bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing a composite outcome measure for frailty prevention trials – rationale, derivation and sample size comparison with other candidate measures
Authors: Witham Miles D. , Wason James , Dodds Richard M , Sayer Avan A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Introduction Frailty is the loss of ability to withstand a physiological stressor, and is associated with multiple adverse outcomes in older people. Trials to prevent or ameliorate frailty are in their infancy. A range of different outcome measures have been proposed, but current measures require either large sample sizes, long follow-up, or do not directly measure the construct of frailty. Methods We propose a composite outcome for frailty prevention trials, comprising progression to the frail state, death, or being too unwell to continue in a trial. To determine likely event rates, we used data from the English Longitudinal Study for Ageing, collected 4 years apart. We calculated transition rates between non-frail, prefrail, frail or loss to follow up due to death or illness. We used Markov state transition models to interpolate one- and two-year transition rates, and performed sample size calculations for a range of differences in transition rates using simple and composite outcomes. Results The frailty category was calculable for 4650 individuals at baseline (2226 non-frail, 1907 prefrail, 517 frail); at follow up, 1282 were non-frail, 1108 were prefrail, 318 were frail and 1936 had dropped out or were unable to complete all tests for frailty. Transition probabilities for those prefrail at baseline, measured at wave 4 were respectively 0.176, 0.286, 0.096 and 0.442 to non-frail, prefrail, frail and dead/dropped out. Interpolated transition probabilities were 0.159, 0.494, 0.113 and 0.234 at two years, and 0.108, 0.688, 0.087 and 0.117 at one year. Required sample sizes for a two-year outcome were between 1000 and 7200 for transition from prefrailty to frailty alone, 250 to 1600 for transition to the composite measure, and 75 to 350 using the composite measure with an ordinal logistic regression approach. Conclusion Use of a composite outcome for frailty trials offers reduced sample sizes and could ameliorate the effect of high loss to follow up inherent in such trials due to death and illness.
­­A convolutional neural network-based system to detect malignant findings in FDG PET/CT examinations
Authors: Kawauchi Keisuke , Furuya Sho , Hirata Kenji , Katoh Chietsugu , Manabe Osamu , Kobayashi Kentaro , Watanabe Shiro , Shiga Tohru 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: As the number of PET/CT scanners increases and FDG PET/CT becomes a common imaging modality for oncology, the demands for automated detection systems on artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent human oversight and misdiagnosis are rapidly growing. We aimed to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based system that can classify whole-body FDG PET as 1) benign, 2) malignant, or 3) equivocal.
Methods: This retrospective study investigated 3,485 sequential patients with malignant or suspected malignant disease, who underwent whole-body FDG PET/CT at our institute. All the cases were classified into the 3 categories by a nuclear medicine physician. A residual network (ResNet)-based CNN architecture was built for classifying patients into the 3 categories. In addition, we performed region-based analysis of the CNN (head-and-neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvic region).
Results: There were 1,280 (37%), 1,450 (42%), and 755 (22%) patients classified as benign, malignant and equivocal, respectively. In patient-based analysis, the CNN predicted benign, malignant and equivocal images with 99.4%, 99.4%, and 87.5% accuracy, respectively. In region-based analysis, the prediction was correct with the probability of 97.3% (head-and-neck), 96.6% (chest), 92.8% (abdomen) and 99.6% (pelvic region), respectively.
Conclusion: The CNN-based system reliably classified FDG PET images into 3 categories, indicating that it could be helpful for physicians as a double-checking system to prevent oversight and misdiagnosis.
Mobile phone usage in patients with type II diabetes and their intention to use it for self-management: a cross-sectional study in Iran
Authors: Jeddi Fatemeh Rangraz , Nabovati Ehsan , Hamidi Rahele , Sharif Reihane 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Mobile health has potential for promotion of self-management in patients with chronic diseases. This study was conducted to investigate smartphone usage in patients with type II diabetes and their intention to use it for self-management.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 with 176 patients with type II diabetes visiting a specialized diabetes clinic or one of two endocrinology and metabolism specialists in north of Iran. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire containing items on demographic characteristics, disease information, use of mobile phones, smartphones and the internet, and intention to use mobile phones for diabetes self-management.
Results: The majority of the participants had mobile phones (94.9%), smartphones (61.1%), and daily access to the internet (81.3%), and used phones two hours per day on average (80.1%). They mostly used mobile phones to contact friends (89.2%) and search for information (50.6%), and their greatest intention for using smartphones and the internet for self-management was related to dietary planning (96%), checking blood glucose (90.9%), and contacting specialists (87.5%). Younger participants were more interested in using smartphone applications (apps) (P<0.001). About half of the participants argued that using apps can be interesting (54%) and useful (50%) for diabetes management, and intended to use apps much more in future (48.3%).
Conclusions: The majority of patients with type II diabetes are inclined to use mobile phone and the Internet, especially to plan their diet, check blood glucose, and contact their doctors. The present study provides valuable information for designing and implementing interventions based on mHealth to promote self-management in type II diabetes.
Fructo-Oligosaccharides Ameliorate Steatohepatitis, Visceral Adiposity, and Associated Chronic Inflammation via Increased Production of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in a Mouse Model of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Takai Atsuko , Kikuchi Kentaro , Ichimura Mayuko , Tsuneyama Koichi , Moritoki Yuki , Matsumoto Kotaro , Tsunashima Hiromichi , Onda Takeshi , Kuniyoshi Noriyuki , Nariyama Tomoyuki , Ohyatsu Sho , Kubota Juri , Nagumo Kozue , Sato Shipei , Hara Masumi , Miyakawa Hiroshi 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Within the spectrum of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in combination with hepatic inflammation and fibrosis can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Dysbiosis was reported to contribute to NASH pathogenesis. This study aimed to determine the effects of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on steatohepatitis and visceral adiposity in an obese mouse model of NASH.
Methods: Twelve newborn C57BL/6J male mice were subcutaneously injected with monosodium glutamate (MSG) to induce obesity on a conventional diet. Six mice were also administered 5% FOS via drinking water from 10 weeks of age. At 18 weeks, histological characteristics of the liver and epididymal fat were compared between the groups. Hepatic mRNA expression of lipid metabolism enzymes and SCFA in feces and sera were measured.
Results: Hepatic steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and hepatocyte ballooning in the liver and increased hepatic mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase and glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase were observed in the MSG-treated mice. FOS treatment improved the liver pathology and blunted the increases in the mRNA expression levels of lipid metabolism enzymes. In addition, FOS inhibited adipocyte enlargement and formation of crown-like structures and reduced the M1 macrophage frequency in the epididymal fat of the MSG mice (39.4% ± 3.0% vs. 22.8% ± 0.7%; P = 0.001). FOS increased not only the fecal concentrations of n-butyric acid (0.04 ± 0.01 vs. 0.38 ± 0.14 mg/g, P = 0.02), propionic acid (0.09 ± 0.03 vs. 0.42 ± 0.16 mg/g, P = 0.02), and acetic acid (0.65 ± 0.16 vs. 1.48 ± 0.29 mg/g, P = 0.03) but also the serum concentration of propionic acid (3.9 ± 0.5 vs. 8.2 ± 0.5 μmol/L, P = 0.001).
Conclusions: FOS ameliorates steatohepatitis, visceral adiposity, and chronic inflammation by increasing SCFA production .
Immune Classification for the PD-L1 Expression and Tumour-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Noh Byeong-Joo , Kwak Jae Young , Eom Dae-Woon 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Colorectal adenocarcinoma is the third most common cancer worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related death. The recent emergence of diverse immunotherapeutic agents has made it crucial to interpret a complex tumour microenvironment intermingled with tumour-infiltrating immune cells to predict the immunotherapeutic response rate. However, in colorectal adenocarcinoma, studies are lacking that provide detailed analyses of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) to elucidate their prognostic values and to identify immunotherapy-targetable subgroups, preferably with multiple immune-related biomarkers. In the present study, we categorize colorectal adenocarcinomas into four types of tumour immune microenvironments according to PD-L1 expression and TIL, analyse their prognostic values, and propose an immunotherapy-targetable subgroup.Methods Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples of surgically resected primary colorectal adenocarcinomas (n = 489) were obtained and arrayed on tissue microarray blocks. Immunohistochemical stains for PD-L1, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8), and microsatellite instability (MSI) were performed and evaluated.Results Tumour microenvironment immune type (TMIT) I (PD-L1-positive tumour cells and CD8-high TIL) and type II (PD-L1-negative tumour cells and CD8-low TIL) showed the best and worst prognoses, respectively. PD-L1 overexpression was significantly associated with MSI status. PD-L1 immunoreactivity was positively correlated with TIL having CD8 or PD-1 overexpression.Conclusions TMIT I subgroup showed stronger CD8/PD-L1/PD-1 signalling interaction compared to the other TMIT. Therefore, we propose that the TMIT I subgroup is a candidate TMIT to predict effective response rate for existing immune checkpoint inhibitors and determine targetable subgroups for emerging therapies.
The DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, guadecitabine, targets tumor-induced myelopoiesis and recovers T cell activity to slow tumor growth in combination with adoptive immunotherapy in a mouse model of breast cancer
Authors: Luker Andrea J , Graham Laura J , Smith Timothy J. , Camarena Carmen , Zellner Matthew P , Gilmer Jamie-Jean S , Damle Sheela R , Conrad Daniel H , Martin Rebecca K , Bear Harry D 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) present a significant obstacle to cancer immunotherapy because they dampen anti-tumor cytotoxic T cell responses. Previous groups, including our own, have reported on the myelo-depletive effects of certain chemotherapy agents. We have shown previously that decitabine increased tumor cell Class I and tumor antigen expression, increased ability of tumor cells to stimulate T lymphocytes, depleted tumor-induced MDSC in vivo and augmented immunotherapy of a murine mammary carcinoma.

Results: In this study, we expand upon this observation by testing a next-generation DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTi), guadecitabine, which has increased stability in the circulation. Using the 4T1 murine mammary carcinoma model, in BALB/cJ female mice, we found that guadecitabine significantly reduces tumor burden in a T cell-dependent manner by preventing excessive myeloid proliferation and systemic accumulation of MDSC. The remaining MDSC were shifted to an antigen-presenting phenotype. Building upon our previous publication, we show that guadecitabine enhances the therapeutic effect of adoptively transferred antigen-experienced lymphocytes to diminish tumor growth and improve overall survival. We also show guadecitabine’s versatility with similar tumor reduction and augmentation of immunotherapy in the C57BL/6J E0771 murine breast cancer model.

Conclusions: Guadecitabine depleted and altered MDSC, inhibited growth of two different murine mammary carcinomas in vivo, and augmented immunotherapeutic efficacy. Based on these findings, we believe the immune-modulatory effects of guadecitabine can help rescue anti-tumor immune response and contribute to the overall effectiveness of current cancer immunotherapies.
Evolution of PHAS Loci in the Young Spike of Allohexaploid Wheat
Authors: Zhang Rongzhi , Huang Siyuan , Li Shiming , Song Guoqi , Li Yulian , Li Wei , Li Jihu , Gao Jie , Gu Tiantian , Li Dandan , Zhang Shujuan , Li Genying 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background: PhasiRNAs (phased secondary siRNAs) play important regulatory roles in the development processes and biotic or abiotic stresses in plants. Some of phasiRNAs involve in the reproductive development in grasses, which include two categories, 21-nt (nucleotide) and 24-nt phasiRNAs. They are triggered by miR2118 and miR2275 respectively, in premeiotic and meiotic anthers of rice, maize and other grass species. Wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) with three closely related subgenomes (subA, subB and subD), is a model of allopolyploid in plants. Knowledge about the role of phasiRNAs in the inflorescence development of wheat is absent until now, and the evolution of PHAS loci in polyploid plants is also unavailable. Results: Using 261 small RNA expression datasets from various tissues, a batch of PHAS (phasiRNA precursors) loci were identified in the young spike of wheat, most of which were regulated by miR2118 and miR2275 in their target site regions. Dissection of PHAS and their trigger miRNAs among the diploid (AA and DD), tetraploid (AABB) and hexaploid (AABBDD) genomes of Triticum indicated that distribution of PHAS loci were dominant randomly in local chromosomes, while miR2118 was dominant only in the subB genome. The diversity of PHAS loci in the three subgenomes of wheat and their progenitor genomes (AA, DD and AABB) suggested that they originated or diverged at least before the occurrence of the tetraploid AABB genome. The positive correlation between the PHAS loci or the trigger miRNAs and the ploidy of genome indicated the expansion of genome was the major drive force for the increase of PHAS loci and their trigger miRNAs in Triticum . In addition, the expression profiles of the PHAS transcripts suggested they responded to abiotic stresses such as cold stress in wheat. Conclusions: Altogether, non-coding phasiRNAs are conserved transcriptional regulators that display quick plasticity in Triticum genome. They may be involved in reproductive development and abiotic stress in wheat. It could be referred to molecular research on male reproductive development in Triticum .
Prevalence and Measurement of Anxiety and Depression in Working Nurses in Nepal: A Reflection of Professional Hazard in Low Income Nation
Authors: Karki Pramila , Katwal George W. B. J. , Chandra Ayush , Chandra Avinash 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Anxiety, Depression is one of the under reported, underdiagnosed in Nepal though it is the leading cause of incapacitation and is the leading healthcare burden worldwide. The prevalence of anxiety, depression among health personnel is not reported. In this study we attempted to assess the incidence and impact of depression and anxiety in nurses who are working upfront in different hospitals.
Method
A cross-sectional study and observational analysis was carried out and the sample was collected from nurses working in different hospitals who had spent 6 months or more time as a working nurse in those hospitals. Prevalence of anxiety and depression was assessed using a structured validated questionnaire, The Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) with a cut-off score for various levels of anxiety. Similarly, General Anxiety Disorder Questionnaires (GAD), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) was used to assess depression and anxiety.
Result
The analysis of these different scales revealed that disabling anxiety prevailed at highest (43.6%) in nursing staff according to HAM-A scale. Moderate anxiety also seemed to be higher (>20%) in GAD questionnaire. The moderate to severe anxiety prevailed in majority of our study participants in all these scales (HAM-A, HAM-D, GAD). Interestingly, there seemed a strong association between HAM-A to GAD (p=0.008).
Conclusions
This is probably the first study of its kind that reports on the prevalence of anxiety, depression in the nurses who work in different hospitals in Nepal. We hope this study also depicts the mental health problems that the nursing professionals are suffering in other nations as well.
Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Nurse, Mental Health, Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Quadratus lumborum block versus transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing abdominal surgeriesA systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Liu Xiancun , Song Tingting , Chen Xuejiao , Zhang Jingjing , Shan Conghui , Chang Liangying , Xu Haiyang 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Abdominal surgery is common and associated with severe postoperative pain. Transverse abdominal plane (TAP) block is considered an effective means for pain control in such cases. Quadratus lumborum (QL) block is another option for the management of postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis and thereby evaluate the efficacy and safety of QL block and TAP block for pain management after abdominal surgery. Methods We comprehensively searched PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and CNKI for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared QL block and TAP block for pain management in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. All of the data were screened and evaluated by two researchers. RevMan5.3 was applied to perform the meta-analysis. Results A total of 8 RCTs involving564 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to postoperative pain scores at 2 hours (standardized mean difference [Std.MD]=-1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]=-2.63 to -0.89; p<.001), 4 hours (Std.MD=-0.77; 95% CI=-1.36 to -0.18; p=.01),6 hours (Std.MD=-1.24; 95% CI=-2.31 to -0.17; p=.02),12 hours (Std.MD=-0.70; 95% CI=-1.27 to -0.13; p=.02) and 24hours (Std.MD=-0.65; 95% CI=-1.29 to -0.02; p=.04) ; postoperative opioid consumption at 24 h (Std.MD=-1.39; 95% CI=-1.83 to -0.95; p<.001); and duration of postoperative analgesia (Std.MD=2.30; 95% CI=1.85 to 2.75; p<.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) incidence (RR=0.55; 95% CI=0.27 to 1.14; p=.11). Conclusion QL block provides better pain management with less opioid consumption than TAP block after abdominal surgery. In addition, there are no differences between TAP block and QL block with respect to PONV.
Analysis of cooking characteristics of important rice varieties marketed in Gujarat State
Authors: Jani Bhavesh L , Devani Bansee M , Akbari Sanjay H , Joshi Dineshchandra C 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The study was carried out to analyze cooking characteristics of important rice varieties grown and processed in Gujarat state of India. In the study cooking characteristics which are of the most important viz. optimum cooking time, elongation ratio, water uptake ratio, gruel solid loss, pasting temperature and final viscosity were determined by standard methodologies and found to be 17 min, 1.523, 2.6, 4.32%, 91.7 °C and 2558 ± 165.6 cP for parboiled rice, 12 min, 1.356, 2.7, 8.25%, 87.9 °C and 3546 ± 142.3 cP for Jeerasar rice and 14 min, 1.318, 2.8, 10%, 93.9 °C and 1523 ± 179.6 cP for GJ-17 rice, respectively. Also, the size i.e. length, width and thickness of all the three varieties were measured and plotted to observe the trend of expansion after cooking. From the above observations, it was found that parboiled rice has comparatively better cooking characteristics but has higher cooking time, which consumers may not accept for household purpose.
Oil supplementation with a special combination of n-3 and n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids does not protect for exercise induced asthma. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Authors: Dreßler Melanie , Fussbroich Daniela , Böhler Lisa , Herrmann Eva , Benker Nicole , Tytyk Markus , Schulze Johannes , Schubert Ralf , Beermann Christopher , Zielen Stefan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
ObjectiveMany patients suffering from exercise-induced asthma (EIA) have normal lung function at rest and show symptoms and a decline in FEV1 when they do sports or during exercise-challenge. It has been described that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) could exert a protective effect on EIA.Methods In this study the protective effect of supplementation with a special combination of n-3 and n-6 LCPUFA (sc-LCPUFA) (total 1.19 g/ day) were investigated in an EIA cold air provocation model. Primary outcome measure: Decrease in FEV1 after exercise challenge and secondary outcome measure: anti-inflammatory effects monitored by exhaled NO (eNO) before and after sc-LCPUFA supplementation versus placebo.Results 99 patients with exercise-induced symptoms aged 10 to 45 were screened by a standardized exercise challenge in a cold air chamber at 4 °C. 73 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria of a FEV1 decrease >15% and were treated double-blind placebo-controlled for four weeks either with sc-LCPUFA or placebo. 32 patients in each group completed the study. Mean FEV1 decrease after cold air exercise challenge and eNO were unchanged after four weeks sc-LCPUFA supplementation.Conclusion Supplementation with sc-LCPUFA at a dose of 1.19 g/d did not have any broncho-protective ant anti-inflammatory effects on EIA.
Diversity of active root-associated methanotrophs of three emergent plants in a eutrophic wetland in northern China
Authors: Cui Jing , Zhao Ji , Wang Zheng , Cao Weiwei , Zhang Shaohua , Liu Jumei , Bao Zhihua 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Root-associated aerobic methanotrophs play an important role in regulating methane emissions from the wetlands. However, the influences of the vegetation type on root-associated methanotrophic structures, especially on active flora, remain poorly understood. Transcription of the pmo A gene, encoding particulate methane monooxygenase in methanotrophs, was analyzed by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) of mRNA isolated from root samples of three emergent macrophytes, including Phragmites australis , Typha angustifolia , and Scirpus triqueter from a eutrophic wetland. High-throughput sequencing of pmo A based on DNA and cDNA was used to analyze the methanotrophic community . Sequencing of cDNA pmo A amplicons confirmed that the structure of active methanotrophic was not always consistent with DNA. A type I methanotroph, M ethylomonas , was the most active group in P. australis , whereas Methylocystis, a type II methanotroph, was the dominant group in S. triqueter . In T. angustifolia , these two types of methanotroph existed in similar proportions. However, at the DNA level, Methylomonas was predominant in the roots of all three plants. In addition, vegetation type could have a profound impact on root-associated methanotrophic community at both DNA and cDNA levels. These results indicate that members of the genera Methylomonas (type I) and Methylocystis (type II) can significantly contribute to aerobic methane oxidation in a eutrophic wetland.