bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short- and long-term outcomes of totally robotic versus robotic-assisted radical distal gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer: a mono-institution retrospective study
Authors: Luo Rui , Liu Dongning , Ye Shanping , Tang Hechun , Zhu Weiquan , He Penghui , Tang Cheng , Li Taiyuan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPurposeBy comparing short- and long-term outcomes following totally robotic radical distal gastrectomy (TRDG) and robotic-assisted radical distal gastrectomy (RADG), we aimed to assess in which modus operandi patients will benefit more.MethodsFrom January 2015 to May 2019, we included 332 patients undergone RADG (237) and TRDG (95). Based on the propensity score matching (PSM), inclusion and exclusion criteria, 246 patients were finally included in the propensity score-matched cohort including RADG group (164) and TRDG group (82). We then compared the short- and long-term outcomes following both groups.ResultsPropensity score-matched cohort revealed no significant differences in both groups. Intra-abdominal bleeding, time to pass flatus, postoperative activity time, length of incision hospital stays, and stress response were significantly less in TRDG group than in RADG group. We observed 30 complications in RADG group while 13 complications in TRDG group. There were no significant differences in TRDG group and RADG group in terms of operation time, time for anastomosis, proximal resection, distal resection margin, number of lymph node resection, and total hospitalization cost. Both 3-year overall survival and 3-year disease-free survival were comparable in both groups.ConclusionsTRDG is a safe and feasible modus operandi profiting from short- and long-term outcomes compared with RADG. As surgeons improving their professional skills, TRDG could serve as the standard procedure for distal locally advanced gastric cancer with D2 lymphadenectomy.
Association of N6-methyladenosine with viruses and related diseases
Authors: Wu Fang , Cheng Wenzhao , Zhao Feiyuan , Tang Mingqing , Diao Yong , Xu Ruian 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundN6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most prevalent internal modification of eukaryotic mRNA modulating gene expression. m6A modification is a dynamic reversible process regulated by three protein groups: methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and m6A-binding proteins (readers). m6A modification is involved in all phases of RNA metabolism, including RNA folding, stability, splicing, nuclear exporting, translational modulation and degradation.Main bodyIn recent years, numerous studies have reported that abnormal m6A modification causes aberrant expression of important viral genes. Herein, we review the role of m6A in viral lifecycle and its contribution to the pathogenesis of human diseases. Particularly, we focus on the viruses associated with human diseases such as HIV-1, IAV, HBV, HCV, EBV and many others.ConclusionsA better understanding of m6A-virus relationship would provide new insights into the viral replication process and pathogenesis of human diseases caused by viruses. In addition, exploration of the role of m6A in disease-causing viruses will reveal novel approaches for the treatment of such diseases.
Impact of mouse contamination in genomic profiling of patient-derived models and best practice for robust analysis
Authors: Jo Se-Young , Kim Eunyoung , Kim Sangwoo 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundPatient-derived xenograft and cell line models are popular models for clinical cancer research. However, the inevitable inclusion of a mouse genome in a patient-derived model is a remaining concern in the analysis. Although multiple tools and filtering strategies have been developed to account for this, research has yet to demonstrate the exact impact of the mouse genome and the optimal use of these tools and filtering strategies in an analysis pipeline.ResultsWe construct a benchmark dataset of 5 liver tissues from 3 mouse strains using human whole-exome sequencing kit. Next-generation sequencing reads from mouse tissues are mappable to 49% of the human genome and 409 cancer genes. In total, 1,207,556 mouse-specific alleles are aligned to the human genome reference, including 467,232 (38.7%) alleles with high sensitivity to contamination, which are pervasive causes of false cancer mutations in public databases and are signatures for predicting global contamination. Next, we assess the performance of 8 filtering methods in terms of mouse read filtration and reduction of mouse-specific alleles. All filtering tools generally perform well, although differences in algorithm strictness and efficiency of mouse allele removal are observed. Therefore, we develop a best practice pipeline that contains the estimation of contamination level, mouse read filtration, and variant filtration.ConclusionsThe inclusion of mouse cells in patient-derived models hinders genomic analysis and should be addressed carefully. Our suggested guidelines improve the robustness and maximize the utility of genomic analysis of these models.
Disease activity improvements with optimal discriminatory ability between treatment arms: applicability in early and established rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials
Authors: Smolen Josef , Fleischmann Roy , Aletaha Daniel , Li Yihan , Zhou Yijie , Sainsbury Iain , Galindo Ivan Lagunes 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
The ACR20 has been validated as the best discriminator of efficacy in placebo-controlled trials, but not in head-to-head trials comparing effective therapies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We assessed the most discriminatory ACR response and most discriminatory percent improvement in disease activity measures for Simplified Disease Activity index (SDAI), Clinical Disease Activity index (CDAI), and 28-joint Disease Activity Score based on C-reactive protein (DAS28(CRP)) using different patient populations and trial designs.

Methods
Data from two placebo-controlled studies in established RA and two head-to-head studies in early RA were analyzed. The numeric ACR response for each treatment and P value for the difference between treatments were calculated at multiple time points to determine the ACR response associated with the lowest P value. Similarly, values for percent improvement from baseline in SDAI, CDAI, and DAS28(CRP) with the most discrimination between treatments were examined.

Results
In the head-to-head early RA trials, the minimum P value and greatest treatment difference between the active comparator arms at 6 months was achieved at higher ACR rates and greater percent improvements in other disease activity measures. In established RA, lower responses (minimum P value and maximum treatment difference) and smaller improvements in disease activity scores had better discriminatory ability at 6 months.

Conclusions
The most discriminatory ACR response rate and percent improvement in disease activity measures were higher in head-to-head active comparator trials in early RA versus placebo-controlled trials in established RA. This difference should be considered in future clinical trial designs.

Trial registration
NCT00195663, NCT00420927, NCT00195702.
Cervicovestibular rehabilitation in adult with mild traumatic brain injury: a randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Langevin Pierre , Fait Philippe , Frémont Pierre , Roy Jean-Sébastien 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundMild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is an acknowledged public health problem. Up to 25% of adult with mTBI present persistent symptoms. Headache, dizziness, nausea and neck pain are the most commonly reported symptoms and are frequently associated with cervical spine and vestibular impairments. The most recent international consensus statement (2017 Berlin consensus) recommends the addition of an individualized rehabilitation approach for mTBI with persistent symptoms. The addition of an individualized rehabilitation approach including the evaluation and treatment of cervical and vestibular impairments leading to symptoms such as neck pain, headache and dizziness is, however, recommended based only on limited scientific evidence. The benefit of such intervention should therefore be further investigated.ObjectiveTo compare the addition of a 6-week individualized cervicovestibular rehabilitation program to a conventional approach of gradual sub-threshold physical activation (SPA) alone in adults with persistent headache, neck pain and/or dizziness-related following a mTBI on the severity of symptoms and on other indicators of clinical recovery. We hypothesize that such a program will improve all outcomes faster than a conventional approach (between-group differences at 6-week and 12-week).MethodsIn this single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial, 46 adults with subacute (3 to12 weeks post-injury) persistent mTBI symptoms will be randomly assigned to: 1) a 6-week SPA program or 2) SPA combined with a cervicovestibular rehabilitation program. The cervicovestibular rehabilitation program will include education, cervical spine manual therapy and exercises, vestibular rehabilitation and home exercises. All participants will take part in 4 evaluation sessions (baseline, week 6, 12 and 26) performed by a blinded evaluator. The primary outcome will be the Post-Concussion Symptoms Scale. The secondary outcomes will be time to clearance to return to function, number of recurrent episodes, Global Rating of Change, Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index, Headache Disability Inventory and Dizziness Handicap Inventory. A 2-way ANOVA and an intention-to-treat analysis will be used.DiscussionControlled trials are needed to determine the best rehabilitation approach for mTBI with persistent symptoms such as neck pain, headache and dizziness. This RCT will be crucial to guide future clinical management recommendations.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govIdentifier -NCT03677661, Registered on September, 15th 2018.
Immediate effect of ACL kinesio taping technique on knee joint biomechanics during a drop vertical jump: a randomized crossover controlled trial
Authors: Limroongreungrat Weerawat , Boonkerd Chuanpis 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an ACL Kinesio Taping technique (ACL-KT) on knee joint biomechanics during a drop vertical jump (DVJ).

Methods
Twenty healthy male participants (age 21.1±0.3 years; mass 64.2±4.3 kg; height 174.2±5.5 cm) participated in this study. The participants performed a DVJ and landed onto 2 adjacent force platforms under both ACL-KT and placebo (PT) conditions. All data were collected with 3-D motion analysis and comparison peak knee joint angles and moments, and knee joint angle at initial contact (IC) between conditions analyzed using a paired sample t-test. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was selected to assess difference between groups for the entire three-component knee trajectory during the contact phase.

Results
ACL-KT had a significant effect on decreasing knee abduction angle at IC (1.43±2.12 deg.) compared with the PT (−1.24±2.42 deg.) (p=0.04). A significant difference in knee abduction angle between the taping conditions was found between 100 ms before IC, at IC and 100 ms after IC (p<0.05). There were no significant differences (p>0.05) found between conditions in any of the other variables.

Conclusion
This result confirmed that the application of ACL-KT is useful to reduce knee abduction angle at IC during a DVJ in healthy participants. Therefore, ACL-KT may be an acceptable intervention to reduce ACL injury risk.

Trial registration
Retrospective registered on 25 September 2018. Trial number: TCTR20180926005
Seismic Performance of Precast Concrete Columns with Improved U-type Reinforcement Ferrule Connections
Authors: Yu Zhiwu , Lv Xiaoyong , Yu Yujie , Ding Faxing , Peng Xiaodan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This paper proposes a new kind of U-type reinforcement ferrule (URF) connection for the assembly of precast concrete (PC) components, which has a good fault-tolerance ability and low cost of construction with a simple post-grouting process. The modified connection features welded U ferrules, which can increase the bonding mechanism and internal stress transmission in the spliced region. A series of quasi-static cyclic tests were performed on URF-connected PC columns with different welding patterns. Comprehensive comparisons were performed on the load-bearing capacity, the plastic energy dissipation ability, the internal force transmission, the column ductility and the stiffness. The results indicated that PC columns with welded URF connections can ensure better lateral resistance than the cast-in-place concrete column. The weld type and length influence the connection performance, and the 15d-welded and full-length welded URF connections presented better connection performance and were suggested for the assembly of PC columns. Then, finite element analyses were performed to further reveal the working and failure mechanisms and the affecting mechanism of some working parameters. Parametric simulations indicated that the increase in the axial load ratio and the concrete strength in the postcast region had a slight but limited effect on improving the lateral resistance of the column connection.
Maternal imprinting of the neonatal microbiota colonization in intrauterine growth restricted piglets: a review
Authors: Jiang Lili , Feng Cuiping , Tao Shiyu , Li Na , Zuo Bin , Han Dandan , Wang Junjun 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Early colonization of intestinal microbiota during the neonatal stage plays an important role on the development of intestinal immune system and nutrients absorption of the host. Compared to the normal birth weight (NBW) piglets, intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) piglets have a different intestinal microbiota during their early life, which is related to maternal imprinting on intestinal microbial succession during gestation, at birth and via suckling. Imbalanced allocation of limited nutrients among fetuses during gestation could be one of the main causes for impaired intestinal development and microbiota colonization in neonatal IUGR piglets. In this review, we summarized the potential impact of maternal imprinting on the colonization of the intestinal microbiota in IUGR piglets, including maternal undernutrition, imbalanced allocation of nutrients among fetuses, as well as vertical microbial transmission from mother to offspring during gestation and lactation. At the same time, we give information about the current maternal nutritional strategies (mainly breastfeeding, probiotics and prebiotics) to help colonization of the advantageous intestinal microbiota for IUGR piglets.
Designing a VR game for public speaking based on speakers features: a case study
Authors: El-Yamri Meriem , Romero-Hernandez Alejandro , Gonzalez-Riojo Manuel , Manero Borja 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Oratory or the art of public speaking with eloquence has been cultivated since ancient times. However, the fear of speaking in public -a disproportionate reaction to the threatening situation of facing an audience- affects a very important part of the population. This work arises from the need to help alleviate this fear through a tool where to train the ability of public speaking. To this purpose, we built a virtual reality system that offers the speaker a safe environment to practice presentations. Since the audience is the only way to receive feedback when giving a speech, our system offer s a virtual audience that reacts and gives real-time feedback based on the emotions conveyed by three parameters: voice tone, speech content and speaker’s gaze. In this paper, we detail the modelling of a behavioural-realistic audience just focusing on the speakers’ voice tone: 1) by presenting an algorithm that controls the audience’ reactions based on the emotions beamed by the speaker, and 2) by carrying out an experiment comparing the reactions generated by the agents with those of a real audience to the same speech, in order to refine the given algorithm. In this experiment, the audience subjects are asked to fill a questionnaire - level of engagement and perceived emotions - for a speech performed by professional actors representing different emotions. Afterwards, we compared the reactions of said audience with the ones generated by our algorithm, and used the results to improve it.
BRInging the Diabetes prevention program to GEriatric populations (BRIDGE): a feasibility study
Authors: Beasley Jeannette M. , Kirshner Lindsey , Wylie-Rosett Judith , Sevick Mary Ann , DeLuca Laura , Chodosh Joshua 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this 6-week intervention was to test the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a telehealth-adapted Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) at a senior center.

Methods
Older adults (n = 16) attended weekly interactive webinars. At each measurement time point, participants completed questionnaires covering lifestyle, physical activity, quality of life, and food records and wore physical activity trackers. Qualitative data were gathered from 2 focus groups inviting all 16 participants with 13 and 10 participants attending, respectively.

Results
Over 2000 senior center members were contacted, approximately 2% (n = 39) responded to the recruitment email, and 16 were recruited into the study. Retention was 75%, and attendance rates averaged 80% across the six intervention sessions. The focus group participants provided positive opinions for most program components, especially the webinar group interaction and using physical activity trackers. Suggestions for improvement included a greater focus on specific needs of older adults (i.e., adapting activities) and placing a greater emphasis on dietary strategies to prevent diabetes. Mean weight loss was 2.9% (2.7 kg [95% CI 1.6, 3.7]; p value = 0.001).

Conclusion
The feasibility of providing DPP via webinar appears to be high based on the retention and attendance rates. Similar to other behavioral interventions engaging older adults, recruitment rates were low. Acceptability was evidenced by high attendance at the intervention sessions and feedback from participants during focus group sessions. The intervention efficacy should be evaluated based on CDC criteria for program recognition in a larger scale randomized trial.

Trial registration
NCT03524404. Registered 14 May 2018—retrospectively registered. Trial protocol will be provided by the corresponding author upon request.
Antifungal activity and resistance induction against Sclerotium cepivorum by plant growth-promoting fungi in onion plants
Authors: Elsharkawy Mohsen Mohamed , El-Khateeb Nagwa Mohamed Mohamed 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The influence of the inoculation with plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF) isolates on growth enhancement of onion plants and progress of white rot disease in onions, caused by Sclerotium cepivorum, was evaluated. The tested PGPF isolates were Phoma sp. GS8-1, Phoma sp. GS 8-3, Trichoderma asperellum SKT-1, Fusarium equiseti GF18-3 and Penicillium simplicissmum GP17-2. Abnormal shape and lysis in the mycelia of the pathogen were reported in dual cultures of PGPF and S. cepivorum using scanning electron microscopy. The germination of sclerotia was reduced after soaking in culture filtrates of PGPF. The highest reduction was recorded in P. simplicissmum GP17-2 treatment (70.85%). The results demonstrated that the treatments with PGPF isolates significantly enhanced the plant height, root length, bulb perimeter and plant dry weight. Additionally, PGPF clearly reduced disease severity of white rot disease of onions. Among PGPF isolates, T. asperellum SKT-1 and P. simplicissmum GP17-2 showed the best effects in reducing the incidence and severity of white rot and enhancing onion growth. On the other hand, the levels of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase were improved in the treated onion plants than in the untreated plants at 7 days after induction treatments. Similarly, early and strong expressions of defence genes, PR1 and PR2, were reported in plants treated with PGPF. Overall, this research suggested that PGPF treatments generated favourable effects on the suppression of white rot disease of onions.
Wurster Fluidised Bed Coating of Microparticles: Towards Scalable Production of Oral Sustained-Release Liquid Medicines for Patients with Swallowing Difficulties
Authors: Mohylyuk Valentyn , Patel Kavil , Scott Nathan , Richardson Craig , Murnane Darragh , Liu Fang 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Suspension of microparticles in an easy-to-swallow liquid is one approach to develop sustained-release formulations for children and patients with swallowing difficulties. However, to date production of sustained-release microparticles at the industrial scale has proven to be challenging. The aim of this investigation was to develop an innovative concept in coating sustained-release microparticles using industrial scalable Wurster fluidised bed to produce oral liquid suspensions. Microcrystalline cellulose cores (particle size <150 μm) were coated with Eudragit® NM 30 D and Eudragit® RS/RL 30 D aqueous dispersions using a fluidised bed coater. A novel approach of periodic addition of a small quantity (0.1% w/w) of dry powder glidant, magnesium stearate, to the coating chamber via an external port was applied throughout the coating process. This method significantly increased coating production yield from less than 50% to up to 99% compared to conventional coating process without the dry powder glidant. Powder rheology tests showed that dry powder glidants increased the tapped density and decreased the cohesive index of coated microparticles. Reproducible microencapsulation of a highly water-soluble drug, metoprolol succinate, was achieved, yielding coated microparticles less than 200 μm in size with 20-h sustained drug release, suitable for use in liquid suspensions. The robust, scalable technology presented in this study offers an important solution to the long-standing challenges of formulating sustained-release dosage forms suitable for children and older people with swallowing difficulties.