bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of a 3D-printed orthosis compared to a low-temperature thermoplastic plate orthosis on wrist flexor spasticity in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zheng Yanan , Liu Gongliang , Yu Long , Wang Yanmin , Fang Yuan , Shen Yikang , Huang Xiuling , Qiao Lei , Yang Jianzhong , Zhang Ying , Hua Zikai 
Published: November 2019

Objective:The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two kinds of wrist-hand orthosis on wrist flexor spasticity in chronic stroke patients.Design:This is a randomized controlled trial.Setting:The study was conducted in a rehabilitation center.Participants:A total of 40 chronic hemiparetic stroke patients with wrist flexor spasticity were involved in the study.Interventions:Patients were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (conventional rehabilitation therapy + 3D-printed orthosis, 20 patients) or a control group (conventional rehabilitation therapy + low-temperature thermoplastic plate orthosis, 20 patients). The time of wearing orthosis was about 4–8 hours per day for six weeks.Main measures:Primary outcome measure: Modified Ashworth Scale was assessed three times (at baseline, three weeks, and six weeks). Secondary outcome measures: passive range of motion, Fugl-Meyer Assessment score, visual analogue scale score, and the swelling score were assessed twice (at baseline and six weeks). The subjective feeling score was assessed at six weeks.Results:No significant difference was found between the two groups in the change of Modified Ashworth Scale scores at three weeks (15% versus 25%, P = 0.496). At six weeks, the Modified Ashworth Scale scores (65% versus 30%, P = 0.02), passive range of wrist extension ( P < 0.001), ulnar deviation ( P = 0.028), Fugl-Meyer Assessment scores ( P < 0.001), and swelling scores ( P < 0.001) showed significant changes between the experimental group and the control group. No significant difference was found between the two groups in the change of visual analogue scale scores ( P = 0.637) and the subjective feeling scores ( P = 0.243).Conclusion:3D-printed orthosis showed greater changes than low-temperature thermoplastic plate orthosis in reducing spasticity and swelling, improving motor function of the wrist and passive range of wrist extension for stroke patients.
Similarity and diversity of spontaneous brain activity in functional dyspepsia subtypes
Authors: Qi Rongfeng , Shi Zhao , Weng Yifei , Yang Yulin , Zhou Yifei , Surento Wesley , Lu Guang Ming , Wang Fangyu , Zhang Long Jiang , Liu Chang 
Published: November 2019

Background Functional dyspepsia (FD) subtypes may differ in terms of pathophysiology, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Purpose To explore spontaneous brain activity in two main FD subtypes, namely epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) and postprandial distress syndrome (PDS), using the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF). Material and Methods Thirty-one FD patients (18 EPS and 13 PDS) and 22 matched healthy controls (HC) underwent resting-state functional MRI scanning. Spontaneous brain activity was evaluated by measuring the ALFF and then compared among the EPS, PDS, and HC groups with ANOVA test. Pearson correlation analysis was performed between the ALFF values and clinical indices. Results Compared to healthy controls, both EPS and PDS patients had increased ALFF in the bilateral precentral/postcentral gyri, insula, and thalami. Furthermore, only the EPS patients displayed increased ALFF in the right middle and inferior frontal gyri, and only the PDS patients showed increased ALFF in the left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). The ALFF values in the left thalamus were positively correlated with the sleep disturbance in EPS patients, and the ALFF values in the right precentral/postcentral gyri showed a positive correlation with the symptom score in PDS patients. Conclusion EPS and PDS had similarities of higher spontaneous brain activity in the primary motor/sensory areas and homeostatic-afferent network regions, and differences in the prefrontal region and PCC, providing evidence to suggest the similarity and diversity of pathophysiology in FD subtypes.
Activity Level Maintenance at Midterm Follow-up Among Active Patients Undergoing Periacetabular Osteotomy
Authors: Okoroafor Ugochi C. , Pascual-Garrido Cecilia , Schwabe Maria T. , Nepple Jeffrey J. , Schoenecker Perry L. , Clohisy John C. 
Published: November 2019

Background: For active patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), returning to and maintaining a high level of activity postoperatively is a priority. Purpose: To evaluate the maintenance of activity levels at midterm follow-up in active patients treated with PAO for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients who underwent PAO for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia between June 2006 and August 2013 were identified by a retrospective review of our prospective longitudinal institutional Hip Preservation Database. All patients with a preoperative University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score of ≥7 and a potential minimum 5 years of follow-up were included in the study. Functional outcome measures were the UCLA score, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). The maintenance of high activity levels was defined as a UCLA score of ≥7 at final follow-up. Radiographic parameters were measured. Statistical significance was defined as a P value <.05. Results: A total of 66 hips (58 patients) were included. The mean age was 25.3 years (range, 14-47 years), the mean body mass index was 23.9 kg/m2 (range, 19-32 kg/m2), and 72% were female. The mean follow-up was 6.8 years (range, 5-11 years). There were 67% of patients who maintained a UCLA score of ≥7. Patient-reported outcomes improved postoperatively from preoperatively for the mHHS (88 ± 14 vs 67 ± 17, respectively; P < .001) and WOMAC (89 ± 15 vs 73 ± 20, respectively; P < .001). The lateral center-edge angle, anterior center-edge angle, and acetabular inclination were significantly improved at final follow-up ( P < .001). Only 4 patients (7%) cited postoperative activity limitations as being caused by hip pain. There were no conversions to total hip arthroplasty. Conclusion: The majority (67%) of active patients returned to preoperative or higher activity levels after PAO at midterm follow-up.
Effect of aspirin response signature gene expression on preterm birth and preeclampsia among women with lupus: a pilot study
Authors: Eudy A M , Voora D , Myers R A , Clowse M E B 
Published: November 2019

Background Women with lupus have an increased risk of preeclampsia and preterm birth, and aspirin 81 mg/day is recommended as a preventative measure for preeclampsia. This pilot study quantified the association between a 60-gene aspirin response signature (ARS) gene expression with preterm birth and preeclampsia risk among women with lupus taking aspirin. Methods The analysis included 48 RNA samples from 23 pregnancies in the Duke Autoimmunity Pregnancy Registry. RNA was isolated from peripheral blood, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed for ARS genes. The primary outcome was poor pregnancy outcome (preeclampsia or preterm birth). Gene expression was modeled as a response to presence or absence of a poor pregnancy outcome using linear regression models, stratified by trimester. Results Of the 23 pregnancies, nine delivered preterm and four had preeclampsia. Expression of PBX1 and MMD was higher in the second trimester among patients who experienced a poor pregnancy outcome compared to those who did not. However, in a global test of all ARS genes, we identified no association between expression of ARS genes and poor pregnancy outcomes. Conclusion Our pilot study identified two candidate genes that are reflective of the platelet function response to aspirin. Further work is needed to determine the role of these genes in identifying women with lupus at high risk for preeclampsia and preterm delivery despite aspirin therapy.
Evaluation of the choroidal features in pachychoroid spectrum diseases by optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Demirel Sibel , Değirmenci Mehmet Fatih Kağan , Batıoğlu Figen , Özmert Emin 
Published: November 2019

Purpose: To evaluate choroidal area, stroma/lumen ratio, choriocapillaris vessel density, and choriocapillaris flow area in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy, uncomplicated pachychoroid, and pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy using enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography scans of 142 eyes of 92 patients with central serous chorioretinopathy, uncomplicated pachychoroid, and pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy. The choroidal area and stroma/lumen ratio were measured by binarization of enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography images. Choriocapillaris vessel density and choriocapillaris flow area were measured at the choriocapillaris level by manual segmentation of optical coherence tomography angiography scans. Results: The mean stroma/lumen ratio results were 0.361, 0.345, and 0.354 in central serous chorioretinopathy, uncomplicated pachychoroid, and pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy groups, respectively ( p > 0.05). The mean whole image choriocapillaris vessel density in uncomplicated pachychoroid group was higher compared with central serous chorioretinopathy and pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy groups ( p < 0.0001). The mean foveal, parafoveal, and perifoveal choriocapillaris vessel densities were lower in central serous chorioretinopathy group than in uncomplicated pachychoroid group ( p < 0.0001). The mean choriocapillaris flow area was lower in central serous chorioretinopathy group than in uncomplicated pachychoroid and pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy groups ( p < 0.0001 and p = 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that both choroidal vessels and stroma are equally involved in central serous chorioretinopathy, uncomplicated pachychoroid, and pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy. The choriocapillaris segment seems to be more affected in central serous chorioretinopathy compared to uncomplicated pachychoroid and pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy. However, the reduced optical coherence tomography angiography signal in central serous chorioretinopathy group could be due to shadowing artifact or choriocapillaris hypoperfusion and further studies with higher quality imaging tools are needed.
Can inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation improve health-related quality of life in MS patients on the long term – The Danish MS Hospitals Rehabilitation Study
Authors: Boesen Finn , Nørgaard Michael , Skjerbæk Anders Guldhammer , Rasmussen Peter Vestergaard , Petersen Thor , Løvendahl Brita , Trénel Philipp 
Published: November 2019

Background: Inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation (MDR) can improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. However, the evidence of a long-term benefit is limited. Objectives: To investigate the long-term effectiveness of inpatient MDR on HRQoL in MS patients. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled partial crossover trial with 427 MS patients. Results: Statistical significant long-term improvements in HRQoL were found in three of the six outcome measures at 12-month follow-up. Three in four suggested minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) were unmet. Conclusion: These results indicate that the administration of inpatient MDR may lead to long-lasting improvements in HRQoL in MS patients.
Durvalumab for stage III non-small-cell lung cancer patients: clinical evidence and real-world experience
Authors: Botticella Angela , Mezquita Laura , Le Pechoux Cecile , Planchard David 
Published: November 2019

Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a dismal prognosis, with only 15–20% of patients alive at 5 years after concomitant chemo–radiotherapy, which represents the standard treatment. Targeting immune-checkpoint inhibitors represents a standard option for advanced NSCLC. Improvements in understanding of the immune profile of NSCLC has led to the development of immunotherapeutic strategies, including inhibitory molecules responsible for abrogating an anticancer immune response such as programmed cell-death 1 and programmed cell-death ligand 1. A recently published phase III trial (PACIFIC) showed for the first time an improved overall survival in stage III NSCLC patients with consolidative durvalumab. The aim of this review is to summarize and discuss the clinical evidence for the use of durvalumab in stage III NSCLC, with a brief overview on future perspectives in this setting.
Using pairwise randomisation to reduce the risk of bias
Authors: Fairhurst Caroline , Hewitt Catherine E , Torgerson David J 
Published: November 2019

Objective To describe the roles that pairwise randomisation has to prevent selection bias and allow a common outcome measurement point when timing of treatment is uncertain. Study design and setting: A theoretical paper discussing situations where pairwise randomisation might be an appropriate method of allocation. Results When recruitment of participants allows two or more randomisations to occur simultaneously, then pairwise randomisation allows site stratification but prevents site predictability. For evaluations of treatments where timing of treatment is uncertain (e.g. elective surgery), pairwise randomisation allows a common post-treatment evaluation time point. In waiting list designs where length of treatment varies by patient, pairwise randomisation allows differential follow-up across pairs. Conclusion Since pairwise randomisation was described in 2004, to allow unpredictable site stratification, it has been rarely used. However, it can address other methodological issues and should be considered more widely.
Posttransplant cyclophosphamide vs cyclosporin A and methotrexate as GVHD prophylaxis in matched sibling transplantation
Authors: Kwon Mi , Bailén Rebeca , Pascual-Cascón María Jesús , Gallardo-Morillo Ana Isabel , García Sola Abel , Balsalobre Pascual , Solán Laura , Dorado Nieves , Muñoz Cristina , Serrano David , Martínez-Laperche Carolina , Buño Ismael , Anguita Javier , Díez-Martin José Luis 
Published: November 2019

Key PointsPTCy with additional immunosuppression using mostly PBSCs grafts showed a reduction of acute GVHD rate in matched sibling donor HSCT. GRFS was improved after PTCy compared with CsA-MTX.
Joint design of beamforming and time switching/power splitting for wireless-powered multi-antenna dual-relay network
Authors: Hu Guojie , Cai Yueming , Ao Liang , Wang Xiangdong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
In this paper, we consider a wireless-powered dual-relay network consisting of one multi-antenna source, two single-antenna energy-constrained relays and one single-antenna destination without direct source to destination link. In order to establish the communication flow, the energy-constrained relays harvest energy from the radio frequency transmitted by the source firstly, then exploit the harvested energy to forward the source information to the destination based on distributed space time coding (DSTC). Under this network architecture, three decode-and-forward (DF) technique-based relaying protocols, i.e., time switching-based relaying (TSR) protocol, power splitting-based relaying (PSR) protocol, and hybrid relaying (HR) protocol, are considered to drive the energy transfer and information transmission. To maximize the network throughput, the joint design for the optimal energy and information beamforming vectors employed at the source, the optimal time switching, and power splitting ratios under these three protocols are investigated and solved efficiently by employing simple sequential optimization approach or alternating optimization approach. Simulations are conducted to show the superior performance achieved by our proposed scheme. Moreover, we find that the TSR protocol outperforms the PSR protocol in the low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) region, while the latter outperforms the former in the high SNR region. And the HR protocol achieves the best performance in any SNR region. At the same time, the effect of the relays’ locations on the throughput performance of these three protocols is also investigated.
Response to commentary on “the middle fossa approach with self-drilling screws: A novel technique for BONEBRIDGE implantation”
Authors: You Peng , Siegel Lauren H. , Kassam Zahra , Hebb Matthew , Parnes Lorne , Ladak Hanif , Agrawal Sumit Kishore 
Published: November 2019

The aim of this letter is to respond to a commentary on a published article on the middle fossa approach to BONEBRIDGE implantation with self-drilling screws published by the senior authors.
An empirical study of the effect that a computer graphics course has on visual-spatial abilities
Authors: González Campos José Saúl , Sánchez-Navarro Jordi , Arnedo-Moreno Joan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Visual-spatial abilities are relevant for performing diverse everyday tasks as well as being successful in multiple fields. This work provides empirical evidence supporting the claim that studying a computer graphics course, as commonly offered in computer science or engineering programs, can help develop stronger visual-spatial abilities. This benefit was estimated with the assessment of students’ performances in a standardized test of visual-spatial abilities. This empirical pre-test/post-test study ran for three consecutive semesters and involved six computer graphics groups where students were evaluated with the Purdue Spatial Visualization Test to measure whether the full-semester working on contents heavily related to 2D/3D geometric transformations had a positive effect on students’ visual-spatial intelligence. Results show a statistically significant increase in the average score in the test, which in turn suggests that these cognitive abilities could be reinforced or trained through the normal course workload. Additional findings in this study suggest that a retest gaining factor is present just by taking the test twice, and that there is a weak correlation between students’ level of visual-spatial abilities at the beginning of the course and the final grades obtained at the end of the semester.
Takayasu arteritis with pyoderma gangrenosum: case reports and literature review
Authors: Zhang Xuehan , Jiao Yang 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Takayasu arteritis is a rare, chronic inflammatory arteriopathy affecting mainly the aorta and its branches. Many skin manifestations have been reported in association with this disease. Pyoderma gangrenosum is a skin complication that is a neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by destructive, necrotizing and noninfective skin infiltration. However, there are no related records on these conditions in Chinese patients.

Case presentation
We reported two Chinese female patients presenting with pyoderma gangrenosum associated with Takayasu arteritis. Pyoderma gangrenosum preceded Takayasu arteritis in both patients. Their skin lesions were diagnosed as pyoderma gangrenosum through skin biopsy and relieved after treating with steroids and immunosuppressants. During the follow-up, both patients developed symptoms caused by vascular stenosis and occlusion, such as dizziness and weakness of upper limb. The results of aortic angiography revealed multiple large arteries narrowed and blocked. According to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology, the vasculitis in both patients were classified as Takayasu arteritis. Since there was scant evidence of active inflammation and the skin lesions were stable, neither of them was given strong immnosuppressive therapy. The PubMed database was also searched and 16 related well-documented cases of Takayasu with pyoderma gangrenosum were reviewed and summarized.

Conclusions
Pyoderma gangrenosum could occur at any stage of the Takayasu arteritis disease process. No correlation was found between the location of the skin lesions and the clinical severity and scope of Takayasu arteritis. It is important to remember the rare possibility of Takayasu arteritis in patients with skin lesions indicative of pyoderma gangrenosum of unknown aetiology. Obtaining the relevant history and regular monitoring of the arteries are necessary.
T2* relaxometry to characterize normal placental development over gestation in-vivo at 3T
Authors: Hutter Jana , Jackson Laurence , Ho Alison , Pietsch Maximilian , Story Lisa , Chappell Lucy C. , Hajnal Joseph V. , Rutherford Mary 
Published: November 2019

Background: T2* relaxometry has been identified as a non-invasive way to study the placenta in-vivo with good potential to identify placental insufficiency. Typical interpretation links T2* values to oxygen concentrations. This study aimed to comprehensively assess T2* maps as a marker of placental oxygenation in-vivo. Methods: A multi-echo gradient echo echo planar imaging sequence is used in a cohort of 84 healthy pregnant women. Special emphasis is put on spatial analysis: histogram measures, Histogram Asymmetry Measure (HAM) and lacunarity. Influences of maternal, fetal and placental factors and experimental parameters on the proposed measures are evaluated. Results: T2* maps were obtained from each placenta in less than 30sec. The previously reported decreasing trend in mean T2* with gestation was confirmed (3.45 ms decline per week). Factors such as maternal age, BMI, fetal sex, parity, mode of delivery and placental location were shown to be uncorrelated with T2* once corrected for gestational age. Robustness of the obtained values with regard to variation in segmentation and voxel-size were established. The proposed spatially resolved measures reveal a change in T2* in late gestation. Conclusions: T2* mapping is a robust and quick technique allowing quantification of both whole volume and spatial quantification largely independent of confounding factors.
Implant materials and prosthetic joint infection: the battle with the biofilm
Authors: Davidson Donald J. , Spratt David , Liddle Alexander D. 
Published: November 2019

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is associated with poor clinical outcomes and is expensive to treat. Although uncommon overall (affecting between 0.5% and 2.2% of cases), PJI is one of the most commonly encountered complications of joint replacement and its incidence is increasing, putting a significant burden on healthcare systems. Once established, PJI is extremely difficult to eradicate as bacteria exist in biofilms which protect them from antibiotics and the host immune response. Improved understanding of the microbial pathology in PJI has generated potential new treatment strategies for prevention and eradication of biofilm associated infection including modification of implant surfaces to prevent adhesion of bacteria. Much research is currently ongoing looking at different implant surface coatings and modifications, and although most of this work has not translated into clinical medicine there has been some early clinical success. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4:633-639. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180095