bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Benign Joint Hypermobility on Pain, Physical Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Satis Serap 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective: This study investigated the effect of hypermobility on pain, joint stiffness, physical function, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Design: Sixty-four patients diagnosed with bilateral knee osteoarthritis were included; 42 patients in Group 1 were those with hypermobility and 22 patients in Group 2. There were 40 women and 2 men in Group 1, and 16 women and six men in Group 2 were those without hypermobility. The age, sex, and body mass index of all patients recorded. The WOMAC and SF-36 tests performed on the patients.Results: The average ages were 51.40±5.42 and 53.36±4.31, respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference. The body mass index was high in the hypermobility group, and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.028). Pain and stiffness were higher in the hypermobility group than in the non-hypermobility group in the WOMAC subgroups and total scores (p=0.030, p=0.002, p=0.047). The non-hypermobility group had better SF-36 social function and pain scale scores. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.016, p=0.004).Conclusions: Hypermobility aggravates the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Hypermobility evaluated in all patients diagnosed with knee OA. A more intense and long-term rehabilitation program should be determined for these patients to prevent injuries and improve proprioception.
Collagen-Derived Dipeptide Pro-Hyp Administration Accelerates Muscle Regenerative Healing Accompanied by Less Scarring After Wounding on the Abdominal Wall in Mice
Authors: Jimi Shiro , Koizumi Seiko , Sato Kenji , Miyazaki Motoyasu , Saparov Arman 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Collagens act as cellular scaffolds in extracellular matrixes, and their breakdown products may also have important biological functions. We hypothesize that collagen dipeptide Pro-Hyp induces favorable healing activities and examined the effects of Pro-Hyp administered via different routes on wound healing using our novel murine model, in which an advanced fibrosis-prone scar lesion was developed in the abdominal muscle wall under the skin. After excising a part of the abdominal wall, a free-drinking experiment was performed using solutions with casein (CS), high molecular weight collagen peptides (HP), and low molecular weight collagen peptides including Pro-Hyp and Hyp-Gly (LP), in addition to water (HO). On day 21 of the study, when compared to the HO and CS groups, muscle regeneration in the LP group was significantly advanced in the granulation tissue, which was associated with a decrease in fibrosis. To clarify the effects of Pro-Hyp, daily intraperitoneal administration of pure Pro-Hyp was performed. Pro-Hyp administration induced many myogenically differentiated cells, including myogenin-positive myoblasts and myoglobin-positive myocytes, to migrate in the granulation tissue, while scar tissue decreased. These results indicated that Pro-Hyp administration accelerates muscle regenerative healing accompanied by less scarring after wounding on the abdominal wall.
Association Between Fat Distribution and Low Back Pain: Results From The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Oh Minji , Kim Jongyeon , Lee Seunghoon , Lee Jae-Dong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Obesity is associated with chronic low back pain (CLBP), but the association between fat distribution and CLBP is currently unclear. We designed a cross-sectional study to evaluate the relationship between the two, including 10,606 people who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We estimated the regional fat distribution as well as waist circumference and body fat proportion, and compared the values in people with and without CLBP. We also stratified the estimates by sex and obesity status. The average waist circumference was not significantly different between the CLBP (80.8 cm) and non-CLBP groups (80.7 cm, p = 0.606). There were no statistically significant differences in the average fat proportion between the CLBP (26.5%) and non-CLBP groups (26.6%, p = 0.631). The average regional fat distribution in the lower limbs was significantly higher in the CLBP (31.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [31.6, 32.2]) than in the CLBP groups (31.4%, 95% CI: [31.2, 31.6], p < 0.001); this pattern was more obvious in men with obesity. People, particularly men, with CLBP and obesity tend to have a higher fat mass distribution in the lower limbs than those without CLBP, suggesting that fat reductions in the lower body may aid in CLBP management.
Potential Benefits of a Novel Home-Based Exercise Program for Inactive Older Adults: An Exploratory Case Study
Authors: Lees Marcus A. , Edwards Jonathon , McCain Jamie E. , Bouchard Danielle R. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background This study proposed a 3-week home exercise program using a square-stepping exercise (SSE) to explore if it could address common barriers and enhance enablers of regular exercise among older adults. Methods Using embedded mixed methods, 10 inactive older adults over the age of 65 completed the proposed program in conjunction with follow-up interviews. Participants were deemed inactive if they took less than 10,000 steps/day over one week. Their physical activity was tracked at home with a pedometer. Results Barriers reached during the proposed program were being uncomfortable in a fitness facility and body image. The proposed program enhanced enablers such as the use of home equipment and easy access. The average total steps/day increased by 27% (p=0.02) and moderate-intensity was reached by 80% of participants when performing the SSE. Conclusion The exercise program addressed the common barriers to exercise and could increase the physical activity level of inactive older adults especially for those intimidated by a fitness facility setting and those concerned with their body image.
Epidemiology of depression and factors associated with depression in cancer patients’ in Ethiopia: protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tsehay Mekonnen , Belete Asmare , Necho Mogesie 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThere is no pooled evidence regarding the prevalence and potential associated factors of depression among cancer patients in East Africa community. Hence, the current review aimed to examine the prevalence and associated factors of depression among cancer patients in East Africa.Method: A computerized systematic literature search was made in MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Each database was searched from its start date to June 2020. All included articles were published in English, which evaluated prevalence and associated factors of depression among cancer patients in East Saharan Africa. Pooled estimations with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated with DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. Publication bias was evaluated by using inspection of funnel plots and statistical tests.DiscussionSince we are using existing anonymized data, ethical approval is not required for this study. Our results can be used to guide clinical decisions about the most efficient way to prevent and treat depression among cancer patients.Systematic review registrationsubmitted to Prospero
T stage and venous invasion are crucial prognostic factors for long-term survival of patients with remnant gastric cancer: A cohort study
Authors: Matsuo Kentaro , Lee Sang-Woong , Tanaka Ryo , Imai Yoshiro , Honda Kotaro , Taniguchi Kohei , Tomiyama Hideki , Uchiyama Kazuhisa 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background

The incidence of remnant gastric cancer (RGC) after distal gastrectomy is 1–5%. However, as the survival rate of patients with gastric cancer improves due to early detection and treatment, more patients may develop RGC. There is no consensus on the surgical and postoperative management of RGC, and the clinicopathological characteristics correlated with the long-term outcomes remain unclear. Therefore, we have investigated the clinicopathological factors associated with the long-term outcomes of RGC.
Methods

We included 65 consecutive patients who underwent gastrectomy for RGC from January 2000 to December 2015 at the Osaka Medical College, Japan. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to create survival curves, and differences in survival were compared between the groups (clinical factors, pathological factors, and surgical factors) using the log-rank test. Multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazard model were used to identify factors associated with long-term survival.
Results

There were no significant differences in the survival based on clinical factors (age, body mass index, and diabetes mellitus) or the type of remnant gastrectomy. There were significant differences in the survival based on pathological factors and surgical characteristics (intraoperative blood loss and operation time). Multivariate analysis revealed that the T stage (hazard ratio, 4.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.005–22.014; p = 0.049) and venous invasion (hazard ratio 3.047; 95% CI, 1.008–9.214; p = 0.048) were significant independent risk factors for long-term survival in patients who underwent radical resection for RGC.
Conclusions

T stage and venous invasion are important prognostic factors of long-term survival after remnant gastrectomy for RGC and may be key to managing and identifying therapeutic strategies for improving prognosis in RGC.
Changes of plasma Aβ and t-tau along with 18F-florbetapir PET in a cohort of cognitive decline
Authors: Pan Feng-Feng , Huang Qi , Wang Ying , Wang Yi-Fan , Guan Yi-Hui , Xie Fang , Guo Qihao 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background

Blood based biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are becoming increasingly promising. Although plasma amyloid-β (Aβ) and total tau (t-tau) showed a potential ability in identifying cerebral amyloid deposition and AD. Comparisons of these plasma biomarkers along with Aβ-PET in a cohort of normal controls (NC), subjective cognitive decline (SCD), objectively-defined subtle cognitive decline (Obj-SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD remained lacking.
Methods

A total of 407 individuals aged from 40 to 90 years old were recruited, including 76 of NC, 77 of SCD, 61 of obj-SCD, 92 of MCI and 101 of AD. Plasma Aβ40, Aβ42 and t-tau were examined via single-molecule array (Simoa) immunoassay. A subset of 132 individuals underwent cerebral amyloid scans with 18F-florbetapir PET. Comparisons of plasma t-tau, Aβ40, Aβ42 and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio were conducted between different diagnostic groups and cerebral Aβ burdens. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between Aβ42, Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio and 18F-florbetapir SUVR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were carried out to evaluate the capacity of plasma biomarkers in identifying high brain Aβ burden and diagnosis of AD.
Results

Plasma Aβ42 was significantly higher in SCD and obj-SCD than NC, MCI and AD. Plasma Aβ40 was significantly higher in SCD and obj-SCD than NC and AD. The lowest levels of plasma Aβ42 and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio were found in AD. No significant difference of plasma t-tau was found among groups. Plasma Aβ42 and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio were inversely correlated with 18F-florbetapir SUVR (r=-0.272, P = 0.003; r=-0.211, P = 0.021 respectively). Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio performed well in predicting high brain Aβ burden (area under the curve, AUC = 0.762). Plasma Aβ42 and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio had acceptable diagnostic accuracy for AD (AUC = 0.714 and 0.706 respectively), even in Aβ-PET (+) individuals (AUC = 0.728 and 0.808 respectively).
Conclusions

Plasma Aβ40 and Aβ42 measured by Simoa immunoassay showed a significantly bidirectional trend of initially increasing from NC to SCD and obj-SCD, and then declining to MCI and AD. In addition, plasma Aβ was significantly correlated with 18F-florbetapir PET SUVR and showed potential value in predicting cerebral Aβ deposition and risk of AD.
A Clinical Observational Study on the Application of Enhanced Recovery After Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Liao Rui , Che Ping , Li Jun-Cai , Chen Jie , Yan Xiong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The safety and feasibility of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) are unclear. The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate the impact of ERAS protocols for LPD.Methods: Between March 2016 and December 2018, a total of 34 consecutive patients with ERAS for LPD were prospectively enrolled and compared with 68 consecutive patients previously treated for non-ERAS after LPD during an equal time frame. The intraoperative and postoperative data were collected and comparatively analyzed. Results: The mean length of postoperative hospital stay (15.8±3.4 and 23.1±5.1 days, P<0.001) and total medical costs (¥14.3±4.8 x104 and ¥15.8±4.9 x104, P=0.017) were reduced significantly in ER group than those in non-ER group. The operation time (462.7±117.0 vs 450.9±109.8 min, P=0.627) and intraoperative blood loss (523.5±270.0 vs 537.5±241.8 mL, P=0.800) were similar in the two groups. The complications of patients with ERAS protocols were not increased (P>0.05). No difference in mortality and readmission rates was found.Conclusions: The ERAS is safe and effective in the perioperative period of LPD. It could effectively reduce the length of postoperative stay and medical costs, and does not increase the incidence of postoperative complications.
Imputation of Sensory Properties Using Deep Learning
Authors: Segall Matthew , Mahmoud Samar , Irwin Benedict , Chekmarev Dmitriy , Vyas Shyam , Kattas Jeff , Whitehead Thomas , Mansley Tamsin , Bikker Jack , Conduit Gareth 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Predicting the sensory properties of compounds is challenging, due to the subjective nature of the experimental measurements, which rely on a panel of human participants and are therefore also expensive and time-consuming. We describe the application of a state-of-the-art deep learning method, Alchemite™, to the imputation of sparse physicochemical and sensory data and compare the results with conventional quantitative structure-activity relationship methods and a multi-target graph convolutional neural network. The imputation model achieved a substantially higher accuracy of prediction, with improvements in R2 between 0.26 and 0.45 over the next best method for each sensory property. We also demonstrate that robust uncertainty estimates generated by the imputation model enable the most accurate predictions to be identified and that imputation also more accurately predicts activity cliffs, where small changes in compound structure result in large changes in sensory properties. In combination, these results demonstrate that use of imputation, based on data from less-expensive, early experiments enables better selection of compounds for more costly studies, saving experimental time and resources.
Unexpected Micro-Spatial Scale Genomic Diversity of the Bloom-Forming Cyanobacterium Aphanizomenon Gracile and its Phycosphere
Authors: Halary Sebastien , Duperron Sébastien , Tiam Sandra Kim , Duval Charlotte , Dhénain Eloïse , Bernard Cécile , Marie Benjamin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Genotypic diversity within cyanobacteria populations, partly driven by horizontal gene transfers, is a key factor of their colonization success, allowing them to cope with spatio-temporal fluctuations of the environmental conditions. By providing complementary functions, such as oxidative stress protection, heterotrophic bacteria composing phycospheres play also an essential role in cyanobacteria adaptation. Aphanizomenon gracile is a species of toxinogen cyanobacteria blooming worldwide with severe consequences for fresh and brackish water ecosystems. While marker heterogeneity surveys have shown that harmful cyanobacteria blooms were not clonal populations, the real extent of genetic and functional diversity within a population of freshwater cyanobacteria, including A. gracile , and their associated phycospheres remains unclear. Results: Here, comparative omics of four monoclonal strains of A. gracile isolated from a single drop of water reveals extensive heterogeneity of chemotypes and gene contents, despite constrained genome size and high similarity indices. These variations are remarkably associated with horizontal gene transfers (HGT) of biosynthetic gene clusters (BCG), and a novel siphophage infecting A. gracile displaying characteristics of temperate phages appears to participate to this genotypic diversification. In spite of high variability in heterotrophic taxa relative abundances, A. gracile phycospheres displayed an apparent functional redundancy implying biosynthesis of public goods. Conclusions: Altogether, these results suggest that a bloom would constitute a hot-spot for A. gracile genotype diversification driven by cyanophages, where losses and gains of BCGs compels cyanobacteria individuals to cooperate together and with heterotrophic bacteria in a black queen hypothesis compatible way.
New record of two isopods Alitropus Typus and Tachaea Spongillicola from riverine freshwater fishes in western India
Authors: Bhakta Dibakar , Das Basanta Kumar , Kamble Suhas Prakash , Das Sanjoy Kumar , Samanta Srikanta , Mitra Santanu 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The present paper deals with the infestation of freshwater fishes Labeo boggut, Oreochromis niloticus, Systomus sarana, and Xenentodon cancila by the parasitic isopods Alitropus typus and Tachaea spongillicola in Tapti, a westward freshwater flowing river of India. It is the first record of the infestation of parasitic isopods Alitropus typus, and Tachaea spongillicola in the freshwater fishes of river Tapti with new hosts’ species Labeo boggut, Oreochromis niloticus, and Systomus sarana.
The Impact of Endogenous Estrogen Exposures on the Characteristics and Outcomes of Estrogen Receptor Positive, Early-stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Korzets Yasmin , Yariv Orly , Mutai Raz , Moore Assaf , Shochat Tzippy , yerushalmi Rinat , Goldvaser Hadar 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Menstrual and parity history might impact the risk for breast cancer. Data on the impact of these factors on other tumor characteristics are limited. Methods: A single center retrospective cohort study comprising all women with estrogen receptor (ER) positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative, early breast cancer whose tumors were sent to OncotypeDX analysis. The impact on tumor characteristics including Oncotype recurrence score and on outcomes was evaluated, by prespecified subgroups, including: age of menarche (<12 vs. ≥12 years), number of deliveries (0 vs. ≥1 childbirth and ≥5 childbirth vs. other), age of first delivery (≥30 years vs. younger age) and postmenopausal compared to premenopausal. The impact of age of menopause was also assessed categorically, using early (<45 years) and late age of menopause (>55 years). Results: A total of 620 women were included. After median follow-up of 10.4 years, early menopause was associated with significantly worse disease-free survival (HR=2.26, p=0.004) and overall-survival (HR=2.60, p=0.004), and multiparity was associated with significant worse disease-free survival (HR=2.16, p=0.026). These differences remain significant in multivariate analyses. Post-menopausal women were more likely to have stronger ER intensity (p=0.002) but progesterone receptor (PR) positivity was less frequent (p=0.009(. Early age of menarche was associated with PR positivity (p=0.039). No other associations were found between the evaluated subgroups and tumor characteristics. Conclusions: The impact of endogenous estrogen exposure had little effect on breast cancer characteristics of early stage, luminal disease. Early menopause and multiparity were associated with worse outcome.
Contamination Level, Source Identification and Health Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Drinking Water Sources of Mining and Non-mining Areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Bhatti Zahid Imran , Ishtiaq Muhammad , Khan Said Akbbar , nawab javed , Khan Sardar , Baig Shams Ali , muhammad Ihsan , Din Zia ud , Khan Asad , Ghani junaid 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Accelerated mining activities have increased water contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and their associated human health risk in developing countries. The current study investigated the distribution of PTEs, their potential sources and health risk assessment in both ground and surface water sources in mining and non–mining areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Water samples (n=150) were taken from selected sites and were analyzed for six PTEs (Ni, Cr, Zn, Cu, Pb and Mn). Among PTEs, Cr showed high mean concentration (497) μg L–1, followed by Zn (414) μg L–1 in mining area, while Zn showed lowest mean value (4.44) μg L–1 in non-mining areas. Elevated concentrations of Ni, Cr and moderate level of Pb in ground and surface water of Mohmand District exceeded the permissible limits set by WHO (2017). Multivariate statistical analyses showed that pollution sources of PTEs were mainly from mafic-ultramafic rocks, acid mine drainage, open dumping of mine-wastes and mine tailings. The hazard quotient (HQ) was highest for children relatively to adults, but not higher than the US-EPA limits. The hazard index (HI) for ingestions of all selected PTEs were lower than the threshold value (HIing <1), except Mohmand District which showed (HI >1) in mining areas through ingestion. Moreover, the carcinogenic risk (CR) values exceeded the threshold limits for Ni and Cr set by the US-EPA (1.0E−04 to 1.0E−06). In order to protect the drinking water sources of the study areas from more contamination, the management techniques and policy for mining operations need to be implemented.
Myocardial Work Index during Normal Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography
Authors: Leitman Marina , Balboul Yoni , Burgsdorf Oleg , Fuchs Shmuel 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
PurposeDobutamine stress echocardiography is an alternative method to exercise stress echocardiography for the evaluation of ischemia. Recently, the novel speckle tracking imaging derived parameter, myocardial work index, was suggested for the evaluation of cardiac performance and was evaluated during exercise stress echocardiography. In this study we analyzed the effect of dobutamine on myocardial work index variables during normal dobutamine stress echocardiography.MethodsEchocardiography examinations of patients with normal dobutamine stress echocardiography were collected and underwent off-line speckle tracking imaging analysis. Myocardial work index parameters were calculated at each dose of dobutamine and compared.Results286 patients underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography during the study period. 102 patients were excluded due to pre-existed coronary artery disease or ischemia at dobutamine stress echocardiography. 65 patients were excluded due to suboptimal image quality unsuitable for speckle tracking imaging analysis. The remaining 119 patients with normal results were included. The global work index decreased from 2393.3 to 1864.7 mmHg', p < 0.0004. Global constructive work decreased from 2681.7 to 2152.6 mmHg', p = 0.001. Global wasted work increased from 78.8 to 128.3%, p < 0.003. Global work efficacy decreased from 96.1 to 91.9%, p < 0.00001. Global strain increased from – 19.6 to -23.7%, P < 0.00001. Conclusion. Dobutamine stress echocardiography results in a decrease of all specific myocardial work index parameters even in normal subjects. Only global myocardial strain improved.