bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the bilateral decompression via unilateral approach versus conventional approach transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease in the elderly
Authors: Huang Yifan , Chen Jian , Gao Peng , Gu Changjiang , Fan Jin , Hu Zhiyi , Cao Xiaojian , Yin Guoyong , Zhou Wei 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background:To investigate the early efficacy of the bilateral decompression via unilateral approach versus conventional approach transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF)for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease in the patients over 65 years of age, especially in the perioperative factors and the recovery of the soft tissue.Methods:The clinical data from 61 aging patients with lumbar degenerative disease who received surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. 31 cases who received the lumbar interbody fusion surgery with bilateral decompression via unilateral approach (BDUA) were compared with 30 cases who received conventional approach transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. The radiographic parameters were measured using X-ray including lumbar lordosis angle and fusion rate. Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index（ODI）scores were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes at different time points. Fatty degeneration ratio and area of muscle/vertebral body were used to detect recovery of soft tissue.Results:All 61 patients received the BDUA approach and conventional approach transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion under general anesthesia. The BDUA approach group was found to have significantly less intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage compared to conventional approach transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion group. Symptoms of spinal cord and nerve compression were significantly relieved postoperatively, as compared with the preoperative state. However, the opposite side had a lower rate of fatty degeneration comparing to decompression side (P<0.05) six months after surgery in the BDUA group. While there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in two sides of conventional transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion approach group six months after surgery.Conclusions:Bilateral decompression via unilateral approach (BDUA) is able to reduce the intraoperative and postoperative body fluid loss in the elderly. The opposite side of depression in BDUA shows less fatty degeneration, which indicates better recovery of the soft tissue of the aging patients.
Daytime sleepiness, night sleep changes and ALS: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Gan , Zhang Linjing , Huang Tao , Fan Dongsheng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Observational studies have indicated that there is a high prevalence of daytime sleepiness and night sleep changes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the actual relation between these symptoms and ALS remains unclear. We aimed to determine whether daytime sleepiness and night sleep changes have an effect on ALS.
Methods

We used 2-sample mendelian randomization to estimate the effects of daytime sleepiness, sleep efficiency, number of sleep episodes and sleep duration on ALS. Summary statistics we used was from resent and large genome-wide association studies on the traits we chosen (n = 85,670–452,071) and ALS (cases n = 20,806, controls n = 59,804). Inverse variance weighted method was used as the main method for assessing causality.
Results

A genetically predicted 1-point increase in the assessment of daytime sleepiness was significantly associated with an increased risk of ALS (inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) odds ratio = 2.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27–5.76; P = 0.010). ALS was not associated with a genetically predicted 1-SD increase in sleep efficiency (IVW 1.01, 0.64–1.58; P = 0.973), Number of sleep episodes (IVW 1.02, 0.80–1.30; P = 0.859) or sleep duration (IVW 1.00, 1.00–1.01; P = 0.250).
Conclusions

Our results provide novel evidence that daytime sleepiness causes an increase in the risk of ALS and indicate that daytime sleepiness may be inherent in preclinical and clinical ALS patients, rather than simply affected by potential influencing factors.
Just Say “No”: Can Dentists Refuse Care on the Basis of Finances? A Survey Using an Ethical Vignette in an Iranian Dental School
Authors: Kazemian Ali , Fayyazi Mahsa , Shafiee Shahrzad 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate how dental students and tutors think about their position for, or against fee reduction at dental offices. Method: It was a questionnaire-based survey, which examined the ethical attitudes of students and tutors of an Iranian Dental School. The questionnaire included a vignette about an ethical dilemma at a dental office. Different ethical approaches, i.e. duty-based, virtue-oriented and consequentialist arguments, for or against fee reduction at dental office were suggested. Respondents were asked to rank those ethical options. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS 16.0. Result: 121 dental students and thirty-six faculty members (dental specialists) participated in this study. It revealed that a majority of dental students and tutors (68%) are in favor of charging patients less, when facing an imagined request at dental office, using either virtue-oriented (54%) or consequentialist (14%) argument for fee reduction. The difference between rankings of four options was statistically significant, while no statistically significant difference exists neither between male and female respondents, nor students and tutors. Conclusion: This case study provides a basis for fruitful discussions in ethics courses for dental students. Our study suggests that financial issues should be considered as a part of ethical training within the dental student's curriculum.
Robotic Wrist Rehabilitation With High-density Electromyographic Biofeedback for Reducing Co-activation of Antagonist Muscles and Improved Motor Coordination: A Feasibility Study
Authors: CIKAJLO Imre , Zadravec Matjaž , Matjačić Zlatko , Urh Filip , Šavc Martin , Kranjec Jernej , Divjak Matjaž , Frančič Aljaž , Potočnik Božidar , Holobar Aleš 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objectives: Electromygraphic (EMG) biofeedback has been successfully applied in stroke survivors for a few decades. Recently high-density (HD) electrodes were introduced in research and diagnostic EMG. The application of such electrodes may increase the reliability and selectivity, but requires information reduction for real-time biofeedback. We tested whether the use of the proposed feedback is feasible in minimization of inappropriate co-activation of wrist flexors/extensors controlled by the wrist rehabilitation robot. Methods: The EMG of wrist flexors and extensors muscles has been assessed by arrays of 5 x 13 electrodes, reduced to 1 x 4 information matrix and provided as real-time biofeedback during wrist movement controlled by the robot. The designed task required to keep the contribution of agonist muscles within predefined limits. A feasibility study with a single patient with stroke was conducted to examine force tracking and reduction of activity of antagonists wrist muscles in 4 weeks. Results: Force tracking signal and cumulative forecast errors decreased in 4 trials. The RMS activity of antagonist muscles significantly decreased (Kruskal Wallis, c2 = 3.330*10-9) during wrist flexion in the 4th week of trials. The participant was able to follow the reduced HDEMG biofeedback.Conclusions: The outcomes show that the surface HDEMG biofeedback has a potential to decrease the co-activation of antagonist muscles, wrist flexion in particular. Additionally the combination of force tracking and robot assisted biofeedback training may recover selective hand function in stroke survivors who would less likely to develop contractures. Trial registration: The study is not a clinical trial. While human subjects are involved, they do not participate in a full rehabilitation intervention, and no health outcomes are examined.
Aspects of cultivar variation in physiological traits related to Cd distribution in rice plants with a short-term stress
Authors: Chiao Wan-Ting , Chen Bo-Ching , Syu Chien-Hui , Juang Kai-Wei 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Genotypic variations are seen in Cd tolerance and accumulation in rice plants. Cultivars that show low Cd translocation from the root into shoot can be selected to reduce Cd contamination in rice grains. This study aims to clarify the physiological regulation related to cadmium (Cd) absorption by rice plants for screening out the cultivars, which have relatively low Cd accumulation in grains. Eight Taiwan mega cultivars of paddy rice: japonica (TY3, TK9, TNG71, and KH145 cultivars), indica (TCS10 and TCS17 cultivars), and glutinous (TKW1 and TKW3 cultivars), which are qualified with the criteria for rice grain quality by the Council of Agriculture, Taiwan, were used for illustration. An experiment in hydroponics was conducted for the rice seedlings with a treatment of 50 µM CdCl2 for 7 days.
Results and discussion
After the Cd treatment, the reductions in shoot growth were more significant than those in root growth; however, Cd absorbed in the rice plant was sequestered much more in the root. The malondialdehyde (MDA) was preferentially accumulated in rice root but the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was increased more significantly in the shoot; the antioxidative enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), were pronounced more in rice shoot.
Conclusions
The rice cultivars preferentially accumulated Cd in the root rather than the shoot with the Cd treatment, which resulted in significant enhancements of MDA and growth reductions in the root. However, H2O2 accumulation was toward the shoot to retard shoot growth suddenly and then the root could keep a gradual growth. Also, the rice cultivars, which preferentially accumulate Cd in the root, would have the regulation tendency of SOD toward the shoot. Due to that SOD is responsible for H2O2 production, H2O2 accumulation would be thus toward the shoot. Also, the cultivars, which have a less regulation tendency of APX toward the shoot, would present higher translocation of Cd into the shoot.
Guidelines for developing geographically sensitive mobile health applications
Authors: Nyapwere Newton , Dube Yolisa , Makanga Prestige T. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Seventeen (17) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were promulgated in 2016 following the end of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) era. SDG 3 aims to ensure health lives and promote well-being for all ages. Increasing use of geo-enabled mobile health applications can positively contribute to realisation of SDG 3 targets. Health facilities and the communities that require health care are connected by geography. Digital technologies are increasingly becoming an important resource for health services delivery and public health. However, there is a need for a framework that guide the development and deployment for context relevant location based digital technologies. This paper presents recommendations for guidelines that can be adopted for developing geographically sensitive mobile health applications. These guidelines were formulated based on experience from the RoadMApp project in Kwekwe District of Zimbabwe. RoadMApp is an mHealth location aware application that reduces the negative effects of long travel times to health care facilities by pregnant women. Results The guidelines for developing geographically sensitive mobile applications developed starts with user requirements assessment followed by geographic information systems data needs and modelling, database development, and finally frontend mobile application development. Conclusions In line with the new global health policy drive for locally driven and context relevant health interventions, the guidelines present new opportunities that take advantage of the ubiquity of mobile telephony and could be adopted in health policy formulations to contribute to SDG3.
COVID-19 patients with hypertension under potential risk of worsened organ injuries
Authors: Xia Fei , Zhang Mingwei , Cui Bo , An Wei , Chen Min , Yang Ping , Qin Tao , Zhou Xiaoyang , Liao Yaling , Xu Xin , Liu Shiguo , Li Kuangyu , Zhou Qin , Wang Keke , Hu Guangxu , Du Ming , Chen Songrui , Zhang Jianjun , Zhang Yafang , Wei Wei , Xiang Ming 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
COVID -19 has rapidly spread from Wuhan to worldwide, and now has become a global health concern. Hypertension is the most common chronic illness in COVID-19, while the influence on those patients have not been well described. In this retrospective study, 82 confirmed patients with COVID-19 were enrolled, with epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiological, and therapies data analyzed and compared between COVID-19 patients with (29 cases) or without (53 cases) hypertension. Of all 82 patients with COVID-19, the median age of all patients was 60.5 years, including 49 females (59.8%) and 33 (40.2%) males. Hypertension (31[28.2%]) was the most chronic illness, followed by diabetes (16 [19.5%]) and cardiovascular disease (15 [18.3%]). Common symptoms included fatigue (55[67.1%]), dry cough (46 [56.1%]) and fever (≥37.3℃ (46 [56.1%]). The median time from illness onset to positive outcomes of RT-PCR analysis were 13.0 days, ranging from 3-25 days. In hypertension group, 6 (20.7%) patients died compared to 5 (9.4%) died in non-hypertension group. More hypertension patients with COVID-19 (8 [27.6%]) had at least one coexisting disease than those of non-hypertension patients (2 [3.8%]) (P=0.002). Compared with non-hypertension patients, higher levels of neutrophil counts, serum amyloid A, C-reactive protein, and NT-proBNP were observed in hypertension group, whereas levels of lymphocyte count and eGFR were decreased. Dynamic observations displayed more significant and worsened outcomes in hypertension group after hospital admission. COVID-19 patients with hypertension take more risks of severe inflammatory reactions, worsened internal organ injuries, and deteriorated progress.
Physical Activity Trajectories During Adulthood and Incident Hypertension: A National Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Cao Gui-zhen , Wang Cong-ju , Dong Hao-yu , Cui Zhi-zhen , Ma Ya-na , Sun Hong-peng , Han Li-yuan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background We aimed to characterize the physical activity (PA) trajectories across adulthood and estimate their association with incident hypertension risk.Methods Data were obtained from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) conducted during 2004–2011. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to identify distinct groups of PA trajectories. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to investigate the association between each PA trajectory group and incident hypertension.Results A total of 11,162 participants whose PA was repeatedly measured two to four times in the CHNS during 2004–2011 were included in our study. During the 5.4 years of follow-up, 3,824 incident hypertension cases were identified. Five distinct PA trajectories were identified in men: light and slight decline, light and gradual decline then sharp rise, light to medium-heavy then decline, medium-heavy and persistent decline, and heavy and sharp decline. Two distinct PA trajectories were identified in women: light and stable, and medium and gradual decline. The PA trajectory of medium-heavy and persistent decline was significantly associated with decreased risk of hypertension in men, with the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals being 0.80 (0.63, 0.99), 0.74 (0.59, 0.93), 0.76 (0.60, 0.96), and 0.70 (0.55, 0.88) in model 1, model 2, model 3, and model 4, respectively.Conclusions Our study identified five distinct long‐term PA trajectories in men and two distinct trajectories in women. The PA trajectory of medium-heavy PA in early adulthood (at 18–37 years) followed by persistent decline (at 38–70 years) was found to be significantly associated with a decreased risk of hypertension in later life in men.
Pharmacological interventions for the COVID-19 pandemic and the use of preprint articles: The good, the bad and the ugly
Authors: Nicolalde Bryan , Añazco Diego , Mushtaq Mariam , Espinosa Isabel , Gimenez Jimena , Teran Enrique 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Preprints are preliminary reports that have not been peer-reviewed. On Dec 2019, a novel coronavirus appeared in China, and since then, scientific production, including preprints, has drastically increased. In this study, we intend to evaluate how often preprints regarding pharmacological interventions against COVID-19 were cited, in spite of the fact that some of these preprints remained unpublished.Methods: We conducted a search on medRxiv and bioRxiv to identify preprints related to pharmacological interventions against SARS-CoV-2 from Jan 1st to Mar 31, 2020. We gathered metadata on included preprints and identified if they had been published in a peer-reviewed journal. We performed Mann-Whitney U tests to evaluate if published articles had differences in citation numbers or usage, as defined by PDF downloads and abstract views, when compared to preprints that were not published.Results: Our sample included 97 preprints, of which only 14 were published on peer-reviewed journals and 83 remained unpublished. The most common study designs we found among preprints were basic science research and case series. Published articles had a significantly higher number of citations and metrics (PDF and abstract downloads) when compared to unpublished preprints.Conclusions: The use of preprints during this pandemic has been higher than in previous outbreaks, however, the publication rate in peer-reviewed journals in our sample was low. Preprints should be used as a mean to display preliminary data rapidly in order to obtain feedback by the scientific community, or to guide further research. However, due to the lack of peer-review, and potentially flawed data analysis, preprints alone should not be used to guide clinical practice, as the risk of unwarranted modifications to management is concerning.
The Effects of Royal Jelly and Tocotrienol Rich Fraction Along with Calorie Restriction Diet on White Fat Browning and Brown Adipocytes Activation in Obese Rats
Authors: Irandoost Pardis , Alamdari Naimeh Mesri , Saidpour Atoosa , Shidfar Farzad , Roshanravan Neda , Jafarabadi Mohammad Asghari , Alivand MohammadReza , Alipour Shahriar , Roshangar Leila , Farsi Farnaz , Hanjani Nazanin Asghari , Vafa Mohammadreza 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Obesity is a public health problem across the world. Development of beige adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) and activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) can support obesity management. We aimed to investigate the effects of royal jelly (RJ) and tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) along with calorie restriction diet (CRD) on the genes involved in beige fat formation and BAT activation.Methods: Fifty 3-week-old male Wistar rats were fed high-fat diet (HFD) for 17 weeks. When obesity was induced, they were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=10/group): HFD, CRD, RJ+CRD, TRF+CRD, RJ+TRF+CRD for an additional 8 weeks. Finally, body weight was measured. Moreover, WAT and BAT were dissected for assessing the expression of major genes involved in adipose thermogenesis and histological changes evaluation. Results: At the end of the intervention, weight significantly decreased in RJ and RJ+TRF groups relative to the CRD group (p<0.05). RJ remarkably increased the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) by 5.81 and 4.99 times more than CRD alone in WAT and BAT respectively (p<0.001). Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC1-α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) and Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) was significantly increased in WAT and BAT of rats receiving RJ and RJ+TRF. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-Ƴ) expression was not noticeably changed in assessed adipose tissues. Brown-like adipocytes in WAT and denser adipocytes in BAT were obvious in RJ and RJ+TRF groups. However, the effect of TRF on studied genes was not noticeable. Conclusion: RJ+CRD improved markers of adipose thermogenesis and induced anti-obesity effects more than CRD alone did. Furthermore, RJ remodeled adipose tissue and could be considered as a new therapeutic target.
Two Months of Radiation Oncology in the Heart of Italian “Red Zone” During COVID-19 Pandemic: Paving A Safe Path Over Thin Ice.
Authors: Buglione Michela , Spiazzi Luigi , Guerini Andrea Emanuele , Barbera Fernando , Pasinetti Nadia , Pegurri Ludovica , Triggiani Luca , Davide Tomasini , Greco Diana , Costantino Gianluca , Bragaglio Alessandra , Bonometti Nadia , Liccioli Mara , Mascaro Lorella , Staff Radiation Oncology Department , Alongi Filippo , Magrini Stefano Maria 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had an overwhelming impact on healthcare worldwide. Outstandingly, the aftermath on neoplastic patients is still largely unknown, and only isolated cases of COVID-19 during radiotherapy have been published. We will report the two-months experience of our Department, set in Lombardy “red-zone”.Methods: data of 402 cancer patients undergoing active treatment from February 24 to April 24, 2020 were retrospectively reviewed; several indicators of the Department functioning were also analyzed.Results: dedicated measures allowed an overall limited reduction of the workload. Decrease of radiotherapy treatment number reached 17%, while the number of administration of systemic treatment and follow up evaluations kept constant. Conversely, new treatment planning faced substantial decline. Considering the patients, infection rate was 3.23% (13/402) and mortality 1.24% (5/402). Median age of COVID-19 patients was 69.7 years, the large majority were male and smokers (84.6%); lung cancer was the most common tumor type (61.5%), 84.6% of subjects were stage III-IV and 92.3% had comorbidities. Remarkably, 92.3% of the cases were detected before March 24. Globally, only 2.5% of ongoing treatments were suspended due to suspect or confirmed COVID-19 and 46.2% of positive patients carried on radiotherapy without interruption. Considering only the last month, infection rate among patients undergoing treatment precipitated to 0.43% (1/232) and no new contagions were reported within our staff. Conclusions: although mortality rate in COVID-19 cancer patients is elevated, our results support the feasibility and safety of continuing anticancer treatment during SARS-Cov-2 pandemic by endorsing consistent preventive measures.