bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehending Optimality of Finger Flexor Tendon Pulley System Using Computational Analysis
Authors: Khatik Vitthal , Nishad Shyam Sunder , Saxena Anupam 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Existing prosthetic/orthotic designs are rarely based on kinetostatics of a biological finger, especially its tendon–pulley system (TPS). Whether a biological TPS is optimal for use as a reference, say for design purposes, and if so, in what sense, is also relatively unknown. We expect an optimal TPS to yield a high range of flexion while operating with lower tendon tension, bowstringing, and pulley stresses. To gain insight into the TPS designs, we present a parametric study which is then used to determine optimal TPS configurations for the flexor mechanism. A compliant, flexure-based computational model is developed and simulated using the pseudo-rigid body method, with various combinations of pulley/tendon attachment point locations, pulley heights, and widths. Results suggest that three distinct types of TPS configurations corresponding to a single stiff pulley, two stiff pulleys, or one stiff and one flexible-inextensible pulley per phalange can be optimal. For a TPS configuration similar to a biological one, the distal pulleys on the proximal and intermediate phalanges need to be like flexible–inextensible string loops that effectively model the behavior of joint and cruciate pulleys. We reckon that a biological flexor TPS may have evolved to maximize flexion range with minimum possible actuation tension, bowstringing, and pulley stress. Our findings may be useful in not only developing efficient hand devices but also in improving TPS reconstruction surgery procedures.
High Resolution 2.5D PIV Measurements of the Flow Fields Generated by Small Fans
Authors: Hofer Dominik , Krieger Michael , Kirchhofer Martin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The free jets of an axial and a centrifugal fan have been scanned by a specialized particle image velocimetry (PIV) set-up, which allows for volumetric scans of the time-averaged velocity field. Both of these fans have similar dimensions of approximately 70 mm x 70 mm x 25 mm. A classic PIV set-up was combined with a precise linear stage to move the fans through the laser fan beam in small steps, creating a dense array of measurement planes. Two components of the time-averaged velocity field are captured by the first 2.5D scan. Another scan, with the fan rotated by 90° about its outlet surface normal, captures the missing third velocity component. This article describes the details of the measurement set-up, and mentions measures concerning seeding, reflections, and calibration. In the signal processing stage, two independent sets of gathered image data have to be processed, producing two sets of velocity image frames. These are subsequently combined using gridded interpolation in order to obtain a 3D velocity field. Specifically devised software tools allow for a CFD-like analysis and visualization of the flow field. Typical parameters of the generated jets, like the spreading and rotation rates, are calculated from the measurement data and details of the outlet flow fields are investigated. The interpolated data are also used to analyze the influence of an assumed coarser measurement grid resolution on the results for the obtained outlet flow fields.
A Review of Sculpins (COTTOIDEI) of Middle Asia with a Revalidation of the Species Cottus jaxartensis and Description of a New Species Cottus nudus sp. nova
Authors: Sideleva V. G. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract—
Based on the investigations of the representatives of the genus Cottus from Middle Asia, the species status of C. spinulosus is supported, and its diagnostic characters are specified. The validity of С.jaxartensis is resumed and a degree of its distinction from C. gobio is evaluated. A comparative analysis of morphological characters of the C. nasalis holotype and С.jaxartensis specimens of the same body size shows identity of these species, and, thus, C.nasalis has been included in the synonymy of C.jaxartensis. A new species C. nudus sp. nova is described. The representatives of this species differ from other Asian species of the genus in the following characters: absence of bony spickles nd dermal tubercles on the skin of the head and trunk; elongated upper jaw terminated near the vertical through posterior margin of orbit; presence of teeth on palatine bones; short sensory canal on the trunk with 23 pores; monochrome light coloration of the fins; and widened distal ends of neural and/or hemal spines in seven caudal centra. A key for the identification of three Middle Asian species (C. spinulosus, C. jaxartensis, and C.nudus sp. nova) is given.
Regenerative medicine for neurological diseases—will regenerative neurosurgery deliver?
Authors: Burns Terry C , Quinones-Hinojosa Alfredo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractRegenerative medicine aspires to transform the future practice of medicine by providing curative, rather than palliative, treatments. Healing the central nervous system (CNS) remains among regenerative medicine’s most highly prized but formidable challenges. “Regenerative neurosurgery” provides access to the CNS or its surrounding structures to preserve or restore neurological function. Pioneering efforts over the past three decades have introduced cells, neurotrophins, and genes with putative regenerative capacity into the CNS to combat neurodegenerative, ischemic, and traumatic diseases. In this review we critically evaluate the rationale, paradigms, and translational progress of regenerative neurosurgery, harnessing access to the CNS to protect, rejuvenate, or replace cell types otherwise irreversibly compromised by neurological disease. We discuss the evidence surrounding fetal, somatic, and pluripotent stem cell derived implants to replace endogenous neuronal and glial cell types and provide trophic support. Neurotrophin based strategies via infusions and gene therapy highlight the motivation to preserve neuronal circuits, the complex fidelity of which cannot be readily recreated. We specifically highlight ongoing translational efforts in Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, and spinal cord injury, using these to illustrate the principles, challenges, and opportunities of regenerative neurosurgery. Risks of associated procedures and novel neurosurgical trials are discussed, together with the ethical challenges they pose. After decades of efforts to develop and refine necessary tools and methodologies, regenerative neurosurgery is well positioned to advance treatments for refractory neurological diseases. Strategic multidisciplinary efforts will be critical to harness complementary technologies and maximize mechanistic feedback, accelerating iterative progress toward cures for neurological diseases.
Potential for elimination of folate and vitamin B12deficiency in India using vitamin-fortified tea: a preliminary study
Authors: Vora Ravindra M , Alappattu Meryl J , Zarkar Apoorva D , Soni Mayur S , Karmarkar Santosh J , Antony Aśok C 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionThe majority of Indian women have a poor dietary folate and vitamin B12intake resulting in their chronically low vitamin status, which contributes to anaemia and the high incidence of folate-responsive neural-tube defects (NTDs) in India. Although many countries have successfully deployed centrally-processed folate-fortified flour for prevention of NTDs, inherent logistical problems preclude widespread implementation of this strategy in India. Because tea—the second most common beverage worldwide (after water)—is consumed by most Indians every day, and appeared an ideal vehicle for fortification with folate and vitamin B12, we determined if daily consumption of vitamin-fortified tea for 2 months could benefit young women of childbearing-age in Sangli, India.MethodsWomen (average age=20±2 SD) used teabags spiked with therapeutic doses of 1 mg folatepluseither0.1 mg vitamin B12(Group-1, n=19)or0.5 mg vitamin B12(Group-2, n=19), or mock-fortified teabags (Group-0, n=5) to prepare a cup of tea every day for 2 months, following which their pre-intervention and post-intervention serum vitamin and haemoglobin concentrations were compared.ResultsMost women had baseline anaemia with low-normal serum folate and below-normal serum vitamin B12levels. After 2 months, women in both Group-1 and Group-2 exhibited significant increases in mean differences in pre-intervention versus post-intervention serum folate levels of 8.37 ng/mL (95% CIs 5.69 to 11.04, p<0.05) and 6.69 ng/mL (95% CI 3.93 to 9.44, p<0.05), respectively; however, Group-0 experienced an insignificant rise of 1.26 ng/mL (95% CI –4.08 to 0.16). In addition, over one-half and two-thirds of women in Group-1 and Group-2, respectively, exhibited increases in serum vitamin B12levels over 300 pg/mL. There was also a significant post-interventional increase in the mean haemoglobin concentration in Group-1 of 1.45 g/dL (95% CI 0.64 to 2.26, p=0.002) and Group-2 of 0.79 g/dL (95% CI 0.11 to 1.42, p=0.027), which reflected a bona fide clinical response.ConclusionTea is an outstanding scalable vehicle for fortification with folate and vitamin B12in India, and has potential to help eliminate haematological and neurological complications arising from inadequate dietary consumption or absorption of folate and vitamin B12.
Video hospice consultation in COVID-19: professional and patient evaluations
Authors: Milne Shannon , Palfrey Jennifer , Berg Jane , Todd Jennifer 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundProviding care for our patients during the COVID-19 pandemic required a rapid shift to video consultations (VCs). A service evaluation was performed to capture hospice professionals’ (HPs) and patients’ experiences of VC.MethodsOnline or postal surveys were sent to HPs and patients, who had participated in VC between March and July 2020, focusing on their experience and satisfaction with the service.Results31 responses from HPs were received. 19 (61.3%) rated their experience of VC as good, despite 29 (93.5%) having no prior VC experience. One-third of HPs had undertaken potentially sensitive consultations, including resuscitation discussions. 23 (74.2%) undertook a VC that included a family member and 18 (58.1%) had included an external healthcare professional. 25 (80.6%) wanted to offer VC as an option going forward. Well-being staff successfully provided multiple group support sessions via video. 26 responses from patients (23) and carers (3) were received. 22 (84.6%) had access to a smartphone. 8 (30.8%) included a family member in their consultation. All patients/carers reported satisfaction with their VC, although 10 (38.5%) expressed a preference for face-to-face consultations. 22 (84.6%) patients would be happy to receive care via VC going forward and 21 (80.8%) stated they would recommend the use of VC to others.ConclusionPatients reported VC to be an acceptable way to receive support from a hospice service and HPs would like to continue to offer VC in the future. VC can be offered as an alternative to face-to-face consultations with the potential to continue and improve access to a wide range of hospice services.
Clinical utility of small bowel ultrasound assessment of Crohn’s disease in adults: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Radford Shellie Jean , Clarke Chris , Shinkins Bethany , Leighton Paul , Taylor Stuart , Moran Gordon 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundUltrasound (US) is an alternative to magnetic resonance enterography, and has the potential to significantly reduce waiting times, expedite clinical decision-making and improve patient experience. Point of care US is an advantage of the US imaging modality, where same day scanning, interpretation and treatment decisions can be made.AimTo systematically scope the literature on point of care US use in small bowel Crohn’s disease, generating a comprehensive list of factors relating to the current understanding of clinical utility of this imaging modality.MethodsSearches included MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, clinicaltrial.gov,‘TRIP’ and Epistemonikos. Reference lists of included studies were hand searched. Search terms were searched for as both keywords and subject headings (MeSH) as appropriate. Searches were performed with the ‘suggested search terms’ and ‘explode’ selection, and restricted to ‘human’, ‘adult’ and ‘English language’ publications. No date limits were applied to be as inclusive as possible. Two investigators conducted abstract and full-text review. No formal quality appraisal process was undertaken; however, quality of sources was considered when reporting findings. A narrative synthesis was conducted.ResultsThe review included 42 sources from the UK, Europe, Japan, Canada and the USA. Small bowel ultrasound (SBUS) has been shown to be as accurate in detecting the presence of small bowel Crohn’s disease, is quicker, safer and more acceptable to patients, compared with magnetic resonance enterography. SBUS is used widely in central Europe and Canada but has not been embraced in the UK. Further research considering economic evaluation, clinical decision-making and exploration of perceived barriers to future implementation of SBUSs is required.
Clinical characteristics, time course, treatment and outcomes of patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis
Authors: Puzanov Igor , Subramanian Poornima , Yatsynovich Yan V , Jacobs David M , Chilbert Maya R , Sharma Umesh C , Ito Fumito , Feuerstein Steven G , Stefanovic Filip , Switzer Benjamin , Hicar Mark D , Curtis Anne B , Spangenthal Edward J , Dy Grace K , Ernstoff Marc S , Vachhani Pankit , Page Brian J , Agrawal Nikhil , Khunger Arjun , Kapoor Ankita , Hattoum Alexander , Schentag Jerome J 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have emerged as a front-line therapy for a variety of solid tumors. With the widespread use of these agents, immune-associated toxicities are increasingly being recognized, including fatal myocarditis. There are limited data on the outcomes and prognostic utility of biomarkers associated with ICI-associated myocarditis. Our objective was to examine the associations between clinical biomarkers of cardiomyocyte damage and mortality in patients with cancer treated with ICIs.MethodsWe retrospectively studied 23 patients who developed symptomatic and asymptomatic troponin elevations while receiving ICI therapy at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. We obtained serial ECGs, troponin I, and creatine kinase-MD (CK-MB), in addition to other conventional clinical biomarkers, and compared covariates between survivors and non-survivors.ResultsAmong patients with myocarditis, higher troponin I (p=0.037) and CK-MB (p=0.034) levels on presentation correlated with progression to severe myocarditis. Higher troponin I (p=0.016), CK (p=0.013), and CK-MB (p=0.034) levels were associated with increased mortality, while the presence of advanced atrioventricular block on presentation (p=0.088) trended toward increased mortality. Weekly troponin monitoring lead to earlier hospitalization for potential myocarditis (p=0.022) and was associated with decreased time to steroid initiation (p=0.053) and improved outcomes.ConclusionsRoutine troponin surveillance may be helpful in predicting mortality in ICI-treated patients with cancer in the early phase of ICI therapy initiation. Early detection of troponin elevation is associated with earlier intervention and improved outcomes in ICI-associated myocarditis. The recommended assessment and diagnostic studies guiding treatment decisions are presented.
Quality of reporting and risk of bias: a review of randomised trials in occupational health
Authors: Tikka Christina , Verbeek Jos , Ijaz Sharea , Hoving Jan L , Boschman Julitta , Hulshof Carel , de Boer Angela G 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesTo assess the reporting quality of randomisation and allocation methods in occupational health and safety (OHS) trials in relation to Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) requirements of journals, risk of bias (RoB) and publication year.MethodsWe systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed between 2010 and May 2019 in 18 OHS journals. We measured reporting quality as percentage compliance with the CONSORT 2010 checklist (items 8–10) and RoB with the ROB V.2.0 tool (first domain). We tested the mean difference (MD) in % in reporting quality between CONSORT-requiring and non-requiring journals, trials with low, some concern and high RoB and publications before and after 2015.ResultsIn 135 articles reporting on 129 RCTs, average reporting quality was at 37.4% compliance (95% CI 31.9% to 43.0%), with 10% of articles reaching 100% compliance. Reporting quality was significantly better in CONSORT-requiring journals than non-requiring journals (MD 31.0% (95% CI 21.4% to 40.7%)), for studies at low RoB than high RoB (MD 33.1% (95% CI 16.1% to 50.2%)) and with RoB of some concern (MD 39.8% (95% CI 30.0% to 49.7%)). Reporting quality did not improve over time (MD −5.7% (95% CI −16.8% to 5.4%).ConclusionsArticles in CONSORT-requiring journals and of low RoB studies show better reporting quality. Low reporting quality is linked to unclear RoB judgements (some concern). Reporting quality did not improve over the last 10 years and CONSORT is insufficiently implemented. Concerted efforts by editors and authors are needed to improve CONSORT implementation.
Associations between public e-cigarette use and tobacco-related social norms among youth
Authors: Agaku Israel Terungwa , Perks Siobhan N , Odani Satomi , Glover-Kudon Rebecca 
Published: June 2021

ImportanceE-cigarette use in public places may renormalise tobacco use.ObjectiveTo measure associations between e-cigarette use in public places and social norms among youth.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingSchool-based.Participants24 353 never tobacco users in US 6th–12th grades who completed the 2016–2017 National Youth Tobacco Surveys.ExposureIndividuals were classified as exposed in public places within the past 30 days to: (1) neither e-cigarette secondhand aerosol (SHA) nor combustible tobacco secondhand smoke (SHS); (2) SHA only; (3) SHS only; and (4) both SHA and SHS.OutcomesOutcomes were overestimation of peer e-cigarette use (a measure of descriptive norms), harm perception and susceptibility. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression (p<0.05).ResultsOverall prevalence of SHS and SHA exposure in public places was 46.6% and 18.3%, respectively. SHA exposure in public places was associated with increased odds of overestimating peer e-cigarette use (adjusted OR (AOR): 1.83; 95% CI 1.29 to 2.58) and decreased odds of perceiving e-cigarettes as harmful (AOR: 0.63; 95% CI 0.51 to 0.79), compared with those exposed to neither emission. SHA exposure in public places was also associated with increased susceptibility to using e-cigarettes (AOR: 2.26; 95% CI 1.82 to 2.81) and cigarettes (AOR: 1.51; 95% CI 1.20 to 1.90). E-cigarette harm perception was lower among students in jurisdictions with no comprehensive clean indoor air laws (AOR: 0.79; 95% CI 0.71 to 0.88) or cigarette-only laws (AOR: 0.88; 95% CI 0.78 to 0.99) than in those prohibiting both cigarette and e-cigarette use in public places.ConclusionsProhibiting both e-cigarette and cigarette use in public places could benefit public health.
Cotangent spaces and separating re-embeddings
Authors: Kreuzer Martin , Ngoc Long Le , Robbiano Lorenzo 
Published: June 2021

Given an affine algebra [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a polynomial ring over a field [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is an ideal in [Formula: see text], we study re-embeddings of the affine scheme [Formula: see text], i.e. presentations [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is a polynomial ring in fewer indeterminates. To find such re-embeddings, we use polynomials [Formula: see text] in the ideal [Formula: see text] which are coherently separating in the sense that they are of the form [Formula: see text] with an indeterminate [Formula: see text] which divides neither a term in the support of [Formula: see text] nor in the support of [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text]. The possible numbers of such sets of polynomials are shown to be governed by the Gröbner fan of [Formula: see text]. The dimension of the cotangent space of [Formula: see text] at a [Formula: see text]-linear maximal ideal is a lower bound for the embedding dimension, and if we find coherently separating polynomials corresponding to this bound, we know that we have determined the embedding dimension of [Formula: see text] and found an optimal re-embedding.
Computing the Permanent of the Laplacian Matrices of Nonbipartite Graphs
Authors: Hu Xiaoxue , Kalaso Grace 
Published: June 2021

Let

G

be a graph with Laplacian matrix

L

G

. Denote by

per
L

G

the permanent of

L

G

. In this study, we investigate the problem of computing the permanent of the Laplacian matrix of nonbipartite graphs. We show that the permanent of the Laplacian matrix of some classes of nonbipartite graphs can be formulated as the composite of the determinants of two matrices related to those Laplacian matrices. In addition, some recursion formulas on

per
L

G

are deduced.
Fusobacterium Nucleatum Promotes the Development of Colorectal Cancer by Activating a Cytochrome P450/Epoxyoctadecenoic Acid Axis via TLR4/Keap1/NRF2 Signaling
Authors: Kong Cheng , Yan Xuebing , Zhu Yefei , Zhu Huiyuan , Luo Ying , Liu Peipei , Ferrandon Sylvain , Kalady Matthew F. , Gao Renyuan , He Jide , Yin Fang , Qu Xiao , Zheng Jiayi , Gao Yaohui , Wei Qing , Ma Yanlei , Liu Jun-Yan , Qin Huanlong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Emerging research has revealed regulation of colorectal cancer metabolism by bacteria. Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) plays a crucial role in the development of colorectal cancer, however, whether Fn infection modifies metabolism in patients with colorectal cancer remains unknown. Here, LC-MS/MS-based lipidomics identified the upregulation of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, primarily CYP2J2, and their mediated product 12,13-EpOME in patients with colorectal cancer tumors and mouse models, which increased the invasive and migratory ability of colorectal cancer cells in vivo and in vitro by regulating the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Metagenomic sequencing indicated a positive correlation between increased levels of fecal Fn and serum 12,13-EpOME in patients with colorectal cancer. High levels of CYP2J2 in tumor tissues also correlated with high Fn levels and worse overall survival in patients with stage III/IV colorectal cancer. Moreover, Fn was found to activate TLR4/AKT signaling, downregulating Keap1 and increasing NRF2 to promote transcription of CYP2J2. Collectively, these data identify that Fn promotes EMT and metastasis in colorectal cancer by activating a TLR4/Keap1/NRF2 axis to increase CYP2J2 and 12,13-EpOME, which could serve as clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets for Fn-infected patients with colorectal cancer.

Significance:
This study uncovers a mechanism by which Fusobacterium nucleatum regulates colorectal cancer metabolism to drive metastasis, suggesting the potential biomarker and therapeutic utility of the CYP2J2/12,13–EpOME axis in Fn-infected patients.