bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex versus motor cortex in patients with neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury: a study protocol
Authors: Huang Maomao , Luo Xi , Zhang Chi , Xie Yu-Jie , Wang Li , Wan Tenggang , Chen Ruyan , Xu Fangyuan , Wang Jian-Xiong 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionNeuropathic pain is one of the common complications of spinal cord injuries (SCI), which will slow down the recovery process and result in lower quality of life. Previous studies have shown that repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the motor cortex (M1) can reduce the average pain and the most severe pain of neuropathic pain after SCI. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) area is a common target of rTMS. Recently, a few studies found that rTMS of DLPFC may relieve the neuropathic pain of SCI. Compared with the M1 area, the efficacy of rTMS treatment in the DLPFC area in improving neuropathic pain and pain-related symptoms in patients with SCI is still unclear. Therefore, our study aims to evaluate the non-inferiority of rTMS in the DLPFC vs M1 in patients with neuropathic pain after SCI, in order to provide more options for rTMS in treating neuropathic pain after SCI.Methods and analysisWe will recruit 50 subjects with neuropathic pain after SCI. They will be randomly assigned to the DLPFC- rTMS and M1-rTMS groups and be treated with rTMS for 4 weeks. Except for the different stimulation sites, the rTMS treatment programmes of the two groups are the same: 10 Hz, 1250 pulses, 115% intensity threshold, once a day, five times a week for 4 weeks. VAS, simplified McGill Pain Questionnaire, Spinal Cord Injury Pain Date Set, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Hamilton Anxiety Scale will be evaluated at baseline, second week of treatment, fourth week of treatment and 4 weeks after the end of treatment. And VAS change will be calculated.Ethics and disseminationThe Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University has approved this trial, which is numbered KY2020041. Written informed consent will be provided to all participants after verification of the eligibility criteria. The results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed publications.Trial registration numberChiCTR2000032362.
Diagnostic value and safety of thoracoscopic pleural biopsies in pleural exudative effusions of unknown origin, including follow-up
Authors: Deschuyteneer Evan Patrick , De Keukeleire Tom 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionPleural exudative effusions without diagnosis after initial work up are a frequent problem in any respiratory division. Several ways to obtain pleural biopsy exist. Thoracoscopy is one of the most frequently used. Differential diagnosis mainly exists out of malignant pleuritis, tuberculosis, nonspecific pleuritis and rarely systemic or autoimmune disease. We performed a retrospective data analysis of our almost 10-year period experience, the first Belgian data to be published.MethodsWe performed a retrospective data analysis of all patients with unexplained pleural exudates who underwent diagnostic medical thoracoscopy under general anaesthesia in our respiratory department during the period 2006–2015. We report on diagnoses made, sensitivity and specificity, safety of thoracoscopy and follow-up of patients after thoracoscopy.Results131 patients underwent diagnostic medical thoracoscopy during the inclusion period. 44.3% (n=58) of the patients were diagnosed with malignant pleuritis, 45.0% (n=59) with nonspecific pleuritis, 7.6% (n=10) with tuberculous pleuritis and some with other benign conditions. Complications are comparable to other data published. Six months follow-up of patients with non-specific pleuritis reveal 8.5% (n=5) of these patients to have malignant pleuritis, and another 8.5% (n=5) with infectious or other benign conditions.ConclusionMedical thoracoscopy under general anaesthesia for diagnostic work up of pleural exudates of unknown origin generally has a high diagnostic yield. It is generally safe, certainly compared with the information it delivers. During follow-up, minority of patients with nonspecific pleuritis will prove to be malignant in origin, benign or autoimmune disease related.
Equity impact of participatory learning and action community mobilisation and mHealth interventions to prevent and control type 2 diabetes and intermediate hyperglycaemia in rural Bangladesh: analysis of a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Pires Malini , Shaha Sanjit , King Carina , Morrison Joanna , Nahar Tasmin , Ahmed Naveed , Jennings Hannah Maria , Akter Kohenour , Haghparast-Bidgoli Hassan , Khan A K Azad , Costello Anthony , Kuddus Abdul , Azad Kishwar , Fottrell Edward 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundA cluster randomised trial of mHealth and participatory learning and action (PLA) community mobilisation interventions showed that PLA significantly reduced the prevalence of intermediate hyperglycaemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the incidence of T2DM among adults in rural Bangladesh; mHealth improved knowledge but showed no effect on glycaemic outcomes. We explore the equity of intervention reach and impact.MethodsIntervention reach and primary outcomes of intermediate hyperglycaemia and T2DM were assessed through interview surveys and blood fasting glucose and 2-hour oral glucose tolerance tests among population-based samples of adults aged ≥30 years. Age-stratified, gender-stratified and wealth-stratified intervention effects were estimated using random effects logistic regression.ResultsPLA participants were similar to non-participants, though female participants were younger and more likely to be married than female non-participants. Differences including age, education, wealth and marital status were observed between individuals exposed and those not exposed to the mHealth intervention.PLA reduced the prevalence of T2DM and intermediate hyperglycaemia in all age, gender and wealth strata. Reductions in 2-year incidence of T2DM of at least 51% (0.49, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.92) were observed in all strata except among the oldest and least poor groups. mHealth impact on glycaemic outcomes was observed only among the youngest group, where a 47% reduction in the 2-year incidence of T2DM was observed (0.53, 95% CI 0.28 to 1.00).ConclusionLarge impacts of PLA across all strata indicate a highly effective and equitable intervention. mHealth may be more suitable for targeting higher risk, younger populations.Trial registration numberISRCTN41083256.
Differential role of HLA-A and HLA-B, C expression levels as prognostic markers in colon and rectal cancer
Authors: Michelakos Theodoros , Kontos Filippos , Kurokawa Tomohiro , Cai Lei , Sadagopan Ananthan , Krijgsman Danielle , Weichert Wilko , Durrant Lindy G , Kuppen Peter J K , R Ferrone Cristina , Ferrone Soldano 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThe association of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression levels with the clinical course of many malignancies reflects their crucial role in the recognition and elimination of malignant cells by cognate T cells and NK cells. In colorectal cancer, results regarding this association are conflicting. The potential pathogenetic and therapeutic implications of this association prompted us to perform a large patient-level pooled analysis assessing the role of the expression level of HLA class I loci gene products in colon and rectal cancer.Experimental designIncluded studies provided patient-level data on HLA class I expression levels determined by immunohistochemistry on surgical specimens. Expression levels of the HLA class I loci gene products (HLA-A, HLA-B/C) were correlated with common genetic events and survival.ResultsData from 5 studies including 2863 patients were used. In the 1620 colon cancer patients, lower HLA-A, HLA-B/C and total HLA class I expression levels were associated with microsatellite instability (p=0.044, p=0.008 and p=0.022, respectively), higher frequency of BRAF mutations (p<0.001, p=0.021 and p<0.001, respectively) and lower frequency of KRAS mutations (p=0.001, ns and p=0.002, respectively). In the 1243 rectal cancer patients, HLA-A expression was higher in tumors treated with neoadjuvant radiation (p=0.024). High HLA-B/C, but not HLA-A, expression level was an independent predictor of favorable overall survival in colon (p=0.006) and rectal (p<0.001) cancer.ConclusionsT-cells and HLA-B/C antigens, rather than NK cells and HLA-A antigens, likely play an important role in controlling colon/rectal cancer growth. Colon/rectal cancer patients may benefit from strategies that upregulate HLA-B/C and trigger or enhance T cell immunity.
Constructing a South Asian cardiovascular disease: a qualitative analysis on how researchers study cardiovascular disease in South Asians
Authors: Kawano Bradley 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundDebates on the use of race in biomedical research have typically overlooked immigrant groups outside of the black-white racial dichotomy. Recent biomedical research on South Asians and cardiovascular disease provides an opportunity to understand how scientists define race and interpret racial health disparities from an underexamined perspective.PurposeTo examine how researchers in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study defined a South Asian population, and then compared health differences between South Asians and other populations.MethodsQualitative content analysis was performed on eleven articles from August 2013 to January 2021 that directly compared the South Asian cohort in MASALA to four other groups. The MASALA study design article was also included in this analysis. Articles were analysed for how South Asians were defined, and for how health differences between South Asians and other populations were studied and discussed.ResultsResearchers in MASALA were neither clear nor precise in defining South Asians as either an ancestral group or ethnic group. Their studies also prioritised investigating genetic and molecular causes of the cardiovascular health disparity between South Asians and other populations and failed to examine possible social factors.ConclusionsThese findings reflect a broader trend in biomedical research in which race and racial health disparities are poorly defined and studied, limiting scientists’ understanding of the relationship between race and health. I propose methodologies to help researchers define populations and design studies without relying on biologically reductive assumptions.
Nationwide indoor smoking ban and impact on smoking behaviour and lung function: a two-population natural experiment
Authors: Strassmann Alexandra , Çolak Yunus , Serra-Burriel Miquel , Nordestgaard Børge G , Turk Alexander , Afzal Shoaib , Puhan Milo A 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionMany countries have implemented indoor smoking bans over the past two decades. Although smoking bans have been shown to reduce cardiovascular outcomes, little is known about their impact on respiratory health. This study investigated the impact of a nationwide indoor smoking ban on smoking behaviour and lung function.MethodsWe used repeated cross-sectional data from two large cohorts of the general population comprising 31 807 Swiss and 62 093 Danish adults. We compared associations between smoking ban and smoking prevalence and prebronchodilator lung function trends in Denmark (indoor smoking ban introduced in 2007) and Switzerland (indoor smoking ban introduced in 2010) from 2005 to 2010 using a quasi-experimental study design. We performed difference-in-difference analyses with linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, weight and height.ResultsDenmark had a stronger decrease in active smokers compared with Switzerland. Also, forced expiratory volume in the first second was higher in Danish adults than in Swiss adults: 26 mL (95% CI 2.4 to 49) 1 year, 88 mL (65 to 112) 2 years, and 74 mL (51 to 98) 3 years after smoking ban implementation. Correspondingly, forced vital capacity was higher in Danish adults compared with Swiss adults (80 mL (50 to 109) after 1 year and 126 mL (97 to 155) after two and 3 years). Improvements were observed in both never-smokers and ever-smokers, most pronounced in ever-smokers.ConclusionsNationwide indoor smoking ban is associated with less smoking and improved lung function in the general population. Implementing an indoor smoking ban can improve lung function by influencing smoking behaviour and reducing secondhand smoke.
Antifungal activity of [K3]temporin-SHa against medically relevant yeasts and moulds
Authors: Brunet Kévin , Verdon Julien , Ladram Ali , Arnault Simon , Rodier Marie-Hélène , Cateau Estelle 
Published: March 2022

Few antifungal agents are currently available for the treatment of fungal infections. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are natural molecules involved in the innate immune response of many organisms, represent a promising research method because of their broad killing activity. The aim of this study was to assess the activity of a frog AMP, [K3]temporin-SHa, against some species of yeasts and moulds, and to further explore its activity against Candida albicans. MIC determinations were performed according to EUCAST guidelines. Next, the activity of [K3]temporin-SHa against C. albicans was explored using time-killing curve experiments, membrane permeabilization assays, and electron microscopy. Finally, chequerboard assays were performed to evaluate the synergy between [K3]temporin-SHa and amphotericin B or fluconazole. [K3]temporin-SHa was found to be active in vitro against several yeasts with MIC between 5.5 and 45 µM. [K3]temporin-SHa displayed rapid fungicidal activity against C. albicans (inoculum was divided into two in less than an hour and no viable colonies were recovered after 5 h) with a mechanism that could be due to membrane permeabilization. [K3]temporin-SHa was synergistic with amphotericin B against C. albicans (FICI = 0.303). [K3]temporin-SHa could represent an additional tool to treat several Candida species and C. neoformans.
Effects of thermodiffusion on Darcy–Brinkman convection in a rotating binary nanofluid saturating a porous layer
Authors: Gaikwad Sravan Nayek , Surwase Dnyaneshwar Madhavrao 
Published: March 2022

In this study, the onset of convection in a rotating horizontal porous layer saturated by a binary nanofluid was theoretically investigated under the influence of thermodiffusion and nanoparticles. To study the onset of convection, the Darcy–Brinkman model was employed for the porous medium, and the thermal Rayleigh number was derived analytically using linear stability analysis. Water–ammonia-based silver, copper, and alumina, three binary nanofluids, were considered, and the effect of nanoparticles on the stability of the system was analysed using addition factor analysis. The Brinkman model for viscosity and Bruggeman model under the mean field approach for thermal conductivity were used to study the impact of nanoparticles. Heat transport was examined by calculating the heat transfer coefficient. The effects of nondimensional parameters involved in binary nanofluids on the onset of convective instabilities are depicted pictorially. The dependence of the size of the convection cells on nondimensional parameters is also discussed. The Darcy–Taylor number decreases the size of convection cells, whereas the Darcy number increases the size of convection cells. The size of the convection cells is independent of the porosity of the medium, Lewis number, volume fraction of nanoparticles, Soret effect of nanoparticles, and the solute in binary nanofluids. Furthermore, the Darcy–Taylor number and porosity have stabilising effects, whereas the Darcy number, volume fraction of nanoparticles, and Lewis number have destabilising effects on the system. Soret effects of nanoparticles and solutes exhibit dual consequences on stability. They stabilise the binary nanofluid layer if δ4 < –1 and destabilise when δ4 > –1. Their effect is immaterial if δ4 = –1.
Neoformation of palygorskite in Calcids of Central Iran
Authors: Amin Peyman , Akhavan Ghalibaf Mohammad 
Published: March 2022

Palygorskite has been reported in alluvial sediments and in soil clays in Central Iran, but it is not known if it is inherited or formed in situ. Here, we sampled Calcids developed from Triassic and Cambrian dolomitic formations in the southwestern part of Yazd and performed soil and clay characterization by X-ray diffraction and fluorescence, optical and scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer analyses. Our results suggested palygorskite neoformation in the calcic soil horizons in Calcids. The soils with aridic soil moisture regime and high Mg concentration, during the formation of a calcic horizon by precipitation of secondary calcite, conditions were suitable for authigenic palygorskite crystals of long size (>10–20 μm) and their stability. In addition, the occurrence of short-size (about 2 μm) palygorskite fibers in the lower gypsic horizon probably resulted from its translocation from the upper horizons. Therefore, such results suggested palygorskite neoformation in the calcic soil horizons in these Calcids of Iran.
Proposed new soil order — Leptosolic order for Canadian System of Soil Classification
Authors: Warren C. James , Saurette Daniel D. , Heck Richard J. , Comeau Louis-Pierre 
Published: March 2022

Shallow soils occur throughout the world and are recognized as Leptosols at the highest level in the World Reference Base. These soils are notionally characterized as having a lithic contact close to the soil surface. Within the Canadian System of Soil Classification (CSSC), shallow soils are currently handled at the family level according to the depth at which the lithic contact is encountered. At the series level, these soils are usually designated as a shallow phase of a non-shallow soil series, ignoring the hierarchical structure of the CSSC. Shallow soils occur almost anywhere in Canada where the glacial drift is thin. The presence of bedrock close to the surface impacts drainage, the amount of available moisture, depth for rooting, and has a major influence on soil formation. Consequently, it is proposed that the importance of shallow soils be elevated to the order level, to be consistent with the frequency of their occurrence in the Canadian landscape and for consistency with other soil classification systems of the world. This requires integration at the great group and subgroup levels within all orders of the CSSC, as well as changes to the current formal definition of soil. These proposed modifications include nullifying the minimum 10 cm depth requirement as part of the current definition of soil in the CSSC for closer consistency with ecological land classification and other soil classification systems of the world. Proposed modifications to the current key to the soil orders, great groups, and subgroups are presented and discussed.
Three-dimensional non-relativistic supergravity and torsion
Authors: Concha Patrick , Ravera Lucrezia , Rodríguez Evelyn 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this paper we present a torsional non-relativi-stic Chern–Simons (super)gravity theory in three spacetime dimensions. We start by developing the non-relativistic limit of the purely bosonic relativistic teleparallel Chern–Simons formulation of gravity. On-shell the latter yields a non-Riemannian setup with non-vanishing torsion, which, at non-relativistic level, translates into a non-vanishing spatial torsion sourced by the cosmological constant. Then we consider the three-dimensional relativistic $${\mathcal {N}}=2$$

N
=
2

teleparallel Chern–Simons supergravity theory and obtain its non-relativistic counterpart by exploiting a Lie algebra expansion method. The non-relativistic supergravity theory is characterized, on-shell, by a non-vanishing spatial super-torsion, again sourced by the cosmological constant.
Serum Concentration of CD137 and Tumor Infiltration by M1 Macrophages Predict the Response to Sintilimab plus Bevacizumab Biosimilar in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Zhang Wen , Gong Caifeng , Peng Xuenan , Bi Xinyu , Sun Yongkun , Zhou Jianguo , Wu Fan , Zeng Huiying , Wang Yan , Zhou Hui , Zhao Hong , Cai Jianqiang , Zhou Aiping 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Purpose:
This study aimed to investigate the biomarkers of sintilimab (anti–PD-1) plus IBI305 (a bevacizumab biosimilar) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as their safety and efficacy.

Patients and Methods:
A total of 50 patients with advanced HCC received sintilimab (200 mg) plus IBI305 (7.5 or 15 mg/kg), treated every 3 weeks in a phase Ib clinical study. We performed baseline serum cytokine analysis using bead-based multiplex immunoassay and multiplex immunofluorescence on tissue specimens to discover novel biomarkers of response to VEGF/PD-1 combination therapy in HCC.

Results:
The overall response rate was 34.0% (17/50). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and the median overall survival were 10.5 and 20.2 months, respectively. The incidence of grade 3 to 5 adverse events was lower in the 7.5 mg/kg (13.8%) than in the 15 mg/kg (28.6%) dose groups. Biomarker analysis showed that the serum CD137 concentration was significantly higher in patients with clinical benefit (CB) than in those without CB (median, 32.8 pg/mL vs. 19.8 pg/mL, P = 0.034). A markedly longer PFS was observed in patients with high CD137 concentrations compared with those with low concentrations (median, 14.2 months vs. 4.1 months, P = 0.001). The higher density of M1 macrophages (CD68+CD163–) in the stroma was also associated with higher efficacy (P = 0.033) and a longer PFS (P = 0.024).

Conclusions:
Sintilimab plus IBI305 was well tolerated and was effective therapy for advanced HCC. Both serum concentrations of CD137 and tumor infiltration of M1 macrophages may serve as potential predictive biomarkers.
See related commentary by Cappuyns and Llovet, p. 3405
Males of lined seedeaters suggest the nest site, but do not build the nest
Authors: Ferreira D. de F. , Cunha F.C.R. , Lopes L.E. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The breeding biology of members of Sporophila seedeaters is relatively well known. In general, females are solely responsible for nest building, but it is unclear how nest sites are selected. We describe for the first time observations of male displays that ultimately suggest nesting sites to females in lined seedeaters. We compare this behaviour with anecdotal observations gathered from literature and citizen science networks that suggest that this behaviour occurs in other species in the genus.
Place your bets: small prey faces large predators
Authors: Muñoz-Romo Mariana , Cohen Gregg , Page Rachel 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Interspecific aggression is common between species that live together. We describe such behaviour in a mixed-species bat roost. A single small-bodied (approx. 15 g) frugivorous bat, Carollia perspicillata, aggressively antagonized a group of much larger (approx. 34 g) bats, Trachops cirrhosus, in defence of a roosting site, resulting in the larger T. cirrhosus relinquishing the site. This interaction was striking as T. cirrhosus are known to consume C. perspicillata. The small ‘prey’ individual caused the group of larger ‘predators’ to leave the roosting area by intensely vocalizing, rapidly flapping its wings, hitting the faces of the other bats with its wings, and flinging its body at the other bats. To our knowledge, this type of interspecies agonistic behaviour has never been observed before in bats and highlights the importance of intensively studying behavioural interactions in nature.