bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multicentre, Double Blind, Randomised Sham-Controlled Trial of 10kHz High-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Neuropathic Low Back Pain (MODULATE-LBP): A Trial Protocol
Authors: Al-Kaisy Adnan , Royds Jonathan , Palmisani Stefano , Pang David , Wesley Samuel , Taylor Rod S , Cook Andrew , Eldabe Sam , McCracken Lance , Duarte Rui , Fairbank Jeremy 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Introduction

Chronic neuropathic low back pain (CNLBP) is a debilitating condition in which established medical treatments seldom alleviate symptoms. There is evidence demonstrating high frequency 10kHz spinal cord stimulation (SCS) reduces pain and improves health-related quality of life in patients with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) but there is limited evidence in CNLBP without prior surgery. The aim of this multicentre randomised trial is to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of 10kHz SCS for this population.

Methods

This is a multicentre double-blind randomised sham-controlled trial with a parallel economic evaluation. A total of 96 patients with CNLBP who have not had spinal surgery will be implanted with an epidural lead and a sham lead outside the epidural space without a screening trial. Patients will be randomised 1:1 to 10kHz SCS plus usual care (intervention group) or sham 10kHz SCS plus usual care (control group) after full implant. The SCS devices will be programmed identically using a cathodal cascade. Participants will use their handheld programmer to alter the intensity of the stimulation as per routine practice. Primary outcome will be a 7 day daily pain diary. Secondary outcomes include the Oswestry Disability Index, complications, EQ-5D-5L, and health and social care costs. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline (pre-randomisation) and at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after device activation. The primary analyses will compare primary and secondary outcomes between groups at 6-months adjusting for baseline outcome scores. Incremental cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) will be calculated at 6-months and over the patient lifetime.

Discussion

The outcomes of this trial will inform clinical practice and healthcare policy on the role of high frequency 10kHz SCS for patients with CNLBP without prior surgery.
A team approach to delivery of contextually relevant bioscience: encouraging student connections between tacit knowledge and new content acquisition
Authors: Reynolds Mikaela , Bowers Cristina , Peters Holly , Klein Mathilde , Clayton Zane , Hagger David , McGarry Ben , Pelzer Elise 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background

Bioscience is essential knowledge for nursing practice and is an important component of undergraduate nursing education, however students commonly feel anxious about studying the subject. The purpose of this study was to create student learning resources for undergraduate bioscience that would enhance student engagement and performance and reduce attrition and unit failures over a sustained period.

Methods

Online surveys and formal institutional data collection metrics were used to assess the impact of the changes to unit learning resources.

Results

Student attrition rates and failure rates for the unit were reduced over a two-year period across a diverse student cohort.

Conclusions

Scaffolded and diverse learning materials support the success of undergraduate bioscience students by improving student engagement and reducing cognitive load.
A transcriptomic and proteomic atlas of expression in the Nezara viridula (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) midgut suggests the compartmentalization of xenobiotic metabolism and nutrient digestion
Authors: Denecke Shane , Ioannidis Panagiotis , Buer Benjamin , Ilias Aris , Douris Vassilis , Topalis Pantelis , Nauen Ralf , Geibel Sven , Vontas John 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background

Stink bugs are an emerging threat to crop security in many parts of the globe, but there are few genetic resources available to study their physiology at a molecular level. This is especially true for tissues such as the midgut, which forms the barrier between ingested material and the inside of the body.

Results

Here, we focus on the midgut of the southern green stink bug Nezara viridula and use both transcriptomic and proteomic approaches to create an atlas of expression along the four compartments of the anterior-posterior axis. Estimates of the transcriptome completeness were high, which led us to compare our predicted gene set to other related stink bugs and Hemiptera, finding a high number of species-specific genes in N. viridula. To understand midgut function, gene ontology and gene family enrichment analyses were performed for the most highly expressed and specific genes in each midgut compartment. These data suggested a role for the anterior midgut (regions M1-M3) in digestion and xenobiotic metabolism, while the most posterior compartment (M4) was enriched in transmembrane proteins. A more detailed characterization of these findings was undertaken by identifying individual members of the cytochrome P450 superfamily and nutrient transporters thought to absorb amino acids or sugars.

Conclusions

These findings represent an initial step to understand the compartmentalization and physiology of the N. viridula midgut at a genetic level. Future studies will be able to build on this work and explore the molecular physiology of the stink bug midgut.
WITHDRAWN: Ustekinumab pharmacokinetics after subcutaneous administration in pig
Authors: Grabowski Tomasz , Burmańczuk Artur , Derlacz Rafał , Stefaniak Tadeusz , Rząsa Anna , Borkowski Jacek 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background. Due to multiple similarities in the structure and physiology of human and pig skin, the pig model is very useful for biological drugs testing after subcutaneous administration. The differences between subcutaneous injection sites could have significant impact on the absorption phase and pharmacokinetic profiles of biologic drugs. The aim of the current study was to analyse pharmacokinetics and selected biochemical and hematological parameters after a single subcutaneous administration of ustekinumab – human therapeutic monoclonal antibody, in regular pigs and compare parameters following administration into external or internal regions of the inguinal fold. The subjects were 12 healthy female large white piglets. Each group received a single dose of ustekinumab given in a 1 mg/kg subcutaneous injection into the internal inguinal fold or external part of the inguinal fold.
Results. An analysis of hematological parameters showed that a single subcutaneous dose of ustekinumab at dose 1 mg/kg of body weight in pigs does not cause changes in the hematological parameters that go beyond the physiological limits. The differences in absorption rate between the internal inguinal fold or external part of the inguinal fold were not significant. However the time of maximal concentration, clearance, area under the curve calculated between zero and mean residence time and mean residence time between groups were substantially different (p>0.05). The relative bioavailability after external part of the inguinal fold administration was 40.36% lower than after internal inguinal fold ustekinumab administration.
Conclusions. Breeding pig has been shown to be a relevant pharmacokinetics model to study subcutaneously administered ustekinumab.
Hemoptysis from Complex Pulmonary Aspergilloma Treated by Cavernostomy and Thoracoplasty
Authors: Giang Nguyen Truong , Dung Nguyen Tien , Hien Nguyen Thanh , Thiet Truong Thanh , Hiep Phan Sy , Vu Nguyen The , Pho Dinh Cong , Nam Nguyen Van , Hung Pham Ngoc 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background
In high-risk patients with complex pulmonary aspergilloma but unable for lung resection, cavernostomy and thoracoplasty could be performed. This study aimed to evaluate this surgery compared two material used (table tennis ball and tissue expander) as a filler.
Methods: The prospective study evaluated 63 in high-risk patients who had hemoptysis due to complex pulmonary aspergilloma that submitted to cavernostomy and thoracoplasty surgery from November 2011 to September 2018. Patients were allocated to the table tennis ball group (46 patients) and tissue expander group (17 patients). We evaluated at the time of before operation, six months and 24 months after operation.
Results
The most common comorbidity diseases were tuberculosis in two groups. Upper lobe occupied almost location. Hemoptysis symptoms plunged from time to time. Statistically significant Karnofsky score was observed in both groups. BMI showed slightly increasing but not statistically significant. Postoperative pulmonary functions (FVC and FEV1) have remained in both groups at all time points. The remarkable results were no death in the postoperative period, and long-term complication of surgery was low. There was no statistical significance between two groups in operative time, blood loss during operation, ICU length-stay time. Four patients died because of co-morbidity in 24 months follow-up.
Conclusion: Cavernostomy and thoracoplasty was safe and effective surgery for the treatment of high-risk patients with complex pulmonary aspergilloma. There was no mortality related to surgery. The postoperative complications and long-term complication were low. The was no inferiority when compared table tennis ball group and tissue expander group.
Keyword: Complex Pulmonary Aspergilloma (CPA), Hemoptysis, Cavernostomy, Thoracoplasty, Table Tennis Balls, Tissue expander,
The kinetic profile and clinical implication of SCC-Ag in squamous cervical cancer patients undergoing radical hysterectomy using Simoa assay: a prospective observational study
Authors: Ye Shuang , Sun Xiaohua , Kang Bin , Wu Fei , Zheng Zhong , Xiang Libing , Lesénéchal Mylène , Heskia Fabienne , Liang Ji , Yang Huijuan 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Purpose: To study the kinetic profile and clinicopathological implications of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) in cervical cancer patients who underwent surgery by a self-developed SCC-Ag Single Molecule Assay (Simoa) prototype immunoassay.
Methods: Participants were prospectively enrolled between 04/2016 and 06/2017. Consecutive serum samples were collected at five points: Day 0 (the day before surgery), post-operative Day 4, Week 2-4, Month 2-4 and Month 5-7. Totally, 92 patients and 352 samples were included.
Results: Simoa SCC-Ag was validated by comparison with the Architect assay. The median value for each time-point was 2.49, 0.66, 0.61, 0.72, 0.71 ng/mL, respectively. The SCC-Ag levels decreased dramatically after surgery, and then stabilized and fluctuated to some extent within six months. Patients with some intermediate or high-risk factors had significantly higher SCC-Ag values than their negative counterparts before surgery and at earlier time points after surgery, while no difference existed at the end of observation. Furthermore, although patients with positive lymph node had sustained higher SCC-Ag levels compared to those negative counterparts, similar tendencies were observed. Patients who received post-operative treatment had significantly higher SCC-Ag values than those with surgery only at diagnosis, while no difference existed after treatment.
Conclusions: Simoa SCC-Ag prototype was established for clinical setting. The SCC-Ag levels were higher in intermediate or high-risk patients, whereas the kinetic trend of SCC-Ag might be mainly affected by post-operative adjuvant therapy. These data indicate that SCC-Ag level might be a good predictor for the status of cervical cancer, including disease aggressiveness and treatment response.
Whole genome analysis of Black Bengal goat from Savar Goat Farm, Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Ziqrul Haq , Hussain Nazmul , Hasan Saam , Kabir Ajran , Mahmud Muket , Robbani Mahdi , Tabassum Tahmina , Afroze Tamanna , Rahman Aura , Islam Rafiqul , Hossain Maqsud 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Objectives

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) play critical roles in genetic diversity and disease. Many traits and diseases are linked with exonic SNPs that are significant for gene function, regulation or translation. This study focuses on SNPs that potentially act as the genetic basis for desirable traits in the Black Bengal Goat. This variety of goat native to South Asia, and is identified as one of the most commercially important meat producing animals in the world. The aim of this study was to sequence the genome of Black Bengal Goats and identify SNPs that might play a significant role in determining meat quality in the organism. The study focuses on exonic SNPs for their greater likelihood of affecting the final translated protein product. The genes were also filtered according to their functional relevance to meat quality. The study is based on a single observation.

Results

Approximately 76,000 exonic variants were identified in the study. After filtration using a Wilcoxon test based score, the number came down to 49, 965 which were found to be distributed in 11,568 genes. The functional pathways affected by these variations included fatty acid metabolism and degradation, which are important processes that influence meat quality.
Efficacy of chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide in combination with amiloride in multiple doses on blood pressure in patients with primary hypertension: a protocol for a factorial randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Martins Vitor Magnus , Helal Lucas , Ferrari Filipe , Bottino Leonardo Grabinski , Fuchs Sandra Costa , Fuchs Flavio Danni 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background

Thiazide diuretics have demonstrated favorable blood pressure lowering efficacy, but it is still unclear what are the equivalence of doses of their more common agents, chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide. Besides, concernments about adverse metabolic effects do exist, which may be attenuated with the concomitant administration of a potassium-sparing diuretic, such as amiloride. This trial aims to investigate the efficacy of chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide, in combination with amiloride in different doses, for the initial management in patients with primary hypertension.

Methods

This is a factorial (2x2) randomized double-blinded clinical trial comparing the association of a thiazide diuretic (chlorthalidone 25 mg/day or hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg/day) with a potassium-sparing diuretic (amiloride 10 mg/day or amiloride 20 mg/day) in patients with primary hypertension. The primary outcome will be the mean change from baseline in 24-h systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The secondary outcomes will be the mean change from baseline in daytime and nighttime systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, mean change from baseline in systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured by office blood pressure, incidence of adverse events, variation of laboratory parameters and proportion of patients who achieved blood pressure control. The follow-up will last 12 weeks. For a P alpha of 0.05, power of 80%, and standard deviation of 9 mmHg, and absolute difference of 6 mmHg on systolic blood pressure on 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, it will be necessary to study a total of 76 patients. The sample size will be increased by 10% to compensate losses, resulting in 84 patients being randomized.

Discussion

Diuretics are pivotal drugs for the treatment of hypertension. Chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide, in combination with amiloride in multiple doses, will be tested in terms of blood pressure lowering efficacy and safety. Since the intensity of blood pressure reduction is the major determinant of reduction in cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients, this study will help to determine which combination of diuretics represents the most appropriate treatment for this population.
Six-minute walking distance in healthy Chinese people older than 60 years
Authors: Zou He , Zhang Jia , Zou Yingying , Chen Xiaoshu , Wang Yi , Chen Hao , Ye Fanhao , Yu Haizhu 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background: The six-minute walking test (6MWT) is a tool that is widely used to evaluate exercise capacity in clinical practice and research. However, to date, there are no standard reference equations for the six-minute walking distance (6MWD) for people aged 60-85 years in China. The purpose of this study was to 1) measure the 6MWD of healthy Chinese people aged 60-85 years, 2) establish prediction reference equations for the 6MWD, and 3) compare our reference equations with those reported in previously published studies.Methods: We obtained verbal informed consent from all subjects prior to the trial and the Ethics Committee of Wenzhou People's Hospital approved the design of the study. The demographic and anthropometric data and the 6MWT results of healthy Chinese subjects aged 60-85 years were measured by a standardized protocol. The subjects completed two 6MWTs monitored by the same operator. The second 6MWT was completed in 2 hours and the longer 6MWD was used for further analysis.
Results: A total of 266 subjects (128 male and 138 female) completed the 6MWTs, and the mean 6MWD for all subjects was 502.0±72.86 m. Males achieved a longer 6MWD than females (518.0±72.3 m vs. 487.2±70.44 m; p<0.0001), and physically active subjects achieved a longer 6MWD than sedentary subjects (512.2±76.33 m vs. 484.5±63.11 m; p<0.0001). Univariate linear regression analysis showed that variables (i.e., age, height, body mass index (BMI), post-test heart rate, blood pressure, post-exercise heart rate changes, etc.) were significantly associated with the 6MWD. Age, height, and BMI were identified as independent factors that influenced the 6MWD and could explain approximately 33% of the walking variance. The reference equations from Caucasian and South Americans tended to overestimate the 6MWD of our subjects, while the equations from Asians and Africans often underestimated the 6MWD of our subjects.Conclusions: In this study, the 6MWD of healthy people aged 60-85 years in China was described for the first time, and prediction reference equations for the 6MWD were proposed. This will help to improve the diagnosis and treatment of elderly Chinese patients with diseases that affect exercise capacity.
Fear and disgust: case report of two uncommon emotional disturbances evoked by visual disperceptions after a right temporal-insular stroke
Authors: Cantone Mariagiovanna , Lanza Giuseppe , Bella Rita , Pennisi Giovanni , Santalucia Paola , Bramanti Placido , Pennisi Manuela 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background: emotional processes and responses are underestimated in stroke patients because the massive clinical picture of large hemispheric strokes often hides these symptoms. We report on a patient with peculiar unpleasant emotional responses after temporal stroke.
Case presentation: we describe a 62-years old man with significant unpleasant emotional responses that occurred after an acute episode of confusional state, disorientation, agitation, vertigo, postural instability, vomiting, and photophobia. Since then, he complained that vision of pictures containing curved/multicolored lines or tangles was associated with an uncomfortable feeling of fear and disgust, lasting few minutes, so that he avoided looking at them. Notably, he also showed an abnormal facial expression of disgust and fear, together with neurovegetative reaction and horripilation, at the presentation of pictures of objects or animals containing curved, multicolored, or tangled lines. A post-acute infarction of the right temporal-insular region, together with mild periventricular white matter changes, were evident at the brain magnetic resonance imaging.
Conclusions: the anterior insula is crucial in transforming unpleasant sensory input into visceromotor reactions and the accompanying feeling of disgust. It is also known that temporal pole modulates visceral emotional functions in response to emotionally evocative perceptual stimuli. In the present case, the ischemic lesion of anterior part of the insula and temporal pole may have caused a decoupling of emotional and visceral response to complex visual stimuli. Further reports will provide a significant contribution to the taxonomy of these complex and relatively uncommon non-motor post-stroke symptoms that negatively affect quality of life.
Long-term retrospective observation reveals stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in Hebei, China
Authors: Liu Shiyou , Wei Yamei , Han Xu , Cai Yanan , Han Zhanying , Zhang Yanbo , Xu Yonggang , Qi Shunxiang , Li Qi 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is an emerging zoonotic infectious disease caused by hantaviruses which circulate worldwide. So far, it was still considered as one of serious public health problems in China. The present study aimed to reveal the stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in Hebei province located in North China through a long-term retrospective observation.

Methods

The epidemiological data of HFRS cases from all eleven cities of Hebei province since 1981 through 2016 were collected and descriptively analyzed. The rodent densities, species compositions and virus-carrying rates of different regions were collected from six separated rodent surveillance points which set up since 2007. The molecular diversity and phylogenetic relationship of hantaviruses circulating among rodents were analyzed based on partial viral glycoprotein gene.

Results

HFRS cases have been reported every year in Hebei province, since the first local case was identified in 1981. The epidemic history can be artificially divided into three phases and a total of 55,507 HFRS cases with 374 deaths were reported during 1981-2016. The gender and occupational factors of susceptible population were invarible throughout, however age of that was gradually aging. The annual outbreak peak always present in spring, while the main epidemic region had gradully altered from south to northeast. Surveillance of rodents revealed that residential rodents significantly possessed higher density and virus-carring rate than field rodents. The house rat, Rattus norvegicus, was the dominant rodent species and Seoul virus S3 sub-genotype which is continued but slightly evolving perhaps to be the sole pathogen for local HFRS cases of Hebei province.

Conclusions

This long-term province-wide surveillance and epidemiological analysis has revealed the stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in North China. In order to improve current prevention and control strategies of HFRS in China, all surveillance should be continuously enhanced and variations should be paid more attentions.
Experimental study on the wave height distribution of wind-induced waves in the growth stage under finite water depth
Authors: Gao Ang , Wu Shiqiang , Chen Li , Liu Sien , Xu Zhun , Zhao Yuhang , Wang Fangfang , Zhu Senlin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWith the method of a wind tank experiment, the real scenario of lakes with horizontal and vertical circulation of wind-induced flows is considered, and the features of wind wave height and its distribution in the different conditions of wind blowing distance, wind speed and water depth are studied systematically. Afterwards, comparison of the wave height distributions derived directly from experiment and the typical wave height distribution models show that some defects exist in typical wave height distribution models when describing wind wave height distribution in the wave growth stage. On this basis, we propose a new distribution model which is suitable for the description of wind wave height during the growth stage, and the model parameters are acquired with the programming solution method. Finally, the model is further optimized by relating B to σa, and Hs to σa. Comparison results of the optimized model and the typical ones show that the optimized model has advantages in calculation accuracy and convenience of use.