bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Critical appraisal of nonrandomized studies—A review of recommended and commonly used tools
Authors: Quigley Joan M. , Thompson Juliette C. , Halfpenny Nicholas J. , Scott David A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesWhen randomized controlled trial data are limited or unavailable, or to supplement randomized controlled trial evidence, health technology assessment (HTA) agencies may rely on systematic reviews of nonrandomized studies (NRSs) for evidence of the effectiveness of health care interventions. NRS designs may introduce considerable bias into systematic reviews, and several methodologies by which to evaluate this risk of bias are available. This study aimed to identify tools commonly used to assess bias in NRS and determine those recommended by HTA bodies.MethodsAppraisal tools used in NRS were identified through a targeted search of systematic reviews (January 2013‐March 2017; MEDLINE and EMBASE [OVID SP]). Recommendations for the critical appraisal of NRS by expert review groups and HTA bodies were reviewed.ResultsFrom the 686 studies included in the narrative synthesis, 48 critical appraisal tools were identified. Commonly used tools included the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale, the methodological index for NRS, and bespoke appraisal tools. Neither the Cochrane Handbook nor the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination recommends a particular instrument for the assessment of risk of bias in NRS, although Cochrane has recently developed their own NRS critical appraisal tool. Among HTA bodies, only the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health recommends use of a specific critical appraisal tool—SIGN 50 (for cohort or case‐control studies). Several criteria including reporting, external validity, confounding, and power were examined.ConclusionThere is no consensus between HTA groups on the preferred appraisal tool. Reviewers should select from a suite of tools on the basis of the design of studies included in their review.
Prostate cancer screening: Beliefs and practices of the Brazilian physicians with different specialties
Authors: da Rocha Araujo Fernando Antonio Glasner , Barroso Ubirajara de Oliveira 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesProstate cancer (PC) presents with a high prevalence, but a low mortality. The evaluation of the risk‐benefit ratio of current screening methods has led to conflicting results, which are reflected in some contradictory recommendations proposed by scientific and governmental entities. In this context of uncertainty, our objective is to verify the practices and beliefs of Brazilian physicians of different specialties regarding screening for PC.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted through a self‐administered questionnaire survey during the main events of the target specialties (general practitioner, geriatrics, and urology) during the year 2016. We evaluated the practices on 6 main points of conduct in PC screening: previous discussion to informed decision, exams indicated, age of onset with and without additional risk factors, repeat interval, and age when screening is suspended. Responses were analysed with descriptive statistics and correlation, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program (IBM SPSS Statistics version 20, 2010).ResultsThe screening recommendation for PC differs significantly among specialists in association with previous discussion of benefits/harm (P = 0.026), exams used (P < 0.001), age of beginning screening with and without additional risk (P < 0.001), and age of suspension of the screening program (P < 0.001).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that there is a significant difference of conduct between doctors in different specialties. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study that directly compares the practices of these different specialists in relation to the main points involved in screening for PC.
General nutrition knowledge among carers at group homes for people with intellectual disability
Authors: Hamzaid N. H. , Flood V. M. , Prvan T. , O'Connor H. T. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundGood nutrition knowledge among carers of people with intellectual disability (ID) living in group homes is essential as they have a primary role in food provision for residents. Research on the nutrition knowledge of carers is limited.MethodThis cross‐sectional study assessed the level of general nutrition knowledge in a convenience sample of Australian carers (C) of people with ID and compared this to the general Australian community (CM). Nutrition knowledge was evaluated using the validated General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire. Total knowledge score as well as performance on instrument sub‐sections (dietary guidelines, nutrient sources, healthy food choices and diet disease relationships) were assessed (expressed as %). Knowledge scores were adjusted for known confounders (age, sex, education level, BMI, living arrangement and English spoken at home) using generalised linear modelling.ResultsA total of 589 participants were recruited (C: n = 40; CM: n = 549). Age (C: 40.8 ± 12.1 year; CM: 37.8 ± 13.3 years; P = 0.145), sex distribution (C: 62.5%; CM: 67.2% female; P = 0.602) and English spoken at home (C: 82.5%; CM: 89.6%; P = 0.183) were similar between groups, but BMI (C: 28.5 ± 5.7 kgm−2; CM: 25.3 kgm−2; P = 0.002) was significantly lower and tertiary education (C: 52.5%; CM: 85.1%; P < 0.0005) significantly higher for CM. Total knowledge score (C: 56.6 ± 12.6%; CM: 67.2 ± 12.6%; P < 0.0005) and performance on all instrument sub‐sections (P ≤ 0.004) were significantly lower for carers. This remained after confounder adjustment except for the knowledge of dietary guidelines sub‐section (P = 0.116).ConclusionLimited carer nutrition knowledge may compromise their ability to plan and adapt meals to support a healthy and appropriate diet for people with ID in group homes.
Evaluation of laser ablation microtomy for correlative microscopy of hard tissues
Authors: BOYDE A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLaser ablation machining or microtomy (LAM) is a relatively new approach to producing slide mounted sections of translucent materials. We evaluated the method with a variety of problems from the bone, joint and dental tissues fields where we require thin undecalcified and undistorted sections for correlative light microscopy (LM) and backscattered electron scanning electron microscopy (BSE SEM). All samples were embedded in poly‐methylmethacrlate (PMMA) and flat block surfaces had been previously studied by BSE‐SEM and confocal scanning light microscopy (CSLM). Most were also studied by X‐yay microtomography (XMT). The block surface is stuck to a glass slide with cyanoacrylate adhesive. Setting the section thickness and levelling uses inbuilt optical coherence tomographic imaging. Tight focusing of near‐infrared laser radiation in the sectioning plane gives extreme intensities causing photodisruption of material at the focal point. The laser beam is moved by a fast scanner to write a cutting line, which is simultaneously moved by an XY positioning unit to create a sectioning plane. The block is thereby released from the slide, leaving the section stuck to the slide. Light, wet polishing on the finest grade (4000 grit) silicon carbide polishing paper is used to remove a 1–2 μm thick damaged layer at the surface of the section. Sections produced by laser cutting are fine in quality and superior to those produced by mechanical cutting and can be thinner than the ‘voxel’ in most laboratory X‐ray microtomography systems. The present extensive pilot studies have shown that it works to produce samples which we can study by both light and electron microscopy.
ComparativeiTRAQanalysis of protein abundance in the human sinoatrial node and working cardiomyocytes
Authors: Klimek‐Piotrowska Wiesława , Krawczyk‐Ożóg Agata , Suski Maciej , Kapusta Przemysław , Wołkow Paweł P. , Hołda Mateusz K. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractOur objective was to assess the changes in protein abundance in the human sinoatrial node (SAN) compared with working cardiomyocytes to identifySAN‐specific protein signatures. Four pairs of samples (theSANand working cardiomyocytes) were obtained postmortem from four human donors with no evidence of cardiovascular disease. We performed protein identification and quantitation using two‐dimensional chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry with isobaric peptide labeling (iTRAQ). We identified 451 different proteins expressed in both theSANand working cardiomyocytes, 166 of which were differentially regulated (110 were upregulated in theSANand 56 in the working cardiomyocytes). We identified sarcomere structural proteins in both tissues, although they were differently distributed among the tested samples. For example, myosin light chain 4, myosin regulatory light chain 2‐atrial isoform, and tropomyosin alpha‐3 chain levels were twofold higher in theSANthan in working cardiomyocytes, and myosin light chain 3 and myosin regulatory light chain 2‐ventricular/cardiac muscle isoform levels were twofold higher in the ventricle tissue than inSAN. We identified many mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, β‐oxidation, and tricarboxylic acid cycle proteins that were predominantly associated with working cardiomyocytes tissue. We detected upregulation of the fatty acid omega activation pathway proteins in theSANsamples. Some proteins specific for smooth muscle tissue were highly upregulated in theSAN(e.g. transgelin), which indicates that theSANtissue might act as the bridge between the working myocardium and the smooth muscle. Our results show possible implementation of proteomic strategies to identify in‐depth functional differences between various heart sub‐structures.
Assessment of yield loss of wheat cultivars caused by Heterodera filipjevi under field conditions
Authors: Karimipour Fard Hadi , Pourjam Ebrahim , Tanha Maafi Zahra , Safaie Naser 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAmong the cereal cyst nematodes, Heterodera filipjevi is the dominant species of Cereal cyst nematodes (CCNs) in most cereal growing areas of Iran. To evaluate the impact of H. filipjevi on wheat cultivars, a field trial was performed in two infested fields in Isfahan province, Iran 2014 and 2015. The trials were conducted in a factorial experiment based on the complete randomized block design. The treatments consisted of three winter wheat cultivars (Back‐cross Rowshan, Pishtaz and Parsi) which were planted with and without applying nematicide aldicarb Each cultivar was planted in 6 m2 (2 × 3 m) plots which were replicated five times. The nematode reproduction factor was calculated after determining the initial and final population of H. filipjevi in each plot before sowing the seeds and after harvesting. The grain yields and growth parameters were recorded and the variables of 2 years experiment evaluated by linear regression analysis. Cultivar × nematicide treatment combinations in the first and second years showed that H. filipjevi significantly affected grain yield and growth parameters in all three cultivars. The results revealed significant reduction of grain yield by 24.8%, 24.8% and 20.4% in Back‐cross Rowshan, Pishtaz and Parsi cultivars, respectively. The nematode reproduction factor ranged from 0.32 to 1.76 in plots plus and minus nematicide application, respectively. The analysis showed linear inverse relationships between the initial population (Pi) and the yields of wheat cultivars in check plots without aldicarb application.
Hedychium spicatum: a systematic review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and future prospectus
Authors: Rawat Sandeep , Jugran Arun K , Bhatt Indra D , Rawal Ranbeer S 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Hedychium spicatum Buch. Ham. ex D.Don. (Family Zingiberaceae) is a rhizomatous herb, used in medicines, food, cosmetics and perfumery industries. Traditionally, it is widely used in treating inflammation, pain, asthma, foul breath, vomiting, diarrhoea, bronchitis, hiccough and blood diseases. This study systematically reviewed traditional and folk uses, pharmacological properties, bioactive compounds and market potential of H. spicatum. Research gaps and potential of future research have also been discussed.

Key findings
Available literature indicates that research on this species is largely focused on phytochemical and pharmacological studies; however, propagation and modern interventions for high productivity have been contravened. These studies demonstrated that the rhizome of the species exhibited many valuable and medicinally important compounds, such as labdane terpenes, hedychinone and polyphenols. Many of the traditional uses of the species have been validated through the findings of pharmacological studies and biological properties of the extracts and pure compounds. Phytochemical constituents and related pharmacological activities have provided some suggestive scientific evidences for the various ethnomedicinal uses of the species in the treatment, control and management of diseases and for new drug discovery.

Summary
Literature reveals that the species is lacking in exact scientific basis of the beneficial properties. Although, some other distinct biological properties identified in this species also opened new door way for its new applications. Therefore, the mentioned phytochemical constituents such as phenolic and flavonoids compounds; and related pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the species have provided some suggestive scientific evidences for its potential in pharmaceutical, food and aromatic industries.
Melatonin provides protection against heat stroke-induced myocardial injury in male rats
Authors: Lin Xiaojing , Zhao Tingbao , Lin Cheng-Hsien , Zuo Dan , Ye Zhujun , Lin Shide , Wen Shaonan , Liu Lin , Lin Mao-Tsun , Chang Ching-Ping , Chao Chien-Ming 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of melatonin on heat stroke (HS) induced acute myocardial infarction in rats and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods
Myocardial injury was induced by subjecting the anaesthetized rats to a high ambient temperature of 43°C for 70 min. Such a high ambient temperature caused hyperthermia, hypotension and myocardial injury in rats. Rats were treated with melatonin (3 mg/kg) intravenously one hour before and followed by an additional dose immediately after heat stress.

Key findings
At the onset of HS, animals displayed myocardial injury evidenced by increased levels of cardiac damage indicators (e.g. total lactate dehydrogenase, cardiac troponin I and creatine kinase-MB), increased cardiac damage scores and suppressed left ventricular performance. Animals with HS also had increased cardiac oxidative stress evidenced by increased levels of lipid peroxidation (e.g. increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes (e.g. superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione) and activated inflammation (e.g. increased levels of interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α). Pretreatment with melatonin significantly reversed the HS-induced myocardial injury, cardiac oxidative stress and cardiac inflammation.

Conclusions
Melatonin may protect against HS-induced myocardial injury in male rats by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation.
Detecting host–parasitoid interactions in an invasive Lepidopteran using nested tagging DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Kitson James J. N. , Hahn Christoph , Sands Richard J. , Straw Nigel A. , Evans Darren M. , Lunt David H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDetermining the host–parasitoid interactions and parasitism rates for invasive species entering novel environments is an important first step in assessing potential routes for biocontrol and integrated pest management. Conventional insect rearing techniques followed by taxonomic identification are widely used to obtain such data, but this can be time‐consuming and prone to biases. Here, we present a next‐generation sequencing approach for use in ecological studies which allows for individual‐level metadata tracking of large numbers of invertebrate samples through the use of hierarchically organised molecular identification tags. We demonstrate its utility using a sample data set examining both species identity and levels of parasitism in late larval stages of the oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea—Linn. 1758), an invasive species recently established in the United Kingdom. Overall, we find that there are two main species exploiting the late larval stages of oak processionary moth in the United Kingdom with the main parasitoid (Carcelia iliaca—Ratzeburg, 1840) parasitising 45.7% of caterpillars, while a rare secondary parasitoid (Compsilura concinnata—Meigen, 1824) was also detected in 0.4% of caterpillars. Using this approach on all life stages of the oak processionary moth may demonstrate additional parasitoid diversity. We discuss the wider potential of nested tagging DNA metabarcoding for constructing large, highly resolved species interaction networks.
The Bordetella bronchiseptica nic locus encodes a nicotinic acid degradation pathway and the 6‐hydroxynicotinate‐responsive regulator BpsR
Authors: Brickman Timothy J. , Armstrong Sandra K. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThe classical Bordetella species use amino acids as carbon sources and can catabolize organic acids and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates. They are also auxotrophic for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) pathway precursors such as nicotinic acid. Bordetellae have a putative nicotinate catabolism gene locus highly similar to that characterized in Pseudomonas putida KT2440. This study determined the distribution of the nic genes among Bordetella species and analyzed the regulation of this nicotinic acid degradation system. Transcription of the Bordetella bronchiseptica nicC gene was repressed by the NicR ortholog, BpsR, previously shown to regulate extracellular polysaccharide synthesis genes. nicC expression was derepressed by nicotinic acid or by the first product of the degradation pathway, 6‐hydroxynicotinic acid, which was shown to be the inducer. Results using mutants with either a hyperactivated pathway or an inactivated pathway showed a marked effect on growth on nicotinic acid that indicated this degradation pathway influences NAD biosynthesis. Pathway dysregulation also affected Bordetella BvgAS‐mediated virulence gene regulation, demonstrating that fluctuation of intracellular nicotinic acid pools impacts Bvg phase transition responses.
A Complex Systems Investigation of Group Work Dynamics in L2 Interactive Tasks
Authors: POUPORE GLEN 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWorking with Korean university‐level learners of English, this study provides a detailed analytical comparison of 2 task work groups that were video‐recorded, with 1 group scoring very high and the other relatively low based on the results of a Group Work Dynamic (GWD) measuring instrument. Adopting a complexity theory (CT) perspective and utilizing what Dörnyei (2014) has termed a retrodictive qualitative modeling (RQM) approach to research, the study sought to identify how various elements interacted to influence the emerging GWD patterns. Based on different layers of data from the GWD measuring instrument, affect‐related state questionnaires, interviews, and extracts from the transcribed interaction, the signature dynamics for a strong and weak GWD related to a combination of (a) positive and negative GWD behaviors, (b) affect‐related states in the form of motivation, emotional state, and perceived difficulty, (c) critical moments in the interaction, and (d) the system's initial conditions, which were characterized by specific task characteristics and the learners’ affective states just prior to beginning the task. Acting as key control parameters in the shaping of GWD outcomes were task conditions associated with the use of imagination, planning time, humorous content, difficulty level, and multiple task outcomes.
Clinical outcomes of low vision rehabilitation delivered by a mobile clinic
Authors: Gobeille Micaela , Malkin Alexis , Jamara Richard , Ross Nicole C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPurposeThis prospective cohort study examined clinical outcomes of low vision rehabilitation (LVR) delivered by a mobile clinic.MethodsParticipants were recruited from those scheduled for mobile clinic LVR and met the United States definition of legal blindness. Participants completed the Massof Activity Inventory (AI) before LVR, 3 months post‐LVR, and 1 year post‐LVR. Change scores and measures of clinical effect (i.e. Cohen's effect size and minimum clinically important difference, MCID) were calculated for each time point and compared. Additional participant characteristics (age, acuity, contrast sensitivity, cause of visual impairment, training recommendations, and prior LVR experience) were also explored with respect to outcome measures.ResultsOf the 66 participants enroled in this study, 47% had no prior LVR experience. Significant differences were noted between baseline and 3‐month person measures, and between baseline and 1‐year person measures. There was no significant difference between 3‐month and 1‐year person measures, nor was there a significant difference in change score between these two time points. At 1 year post‐LVR, overall visual ability effect size was 0.74. A clinically meaningful outcome was achieved in 56% of participants at 3 months and 71% at 1 year for overall visual ability. There was no significant difference in the proportion of participants achieving MCID at 3 months vs 1 year. Of participants who completed the 1‐year post‐LVR AI, 59% reported a subjective worsening of vision during the study period. This subgroup also tended to have smaller 1‐year change scores.ConclusionsMobile clinic LVR is effective at expanding access to care and produces clinically meaningful outcomes comparable to those seen in other outpatient LVR delivery models.
Survey of recognition and treatment of at‐risk mental state by Japanese psychiatrists
Authors: Tsujino Naohisa , Tagata Hiromi , Baba Yoko , Kojima Akiko , Yamaguchi Taiju , Katagiri Naoyuki , Nemoto Takahiro , Mizuno Masafumi 
Published: February 2018

AimThe importance of early intervention in psychiatry is widely recognized among psychiatrists. However, it is unknown whether precise knowledge of at‐risk mental state has been disseminated. With this survey, we aimed to reveal how Japanese psychiatrists diagnose patients with at‐risk mental state and prescribe treatment strategies for them.MethodsUsing fictional case vignettes, we conducted a questionnaire survey of psychiatrists (n = 1399) who worked in Tokyo. We mailed study documents to all eligible participants in November 2015 with a requested return date in December.ResultsTwo hundred and sixty (19.3%) psychiatrists responded to the survey. Their correct diagnosis rates for the patients in the at‐risk mental state vignettes were low (14.6% for the vignette describing at‐risk mental state with attenuated positive symptom syndrome; 13.1% for the vignette describing at‐risk mental state with brief intermittent psychotic syndrome). Many psychiatrists selected pharmacotherapy and antipsychotics to treat patients in the at‐risk mental state vignettes. The psychiatrists who correctly diagnosed patients in the at‐risk mental state vignettes had significantly fewer years of clinical psychiatric experience than did those who diagnosed them as having a non‐at‐risk mental state (12.5 years vs 22.7 years for the vignette describing at‐risk mental state with attenuated positive symptom syndrome, P < 0.01; 14.3 years vs 22.2 years for the vignette describing at‐risk mental state with brief intermittent psychotic syndrome, P < 0.01).ConclusionThis study suggests that precise knowledge of at‐risk mental state has not been disseminated among Japanese psychiatrists.