bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does Preoperative Balance Training Reduce Pain and Improve Joint Function in Patients After Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Wang , Sun Jian-Ning , Hu Zheng-Hao , Chen Xiang-Yang , Feng Shuo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Part of patients undergoing TKA did not achieve the expected physiological function results. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether preoperative balance training can reduce pain and improve joint function after TKA.Methods 100 patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) prepared for TKA, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were randomly divided into balance training group (50 patients) and control group (50 patients). The main evaluation outcomes of the study included early functional milestones, ROM, WOMAC score, keen society score (KSS), KOOS score, and complications at 1 month (baseline) and 1 day before surgery, 6 weeks (main endpoint) and 52 weeks (1 year) after surgery.Results 4 patients lost to follow-up at 1 month before surgery, 96 received planned surgery and 86 underwent a complete postoperative evaluation. After TKA, many indicators of the two groups, including WOMAC score, KSS, KOOS score, were significantly improved compared with before surgery. At 52 weeks after TKA, no statistically significant difference between the balance training group and control group in attain early functional milestones, ROM, WOMAC score, KSS, KOOS score, and complications; however, at 6 weeks after surgery, balance training group had better early benefits in stopping all narcotics (P = 0.045), relieving pain (P = 0.037), improving function (P = 0.017) and quality of life (QOL) (P = 0.028).Conclusions Although there were no difference between preoperative balance training group and control group at the 52 weeks after surgery, however, preoperative balance training can relieve pain and improve function in the early stage (6 weeks), but adequately statistically powered trials are needed to confrm the accuracy of the study resultsTrial Registration ChiCTR2000032789.
In Vivo and in Vitro Evaluation of the Anti-inflammatory Effect of Thymoquinone Toward Ischemic Brain Injury Alleviation via Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway
Authors: Amin Nashwa , Du Xiaoxue , Chen Shijia , Ren Qiannan , Badry Azhar , Botchway Benson O.A. , Hu Zhiying , Fang Marong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background - In recent years, considerable efforts have been devoted to exploring effective therapy for cerebral ischemia. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated - inflammation plays a crucial role in ischemic brain injury. Triptolide (TP) has been widely used for ischemic therapy although administrating a chronic dose of this therapy may cause serious drawbacks and higher liver toxicity. Considering these critical side effects, here we demonstrate the employment of thymoquinone (TQ) as a new alternative drug for alleviating ischemic brain damage via suppression of inflammatory cytokines by inducing Nrf2/HO-1 under a chronic dose without toxicity. Methods- We assessed a photo-thrombosis mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia to investigate the impact of the chronic dose of TQ to alleviates ischemic brain damage, meanwhile, we used Pc12 to determine the efficiency of TQ to attenuate the OGD/R induces cell death. Results- Our in vivo and in vitro results indicate that the administration of TQ drug can sufficiently mitigate the brain damage after stroke by increasing the Nrf2/HO-1 expression and thereby modulate the cell death and inflammation resulting from cerebral ischemia. The observation based on YFP mice elucidates the role of TQ therapy in recovering the brain status after injury through increasing the dendrite spines density and the ratio of YFP reporter cells with NeuN expression. Conclusions- Our study is the first to focus on the crucial role of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway as a promising ischemic therapy under a chronic dose of TQ by increasing proliferating protein expression, decreasing inflammation and neuronal cell death as well as controlling the autophagy process.
Minimum acceptable diet and stunting among children aged 6-23 months in Dalit and Non-Dalit and associated factors: A cross-sectional comparative study of Dhanusha district, Nepal
Authors: Sah Anil Kumar , Paudel Rajan , Devkota Madhu Dixit , Sigdel Ramesh , Pandey Ashok 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundNutrition contributes to the growth, development and survival of children, while inadequate feeding practices increase the risk of stunting. Inadequate feeding manifests severe impact on child physical and cognitive development. The aim of the study was to assess the status and to identify factors associated with minimum acceptable diet (MAD) and stunting among children aged 6-23 months in Dalit and Non-Dalit.MethodsThe study design was cross-sectional comparative and was conducted among mothers with their children aged 6-23 months children of Dhanusha district. A sample of 599 respondents was taken. Multistage simple random sampling was applied to the sample of which 299 were Dalit and 300 were Non-Dalit. Interview and anthropometry measurement and structure questionnaires were practiced as tools of data collection techniques. Descriptive and inferential analyses were carried out by using Statistical Package for Social Science.ResultsThe prevalence of MAD and stunting were 131(43.8%) and 149(49.9%) among Dalit and 133(44.3%), and 117(39%) among Non-Dalit respectively. Children aged 6-11 months (AOR=0.25, 95 CI: 0.11-0.54), child having no illness (AOR=4.31, 95% CI: 1.56-11.88) and mothers with no knowledge on child feeding (AOR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.16-0.61) were significantly associated with MAD among Dalit. Children aged 6-11 months (AOR=0.37, 95 CI: 0.21-0.64), children having no illness (AOR=4.80, 95% CI: 2.23-10.32), mothers with no knowledge on child feeding (AOR=0.26, 95% CI: 0.16-0.42) and birth interval up to two years (AOR=1.92, 95% CI: 1.56-3.19) were also significantly associated among Non-Dalit. Nuclear family types (AOR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.11-3.34) among Dalit while no ante natal care (ANC) visit (AOR=3.20, 95% CI: 1.15-8.90), no media exposure (AOR=3.10, 95% CI: 1.11-8.64 and 6-11 months children (AOR=0.24, 95% CI: 0.10-0.57) in Non-Dalit were significantly associated with stunting.ConclusionThe prevalence of MAD practices was observed similar in both the groups, but stunting was higher in Dalit than Non-Dalit. Being key associated factors of MAD practices, age of child, child illness and knowledge on child feeding existed in Dalit and Non-Dalit, while birth interval also among Non-Dalit. Nuclear family in Dalit while age of child, ANC visit and media exposure among Non-Dalit were the major factors of stunting. Maternal nutrition education, access and utilization of health services should help in improving the nutritional status of children.
IL-6R Protective Variant rs7529229 Reduces Interleukin-6 Signaling and Contributes To A Decreased Ischemic Stroke Risk
Authors: Zhang Haihua , Zhao Wenbo , Liu Bian , Wang Tao , Han Zhifa , Ji Xunming , Liu Guiyou 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic stroke (IS). Growing evidence shows that the minor alleles of IL-6 receptor gene (IL-6R) variants rs2228145, rs7529229, and rs4129267 significantly increase soluble IL-6R levels and reduce CAD risk. However, the role of IL-6R variants in IS is largely unknown, prompting us to perform a comprehensive analysis. Methods In stage 1 of this study, we performed a meta-analysis of three genome-wide association study datasets from MEGASTROKE, UK Biobank, and the Million Veteran Program to evaluate the association of rs7529229 with IS. In stage 2, we conducted an expression quantitative trait loci analysis to examine the effects of rs7529229 on IL-6R expression in neuropathologically healthy individuals from the UK Brain Expression Consortium, GTEx project, and the eQTLGen Consortium. In stage 3, we used a tissue-specific gene expression analysis to evaluate differences in IL-6R expression across human tissues using gene expression data from GTEx. In stage 4, we conducted a case–control gene expression analysis to explore the differential expression of IL-6R in the whole blood of IS patients and healthy controls. Results We found that: (1) the rs7529229 minor allele significantly reduced the risk of developing IS (odds ratio=0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.95–0.99, P=2.30E-03); (2) the rs7529229 minor allele significantly reduced IL-6R expression in relevant tissues especially in blood vessels and whole blood; (3) IL-6R was mainly expressed in skeletal muscle and whole blood; and (4) IL-6R expression was significantly reduced in the whole blood of healthy controls compared with IS patients. Importantly, the biological senses in stages 1–4 were all convergent. Conclusions Taken together, our findings indicate that the rs7529229 minor allele decreases IL-6R expression in relevant tissues, diminishes IL-6 signaling, and eventually reduces the IS risk. Hence, IL-6R may be a potential therapeutic target for IS. Tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks both membrane-bound and circulating IL-6R, might be effective in treating IS or lowering its risk of development, so warrants further testing in suitably powered randomized controlled trials.
Effect of dexmedetomidine on lung function and prognosis a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Bingcheng , Yang Jing , Sun Guoliang , Yao Weifeng , Hei Ziqing 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on lung function and prognosis.Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library from inception to January 30, 2020 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines. Randomized controlled trials of dexmedetomidine associated with lung function were assessed. The primary outcomes are pH, PaO2, PaCO2, respiratory index (RI) and time to extubation. The secondary outcomes are PaO2/FiO2, length of hospital stay and events of pulmonary complications.Results: 17 trials of 924 patients were included. Compared with placebo group, dexmedetomidine group had higher PaO2 (MD: 10.96; 95% CI: from 0.77 to 21.15; p=0.04) and PaO2/FiO2 (MD: 30.77; 95% CI: from 19.11 to 42.43; p<0.00001). The dexmedetomidine group had lower PaCO2 (MD: -0.88; 95% CI: from -1.66 to -0.11; p=0.002) and shorter length of hospital stay (MD: -1.19; 95% CI: from -2.21 to -0.16; p=0.02). The dexmedetomidine group had lower occurrence of pulmonary complications (RR: 0.28; 95% CI: from 0.09 to 0.82; p=0.02). However, there is no significant difference in pH, respiratory index and extubation time.Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine has better influence on lung function and prognosis.
A New SOFA Score Calculation to Improve the Predictive Performance for Mortality
Authors: Arakawa Makoto , Levy Jerrold H , Kondo Kenta , Iba Toshiaki 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) is one of the most commonly used scoring systems to evaluate organ failure in sepsis. The trajectory of the SOFA score, a delta-SOFA (SOFAΔ), is proposed as a better indicator for predicting mortality, and potentially as an endpoint in exploratory clinical trials. However, there are some concerns about the use of SOFAΔ. For example, SOFAΔ represents only the changes in the score, and the potential value of the absolute SOFA score has not been considered. Therefore, we hypothesized that the addition of the absolute SOFA score to the SOFAΔ would improve the predictive performance for patient outcomes. Based on this theory, a new indicator, SOFAComb calculated by SOFAΔ + absolute SOFA score, was examined in this study. Methods: Data obtained from 297 patients in multiinstitutional post-marketing surveys performed during June 2014, and May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were diagnosed as having sepsis-associated disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) and treated with antithrombin concentrate. The SOFAComb and SOFAΔ were calculated on days 2, 4, and 7, and the performance was analyzed in terms of predictive ability for 28-day mortality.Results: Of the 297 patients included in the analysis, 214 patients survived (72.1%), while 83 patients (27.9%) died. The area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of SOFA at baseline for predicting 28-mortality was 0.679. The AUCs of SOFAΔ on day 2, 4, 7 were 0.662, 0.769, 0.815, respectively, and those of SOFAComb on day 2, 4, 7 were 0.765, 0.830, 0.866, respectively. The AUCs of SOFAComb were significantly greater at all time points compared to SOFAΔ (day 2: P <0.001, day 4: P =0.002, day 7: P <0.001). In addition, the accuracy of SOFAComb was better than that of SOFAΔ (day 2: P <0.001, day 4: P =0.067, day 7: P =0.049). Conclusions: SOFAComb is simple to calculate and provides better predictive performance compared to SOFAΔ for predicting mortality. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Personalized pollen monitoring and hay fever symptom scores: a feasibility study
Authors: Weger Letty de , Hal Peter TH.W van , Bos Bernadette , Molster Frank , Mostert Marijke , Hiemstra Pieter S. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background. Pollen is a major trigger for allergic symptoms in sensitized individuals. Airborne pollen is usually monitored by Hirst type pollen samplers located at rooftop level, providing a general overview of the pollen distribution in the larger surroundings. In this feasibility study, grass pollen-sensitized subjects monitored the pollen in their direct environment using a portable pollen sampler (Pollensniffer) and scored their symptoms, to study the relation between symptom severity and personal grass pollen exposure. For comparison the symptoms were also correlated with pollen collected by the rooftop sampler. Methods. Nine grass pollen-sensitized individuals were enrolled in this study (May 2018) and asked to monitor personal pollen exposure using a Pollensniffer on their way to school, work or other destination, and to score their symptoms via a mobile app on a scale from 0 to 10. Daily pollen concentrations were collected by a Hirst type sampler at rooftop level. Pollen grains were analysed using a microscope. Results. Three of the four participants with high grass pollen-specific (GPS) IgE (>9.6 kU/l) reported high symptom scores (>4) and an analysis showed a significant correlation (CC) between eye, nose and lung symptoms and the grass pollen counts collected by the Pollensniffer, as well as the daily grass pollen concentrations monitored by the rooftop sampler (CC>0.54). In contrast, the participants with low GPS IgE levels (<9.6 kU/l) reported low symptom scores (<4) and often other sensitizations were present. For these subjects, no significant positive correlations (CC<0.3) of symptoms with either grass pollen collected by the personal or the rooftop sampler were found. Conclusion. Our results show that correlations between the severity of clinical symptoms of grass pollen allergic patients, and airborne grass pollen counts as determined by a personal pollen sampler (Pollensniffer) or a rooftop sampler, is restricted to patients with high GPS IgE levels, high symptom scores and no relevant other sensitizations. Based on the number of subjects included in this feasibility study, no conclusions can be drawn on the performance of the personal pollen sampler in relating symptoms and pollen exposure in comparison with the rooftop sampler.Trial registrationThe study was approved by the Committee Medical Ethics of the LUMC (approval numbers: NL63953.058.17/ P17.304).
Atypical Deletion of Williams-Beuren Syndrome Reveals the Mechanism of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Zhou Jianrong , Zheng Ying , Liang Guiying , Qin Xianyu , Yang Hang , Chen Shaoxian , Ge Tongkai , Huang Shufang , Zhang Kai , Zhou Xianwu , Xu Xiaoli , Weng Pengju , Zhang Yong , Li Ping , Wang Shushui , Zhuang Jian , Wu Yueheng , Chen Jimei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background The Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a multiple phylogenetic disorder, caused by the hemizygous deletion of 1.55 to 1.84 Mb on chromosome 7q11.23, which encodes a fragment of 26 to 28 genes. Among these genes, the deletion of the elastin (ELN) gene haplotype is the main cause of cardiovascular abnormalities. Other genes, such as CLIP2, GTF2IRD1, and GTF2I, may be associated with specific cognitive and craniofacial features. However, genes associated with specific neurocognitive phenotypes are still controversially discussed. The purpose of this study is to further explore the mechanism of neurodevelopmental disorders in patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome.Patients and methods Patients who had been diagnosed with WBS were recruited. The deletion was precisely defined by chromosome microarray analysis and the clinical phenotype was evaluated. Results This study identified nine patients with atypical deletions from 111 patients with WBS. One patient had normal neurodevelopmental with deletion of Williams-Beuren syndrome chromosomal region (WBSCR) telomere side genes, including GTF2I and GTF2IRD1, while another patient retained these genes but showed neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Seven of the eight patients with the WBSCR22 gene deletion developed growth restriction.Conclusions By comparing the genotype and phenotype of patients with typical deletions and atypical deletions, the deletion of GTF2I and GTF2IRD1 genes alone insufficient to induce typical neurocognitive phenotypes in WBS patients. The BAZ1B, FZD9, and STX1A genes may play an important role in the neurodevelopment of patients with WBS. Furthermore, the deletion of the WBSCR22 gene may be the main cause of physical growth restriction in WBS patients.
Ethnoveterinary Practices of Medicinal Plants and Non-plant Remedies Used in Animal Health Management in Dawuro Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Dinbiso Tegegn Dilbato , Tolosa Tadele Tolesa , Begna Feyissa Deressa 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Ethnoveterinary medicine is frequently used for treating various livestock diseases by many different ethnic groups in Ethiopia. To this end, the indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants and non-plant remedies has not been systematically documented and studied in the Dawuro zone. Therefore, a community based cross-sectional study design was conducted from November, 2017 to September, 2018 in order to identify and document medicinal plants and non-plant ethnoveterinary practices in Dawuro zone, Southern Ethiopia.Methods: Relevant ethnoveterinary data was collected from purposively selected 115 key informants using semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions, observations and field guided walk methods. The obtained data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, quantitative ethnobotanical methods and T-test and significantly test was set to p < 0.05. The plants claimed having medicinal value were collected and botanically identified.Results: The study revealed 103 plant species belong to 47 families and 11 non-plant remedies used to manage 36 different livestock ailments. Family Asteraceae accounted for 11.5% of the total species recorded. The majority of plants (56.2%) were harvested from wild habitat. Herbs (33.8%) were the main source of medicine followed by tree (30.6%). Leaves (43.6%) and roots (27.5%) were the main plant parts used while pounding was the major form in remedy preparation. The highest Informant Consensus Factor (0.83) value was scored for the diseases of reproductive system. Cyphostema sp., Calpurina aurea and Pentas schimperiana were showed the highest Fidelity Level (100%) to treat diseases of reproductive system, ectoparasites, and emaciation and bone broken as plant materials whereas Bear faeces, sharp hot iron or wire/knife, and salt were non-plant remedies used as treatment, respectively. Azadirachta indica was the most preferred species to treat blackleg and also with highest use-value (UVs = 0.25).Conclusion: The study revealed that the local community of the study areas was used with a rich of indigenous knowledge of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants. The loss of valuable medicinal plant resources of the area calls for urgent and coordinated actions to develop conservation strategy.
Evaluation of Ethanol Injection, Radiofrequency Ablation, and Levothyroxine Therapy in the Management of Benign Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Arefzadeh Alireza , ghanaati hossein , Avankai Mahsa Alborzi , Abrishami Alireza , Niazkar Hamidreza , Hosseinpour Hamidreza 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Thyroid nodules are a common clinical finding. Even though there are various accepted treatments for the benign thyroid nodules, there are alternative methods for managing these patients with fewer expenses and also minimum complications. This study aims to compare the volume decline of radiofrequency (RF) ablation and single-session ethanol ablation (EA) and the effects of levothyroxine therapy for benign thyroid nodule treatment.Materials: In this clinical trial, 90 patients with benign thyroid nodules in different centers in Tehran, Iran, from December 6, 2018, to December 6, 2019, were included. Patients who had met the inclusion criteria were selected and randomly allocated into three groups (each of 30) of a single session of radiofrequency ablation (Group 1), a single session of ethanol injection (Group 2), or a 6-month LT4 treatment (Group 3). Thyroid tests, including TSH, T4, T3, anti-TPO, T3RU, and serum Calcitonin level, were recorded at baseline and again at 1, 3, and six months. Nodule volume was also assessed through sonography at baseline and the other checkpoints.Results: The mean volume reduction after 6 months of intervention for ethanol injection group, radiofrequency ablation group, and LT4 treatment group were 72.2%, 83.4%, and 21.8%, respectively. There was a significant relationship between mean volume reduction and months (1, 3, and six) (P<0.001).Conclusions: Although radiofrequency ablation therapy is the best modality for managing benign thyroid nodules in our study, it is more expensive than the other modalities despite comparable therapeutic effects.