bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of life after brachytherapy or bilateral nerve‐sparing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer: a prospective cohort
Authors: Blanchard Pierre , Davis John W. , Frank Steven J. , Kim Jeri , Pettaway Curtis A. , Pugh Thomas J. , Pisters Louis L. , Ward John F. , Choi Seungtaek , Chapin Brian F. , Hoffman Karen , Navai Neema , Achim Mary , McGuire Sean E. , Matin Surena F. , Nguyen Quynh , Mahmood Usama , Graber William J. , Chen Hsiang‐Chun , Wang Xuemei , Kuban Deborah A. 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveTo provide comparative data on quality of life (QoL) after prostate cancer treatment to help patients make an informed decision regarding their choice of treatment.MethodsPatients with pathologically proven, non‐metastatic, T1–T3bN0 prostate cancer were included in this prospective non‐randomized study if they were to receive treatment with curative intent. Sample size was at least 181 patients per cohort/treatment type. QoL was recorded at baseline and at each follow‐up using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) instrument. The minimal clinically important difference was defined as half of the standard deviation of the baseline score for each domain. A mixed effects model was used to compare the different treatments. Data are presented on the brachytherapy and the bilateral nerve‐sparing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) cohorts. Hormonotherapy was not allowed.ResultsBetween November 2007 and January 2013, 181 patients who received brachytherapy and 210 patients who underwent RARP were included. Of the patients who underwent RARP, 178 had bilateral nerve‐sparing and were included in the present analysis. Response rate to EPIC questionnaires were higher in the brachytherapy than in the RARP arm: 82% vs 57% at 2 years after treatment and 55% vs 45% at 4 years after treatment. In the mixed effects model, patients in the RARP arm had better QoL with regard to urinary irritation/obstruction or bother and bowel function, and lower QoL regarding sexual function and urinary incontinence. Results were confirmed in a propensity score‐matched model. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the brachytherapy group at 1, 2 and 3 years after treatment.ConclusionThis prospective non‐randomized study shows long‐term differences in QoL domains after bilateral nerve‐sparing RARP and brachytherapy. Differences in patient satisfaction should be further explored. These results could be used to counsel patients in the decision‐making process.
Real‐world uptake, safety profile and outcomes of docetaxel in newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Rulach Robert J. , McKay Stephen , Neilson Sam , White Lillian , Wallace Jan , Carruthers Ross , Lamb Carolynn , Cascales Almudena , Marashi Husam , Glen Hilary , Venugopal Balaji , Sadoyze Azmat , Sidek Norma , Russell J. Martin , Alhasso Abdulla , Dodds David , Laskey Jennifer , Jones Robert J. , MacLeod Nicholas 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesTo investigate the uptake, safety and efficacy of docetaxel chemotherapy in hormone‐naïve metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) in the first year of use outside of a clinical trial.Patients and MethodsPatients in the West of Scotland Cancer Network with newly diagnosed mPC were identified from the regional multidisciplinary team meetings and their treatment details were collected from electronic patient records. The rate of febrile neutropenia, hospitalisations, time to progression, and overall survival were compared between those patients who received docetaxel and androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT), or ADT alone using survival analysis.ResultsOf the 270 eligible patients, 103 received docetaxel (38.1%). 35 patients (34%) were hospitalised and there were 17 episodes of febrile neutropenia (16.5%). Two patients (1.9%) died within 30 days of chemotherapy. Patients who received ADT alone had an increased risk of progression (hazard ratio [HR] 2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27–3.25; log‐rank test, P = 0.002) and had an increased risk of death (HR 5.88, 95% CI: 2.52–13.72; log‐rank test, P = 0.001) compared to the docetaxel group. The risk of febrile neutropenia was nine‐times greater if chemotherapy was started within 3 weeks of ADT initiation (95% CI: 1.22–77.72; P = 0.032).ConclusionDocetaxel chemotherapy in hormone‐naïve mPC has significant toxicities, but has a similar effect on time to progression and overall survival as seen in randomised trials. Chemotherapy should be started at ≥3 weeks after ADT.
The Effectiveness of a Psychoeducation Intervention delivered via WhatsApp for mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hemdi A. , Daley D. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundMothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report high levels of stress and lower levels of well‐being than parents of typically developing children. Current interventions for ASD typically focus on working with the child rather than delivering strategies to help support parents.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducation intervention developed to support mothers of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia.MethodSixty‐two mothers (23–52 years) of children (26–78 months) were recruited to a multisite randomized controlled trials of the intervention. The intervention consisted of one face‐to‐face session (60 min) and four virtual sessions (30 min each) delivered using WhatsApp. Parenting stress was the primary outcome, with secondary outcomes focusing on maternal depression, anxiety, and happiness, and child behaviour problems and ASD symptoms. Data were collected at baseline T1, immediately postintervention T2 and 8‐week follow‐up T3.ResultsOne‐way analysis of covariance was used at T2 and T3 with T1 scores entered as a covariate. Improvements were found at T2 for stress (F = 234.34, p = .00, and d = −1.52) and depression (F = 195.70, p = .00, and d = −2.14) but not anxiety, and these results were maintained at T3. Changes in child behaviour problems were limited to improvements in hyperactivity at T2 (F = 133.66, p = .00, and d = −1.54). Although changes in stress and depression were statistically significant, change to clinically normal levels was limited to depression. None of the participants had recovered after the intervention (Parent Stress Index Short Form stress scores), whereas 23 mothers (71.87%) in the intervention group had recovered at T2 and 22 (68.75%) at T3 (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale depression scores).ConclusionThis intervention with WhatsApp support is beneficial but may need to be augmented with other forms of support for mothers of children with ASD including more condensed sessions on stress and interventions targeting anxiety.
Clinical features and prognosis of thymic neuroendocrine tumours associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1: A single‐centre study, systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ye Lei , Wang Weixi , Ospina Naykky Singh , Jiang Lei , Christakis Ioannis , Lu Jieli , Zhou Yulin , Zhu Wei , Cao Yanan , Wang Shu , Perrier Nancy D. , Young William F. , Ning Guang , Wang Weiqing 
Published: September 2017

SummaryObjectiveThymic neuroendocrine tumour (TH‐NET) accounts for almost 20% of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)‐associated mortality. Identifying risk factors for the development of these rare tumours and prognostic factors for clinical outcomes will be helpful in clinical practice.Design and PatientsWe performed a retrospective analysis of patients treated for TH‐NET associated with MEN1 in a single institution and meta‐analysis of literature reports. We used a fixed effect model to pool results across studies to evaluate the prevalence, clinical features and prognosis.ResultsTH‐NET was detected in 9 (7.4%) of 121 patients with MEN1 seen in our institution, and 5 (55.6%) were women. Seven additional studies were identified through a systematic review of the literature. The pool estimate of TH‐NET prevalence was 3.7% (n = 99) in MEN1 (n = 2710), sex ratio was 79:20 (male vs female), and the median age at diagnosis was 43.0 years (range, 16.0‐72.0 years). Forty‐three patients died with a median survival time of 8.4 years. Older age at diagnosis (HR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0‐1.8, P = .03), maximum tumour diameter (HR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0‐2.3, P = .04) and presence of metastasis (HR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.0‐2.5, P = .04) were associated with worse outcome. A male predominance (91.9% vs 59.5%, P < .001) and history of smoking (59.0% vs 23.5%, P = .015) were more common in American/European series compared to Asian reports.ConclusionTH‐NET is a rare but fatal component of MEN1. Earlier detection of TH‐NET in patients with MEN1 may be recommended which should theoretically result in better outcomes. Different genetic backgrounds (race) appear to result in clinical difference.
Functional traits of indigenous and exotic ground‐dwelling arthropods show contrasting responses to land‐use change in an oceanic island, Terceira, Azores
Authors: Rigal François , Cardoso Pedro , Lobo Jorge M. , Triantis Kostas A. , Whittaker Robert J. , Amorim Isabel R. , Borges Paulo A. V. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimLand‐use change typically goes hand in hand with the introduction of exotic species, which mingle with indigenous species to form novel assemblages. Here, we compare the functional structure of indigenous and exotic elements of ground‐dwelling arthropod assemblages across four land‐uses of varying management intensity.LocationTerceira Island (Azores, North Atlantic).MethodsWe used pitfall traps to sample arthropods in 36 sites across the four land‐uses and collated traits related to dispersal ability, body size and resource use. For both indigenous and exotic species, we examined the impact of land‐uses on trait diversity and tested for the existence of non‐random assembly processes using null models. We analysed differences in trait composition among land‐uses for both indigenous and exotic species with multivariate analyses. We used point–biserial correlations to identity traits significantly correlated with specific land‐uses for each element.ResultsWe recorded 86 indigenous and 116 exotic arthropod species. Under high‐intensity land‐use, both indigenous and exotic elements showed significant trait clustering. Trait composition strongly shifted across land‐uses, with indigenous and exotic species being functionally dissimilar in all land‐uses. Large‐bodied herbivores dominated exotic elements in low‐intensity land‐uses, while small‐bodied spiders dominated exotic elements in high‐intensity land‐uses. In contrast, with increasing land‐use intensity, indigenous species changed from functionally diverse to being dominated by piercing and cutting herbivores.Main conclusionsOur study revealed two main findings: first, in high‐intensity land‐uses, trait clustering characterized both indigenous and exotic elements; second, exotic species differed in their functional profile from indigenous species in all land‐use types. Overall, our results provide new insights into the functional role of exotic species in a land‐use context, suggesting that, in agricultural landscape, exotic species may contribute positively to the maintenance of some ecosystem functions.
Review of the role of gut microbiota in mass rearing of the olive fruit fly,Bactrocera oleae, and its parasitoids
Authors: Ras Erica , Beukeboom Leo W. , Cáceres Carlos , Bourtzis Kostas 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe olive fruit fly,Bactrocera oleae(Rossi) (Diptera:Tephritidae), is the major insect pest in commercial olive (Olea europaeaL.,Oleaceae) production worldwide. Its population management is largely based on the use of insecticides. However, concerns about the impact of insecticides on the environment and human health along with increasing resistance development calls for novel and environment‐friendly approaches for population management. Integrated pest management programmes with a sterile insect technique (SIT) component and parasitoids are currently considered for the control ofB. oleae. A major challenge for the development of such tools is mass rearing of both host and parasitoids. In this review, we consider the role of endogenous microbiota and its potential exploitation for improving the efficacy, quality, and cost effectiveness of mass rearingB. oleaeas well as their parasitoids.
Optimised conditions for handling and transport of male Anopheles arabiensis: effects of low temperature, compaction, and ventilation on male quality
Authors: Culbert Nicole J. , Lees Rosemary S. , Vreysen Marc J.B. , Darby Alistair C. , Gilles Jeremie R.L. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDeveloping optimal conditions for handling and transport of sterile male mosquitoes, prior to their release, is critical for the sterile insect technique (SIT) to be successful. No data currently exist for Anopheles arabiensis Patton (Diptera: Culicidae) concerning the effects of chilling at different temperatures and for different time lengths on subsequent survival. Additionally, it must be determined whether immobile mosquitoes are capable of producing metabolic heat, the maximum packing density in one release cassette during transport, and their toleration level to compaction. Male An. arabiensis were exposed to 2, 4, 6, and 10 °C for 1, 4, 8, or 24 h. Survival was then monitored for 14 days and compared with untreated controls maintained at 25 °C. Short‐term (24 h) survival was assessed following immobilisation at 6 °C for 6 h under compacted and non‐compacted conditions and compared with non‐immobilised controls. The experiment was repeated to assess long‐term (1–14 days) survival with varying levels of ventilation. Metabolic heat was assessed in immobilised males (compacted and non‐compacted) and compared with males maintained at 28 °C for 2 h. The weight and volume of males were determined to guide the design of the release cassette. Male An. arabiensis were maintained at a temperature range of 4–10 °C for 24 h without any significant negative effect on their survival. Compaction did not significantly affect survival; however, it fared better with increased ventilation. Immobile males did not produce any metabolic heat, even when compacted. This study identified initial parameters considered critical for the transport of sterile male An. arabiensis prior to release without any detrimental effect on their survival. Further investigation is required to assess the effects of combining these chosen treatments with irradiation. Additionally, the effect of immobilisation, compaction, and irradiation on the most critical parameter for SIT (male competitiveness) is the subject of future studies.
Measures of learning and teaching material availability and use in sub‐Saharan Africa and other low‐income countries
Authors: Read Nicholas 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis article reviews the accuracy and relevance of the national monitoring mechanisms currently used to establish national learning and teaching material (LTM) availability indicators. In many countries, only very basic LTM monitoring requirements are provided. These are not updated regularly and are usually not designed specificially to support effective LTM provision. One of the most disturbing conclusions emerging from recent research is the very widespread lack of investment in the provision of reading books and reading materials for use in schools and the equally widespread lack of usable data on the availability of reading books in relevant languages at any levels in the education systems of most developing countries, particularly in lower primary and pre‐school grades. Effective LTM provision requires reliable information on a number of different activities and inputs that must operate efficiently in sequence. This sequence of activities is often referred to as the Book Chain. If one of the links in the chain is dysfunctional, then there is a risk that the whole system will function ineffectively or inefficiently—or both! Most countries aim to collect their EMIS data, including LTM‐related data, on a national basis by drawing information from every school and then consolidating the data gathered on a sub‐district, district, regional and eventually national basis. The combination of large numbers of schools located in different regions, often with radically different facilities and operational environments, with large numbers of titles supplied in differing quantities based on grade level enrolments and supply assumptions and potentially in different languages, is very difficult to manage on a manual basis with non‐specialist managers. Investments in more sophisticated computerised information management systems are recommended to ensure that decisions can be made quickly, based on good information, sound future planning and adequate financial allocations to maintain textbook, teachers’ guides and other essential hard copy LTM supplies equitably at target levels for every school and grade level in the country. Although bespoke, computerised information management systems probably represent the way ahead in terms of reliable annual provision of accurate LTM‐related data they are expensive and there are immediate changes that can be introduced at low cost which will improve the usefulness of the data collected. In most countries, a review needs to take place to ascertain exactly what data need to be collected, how often, and in what formats different MOE departments require this information. This review should be accompanied by a plan for reducing the duplication of work, district/school administration overhead and data collection methodology.
Opposing mechanisms affect taxonomic convergence between tree assemblages during tropical forest succession
Authors: Norden Natalia , Boukili Vanessa , Chao Anne , Ma K. H. , Letcher Susan G. , Chazdon Robin L. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWhether successional forests converge towards an equilibrium in species composition remains an elusive question, hampered by high idiosyncrasy in successional dynamics. Based on long‐term tree monitoring in second‐growth (SG) and old‐growth (OG) forests in Costa Rica, we show that patterns of convergence between pairs of forest stands depend upon the relative abundance of species exhibiting distinct responses to the successional gradient. For instance, forest generalists contributed to convergence between SG and OG forests, whereas rare species and old‐growth specialists were a source of divergence. Overall, opposing trends in taxonomic similarity among different subsets of species nullified each other, producing a net outcome of stasis over time. Our results offer an explanation for the limited convergence observed between pairwise communities and suggest that rare species and old‐growth specialists may be prone to dispersal limitation, while the dynamics of generalists and second‐growth specialists are more predictable, enhancing resilience in tropical secondary forests.
Minocycline and matrix metalloproteinase inhibition in acute intracerebral hemorrhage: a pilot study
Authors: Chang J. J. , Kim‐Tenser M. , Emanuel B. A. , Jones G. M. , Chapple K. , Alikhani A. , Sanossian N. , Mack W. J. , Tsivgoulis G. , Alexandrov A. V. , Pourmotabbed T. 
Published: September 2017

Background and purposeIntracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating cerebrovascular disorder with high morbidity and mortality. Minocycline is a matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) inhibitor that may attenuate secondary mechanisms of injury in ICH. The feasibility and safety of minocycline in ICH patients were evaluated in a pilot, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled randomized clinical trial.MethodsPatients with acute onset (<12 h from symptom onset) ICH and small initial hematoma volume (<30 ml) were randomized to high‐dose (10 mg/kg) intravenous minocycline or placebo. The outcome events included adverse events, change in serial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score assessments, hematoma volume and MMP‐9 measurements, 3‐month functional outcome (modified Rankin score) and mortality.ResultsA total of 20 patients were randomized to minocycline (n = 10) or placebo (n = 10). The two groups did not differ in terms of baseline characteristics. No serious adverse events or complications were noted with minocycline infusion. The two groups did not differ in any of the clinical and radiological outcomes. Day 5 serum MMP‐9 levels tended to be lower in the minocycline group (372 ± 216 ng/ml vs. 472 ± 235 ng/ml; P = 0.052). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that minocycline was associated with a 217.65 (95% confidence interval −425.21 to −10.10, P = 0.041) decrease in MMP‐9 levels between days 1 and 5.ConclusionsHigh‐dose intravenous minocycline can be safely administered to patients with ICH. Larger randomized clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of minocycline and MMP‐9 inhibition in ICH patients are required.
An assessment of Movement Disorder Society Task Force diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Uysal‐Cantürk P. , Hanağası H. A. , Bilgiç B. , Gürvit H. , Emre M. 
Published: September 2017

Background and purposeCognitive impairment is one of the most disabling non‐motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Mild cognitive impairment constitutes a major risk for the development of Parkinson's disease dementia in the course of the disease. A Movement Disorder Society Task Force proposed diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD‐MCI), comprising two operational levels: Level I and Level II. The objective of our study was to test the accuracy of Level I versus Level II diagnostic criteria.MethodsEighty‐six consecutive patients with Parkinson's disease were screened and 68 patients without dementia or depression were included in the study. We used the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Mini‐Mental State Examination and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Evaluation‐R screening tools for Level I and an extensive neuropsychological battery for Level II assessment. We first diagnosed PD‐MCI on the basis of Level II assessment and then calculated sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver–operator characteristics curve, comparing the performance of the three screening batteries.ResultsNone of the three screening batteries proposed for Level I assessment provided satisfactory combined sensitivity and specificity for detecting PD‐MCI, and their performance was similar. Using the Level II criteria, 29 patients (43%) were diagnosed as having PD‐MCI. Lowest cut‐off levels that provided at least 80% sensitivity were 24 for the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, 29 for the Mini‐Mental State Examination and 87 for the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Evaluation‐R. However, specificity levels were below 80% at these cut‐off levels.ConclusionsWe conclude that Level I assessment alone using screening batteries is not sufficiently sensitive/specific to detect PD‐MCI.