bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mini-invasive surgical instruments in transaortic myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: a single-center experience with 168 cases
Authors: Ji Qiang , Wang Yu Lin , Yang Ye , Lai Hao , Ding Wen Jun , Xia Li Min , Wang Chun Sheng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Although septal myectomy is a standard strategy for managing patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and drug-refractory symptoms, so far, only a few experienced myectomy centers exist globally. Mainly, this can be explained by the many technical challenges presented by myectomy. From our clinical experience, applying the mini-invasive surgical instruments during myectomy potentially reduces the technical difficulty. This study reports the preliminary experience regarding transaortic septal myectomy using mini-invasive surgical instruments for managing patients with HOCM and drug-refractory symptoms; also, we evaluate the early results following myectomy.

Methods
Between March 2016 and March 2019, consecutive HOCM patients who underwent isolated transaortic septal myectomy using the mini-invasive surgical instruments were enrolled in this analysis. Intraoperative, in-hospital and follow-up results were analyzed.

Results
We included 168 eligible patients (83 males, mean 56.8 ± 12.3 years). The midventricular obstruction was recorded in 7 (4.2%) patients. All patients underwent transaortic septal myectomy with a mean aortic cross-clamping time of 36.0 ± 8.1 min. During myectomy, 9 (5.4%) patients received repeat aortic cross-clamping. Surgical mortality was 0.6%. Notably, 5 (3.0%) patients developed complete atrioventricular block, they needed permanent pacemaker implantation. The median follow-up time was 6 months; however, no follow-up deaths occurred with a significant improvement in New York Heart Association functional status. We reported a sharp decrease in the maximum gradients from the preoperative value (11.6 ± 7.4 mmHg vs. 94.4 ± 22.6 mmHg, p < 0.001). The median degree of mitral regurgitation fell to 1.0 (vs. 3.0 preoperatively, p < 0.001) with a significant reduction in the proportion of moderate or more regurgitation (1.2% vs. 57.7%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Mini-invasive surgical instruments may be beneficial in reducing the technical challenges of transaortic septal myectomy procedure. Of note, transaortic septal myectomy using the mini-invasive surgical instruments may present with favorable results.
Catamenial pneumothorax with partial liver herniation due to diaphragmatic laceration: a case report and literature review
Authors: Arakawa Satoshi , Matsudaira Hideki , Noda Yuki , Yamashita Makoto , Hirano Jun , Ogawa Masaichi , Ohtsuka Takashi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Catamenial pneumothorax is generally uncommon, with an incidence of less than 3–6% in women with spontaneous pneumothorax. As few cases of catamenial pneumothorax with diaphragmatic defect and liver herniation have been reported, this case report may be useful for understanding the cause and treatment. This case highlights the importance of the approach for liver hernia in patients with catamenial pneumothorax and endometriosis.

Case presentation
We report a case of catamenial pneumothorax in a 43-year-old woman with diaphragmatic partial liver hernia who was treated with thoracoscopic surgery. She was diagnosed with a right pneumothorax at menstruation onset. Chest computed tomography showed a nodule protruding above the right diaphragm. We performed thoracoscopic surgery to treat the persistent air leak and biopsied the nodule on the right diaphragm. There were blueberry spots on the diaphragm; the nodule was found to be the herniated liver. The diaphragmatic defect was sutured. Histological examination of the tissue near the partial prolapsed liver revealed endometrial tissue.

Conclusions
It is speculated that ectopic endometrial tissue in the diaphragm will periodically necrose to become a diaphragmatic tear, which is a pathway for air to enter the thoracic cavity and eventually a herniated liver. Thoracoscopic surgery should be considered in patients with catamenial pneumothorax when a diaphragmatic lesion is suspected.
Cell-permeable transgelin-2 as a potent therapeutic for dendritic cell-based cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Kim Hye-Ran , Park Jeong-Su , Park Jin-Hwa , Yasmin Fatima , Kim Chang-Hyun , Oh Se Kyu , Chung Ik-Joo , Jun Chang-Duk 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Transgelin-2 is a 22 kDa actin-binding protein that has been proposed to act as an oncogenic factor, capable of contributing to tumorigenesis in a wide range of human malignancies. However, little is known whether this tiny protein also plays an important role in immunity, thereby keeping body from the cancer development and metastasis. Here, we investigated the functions of transgelin-2 in dendritic cell (DC) immunity. Further, we investigated whether the non-viral transduction of cell-permeable transgelin-2 peptide potentially enhance DC-based cancer immunotherapy.

Methods
To understand the functions of transgelin-2 in DCs, we utilized bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) purified from transgelin-2 knockout (Tagln2−/−) mice. To observe the dynamic cellular mechanism of transgelin-2, we utilized confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. To monitor DC migration and cognate T–DC interaction in vivo, we used intravital two-photon microscopy. For the solid and metastasis tumor models, OVA+ B16F10 melanoma were inoculated into the C57BL/6 mice via intravenously (i.v.) and subcutaneously (s.c.), respectively. OTI TCR T cells were used for the adoptive transfer experiments. Cell-permeable, de-ubiquitinated recombinant transgelin-2 was purified from Escherichia coli and applied for DC-based adoptive immunotherapy.

Results
We found that transgelin-2 is remarkably expressed in BMDCs during maturation and lipopolysaccharide activation, suggesting that this protein plays a role in DC-based immunity. Although Tagln2−/− BMDCs exhibited no changes in maturation, they showed significant defects in their abilities to home to draining lymph nodes (LNs) and prime T cells to produce antigen-specific T cell clones, and these changes were associated with a failure to suppress tumor growth and metastasis of OVA+ B16F10 melanoma cells in mice. Tagln2−/− BMDCs had defects in filopodia-like membrane protrusion and podosome formation due to the attenuation of the signals that modulate actin remodeling in vitro and formed short, unstable contacts with cognate CD4+ T cells in vivo. Strikingly, non-viral transduction of cell-permeable, de-ubiquitinated recombinant transgelin-2 potentiated DC functions to suppress tumor growth and metastasis.

Conclusion
This work demonstrates that transgelin-2 is an essential protein for both cancer and immunity. Therefore, transgelin-2 can act as a double-edged sword depending on how we apply this protein to cancer therapy. Engineering and clinical application of this protein may unveil a new era in DC-based cancer immunotherapy. Our findings indicate that cell-permeable transgelin-2 have a potential clinical value as a cancer immunotherapy based on DCs.
Long-term outcomes after critical illness: recent insights
Authors: Rousseau Anne-Françoise , Prescott Hallie C. , Brett Stephen J. , Weiss Björn , Azoulay Elie , Creteur Jacques , Latronico Nicola , Hough Catherine L. , Weber-Carstens Steffen , Vincent Jean-Louis , Preiser Jean-Charles 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntensive care survivors often experience post-intensive care sequelae, which are frequently gathered together under the term “post-intensive care syndrome” (PICS). The consequences of PICS on quality of life, health-related costs and hospital readmissions are real public health problems. In the present Viewpoint, we summarize current knowledge and gaps in our understanding of PICS and approaches to management.
The utility of diagnostic tests in the detection and prediction of glucose intolerance in the early and late postpartum period in women after gestational diabetes: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Quansah Dan Yedu , Gross Justine , Mbundu-Ilunga Richard , Puder Jardena J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundDue to diverging international recommendations, the unclear role of HbA1c and the lack of longitudinal data, we investigated the accuracy of diagnostic tests in the early and late postpartum in women with gestational diabetes (GDM) especially to predict future glucose-intolerance.MethodsThis longitudinal cohort included 967 women with GDM from 2011 to 2020. A 75-g oGTT and HbA1c were performed at 4–12 weeks (early) postpartum. FPG and HbA1c were measured at 1 and 3-year (late) postpartum. ADA criteria were used as gold standards. At all time-points (4–12 weeks, 1-year and 3-year postpartum) women with diabetes and prediabetes were grouped together and referred to as glucose-intolerant, because at most 3% of the entire cohort population had diabetes at any time-point.ResultsThe prevalence of glucose-intolerance in the early postpartum was higher using FPG and HbA1c (27.5%) than oGTT criteria (18.2%). Only 48–80% of women diagnosed with glucose-intolerance in the early postpartum actually remained intolerant. This was especially low when FPG or oGTT were combined with HbA1c (1-year: ≤ 62% and 3-years: ≤ 50%). Regardless of the test used, 1/3 of women with initially normal glucose-tolerance became glucose-intolerant in the late postpartum. HbA1c was unrelated to iron status/intake, remained stable throughout, but poorly predicted future glucose-intolerance. In the longitudinal analyses, all diagnostic tests in the early postpartum showed acceptable specificities (74–96%) but poor sensitivities (all < 38%) to predict glucose-intolerance after only 10-months. At 1-year postpartum however, the combination of FPG and HbA1c could best predict glucose-intolerance 2-years later.ConclusionsCombining FPG with HbA1c at 1-year postpartum represents a reliable choice to predict future glucose-intolerance. Given the poor prediction of tests including oGTT in the early postpartum, focus should rather be on continuous long-term screening.
A 36-week multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase 3 clinical trial of sodium oligomannate for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s dementia
Authors: Xiao Shifu , Chan Piu , Wang Tao , Hong Zhen , Wang Shuzhen , Kuang Weihong , He Jincai , Pan Xiaoping , Zhou Yuying , Ji Yong , Wang Luning , Cheng Yan , Peng Ying , Ye Qinyong , Wang Xiaoping , Wu Yuncheng , Qu Qiumin , Chen Shengdi , Li Shuhua , Chen Wei , Xu Jun , Peng Dantao , Zhao Zhongxin , Li Yansheng , Zhang Junjian , Du Yifeng , Chen Weixian , Fan Dongsheng , Yan Yong , Liu Xiaowei , Zhang Wei , Luo Benyan , Wu Wenyuan , Shen Lu , Liu Chunfeng , Mao Peixian , Wang Qiumei , Zhao Qianhua , Guo Qihao , Zhou Yongtao , Li Yi , Jiang Lijun , Ren Wenwei , Ouyang Yingjun , Wang Yan , Liu Shuai , Jia Jianjun , Zhang Nan , Liu Zhonglin , He Raoli , Feng Tingyi , Lu Wenhui , Tang Huidong , Gao Ping , Zhang Yingchun , Chen Lanlan , Wang Lei , Yin You , Xu Qun , Xiao Jinsong , Cong Lin , Cheng Xi , Zhang Hui , Gao Dan , Xia Minghua , Lian Tenghong , Peng Guoping , Zhang Xu , Jiao Bin , Hu Hua , Chen Xueyan , Guan Yihui , Cui Ruixue , Huang Qiu , Xin Xianliang , Chen Hongjian , Ding Yu , Zhang Jing , Feng Teng , Cantillon Marc , Chen Kewei , Cummings Jeffrey L. , Ding Jian , Geng Meiyu , Zhang Zhenxin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
New therapies are urgently needed for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Sodium oligomannate (GV-971) is a marine-derived oligosaccharide with a novel proposed mechanism of action. The first phase 3 clinical trial of GV-971 has been completed in China.

Methods
We conducted a phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in participants with mild-to-moderate AD to assess GV-971 efficacy and safety. Participants were randomized to placebo or GV-971 (900 mg) for 36 weeks. The primary outcome was the drug-placebo difference in change from baseline on the 12-item cognitive subscale of the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-cog12). Secondary endpoints were drug-placebo differences on the Clinician’s Interview-Based Impression of Change with caregiver input (CIBIC+), Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living (ADCS-ADL) scale, and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Safety and tolerability were monitored.

Results
A total of 818 participants were randomized: 408 to GV-971 and 410 to placebo. A significant drug-placebo difference on the ADAS-Cog12 favoring GV-971 was present at each measurement time point, measurable at the week 4 visit and continuing throughout the trial. The difference between the groups in change from baseline was − 2.15 points (95% confidence interval, − 3.07 to − 1.23; p < 0.0001; effect size 0.531) after 36 weeks of treatment. Treatment-emergent adverse event incidence was comparable between active treatment and placebo (73.9%, 75.4%). Two deaths determined to be unrelated to drug effects occurred in the GV-971 group.

Conclusions
GV-971 demonstrated significant efficacy in improving cognition with sustained improvement across all observation periods of a 36-week trial. GV-971 was safe and well-tolerated.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02293915. Registered on November 19, 2014
Characteristics of Wood Ash Cement Mortar Incorporating Green-Synthesized Nano-TiO2
Authors: Ikotun Bolanle Deborah , Raheem Akeem Ayinde 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper presents the findings of an investigation into the influence of green-synthesized nano-TiO2 on the characteristics of wood ash (WA) cement mortar. Mortar specimens were prepared by partial replacement of cement with WA (10% by weight) and addition of 1, 2 and 3% nano-TiO2 by weight of binder; using constant water-to-binder ratio (w/b) for all mixtures. The properties evaluated are setting time of the binder and flexural and compressive strength with water absorption of the mortar. The results indicated that addition of 1 and 2% nano-TiO2 reduced setting times of WA cement paste. Also, the flexural and compressive strength of WA cement mortar were higher with the incorporation of up to 2% nano-TiO2. The water absorption of WA cement mortar was reduced when nano-TiO2 was added with 2% incorporation having the best result. The incorporation of NT in WA cement mortar improved its workability and strength characteristics.
Prospective cohort study of voice outcomes following secondary tracheoesophageal puncture in gastric pull-up reconstruction after total laryngopharyngoesophagectomy
Authors: Deane Emily C. , Parhar Harman , Rammage Linda , Hu Amanda , Anderson Donald W. 
Published: March 2021

Background Gastric pull-up is a reconstructive option for circumferential defects after resection of advanced laryngopharyngeal malignancy. Voice loss is expected and vocal rehabilitation remains a challenge. Our study objectives were to investigate the feasibility of secondary tracheoesophageal puncture following gastric pull-up and to analyze voice outcomes. Methods This was a prospective cohort study of patients with advanced laryngopharyngeal malignancies who underwent gastric pull-up and secondary tracheoesophageal puncture between 1988 and 2017 at a tertiary-care academic institution. Objective acoustic measures included fundamental frequency and vocal intensity. Perceptual analysis was performed using voice recordings (“Rainbow Passage”) randomly presented in a blinded fashion to four clinicians using the validated GRBAS scale. Speech intelligibility was assessed in a blinded fashion using a validated 7-point scale. Additionally, the Voice Handicap Index-10 was administered as a validated patient self-reporting tool. Results Ten patients (7 male, 3 female) were included, all of whom preferentially used tracheoesophageal puncture for communication. These patients had abnormal median fundamental frequency of 250 (interquartile range (IQR) 214–265) Hz and a limited median vocal intensity of 65.8 (IQR 64.1–68.3) dB. Perceptual analysis (GRBAS) revealed a median ‘moderate’ degree of impairment [grade 2 (IQR 2–3), roughness 2 (IQR 2–3), breathiness 3 (IQR 2–3), asthenia 2 (IQR 1–2), strain 2 (IQR 1–2)] as did median intelligibility scores [median 5 (IQR 4–7)]. Most patients self-reported an abnormal voice handicap-10 [median 26.5 (IQR 22.8–35.0)]. Conclusion Secondary tracheoesophageal puncture is a safe and feasible option for voice rehabilitation after gastric pull-up. Although analyses demonstrated moderate subjective and objective impairment, tracheoesophageal puncture provided patients with a self-reported means of functional verbal communication and was their preferred method of communication. Graphical Abstract
Utilizing the simple graph convolutional neural network as a model for simulating influence spread in networks
Authors: Mantzaris Alexander V. , Chiodini Douglas , Ricketson Kyle 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe ability for people and organizations to connect in the digital age has allowed the growth of networks that cover an increasing proportion of human interactions. The research community investigating networks asks a range of questions such as which participants are most central, and which community label to apply to each member. This paper deals with the question on how to label nodes based on the features (attributes) they contain, and then how to model the changes in the label assignments based on the influence they produce and receive in their networked neighborhood. The methodological approach applies the simple graph convolutional neural network in a novel setting. Primarily that it can be used not only for label classification, but also for modeling the spread of the influence of nodes in the neighborhoods based on the length of the walks considered. This is done by noticing a common feature in the formulations in methods that describe information diffusion which rely upon adjacency matrix powers and that of graph neural networks. Examples are provided to demonstrate the ability for this model to aggregate feature information from nodes based on a parameter regulating the range of node influence which can simulate a process of exchanges in a manner which bypasses computationally intensive stochastic simulations.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Fungal sensing skin
Authors: Adamatzky Andrew , Gandia Antoni , Chiolerio Alessandro 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
A fungal skin is a thin flexible sheet of a living homogeneous mycelium made by a filamentous fungus. The skin could be used in future living architectures of adaptive buildings and as a sensing living skin for soft self-growing/adaptive robots.

Results
In experimental laboratory studies we demonstrate that the fungal skin is capable for recognising mechanical and optical stimulation. The skin reacts differently to loading of a weight, removal of the weight, and switching illumination on and off.

Conclusion
These are the first experimental evidences that fungal materials can be used not only as mechanical ‘skeletons’ in architecture and robotics but also as intelligent skins capable for recognition of external stimuli and sensorial fusion.
The role of leukotriene modifying agent treatment in neuropsychiatric events of elderly asthma patients: a nested case control study
Authors: Kang Sang Oh , Min Kyung Hyun , Kim Hyun Jeong , Kim Tae Hyeok , Kim Woorim , Lee Kyung Eun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
In March 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration decided that the dangers related to neuropsychiatric events (NPEs) of montelukast, one of the leukotriene modifying agents (LTMAs), should be communicated through ‘boxed warning’. In case of NPEs, the prevalence has been the highest in elderly people. Because the characteristics of the elderly such as old age itself can act as risk factors. Therefore, an investigation on safety of LTMAs related to NPEs in elderly using LTMAs is needed.

Method
A nested case-control study using an elderly sample cohort from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database was used. The asthma cohort included asthma patients newly diagnosed between 2003 and 2013. Within the asthma cohort, the case group was defined as patients who were diagnosed with NPEs. Among patients who had never been diagnosed with NPEs, the control group was selected by matching 1:1 by propensity score. Patients who were prescribed LTMAs for 1 year prior to index date were defined as the exposure group. The logistic regression model was used to measure the effect of LTMAs on NPEs.

Results
We identified 141,165 patients with newly diagnosed asthma, and selected 31,992 patients per each case and control group. Exposure to LTMAs significantly increased the risk of overall NPEs about in comparison with the absence of exposure (crude odds ratio [OR] 1.58, 95% CI 1.50–1.68). After adjusting for confounding factors, the overall NPEs risk increased (adjusted OR, 1.67, 95% CI 1.58–1.78).

Conclusion
This study suggests that elderly asthma patients prescribed LTMAs had a higher risk of NPEs than patients who were not treated with LTMAs. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of the potential risks of LTMAs.
Effect of mindfulness on physical activity in primary healthcare patients: a randomised controlled trial pilot study
Authors: Nymberg Peter , Calling Susanna , Stenman Emelie , Palmér Karolina , Hansson Eva Ekvall , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Zöller Bengt 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Increased physical activity can have health benefits among inactive individuals. In Sweden, the healthcare system uses physical activity on prescription (PAP) to motivate patients to increase their physical activity level. Mindfulness may further heighten the internal motivation to engage in physical activity. However, previous research has not demonstrated clear evidence of such an association.

Aim
Examine the feasibility of the study design as a preparation for a full-scale study, and examine the differences, between three interventions, in change over time in physical activity levels and in related variables.

Method
Comparison between three different interventions in an ordinary primary health care setting: PAP, mindfulness, and a combination of PAP and mindfulness. Physical activity was measured with self-report and ACTi Graph GT1X activity monitor. Statistical analysis was performed with a mixed-effect model to account for repeated observations and estimate differences both within groups and between groups at 3- and 6-months follow-up.

Results
Between September 2016 and December 2018, a total of 88 participants were randomised into three groups. The total dropout rate was 20.4%, the attendance rate to the mindfulness courses (52% > 6 times) and the web-based mindfulness training (8% > 800 min) was low according to the stated feasibility criteria. Eleven participants were excluded from analysis due to low activity monitor wear time. Neither the activity monitor data nor self-reported physical activity showed any significant differences between the groups.

Conclusion
The study design needs adjustment for the mindfulness intervention design before a fully scaled study can be conducted. A combination of PAP and mindfulness may increase physical activity and self-rated health more than PAP or mindfulness alone.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number NCT02869854. Regional Ethical Review Board in Lund registration number 2016/404.