bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison Between the Velocity-specific Exercise and Isometric Exercise on Neck Muscle Functions and Performance: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Tsang Sharon Man Ha , Chan Kenneth TK , Ho Parco LT , Kwok Jacky CY , Tse Daniel HT , Tsoi Henry HT 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Evidences showed that the additional benefits of velocity-specific exercise for improving functions of peripheral joint muscles. Its effects for spinal muscles is yet to be investigated. This study aimed to compare the effects of velocity-specific exercise to isometric exercise on cervical muscle functions and performance in healthy adults.Methods: Thirty healthy adults received either a 6-week velocity-specific (VSE, n=15) or isometric exercise program (IE, n=15) of their neck muscles. Cervical muscle functions and performance were assessed pre- and post-program, using isokinetic assessment, electromyography and cross-sectional area assessment of deep neck muscles. A self-reported level of difficulty and post-exercise soreness was also recorded during the program.Results: Both exercises programs showed significant increase in cross-sectional area of longus colli and semispinalis capitis; EMG amplitude in sternocleidomastoid and cervical erector spinae, and flexion and extension torque values, at reassessment, without between-groups difference. However, correlation between extension torque and EMG amplitude of cervical erector spinae increased in both groups and a significant correlation found in VSE group post-program. No significant differences found between groups on the self-reported scales.Conclusions: Both exercises promoted cervical muscle functions and performance significantly with velocity-specific exercise contributes to a greater enhancement of torque production efficiency of superficial neck muscles. This novel exercise may consider as a safe alternative for neck muscle rehabilitation. Further study to examine the effects of velocity-specific exercise in symptomatic individuals to unravel its potential application and benefit for promoting the functional recovery is recommended.
An Automatic Estimation of the Rest-Interval for MotionWatch8© Using Uniaxial Movement and Lux Data
Authors: Backhouse Daniel , Falck Ryan Stanley , Liu-Ambrose Teresa 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Poor sleep is linked with chronic conditions common in older adults, including diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. Valid and reliable field methods to objectively measure sleep are thus greatly needed to examine how poor sleep impacts older adults. Wrist-worn actigraphy (WWA) is a common objective measure of sleep that uses motion and illuminance data to estimate sleep. The rest-interval marks the time interval between when an individual attempts to sleep and the time they get out of bed to start their day. Traditionally, the rest-interval is scored manually by trained technicians, however algorithms currently exist which automatically score WWA data, saving time and providing consistency from user-to-user. However, these algorithms ignore illuminance data and only considered motion in their estimation of the rest-interval. This study therefore examines a novel algorithm that uses illuminance data to supplement the approximation of the rest-interval from motion data. Methods: We examined a total of 1086 days of data of 129 participants who wore the MotionWatch8© WWA for ≥14 nights of observation. Resultant sleep measures from three different parameter settings were compared to sleep measures derived following a standard scoring protocol and self-report times. Results: The algorithm showed the strongest correlation to the standard protocol (r= 0.92 for sleep duration). There were no significant differences in sleep duration, sleep efficiency and fragmentation index estimates compared to the standard scoring protocol. Conclusion: These results suggest that an automated rest-interval scoring method using both light exposure and acceleration data provides comparable accuracy to the standard scoring method.
Facilely reducing recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass by a newly developed ethylamine based deep eutectic solvent for biobutanol fermentation
Authors: Xu Guochao , Li Hao , Xing Wanru , Gong Lei , Dong Jinjun , Ni Ye 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Biobutanol is promising and renewable alternative to traditional fossil fuels and could be produced by Clostridium species from lignocellulosic biomass. However, biomass is recalcitrant to be hydrolyzed into fermentable sugars attributed to the densely packed structure by layers of lignin. Development of pretreatment reagents and processes for increasing surface area, removing hemicellulose and lignin, and enhancing the relative content of cellulose is currently an area of great interest. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), a new class of green solvents, are effective in the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. However, it remains challenging to achieve high titers of total sugars and usually requires combinatorial pretreatment with other reagents. In this study, we aim to develop novel DESs with high application potential in biomass pretreatment and high biocompatibility for biobutanol fermentation.Results: Several DESs with betaine chloride and ethylamine chloride (EaCl) as hydrogen bond acceptors were synthesized. Among them, EaCl:LAC with lactic acid as hydrogen bond donor displayed the best performance in the pretreatment of corncob. Only by single pretreatment with EaCl:LAC, total sugars of as high as 53.5 g·L–1 could be reached. Consecutive batches for pretreatment of corncob were performed using gradiently decreased cellulase by 5 FPU·g–1. At the end of the sixth batch, the concentration and specific yield of total sugars were 58.8 g·L–1 and 706 g·kg–1 pretreated corncob, saving a total of 50% cellulase. Utilizing hydrolysate as carbon source, butanol titer of 10.4 g·L–1 was achieved with butanol yield of 137 g·kg–1 pretreated corncob by Clostridium saccharobutylicum DSM13864.Conclusions: Ethylamine and lactic acid based deep eutectic solvent is promising in pretreatment of corncob with high total sugar concentrations and compatible for biobutanol fermentation. This study provides an efficient pretreatment reagent for facilely reducing recalcitrance of lignocellulosic materials and a promising process for biobutanol fermentation from renewable biomass.
Quarantine At Home May Not Enough!-From the Epidemiological Data In Shaanxi Province of China
Authors: Shi Lei , Li Qian , Li Kang , Zheng Jie , He Yingli , Zhang Xi , Gong Xianfeng , Wang Wei , Zhang Qing , Dai Chao , Zhao Wenxuan , Meng Xuefei , Du Feng , Fan Pei , Li Chunyan , Gao Chunyan , Yang Yuan , Liu Xiaojing , Chen Yunru , Liu Jinfeng , Li Jianzhou , Yang Nan , Niu Yinghua , Chen Hongmei , Zhang Guoyu , Yan Taotao , Zhu Li , Han Qunying , Fan Wanhu , Ye Feng , Liu Zhengwen , Lin Shumei , Zhao Yingren , Chen Tianyan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objectives: A pneumonia associated with 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV, subsequently named SARS-CoV2) emerged worldwide since December, 2019. We aimed to describe the epidemiological characteristics of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Shaanxi province of China. Results: 1. Among the 245 patients, 132 (53.9%) were males and 113 (46.1%) were females. The average age was 46.15±16.43 years, ranging from 3 to 89 years. 2. For the clinical type, 1.63% (4/245) patients were mild type , 84.90% (208/245) were moderate type, 7.76% (19/245) were severe type, 5.31% (13/245) were critical type and only 0.41% (1/245) was asymptomatic. 3. Of the 245 patients, 116 (47.35%) were input case, 114 (46.53%) were non-input case , and 15 (6.12%) were unknown exposure. 4. 48.57% (119/245) cases were family cluster , involving 42 families. The most common pattern of COVID-19 family cluster was between husband and wife or between parents and children.
Low bone mineral density is a potential risk factor for symptom onset and related with hypocitraturia in urolithiasis patients: A single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Taguchi Kazumi , Hamamoto Shuzo , Okada Atsushi , Tanaka Yutaro , Sugino Teruaki , Unno Rei , Kato Taiki , Ando Ryosuke , Tozawa Keiichi , Yasui Takahiro 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Patients with urolithiasis have a lower bone mineral density (BMD) than those without stones, suggesting a potential correlation between calcium stone formation and bone resorption disorders, including osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Methods

To investigate the influence of BMD on clinical outcomes in urolithiasis, we performed a single-center retrospective cohort study to analyze patients with urolithiasis who underwent both BMD examination and 24-hour urine collection between 2006 and 2015. Data from the national cross-sectional surveillance of the Japanese Society on Urolithiasis Research in 2015 were utilized, and additional data related to urinary tract stones were obtained from medical records. The primary outcome was the development of stone-related symptoms and recurrences during follow-up. A total of 370 patients were included in this 10-year study period.

Results

Half of the patients had recurrent stones, and the two-thirds were symptomatic stone formers. While only 9% of patients had hypercalciuria, 27% and 55% had hyperoxaluria and hypocitraturia, respectively. There was a positive correlation between T-scores and urinary citrate excretion. Both univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that female sex was associated with recurrences (odds ratio=0.44, p=0.007), whereas a T-score <���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
Correcting inaccurate background mortality in excess hazard models through breakpoints
Authors: Mba Robert Darlin , Goungounga Juste Aristide , Grafféo Nathalie , Giorgi Roch , group CENSUR working survival 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Methods for estimating relative survival are widely used in population-based cancer survival studies. These methods are based on splitting the observed (the overall) mortality into excess mortality (due to cancer) and background mortality (due to other causes, as expected in the general population). The latter is derived from life tables usually stratified by age, sex, and calendar year but not by other covariates (such as the deprivation level or the socioeconomic status) which may lack though they would influence background mortality. The absence of these covariates leads to inaccurate background mortality, thus to biases in estimating the excess mortality. These biases may be avoided by adjusting the background mortality for these covariates whenever available.Methods: In this work, we propose a regression model of excess mortality that corrects for potentially inaccurate background mortality by introducing age-dependent multiplicative parameters through breakpoints, which gives some flexibility. The performance of this model was first assessed with a single and two breakpoints in an intensive simulation study, then the method was applied to French population-based data on colorectal cancer.Results: The proposed model proved to be interesting in the simulations and the applications to real data; it limited the bias in parameter estimates of the excess mortality in several scenarios and improved the results and the generalizability of Touraine’s proportional hazards model.Conclusion: Finally, the proposed model is a good approach to correct reliably inaccurate background mortality by introducing multiplicative parameters that depend on age and on an additional variable through breakpoints.
Neural Network Based 3D Tracking with a Graphene Transparent Focal Stack Imaging System
Authors: Zhang Dehui , Xu Zhen , Huang Zhengyu , Gutierrez Audrey Rose , Blocker Cameron , Liu Che-Hung , Lien Miao-Bin , Cheng Gong , Liu Zhe , Chun Il Yong , Fessler Jeffrey , Zhong Zhaohui , Norris Theodore 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Recent years have seen the rapid growth of new approaches to optical imaging, with an emphasis on extracting three-dimensional (3D) information from what is normally a two-dimensional (2D) image capture. Perhaps most importantly, the rise of computational imaging, defined as the synergistic design of optical systems in conjunction with image reconstruction algorithms, enables both new physical layouts of optical components and new algorithms to be implemented. This paper concerns the convergence of two advances: the development of transparent photodetectors with high responsivity, and the rapid expansion of the capabilities of machine learning including the development of powerful neural networks. In particular, we demonstrate that the use of transparent photodetector arrays stacked vertically along the optical axis of an imaging system, called a focal stack, together with a feedforward neural network, provides a powerful new approach to real-time 3D optical imaging including object tracking. The focal stack imaging system is realized through the development of graphene transparent photodetector arrays. As a proof-of concept, 3D tracking of point-like objects was successfully demonstrated with multilayer feedforward neural networks, which was then extended for tracking of multi-point objects in position. Our computer model further demonstrates how this optical system can track extended objects in 3D, highlighting the promise of combining nanophotonic devices, new optical system designs, and machine learning for new frontiers in 3D imaging.
The clinical features of chronic intestinal schistosomiasis-related intestinal lesions
Authors: Qin Xian , Liu Cai-Yuan , Xiong Yi-Lin , Bai Tao , Zhang Lei , Hou Xiao-Hua , Song Jun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Chronic intestinal schistosomiasis has been reported to be associated with colonic polyps, colorectal cancer and ulcerative colitis. We aim to investigate the clinical characteristics of intestinal-related lesions caused by chronic intestinal schistosomiasis japonicum.
Methods
Patients with and without chronic intestinal schistosomiasis were retrospectively enrolled from the endoscopy center of Wuhan Union Hospital from September 1, 2014, to June 30, 2019 with a ratio of 4:1. The characteristics of infected intestinal segments were analyzed in patients with chronic intestinal schistosomiasis. We also compared the characteristics of intestinal-related lesions, including colorectal. polyps, colorectal cancer (CRC), ulceration or erosion of the intestinal mucosa and hemorrhoids, between the two groups.
Results
A total of 248 patients with chronic intestinal schistosomiasis and 992 patients without chronic intestinal schistosomiasis were analyzed. The most common sites of chronic intestinal schistosomiasis were the sigmoid colon (79.0%) and rectum (84.7%). The frequency of intestinal polyps (64.5%vs42.8%, p < 0.001), especially rectal polyps (62.5%vs45.0%, p = 0.002), in the intestinal schistosomiasis group was significantly higher than that in the control group. Morphologically, type IIa polyps were more common in the schistosomiasis enteropathy group (68.5%vs60.7%, p = 0.001). Female patients with intestinal schistosomiasis had a higher detection rate of CRC than women in the control group (13.8%vs5.4%, p = 0.017). There was no significant difference in the incidence of ulcerative colitis between the two groups (0.8%vs0.6%, p = 0.664). In addition, the schistosomiasis enteropathy patients had a higher detection rate of internal hemorrhoids (58.9%vs51.0%, p = 0.027).
Conclusions
Chronic intestinal schistosomiasis mainly involved the rectum and sigmoid colon and was more likely to induce intestinal polyps, especially rectal polyps and internal hemorrhoids. Women with chronic schistosomiasis have a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
Effect of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Pediatric Patients’ Admissions to the Emergency Department in an Italian Orthopedic Trauma Hub
Authors: Verdoni Fabio , Ricci Martina , grigoli Cristina Di , Rossi Nicolò , Curci Domenico , Lombardo Michele Davide Maria , Viganò Marco , Accetta Riccardo , Mangiavini Laura , Peretti Giuseppe Maria 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The rapid diffusion of Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Northern Italy led Italian government to dictate national lockdown since March 12th 2020 to May 5th 2020. Aim of the study is to analyze the differences in the number of pediatric patients’ admission to the Emergency Room (ER) and in the type and causes of injury. Methods: The pediatric population was divided in a Pandemic group (PG) and Non-Pandemic group (NP). Sex, age, triage color-code at admission, declared cause of trauma and presence of symptoms related to COVID-19 infection, discharge diagnosis and discharge modes were investigated. Results: The Lockdown period led to a reduction of 87.0% in the ER admissions with a particular decrease in patients older than 12 years old from 41.8% in NG to 22.3% in PG. Moreover, a trend towards more severe codes was observed in the PG and the diagnosis of fracture was less frequent in NG (p<0,0001) and injuries at home were more frequent (34.8% compared to 6.8% in NG).Conclusions: A significant decrease in the ER attendances in our Trauma Hub center was reported after the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, a shift in the cause and type of injury undoubtedly was observed and only the most serious traumas sought the medical care with an higher percentage of severe triage codes and fractures.Level of evidence: III
Tailoring Topological Edge States with Photonic Crystal Nanobeam Cavities
Authors: Gong Yongkang , Guo Liang , Wong Stephan , Bennett Anthony , Oh Sang Soon 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The realization of topological edge states (TESs) in photonic systems has provided unprecedented opportunities for manipulating light in novel manners. The Su-Schrieffer Heeger (SSH) model has recently gained significant attention and has been exploited in a wide range of photonic platforms to create TESs. We develop a photonic topological insulator strategy based on SSH photonic crystal nanobeam cavities. In contrast to the conventional photonic SSH schemes which are based on alternately tuned coupling rength in one dimensional lattice, our proposal provides higher flexibility and allows tailoring TESs by manipulating mode coupling in a two-dimensional manner. We reveal that the proposed hole array based nanobeams in a dielectric membrane can selectively tailor single or double TESs in the telecommunication region by controlling the coupling strength of the adjacent SSH nanobeams in both vertical and horizontal directions. Our finding provides an additional degree of freedom in exploiting the SSH model for integrated topological hotonic devices and functionalities based on the well-established photonic crystal nanobeam cavity platforms.
Electrospinning Nanofibres Of Pullulan Extracted From Phylloplane Fungus, Aureobasidium Pullulans
Authors: Saraf Komal , Vigneshwaran N 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Aureobasidium pullulans isolated from the phylloplane of Peltophorum tree, produced pullulan, an extracellular polysaccharide. It was grown on three different carbon sources, sucrose, wheat bran and cotton stalk dust, for maximizing the pullulan yield. A. pullulans (67.4 gL-1) had the highest yield followed by A. pullulans MTCC 1991 (63.68 gL-1). Pullulan was characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analyzer, DSC and NMR. Electrospinning of pullulan blended with poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) produced bead-less nanofibres. The optimized parameters for electrospinning were 25 kV applied voltage, 0.5 mL/h flow rate, 18% polymer concentration (pullulan + PVA) and 150 mm tip-to-collector distance. The pullulan nanofibre was characterized by SEM, AFM, BET, contact angle measurement, DSC and CIE color space analyzer. A maximum surface area of 183.4 m2/g while the minimum nanofibre diameter (79 ± 19 nm by SEM) was obtained for the electrospun mat of commercial pullulan + 40% PVA. This work signifies the importance of pullulan extracted from an isolate of Peltopohorum tree for conversion to high surface area nanofibres by electrospinning process.
Correlation between muscle strength, fatigue resistance, work ability and upper limb dysfunction in a sample of workers at a university hospital
Authors: Fonseca Marisa , Fifolato Thaís Marques , Nardim Heloísa Correa Bueno Bueno , Lopes Ester Rodrigues do Carmo , Suzuki Karen A Kawano , Silva Natalia Claro da , Serenza Felipe de Souza 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
IntroductionThe upper extremity is related to the functional ability to perform activities of daily living, self-care and work. Complaints in the upper limbs negatively affect these skills, therefore, it is necessary to obtain information about work demands.ObjectiveTo correlate upper limb muscle strength with fatigue resistance, work ability and dysfunction in a sample of workers from a university hospital.MethodsShoulder and elbow strength were assessed by Biodex System 4™, hand grip by JAMAR™, fatigue resistance by Functional Impairment test Hand/Neck/Shoulder/Arm (FIT-HaNSA), the ability to work by the Work Ability Index and upper limb dysfunction by QUICK-DASH-Br. The Brazilian version of the Pain Catastrophising Scale (B-PCS) was applied in order to analyse the catastrophic profile of the sample. The correlations were analysed by Spearman's Correlation Coefficient (rho)(p < 0.05).Results27 workers presented with chronic pain of low intensity, were classified as active and underwent predominantly dynamic work. Muscle strength of abduction (0.49), adduction (0.40), internal rotation (0.44), elbow flexion (0.38) and hand grip (0.68) had a direct correlation with FIT-HaNSA. Only hand grip (-0.52) showed an inverse correlation with upper limb dysfunction. Muscle strength was not correlated with work ability or pain catastrophising.ConclusionThe results suggested that increasing muscle strength may improve fatigue resistance. Also, improving hand grip strength could decrease upper limb dysfunction. In contrast to previous findings, muscle strength was not related to the ability to work or to pain catastrophising, because these factors are not only influenced by physical function, but also by psychosocial functioning.
HPF1 remodels PARP1 active site for ADP-ribosylation of histones on serine
Authors: Yun Cai-Hong , Sun Fa-Hui , Zhao Peng , Zhang Nan , Kong Lu-Lu , Wong Catherine 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Upon binding to DNA breaks, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) ADP-ribosylates itself and other factors to initiate DNA repair. Serine is the major residue for ADP-ribosylation upon DNA damage, which strictly depends on HPF1. Here we report the crystal structures of human HPF1/PARP1-CAT ΔHD complex at 1.98 Å resolution and mouse and human HPF1 at 1.71 Å and 1.57 Å resolution, respectively. These structures and mutagenesis data confirm that the structural insights obtained in the HPF1/PARP2 study apply to PARP1. Moreover, we quantitatively characterize the key residues for HPF1/PARP1 binding. This information clarifies the confusion regarding HPF1/PARP1 assembly and can direct following functional studies. Our data show that through salt-bridging to Glu284/Asp286, Arg239 positions Glu284 for catalyzing serine ADP-ribosylation, maintains the local conformation of HPF1 to limit PARP1 automodification and facilitates HPF1/PARP1 binding through neutralizing the negative charge of Glu284. These findings and the high-resolution structural data may facilitate drug discovery targeting PARP1.