bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Off pump surgical epicardial closure of left anterior descending to pulmonary artery fistula
Authors: Knop Gustavo L. , Madu Ernest , Tulloch Reid Edwin , Soliman Ahmed 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Coronary artery fistulae (CAF) are rare anomalies. Left anterior descending(LAD) to Pulmonary artery (PA) CAF, represent a minority of cases. Large fistulas, create a significant shunt and a “steal phenomenon”, and can lead to myocardial ischemia and heart failure (HF) if left untreated.

Case presentation
We present a 57 years old female with a large LAD to PA fistulae. Given the rare occurrence and the predominance of low shunt of LAD to PA CAF, this case is functionally exceptional in this fistulae variant, causing a significant shunt which resulted in daily cardiac ischemic chest pain. Diagnosis work up included a nuclear stress test, Coronary Angiography and 3-D Coronary Computed Tomography Angiogram (CCTA). Traditionally, surgery has been the main therapy for symptomatic CAF, but transcatheter closure has emerged as a less invasive strategy and is a valuable alternative or even preferable if no associated cardiac conditions are present, provided the anatomical characteristics of the fistulae are appropriate. The surgical approach includes off pump epicardial interruption of the fistula or closure through a cardiac chamber (trans-cameral) or transpulmonary, or epicardial closure using Cardiopulmonary bypass. Caution must be taken in cases of CAF with Coronary Artery (CA) aneurysm in dominant CA, or drainage into the Coronary Sinus, as the possibility of ischemic complications are higher. Due to anatomical considerations and tortuosity of the fistulae, our patient was considered not amenable for percutaneous closure and surgery was opted. Epicardial closure of the fistula was performed on a beating heart, off pump. Outcome was favorable with complete resolution of ischemic symptoms.

Conclusion
Symptomatic, high shunt CAF must be interrupted. The presence of daily ischemic symptoms in our case report patient, is worth to be remarked. Alternatives for fistulae closure are transcatheter or surgery, depending on anatomic variables and the presence of associated cardiac conditions. Surgical epicardial closure of LAD to PA fistulae variant can be done with very low mortality and morbidity, but other variants with coronary aneurysm, drainage in the coronary sinus or other concomitant cardiac defects, may result in ischemic complications and higher perioperative mortality and worse long- term outcome.
A randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for overactive bladder: a study in Hong Kong population
Authors: Lin Zhi-xiu , Chan Ngai Ho Tony , Kwan Yiu-keung , Chan Yu Tat , Zhang Hongwei , Tam Kam-yuk Sylvia , Lai Mei Kwan , Lee Chun-Kam , Ngan Kit , Tsoi Stella Yin Yuen , Lau Yiu Wa , Xian Yan-Fang , Ching Jessica , Guo Yuanqi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Around 15% of the Hong Kong population was found to suffer from overactive bladder (OAB), but the current available treatments, such as medication, behavioral therapy and physical therapy are unsatisfactory. Previous studies have suggested that acupuncture may have promising effect for OAB, but some limitations on the study design render the evidence questionable. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture treatment for patients with OAB in Hong Kong.

Methods
One hundred patients with OAB were enrolled. The patients were randomized to receive either active acupuncture or sham needle intervention twice a week for 8 consecutive weeks, and had a follow-up consultation 12 weeks after the completion of acupuncture intervention. The primary outcome assessment was the 3-Day Voiding Diary, which records daytime and night-time urinary frequency and symptoms, at the baseline, the end of the 8-week intervention and 12 weeks after acupuncture intervention. Secondary outcomes included Urine NGF level, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) and Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), as well as Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS).

Results
After 16 sessions of treatment, when compared with the baseline, both active and sham acupuncture significantly reduced the frequency of urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), daytime and night-time urinary frequency as well as the scores of IIQ-7, UDI-6 and OABSS. Moreover, the treatment effects could last for at least 3 months. However, no significant difference in frequency of UUI and daytime urinary frequency was found between the active and sham acupuncture groups. On the other hand, the night-time urinary frequency decreased more significantly during the treatment and follow-up in the active acupuncture group than in the sham control group after controlling baseline night-time urinary frequency. Urine NGF level could not be detected by ELISA method in our experiments.

Conclusion
This study suggests a beneficial effect of acupuncture on improving OAB symptoms. Both active and sham acupuncture treatment were able to improve the symptoms of frequency of urgency urinary incontinence, and the daytime and night-time urinary frequency, while only mild adverse effects were found. This project was unable to establish the specific effect of acupuncture for OAB.
Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-INR-16010048. Registered on 29 Nov 2016.
Mir-20a-5p induced WTX deficiency promotes gastric cancer progressions through regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Li Jian , Ye Danli , Shen Peng , Liu Xiaorong , Zhou Peirong , Zhu Guifang , Xu Yangwei , Fu Yun , Li Xuanqi , Sun Jingbo , Xu Jia , Zhang Qingling 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
The X-linked gene WTX (also called AMER1) has been reported to function as a tumour suppressor gene in Wilms’ tumour. In our previous study, WTX expression was shown to be significantly reduced in gastric cancer (GC), but the function and mechanism associated with WTX loss had yet to be fully elucidated.

Methods
WTX expression and clinical significance were father analyzed in GC and control normal gastric tissues, and validated in public databases. The candidate pathway which was regulated by WTX during GC progression was searched by KEGG pathway analysis. The miRNA which monitored WTX expression was screened by miRNA microarray. After verified the pathway and miRNA both in vitro and in vivo, the relationship of miRNA, WTX and the downstream pathway were analyzed by Western blot, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), and luciferase analyses.

Results
The results showed that WTX serves as a tumour suppressor gene in GC. The loss of WTX which is associated with the aggressiveness of GC by promoting GC cell proliferation in vitro and high metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, WTX expression was positively correlated with the overall survival of GC patients. Microarray assays, bioinformatics analysis, and verification experiments showed that WTX loss activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and promotes GC cell proliferation and invasion. And the aberrant miR-20a-5p upregulation contributes to WTX loss in GC, which stimulates PI3K phosphorylation to activate PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and promoted GC progression.

Conclusions
The results of the present study elucidated the mechanism of GC progression, which is at least partially caused by aberrant miR-20a-5p upregulation leading to the inhibition of WTX expression and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway activation. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the action of the miR-20a-5p/WTX/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the progression and metastasis of GC.
Spad value varies with age and leaf of maize plant and its relationship with grain yield
Authors: Kandel Bishnu Prasad 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesA field experiment was conducted to evaluate Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) value in different age and leaf of maize hybrid and correlating with grain yield. Ten maize hybrids were replicated thricely under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) during winter of 2018. SPAD value was measured by SPAD 502 plus meter. At 30 days interval during vegetative stage SPAD measurement were taken from T1 (top most leaf) and T3 (2nd leaf from top leaf) leaves of five randomly selected plants from one plot and they were averaged. For reproductive phase data taken from eo (leaf attached to ear) and e2 (2nd leaf from eo leaf) leaves at 10 days intervals. Same leaves were used for entire data collection.ResultsSignificantly different SPAD value was observed for different age and leaves of maize during pre and post anthesis. SPAD value increase with increase in age and decrease at the time of maturity. During vegetative phase T3 leaves has more SPAD value than T1. During reproductive stage eo leaves had more SPAD than e2 leaves, so center leaf of maize contributes more to grain yield. Correlation showed that there is strong positive correlation between different stage of SPAD with grain yield.
Optimal H2O2 preconditioning to improve bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells’ engraftment in wound healing
Authors: Guo Ling , Du Juan , Yuan Dan-feng , Zhang Ya , Zhang Shu , Zhang Hua-cai , Mi Jun-wei , Ning Ya-lei , Chen Min-jia , Wen Da-lin , Sun Jian-hui , Liu Di , Zeng Ling , Zhang Anqiang , Jiang Jianxin , Huang Hong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
The transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is a promising therapeutic strategy for wound healing. However, the poor migration capacity and low survival rate of transplanted BMSCs in wounds weaken their potential application.

Objective
To identify the optimal protocol for BMSCs preconditioned with H2O2 and improve the therapeutic efficacy using H2O2-preconditioned BMSCs in wound healing.

Methods
Mouse BMSCs were exposed to various concentrations of H2O2, and the key cellular functional properties were assessed to determine the optimal precondition with H2O2. The H2O2-preconditioned BMSCs were transplanted into mice with full-thickness excisional wounds to evaluate their healing capacity and tissue engraftment.

Results
Treatment BMSCs with 50 μM H2O2 for 12 h could significantly enhance their proliferation, migration, and survival by maximizing the upregulation of cyclin D1, SDF-1, and its receptors CXCR4/7 expressions, and activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, but inhibiting the expression of p16 and GSK-3β. Meanwhile, oxidative stress-induced BMSC apoptosis was also significantly attenuated by the same protocol pretreatment with a decreased ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-9/3 expression. Moreover, after the identification of the optimal protocol of H2O2 precondition in vitro, the migration and tissue engraftment of transfused BMSCs with H2O2 preconditioning were dramatically increased into the wound site as compared to the un-preconditioned BMSCs. The increased microvessel density and the speedy closure of the wounds were observed after the transfusion of H2O2-preconditioned BMSCs.

Conclusions
The findings suggested that 50 μM H2O2 pretreated for 12 h is the optimal precondition for the transplantation of BMSCs, which gives a considerable insight that this protocol may be served as a promising candidate for improving the therapeutic potential of BMSCs for wound healing.
Costing of helicopter emergency services- a strategic simulation based on the example of a German rural region
Authors: Röper Johann , Krohn Markus , Fleßa Steffen , Thies Karl-Christian 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Helicopter emergency services (HEMS) are of increasing relevance for emergency medical services (EMS) of developed countries. Despite the known cost intensity of HEMS, there is only very limited knowledge of its cost dynamics and structures. This averts an efficient resource allocation of scarce EMS resources in an environment that is characterized by socio-political, medical and economic challenges. The objective of this study is the exemplary modeling of HEMS cost structures.

Methods
We defined three scenarios with each five variations to illustrate different models of HEMS provision. Into these, we included varying availability times, technical features for off-shore or alpine rescue and differing numbers of operations. Cost data is based on a broad literature review and primary data from a German HEMS organization resulting in a cost function. We calculated average costs per primary missions and total costs, whilst differentiating between fixed, jump-fixed, variable and maintenance costs for every scenario variation. The costs were further used to evaluate the profitability of operations by executing a break-even analysis.

Results
Average costs per HEMS operation decrease with increasing number of operations due to the digression of fixed costs. Depending on special equipment, availability times or other assumptions, total costs differ significantly with the different scenario variations. For the basic scenario (12 h of operations per day), the total costs per year of HEMS are 1,697,546.20 € and the unit costs are 763.41 € per primary mission at 1200 primary and 92 secondary operations. At an engine-runtime based revenue of 70 € per minute, global cost covering is possible after 728 missions (c.p.).

Conclusions
Considering a revenue of 70 € per minute of engine run-time, HEMS can be operated at a profit for companies. However, the necessary remuneration represents a high financial effort for the societal cost bearers of helicopter emergency services. This leads to the question of the cost-benefit ratio of HEMS, which could be approached in further researches by using this model. The valuation of mission costs also opens a new view to the framework of HEMS disposition procedures and criteria. This cost analysis enhances the necessity of better planning of HEMS networks to use available resources efficiently in order to improve social welfare.
One-step purification of two novel thermotolerant β-1,4-glucosidases from a newly isolated strain of Fusarium chlamydosporum HML278 and their characterization
Authors: Qin Yongling , Li Qiqian , Luo Fengfeng , Fu Yue , He Haiyan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA newly identified cellulase-producing Fusarium chlamydosporum HML278 was cultivated under solid-state fermentation of sugarcane bagasse, and two new β-glucosides enzymes (BG FH1, BG FH2) were recovered from fermentation solution by modified non-denaturing active gel electrophoresis and gel filtration chromatography. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the molecular weight of BG FH1 and BG FH2 was 93 kDa and 52 kDa, respectively, and the enzyme activity was 5.6 U/mg and 11.5 U/mg, respectively. The optimal reaction temperature of the enzymes was 60 ℃, and the enzymes were stable with a temperature lower than 70 ℃. The optimal pH of the purified enzymes was 6.0, and the enzymes were stable between pH 4–10. Km and Vmax values ​​were 2.76 mg/mL and 20.6 U/mg for pNPG, respectively. Thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that BG FH1and BG FH2 had hydrolysis activity toward cellobiose and could hydrolyze cellobiose into glucose. In addition, both enzymes exhibited transglycoside activity, which could use glucose to synthesize cellobiose and cellotriose, and preferentially synthesize alcohol. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that F. chlamydosporum HML278 produces heat-resistant β-glucosidases with both hydrolytic activity and transglycosidic activity, and these β-glucosidases have potential application in bioethanol and papermaking industries.
Method validation and measurement uncertainty of possible thirty volatile organic compounds (VOCs) presented in the polyethylene present in bottled drinking waters sold in Turkey
Authors: Güzel Barış , Canli Oltan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis study was actualized for the simultaneous determination of possible thirty VOCs presented in drinking waters in Turkey by direct injection to purge and trap (PT) gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It consists of selectivity, linearity, the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy (recovery), precision, trueness, and measurement uncertainty studies. In linearity, the values of correlation coefficients (r2) for the matrix-matched calibration curves were higher than 0.998 for all analytes. This method showed high sensitivity (LOD: 0.011–0.040 μg/L; LOQ: 0.035–0.133 μg/L), quite sufficient recovery (82.6% to 103.1%) for accuracy, and acceptable precision (intra-day recovery: 81.5–104.4%, relative standard deviation (RSD): 1.04–9.81%; inter-day recovery: 92.6–104.1%, RSD: 1.15–7.52%). All the recovery and RSD values obtained below 10% are evaluated agreeable in point of the AOAC and EURACHEM/CITAC validation guidelines. The recovery percentages of all analytes in CRM changed between 80.3 and 109.9% and the RSD (%) values for each analyte obtained below 10%. The proficiency test results were satisfactory and comparable (z score less than or equal to 2.0 is no questionable or satisfactory) to those obtained by other laboratories participating in the round. The calculated percentage of relative uncertainties for each analyte changed from 2.99 to 10.10% and the major contribution to uncertainty budget arises from the calibration curve and repeatability. Therefore, the results demonstrate that this method is applicable for the determination of possible thirty VOCs in drinking waters in routine analysis for custom laboratories.
Determinants of female sterilization method uptake among women of reproductive age group in Uganda
Authors: Anita Paula , Nzabona Abel , Tuyiragize Richard 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Despite its great effectiveness, safety and convenience for women who do not wish to have more children; female sterilization method uptake in Uganda is very low. This study aimed at establishing factors associated with female sterilization uptake in Uganda.

Methods
Secondary data were sourced from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS). We analyzed all (18,506) women aged 15–49 years who were interviewed in the 2016 UDHS. This sample was categorized into women who were sterilized and those using other modern methods. We used a Chi-square test to measure the association between the current uptake of female sterilization by the women and selected independent variables. Multivariate analysis applied the complimentary log-log model to determine the net effect of selected characteristics on female sterilization uptake in Uganda.

Results
The overall prevalence of female sterilization among modern contraceptive users was 2%. Female sterilization uptake was highly associated with age of 30 years and older (OR = 34.49;, 95%CI:13.33–99.88), middle wealth status (OR = 0.65, 95% CI:0.47–0.92), women who had ever given birth to at least four children (OR = 3.19, 95% CI:1.63–6.22) and decision making by either the husband/partner (OR = 2.42, 95% CI:1.55–3.78) or jointly between a woman and her husband/partner (OR = 1.38, 95% CI:1.02–1.86).

Conclusions
The uptake of female sterilization was very low, and this was associated with; age, household wealth, parity and contraceptive decision-maker. The uptake of Family planning programs needs to focus on male engagement to increase joint decision making on family planning issues especially those relating to fertility limitation. Government and its other implementing partners need to scale-up efforts that increase accessibility to information on female sterilization services for women who have completed their fertility.
7-T MRI tracking of mesenchymal stromal cells after lung injection in a rat model
Authors: Rizzo Stefania , Padelli Francesco , Rinaldi Elena , Gioeni Daniela , Aquino Domenico , Brizzola Stefano , Acocella Fabio , Spaggiari Lorenzo , Baggi Fulvio , Bellomi Massimo , Bruzzone Maria Grazia , Petrella Francesco 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are able to migrate and engraft at sites of inflammation, injuries, and tumours, but little is known about their fate after local injection. The purpose of this study is to perform MSC tracking, combining in vivo 7-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological assessment, following lung injection in a rat model.

Methods
Five lungs were injected with ferumoxide-labelled MSCs and five with perfluorocarbon-labelled MSCs and underwent 7-T MRI. MRI acquisitions were recorded immediately (T0), at 24 h (T24) and/or 48 h (T48) after injection. For each rat, labelled cells were assessed in the main organs by MRI. Target organs were harvested under sterile conditions from rats sacrificed 0, 24, or 48 h after injection and fixed for histological analysis via confocal and structured illumination microscopy.

Results
Ferumoxide-labelled MSCs were not detectable in the lungs, whereas they were not visible in the distant sites. Perfluorocarbon-labelled MSCs were seen in 5/5 injected lungs at T0, in 1/2 at T24, and in 1/3 at T48. The fluorine signal in the liver was seen in 3/5 at T0, in 1/2 at T24, and in 2/3 at T48. Post-mortem histology confirmed the presence of MSCs in the injected lung.

Conclusions
Ferumoxide-labelled cells were not seen at distant sites; a linear decay of injected perfluorocarbon-labelled MSCs was observed at T0, T24, and T48 in the lung. In more than half of the experiments, perfluorocarbon-labelled MSCs scattering to the liver was observed, with a similar decay over time as observed in the lung.
Peripheral embolization following thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke—a case report
Authors: Roushdy Tamer , Hamid Eman , Fathy Mai , Bastawy Islam , Aref Hany , El Nahas Nevine 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator is the only golden approved medical therapy for acute ischemic stroke, guidelines for its injection relay on reducing or preventing associated hemorrhage as a side effect, yet hemorrhage is not the only possible complication, further embolization following injection is also a possibility; in this case report, peripheral embolization following intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator with two possible explanations one related to the treatment and another related to the patient liability is represented.

Case presentation
A 78-year-old male presenting with acute onset of stroke, received intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, 16 h later he developed acute limb ischemia.

Conclusion
Peripheral embolization may happen within hours from intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator administration.