bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Forster Anne , Young John , Chapman Katie , Nixon Jane , Patel Anita , Holloway Ivana , Mellish Kirste , Anwar Shamaila , Breen Rachel , Knapp Martin , Murray Jenni , Farrin Amanda 
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose—
We developed a new postdischarge system of care comprising a structured assessment covering longer-term problems experienced by patients with stroke and their carers, linked to evidence-based treatment algorithms and reference guides (the longer-term stroke care system of care) to address the poor longer-term recovery experienced by many patients with stroke.

Methods—
A pragmatic, multicentre, cluster randomized controlled trial of this system of care. Eligible patients referred to community-based Stroke Care Coordinators were randomized to receive the new system of care or usual practice. The primary outcome was improved patient psychological well-being (General Health Questionnaire-12) at 6 months; secondary outcomes included functional outcomes for patients, carer outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. Follow-up was through self-completed postal questionnaires at 6 and 12 months.

Results—

Thirty-two stroke services were randomized (29 participated); 800 patients (399 control; 401 intervention) and 208 carers (100 control; 108 intervention) were recruited. In intention to treat analysis, the adjusted difference in patient General Health Questionnaire-12 mean scores at 6 months was −0.6 points (95% confidence interval, −1.8 to 0.7;
P
=0.394) indicating no evidence of statistically significant difference between the groups. Costs of Stroke Care Coordinator inputs, total health and social care costs, and quality-adjusted life year gains at 6 months, 12 months, and over the year were similar between the groups.

Conclusions—
This robust trial demonstrated no benefit in clinical or cost-effectiveness outcomes associated with the new system of care compared with usual Stroke Care Coordinator practice.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.controlled-trials.com
. Unique identifier: ISRCTN 67932305.
Population structure and dynamics of the freshwater shrimp Atyaephyra desmarestii (Millet, 1831) in the lower River Minho (NW Portugal)
Authors: Fidalgo Maria L. , Santos Paulo , Ferreira Cláudia , Silva Andreia 
Published: July 2015

This paper reports population dynamics, growth, and reproductive features ofAtyaephyra desmarestii(Millet, 1831) from the estuary of the River Minho. Also, data were compared to information available from its distribution range. Samples were taken monthly between October 2010 and September 2011. Males were less abundant and smaller than females. The growth pattern showed hardly any increase during the autumn and winter, but a fast increase in size was recorded in spring, followed by slower growth in summer. The life span was 11-12 months. The reproductive period was from April to August, and mean fecundity reached 643 ± 254 eggs/female. Juveniles started to appear in July and a strong recruitment occurred in summer and autumn. The ecological relevance of the shrimp supports the need of obtaining further and more specific knowledge on the relationship between geographical distribution and water quality. Our results coupled with longer time series in different localities will be essential to the conservation of the species.
Recognizing the species of Thuja (Cupressaceae) based on their cone and foliage morphology
Authors: Sun Bin , Cui Yi-Ming , Wang Hai-Feng , Ferguson David Kay , Xiang Qiao-Ping , Ma Qing-Wen , Wang Yu-Fei 
Published: July 2015

Thuja, with 5 extant species, exhibiting a disjunctive distribution between East Asia (3 species) and North America (2 species), was investigated with respect to the morphological characters of foliage and cones by LM and SEM. Here we provide 2 keys to all 5 species of Thuja based on the cones and foliage respectively, which not only can be used for identifying extant Thuja at the species level, but also have a great potential for recognizing and/or linking the fossil species to living ones, and further tracing the evolutionary history of the genus.
The Influence of the MJO on the Intraseasonal Variability of Northern Hemisphere Spring Snow Depth
Authors: Barrett Bradford S. , Henderson Gina R. , Werling Joshua S. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Intraseasonal variability in springtime Northern Hemisphere daily snow depth change (ΔSD) by phase of the MJO was explored in this study. Principal findings of the relationship between ΔSD and the MJO included the following: 1) Statistically significant regions of lagged ΔSD anomalies for multiple phases of the MJO were found in March, April, and May in both North America and Eurasia. 2) In each month, lagged ΔSD anomalies were physically supported by corresponding lagged anomalies of 500-hPa height (Z500) and surface air temperature (SAT). Spearman rank correlation coefficients indicated a moderate to strong relationship between both Z500 and ΔSD and SAT and ΔSD in both Eurasia and North America for phases 5 and 7 in March. In April, a moderately strong relationship between Z500 and ΔSD was found over Eurasia for phase 5, but the relationship between SAT and ΔSD was weak. In May, correlations between ΔSD and both Z500 and SAT over a hemisphere-wide latitude band from 60° to 75°N were close to −0.5 and −0.4, respectively. Given the strength of these statistical relationships, the following physical pathway is proposed for intraseasonal variability of spring snow depth changes: poleward-propagating Rossby waves in response to tropical MJO convection interact with Northern Hemisphere background flow, leading to anomalous troughing and ridging. These anomalous circulation centers then impact daily snow depth change via precipitation processes and anomalies in surface air temperature.
Midlatitude–Equatorial Dynamics of a Grounded Deep Western Boundary Current. Part II: Cross-Equatorial Dynamics
Authors: Swaters Gordon E. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis is Part II of a two-part theoretical study into the midlatitude–cross-equatorial dynamics of a deep western boundary current (DWBC) in an idealized meridionally aligned, differentially rotating ocean basin with zonally varying parabolic bottom topography. Part I determined the midlatitude flow across the planetary vorticity gradient and the dynamics of the DWBC as it begins to enter the equatorial region in the “intermediate equatorial region.” Part II determines the nonlinear dynamics of the DWBC as it flows across the basin along the equator in the “inner equatorial region.” The large-scale structure of the flow within the inner equatorial region corresponds to a zonally aligned nonlinear stationary planetary wave pattern that meanders about the equator in which the flow exits the equatorial region on the eastern side of the basin. In addition to numerically determining the pathlines for the large-scale equatorial flow, an approximate nonlinear model is introduced for which an analytical solution can be obtained for the nonlinear planetary wave along the equator. If the DWBC exits the equatorial region into the opposite hemisphere from its source hemisphere, the characteristic curves associated with the flow must necessarily intersect within the inner equatorial region. It is in the regions of intersecting characteristics that dissipation makes a leading-order contribution to the dynamics and induces the requisite potential vorticity adjustment permitting the cross-equatorial flow of a DWBC that is in planetary geostrophic dynamical balance in midlatitudes.
Chinese Land Grabbing in Argentina and Colombia
Authors: Puyana Alicia , Costantino Agostina 
Published: July 2015

Land grabbing by foreigners may be seen as the transfer of value from countries of the periphery to the countries of the center. China is one of the principal countries acquiring land in Latin America, and Argentina and Colombia are the main countries in which its investment is concentrated. The explicit objective of Chinese investment in land there is, in addition to the pursuit of profits in both food production and land value, acquiring a guaranteed supply of cheap food to sustain its low industrial wages and of Chinese manufactures to maintain its competitiveness at the international level. This makes this investment of crucial interest because it allows us to understand the dependent character of the development measures that are being employed in those Latin American countries despite their different ideological orientations. Se puede considerar el acaparamiento de tierras por extranjeros como la transferencia de valor de países de la periferia a países del centro. La China es uno de los principales países que adquiere tierra en América Latina, y su inversión se concentra mayormente en Argentina y Colombia. El objetivo explícito de la inversión china en tierras allí es, además de la búsqueda de ganancias en producción de comestibles y valor del suelo, adquirir un suministro garantizado de comestibles baratos para sostener sus bajos sueldos industriales y para que la manufactura china mantenga su competitividad a nivel internacional. Por eso, esta inversión es de crucial interés porque nos permite comprender el carácter dependiente de las medidas de desarrollo que se emplean en esos países latinoamericanos a pesar de sus distintas orientaciones ideológicas.
Antidepressants with a high serotonin reuptake transporter affinity and serum lipid levels in a population-based study in older adults
Authors: Noordam Raymond , Aarts Nikkie , de Keyser Catherine E , Hofman Albert , Stricker Bruno H , Visser Loes E 
Published: July 2015

Objective: We aimed to investigate the association between antidepressants and serum lipid levels in a population-based study in older adults. Methods: We included participants from the prospective Rotterdam Study with data on lipid levels (total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides). We classified antidepressants based on binding affinity to the serotonin transporter (low/intermediate- and high-affinity antidepressants). We compared lipid levels in users of these groups of antidepressants with lipid levels in non-users. Furthermore, we studied effect modification by the 102C>T polymorphism ( HTR2A gene), which is associated with antidepressant drug response and metabolic outcomes. Results: Compared with non-users ( N = 6438), LDL cholesterol level was higher (2.9 versus 3.1 mmol/L, respectively; p = 0.05) in users of high-affinity antidepressants ( N = 89). Similar levels of the other lipids were observed between the groups for the other lipids. The mean difference in serum LDL cholesterol level between non-users and users of high-affinity antidepressants was largest in participants with the CC genotype compared with the other genotypes (notably 0.47 mmol/L), indicative of effect modification ( p-value for interaction = 0.03). Conclusion: Antidepressants with a high serotonin reuptake transporter affinity were associated with higher LDL cholesterol levels, which were modified by a common genetic variation in the HTR2A gene.
Expression and clinicopathological significance of microRNA-21 and programmed cell death 4 in malignant melanoma
Authors: Jiao Jian , Fan Yu , Zhang Yan 
Published: July 2015

Objective To measure levels of microRNA (miR)-21 and its target gene, programmed cell death 4 ( PDCD4), in samples of human cutaneous malignant melanoma and normal non-malignant control skin. Methods Relative levels of miR-21 and PDCD4 mRNA were measured using a quantitative real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Correlations between the levels of the two molecules and the clinicopathological characteristics of malignant melanoma were analysed. Results A total of 67 cases of human cutaneous malignant melanoma were analysed and compared with 67 samples of normal nonmalignant control skin. Compared with normal skin samples, the relative level of miR-21 was significantly higher and the relative level of PDCD4 mRNA was significantly lower in the melanoma specimens. A significant negative correlation between PDCD4 mRNA and miR-21 was demonstrated in malignant melanoma ( r = −0.602). Elevated miR-21 and reduced PDCD4 mRNA levels were both significantly correlated with increased tumour size, a higher Clark classification level and the presence of lymph node metastases in malignant melanoma. Conclusions These findings suggest that miR-21 and PDCD4 might be potential biomarkers for malignant melanoma and might provide treatment targets in the future.
Customary Law in One Area of 20th Century Africa: The Chagga of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
Authors: Moore Sally Falk 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe term ‘customary law’ has many layers of meaning when applied to the African experience. This article gives a vivid example of a practice of the Chagga people of Kilimanjaro which they regard as a matter of custom. But the paper also makes clear that the idea of customary law has had changing significance in the British colonial period, in the post-colonial present, and in anthropological theory. The article presents some of the concepts which the author has found useful in analyzing this complex topic.
Characteristics of clinical trials that require participants to be fluent in English
Authors: Egleston Brian L , Pedraza Omar , Wong Yu-Ning , Dunbrack Roland L , Griffin Candace L , Ross Eric A , Beck J Robert 
Published: July 2015

Background/Aims: Diverse samples in clinical trials can make findings more generalizable. We sought to characterize the prevalence of clinical trials in the United States that required English fluency for participants to enroll in the trial. Methods: We randomly chose over 10,000 clinical trial protocols registered with ClinicalTrials.gov and examined the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the trials. We compared the relationship of clinical trial characteristics with English fluency inclusion requirements. We merged the ClinicalTrials.gov data with US Census and American Community Survey data to investigate the association of English-language restrictions with ZIP-code-level demographic characteristics of participating institutions. We used Chi-squared tests, t-tests, and logistic regression models for analyses. Results: English fluency requirements have been increasing over time, from 1.7% of trials having such requirements before 2000 to 9.0% after 2010 (p < 0.001 from Chi-squared test). Industry-sponsored trials had low rates of English fluency requirements (1.8%), while behavioral trials had high rates (28.4%). Trials opening in the Northeast of the United States had the highest regional English requirement rates (10.7%), while trials opening in more than one region had the lowest (3.3%, p < 0.001). Since 1995, trials opening in ZIP codes with larger Hispanic populations were less likely to have English fluency requirements (odds ratio = 0.92 for each 10% increase in proportion of Hispanics, 95% confidence interval = 0.86–0.98, p = 0.013). Trials opening in ZIP codes with more residents self-identifying as Black/African American (odds ratio = 1.87, 95% confidence interval = 1.36–2.58, p < 0.001 for restricted cubic spline term) or Asian (odds ratio = 1.16 for linear term, 95% confidence interval = 1.07–1.25, p < 0.001) were more likely to have English fluency requirements. ZIP codes with higher poverty rates had trials with more English-language restrictions (odds ratio = 1.06 for a 10% poverty rate increase, 95% confidence interval = 1.001–1.11, p = 0.045). There was a statistically significant interaction between year and intervention type, such that the increase in English fluency requirements was more common for some interventions than for others. Conclusion: The proportion of clinical trials registered with ClinicalTrials.gov that have English fluency requirements for study inclusion has been increasing over time. English-language restrictions are associated with a number of characteristics, including the demographic characteristics of communities in which the sponsoring institutions are located.
The Clinical Effects of Fermented Papaya Preparation® (FPP®) on Oxidative Stress in Patients with HbE/ β -Thalassaemia
Authors: Jamuar Saumya Shekhar , Tan Ee Shien , Sun Li , Law Hai Yang , Lai Angeline HM , Ng Ivy SL 
Published: July 2015

Background: Red blood cells (RBC) of patients with thalassaemia are under continuous oxidative stress. Fermented papaya preparation® (FPP®) has been shown to have an antioxidative effect and is postulated to reduce the oxidative stress on RBC. Objective: To study the clinical effects of FPP® treatment in patients with HbE/β-thalassaemia on RBC indices, oxidative stress and quality of life scores. Method: Patients with HbE/β-thalassaemia who do not receive regular blood transfusion were included in the study and were given FPP® daily (3gm 2 times a day) for 12 weeks. Peripheral blood samples were obtained at the initiation of the study and at 4-weekly intervals thereafter for a period of 12 weeks. The following parameters were measured: Haemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), reticulocyte count; Oxidation studies: production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular glutathione content (GSH), spontaneously and in response to oxidative stress; Quality of life (QoL) at the start and at the end of 12 weeks using health survey questionnaires. Results: Seven patients (5 females and 2 males) were recruited to the study from January 2006 to April 2006. Median age of the study population was 19 years (range 4 to 27yrs). In vitro analyses showed production of significantly less ROS and more GSH following treatment. There was no significant difference in the Hb, MCV, reticulocyte count, clinical parameters or QoL scores. FPP® was well tolerated by all the patients. Conclusion: Although oxidative stress parameters were decreased, FPP® did not have any significant effect on the Hb levels or QoL. Longer studies on larger sample size are required to study the long-term clinical effect of FPP® on clinical parameters in patients with Hb E/β-thalassaemia.
Smoking Cessation: Barriers, Motivators and the Role of Physicians — A Survey of Physicians and Patients
Authors: Joshi Veena , Suchin Viranak , Lim Jeremy 
Published: July 2015

Objective: To identify the motivators of and barriers to smoking cessation and to evaluate the dynamics of the patient-physician visit. Methods: A total of 175 physicians and 347 patient-smokers completed a written questionnaire about their attitudes and behaviours toward smoking cessation. Physicians were additionally queried on their level of involvement in the smoking cessation efforts of their patients. Results: Patient smokers had an average age of 42 years and had been smoking for 15 years. Males and females smoked 17 and 8 cigarettes a day respectively. About 50% of the subjects had made 2–5 attempts to quit smoking in the past and one-third of the subjects had tried to quit once. The top 2 motivators to quit smoking citied by both smokers and physicians were concern about their own health and concern about the health of family members and friends. The third reason given by patient-smokers was the cost of cigarettes. Physicians felt it was their advice that had persuaded/convinced patient-smokers to quit. Both physicians and patient-smokers agreed that the key barriers to smoking cessation were craving/physical addiction and smokers' concern of withdrawal symptoms if they attempted quitting. While both physicians and patients identified similar barriers to smoking cessation, there was a difference in perception about the role physicians play: 55% of physicians said that they discussed smoking cessation with their patients, but only 15% of the patients agreed with this statement. In addition, 78% of physicians said they started the initial discussion while 63% of patient-smokers said they themselves started the initial discussion. Conclusion: Smokers and physicians identified similar motivators of and barriers to smoking cessation. However, there were differences in perception over the roles physicians play.
Spinal Cord Stimulation for the Treatment of Intractable Pain from Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Authors: Pasutharnchat Koravee , Ho Kok-Yuen 
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a debilitating chronic neuropathic pain condition, affecting approximately 10–40% of patients after lumbosacral spine surgery. Treatment of FBSS is challenging as conservative therapies and repeat surgery often fail in providing adequate pain relief. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been proven to be a successful therapeutic option in FBSS patients. Case Report: A 23 year-old male presented with persistent low back pain and bilateral radicular pain after spinal surgery. He was also wheelchair-bound because of his severe pain. Conservative treatment with oral analgesics and interventional pain procedures were unsuccessful in improving his pain. Subsequently, we performed a permanent implantation of epidural leads for SCS after a successful trial of SCS. He reported good coverage of pain without complications after the procedure. Three months after surgery, and after intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation, he could walk and return to work. Conclusion: We describe our first successful case of treating intractable pain from FBSS in a patient after implantation of SCS leads in our institution.
Health-Related Quality of Life of Caregivers of People with Parkinson's Disease in Singapore
Authors: Tan Siok Bee , Williams Allison F , Morris Meg E , Tan Eng King 
Published: July 2015

Introduction: To investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of caregivers for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) living in Singapore. Methods: A face-to-face survey was conducted with a cross-section of caregivers for people with PD. The caregivers were recruited from a PD clinic at an acute tertiary hospital in Singapore and from the members of the Singapore Parkinson's Disease Society. HRQoL was quantified using the SF-36v2® Health Survey, an internationally validated multi-purpose short-form health survey. Results: Ninety-four caregivers completed the survey (a response rate of 57.3%). The respondents were all above 21 years old, with most falling in the 51 and >61 years age range. Seventy-four of the respondents (78.7%) were female. As a whole, the caregivers scored lower in all 6 health domains compared to the general population (adjusted for age, gender and ethnic group) in Singapore. The were significant differences for the “Role Physical” and the “Role Emotional” domains, at 3.9 and 3.3 respectively. Caregivers had a much lower mental component summary (-2.4) when compared to the physical component summary (-1.6). Conclusion: It is important to identify the factors that influence the HRQoL of caregivers so that policies can be developed to lower the burden of PD on caregivers. Assessing the well-being of caregivers may help to identify individuals at risk. The well-being of caregivers has the potential to influence quality of life of people with PD.