bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of extended infusion of β-lactam antibiotics for the treatment of febrile neutropenia in haematologic patients: protocol for a randomised, multicentre, open-label, superiority clinical trial (BEATLE)
Authors: Laporte-Amargos Julia , Gudiol Carlota , Arnan Montserrat , Puerta-Alcalde Pedro , Carmona-Torre Francisco , Huguet Maria , Albasanz-Puig Adaia , Parody Rocío , Garcia-Vidal Carolina , Pozo José Luis del , Batlle Montserrat , Tebé Cristian , Rigo-Bonnin Raül , Muñoz Carme , Padullés Ariadna , Tubau Fe , Videla Sebastià , Sureda Anna , Carratalà Jordi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a very common complication in patients with haematological malignancies and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Broad-spectrum antipseudomonal β-lactam antibiotics (BLA) are routinely used for the treatment of cancer patients with FN. However, the clinical efficacy of BLA may be diminished in these patients because they present with pathophysiological variations that compromise the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of these antibiotics. Optimized administration of BLA in prolonged infusions has demonstrated better clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. However, there is a paucity of data on the usefulness of this strategy in patients with FN.
The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that the administration of BLA would be clinically more effective by extended infusion (EI) than by intermittent infusion (II) in haematologic patients with FN.
Methods
A randomised, multicentre, open-label, superiority clinical trial will be performed. Patients with haematological malignancies undergoing chemotherapy or haematopoietic stem cell transplant and who have FN and receive empirical antibiotic therapy with cefepime, piperacillin-tazobactam or meropenem will be randomised (1:1) to receive the antibiotic by EI (during half the time of the dosing interval) in the study group, or by II (30 minutes) in the control group.
The primary endpoint will be clinical efficacy, defined as defervescence without modifying the antibiotic treatment administered within the first 5 days of therapy. The primary endpoint will be analysed in the intention-to-treat population. The secondary endpoints will be pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target achievement, bacteraemia clearance, decrease in C-reactive protein, overall (30-day) case-fatality rate, adverse events and development of a population PK model of the BLA studied.
Discussion
Data on the usefulness of BLA administration in patients with FN are scant. Only three clinical studies addressing this issue have been published thus far, with contradictory results. Moreover, these studies had some methodological flaws that limit the interpretation of their findings. If this randomised, multicentre, phase IV, open-label, superiority clinical trial validates the hypothesis that the administration of BLA is clinically more effective by EI than by II in haematologic patients with FN, then the daily routine management of these high-risk patients could be changed to improve their outcomes.
Use of digital periodontal software to compare periodontal treatment outcomes in a practice-based research network (PBRN) – a proof of concept
Authors: Peikert Stefanie Anna , Mittelhamm Felix , Frisch Eberhard , Vach Kirstin , Ratka-Krüger Petra , Woelber Johan Peter 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this non-interventional, observationalstudy was to develop and evaluate a digital procedure to access, extract and analyse recorded clinical data in practices to assess periodontal treatment outcomes. Methods: Participating periodontists were former or active postgraduate students of a master’s course in periodontics in Freiburg who routinely used a digital periodontal diagnostic program. All available stored periodontal patient charts were extracted, anonymized and digitally sent to the study centre. Results: In this study, data were collected from6401 patients from 9 different practices. Information such as probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), mobility, furcation and gingival attachment for 153163 teeth at first visit were successfully transferred to the study centre. During the observational period, which was from 2.08 years to 18.35 yearson average,only 2.8% of all teeth were lost. The number of visits was significantly negatively correlated withBOP (p<0.0001),and the number of BOP-positive sites was significantlycorrelated withdeeper PDs (p<0.001). Conclusion: The presented procedure was able to gather a large amount of practice-based periodontal data, and thus this study may support practice-based research networks. The data indicatethat systematic and supportive periodontal therapy is successful on a practice-based level. Trial registration: The study was internationally registered on 4 January 2017 in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS 00011448). https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00011448
The transtheoretical model is an effective for weight management intervention: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: de Freitas Patrícia Pinheiro , de Menezes Mariana Carvalho , Santos Luana Caroline dos , Pimenta Adriano Marçal , Ferreira Adaliene Versiani Matos , Lopes Aline Cristine 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Given the current worldwide epidemic of obesity, there is a demand for interventions with higher impact, such as those carried out in the primary health care (PHC) setting. Here we evaluate the effect of intervention performed according to the stages of change of the transtheoretical model (TTM) for weight management. Methods: This randomized controlled trial in Brazilian PHC offered free physical exercise and nutrition education. The participants were women aged 20 years or older who were obese or overweight in PHC service. The intervention group (IG, n = 51) received the same orientation as the comparison group (CG, n = 35) plus individual health counseling based on the TTM aimed at weight loss, which lasted 6 months. The outcome measures were anthropometric, food, and nutrient profiles. Inflammatory parameters were evaluated in a random subsample. The inter-group and intra-group differences were evaluated, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) used to assess intervention effectiveness, using intention-to-treat analysis. Results: There was a difference between groups of -1.4 kg (CI95%: -2.5; -0.3) in body weight after the intervention. About 97% of women in the IG reported benefits of the intervention and presented positive changes in diet, biochemical markers, and anthropometry. The IG showed better body mass index, resistine, and blood glucose results compared to the CG during follow-up. Conclusion: The individualized TTM-based intervention, combined with usual care, was an effective strategy in PHC. These results should encourage the use of interdisciplinary practices; nevertheless, research to identify additional strategies is needed to address barriers to weight maintenance among obese low-income women.Trial registration: The trial is registered with Brazilian clinical trials under the code: RBR-8t7ssv, Registration date: 12/12/2017 (retrospectively registered). URL: http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-8t7ssv/
Digital versus analogue chest drainage system in patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mooren Kris , Ruigrok Dieuwertje , Kunst Peter W.A. , Blacha Marielle M.J. , Tomlow Ben , Herbrink Jacobine W. , Japenga Eva J. , Boersma Wim , Bresser Paul , Lee Ivo van der 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Patients with a primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) who are treated with chest tube drainage are traditionally connected to an analogue chest drainage system, containing a water seal and using a visual method of monitoring air leakage. Electronic systems with continuous digital monitoring of air leakage provide better insight into actual air leakage and changes in leakage over time, which may lead to a shorter length of hospital stay.Methods: We performed a randomized controlled trial comparing the digital with analogue system, with the aim of demonstrating that use of a digital drainage system in PSP leads to a shorter hospital stay.Results: In 102 patients enrolled with PSP we found no differences in total duration of chest tube drainage and hospital stay between the groups. However, in a post-hoc analysis, excluding 19 patients needing surgery due to prolonged air leakage, hospital stay was significantly shorter in the digital group (median 1 days, IQR 1-5 days) compared to the analogue group (median 3 days, IQR 2-5 days) (p 0.014). Treatment failure occurred in 3 patients in both groups; the rate of recurrence within 12 weeks was not significantly different between groups (16% in the digital group versus 8% in the analogue group, p 0.339).Conclusion: Length of hospital stay was not shorter in patients with PSP when applying a digital drainage system compared to an analogue drainage system. However, in the large subgroup of uncomplicated PSP, a significant reduction in duration of drainage and hospital stay was demonstrated with digital drainage. These findings suggest that digital drainage may be a practical alternative to manual aspiration in the management of PSP. Trial registration: https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/4022. Registered 22 September 2013 - Retrospectively registered, Trial NL4022 (NTR4195)
Autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cell therapy in three patients with severe asthma
Authors: Aguiar Fabio S. , Melo André S. , Araújo Ana Maria Silva , Cardoso Alexandre Pinto , de Souza Sergio A. Lopes , Lopes-Pacheco Miquéias , Cruz Fernanda F. , Xisto Debora G. , Asensi Karina D. , Faccioli Lanuza , Salgado Anna Beatriz S. , Landesmann Maria Carolina P. P. , Goldenberg Regina C. dos S. , Gutfilen Bianca , Morales Marcelo M. , Rocco Patricia Rieken Macêdo , Silva Jose Roberto Lapa e 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite recent advances in understanding its pathophysiology and development of novel therapies, asthma remains a serious public health issue worldwide. Combination therapy with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonists results in disease control for many patients, but those who exhibit severe asthma are often unresponsive to conventional treatment, experiencing worse quality of life, frequent exacerbations, and increasing healthcare costs. Bone marrow-derived mononuclear cell (BMMC) transplantation has been shown to reduce airway inflammation and remodeling and improve lung function in experimental models of allergic asthma. Methods: This is a case series of three patients who presented severe asthma, unresponsive to conventional therapy and omalizumab. They received a single intravenous dose of autologous BMMCs (2×107) and were periodically evaluated for 1 year after the procedure. Endpoint assessments included physical examination; quality of life questionnaires; imaging (computed tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, and ventilation/perfusion scan); lung function tests; and a 6-min walk test.Results: All patients completed the follow-up protocol. No serious adverse events attributable to BMMC transplantation were observed during or after the procedure. Lung function remained stable throughout. A slight increase in ventilation of the right lung was observed on day 120 after BMMC transplantation in one patient. All three patients reported improvement in quality of life in the early post-procedure course. Conclusions: This paper described for the first time the effects of BMMC therapy in patients with severe asthma, providing a basis for subsequent trials to assess the efficacy of this therapy.
Machine Vision-enabled Yak Weight Estimation on Edge Devices
Authors: zhang yu_an , Sun Zijie , Zhang Chen , Yin Shujun , Wang Wenzhi , Song Deren , Zhao Minghao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
In the field of stock farming, body dimensions and weight of a yak may reasonably reveal its growing characters, productivity and genetic characteristics. However, it is arduous for the herdsman to manually measure the body and dimension of yaks. Fortunately, with the development of mobile computing and edge devices, it is preferable and possible for the herdsman to estimate the yaks weight and size with handheld devices (e.g., mobile phones).
This paper aims at providing machine visual-based yak body height and weight estimate method for edge devices. In our method, to begin with a foreground image of the yak is extracted; and measuring point identification is carried out to identify measuring points of the yak. Then, a ratio of its body dimensions is acquired. Both body dimensions and weight of the yak are acquired through comparison with relevant data. 25 yaks in different age groups were randomly selected from a herd to perform experiments. As indicated by corresponding experimental results, the foreground extraction approach has the potential to generate split images with good boundaries. As for the measuring point identification method selected for the yak, it features preferable accuracy and stability. For example, estimated values of its standing height, body length, chest depth, hipcross height and body weight, average errors between the measured values and them are proven to be 1.95%, 3.11%, 4.91%,3.35% and 7.79% respectively. By contrast to the traditional measuring approaches, the proposed method may improve measurement efficiency and reduce stimulation caused by manual measurement to the yak.
Comparison between percutaneous vertebroplasty and percutaneous kyphoplasty in the treatment of posterior wall rupture and osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures-Case - based retrospective study
Authors: Gou Yong-sheng , Hu Yue , Li Hai-bo , fu Bo-lin , Che Zheng 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) or percutaneous vertebral plasty (PVP) has been widely applied in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (osteoporotic vertebral compression will fracture, OVCF) because of its minimally invasive and effective. To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty versus percutaneous kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with posterior wall broken. Methods: 82 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture with posterior wall broken were divided into PVP group(group A) and PKP group(group B)．The operation time, perspective times, bone cement volume injected. cement leakage, hospitalization expenses, preoperative visual analog score(VAS) and Oswestry disability index(ODI), restoration height of vertebral, the vertebrae height loss and new fracture of adjacent vertebra were evaluated during the follow-up. Results: The PVP group incurred significantly shorter operation time(40.37 ±8.26 min) and less perspective times (22.23 ±3.79 times)than the PKP group(46.74 ±9.58 min and 27.96 ±5.71 times respectively)( P<0.05). The PVP group incurred significantly less expenses than the PKP group(P<0.05). The VAS scores and ODI at 1 day and 6 months post-operation were significantly lower than pre-operation in both groups(P<0.05). Conclusion: Both PVP and PKP Can obtain satisfactory clinical efficacy for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with posterior wall broken,but the former may have advantages of less expenses,shorter operation time. Trial registration: This retrospective study was approved by the ethics committee of the first people's hospital of shuangliu district, Chengdu, Moreover, this study was also registered in the Chinese clinical trial registry with the registration number of ChiCTR1900028176.
Hippocampal interleukin-33 mediates neuroinflammation induced cognitive impairments
Authors: Reverchon Flora , de Concini Vidian , Larrigaldie Vanessa , Benmerzoug Sulayman , Togbé Dieudonnée , Ryffel Bernhard , Quesniaux Valérie , Menuet Arnaud 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BackgroundInterleukin (IL)-33 is expressed in healthy brain and plays a pivotal role in several neuropathologies, as protective or contributing to the development of cerebral diseases associated with cognitive impairments. However, the role of IL-33 in the brain is poorly understood, raising the question of its involvement in immunoregulatory mechanisms.MethodsWe induced a local IL-33 release by intra-hippocampal injection of recombinant mouse IL-33 (rmIL-33) into C57BL/6J (WT) and IL-1ab deficient mice. Chronic minocycline administration was done and cognitive functions were examined trough short- and long-term memory assays. Hippocampal inflammatory responses were investigated by RT-qPCR. The microglia activation was assessed using immunohistological staining and Fluorescence-activated cell sorting. ResultsWe showed that IL-33 administration in mice led to a long-term memory defect associated with an increase of inflammatory markers in hippocampus while, minocycline administration limited the inflammatory response. Quantitative assessment of glial cell activation in situ was performed and demonstrated an increase of proximal intersections per radius in each part of hippocampus. Moreover, rmIL-33 significantly promoted the outgrowth of microglial processes. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting performed on isolated microglia, revealed an overexpression of IL-1β, 48h post-rmIL-33 administration. This microglial reactivity was closely related to the onset of cognitive disturbance. Finally, we demonstrated that IL-1ab deficient mice were resistant to cognitive disorders after intra-hippocampal IL-33 injection. ConclusionThus, hippocampal IL-33 induced an inflammatory state, including IL-1β overexpression by microglia cells, being causative of the cognitive impairment. These results highlight the pathological role for IL-33 in the central nervous system, independently of a specific neuropathological model.
Clinical efficacy and radiographic K-Rod stabilization for the treatment of multilevel degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Fu Chaohua , Chen Tianju , Yang Yuhao , Yang Hua , Diao Maohui , Zhang Guowei , Ji Zhisheng , Lin Hongsheng 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: This study compares the use of radiographic K-Rod dynamic stabilization to the rigid system for the treatment of multisegmental degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (MDLSS).Methods: A total of 40 patients with MDLSS who underwent surgical treatment using the K-Rod (n=25) and rigid systems (n=15) from March 2013 to March 2017 were assessed. The mean follow-up period was 29.1 months. JOA, ODI, VAS and modified Macnab were assessed. Radiographic evaluations included lumbar lordosis angle, ISR value, operative and proximal adjacent ROM. Changes in intervertebral disc signal were classified according to Pfirrmann grade and UCLA system. Results: JOA, ODI and VAS changed significantly after the operation to comparable levels between the groups. However, the lumbar lordosis significantly decreased at final follow-up between both groups. The ROM of the proximal adjacent segment increased at final follow-up, but the number of fixed segment ROMs in the K-Rod group were significantly lower at the final follow-up than observed prior to the operation. In both groups, the ISR of the proximal adjacent segment decreased, most notably in the rigid group. The ISR of the non-fusion fixed segments in the K-Rod group increased post-operation and during final follow-up. The levels of adjacent segment degeneration were higher in the rigid group vs. the K-Rod group according to modified Pfirrmann grading and the UCLA system. Conclusions: Compared with the rigid system for treatment of MDLSS, dynamic K-Rod stabilization achieves improved radiographic outcomes and improves the mobility of the stabilized segments, minimizing the influence on the proximal adjacent segment.
Effects of Unweighting on Gait Kinematics During Walking on a Lower-Body Positive Pressure Treadmill in Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kataoka Yoshiaki , Shimizu Tomohiro , Takeda Ryo , Tadano Shigeru , Saito Yuki , Osuka Satoshi , Ishida Tomoya , Samukawa Mina , Irie Tohru , Takahashi Daisuke , Iwasaki Norimasa , Tohyama Harukazu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a musculoskeletal condition that makes walking difficult due to pain induced by weight-bearing activity. Treadmills that support body weight reduce the load on the lower limbs, and those equipped with a lower-body positive pressure (LBPP) device, developed as a new method for unweighting, significantly reduce pain in patients with knee OA. However, the effects of unweighting on gait kinematics remain unclear in patients with hip OA. Therefore, we investigated the effects of unweighting on kinematics in patients with hip OA during walking on a treadmill equipped with an LBPP device.Methods: Fifteen women with hip OA and fifteen age-matched female controls wore a three-dimensional motion analysis system and walked at a comfortable speed on the LBPP treadmill. Data regarding hip pain using a numeric rating scale under three different unweighting conditions (100%, 75%, and 50% bodyweight) were collected. Sagittal plane lower-limb kinematics under each condition were calculated and compared.Results: In the hip OA group, numerical rating scores at the unweighted condition were significantly decreased compared to the 100% bodyweight condition, and sagittal kinematics in the hip and knee joints significantly decreased compared to the healthy controls. In both groups, unweighting significantly decreased the peak hip flexion angle and increased the peak ankle plantarflexion angle during walking.Conclusions: Although unweighting by LBPP decreased pain in the hip OA group, gait kinematics did not improve despite less load on the hip joint. Therefore, clinicians should consider the benefits of pain reduction, rather than improved gait, when considering LBPP treadmill for patients with hip OA.
The short-term effectiveness of precise safety decompression via two-time percutaneous lumbar foraminoplasty (TPLF) and percutaneous endoscopic lumbar decompression (PELD) for lumbar lateral spinal canal (LLSC) stenosis
Authors: Wang Yu , Deng Mingyan , Wu Hao , Wu Ye , Guo Chuan , Zhang Dongfeng , Kong Qingquan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Purpose This prospective study reports a new technique: precise safety decompression via two-time percutaneous lumbar foraminoplasty (TPLF) and percutaneous endoscopic lumbar decompression (PELD) for lumbar lateral spinal canal (LLSC) stenosis, and short-term clinical outcomes.Methods 69 patients with single-level LLSC stenosis simultaneously occurred in both zone 1 and 2 who underwent TPLF-PELD from November 2018 to April 2019 were prospectively analyzed. Clinical outcomes were evaluated according to preoperative, 3 months postoperatively and last follow-up via leg pain/low back pain (LBP) visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores and the Macnab criteria. The postoperative MRI and CT were used to confirm the complete decompression and flexion-extension X-Ray in last follow-up were used to observe lumbar stability.Results All patients successfully underwent TPLF-PELD and the stenosis was completely decompressed confirmed by post-operative MRI and CT. The mean follow-up duration was 13 months (range, 8-17 months). The mean preoperative leg pain VAS score is 7.05±1.04 (range 5-9), which decreased to 1.03±0.79(range 0-3) at third month postoperatively and to 0.75±0.63 (range 0-2) by the last follow-up visit. The mean preoperative ODI was 69.8±9.05 (range, 52-85), which decreased to 20.3±5.52 (range, 10-35) at the third month postoperatively and to 19.6±5.21 (range, 10-34) by the last follow-up visit. The satisfactory (excellent or good) results were 94.2%. There was 1 patients with aggravated symptoms which relieved after open surgery. 2 patients with dural tear and 2 patients with postoperative LBP. No recurrence and segmental instability was observed in the last follow-up.Conclusion TPLF-PELD could be a good alternative option for the treatment of LLSC stenosis patients whose stenotic region occurred in both zone 1 and 2.