bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the efficacy and safety of electro-acupuncture in patients with antipsychotic-related constipation: protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yu Fang-Ting , Long Di-He , Shi Guang-Xia , Wang Li-Qiong , Tu Jian-Feng , Gang Li-Li , Liu Fu-Quan , Wang Yang , Cui Xiao , Bao Si , Yu Yu , Wei Wei , Yan Shi-Yan , Yang Jing-Wen , Liu Cun-Zhi 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Constipation is known as a common adverse effect of antipsychotics. Advice for its management remains inadequate. This study is designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of electro-acupuncture (EA) for antipsychotic-related constipation.

Methods
This is a single-centric, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial with blinded participants, outcome assessor, and statistician. One hundred twelve participants will be randomly assigned into the EA group or sham acupuncture (SA) group in a 1:1 ratio. The study will last for 22 weeks for each participant, including a 2-week baseline assessment period, an 8-week treatment period, and a follow-up for 12 weeks. The primary outcome is the change of mean weekly complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) during weeks 1 to 8 from baseline. Secondary outcomes include the change from baseline of mean weekly CSBMs during the follow-up period, mean weekly spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs), overall CSBM response rate, scores on Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), straining level, Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM), Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of life questionnaire (PAC-QOL), and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Adverse events and medicine use will be recorded as well.

Discussion
The study is designed based on a rigorous methodology to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EA for antipsychotic-related constipation. The finding will be published in peer-reviewed journals as reliable evidence.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov ChiCTR2000032582. Registered May 3, 2020, with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry.
REDUCE trial: the effects of perineural dexamethasone on scalp nerve blocks for relief of postcraniotomy pain—a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Chunmei , Jia Zipu , Shrestha Niti , Luo Fang 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Pain is common in the first 2 days after major craniotomy. Inadequate analgesia may lead to an increased risk of postoperative complications. Most pain following craniotomy arises from the pericranial muscles and soft tissues of the scalp. Scalp nerve blocks with local anesthesia seem to provide effective, safe, however, transient postoperative analgesia which does not seem to meet the requirements of craniotomy. Currently, peripheral dexamethasone has been observed to significantly prolong the duration of analgesia of nerve blocks (e.g., saphenous nerve block, adductor canal block, thoracic paravertebral block, brachial plexus nerve block). On the contrary, a study reported that perineural dexamethasone did not appear to prolong the analgesic time after supratentorial craniotomy. However, all patients in this study were given 24 mg of oral or intravenous dexamethasone regularly for at least 7 days during the perioperative period, which possibly masked the role of single local low doses of perineural dexamethasone. Therefore, the analgesic effect of single dexamethasone for scalp nerve blocks without the background of perioperative glucocorticoid deserves further clarification.

Methods
The REDUCE trial is a prospective, single-center, parallel-group randomized controlled trial involving a total of 156 adults scheduled for elective craniotomy with general anesthesia. Patients will be randomly divided among two groups: the control group (n = 78) will receive scalp nerve blocks with 0.5% bupivacaine, plus normal saline with epinephrine at 1:200,000; the DEX4mg group (n = 78) will receive scalp nerve blocks with 0.5% bupivacaine, plus 4 mg dexamethasone with epinephrine at 1:200,000. The primary outcome will be the duration of analgesia, defined as the time between the performance of the block and the first analgesic request.

Discussion
The REDUCE trial aims to further assess the analgesic effect of single dexamethasone as an adjuvant to scalp nerve blocks for relief of postcraniotomy pain without the background of perioperative glucocorticoid.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.govNCT04648358. Registered on November 30, 2020.
Baseline predictors of remission, pain and fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis: the TITRATE trial
Authors: Lee Sook Yan , Ibrahim Fowzia , Tom Brian D. M. , Nikiphorou Elena , Williams Frances M. K. , Lempp Heidi , Scott David L. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Clinical trials show intensive treatment to induce remission is effective in patients with highly active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The TITRATE trial showed that the benefits of intensive treatment also extend to moderately active RA. However, many patients failed to achieve remission or show improvements in pain and fatigue. We investigated whether baseline predictors could identify treatment non-responders.

Methods
The impact of obesity, depression, anxiety and illness perception on RA outcomes, including disease activity, remission, pain and fatigue were determined using a pre-planned secondary analysis of the TITRATE trial data.

Results
Body mass index was associated with disease activity levels and remission: obese patients had a higher overall disease activity and fewer obese patients achieved remission. Intensive management was not associated with increased remission in these patients. Obesity was also associated with increased overall pain and fatigue. Anxiety, depression and health perceptions had no discernible impact on disease activity but were associated with high levels of pain and fatigue. There was a strong association between anxiety and high pain scores; and between depression and high fatigue scores; and health perception was strongly related to both. None of the predictors had an important impact on pain and fatigue reduction in cross-sectional analysis.

Conclusions
Disease activity is higher in obese patients and they have fewer remissions over 12 months. Anxiety, depression and health perceptions were associated with higher pain and fatigue scores. Intensive management strategies need to account for these baseline features as they impact significantly on clinical and psychological outcomes.

Trial registration
ISRCTN 70160382; date registered 16 January 2014
Lupus susceptibility region containing CTLA4 rs17268364 functionally reduces CTLA4 expression by binding EWSR1 and correlates IFN-α signature
Authors: Qi Yuan-yuan , Zhao Xin-yu , Liu Xin-ran , Wang Yan-na , Zhai Ya-ling , Zhang Xiao-xue , Wang Xiao-yang , Zhang Li-jie , Zhao Ya-fei , Cui Yan , Ning Xiang-hui , Zhou Xu-jie 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Dysregulation of T cells mediated immune responses is a hallmark in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recent genome wide association study (GWAS) revealed the genetic contribution of variants located in the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA4)-inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS) intergenic region to SLE susceptibility. Our aim is to find a functional variant in this region.

Methods
The genetic association results in the CTLA4-ICOS region from previous GWAS were adopted to select the potential variant which was further replicated in two independent cohorts (Henan cohort 2053 SLE patients and 1845 healthy controls, Beijing cohort 2303 SLE patients and 19,262 healthy). In order to explore the functional significance in SLE, bioinformatics with validation experiments (including electrophoretic mobility shift assay and luciferase reporter assay) and mRNA expression analysis were also performed.

Results
A variant located in the CTLA4-ICOS intergenic region, rs17268364, was associated with susceptibility to SLE patients in Chinese populations (risk allele, pmeta = 7.02×10−11, OR 1.19, 95%CI 1.13–1.26). The bioinformatics suggested that rs17268364 might affect the expression of CTLA4, not ICOS. The rs17268364 risk G allele containing sequence reduced the expression of the reporter gene by binding transcriptional repressor Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (EWSR1). Following genotype-mRNA expression, the analysis also showed the risk allele of rs17268364 was associated with low CTLA4 expression in lupus nephritis (LN) patients. Healthy individuals carrying rs17268364 risk G allele was significantly correlated with higher levels of IFN-α signature including increased lymphocyte antigen 6E (LY6E) (p=0.031), interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) (p=0.038), interferon regulatory factor 9 (IRF9) (p=0.028), and interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) (p=0.040) mRNA expression.

Conclusions
The present study confirmed the functional role of rs17268364 in the CTLA4-ICOS intergenic region that increased SLE susceptibility in the Chinese population.
RE-COVER project: A survey on resilience, mental health, and fear of Covid-19 in four countries
Authors: Sugawara Daichi , Gu Yuan , Masuyama Akihiro , Ng Siew Li , Phoo Evone Y. M. , Raja Reza Shah Raja Intan Arifah Binti , Kubo Takahiro , Chishima Yuta , Tee Eugene Y. J. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Objectives
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of people worldwide. Psychological resilience has been shown to buffer against the threat of the pandemic (i.e., COVID-19 fear) and sustain mental health. The extent to which psychological resilience factors impact mental health maintenance, however, is unclear, given broad differences in infection rates, prevention approaches, government interventions across different cultures and contexts. Our study examines resilience factors and how they protect individuals from COVID-19-related fear and sustain their mental health.

Data description
Data were collected from 1583 (Mage = 32.22, SD = 12.90, Range = 19–82) respondents from Japan, China, the United States, and Malaysia between October to November 2020. We collected data across age and sex, marital status, number of children, and occupations. We also accounted for stay-at-home measures, change in income, COVID-19 infection status, place of residence, and subjective social status in the study. Our variables included mental health-related and resilience constructs, namely (i) fear of COVID-19, (ii) depression, anxiety, and stress; (iii) present, past, and future life satisfaction, (iv) sense of control, (v) positive emotions, (vi) ego-resilience, (vii) grit, (viii) self-compassion, (ix) passion, and (x) relational mobility. All questionnaires were assessed for their suitability across the four countries with the necessary translation checks. Results from this study can be instrumental in examining the impact of multiple resilience factors and their interaction with demographic variables in shaping mental health outcomes.
Recombinant cellobiohydrolase of Myceliophthora thermophila: characterization and applicability in cellulose saccharification
Authors: Dadwal Anica , Sharma Shilpa , Satyanarayana Tulasi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA codon optimized cellobiohydrolase (CBH) encoding synthetic gene of 1188 bp from a thermophilic mold Myceliophthora thermophila (MtCel6A) was cloned and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli for the first time. In silico analysis suggested that MtCel6A is a GH6 CBH and belongs to CBHII family, which is structurally similar to Cel6A of Humicola insolens. The recombinant MtCel6A is expressed as active inclusion bodies, and the molecular mass of the purified enzyme is ~ 45 kDa. The rMtCel6A is active in a wide range of pH (4–12) and temperatures (40–100 °C) with optima at pH 10.0 and 60 °C. It exhibits T1/2 of 6.0 and 1.0 h at 60 and 90 °C, respectively. The rMtCel6A is an extremozyme with organic solvent, salt and alkali tolerance. The Km, Vmax, kcat and kcat/Km values of the enzyme are 3.2 mg mL−1, 222.2 μmol mg−1 min−1, 2492 s−1 and 778.7 s−1 mg−1 mL−1, respectively. The product analysis of rMtCel6A confirmed that it is an exoenzyme that acts from the non-reducing end of cellulose. The addition of rMtCel6A to the commercial cellulase mix (Cellic CTec2) led to 1.9-fold increase in saccharification of the pre-treated sugarcane bagasse. The rMtCel6A is a potential CBH that finds utility in industrial processes such as in bioethanol, paper pulp and textile industries.
Graphical Abstract
Malaria and curable sexually transmitted and reproductive tract coinfection among pregnant women in rural Burkina Faso
Authors: Lingani Moussa , Zango Serge H. , Valéa Innocent , Bonko Massa dit A. , Samadoulougou Sékou O. , Rouamba Toussaint , Tahita Marc C. , Sanou Maïmouna , Robert Annie , Tinto Halidou , Donnen Philippe , Dramaix Michèle 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Malaria and sexually transmitted/reproductive tract infections (STI/RTI) are leading and preventable causes of low birthweight in sub-Saharan Africa. Reducing their impact on pregnancy outcomes requires efficient interventions that can be easily integrated into the antenatal care package. The paucity of data on malaria and STI/RTI coinfection, however, limits efforts to control these infections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of malaria and STI/RTI coinfection among pregnant women in rural Burkina Faso.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 402 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at the Yako health district. Sociodemographic and behavioral data were collected, and pregnant women were tested for peripheral malaria by microscopy. Hemoglobin levels were also measured by spectrophotometry and curable bacterial STI/RTI were tested on cervico-vaginal swabs using rapid diagnostic test for chlamydia and syphilis, and Gram staining for bacterial vaginosis. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess the association of malaria and STI/RTI coinfection with the characteristics of included pregnant women.

Results
The prevalence of malaria and at least one STI/RTI coinfection was 12.9% (95% confidence interval, CI: [9.8–16.7]), malaria and bacterial vaginosis coinfection was 12.2% (95% CI: [9.3–15.9]), malaria and chlamydial coinfection was 1.6% (95% CI: [0.6–3.8]). No coinfection was reported for malaria and syphilis. The individual prevalence was 17.2%, 7.2%, 0.6%, 67.7% and 73.3%, respectively, for malaria infection, chlamydia, syphilis, bacterial vaginosis and STI/RTI combination. Only 10% of coinfections were symptomatic, and thus, 90% of women with coinfection would have been missed by the symptoms-based diagnostic approach. In the multivariate analysis, the first pregnancy (aOR = 2.4 [95% CI: 1.2–4.7]) was the only factor significantly associated with malaria and STI/RTI coinfection. Clinical symptoms were not associated with malaria and STI/RTI coinfection.

Conclusion
The prevalence of malaria and curable STI/RTI coinfection was high among pregnant women. The poor performance of the clinical symptoms to predict coinfection suggests that alternative interventions are needed.
Personalized outcomes for hip and knee replacement: the patients point of view
Authors: Whitebird Robin R. , Solberg Leif I. , Ziegenfuss Jeanette Y. , Asche Stephen E. , Norton Christine K. , Swiontkowski Marc F. , Dehmer Steven P. , Grossman Elizabeth S. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly being incorporated into clinical and surgical care for assessing outcomes. This study examined outcomes important to patients in their decision to have hip or knee replacement surgery, their perspectives on PROMs and shared decision-making, and factors they considered important for postoperative care.

Methods
A cross-sectional study employing survey methods with a stratified random sample of adult orthopedic patients who were scheduled for or recently had hip or knee replacement surgery.

Results
In a representative sample of 226 respondents, patients identified personalized outcomes important to them that they wanted from their surgery including the ability to walk without pain/discomfort, pain relief, and returning to an active lifestyle. They preferred a personalized outcome (54%) that they identified, compared to a PROM score, for tracking progress in their care and thought it important that their surgeon know their personal outcomes (63%). Patients also wanted to engage in shared decision-making (79%) about their post-surgical care and identified personal factors important to their aftercare, such as living alone and caring for pets.

Conclusions
Patients identified unique personalized outcomes they desired from their care and that they wanted their orthopedic surgeons to know about. Asking patients to identify their personalized outcomes could add value for both patients and surgeons in clinical care, facilitating more robust patient involvement in shared decision-making.
Comparative efficacy of amphotericin B-loaded chitosan nanoparticles and free amphotericin B drug against Leishmania tropica
Authors: Sohail Aamir , Khan Rahat Ullah , Khan Momin , Khokhar Mehvish , Ullah Safat , Ali Arshad , Bilal Hazrat , Khattak Saadullah , Khan Mirwaise , Ahmad Baseer 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
The preparation of an effective drug delivery formulation is an urgent need to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Pentavalent antimonials and Amphotericin B (AmB) are considered to treat leishmaniasis; however, their clinical usage is hampered by poor solubility, high cost, toxicity, and the emergence of drug-resistant Leishmania spp. The drug delivery systems (DDS) could be used as an alternative treatment option for the treatment of CL to circumvent these problems. We tested the antileishmanial efficacies of free AmB and amphotericin B-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (AmB-CNPs) under in vitro conditions.

Results
Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were synthesized using the ionic gelation method with negatively charged tripolyphosphate (TPP). During the synthesis of CNPs, AmB was incorporated into the nanoparticles (NPs). The NPs were characterized for their size, surface morphology, encapsulation efficacy (EE), drug loading content (DLC), and surface charge using different techniques. Their efficacy was evaluated against promastigotes and axenic amastigotes forms of Leishmania tropica using MTT assay. The synthesized AmB-CNPs displayed a spherical shape with a mean particle size of 118 nm, a positive zeta potential of (+ 6.21 ± 2.02 mV), and an encapsulation efficacy of 88%. Dynamic light scattering technique (DLS) shows that the average size of prepared AmB-CNPs was 95.5 nm. Free AmB presented very low efficacy (only 65% and 67% inhibition of the promastigotes and axenic amastigotes parasite load), whereas AmB-CNPs exhibited 90% and 84% parasite inhibition after 72 h incubation. The AmB-CNPs exhibited significantly higher efficacy than free AmB in terms of reduction in parasite viability. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) measured values of the AmB-CNPs were significant lowers than free AmB.

Conclusions
The present data indicated that AmB-CNPs exhibited vigorous anti-leishmanial activity than free AmB by dose and time-dependent manner. This formulation can be used for local therapy of CL after in vivo efficacy conformational studies.
A discussion on cotton transformation during the last decade (2010–2021); an update on present trends and future prospects
Authors: QANDEEL-E-ARSH  , AZHAR Muhammad Tehseen , ATIF Rana Muhammad , ISRAR Mahwish , KHAN Azeem Iqbal , KHALID Shahzad , RANA Iqrar Ahmad 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe introduction of genetically modified (GM) cotton in 1996 in the US and its worldwide spread later rejuvenated cotton production in many parts of the world. The evolution is continued since then and currently, the 3rd and fourth generation of same GM cotton is grown in many parts of the world. The GM cotton introduced in 1996 was simple Bt cotton that expressed a single Cry1Ac gene, the later generation carried multiple Cry genes along with the genes controlling herbicide tolerance. Current day GM cotton does not only give stable resistance against lepidopteran insects but also facilitates the farmers to spray broad-spectrum herbicides without harming the crop. The evolution of GM cotton is continued both on the basic and applied side and interventions have been introduced during the last decade. Earlier the cotton transformation was limited to Cocker strains which are getting possible in many other varieties, too. It is successful with both gene gun, and Agrobacterium and inplanta transformation has made it a routine activity. Apart from overexpression studies for various purposes including biotic, abiotic, and quality traits, RNAi and genome editing are explored vigorously. Through this review, we have tried to explore and discuss various interventions for improving transformation protocols, the applications of cotton transformation, and future strategies being developed to get maximum benefits from this technology during the last decade.
Egg Consumption and Blood Lipid Parameters According to the Presence of Chronic Metabolic Disorders: The EVIDENT II Study
Authors: Mesas Arthur Eumann , Garrido-Miguel Miriam , Fernández-Rodríguez Rubén , Fernández Franco Sofía , Lugones-Sánchez Cristina , García-Ortiz Luis , Martínez-Vizcaíno Vicente 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Context
Egg consumption is one of the main dietary sources of cholesterol, but whether individuals who eat more eggs have a worse blood lipid profile remains controversial.

Objective
We examined the relationship between egg consumption and lipid parameters and explored whether this relationship changes according to the presence of chronic metabolic disorders.

Methods
A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted with adult participants in the EVIDENT II trial. Adjusted linear regression models were stratified by the main chronic metabolic disorders.

Results
Among the 728 participants (61.9% women, mean age 52.1 ± 11.9 years), the mean egg consumption was equivalent to 5 to 6 eggs per week for a 70-kg individual. In the fully adjusted analysis, no association was found of egg consumption with total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and triglyceride levels. Furthermore, compared with the first quartile of consumption, the fourth quartile was associated with lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels (coefficient –7.01; 95% CI –13.39, –0.62) and a lower LDL-c/HDL-c ratio (coefficient –0.24, 95% CI –0.41, –0.06). In the analyses stratified by chronic metabolic diseases, higher egg consumption was not associated with lipid profile in those with obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or treated with hypolipidemic drugs, and was associated with a better lipid profile in participants without these conditions.

Conclusion
Higher egg consumption was not associated with blood lipids in individuals with chronic metabolic disorders. In individuals without such conditions, the lipid profile was better among those who consumed more eggs. Our findings support current guidelines recommending eggs as part of a healthy diet.