bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison between robotic-assisted and laparoscopic sphincter-preserving operations for ultra-low rectal cancer: a single institutional retrospective study
Authors: Kojima Tadahiro , Hino Hitoshi , Shiomi Akio , Kagawa Hiroyasu , Yamaoka Yusuke , Manabe Shoichi , Kato Shunichiro , Hanaoka Marie 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Sphincter-preserving operations for ultra-low rectal cancer include low anterior resection and intersphincteric resection. In low anterior resection, the distal rectum is divided by a transabdominal approach, which is technically demanding. In intersphincteric resection, a perineal approach is performed. We aimed to evaluate whether robotic-assisted surgery is technically superior to laparoscopic surgery for ultra-low rectal cancer. The frequency of conducting low anterior resection by a specific procedure can indicate the technical superiority of that procedure for ultra-low rectal cancer. Thus, we compared the frequency of low anterior resection between robotic-assisted and laparoscopic surgery in cases of sphincter-preserving operations.
Methods
We investigated 183 patients who underwent sphincter-preserving robotic-assisted or laparoscopic surgery for ultra-low rectal cancer (lower border within 5 cm of the anal verge) between April 2010 and March 2020. The frequency of low anterior resection was compared between laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries. The clinicopathological factors associated with an increase in performing low anterior resection were analyzed by multivariate analyses.
Results
Overall, 41 (22.4%) and 142 (77.6%) patients underwent laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery, respectively. Patient characteristics were similar between the groups. Low anterior resection was performed significantly more frequently in robotic-assisted surgery (67.6%) than in laparoscopic surgery (48.8%) (p = 0.04). Multivariate analyses showed that tumor distance from the anal verge (p < 0.01) and robotic-assisted surgery (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with an increase in the performance of low anterior resection. The rate of postoperative complications or pathological results was similar between the groups.
Conclusions
Compared with laparoscopic surgery, robotic-assisted surgery significantly increased the frequency of low anterior resection in sphincter-preserving operations for ultra-low rectal cancer. Robotic-assisted surgery has technical superiority over laparoscopic surgery for ultra-low rectal cancer treatment.
Development and characterization of 33 SNP markers in a critically endangered Hynobius amjiensis using ddRAD sequencing
Authors: Kan Xia , Wang Guoliang , Zhang Lili , Zhao Xin , Shan Shuangshuang , Liu Guiming , Shao Chen , Wang Yu 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Hynobius amjiensis was considered as one of the 29 most threatened amphibian in China. To effectively conserve, manage and recover the population of this critically endangered species, 33 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were developed using double digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing. The minor allele frequency per locus ranged from 0.0161 to 0.5000. The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity varied from 0.0323 to 0.6667 (average 0.3303) and from 0.0317 to 0.5000 (average 0.2772), respectively. The inbreeding coefficient value ranged between − 0.3315 and 0.0000. No significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equlibrium (P > 0.05) were found in all loci. These novel SNPs will be helpful for the population genetic assessment and conservation of H. amjiensis.
Perception of undergraduates and postgraduates pertaining online Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Cross-sectional Study amongst Sudanese Health Professional Students
Authors:   Hiba Awadelkareem Osman Fadl 1,2*,   Abdelrahman Hamza Abdelmoneim Hamza 3,4,   Mahir Eissa Mohamed Eissa 5,   Hadeel Idris Adam Osman 6,7,   Hiba Ali Ibrahim Ali 7,8,   Noha Abdalla Yousif Mohamed 7,9
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted all aspects of life including educational services due to partial and complete lockdown. In Sudan, education is based on the traditional method of learning (face-to-face lectures) in a classroom. However, the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 made some educational institutes especially Universities and colleges resort to online learning. This study aimed to assess the Perception of Health professional students included under and postgraduates concerning the possible application of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan 2020.Methods: A Cross-Sectional study was conducted amongst Sudanese Health professional Students, included Undergraduates and postgraduates. A convenient sample collection method was used via a self-administrated online structured questionnaire of nineteen questions, which were validated by a medical education expert. The perception was assessed and data were analyzed using a statistical package for social science (SPSS).Results: A total of 133 Health Professional students responded to the web questionnaire.97 (73%) were undergraduates and 36(27%) were postgraduates. Among undergraduates, 58(59.8%) were expressing positive perception, while 39(40.2%) had a negative perception. Whereas 24 (66.7%) of Postgraduates had positive perceptions and 12(33.3%) of them expressed a negative perception about online learning.Conclusions: Postgraduate health professionals are more familiar and stating a higher level of perception compared to the undergraduates, furthermore, several students already were exposed to hybrid online learning during the current COVID-19 Pandemic. Several obstacles to the implementation of online learning in Sudan were noticed by the participating students in this study, which must be appropriately managed for the successful implantation of this mode of learning.
How (Dis)trust in Scientific Information Links Political Ideology and Reactions Toward the Coronavirus Pandemic: Associations in the U.S. and Globally
Authors: McLamore Quinnehtukqut , Syropoulos Stylianos , Leidner Bernhard , Hirschberger Gilad , Young Kevin , Zein Rizqy , Baumert Anna , Bilewicz Michał , Bezouw Maarten van , Chatard Armand , Chekroun Peggy , Choi Hoon-Seok , Euh Hyun , Gomez Angel , Kardos Peter , Khoo Ying Hooi , Li Mengyao , Loughnan Steve , Mari Silvia , Tan-Mansukhani Roseann , Muldoon Orla , Noor Masi , Paladino Maria , Petrović Nebojša , Selvanathan Hema Preya , Uluğ Özden , Wohl Michael , Yeung Victoria , Chinchilla Juana 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
U.S.-based research suggests conservatism is linked with less concern about contracting coronavirus and less preventative behaviors to avoid infection. Here, we investigate whether these tendencies are partly attributable to distrust in scientific information, and evaluate whether they generalize outside the U.S., using public data and recruited representative samples across four studies (Ntotal=37,790). In Studies 1–3, we examine these relationships in the U.S., yielding converging evidence for a sequential indirect effect of conservatism on compliance through scientific (dis)trust and infection concern. In Study 4, we compare these relationships across 19 distinct countries, finding that they are strongest in North America, extend to support for lockdown restrictions, and that the indirect effects do not fully appear in any other country in our sample other than Indonesia. These effects suggest that rather than a general distrust in science, whether or not conservatism predicts coronavirus outcomes depends upon national contexts.
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy combined with unilateral task-oriented training with and without an orthosis in subacute stroke: A pilot study
Authors: Li Chao Jin Zi , Wong Yih , Langhammer Birgitta , Huang Fu Biao , Du Xiao Xia , Wang Yun Lei , Zhang Hao Jie , Zhang Tong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

The recovery of upper extremity motor deficits represents a functional challenge for persons with stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms of Unilateral task-oriented training combined with dynamic hand orthosis for the recovery in subacute stroke by using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).
Methods

This was a pilot randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded trial. A total sample of 30 subacute persons with stroke were randomized into two groups: the orthosis group and the usual exercise group. All participants received four weeks (60 min/day, 5 days/week) of unilateral upper limb training. The orthosis group wore a dynamic hand orthosis during half the training (30 min/day). O2Hb concentrations and a laterality index for bilateral premotor cortex, sensorimotor cortex by fNIRS were calculated as outcome indicators that were measured at baseline and 4 weeks after the interventions. Clinical outcomes were collected for correlation analysis.
Results

No significant difference in O2Hb concentrations change between two groups. Cortical activation shifted from the ipsilateral to the contralateral premotor cortex and from the contralateral to the ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex in both groups. In the Orthosis group, the change of Fugl-Meyer Assessment of arm score was positively correlated to the shift to contralateral premotor cortex activation and the change of Action Research Arm Test score was positively correlated to the shift to ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex activation. In the UL group, a negative correlation was observed between the shift to ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex and changes of Fugl-Meyer Assessment of arm score.
Conclusion

This is the first fNIRS study to explore the mechanism of recovery in subacute stroke after utilizing unilateral task-oriented training and a dynamic orthosis. The current results suggest that fNIRS combined with clinical tests may be useful to evaluate the mechanism of stroke recovery after different rehabilitation interventions. Trial registration: Registered on January 11, 2018 at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03396939). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/home.
A meta-analysis of the effect of sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) on metabolic parameters in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Authors: Sinha Binayak , Ghosal Sami 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy among women of childbearing age and is associated with multiple morbidities. However, treatment for this condition is mainly applied for symptomatic relief and does not address the complex pathophysiology of this condition. This meta-analysis was conducted on the usage of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) in PCOS because this group of drugs presents an attractive strategy to address the metabolic and hormonal defects by managing the pathophysiological defects observed in this syndrome.
Methods

We included prospective trials that enrolled patients with established PCOS and compared an SGLT-2i group versus a control group with at least 2 weeks of follow-up. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used for effect size estimation from individual studies and was pooled using the fixed effect model.
Results

We included four trials with a pooled population of 158 patients with documented PCOS who received either an SGLT-2i or standard management. From a metabolic perspective, significant improvements were observed in the reduction in body weight (SMD: -0.68, 95% CI -1.16 to -0.19, < 0.01), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (SMD: -0.59, 95% CI -0.99 to -0.19, P < 0.01), and insulin resistance as assessed with the HOMA-IR (SMD: -0.39, 95% CI -0.76 to -0.03, P = 0.03). In addition, a significant improvement was noted in dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) levels (SMD: -0.55, 95% CI -0.94 to -0.16, P < 0.01).
Conclusion

SGLT-2i use is associated with salutary outcomes of metabolic and anthropometric markers of PCOS and likely favourable hormonal effects.
The multivariate analysis of variance as a powerful approach for circular data
Authors: Landler Lukas , Ruxton Graeme D. , Malkemper E. Pascal 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
A broad range of scientific studies involve taking measurements on a circular rather than linear scale (often times or orientations). For linear measures there is a well-established statistical toolkit based on linear modelling to explore the associations between this focal variable and potentially several explanatory factors and covariates. However, most statistical testing of circular statistics is much simpler: often involving either testing whether variation in the focal measurements departs from circular uniformity, or whether a single explanatory factor with two levels is supported. Here we demonstrate that a MANOVA approach based on the sines and cosines of the circular data is as effective as the most-commonly used tests in these simple situations, while additionally it offers extension to multi-factorial modelling that these conventional tests do not. This, in combination with recent developments in Bayesian approaches, offers a substantial broadening of the scientific questions that can be addressed statistically with circular data.
Colchicine for gout
Authors: Eliseev M. S. , Chikina M. N. , Novikova A. M. 
Published: August 2021

Colchicine is a drug that has been known for several millennia, since the days of Ancient Egypt, but has been successfully used to treat gout to this day. The action of colchicine is based on microtubule damage, mitosis suppression, as well as the ability to inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasoma by monosodium urate crystals and block the release of interleu-kina (IL)-1p - key cytokine in the development of gout inflammation. However, the mechanism of action of colchicine is still not fully understood.Colchicine should be considered as the optimal drug not only for relieving an acute attack of arthritis in gout, but also as the best method for preventing attacks of gouty arthritis when choosing urate-lowering therapy. Recent studies have confirmed the good efficacy and safety profile of the drug when used correctly in patients with gout. Currently, it is recommended to use low doses of the drug (1-1.5 mg per day to relieve an acute attack of arthritis and 0.5-1.0 mg to prevent attacks when initiating uratelowering therapy). At the same time, according to the results of recent studies on the effectiveness, low doses are not inferior to high doses, but when low doses are used, the frequency of undesirable effects is much less. Unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids, the drug does not have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system and can be used in patients with diabetes mellitus. This allows the drug to be used for a long time, which is especially important, since it is recommended to prevent arthritis attacks for at least 6 months from the start of taking urate-lowering drugs. This avoids the exacerbation of arthritis in most patients and significantly reduces their frequency. In addition, in the light of the accumulating data on the effect of the drug on the cardiovascular system of the drug, in conjunction with the high safety profile, other points of application should be considered where both anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties of colchicine can be used.
Practical guidelines for the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain and comorbid chronic insomnia: clinical observation
Authors: Golovacheva V. A. , Golovacheva A. A. , Golubev V. L. 
Published: August 2021

A clinical case of a patient with chronic nonspecific low back pain and comorbid chronic insomnia is described, and a modern approach to the management of this patient category is shown. So-called yellow flags - factors that contribute to the central sensitization of pain - lead to chronicity of LBP. In the presented clinical case we identified the most common "yellow flags”: insomnia, pain catastrophizing, restrictive ”pain” behavior, anxiety. In practice, they often ignore the aforementioned factors, determine only the presence of back pain and prescribe analgesic therapy, which does not allow for an effective result.Insomnia is prevalent among patients with LBP, occurring in 47-64% of cases. With the COVID-19 pandemic among the population, the incidence of insomnia, anxiety and depression has increased. To date, the identification and treatment of these disorders is particularly relevant in the management of patients with chronic nonspecific LBP.The patient was treated, which included non-drug and drug methods and complied with Russian and foreign clinical guidelines on the therapy of chronic nonspecific LBP and on the therapy of chronic insomnia. Non-drug treatment consisted of educational talks, recommendations on daily activity and sleep hygiene, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, relaxation, and therapeutic gymnastics. The listed methods were aimed at reducing pain catastrophizing, physical and social activation of the patient. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug dexketoprofen was used as pharmacotherapy according to a step-by-step regimen. After 5 days of therapy pain relief was observed, after 3 months of therapy back pain regressed, sleep normalized, mood improved. This therapeutic approach showed its effectiveness and safety in the treatment of chronic nonspecific LBP and comorbid chronic insomnia.
Immunogenicity, safety and efficacy of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in patients with inflammatory joint diseases (preliminary data)
Authors: Baranova M. M. , Sergeeva M. S. , Muravyeva N. V. , Belov B. S. 
Published: August 2021

Intoduction.Currently, for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA), basic anti-inflammatory drugs and biological drugs are widely used to effectively control the activity of the disease. However, the use of these drugs is associated with an increased risk of developing comorbid infections, some of which can be prevented by vaccination. Objective. To evaluate the immunogenicity, safety, and clinical efficacy of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV-23) in patients with RA and SpA.Materials and methods. The study included 122 patients: 79 - with RA, 43-with SpA. Most patients had a history of two or more cases of lower respiratory tract infections, 2 patients reported a monthly exacerbation of chronic sinusitis, one patient reported the development of otitis media every 2-3 months. At the time of inclusion in the study, most patients received immunosuppressive therapy. PPV-23 was administered in an amount of 1 dose (0.5 ml) subcutaneously against the background of anti-rheumatic therapy. The level of antibodies to pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide was determined using the EIA PCP IgG kit (TestLine Clin-ical Diagnostics s.r.o., Czech Republic) before vaccination, 1, 3 and 12 months after vaccination. In addition, the tolerance of PPV-23, the frequency of pneumonia, and the effect on the activity of RA and SpA were evaluated (according to the dynamics of DAS28 and BASDAI).Results.At 1, 3, and 12 months after vaccination, the concentration of antibodies to pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide was significantly higher than the baseline values, which indicates sufficient immunogenicity of PPV-23. There was no negative effect of vaccination on the activity of the underlying disease and the occurrence of new autoimmune disorders. In the majority of patients (67% - RA, 81.4% - SpA), the tolerance of the vaccine was good. During the follow-up period, none of the patients developed pneumonia. Patients suffering from frequent sinusitis and otitis media reported the absence of these infections after vaccination.Conclusion.Preliminary results of the study indicate sufficient immunogenicity, safety, and clinical efficacy of PPV-23 in patients with RA and SpA.
Modern immunopharmacological methods of discovering new properties of benzydamine by its influence on innate and adaptive immune cells
Authors: Kazimirskii A. N. , Salmasi J. M. , Poryadin G. V. , Kukes I. V. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract Introduction.Considering the development of technologies and techniques, it is highly relevant today to continue studying the features of interaction of drugs developed and introduced into clinical practice in the 1960s and 1980s with the elements of the immune system located in the mucosa, since many of these drugs have local dosage forms. One such drug is benzidamine hydrochloride, registered as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with extended pharmacodynamic properties.Objective. To evaluate the effect of benzidamine hydrochloride preparation on the cells of innate and acquired immunity located in the mucosa in an in vitro model.Materials and Methods. Cell fractions of neutrophils isolated from patients with infectious inflammation were used in the study. Sterile isolated neutrophils from the venous blood of patients were transferred into RPMI-1640 medium, where the investigated pharmacological drug was added, and incubation with cells was performed. Fluorescence microscopy was used to detect and count neutrophil extracellular traps. Cell fractions of lymphocytes isolated from patients with infectious inflammation were also used in the study. A commercial drug containing benzidamine hydrochloride, Tantum Verde (Angelini Pharma S.p.a., Italy), was used in the study.Results and discussion. Benzidamine causes significant inhibition of neutrophil extracellular trap formation. This suggests that at the beginning of application the drug enhances the antimicrobial response of the body, and then as the concentration decreases it demonstrates classic anti-inflammatory properties. The drug also enhances the neutrophil extracellular trap structure. The total number of B-lymphocytes tends to normalize under the effect of benzidamine. These data allow us to conclude about the ability of the drug to attenuate the severity of the inflammatory process, apparently by inhibiting the action of inflammatory cytokines.Conclusion.In the course of the in vitro study it was shown that benzidamine hydrochloride (Tantum Verde) has immunomodulatory properties against innate immunity cells – neutrophils, and its anti-inflammatory properties against adaptive immunity cells – lymphocytes – were confirmed.