bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brief Report: Defective Early B Cell Tolerance Checkpoints in Sjögren's Syndrome Patients
Authors: Glauzy Salomé , Sng Joel , Bannock Jason M. , Gottenberg Jacques‐Eric , Korganow Anne‐Sophie , Cacoub Patrice , Saadoun David , Meffre Eric 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveCentral and peripheral B cell tolerance checkpoints are defective in many patients with autoimmune diseases, but the functionality of each discrete checkpoint has not been assessed in patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS). We undertook this study to assess this functionality in SS patients.MethodsUsing a polymerase chain reaction–based approach that allows us to clone and express, in vitro, recombinant antibodies produced by single B cells, we tested the reactivity of recombinant antibodies cloned from single CD19+CD21lowCD10+IgMhighCD27– newly emigrant/transitional B cells and CD19+CD21+CD10–IgM+CD27– mature naive B cells from 5 SS patients.ResultsWe found that the frequencies of newly emigrant/transitional B cells expressing polyreactive antibodies were significantly increased in SS patients compared to those in healthy donors, revealing defective central B cell tolerance in SS patients. Frequencies of mature naive B cells expressing autoreactive antibodies were also significantly increased in SS patients, thereby illustrating an impaired peripheral B cell tolerance checkpoint in these patients.ConclusionDefective counterselection of developing autoreactive B cells observed in SS patients is a feature common to many other autoimmune diseases and may favor the development of autoimmunity by allowing autoreactive B cells to present self antigens to T cells.
Complexation Between (O‐Methyl)6‐2,6‐Helic[6]arene and Tertiary Ammonium Salts: Acid/Base‐ or Chloride‐Ion‐Responsive Host–Guest Systems and Synthesis of [2]Rotaxane
Authors: Shi Qiang , Han Ying , Chen Chuan‐Feng 
Published: July 2017

AbstractComplexation between (O‐methyl)6‐2,6‐helic[6]arene and a series of tertiary ammonium salts was described. It was found that the macrocycle could form stable complexes with the tested aromatic and aliphatic tertiary ammonium salts, which were evidenced by 1H NMR spectra, ESI mass spectra, and DFT calculations. In particular, the binding and release process of the guests in the complexes could be efficiently controlled by acid/base or chloride ions, which represents the first acid/base‐ and chloride‐ion‐responsive host–guest systems based on macrocyclic arenes and protonated tertiary ammonium salts. Moreover, the first 2,6‐helic[6]arene‐based [2]rotaxane was also synthesized from the condensation between the host–guest complex and isocyanate.
Fixed‐Time Synchronization of a Class of Second‐Order Nonlinear Leader‐Following Multi‐Agent Systems
Authors: Li Hua , Zhu Ming , Chu Zhaobi , Du Haibo , Wen Guanghui , Alotaibi Naif D. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe fixed‐time synchronization problem for a class of second‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems with a leader‐follower architecture is investigated in this paper. To achieve the fixed‐time tracking task, the design procedure is divided into two steps. At the first step, a distributed fixed‐time observer is designed for each agent to estimate the leader's state in a fixed time. Then, at the second step, based on the technique of adding a power integrator, a fixed‐time tracking controller for each agent is proposed such that the estimate leader's state can be tracked in a fixed time. Finally, an observer‐based fixed‐time controller is developed such that the leader can be tracked by all the followers in a fixed time, which can be predetermined. Simulations are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Adaptation of the By-Band randomized clinical trial to By-Band-Sleeve to include a new intervention and maintain relevance of the study to practice
Authors: Rogers C A , Reeves B C , Byrne J , Donovan J L , Mazza G , Paramasivan S , Andrews R C , Wordsworth S , Thompson J , Blazeby J M , Welbourn R ,   By-Band-Sleeve study investigators, Agrawal S , Ajaz S , Koak Y , Ahmed A , Fakih N , Hakky S , Moorthy K , Purkayastha S , Awad S , Fareed K , Leeder P , Balupuri S , Carr W , Jennings N , Small P , Byrom R , Davies N , Carter N , Knight B , Somers S , Charalampakis V , Daskalakis M , Nijar R , Richardson M , Singhal R , Super P , Clarke M , Cota A , Finlay I , Dexter S , Hayden J , Mehta S , Sarela A , Kelly J , Mahon D , Noble H 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Background
Recruitment into surgical RCTs can be threatened if new interventions available outside the trial compete with those being evaluated. Adapting the trial to include the new intervention may overcome this issue, yet this is not often done in surgery. This paper describes the challenges, rationale and methods for adapting an RCT to include a new intervention.

Methods
The By-Band study was designed in the UK in 2009–2010 to compare the effectiveness of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for severe obesity. It contained a pilot phase to establish whether recruitment was possible, and the grant proposal specified that an adaptation to include sleeve gastrectomy would be considered if practice changed and recruitment was successful. Information on changing obesity surgery practice, updated evidence and expert opinion about trial design were used to inform the adaptation.

Results
The pilot phase recruited over 13 months in 2013–2014 and randomized 80 patients (79 anticipated). During this time, major changes in obesity practice in the UK were observed, with gastric band reducing from 32·6 to 15·8 per cent and sleeve gastrectomy increasing from 9·0 to 28·1 per cent. The evidence base had not changed markedly. The British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society and study oversight committees supported an adaptation to include sleeve gastrectomy, and a proposal to do so was approved by the funder.

Conclusion
Adaptation of a two-group surgical RCT can allow evaluation of a third procedure and maintain relevance of the RCT to practice. It also optimizes the use of existing trial infrastructure to answer an additional important research question. Registration number: ISRCTN00786323 (http://www.isrctn.com/).
Microvascular proliferation is associated with aggressive tumour features and reduced survival in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ramnefjell Maria , Aamelfot Christina , Aziz Sura , Helgeland Lars , Akslen Lars A 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDespite new treatment options in lung cancer, there is still a need for better biomarkers to assist in therapy decisions. Angiogenesis has been associated with tumour growth and dissemination, and the vascular proliferation index (VPI) is a valuable prognostic marker in other tumours. Nestin, a marker of immature endothelium, was previously applied in combination with Ki67 for proliferating endothelium as a novel marker (Nestin‐Ki67) of ongoing angiogenesis. Here, the prevalence and prognostic impact of vascular proliferation on lung cancer‐specific survival (LCSS) in lung adenocarcinomas was studied. Selected tumour slides from a cohort of 210 patients treated surgically for adenocarcinoma at Haukeland University Hospital (Norway) from 1993 to 2010 were stained for Nestin‐Ki67. VPI, the ratio between the density of proliferating vessels and the overall microvessel density were used, and the cut‐off value was set at 4.4% (upper quartile). High VPI was associated with the presence of blood vessel invasion (p = 0.007) and tumour necrosis (p = 0.007). Further, high VPI was significantly associated with reduced LCSS (p = 0.020). By multivariate analysis, VPI remained an independent prognostic factor for reduced LCSS (HR 1.7; 95% CI 1.04–2.68; p = 0.033) when adjusted for other prognostic clinico‐pathological features. In conclusion, microvessel proliferation assessed using the VPI was associated with aggressive tumour features such as blood vessel invasion and tumour necrosis and, independently, decreased LCSS. This marker should be further explored in separate cohorts, and in trials of anti‐angiogenesis therapy.
The reliability and validity of ultrasound to quantify muscles in older adults: a systematic review
Authors: Nijholt Willemke , Scafoglieri Aldo , Jager‐Wittenaar Harriët , Hobbelen Johannes S.M. , van der Schans Cees P. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis review evaluates the reliability and validity of ultrasound to quantify muscles in older adults. The databases PubMed, Cochrane, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were systematically searched for studies. In 17 studies, the reliability (n = 13) and validity (n = 8) of ultrasound to quantify muscles in community‐dwelling older adults (≥60 years) or a clinical population were evaluated. Four out of 13 reliability studies investigated both intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) scores for reliability ranged from −0.26 to 1.00. The highest ICC scores were found for the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, upper arm anterior, and the trunk (ICC = 0.72 to 1.000). All included validity studies found ICC scores ranging from 0.92 to 0.999. Two studies describing the validity of ultrasound to predict lean body mass showed good validity as compared with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (r2 = 0.92 to 0.96). This systematic review shows that ultrasound is a reliable and valid tool for the assessment of muscle size in older adults. More high‐quality research is required to confirm these findings in both clinical and healthy populations. Furthermore, ultrasound assessment of small muscles needs further evaluation. Ultrasound to predict lean body mass is feasible; however, future research is required to validate prediction equations in older adults with varying function and health.
Hydrodynamic characteristics of an aerated coaxial mixing vessel equipped with a pitched blade turbine and an anchor
Authors: Hashemi Nasim , Ein‐Mozaffari Farhad , Upreti Simant R , Hwang Dae Kun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundIn this work, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of an aerated coaxial mixing vessel composed of a centered impeller and a wall scraping anchor was conducted to investigate the effects of speed ratio, rotation modes (co‐rotating and counter‐rotating), and fluid viscosity on the local and global gas holdup values, flow pattern within the vessel, and turbulent kinetic energy. To validate the developed model, simulated gas holdup and gassed power uptake were compared with the measured experimental values. To gather experimental gas holdup values, an electrical resistance tomography technique was utilized.ResultsThe results demonstrated that the co‐rotating coaxial mixer with a speed ratio higher than 10 provided a higher gas volume fraction within the vessel. It was also shown that the turbulent kinetic energy attained in the counter‐rotating mode was lower than those for the co‐rotating coaxial mixer in most regions within the mixing tank, especially near the vessel walls. The size and the number of circulation loops developed within the coaxial mixer were affected by the speed ratio.ConclusionIt was demonstrated that speed ratio and rotation mode of the impellers affected the hydrodynamics developed within the aerated coaxial mixer. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of a full systematic review versus rapid review approaches to assess a newborn screening test for tyrosinemia type 1
Authors: Taylor‐Phillips Sian , Geppert Julia , Stinton Chris , Freeman Karoline , Johnson Samantha , Fraser Hannah , Sutcliffe Paul , Clarke Aileen 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundRapid reviews are increasingly used to replace/complement systematic reviews to support evidence‐based decision‐making. Little is known about how this expedited process affects results.ObjectivesTo assess differences between rapid and systematic review approaches for a case study of test accuracy of succinylacetone for detecting tyrosinemia type 1.MethodsTwo reviewers conducted an “enhanced” rapid review then a systematic review. The enhanced rapid review involved narrower searches, a single reviewer checking 20% of titles/abstracts and data extraction, and quality assessment using an unadjusted QUADAS‐2. Two reviewers performed the systematic review with a tailored QUADAS‐2. Post hoc analysis examined rapid reviewing with a single reviewer (basic rapid review).ResultsTen papers were included. Basic rapid reviews would have missed 1 or 4 of these (dependent on which reviewer). Enhanced rapid and systematic reviews identified all 10 papers; one paper was only identified in the rapid review through reference checking. Two thousand one hundred seventy‐six fewer title/abstracts and 129 fewer full texts were screened during the enhanced rapid review than the systematic review. The unadjusted QUADAS‐2 generated more “unclear” ratings than the adjusted QUADAS‐2 [29/70 (41.4%) versus 16/70 (22.9%)], and fewer “high” ratings [22/70 (31.4%) versus 42/70 (60.0%)]. Basic rapid reviews contained important inaccuracies in data extraction, which were detected by a second reviewer in the enhanced rapid and systematic reviews.ConclusionsEnhanced rapid reviews with 20% checking by a second reviewer may be an appropriate tool for policymakers to expeditiously assess evidence. Basic rapid reviews (single reviewer) have higher risks of important inaccuracies and omissions.
Fast online replanning for interfraction rotation correction in prostate radiotherapy
Authors: Kontaxis Charis , Bol Gijsbert H. , Kerkmeijer Linda G. W. , Lagendijk Jan J. W. , Raaymakers Bas W. 
Published: July 2017

PurposeTo enable fast online replanning for prostate radiotherapy with the inclusion of interfraction rotations and translations and investigate the possibility for margin reduction via this regime.MethodsOnline daily replanning for a 35‐fraction treatment for five prostate cases is simulated while accounting for anatomical transformations derived from fiducial marker data available in our clinic. Two online replanning strategies were simulated, compensating for: (a) rotation‐only in combination with a couch shift and (b) both translation and rotation without a couch shift. They were compared against our current clinical protocol consisting of a single offline plan used over all fractions with daily couch repositioning (translations only). For every patient, the above methods were generated for several planning margins (0–8 mm with 2 mm increments) in order to assess the performance of online replanning in terms of target coverage and investigate the possible dosimetric benefit for the organs at risk. The daily DVHs for each treatment strategy were used for evaluation and the non tumor integral dose (NTID) for the different margins was calculated in order to quantify the overall reduction of the delivered energy to the patient.ResultsOur system is able to generate a daily automated prostate plan in less than 2 min. For every patient, the daily treatment plans produce similar dose distributions to the original approved plan (average CTV D99 relative difference: 0.2%). The inclusion of both shifts and rotations can be effectively compensated via replanning among all planning margins (average CTV D99 difference: 0.01 Gy between the two replanning regimes). Online replanning is able to maintain target coverage among all margins, while — as expected — the conventional treatment plan is increasingly affected by the interfraction rotations as the margins shrink (average CTV D99 decrease: 0.2 Gy at 8 mm to 2.9 Gy at 0 mm margin). The possible gain in total delivered energy to the patient was quantified by the decreased NTID ranging from 12.6% at 6 mm to 32.9% at 0 mm.ConclusionsWe demonstrate that fast daily replanning can be utilized to account for daily rotations and translations based on the daily positioning protocol. A daily plan can be generated from scratch in less than 2 min making it suitable for online application. Given the large magnitude of prostate rotation around the LR axis, online correction for daily rotations can be beneficial even for the clinical 8 mm margin and could be utilized for treatments with small margin reduction mainly limited then by anatomical deformations and intrafraction motion. Our online replanning pipeline can be used in future treatments with online MR guidance that can lead to further safe reduction of the planning margins.
Physiotherapist‐led suprascapular nerve blocks for persistent shoulder pain: Evaluation of a new service in the UK
Authors: Salt E. , van der Windt D. A. , Chesterton L. , Mainwaring F. , Ashwood N. , Foster N. E. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntroductionThis service evaluation explored and reported findings from a new physiotherapist‐led service offering suprascapular nerve blocks (SSNBs) to patients with persistent shoulder pain.MethodsWe collected data before the SSNB injection and at the 6‐weeks and 6‐month follow‐up from consecutive patients with persistent shoulder pain being treated by physiotherapists or an anaesthetist. Outcomes were patient‐reported pain (numerical rating scale [NRS 0 to 10]), patient‐specific functional score (PSFS) and health‐related quality of life [the EuroQol five dimensions questionnaire (EQ5D‐5 L)]. Exploratory analyses compared baseline and follow‐up scores within each clinician delivery group (physiotherapists, anaesthetist).ResultsForty patients (mean age 57 years [standard deviation {SD} 12]; 63% female) received an SSNB from a physiotherapist, eight patients (mean age 59 years [SD 11]; female 88%) received an SSNB from an anaesthetist. At the 6‐week follow‐up, the physiotherapy group showed a mean reduction in pain (on the NRS): 2.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3 to 3.0) and an improvement in function (on the PSFS): –1.3 (95% CI –1.9 to −0.4). Similar changes were found in those treated by the anaesthetist (pain: 1.3 [95% CI –1.18 to 3.80]; function: –1.4 (95% CI –3.18 to 0.35]). Very small changes, that were not statistically significant, were found in EQ5D‐5 L scores. At the 6‐month follow‐up, the mean reduction in pain (NRS) was maintained at 2.0 (95% CI 0.99 to 2.95) for the physiotherapy group.ConclusionThe results provide early, exploratory evidence that patients with persistent shoulder pain treated by physiotherapists using palpation‐guided SSNBs achieve clinically important changes in pain and function in the short and medium term.
The Effect of Different Types of Monitoring Strategies on Weight Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jospe Michelle R. , Roy Melyssa , Brown Rachel C. , Williams Sheila M. , Osborne Hamish R. , Meredith‐Jones Kim A. , McArthur Jenny R. , Fleming Elizabeth A. , Taylor Rachael W. 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of various monitoring strategies on weight loss, body composition, blood markers, exercise, and psychosocial indices in adults with overweight and obesity following a 12‐month weight loss program.MethodsTwo hundred fifty adults with BMI ≥ 27 were randomized to brief, monthly, individual consults, daily self‐monitoring of weight, self‐monitoring of diet using MyFitnessPal, self‐monitoring of hunger, or control over 12 months. All groups received diet and exercise advice, and 171 participants (68.4%) remained at 12 months.ResultsNo significant differences in weight, body composition, blood markers, exercise, or eating behavior were apparent between those in the four monitoring groups and the control condition at 12 months (all P ≥ 0.053). Weight differences between groups ranged from −1.1 kg (−3.8 to 1.6) to 2.2 kg (−1.0 to 5.3). However, brief support and hunger training groups reported significantly lower scores for depression (difference [95% CI]: −3.16 [−5.70 to −0.62] and −3.05 [−5.61 to −0.50], respectively) and anxiety (−1.84, [−3.67 to −0.02]) scores than control participants.ConclusionsAlthough adding a monitoring strategy to diet and exercise advice did not further increase weight loss, no adverse effects on eating behavior were observed, and some monitoring strategies may even benefit mental health.
Efficacy of a Community‐ Versus Primary Care–Centered Program for Childhood Obesity: TX CORD RCT
Authors: Butte Nancy F. , Hoelscher Deanna M. , Barlow Sarah E. , Pont Stephen , Durand Casey , Vandewater Elizabeth A. , Liu Yan , Adolph Anne L. , Pérez Adriana , Wilson Theresa A. , Gonzalez Alejandra , Puyau Maurice R. , Sharma Shreela V. , Byrd‐Williams Courtney , Oluyomi Abiodun , Huang Terry , Finkelstein Eric A. , Sacher Paul M. , Kelder Steven H. 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveThis randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine comparative efficacy of a 12‐month community‐centered weight management program (MEND2‐5 for ages 2‐5 or MEND/CATCH6‐12 for ages 6‐12) against a primary care‐centered program (Next Steps) in low‐income children.MethodsFive hundred forty‐nine Hispanic and black children (BMI ≥ 85th percentile), stratified by age groups (2‐5, 6‐8, and 9‐12 years), were randomly assigned to MEND2‐5 (27 contact hours)/MEND/CATCH6‐12 (121.5 contact hours) or Next Steps (8 contact hours). Primary (BMI value at the 95th percentile [%BMIp95]) and secondary outcomes were measured at baseline, 3 months (Intensive Phase), and 12 months (Transition Phase).ResultsFor age group 6‐8, MEND/CATCH6‐12 resulted in greater improvement in %BMIp95 than Next Steps during the Intensive Phase. Effect size (95% CI) was −1.94 (−3.88, −0.01) percentage points (P = 0.05). For age group 9‐12, effect size was −1.38 (−2.87, 0.16) percentage points for %BMIp95 (P = 0.07). MEND2‐5 did not differentially affect %BMIp95. Attendance averaged 52% and 22% during the Intensive and Transition Phases. Intervention compliance was inversely correlated to change in %BMIp95 during the Intensive Phase (P < 0.05). In the Transition Phase, %BMIp95 was maintained or rebounded in both programs (P < 0.05).ConclusionsMEND/CATCH6‐12 was more efficacious for BMI reduction at 3 months but not 12 months compared to Next Steps in underserved children. Intervention compliance influenced outcomes, emphasizing the need for research in sustaining family engagement in low‐income populations.
Long‐term population trends of Sooty Terns Onychoprion fuscatus: implications for conservation status
Authors: Hughes B. John , Martin Graham R. , Giles Anthony D. , Reynolds S. James 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSeabirds have suffered dramatic declines in population over recent decades. The most abundant seabirds of tropical oceans are Sooty Terns Onychoprion fuscatus and they have an IUCN Red List category of ‘Least Concern’. Ascension Island has the largest colony of Sooty Terns in the Atlantic Ocean and censuses between 1990 and 2013 have shown that its population size is static. In this study we have used historical data and recent censuses to describe the population status of Sooty Terns on Ascension Island over a century. We show that the breeding population contained over 2 million individuals in the 1870s and remained at this level for at least 70 years. However, the population declined from >2 million birds in 1942 to 350,000 birds by 1990. The population trend spanning a period equivalent to three generations of the species (63 years; 1942–2005) showed an approximate 84% decline in population size. Using IUCN criteria this suggests that Sooty Terns on Ascension could be considered ‘Critically Endangered'. We conclude that a re‐evaluation of Sooty Tern conservation status is necessary at the local level and possibly globally. Our study highlights that for long‐lived species historic demographic data should be considered when determining conservation status.