bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research of the influence of magnetic processing of milk on the quality of kefir
Authors: Dzahmisheva I. S.
Published: March 2020

An unconventional method of improving the quality of kefir is presented, the essence of which is that a normalized mixture was passed through a semi-industrial magnetotron at a speed of 5 cm / s and a magnetic induction of 40 mT. As a starter culture, two-day aging fungus was used. Viscosity was determined on a Geppler viscometer, carbon dioxide was determined by the level of liquid raising after heating, and volatile fatty acids were determined by steam distillation. The growth of microorganisms was evaluated by plating on solid nutrient media. A micro picture of kefir samples shows that in the experimental version there is a slight increase in the size of yeast cells and partial adhesion of coccal cells on the surface of the yeast. The positive effect of a constant magnetic field on the growth and development of microorganisms is determined. It has been established that magnetic processing of milk has a positive effect on the organoleptic characteristics of kefir. So, in kefir along with a more pronounced sour-milk taste and aroma, a more pronounced and characteristic for kefir nibbling taste is noted. A close relationship has been established between taste and consistency, which in experimental samples blends perfectly with the guest characteristics of the product. The positive effect of a constant magnetic field on kefir quality indicators is explained by the increased transport of nutrients through the cytoplasmic membrane. The water contained in kefir undergoes structuring, the sizes of water dipoles are reduced, and together with nutrients it is more easily transported through the cytoplasmic membrane, providing comfortable conditions for the development of cells.
Investigation of corrosion interaction between white tin cans and model media simulating tomato products
Authors: Bessarab O. V. , Platonova T. F. , Protunkevitch I. V.
Published: March 2020

When choosing metal packaging for canned tomatoes and in tomato pouring, it is advisable to take into account their corrosiveness, since corrosion of the inner surface is one of the factors affecting the quality of products during storage. To rationalize corrosion testing of metal packaging and materials, it is advisable to use model media instead of food products. It should be borne in mind that, due to the presence in the composition of products of substances that affect the corrosion rate, the corrosiveness of the model environment and the product may vary. The corrosion kinetics of canned tinplate (ELC) in tomato juice and in an aqueous solution containing oxalic and citric acid was studied. The composition of the model medium (0.4% citric acid + 0.3% oxalic acid) was selected based on the results of previous studies. The uniform corrosion rate of ELC was measured by the polarization resistance method, the pitting corrosion rate was measured by zero resistance amperometry. The measurements were carried out using an Expert-004 corrosion meter in automatic mode. The mass of the tin coating on the contact surface of the ELC is 5.5–5.7 g/m2. According to the results of the studies, it was found that the kinetics of the rate of uniform and pitting corrosion of the ELC when interacting with tomato juice is similar to the kinetics of the process when interacting with a model medium. For both the model environment and tomato juice, the corrosion process is uniform - the average stationary pitting rates are 7.5-7.6 times lower than the corresponding values for uniform corrosion (for the model environment – 2.73 and 20.46 ?m/year; for tomato juice - 1.12 and 8.54 ?m/year). At the same time, the corrosiveness with respect to ELC for tomato juice is 2.4 times less than for a model medium. Thus, it is advisable to use a two-component model medium containing 0.4% citric and 0.3% oxalic acid for corrosion testing of metal packaging and materials, taking into account the correction factor.
Development of innovative technologies for whole-wheat flour products of different classes
Authors: Tursynbaeva S. A. , Iztayev A. I. , Magomedov M. G. , Yakiyayeva M. A.
Published: March 2020

Various ways of innovative technologies applying for the development of bread using whole-wheat flour of different wheat grades were investigated in this article. Cavitation and ion-ozone technologies were used as innovative technologies. Wheat grades III, IV and V, as well as off-grade wheat were used during the study. When determining the quality of wheat grains, the amino acid composition of proteins is of great importance. Therefore, the total amino acid composition of wheat samples was determined. Bread baking using innovative technologies was carried out on the basis of the Almaty Technological University. The photos of the obtained bread products using innovative methods from whole-wheat of different grades were given in the article. The resulting bread products were investigated by organoleptic, physico-chemical and some rheological indicators. According to the results obtained, the use of cavitation and ion-ozone processing plays a decisive role in assessing the quality of bakery products, and the wheat grade from which the bread was baked has also a significant effect. The obtained bread products in comparison with the control sample had higher organoleptic characteristics; for a number of physicochemical and organoleptic indicators, a sample of bread from whole-ground wheat of grade III appeared to have more favorable characteristics. According to the results of the research, it can be stated that the use of cavitation and ion-ozon processing, together with the targeted use of a certain wheat grade, can give more attractive results of the obtained bread products in comparison with the control sample.
To Serum or Not to Serum: Reduced-serum Based Approaches for Contact-based Co-culture of Fibroblasts and Keratinocytes for Wound Bed Studies
Authors: Kadam Snehal , Vandana Madhusoodhanan , Kaushik Karishma
Published: March 2020

Contact-based co-culture of fibroblasts and keratinocytes is important to study the structure and functions of the wound bed. Co-culture of these two cell types in direct contact with each other has been challenging, requiring high serum concentrations (up to 10%), feeder systems and a range of supplemental factors. These approaches are not only technically demanding, but also present scientific, cost and ethical limitations associated with high-serum concentrations. We have developed two reduced-serum approaches (1-2%) to support contact-based co-culture of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFa) and human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT). The two approaches include (1) Specialized cell culture media for each cell type mixed in a 1:1 ratio (KGM+FGM), and (2) Minimal media supplemented with cell-specific growth factors (MEM+GF). Co-culture could be successfully achieved by co-seeding (two cell types were introduced simultaneously), or in a layered fashion (keratinocytes seeded on top of confluent fibroblasts). With wound scratch assays, the co-cultured platforms could demonstrate cell proliferation, migration and wound closure. The reduced-serum conditions developed are simple, easy to formulate and adopt, and based on commonly-available media components. These contact-based co-culture approaches can be leveraged for wound and skin studies, and tissue bioengineering applications, potentially reducing concerns with high-serum formulations.
The Ongoing COVID-19 Epidemic Curves Indicate Initial Point Spread in China with Log-Normal Distribution of New Cases Per Day with a Predictable Last Date of the Outbreak Version 2: Evaluation of Previous Prediction and Testing the Method for S Korea and the Use of the Method by an Unexperienced Person
Authors: Olsson Stefan , Zhang Jing
Published: March 2020

During an epidemic outbreak it is useful for planners and responsible authorities to be able to plan ahead to estimate when an outbreak of an epidemic is likely to ease and when the last case can be predicted in their area of responsibility. Theoretically this could be done for a point source epidemic using epidemic curve forecasting. The extensive data now coming out of China makes it possible to test if this can be done using MS Excel a standard spreadsheet program available to most offices. The available data is divided up for whole China and the different provinces. This and the high number of cases makes the analysis possible. Data for new confirmed infections for Hubei, Hubei outside Wuhan, China excluding Hubei as well as Zhejiang and Fujian provinces all follow a log-normal distribution that can be used to make a rough estimate for the date of the last new confirmed cases in respective areas. In this continuation work 9 additional days were added for the Chinese data to evaluate the previous predictions. We also tested the feasibility for a non-specialist to make similar predictions using additional data from S Korea now available. The extra data now available from China follows the previous predicted trend supporting the usefulness of this simple technique.
Primary Infection of Chlamydia psittaci Triggers Invasion of H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus by Impairing Functions of Chicken Macrophages
Authors: Chu Jun , Guo Yongxia , Zhang Qiang , Zuo Zonghui , Zhang Tianyuan , He Cheng
Published: March 2020

We investigated the effect of C. psittaci and H9N2 coinfection on HD11 cells in vitro, expecting to find the potential pathogenesis of airsacculitis caused by co-infection of C. psittaci and H9N2. HD11 cells were infected with C. psittaci and/or H9N2 in a different order, and effects of the co-infection on iNOS expression and activity, NO synthesis, cell phagocytosis, and cytokines levels in HD11 cells were determined. Results showed that C. psittaci and H9N2 can significantly aggravate the mortality of HD11 cells compared to the effects of infection with one pathogen alone. In addition, infection with C. psittaci can increase the replication of H9N2 in HD11 cells, whereas decrease the iNOS level and enzyme activity as well as NO concentration of HD11 cells by H9N2 infection. We also found that C. psittaci infection alone can significantly decrease the phagocytosis of HD11 cells, compared to H9N2 infection alone. Furthermore, infection with C. psittaci can increase the mRNA expressions of type Th2 cytokines IL-6 and IL-10 of HD11 cells by H9N2 infection. All the above data indicated that primary C. psittaci infection is able to aggravate H9N2 invasion by down-regulating functions of HD11 cells
3D Printing for Ecology and Evolution: A Hands-on Guide to Turn an Idea into Reality
Authors: Schtickzelle Nicolas , Laurent Estelle , Morel-Journel Thibaut
Published: March 2020

3D printing is described as the third industrial revolution: its impact is global in industry and progresses every day in society. It presents a huge potential for ecology and evolution, sciences with a long tradition of inventing and creating objects for research, education and outreach. Its general principle as an additive manufacturing technique is relatively easy to understand: objects are created by adding material layers on top of each other. Although this may seem very straightforward on paper, it is much harder in the real world. Specific knowledge is indeed needed to successfully turn an idea into a real object, because of technical choices and limitations at each step of the implementation. This article aims at helping scientists to jump in the 3D printing revolution, by offering a hands-on guide to current 3D printing technology. We first give a brief overview of uses of 3D printing in ecology and evolution, then review the whole process of object creation, split into three steps: (1) obtaining the digital 3D model of the object of interest, (2) choosing the 3D printing technology and material best adapted to the requirements of its intended use, (3) pre- and post-processing the 3D object. We compare the main technologies available and their pros and cons according to the features and the use of the object to be printed. We give specific and key details in appendices, based on examples in ecology and evolution.
Prevalence and risk factors of chronic kidney disease and diabetic kidney disease in a central Chinese urban population: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Duan Jiayu , Duan Guang-Cai , Wang Chong-Jian , Liu Dong-Wei , Qiao Ying-Jin , Pan Shao-Kang , Jiang Deng-Ke , Liu Yong , Zhao Zi-Hao , Liang Lu-Lu , Tian Fei , Liu Zhang-Suo
Published: March 2020

Background : This study was conducted to evaluate and update the current prevalence of and risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in China.
Methods : From December 2017 to June 2018, a total of 5231 subjects were randomly enrolled from 3 communities in 3 districts of Zhengzhou. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min.1.73m 2 or urinary albumin to creatinine ratio ≥ 30 mg/g (albuminuria). Diabetic subjects with systolic blood blood pressure > 140 mmHg, albuminuria or an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 were classified as having DKD. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing lifestyle and relevant medical history, and blood and urine specimens were taken. Serum creatinine, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein and urinary albumin were assessed. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalences of CKD and DKD were calculated, and risk factors associated with the presence of reduced eGFR, albuminuria, DKD, severity of albuminuria and progression of reduced renal function were analyzed by binary and ordinal logistic regression.
Results : The overall adjusted prevalence of CKD was 16.8% (15.8 – 17.8%) and that of DKD was 3.5% (3.0 – 4.0%). Decreased renal function was detected in 132 participants (2.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.5 – 3.2%), whereas albuminuria was found in 858 participants (14.9%, 95% CI: 13.9 – 15.9%). In all participants with diabetes, the prevalence of reduced eGFR was 6.3% (95% CI = 3.9 – 8.6%) and that of albuminuria was 45.3% (95% CI = 40.4 – 50.1%). The overall prevalence of CKD in participants with diabetes was 48.0% (95% CI = 43.1 – 52.9%). The results of the binary and ordinal logistic regression indicated that the factors independently associated with a higher risk of reduced eGFR and albuminuria were older age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, overweight, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and hyperuricemia.
Conclusions : Our study shows the current prevalence of CKD and DKD in residents of Central China. The high prevalence suggests an urgent need to implement interventions to relieve the high burden of CKD and DKD in China.
Men’s view on participation in decisions about Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening: Patient and public involvement in development of a survey
Authors: Birkeland Søren , Pedersen Susanne S , Haakonsson Anders K , Barry Michael J , Rottmann Nina
Published: March 2020

Background: Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening for early detection of prostate cancer (PCa) may prevent some cancer deaths, but also may miss some cancers or lead to unnecessary and potentially harmful treatment. Therefore, involving patients in decision-making about PSA screening is recommended. However, we know little about the attitude of men regarding participation in decisions about PSA screening and how to assess such attitudes. The purpose of this paper is to describe patient and public participation in the development of a national, web-based case vignette survey for studying men’s view on participation in decision-making about PSA screening.

Methods: The project group developed a first draft plan for the survey, its vignettes and choice of measurements. This included multiple vignette variants representing various levels of patient participation in decision-making about PSA screening with different outcomes. Additionally, it included questions on respondents’ satisfaction with imagined courses of health care, their propensity to initiate a malpractice complaint, their own health care experiences, socio-demography, personality, and preferences for control regarding health care decision-making. Following feedback from a workshop with academic peers on the draft plan, a group of 30 adult men was engaged to help develop case vignette versions and questionnaire items by providing feedback on structure, comprehension, response patterns, and time required to complete the survey. Furthermore, a panel of three patients with PCa experience was assembled to assist development through a separate review-and-feedback process.

Results: Based on reviews of survey drafts, the large group made further suggestions about construction of the survey (e.g. clarification and modification of case vignette versions, deletion of items and adjustment of wording, instructions to guide respondents, replacement of technical terms, and optimization of sequence of survey elements). The patient panel ensured fine-tuning of vignette versions and questionnaire items and helped review the internet version of the survey.

Conclusions: Patient and public involvement during various phases of the survey development helped modify and refine survey structure and content. The survey exemplifies a way to measure health care users’ satisfaction with imagined courses of health care and wish to complain, taking into account their characteristics.
Analysis of Causes of Death Among Brought-in-Dead Cases in a Third-Level Hospital in Lusaka, Republic of Zambia, Using the Tariff Method 2.0 for Verbal Autopsy: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yokobori Yuta , Matsuura Jun , Sugiura Yasuo , Mutemba Charles , Nyahoda Martin , Mwango Chomba , Kazhumbula Lloyd , Yuasa Motoyuki , Chiluba Clarence
Published: March 2020

Background: Over one third of deaths in Zambian health facilities involve someone who has already died before arrival (i.e., Brough in Dead[横堀1] ), and in most BiD cases, the CoD have not been fully analyzed. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the function of automated VA based on the Tariff Method 2.0 to identify the CoD among the BiD cases and the usefulness by comparing the data on the death notification form. Methods: The target site was one third-level hospital in the Republic of Zambia’s capital city. All BiD cases who reached the target health facility [横堀2] from January to August 2017 were included. The deceased’s closest relatives were interviewed using a structured VA questionnaire and the data were analyzed using the SmartVA to determine the CoD at the individual and population level. The CoD were compared with description on the death notification forms by using t-test and Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Results: [横堀3] 1378 and 209 cases were included for persons aged 13 years and older (Adult) and those aged 1 month to 13 years old (Child), respectively. The top CoD for Adults were infectious diseases followed by non-communicable diseases and that for Child were infectious diseases, followed by accidents. The proportion of cases with a determined CoD was significantly higher when using the SmartVA (75% for Adult and 67% for Child) than the death notification form (61%). A proportion (42.7% for Adult and 46% for Child) of the CoD-determined cases matched in both sources, with a low concordance rate for Adult (kappa coefficient = 0.1385) and a good for Child(kappa coefficient = 0.635). Conclusions: The CoD of the BiD cases were successfully analyzed using the SmartVA for the first time in Zambia. While there many erroneous descriptions on the death notification form, the SmartVA could determine the CoD among more BiD cases. Since the information on the death notification form is reflected in the national vital statistics, more accurate and complete CoD data are required. In order to strengthen the death registration system with accurate CoD, it will be useful to embed the SmartVA in Zambia’s health information system.
Effects of parathyroid hormone and vitamin D supplementation on stroke among patients receiving peritoneal dialysis
Authors: You Xiaohan , Zhou Ying , Zhang Jianna , Zhou Qiongxiu , Shi Yanling , Su Zhen , Chen Chaoshen , Shao Rongrong , Zhang Ji
Published: March 2020

Background: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients have a high incidence of stroke and commonly have increased parathyroid hormone levels and vitamin D insufficiency. We seek to investigate the incidence of stroke and the role of parathyroid hormone and vitamin D supplementation in stroke risk among CAPD patients.Methods: This study employed a retrospective design. We enrolled a Chinese cohort of 980 CAPD patients who were routinely followed in our department. The demographic and clinical data were recorded at the time of initial CAPD and during follow-up. The included patients were separated into non-stroke and stroke groups. The effects of parathyroid hormone and vitamin D supplementation on stroke in CAPD patients was evaluated. The primary endpoint is defined as the first occurrence of stroke, and composite endpoint events are defined as death or switch to hemodialysis during follow-up.Results: A total of 757 eligible CAPD patients with a mean follow-up time of 54.7 (standard deviation, 33) months were included in the study. The median incidence of stroke among our CAPD patients was 18.9 (interquartile range, 15.7 - 22.1) per 1000 person-years. A significant nonlinear correlation between baseline iPTH and hazard of stroke (p-value of linear association = 0.2 and nonlinear association = 0.002) was observed in our univariate Cox regression analysis, and low baseline iPTH levels (≤150 pg/ml) were associated with an increased cumulative hazard of stroke. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated a significant interaction effect between age and iPTH after adjusting for other confounders. Vitamin D supplementation during follow-up was a predictive factor for stroke in our cohort. Conclusions: CAPD patients suffered a high risk of stroke, and lower iPTH levels were significantly correlated with an increased risk of stroke. Nevertheless, vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk of stroke in these patients.
Prevalence and Correlates of Bullying in Physiotherapy Education in Nigeria
Authors: Mbada Chidozie Emmanuel , Ogunseun Idowu Phebean , Fasuyi Francis Oluwafunso , Adegbemigun Oluwafemi David , Fatoye Clara Toyin , Idowu Opeyemi Ayodiipo , Johnson Olubusola Esther , Odole Adesola Christiana , Okonji Adaobi Margaret , Kaka Basir , Fatoye Francis
Published: March 2020

Background: Bullying is an unexpressed part and parcel of medical education but it is largely unexplored in physiotherapy. This study assessed the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of bullying in physiotherapy education in Nigeria. Methods: Two hundred and nineteen clinical physiotherapy students from three purposively selected Federal Universities in Nigeria participated in this study. Following a cross-sectional design, the Students Perception of Professor Bullying Questionnaire (SPPBQ) was used to obtain information on bullying. The SPPBQ includes a working definition of lecturer bullying followed by other sections inquiring about lecturers bullying experiences. Data was collected on socio-demographic characteristics, bullying experiences and availability of adequate policy and support on bullying. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used analyze data. Alpha level was set at p<0.05. Results: Lifetime and point prevalence of bullying in physiotherapy education were 98.6% and 99.1%. 94.5% of the respondents had witnessed physiotherapy students bullying and there was a 100% rate of ‘no attempt’ to stop a physiotherapy lecturer from bullying. 38.4% and 44.7% of the respondents believed there was adequate school policy and support available on bullying. There was no significant association between bullying and each of age (𝜒2=0.117, p = 0.943), gender (𝜒2=0.001, p = 0.974), level of study (𝜒2=0.000, p = 0.995) and any specific university (𝜒2=1.343, p = 0.511).Conclusion: There is high lifetime and point prevalence of bullying in physiotherapy education in Nigeria, which are largely unchallenged or redressed. Being a clinical physiotherapy student ordinarily predisposes to bullying without necessary contributions of intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Comparison of overall survival on surgical resection versus transarterial chemoembolization with or without radiofrequency ablation in intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Lin Chih-Wen , Chen Yaw-Sen , Lo Gin-Ho , Hsu Yao-Chun , Hsu Chia-Chang , Wu Tsung-Chin , Yeh Jen-Hao , Hsiao Pojen , Hsieh Pei-Min , Lin Hung-Yu , Shu Chih-Wen , Hung Chao-Ming
Published: March 2020

Background: Patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are recommended to undergo transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). However, TACE in combination with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is not inferior to surgical resection (SR), and the benefits of surgical resection (SR) for BCLC stage B HCC remain unclear. Hence, this study aims to compare the impact of SR, TACE+RFA, and TACE on analyzing overall survival (OS) in BCLC stage B HCC.
Methods: Overall, 428 HCC patients were included in BCLC stage B, and their clinical data and OS were recorded. OS was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis.
Results: One hundred forty (32.7%) patients received SR, 231 (53.9%) received TACE+RFA, and 57 (13.3%) received TACE. The OS was significantly higher in the SR group than that in the TACE+RFA group [hazard ratio (HR): 1.78; 95% confidence incidence (CI): 1.15-2.75, p=0.009]. The OS was significantly higher in the SR group than that in the TACE group (HR: 3.17; 95% CI: 2.31-4.36, p<0.0001). Moreover, the OS was significantly higher in the TACE+RFA group than that in the TACE group (HR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.21-2.74, p=0.004). The cumulative OS rates at 1, 3 and 5 years in the SR, TACE+RFA, and TACE groups were 89.2%, 69.4% and 61.2%, 86.0%, 57.9% and 38.2%, and 69.5%, 37.0% and 15.2%, respectively. After propensity score matching, the SR group still had a higher OS than those of the TACE+RFA and TACE groups. The TACE+RFA group had a higher OS than that of the TACE group.
Conclusion: The SR group had higher OS than the TACE+RFA and TACE groups in BCLC stage B HCC. Furthermore, the TACE+RFA group had higher OS than the TACE group.
Asymmetrical fatiguing of the gluteus maximus muscles in the elite short-track female skaters.
Authors: Konieczny Mariusz , Pakosz Paweł , Witkowski Mateusz
Published: March 2020

Background: According to research, fast skating on short distances causes asymmetry in the physiology of muscle work. As has been proven in many sporting disciplines, this asymmetry can increase the risk of injury. The aim of the study was to analyze the level of right and left fatigue asymmetry of gluteus maximus muscle in elite skaters on a short track and to compare this phenomenon to a control group. The muscles were chosen deliberately, due to their influence in maintaining the right position during training on ice. Methods: The experiment compared a group of eight members of the Polish Women’s National Team in short track with a group of eight non-training people. The subjects did the Biering-Sorensen test, in which sEMG (surface electromyography) signal frequency was measured in the gluteus maximus muscles during an isometric contraction. Fatigue slopes were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA with repeated measures.. In the skaters, the fatigue differed between the right and the left gluteus maximus muscles. All the skaters had higher fatigue in the right leg. This phenomenon was not observed in the non-training subjects, who on average had similar fatigue in both legs. Results: The results suggest that professional short-track training leads to considerable asymmetry in fatigability of gluteus maximus muscles, thereby increasing the risk of injury in training and competition. Conclusions: Training should thus be planned in a way that minimizes the risk of causing muscle fatigue asymmetry in skaters despite the typically asymmetrical muscle work during training on ice and competition, thus new trainign protocols should be developed or considered to decrease that asymmetry. Trial registration: The tests were previously approved by the Bioethical Commission of the Chamber of Physicians in Opole. (Resolution No. 235 of 13 December 2016).
Paleoenvironmental Traces of Carbon and Oxygen Isotopes in Carbonate Rocks: An Example From Dengying Formation in Xichuan Area, Henan Province
Authors: Zhang Lan , Xie Hong , Li Qingguang , Lu Zhenghao , Bai Yang , Wang Mengzhai
Published: March 2020

The carbon and oxygen isotope composition of carbonate rocks is an important index for accurate analysis of the paleo-sea environment, which depends on Mn/Sr, δ 18 O > -10‰, correlativity of δ 13 C and δ 18 O and “age effect” of δ 18 O. This study reports carbon and oxygen isotope data of carbonate rocks from the Dengying Formation in the Xichuan area. δ 13 C values range -1.58‰ to 3.76‰, with an average value of 1.55‰, and δ 18 O values are -14.91‰ to -1.88‰, with an average value of -6.95‰. The δ 18 O values of three samples are less than -10‰, so they are excluded and taken to be correlative with the cracking of the Rodinia supercontinent during the Neoproterozoic. The paleotemperature range 7.40°C to 35.05°C, with an average value of 21.09°C. Paleo-salinity range 8.38‰ to 19.30‰, with an average value of 13.89‰. Z values range 127.80 to 135.03 and thus all exceeded 120, with an average value of 131.25. These calculations indicate that the Xichuan area had deposited marine carbonate rocks, with the hot and dry tropical monsoon climate, and a transgressive process overall during the Dengying age.
Quantitative comparison of pre-treatment predictive and post-treatment measured dosimetry for selective internal radiation therapy using cone-beam CT for tumor and liver perfusion territory definition
Authors: Rangraz Esmaeel Jafargholi , Tang Xikai , Maleux Geert , Dekervel Jeroen , Cutsem Eric Van , Verslype Chris , Baete Kristof , Nuyts Johan , Deroose Christophe M.
Published: March 2020

Background: Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) is a promising treatment for unresectable hepatic malignancies. Predictive dose calculation based on a simulation using technetium-99m-labeled macro-aggregated albumin ( 99m Tc-MAA) before the treatment is considered as a potential tool for patient-specific treatment planning. Post-treatment dose measurement is mainly performed to confirm the planned absorbed dose to the tumor and non-tumor liver volumes. This study compared the predicted and measured absorbed dose distributions. Methods: Thirty-one patients (67 tumors) treated by SIRT with resin microspheres were analyzed. Predicted and delivered absorbed dose was calculated using 99m Tc-MAA-SPECT and 90 Y TOF-PET imaging. The voxel-level dose distribution was derived using the local deposition model. Liver perfusion territories and tumors have been delineated on contrast-enhanced CBCT images, which have been acquired during the 99m Tc-MAA work-up. Several dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters together with the mean dose for liver perfusion territories, non-tumoral and tumoral compartments were evaluated. Results: A strong correlation between the predicted and measured mean dose for non-tumoral volume was observed (r=0.937). The ratio of measured and predicted mean dose to this volume has a first, second, and third quartile range of 0.83, 1.05, and 1.25. The difference between the measured and predicted mean dose did not exceed 11 Gy. The correlation between predicted and measured mean dose to the tumor was moderate (r=0.623) with a mean difference of -9.3 Gy. The ratio of measured and predicted tumor mean dose had a median of 1.01 with the first and third quartile ranges of 0.58 and 1.59, respectively. Our results suggest that 99m Tc-MAA-based dosimetry could predict under or over dosing of the non-tumoral liver parenchyma for almost all cases. For more than two-thirds of the tumors, a predictive absorbed dose correctly indicated either good tumor dose coverage or under-dosing of the tumor. Conclusion: Our results highlight the predictive value of 99m Tc-MAA-based dose estimation to predict non-tumor liver irradiation, which can be applied to prescribe an optimized activity aiming at avoiding liver toxicity. Predictive dosimetry is also moderately reliable to estimate the tumor absorbed dose.
Use of static and dynamic 18F-FDopa PET parameters for detecting patients with glioma recurrence or progression
Authors: Zaragori Timothée , Ginet Merwan , Marie Pierre-Yves , Roch Veronique , Grignon Rachel , Gauchotte Guillaume , Rech Fabien , Blonski Marie , Lamiral Zohra , Taillandier Luc , Imbert Laetitia , Verger Antoine
Published: March 2020

Background: Static 18 F-FDopa PET images are currently used for identifying patients with glioma recurrence/progression after treatment, although the additional diagnostic value of dynamic parameters remains unknown in this setting. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performances of static and dynamic 18 F-FDopa PET parameters for detecting patients with glioma recurrence/progression as well as to assess further relationships with patient outcome. Fifty-one consecutive patients who underwent an 18 F-FDopa PET for a suspected glioma recurrence/progression at post-resection MRI, were retrospectively included. Static parameters including mean and maximum tumor-to-normal-brain (TBR), tumor-to-striatum (TSR) ratios, and metabolic tumor volume (MTV), as well as dynamic parameters with time-to-peak (TTP) values and curve slope, were tested for predicting: 1) glioma recurrence/progression at 6-months after the PET exam and 2) survival on longer follow-up. Results: All static parameters were significant predictors of a glioma recurrence/progression (accuracy≥94%) with all parameters also associated with mean progression-free survival (PFS) in the overall population (all p<0.001, 29.7 vs. 0.4 months for TBR max , TSR max and MTV). The curve slope was the sole dynamic PET predictor of glioma recurrence/progression (accuracy=76.5%) and was also associated with the mean PFS (p<0.001, 18.0 vs. 0.4 months). However, no additional information was provided relative to static parameters in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Although patients with glioma recurrence/progression can be detected by both static and dynamic 18 F-FDopa PET parameters, most of this diagnostic information can be achieved by conventional static parameters.
A single-model quality assessment method for poor quality protein structure
Authors: Ouyang Jianquan , Huang Ningqiao , Jiang Yunqi
Published: March 2020

Quality assessment of protein tertiary structure prediction models, in which structures of the best quality are selected from decoys, is a major challenge in protein structure prediction, and is crucial to determine a model’s utility and potential applications. Estimating the quality of a single model predicts the model’s quality based on the single model itself. In general, the Pearson correlation value of the quality assessment method increases in tandem with an increase in the quality of the model pool. However, there is no consensus regarding the best method to select a few good models from the poor quality model pool. In this work, we introduce a novel single-model quality assessment method for poor quality models that uses simple linear combinations of six features. We perform weighted search and linear regression on a large dataset of models from the 12th Critical Assessment of Protein Structure Prediction (CASP12) and benchmark the results on CASP13 models. We demonstrate that our method achieves outstanding performance on poor quality models.
Disrupted functional connectivity between sub-regions in the sensorimotor areas and cortex in migraine without aura
Authors: Qin Zhaoxia , Su Jingjing , He Xin-Wei , Ban Shiyu , Zhu Qian , Cui Yangyang , Zhang Jilei , Hu Yue , Liu Yi-Sheng , Zhao Rong , Qiao Yuan , Li Jianqi , Liu Jian-Ren , Du Xiaoxia
Published: March 2020

Background: Migraine is a severe and disabling brain disorder, and the exact neurological mechanisms remain unclear. Migraineurs have altered pain perception, and headache attacks disrupt their sensory information processing and sensorimotor integration. The altered functional connectivity (FC) of sub-regions of sensorimotor brain areas with other brain cortex associated with migraine needs further investigation. Methods: Forty-eight migraine without aura (MWoAs) during the interictal phase and 48 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans. We utilized seed-based functional connectivity analysis to investigate whether patients exhibited abnormal functional connectivity between sub-regions of sensorimotor brain areas and cortex regions. Results : We found that MWoAs exhibited disrupted FC between the sensorimotor areas and the visual cortex, temporal cortex, posterior parietal lobule, prefrontal areas, precuneus, cingulate gyrus, sensorimotor areas proper and cerebellum areas compared with healthy controls. In addition, the clinical data of the patients, such as disease duration, pain intensity and HIT-6 score, were negatively correlated with these impaired FC s. Conclusion : In MWoAs, the FCs between the sensorimotor brain areas and other brain regions was reduced. These disrupted FCs might contribute to abnormalities in visual processing, multisensory integration, nociception processing, spatial attention and intention and dysfunction in cognitive evaluation and modulation of pain. Recurrent headache attacks might lead to the disrupted network between L M1 (primary motor cortex) and temporal regions and between L S1 (primary somatosensory cortex) and temporal regions. Pain sensitivity and patient quality of life are closely tied to the abnormal functional connectivity between sensorimotor regions and other brain regions.
Temporal patterns of inflammatory biomarkers measured in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage using multiplex Proximity Extension Assay technology.
Authors: Vlachogiannis Pavlos , Hillered Lars , Enblad Per , Ronne-Engström Elisabeth
Published: March 2020

Background Neuroinflammation has been extensively studied in the context of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in recent years. A common approach is correlation of levels of single or few inflammatory biomarkers with clinical parameters such as cerebral vasospasm and outcome. However, the complexity of the inflammatory response post SAH may require a more comprehensive overall approach by analyzing multiple biomarkers simultaneously. Methods Twenty-nine patients with SAH requiring insertion of external ventricular drainage were enrolled and ventricular cerebrospinal fluid was collected at days 1, 4 and 10 after hemorrhage. The levels of 92 inflammatory biomarkers were simultaneously measured in the samples using Proseek Multiplex Inflammation 1® assay (Olink Proteomics, Uppsala, Sweden) based on Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology. Thirty-eight proteins were excluded from further analysis due to lack of >10% of measurable values. Temporal patterns for each of the remaining 54 proteins were illustrated on graphs with medians and quartiles. Wilcoxon matched pairs test was used for comparison of the medians between time points. Results Four different patterns were visually observed with an early peak and gradually decreasing trend (9 proteins), middle peak (14 proteins), late peak after a gradually increasing trend (27 proteins) and no specific pattern (4 proteins). Several biomarkers showed statistically significant increasing trends (defined as day 1 < day 4 < day 10 values) and late peaks (day 4 < day 10), such as chemokines CXCL6 and CCL23, or significant early peaks (that is, day 1 > day 4) such as leukemia inhibitor factor (LIF) and macrophage inflammatory factor-1β (MIP-1β). No statistically significant decreasing trends (defined as day 1 > day 4 > day 10) were observed. Two proteins showed statistically significant middle peaks (chemokine CCL28 and Delta and Notch epidermal growth factor-related receptor-DNER). Conclusion The comprehensive data set provided in this study may act as an illustration of an inflammatory profile of the acute phase of SAH showing groups of biomarkers with similar temporal patterns of activation. Further studies can be designed based on these data in order to explore potential implications on early and late clinical events in the disease course.
Clinicopathologic and outcome characteristics of breast cancer with liver metastases (BCLM): a population study of the SEER database and a registry analysis of 1728 women
Authors: wang zhonghua , ji Lei , Cheng Lei , Zhu Xiuzhi , Gao Yu , Fan Lei
Published: March 2020

Background Breast cancer patients generally have a worse prognosis in presence of liver metastasis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors and prognosis of breast cancer patients with liver metastases (BCLM). Methods Data on 311,573 breast cancer patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database diagnosed 2010 to 2016 and 1728 BCLM patients from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC) were analyzed for further exploration. We extracted the clinicopathological characteristics for analysis by two independent authors. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the risk of liver metastases. Survival analysis was completed using Cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results Young age, invasive ductal carcinoma, higher pathological grade, and subtype of triple-negative and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2+), were associated with increased risk of the liver metastases. The median overall survival (OS) after BCLM diagnosis was 20.0 months in the SEER database and 27.3 months in the FUSCC dataset. We observed that hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/HER2+ patients had the longest median OS 38.0 for SEER vs. 34.0months for FUSCC), whereas triple-negative breast cancer had the poorest OS (9.0 vs. 15.6 months) in both SEER and FUSCC. According to the results from the FUSCC, the subtype of HR+/HER2+ (hazard ratio (HR)=2.62; 95% confidence interval (CI)= 1.88-3.66; P<0.001) and HR-/HER2+ (HR=3.43; 95% CI=2.28-5.15; P<0.001) were associated with a significantly increased death risk in comparison with subtype of HR+/HER2-, if the patients did not receive HER2-targeted therapy. For BCLM patients who had received HER2-targeted therapy, however, HR+/HER2+ was an indicator for decreased death risk in comparison of the subtype of HR+/HER2- (HR=0.74; 95% CI=0.58-0.95; P<0.001). Conclusions BCLM is associated with poor survival, depending on HR/HER2-defined subtypes. Patients with HR+/HER2+ subtype displayed the longest median survival than HR+/HER2- and triple-negative BCLM patients. HER2-targeted therapy should be recommended for HER2+ BCLM patients.
The Impact of Age and Gender on Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: lemaire anthony , Soto Cassandra , Salgueiro Lauren , Ikegami Hirohisa , Russo Mark J. , Lee Leonard Y.
Published: March 2020

Objective : As the population ages, increasing number of older patients are undergoing adult cardiac surgery. The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of age on postoperative outcomes in patients that undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).Methods : Patients that are ≥70 years old who underwent CABG were selected from the Nationwide/National Inpatient Sample from 2010 to 2015 using ICD-9-CM diagnosis and procedure codes. The patients who were 70–79 years old were compared to patients aged 80–89 years old to determine if the age difference of the patients had an impact on surgical outcomes. In addition, the gender of the patients 80-89 years old were compared to determine the influence of patient gender on surgical outcomes. The rates of postoperative complications, mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS), and cost were compared using the Chi-square test, multivariable logistic regression analysis, and Wilcoxon rank sum test.Results : A total of 67,568 patients were identified who were ≥70 years old and underwent CABG. Compared to the Septuagenarians, the Octogenarians were more likely to develop cardiac complications (OR [odds ratio] =1.20, 95% CI [confidence interval] 1.12-1.23. They were also more likely to develop renal complications (OR 1.54 95% CI 1.48-1.61, P <0001), respiratory complications (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.2-2.1, P <0001), and infectious complications (OR=1.41, 95% CI 1.34-1.48, P <0001). The Octogenarians were also more likely to bleed postoperatively (P <0.0001) and have a higher mortality (OR 1.41 95% CI 1.36-1.61, P <0001). Moreover, the older patients had a longer postoperative LOS (median 9 days IQR [interquartile range] 7-13 days compared to the Septuagenarians (median 8 days IQR 6-11 days). The Octogenarians had an associated increased hospital cost (median $39,152 IQR $30, 0003.84 - $53,272.84) compared to the Septuagenarians (median $35,996.16 IQR $27,735.94 - $48,134.38). Furthermore, the female Octogenarians had a higher mortality (OR 1.25 95% CI 1.07–1.46) compared to males in the same age group.Conclusions : Advanced age influences surgical outcomes after CABG. The patients who were ≥80 – 89 years old had worse postoperative outcomes with increased complications and higher mortality compared to the Septuagenarians. Additionally, the Octogenarians who were females had a higher mortality compared to their male counterparts. These findings should help determine treatment options for older patients who need adult cardiac surgery.
Two Different Troponin Isoforms for Detection of Early Myocardial Injury after Curative Resection of Oesophageal Cancer
Authors: Gu Wei , Tang Wei , Zhang Zuojing , Xu Meiying , Wu Jingxiang
Published: March 2020

Background: The risk of intraoperative hypothermia, which may cause myocardial ischaemia during the early postoperative period, is relatively high in middle-aged and elderly patients undergoing curative resection of oesophageal cancer. The objective of this study was to explore the value of two troponin (cTn) subtypes, troponin I (cTnI) and high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-cTnT), which can be used to judge early myocardial injury after curative resection of oesophageal cancer.Methods: Seventy patients undergoing elective curative resection of oesophageal cancer were randomly assigned to undergo aggressive body temperature management (nasopharyngeal temperature ≥36°C) or standard body temperature management (n = 35 in each arm). Venous blood samples were collected from the patients before the operation and at postoperative 6 h~12 h, 24 h and 48 h, and serum cTnI and hs-cTnT levels were measured. The primary outcomes included the following: (1) the incidence of myocardial injury and the relationship between hs-cTnT and cTn; and (2) the consistency and correlation of the two cTn subtypes.Results: The incidence of postoperative day 2 myocardial injury was 8.6% (3/35) among patients receiving aggressive body temperature management and 31.4% (11/35) among patients receiving standard body temperature management (P<0.05). Among 3 patients who experienced myocardial injury in the aggressive body temperature management group, 2 met the diagnostic criteria for cTnI and hs-cTnT and only 1 met the diagnostic criteria for hs-cTnT. Among the 11 patients who experienced myocardial injury in the standard body temperature management group, 7 met the diagnostic criteria for cTnI and hs-cTnT and only 3 met the diagnostic criteria for hs-cTnT; only 1 met the diagnostic criteria for cTnI. The bias of cTnI and hs-cTnT was -8.82±31.91 ng/L. The consistency limit was -71.37~53.73 ng/L. The proportion within the scope of the consistency of its corresponding boundary was 98.57%. The correlation coefficient of cTnI and hs-cTnT was 0.845 (P<0.05).Conclusions: In the evaluation of postoperative myocardial injury in patients undergoing curative resection of oesophageal cancer, cTnI and hs-cTnT exhibit high consistency and a good correlation. The combination of cTnI and hs-cTnT can improve the detection rate of myocardial injury, thus providing a better reference than a single measure alone for reducing the risk of perioperative myocardial injury in patients.Trial registration: ChiCTR-INR-17011621. Registered June 10, 2017