bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bio-inspired untethered fully soft robots in liquid actuated by induced energy gradients
Authors: Lyu Liang Xiong , Li Fen , Wu Kang , Deng Pan , Jeong Seung Hee , Wu Zhigang , Ding Han 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Soft robotics with new designs, fabrication technologies and control strategies inspired by nature have been totally changing our view on robotics. To fully exploit their potential in practical applications, untethered designs are preferred in implementation. However, hindered by the limited thermal/mechanical performance of soft materials, it has been always challenging for researchers to implement untethered solutions, which generally involve rigid forms of high energy-density power sources or high energy-density processes. A number of insects in nature, such as rove beetles, can gain a burst of kinetic energy from the induced surface-energy gradient on water to return to their familiar habitats, which is generally known as Marangoni propulsion. Inspired by such a behavior, we report the agile untethered mobility of a fully soft robot in liquid based on induced energy gradients and also develop corresponding fabrication and maneuvering strategies. The robot can reach a speed of 5.5 body lengths per second, which is 7-fold more than the best reported, 0.69 (body length per second), in the previous work on untethered soft robots in liquid by far. Further controlling the robots, we demonstrate a soft-robot swarm that can approach a target simultaneously to assure a hit with high accuracy. Without employing any high energy-density power sources or processes, our robot exhibits many attractive merits, such as quietness, no mechanical wear, no thermal fatigue, invisibility and ease of robot fabrication, which may potentially impact many fields in the future.
Obstructive sleep apnea in children aged 3 years and younger: Rate and risk factors
Authors: Selvadurai Sarah , Voutsas Giorge , Propst Evan J , Wolter Nikolaus E , Narang Indra 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveUndiagnosed and untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can predispose children to neurobehavioural consequences. However, there is a lack of data identifying rate of, and risk factors for, OSA in very young healthy children. The objective of this study was to determine the rate of OSA and identify risk factors associated with the presence and severity of OSA in children aged 3 years and younger.MethodsThis was a retrospective chart review of healthy children between 1 and 3 years old who had a baseline polysomnogram (PSG) between January 2012 and June 2017. Patient demographics, referral history, and PSG data were recorded.ResultsOne hundred and thirteen children were referred for a PSG, of which 66 (58%) were diagnosed with OSA and 47 (42%) did not have OSA. In the OSA group, 13 (20%) were mild and 53 (80%) were moderate-severe. Nasal congestion (P=0.001), adenoid hypertrophy (P=&lt;0.001), and tonsillar hypertrophy (P=0.04) reported at the time of referral were more common in the OSA group compared to the no-OSA group. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that referral from an otolaryngologist (odds ratio=2.6, 95% confidence interval=1.1 to 6.0) were associated with moderate-severe OSA.ConclusionA high rate of OSA was found among children aged 3 years and younger. Children referred by an otolaryngologist are more likely to be diagnosed with moderate-severe OSA. Children aged 3 years and younger with symptoms of OSA should be considered high-risk for OSA and be prioritized for early PSG and management.
Measuring scientific impact of fisheries and aquaculture research-for-development projects in South East Asia and the Pacific
Authors: Hiruy Kiros , Murphy Ray , Lewis Tom , White William T , Purcell Steven W 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Research-for-development (R4D), as a mode of foreign aid, is a practical way to support developing countries. However, few studies have assessed the scientific impacts of R4D projects. Here, we applied an integrated assessment approach to evaluate the scientific impact of research projects commissioned by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research’s Fisheries Program in the Asia-Pacific region between 2000 and 2012. We use publication metrics and expert panel reviews to examine trends in scientific outputs among 73 fisheries and aquaculture research projects. ‘Among projects, there was considerable variation in publication types and outputs (including academic papers, magazine articles, policy reports, books, and book chapters), and projects produced, on average, 10 publications at a funded-dollar cost of AU$41,000 per publication. Bilateral and multilateral projects tended to produce more refereed journal articles and citations per funded dollar than single-country projects, and publication outputs were poor for certain countries. With the exception of fisheries projects, larger (more highly funded) projects did not produce more journal articles per funded dollar than smaller projects. Project duration had no significant effect on the number of refereed publications, citation rates, or total citations per funded dollar across projects. Aquaculture projects had greater publication impact, per funded dollar than fisheries projects. Beyond the bibliometric measures, qualitative findings indicated that scientific impact was strongly influenced by motivations of project leaders and their institutions. We identified disparate impact performance among industries and countries. These findings could inform future overseas aid investments, policies and strategies. This study offers useful benchmarks for gauging scientific impacts of R4D programs and shows the value of using approaches that go beyond bibliometric measures.
Raising the Stakes: Inequality and Testing in the Russian Education System
Authors: Jackson Michelle , Khavenson Tatiana , Chirkina Tatiana 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSociologists have argued that high-stakes tests open the door to high levels of educational inequality at transition points: in a high-stakes testing regime, parents and students are able to focus all energy and resources on test preparation, thus enhancing pre-existing inequalities in academic performance. But arguments about a special role for high-stakes tests are often prosecuted without explicit comparisons to other types of tests and assessments, usually because information on other tests is not available. In this article, we analyze a unique dataset on a contemporary cohort of Russian students, for whom we have PISA and TIMSS scores, low-stakes test scores, and high-stakes test scores. We compare the role each test plays in mediating socioeconomic background inequalities at the important transitions in the Russian educational system: the transition to upper secondary education and the transition to university. We find evidence in favor of a special role for the high-stakes test at the transition to university, but we also find evidence that gives cause to question the standard assumption that high-stakes tests should be a primary focus for those concerned about inequality of educational opportunity.
Vascular Protection and Decongestion Without Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System Stimulation Mediated by a Novel Dual-Acting Vasopressin V1a/V2 Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Kolkhof Peter , Pook Elisabeth , Pavkovic Mira , Kretschmer Axel , Buchmüller Anja , Tinel Hanna , Delbeck Martina , Mondritzki Thomas , Wasnaire Pierre , Dinh Wilfried , Truebel Hubert , Hüser Jörg , Schmeck Carsten 
Published: July 2019

Abstract:
Increased plasma vasopressin levels have been shown to be associated with the progression of congestive heart failure. Vasopressin mediates water retention by renal tubular V2 receptor activation as well as vasoconstriction, cardiac hypertrophy, and fibrosis through V1a receptor activation. Therefore, we developed a novel, dual-acting vasopressin receptor antagonist, BAY 1753011, with almost identical Ki-values of 0.5 nM at the human V1a receptor and 0.6 nM at the human V2 receptor as determined in radioactive binding assays. Renal V2 antagonism by BAY 1753011 was compared with the loop diuretic furosemide in acute diuresis experiments in conscious rats. Similar diuretic efficacy was found with 300-mg/kg furosemide (maximal diuretic response) and 0.1-mg/kg BAY 1753011. Furosemide dose-dependently induced plasma renin and angiotensin I levels, while an equiefficient diuretic BAY 1753011 dose did not activate the renin–angiotensin system. BAY 1753011 dose-dependently decreased the vasopressin-induced expression of the profibrotic/hypertrophic marker plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and osteopontin in rat cardiomyocytes, while the selective V2 antagonist satavaptan was without any effect. The combined vascular V1a-mediated and renal V2-mediated properties as well as the antihypertrophic/antifibrotic activity enable BAY 1753011 to become a viable treatment option for oral chronic treatment of congestive heart failure.
Two Compounds Isolated From Ganglioside GM1 Promote Angiogenesis in Zebrafish
Authors: Shi Yunwei , Wang Xiaoning , Shi Yuanyuan , Zhang Jie , Zhao Shuyong , Yin Zhenhua , Xu Guangmin , Duan Xuchu , Guo Zhimou , Liang Xinmiao , Liu Dong 
Published: July 2019

Abstract:
Ganglioside has been implicated to play important roles in modulating various cell signaling and biological functions. However, the functional analysis of a single ganglioside in a zebrafish model is so far lacking. In this study, we investigated the angiogenic effects of 2 monosialoganglioside compounds isolated from GM1 in zebrafish embryos. First, we showed the tested compounds are adequate safe. Then, we found that these compounds exhibited significant proangiogenic effect through enhancement of endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Furthermore, the 2 compounds were proved to promote angiogenesis through, at least partially, modulating the level of Notch signaling. This study provides the novel insights into the clinical application of the 2 ganglioside compounds and GM1.
The financial impact of postoperative complications following liver resection
Authors: Cosic Luka , Ma Ronald , Churilov Leonid , Debono David , Nikfarjam Mehrdad , Christophi Christopher , Weinberg Laurence 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the financial burden of complications and examine the cost differentials between complicated and uncomplicated hospital stays, including the differences in cost due to extent of resection and operative technique.
Liver resection carries a high financial cost. Despite improvements in perioperative care, postoperative morbidity remains high. The contribution of postoperative complications to the cost of liver resection is poorly quantified, and there is little data to help guide cost containment strategies.
Complications for 317 consecutive adult patients undergoing liver resection were recorded using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Patients were stratified based on the grade of their worst complication to assess the contribution of morbidity to resource use of specific cost centers. Costs were calculated using an activity-based costing methodology.
Complications dramatically increased median hospital cost ($22,954 vs $15,593, P < .001). Major resection cost over $10,000 more than minor resection and carried greater morbidity (82% vs 59%, P < .001). Similarly, open resection cost more than laparoscopic resection ($21,548 vs $15,235, P < .001) and carried higher rates of complications (72% vs 41.5%, P < .001). Hospital cost increased with increasing incidence and severity of complications. Complications increased costs across all cost centers. Minor complications (Clavien-Dindo Grade I and II) were shown to significantly increase costs compared with uncomplicated patients.
Liver resection continues to carry a high incidence of complications, and these result in a substantial financial burden. Hospital cost and length of stay increase with greater severity and number of complications. Our findings provide an in-depth analysis by stratifying total costs by cost centers, therefore guiding future economic studies and strategies aimed at cost containment for liver resection.
A case report of infectious scleritis with corneal ulcer caused by Scedosporium aurantiacum
Authors: Kim Hyuna , Ahn Ja-Young , Chung In-Young , Seo Seong-Wook , Yoo Woong-Sun , Shin Jong Hee , Kim Seong-Jae 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Rationale:

Scedosporium species is rare pathogen of ocular infection. The accurate diagnosis is delaying in many cases and the clinical prognosis is poor due to its resistance to antifungal agents. This report describes a patient with infectious scleritis and corneal ulcer caused by Scedosporium auranticum infection who required enucleation to control the infection.

Patient concerns:
A 70-year-old woman visited our clinic after experiencing ocular discomfort in her right eye for 4 days after minor ocular trauma, with soil exposure.

Diagnoses:

Scedosporium species was isolated from a culture of corneal tissue, Scedosporium aurantiacum was identified in a culture of necrotic tissue.

Interventions:
She was started on treatment with antifungal agents, including topical amphotericin B and systemic fluconazole, but her ocular condition did not improve. Although the lesion showed temporary improvement, ocular pain and corneal ulcer recurred 3 months later. Evisceration was performed due to corneal perforation, and enucleation was also performed for dehiscence of the conjunctiva and scleral necrosis.

Outcomes:
After enucleation, postoperative systemic voriconazole treatment controlled the infection without recurrence.

Lessons:

S aurantiacum keratitis is difficult to eradicate, even with several months of treatment with systemic and topical antifungal agents, and tends to progress to scleritis. The infection can be terminated by the orbital enucleation. Infection with this rare organism should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with severe infectious keratitis.
Prognostic value of long non-coding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation1 in human solid tumors
Authors: Zou Bo , Wang Dong , Xu Kai , Liu Jian-lin , Yuan Dao-ying , Meng Zhen , Zhang Bin 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) is highly expressed in a variety of cancer tissues and is related to the clinicopathological features and prognosis. However, the prognostic value of PVT1 is still controversial. Therefore, this systematic evaluation and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the relationship between PVT1 expression and clinicopathological features.
PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science, and Cochrane library databases were searched for literature collection according to inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) were used to evaluate the association between PVT1 expression and overall survival, tumor size, tumor–node–metastasis (TNM) stage, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis.
A total of 39 articles including 3974 patients were included in the study. The results showed that the expression of PVT1 was closely related to the overall survival rate of cancers (HR = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50–1.78, P < .000001). Subgroup analysis showed that the high expression of PVT1 was closely related to the low overall survival rate of patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, epithelial ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, and osteosarcoma. In addition, the high expression of PVT1 was positively correlated with tumor size (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.14–1.96, P = .004), TNM stage (OR = 3.39, 95% CI: 2.73–4.20, P < .00001), lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.76–3.84, P < .00001), and distant metastasis (OR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.90–4.56, P < .00001).
PVT1 could serve as a marker for the size, TNM stage, metastasis, and prognosis of different type of cancers.
Prospective and comparative study of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria patients treated or not by eculizumab
Authors: Devalet Bérangère , Wannez Adeline , Bailly Nicolas , Alpan Lutfiye , Gheldof Damien , Douxfils Jonathan , Bihin Benoît , Chatelain Bernard , Dogné Jean-Michel , Chatelain Christian , Mullier François 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThrombosis are severe complications of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), effectively reduced by eculizumab. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) may play a central role. The objective of this study was to assess the procoagulant activity of plasma isolated from PNH patients (treated or not by eculizumab) and to quantify their circulating EVs.We iteratively collected the platelet-free-plasma of 17 PNH patients and 16 matched healthy volunteers, quantified their circulating EVs by flow cytometry and evaluated their procoagulant activity by thrombin generation and STA-Procoag-procoagulant phospholipid (PPL) assays.A significant decrease of EVs from platelets (P = .024) and an increase of the STA-Procoag-PPL clotting time (P = .049) was observed after initiation of eculizumab and up to 11 weeks after. This reduction of prothrombotic biomarkers was not observed with the thrombin generation test due to a lack of sensitivity of this assay. Active hemolysis was observed in 90% of patients and elevated D-dimers in 41% of them. However, no significant difference was observed between patients and control subjects regarding the procoagulant activity, the EVs quantity, or the cellular origin. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were lower in eculizumab-treated patients compared to nontreated patients (441 vs 2448 IU/L). D-dimers and LDH decreased after administration of eculizumab (mean decrease of 1307 ng/mL and 4159 IU/L, respectively).These observations suggest a decrease of the phospholipid-dependent procoagulant potential of EVs after eculizumab therapy in PNH patients.Trial registration:NUB: B039201214365
Efficacy and safety of oral traditional Chinese patent medicine for chronic cerebral circulation insufficiency patients
Authors: Xu Zhongbo , Feng Xin , Li Lin , Hu Ziyi , Xiao Yuan , Jin Guilin , Liao Weimin 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background:
Chronic cerebral circulation insufficiency (CCCI) is a common clinical cerebrovascular disease, especially among middle-aged and elderly patients, which seriously endangers their quality of life and physical and mental health. At present, Oral traditional Chinese patent medicine (OTCPM) is widely used in the treatment of CCCI in China, but its actual efficacy and safety lack of evidence-based evidence. Therefore, we will screen out the most effective OTCPM through a systematic review and network meta-analysis to provide a reliable theoretical basis for clinical decisions.

Methods:
We will search electronic databases to collect relevant RCT studies from inception to October 2019. Those electronic databases include PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), and Wan-fang database. Only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) concerned any OTCPM treatments for CCCI will be collected. The included studies will no restrictions on language or publication year. There were no publication year or language for the included literature. Risk bias tools will assess the quality of the included literature. A Bayesian NMA will be performed to combine the direct and indirect comparisons of TCPMs interventions. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) will be drawn to display the hierarchy of each TCPMs treatment. All statistical analyses will be implemented using R v3.5.2. and GeMTC v1.4.3.
We will publish this systematic review in academic journals. Since this literature review will not involve directly contacting patients, ethical approval and informed consent are not required.

Trial registration number:
CRD42019123878.
STARD-compliant article: Comparison of pulmonary sequestrations with thoracic and abdominal aortic arterial supply
Authors: Dong Qian , Zhao Jing Pin , Zhang Li , Morelli John , Zhang Ze Kun , Zhang Ping 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Pulmonary sequestrations (PS) are typically supplied by a vessel originating from thoracic aorta, or abdominal aorta. Differences in imaging features between these PS subtypes have not been described.
To analyze the imaging features of PS with arterial supply from the thoracic and abdominal aorta.
Retrospectively, 23 pathologically proven cases of pulmonary sequestration were analyzed and compared based on the site of feeding artery origin.
In 21 cases (21/23), the PS was soft tissue density. 1 (1/23) PS was purely cystic and another heterogeneous with both cystic and solid components (1/23). In 16/23 cases, the feeding vessel(s) arose from the thoracic aorta (male:female ratio 1:7) and in 7/23 cases from the abdominal aorta (male:female ratio 4:3). Feeding vessels from the thoracic aorta were duplicated in 7/16 cases. PS location (P <.05) and size (P <.001) differed based on the origin of the feeding vessel (thoracic aorta: 14/16 left lower lobe, mean volume 962.97 mL; abdominal aorta: 3/7 left lower lobe, mean volume 1120.89 mL). The feeding arteries themselves differed in size depending on their site of origin (thoracic aorta: mean diameter 7.0mm ± 2.7 mm, mean length 44.6mm ± 10.9 mm; abdominal aorta: mean diameter 3.3mm ± 0.6 mm, mean length 103.6mm ± 34.5 mm).
PS size and distribution differ depending upon the site of feeding vessel origin as does the size of the feeding vessel itself.
A comprehensive evaluation of clinical efficacy and safety of celecoxib in combination with chemotherapy in metastatic or postoperative recurrent gastric cancer patients
Authors: Guo Qinghong , Li Qiang , Wang Jiong , Liu Min , Wang Yuping , Chen Zhaofeng , Ye Yuwei , Guan Quanlin , Zhou Yongning 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Aim:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of celecoxib combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of metastatic or postoperative recurrent gastric cancer.

Methods:
This preliminary, three-center, clinical trial study was conducted between September 2010 and December 2016. In the experimental group (n = 100), patients were treated with celecoxib combined with chemotherapy, and chemotherapy alone was used in the control group. Progression-free survival (PFS) was considered as the primary efficacy parameter. Overall survival (OS), remission rate (RR), quality of life (QOL) and drug safety were considered as the secondary efficacy parameters.

Results:
The PFS of the experimental group was 6 months, which was not significantly longer than that of the control group (5 months, P = .73). The average OS was not significantly different between the experimental group (12 months) and the control group (10 months, P = .59). The average OS of the COX-2 positive patients in the experimental group was 14 months and it was significantly longer than the 10-month OS in the control group (P = .01). The PFS of the COX-2 positive patients in the experimental group was 7.5 months, significantly longer than the 5-month PFS of patients in the control group (P < .001). No statistical significance was identified in the incidence of nausea, neutropenia, anorexia, peripheral neurotoxicity, diarrhea, vomiting, asthenia and thrombocytopenia. The EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire revealed that the overall QOL of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < .05). No statistical significance was found in the scores of functioning scale between the 2 groups. However, the scores of the symptom scale, especially for pain and fatigue in the experimental group was remarkably higher than that in the control group (P < .05). The overall score of EORTC QLQ-STO22 for the experimental group was considerably higher compared to that for the control group (P < .05). No statistical significance was identified in term of the domains of restrictions on feeding, dysphagia, anxiety, reflux, sense of taste, dry mouth, hair loss and body shape between the 2 groups (P > .05 for all mentioned outcomes).

Conclusion:
Celecoxib combined with chemotherapy offers more clinical benefits for COX-2 positive advanced gastric cancer patients.