bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Removal of Hexavalent Chromium From Wastewater by Cu/Fe Bimetallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Ye Jien , Wang Yi , Xu Qiao , Wu Hanxin , Tong Jianhao , Shi Jiyan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundNanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) is a promising material for removing heavy metals from wastewater. However, passivation of nZVI hinders its efficiency in water treatment. Loading another catalytic metal has been found to improve the efficiency significantly. In this study, Cu/Fe bimetallic nanoparticles were prepared by liquid-phase chemical reduction for removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from wastewater. Purpose of this study was to clarify the effects and mechanisms of Cu loading on the removal efficiency of Cr(VI).ResultsThe results showed that Cu loading can significantly enhance the removal efficiency of Cr(VI) by 29.3% to 84.0%, and the optimal Cu loading rate was 3% (wt%). The removal efficiency decreased with increasing initial pH and Cr(VI) concentration. It was found that Cr(VI) removal followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic model. When the Cu loading rate was 3%, the initial concentration of Cr(VI) was 100 mg/L, the observed first-order rate coefficient (kobs) was 0.016 min-1 for Cu/Fe bimetallic nanoparticles at pH of 3.5, which was twice than that of nZVI (0.008 min-1). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicated that Cr(VI) was completely reduced to Cr(Ⅲ) and precipitated on the particle surface as hydroxylated Cr(OH)3 and CrxFe1-x(OH)3 coprecipitation.ConclusionsIn this study, it was found that the loading of Cu can significantly increase the specific surface area and the Cr(VI) remove efficiency of nZVI, and the removal efficiency decreases with increasing pH and Cr(VI) initial concentration. Therefore, Cu loading can alleviate the passivation of nZVI effectively and can be beneficial for the application of iron-based nanomaterials in remediation of wastewater.
Arthroscopic Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction for Recurrent Patellar Dislocation: Short-term Clinical Results
Authors: Huang Yong , Yang Yuan , Zhong Mingjin , Su Fan , Xu Jian , Deng Zhenhan , Chen Kang , Feng Wenzhe , Lu Wei , Zhu Weimin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The present study aimed to introduce a novel technique to reconstruct medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) via arthroscopy for recurrent patellar dislocation. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected registry was undertaken. A total of 34 patients (35 knees) who underwent arthroscopic reconstruction of MPFL from December 2017 to August 2019 were identified. Kujala score, Tegner score, Lyscholm score, patellar tilt, and congruence angle were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. The occurrences of patient satisfaction, complications, and recurrent dislocation were recorded. The cohort consisted of both genders equally, and the mean age was 21.0±7.8 years, the mean body mass index was 22.5±3.5, and the mean follow-up time was 21.8±5.6 months. The patellar tiltdecreased from 46.4±19.3° to 12.5±16.9° (P < 0.001), the congruence angle decreased from 46.4±19.3° to 12.5±16.9° (P < 0.001), Kujala score improved from 55.1±4 to 88.7±4.4 (P < 0.001); Tegner score improved from 1.3±0.4 to 3.7±1.1 (P < 0.001), and Lyscholm score improved from 55.5±3.9 to 89.1±4.8 (P < 0.001). Among them, 30 (88.2%) patients fully recovered to normal pain-free daily life, 24 patients (70.6%) returned to sports, 32 patients were satisfied with surgery, and no redislocations were encountered. MPFL reconstruction via arthroscopy improves the knee joint function in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation and is a safe and effective surgical treatment for recurrent patellar dislocation.
Doxorubicin and siRNA&nbsp;Co-Delivery System Based on Carbon Dots Inhibits Metastasis of Lung Cancer by Attenuating Mrp1-Mediated Resistance
Authors: Luo Hui , Huang Kaichen , Tang Kexin , Lin Xi , Mei Chaoming , Wu Lili , Yang Lei , Yu Hailing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundTumor easily develops resistance to anti-cancer drugs leading to decreased therapy efficiency of chemotherapies. Targeting signaling molecules related with chemoresistance through strategy of co-delivery siRNA and chemotherapeutics may overcome the multidrug resistance to chemotherapy. A co-delivery nanosystem that could carry siRNA and DOX simultaneously has been studied in this work. ResultsThe co-delivery is based on carbon dots was surface-modified with poly-ethylenimine (PEI), and loaded the siMRP1 and chemotherapeutics on the surface with pH-triggered drug release. The CD-PEI was synthesized by one-step microwave assisted method; the PEI were raw materials and passivator during the reaction process that makes CD exhibit excellent optical property. The CD-PEI was capable of loading and delivering siMRP1 and DOX to tumor and release synchronously in cell by acid-triggered manner, i.e. hydrazone bond cleavage and endosome/lysosome escape using flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis. MRP1 was successfully knocked down by siRNA. The silencing of MRP1 by co-delivery system could increase DOX accumulation and significantly enhance the inhibitory effect of metastatic potential elicited by doxorubicin in A549 and A549/ADM cells.Conclusion﻿The co-delivery systems effectively loaded and released siRNA and DOX agents to the targeted lung tumor, overcoming the resistant to chemotherapy. By suppressing MRP1, CD-PEI-DOX-siMRP1 can obviously increase the drug intercellular accumulation and inhibit the cell proliferation, migration and invasion, implying its potential application in enhancing therapeutic efficiency in clinical practices.
Association of Triglyceride Glucose (TyG) Index With Leukoaraiosis in Middle-aged and Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Jung Dong-Hyuk , Park Byoung Jin , Lee Yong-Jae 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Leukoaraiosis refers to lesions of high signal intensity in the periventricular and subcortical white matter that result from chronic microvascular ischemic damage to the brain. Increasing evidence suggests that the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index is associated with arterial stiffness and cardiovascular disease, which are both closely related to ischemic arterial damage. We hypothesized that the serum TyG index could be associated with cerebrovascular microangiopathy as measured by leukoaraiosis among middle-aged and older adults.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 2,162 Korean adults aged ≥45 years who participated in a health examination program between 2010 and 2011. TyG index was calculated as Ln (fasting triglycerides (mg/dl) × fasting blood glucose (mg/dl)/2). TyG index quartiles were categorized as follows: Q1, ≤8.12; Q2, 8.13-8.50 Q2, 8.51-8.89; and Q4, ≥8.90. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for leukoaraiosis based on brain MRI scans were calculated across TyG index quartiles using multiple logistic regression analysis.Results: The overall prevalence of leukoaraiosis was 5.4% and increased with serum TyG index quartiles. Compared to the lowest quartile, the ORs (95% CIs) of the highest TyG index quartile for leukoaraiosis was 2.37 (1.17-4.79) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol intake, regular exercise, mean arterial pressure, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol levels, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.Conclusions: The serum TyG index was positively and independently associated with leukoaraiosis. Our findings indicate that the TyG index might be a useful additional measure for assessing cerebrovascular microangiopathy in clinical settings.
Dyslipidemia Modified the Association Between Serum Uric Acid and First Hemorrhagic Stroke Among Chinese Population : A Community Based Nested Case-control Study
Authors: Liu Hui , Bi Chonglei , Lin Tengfei , Liu Lishun , Liu Chengzhang , Wang Ping , Song Yun , Wang Binyan , Fang Chongqian , Ma Hai , Huang Xiao , Xu Xiping , Guo Huiyuan , Wang Xiaobin , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have shown that serum uric acid (SUA) and dyslipidemia are risk factors for stroke. However, it is not clear that whether dyslipidemia could modify the association between SUA and hemorrhagic stroke.Methods: We conducted a nested case-control study from “H-type Hypertension and Stroke Prevention and Control Project (HSPCP)” in China. A total of 355 first hemorrhagic stroke cases and 355 controls matched for age (± 1 years), sex and study site were included in the final data analysis. Logistic regression analysis were performed to assess the association between SUA and first hemorrhagic stroke.Results: In matched analysis, the risk of hemorrhagic stroke was associated with the increased SUA levels (OR:1.13, 95% CI:0.98 to 1.30). However, multiple regression analyses showed that per 1 mg/dL in SUA was associated with a 16% decreased risk of hemorrhagic stroke among participants without dyslipidemia and associated with a 28% increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke among dyslipidemia participants [without dyslipidemia: odds ratio (OR) = 0.84, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.09, with dyslipidemia: OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.48; P Interaction ＜0.001]. The results of the subgroup analysis were consistent with the main results.Conclusions: Elevated SUA was associated with increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke especially among participants with dyslipidemia. These findings suggest that we need to focus on SUA levels especially among participants with dyslipidemia.
Number of Implanted Stents May Predict Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhang Guo-An , He Chun-Hui , Liu Zhong-Wei , Pan Shuo , He Ting , Zhao Xiu-Juan , Zhang Xue-Mei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: This study is intended to explore the confounding factors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Chinese Han population with acute myocardial infarction (MI).Methods: 300 acute MI patients were enrolled in this study, the demographic data, complicating diseases, medication, and perioperative procedures were documented. The PTSD was evaluated using the PTSD checklist-civilian version (PCL-C) scale one month after the occurrence of MI. Results: 97 (32.3%) patients were diagnosed as PTSD after finishing the PCL-C scale. The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) implantation and use of diuretic in PTSD patients with acute MI were significantly higher than those in non-PTSD patients with acute MI. The age, body mass index (BMI), heart rate, number of stents, urea nitrogen, white blood cells counts, creatine kinase-MB, myoglobin, troponin I, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, apolipoprotein A and apolipoprotein B were significantly and positively correlated with PTSD score (all P < 0.05). After the adjustment of the confounding factors, the number of stents was significantly associated with PTSD in acute MI patients (OR = 4.131, P = 0.003), meanwhile we also documented the troponin I and BNP were also significantly associated with PTSD in acute MI patients (OR = 1.066, P = 0.046; OR = 1.002, P = 0.019; respectively). The PTSD scores were 39.72 ± 11.12, 44.85 ± 13.46, 47.69 ± 9.39 and 49.33 ± 18.14 in acute MI patients with 1, 2, 3 and 4 stents respectively (P = 0.008).Conclusion: The study found that the number of implanted stents may predict PTSD in Chinese Han patients with acute MI.
Diminished ovarian reserve is the major cause of infertility among women undergoing their first assisted reproductive technology treatment: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Zhang Mengqian , Zhang Hongxian , Yang Rui , Feng Guoshuang , Xu Huiyu , Qiao Jie 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

This study aims to investigate the effects of various factors on treatment outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) with embryo transfer (ET).
Methods

Of the 8993 eligible women who underwent their first IVF/ICSI–ET cycles, and met our inclusion and exclusion criteria, 2742(30.5%) achieved clinical pregnancy while 6251(69.5%) did not. Multivariable Cox regression analysis, multiple logistic regression analysis, and classification tree analysis were used sequentially to screen key predictors among predictors of various infertility causes and ovarian stimulation protocols through the best subset technique.
Results

Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the main factor affecting fertility in first attempts at IVF/ICSI–ET is diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.406 and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.353–0.466. Multiple forward logistic regression with 5-fold cross-validation also found that, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.522 (95% CI = 2.167–2.937), DOR affects fertility. The classification tree analysis was further used to better visualize the model.
Conclusions

DOR is the major factor affecting success rates in couples undergoing their first attempt at IVF/ICSI-ET. The selection of the most appropriate pairs for IVF/ICSI treatment can not only increase the success rates but also the cumulative cost-effectiveness.
Evaluating diversity education in the National Health Service: the development and piloting of a new situational judgement test
Authors: George Riya Elizabeth , Dugard Pat , Dogra Nisha 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

As a subject, diversity education poses inherent challenges in its delivery and evaluation. Current evaluation tools are largely inadequate and often rely on participants’ self-reported assessments of their knowledge, attitudes and skills. These tools rarely ask participants to demonstrate these attributes. This study describes the development and piloting of a new situational judgement test (SJT) for use in evaluating diversity education in the National Health Service (NHS) and healthcare educational institutions.
Methods

We started by adapting scenarios developed from a series of participatory workshops. Scenario based questions, response items, response formats and scoring methods were devised, tested and refined through an iterative process of three stages of piloting with a total of 198 new participants, either attending NHS diversity trainings or as part of a control group.
Results

SJTs are not generally used to evaluate diversity education, but our findings suggest they have considerable untapped potential. The findings from this study SJT shows how an individual can demonstrate differing attitudes to a range of diversity factors.
Conclusion

This tool has important applications beyond research. An unexpected finding was the enthusiasm of the participants for using the SJT as an educational resource to foster clinically relevant discussions on diversity issues. The scenarios can be tailored to different contexts, further developed and refined for future use. This preliminary attempt at devising and piloting a SJT is a key innovative step in the development of improved evaluation of diversity education.
Induction Effect and Underlying Mechanism of Scutellarin on Apoptosis of Human Colorectal Cancer SW480&nbsp;Cells and AOM/DSS&nbsp;Mouse
Authors: Zeng Sha , Tan Li , Zhao Hui , Yang Han , Chen Li , Ren Shan , Liu Maolun , Sun Qiang , He Man , Zhang Meng , Meng Xianli , Xu Haibo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: This study was aimed to investigate the effect of Scutellarin on apoptosis of human colorectal cancer SW480 cells and azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) mouse, and clarify its mechanism. Methods: 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di- phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) and cell migration assay were performed to detect the viability and proliferation of SW480 cells that treated with different concentrations of Scutellarin. Hoechst33342 Staining to determine apoptosis, detecting Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 activities after administration of different concentrations of Scutellarin. AOM/DSS mouse were administrated with Scutellarin; immunohistochemistry and western blot was employed to detect the effect on the expression of BCL2-Associated X (Bax) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) proteins, and the message Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) levels of Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3and Caspase-9 were assessed with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The data was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with SPSS19.0 software, expressed as mean ± standard deviation (x ± s). Results: Scutellarin could inhibit the proliferation of SW480 cells after treatment with different concentrations of Scutellarin, while the chromatin condensation and nucleus showed more intense blue fluorescence. Moreover, Scutellarin could significantly increase the activities of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 as well as different concentrations of Scutellarin could significantly down-regulate the expression of apoptosis related protein Bcl-2 and up-regulate the expression of Bax protein. When compared with the solvent control group, the relative expression levels of the related gene Bcl-2 were down-regulated by different concentrations of Scutellarin, while the Bax, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 genes were up-regulated. Conclusion: Scutellarin can inhibit the in vitro activity of colon cancer SW480 cells, promote Bax expression, inhibit Bcl-2 expression, and up-regulate the activities of apoptotic enzymes Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 to induce apoptosis in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that it has a certain therapeutic effect on colon cancer.
In vitro anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and qualitative phytochemical evaluation of the Phytexponent preparation of selected plants
Authors: Moriasi Gervason , Nelson Elias , Twahirwa Epaphrodite 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Oxidative stress is a critical etiologic factor and driver of inflammatory responses, witnessed in chronic and persistent conditions. The current anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory drugs are associated with detrimental effects, high dependence, high costs, inaccessibility, among other drawbacks; therefore, a need for alternatives is imperative. Despite the remarkable potential of medicinal plants, there are scanty empirical studies on their pharmacologic efficacy. The Phytexponent is an alcoholic polyherbal preparation of Allium sativum, Triticum repens, Echinacea purpurea, Viola tricolor and Matricaria chamomilla. In complementary medicine, the Phytexponent is used to boost immunity, to treat inflammatory disorders, oxidative stress, blood pressure, diabetes, stress/depression, among other conditions. However, there is no sufficient scientific data to support these healing claims. Therefore, in the current study evaluated the in vitro anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activities and qualitative phytochemical composition of the Phytexponent. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using the inhibition of protein denaturation and the human erythrocyte (HRBC) membrane stabilization techniques. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by the 1,1-diphenyl-picryl-1-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging-, the hydroxyl radical scavenging- and catalase activities. Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed using standard procedures. The results showed a significantly higher percentage inhibition of heat-induced- and hypotonicity induced HRBC hemolysis by the Phytexponent at concentrations of 50 % and 100 %, compared with the percentage inhibitions of etanercept (p<0.05). No significant differences in percentage inhibitions of protein denaturation were observed among concentrations of 12.5 %,25.0 %,50.0 %,100.0 % of the Phytexponent and etanercept (25 mg/ml) (p˃0.05). Furthermore, the Phytexponent demonstrated high antioxidant activities against the DPPH- (IC50=0.00733%) and the hydroxyl- (IC50 = 0.716 %) radicals in vitro.The Phytexponent recorded significantly higher catalase activities at concentrations of 1 % and 0.1 % than those recorded by ascorbic acid at similar concentrations. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, among other antioxidant associated phytochemicals. The bioactivities of the Phytexponent reported herein, were attributed to the presence of these phytochemicals. Further studies to establish specific mode(s) through which the Phytexponent exerts in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects are encouraged. Moreover, in vivo anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities should be done to determine the replicability of these findings in vivo. Bioassay-guided isolation of compounds responsible for the reported bioactivities herein should be done.
An Overview of Retraction Status and Reasons of Non-Cochrane Systematic Reviews in Medicine
Authors: Shi Qianling , Wang Zijun , Zhou Qi , Hou Ruizhen , Gao Xia , He Shaoe , Zhao Siya , Ma Yanfang , Zhang Xianzhuo , Guan Quanlin , Chen Yaolong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMany previous studies have analyzed the status of retracted publications from different perspectives, but so far no study has focused on systematic reviews (SRs). The purpose of this study is to analyze the retraction status and reasons of non-Cochrane SRs in medicine. MethodsWe searched MEDLINE and Embase from their inception until April 18, 2020, as well as Retraction Watch Database and Google Scholar with no language restriction to find non-Cochrane SRs that were retracted for any reason. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data. We described the characteristic and reasons of retraction and the duration from publication to retraction.ResultsWe identified 150 non-Cochrane SRs in medicine retracted between 2004 and 2020. The majority of retracted SRs were led by authors from China (n=113, 75.3%) and affiliated with hospitals (n=106, 70.7%). Most SRs were published in journals with an impact factor ≤3 (n=85, 56.7%). The largest proportion of retraction notices were issued by the publisher and editor(s) jointly (n=60, 40.0%); seven did not report this information. Fraudulent peer-review (n=61, 37.9%) was the most common reason for retraction, followed by unreliable data (n=41, 25.5%) meaning errors in study selection or data analysis. The median time between publication and retraction was 14.0 months. SRs retracted due to research misconduct took longer to retract than SRs retracted because of honest error. Conclusions﻿The situation with retracted SRs is critical worldwide, and in particular in China. The most common reasons for retraction are fraudulent peer-review and unreliable data, and in most cases the study is retracted more than a year after publication. Efforts should be made to improve the process of peer review and adherence to the COPE retraction guidance, and authors should strengthen their skills in SR methodology.