bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Macrogol 4000 Plus Electrolytes in Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy in Patients with Chronic Constipation
Authors: Ichijima Ryoji , Suzuki Sho , Esaki Mitsuru , Sugita Tomomi , Ogura Kanako , Kusano Chika , Ikehara Hisatomo , Gotoda Takuji 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Chronic constipation is a significant factor in poor bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Macrogol 4000 plus electrolytes (Movicol, EA Pharma, Tokyo, Japan), containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) and electrolytes, have been used recently to treat patients with constipation. However, prospective studies on the use of macrogol 4000 for bowel cleansing for colonoscopy are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of macrogol 4000 in addition to PEG administered in patients with chronic constipation.Methods: This single-center, single-arm prospective study enrolled patients with chronic constipation who were scheduled to undergo colonoscopy. The primary endpoint was the proportion of good bowel preparation assessed using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) (6 or more points). The secondary endpoints were the time from when pPEG (MoviPrep, EA Pharma, Tokyo, Japan) was taken until colonoscopy could be started, amount of PEG taken, number of defecations, whether additional PEG doses were taken, and adverse events. Endoscopy-related endpoints included cecal intubation rate, insertion time, observation time, adenoma detection rate (ADR), and polyp detection rate (PDR). The tolerability of PEG and macrogol 4000 was assessed using a questionnaire.Results: Forty patients were included in the analysis. The median BBPS was 7 (range, (3–9)) and ³6 points in 37 cases (92.5%). The median time until colonoscopy can be started was 210 min (90–360 min), the median volume of PEG taken was 1500 mL (1000–2000 mL), and the median number of defecations was 7 (3-20). No adverse events were observed. Fourteen patients required an additional dose of PEG. Cecal intubation was achieved in all cases, the median insertion time was 6.0 min (range, 2.3–22 min), and the median observation time was 8.8 min (range, 4.0–16.0 min). The ADR and PDR were 60.0% and 75.0%, respectively. A greater proportion of patients rated the tolerability of macrogol 4000 as good compared with that of PEG (95.0% vs. 50.0%, p < 0.01).Conclusions: Intake of macrogol 4000 in addition to PEG is effective and safe for colonoscopy in patients with chronic constipation.
Circular RNA NEK6 Contributes To The Development of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer by Competitively Binding With miR-382-5p to Elevate BCAS2 Expression at Post-Transcriptional Level
Authors: Cao Fei , Wu Xiaoxia , Shan Yongfeng , Zhang Binbin , Wang Haonan , Liu Hui , Yu Hao 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the commonest type of lung cancer, which is one of most deadly cancers that possess high morbidity and mortality all over the world. The function of circular RNA NIMA related kinase 6 (circ_NEK6) in NSCLC is still unknown. Therefore, circ_NEK6 is worth studying in detail. Methods: RT-qPCR and western blot assays were employed to detect gene expression. Colony formation, EdU, JC-1, flow cytometry, and Transwell assays were implemented to explore the function of circ_NEK6 on biological activities of NSCLC cells. Mechanism experiments were conducted to unveil the relationship among molecules. Results: Circ_NEK6 expression was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cells. Functionally, the silencing of circ_NEK6 could effectively suppress NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Circ_NEK6 sequestered miR-382-5p to fortify the expression of breast carcinoma amplified sequence 2 (BCAS2) in NSCLC. Besides, BCAS2 had tumor-promoting function in NSCLC. Furthermore, the effects of down-regulated circ_NEK6 on the malignant behaviors of NSCLC cells were totally recovered by miR-382-5p inhibition or BCAS2 overexpression. Conclusion: Circ_NEK6 served as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of BCAS2 by absorbing miR-382-5p, which may be treated as a novel promising target for the treatment of NSCLC.
Layer-by-layer Assembly Polyethylenimine/phytic Acid Coating With Gradient Structure for High-Efficiency and Durable Flame Retardant Cotton Fabric With Good Physical and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Liu Xinhua , Liu Hailong , Fang Yinchun 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this study, intumescent flame retardant coating of polyethylenimine/phytic acid (PEI/PA) with gradient structure was constructed on cotton fabric through facile layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly method. The LOI value of coated cotton fabric reached over 40% indicating excellent flame retardancy. Reasonable controlling the LBL assembly process of PEI/PA coating brought less influence to the physical properties of cotton fabrics. And the coated cotton fabric revealed good flame retardant washing durability. Thermogravimetric analysis results of coated cotton fabrics showed that PEI/PA flame retardant coating changed the thermal decomposition process and promoted char formation revealing the obviously condensed phase flame retardant action. SEM images of char residues revealed that PEI/PA flame retardant coating promoted to form the intumescent flame retardant (IFR) char layer showing obvious IFR action. This research provides novel strategy for the development of high-efficiency flame retardant cotton fabric with good durability and physical properties using simple LBL assembly method.
Indirect Evidence of Increased Cerebral Plasticity of Musicians with Malignant Cerebral Tumors; Longer Overall Survival Status according to Nonmusicians
Authors: Gasenzer Elena Romana , Kanat Ayhan , Ozdemir Bulent , Batcik Osman Ersegun , Ozdemir Vacide 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

There are some reported musicians with cerebral tumors, but no comparative study of the survival status of musician and nonmusician patients with malignant cerebral tumors was made. This subject was investigated.
Material and methods

Musician people list with cerebral tumors was searched from the English Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_with_brain_tumors). Their survival status, ages, and gender were statistically compared with 30 nonmusician patients with cerebral malign tumors.
Results

66 (Group 1 or Musician Group; MG) musicians with malignant tumors list were found from Wikipedia. Survival times of only 47 musicians could be reached from Wikipedia. The mean Survival of this group is 20.06 months, however, it was 13.10 months non-musician group, and the difference of survival was statistically significant (p < 0.05), however, ages and gender were not.
Conclusion

There is an interaction between music and brain anatomic structures. Our study showed that the survival status of musicians and non-musician with malign cerebral tumors is not the same. This result may be dependent on the altered musician's brain or neuronal plasticity, and the response of the musician's brain's to malign tumor. More studies are needed.
Catalytic Effects of the New Schiff Base Metal Complexes on the Conversion of Benzyl Alcohol to Benzaldehyde and Benzoic Acid
Authors: Ziba Cengiz Ayhan , Dolaz Mustafa , Celikci Nuran 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this study, two new salicylidene hydroxyl ligands (HL1 and HL2) and their metal complexes (Cu2+, Mn2+, Fe3+, Ru3+, Cr3+, and VO2+) were synthesized and characterized by the spectroscopic and analytical methods. The molecular structure of the ligand HL1 was determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. Catalytic effects of the Schiff base metal complexes on benzyl alcohol were investigated in the H2O2 medium. In this oxidation reaction, the percent conversion of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde and benzoic acid was determined as %benzaldehyde and %benzoic acid by the gas chromatography (GC) method. Finally, the synthesized metal complexes found the highest catalytic effect that Co and Mn metal complexes 97-98% benzyl alcohol conversion. And maximum %benzoic acid formation is seen in MnL1 (39%) and VOL1 (58%) metal complexes.
Willingness to Offer HIV Self-testing Among Health Care Providers From Specialized HIV Care Services in the Northeast of Brazil
Authors: Jordão Tiago , Magno Laio , Pereira Marcos , Rossi Thais Aranha Regis , Silva Pedro Almeida , Figueiredo Maria Aparecida , Prado Nília Maria Brito Lima , Santos Adriano Maia dos , Cangussu Cristina , Dourado Inês 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The lack of knowledge of the serological status of people living with HIV is still a concern in Brazil. HIV self-testing (HIVST) has proved to have great potential for expanding testing, especially among more vulnerable populations. The large-scale distribution of HIVST by the Brazilian public health system has been ramped up in recent years.Methods: This study investigates the awareness, acceptability, and factors associated with willingness to offer HIV self-testing (HIVST) among health care providers (HCP) in northeastern Brazil. Cross-sectional study with HCP in 29 specialized care services (SCS) from 21 cities from state of Bahia. The inclusion criterion was that HCP had been working at least six months in the service. Sociodemographic, occupational, and behavioral data were collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analysis, estimating the respective adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) by logistic regression, were performed.Results: The awareness and acceptability of HIVST, and willingness to offer it were 79.8%, 55.2%, and 47.1%, respectively. Few of the professionals reported that the SCS where they worked dispensed HIVST (3.6%), and 13.5% said they had received some kind of information or training on HIVST. Factors associated with willingness to offer HIVST were: HIVST acceptability (aOR = 9.45; 95% CI: 4.53 – 19.71), agreement to use it oneself (aOR = 4.45; 95% CI: 1.62 – 12.24), confidence in offering HIVST to service users (aOR = 5.73; 95% CI: 2.26 – 12.72), and considering the general public eligible for HIVST (aOR = 2.88; 95% CI: 1.25–6.59).Conclusions: Although HIVST awareness among the HCP was high, its acceptability and their willingness to offer it was moderate. More training in HIVST is needed among HCP in Brazil.
Dyspareunia, Signs of Epithelial Disruption, and HIV Serostatus in Female Sex Workers and Men Who Have Sex With Men in Nairobi: an Observational Study
Authors: Fischer Bastian , Jaoko Walter Godfrey , Kirui Elvis , Muture Bernard , Madegwa Isaac , Kageni Lisbeth 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: This study investigated HIV infection risk in men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers (FSWs) by analysing signs of anal and vaginal epithelial trauma. It reconsidered the unique role of sexual abstinence for HIV seroconversion from a previous case-control analysis on FSWs in Nairobi who acquired HIV after previously fulfilling criteria of HIV resistance. The approach was based on a similarly unique role of intercourse frequency for anal dyspareunia. We considered confounding behavioural and individual HIV infection risks among the sex workers, who also assessed factors influencing discomfort and pain during sex from a subjective perspective. Methods: At two key population facilities in Nairobi, 322 FSWs and 231 MSM provided data on HIV infection status, sexual dysfunction, intercourse frequency and abstinence behaviour. Additional data addressed sexual debut, relationship status, lubricants, foreplay, the number of sex partners, condom use, group and anonymous sex, vaginal births, intravaginal practices, sex toys, other sexually transmitted infections, alcohol and drug use. Statistical tests included t-tests for the equality of means for abstinence gaps and intercourse frequencies, the number of sex partners, vaginal births, and age of sexual debut. Non-parametric tests were used to compare HIV status and the ordinal variables of sexual behaviour, individual factors, dyspareunia and signs of trauma scores. Subjective assessments of variables for sexual dysfunction were given as percentages of the assessment options. Results: Among FSWs, significant associations were found between HIV status and the longest abstinence gap for vaginal intercourse in the previous month, early sexual debut, foreplay, having anonymous partners, intravaginal practices, drugs and alcohol use, and all the sexual dysfunction or epithelial disruption signs. No significant association between HIV status and sexual dysfunction variables or sexual abstinence gaps could be found in the MSM sample. FSWs agreed that steady partnerships, regularity of intercourse, foreplay and lubrication or artificial lubricants alleviate discomfort and painful intercourse. Conclusions: Dyspareunia and epithelial trauma signs were highly prevalent in FSWs and MSM, indicating considerable limitations to sexual health. Complaint levels were positively associated with HIV infection, suggesting that reducing epithelial disruption may be a novel HIV prevention approach.
Roles of autoinducer-2 mediated quorum sensing in wastewater treatment
Authors: Liu Yirong , Hu Huizhi , Luo Feng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is considered to be a promising regulation method for biological wastewater treatment (WWT) due to its regulation in extracellular substances (EPS) production, biofilm formation, granulation, colonization and bacterial activity and stability. Recently, autoinducer-2 (AI-2), a kind of interspecies communication QS signal molecule, is being increasingly reported for its roles in regulating bacterial gene expression and aggregation. Consequently, AI-2 mediated QS system is considered as a promising regulatory approach in WWT processes. This article systematically reviews the effects of AI-2-mediated QS system on bacterial behavior and its high potential for real-world applications in different WWT systems. Given the extensive presence of AI-2, AI-2 mediated QS could cooperate with other signal molecules in WWT processes, which suggests that the interactions among multiple signal molecules might be underestimated in the previous studies. The differences between AI-2 and AHL signaling molecules are also compared. Furthermore, the attempts at AI-2 regulated QS in pollution control of different WWT systems are summarized, while some challenges and defects still require targeted research in the future.
Environmental Factors Modifying HDL Functionality
Authors: Kostara Christina E. , Kosmas Constantine E. , Sourlas Andreas , Guzman Eliscer 
Published: July 2021

Background:Currently, it has been recognized that High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) functionality plays a much more essential role in protection from atherosclerosis than circulating HDLcholesterol (HDL-C) levels per se. Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) from macrophages to HDL has been shown to be a key metric of HDL functionality. Thus, quantitative assessment of CEC may be an important tool for the evaluation of HDL functionality, as improvement of HDL function may lead to a reduction of the risk for Cardiovascular disease (CVD).Introduction:Although the cardioprotective action of HDLs is exerted mainly through their involvement in the reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) pathway, HDLs have also important anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiaggregatory and anticoagulant properties that contribute to their favorable cardiovascular effects. Certain genetic, pathophysiologic, disease states and environmental conditions may influence the cardioprotective effects of HDL either by inducing modifications in lipidome and/or protein composition, or in the enzymes responsible for HDL metabolism. On the other hand, certain healthy habits or pharmacologic interventions may actually favorably affect HDL functionality.Method:The present review discusses the effects of environmental factors, including obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary habits, various pharmacologic interventions, as well as aerobic exercise, on HDL functionality.Result:Experimental and clinical studies or pharmacological interventions support the impact of these environmental factors in the modification of HDL functionality, although the involved mechanisms are not fully understood.Conclusion:Further research should be conducted to identify the underlying mechanisms of these environmental factors and to identify new pharmacologic interventions capable of enhancing CEC, improving HDL functionality and potentially improving cardiovascular risk.
Innovations in Drug Delivery for Chronic Wound Healing
Authors: Ghomi Erfan Rezvani , Shakiba Mohamadreza , Ardahaei Ali Saedi , Kenari Mahsa Akbari , Faraji Mehdi , Ataei Shahla , Kohansal Parisa , Jafari Iman , Abdouss Majid , Ramakrishna Seeram 
Published: July 2021

:
Wound healing is a varied and complex process designed to restore normal skin structure, function,
and appearance in a timely manner. To achieve this goal, different immune and biological systems participate
in coordination through four separate steps, including homeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and regeneration.
Each step involves the function of different cells, cytokines, and growth factors. However, chronic ulcers,
which are classified into three types of ulcers, namely vascular ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and pressure ulcers, are
not able to heal through the mentioned natural stages. This, in turn, causes mental and physical problems for these
people and, as a result, imposes high economic and social costs on the society. In this regard, using a system
that can accelerate the healing process of such chronic wounds, as an urgent need in society, should be considered.
Therefore, in this study, the innovations of drug delivery systems for the healing of chronic wounds using
hydrogels, nanomaterials, and membranes are discussed and reviewed.
The Intracellular Mechanism of Berberine-Induced Inhibition of CYP3A4 Activity
Authors: Feng Pan-Feng , Zhu Long-Xun , Jie Jing , Yang Peng-Xiang , Chen Xia 
Published: July 2021

Background:
Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from the Chinese medicine,
exerting a variety of pharmacological effects. BBR is partially metabolized by cytochrome 3A4 (CYP3A4)
in vivo. Some reports indicated that BBR could inhibit the activity of CYP3A4. However, the underlying mechanisms
are not completely understood. CYP3A4 is reported to be transcriptionally regulated by two nuclear receptors,
nuclear transcription X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), and degraded via
the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Hence, we tried to explore the mechanisms of CYP3A4 inhibition on both
transcriptive and protein levels.

Methods:
Western Blot, RT-PCR and Co-immunoprecipitation were used to perform the experiments.

Results:
Our results showed that BBR inhibited the transcription of CYP3A4 gene by downregulating PXR. In
addition, BBR accelerated the degradation of CYP3A4 protein via polyubiquitination pathway.

Conclusion:
These findings may lead to the determination of novel drug-drug interactions with BBR, and contribute
to future clinical application of BBR.
Clinical Trials and Machine Learning: Regulatory Approach Review
Authors: Dri Diego Alejandro , Massella Maurizio , Gramaglia Donatella , Marianecci Carlotta , Petraglia Sandra 
Published: July 2021

:
Machine Learning, a fast-growing technology, is an application of Artificial Intelligence
that has provided important contributes to drug discovery and clinical development. In the last few
years, the number of clinical applications based on Machine Learning has been constantly growing
and this is now affecting the National Competent Authorities during the assessment of most recently
submitted Clinical Trials that are designed, managed or that are generating data deriving from
the use of Machine Learning or Artificial Intelligence technologies. We review current information
available on the regulatory approach to Clinical Trials and Machine Learning. We also provide inputs
for further reasoning and potential indications, including six actionable proposals for regulators
to proactively drive the upcoming evolution of Clinical Trials within a strong regulatory framework,
focusing on patient’s safety, health protection and fostering immediate access to effective
treatments.
Research on Stability of the Four-wheeled Robot for Emergency Obstacle Avoidance on the Slope
Authors: Wang Peng , Tang Qiong , Sun Tiecheng , Dong Renquan 
Published: July 2021

Background:
In recent years, patents suggest that four-wheeled robots have been widely used in outdoor reconnaissance fields. However, the emergency obstacle avoidance of the four-wheeled robot on the slope is affected by the slope angle and the friction coefficient of the slope, and its motor torque and yaw torque are prone to abrupt changes, causing the four-wheeled robot to slip greatly. According to relevant literature, PID control methods (dual-loop PID control and linear PID control) make the robot control motor current fluctuate greatly during the emergency obstacle avoidance process. Hence, the PID controller of the four-wheeled robot needs to be optimized.

Objective:
This study aims to establish a novel dual-loop fuzzy PID controller to improve the stability of the four-wheeled robot during emergency obstacle avoidance on the slope.

Methods:
Establishing the kinematics and dynamics equations of the four-wheeled robot, and determining the speed of the center of mass and the yaw rate are important control parameters for controlling the steering motion of the robot. Aiming at the PID controller of the past four-wheeled robot, its response speed is slow, and the overshoot of the speed of the center of mass and the yaw rate is large. For this reason, the dual-loop fuzzy PID controller is designed. Comparison simulation is carried out by the MATLAB programming.

Results:
It is concluded that the control effect of the four-wheel robot with the dual-loop fuzzy PID controller is the best. The steering angle and displacement response speed of the four-wheel robot are faster, and there is basically no overshoot. The response of the yaw rate is increased by 30%, the average deviation of the linear motion trajectory is reduced by 41.27%, and the average deviation of the circular steering motion trajectory is reduced by 29.51%.

Conclusion:
The dual-loop fuzzy PID controller can provide reference for the PID control research of other four-wheeled robots.
Strategies for the Identification and Prevention of Survey Fraud: Data Analysis of a Web-Based Survey
Authors: Pratt-Chapman Mandi , Moses Jenna , Arem Hannah 
Published: July 2021

Background
To assess the impact of COVID-19 on cancer survivors, we fielded a survey promoted via email and social media in winter 2020. Examination of the data showed suspicious patterns that warranted serious review.

Objective
The aim of this paper is to review the methods used to identify and prevent fraudulent survey responses.

Methods
As precautions, we included a Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart (CAPTCHA), a hidden question, and instructions for respondents to type a specific word. To identify likely fraudulent data, we defined a priori indicators that warranted elimination or suspicion. If a survey contained two or more suspicious indicators, the survey was eliminated. We examined differences between the retained and eliminated data sets.

Results
Of the total responses (N=1977), nearly three-fourths (n=1408) were dropped and one-fourth (n=569) were retained after data quality checking. Comparisons of the two data sets showed statistically significant differences across almost all demographic characteristics.

Conclusions
Numerous precautions beyond the inclusion of a CAPTCHA are needed when fielding web-based surveys, particularly if a financial incentive is offered.