bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hemicraniectomy versus medical treatment with large MCA infarct: a review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alexander Paul , Heels-Ansdell Diane , Siemieniuk Reed , Bhatnagar Neera , Chang Yaping , Fei Yutong , Zhang Yuqing , McLeod Shelley , Prasad Kameshwar , Guyatt Gordon 
Published: November 2016

ObjectiveLarge middle cerebral artery stroke (space-occupying middle-cerebral-artery (MCA) infarction (SO-MCAi)) results in a very high incidence of death and severe disability. Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) for SO-MCAi results in large reductions in mortality; the level of function in the survivors, and implications, remain controversial. To address the controversy, we pooled available randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the impact of DHC on survival and functional ability in patients with large SO-MCAi and cerebral oedema.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane library databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) enrolling patients suffering SO-MCAi comparing conservative management to DHC administered within 96 hours after stroke symptom onset. Outcomes were death and disability measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). We used a random effects meta-analytical approach with subgroup analyses (time to treatment and age). We applied GRADE methods to rate quality/confidence/certainty of evidence.Results7 RCTs were eligible (n=338 patients). We found DHC reduced death (69–30% in medical vs surgical groups, 39% fewer), and increased the number of patients with mRS of 2–3 (slight to moderate disability: 14–27%, increase of 13%), those with mRS 4 (severe disability: 10–32%, increase of 22%) and those with mRS 5 (very severe disability 7–11%: increase of 4%) (all differences p<0.0001). We judged quality/confidence/certainty of evidence high for death, low for functional outcome mRS 0–3, and moderate for mRS 0–4 (wide CIs and problems in concealment, blinding of outcome assessors and stopping early).ConclusionsDHC in SO-MCAi results in large reductions in mortality. Most of those who would otherwise have died are left with severe or very severe disability: for example, inability to walk and a requirement for help with bodily needs, though uncertainty about the proportion with very severe, severe and moderate disability remains (low to moderate quality/confidence/certainty evidence).
Developing predictive models for return to work using the Military Power, Performance and Prevention (MP3) musculoskeletal injury risk algorithm: a study protocol for an injury risk assessment programme
Authors: Rhon Daniel I , Teyhen Deydre S , Shaffer Scott W , Goffar Stephen L , Kiesel Kyle , Plisky Phil P 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundMusculoskeletal injuries are a primary source of disability in the US Military, and low back pain and lower extremity injuries account for over 44% of limited work days annually. History of prior musculoskeletal injury increases the risk for future injury. This study aims to determine the risk of injury after returning to work from a previous injury. The objective is to identify criteria that can help predict likelihood for future injury or re-injury.MethodsThere will be 480 active duty soldiers recruited from across four medical centres. These will be patients who have sustained a musculoskeletal injury in the lower extremity or lumbar/thoracic spine, and have now been cleared to return back to work without any limitations. Subjects will undergo a battery of physical performance tests and fill out sociodemographic surveys. They will be followed for a year to identify any musculoskeletal injuries that occur. Prediction algorithms will be derived using regression analysis from performance and sociodemographic variables found to be significantly different between injured and non-injured subjects.DiscussionDue to the high rates of injuries, injury prevention and prediction initiatives are growing. This is the first study looking at predicting re-injury rates after an initial musculoskeletal injury. In addition, multivariate prediction models appear to have move value than models based on only one variable. This approach aims to validate a multivariate model used in healthy non-injured individuals to help improve variables that best predict the ability to return to work with lower risk of injury, after a recent musculoskeletal injury.Trial registration numberNCT02776930.
Effects in dogs with behavioural disorders of a commercial nutraceutical diet on stress and neuroendocrine parameters
Authors: Sechi S. , Di Cerbo A. , Canello S. , Guidetti G. , Chiavolelli F. , Fiore F. , Cocco R. 
Published: November 2016

The well‐being of dogs can be affected by changes in human lifestyle, eating habits and increased stressors that lead to behavioural disorders including fear, hyperactivity and anxiety, followed by negative affective moods and poor welfare. This randomised, controlled clinical evaluation involved 69 dogs, 38 males and 31 females, of different breeds, with behavioural disorders related to anxiety and chronic stress. They were fed a control diet or a nutraceutical diet (ND group) for 45 days. Neuroendocrine (serotonin, dopamine, β‐endorphins, noradrenaline and cortisol) and stress (derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (dROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP)) parameters related to behavioural disorders were evaluated at the beginning and end of the study period. Results showed a significant increase in serotonin, dopamine and β‐endorphins plasma concentrations (*P<0.05, *P<0.05 and **P<0.01, respectively) and a significant decrease in noradrenaline and cortisol plasma concentrations in the ND group (*P<0.05). dROMs significantly decreased in the ND group (*P<0.05) while BAP was not affected. This study demonstrated for the first time that a specific diet significantly and positively affected neuroendocrine parameters and dROMs. These results open significant perspectives concerning the use of diet and nutraceuticals in the treatment of behavioural disorders.
Kronecker product and bat algorithm-based coefficient generation for privacy protection on cloud
Authors: Karlekar Nandkishor P. , Gomathi N. 
Published: November 2016

Due to widespread growth of cloud technology, virtual server accomplished in cloud platform may collect useful data from a client and then jointly disclose the client’s sensitive data without permission. Hence, from the perspective of cloud clients, it is very important to take confident technical actions to defend their privacy at client side. Accordingly, different privacy protection techniques have been presented in the literature for safeguarding the original data. This paper presents a technique for privacy preservation of cloud data using Kronecker product and Bat algorithm-based coefficient generation. Overall, the proposed privacy preservation method is performed using two important steps. In the first step, PU coefficient is optimally found out using PUBAT algorithm with new objective function. In the second step, input data and PU coefficient is then utilized for finding the privacy protected data for further data publishing in cloud environment. For the performance analysis, the experimentation is performed with three datasets namely, Cleveland, Switzerland and Hungarian and evaluation is performed using accuracy and DBDR. From the outcome, the proposed algorithm obtained the accuracy of 94.28% but the existing algorithm obtained only the 83.64% to prove the utility. On the other hand, the proposed algorithm obtained DBDR of 35.28% but the existing algorithm obtained only 12.89% to prove the privacy measure.
Idiopathic sialadenosis involving parotid and submandibular glands. A case report.
Authors: Sugaya Norberto Nobuo , Seo Juliana , Hirota Silvio Kenji , Rocha Andre Caroli , Migliari Dante Antonio 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis article reports a case in which a patient, an adult black male, was diagnosed as having sialadenosis of an idiopathic type, since clinical, computed tomography and laboratory examinations did not disclose any other abnormalities that could be associated with the glandular swelling. As this condition is quite harmless, requiring no intervention, unless for aesthetic reason, the patient was dismissed, being monitored sporadically. But after 8 months since the first consultation, the patient was diagnosed as having an advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and eventually died of this disease. This report, therefore, raises the question whether there was any relation with the sialadenosis and the esophageal carcinoma. This question is very speculative, but it stands as a notice for clinicians in future cases of idiopathic sialadenosis to evaluate the patient for an underlying malignant disease.
Relationship between stylohyoid ligament calcification and systemic osteoporosis by CBCT and panoramic radiography
Authors: Arita Emiko Saito , Santos Karina Panelli Cecília , Asaumi Junichi , Oliveira Jefferson Xavier 
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this study was to use panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography images to investigate (1) the accuracy of these methods concerning osteopenia and osteoporosis diagnosis, and (2) the correlation between presence of stylohyoid ligament calcification and osteopenia and osteoporosis. A hundred seventy-one images from digital archive were enrolled in this study. All panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography images were obtained using the Veraviewepocs 3D system and observed at i-VIEW-3DX software. For osteopenia and osteoporosis diagnosis, the mandibular cortex was assessed. Presence of stylohyoid ligament calcification was also assessed and mineralization in all parts of the stylohyoid complex was considered. All recorded data were referred to statistical analysis and the significance level was set at 5%. There is an agreement between the imaging modalities for osteopenia and osteoporosis diagnosis, since the rate of disagreement is 21.6%. The results confirmed the osteoporosis diagnosis in elderly women and the correlation between osteopenia and osteoporosis diagnosis and the presence of stylohyoid ligament calcification (p 0.06). The present study suggests that (1) panoramic radiography and computed tomography images are accurate enough for osteopenia and osteoporosis diagnosis with low disagreement rate between methods and (2) there is a significant correlation between presence of stylohyoid ligament calcification and osteopenia and osteoporosis diagnosis in elderly women.
Range extension of Lyriothemis defonsekai van der Poorten, 2009 (Anisoptera: Libellulidae), an endemic odonate in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sumanapala Amila P. , Jayawardana Nuwan C. 
Published: November 2016

Lyriothemis defonsekai van der Poorten, 2009 is a nationally Critically Endangered odonate species in Sri Lanka. It is endemic to the country and was known only from the type locality, Kudawa, Sinharaja Forest Reserve and its vicinity thus it was considered to be a point endemic. We report the first ever record of the species outside Sinharaja extending the known range of the species. The present observations were recorded from Yagirala Forest Reserve where an immature male and one or two mature females of the species were observed. We also discuss the observations on its habitat and distribution range.
Seasonal variations in food plant preferences of reintroduced Rhinos Rhinoceros unicornis (Mammalia: Perrissodactyla: Rhinocerotidae) in Manas National Park, Assam, India
Authors: Dutta Deba Kumar , Bora Pranab Jyoti , Mahanta Rita , Sharma Amit , Swargowari Anindya 
Published: November 2016

The food preferences of translocated Rhinos in Manas National Park were studied to find out variations in seasonal and annual preferences. A total of 139 plants species belonging to 39 families were observed to be consumed as food. On an average, grasses (n=33) contributed 24% of Rhino food, aquatic plants (n=23) 16.5%, shrubs (n=11) 7.5%, herbs (n = 31) 22.3% trees (n=26) 18.7%, creepers (n=3) 2.1% and agricultural crops (n=12) 8.6%. Among the grasses, throughout the year Arundo donax, Cynodon dactylon, Imperata cylindrica, Saccharum elephantinus and Saccharum spontaneum were the maximum preferred species. Rhinos were observed to browse shrubs and tree twigs during the winter season and browsing was found to be very limited during the monsoon due to the abundance of young grass. Various anthropogenic pressures such as unregulated grassland burning, cattle grazing, invasions of Bombax ceiba and shrubs like Chromolaena odorata, Leea asiatica and herbs like Ageratum conyzoides have degraded some of the important grasslands. So, a proper grassland management protocol including the burning of grasslands during the dry season, keeping grazing animals away and control of weeds is suggested in the areas extensively used by the Rhinos.
Faunal diversity of Satara District, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Sayyed Amit 
Published: November 2016

Satara District of Maharashtra State is a part of northern Western Ghats and Deccan Plateau biogeographic zones. The data on various faunal groups was collected from the extensive study carried out during the period between 2007 and 2010, covering different parts of the district. The present study reports faunal diversity of the district with 677 species under 150 families belonging to 11 different groups. Overall, the district has substantial faunal diversity. Out of the total species, 94 are recorded as endemic species, 35 species are listed as threatened under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and 38 species are listed in the different schedules of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (as amended up to 2013). The information on geographical distribution pattern of mammalian species in the district is also provided.
E-cigarette use among US adolescents: Perceptions of relative addiction and harm
Authors: Dobbs Page Daniel , Hammig Bart , Henry Leah Jean 
Published: November 2016

Objective: Between 2013 and 2014, past 30-day use of e-cigarettes increased from 4.5% to 13.4% among US high school students aged 9–19 years. We sought to examine the influence of perceived addiction and harm of e-cigarettes on e-cigarette use among adolescents. Design: Self-reported use and perception of harm of e-cigarettes were assessed using a cross-sectional design. Setting: Data were collected from the 2014 National Youth Tobacco Survey. Method: Multivariate logistic regression models were employed regressing lifetime e-cigarette use and past 30-day use on established covariate factors. Results: Perceiving e-cigarettes as less harmful than conventional cigarettes increased students’ odds of lifetime use (odds ratio [ OR] = 2.40, 95% confidence interval [ CI] = 1.98–2.90) and past 30-day use ( OR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.63–2.92) of e-cigarettes. Perceiving e-cigarettes as less addictive than conventional cigarettes also increased students’ odds of lifetime use ( OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.82–2.45) and past 30-day use ( OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.57–2.38) of e-cigarettes; however, perceiving e-cigarettes as more addictive than conventional cigarettes also increased students’ odds of lifetime use ( OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.37–2.49) and past 30-day use ( OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.84–3.90) of e-cigarettes. Other influencing factors of e-cigarette use among youth included race, grade level, living with a smoker and lifetime use of regular cigarettes. Conclusion: The perception that e-cigarettes are less addictive and harmful than their conventional counterparts may be an important risk factor for the use of e-cigarettes. Factors influencing young people’s perceptions need to be examined further.
Differential effects of aging on motor and cognitive functioning in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Roy Shumita , Frndak Seth , Drake Allison S , Irwin Lauren , Zivadinov Robert , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca , Benedict Ralph HB 
Published: November 2016

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are impaired in motor and cognitive performance, but the extent to which these deficits are magnified by aging is unknown. In one prior study, differences in cognitive processing speed between MS patients and healthy individuals were of similar magnitude across the lifespan. Here, we have improved on this work by expanding assessment to multiple cognitive domains and motor functioning. Objective: To determine whether the degree of cognitive and motor dysfunction in MS is magnified with increasing age. Methods: In all, 698 MS patients (aged 29–71 years) and 226 healthy controls (HCs; aged 18–72 years) completed neuroperformance tests covering ambulation, upper extremity function, information processing speed, and memory. Results: Linear regression models predicting cognitive and motor function revealed main effects of MS/HC diagnosis, age, and education across all measures. There was also an interaction between age and diagnosis on measures of motor function, but not on cognitive outcomes. Conclusion: The progression of motor decline is amplified by aging in MS. However, the degree of cognitive impairment does not vary across the lifespan. Thus, evidence of accelerated cognitive impairment in older adults with MS may signal the presence of other age-related cognitive pathologies.
Quantifying risk of early relapse in patients with first demyelinating events: Prediction in clinical practice
Authors: Spelman Tim , Meyniel Claire , Rojas Juan Ignacio , Lugaresi Alessandra , Izquierdo Guillermo , Grand’Maison Francois , Boz Cavit , Alroughani Raed , Havrdova Eva , Horakova Dana , Iuliano Gerardo , Duquette Pierre , Terzi Murat , Grammond Pierre , Hupperts Raymond , Lechner-Scott Jeannette , Oreja-Guevara Celia , Pucci Eugenio , Verheul Freek , Fiol Marcela , Van Pesch Vincent , Cristiano Edgardo , Petersen Thor , Moore Fraser , Kalincik Tomas , Jokubaitis Vilija , Trojano Maria , Butzkueven Helmut ,   on behalf of the MSBasis (an MSBase Substudy) Investigators
Published: November 2016

Background: Characteristics at clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) examination assist in identification of patient at highest risk of early second attack and could benefit the most from early disease-modifying drugs (DMDs). Objective: To examine determinants of second attack and validate a prognostic nomogram for individualised risk assessment of clinical conversion. Methods: Patients with CIS were prospectively followed up in the MSBase Incident Study. Predictors of clinical conversion were analysed using Cox proportional hazards regression. Prognostic nomograms were derived to calculate conversion probability and validated using concordance indices. Results: A total of 3296 patients from 50 clinics in 22 countries were followed up for a median (inter-quartile range (IQR)) of 1.92 years (0.90, 3.71). In all, 1953 (59.3%) patients recorded a second attack. Higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at baseline, first symptom location, oligoclonal bands and various brain and spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) metrics were all predictors of conversion. Conversely, older age and DMD exposure post-CIS were associated with reduced rates. Prognostic nomograms demonstrated high concordance between estimated and observed conversion probabilities. Conclusion: This multinational study shows that age at CIS onset, DMD exposure, EDSS, multiple brain and spinal MRI criteria and oligoclonal bands are associated with shorter time to relapse. Nomogram assessment may be useful in clinical practice for estimating future clinical conversion.
Understanding the functions and operations of data monitoring committees: Survey and focus group findings
Authors: Calis Karim A , Archdeacon Patrick , Bain Raymond P , Forrest Annemarie , Perlmutter Jane , DeMets David L 
Published: November 2016

Background: The use of data monitoring committees in the conduct of clinical trials has increased and evolved, but there is a lack of published information on when data monitoring committees are needed and utilized, the acceptable range of data monitoring committee practices, and appropriate qualifications of data monitoring committee members. Methods: To gain a better understanding of data monitoring committee operations and areas for improvement, the Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative conducted a survey and set of focus groups. A total of 143 respondents completed the online survey: 76 data monitoring committee members, 52 sponsors involved with organization of data monitoring committees, and 15 statistical data analysis center representatives. There were 42 focus group participants, including data monitoring committee members; patients and/or patient advocate data monitoring committee members; institutional review board and US Food and Drug Administration representatives; industry, government, and non-profit sponsors; and statistical data analysis center representatives. Results: Participants indicated that the primary responsibility of a data monitoring committee is to be an independent advisory body representing the interests of trial participants by assessing the risk and benefit ratio in ongoing trials. They noted that data monitoring committees must have access to unmasked data in order to perform this role. No clear consensus emerged regarding specific criteria for requiring a data monitoring committee for a given trial, and some participants felt data monitoring committees may be overused. Respondents offered suggestions for the data monitoring committee charter and communications with sponsors, institutional review boards, and regulators. Overall, data monitoring committee members reported that they are able to function independently and their recommendations are almost always accepted by the sponsor. Participants indicated that there are no standards or guidelines pertaining to qualifications of data monitoring committee members. Furthermore, only 8% (6/72) of data monitoring committee member survey respondents received any formal training, and 94% (68/72) were not aware of any training programs. Conclusion: Findings from the survey and focus groups provide a better understanding of contemporary data monitoring committee operations and insights regarding challenges and best practices. Overall, it was clear that increased training will be needed to prepare the next generation of qualified data monitoring committee members to meet the growing demand. These findings can be used by Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative and others to develop recommendations and tools to improve data monitoring committee operations and the overall quality of trial oversight.