bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analisis Matematis Pengurangan pada Bilangan Bulat dengan Penggunaan Dekak-Dekak di MI Nurul Huda
Authors: Nurdyansyah Nurdyansyah
Published: July 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendiskripsikan (1) cara meningkatkan pemahaman konsep pengurangan bilangan bulat melalui penggunaan dekak-dekak peserta didik kelas V MI Nurul Huda, (2) penggunaan dekak-dekak dapat membantu meningkatkan pemahaman konsep pengurangan bilangan.

Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan PTK. Subyek penelitian ini adalah peserta didik kelas V sebanyak 23 peserta didik. Instrumen yang digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data adalah lembar observasi ,tes, dan wawancara. Teknik analisis data yang dipakai adalah t-tes.

Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pengurangan pada bilangan bulat dengan penggunaan dekak-dekak dilakukan dengan tahap (1) pemahaman konsep, (2) penentuan konsep , dan (3) pemantapan materi. Pada tahap pemahaman konsep peserta didik secara kelompok dibimbing oleh pendidik menggunakan media dekak-dekak, (a) peserta didik membagi manik-manik berwarna merah dan hitam, (b) melakukan pengerjaan pengurangan bilangan bulat dengan memindaahkan manik-manik merah atau hitam pada tempatnya untuk mencari hasil pengurangan bilangan bulat. Penggunaan dekak-dekak dapat membantu meningkatkan pemahaman konsep bilangan bulat peserta didik kelas V MI Nurul Huda dapat dilihat dari nilai t-tes yang menyatakan ada peningkatan pemahaman sebesar 32% dari sebelumnya. Adapun rata-rata nilai tes peserta didik pada siklus I (65,9) dan mengalami peningkatan pada siklus II (83,3).

Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, disarankan: (1) kepada pendidik dalam kegiatan pembelajaran matematika hendaknya dapat menggunakan media dekak-dekak pada konsep bilangan bulat,(2) kepada pendidik matematika agar dapat melakukan penelitian tindakan yang sama atau mengembangkan penelitian ini pada kelas-kelas yang lain di MI Nurul Huda secara berkesinambungan. 

 
Adair-Steadman (41FS2) — Survey at a Folsom Site in the Brazos River drainage on the Southern Plains
Authors: Hurst Stance , Johnson Eileen
Published: July 2020

Excavations led by Texas State Archeologist Curtis Tunnell from 1969-1974 identified Adair-Steadman (41FS2) as a Folsom period tool production workshop primarily aimed at producing Folsom points. The Lubbock Lake Landmark’s regional research program continued the exploration of Adair-Steadman through five annual 1-day surveys from 2015-2019. An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) drone was flown to document the site’s surface using photogrammetry. Dating sediment samples collected in 2013, using the Optical Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) technique, was completed in 2016. Blossoming mesquite trees were treated with alcohol-based herbicides to maintain the natural landscape at Adair-Steadman in the absence of fire. Results from pedestrian survey indicates that the exposure of new lithic objects from erosion has slowed down over the last five years. A new lithic cluster area was identified that could be an indicator of an activity area with a subsurface component. A 3D dense cloud, a high resolution digital elevation model, and a high resolution orthomosiac map was created from the overlapping images captured by the UAV. This information was useful in documenting the current surface at Adair-Steadman and monitoring changes in the future. Results from OSL dating indicated that the clay band (a lamellae layer) identified and sampled in 2013 may provide a reliable stratigraphic marker. The sediments above the lamellae layer were late Holocene in age. In contrast, the sediments below the lamellae layer dated to the middle Holocene.
The development and validation of a Questionnaire in Bahasa Malaysia to assess problems of vision or feelings about vision among patients with cataracts.
Authors: Thevi Thanigasalam , Abas Adinegara Lutfi , Chang Stephanie Yen Li
Published: July 2020

Purpose

We conducted the study to compare the validation properties of the English version of the Questionnaire and the Bahasa Malaysia (Malay Language) version regarding the Quality of Life of patients with cataracts.

Methods

We carried out a cross-sectional study collecting data between June 2017 and March 2018 in the pre-operative Eye Clinic of Hospital Melaka.

The Malay version was translated by two independent translators who were well versed in both languages.

Methods used to validate the standard questionnaire included the use of construct validity via factor analysis and the deployment of reliability test through assessment of internal consistency via Cronbach’s alpha.

Results

We observed both English and Bahasa Malaysia versions to have high reliability with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.90 and above in factors on difficulty with activities and responses to vision problems.

Exploratory factor analysis performed revealed that the three-factor model fits the data well for the English version of the questionnaire - difficulty with activities (23.81% of variance), responses to vision problem (22.22% of variance) and general health and vision (14.68% of variance).

The Bahasa Malaysia version of the questionnaire produced three factors with two of the factors resembling the factors from the original version of the questionnaire - difficulty with activities (24.28% of variance) and responses to vision problem (23.66% of variance).

Conclusion

The present study observed that both the English and Bahasa Malaysia versions of the NEI VFQ-25 have comparable construct validity to the original American version. With high validity and reliability, the tool shall be able to provide health care providers the assessment of impact due to cataract and other ophthalmic conditions on the vision-related quality of life of ophthalmic patients.
An immune-related lncRNA signature as a prognostic immunotherapy target for colon cancer
Authors: Wu Bin , Yao Yi , Dong Yi , Yang Si Qi , Zhou Deng Jing , Xiao Meng Xia , Song Qi Bin
Published: July 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Short- and Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients with Benign Esophageal Perforation
Authors: Brinkmann Sebastian , Knepper Laura , Fuchs Hans Friedrich , Hoelscher Arnulf Heinrich , Kuhr Kathrin , Santos Daniel Pinto dos , Bartella Isabel , Plum Patrick , Chon Seung-Hun , Herbold Till , Bruns Christiane Josphine , Schroeder Wolfgang , Leers Jessica Marzelline
Published: July 2020

Background

Esophageal perforation is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In addition to surgical treatment, endoscopic endoluminal stent placement and endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) are established methods in the management of this emergency condition. As health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is becoming a major issue in the evaluation of any therapeutic intervention not much is known about HRQoL, particular in the long-term follow-up of patients treated for benign esophageal perforation with different treatment strategies.
Methods

Patients treated for benign esophageal perforation at the University Hospital Cologne from January 2003 to December 2014 were included. Primary outcome and management of esophageal perforation were documented and long-term quality of life was assessed using the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), the Health-Related Quality of Life Index (HRQL) for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) questionnaires for general and esophageal cancer specific QoL (QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OES18). .
Results

58 patients were included in the study. Based on primary treatment patients were divided into an endoscopic (n = 27; 46.6%), surgical (n = 20; 34.5%) and conservative group (n = 11; 19%). Short- and long-term outcome, as well as quality of life were compared. HRQoL was measured after a median follow-up of 49 months HRQoL was generally reduced in patients with benign esophageal perforation. Endoscopically treated patients showed the highest GIQLI overall score and highest EORTC general health status, followed by the conservative and the surgical group.
Conclusion

HRQoL in patients with benign esophageal perforation is reduced even in the long-term follow-up. Temporary stent or EVT is effective and provides a good alternative to surgery not only in the short-term but also in the long-term follow-up.
Multi response Particle Swarm Optimization of Wire Electro Discharge Machining parameters of Nitinol alloys
Authors: Yunus Mohammed , Alsoufi Mohammad S.
Published: July 2020

The conventional process of Machining of Nitinol alloy leads to extensive wear on the tool and deprived surface quality. Wire electro discharge machining (WEDM) is widely accepted for machining this alloy involving various input factors, namely, P, (pulse-on-duration), Q, (pulse-oﬀ-duration), C, (maximum-current), and V, (voltage). The factor’s effect on MRR (metal removal rate) and SR (surface roughness) responses and multi-response optimization of the WEDM process by employing PSO (particle swarm optimization) method are studied. The relationship model between factors and response characteristics were generated by ANOVA and optimized by response surface methodology has shown more significant factors (A and C). Though the effect of WEDM process factors on SR and MRR are contradictory when studied individually. MRPSO method was employed to get the best optimum condition for minimizing SR and maximizing MRR. MRPSO results improved the responses for vast combination of optimal setting of factors to meet the product requirements.
The association of plasma connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) levels with hyperthyroidism heart disease: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Li Huan , Zeng Renli , Liao Yunfei , Fu Mengfei , Zhang Huan , Wang Linfang , Li Yuming
Published: July 2020

Background: Hyperthyroidism heart disease (HHD) is the most severe complication of overt hyperthyroidism and increases the mortality risk in affected patients. Early identification of patients at a higher risk of developing HHD could improve clinical outcomes through active surveillance and management. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a secreted extracellular protein, plays a significant role in cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. We aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma CTGF level and the risk of HHD in this study.Methods: A total of 142 overt hyperthyroidism patients without HHD and 99 patients with HHD were included. The plasma CTGF levels were measured via ELISA. Routine clinical medical data and echocardiography parameters were also recorded.Results: The plasma CTGF level was significantly higher in patients with HHD than in those without HHD (P = 0.002) and positively correlated with the levels of FT3, TRAb, TnI, LDH and the left atrium diameter, right atrium diameter, and right ventricular end-diastolic diameter(all P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that quartile 3 and 4 of plasma CTGF levels were significantly associated with the increased risk of HHD (crude OR 2.529; 95% CI 1.188-5.387). However, after adjustment for the potentially confounding variables, only quartile 4 was significantly associated with the higher risk of HHD relative to quartile 1.Conclusions: Hyperthyroidism patients with HHD display higher plasma CTGF levels. Furthermore, CTGF is an independent risk factor for HHD. Therefore, the plasma CTGF level may be a potential biomarker for the risk of HHD.
Transthyretin (TTR) Suppressed Tumor Progression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Inactivating MAPK/ERK Pathway
Authors: Wang Dong-bin , Li Xuan , Lu Xi-ke , Sun Zhong-yi , Zhang Xun , Chen Xia , Ma Lan , Xia Hong-gang
Published: July 2020

Background: Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death around the world, while the Transthyretin (TTR) is a specific biomarkers for clinical diagnosis. However, its role in lung cancer remains to be unknown. Methods: In the present study, we made attempt to investigate effect of abnormal expression of TTR on Non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) by overexpression or knockdown of TTR.To further investigate the mechanisms underlying the potential role of TTR in NSCLC, we searched and verified several signal pathways . In vivo experiments, to verify the effect of TTR overexpression on tumors.Results: We finded that up-regulated TTR obviously suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion and increased apoptosis.Significant suppression of phosphor-MAPK/ERK was observed in TTR-treated NSCLC cells, implying that TTR was important for cellular progress by regulating MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. In vivo experiment, overexpression of TTR promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited tumor growth. Conclusions: Overall, our results suggest that TTR has a potential anti-tumor effect in human NSCLC progression, which provides theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC.Above all, further understanding of TTR was useful for clinical care.
Indoxyl sulfate has a dominant role regarding the risks during different stages of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Chen Cheng-Hsu , Huang Shih-Chien , Lin Pei-Chih , Tsai Shang-Feng , Huang Yi-Chia
Published: July 2020

Background: Increased levels of uremic toxins and decreased antioxidant capacities have a significant impact on the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it is unclear whether they interact with each other in order to mediate the damage of renal function. The purpose of this study was to determine whether uremic toxins [i.e., homocysteine and indoxyl sulfate (IS)] and glutathione-dependent antioxidant enzyme activities are dependently or independently associated with each other in affecting renal function during different stages of CKD patients.Methods: One hundred thirty-two patients diagnosed with CKD stage 1 to 5 participated in this cross-sectional study.Results: Patients who had reached an advanced CKD stage experienced a gradual increase in plasma uremic toxin levels, along with decreased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities. Plasma homocysteine, cysteine and IS concentrations were positively associated with each other, but negatively correlated to GSH-Px activity levels after adjusting potential confounders in all CKD patients. Although plasma homocysteine, cysteine, IS and GSH-Px levels were significantly associated with renal function, only plasma IS levels still had a significant association with renal function after these parameters were simultaneously adjusted.Conclusions: IS plays a more dominant role than other factors in affecting renal function, where a higher IS concentration needs to be controlled in order to defer the progressive loss of renal function.
Clinical prediction score for diagnosing non-diabetic renal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cohort study
Authors: Surinrat Ekkapong , Eiamsitrakoon Thanee , Krisanapan Pajaree , Chatkrailert Aphichat , Yoosabai Anake , Traitanon Opas , Tasanarong Adis , Charoenpitakchai Mongkon , Tantiyavarong Pichaya
Published: July 2020

Background: When non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD) is suspected, kidney biopsy is used for definite diagnosis; however, this is not always easily available and may lead to complications. A clinical prediction score may help selecting appropriate patients for kidney biopsy.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with atypical features of diabetic nephropathy (DN), who had kidney biopsy at Thammasat University Hospital from 2011-2019. We divided patients into NDRD alone, coexisting NDRD and DN, and DN alone, confirmed by pathological diagnosis. We developed a clinical prediction score by weighing coefficients of predictors in a multivariable logistic model. Internal validation was performed with bootstrapping.Results: We included 81 patients: 28 (34%) had NDRD alone, 15 (18%) had coexisting NDRD and DN, and 38 (41%) had DN alone. Primary membranous nephropathy, primary focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and secondary FSGS were prevalent in any NDRD. Absence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) showed a significant association with any NDRD (OR 3.72; 95% CI, 1.28-10.8; p=0.02). The prediction score, AUC of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.63-0.86), had four predictors: duration of DM <10 years, eGFR >30 ml/min/1.73m2, HbA1c <8%, and absence of DR. Higher scores were associated with higher probability of NDRD.Conclusions: This clinical prediction score appears to be a useful tool to determine NDRD probability. T2DM patients with atypical presentation of DN with lower scores (0-2) may defer kidney biopsy.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Induced in Rheumatoid Arthritis Conditioned Animals are Inhibited Through Selenium Nanoparticles Supplementation
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhao Xiao-Xiong , Lin Yuan , Chen Tong , Shi-Xiang Ren
Published: July 2020

Growing experimental evidence shows that the neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) plays vital contribution in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Selenium (Se) and Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) known to modulate RA-induced pathogenesis through antioxidant gene modulation. In the present study we have inferred that SeNPs supplementation effectively controls NETs formation, which in turn could curtail RA-induced inflammatory response.Neutrophils obtained from different experimental conditions were used to evaluate the in vitro NETs formation and inhibition of through SeNPs supplementation. Increased oxidative stress, decreased antioxidant enzyme activities and increased inflammatory cytokines were observed in neutrophils of RA, whereas SeNPs treatment attenuate it. Neutrophils obtained from control and SeNPs supplemented groups do not have statistically significant Se level between the groups, on the other hand reduced the oxidative stress. Neutrophils of RA forms more spontaneous NETs in vitro culture than that of control and SeNPs treated neutrophils. Neutrophils obtained from RA rats are more inclined for external NETs inducing agent such as lipopolysaccharides and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, when compared with SeNPs treated and control neutrophils. On the other hand in vitro pre-treatment of neutrophils with SeNPs before exposing to NETs inducing substances, indicate the anti-NETs forming property of SeNPs. This effect could be mediated through reduction in major inflammatory mediators namely TNF-α, IL-17 and IL-6. This findings confirms that SeNPs could act as effective NETs formation blocking agent. Our present and previous observation conclude that SeNPs, could serve as an effective anti-arthritic agent warranting human study. Furthermore, this study also throws light on the new information such as SeNPs which could be used as therapeutics agent, where NETs is major pathogenic factor.
Spontaneous Resorption Of A Lumbar Disc Herniation In A Patient With Multiple Myeloma: A Rare Association
Authors: Yao Xingchen , Wei Yanzhe , Qi Lei , Du Xinru
Published: July 2020

Background: The phenomenon of spontaneous resorption of a herniated disc (HD) is a common occurrence. In literature, there are many studies attempting to explain the mechanism for regression, including imaging techniques and immunohistologic analyses. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism remains uncertain. In addition, the connection between HD regression and general conditions of patients is not concerned yet. Here we report a case of spontaneous resorption of a lumbar disc herniation in a patient with multiple myeloma, which had not reported before.Case presentation: An illustrative patient, a 42-year-old Chinese man, was admitted to our hospital with a disc herniation at L5-S1, experiencing 2-months history of low back pain and 1-month left leg pain. He was treated conservatively with medication and physical therapy. Then he was symptom-free after 2 months. The low back pain of the patient recurred with the herniated lumbar disc disappearing after 2 years. The disappearance demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). And besides, the patient was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM). The emergence of MM might result in the recurred backache, and the process of HD resorption might be accelerated by the high serum Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of the MM patient.Conclusions: For patients who suffering from intervertebral disc herniation together with diseases upregulating VEGF level, such as MM, surgical treatment should be limited and the conservatively treating time can be lengthened.
Association of Plasma Heat Shock Protein 70 with Disease Severity, Smoking and Lung Function of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Hlapčić Iva , Hulina-Tomašković Andrea , Rajković Marija Grdić , Popović-Grle Sanja , Dugac Andrea Vukić , Rumora Lada
Published: July 2020

Background: Extracellular heat shock protein 70 (eHsp70) acts like a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) and it might modulate immune responses in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the study was to explore plasma eHsp70 concentration in patients with stable COPD, its association with disease severity and smoking status as well as its diagnostic performance in COPD assessment.Methods: Blood samples were collected from 137 COPD patients and 95 healthy individuals. COPD patients were subdivided into GOLD 2-4 stages based on airflow obstruction severity and GOLD A-D groups regarding symptoms and exacerbations. Concentration of eHsp70 was assessed in EDTA plasma by the commercially available ELISA kit. Statistic analysis was performed by MedCalc statistical software.Results: eHsp70 concentration was increased in COPD patients when compared to controls and was increasing with the severity of airflow limitation as well as symptoms burden and exacerbation history. There were no differences in eHsp70 concentrations among COPD patients based on smoking status, yet eHsp70 was increased in healthy smokers compared to healthy non-smokers. Interestingly, healthy smokers had similar eHsp70 level as COPD patients in GOLD 2 stage and those in GOLD A group. In addition, eHsp70 showed significant negative correlation with lung function parameters FEV1 and FEV1/FVC and positive correlation with COPD multicomponent indices BODCAT, BODEx, CODEx and DOSE. Finally, eHsp70 showed great predictive value (OR=7.63) and correctly classified 76% of cases.Conclusions: Plasma eHsp70 is associated with COPD prediction and disease severity and might have a potential of becoming an additional biomarker in COPD assessment.
The Classification Between Prostate Transitional Zone Cancer and Hyperplasia Using Deep Transfer Learning from Disease-Related Images: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Hu Bo , Yan Lin-Feng , Yang Yang , Sun Ying-Zhi , Yue Cui , Wu Dong , Wang Wen , Zhao Di , Cui Guang-Bin
Published: July 2020

Background The diagnosis of prostate transition zone cancers (PTZC) remains a clinical challenge due to its similarity to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) on MRI. The Deep Convolutional Neural Networks showed high efficacy in medical imaging but was limited by the small data size. A transfer learning method was combined with deep learning to overcome this challenge.Methods A retrospective investigation was conducted on 217 patients enrolled from our hospital database (208 patients) and The Cancer Imaging Archive (9 patients). Based on the T2 weighted images (T2WIs) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps of these patients, DCNN models were trained and compared between different TL database (ImageNet vs. disease-related images) and protocols (from scratch, fine-tuning or transductive transferring).Results PTZC and BPH can be classified through traditional DCNN. The efficacy of transfer learning from ImageNet was limited but improved by transferring knowledge from the disease-related images. Furthermore, transductive transfer learning from disease-related images had the comparable efficacies with the fine-tuning method. Limitations include retrospective design and relatively small sample size.Conclusion For PTZC with a small sample size, the accurate diagnosis can be achieved via the deep transfer learning from disease-related images.
Inappropriate emergency admissions from nursing homes in Switzerland: a retrospective chart review
Authors: Gaertner Katharina , Schuh Sabine K. , Löw Barbara , Simon Michael , Zúñiga Franziska , Müller Martin
Published: July 2020

Background

increasing numbers of multimorbid patients living in long-term care (LTC) residential facilities are challenging ambulant care. In times of overcrowded emergency departments (ED), inappropriate ED visits need to be avoided to ensure optimal health care. This study aimed to determine and characterize inappropriate ED consultations of LTC residents including ED resource consumption.
Methods

this retrospective chart review was conducted at the ED of a Swiss tertiary hospital with a catchment area of about two million people. The analysis included 1’276 LTC-residents referred to the study centre between January 2015 and December 2017. Patient and consultation characteristics (age, gender, Charlson Comorbidity Index, as well as type and time of admission, length of stay in the ED, presence or absence of a consecutive hospitalization, and data on ED resource consumption) were extracted from the ED’s documentation system. Appropriateness was assessed using an established evaluation protocol. All variables were described in absolute numbers, percentages or median and interquartile range (IQR). Associations with inappropriateness status were tested with chi-square or Wilcoxon rank sum test respectively. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was preformed to identify predictors of inappropriate ED visits.
Results

The referred LTC-residents had a median age of 84 (IQR 78–89) years; 77 referrals (6.0%) were assessed as inappropriate. The final model revealed increased odds for an inappropriate admission for a less acute triage class and patients with connective tissue disease (both p ≤ 0.001), but lower odds for night-time admissions (p = 0.035) and the presence of cerebrovascular diseases (p = 0.043), respectively. The ED resource consumption differed significantly between appropriate and inappropriate visits (p ≤ 0.001).
Conclusion

Inappropriate admissions from nursing homes were low and less resource intensive than appropriate admissions. Preventive strategies focusing on high-quality ambulatory day-care might further reduce inappropriate emergency admissions.
Alterations in MicroRNA Gene Expression Profile in Liver Transplant Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Afshari Afsoon , Yaghobi Ramin , Karimi Mohammad hossin , Mowla Jvad
Published: July 2020

Background

HCC can lead to liver failure, rendering liver transplant. Since microRNAs can receive early evaluation before clinical symptoms are manifested, they might be detected as biomarkers of several disorders. Therefore, in the present study, alterations in miRNAs as biomarkers were detected in LT patients with HCC.
Methods

A total number of 44 LT patients with HCC were divided into three groups, i.e., 14 samples selected for LNA-array probe from LT patients with HCC, 20 samples were collected from non-rejected ones, and 10 samples were obtained from recipients with acute rejection. Subsequently, qRT-PCR was performed for selected miRNAs following analysis of samples with LNA-array technology.
Results

The study results revealed that the selected up-regulated miRNAs and the down-regulated ones had certified the same alterations resulting from the LNA-array probe.
Conclusion

It was concluded that the tissue levels of specific miRNAs correlated well with the development of HCC, which could be further studied as biomarkers.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of silver needle white tea extract against colon cancer
Authors: Hajiaghaalipour Fatemeh , Bagheri Elham , Rouhollahi Elham , Salehen Nur'ain , Abdulla Mahmood Ameen
Published: July 2020

Background

Tea (Camellia sinensis) is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. White tea is an unfermented tea made from young tea leaves or unopened buds.
Methods

The in vitro antiproliferation assay and in vivo Chemopreventive effects of white tea extract (WTE) using azoxymethane (AOM) induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in rats was assessed. Twenty-four adult male rats were injected 15 mg/kg body weight AOM subcutaneously once a week for two weeks and then were divided randomly into four groups. Group I (Cancer control), Group II (treated whit 200 mg/kg white tea extract), Group III (treated whit 400 mg/kg white tea extract) and group IV (35 mg/kg body weight 5-fluorouracil as reference control). On the last day of the experiment, the animals were euthanized using an overdose of ketamine and xylazine and the colon tissue was collected. The colon tissues were evaluated grossly and histopathologically for aberrant crypt foci (ACF). Prior to the cancer studies, the acute toxicity test was performed to demonstrate the safety usage of the extract.
Results

The antiproliferative activity of the extract was observed in HT-29 and HCT 116 colon cancer cells. The ACF score was significantly reduced following the white tea extract treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the acute toxicity study indicated that there were no nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic effects or any serum biochemical changes in the rats that were orally administered with 2000 mg/kg body weight of the extract.
Conclusions

This study suggested the the potential of white tea as a chemopreventative agent through inhibition of Azoxymethane-induced Colonic Aberrant Crypt Foci Formation in the male Sprague-Dawley rats.
LncRNA NCK1-AS1 Was Overexpressed in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Predicts Survival
Authors: Xiao Fankai , Fu Xin , Yang Fang , Guo Sen , Qin Yanru , Wang Lidong
Published: July 2020

Backgrounds: NCK1-AS1 promotes cervical cancer, while its involvement in esophageal cancer is hardly known. We therefore explored the involvement of NCK1-AS1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and analyzed the possible interaction between NCK1-AS1 and TGF-β signaling.Methods: Our study selected 52 cases (30 males and 22 females, 46 to 70 years, 56.4 ±6.6 years) to be used as the research subjects in this study. RT-qPCR and western blot were used for gene expression analysis. Transient transfections were used to analyze gene interaction. Transwell assays were performed to analyze cell invasion and invasion.Results: Our data showed that NCK1-AS1 was overexpressed in ESCC patients. NCK1-AS1 in plasma was positively correlated with the NCK1-AS1 in tumor but not in non-tumor tissues. High plasma levels of NCK1-AS1 were accompanied by poor survival. TGF-β1 expression level was also increased in tumor tissues compared to tumor adjacent normal tissues. TGF-β1 was positively correlated with NCK1-AS1 in tumor tissues. TGF-β1 overexpression did not affect NCK1-AS1 expression, while NCK1-AS1 upregulated TGF-β1 in ESCC cells. TGF-β1 and NCK1-AS1 increased ESCC cell migration and invasion, TGF-β inhibitor reduced the effects of NCK1-AS1 overexpression. Conclusion: Therefore, NCK1-AS1 may promote ESCC by upregulating TGF-β1.
TAE Combined with Microwave Ablation in the Treatment of Rare Giant Hepatic Hemangioma:Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Feng Yi-fu , Chen Xin-yi , Mo Jing-gang , Wu Hai-ling , Zhou Jian-yu , Jin Chong , Jiang Hao , Kun-Peng Wang
Published: July 2020

Background: hepatic hemangioma is the most common benign tumor of the liver. However, patients with large hemangiomas that cause compression symptoms or that are at risk of rupture may need further intervention. It is necessary to explore additional minimally invasive and personalized treatment options.Case presentation: A 47-year-old female was diagnosed with right hepatic hemangioma for more than 10 years. Abdominal contrast-enhanced CT and CEUS revealed that there was a large hemangioma in the right liver, with a size of approximately 95x97x117 mm. Due to the patient's refusal of surgical treatment, hepatic artery embolization was performed in the first stage, then after 25 days of liver protection treatment, the liver function indexes decreased to normal levels. Then, B-ultrasound-guided microwave ablation of the giant hepatic hemangioma was performed. Ten days after the surgery, hepatobiliary ultrasonography showed that the hemangioma of the right liver was smaller than the previous size (the volume was reduced by approximately 30%). Then the patient was discharged from the hospital, and CT suggested that the hepatic hemangioma is significantly smaller two months after discharge. Because of COVID-19, the patient's CT examination was delayed.Conclusions: TAE combined with microwave ablation is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for hepatic hemangioma.
Aggravated Primary Lymphedema of Contralateral Upper Limb after the Radical Mastectomy: A Case Report
Authors: Liu Ying , Pan Weiren , Guan Jinghong , Long Xiao
Published: July 2020

Background: Breast cancer-related lymphedema is usually characterized by edema of the affected the ipsilateral upper limb and trunk. We report a case of aggravated primary lymphedema in the contralateral limb and trunk after breast cancer resection and axillary lymph node dissection.Case presentation: A 63-year-old female developed right thorax-back and upper limb swelling since childhood. After the modified mastectomy, the swelling of her right chest, back and upper limb increased. While she had no edema of left torso and limb. There was no relevant supplementary examination data because she refused to take lymphoscintigraphy or MRI scan. However, according to her medical history and physical examination, she was preliminarily diagnosed as primary lymphedema, International Society of lymphedema stage 2.Conclusions: Primary lymphedema and secondary lymphedema may be both results of the interaction of multiple factors and can be induced or aggravated by trauma, surgery or other reasons besides the abnormal lymphatic development of individuals.
Peritoneal Conduit for Superior Mesenteric Vein Defect during Colon Cancer Surgery for Krukenberg Tumor: A Case Report
Authors: Raeeszadeh Mohammad , Hashemi Seyedeh Razieh , Esmailzadeh Arezoo , Maghsoudi Houshyar , Rokhgireh Samaneh , Morshedi Mahdi
Published: July 2020

Background: Venous resection and reconstruction are common during pancreaticoduodenectomy due to pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Multiple treatment options have been offered for venous repair. In this regard, the present study used the peritoneum as a conduit for the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) reconstruction during colon cancer surgery.Case presentation: The case was a 55-year-old woman with colon adenocarcinoma. The SMV damage was 6 cm in length. The defect was replaced with peritoneal conduit originated from parietal peritoneum of the abdominal wall. Coalition and flow of the SMV were confirmed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The patient had a good condition during a 6 months follow-up. Conclusions: Due to its availability and lower overall costs, peritoneal conduit might be a promising choice for SMV defects, in emergent conditions.
Efficiency Analysis of Warm Gas Clean up in Integrated Gasification Fuel Cell (IGFC) System
Authors: Hao Peixuan , Zhu Xuancan , Li Shuang , Shi Yixiang , Cai Ningsheng
Published: July 2020

This study investigates the energy consumption of two kinds of pre-combustion CO2 capture technologies, the conventional Selexol process and the elevated temperature pressure swing adsorption (ET-PSA) process, in an integrated gasification fuel cell (IGFC) power plant. Power plant models with and without CO2 capture are built in Aspen Plus and the simulation of ET-PSA process is realized in gPROMS. Specific primary energy consumption for CO2 avoided (SPECCA), a function related to CO2 emission rate and electric efficiency, is used to quantitatively evaluate the CO2 capture energy consumption. ET-PSA technology purifies the syngas at over 150 °C, avoiding the efficiency penalty caused by cooling and reheating processes in conventional purification methods. Adding reflux and rinse to ET-PSA procedures is proved to be effective ways to improve H2 recovery. When the CO2 capture rate is 90% and 99%, the SPECCA of ET-PSA is 1.80 and 2.72 kJ/kg, respectively, while the corresponding outcomes of Selexol is 3.46 and 3.66 kJ/kg, respectively. The reduction of energy consumption is mainly attributed to the saving of sensible heat in the syngas.
Role of Dietary Antioxidants and Vitamins Intake in Semen Quality Parameters: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ghiasvand Reza , Marvast Laleh Dehghan , Nouri Mehran , Jahanbakhsh Aida , haeri farahnaz
Published: July 2020

Objective

Infertility had an increasing trend between couples in Iran. Several factors such as lifestyle, physical activity, unhealthy dietary habits and stress are associated with production of ROS in seminal fluid. The aim of this study was to identify the role of dietary antioxidants and vitamins intake on semen quality parameters, among Iranian infertile men.
Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed on 400 newly diagnosed infertile men in Yazd Reproductive sciences Institute from July 2019 to December 2019. The presence of infertility was confirmed by an expert andrologist, based on WHO criteria. Dietary antioxidants and vitamins intake were assessed using a 168 items semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).
Results

We found an association between semen volume and Alpha Carotene dietary intake, total motility and Beta Cryptoxanthin dietary intake, and sperm count with riboflavin intake (P = 0.03).
Conclusions

We concluded that dietary intake of Alpha Carotene, Beta Cryptoxanthin, and Riboflavin are related to sperm count, semen volume and total motility in Iranian infertile men, respectively. Our data suggest that that adhering to a diet that is rich in sources of antioxidant and vitamin can have a positive effect on men’s sexual health. However, more research is needed to confirm these relations and provide the evidence needed to exert these findings into clinical practice.
Diagnostic Laboratory Tests for COVID-19 in US: Methodology and Performance
Authors: Bastola Mrigendra M. , Locatis Craig , Fontelo Paul
Published: July 2020

Background: COVID-19 is a global pandemic caused by a new coronavirus strain. Innovative tests have been developed to diagnose and characterize the spread of COVID-19. Only a few studies have reported the diagnostic value of currently available tests. The diagnostic performance of the tests is a major concern after the recent resurgence in COVID-19. Methods: Published papers and FDA data on the currently available tests were used for analysis. Likelihood ratios, and predictive values of tests were computed. Only FDA approved tests were included. RT-PCR performance among different specimen types were also explored.Main results: All the published reports on the COVID-19 tests reported RT-PCR as the validation tool for their results. Not all available COVID-19 tests reported their sensitivity and specificity. Among the publications which reported, the positive likelihood ratio ranged between 0.15 to 0.88 and tests had high negative likelihood ratio (0.99). Conclusion: Although most recent publications showed high positive and negative likelihood ratios and high predictive values, the publications on test accuracy and validity have limited scope primarily due to their small sample size and insufficiencies in methodology and published data. Although most lab tests reported high sensitivity and specificity, false omission and false discovery rates were found notable in several COVID-19 lab tests. These results suggest need for caution on test results’ interpretation. Practitioners also need to integrate evidence that is evolving rapidly.
Knockdown of LncRNA-UCA1 Inhibits Breast Cancer Growth in Association with METTL14/miR-375/SOX12 Axis
Authors: Zhao Chengpeng , Ling Xiaoling , Xia Yunxia , Yan Bingxue , Guan Quanlin
Published: July 2020

Background

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor with high incidence in females. Burgeoning studies have analyzed the relationship between long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and breast cancer. However, the role of LncRNA UAC1 in the pathogenesis of breast cancer remains unclear.
Methods

LncRNA-UCA1 levels were detected in breast cancer tissues and cells while correlation between LncRNA-UCA1 expression and patient survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier. The proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of cells were measured by CCK-8 assay, Transwell test and flow cytometry, respectively. Protein levels of apoptosis-related factors were assessed by Western blots. RIP test detected the combination of LncRNA-UCA1 and DNA methyltransferases whereas RNA pull-down test showed the interaction of DNA methyltransferases and LncRNA UCA1. Enrichment of DNA transferase of METTL14 promoter in T47D was assessed by ChIP. Interaction between miR-375 and SOX12 was confirmed via dual-luciferase reporter assay. Tumorigenesis was observed in vivo.
Results

LncRNA-UCA1 levels were increased in breast cancer and a high LncRNA-UCA1 level was a risk factor of the poor breast cancer prognosis. Silencing LncRNA-UCA1 inhibited the proliferation and invasion but promoted apoptosis of breast cancer cells. LncRNA-UCA1 recruited DNA methyltransferase to the METTL14 promoter region to inhibit METTL14 expression in breast cancer. Low METTL14 levels were associated with stronger proliferation and invasion abilities, whereas weaker proliferation and invasion abilities were related to low LncRNA-UCA1 levels. METTL14 mediated the low expression of miR-375 by m6A modification in breast cancer.
Conclusion

Depleted LncRNA-UCA1 inhibited breast cancer growth by regulating the METTL14-miR-375-SOX12 axis in vitro and in vivo.
Did Application of Digested Sewage Sludge as Soil Amendment Alter the Abundances of Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Microbial Communities in Soil and Earthworm Gut?
Authors: Li Zheng-Hao , Yuan Li , Shao Wei , Sheng Guo-Ping
Published: July 2020

Background

Digested sewage sludge has been widely applied as soil amendment for enhanced crop production. However, given that digested sludge is abundant with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic resistant bacteria, the impact of digested sludge amendment on the abundances of ARGs and microbial communities in soil and soil fauna (e.g., earthworms) remains largely unknown. In this study, the patterns of ARGs and microbial communities in soil and gut of earthworms after 80-days cultivation with digested sewage sludge amendment were investigated to gain insights into this impact.
Results

The results show that the digested sludge amendment increased the initial abundances of ARGs (e.g., tetA, tetQ, and sulII) in soil. However, after 80-days cultivation, the absolute abundances of target ARGs decreased by 62.3–95.4%. The reduction in ARGs absolute abundances was further enhanced by 31.4–84.7% in the presence of earthworms. In contrast, the relative abundances of some ARGs (e.g., tetA, sulI, and blaTEM−1) in the gut of earthworms increased by 41–130 folds. The microbial community structure of soil was greatly altered because of the introduction of digested sewage sludge at initial, but it recovered to its original pattern after 80-days cultivation. This could be attributed to the gradual attenuation of anaerobic microorganisms under aerobic conditions in soil. In particular, the presence of earthworms further enhanced this phenomenon. The reduction of ARGs in the amended soils was likely attributed to microbial community shift based on redundancy analysis. Several bacterial families (e.g., Saprospiraceae, Chitinophagaceae, and Rhodanobacteraceae) were significantly correlated with the target ARGs.
Conclusions

Our results reveal that the enrichment of ARGs in soil caused by digested sludge-amendment would recover to their original levels before amendment, highlighting the contribution of earthworms to reducing the ARG abundances in amended soil via shifting the microbial community. However, we also found that the amended soil could increase ARGs abundance in the earthworm gut, which may enhance the potential risk of ARGs spread via food chain. These results may provide a new sight on the control of ARGs occurrence and dissemination in sludge-amended soil ecosystem with consideration of the impact of earthworms.
Serum immunoglobulin free light chains and their association with clinical phenotypes, serology and activity in patients with IgG4-related disease: a cross-sectional study.
Authors: Martín-Nares Eduardo , Saavedra-González Vanessa , Fagundo-Sierra Reynerio , Santinelli-Núñez Blanca Estela , Romero-Maceda Teresa , Calderón-Vasquez Karla , Hernandez-Molina Gabriela
Published: July 2020

Introduction: The clinical utility of serum immunoglobulin free light chains (sFLC) in IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is unknown. Herein we evaluated their association with clinical phenotypes, serology and activity in patients with IgG4-RD.Methods: Cross-sectional study that included 45 patients with IgG4-RD, and as controls 25 with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) and 15 with sarcoidosis. IgG4-RD patients were classified in clinical phenotypes: pancreato-hepato-biliary, retroperitoneum/aorta, head/neck-limited and Mikulicz/systemic; as well as proliferative vs. fibrotic phenotypes. We assessed the IgG4-RD Responder Index (IgG4-RD RI) at recruitment and measured IgG1, IgG4, κ and λ sFLC serum levels by turbidometry.Results: sFLC levels were similar among IgG4-RD, SS and sarcoidosis groups. Regarding the IgG4-RD patients, the mean age was 49 years, 24 (53.3%) were men and 55.5% had activity. Eight (17.7%) belonged to pancreato-hepato-biliary, 6 (13.3%) to retroperitoneum/aorta, 14 (31.1%) to head/neck-limited, 16 (35.5%) to Mikulicz/systemic phenotypes, whereas 36 (80%) to proliferative and 9 (20%) to fibrotic phenotypes. High κ sFLC, λ sFLC and κ/λ ratio were present in 29 (64.4%), 13 (28.9%) and 13 (28.9%) patients, respectively. There were no differences in sFLC among phenotypes. κ sFLC and κ/λ ratio correlated positively with the number of involved organs and IgG4-RD RI. Patients with renal involvement had higher k sFLC and λ sFLC. The AUC for k sFLC and λ sFLC, for renal involvement was 0.78 and 0.72, respectively. Active IgG4-RD had higher levels of κ sFLC and more frequently a high κ/λ ratio. The AUC for k sFLC and k/λ ratio for predicting active IgG4-RD was 0.67 and 0.70, respectively. sFLC correlated positively with IgG1 and IgG4 levels.Conclusions: sFLC may be useful as a biomarker of disease activity as well as multiorgan and renal involvement. In particular, a high κ/λ ratio may identify patients with active disease.
Prevention of aerosol dissemination in Orthopaedics while reaming or drilling during COVID 19 pandemic - A technical note
Authors: P Yuvarajan , Paila Surya Prakash Naidu , Chalumuri Navya , Rajshekhar  , Rajan David V
Published: July 2020

SARS-CoV-2 / COVID 19 is the largest health emergency and a global pandemic of recent times. Orthopaedic surgery involves procedures involving routine reaming and drilling the bones that generate substantially high volumes of aerosols and microdroplets creating a huge concern among the operating surgeons, anaesthetists and the supporting staff. We aimed at reducing the amount of aerosol generation and microdroplet spread by a simple and cost-effective technique which can be very well reproducible by anyone, thereby reducing the infection/viral load.