bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statistical analysis plan for the Dex-CSDH trial: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a 2-week course of dexamethasone for adult patients with a symptomatic chronic subdural haematoma
Authors: Allison Annabel , Edlmann Ellie , Kolias Angelos G. , Davis-Wilkie Carol , Mee Harry , Thelin Eric P. , Turner Carole , Hutchinson Peter J. , Bond Simon 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The incidence of chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is increasing. Although surgery remains the mainstay of management for symptomatic patients, uncertainty remains regarding the role of steroids. Hence, the Dex-CSDH trial was launched in the UK in 2015 aiming to determine whether, compared to placebo, dexamethasone can improve the 6-month functional outcome of patients with symptomatic CSDH by reducing the rate of surgical intervention and recurrence rate.

Methods and design
Dex-CSDH is a multi-centre, pragmatic, parallel group, double-blind, randomised trial assessing the clinical utility of a 2-week course of dexamethasone following a CSDH. Seven hundred fifty patients were randomised to either dexamethasone or placebo. The primary outcome is the modified Rankin Scale at 6 months which is dichotomised to favourable (a score of 0–3) versus unfavourable (a score of 4–6).

Conclusions
This paper and the accompanying additional material describe the statistical analysis plan for the trial.

Trial registration
ISRCTN, ISRCTN80782810. Registered on 7 November 2014. http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN80782810. EudraCT, 2014-004948-35. Registered on 20 March 2015.
Complex assessment of bone mineral density, fracture risk, vitamin D status, and bone metabolism in Hungarian systemic sclerosis patients
Authors: Horváth Ágnes , Végh Edit , Pusztai Anita , Pethő Zsófia , Hamar Attila , Czókolyová Monika , Bhattoa Harjit Pal , Nagy Gábor , Juhász Balázs , Hodosi Katalin , Domján Andrea , Szekanecz Zoltán , Szücs Gabriella , Szamosi Szilvia 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Objective
We wished to determine bone alterations in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients by conventional densitometry (DXA), peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), and bone biomarkers.

Methods
We included 44 SSc patients and 33 age-matched healthy controls. Lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by DXA. Volumetric BMD was measured by pQCT at the radius. FRAX, 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3 (25-OH-D3), parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, C-terminal collagen telopeptide, and procollagen type I amino-terminal propeptide were also assessed.

Results
SSc patients had lower L2–4 BMD (0.880 ± 0.108 vs. 0.996 ± 0.181 g/cm2; p = 0.019) and femoral neck (FN) BMD (0.786 ± 0.134 vs. 0.910 ± 0.090 g/cm2; p = 0.007) by DXA. In SSc vs. controls, pQCT indicated lower mean cortical (328.03 ± 103.32 vs. 487.06 ± 42.45 mg/cm3; p < 0.001) and trabecular density (150.93 ± 61.91 vs. 184.76 ± 33.03 mg/cm3; p = 0.037). Vitamin D3 deficiency was more common in SSc vs. controls (60.0% vs. 39.3%; p = 0.003). L2–4 (p = 0.002) and FN BMD (p = 0.015) positively correlated with BMI. pQCT assessments confirmed an inverse correlation between pulmonary manifestation and total (p = 0.024), trabecular (p = 0.035), and cortical density (p = 0.015). Anti-Scl70 positivity inversely correlated with pQCT total density (p = 0.015) and the presence of digital ulcers with cortical density (p = 0.001). We also found that vertebral and FN BMD as determined by DXA significantly correlated with pQCT total, trabecular, and cortical density (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
The results of our study suggest that bone loss in SSc patients may be associated with lower BMI, anti-Scl70 positivity, and the presence of pulmonary manifestations and digital ulcers. Both DXA and pQCT are appropriate tools to evaluate the bone alterations in SSc patients.
Upper and lower solution method for Hilfer fractional evolution equations with nonlocal conditions
Authors: Gou Haide , Li Yongxiang 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the existence of extremal mild solutions for Hilfer fractional evolution equations with nonlocal conditions in an ordered Banach spaceE. By employing the method of lower and upper solutions, the measure of noncompactness, and Sadovskii’s fixed point theorem, we obtain the existence of extremal mild solutions for Hilfer fractional evolution equations with noncompact semigroups. Finally, an example is provided to illustrate the feasibility of our main results.
Numerical solution of nonlinear stochastic Itô–Volterra integral equations based on Haar wavelets
Authors: Wu Jieheng , Jiang Guo , Sang Xiaoyan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this paper, an efficient numerical method is presented for solving nonlinear stochastic Itô–Volterra integral equations based on Haar wavelets. By the properties of Haar wavelets and stochastic integration operational matrixes, the approximate solution of nonlinear stochastic Itô–Volterra integral equations can be found. At the same time, the error analysis is established. Finally, two numerical examples are offered to testify the validity and precision of the presented method.
The multi-faceted functioning portrait of LRF/ZBTB7A
Authors: Constantinou Caterina , Spella Magda , Chondrou Vasiliki , Patrinos George P. , Papachatzopoulou Adamantia , Sgourou Argyro 
Published: December 2019

AbstractTranscription factors (TFs) consisting of zinc fingers combined with BTB (for broad-complex, tram-track, and bric-a-brac) domain (ZBTB) are a highly conserved protein family that comprises a multifunctional and heterogeneous group of TFs, mainly modulating cell developmental events and cell fate. LRF/ZBTB7A, in particular, is reported to be implicated in a wide variety of physiological and cancer-related cell events. These physiological processes include regulation of erythrocyte maturation, B/T cell differentiation, adipogenesis, and thymic insulin expression affecting consequently insulin self-tolerance. In cancer, LRF/ZBTB7A has been reported to act either as oncogenic or as oncosuppressive factor by affecting specific cell processes (proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, metastasis, etc) in opposed ways, depending on cancer type and molecular interactions. The molecular mechanisms via which LRF/ZBTB7A is known to exert either physiological or cancer-related cellular effects include chromatin organization and remodeling, regulation of the Notch signaling axis, cellular response to DNA damage stimulus, epigenetic-dependent regulation of transcription, regulation of the expression and activity of NF-κB and p53, and regulation of aerobic glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (Warburg effect). It is a pleiotropic TF, and thus, alterations to its expression status become detrimental for cell survival. This review summarizes its implication in different cellular activities and the commonly invoked molecular mechanisms triggered by LRF/ZBTB7A’s orchestrated action.
Distal bypass with a varicose vein graft for critical limb ischemia: report of a case
Authors: Guntani Atsushi , Yoshiga Ryosuke , Mii Shinsuke 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
A saphenous vein complicated with varicose veins is generally thought to be unsuitable for bypass grafting.

Case presentation
A patient who developed sepsis due to lower limb gangrene was successfully treated by endovascular treatment and bypass surgery using a varicose vein graft. There were no complications, such as occlusion or aneurysm, of the varicose vein graft during the 2-year follow-up period.

Conclusions
We herein report a case in which bypass surgery with a varicose vein graft was used to avoid major amputation of the lower limb, and the patient recovered markedly from sepsis. If there are no other appropriate autologous veins for revascularization of lower limb gangrene, a varicose vein graft may be useful as a conduit for bypass surgery at risk of graft infection.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy for the management of inflammatory bowel disease-fatigue: a feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Artom Micol , Czuber-Dochan Wladyslawa , Sturt Jackie , Proudfoot Hannah , Roberts Danniella , Norton Christine 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Fatigue is the third most prevalent symptom for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet optimal strategies for its management are unclear. Treatment protocols for fatigue in other conditions have been based on cognitive-behavioural models. Targeting cognitions, emotions and behaviour related to fatigue through cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) may be a viable option to improve fatigue and quality of life (QoL) in IBD.

Methods
This single centre, two-arm, feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to assess the feasibility and initial estimates of potential efficacy of a CBT intervention for the management of IBD-fatigue. Feasibility, acceptability and initial estimates of potential efficacy outcomes were collected through self-report measures and semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited from one tertiary referral centre. Intervention Group 1 received a CBT manual for fatigue, one 60-min and seven 30-min telephone sessions with a therapist over 8-weeks. Control Group 2 received a fatigue information sheet without therapist support. A nested qualitative study evaluated patients’ and therapists’ experiences, and IBD-healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) perceptions of the intervention.

Results
Eighty-nine participants were assessed for eligibility. Of these, 31 of the 70 eligible participants consented to participate (recruitment rate of 44%). Of the 15 participants randomised to the intervention group, 13 (87%) started it and 10 (77% of those who started) completed all 8 sessions. Follow-up questionnaires were completed by 22 (71%) participants at 3 months, 14 (45%) at 6 months and 12 (39%) at 12 months’ follow-up. The intervention was acceptable to participants and feasible for therapists to deliver. HCPs reported that the intervention would be applicable, but time, finance and training constraints limit its implementation. Initial estimates of potential efficacy with complete case analysis showed a reduction in fatigue and an increase in QoL at 3, 6 and 12 months post-randomisation.

Conclusions
A full-scale effectiveness RCT testing CBT for IBD-fatigue is feasible and is potentially worthwhile with some changes to the protocol. However, given the small numbers, further pilot work is warranted before a full-scale RCT.

Trial registration
Registration Trial ISRCTN 17917944, Registered 2 September 2016
Association between ACTN3 and acute mountain sickness
Authors: Bottura Ricardo Muller , Lima Giscard Humberto Oliveira , Hipolide Debora Cristina , Pesquero João Bosco 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundDuring the process of acclimatization, when our organism needs to adjust several metabolic processes in the attempt of establishing a better oxygenation, it is normal that individuals present some symptoms that can lead to the disease of the mountain. However, not everyone presents such symptoms and individuals native of high altitudes regions present genetic differences compared to natives of low altitudes which can generate a better acute adaptation. One of these differences is the higher proportion of type I muscle fibers, which may originate from the R577X polymorphism of theACTN3gene. The aim of this study was to compare the response of individuals with differentACTN3genotypes at simulated 4500 m altitude on the presence of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) symptoms. Twenty-three volunteers (RR = 7, RX = 8, XX = 8) spent 4 hours exposed to a simulated altitude of 4500 m inside a normobaric hypoxia chamber. Lactate and glucose concentrations, SpO2, heart rate and the symptoms of AMS were analyzed immediately before entering the chamber and at each hour of exposure. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 software.ResultsOur results point to an association between AMS symptoms and the presence of R allele from R577X polymorphism.ConclusionWe conclude that individuals with at least one R allele of the R577X polymorphism seems to be more susceptible to the effects of hypoxia during the acclimatization process and may develop AMS symptoms.
A high likelihood of increase in end-stage renal disease among the Japanese HIV-infected population
Authors: Ando Minoru , Ando Yoko 
Published: December 2019

AbstractKidneys are affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and its associated therapies. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has markedly reduced acquired immune deficiency syndrome–related deaths and opportunistic infectious diseases among HIV-infected patients. This contributed to their prolonged survival; however, the improvement in survival has been accompanied by an increase in the incidence of non-infectious chronic complications, including hypertension, metabolic diseases, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recent studies showed that estimated prevalence of any CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among HIV-infected patients is approximately 20% and 0.5%, respectively, in Japan. Both a rapid decrease in renal function and a high positive rate of albuminuria and proteinuria are clinical characteristics of HIV-infected patients. Moreover, considering higher complication rates of hypertension and diabetes compared with non-HIV-infected individuals of the similar aging, HIV-infected patients who develop CKD and ESRD are very likely to increase. Furthermore, as the survival rate is favorable after the initiation of dialysis, the cumulative number of ESRD patients is supposed to increase. The corporation for treatment of HIV-positive hemodialysis patients by general dialysis clinics will be urgently required; however, there still remain some preoccupations and prejudices about HIVper sein Japan, which may provoke hesitation from accepting those patients.
Two-dimensional ultrasound: can it replace computed tomography in liver volume assessment?
Authors: Farghaly Shimaa , Makboul Marwa , Shehata Mahmoud Refaat 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Liver volume estimation is considered as an integral part in preoperative evaluation in patients undergoing liver transplantation; computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are considered the gold standard methods for liver volume estimation, and both are reliable and valid in determination of liver volume via manual and semi-automated methods. Reliable and accurate set of three simple measurement planes using two-dimensional ultrasound for volumetric assessment of liver was determined, and predictive equation using these three simple measurements was performed, which is simple to perform and easy to calculate, in order to evaluate liver volume and validate these measurements against CT images. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the efficacy and validity of two-dimensional ultrasound in liver volume estimation compared to CT volumetry as a gold standard.

Results
A strong linear positive correlation with no statistical significant difference was found between 2D US and semi-automated CT volumetric, and result was r = 0.7402 and p > 0.05, with an average liver volume of 1572.10 (± 326.43) cm3 and 1559.30 (± 381.02) cm3 respectively.
No statistically significant difference was found also between the two modalities in different age groups and different sexes.

Conclusion
Simple linear two-dimensional ultrasound could be considered an efficient, accurate, and trustable tool for liver volume measurement in clinical practice.
Innovative boat-towed transient electromagnetics — Investigation of the Furnas volcanic lake hydrothermal system, Azores
Authors: Yogeshwar Pritam , Küpper Mira , Tezkan Bülent , Rath Volker , Kiyan Duygu , Byrdina Svetlana , Cruz José , Andrade César , Viveiros Fatima 
Published: December 2019

Water-covered areas may lead to gaps in surface electromagnetic surveys, causing reduced resolution and, as a consequence, increased uncertainty in derived subsurface models. We have evaluated a boat-towed floating central loop time-domain electromagnetic technique that mitigates this problem. It facilitates obtaining data with a spatial sampling density, which is rarely possible with standard instrumentation on land, and it only requires moderate logistical effort. A unique field study on a shallow volcanic lake demonstrated that this method is feasible with only a minor loss of accuracy when compared to anchored and land soundings. We found that the noise sources arising from the moving instrument and the boat engine can be neglected. The field survey was performed on the Lagoa das Furnas (São Miguel, Azores Islands, Portugal), which is located within an active volcanic area and is characterized by fumarolic fields and [Formula: see text] degassing. Thus, the associated hydrothermal system is expected to extend below the lake. However, the character, geometry, and extent of this system are unknown because of the lack of boreholes and geophysical studies. In total, 600 soundings, combining towed profiles with anchored and land-based soundings, were acquired with an aim of imaging the hydrothermal system beneath the lake down to 200 m. The results from all three types of measurements compare well and thus led to consistent 1D inversion models. The inversion results delineate a highly conductive, smectite-rich cap layer dipping below the lake away from the main fumarole zone. Near this zone, the extent of the conductor agrees well with an area of intense dispersed [Formula: see text] degassing, which appears to be controlled by at least two electrically distinctive fault zones in which the conductor is found at greater depths.
Activating Mutations of the G-protein Subunit α 11 Interdomain Interface Cause Autosomal Dominant Hypocalcemia Type 2
Authors: Gorvin Caroline M , Stokes Victoria J , Boon Hannah , Cranston Treena , Glück Anna K , Bahl Shailini , Homfray Tessa , Aung Theingi , Shine Brian , Lines Kate E , Hannan Fadil M , Thakker Rajesh V 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Context
Autosomal dominant hypocalcemia types 1 and 2 (ADH1 and ADH2) are caused by germline gain-of-function mutations of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and its signaling partner, the G-protein subunit α 11 (Gα 11), respectively. More than 70 different gain-of-function CaSR mutations, but only 6 different gain-of-function Gα 11 mutations are reported to date.

Methods
We ascertained 2 additional ADH families and investigated them for CaSR and Gα 11 mutations. The effects of identified variants on CaSR signaling were evaluated by transiently transfecting wild-type (WT) and variant expression constructs into HEK293 cells stably expressing CaSR (HEK-CaSR), and measuring intracellular calcium (Ca2+i) and MAPK responses following stimulation with extracellular calcium (Ca2+e).

Results
CaSR variants were not found, but 2 novel heterozygous germline Gα 11 variants, p.Gly66Ser and p.Arg149His, were identified. Homology modeling of these revealed that the Gly66 and Arg149 residues are located at the interface between the Gα 11 helical and GTPase domains, which is involved in guanine nucleotide binding, and this is the site of 3 other reported ADH2 mutations. The Ca2+i and MAPK responses of cells expressing the variant Ser66 or His149 Gα 11 proteins were similar to WT cells at low Ca2+e, but significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner following Ca2+e stimulation, thereby indicating that the p.Gly66Ser and p.Arg149His variants represent pathogenic gain-of-function Gα 11 mutations. Treatment of Ser66- and His149-Gα 11 expressing cells with the CaSR negative allosteric modulator NPS 2143 normalized Ca2+i and MAPK responses.

Conclusion
Two novel ADH2-causing mutations that highlight the Gα 11 interdomain interface as a hotspot for gain-of-function Gα 11 mutations have been identified.
A biphasic role of non-canonical Wnt16 signaling during early anterior-posterior patterning and morphogenesis of the sea urchin embryo
Authors: Martínez-Bartolomé Marina , Range Ryan C. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
A Wnt signaling network governs early anterior-posterior (AP) specification and patterning of the deuterostome sea urchin embryo. We have previously shown that non-canonical Fzl1/2/7 signaling antagonizes the progressive posterior-to-anterior downregulation of the anterior neuroectoderm (ANE) gene regulatory network (GRN) by canonical Wnt/β-catenin and non-canonical Wnt1/Wnt8-Fzl5/8-JNK signaling. This study focuses on the non-canonical function of the Wnt16 ligand during early AP specification and patterning. Maternally supplied wnt16 is expressed ubiquitously during cleavage and zygotic wnt16 expression is concentrated in the endoderm/mesoderm beginning at mid-blastula stage. Wnt16 antagonizes the ANE restriction mechanism and this activity depends on a functional Fzl1/2/7 receptor. Our results also show that zygotic wnt16 expression depends on both Fzl5/8 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Furthermore, Wnt16 is necessary for the activation and/or maintenance of key regulatory endoderm/mesoderm genes and is essential for gastrulation. Together, our data show that Wnt16 has two functions during early AP specification and patterning: (1) an initial role activating the Fzl1/2/7 pathway that antagonizes the ANE restriction mechanism; and (2) a subsequent function in activating key endoderm GRN factors and the morphogenetic movements of gastrulation.
Reproductive Life Planning and Contraceptive Action Planning for Privately Insured Women: The MyNewOptions Study
Authors: Chuang Cynthia H. , Weisman Carol S. , Velott Diana L. , Lehman Erik , Chinchilli Vernon M. , Francis Erica B. , Moos Merry‐K. , Sciamanna Christopher N. , Armitage Christopher J. , Legro Richard S. 
Published: December 2019

CONTEXTAlthough reproductive life planning (RLP) is recommended in federal and clinical guidelines and may help insured women make personalized contraceptive choices, it has not been systematically evaluated for effectiveness.METHODSIn 2014, some 984 privately insured women aged 18–40 who were not intending to become pregnant in the next year were randomly assigned to receive RLP, RLP with contraceptive action planning (RLP+) or information only (the control group). Women's contraceptive use, prescription contraceptive use, method adherence, switching to a more effective method, method satisfaction and contraceptive self‐efficacy were assessed at six‐month intervals during the two‐year follow‐up period. Differences between groups were identified using binomial logistic regression, linear regression and generalized estimating equation models.RESULTSDuring the follow‐up period, the proportion of women using any contraceptive method increased from 89% to 96%, and the proportion using a long‐acting reversible contraceptive or sterilization increased from 8% to 19%. Contraceptive adherence was high (72–76%) in all three groups. In regression models, the sole significant finding was that women in the RLP+ group were more likely than those in the RLP group to use a prescription method (odds ratio, 1.3). No differences were evident between the intervention groups and the control group in overall contraceptive use, contraceptive adherence, switching to a more effective method, method satisfaction or contraceptive self‐efficacy.CONCLUSIONSThe study does not provide evidence that web‐based RLP influences contraceptive behaviors in insured women outside of the clinical setting. Further research is needed to identify strategies to help women of reproductive age identify contraceptive methods that meet their needs and preferences.