bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human blastoids model blastocyst development and implantation
Authors: Kagawa Harunobu , Javali Alok , Khoei Heidar Heidari , Sommer Theresa , Sestini Giovanni , Novatchkova Maria , Reimer Yvonne Scholte op , Rivron Nicolas 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
A model of human bastocyst formed from stem cells (blastoid) would support scientific and medical advances. However, its predictive power will depend on the ability to faithfully, efficiently, and timely recapitulate the sequences of blastocyst specification, morphogenesis, and patterning, and form cells reflecting the blastocyst stage. Here we show that naïve human pluripotent stem cells cultured in PXGL conditions and then triply inhibited for the Hippo, transforming growth factor- β (TGF-β), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways efficiently form blastoids (>70%). Within 4 days, blastoids sequentially produce analogs of the blastocyst-stage trophoblast and epiblast, followed by the formation of analogs of the primitive endoderm and the polar trophoblasts. This results in the formation of transcriptional analogs of the blastocyst (>96%) and a minority of postimplantation analogs (e.g., amnion, mesoderm). Blastoids efficiently form the embryonic-abembryonic axis marked by the maturation of the polar region (NR2F2+), which acquires the specific potential to directionally attach to hormonally stimulated endometrial cells, as in utero. Such a human blastoid is a scalable, versatile, and ethical model to study human development and implantation in vitro.
Evaluation of the efficacy of Thymus kotschyanus extract as an additive treatment in patients with ulcerative colitis: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Vazirian Fatemeh , Samadi Sara , Abbaspour Mohammadreza , Taleb Amirmahdi , Bagherhosseini Hadi , Mozaffari Hooman Mosannen , Mohammadpour Amir Hooshang , Emami Seyed Ahmad 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the chronic diseases which is increasing in prevalence and patients suffer from illness flare-ups. UC standard regimen treatment has various side effects besides the efficacy, so there is an interest in administering complementary medicine to reduce adverse effects and increase the efficacy, as well. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and anti-inflammatory effect of Thymus kotschyanus as an additive treatment in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of UC patients. Methods: Thirty UC out-patients with mesalazine regimen treatment that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were participated in a 12-week trial and were randomly chosen for the treatment and control group. Fifteen patients were administered a placebo as a control and 15 patients were administered received Thymus kotschyanus extract by a dose of 0.5 grams in a day in the treatment group. Laboratory tests were performed at baseline and week 12. The primary outcome was reduction in fecal calprotectin as the main intestine inflammatory marker. Likewise, reduction in SCCAI, SIDBQ, and SEO indices were considered as the secondary aims. The primary outcome was a reduction in SCCAI as the main intestine inflammatory marker. Likewise, reduction in fecal calprotectin, SIDBQ, and SEO indices were the secondary aims. Results: Fecal calprotectin Comparing the treatment and placebo groups at week 12 indicated a was decreased in fecal calprotectin by 54.74% in the treatment group, as compared with placebo group at week 12 (p=0.02). and alsoA significant difference reduction was shown in SCCAI was also shown between two study groups (p=0.01). Thymus kotschyanus extract was safe and no severe side effects were reported. Conclusion: Administration of Thymus kotschyanus revealed improvement in UC symptoms by the intestinal anti-inflammation effect of the plant and could be suggested as a potential additive treatment in UC patients. The study protocol has been registered under the identification code: IRCT20200406046965N2.
Robot and mechanical testing of a specialist manual toothbrush for cleaning efficacy and improved force control
Authors: Acherkouk Amina , Götze Marco , Kiesow Andreas , Ramakrishnan Anantha , Sarembe Sandra , Lang Tomas , Gaengler Peter 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Toothbrushes require flexibility to access all dental surfaces and remove plaque effectively, but they should also aim to prevent or limit overbrushing and consequent damage to teeth and gums. In two studies, the physical properties and cleaning performance of specialist test toothbrushes with flexible necks were compared to a reference rigid-necked toothbrush. Methods: In Study 1, a universal testing machine (Instron E 10000) with a specially designed setup was used to test the deflection behaviour of toothbrush head and neck. Untufted toothbrushes were fixed in a custom holder and force was applied to the head while the deflection was measured. In Study 2, one control and five test toothbrushes were assessed using a robot system to simulate the cleaning of artificial plaque from defined surfaces of artificial replicated human teeth in a model oral cavity (typodonts). Results: Study 1 showed that the flexible-neck toothbrush deflected 2 to 2.5 times more than the rigid-neck reference toothbrush when same force was applied to the toothbrush head. Study 2 revealed that all five test toothbrushes showed statistically superior simulated plaque removal to the reference toothbrush. This superiority was observed for all test toothbrushes employing horizontal and rotating brushing action (all p = 0.001) but only three of the five toothbrushes when vertical brushing was employed (all p = 0.001). Cleaning efficacy of the test toothbrushes was demonstrated both interdentally and at the gumline locations. The Complete Protection toothbrush showed the most effective cleaning performance followed by the Repair and Protect and Rapid Relief toothbrushes. Conclusion: The addition of a flexible-neck component to the toothbrush designs reduced stiffness and allowed more effective cleaning compared to rigid designs with controlled force distribution on the teeth and gums. This helped to provide plaque control at all risk areas in an in vitro robot model and could support good oral hygiene. Trial registration: N/A
Antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents of dried and germinated legumes
Authors: Umar Aisha , Khan Muhammad Tajammal , Bukhari Shanila , Sardar Rehana , Naheed Kishwar , Younas Hajira , Hussain Saber , Gillani Raazia Alam , Kiani Rushaan Kauser 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Beans and lentils are good sources of total phenolic contents and possessed excellent free radical scavenging activity. This study was aimed to assess the total phenolic compounds (TPCs) and antioxidant activity of dried and germinated beans and lentils. The total phenolics contents were extracted from seven types of beans and lentils by using 50% (v/v) aqueous ethanol. The TPCs and antioxidant activities were analyzed using Folin-Ciocalteu and DPPH (2, 2-diphenyle-1-picrylhydrazyl radical), ABTS (2,2’-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) assays, respectively. The legumes showed the highest total phenolic contents (TPCs) and antioxidant capacity by DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity (p < 0.05) in germinated samples. The germinated beans and lentils contained more total phenolic contents that decrease significantly in dried beans. This study also suggested that germinated beans are a valuable source of commercial natural antioxidants.
Qualitative Assessment of Providers’ Experiences with a Segmentation Counseling Tool for Family Planning in Niger
Authors: MacLachlan Ellen , Agali Balki Ibrahim , Maytan-Joneydi Amelia , Chaibou Sanoussi , Garba Souleymane Amadou , Halidou Illiassou Chaibou , Speizer Ilene S , Nouhou Abdoul Moumouni 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Introduction: This study examines experiences with a family planning segmentation counseling tool that is used during the provision of family planning services. Based on answers to a series of questions, women are segmented into one of five categories of family planning users and counseled based on their identified segment. This study aimed to qualitatively assess provider perspectives on implementation of the tool. Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews took place in the Dosso region of Niger among 16 family planning providers who had been trained in segmentation and were currently using the segmentation tool. The facilities chosen for interviews were part of a larger mixed methods study assessing the impact of using the segmentation approach. Interview questions focused on training, supervision, how segmentation occurs at the health facility, how segmentation changes provider-client interactions, and any difficulties faced with implementation. Interviews were translated and transcribed into French and data were coded and thematically analyzed. Results: All providers in the study reported positive outcomes associated with segmentation, especially the benefit of spending extra time with each client. This extra time results in more meaningful interactions between clients and providers, leaving clients with a deeper understanding of family planning and of the different methods available. The implementation of the tool did not change other aspects of service delivery, except that a segmentation sheet was required to be filled in and kept in each patient’s file. Difficulties reported included translating the segmentation tool questions into local languages, training enough health care providers and avoiding stock outs of the segmentation sheets. Conclusion: The segmentation process is of benefit to family planning clients in Niger and the scale up of the strategy could bring higher quality services to women. If this approach is brought to scale the implementation challenges uncovered need to be addressed, especially adequate training. Further research is needed to determine if segmentation leads to changes in family planning use outcomes.
From Anti-China Rhetoric to Anti-Asian Behavior: The Social and Economic Cost of "Kung Flu"
Authors: Huang Justin , Krupenkin Masha , Rothschild David , Lee Julia 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Discrimination and violence directed towards Asian Americans in the United States increased dramatically following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, we examine consumer discrimination against businesses associated with Asian Americans. Leveraging the pandemic as an exogenous shock to Americans' level of anti-Chinese sentiment, we utilize a series of analyses combining survey data, online search trends, and consumer cellular device mobility data to measure the effects of this shock on consumer discrimination against Chinese and other Asian restaurants. Survey and search data show that attitudes towards Chinese and non-Chinese Asian food declined precipitously during the pandemic, and this change in attitudes was driven by a mix of assigning blame for COVID-19 spread to Asians and experiencing fear of Chinese food. Analysis of cellular phone mobility data shows Asian restaurants suffered a 18.4\% drop (95\% C.I.: -15.9\% to -20.8\%) in traffic relative to non-Asian restaurants in the pandemic period. We explore heterogeneity in these effects by political affiliation and find strong correlation between support of former President Trump and avoidance of Asian restaurants. The results are consistent with the role of outgroup homogeneity and ethnic misidentification as drivers of spillover effects of anti-Chinese sentiment on non-Chinese Asian restaurant traffic. This work documents some of the unique economic challenges faced by Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic and has substantial implications for the study of consumer discrimination and stigmatization in public health communications.
Analysis of Methodological Quality of The Process of Moving From Evidence to Recommendations in Chinese Clinical Practice Guidelines Between 2010 and 2020: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zheng Nan , Chen Xiaoming , Ren Xiangying , Guan Xiangyun , Tan Ran , Su Linxia , Huang Qiao , Cao Yingjuan , Jin Yinghui 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The general situation of the methodological quality of the process of moving from evidence to recommendations (EtR) in Chinese CPGs and the main methodological factors affecting the rigor of EtR is still unclear. This study explored the status of the methodological characteristics of EtR by analyzing of all Chinese CPGs illustrating recognizable recommendations published during the period 2010-2020, and identified the relevant factors associated with the rigor of EtR in CPGs.Methods: We systematically searched two major Chinese databases, CNKI and WanFang Database to gather all CPGs illustrating recognizable recommendations from 2010 to 2020. A data-extraction form was designed to extract all the methodological characteristics of EtR. We used the M-K test to identify monotonically increasing or decreasing trends of each methodological characteristic over time, and compared the methodological characteristics between groups using Chi-square test. Multi-factor Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze factors related to the rigor of the process of EtR in CPGs.Results: A total of 753 CPGs (EB-CPGs=386/1,127, CB-CPGs=367/1,527) were selected based on the selection criteria. EB-CPGs did better than CB-CPGs in most of the EtR methodological characteristics, and CPGs using GRADE were also superior to those not using GRADE. 43.69% (329/753) of CPGs considered relevant factors. The most frequently considered factors were the effectiveness of the intervention (398, 52.9%), safety (368, 48.9%), and balance of benefits and harms (193, 25.6%). Only 95 CPGs considered costs in the methods or the process of EtR, the proportion was even lower for the consideration of values and preferences (57, 7.6%) and feasibility (47, 6.2%). The rigor of EtR were significantly associated with GRADE or non-GRADE CPGs (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.37-3.00, P< 0.001), EB-CPGs or CB-CPGs (OR 1.48, 95%CI 1.06-2.07, P=0.022) and the designated level of evidence (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.15-2.34, P=0.006).Conclusion: Unsatisfactory: there is still much room for improvement in the rigor of EtR in Chinese CPGs over the last 11 years. In order to improve the rigor of EtR, guideline panels should try to consider all the relevant factors. Additionally, EB-CPGs using GRADE are preferable for enhancing the EtR rigor.
Logic Motion Algorithm and Design of Flexible Limb of Gecko-imitating Robot
Authors: Liang Peidong , Liang Fengshun , Gu Lizhi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The transmission tower climbing robot runs up and down along the tower tri-steel skeleton, and is supposed to stay in the required position firmly, transporting and installing the safety cable at the appropriate tower end for provision of the basic life safety guarantee for the operator during climbing and operating in maintenance.This paper puts forward and designs a set of robot and intelligent control with the hardware system of homing and pseudo-target excluding algorithms. In Euclidean n dimension space with the real number, definitions and constructions of the robot climbing state sequence number set are down with the norm sequence number set of the two adjacent rotary center distance of the handles on the same side of the skeleton, machine vision, and W- type sensor layout of discrete - continuous integration, efficiently homing the real goals and reliably identifying the pseudo target. According to the three point support - one point fetching, design of flexible appendage logical sequence were built up, not only guarantee the biomimetic gecko type climbing, and ensure the reliable grip of the robot hand with respect to to help handle,Together with the hardware design, the robot can work safely and reliably and transport the safety cable to the tower end. Because of the non-uniformity of the arrangement of the handle along the skeleton, the most critical problem to be solved in the climbing process is the robot's searching and reliable grasping.
Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and the First Occurrence of Peritonitis in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Su Ning , Zhang Xing , Tang Xingming , Tang Li-wen , Wang Qinqin , Chen Xingyu , Wang Xiaoyang , Wen Yueqiang , Feng Xiaoran , Zhou Qian , Zhou Jiafan , Shang Sijia 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has been used as a potential biomarker of inflammation-related diseases, but its role in the peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis (PDRP) is still uncertain. This study was aimed to investigate the association between PLR and the new-onset PDRP in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.Methods: In this multicenter retrospective study,1378 PD Chinese patients were recruited from four centers, who were divided into the high PLR group(HPG) and the low PLR group(LPG) according to the cutoff value of PLR. The correlation between PLR and the new-onset PDRP was assessed using the Cox regression model analysis. Results: During follow-up, 121 new-onset PDRP events were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed a higher risk of new-onset PDRP in the HPG (log-rank test, P<0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, the Cox regression model showed the risk of new-onset PDRP was higher in the HPG than that in the LPG (HR,1.689,95%CI 1.096~2.602, P=0.017). Competitive risk analysis showed that significant differences still existed between the two PLR groups in the presence of other competitive events(P<0.001).Conclusion: PLR is independently associated with the new-onset PDRP in PD patients.
Electronic Informed Consent: effects on enrolment, practical and economic benefits, challenges, and drawbacks. Studies within Randomised Controlled Trials. Systematic Review.
Authors: Mazzochi Ana Teresita , Dennis Martin , Chun Ho-Yan Yvonne 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Enrolment is one of the most challenging aspects of conducting clinical trials, preceded by the process of informed consent (IC). Different strategies to improve recruitment in clinical trials have been used, including electronic IC. During COVID-19 pandemic, barriers to enrolment have been evident. Although digital technologies were acknowledged as the future of clinical research and potential advantages were shown for recruitment, electronic informed consent (e-IC) has not yet been globally adopted. The purpose of this review is to investigate the effect of using e-IC on enrolment, practical and economic benefits, challenges, and drawbacks when compared to traditional informed consent, through a systematic review.
Methods
Embase, Global Health Library, Medline, and The Cochrane Library databases were searched. No limit was set for publication date, age, sex, or study design. We included all studies within a randomised controlled trial (RCT), published in English, Chinese or Spanish, evaluating the electronic consent process used in the parent RCT. Studies were included if any of the three components (i. information provision, ii. participant’s comprehension, iii. signature) of the IC process was designed as electronic, whether administered remotely or face-to-face. The primary outcome was the rate of enrolment to the parent trial. Secondary outcomes were summarised according to the various findings reported on the use of electronic consent.
Results
From a total of 9069 titles, 12 studies were included in the final analysis with a total of 8864 participants. Five studies of high heterogeneity and risk of bias showed mixed results on the efficacy of e-IC on enrolment. Data of included studies suggested e-IC could improve comprehension and recall of study-related information. Meta-analysis could not be conducted due to different study designs and outcome measures and the predominantly qualitative findings.
Conclusion
Few published studies have investigated the impact of e-IC on enrolment and findings were mixed. e-IC may improve participant´s comprehension and recall of information. High quality studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefit of e-IC to increase clinical trial enrolment.
Trial registration:
International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO CRD42021231035)
Numerical Validation on Noval Replaceable Reduced Beam Section Connections for Moment-Resisting Frames
Authors: Özkılıç Yasin Onuralp , Bozkurt Mehmet Bakır 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
After a severe seismic activation, the buildings designed based on seismic specifications are expected to have damages without any local and global collapse. The key parameters that influence re-occupancy of the damaged buildings are workmanship cost and time. In order to circumvent shortcomings of these crucial parameters, replaceable fuse members with high energy dissipation capacity have been developed up to date. Moment resisting frames (MRFs) are one of the most preferred lateral load resisting systems in terms of architectural versatility and high energy dissipation capacity. Even though many beam-to-column connection details have been investigated over the years, none of them has addressed assembly difficulties when replacing the damaged fuse members under the residual drift ratio occurred after an earthquake. Therefore, this study presents replaceable reduced beam sections with connection detail for MRFs under residual drift. The proposed detail includes end-plated mid-spliced reduced beam sections. Pursuant to this goal, the proposed detail has been investigated under cyclic loading protocol required by AISC 341-16 by using ABAQUS finite element program. Seismic response of the proposed connection detail was compared from PEEQ and Rupture Index standpoint. The obtained findings indicate that the proposed mid-spliced replaceable reduced beam section satisfies all requirements mandated by AISC 341-16.
DNA nicks induce mutational signatures associated with BRCA1 deficiency
Authors: Feng Yi-Li , Liu Qian , Chen Ruo-Dan , Liu Si-Cheng , Huang Zhi-Cheng , Yang Xiao-Ying , Xie An-Yong 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Analysis of human cancer genome sequences has revealed specific mutational signatures associated with BRCA1-deficient tumors, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we show that one-ended DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) converted from CRISPR/Cas9-induced nicks by DNA replication, not two-ended DSBs, cause more characteristic chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei in Brca1-deficient cells than in wild-type cells. BRCA1 is required for efficient homologous recombination of these nick-converted DSBs and suppresses bias towards long tract gene conversion and tandem duplication (TD) mediated by two-round strand invasion in a replication strand asymmetry. However, aberrant repair of these nick-converted one-ended DSBs, not that of two-ended DSBs in Brca1-deficient cells, generates mutational signatures such as small indels with microhomology (MH) at the junctions, unbalanced translocations and small MH-mediated TDs, resembling those in BRCA1-deficient tumors. These results suggest a major contribution of DNA nicks to mutational signatures associated with BRCA1 deficiency in cancer and the underlying mechanisms.