bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects Of Mechanical In-Exsufflation On Mucus Clearance In Critically Ill Patients On Invasive Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Martinez-Alejos Roberto , Martí Joan-Daniel , Bassi Gianluigi Li , Gonzalez-Anton Daniel , Pilar-Diaz Xabier , Reginault Thomas , Wibart Philippe , Gabarrus Albert , Quinart Alice , Torres Antoni 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) is a non-invasive technique performed through the CoughAssist In-Exsufflator to simulate cough and remove mucus from proximal airways. To date, the effects of MI-E on critically ill patients on invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) are not fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of MI-E combined or not to manual chest physiotherapy (CPT) in these patients.Methods: This cross-over clinical study enrolled consecutive patients who were sedated, intubated and on MV > 48h with expected maintenance of these criteria > 24h. Over a 24-hour period, patients randomly performed two sessions of manual CPT with or without additional MI-E before tracheal suctioning. Following each procedure, volume of retrieved mucus (ml) was assessed to evaluate efficacy. We evaluated respiratory flows, pulmonary mechanics and hemodynamics before, during, and after treatment. In addition, safety of MI-E was also appraised.Results: 26 patients were included. In comparison to CPT, mucus volume retrieved was significantly higher during CPT+MI-E (0.42 [0; 1.39] ml vs 2.29 [1; 4.67] ml; p < 0.001). The respiratory system compliance immediately improved from pre and post Crs values in CPT+MI-E group (55.7 ml/cmH2O [38.3; 67.4] vs. 68.6ml/cmH2O [47.8;94.9]; p<0.001). Although, such increase was not significantly different between CPT and CPT+MI-E group (p=0.057). Heart rate significantly increased in both groups (p < 0.005) immediately after each intervention. Additionally, a significant impact on oxygenation was observed in the CPT+MI-E group when comparing the baseline values with the values one-hour post-intervention (p<0.05). Finally, several transitory hemodynamic variations occurred during both interventions, but these were non-significant and considered clinically irrelevant.Conclusion: In mechanically ventilated patients, MI-E increases the amount of secretions that can be retrieved post-CPT, without causing clinically significant adverse events.Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT03316079 (24/11/2015; retrospectively registered)
Prognostic value of Onodera’s Nutritional Index for intermediate and high risk gastrointestinal stromal tumors treated with or without TKIs
Authors: Wang Feng , Tao Tingting , Yu Heng , Xu Yingying , Xia Xuefeng , Wang Meng , Zong Liang , Guan Wenxian 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Immunoinflammatory and nutritional markers such as peripheral blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and onodera’s prognostic nutritional index (OPNI) have gained considerable attention and revealed preliminaryly as prognostic markers in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).
Methods

In this study, we firstly investigated the prognostic value of OPNI in GIST treated with or without TKIs based on the propensity score matching (PSM) method. All of the patients had received surgical resection for primary GIST, The data from 2010 to 2018 were initially and retrospectively identified from our gastrointestinal center. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test.
Results

These patients who were treated with TKIs and those who did not were divided into two groups, and we used propensity score matching method to make them have more unified baseline data. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were applied to identify associations with outcome variables.A total of 563 GISTs were initially chosen and 280 of them were included for analysis under an inclusion criteria. After PSM, there were 200 patients included. Multivariate analyses identified OPNI was an independent prognostic marker, and was associated with primary site, tumor size, mitotic index, tumor rupture, necrosis, and modified NIH risk classification. Low OPNI (< 44.05; HR 0.433; 95% CI 0.236–0.794; P = 0.007) were associated with worse RFS.
Conclusions

Preoperative OPNI is a novel and useful prognostic marker for GISTs both treated with or without TKIs.
Effects of long-term particulate matter exposure on platelet counts in adults of Northeast China
Authors: Zhang Hehua , Zhao Yuhong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Associations between air pollution exposure and platelet counts have been inconsistent in previous studies, and there have been few studies of effects of long-term exposure in Asian populations. We explored the associations between long-term PM2.5 (particulate matter < 2.5 µm) exposure and platelet counts using a prospective cohort study in Northeast China. We used a logistic regression model to analyze the effects of different PM2.5 increments and platelet count elevation. Mixed linear models were used to analyze the association between PM2.5 concentration and platelet counts. Interaction and stratified analyses were also conducted. Results showed that every 1 µg/m3 increment of PM2.5 exposure was associated with 0.29% (95%CI: 0.25–0.32%) increase in platelet counts and 10% (95%CI: 8–12%) higher risk of platelet elevation. Effects of long-term PM2.5 exposure on platelet elevation were stronger in male participants, of Han ethnicity, and without diabetes. Our findings add more evidence to the potential biological mechanisms responsible for the effect of air pollution exposure on cardiovascular disease.
Stiffness Model of the Armature Assembly in a Jet Pipe Pressure Servo Valve
Authors: Yin Yaobao , He Chengpeng , Li Jing 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The armature assembly of the jet pipe pressure servo valve plays an important role in connecting the torque motor and the jet pipe amplifier. A stiffness model of its complex structure is very necessary for analyzing the dynamic/static performance of the jet pipe pressure servo valve. At the present work, the component parts in the armature assembly are simplified into linear elastic beams. The simplified armature assembly is a fourfold statically indeterminate structure under the premise of small deformation. The unknown forces and moments are solved by using the section continuity condition as the additional supplement equation, and the functional relationship between the electromagnetic torque produced from the torque motor and the armature rotation angle /the nozzle displacement is derived based on the Castigliano's Theorem. The finite element model of the armature assembly is also established to calculate the deformation under different loads and different spring tube lengths. The simulated displacements with the finite element method are consistent with the theoretical results. The experimental results of the recovery pressure of the jet pipe valve verified the theoretical model. The proposed stiffness calculation method can be used as a reference for designing and optimizing the armature assembly in the jet pipe pressure servo valve.
Are preoperative high soluble programmed death ligand 1 levels responsible for patients’ poor prognoses in hepato-biliary-pancreatic cancer?
Authors: Okada Rei , Otsuka Yuichiro , Tsuchiya Masaru , Maeda Tetsuya , Ishii Jun , Kubota Yoshihisa , Funahashi Kimihiko , Kaneko Hironori , Shimada Hideaki 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Several reports showed that high soluble programmed death-ligand 1(sPD-L1) level was a risk factor for poor prognosis in various tumors. To date, the clinicopathologic and prognostic impact of sPD-L1 level in patients with hepato-biliary-pancreatic cancer have not been determined.
Methods

A total of 119 patients (66 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 23 patients with cholangiocarcinoma, 30 patients with pancreatic cancer) who were treated at the Toho University Omori Hospital (Tokyo, Japan) from 2008 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. sPD-L1 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for PD-L1 to evaluate clinicopathologic and prognostic impact.
Results

sPD-L1 levels were significantly higher in low-albumin group than normal albumin group. According to stages in hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, there were no significant differences in sPD-L1 levels, which gradually increased according to stage in pancreatic cancer. Using a cut-off value of 81.6 pg/ml for sPD-L1level, the high sPD-L1 group showed significantly worse prognosis than the low sPD-L1 group in patients with pancreatic cancer. Multivariate analysis identified sPD-L1 level ≥ 81.6 mg/dl (p = 0.047) as an independent predictor of poor overall survival in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Conclusion

High sPD-L1 levels were independently associated with poor prognosis. However, this association in hepatocellular carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma was not clear.
Bidirectional association between serum carcinoembryonic antigen and metabolic syndrome among Chinese male population: two cohort studies
Authors: Liu Ya-Fei , Du Zhao-Hui , Ji Jia-Dong , Li Jing-Ru , Bi De-Ming , Tang Fang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Purpose: Previous studies have shown that serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was independently associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk. However, these studies were mainly cross-sectional analyses and cause has not been clarified. In the current study, we conducted two bidirectional cohort studies to investigate the bidirectional associations between CEA and MetS using a Chinese male sample cohort.Methods: The initial longitudinal cohort included 9,629 Chinese males from January 2010 to December 2015. Two bidirectional cohorts were conducted in the study: subcohort A (from CEA to MetS, n=6,439) included participants without MetS at baseline to estimate the risk of developing incident MetS; subcohort B (form MetS to CEA, n=8,533) included participants without elevated CEA level (Hyper-CEA) at baseline to examine the risk of developing incident Hyper-CEA. Hazard ratios were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models.Results: In subcohort A, the incidence densities of MetS were 85.47 and 99.25 per 1000 person-years with and without Hyper-CEA, respectively. Comparing without Hyper-CEA at baseline, participants with Hyper-CEA had a 0.89 (95% CI, 0.71 to 1.12)-fold hazard ratio of developing incidence MetS (P=0.326). In subcohort B, the incidence densities of Hyper-CEA were 33.42 and 29.13 per 1000 person-years for those with and without MetS, respectively. Participants with MetS had no significantly associated with incident Hyper-CEA (hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.22; P=0.864) in the general Chinese participants. Meanwhile, in the stratified analysis, MetS was might significantly associated with increased incident Hyper-CEA in men with age > 65-year and nonsmoking.Conclusion: CEA has no association with incident MetS. CEA should be interpreted carefully in MetS patients. Meanwhile, we need pay more attention to MetS in nonsmoking elderly men. They might have a higher risk of developing cancer.
Sema4C Induces the Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Tumor-Associated Lymphatic Endothelial Cells in Cervical Cancer via the ERK Pathway
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Peng Jin , Liu Xijiang , Li Chengcheng , Gao Min 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a process that increases the promigratory abilities of endothelial cells (ECs). Although lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) plays a positive role in tumor lymphatic metastasis, the regulation of LECs undergoing EndMT remains poorly understood. Previous study indicated that Semaphorin 4C (Sema4C) could be a marker of LECs in cervical cancer. Here, we try to understand the mechanism that Sema4C could promote LECs to get mesenchymal characters and enhance lymphatic metastasis in cervical cancer. Methods: The co-location of Sema4C and lymphatic marker LYVE1 was verified by confocal laser scanning. Primary tumor-associated LECs (TLECs) were distinguished from cervical cancer by flow cytometry from a mouse xenograft cervical tumor model. The promigratory ability was assessed using the Transwell test. Lentivirus infection was used to alter the expression of Sema4C in TLECs and the infection efficiency was tested by confocal laser scanning. The phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) signaling pathway was measured using the ERK inhibitor (PD98059) ,as well as quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis. Results: Sema4C and LYVE1 co-located on TLECs. Primary TLECs were successfully separated and cultured. Overexpressing Sema4C by lentivirus infection stimulated the invasive capacity of TLECs and downregulated E-cadherin, whereas knocking down Sema4C had the opposite effects. TLECs pro-migratory ability was found to depend on the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway, as the ERK inhibitor (PD98059) reversed Sema4C-induced E-cadherin expression and migration ability. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the Sema4C-ERK-E-cadherin pathway appears to be critical for the EndMT of TLECs, which might promote lymph node metastasis. Thus, Sema4C could be a promising target for the treatment of cervical cancer with lymphatic metastasis.
Effects of minocycline on neuroinflammation, gut microbiome and hippocampal neurogenesis in rats with Gulf War Illness
Authors: Liu Liang , Wang Er-Qiang , Du Cheng , Chen Hui-Sheng , Lv Yan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Accumulating evidence suggests that deficits in neurogenesis, chronic inflammation and gut microbiome dysregulation contribute to the pathophysiology of Gulf War Illness (GWI). Minocycline has been demonstrated to be a potent neuroprotective agent and could regulate neuroinflammation. The present study intended to investigate whether treatment of minocycline maintain better cognition and mood function in a rat model of GWI and the potential mechanism.
Methods

Rats received 28 days of GWI-related chemical exposure and restraint stress, along with daily minocycline or vehicle treatment. Cognitive and mood function, neuroinflammation, neurogenesis and gut microbiota were detected.
Results

We found that minocycline treatment induced better cognitive and mood function in a GWI rat model, as indicated by open-field test, elevated plus maze test, novel object recognition test and forced swim test. Moreover, minocycline treatment reversed the altered gut microbiome, neuroinflammation and the decreased hippocampal neurogenesis of rats with GWI.
Conclusion

Taken together, our study indicated that minocycline treatment exerts better cognitive and mood function in GWI rat model, which is possible related to gut microbiota remodeling, restrained inflammation and enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis. These results may establish minocycline a potential prophylactic or therapeutic agent for the treatment of GWI.
When will the Covid-19 Pandemic End?Levitt’s Metric on Indian Data
Authors: Raman Bhaskaran 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
When will the Covid-19 pandemic end? This paper seeks to answer this important question using the metric proposed by Michael Levitt in Mar 2020. We plot the metric for data corresponding to various Indian cities and states, and compare it with the plots for places like Italy and Spain, where the pandemic has “ended”. The projection is that Covid-19 deaths will become “insignificant”, by early Aug in Mumbai and Delhi. Similar projections can be made and are likely to be useful for other regions.
Diplopia from abducens nerve paresis as a presenting symptom of COVID-19: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Ben-David Geulah Sarah , Halachmi-Eyal Orly , Shyriaiev Hana , Brikman Shay , Dori Guy , Briscoe Daniel 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Neurological manifestations of COVID-19 are not well understood. We report a case of a 44-year-old man who presented with fever, double vision, and headache and was subsequently diagnosed with COVID-19 and transient abducens nerve paresis. He did not present with any respiratory symptoms or additional specific neurological findings. We suggest that as the number of cases rises worldwide, physicians should have a greater index of suspicion for COVID-19 in patients with cranial neuropathies even in mild cases without typical respiratory symptoms.
SOX7 blocks vasculogenic mimicry in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hong Kyoung-Ok , Oh Kyu-Young , Yoon Hye-Jung , Swarup Neeti , Jung Minjung , Shin Ji-Ae , Kim Jung-Hwan , Lee Jae-Il , Cho Sung-Dae , Hong Seong-Doo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background : Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is the formation of an alternative circulatory system by aggressive tumor cells. The characteristics of VM and its underlying mechanism in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unclear. This study aims to determine the relationship between VM channels in OSCC tissues and clinical outcomes and to investigate the biological role of SOX7 in VM in OSCC cells.

Methods : CD31/PAS double staining was performed to evaluate VM status in OSCC tissue. The relationships between VM and clinicopathological variables, and VM and SOX7 levels were analyzed. VM channel formation was assay performed to observe VM channels in the OSCC cell lines. To investigate the role of SOX7 in VM channel formation, SOX7 was transiently over-expressed in SCC-9 cells. VM-modulating genes were identified by Western blotting.

Results : We confirmed the presence of VM channels in OSCC tissue and several cell lines and found a positive correlation between VM and lymph node metastasis and patient survival in OSCC ( P = 0.003). We also found that the presence of VM channels in OSCC tissue was inversely associated with SOX7 expression ( P = 0.020). We observed that overexpression of SOX7 impaired VM channel formation by reducing the expression of VE-cadherin, thereby inhibiting cell migration and invasion.

Conclusion : These results suggest that SOX7 plays an important role in the regulation of VM channel formation and may inhibit OSCC metastasis.
The economic benefits of reductions in nitrogen loads from stormwater runoff by street trees
Authors: Baptista Mariana D. , Amati Marco , Fletcher Tim D. , Burns Matthew J. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
It is increasingly recognised that urban trees can contribute to reducing stormwater runoff by intercepting and retaining a fraction of rainfall received. What is less studied is the translation of this to reduced pollutant loads being transferred to receiving streams, rivers, and water bodies. In this paper, we assess interception of two tree species (Eucalyptus microcorys and Ulmus procera) in an urban park. These data are used in simple water balance modelling to predict the environmental and economic benefit of reducing nitrogen loads to receiving waterways as a function of reduced runoff volume resulting from rainfall interception by urban trees on public land (21% of the catchment area). We use a highly urbanized catchment in Melbourne, Australia to demonstrate the impact of an urban forest dominated by deciduous trees, evergreen trees or a mixed tree canopy cover. We found that doubling the urban canopy cover in the catchment, while keeping the current mix ratio of deciduous and evergreen trees, could reduce annual runoff volume by 30 mm (92 MLyr−1). Using the prescribed values that developers must pay the local water authority for nitrogen treatment as a condition of new development, we calculate that this would deliver a nitrogen load removal benefit of AUD$ 200/tree. If only deciduous trees are planted, the annual runoff reduction would decrease to 24 mm (73 MLyr−1) and increases to 37 mm (112 MLyr−1) if only evergreen trees are planted. This study highlights both the additional benefits of public street trees and the differences in deciduous and evergreen trees which should be accounted for by policy makers.
Expanding safe fecal sludge management in Kisumu, Kenya: an experimental comparison of latrine pit-emptying services
Authors: Peletz Rachel , Feng Andy , MacLeod Clara , Vernon Dianne , Wang Tim , Kones Joan , Delaire Caroline , Haji Salim , Khush Ranjiv 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Most residents of Kisumu, Kenya, use latrines constructed over basic pits or attached to more durable concrete vaults and septic tanks. Only one-third of fecal sludge generated in the city, however, is safely collected and treated. Programs for improving fecal sludge management among poor households include the development of formal manual emptying organizations that are recognized by local authorities, employ safety procedures, and transport fecal sludge to a treatment site. In this study, we compared the financial structures of these organizations with those of vacuum trucks that primarily serve wealthier households. We also employed an incentives-based strategy to promote the expansion of safe pit-emptying services in a low-income area and compared the performance of three managing groups to coordinate these services: (1) The Association of Wastewater Managers (The Association); (2) a formal manual emptying organization; and (3) a community-based water supplier interested in coordinating emptying services. Vacuum trucks were more cost-effective than the formal manual emptying organization, and The Association was most efficient in servicing poor households. The Association also demonstrated the ability to service low-income areas comprehensively by delegating a fraction of jobs (11%) to formal manual emptiers in locations not serviceable by VTOs, and overall showed the highest potential to achieve pro-poor service delivery at scale.
4-Aminoquinoline-ferrocene Hybrids as Potential Antimalarials
Authors: Nqoro Xhamla , Aderibigbe Blessing A. 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Malaria is a deadly disease. It is mostly treated using 4-
aminoquinoline derivatives such as chloroquine etc. because it is well-tolerated, displays
low toxicity, and after administration, it is rapidly absorbed. The combination of
4-aminoquinoline with other classes of antimalarial drugs has been reported to be an
effective approach for the treatment of malaria. Furthermore, some patents reported
hybrids 4-aminoquinolines containing ferrocene moiety with potent antimalarial activity.

Objective:
The objective of the current study is to prepare 4-aminoquinoline-ferrocene
hybrids via esterification and amidation reactions. The compounds were characterized via
FTIR, LC-MS and NMR spectroscopy. In vitro screening against chloroquine-sensitive
P. falciparum parasite (NF54) at concentrations (1 μM and 5 μM) and an inhibitory concentration
(full dose-response) was studied.

Methods:
The compounds were prepared via known reactions and monitored by Thin
Layer Chromatography. The compounds were purified by column chromatography and
characterized using FTIR, NMR and MS. In vitro antiplasmodial evaluation was performed
against asexual parasite and chloroquine was used as a reference drug.

Results:
The percentage inhibition effects of the hybrid compounds were in a range of
97.9-102% at 5 μM and 36-96% at 1 μM. Furthermore, the IC50 values of the compounds
were in the range of 0.7-1.6 μM when compared to the parent drug,
4-ferrocenylketobutanoic acid.

Conclusion:
The hybrid compounds displayed significant antimalarial activity when
compared to the parent drug. However, they were not as effective as chloroquine on the
drug-sensitive parasite. The findings revealed that 4-aminoquinolines and ferrocene are
potential scaffolds for developing potent antimalarials.