bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of the matched nested case-control design to the secondary analysis of trial data
Authors: Partlett Christopher , Hall Nigel J , Leaf Alison , Juszczak Edmund , Linsell Louise 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: A nested case-control study is an efficient design that can be embedded within an existing cohort study or randomised trial. It has a number of advantages compared to the conventional case-control design, and has the potential to answer important research questions using untapped prospectively collected data.Methods: We demonstrate the utility of the matched nested case-control design by applying it to a secondary analysis of the Abnormal Doppler Enteral Prescription Trial. We investigated the role of milk feed type and changes in milk feed type in the development of necrotising enterocolitis in a group of 398 high risk growth-restricted preterm infants. Results: Using matching, we were able to generate a comparable sample of controls selected from the same population as the cases. In contrast to the standard case-control design, exposure status was ascertained prior to the outcome event occurring and the comparison between the cases and matched controls could be made at the point at which the event occurred. This enabled us to reliably investigate the temporal relationship between feed type and NEC. Conclusions: A matched nested case-control study can be used to identify credible associations in a secondary analysis of clinical trial data where the exposure of interest was not randomised, and has several advantages over a standard case-control design. This method offers the potential to make reliable inferences in scenarios where it would be unethical or impractical to perform a randomised clinical trial.
Quality of Care in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Iran: A 5-year retrospective study
Authors: bayazidi yahya , Davari Majid , Kebriaeezadeh Abbas , Larijani Bagher , Esteghamati Alireza , Bandarian Fatemeh , Kashi Zahra , Ashrafi Nikinaz , bahar Adele 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background The object of this study was to evaluate the quality of care indicators (process- and outcome-related) in patients with type 2 diabetes using patient-level data during the last 5 years in Iran, in private and public diabetes centers in five provinces (Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, Mazandaran, and Kurdistan).Method Our study was a cross-sectional study carried out on patients with type 2 diabetes at 13 diabetes centers (private and public). Annual tests for hemoglobin A1C, serum lipid (LDL) and screening for nephropathy (urine protein or urine albumin quantitative test) were used to evaluate process-related and hemoglobin A1C, blood pressure and lipids levels were used to assess outcome-related outcomes.Findings Among 1976 patients, 54% were women with an average of 15 years of diabetes duration and approximately 83% of patients were obese or overweight. About 9% of patients had a hemoglobin A1C test every three months. The values obtained were favorable for controlling lipid profile but less than standard for screening for nephropathy and only about 30% of patients were within the optimal range for simultaneous control of process-related indicators. Findings for outcome- related indicators show that the achievement of blood glucose, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein targets were 31, 49 and 70%, respectively and concurrent achievement was 13.8% in the last year.Conclusion The performance of the health system has much room for improvement and diabetes control programs have not been favorable in any of the provinces studied and have not led to optimal control.
How much of skin improvement over time in systemic sclerosis is due to normal ageing? A prospective study with shear-wave elastography.
Authors: Santiago Tania , Santiago Mariana , Coutinho Margarida , Salvador Maria Joao , Silva JAP Da 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Objective To assess changes in skin stiffness in SSc patients using SWE during a five-year follow-up. Methods Skin stiffness [i.e. shear-wave velocity values (SWV) in m/s] was assessed by SWE ultrasound (using virtual touch image quantification) at the 17 sites of the mRSS, in each participant, at baseline and follow-up. mRSS was performed at both time points. Differences between groups were analysed using the related-samples Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and the Mann–Whitney U test. Results We included 21 patients [85.7% females; mean age 56.3 (10.4) years at baseline, 57.1% with limited SSc] and, 15 healthy controls [73.3% females; mean age 53.6 (14.1) years)]. The median follow-up was 4.9 (0.4) years. Skin stiffness decreased significantly at all Rodnan sites (p≤0.001), (except in the fingers), in SSc patients, over time. The same phenomenon occurred in controls, but to a lesser degree, in terms of percentage change. The percentage reduction in skin stiffness varied in the different Rodnan sites and in different phases of the disease. In addition, SWV values also decreased significantly in 15/16 skin sites with local normal Rodnan at baseline, whereas local Rodnan skin score only changed significantly in the upperarm (p=0.046) and forearm (p=0.026). Conclusion This study provides first-time evidence suggesting that skin SWV values are more sensitive to change over time than mRSS, and reduce significantly over time in SSc and normal controls.
Developmental transcriptome and genes related to skin appendage differentiation in hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)
Authors: Li Hui-Ming , Yang Bi-Ze , Zhang Xiu-Juan , Li Lin-Miao , Jiang Hai-Ying , Chen Jinping 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Hedgehog spines are skin appendages that have evolved as a result of the interaction of their skin with the environment. However, such a differentiation mechanism during skin development leads to a high skin appendage diversity, the origins of which are still not fully understood. Spine-skin and hair-skin offer a natural model for the analysis of the genomic basis for the evolution of epidermal appendage formation. We performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis of hedgehog ( Atelerix albiventris ) at multiple developmental stages, and tried to explore the genetic basis for differentiation and development and the resulting expression of the spine-trait. Results A total 15,158 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. We determined the gene modules and programs corresponding to the various phenotypic traits at different developmental stages by WGCNA analysis. Objective analysis of gene module expression revealed that HIPPO, TGFB, MAPK and Wnt signaling pathways regulate the activation and cell proliferation and differentiation at the skin-appendage development stage. Further, the key genes encoding keratin, FGF, TEAD, and other proteins regulate molecular localization and the cell cycle for hair development and differentiation. Finally, we found a number of highly expressed immune genes in the skin, suggesting that hedgehog spines, unlike pangolin scales, have evolved independently to protect against predators rather than compensate for low autoimmune immunity. Conclusions The variability of gene expression profiles of hair-type and spine-type at multiple development stages, and key candidate genes and pathways at the molecular level might provide evidence that can help elucidate the genetic basis of skin appendage development and differentiation of hedgehog.
Potential of Zymomonas mobilis as an electricity producer in ethanol production
Authors: Geng Bo-Yu , Cao Lian-Ying , Li Feng , Song Hao , Liu Chen-Guang , Zhao Xin-Qing , Bai Feng-Wu 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Microbial fuel cell (MFC) convokes microorganism as workhorse to convert biomass into electricity. However, most well-known electrogenic strains can not directly use glucose to produce valuable products. Zymomonas mobilis , a promising bacterial for ethanol production, owns special Entner-Doudoroff pathway with less ATP and biomass produced and the low energy-coupling respiration, making Z. mobilis a potential exoelectrogen. Results A glucose-consumed MFC is constructed by inoculating Z. mobilis . The electricity with power density 2.0 mW m -2 is derived from the difference of oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) between anode and cathode chambers. Besides, two-type electricity generation is observed as glucose-independent process and glucose-dependent process. For the sake of enhancing MFC efficiency, extracellular and intracellular strategies are implemented. Biofilm removal and addition of c -type cytochrome benefits electricity performance and Tween 80 accelerates the electricity generation. Perturbation of cellular redox balance compromises the electricity output, indicating that redox homeostasis is the principal requirement to reach idea voltage. Conclusion This study identifies potential feature of electricity activity for Z. mobilis and provides multiple strategies to enhance the electricity output. Therefore, additional electricity generation will benefit the techno-economic viability of the commercial bulk production for biochemicals or biofuels in an efficient and environmentally sustainable manner.
Variation of rhizosphere bacterial community diversity in the desert ephemeral plant Ferula sinkiangensis across environmental gradients
Authors: Tao Zhang , Li Dang Han , Ke Wang Zhong , Hua Lv Xin , Li Zhuang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Ferula sinkiangensis is a desert short-lived medicinal plant, and its number is rapidly decreasing. Rhizosphere microbial community plays an important role in regulating global biogeochemical cycle, plant growth and adaptability. However, the Ferula sinkiangensis bacterial community and the processes that drive its assembly remain unclear. Results In this study, based on Illumina HiSeq high-throughput sequencing, we explored the diversity, structure and composition of Ferula sinkiangensis rhizosphere bacterial communities at different slope positions (upper, middle and bottom) and soil depths (0-10 cm, 10-25 cm, 25-40 cm) and their correlation with soil physicochemical properties. Actinobacteria (22.7%), Proteobacteria (18.6%), Acidobacteria (14.0%), Gemmatimonadetes (10.1%), Cyanobacteria (7.9%), Bacteroidetes (6.9%), Planctomycetes (3.9%), Verrucomicrobia (3.5%), Firmicutes (3.4%) and Chloroflexi (3.2%) were the dominant bacterial phyla in Ferula sinkiangensis rhizosphere soil. Variance analysis showed that the diversity and abundance of rhizosphere bacterial community in Ferula sinkiangensis were significantly different at various slope positions and soil depths. Specifically, the diversity of bacterial community was significantly higher at the top than the bottom of the slope, and the diversity and richness of bacterial community were significantly greater in the 0-10cm than the 25-40cm soil layer. Linear discriminant effect size (LEfSe) analysis showed the specific phyla and genera of bacteria affected by slope position and soil depth. For example, Planctomycetes, Sphingomonas , Rubrobacter and Adhaeribacter by slope position and significant impact on soil depth. In addition, distance-based redundancy analysis (db-RDA) and variance analysis showed that soil physicochemical factors jointly explained 29.81% of variation in Ferula sinkiangensis rhizosphere bacterial community structure. There was a significant positive correlation between available phosphorus（AP）and the diversity of Ferula sinkiangensis rhizosphere bacterial community ( p < 0.01), whereas pH largely explained the variation of Ferula sinkiangensis rhizosphere bacterial community structure (5.58%, p < 0.01), followed by altitude (5.53%), total salt (TS, 5.21%) and total phosphorus (TP, 4.90%). Conclusion Our results revealed the heterogeneity and variation trends of Ferula sinkiangensis rhizosphere bacterial community diversity and abundance on a fine spatial scale (slope position and depth) and shed new light on the interaction mechanisms between Ferula sinkiangensis rhizosphere bacterial community and soil physicochemical properties.
Software-based simulation for preprocedural assessment of Tubridge flow diverter sizing: a validation study
Authors: Li Jia-nan , Obradó Laura , Larrabide Ignacio , Fernández Héctor , Lv Nan , Li Qiang , Yang Peng-fei , Huang Qing-hai , Xu Yi , Hong Bo , Liu Jian-min , Fang Yi-bin 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this single-center retrospective review was to validate the use of a software-based simulation of Tubridge flow diverter (FD) in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. In a single-center cohort of 17 patients undergoing aneurysm treatment with the Tubridge flow divert, we analyzed their pre- and post-procedural angiographic studies to compare the manufacturer-given nominal length (NL), software calculated simulated length (SL), and the actual measured length (ML) of the flow divert using software. Results: Data for the 3 lengths of all 17 patients treated with Tubridge flow diverts were collected and analyzed in this study. Error discrepancy was calculated by mean squared error (ML to NL 10.64; SL to NL 9.95 p>0.05), mean absolute error (ML to NL 2.64; SL to NL 2.60 p>0.05), and mean error (NL to ML 1.26; SL to ML 2.59 p>0.05). Conclusions: The SL was usually greater than the NL given by the manufacturer, indicating significant change in length in most cases. The residual comparing the ML to the NL was significant, as was when comparing the SL to the NL. The assessment of the Tubridge flow diverter using software simulation is safe and effective and the accurate calculating of FD length contributed to the right-sized FD for optimal placement in intracranial vasculature.
Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation mode based on deep sedation combined with nerve block improve postoperative pulmonary function in elderly patients undergoing hip arthroplasty:a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Yang , Li Yun , Fan Di , Li Rui , Hu Xianwen , Zhang Ye 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Hip arthroplasty is currently the gold standard for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in elderly patients. General anesthesia is common in hip arthroplasty and usually requires mechanical ventilation. Elderly patients are prone to various complications, notably pulmonary complications that occur due to poor cardiac-pulmonary function following surgery.Methods: The anesthesia method used in the patients undergoing hip arthroplasty in the present study was mainly based on nerve blocks combined with deep sedation. Patients were randomly divided into two groups according to the different ventilation modes. Subsequently, the differences between the two groups were evaluated by observing the intraoperative airway pressure, the perioperative blood gas analysis, the pulmonary function and the postoperative pulmonary infection score.Results: A total of 63 patients were finally enrolled and analyzed, of which 31 were with Volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) and 32 with Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV). The airway pressure at the 0.5h and 1h after the insertion of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and clinical pulmonary infection scores at the time of postoperative day3 and day5 in the SIMV group were significantly lower than that of the VCV group（P<0.05）. In spite of the results indicated that both groups of patients underwent a decline in pulmonary function an blood gas postoperatively, the mean values of the parameters of pulmonary function and blood gas analysis in the SIMV group from the time periods T1 to T3 were better than those of the VCV group(P<0.05).Conclusions: The SIMV mode can improve postoperative pulmonary function and reduce postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), such as pulmonary infection compared with the VCV group. This leads to lung-protective ventilation. This mode should be used to optimize anesthesia-related strategies and to accelerate the rapid postoperative recovery of the patients.
Assessing Lumbar Paraspinal Muscle Cross-sectional Area and Fat Composition with T1 versus T2-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Reliability and Concurrent Validity.
Authors: Cooley Jeffrey , Hebert Jeffrey , de Zoete Annemarie , Jensen Tue , Algra Paul , Kjaer Per , Walker Bruce 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Studies using magnetic resonance imaging to assess lumbar multifidus cross-sectional area frequently utilize T1 or T2-weighted sequences, but seldom provide the rationale for their sequence choice. However, technical considerations between their acquisition protocols could impact on the ability to assess lumbar multifidus anatomy or its fat/muscle distinction. Our objectives were to examine the concurrent validity of lumbar multifidus morphology measures of T2 compared to T1-weighted sequences, and to assess the reliability of repeated lumbar multifidus measures. Methods: The lumbar multifidus total cross-sectional area from 360 muscles was measured bilaterally at L4 and L5, with histogram analysis determining the muscle/fat threshold values per muscle. Images were later re-randomized and re-assessed for intra-rater reliability. Matched images were visually rated for consistency of outlining between both image sequences. Bland-Altman bias, limits of agreement, and plots were calculated for differences in total cross-sectional area and percentage fat between and within sequences, and intra-rater reliability analysed. Results: T1-weighted total cross-sectional area measures were systematically larger than T2 (0.2 cm2), with limits of agreement <±10% at both spinal levels. For percentage fat, no systematic bias occurred, but limits of agreement approached ±15%. Visually, muscle outlining was consistent between sequences, with substantial mismatches occurring in <5% of cases. Intra-rater reliability was excellent (ICC: 0.981 – 0.998); with bias and limits of agreement less than 1% and ±5%, respectively. Conclusion: Total cross-sectional area measures and outlining of muscle boundaries were consistent between sequences, and intra-rater reliability for total cross-sectional area and percentage fat was high indicating that either MRI sequence could be used interchangeably for this purpose. However, further studies comparing the accuracy of various methods for distinguishing fat from muscle are recommended.
Tumor-mediated shape-transformable nanogels with pH/redox/enzymatic-sensitivity for anticancer therapy
Authors: Zhou Dong , Liu Sainan , Hu Yongjun , Yang Shiwei , Zhao Bing , Zheng Kaikai , Zhang Yuhong , He Peixin , Mo Guoyan , Li Yulin 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
BackgroundDelivery of anticancer drug(s) throughout tumor tissues is critical for cancer therapy. However, most current nanomedicines lack sufficient tumor permeability due to their bulky size (100 ~ 200 nm), which is a main reason for clinical failure in tumor chemotherapy up to now.ResultsTo overcome this challenge, we developed a kind of tumor-mediated transformable chitosan-based nanocarriers with surface-charge adjustability via self-assembly and double-crosslinking approach. Their surface-charge variation allowed for selective administration of drugs of specific charges. The nanomedicine maintained good colloidal stability, and upon arrival under the reducible and lysozyme-expressed microenvironments mimicking tumor tissues, one nanomedicine was cleaved to release around one thousand ultrasmall nanovesicles (4 ± 1 nm). This size transformability allowed for their passing through the depth of solid tumor tissues to achieve an effective therapeutic delivery into cancer cells to enhance antitumor efficacy, suggesting its potential use as a platform for therapeutic delivery.ConclusionsOur work provide a strategy to develop tumor-stimulative shape-transformable nanoplatform for anticancer drug delivery.
Observational Study Comparing Efficacy and Safety Between Preoperative Neoadjuvant Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy and Chemotherapy for Patients with Unresectable Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yeh Yung-Sung , Huang Ming-Yii , Ma Cheng-Jen , Huang Ching-Wen , Tsai Hsiang-Lin , Chen Yen-Cheng , Li Ching-Chun , Yu Fang-Jung , Shih Hsiang-Yao , Wang Jaw-Yuan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Dismal outcomes in patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer (GC) highlights the need for effective systemic neoadjuvant treatment strategies to improve clinical results. Neoadjuvant multimodality strategies vary widely. This study compared the efficacy, safety, and clinical outcomes of preoperative neoadjuvant CCRT and chemotherapy for such patients.Methods: Sixty-five patients with histologically confirmed locally advanced or metastatic GC following neoadjuvant CCRT or computed tomography (CT) were retrospectively enrolled between January 2010 and April 2019. Clinical outcomes included response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), and toxicity was compared between the two groups.Results: Of the 65 patients, 18 (27.7%) were in the response group (2 patients with complete response and 16 with partial response) and 47 (72.3%) in the nonresponse group (29 patients with stable disease and 18 with progressive disease). Multivariate analysis revealed no independent response predictor between CCRT and CT groups (all P > 0.05). Furthermore, results revealed no statistical differences in toxicity between the two groups (all P > 0.05). With a follow-up median of 12 months (ranging 6–48 months), 12-month OS and PFS were 39.7% and 20.4% in the CCRT group and 30.3% and 13.2% in the chemotherapy group, respectively. The median OS and PFS were 14.0 months (95% CI 9.661–18.339) and 9.0 months (95% CI 6.805–11.195) in the CCRT group and 10.0 months (95% CI 6.523–13.477) and 8.0 months (95% CI 6.927–9.073) in the CT group, respectively. Both OS (P = 0.011) and PFS (P = 0.008) in patients with CCRT were significantly better than those in patients with chemotherapy alone. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant CCRT achieved more favorable OS and PFS than did neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone, without significant increases of toxicity in patients. However, prospective randomized trials comparing treatment modalities are necessary to confirm potential advantages of preoperative neoadjuvant CCRT.
Plasma sex hormone-binding globulin predicts neurodegeneration and clinical progression in prodromal Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Xu Wei , Su Bing-Jie , Shen Xue-Ning , Bi Yan-Lin , Tan Chen-Chen , Li Jie-Qiong , Dong Qiang , Tan Lan , Yu Jin-Tai 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in plasma has been found to be significantly elevated in subjects with AD. We aimed to investigate whether plasma SHBG was associated with AD biomarkers and could predict neurodegeneration and clinical progression in prodromal AD.Methods: The study tested the cross-sectional relationship between plasma SHBG and CSF AD biomarkers in 707 non-demented adults. Next, the longitudinal influences of plasma SHBG at baseline on dynamic changes of CSF Aβ42, hippocampus volume, brain metabolism, and cognition were explored in 448 non-demented adults from the Alzheimer’s disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Finally, the influence of plasma SHBG on the risk of incident AD was explored. Results: This study included 707 participants (mean [SD] age, 62.5 [10.5] years, 416 [58.8%] female) from CABLE and 448 from ADNI-1 (mean [SD] age, 74.8 [7.2] years, 166 [37.5%] female). A positive correlation was found for SHBG levels in plasma and CSF (p = 2.12 × 10 -10, r = 0.44). Cross-sectional analyses indicated that individuals with higher plasma SHBG had lower levels of CSF Aβ42 (p < 0.005), after adjusting for age, gender, education, APOE4 allele, and cognitive scores. The longitudinal data showed that higher levels of plasma SHBG contribute to accelerated CSF Aβ42 decrease (p < 0.0005), brain metabolism decline (p < 0.05), hippocampus atrophy (p < 0.01), cognitive decline (p < 0.01), and higher risk of AD dementia (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Plasma SHBG is associated with CSF Aβ42 levels and could predict neurodegeneration and clinical progression in prodromal AD. This finding indicates plasma SHBG is a potentially useful, early biomarker for AD.