bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PhD by publication as an argument for innovation and technology transfer: With emphasis on Africa
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Nwachukwu Jacinta C. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe contribution of African researchers to knowledge by means of scientific publications is low compared to other regions of the world. This paper presents an argument in favour of PhD by publication as a tool for innovation and technology transfer. The conception of PhD by publication used in this study is more suited for doctorates in science and technology. Building on the literature on the key role of a knowledge economy in 21st‐century development and catch‐up processes, we argue that: (a) in order for PhD dissertations to be more useful to society, they should be harmonised with scientific publications which centre on improving the design and quality of existing and new products in developing countries; (b) obtaining a doctorate degree should not simply be reduced to a change in candidate's title; and (c) the PhD by publication is a more effective route to ensuring that the contribution to knowledge is widely disseminated. The conceptual framework consists primarily of the clarification of the models of PhD by publication and the linkages between the doctoral education, innovation, technology transfer and development catch‐up. Implications for scientific research policies in the light of contemporary challenges to African development are discussed.
Downregulation of Chilo suppressalis alkaline phosphatase genes associated with resistance to three transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis rice lines
Authors: Qiu L. , Wang P. , Wu T. , Li B. , Wang X. , Lei C. , Lin Y. , Zhao J. , Ma W. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractInsecticidal crystal (Cry) proteins produced by the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis are highly toxic to lepidopteran pests. Strains of transgenic rice expressing cry genes have been developed that are resistant to rice pests. Understanding the mode of action of Cry toxins in rice pests will improve our ability to use them effectively as insecticides. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that alkaline phosphatases (ALPs) are involved in Cry1A, Cry2Aa and Cry1Ca toxicity in Chilo suppressalis, an important insect pest of rice crops in China. We first cloned three novel C. suppressalis alps (Csalps) from the larval midgut of C. suppressalis. RNA interference knockdown of six different Csalp genes (Csalp1, Csalp2, Csalp3, Csalp4, Csalp5 and Csalp6) showed that knockdown of three of these, Csalp1, Csalp2 and Csalp4, reduced larval mortality to the transgenic rice strain TT51, which expresses a fusion protein of Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac, whereas suppression of Csalp1, Csalp2, Csalp3, Csalp4 and Csalp6 transcripts decreased the susceptibility of larvae to the transgenic rice strain T2A‐1, which expresses cry2Aa. Moreover, downregulation of Csalp1, Csalp2, Csalp3, Csalp4 and Csalp5 transcripts conferred significant tolerance to the transgenic rice strain T1C‐19, which expresses cry1Ca. These results suggest that these ALPs play a key role in the toxicity of Cry1A, Cry2A and Cry1C to C. suppressalis.
A systematic review of the effects of supervised toothbrushing on caries incidence in children and adolescents
Authors: dos Santos Ana Paula Pires , de Oliveira Branca Heloisa , Nadanovsky Paulo 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundThe anticaries effect of supervised toothbrushing, irrespective of the effect of fluoride toothpaste, has not been clearly determined yet.AimTo assess the effects of supervised toothbrushing on caries incidence in children and adolescents.DesignA systematic review of controlled trials was performed (CRD42014013879). Electronic and hand searches retrieved 2046 records, 112 of which were read in full and independently assessed by two reviewers, who collected data regarding characteristics of participants, interventions, outcomes, length of follow‐up and risk of bias.ResultsFour trials were included and none of them had low risk of bias. They were all carried out in schools, but there was great variation regarding children's age, fluoride content of the toothpaste, baseline caries levels and the way caries incidence was reported. Among the four trials, two found statistically significant differences favouring supervised toothbrushing, but information about the magnitude and/or the precision of the effect estimate was lacking and in one trial clustering effect was not taken into consideration. No meta‐analysis was performed due to the clinical heterogeneity among the included studies and differences in the reporting of data.ConclusionsThere is no conclusive evidence regarding the effectiveness of supervised toothbrushing on caries incidence.
Whole‐genome sequencing and antigenic analysis of the first equine influenza virus identified in Turkey
Authors: Gahan Jacinta , Garvey Marie , Gildea Sarah , Gür Emre , Kagankaya Anil , Cullinane Ann 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundIn 2013, there was an outbreak of acute respiratory disease in racehorses in Turkey. The clinical signs were consistent with equine influenza (EI).ObjectiveThe aim was to confirm the cause of the outbreak and characterise the causal virus.MethodsA pan‐reactive influenza type A real‐time RT‐PCR and a rapid antigen detection kit were used for confirmatory diagnosis of equine influenza virus (EIV). Immunological susceptibility to EIV was examined using single radial haemolysis and ELISA. Antigenic characterisation was completed by haemagglutinin inhibition using a panel of specific ferret antisera. Genetic characterisation was achieved by whole‐genome sequencing using segment‐specific primers with M13 tags.ResultsA H3N8 EIV of the Florida clade 2 sublineage (FC2) was confirmed as the causal agent. The index cases were unvaccinated and immunologically susceptible. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA1 and NA genes demonstrated that A/equine/Ankara/1/2013 clustered with the FC2 strains circulating in Europe. Antigenic characterisation confirmed the FC2 classification and demonstrated the absence of significant drift. Whole‐genome sequencing indicated that A/equine/Ankara/1/2013 is most closely related to the viruses described as the 179 group based on the substitution I179V in HA1, for example A/equine/East Renfrewshire/2/2011, A/equine/Cambremer/1/2012 and A/equine/Saone et Loire/1/2015. The greatest diversity was observed in the NS1 segment and the polymerase complex.ConclusionsThe first recorded outbreak of EI in Turkey was caused by an FC2 virus closely related to viruses circulating in Europe. Antigenic and genetic characterisation gave no indication that the current OIE recommendations for EI vaccine composition require modification.
Right ventricular scar‐related ventricular tachycardia in nonischemic cardiomyopathy: Electrophysiological characteristics, mapping, and ablation of underlying heart disease
Authors: Kumar Saurabh , Baldinger Samuel H. , Kapur Sunil , Romero Jorge , Mehta Nishaki K. , Mahida Saagar , Fujii Akira , Tedrow Usha B. , Stevenson William G. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundRight ventricular (RV)‐scar related ventricular tachycardia (VT) is often due to arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D) or cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), but some patients whose clinical course has not been described do not fulfill diagnostic criteria for these diseases. We sought to characterize the electrophysiologic substrate and catheter ablation outcomes of such patients, termed RV cardiomyopathy of unknown source (RCUS).Methods and resultsData of 100 consecutive patients who presented with RV cardiomyopathy and/or RV‐related VT for ablation were reviewed (51 ARVC/D, 22 CS; 27 RCUS). Compared to ARVC/D, RCUS patients were older (P = 0.001), less commonly had RV dilatation (P = 0.001) or dysfunction (P = 0.01) and fragmented QRS, parietal block, and T‐wave inversion. Compared to CS, R‐CUS patients had less severe LV dysfunction. Extent and distribution of endocardial/epicardial scar and inducible VTs in RCUS patients were comparable with ARVC/D and CS patients. At a median follow‐up of 23 months, RCUS patients had more favorable VT‐free survival (RCUS 71%, ARVC/D 60%, CS 41%, P = 0.03) and survival free of death or cardiac transplant (RCUS 92%, ARVC/D 92%, CS 62%, P = 0.01). No RCUS patients developed new criteria for ARVC/D or CS in follow‐up.ConclusionsUp to one‐third of patients with RV scar‐related VT are not classifiable as ARVC/D or CS. These patients had a somewhat better prognosis than ARVC/D or sarcoid and did not develop evidence of these diseases during the initial 2 years of follow‐up. The extent to which this population comprises mild ARVC/D, CS, or other diseases is not clear.
Prevalence of Long‐Term Opioid Use in Long‐Stay Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Hunnicutt Jacob N , Chrysanthopoulou Stavroula A , Ulbricht Christine M , Hume Anne L , Tjia Jennifer , Lapane Kate L 
Published: September 2017

Background/ObjectivesOverall and long‐term opioid use among older adults have increased since 1999. Less is known about opioid use in older adults in nursing homes (NHs).DesignCross‐sectional.SettingU.S. NHs (N = 13,522).ParticipantsLong‐stay NH resident Medicare beneficiaries with a Minimum Data Set 3.0 (MDS) assessment between April 1, 2012, and June 30, 2012, and 120 days of follow‐up (N = 315,949).MeasurementsWe used Medicare Part D claims to measure length of opioid use in the 120 days from the index assessment (short‐term: ≤30 days, medium‐term: >30–89 days, long‐term: ≥90 days), adjuvants (e.g., anticonvulsants), and other pain medications (e.g., corticosteroids). MDS assessments in the follow‐up period were used to measure nonpharmacological pain management use. Modified Poisson models were used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for age, gender, race and ethnicity, cognitive and physical impairment, and long‐term opioid use.ResultsOf all long‐stay residents, 32.4% were prescribed any opioid, and 15.5% were prescribed opioids long‐term. Opioid users (versus nonusers) were more commonly prescribed pain adjuvants (32.9% vs 14.9%), other pain medications (25.5% vs 11.0%), and nonpharmacological pain management (24.5% vs 9.3%). Long‐term opioid use was higher in women (aPR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.18–1.23) and lower in racial and ethnic minorities (non‐Hispanic blacks vs whites: APR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.90–0.94) and those with severe cognitive impairment (vs no or mild impairment, aPR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.79–0.83).ConclusionOne in seven NH residents was prescribed opioids long‐term. Recent guidelines on opioid prescribing for pain recommend reducing long‐term opioid use, but this is challenging in NHs because residents may not benefit from nonpharmacological and nonopioid interventions. Studies to address concerns about opioid safety and effectiveness (e.g., on pain and functional status) in NHs are needed.
Effects of different preprocessing algorithms on the prognostic value of breast tumour microscopic images
Authors: KOLAREVIĆ D. , VUJASINOVIĆ T. , KANJER K. , MILOVANOVIĆ J. , TODOROVIĆ‐RAKOVIĆ N. , NIKOLIĆ‐VUKOSAVLJEVIĆ D. , RADULOVIC M. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to improve the prognostic value of tumour histopathology image analysis methodology by image preprocessing.Key image qualities were modified including contrast, sharpness and brightness. The texture information was subsequently extracted from images of haematoxylin/eosin‐stained tumour tissue sections by GLCM, monofractal and multifractal algorithms without any analytical limitation to predefined structures. Images were derived from patient groups with invasive breast carcinoma (BC, 93 patients) and inflammatory breast carcinoma (IBC, 51 patients).The prognostic performance was indeed significantly enhanced by preprocessing with the average AUCs of individual texture features improving from 0.68 ± 0.05 for original to 0.78 ± 0.01 for preprocessed images in the BC group and 0.75 ± 0.01 to 0.80 ± 0.02 in the IBC group. Image preprocessing also improved the prognostic independence of texture features as indicated by multivariate analysis. Surprisingly, the tonal histogram compression by the nonnormalisation preprocessing has prognostically outperformed the tested contrast normalisation algorithms. Generally, features without prognostic value showed higher susceptibility to prognostic enhancement by preprocessing whereas IDM texture feature was exceptionally susceptible. The obtained results are suggestive of the existence of distinct texture prognostic clues in the two examined types of breast cancer. The obtained enhancement of prognostic performance is essential for the anticipated clinical use of this method as a simple and cost‐effective prognosticator of cancer outcome.
A combination of alfaxalone, medetomidine and midazolam for the chemical immobilization of Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta): Preliminary results
Authors: Bertrand Henri G. M. J. , Sandersen Charlotte , Murray Jennifer , Flecknell Paul A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundChemical immobilization of non‐human primates can be required to perform scientific or veterinary procedure with different invasiveness degrees. This preliminary study was undertaken to assess the clinical effects of a combination of alfaxalone, medetomidine and midazolam (AMM).MethodsSeven rhesus macaques were chemically immobilized, for invasive veterinary procedures, with alfaxan 2 mg kg−1, medetomidine 20 μg kg−1 and midazolam 0.3 mg kg−1 injected subcutaneously.ResultsThe alfaxalone combination induced surgical anaesthesia, with a complete absence of response to noxious stimuli, for at least 20 minutes. The total duration of anaesthesia was 56 ± 7 minutes, and the administration of atipamezole, to partially reverse the combination effects, did not appear to alter the depth of anaesthesia.ConclusionIn conclusion, the AMM combination produced rapid onset general anaesthesia, following subcutaneous administration of a relatively low volume (0.28 mL/kg) of injectate.
Peasant differentiation and service provision in Colombia
Authors: Velásquez Ospina Mauricio 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis paper contributes to agrarian debates through a discussion of the interactions between the interests and incentives of the rural classes, focusing especially on the leadership exercised by middle‐size farmers. In the recent past, class analysis associated with Marxism has given way to models of individual rational maximization, not least because of the lack of specific findings about the effects of peasant differentiation beyond the dichotomous class conflict between peasants and landlords. Information has replaced asset distribution as the main factor affecting effective governance and service provision. According to these theories, politicians did not deliver less because they were responding to the preferences of the large landowning classes, or because seemingly competitive elections were games of rotating chairs within a single dominant class but, rather, because the voters did not have enough information about the candidates and programmes. I bring the discussion back to peasant differentiation and class endowments using the case of communal action boards in Colombia, showing how the demand for information on candidates and developmental resources matters, but is dependent on class structures. I suggest that different rural groups access, use, and manipulate information with differing aims, and that the rural middle class is a fundamental actor in the demand for public goods.
Organizing women for combat: The experience of the FARC in the Colombian war
Authors: Sanín Francisco Gutiérrez , Carranza Franco Francy 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe FARC, which used to be Colombia's main guerrilla force and is now in the midst of a peace process, was to a great extent a feminized group. This paper discusses why it recruited so many women, and why it recruited them as combatants. We suggest that only when the FARC adopted a highly hierarchical, self‐contained, and militaristic organizational blueprint did it get involved in the massive recruitment of women as combatants. We discuss the way in which organizational mechanisms and ideology interacted to produce such an outcome, and how this interaction marked both the organization and the trajectories of the women who joined it.
Prevalence of dermatologic manifestations and metabolic biomarkers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome in north China
Authors: Feng Jin‐ge , Guo Yan , Ma Li‐ang , Xing Jin , Sun Rui‐feng , Zhu Wei 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBackgroundCutaneous features of hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) include acne, hirsutism, seborrhea, androgenic alopecia (AGA), and acanthosis nigricans (AN). However, the relationships have not been well known broadly in terms of clinical hyperandrogenism and biochemical markers.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate biochemical and metabolic parameters in relation to cutaneous characters women in with and without PCOS. Methods: This was a cross‐sectional retrospective study including 186 women with PCOS and 113 age‐matched without PCOS women. Acne grade, hirsutism, seborrhea, AGA, and AN were recorded. Hormonal and metabolic parameters were measured.ResultsThe most common finding was acne, and AN was the least dermatological manifestations between PCOS and non‐PCOS groups. The severity location and type of acne did not differ in PCOS women compared to non‐PCOS women. Significant differences were found with respect to free androgen index (FAI) (P = .036), sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) (P = .023), and body mass index (BMI) (P = .001) between PCOS with acne and PCOS without acne groups. Overall, age (P = .005) was significantly decreased, while BMI (P = .004) was significantly higher in PCOS with hirsutism. The mean serum total testosterone (TT), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and FAI were significantly elevated, but SHBG was decreased between PCOS with and without hirsutism groups. There were significantly different BMI (P = .018) and triglyceride (P = .024) except other hormonal parameter of without AGA group.ConclusionThis study indicated a strong correlation between hirsutism and metabolic abnormalities. Hirsutism is the most common cutaneous finding in PCOS women. Acne and AGA are associated with other manifestations of clinical hyperandrogenism, but not obvious markers of biochemical hyperandrogenemia and metabolic dysfunction.
Different patients, different outcomes: A case‐control study of spontaneous coronary artery dissection versus acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Adams Heath , Paratz Elizabeth , Somaratne Jithendra , Layland Jamie , Burns Andrew , Palmer Sonny , MacIsaac Andrew , Whitbourn Robert 
Published: September 2017

IntroductionThere is progressive interest worldwide in spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). To identify a SCAD cohort and compare risk factors, presentation, and management outcomes compared to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) matched controls.MethodsRetrospective analysis was performed from 2000 to 2015. Clinical data included a neuropsychiatric history, with management and clinical outcomes assessed at 12 months. Patients were matched on a 1:3 case‐control basis according to type of ACS. Twenty‐two SCAD patients were matched to 66 controls by ACS type (ST‐elevation myocardial infarction 45%, Non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction 41%, unstable angina 14%).ResultsThe SCAD group were more likely female (77.3% vs 19.7%, P < 0.0001), of younger age (48.7 ± 10.7 years vs 61.3 ± 10.6 years, P < 0.0001) with no cases of diabetes (0% vs 33.3%, P = 0.002), compared to controls. SCAD patients had a high prevalence of anxiety, depression or previous neuropsychiatric history (52.4% SCAD vs 1.5% ACS, P < 0.0001). A conservative revascularization strategy with stenting was performed in a minority of SCAD patients (13.6% SCAD vs 83.3% ACS, P < 0.0001), with no significant difference in cumulative major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE) of death, stroke, re‐admission, or repeat angiography rates between both groups (13.6% SCAD vs 27.3% ACS P = NS).ConclusionSCAD affects young females with a paucity of cardiovascular risk factors. The major risk factor for SCAD was a history of anxiety, depression, or neuropsychiatric illness. A conservative approach to SCAD revascularization led to similar MACCE when compared to ACS controls undergoing guideline revascularization at 12 months.
Prognostic value of the age, creatinine, and ejection fraction score for non‐infarct‐related chronic total occlusion revascularization after primary percutaneous intervention in acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Deng Jie , Wang Xiaozeng , Shi Yana , Zhao Xin , Han Yaling 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveIt is not known if ACEF scores could evaluate the prognosis of recanalization of non‐infarct‐related coronary arteries (non‐IRA) with chronic total occlusions (CTO) in patients who successfully underwent primary PCI. The objective of the current study was to assess the prognostic value of ACEF scores in acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with non‐IRA CTO after successful primary PCI.MethodsThere were 2952 STEMI patients who underwent successful primary PCI from January 2006 to December 2014 in our hospital, among them 377 patients had a non‐IRA CTO lesion. The patients were divided into successful CTO‐PCI group (n = 221) and failed/non‐attempted CTO‐PCI group (n = 156). Patients were stratified based on the ACEF tertiles. Primary end points measured in the current study were major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as the composite of all‐cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, ischemia‐driven coronary revascularization and hospitalization for heart failure at 1 year.ResultsThe incidence of MACE, all‐cause death and cardiac death were higher in the failed/non‐attempted CTO‐PCI group (P < 0.001). In the successful CTO‐PCI group, the cumulative 1‐year incidences of MACE and all‐cause death were decreased compared to those in the failed/non‐attempted CTO‐PCI group (log‐rank P < 0.001). The risk for MACE was reduced in the successful CTO‐PCI group compared to the failed/non‐attempted CTO‐PCI group in patients with low and intermediate ACEF scores (log‐rank P = 0.02).ConclusionsSuccessfully staged CTO‐PCI could gain advantageous clinical outcomes in those patients with low or intermediate ACEF scores.
Cluster Confidence Index: A Streamline‐Wise Pathway Reproducibility Metric for Diffusion‐Weighted MRI Tractography
Authors: Jordan Kesshi M. , Amirbekian Bagrat , Keshavan Anisha , Henry Roland G. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDDiffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging tractography can be used to create models of white matter fascicles. Anatomical and pathological variability between subjects can drastically alter the tractography output, so standardizing results across a cohort is nontrivial. Furthermore, tractography methods have inherently low reproducibility due to stochasticity (for probabilistic methods) and subjective decisions, since the final fascicle model often requires a manual intervention step performed by an expert human operator to control both outliers and systematic false‐positive pathways, as defined by prior knowledge of anatomy.METHODSWe present an approach that computationally assigns a cluster confidence index (CCI) reflecting the reproducibility of that pathway in the context of a streamline dataset. This metric is a tractography algorithm‐agnostic tool that can be applied to any dataset of streamlines.RESULTSApplications of this metric include systematic elimination of outlier streamlines using a CCI threshold and interactive filtering by CCI to facilitate manual segmentation of fascicle models.CONCLUSIONSThis method is intended to replace the application of a streamline density threshold so that outliers are eliminated based on low pathway density instead of voxel‐wise density.