bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Hydrolysis Conditions on Characteristics of Nanocrystalline Cellulose Extracted from Ramie Fibers by Hydrochloric Acid Hydrolysis
Authors: Kusmono Kusmono , Akbar Dimas Abdillah 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Nanocrystalline celluloses (NCCs) were successfully extracted from ramie fibers using chemical pretreatments followed by hydrochloric acid hydrolysis. The effects of acid concentration and hydrolysis time on the characteristics of NCCs were investigated in this study. Results showed that the optimal hydrolysis conditions were found to be 6 M hydrochloric acid concentration at 45 °C for 70 min. The obtained NCC had a rod like-shape with an average of 8.07 nm in diameter, 158.51 nm in length, 22.37 in aspect ratio, 89.61% in the crystallinity index, and 5.81 nm in crystallite size. The higher crystallinity and thermal stability were exhibited by NCCs compared to both raw fibers and chemically purified cellulose. The hydrolysis time had a significant effect on crystallinity and thermal stability. The crystallinity index and thermal stability of NCCs were obtained to decrease with increasing hydrolysis time.
Screening and identification of miRNAs related to sexual differentiation of strobili in Ginkgo biloba by integration analysis of small RNA, mRNA, and degradome sequencing
Authors: Liu Xiao-Meng , Cheng Shui-Yuan , Ye Jia-Bao , Chen Ze-Xiong , Liao Yong-Ling , Zhang Wei-Wei , Xu Feng , Kim Soo-Un 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Ginkgo biloba, a typical dioecious plant, is a traditional medicinal plant widely planted. However, it has a long juvenile period, which severely affected the breeding and cultivation of superior ginkgo varieties.Results: In order to clarify the complex mechanism of sexual differentiation in G. biloba strobili. Here, a total of 3,293 miRNAs were identified in buds and strobili of G. biloba, including 1,085 conserved miRNAs and 2,208 novel miRNAs using the three sequencing approaches of transcriptome, small RNA, and degradome. Comparative transcriptome analysis screened 4,346 and 7,087 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in MB _vs_ FB and MS _vs_ OS, respectively. A total of 6,032 target genes were predicted for differentially expressed miRNA. The combined analysis of both small RNA and transcriptome datasets identiﬁed 51 miRNA-mRNA interaction pairs that may be involved in the process of G. biloba strobili sexual differentiation, of which 15 pairs were verified in the analysis of degradome sequencing. Conclusions: The comprehensive analysis of the small RNA, RNA and degradome sequencing data in this study provided candidate genes and clarified the regulatory mechanism of sexual differentiation of G. biloba strobili from multiple perspectives.
Index Admission Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Our Experience after the Inception of Acute Care Surgery Programme
Authors: Aakif Muhammad , Razzaq Zeeshan , Byrne James , Mustafa Hamid , Majeed Mudassar , Khan Ata , Bughio Mumtaz , Aftab Fuad , Zaheer Muhammad Amir , Achakzai Akbar amin , Prins Hugo Jacobus , Corrigan Mark Anthony , Redmond Henry Paul , Kayyal Mohammed yasser 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Gallstones are very common and frequently present as acute cholecystitis in up to 20 % of patients with symptomatic disease, with wide variation in severity. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) has become the gold standard for treatment of symptomatic disease. Although multiple studies have confirmed its safety, LC at index admission is still not widely practiced in Ireland. We present our experience of a cohort of patients who underwent index admission laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Cork University Hospital since the start of the acute care surgery program in May 2017.Aim: To determine the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy at index admission.Methods: All adult patients who presented to an acute surgical assessment unit (ASAU) with symptomatic gall stone disease and underwent early laparoscopic cholecystectomy at index admission were included. The duration of this prospective cohort study was 27 months (May 2017 to July 2019). Patient demographics, indication for surgery, post-operative complications and conversion rates were recorded. In addition, timing of imaging, imaging findings and length of hospital stay were also noted.Results: A total of 233 patients underwent laparoscopic Cholecystectomy at index admission for various indications. Median age was 50 years with range between 16 - 88. Male to female ratio was 1: 1.78. 142 (61%) patients had acute cholecystitis, while the other indications were CBD obstruction (15.5%), biliary colic (11%) and acute biliary pancreatitis (10.5%). 93 (40%) patients had pre-op MRCP while 41 (17.6%) underwent pre-op ERCP. All except 3 patients undergoing ERCP had pre-procedure MRCP. 2 patients had intra-operative cholangiograms. Overall morbidity was 4.7%. In terms of complications, 3 (1.3%) patients had bile leak and only 1 (0.85%) had re-operation. There was 1 common bile duct injury and only 1 conversion to open surgery. There was no mortality in this case series. The average length of hospital stay was 5.6 days. (Range 2 to 14 days).Conclusions: Index admission laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, biliary colic and acute biliary pancreatitis, has been a safe and feasible treatment option in our hospital. A safe practice can be ensured by adherence to this care pathway and a multidisciplinary, consultant-led service. Index cholecystectomy service can be provided safely to reduce disease-related morbidity and multiple re-admissions in patients awaiting interval surgery.
Overexpression of Slit 2 decreases neuronal exitotoxicity, accelerates glymphatic clearance and improves the cognition in multiple microinfarcts
Authors: He Xiaofei , Li Ge , Li Lili , Li Mingyue , Liang Fengyin , Chen Xi , Hu Xiquan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Cerebral microinfarcts (MIs) lead to progressive cognitive impairment in elderly, but the mechanism has kept unknown. Dysfunction of GABAergic transmission induces excitotoxicity, which contributes to stroke pathology, but the mechanism has kept unknown. The secreted leucine-rich repeat (LRR) family protein slit homologue 2 (Slit 2) upregulates GABAergic activity and protects against global cerebral ischemia, but the neuroprotective efficacy of Slit 2 against MI has not been examined. Methods: Middle-aged Wild type and Slit 2-Tg mice were divided into sham and MIs groups. MIs in parietal cortex of was induced by laser-evoked arteriole occlusion. Spatial memory was examined by Morris water maze, neuronal activity and glymphatic clearance in peri-infarct areas were monitored by two-photon imaging. GABAergic transimission and neuroinflammation were detected by immunofluorescent staining or western blotting. Results: MIs increased the intracellular Ca2+ amplitude and frequency, decreased the neuron survival and neuronal connectivity of parietal cortex, decreased the GABAergic transmission, induced the neuroinflammation, impaired the glymphatic clearance and cognition in middle-aged mice. Slit 2 overexpression attenuated dysfunctional neuronal Ca2+ signaling, protected against the neuronal death in the peri-infarct area as well as loss of parietal cortex connectivity, increased the GABAergic transmission and attenuated the neuroinflammation, improved glymphatic clearance and eventually improved spatial learning and memory. Conclusion: Our results strongly supported overexpression of Slit 2 protected against the dysfunction in MIs, which is a potential therapeutic target for cognition impaiment in the elderly.
Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Caused by Ruptured Aneurysm of Basilar Trunk Perforator
Authors: Wu Tao , Wu Yao , Chen Ailin , Dai Chungang , Zhu Qing 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The morbidity of BAPA is very low. Up to now, the pathogenesis and treatment of BAPA are not uniform. Conventional endovascular embolization and craniotomy seem not to be a good choice. We report a case of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by rupture of perforator aneurysm of basal trunk and successfully discharged after conservative treatment, suggesting that conservative treatment may be superior to surgical intervention.Case presentation: A 65-year-old male patient with sudden headache and dizziness for five days was admitted to our hospital for emergency treatment. Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage was diagnosed by DSA. We finally found that hemorrhage Caused by ruptured aneurysm of basilar Trunk perforator.After conservative treatment for two months,DSA showed that the aneurysm disappeared completely.Conclusions: Aneurysm located at perforator artery of basilar trunk was rare and difficult to treat.Conservative treatment for certain cases with periodic angiography follow-up was recommended in order to prevent from potential iatrogenic effects.
Development of Standard Indicators to Assess Use of Electronic Health Record Systems Implemented in Low- and Medium-Income Countries
Authors: Ngugi Philomena Njeri , Babic Ankica , Kariuki James , Santas Xenophon , Naanyu Violet , Were Martin C. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundElectronic Health Record Systems (EHRs) are being rolled out nationally in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) yet assessing actual system usage remains a challenge. We employed a nominal group technique (NGT) process to systematically develop high-quality indicators for evaluating actual usage of EHRs in LMICs.Methods An initial set of 14 candidate indicators were developed by the study team adapting the HIV Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting indicators format. A multidisciplinary team of 10 experts was convened in a two-day NGT workshop in Kenya to systematically evaluate, rate (using Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound (SMART) criteria), prioritize, refine, and identify new indicators. NGT steps included introduction to candidate indicators, silent indicator ranking, round-robin indicator rating, and silent generation of new indicators. Results: Candidate indicators were rated highly on SMART criteria (4.05/5). NGT participants settled on 15 final indicators, categorized as system use (4); data quality (3), system interoperability (3), and reporting (5). Data entry statistics, systems uptime, and EHRs variable concordance indicators were rated highest. ConclusionThis study describes a systematic approach to develop and validate quality indicators for determining EHRs use and provides LMICs with a multidimensional tool for assessing success of EHRs implementations.
Outcome of Community- Versus Hospital-Acquired Intra-Abdominal Infections in Intensive Care Unit: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Abaziou Timothée , Vardon-Bounes Fanny , Conil Jean-Marie , Rouget Antoine , Ruiz Stéphanie , Grare Marion , Fourcade Olivier , Suc Bertrand , Leone Marc , Minville Vincent , Georges Bernard 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundTo compare patients hospitalised in the intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery for community-acquired intra-abdominal infection (CA-IAI) and hospital-acquired intra-abdominal infection (HA-IAI) in terms of mortality, severity and complications.MethodsRetrospective study including all patients admitted to 2 ICUs within 48 hours of undergoing surgery for peritonitis.Results226 patients were enrolled during the study period. Patients with CA-IAI had an increased 28-day mortality rate compared to those with HA-IAI (30% vs 15%, respectively (p = 0.009)). At 90 days, the mortality rates were 36.7% and 37.5% in the CA-IAI group and HA_IAI group, respectively, with a similar APACHE II score on admission (median: 21 [15–25] vs. 21 [15–24] respectively, p = 0.63). The patients with HA-IAI had prolonged ICU and hospital stays (median: 17 [7–36] vs. 6[3–12] days, p < 0.001 and 41 [24–66] vs. 17 [7–32] days, p = 0.001), and experienced more complications (reoperation and reintubation) than those with CAP.ConclusionCA-IAI group had higher 28-day mortality rate than HA IAI group. Mortality was similar at 90 days but those with HAP had a prolonged ICU and hospital stay. In addition, they developed more complications.
Sun exposure and intima-media thickness in the Mexican Teachers' Cohort
Authors: Aguilar Mercedes , Muñoz-Aguirre Paloma , Cortés-Valencia Adrian , Flores-Torres Mario H. , Catzin-Kuhlmann Andrés , López-Ridaura Ruy , Lajous Martin , Rodriguez Beatriz L , Cantú-Brito Carlos , Denova-Gutiérrez Edgar 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Previous studies have evaluated how sun exposure affects cardiovascular health. In this sense, some evidence from ecological studies have found an inverse relationship between sun exposure and blood pressure or CVD. The aim of this study is to determine whether long-term sun exposure has a protective role in subclinical cardiovascular disease in adult Mexican women.
Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a sample of women from the Mexican Teachers’ Cohort (MTC) study. Sun exposure was assessed in the MTC 2008 baseline questionnaire, in which women were asked about their sun-related behavior. Vascular neurologists measured carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) using standard techniques. Multivariate linear regression models were used to estimate the percentage difference in mean IMT and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), according to categories of sun exposure and multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% CIs for carotid atherosclerosis.
Results

The mean age of participants was 49.6 ± 5.5 years, the mean IMT was 0.678 ± 0.097 mm, and the mean accumulated hours of weekly sun exposure were 2.9 ± 1.9. Prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis was 20.9%. Compared to women in the lowest category of sun exposure, the multivariate adjusted ORs of carotid atherosclerosis were 0.54 (95%CI: 0.24, 1.18) for women who were exposed 9 hours. For women who denied regular sun screen use, those in the higher exposure category (9 hours) had lower mean IMT compared to those in the lower category (multivariable-adjusted mean % difference = -2.67; 95%CI: -6.9, -1.5).
Conclusion

In general, we observed that cumulative sun exposure was inversely associated with IMT and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. Our findings suggest that public health messages should also consider the sun’s positive role for health, while still emphasizing the negative impacts of excessive exposure.
Imaging Biomarkers of Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography Predict Survival in Oesophageal Cancer After Definitive Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Zeng Chengbing , Zhai Tiantian , Chen Jianzhou , Guo Longjia , Huang Baotian , Guo Hong , Liu Guozhi , Zhuang Tingting , Liu Weitong , Luo Ting , Wu Yanxuan , Peng Guopeng , Li Derui , Chen Chuangzhen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive potential of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT)-based imaging biomarkers (IBMs) for the treatment outcomes of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients after definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).Methods: A total of 151 ESCC patients who underwent definitive CCRT were included in this retrospective study. All patients were separated randomly to a training cohort (n=97) and the validation cohort (n=54). Pre-treatment contrast-enhanced CT scans were obtained for all patients and used for the extraction of IBMs. An IBM score was constructed by using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator with logistic regression analysis in training cohort and tested in the validation cohort. IBMsnomograms were built based on IBM score. The concordance index (C-index) was used to assess the performance of the nomograms. Finally, decision curve analysis was performed to estimate the clinical usefulness of the nomograms.Results: A total of 96 IBMs were extracted from each contrast-enhanced CT scan. The IBM score were consisted of 13 CT-based IBMs and were significantly correlated with 3-year overall survival (OS) and 3-year progression-free survival (PFS). Multivariate analysis revealed that IBM score was the independent prognostic factor. In the training cohort, the IBM score yielded an area under the curves (AUCs) of 0.802 (95% CI: 0.713–0.891, p<0.001) and 0.742 (95% CI: 0.620–0.889, p<0.001) in terms of 3-year OS and 3-year PFS, respectively. In validation cohort, the AUCs were 0.761(95% CI: 0. 639–0.900, p<0.001) and 0.761(95% CI: 0.629–0.893, p=0.001) for 3-year OS and 3-year PFS,respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed significantly different between risk subgroups in training and validation cohort. The nomograms were built based on the IBM score showed good discrimination. In the training cohort, with the C-indices of IBMsnomograms were 0.732 (95%CI, 0.661–0.803) and 0.670(95%CI, 0.595–0.745) for OS and PFS, respectively. In the validation cohort C-indices were 0.677(95%CI, 0.583–0.771) and 0.678(95%CI, 0.591–0.765) for OS and PFS, respectively. The decision curve showed the clinical usefulness of nomograms.Conclusions: TheIBM score based on pre-treatment contrast-enhanced CT could predict the 3-year OS and 3-year PFS for OSCC patients after definitive CCRT. Further multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.
A Study on The Relationship Between Burnout and Quality of Life Among Nurses In Thu Duc District Hospital, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Minh Quan , Le Phuong Anh Hoang , Vo Minh Hoang Nguyen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of the burnout among nurses, and to further explore the effects of the burnout on their quality of life.Methods: This study is a cross-sectional design. 280 nurses of Thu Duc District hospital in Vietnam were interviewed with structured questionnaires. Questionnaires included “Demographic Inventory”, “MBI scale”, and “SF-36 Scale”. T-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and Regression Analysis were used to analyze data. Results: (1). The nurses had low and middle levels of the burnout, and moderate levels of the quality of life. (2) There were significant correlations between demography and burnout, including gender, education, department, main work shift, and years in this department. (3) There is a significant negative relationship in many sub-scales of the burnout and quality of life scale. (4) Education and burnout predicted 17.6% of the variance in quality of life.Conclusion: There were clear evidences that the nurses experienced burnout and then their quality of life was negatively affected. It is suggested that programs must be created to prevent burnout in nurses.
Association between insulin resistance and left ventricular hypertrophy in sub-saharan hypertensive black patients with preserved ejection fraction: A case control study
Authors: PHANZU Bernard KIANU , Aliocha Nkodila Natuhoyila , Eleuthère Kintoki Vita , Jean-René M’Buyamba Kabangu , Benjamin Longo-Mbenza 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background:Conflicting information exists regarding the association between insulin resistance (IR) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).We described the associations between parameters of obesity, fasting insulinemia, HOMAIR with LVH in black patients with essential hypertension.Materials and Methods:A case-control study was conducted at the Centre Médical de Kinshasa (CMK), the Democratic Republic of the Congo, between January and December 2019. Cases and controls were hypertensive patients with and without LVH, respectively. The relationship between obesity indices, physical inactivity, parameters of glucose metabolisme and lipid disorders and LVH were assessed using linear and logistic regression analyses in simple and univariate exploratory analysis, respectively. When differences were observed between LVH and the independent variables, the effect of potential confounders was studied by adjustment in multiple linear regression and in conditional logistic regression in multivariate analysis. The coefficients of determinations (R2), the adjusted ORs and their 95% CI were calculated to determine the association between the LVH and the independent variablesResults:Eighty-eight cases (52 men) were compared to 132 controls (81 men). Nineteen percent of left ventricular mass (LVM) variation (19%) was predicted by age, 31.3% by the duration of hypertension, 44.4% by BMI, 42.5% by WC, 20% by glycemia, 44.8% by insulinemia and 43.7% by HOMAIR. In multiple linear regression analysis, duration of hypertension, Body Mass Index (BMI), insulinemia and HOMAIR explained 68.3% of the variability in the increase in LVM. In the logisitic model obesity multiplied the risk of LVH by 3 (aOR: 2.8, 95% CI (1.06-7.4), p = 0.038), IR by 8 (aOR: 8.4, 95: (3.7-15.7), p <0.001).Conclusion:Obesity and IR appear to be the main predictors of LVH. The comprehensive management of cardiovascular risk factors should be emphasized with particular attention to obesity and insulin resistance. A prospective black sub-saharan population based study with serial imaging remain essential to better understand subclinical LV deterioration over time and to confirm the role of insulin resistance in black sub-saharan hypertensives.
FAM64A Promotes Prostate Cancer Growth In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Cui Feilun , Xu Zhipeng , Lv Yumei , Hu Jianpeng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common type of human cancer in males. However, the mechanisms underlying PCa tumorigenesis remained unclear.Methods The present study evaluated the expression levels of FAM64A in PCa by using 5 public datasets, including GSE8511, GSE45016, GSE55945, GSE38241 and GSE17951. Then, in vivo and in vitro assays were conducted to detect the biological functions of FAM64A in PCa. Microarray and bioinformatic analysis were carried out to detect the downstream targets and pathways regulated by FAM64A.Results In this study, we for first time demonstrate FAM64A as a biomarker for PCa. FAM64A was found to be overexpressed in PCa compared to normal samples. Higher FAM64A expression were found in Gleason score (GS) ≥ 8 PCa compared to GS < 8 PCa samples, in N1 staging compared to N1 staging PCa samples, and T3/4 staging compared to T1 staging PCa. Moreover, higher FAM64A expression was correlated to shorter survival time in PCa. Knockdown of FAM64A significantly suppressed PCa cell proliferation and colony formation, however, induced PCa apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Bioinformatics analysis combined with microarray analysis revealed FAM64A played crucial roles in regulating multiple cancer related pathways, including cell-matrix adhesion and cAMP signaling pathway. Conclusions These results showed FAM64A could serve as a novel biomarker for PCa and will be helpful to understand the underlying FAM64A -related molecular mechanisms in the progression of PCa.