bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Factors That Cause Delay to Surgical Treatment of Patients with Gastrointestinal Malignancies in Patients of Hospital during 2 Years
Authors: Yahyazadeh Hossein , Beheshti Marzieh , Molanaei Saadat , Tahbaz Sahel Valadan
Published: August 2021

Background: Many patients with gastrointestinal malignancies suffer from false treatments and incorrect diagnostic studies before diagnosis. This study examines the time taken to diagnose gastrointestinal cancer, identify the cause of delay, and judge its clinical importance. Materials and Methods: Patients with gastrointestinal malignancies (Esophageal, gastric, and colorectal) who were admitted for the first surgery were considered. The delay of diagnosis and treatment and responsible factors were analyzed from patients' history by recall of patients and reviewing para-clinical data, patient's records, and pathology report. Results: A total of 123 patients underwent diagnostic endoscopy 140 times. This study shows that the rate of biopsy in the three groups of patients with esophageal, gastric and colorectal cancers was 0.8%, 11.4% and 87.8%, respectively, which was not significantly different. A comparison of the number of patients who have undergone endoscopy more than once in the three groups of esophageal, gastric and colorectal malignancies shows that 6% of patients with esophageal cancer and 12% of patients with gastric cancer have undergone endoscopy more than once. This rate was 82%% in patients with colorectal cancer (P Value = 0.05). Conclusion: from this study can we educate the public about the symptoms of these diseases; and work that can be offered as a suggestion in this field, in prioritizing surgeries related to malignancies referred to medical centers, as well as establishing a systemic management of the initial diagnosis and finally treatment leading to surgery in patients with malignancies in each classification is.
Tumor Markers Reflect Tumor Burden of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei
Authors: Bai Mingjian , Pang Shaojun , Lu Yiyan , Wei Hongjiang , Feng Jing , Zong Hounian , Xu Hongbin , Liang Guowei
Published: August 2021

Background: Accurate assessment of preoperative tumor burden contribute to formulate a scientific surgical plan and improve the prognosis of patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). Present study aimed to assess whether preoperative serum tumor markers could reflect tumor burden. Methods: A total of 198 PMP patients were included, the peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was employed to reflect tumor burden for PMP patients. All participants were divided into low (PCI ≤ 19) and high (PCI ≥ 20) tumor burden subgroups according to PCI. All serum tumor markers (carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), CA 19-9, CA 724, and CA 242) were compared between the two subgroups. The correlation between tumor markers and PCI will be calculated and compared with each other. Two-sided P value less than 0.05 is considered statistically significant.Results: The level of CEA (ng/ml), CA125 (U/ml), CA 19-9 (U/ml), CA 724 (U/ml), and CA 242 (kU/L) between low and high tumor burden subgroup were [3.35 (1.64, 16.31) vs. 23.12 (8.80, 67.62), Z = -5.381, p<0.001], [19.10 (7.61, 56.95) vs. 72.75 (40.41, 130.55), Z = -5.978, p < 0.001], [6.17 (3.26, 16.22) vs. 45.50 (13.95, 123.61), Z = -5.413, p < 0.001], [7.89 (1.57, 45.10) vs. 84.61 (33.87, 236.93), Z = -5.898, p < 0.001], and [13.32 (3.39, 96.50) vs. 150.00 (102.13, 308.88), Z = -5.166, p < 0.001], respectively. The Spearman correlation between tumor markers and PCI were 0.415 for CEA (p < 0.001), 0.372 for CA 125 (p < 0.001), 0.466 for CA 19-9 (p < 0.001), 0.379 for CA 724 (p < 0.001), and 0.317 for CA 242 (p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: Preoperative serum tumor markers could moderately reflect tumor burden for PMP, which may contribute to develop a better surgical plan before operation.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and Hypertension: A Preliminary Analysis of Baseline Data of Occupational Noise-Exposed Workers
Authors: Miao Long , Yin Lihong , Pu Yuepu
Published: August 2021

The present study aimed to determine the current levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and binaural high frequency (3, 4, and 6 kHz) threshold on average (BHFTA), to assess the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and hypertension and determine the factors influencing the risk of both, and to evaluate the association between NIHL and hypertension among occupational noise-exposed workers. Questionnaire and occupational health checkup were performed to collect the personal information and physical examination data. Finally, baseline data from 42,588 occupational noise-exposed workers were analyzed. The mean levels of SBP, DBP, and BHFTA were 126.85 ± 15.94 mm Hg, 79.94 ± 11.61 mm Hg and 23.09 ± 11.32 dB, respectively. Of the 42,588 subjects, the prevalence of NIHL and hypertension were 24.38% (n = 10,383) and 25.40% (n = 10,816). The results suggested that higher risk of NIHL and hypertension were more likely to be the groups of male gender, aged > 35 years, exposure time to noise > 5 years, and smoking. The SBP, DBP and BHFTA levels increased with age and noise exposure time (Ptrend < 0.001). Besides, similar trends were also observed in the prevalence of NIHL and hypertension. Furthermore, there was a significant association of NIHL with hypertension. We found that 32.25% (n = 3,348) workers with NIHL had hypertension. The mean levels of SBP and DBP in NIHL workers were significantly higher than those with normal hearing (P < 0.001). In addition, NIHL workers had a significantly higher risk of developing hypertension than normal hearing workers (adjusted OR = 1.08, 95%CI = 1.03–1.14). Our current findings suggest that the prevalence of NIHL and hypertension are high in our study workers and occupational noise exposure is an important factor. Therefore, it is urgent to reduce noise exposure in the workplaces and to strengthen industrial noise monitoring.
An Insight into the Battery Degradation for a Proposal of a Battery Friendly Charging Technique
Authors: Sah Bikash , Kumar Praveen
Published: August 2021

Li-ion batteries are widely used in electric vehicles because of their promising characteristics that meet high specific power and energy density requirements. The only setback is the capacity fading due to degradation in Li-ion batteries. The rate of capacity fade in Li-ion batteries in EVs vary based on the charging rate, changes in internal cell temperature and external ambient temperature, and user driving patterns. Since the Li-ion battery is electrochemical, determining the actual cause of degradation at a particular instant and constraining the rate is a big challenge. Further, the causes are related to parameters which are chemical, electrical and mechanical. In this work, the causes of degradation are studied by analysing the variation of parameters for multiple charge types and rates at different ambient temperatures. The analysis leads to developing a new universal charging scheme suitable to fast charge battery at different ambient temperatures appropriately and constrain battery degradation.
Pomiferin Exerts Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects Through Activating Akt /Nrf2 Pathway and Inhibiting NF-κB pathway
Authors: Zhao Yan , Sang Yuxuan , Sun Yanan , Wu Jie
Published: August 2021

Background:Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with neuroinflammation. However, the pro-inflammatory mediators produced during the occurrence of neuroinflammation will damage neurons and aggravate the process of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, inhibiting neuroinflammation may be an effective way to alleviate neurodegenerative diseases. The orange mulberry brass has a wide range of anti - oxidation and anti - inflammatory effects in peripheral tissues. However, it is not clear whether it inhibits neuroinflammation. Methods:In our experiment, we studied the effect of Pomiferin on BV2 cell inflammation and its mechanism with Quantitative PCR, ELISA and western blot.Results:The results showed that Pomiferin inhibited the production of ROS, NO and proinflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, COX2) in BV2 cells. Further mechanism studies showed that Pomiferin activated the Akt /Nrf2 pathway and inhibited the NF-κB pathway. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that Pomiferin exerts anti-neuroinflammatory effects through activating Akt /Nrf2 pathway and inhibiting NF-κB pathway.
Clinical Application of a Modified Local Transposition Flap Surgery in Repairing Fingertip Defects
Authors: Zhang YingKai , Wang Yao , Wu Rongbo , Zhou Jiaqi , Zhao Mingdong
Published: August 2021

Purpose: A modified local transposition flap surgery was performed for fingertip injuries. Given the shape of the flap turnover resembling a parallelogram, we called it a parallelogram flap. This transposition flap surgery allows a more significant transfer distance with good outcomes.Method: The study collected patients who underwent parallelogram transposition flaps to repair fingertip defects from 2017 to 2020. 32 cases (32 fingers) were included in our study, including 20 males and 12 females, aged 17 to 60 years, with an average age of 36 years. The causes of injury were crush injury in 13 cases, punch injury in 11 cases and sharp cutting injury in 8 cases. There were 6 cases in thumbs, 6 cases in index fingers, 14 cases in middle fingers, 4 cases in ring fingers and 2 cases in little fingers. The area of fingertip defects was 1.2 cm × 2~3 cm × 4 cm, with bone exposure. The interval between the injury and operation was 5.78 h (the mean value was 4.7-8.4 h). All operations were performed by one surgical team, and the average operation time was 31.2 min.Record The length and width of the finger，two-point discrimination（2PD），Total Active Movement (TAM)and the MHQ (Michigan Hand Questionnaire) of the injured fingers to evaluate the therapeutic effect.Results: all our parallelogram flaps had survived postoperatively.，At last follow-up,There was no difference between the length and width of the reconstructed finger and that of the healthy side（P>0.05）. The qualification rate of the static 2PD of the flaps were 84.37% .The qualification rate of the TAM of injured figures were 100% . Evaluation of the MHQ subscale performance showed that the score of the overall hand function is 93.71, activities of daily living is 95.22, work performance is 94.23,pain score is 4.34 , aesthetics is 92.15 and satisfaction score is 92.45.All of these were perform well.Conclusion: This transposition flap surgery allows a more significant transfer distance with good outcomes.
Intramedullary Nailing of Intertrochanteric Fractures - Minimal Invasive Techniques for Reduction
Authors: Duan Xuzhou , Tong Dake , Zhang Hao , Ji Fang
Published: August 2021

Background: An intramedullary nail has become the implant of choice for intertrochanteric fractures. This paper introduced some minimal invasive techniques were used to improve quality of intertrochanteric fracture reduction. Methods: Of 119 intertrochanteric fractures treated from January 2014 to October 2019. All patients who received internal fixation on traction bed, and who could not achieve satisfactory closed reduction through the process of "external rotation, abduction, traction, adduction and internal rotation". Reductions were classified as good, acceptable, or poor. We had acceptable reduction in 83 cases and poor reduction in 37 cases though closed reduction. The displacement was reduced using some minimal invasive techniques. Results: After performing the relative techniques in these cases, no case had a poor result. 112(94.9%) cases were in a good reduction. Anatomical reduction should always be achieved in intertrochanteric fractures. Conclusion: The minimal invasive techniques could help the surgeon achieve satisfactory reduction in intertrochanteric fractures. This work had the potential to improve the cognition of reduction of intertrochanteric fractures for surgeons, especially beginners and juniors.
Groundwater Hydrochemical Characteristics in a Plain River Network Region: Effects of Dissolved Organic Carbon and Possible Traceability of Pollution Sources
Authors: Ma Ning , Gao Li , Ge Zhengkui , Hu En , Pan Baozhu , Wang Jian , Li Ming
Published: August 2021

The chemical composition of groundwater indicates the water quality and provides useful information for identifying pollution sources. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of dissolved organic matter inputs on the ionic composition of groundwater and identify ions that can be used as indicators of pollution sources. Descriptive statistics, a Piper diagram, a Gibbs plot, major ion ratios, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to analyze the chemical data of 40 groundwater samples collected from the shallow aquifer surrounding Lake Taihu. The results showed that the water quality index values of most sampling points were less than 50 (excellent water quality), except for one point in the southeast direction of the lake basin (good water quality). The dominant hydrochemical type of groundwater was Ca–Mg–HCO3 type, and rock dominance was the major mechanism controlling the groundwater chemistry. With an increasing concentration of dissolved organic carbon, the Na+, Mg2+, and HCO3- concentrations all showed a sharp increase followed by a slow increase, while the NO3– concentration initially decreased sharply and then decreased slowly. The K+ concentration was positively correlated with total dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus, nitrate, As, and Cd concentrations (p < 0.05). The Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, Cl-, HCO3-, and CO32- concentrations were all positively correlated with Pb concentration (p < 0.001). The results indicated that high organic matter inputs can directly or indirectly change the hydrochemical type of groundwater, and K+ can be used as a tracer ion for the sources of As and Cd in groundwater in the study area.
Opioid Prescribing Patterns by Drug Type: The Pennsylvania Experience
Authors: Bakewell Brock K. , Miller Chain , Sherman Matthew , Ilyas Asif M.
Published: August 2021

Background: Opioid abuse persists as a significant public health issue in the United States; many states are implementing education and monitoring programs in response. This study examined opioid prescribing patterns and trends after implementing a prescription drug monitoring program in Pennsylvania from 2016 to 2020.Methods: A cross-sectional data analysis using de-identified data from Pennsylvania's PDMP delivered by the Pennsylvania Department of Health was undertaken.Results: In 2016, nearly 2 million opioid prescriptions were given to patients across the state. However, by the end of the study period in 2020, there was a 38% decrease in opioid prescriptions written. Specifically, over 700,000 fewer prescriptions in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the third quarter in 2016. The opioids that were most frequently prescribed were oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine.Conclusion: While fewer prescriptions were being prescribed overall, the breakdown of drug type being prescribed remained similar in 2020 compared to 2016. Fentanyl and hydrocodone saw the largest decrease between 2016 and 2020.
Significance of Subchondral Bone Microfracture In The Human Osteoarthritic Tibial Plateau On Cartilage Tidemark Drift
Authors: WANG XIAOJIAN , Zhang Yu-min , Lu Xiao , Tian Wei , Zhang Jian , Xu Wei-wei , Li Li-jun , Chang Feng
Published: August 2021

Objective: To observe the significance of subchondral bone microfracture in the human osteoarthritic tibial plateau on cartilage tidemark drift.Methods: Human knee tibial plateau cartilage samples with different OARSI grades were obtained, and the numbers of cartilage tidemarks and microfracture lines were determinedafter safranin O staining and compared among groups. Osteogenesis caused by microfracture in subchondral bone was observed and staged according to biological properties.Immunohistochemistry, western blotting, PCR and laser microdissection were performedto detect the biological properties of osteogenic areas caused by microfractures.The accompanying relationship between the ossification process and new tidemark formation inosteogenic areas caused by microfractures was then evaluated.Results: With the increase in OARSI grade, the numbers of cartilage tidemarks and subchondral bone microfracture lines in human knee tibial plateau cartilage tissue samples showed increasing trends.The subchondral bone microfracture line was observed toextend as far asthe basal area of hyaline cartilage and cause endochondral osteogenesis.The endochondral osteogenesis caused by subchondral microfracture was categorized into chondrocyte,calcareous sedimentary and ossification stages. A new tidemark appeared in the osteogenic region near the hyaline cartilage when the ossification process of the osteogenic region was completed.Conclusions:Endochondral osteogenesis canoccur at the base of hyaline cartilage induced by microfractures in the tibial plateau subchondral bone. A new cartilage tidemark can form on the side of the osteogenic tissue close to hyaline cartilage when the process of osteogenesis is completed.There is a positive correlation between the degree of cartilage tissue degeneration and the number of tidemarks in articular cartilage.
The Significance of Heat Responsive Long Noncoding RNAs in Rice Discovered by Integrating Expression, Network and Genetic Analyses
Authors: zhang zhengfeng , Zhong Huahua , Nan Bo , Xiao Benze
Published: August 2021

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play vital roles in plant responses to environments. However, the systematic identification of lncRNAs in rice under heat stress remains to be fully performed. We performed steady-state strand-specific RNA-seq for rice seedlings under heat stress to predict lncRNAs. In total, 2743 lncRNAs were predicted, and their expression profiles in response to heat treatments were provided. We identified 231 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) in their steady-state level under heat stress, including 31 DELs common to both varieties and 103 and 97 specific to ZS97B and SYD2, respectively, all defined as heat-responsive lncRNAs (HRLs). The target-coding genes of HRLs were predicted through cis-action, ceRNAs, precursors of miRNA, antisense modes and other trans-action targets. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of HRL targets revealed functions in which HRLs were involved. The interaction network between HRLs, target genes and relevant miRNAs was constructed. The HRLs and their targets were integrated with publicly available QTLs for rice seedling growth under heat stimulus, and 10 HRLs and 12 target genes were co-localized with 5 heat-relevant QTLs. Sequence motif analysis found a few significant motifs enriched in 231 HRL sequences, and the differential significance of enriched motifs between HRLs and background sequences was tested. Our findings provide new insights into the characterization of lncRNAs in terms of the heat response and resources for further investigations of plant heat tolerance improvement.
High-Performance and Energy-Efficient Fault Tolerance FPGA-to-FPGA Communication
Authors: Reddy Naresh Kumar , Cherukuru Swamy , Vani Veena , Reddy Vishal
Published: August 2021

These days, due to the increasing demand for high speed and parallel computation, several real world applications and systems include multiple FPGAs in them. Due to this, FPGAs often need to communicate among them. So, communication between the FPGAs is one of the key factors that determines the accuracy, performance and correctness of the entire multiple FPGAs systems or applications. This paper presents the design of an efficient multi-bit fault tolerant communication system for FPGA-to-FPGA communication. The proposed design is synthesized and also simulated through Vivado design suit 2018.3 and was communicated with two Kintex-7 FPGA boards. When compared with the existing FPGA-to-FPGA communication and inter FPGA communication designs, the proposed design have higher performance, error detection and correction capability.
Unresected Small Lymph Nodes Assessment Predict Prognosis For Patients With pT3N0M0 Thoracic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yi , Xiao Ping , Yang Ningjing , Wang Xiang , Ma Ke , Wu Lei , Zhang Wei , Zhuang Xiang , Xie Tianpeng , Fang Qiang , Lan Mei , Wang Qifeng , Peng Lin
Published: August 2021

Background: The role of unresected small lymph nodes (LNs) which may contain metastases for thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (TESCC) has not been addressed. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of unresected small LNs assessment using computed tomography (CT) in prognostic estimates of pT3N0M0 TESCC patients.Methods: Between January 2009 and December 2017, 294 patients who underwent esophagectomy with R0 resection at Sichuan Cancer Hospital were retrospectively examined, and the last follow-up time was July 2018. Patients were classified into CT-suspect and CT-negative groups according to the shortest diameter and the shape (axial ratio) of the unresected small LNs on preoperative CT. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to compare survival differences in prognostic factors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors for survival and recurrence. Results: Eighty-four patients (42.5%) were classified as CT-suspect group according to the diagnostic criteria, survival analysis suggested that CT-suspect group of patients had a relatively poorer prognosis (P<0.05). Cox regression analysis indicated that unresected small LNs status, tumor grade, and postoperative adjuvant therapy were independent prognostic factors for patients with pT3N0M0 TESCC (P<0.05). Further analysis shown the rates of total recurrence (TR) and locoregional recurrence (LR) in the CT-suspect group were significantly higher than that in the CT-negative group (TR: P<0.000; LR: P<0.000). Among the LRs, the rate of supraclavicular lymph node recurrence in the CT-suspect group was significantly higher than that in the CT-negative group (P<0.000).Conclusions: Unresected small lymph nodes assessment is critically important and predict prognosis for pT3N0M0 TESCC patients.
Constitutive Overexpressing At.TC Improves Drought-mediated Oxidative Tolerance in Transgenic Brassica Napus L.
Authors: Sobhanverdi Sajjad , Majidi Atefeh , Abbasi Alireza , Mollabashi Zahra Asghari , Sabokdast Manijeh , Bayat Hamid , Niaraki Mina Sadeghi
Published: August 2021

Background: Environmental stresses are the most important factors limiting crops production in worldwide. Tocopherol, belonging to family of vitamin E compounds, is an amphipathic antioxidants involved in oxidative responses. In the current study, we generated transgenic canola plants overexpressing Arabidopsis VTE1 gene (At.TC) through Agrobacterium tumefaciens system. Methods and results: The putative transgenic plants were successfully regenerated and acclimated in greenhouse conditions. The transcriptional activity of the At.TC gene was evaluated by RT-PCR. In addition, the relative gene expression analysis by qRT-PCR confirmed an increased expression pattern of the transformed gene in canola transgenic lines, with the highest level in R. Line1. Given the results, the transgenic plants, particularly H. Line1 and R. Line2 showed a lower lipid peroxidation compared to WTs under FC 30%. Moreover, two ROS scavenging enzymes including CAT and PPO were up-regulated in transgenic lines; however, no significant pattern was observed for Ascorbate Peroxidase. Also, the amount of leaf tocopherol was significantly more in all T1 lines under drought stress (FC 30%). Conclusion: Taken together, here we successfully developed transgenic lines overexpressing At.TC gene constituently throughout the plant. The results confirmed that the generated transgenic plants are resistant to drought stress, thereby paving the way toward introducing canola plants to deal with the climate change and water shortage.
Airborne Environmental DNA Metabarcoding Detects More Diversity, More Efficiently, Than a Traditional Plant Community Survey
Authors: Johnson Mark , Cox Robert D , Fokar Mohamed , Barnes Matthew A
Published: August 2021

BackgroundAirborne environmental DNA (eDNA) research is an emerging field that focuses on the detection of species from their genetic remnants in the air. The study of airborne eDNA of plants has until now focused on single species detection, with no previous studies examining the entire plant community through metabarcoding. We therefore conducted airborne eDNA metabarcoding and compared the results to a traditional plant community survey.ResultsOver the course of a year, we conducted two traditional transect-based visual plant surveys alongside a yearlong airborne eDNA sampling campaign on a short-grass rangeland. We found that airborne eDNA detected more species than the traditional surveying method, although the types of species detected varied based on the method used. Airborne eDNA detected more grasses and forbs with less showy flowers, while the traditional method detected fewer grasses but also detected rarer forbs with large showy flowers. Additionally, we found the airborne eDNA method to be more efficient in terms of the time required to conduct a survey and able to detect more invasive species than traditional methods.ConclusionsOverall, we have demonstrated for the first time that airborne eDNA can act as a sensitive and efficient plant community surveying method. Airborne eDNA surveillance has the potential to revolutionize the way plant communities are monitored in general, track changes in plant communities due to climate change and disturbances, and assist with the monitoring of invasive and endangered species.
Resistance Exercise Induces Heme Oxygenase-1 Expression to Promote Macrophage Polarization and Accelerate Catheter-related Thrombolysis and Recanalization in Rats
Authors: Wei Jiani , Zhao Huihan , Jiang Qingjuan , Wen Cui , Huang Xinxin , Ling Ying , Ying Yanping
Published: August 2021

IntroductionCatheter-related thrombosis (CRT) is a major complication of central venous catheters. Resistance exercise to prevent CRT formation has been demonstrated, but there are few studies of CRT dissolution and recanalization. In this study, we focused on resistance exercise, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and macrophage polarization to investigate the mechanism of resistance exercise accelerating thrombolysis and recanalization, providing a theoretical basis for resistance exercise adjuvant therapy of CRT.MethodsA rat CRT model was established and Intervened with resistance exercise and injection of HO-1 agonist cobalt protoporphyrin (COPP) and the inhibitor tin protoporphyrin IX(SnPP).Thrombolysis and recanalization were observed by hematoxylin and eosin(H&E). Neovascularization was detected by immunohistochemical CD31 staining. The levels of HO-1, IL-6, and IL-10 in the rat sera were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relative expression levels of HO-1, Arg-1, HO-1, CD206, and CD80 mRNA were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The colocalization expression of HO-1 with CD206 and CD86 were detected by immunofluorescence.ResultsResistance exercise for 28 days could induce HO-1 expression, decrease IL-6 level, increase IL-10 level, increase Arg-1 and CD206 expression, decrease INOS and CD80 expression, and increase CD31 expression, and the co-localization expression of HO-1 and CD206 was significantly higher than that of HO-1 and CD86.ConclusionAfter 28 days of resistance exercise, mechanical stimulation can mediate the expression of HO-1 in macrophages, promote the polarization of M2 macrophages, exert the effects of anti-inflammation and promoting angiogenesis, and accelerate the dissolution and recanalization of CRT.
Regional Brain Tissue Changes in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Roy Bhaswati , Woo Marlyn S. , Vacas Susana , Eshaghian Patricia , Rao Adupa P. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: August 2021

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients present with a variety of symptoms, including mood and cognition deficits, in addition to classical respiratory, and autonomic issues. This suggests that brain injury, which can be examined with non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is a manifestation of this condition. However, brain tissue integrity in sites that regulate cognitive, autonomic, respiratory, and mood functions in CF patients is unclear. Our aim was to assess regional brain changes using high-resolution T1-weighted images based gray matter (GM) density and T2-relaxometry procedures in CF over control subjects. Methods: We acquired high-resolution T1-weighted images and proton-density (PD) and T2-weighted images from 5 CF and 15 control subjects using a 3.0-Tesla MRI. High-resolution T1-weighted images were partitioned to GM-tissue type, normalized to a common space, and smoothed. Using PD- and T2-weighted images, whole-brain T2-relaxation maps were calculated, normalized, and smoothed. The smoothed GM-density and T2-relaxation maps were compared voxel-by-voxel between groups using analysis of covariance (covariates, age and sex; SPM12, p<0.001). Results: Significantly increased GM-density, indicating tissues injury, emerged in multiple brain regions, including the cerebellum, hippocampus, amygdala, basal forebrain, insula, and frontal and prefrontal cortices. Various brain areas showed significantly reduced T2-relaxation values in CF subjects, indicating predominant acute tissue changes, in the cerebellum, cerebellar tonsil, prefrontal and frontal cortices, insula, and corpus callosum. Conclusions: Cystic fibrosis subjects show predominant acute tissue changes in areas that control mood, cognition, respiratory, and autonomic functions and suggests that tissue changes may contribute to symptoms resulting from ongoing hypoxia accompanying the condition.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection is Associated with an Increased Stress Ulcer Risk in Brainstem Hemorrhage Patients with Robot-Aided Stereotactic Hematoma Aspiration
Authors: Mao Xiang , Chen Guanggui , Ye Lei , Cheng Hongwei , Liu Baiyun
Published: August 2021

Background: Whether H. pylori infection in brainstem hemorrhage patients is related to the occurrence of SU has not been reported. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between H. pylori infection and the occurrence of SU, and whether it is necessary to eradicate H. pylori infection during treatment. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in our patients in Neurocritical Care Unit (NICU), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and Emergency Intensive Care Unit (EICU) between May, 2017-July, 2020. Patients were eligible for the study if they were admitted to a participating ICU for brainstem hemorrhage with gastrointestinal bleeding and with an ICU stay of at least 3 days. Patients were ineligible if their ICU stay was less than 72 hours, and patients with a previous history of gastric or duodenal ulcer were excluded from the study. All patients were performed with robot-aided stereotactic hematoma aspiration and gastric tube indwelling. Results: In the study, 65 patients were enrolled. Of these, 7 patients were excluded because their ICU stay lasted less than 72 hours or because they had previous history of gastric or duodenal ulcer. A further 5 patients were excluded because they required blood transfusion for bleeding on admission. Thus, 53 patients constituted the study group. Conclusions: This study showed brainstem hemorrhage patients infected by H. pylori were at increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, suggesting that H. pylori has a major role in the pathogenesis of acute SU in brainstem hemorrhage patients.
Seed rain across fire-created edges in a Neotropical rainforest
Authors: Rocha Janaine Isabela da Silva , Menezes Gustavo Souza Cruz , Cazetta Eliana , Dodonov Pavel , Talora Daniela Custódio
Published: August 2021

Human-induced wildfires are increasing in frequency in tropical forests, and their deleterious consequences for biodiversity include decreases in seed rain, which may be affected directly by fire or indirectly by the creation of edges between forest and non-forest environments. Understanding seed rain is key to assess the potential for natural regeneration in plant communities. We assessed the impact of fire and fire-created edges on seed rain species richness, abundance, size, weight, and dispersal syndromes in Atlantic Forest remnants in Bahia, Brazil. We assessed seed rain at monthly intervals for an entire year along seven 300 m-long transects placed perpendicular to the edge. We installed seed traps at the edge and at 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 150 m into the burnt area and into the forest from forest edge. We recorded a total of 9,050 seeds belonging to 250 morphospecies. We did not observe edge influence; however, we detected a lower abundance and proportion of animal-dispersed seeds in the burnt than in the unburnt areas. The seed abundance in the burnt areas was lower and seeds were smaller and lighter than those in the unburnt area. Seed rain in the burnt area was not greater near to the forest than far from it. The abundance and richness of seed rain was positively correlated with tree density. Our findings highlight the lack of seed rain in burnt areas and differences in community composition between the burnt and unburnt areas. Collectively, these results indicate negative consequences on natural regeneration, which can lead to permanent secondarization and challenges for early regeneration of burnt areas, which will initially have impoverished forests due to low seed richness.
Typical Antipsychotics Increase Risk of Severe Exacerbation in Asthma Patients– A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Kuo Chin-Wei , Yang Szu-Chun , Shih Yu-Fen , Liao Xin-Min , Lin Sheng-Hsiang
Published: August 2021

Background:Severe asthma exacerbation reduces patients’ life quality, results in visits to the emergency department (ED) and hospitalization, and incurs additional medical costs. Antipsychotics block receptors with bronchodilation function; however, the effects of antipsychotics use on severe asthma exacerbation are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of antipsychotics on asthma-related ED visits and hospitalizations.Methods:This study used a case-crossover design. Using the 2003-2017 Taiwan National Health Insurance Reimbursement Database, we established a cohort of 18,657 adults with severe asthma exacerbation leading to ED visits or hospitalization. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regressions were conducted to explore the association of antipsychotics use with severe asthma exacerbation. Subgroup analyses of different classes, doses, receptor functions of antipsychotics and schizophrenia were also performed.Results:Antipsychotics use was associated with a higher risk of severe asthma exacerbation (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.27; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-1.54; P = 0.013) compared with no use of antipsychotics. Use of typical antipsychotics increased the risk of severe asthma exacerbation (adjusted OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.10-1.79, P = 0.007), whereas use of atypical antipsychotics did not. There was a dose-dependent effect of antipsychotics (test for trend: P =0.025). Antipsychotics that block the M2 muscarinic or D2 dopaminergic receptor were associated with an increased risk of severe asthma exacerbation (adjusted OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.10-1.76, P = 0.007 and adjusted OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.08-1.63, P = 0.008, respectively).Conclusions: Use of typical antipsychotics is associated with a dose-dependent increased risk of severe asthma exacerbation. Physicians should thus weight the risk and benefit of prescribing high-dose typical antipsychotics for asthma patients.
Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers of Children Aged 0-6 Months: Maternal Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Ethiopia
Authors: Eyasu Nahom , Hosseinzadeh Hassan , Tesfa Endrias
Published: August 2021

Background: Globally, less than 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed. Researchers have established the prevalence, nature, and the degree of this problem; however, less is known about the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among mothers of children aged 0-6 months in Ethiopia. This research addresses this knowledge gap by examining (a) the maternal KAP of breastfeeding and (b) the association between sociodemographic variables and KAP. Methods: This research draws on a sample of women (n = 415) from Finote-Selam town, derived using simple, systematic, and multistage sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis and binary logistic regression. Results: Results show that the vulnerable groups, such as mothers being illiterate, low-income group, and lived in rural areas have encountered a double burden of death during delivery and having no knowledge of, positive attitudes, and practices of breastfeeding compared with other mothers of children aged 0-6 months because the respondents have differences in socio-economic characteristics and how they are under cultural influence. Furthermore, the results also affirmed that the age limit could also determine approaches and perceptions of mothers for the exclusive breastfeeding of mothers: mothers aged 25-34 and above 35 years old had good knowledge of and attitude towards breastfeeding, respectively. Furthermore, the poor practice of breastfeeding did not save any baseline variable, such as educational level, level of employment, and level of income. Conclusion: This study would allow policymakers, medical sociologists, and health extension practitioners to develop more effective all-rounded interventions to minimize the poor practice of EBF.
Building a Centre of Excellence in Data Management in East Africa
Authors: Agwang Betty , Manabe Yuka
Published: August 2021

Background: In resource-limited settings, there is a paucity of high quality data management systems for clinical research. The result is that data are often managed in high-income countries disadvantaging researchers at sites where the data are collected. An institutional data management system to address the data collection concerns of the collaborators and sponsors is a key institutional capacity element for high quality research. Our goal was to build a local data management center to streamline data collection and validation compliant with international regulatory bodies. Methods: Leveraging established collaborations between Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology of the National Institutes of Health and the John Hopkins University School of Medicine in the United States, the Infectious Diseases Institute at Makerere University built a data management coordinating center. This included mentorship from the NIAID International Centers for Excellence in Research and training of key personnel in South Africa at a functioning data center. The number of studies, case report forms processed and the number of publications emanating from studies using the data management unit since its inception were tabulated. Results: The Infectious Diseases Institute data management core began processing data in 2009 with 3 personnel, hardware (network-enabled scanners, desktops, server held in Bethesda with nightly back up) and software licenses, in addition to on-site support from the NIH. In the last 10 years, 850,869 pages of data have been processed from 60 studies in Uganda, across sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and South America. Real-time data cleaning and data analysis occur routinely and enhance clinical research quality; a total of 212 publications from IDI investigators have been published over the past 10 years. Apart from the server back-up services provided by the NIH, the center is now self-sustaining from fees charged to individual studies. Conclusion: Collaborative partnership among research institutions enabled the IDI to build a core data management and coordination center to support clinical studies, build institutional research capacity, and to advance data quality and integrity for the investigators and sponsors.
Hybrid Gastroenterostomy Using A Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent: A Case Report Focusing On Misdeployment.
Authors: Fabbri Carlo , Binda Cecilia , Fugazzola Paola , Sbrancia Monica , Tomasoni Matteo , Coluccio Chiara , Jung Carlo Felix Maria , Prosperi Enrico , Agnoletti Vanni , Ansaloni Luca
Published: August 2021

BackgroundGastric outlet obstruction can result from several benign and malignant diseases, in particular gastric, duodenal or pancreatic tumors. Historically, surgical gastroenterostomy and enteral endoscopic stenting have represented effective therapeutic options. However, surgery is burdened by high complication and mortality rates, while endoscopic stenting demonstrates unsatisfactory patency after six months. Lately, endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy using lumen apposing metal stent (LAMS) is spreading in order to improve the outcome of this condition, but still complication rate remains not negligible. Our case report shows a hybrid (endoscopic and surgical) technique for LAMS deployment, reviews current literature on potential complications and demonstrates problem solving strategies. Case presentationA 60 year-old male patient, affected by metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma, developed gastric outlet obstruction due to a duodenal bulb stenosis. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy was performed in an operating room, but the first flange of LAMS was misdeployed opening in the epiploon retrocavity. Immediate diagnostic laparoscopy was carried out, LAMS was removed endoscopically and the first jejunal loop was identified by laparoscopy. The jejunal loop was placed near the stomach, allowing for endoscopic release of a second LAMS through the previous fistulous gastric tract, performing a laparoscopy-assisted gastroenterostomy.ConclusionsThis hybrid technique may offer an innovative strategy to overcome misdeployment of LAMS, which represents the most troubling complication of endoscopic ultrasound-guided approach. There are several significant advantages, such as the easy visualization of target loop and cystostome penetration, nevertheless the ability to considerably shorten overall procedure time.
Neuroprotective Effects of Purpurin Against Ischemic Damage via Anti-inflammatory and MAPK Pathway
Authors: Kim Woosuk , Kwon Hyun Jung , Jung Hyo Young , Hahn Kyu Ri , Yoon Yeo Sung , Hwang In Koo , Choi Soo Young , Kim Dae Won
Published: August 2021

Purpurin has various effects, including anti-inflammatory effects, and can efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier. In the present study, we investigated the effects of purpurin on oxidative stress in HT22 cells and ischemic damage in the hippocampal CA1 region of gerbils. Oxidative stress induced by H2O2 was significantly ameliorated by treatment with purpurin, based on changes in cell death, DNA fragmentation, formation of reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis (Bcl-2)/antiapoptosis (Bax)-related protein levels. In addition, treatment with purpurin significantly reduced the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK), and p38 signaling in HT22 cells. Transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils led to a significant increase in locomotor activity 1 day after ischemia and significant decrease in number of surviving cells in the CA1 region 4 days after ischemia. Administration of purpurin reduced the travel distance 1 day after ischemia and increased the number of NeuN-immunoreactive neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region of the dentate gyrus 4 days after ischemia. Purpurin treatment significantly decreased microglial activation in the hippocampal CA1 region 4 days after ischemia and ameliorated the ischemia-induced increases in interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α 6 h after ischemia. In addition, purpurin significantly alleviated the ischemia-induced phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, and p38 in the hippocampus 1 day after ischemia. These results suggest that purpurin has neuroprotective potential to reduce inflammatory processes and the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, and p38 in the hippocampus.
The Aluminum Distribution and Translocation in Two Citrus Species Differing in Aluminum Tolerance
Authors: Zhang Han , Li Xin-yu , Lin Mei-lan , Hu Ping-ping , Lai Ning-wei , Huang Zeng-rong , Chen Li-song
Published: August 2021

Background: Many citrus orchards of south China suffer from soil acidification, which induced aluminum (Al) toxicity. The Al-immobilization in vivo is crucial for Al detoxification. However, the distribution and translocation of excess Al in citrus species were not well illustrated.Results: The seedlings of ‘Xuegan’ [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] and ‘Shatianyou’ [Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck] that differed in Al tolerance were hydroponically treated with nutrient solution (Control) or supplemented by 1.0 mM Al3+ (Al toxicity) for 21 days after three months of pre-culture. The Al distribution at the tissue level of citrus species following the order: lateral roots > primary roots > leaves > stems. The fragmentation of fresh lateral roots revealed the ratio of Al distribution at the cell wall, cell organelle and cytoplasmic supernatant was about 8:2:1 of two citrus species under Al stress. Besides, the Al distribution at the lateral root cell wall components suggested the pectin is the most Al-accumulating site in citrus species. Compared to C. grandis, C. sinensis had a significantly higher Al concentration on the cell wall of lateral roots whereas remarkably lower Al levels on the leaves and stems. Furthermore, the Al translocation revealed by the absorption kinetics of the cell wall demonstrated that C. sinensis had a higher Al retention and stronger Al affinity on the root cell wall than C. grandis. According to the FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) analysis, the Al distribution and translocation might be affected by modifying the structure and components of the citrus lateral root cell wall. Conclusions: A higher Al-retention, mainly targeted by the pectin of the root cell wall, and a lower Al translocation efficiency from roots to shoots contributed to a higher Al tolerance of C. sinensis than C. grandis.
Improving Bees Algorithm Using
Gradual Search Space Reduction
Authors: Binbakir Turki
Published: August 2021

The aim of this research is to propose a new technique to improve Bees Algorithm. Bees Algorithm is one of the well-known metaheuristic optimization method which have been subject to several attempts to improve it by overcoming some of the weaknesses. The suggested method is derived from the numerical optimization methods, namely bracketing and region elimination methods. It employs an adaption of the regional elimination method to achieve abandonment and reduction of search space within the Bees Algorithm. The utilization of the exhaustive search involves exploring the whole search space to find the optimum at equally located intervals. To assess performance, the proposed method was evaluated on twenty-four benchmark functions and two engineering problems. The acquired result indicated a statistically significant improvement.
Unsupervised mapping of phase diagrams of 2D systems from infinite projected entangled-pair states via deep anomaly detection
Authors: Kottmann Korbinian , Corboz Philippe , Lewenstein Maciej , Acín Antonio
Published: August 2021

We demonstrate how to map out the phase diagram of a two dimensional quantum many body system with no prior physical knowledge by applying deep anomaly detection to ground states from infinite projected entangled pair state simulations. As a benchmark, the phase diagram of the 2D frustrated bilayer Heisenberg model is analyzed, which exhibits a second-order and two first-order quantum phase transitions. We show that in order to get a good qualitative picture of the transition lines, it suffices to use data from the cost-efficient simple update optimization. Results are further improved by post-selecting ground-states based on their energy at the cost of contracting the tensor network once. Moreover, we show that the mantra of ``more training data leads to better results'' is not true for the learning task at hand and that, in principle, one training example suffices for this learning task. This puts the necessity of neural network optimizations for these learning tasks in question and we show that, at least for the model and data at hand, a simple geometric analysis suffices.