bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Profiling of inflammatory mediators in the synovial fluid related to pain in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Li , Li Zhenxing , Li Yuyan , Hu Xi , Zhang Yu , Fan Pei 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Inflammatory mediators in the synovial fluid (SF) play critical roles in the initiation and development of pain in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, data for inflammatory marker expression are conflicting, and the role of SF inflammatory mediators in neuropathic pain is not clear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify SF inflammatory mediators associated with nociceptive and neuropathic pain in KOA. Methods: Levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, MMP-3, MMP-13, metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5, calcitonin gene-related peptide, neuropeptide Y, substance P and bradykinin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in 86 patients. Nociceptive pain was assessed using the numeric rating scale (NRS), visual analog scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score. Neuropathic pain was determined using the PainDETECT questionnaire. Moreover, knee function was evaluated by the WOMAC score and range of motion (ROM) assessments. Radiological grade was defined using the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading scale. Results: Pain scores measured using different methods correlated highly with each other. A worse K-L grade and knee function were associated with worse pain. Expression of IL-1β and IL-6 was increased in the early stage compared with the late stage. The NRS score correlated positively with age, K-L grade, and the WOMAC score and negatively with ROM and TNF-α expression. The VAS correlated positively with age, K-L grade, and the WOMAC score but negatively with ROM and levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. The WOMAC pain score did not correlate with any of the inflammatory mediators measured; it correlated only with ROM. The PainDETECT score correlated only with the WOMAC score. Expression of other inflammatory mediators did not correlate with any of the pain scores. Conclusions: IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α play critical roles in pain in the early stage of KOA and correlate with pain. The catabolic enzymes and neuropeptides measured do not correlate with nociceptive and neuropathic pain. New biomarkers related to pain in the late stage need to be further investigated.
Quantitative Bone SPECT/CT: High Specificity for Identification of Prostate Cancer Bone Metastases
Authors: Tabotta Flavian , Jre Mario , Schaefer Niklaus , Becce Fabio , Prior John O. , Nicod-Lalonde Marie 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Purpose: Bone scintigraphy with 99mTc-labeled diphosphonates can identify prostate cancer bone metastases with high sensitivity, but relatively low specificity, because benign conditions such as osteoarthritis can also trigger osteoblastic reactions. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of 99mTc-2,3-dicarboxy propane-1,1-diphosphonate (99mTc-DPD) uptake quantification by single-photon emission computed tomography coupled with computed tomography (SPECT/CT) for distinguishing prostate cancer bone metastases from spinal and pelvic osteoarthritic lesions.
Methods: We retrospectively assessed 26 bone scans from 26 patients with known prostate cancer bone metastases and 13 control patients with benign spinal and pelvic osteoarthritic changes without known neoplastic disease. Quantitative SPECT/CT (xSPECT, Siemens Symbia Intevo, Erlangen, Germany) was performed and standardized uptake values (SUVs) were quantified with measurements of SUVmax and SUVmean (g/mL) in all bone metastases for the prostate cancer group and in lumbar and pelvic osteoarthritic changes for the control group. We used receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves to determine the optimum SUVmax cutoff value to distinguish between bone metastases and benign spinal and pelvic lesions.
Results: In total, 264 prostate cancer bone metastases were analyzed, showing a mean SUVmax and SUVmean of 34.6±24.6 and 20.8±14.7 g/mL, respectively. In 24 spinal and pelvic osteoarthritic lesions, mean SUVmax and SUVmean were 14.2±3.8 and 8.9±2.2 g/mL, respectively. SUVmax and SUVmean were both significantly different between the bone metastases and osteoarthritic groups (p≤0.0001). Using a SUVmax cutoff of 19.5 g/mL for prostate cancer bone metastases in the spine and pelvis, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 87%, 92%, 99% and 49%, respectively.
Conclusion: This study showed significant differences in quantitative 99mTc-DPD uptake on bone SPECT/CT between prostate cancer bone metastases and spinal and pelvic osteoarthritic changes, with higher SUVmax and SUVmean in metastases. Using a SUVmax cutoff of 19.5 g/mL, high specificity and positive predictive value for metastases identification in the spine and pelvis were found, thus increasing accuracy of bone scintigraphy.
The Effects of Tai Chi on Grade 1 Hypertension: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lee Sang Hyun , Kim Byung-Jun , Park In-Hwa , Hwang Eui-Hyoung , Park Eun Ju , Jang In-soo , Hwang Man-Suk 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Medication is generally recommended to reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by cardiovascular disease in hypertensive patients. However, considering the difficulties and economic factors associated with long-term medication, interest in tai chi as an exercise treatment method has been recently increasing in Korean medical practice. Numerous studies have suggested that tai chi can be used to treat various diseases and affect psychosomatic factors such as anxiety. This study aims to evaluate the effect of tai chi in reducing blood pressure among grade 1 hypertensive patients.Methods In this randomized, active-controlled, assessor-blinded, two parallel-armed trial, 80 grade 1 hypertension patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to the usual care group or to the tai chi group (n = 40 in each group). Subjects who voluntarily signed a study agreement will be educated to manage their own blood pressure by restricting salt intake, losing weight, moderating alcohol consumption, performing exercise, and regulating dietary intake at their first visit. In addition to self-management, the tai chi group will perform two 60-minute tai chi sessions per week for a total of 8 weeks. Blood pressure will be measured as the primary outcome. In addition, body composition, heart rate, and the perceived strength and difficulty of the exercise will be measured as secondary outcomes.Discussion This study intends to conduct a randomized controlled trial of tai chi, which is not widely practiced in Korea. This study will provide valuable data on the effects of tai chi on hypertension, to inform non-pharmaceutical treatment options for this disorder.
Occurrence and determinants of Klebsiella species bloodstream infection in the western interior of British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Reid Connor B. , Steele Lisa , Pasquill Kelsey , Parfitt Elizabeth C. , Laupland Kevin 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
BACKGROUND Klebsiella species are among the most common causes of bloodstream infection (BSI). However, few studies have evaluated their epidemiology in non-selected populations. The objective was to define the incidence of, risk factors for, and outcomes from Klebsiella species BSI among residents of the western interior of British Columbia, Canada.METHODS Population-based surveillance was conducted between April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2017.RESULTS 151 episodes were identified for an incidence of 12.1 per 100,000 population per year; the incidences of K. pneumoniae and K. oxytoca were 9.1 and 2.9 per 100,000 per year, respectively. Overall 24 (16%) were hospital-onset, 90 (60%) were healthcare-associated, and 37 (25%) were community-associated. The median patient age was 71.4 (interquartile range, 58.8-80.9) years and 88 (58%) cases were males. Episodes were uncommon among patients aged Common.EditSubmissionSteps.Transform.EquationText 40 years old and no cases were observed among those aged Common.EditSubmissionSteps.Transform.EquationText 10 years. A number of co-morbid medical illnesses were identified as significant risks and included (incidence rate ratio; 95% confidence interval) cerebrovascular accident (5.9; 3.3-9.9), renal disease 4.3; 2.5-7.0), cancer (3.8; 2.6-5.5), congestive heart failure (3.5; 1.6-6.6), dementia (2.9; 1.5-5.2), diabetes mellitus (2.6; 1.7-3.9), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2.3; 1.5-3.5). Of the 141 (93%) patients admitted to hospital, the median hospital length stay was 8 days (interquartile range, 4-17). The in-hospital and 30-day all cause case-fatality rates were 24/141 (17%) and 27/151 (18%), respectively.CONCLUSIONS Klebsiella species BSI is associated with a significant burden of illness particularly among those with chronic co-morbid illnesses.
Determinants of Undernutrition among Children Under-Five Years Old in Southern Ethiopia: Does Pregnancy Intention Matter? A Community-Based Unmatched Case-Control Study
Authors: Shaka Mohammed Feyisso , Woldie Yetayal Birhanu , Lola Hirbaye Mokona , Olkamo Kalkidan Yohannes , Anbasse Adane Tesfaye 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background: Stunting, which describes a small height for one’s age, is an indicator of chronic malnutrition. It develops mainly as a result of prolonged food deprivation or a chronic disease or illness. Unintended pregnancies and unplanned births are among the psychological factors that negatively affect the nutritional status of children. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of unintended pregnancies and other family and child characteristics on the nutritional status of children under 5 years old.
Methods: A community-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among 302 children (151 cases and 151 controls) 6–59 months old in Wonago town, Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. The cases were stunted children and the controls were non-stunted children in the study area. The cases were randomly selected from among the stunted children, and the controls were randomly selected from among the non-stunted children. The descriptive characteristics of the respondents were compared using the chi-squared test, and a multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the effects of an unintended pregnancy on stunting, after controlling for the other variables, with a p value of 0.05.
Results: The result revealed that unintended pregnancy is found to be among predictors of stunting where children from unintended pregnancy were about three times more likely to be stunted [AOR: 2.62, CI: (1.26, 5.45)]. The other predictors identified in this study were educational status of the father, wealth index of the household and daily meal frequency. From the finding, children from illiterate fathers [AOR: 3.43, CI: (1.04, 11.29)], children from poorer household economic status [AOR: 2.32, CI: (1.20, 4.49)] and children whom their daily meal frequency is below the recommended number of feeding [AOR: 4.50, CI: (1.31, 15.49)] were found to be more stunted.
Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, the children born from unintended pregnancies exhibited a significantly higher risk of stunting. Therefore, preventing unintended pregnancy could play a great role in decreasing the risk of stunting in children.
Carbonate dual-phase improves the ionic conductivity and performance of mixed ionic and semiconductor single-layer fuel cell
Authors: Jouttijärvi S. , Yao Xueli , Asghar M. I. , Etula Jarkko , Reinecke A.-M. , Lippmann W. , Lund Peter 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA mixed ionic and semiconducting composite in a single-layer configuration has been shown to work as a fuel cell at a lower temperature (500-600 oC) than a traditional solid-oxide fuel cell. The performance of such single-layer fuel cell (SLFC) is often limited by high resistive losses. Here, an eutectic mixture of alkali-carbonates was added to SLFC to improve the ionic conductivity. The dual-phase composite ionic conductor consisted of a ternary carbonate (sodium lithium potassium carbonate, NLKC) mixed with gadolinium-doped cerium oxide (GDC). Lithium nickel zinc oxide (LNZ) was used as the semiconducting material. The LNZ-GDC-NLKC SLFC reached a high power density, 582 mW/cm2 (conductivity 0.22 S/cm) at 600 °C, which is more than 30 times better than without the carbonate. The best results were obtained with the ternary carbonate which decreased the ohmic losses of the cell by more than 95%, whereas a binary carbonate (sodium lithium carbonate, NLC) showed a lower conductivity and performance (243 mW/cm2, 0.17 S/cm at 600°C). It is concluded that adding carbonates to the LNZ-GDC will improve the ionic conductivity and positively contribute to the cell performance. These results will help to design better-performing SLFCs in the future and highlight the potential of SLFCs as a candidate for future electricity generation.
Home parenteral nutrition with an omega-3 fatty acid enriched MCT/LCT lipid emulsion in patients with chronic intestinal failure (the HOME study): Study protocol for a randomized, controlled, multicenter, international clinical trial
Authors: Klek Stanislaw , Chambrier Cecile , Cooper Sheldon C , Gabe Simon , Kunecki Marek , Pironi Loris , Rahman Farooq , Sobocki Jacek , Szczepanek Kinga , Wanten Geert , Lincke Nicole , Glotzbach Bernhard , Forbes Alastair 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is a life-preserving therapy for patients with chronic intestinal failure (CIF) indicated for patients who cannot achieve their nutritional requirements by enteral intake. Intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs) are an essential component of HPN providing energy and essential fatty acids, but can become a risk factor for intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). In HPN patients, major effort is taken in the prevention of IFALD. Novel ILEs containing a proportion of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) could be of benefit, but the data on the use of n-3 PUFA in HPN patients are still limited.Methods The HOME study is a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicenter, international clinical trial conducted in European hospitals that treat HPN patients. A total of 160 patients (80 per group) will be randomly assigned to receive the n-3 PUFA enriched medium/long-chain triglyceride (MCT/LCT) ILE (Lipidem / Lipoplus ® 200 mg/ml, B. Braun Melsungen AG) or the MCT/LCT ILE (Lipofundin ® MCT/LCT / Medialipide ® 20%, B. Braun Melsungen AG) for a projected period of eight weeks. The primary endpoint is the combined change of liver function parameters (total bilirubin, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase) from baseline to final visit. Secondary objectives are the further evaluation of safety and tolerability as well as the efficacy of the ILEs.Discussion Currently, there are only very few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of ILEs in HPN, and there are very few data at all on the use of n-3 PUFAs. The aim of the HOME study is to demonstrate that the n-3 PUFA enriched ILE is safe and well tolerated especially with regard to liver function in patients requiring HPN. The study will provide data from a considerable number of CIF patients and thus contribute to broaden the present evidence on the use of ILEs in HPN.
Minimally invasive versus conventional fixation of tracer in robot-assisted pedicle screw insertion surgery: a randomized control trial
Authors: Yongqi Li , Dehua Zhang , Hongzi Wu , Ke Zhang , Rui Yang , Zhou Fang , Shaobo Wang , Liao yi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background This study evaluated the minimal invasiveness, safety, and accuracy of robot-assisted pedicle screw placement procedure using a modified tracer fixation device. Methods Patients were randomly assigned to conventional fixation group (25 patients) and modified fixation group (27 patients). Results No baseline statistical difference was observed between the groups ( P >0.05). The length of unnecessary incision, amount of bleeding, and fixation duration for tracer fixation respectively were 6.08±1.02 mm, 1.46±0.84 ml, and 1.56±0.32 min in the modified fixation group and 40.28±8.52 mm, 12.02±2.24 ml, and 5.08±1.06 min in the conventional group. The difference between both groups was significant ( P <0.05). However, no significant difference between the two groups was observed in terms of the accuracy of pedicle screw placement ( P >0.05). Conclusions The modified minimally invasive procedure for tracer fixation results in minimal trauma and is simple, reliable, and highly safe. Additionally, the procedure does not compromise the accuracy of pedicle screw placement. Thus, it has great clinical applicable value.
Adding dexmedetomidine to morphine-based analgesia reduces early postoperative nausea in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Huai Jin , Liu Shan , Geng Zhiyu , Li Xue Ying 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Few studies have investigated the effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients underwent gynecological laparoscopic surgery. We investigated if adding dexmedetomidine to a morphine-based patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) could decrease the incidence of PONV in this high-risk patient population.
Methods: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study, 122 patients underwent gynecological laparoscopic surgery were assigned into two groups. Patients in the dexmedetomidine group (Group Dex) received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine 0.4μg/kg before the end of surgery, followed by morphine 0.5mg/ml plus dexmedetomidine 1μg/ml for postoperative i.v. PCA. Patients in the control group (Group Ctrl) received normal saline before the end of surgery, followed by morphine 0.5mg/ml alone for postoperative i.v. PCA. PCA pump was programmed as followed: bolus dose 2ml, lockout interval 8 minutes and background infusion at a rate of 1ml/h. The primary outcome was the incidence of nausea and vomiting within the first postoperative 24 hours.
Results: Although there were no significant differences in regard to the total incidence of PONV (41.0% vs 52.5%, P=0.204), PONV score, time to first onset of PONV, or the need for rescue antiemetics within the first postoperative 24 hr between the two groups, the incidence of nausea and total PONV during the first 2h period was significantly lower in the Group Dex than in the Group Ctrl (9.8% vs 24.6%, P=0.031 and 0.031, respectively). More patients in Group Dex were over sedated or had bradycardia during the PACU compared with Group Ctrl (P=0.040 and 0.036, respectively).
Conclusion: Adding dexmedetomidine to morphine-based PCA with a loading dose might reduce the incidence of early postoperative nausea but not total PONV within 24h after surgery in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Potential Antioxidant Defense Mechanisms of Myzus persicae in Response to UV-B Stress
Authors: Yang Changli , Zhang Changyu , Meng Jianyu , Yao Mengshuang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: As an environmental stress factor, ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation directly affects the growth and development of Myzus persicae. Excessive UV-B stress leads to DNA, membrane lipid, and protein damage by the production of reactive oxygen species. However, M. persicae can adaptively respond to such environmental stress by activating the relevant mechanisms in the body. How M. persicae responds to UV-B stress and the molecular mechanisms underlying this adaptation remain unknown. Results: Here, we compared and analyzed transcriptome data for M. persicae following exposure to a light-emitting diode fluorescent lamp and UV-B radiation for 30 min. We identified 758 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) following exposure to UV-B stress, including 423 upregulated and 335 downregulated genes. In addition, enrichment analysis using the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases illustrated that these DEGs are associated with antioxidation and detoxification, metabolic and protein turnover, immune response, and stress signal transduction. Simultaneously, these DEGs are closely related to the adaptability to UV-B stress.Conclusions: Our results suggest that UV-B stress is associated with a wide range of physiological effects in M. persicae. Our research can raise awareness of the mechanisms of insect responses to UV-B stress.
The modified cross-suture technique for unilateral pulled-out anchor during all-inside meniscal repair
Authors: Ni Jianlong , Shi Zhibin , Fan Lihong , Guo Ning , Wang Haoyu , Dang Xiaoqian , Li Dichen 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: In consideration of meniscal repair has received increasingly more attention, but for inexperienced doctors, various technical errors may occur when meniscal suture repair is performed, particularly during all-inside meniscal suture repairing. When the errors is happened intraoperatively, how to minimize the loss under the effectiveness of treatment is a topic worth studying. Methods: From May 2014 to May 2017, 28 cases diagnosed with injures of meniscus and anterior cruciate ligaments were enrolled in the study as observation group. All cases underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction concurrently. All meniscus injuries were repaired with an all-inside meniscal repair technique, and 1-3 needles of unilateral suture anchor pulling out occurred intraoperatively. The method of modified cross-suture was used to remedy the error of anchor pulling out and to eventually complete the effective repair. During postoperative follow-up, the range of motion, Lachman test and pivot shift test were confirmed by physical examination. The clinical healing of meniscus was evaluated according to the Barrett standard. Meniscus healing status was also confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The function of the knee joint was evaluated with the IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner scores. Results: 25 cases of observation group and 28 cases of control group received complete follow-up with an average follow-up of 18.4±5.2 months. All operations were finished by the same surgeon. At the follow-up one year after operation, the average knee ROM of two groups were 125.2±4.3 degrees and 124.7±3.8 degrees, the clinical healing rate of the meniscus of two groups were 92.0% (23/25) and 92.9% (26/28), the MRI healing rate of the menniscus of two groups were 72.0% (18/25) and 71.4% (20/28), the IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner scores of two groups were 90.52±2.8, 89.17±3.1, 6.81±1.7 and 91.42±1.9, 90.32±3.4, 7.02±1.4, the differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions: The method of modified cross-suture is effective for arthroscopic remediation for unilateral suture anchor pulling out of an all-inside meniscal repair system.