bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Outcome of Transcutaneous Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of Functional Non-Retentive Fecal Incontinence in Children
Authors: Abdelrahman Emad M. , Mohamed Amr G. , Abdel Ghafar Mohamed A. , Ahmed Marwa Elsayed , Ali Rania R. , Kharoub Mohamed S. 
Published: December 2023

Background Functional non-retentive fecal incontinence (FNRFI) is a psychologically upsetting and embarrassing issue and affects children's quality of life negatively. Aim of this study Evaluation of the short and long-term effect of Bilateral transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (BTPTNS) in the treatment of FNRFI in children and its impact on the quality of life (QoL). Methodology: The current randomized controlled study included 94 Children with FNRFI who were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group A received BTPTNS and Group B Received Sham BTPTNS. Follow-up was planned for 24 months for manometric findings, incontinence score, Incontinence episodes, and the QoL. Results The incontinence score was significantly decreases in Group A more than what was reported in Group B at 6, 12, 24 months follow up . In group A 53.2% of the included children who received BTPTNS showed a decrease in the incontinence episodes more than 75% and among them, 23.4% were fully continent. All the QoL domains were significantly improved in Group A after 6, 12, and 24 months when compared with Group B. Conclusion BTPTNS can be a good modality in the treatment of FNRFI with favorable long-term maintenance of its effect together with a remarkable positive impact on all domains of QoL.
Inflammatory indices as prognostic markers in metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with chemotherapy plus Bevacizumab
Authors: Passardi Alessandro , Azzali Irene , Bittoni Alessandro , Marisi Giorgia , Rebuzzi Francesca , Molinari Chiara , Bartolini Giulia , Matteucci Laura , Sullo Francesco Giulio , Debonis Silvia Angela , Gallio Chiara , Monti Manlio , Valgiusti Martina , Muratore Margherita , Rapposelli Ilario Giovanni , Ulivi Paola , Frassineti Giovanni Luca 
Published: December 2023

Background: Validated predictors of sensitivity or resistance to Bevacizumab (Bev) are not available, and Inflammatory Indexes (IIs) has been reported to be useful prognostic factors in various malignant solid tumours, including metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Objectives: To explore the prognostic value of IIs in mCRC patients treated with first-line chemotherapy plus Bev. Design: One hundred and eighty-two patients diagnosed with mCRC and treated with first line chemotherapy plus Bev were considered for this prospective non-pharmacological study. Neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet, aspartate transaminase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) tests were carried out at baseline and before each treatment cycle, according to clinical practice. Methods: Pre-treatment Systemic Immune-inflammation Index (SII), Colon Inflammatory Index (CII) and Aspartate aminotransferase-Lymphocyte Ratio Index (ALRI) were evaluated to assess a correlation with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: In the overall population, PFS and OS were lower in patients with high SII (HR 1.64, p = 0.006 and HR 1.75, p = 0.004, respectively) and high ALRI (HR 2.13, p = 0.001 and HR 1.76, p = 0.02, respectively), but no difference was detected according to CII value. The multivariate analysis confirmed both SII and ALRI as independent prognostic factors for PFS (HR 1.64 and 2.82, respectively) and OS (HR 1.65 and 2.12, respectively). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate and confirm that IIs, and in particular SII and ALRI, are easy to measure prognostic markers for patient candidates to first line chemotherapy plus Bev for mCRC.
An Analysis in Identifying the Mechanism of Action of the Alkaloids Found in Berberis vulgaris on the Treatment and Prevention of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Gildenhuys Samantha , Steenkamp Paul Anton , Sekele Lucas , Mosebi Salerwe , James Chad Clifton 
Published: December 2023

Introduction Berberis vulgaris extract is a well-known herbal remedy for treating numerous conditions including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The HAB4a method of preparing the extract is a common method used in clinical practice and a further aim of this study was to identify the key alkaloid compounds that are present in an alcohol versus a glycerine-based extraction and determine the mechanism by which these prevent and treat COVID-19. Results and Discussion Identified alkaloid compounds included bervulcine, vulracine, berberrubine, lambertine, berbidine, obamegine, berbamine, berberine, and palmatine in the alcohol-based extract. The glycerine-based extract contained all except bervulcine, vulracine, and berbidine. Berberine and palmatine were the most abundant compounds in both extracts but more berberine was present in the alcohol-based extract and more palmatine in the glycerine-based extraction. Databases revealed compound-gene interactions with human targets involved in signalling and gene regulation networks that could synergistically change cell function. The SARS-CoV-2 spike 1 protein purification yielded about 5 mg of highly purified protein (˃95%) from 1 L of bacterial culture. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) analysis of any potential interaction of palmatine and berberine with the purified spike 1 protein was negative. Thus, it is possible the extract components work in a synergistic manner to prevent and treat COVID-19. Conclusions Berberis vulgaris root extract alkaloid components differ when alcohol or glycerine is used. Berberine and palmatine are the most abundant alkaloids but differ in the amount relative to each other in the extracts. The extract components could affect changes in a variety of human genes. Materials and Methods Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography—High-Definition quadrupole time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry was used to identify alkaloids. Databases were used to determine the genes that interact with the identified compounds. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was expressed and purified. Purified protein was used in ITC with berberine and palmatine.
Nationally Representative Trends in Incidence of Procedures Done Concomitantly With Primary and Revision Total Ankle From 2012 to 2020
Authors: Anastasio Albert T. , Walley Kempland C. , Kim Billy I. , Bethell Mikhail A. , Adams Samuel B. 
Published: December 2023

Background As new literature emerges and practice patterns fluctuate, there is a significant potential for variation with regard to adjunctive procedures performed with primary total ankle arthroplasty (pTAA) and revision total ankle arthroplasty (rTAA). Our study aims to evaluate yearly trends in the incidence of concomitant procedures and compare the incidence of adjunctive procedures between pTAA and rTAA. Methods The 2012-2020 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was queried for all pTAA and rTAA. The number of concurrent procedures was compared between pTAA and rTAA and compared across years available in the most current version of the NSQIP database (2012-2020). Results Patients undergoing pTAA had a higher mean age than patients undergoing rTAA (64 vs 61 years; P < .001), and patients undergoing rTAA had higher wound class (P < .001), indicating higher levels of contamination. Concurrent procedures were performed significantly less frequently with pTAA than rTAA (mean procedures 0.82 vs 1.30; P < .001). Removal of deep implants was more commonly coded with rTAA than pTAA (9.0% vs 17.7%; P < .001). Gastrocnemius recession was more frequently performed with pTAA than rTAA (10.4% vs 3.0%; P = .001). Conclusion As pTAA and rTAA increase in incidence throughout the United States, there is increased importance on furthering our understanding of these procedures. This study provides a nationally representative analysis of adjunctive procedures with pTAA and rTAA from 2012 to 2020. Generally, more adjunctive procedures are performed with rTAA versus pTAA, confirming the high complexity of rTAA. Levels of Evidence: Level III
High-velocity impact experiments and quantitative damage evaluation for finite ultra-high-performance concrete targets
Authors: Sauer Christoph , Burtsche Jan , Heine Andreas , Roller Christoph , Riedel Werner 
Published: December 2023

In this work, we aim at improved characterization of target damage occurring as the result of projectile impact against ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). For this purpose, we present the results of high-velocity impact experiments with spherical steel projectiles and finite-thickness UHPC targets of approximately 115 MPa compressive cylinder strength in the impact velocity range from approximately 600 m/s to 1500 m/s. The data set obtained from these experiments includes residual projectile velocities as well as qualitative and quantitative information on damage. Quantitative damage information is mainly extracted from digital 3D post mortem targets, which are produced by 3D-scanning. For all damage quantities, a dependence on the impact velocity and the target thickness is discussed and used to provide possible explanations for the origin of the particular type of damage. The large data set presented in this work can constitute the basis for a comprehensive and quantitative verification and validation of analytical, empirical, and numerical models that describe the perforation of UHPC targets in the investigated impact velocity range.
Clearness qualitative comparative analysis of the spread of TikTok health science knowledge popularization accounts
Authors: Tian Yu , Liu Shuaishuai , Zhang Desheng 
Published: December 2023

Objective This study analyzed the popularity of TikTok health knowledge popularization accounts with the objective of creating a template for accounts suited to widely disseminating information, thereby enhancing the public's access to health knowledge on a broader scale. Methods This study is based on 40 Chinese TikTok short video accounts that were active from February to April 2022 and were engaged in health science popularization. Data were validated by structured calibration using three qualitative anchors. It employs the “content–context” and the elaboration likelihood models as the theoretical framework. A qualitative comparative analysis is used to explore the factors affecting the popularity of this type of account mechanism. Results Among the nine variables involved in the calculation, one reached 0.909091, demonstrating that the number of followers was both a necessary factor and a condition for the popularity of short health science video accounts. There were 16 paths in the complex solution with a consistency of 1, and their overall coverage reached 0.878788, indicating that approximately 87% of the cases could be explained. From the spread of the content and communication situation, professional medical knowledge, current hot topics, professionals, and serious issues were the most likely combinations for rapid spread. From the perspective of the central and edge paths, “likes” exceeding 100,000 and fans exceeding 1 million were essential combinations. Conclusions The dissemination of medical knowledge has gained significant traction, especially with regard to trending and popular topics. When it comes to the tone of communication, a serious style proved effective in fostering what can be termed “hot communication.” From the standpoint of central and peripheral paths, it is crucial that the number of likes in the past month and the total number of fans surpass 100,000 and one million, respectively.
The preliminary efficacy of virtual agent-assisted intelligent rehabilitation treatment (Echo app v2.0) in patients with alcohol use disorders: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Shuo , Zhang Dapeng , Liu Jingyang , Su Hang , Guo Lei , Wu Qianying , Du Jiang , Jiang Haifeng , Zhong Na , Huang Chuanning , Chen Tianzhen , Zhao Min 
Published: December 2023

Background Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most common substance use disorders. People with AUD are in great need of highly accessible and comprehensive management, involving medicine, exercise, and psychotherapy. However, due to limited resources, providing comprehensive treatment for every patient is challenging. Virtual agent-assisted intelligent rehabilitation treatment can improve the accessibility of comprehensive management. Objectives This randomized controlled trial aims to test whether the virtual agent-assisted intelligent rehabilitation treatment (Echo-app-v2.0) plus treatment as usual (TAU) has greater efficacy than only TAU in AUD. Methods One hundred participants with AUD will be recruited and randomly assigned to either TAU or virtual agent-assisted intelligent rehabilitation treatment plus TAU based on the 1:1 ratio. The virtual agent-assisted intelligent rehabilitation treatment is delivered by the Echo app v2.0 developed by our research team. Participants will be assessed at baseline, week 4 of treatment, one month, and three months after the end of treatment. The primary outcome is the participants’ craving for alcohol, measured by Visual Analogue Scale. Other outcomes include the use of alcohol, motivation for treatment, coping style, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, stress, and sleep quality. Discussion The virtual agent, with vivid human image, high privacy, and the ability to interact with users, has the potential to play an important role in the delivery of digital psychotherapy. The development of Echo app v2.0 has the possibility to raise the availability of comprehensive treatment for people with AUD.
Rendering protein mutation movies with MutAmore
Authors: Weissenow Konstantin , Rost Burkhard 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
The success of AlphaFold2 in reliable protein three-dimensional (3D) structure prediction, assists the move of structural biology toward studies of protein dynamics and mutational impact on structure and function. This transition needs tools that qualitatively assess alternative 3D conformations.

Results
We introduce MutAmore, a bioinformatics tool that renders individual images of protein 3D structures for, e.g., sequence mutations into a visually intuitive movie format. MutAmore streamlines a pipeline casting single amino-acid variations (SAVs) into a dynamic 3D mutation movie providing a qualitative perspective on the mutational landscape of a protein. By default, the tool first generates all possible variants of the sequence reachable through SAVs (L*19 for proteins with L residues). Next, it predicts the structural conformation for all L*19 variants using state-of-the-art models. Finally, it visualizes the mutation matrix and produces a color-coded 3D animation. Alternatively, users can input other types of variants, e.g., from experimental structures.

Conclusion
MutAmore samples alternative protein configurations to study the dynamical space accessible from SAVs in the post-AlphaFold2 era of structural biology. As the field shifts towards the exploration of alternative conformations of proteins, MutAmore aids in the understanding of the structural impact of mutations by providing a flexible pipeline for the generation of protein mutation movies using current and future structure prediction models.
CD39 identifies a specific CD8 + T cell population in lung adenocarcinoma-related metastatic pleural effusion
Authors: Lv Lei-lei , Wang Hong-bin , Zhang Yao-xin , Zhai Jia-wei , Shen Yu , Qu Qiu-Xia , Chen Cheng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMalignant pleural effusion (MPE), which is a complex microenvironment that contains numerous immune and tumour signals, is common in lung cancer. Gene alterations, such as driver gene mutations, are believed to affect the components of tumour immunity in the microenvironment (TIME) of non-small-cell lung cancer. In this study, we have shown that pleural CD39 + CD8 + T cells are selectively elevated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) with wild-type epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFRwt) compared to those with newly diagnosed mutant EGFR (EGFRmu). Furthermore, these CD39 + CD8 + T cells are more prevalent in MPE with acquired resistance to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (AR-EGFR-TKIs). Our analysis reveals that pleural CD39 + CD8 + T cells exhibit an exhausted phenotype while still retaining cytolytic function. Additionally, they have a higher T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire clonality compared to CD39-CD8 + T cells, which is a unique characteristic of LUAD-related MPE. Further investigation has shown that TCR-Vβ clonality tends to be more enhanced in pleural CD39 + CD8 + T cells from MPE with AR-EGFR-TKIs. In summary, we have identified a subset of CD8 + T cells expressing CD39 in MPE, which may potentially be tumour-reactive CD8 + T cells. This study provides new insights into the dynamic immune composition of the EGFRmu tumour microenvironment.
Commonly used anesthetics modify alcohol and (-)-trans-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in vivo effects on rat cerebral arterioles
Authors: Mysiewicz Steven , Hibl Brianne , Dopico Alex , Bukiya Anna 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Ethyl alcohol and cannabis are widely used recreational substances with distinct effects on the brain. These drugs increase accidental injuries requiring treatment under anesthesia. Moreover, alcohol and cannabis are often used in anesthetized rodents for biomedical research. Here, we compared the influence of commonly used forms of anesthesia, injectable ketamine/xylazine (KX) versus inhalant isoflurane, on alcohol- and (-)-trans-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) effects on cerebral arteriole diameter evaluated in vivo.

Methods
Studies were performed on male and female Sprague–Dawley rats subjected to intracarotid catheter placement for drug infusion, and cranial window surgery for monitoring pial arteriole diameter. Depth of anesthesia was monitored every 10–15 min by toe-pinch. Under KX, the number of toe-pinch responders was maximal after the first dose of anesthesia and diminished over time in both males and females. In contrast, the number of toe-pinch responders under isoflurane slowly raised over time, leading to increase in isoflurane percentage until deep anesthesia was re-established. Rectal temperature under KX remained stable in males while dropping in females. As expected for gaseous anesthesia, both males and females exhibited rectal temperature drops under isoflurane.

Results
Infusion of 50 mM alcohol (ethanol, EtOH) into the cerebral circulation rendered robust constriction in males under KX anesthesia, this alcohol action being significantly smaller, but still present under isoflurane anesthesia. In females, EtOH did not cause measurable changes in pial arteriole diameter regardless of the anesthetic. These findings indicate a strong sex bias with regards to EtOH induced vasoconstriction.
Infusion of 42 nM THC in males and females under isoflurane tended to constrict cerebral arterioles in both males and females when compared to isovolumic infusion of THC vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide in saline). Moreover, THC-driven changes in arteriole diameter significantly differed in magnitude depending on the anesthetic used.
Simultaneous administration of 50 mM alcohol and 42 nM THC to males constricted cerebral arterioles regardless of the anesthetic used. In females, constriction by the combined drugs was also observed, with limited influence by anesthetic presence.

Conclusions
We demonstrate that two commonly used anesthetic formulations differentially influence the level of vasoconstriction caused by alcohol and THC actions in cerebral arterioles.
Efficacy and safety of remimazolam compared with propofol in hypertensive patients undergoing breast cancer surgery: a single-center, randomized, controlled study
Authors: Huang Yaqi , Yan Ting , Lu Guiting , Luo Huirong , Lai Zhongmeng , Zhang Liangcheng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Remimazolam, as a novel anesthetic, has recently been shown to improve hemodynamic stability during anesthesia induction and maintenance; however, it has not been reported in the hypertensive population. This study aimed to compare the effects of remimazolam and propofol on hemodynamic stability in hypertensive patients undergoing breast cancer surgery.

Methods
We enrolled 120 hypertensive patients undergoing breast cancer surgery in this prospective study and randomly allocated them to remimazolam (n = 60) or propofol (n = 60) groups. Anesthesia regimens were consistent between groups, except for the administration of remimazolam and propofol. Our primary outcome was the incidence of post-induction hypotension, which was either an absolute mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 60 mmHg or a > 30% relative drop in MAP compared to baseline within 20 min of induction or from induction to the start of surgery. Secondary outcomes included minimum MAP and MAP at different time points during anesthesia, the application of vasoactive drugs, adverse events, and the patient’s self-reported Quality of Recovery-40 scale for the day after surgery.

Results
The incidence of post-induction hypotension was lower and the minimum MAP during induction was higher in the remimazolam group than those in the propofol group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the remaining outcomes.

Conclusion
Remimazolam is safe and effective in hypertensive patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. Induction with remimazolam in hypertensive patients may result in more stable hemodynamics than propofol.

Trial registration
This study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn) on 03/12/2020, with registration number ChiCTR2000040579.
Analgesic benefits of pre-operative versus postoperative transversus abdominis plane block for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a frequentist network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Dost Burhan , De Cassai Alessandro , Balzani Eleonora , Geraldini Federico , Tulgar Serkan , Ahiskalioglu Ali , Karapinar Yunus Emre , Beldagli Müzeyyen , Navalesi Paolo , Kaya Cengiz 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has been utilized to alleviate pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). However, the optimal timing of administration remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of pre-operative and postoperative TAP blocks as analgesic options after LC.

Methods
A frequentist network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted. We systematically searched PubMed (via the National Library of Medicine), EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science up to March 2023. The study included RCTs that enrolled adult patients (≥ 18 years) who underwent LC and received either pre-operative or postoperative TAP blocks. The primary outcome assessed was 24-hour postoperative morphine consumption (mg). Additionally, pain rest scores within 3 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours, as well as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), were considered as pre-specified secondary outcomes.

Results
A total of 34 trials with 2317 patients were included in the analysis. Postoperative TAP block demonstrated superiority over the pre-operative TAP block in reducing opioid consumption (MD 2.02, 95% CI 0.87 to 3.18, I2 98.6%, p < 0.001). However, with regards to postoperative pain, neither pre-operative nor postoperative TAP blocks exhibited superiority over each other at any of the assessed time points. The postoperative TAP block consistently ranked as the best intervention using SUCRA analysis. Moreover, the postoperative TAP block led to the most significant reduction in PONV.

Conclusions
The findings suggest that the postoperative TAP block may be slightly more effective in reducing 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption and PONV when compared to the pre-operative TAP block.

Trial registration
PROSPERO, CRD42023396880.