bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi response Particle Swarm Optimization of Wire Electro Discharge Machining parameters of Nitinol alloys
Authors: Yunus Mohammed , Alsoufi Mohammad S. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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.