bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vaginal delivery combined with vaginal tightening surgery and perineal body repair
Authors: Wu Hui , Wang Shuang , Li Qiang , Zhou Chuande , Chen Jing 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the feasibility of vaginal delivery combined with vaginal tightening surgery and perineal body repair.
From January 2017 to April 2017, 5 cases underwent vaginal delivery combined with vaginal tightening surgery and perineal body repair. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data.
The incisions of 5 cases were all primary healing; vulva form was improved, and there were no postoperative hematoma, infection or vaginal mucosa prolapse. Sexual function was improved to different degrees. The pelvic muscle force test showed that both the type I and type II myofiber scores were increased.
It is feasible to perform vaginal delivery combined with vaginal tightening surgery and perineal body repair, which is a safe and effective method for improving sex life and pelvic floor function.
Efficacy and safety of percutaneous endoscopic decompression via transforaminal and interlaminar approaches for lumbar spine stenosis
Authors: Li Yuan Zhen , Zhang Hong Wei , Zhang Xiao Gang , Zhang Hui , Pan Li , Zhao Xi Yun , Ning Xue Qian , Wang Zhi Peng 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background:
Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common and frequently-occurring disease in the elderly. Percutaneous endoscopic decompression (PED) has become the first choice for the treatment of LSS because of its small wound, mild pain and rapid recovery. The surgical approaches are mainly divided into percutaneous interlaminar approach and transforaminal approach. However, these two surgical approaches have their own advantages, disadvantages and indications. Hence, the present study aims to synthesize the available direct and indirect evidence of transforaminal approach and interlaminar approach to prove their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Methods:
The following databases will be searched: Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang data, and China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM). The search dates will be set from the inception to November 2019. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. The efficacy outcomes including: Back and Leg Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, the MacNab criteria, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score. The safety outcomes including: incidence of complications (dura tear, incomplete decompression, reoperation, etc.). The meta-analysis will be conducted using Stata 12.0 software. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) will be used to assess evidence quality.

Results:
The results of this meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusion:
The meta-analysis will provide a comprehensive summary of the evidence for 2 approaches to PED in patients with LSS.

Protocol registration number:
CRD42019128080.
Comparison of effectiveness and safety between epidural anesthesia vs local anesthesia for percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy
Authors: Sun Jian , Fang Chao , Gao Fei , Wei Laifu , Qian Jun 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Objectives:
To compare the effectiveness and safety of epidural anesthesia (EA) with those of local anesthesia (LA) for percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) and provide reference data for clinical decision-making.

Methods:
We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, Web of Science, Medline, ScienceDirect, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception to June 2019 in order to identify randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials comparing EA and LA for PTED. Studies assessing at least 2 of the following indicators were eligible: surgical duration, X-ray exposure time, satisfaction rate, visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and complications. Two assessors evaluated the quality of the literature using the Cochrane Handbook or Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3.3 software.

Results:
Four randomized controlled trials and 4 retrospective cohort studies involving a total of 1000 patients were included. The LA and EA groups included 473 and 527 patients, respectively. Meta-analysis revealed significant intergroup differences in the intraoperative (P < .00001) and postoperative (P < .00001) lumbar VAS scores, intraoperative (P < .00001) and postoperative (P = .001) leg VAS scores, and anesthesia satisfaction rate (P < .00001), with EA being superior to LA in all aspects. There were no significant intergroup differences in the surgical duration, X-ray exposure time, postoperative ODI, and complication rate.

Conclusion:
EA is as safe as LA and produces better anesthetic effects than does LA in patients undergoing PTED. Therefore, it should be promoted as a reliable anesthetic technique for PTED.
S-1 plus apatinib as first-line palliative treatment for stage IVB gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Chu , Yu Guang-Mao , Zhang Miao , Liu Dong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Rationale:
Apatinib has been proven to significantly prolong the survival of the patients with advanced chemotherapy-refractory gastric cancer. To date, studies on apatinib plus S-1 as first-line palliative therapy for metastatic gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer are rare.

Patient concerns:
A 61-year-old female patient was admitted with dysphagia, significant loss of body weight, and poor performance status.

Diagnoses:
Endoscopic biopsy revealed the diagnosis of poorly-differentiated GEJ adenocarcinoma, and the patient was clinically staged as T3NxM1G3 (IVB).

Interventions:
She had received 4 cycles of palliative therapy using oral apatinib (425 mg daily) plus S-1 (40 mg twice daily for 4 weeks, with a 2-week drug-free interval), followed by maintenance low-dose apatinib (250 mg daily) plus S-1 at the same dosage thereafter.

Outcomes:
Her progression-free survival was nearly 5 months, and the overall survival was >11 months up to now. The adverse events were tolerable.

Lessons:
Apatinib plus S-1 might be an alternative option for late-stage GEJ cancer. However, high-quality trials are warranted before the recommendation of this therapeutic regimen.
Sequence and annotation of 42 cannabis genomes reveals extensive copy number variation in cannabinoid synthesis and pathogen resistance genes
Authors: McKernan Kevin J. , Helbert Yvonne , Kane Liam T. , Ebling Heather , Zhang Lei , Liu Biao , Eaton Zachary , McLaughlin Stephen , Kingan Sarah , Baybayan Primo , Concepcion Gregory , Jordan Mark , Riva Alberto , Barbazuk William , Harkins Timothy 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCannabis is a diverse and polymorphic species. To better understand cannabinoid synthesis inheritance and its impact on pathogen resistance, we shotgun sequenced and assembled aCannabistrio (sibling pair and their offspring) utilizing long read single molecule sequencing. This resulted in the most contiguousCannabis sativaassemblies to date. These reference assemblies were further annotated with full-length male and female mRNA sequencing (Iso-Seq) to help inform isoform complexity, gene model predictions and identification of the Y chromosome. To further annotate the genetic diversity in the species, 40 male, female, and monoecious cannabis and hemp varietals were evaluated for copy number variation (CNV) and RNA expression. This identified multiple CNVs governing cannabinoid expression and 82 genes associated with resistance toGolovinomyces chicoracearum, the causal agent of powdery mildew in cannabis. Results indicated that breeding for plants with low tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) concentrations may result in deletion of pathogen resistance genes. Low THCA cultivars also have a polymorphism every 51 bases while dispensary grade high THCA cannabis exhibited a variant every 73 bases. A refined genetic map of the variation in cannabis can guide more stable and directed breeding efforts for desired chemotypes and pathogen-resistant cultivars.Sequence and annotation of 42 cannabis genomes reveals extensive copy number variation in cannabinoid synthesis and pathogen resistance genes
A conceptual approach to graphically compare construction schedules
Authors: Hatipkarasulu Yilmaz 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to present a graphical comparison method for construction schedules, which illustrates the differences for each individual activity. The method overlays the observed differences on a bar chart creating a representation of whether each activity is ahead, on or behind schedule at a given date.

Design/methodology/approach
The method is implemented using a Microsoft Project add-in (plug-in). The paper demonstrates the method and its potential uses with three illustration cases: a time impact analysis, an alternative analysis for the selection of subcontractors and a multi-baseline analysis of an as-built schedule.

Findings
The cases included in the paper show that the proposed method uses a simplified and familiar attribute comparison for each activity in a schedule. The method affords flexibility in presenting differences between schedules such as the start/finish dates or duration. As the method does not rely on a specific software application or analysis method, it can be implement to different software applications as well as performance or delay analysis techniques. The method also makes it possible to present multiple and selective baseline comparisons overlaid on an updated or as-built schedule.

Originality/value
The method graphically presents a comparison of start dates, durations and finish dates for each activity that can be integrated with any schedule. The method can be used for forensic analysis as well as project control measures during construction. As the method does not rely on any specific performance or delay calculation method, it can be applied to any forensic analysis technique and delay analysis.
Acquisition of the Meaning of the Word Orange Requires Understanding of the Meanings of Red, Pink, and Purple: Constructing a Lexicon as a Connected System
Authors: Saji Noburo , Imai Mutsumi , Asano Michiko 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis research investigated how children build up the language‐specific system of the color lexicon, examining factors that play important roles for the construction of an adult‐like color lexicon. We had 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐year‐old Japanese‐speaking children and adults (n = 20, 18, 19, and 19, respectively) produce names for 93 color swatches. The results showed that children of all ages were able to apply most of the chromatic words to the colors close to the center of each category, but even 5‐year‐olds struggle to delineate the boundaries between the words. Furthermore, the model analyses revealed that broad‐covering and high‐frequency words are mapped to the center of the lexical category earlier. However, cross‐individual consistency in adults' use contributed most strongly for the adult‐like boundary delineation. The results suggest that the process of system construction consists of at least two steps (i.e., mapping words to their category center and finding appropriate boundaries between neighboring words), with the quantity and the quality of the input contributing differently to the steps.
Prednisolone/prednisone as adrenocorticotropic hormone alternative for infantile spasms: a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Shaojun , Zhong Xuefei , Hong Siqi , Li Tingsong , Jiang Li 
Published: January 2020

AimTo compare the efficacy and safety of prednisolone/prednisone and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the treatment of infantile spasms using a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).MethodIn a systematic literature search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library), we identified RCTs that assessed prednisolone/prednisone compared with ACTH/tetracosactide in patients with infantile spasms. The electroclinical response and adverse events were evaluated.ResultsSix RCTs (616 participants) were included in the meta‐analysis. Compared with prednisolone/prednisone, ACTH/tetracosactide was not superior in terms of cessation of spasms at day 14 (relative risk 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74–1.92), day 42 (relative risk 1.02, 95% CI 0.63–1.65), and resolution of hypsarrhythmia on electroencephalogram (relative risk 1.14, 95% CI 0.71–1.81); the incidences of common adverse reactions caused by ACTH/tetracosactide were not lower than that of prednisolone/prednisone for irritability (relative risk 0.79, 95% CI 0.57–1.10), increased appetite (relative risk 0.78, 95% CI 0.57–1.08), weight gain (relative risk 0.86, 95% CI 0.56–1.32), and gastrointestinal upset (relative risk 0.60, 95% CI 0.35–1.02), though it seemed less frequent.InterpretationPrednisolone/prednisone elicits a similar electroclinical response as ACTH for infantile spasms, which indicates that it can be an alternative to ACTH for treating infantile spasms.What this paper adds

Prednisolone/prednisone is as effective as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in electroclinical response of infantile spasms.

Prednisolone/prednisone and ACTH cause similar and tolerable adverse effects, whose incidences are comparable.

High‐dose prednisone/prednisolone might be preferable to low dose for achieving freedom from spasms.
Semaglutide (SUSTAIN and PIONEER) reduces cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes across varying cardiovascular risk
Authors: Husain Mansoor , Bain Stephen C. , Jeppesen Ole K. , Lingvay Ildiko , Sørrig Rasmus , Treppendahl Marianne B. , Vilsbøll Tina 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimTo investigate the effects of semaglutide versus comparators on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: cardiovascular [CV] death, nonfatal myocardial infarction [MI] and nonfatal stroke) and hospitalization for heart failure (HF) in the SUSTAIN (subcutaneous semaglutide) and PIONEER (oral semaglutide) trials across subgroups of varying CV risk.MethodsPost hoc analyses of individual patient‐level data combined from SUSTAIN 6 and PIONEER 6 were performed to assess MACE and HF. MACE were analysed in subjects with and without: established CV disease and/or chronic kidney disease; prior MI or stroke; and prior HF. MACE in the SUSTAIN and PIONEER glycaemic efficacy trials were also assessed.ResultsIn SUSTAIN 6 and PIONEER 6 combined, the hazard ratio (HR) for effect of semaglutide versus placebo on overall MACE was 0.76 (95% CI 0.62, 0.92), which was mainly driven by the effect on nonfatal stroke (HR 0.65 [95% CI 0.43, 0.97]). The HR for hospitalization for HF was 1.03 (95% CI 0.75, 1.40). The HRs for MACE were <1.0 in all subgroups, except for those with prior HF (HR 1.06 [95% CI 0.72, 1.57]); P‐values for interaction of subgroup on treatment effect were >0.05, except for HF (0.046). In the combined glycaemic efficacy trials, the HR for effect of semaglutide versus comparators on MACE was 0.85 (95% CI 0.55, 1.33).ConclusionsIn SUSTAIN and PIONEER combined, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogue semaglutide showed consistent effects on MACE versus comparators across varying CV risk. No effect of semaglutide on MACE was observed in subjects with prior HF.
Simulation of sorghum introduction and its impacts on land use change—A case study on Lubelski region of Eastern Poland
Authors: Shu Kesheng , Kozak Małgorzata , Fradj Nosra Ben , Zylowski Tomasz , Rozakis Stelios 
Published: January 2020

AbstractEchoing the bioenergy development initiative in Poland, high expectations are pinned on sweet sorghum usage for biogas plants. In contrast to its high profile in the industry, the research on the introduction and production of sorghum in Poland is lagging behind. To solve this issue, in this paper we have developed a spatial‐agent dynamic model of the agricultural land use and applied the model to eastern Poland. The model suggests that the economic and technical potential of sweet sorghum in this region is 6 and 7.5 million tonnes, respectively. Its introduction process largely follows the pattern of a typical industry life cycle, with the startup at the price of 8.20 €/tonne. Along with the market penetration of sorghum, a dramatic land use change of conventional crops can be foreseen, even with a land use competition among those crops. We believe that the exploitation of unutilized agricultural land resources and improving the yield of sorghum are helpful to alleviate this land use conflict. However, a higher food demand in the future and climate change may constrain the role of sorghum. This first comprehensive and high‐resolution study to its kind in Poland can help assess the country's bioenergy policies and contribute to the development of the biogas industry.
Treatment of erosive pustular dermatosis: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Lee Katrina H. , Carley Sama K. , Kraus Christina N. , Mesinkovska Natasha A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractImportanceErosive pustular dermatosis (EPD) is a rare chronic inflammatory condition of the scalp and legs that is often difficult to manage. Currently, there are no treatment guidelines.ObjectiveTo systematically assess the existing literature on various treatment modalities and their efficacies when used in the management of EPD.Evidence reviewWe searched PubMed, Cochrane Libraries, Scopus, and clicnialtrial.gov databases for articles in the English language with no limited time frame. Emphasis was placed on articles that reported on treatment for EPD.FindingsOf the 168 articles identified by the literature search, 92 met eligibility criteria and were included for qualitative analysis. Efficacious topical treatments included clobetasol, betamethasone, and tacrolimus. Ninety‐three and 88% of cases utilizing clobetasol and betamethasone respectively demonstrated improvement or resolution. All 32 cases utilizing tacrolimus reported improvement. Efficacious systemic treatments included oral steroids such as prednisone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone. Topical dapsone, photodynamic therapy, systemic steroids, cyclosporine, and oral zinc derivatives were also described with some success.Conclusions and relevanceAccording to available data, limited solely to case reports and case series, potent topical steroids are an effective treatment option for EPD. Topical tacrolimus may also be considered in cases that require long‐term use or maintenance. Other treatment modalities shown to be successful based on high reported efficacy and low rates of recurrence after treatment include topical dapsone, systemic steroids, zinc derivatives, and cyclosporine. Further studies are needed to compare treatment modalities and to establish treatment protocols.
Measuring Discontinuities in Time Series Obtained with Repeated Sample Surveys
Authors: van den Brakel Jan , Zhang Xichuan (Mark) , Tam Siu‐Ming 
Published: January 2020

SummaryA key requirement of repeated surveys conducted by national statistical institutes is the comparability of estimates over time, resulting in uninterrupted time series describing the evolution of finite population parameters. This is often an argument to keep survey processes unchanged as long as possible. It is nevertheless inevitable that a survey process will need to be redesigned from time to time, for example, to improve or update methods or implement more cost‐effective data collection procedures. It is important to quantify the systematic effects or discontinuities of a new survey process on the estimates of a repeated survey to avoid a disturbance in the comparability of estimates over time. This paper reviews different statistical methods that can be used to measure discontinuities and manage the risk due to a survey process redesign.
Topical stabilized hypochlorous acid: The future gold standard for wound care and scar management in dermatologic and plastic surgery procedures
Authors: Gold Michael H. , Andriessen Anneke , Bhatia Ashish C. , Bitter Patrick , Chilukuri Suneel , Cohen Joel L. , Robb Chris W. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundHypochlorous acid (HOCl), a naturally occurring molecule produced by the immune system, is highly active against bacterial, viral, and fungal microorganisms. Moreover, HOCl is active against biofilm and increases oxygenation of the wound site to improve healing. Natural HOCl is unstable; through technology, it can be stabilized into an effective topical antiseptic agent.AimThis paper focuses on the use of topical stabilized HOCl in wound and scar management for pre‐, peri‐, and postprocedures—including its ability to reduce the occurrence hypertrophic scars and keloids. The role of the product in other skin conditions is beyond the scope of this article.MethodsA panel comprising clinicians with experience in cosmetic and surgical procedures met late 2018 to discuss literature search results and their own current clinical experience regarding topical stabilized HOCl. The panel of key opinion leaders in dermatology and plastic surgery defined key insights and consensus statements on the direction of use for the product.ResultsTopical stabilized HOCl provides an optimal wound healing environment and, when combined with silicone, may be ideal for reducing scarring. Additionally, in contrast to chlorhexidine, HOCl, used as an antiseptic skin preparation, raises no concerns of ocular‐ or ototoxicity.ConclusionsFor wound care and scar management, topical stabilized HOCl conveys powerful microbicidal and antibiofilm properties, in addition to potency as a topical wound healing agent. It may offer physicians an alternative to other less desirable wound care measures.