bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility study of a single-use balloon-assisted robotic colonoscope in healthy volunteers
Authors: Foo Chi-Chung , Leung Wai-Keung , Lui Thomas Ka-Luen , Cheung Jo Lai-Ken , Lam Kwok-Wai , Sreedhar Biji , Yeung Chung-Kwong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background and study aims Despite its widespread adoption, colonoscope still has its limitations. Advancement is often limited by the looping of colon. The isolation of SARS-CoV-2 in stool raises concern for the risk of disease transmission. A single-use robotic colonoscope, the NISInspire-C System, that features a balloon-suction anchorage mechanism was developed to address these.
Methods The NISInspire-C balloons are designed to provide anchorage for straightening of the colon during advancement. Angulation at the bending section is tendon-wire driven by servo mechanisms integrated into a robotic control console. This was a pilot, prospective trial to evaluate the safety and feasibility of this system. Healthy volunteers underwent examination with the NISInspire-C, followed by the conventional colonoscope. The procedure time, cecal intubation rates (CIR), complications, and level of pain were measured.
Results A total of 19 subjects underwent the examination. The cecal intubation rate was 89.5 % (17/19) and the overall time-to-cecum was 26.3 minutes (SD: 17.9 mins). There were no procedure-related complications. Polyps were detected in seven of 19 (36.8 %) subjects during the NISInspire-C procedure. Three more subjects were found to have adenomatous polyps with the conventional colonoscope. There was minimal variation in level of pain during the procedures with the two colonoscopes.
Conclusion The single-use robotic colonoscope NISInspire-C is a safe and feasible alternative to the conventional colonoscope. Further technical refinement is needed to improve the CIR. This study was limited by its small sample size.
A Catalytic, Oxidative Synthesis of Olivetol, Methyl Olivetolate and Orthogonally Protected Methyl Ether Derivatives
Authors: McNulty James , Hurem David , Macphail Benjamin J. , Carlini Rina , Lewis Jason 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOlivetol, methyl olivetolate and a series of orthogonally protected methyl ether derivatives were synthesized from commonly available precursors using an atom-economical, catalytic oxidative aromatization process.
Acute Paradoxical Herniation: A Case Report
Authors: Denny Vanessa , Shalev Davina , Dastgir Jahannaz , Johnson Erin , Escobar Maria , Bernardita Gamallo Ma , Wynne Peter , Fried Arno 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDecompressive craniectomy is used to relieve acute increased intracranial pressure (ICP) when medical therapy has failed. Paradoxical herniation is a rare complication that occurs when the pressure of the intracranial contents falls abnormally below the atmospheric pressure. Symptoms often include neurological deficits, the etiology of which is often mistaken for elevated ICP. This diagnosis requires quick recognition, and treatment requires a change from ICP reduction therapies to those that increase the ICP, and ultimately cranioplasty.
Granulocytes Acquire Antiapoptosis Activity and Promote Tumor Growth during Tumor Progress
Authors: Li Han , Shen Wenyan , Xu Yanjie , Wang Zien , Wang Linghao , Ding Zequn , Xie Zhiyuan , Zhang Yan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGranulocytes play important roles in cancer, and their apoptotic status is often changed by the influence of tumor environment. However, the changes and the function on granulocyte apoptosis in cancer are unclear. In this study, we used tumor-bearing mouse model and tumor patients to analyzed the apoptosis of granulocytes in different tissues by flow analysis and TUNEL fluorescence staining, and found that the percentage of apoptosis cells in granulocytes was significantly decreased in late-stage tumor-bearing mouse and patients. The in vitro co-culture experiment showed that these antiapoptotic granulocytes could significantly inhibit T cell proliferation, and RNA-seq proved that there was obvious difference on the transcriptome between these cells and control cells, particularly immune-related genes. What is important, adoptive transfer of these antiapoptotic granulocytes promoted tumor progress in mouse model. Conclusively, we found that granulocytes in late-stage tumor could delay the process of apoptosis, inhibit T cell proliferation, and acquire pro-tumor activity, which provides a new therapeutic target for tumor immunity.
The Cyborg Philharmonic: Synchronizing interactive musical performances between humans and machines
Authors: Chakraborty Sutirtha , Dutta Sourav , Timoney Joseph 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMusic offers a uniquely abstract way for the expression of human emotions and moods, wherein melodic harmony is achieved through a succinct blend of pitch, rhythm, tempo, texture, and other sonic qualities. The emerging field of “Robotic Musicianship” focuses on developing machine intelligence, in terms of algorithms and cognitive models, to capture the underlying principles of musical perception, composition, and performance. The capability of new-generation robots to manifest music in a human-like artistically expressive manner lies at the intersection of engineering, computers, music, and psychology; promising to offer new forms of creativity, sharing, and interpreting musical impulses. This manuscript explores how real-time collaborations between humans and machines might be achieved by the integration of technological and mathematical models from Synchronization and Learning, with precise configuration for the seamless generation of melody in tandem, towards the vision of human–robot symphonic orchestra. To explicitly capture the key ingredients of a good symphony—synchronization and anticipation—this work discusses a possible approach based on the joint strategy of: (i) Mapping— wherein mathematical models for oscillator coupling like Kuramoto could be used for establishing and maintaining synchronization, and (ii) Modelling—employing modern deep learning predictive models like Neural Network architectures to anticipate (or predict) future state changes in the sequence of music generation and pre-empt transitions in the coupled oscillator sequence. It is hoped that this discussion will foster new insights and research for better “real-time synchronized human-computer collaborative interfaces and interactions”.
Mechanism of misfolding of the human prion protein revealed by a pathological mutation
Authors: Sanz-Hernández Máximo , Barritt Joseph D. , Sobek Jens , Hornemann Simone , Aguzzi Adriano , De Simone Alfonso 
Published: March 2021

Significance
The misfolding and aggregation into amyloid fibrils of the prion protein (PrP) have been strongly linked with a group of neurodegenerative disorders that include the mad cow disease. Currently, the molecular origins of the prion diseases are unknown, including the underlying mechanisms of PrP misfolding and the regions promoting its aggregation. Here, we identified the structural basis by which the folded domain of the human PrP converts into amyloids. We showed that this process is promoted by intermediate species forming as a result of the pathological mutation T183A, and that POM antibodies are able to suppress completely the aggregation process by blocking the misfolding mechanism. This study thereby suggests possible molecular strategies to inhibit PrP aggregation into amyloids.
Acellular fish skin enhances wound healing by promoting angiogenesis and collagen deposition
Authors: Chen Hongchi , Yin Bohao , Hu Bin , Zhang Baokun , Liu Jingwen , Jing Yingzhe , Fan Zhiyuan , Tian Yuchen , Wei Xiaojuan , Zhang Wei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Acellular matrix is a type of promising biomaterial for wound healing promotion. Although acellular bovine and porcine tissues have proven effective, religious restrictions and risks of disease transmission remain barriers to their clinical use. Acellular fish skin (AFS), given its similarity to human skin structure and without the aforementioned disadvantages, is thus seen as an attractive alternative. This study aims to fabricate AFS from the skin of black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), evaluate its physical and mechanical properties and assess its impact on wound healing. The results showed that AFS has a highly porous structure, along with high levels of hydrophilicity, water-absorption property and permeability. Furthermore, physical characterization showed the high tensile strength of AFS in dry and wet states, and high stitch tear resistance, indicating great potential in clinical applications. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to test the viability of L929 cells when culturing in the extracts of AFS. Compared with the control group, there is no significant difference in optical density value when culturing in the extracts of AFS at days 1, 3 and 7 (*p > 0.05). In vivo wound healing evaluation then highlighted its promotion of angiogenesis and collagen synthesis, its function in anti-inflammation and acceleration in wound healing. Therefore, this study suggests that AFS has potential as a promising alternative to mammal-derived or traditional wound dressing.
Triethanolamine–ethoxylate (TEA-EO) assisted hydrothermal synthesis of hierarchical β-MnO2 nanorods: effect of surface morphology on capacitive performance
Authors: Kumar Yogesh , Uke S J , Kumar Ashwani , Merdikar S P , Gupta Meenal , Thakur A K , Bocchetta P , Gupta Anshu , Kumar Vinay , Kumar Yogesh 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this study we are presenting the synthesis of MnO2 nanorods using hydrothermal method assisted by facile tri-ethanolamine-ethoxylate. Structural (x-ray diffraction, Rietveld refinement), functional (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and x-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) and morphological (Field emission scanning electron microscope, Transmission electron microscopy) characterization conform the β-MnO2 nanostructure with a rod-like morphology and uniform thickness. The morphological variations of the nanorod thickness can be easily controlled by simply monitoring the reaction temperature. Comparative investigations of β-MnO2 samples synthesized at two different reaction temperatures (viz. 100 °C and 120 °C) used as a supercapacitive electrode material have been performed with the aid of different electrochemical techniques. With different electrolytes (Li2SO4 and Na2SO4), supercapacitor device is tested using Cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic charge discharge. Interestingly, the low temperature synthesized β-MnO2 nanorods sample exhibit superior electrochemical performance in 1 mol l−1 Li2SO4 electrolyte in terms of high specific capacitance (462 Fg−1 at10 mVs−1), energy density (9.72 WhKg−1), and outstanding cyclic stability (90.26% over 2000 cycles).
Alcohol Hangover Across the Lifespan: Impact Of Sex and Age
Authors: Verster Joris C , Severeijns Noortje R , Sips Annabel S M , Saeed Hama M , Benson Sarah , Scholey Andrew , Bruce Gillian 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Aim
To investigate the relationship between age and hangover frequency and severity.

Method
An online survey, generated through Facebook, collected self-report data relating to alcohol consumption from 761 Dutch alcohol consumers aged 18–94 years (61.6% female).

Results
Overall, young individuals consumed more alcohol than older drinkers, and men more than women. Significant interactions between age group and sex were found for both subjective intoxication and hangover severity, indicating that the sex differences in these variables were greatest in the younger age groups but became significantly smaller or absent in the older age groups. Partial correlations, correcting for estimated blood alcohol concentration (eBAC), revealed significant and negative partial correlations between age and subjective intoxication (r = −0.444, P &lt; 0.0001), age and hangover severity (r = −0.327, P &lt; 0.0001) and between age and hangover frequency (r = −0.195, P &lt; 0.0001), i.e. subjective intoxication, hangover severity and hangover frequency decline with age. With regard to sex differences, the observed correlations with age for the past month heaviest drinking occasion were stronger in men for subjective intoxication, (z = −2.25, P = 0.024), hangover severity (z = −3.36, P = 0.0008) and hangover frequency (z = −3.63, P = 0.0003).

Conclusions
Hangover severity declines with age, even after controlling for eBAC or the amount of alcohol consumed. Sex differences were greatest in the younger age groups but became significantly smaller or absent in the older age groups. The relationship between age and hangover severity is strongly mediated by subjective intoxication. Pain sensitivity, lower with aging, might be a mediator.
Activation of Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells by a Device Simultaneously Applying High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Technology and Novel RF Technology: Fluorescent Microscopy Facilitated Detection of NCAM/CD56
Authors: Halaas Yael , Duncan Diane , Bernardy Jan , Ondrackova Petra , Dinev Ivan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Myosatellite cells are myogenic stem cells that can transform to provide nuclei for existing muscles or generate new muscle fibers as documented after extended exercise programs.

Objectives
The authors investigated whether the simultaneous application of High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) and Synchrode radiofrequency (RF) affects the levels of satellite cells similarly as the prolonged exercise does to achieve muscle growth.

Methods
Three 30-minute simultaneous HIFEM and Synchrode RF treatments (once a week) were administered over the abdominal area of 5 Large White swine aged approximately 6 months. All animals were anesthetized during the treatments and biopsy acquisition. Biopsies of muscle tissue were collected at baseline, 4 days, 2 weeks, and 1 month post-treatment. After binding the specific antibodies, the NCAM/CD56 levels, a marker of activated satellite cells, were quantified employing the immunofluorescence microscopy technique with a UV lamp.

Results
Examined slices showed a continuous increase in satellite cell levels throughout the study. Four days after the treatment, we observed a 26.1% increase in satellite cells, which increased to 30.2% at 2-week follow-up. Additional histological analysis revealed an increase in the cross-sectional area of muscle fibers and the signs of newly formed fibers of small diameters at 2 weeks after the treatment. No damage to muscle tissue and no adverse effects related to the treatment were observed.

Conclusions
The findings indicate that the simultaneous application of HIFEM and novel Synchrode RF treatment can initiate differentiation of satellite cells to support the growth of existing muscles and, presumably, even the formation of new myofibers.
ProDy 2.0: increased scale and scope after 10 years of protein dynamics modelling with Python
Authors: Zhang She , Krieger James M , Zhang Yan , Kaya Cihan , Kaynak Burak , Mikulska-Ruminska Karolina , Doruker Pemra , Li Hongchun , Bahar Ivet 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Summary
ProDy, an integrated application programming interface developed for modelling and analysing protein dynamics, has significantly evolved in recent years in response to the growing data and needs of the computational biology community. We present major developments that led to ProDy 2.0: (i) improved interfacing with databases and parsing new file formats, (ii) SignDy for signature dynamics of protein families, (iii) CryoDy for collective dynamics of supramolecular systems using cryo-EM density maps and (iv) essential site scanning analysis for identifying sites essential to modulating global dynamics.

Availability and implementation
ProDy is open-source and freely available under MIT License from https://github.com/prody/ProDy.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The NRGTEN Python package: an extensible toolkit for coarse-grained normal mode analysis of proteins, nucleic acids, small molecules and their complexes
Authors: Mailhot Olivier , Najmanovich Rafael 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Summary
The Najmanovich Research Group Toolkit for Elastic Networks (NRGTEN) is a Python toolkit that implements four different NMA models in addition to popular and novel metrics to benchmark and measure properties from these models. Furthermore, the toolkit is available as a public Python package and is easily extensible for the development or implementation of additional normal mode analysis models. The inclusion of the Elastic Network Contact Model developed in our group within NRGTEN is noteworthy, owing to its account for the specific chemical nature of atomic interactions.

Availability and implementation
https://github.com/gregorpatof/nrgten_package/.
Leucocyte count and C-reactive protein cannot be relied upon in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in HIV-infected patients
Authors: Truter M , Karusseit V O L , Montwedi D , Becker P , Mokoena T 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
South Africa has the highest prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the world, and is commonly found in association with appendicitis. Atypical presentation of appendicitis in the presence of HIV infection makes clinical diagnosis of appendicitis unreliable, and inflammatory markers are commonly used as adjuncts. The aim of this study was ascertain the value of inflammatory markers in the diagnosis of appendicitis in patients with and without HIV infection.

Methods
Patients with acute appendicitis were studied and divided into HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected groups. Symptoms, and systemic and local signs were recorded. Appendiceal pathology was classified as simple or as complicated by abscess, phlegmon or perforation. Total white cell count (WCC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were chosen as inflammatory markers. Findings were compared between the two groups.

Results
The study population consisted of 125 patients, of whom 26 (20.8 per cent) had HIV infection. Clinical manifestations did not differ statistically, and there was no difference in the incidence of simple or complicated appendicitis between the two groups. The mean CRP level was significantly higher in HIV-infected patients (194.9 mg/l versus 138.9 mg/l in HIV-uninfected patients; P = 0.049), and mean WCC (x109/L) was significantly lower (11.07 versus 14.17×109/l respectively; P = 0.010)

Conclusion
Clinical manifestations and pathology did not differ between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients with appendicitis, except that the WCC response was significantly attenuated and CRP levels were generally higher in the presence of HIV infection.
Suture rectopexy versus ventral mesh rectopexy for complete full-thickness rectal prolapse and intussusception: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lobb H S , Kearsey C C , Ahmed S , Rajaganeshan R 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare recurrence rates of rectal prolapse following ventral mesh rectopexy (VMR) and suture rectopexy (SR).

Methods
MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies reporting on the recurrence rates of complete rectal prolapse (CRP) or intussusception (IS) after SR and VMR. Results were pooled and procedures compared; a subgroup analysis was performed comparing patients with CRP and IS who underwent VMR using biological versus synthetic meshes. A meta-analysis of studies comparing SR and VMR was undertaken. The Methodological Items for Non-Randomized Studies score, the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, and the Cochrane Collaboration tool were used to assess the quality of studies.

Results
Twenty-two studies with 976 patients were included in the SR group and 31 studies with 1605 patients in the VMR group; among these studies, five were eligible for meta-analysis. Overall, in patients with CRP, the recurrence rate was 8.6 per cent after SR and 3.7 per cent after VMR (P &lt; 0.001). However, in patients with IS treated using VMR, the recurrence rate was 9.7 per cent. Recurrence rates after VMR did not differ with use of biological or synthetic mesh in patients treated for CRP (4.1 versus 3.6 per cent; P = 0.789) and or IS (11.4 versus 11.0 per cent; P = 0.902). Results from the meta-analysis showed high heterogeneity, and the difference in recurrence rates between SR and VMR groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.76).

Conclusion
Although the systematic review showed a higher recurrence rate after SR than VMR for treatment of CRP, this result was not confirmed by meta-analysis. Therefore, robust RCTs comparing SR and biological VMR are required.
Psychological distress and health-related quality of life up to 2 years after oesophageal cancer surgery: nationwide population-based study
Authors: Liu Y J , Schandl A , Markar S , Johar A , Lagergren P 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Patients are at higher risk of suffering from psychological distress and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after oesophageal cancer surgery. This Swedish nationwide population-based longitudinal study aimed to evaluate the association between psychological distress and HRQoL up to 2 years after oesophageal cancer surgery.

Methods
The study included patients with oesophageal cancer who had survived for 1 year after oesophageal cancer surgery. The exposure was psychological distress measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Patients scoring at least 8 on either the anxiety or the depression subscale were classified as having psychological distress. The outcome was HRQoL assessed by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire generic and disease-specific questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OG25). Exposure and outcome were measured at 1, 1.5, and 2 years after operation. Fixed-effects models with adjustment for all time-invariant confounding and potential time-varying confounders were used to examine the mean score difference in HRQoL between patients with and without psychological distress.

Results
In total, 180 patients were analysed. Clinically relevant, statistically significant and time-constant mean score differences were found in emotional function, social function, dyspnoea, anxiety, eating difficulty, eating in front of others, and weight loss (mean score difference range 10–29). Mean score differences for global quality of life, cognitive function, appetite loss, EORTC QLQ-C30 summary score, and trouble with taste increased over time, and reached clinical and statistical significance at 1.5 and/or 2 years after surgery. For body image, there was a clinically relevant decrease in mean score difference over time.

Conclusion
Psychological distress was associated with several aspects of poor HRQoL up to 2 years after surgery for oesophageal cancer.