and no additional drug administration was required.Conclusions and clinical importanceAlthough this was a nonrandomized, uncontrolled study of a small number of animals, it demonstrated that fluralaner may be suitable for treating sarcoptic mange in raccoon dogs.
Histomorphometric evaluation of the Göttingen minipig eye
Authors: Shrader Stephanie M. , Mowry Richard N. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe Göttingen minipig is becoming a popular nonrodent animal model in ocular research; however, there is a paucity of literature regarding normative ocular reference data in this breed. We, therefore, investigated the characteristics of the cornea, retina, and sclera in order to establish baseline histomorphometric data in male and female Göttingen minipigs.ProceduresThis study utilized paraffin‐embedded, Davidson's‐fixed, control Göttingen minipig eyes (six males and eight females). Hematoxylin and eosin stained slides of the eyes were scanned via an Aperio slide scanner and analyzed using Aperio ImageScope™. Linear measurements were made of the cornea, retina, and sclera.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between males and females in corneal or scleral measurements or total retinal thickness. There were, however, statistically significant differences between the sexes in the thickness of the ventral peripheral ganglion cell layer [13.15 µm (±3.65) in males; 10.68 µm (±3.37) in females; P = 0.03], ventral peripheral inner plexiform layer [23.47 µm (±2.85) in males; 21.16 µm (±3.62) in females; P = 0.03], ventral central outer plexiform layer [7.97 µm (±2.43) in males; 6.63 µm (±1.73) in females; P = 0.02], and ventral peripheral outer plexiform layer [8.79 µm (±1.82) in males; 11.23 µm (±3.11) in females; P = 0.01].ConclusionsThis study provides normative histomorphometric reference data for the Göttingen minipig eye. These data will aid researchers in study design and interpretation of findings in Göttingen minipig ocular studies.
Numerical Modeling of Thermo-Mechanically Induced Stress in Substrates for Droplet-Based Additive Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Park Chang Yoon , Zohdi Tarek I. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Within the scope of additive manufacturing (AM) methods, a large number of popular fabrication techniques involve high-temperature droplets being targeted to a substrate for deposition. In such methods, an “ink” to be deposited is tailor-made to fit the desired application. Concentrated stresses are induced on the substrate in such procedures. A numerical simulation framework that can return quantitative and qualitative insights regarding the mechanical response of the substrate is proposed in this paper. A combined smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH)-finite element (FE) model is developed to solve the governing coupled thermo-mechanical equations, for the case of Newtonian inks. We also highlight the usage of consistent SPH formulations in order to recover first-order accuracy for the gradient and Laplacian operators. This allows one to solve the heat-equation more accurately in the presence of free-surfaces. The proposed framework is then utilized to simulate a hot droplet impacting a flat substrate.
Machine learning for data-driven discovery in solid Earth geoscience
Authors: Bergen Karianne J. , Johnson Paul A. , de Hoop Maarten V. , Beroza Gregory C. 
Published: March 2019

Automating geoscience analysisSolid Earth geoscience is a field that has very large set of observations, which are ideal for analysis with machine-learning methods. Bergenet al.review how these methods can be applied to solid Earth datasets. Adopting machine-learning techniques is important for extracting information and for understanding the increasing amount of complex data collected in the geosciences.Science, this issue p.eaau0323
Paleomagnetism and tectonics from the late Pliocene to late Pleistocene in the Xalapa monogenetic volcanic field, Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: Alva-Valdivia L.M. , Agarwal A. , García-Amador B. , Morales-Barrera W. , Agarwal K.K. , Rodríguez S. , Gonzalez-Rangel J.A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe Xalapa monogenetic volcanic field, Veracruz, Mexico is located at the eastern end of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. This study uses specimens from 0.8 ka to 5.96 ± 0.156 Ma Xalapa lava deposits and from 4.5 ± 0.028 Ma La Concha ignimbrite. The study identifies the magnetic mineralogy by reflected light microscopy, thermomagnetic curves, and coercivity estimates. It further defines the magnetic domain size distribution by hysteresis plots, Day diagrams, and first-order-reversal-curves. Characteristic remanent directions and virtual geomagnetic poles are also calculated. The characteristic remanent directions are used to establish the magnetostratigraphy and to identify the net rotation experienced, at each site, since the emplacement. The results allow the identification of the rotation domains, and R′-, P-, and Y-shears, active since the past ∼2.5 m.y. in the region and a better characterization of the displacement along the Río Actopan fault, active in the Xalapa monogenetic volcanic field.
Collision of the Caribbean Large Igneous Province with the Americas: Earliest evidence from the forearc of Costa Rica
Authors: Andjić Goran , Baumgartner Peter O. , Baumgartner-Mora Claudia 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe Cretaceous period was marked by the most voluminous episodes of oceanic plateau volcanism in the Phanerozoic Eon. Primarily affecting the Pacific, mantle plumes generated oceanic plateaus during three main phases (ca. 145–140 Ma, ca. 122–115 Ma, and ca. 100–90 Ma). Central America is one of the very few circum-Pacific margins where remnants of these Cretaceous plateaus were accreted. The study of their onland exposures provides a highly valuable insight into the complexity and diversity of oceanic plateau histories, from their eruption to their accretion. Exposed in northern Costa Rica, the plateau remnants of the Nicoya Peninsula originated from a Jurassic oceanic crust over-thickened by Early and Late Cretaceous hotspots. These sheared-off pieces of the Farallon Plate testify to the early tectonic interaction of the Caribbean Large Igneous Province (CLIP, ca. 94–89 Ma) with North America, initiated <5 m.y. after the onset of CLIP eruption. By combining our results with previously published data, we propose an updated tectono-stratigraphic framework that divides the Nicoya Peninsula into two oceanic plateau terranes. (1) The accretion timing of the Aptian to Turonian Manzanillo Terrane is constrained by the Coniacian (ca. 89–86 Ma) base of the overlapping Loma Chumico Formation. The proximal tuffaceous forearc deposits of the Loma Chumico Formation are the oldest evidence of a volcanic arc in Costa Rica—called here the Berrugate Arc—as revealed by new biostratigraphic and geochemical data. (2) The Nicoya Complex s. str. is a composite plateau remnant containing rocks of Bajocian to earliest Campanian age. Its accretion occurred during the middle Campanian (ca. 79–76 Ma) and shut down the Berrugate Arc. In contrast to the collision of CLIP with North America, onset of the collision of CLIP with South America began much later, during the latest Campanian (ca. 75–73 Ma).
Congenital hepatoblastoma in a growing health economy
Authors: Ofoegbu Bibian Nwanyioma , Abdel Salam Seif El Eslam , Diehl Werner Gerhard , Ghosn Latifeh 
Published: March 2019

A 43-year-old woman, whose pregnancy was complicated by the presence of a large single solid intra-abdominal fetal mass, was referred from the private sector into our fetal maternal unit at the Corniche Hospital, Abu Dhabi at 36 weeks postmenstrual age.Investigations subsequently confirmed that this mass was a congenital hepatoblastoma, one of the very rare embryonic tumours. The baby had chemotherapy and surgical excision of the tumour. Fifteen months later, the alpha feto-protein levels remain normal and follow-on MRI scans do not show recurrence or any residual disease.To our knowledge, this is the first case of congenital hepatoblastoma in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the UAE, the interphase between private health insurance schemes and medical (public and private) care within a growing health economy enhances access to unique services such as cancer treatments within specialised centres.
‘I decided not to go into surgery due to dress code’: a cross-sectional study within the UK investigating experiences of female Muslim medical health professionals on bare below the elbows (BBE) policy and wearing headscarves (hijabs) in theatre
Authors: Malik Abida , Qureshi Hafsah , Abdul-Razakq Humayra , Yaqoob Zahra , Javaid Fatima Zahra , Esmail Faatima , Wiley Emma , Latif Asam 
Published: March 2019

ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to explore the impact of workplace dress code policies and guidance that may influence inclusivity and opportunities in the workplace.DesignQuantitative, self-completion cross-sectional survey.SettingBritish Islamic Medical Association conference.ParticipantsEighty-four female medical healthcare professionals with a range of ethnicities and wide geographical coverage.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe study reports on the experiences of female Muslim healthcare professions wearing the headscarf in theatre and their views of the bare below the elbows (BBE) policy. Percentage of positive answers and their respective 95% CIs are calculated.ResultsThe majority of participants agreed that wearing the headscarf was important for themselves and their religious beliefs (94.1%), yet over half (51.5%) experienced problems trying to wear a headscarf in theatre; some women felt embarrassed (23.4%), anxious (37.1%) and bullied (36.5%). A variety of different methods in head covering in operating theatres were identified. The majority of respondents (56.3%) felt their religious requirement to cover their arms was not respected by their trust, with nearly three-quarters (74.1%) of respondents not happy with their trust’s BBE uniform policy alternative. Dissatisfaction with the current practice of headscarves in theatre and BBE policy was highlighted, with some respondents preferring to specialise as GPs rather than in hospital medicine because of dress code matters. The hijab prototype proposed by the research team also received a positive response (98.7%).ConclusionsOur study suggests that female Muslims working in the National Health Service (NHS) reported experiencing challenges when wearing the headscarf in theatre and with BBE policy. The NHS needs to make its position clear to avoid variations in individual trust interpretation of dress code policies. This illustrates a wider issue of how policies can be at odds with personal beliefs which may contribute to a reduction in workforce diversity.
Qualitative, exploratory pilot study to investigate how people living with posterior cortical atrophy, their carers and clinicians experience tests used to assess vision
Authors: Bowen Michael , Zutshi Harry , Cordiner Martin , Crutch Sebastian , Shakespeare Tim 
Published: March 2019

ObjectivesTo investigate the experiences and views of people living with posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), their family carers and healthcare professionals of vision assessment tests.DesignA qualitative investigation using video recordings of vision assessments, semistructured interviews and audio recordings of a focus group. Interviews and focus group used broad, open questions around the topic to prompt and guide discussion. Video and audio recordings were transcribed, manually coded and analysed using framework analysis.SettingUniversity College, London’s Queen Square neurology centre provided the venues for all stages of the research.ParticipantsParticipants living with PCA were one male and two females (age range 67–78 years). Health professional participants were a neurologist (male), two ophthalmologists (male) and an optometrist (female).Primary and secondary outcomes(1) Experiences and attitudes of people living with PCA and health professionals to vision assessment tests, (2) views of health professionals and people living with PCA of whether some tests are more effective at discriminating between cortical vision problems and vision problems related to optical or ocular causes.ResultsPatients were able to engage with and complete a number of tests. Their partners played a vital role in the process. Participants reported that simple, short tests were more effective than more subjective tests. Examples of tests that appeared to be more problematic for the patient participants were the Amsler Grid and visual field analysis.ConclusionsAlthough limited in scope and execution, the project suggests that some vision assessment tests are likely to support health professionals to discriminate between cortical and optical/ocular causes of visual impairment. It supports existing evidence that there are vision assessments that people with dementia can engage with and complete. We identify areas of importance for future research and make tentative suggestions for clinical practice.
Opinion leader empowered patients about the era of digital health: a qualitative study
Authors: Meskó Bertalan , Radó Nóra , Győrffy Zsuzsa 
Published: March 2019

ObjectivesWe aimed to explore the opinion leader empowered patients’ relationship with their medical professionals, their experiences and beliefs about technologies, and how they see the future. We also attempted to determine whether technologies, the access to it or patient empowerment are the main driving forces behind these changes.DesignA qualitative interview study analysed with interpretative phenomenological analysis.SettingAll interviews were conducted and recorded individually with the same trained interviewer via a Skype call.ParticipantsThe study is based on qualitative, semistructured interviews with 11 opinion leader empowered patients from six countries including UK, USA, Australia, Sweden, South Africa and Ireland.ResultsWe identified four superordinate themes emerging from e-patients’ experiences: (1) impact of technology, (2) the meaning of empowerment, (3) the changing physician–patient relationship and (4) expectations for the future. The relationship e-patients have with their physicians is based on efficient communication, proactivity, the desire for asking questions and the use of technologies. The interviews have shown that the rapid development of technology has fundamentally changed the lives of these e-patients, and technology eventually is transforming the physician–patient relationship into a partnership. Regarding the future of the physician–patient partnership, e-patients emphasised that change will rather be cultural than technological.ConclusionsThe interviews have shown that cooperation between technology and healthcare is not enough on its own: the most decisive factor is the return of the human touch and reciprocal communication. All of these suggest that technology is an important ally in the ‘renaissance of medicine’ that starts to treat patients as it should have always had.
Hydroxychloroquine for prevention of recurrent miscarriage: study protocol for a multicentre randomised placebo-controlled trial BBQ study
Authors: Pasquier Elisabeth , de Saint-Martin Luc , Marhic Gisèle , Chauleur Celine , Bohec Caroline , Bretelle Florence , Lejeune-Saada Véronique , Hannigsberg Jacob , Plu-Bureau Geneviève , Cogulet Virginie , Merviel Philippe , Mottier Dominique 
Published: March 2019

IntroductionRecurrent miscarriage (RM), defined by three or more consecutive losses during the first trimester of pregnancy, affects 1%–2% of fertile couples. Standard investigations fail to reveal any apparent cause in ~50% of couples. However, on the basis of animal models and clinical studies, several hypotheses have been put forward concerning underlying mechanisms of RM: altered ovarian reserve, progesterone defect, thrombotic and/or endothelial dysfunction and immunological disturbances. Nonetheless, no study has yet reached conclusive beneficial clinical evidence for a potential treatment in unexplained RM. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a molecule with extensive safety data during pregnancy. The pharmacological properties of HCQ (eg, antithrombotic, vascular protective, immunomodulatory, improved glucose tolerance, lipidlowering and anti-infectious) could be effective against some mechanisms of unexplained RM. Furthermore, eventhough clinical benefit of HCQ is suggested in prevention of thrombotic and late obstetric events in antiphospholipid (APL) syndrome, there are no data suggesting the benefit of HCQ in RM in the presence of APL antibodies.Methods and analysisTaken all together and given the low cost of HCQ, the aim of this multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study is to investigate whether HCQ would improve the live birth rate in women with RM, irrespective of maternal thrombophilic status: (1) no known thrombophilia, (2) inherited thrombophilia or (3) APL antibodies. The primary end point is a live and viable birth. After confirming eligibility and obtaining consent, 300 non-pregnant women will be randomised into two parallel groups for a daily oral treatment (HCQ 400 mg or placebo), initiated before conception and stopped at 10 weeks’ gestation. If pregnancy does not occur after 1 year, the treatment will be stopped.Ethics and disseminationAgreement from the French National Public Health and Drug Security Agency (160765A-22) and ethical approval from the Committee for the Protection of Persons of NORD-OUEST I (2016-001330-97) have been obtained.Trial registration numbersNCT0316513; Pre-results.
Phase III, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 104-week study of subcutaneous belimumab administered in combination with rituximab in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): BLISS-BELIEVE study protocol
Authors: Teng Y K Onno , Bruce Ian N , Diamond Betty , Furie Richard A , van Vollenhoven Ronald F , Gordon David , Groark James , Henderson Robert B , Oldham Mary , Tak Paul P 
Published: March 2019

IntroductionBelimumab, an anti-B-lymphocyte-stimulator antibody, is approved for the treatment of active, autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Rituximab, a B cell-depleting anti-CD20 antibody, remains in the SLE treatment armamentarium despite failed trials in lupus nephritis and extrarenal lupus. These biologics, which operate through complementary mechanisms, might result in an enhanced depletion of circulating and tissue-resident autoreactive B lymphocytes when administered together. Thus, belimumab and rituximab combination may be a highly effective treatment of SLE. This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of subcutaneous (SC) belimumab and a single cycle of rituximab in patients with SLE with belimumab alone.Methods and analysisBLISS-BELIEVE is a three-arm, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 104-week superiority study. Two hundred adults with SLE will be randomised 1:2:1 to arm A, belimumab SC 200 mg/week for 52 weeks plus placebo at weeks 4 and 6; arm B, belimumab SC 200 mg/week for 52 weeks plus rituximab 1000 mg at weeks 4 and 6; arm C, belimumab SC 200 mg/week plus standard of care for 104 weeks. The 52-week treatment period (arms A and B) is followed by a 52-week observational phase. The primary efficacy endpoint is the proportion of patients with disease control (SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)−2K≤2, without immunosuppressants and with a prednisone-equivalent dose of ≤5 mg/day) at week 52. Major secondary efficacy endpoints are the proportion of patients in clinical remission (defined as SLEDAI-2K=0, without immunosuppressants and corticosteroids) at week 64, and the proportion of patients with disease control at week 104. Safety endpoints include the incidence of adverse events (AEs), serious AEs and AEs of special interest.Ethics and disseminationWithin 6 months of the study’s primary manuscript publication, anonymised individual participant data and study documents can be requested for further research fromwww.clinicalstudydatarequest.com.Trial registration numberNCT03312907; Pre-results.
Enhancing the public health impact of latent tuberculosis infection diagnosis and treatment (ACT4): protocol for a cluster randomised trial
Authors: Oxlade Olivia , Trajman Anete , Benedetti Andrea , Adjobimey Mênonli , Cook Victoria J , Fisher Dina , Fox Gregory James , Fregonese Federica , Hadisoemarto Panji , Hill Philip C , Johnston James , Long Richard , Obeng Joseph , Ruslami Rovina , Valiquette Chantal , Menzies Dick 
Published: March 2019

IntroductionTreatment of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI) is an important component of the End-TB strategy. However, the number of individuals who successfully complete LTBI treatment remains low as there are losses at all steps in the LTBI ‘cascade-of-care’. The reasons for these losses are variable and highly dependent on the setting. We have planned a trial of a standardised public health approach to strengthen the management of household contacts (HHCs) of newly diagnosed patients with pulmonary TB. Assessing costs related to approach is a secondary objective of the study.Methods and analysisA cluster randomised trial will be conducted in 24 randomisation units (health facilities or groups of health facilities) in five countries. In Phase 1, at intervention sites, we will conduct a standardised assessment of the current LTBI programme, with a focus on cascade-of-care endpoints. Standardised open-ended questionnaires on practices, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding TB prevention are then administered to key patient groups and healthcare workers. At each site, local stake-holders will review study findings and select solutions based on their acceptability, cost and effectiveness. In Phase 2, intervention clinics will implement the selected solutions, along with contact measurement registries and regular in-service LTBI management training. Control sites will continue their usual LTBI care with no explicit evaluation, strengthening or training activities. The primary study outcome is the number of HHC initiating LTBI treatment per newly diagnosed active TB patient, within 3 months of diagnosis of the index patient. An intention-to-treat analysis will be performed, using a Poisson regression approach.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval from the MUHC ethical review board (ERB) was obtained in November 2015. During the study standardised tools will be developed and made publicly available. Key study findings and novel methodologic contributions will be detailed in publications and other dissemination activities.Trial registration numberNCT02810678; Pre-Results.