bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optical Coherence Tomography-based Factors Associated With Visual Loss in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Endo Hiroaki , Kase Satoru , Tanaka Hikari , Takahashi Mitsuo , Katsuta Satoshi , Suzuki Yasuo , Fujii Minako , Ishida Susumu , Kase Manabu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between retinal structures and visual acuity in diabetic patients using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). This study was a retrospective observational study conducted at a single medical center in Japan. Evaluation of retinal images was analyzed using spectral domain OCT. Twelve factors including central retinal thickness, length of disorganization of retinal inner layer (DRIL), number of inner hyperreflective foci, number of outer hyperreflective foci, height of intraretinal fluid, height of subretinal fluid, length of external limiting membrane disruption, length of external ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption, vessel density of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, and FAZ circularity were analyzed based on OCT/OCTA findings. Multivariate analysis was used to investigate the OCT-based factors that could be correlated with poor visual acuity in treatment-naïve diabetic eyes. A total of 183 eyes of 123 diabetic patients with type 2 diabetes (mean age 61.9 ± 12.3 years, 67 men and 57 women) and 62 eyes of 55 control subjects (mean age 64.4± 12.5 years, 15 men and 40 women) was enrolled in this study. Multiple regression analysis showed that OCT-based factors correlated with visual acuity were length of DRIL (β = 0.24、P < 0.01), length of EZ disruption (β = 0.35、P < 0.001), and FAZ circularity (β = -0.14、P < 0.05). The other factors showed no significant correlation. In conclusion, the length of DRIL, length of EZ disruption, and FAZ circularity measured by OCT were identified as related factors for visual impairment in treatment-naïve diabetic eyes.
Lipidomic Analyses Uncover Apoptotic and Inhibitory Effects of Pyrvinium Pamoate on Cholangiocarcinoma Cells via Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Dysfunction
Authors: Kittirat Yingpinyapat , Phetcharaburanin Jutarop , Promraksa Bundit , Kultawatsiri Thanaporn , Wangwiwatsin Arporn , Klanrit Poramate , Sa-Ngiamwibool Prakasit , Jarearnrat Apiwat , Thongchot Suyanee , Mahalapbutr Panupong , Loilome Watcharin , Li Jia , Saya Hideyuki , Namwat Nisana 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Pyrvinium pamoate (PP), an FDA-approved anthelmintic drug, has been validated as a highly potent anti-cancer agent. PP inhibits several crucial functions of cancer cells, and it has been patented recently as a potential chemotherapeutic drug for various cancers. The current study investigated the ability of PP in anti-proliferative activity and focused on the lipidomic profiles revealing the alteration of specific lipid species in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells. PP inhibited CCA cell viability by suppressing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATP production, leading to apoptotic cell death. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with multivariate statistical analysis were performed to investigate lipid alteration of PP-induced apoptosis in CCA cells. The lipidomic analyses showed the altered lipid signatures of CCA cell types including S-acetyldihydrolipoamide, methylselenopyruvate and triglycerides that were increased in PP-treated CCA cells. In contrast, the levels of sphinganine and phosphatidylinositol were lower in the PP-treated group compared with its counterpart. Moreover, the orthogonal partial-least squares for regression analysis revealed that PP-induced MMP dysfunction, leading to inhibition of ATP contents, was significantly associated with triglyceride production, a characteristic of apoptotic cells. These alterations indicated that PP could suppress the MMP function, which caused inhibition of CCA cell viability through apoptotic induction resulting in lipid accumulation in CCA cells. These findings can provide new insight on an anti-cancer mechanism of PP under apoptotic induction ability that could be a promising therapeutic strategy for CCA treatment.
Pre-diagnostic Circulating Concentrations of Fat-soluble Vitamins and Risk of Glioma in Three Cohort Studies
Authors: Yue Yiyang , Creed Jordan , Cote David , Stampfer Meir , Wang Molin , Midttun Øivind , McCann Adrian , Ueland Per , Furtado Jeremy , Egan Kathleen , Smith-Warner Stephanie 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Few prospective studies have evaluated the relation between fat-soluble vitamins and glioma risk. Using three cohorts—UK Biobank (UKB), Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS), we investigated associations of pre-diagnostic concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins D, A, and E with incident glioma. In 346,785 participants (444 cases) in UKB, associations with vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]) were evaluated by Cox proportional hazards regression. In NHS (52 cases, 104 controls) and HPFS (32 cases, 64 controls), associations with 25(OH)D, vitamin A (retinol), and vitamin E (α- and γ-tocopherol) were assessed using conditional logistic regression. Our results suggested plasma concentrations of 25(OH)D and retinol were not associated with glioma risk. Comparing the highest to lowest tertile, the multivariable hazard ratio (MVHR) for 25(OH)D was 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68-1.11) in UKB and the multivariable risk ratio (MVRR) was 1.08 (95%CI: 0.55-2.09) in NHS and HPFS. In NHS and HPFS, the MVRR for the same comparison for retinol was 1.16 (95%CI: 0.56-2.38). Nonsignificant associations were observed for α-tocopherol (MVRRtertile3vs1=0.61, 95%CI: 0.29-1.32) and γ-tocopherol (MVRR tertile3vs1=1.30, 95%CI: 0.63-2.69) that became stronger in 4-year lagged analyses. Further investigation is warranted on a potential association between α- and γ-tocopherol and glioma risk.
A Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Dengue Spread in a Brazilian Dry Climate Region
Authors: Filho Aloísio Nascimento , Murari Thiago , Ferreira Paulo , Saba Hugo , Moret Marcelo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
We investigated the relation between the spread, time scale, and spatial arrangement of dengue in Bahia, a Brazilian dry climate region, for the period 2000 to 2009. The degree of cross-correlation is calculated for 15 economic regions. We apply a multiscale statistical analysis to datasets of dengue cases in order to verify the effect of infection dispersal on the economic regions from the metropolitan region of Salvador. Our empirical results support a signiﬁcant and persistent cross-correlation between most economic regions, reinforcing the idea that there are no economic, environmental or climatic barriers to the spread of dengue. Our main contribution lies in the cross-correlation results revealing multiple aspects related to the propagation of dengue for dry climate regions.
Effects of Carbon Nanotubes on the Properties of Lightweight Concrete Prepared With Expanded Glass and Hydrophobic Silica Aerogel
Authors: adhikary suman kumar , Rudžionis Žymantas , Tučkutė Simona 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This study aimed to study the effect of carbon nanotubes on the properties of expanded glass and silica aerogel based lightweight aggregate concrete. CNTs were dispersed in the polycarboxylate superplasticizer added water by ultrasonication energy for 3 minutes. Combinations of expanded glass (55%) and hydrophobic silica aerogel particles (45%) were used as lightweight aggregates. Study results show that the incorporation of MWCNTs significantly influences the mechanical and microstructural performance of aerogel based lightweight concrete. Almost 41% improvement in compressive strength was gained by the addition of carbon nanotubes. SEM image of lightweight concrete shows CNTs were almost dispersed homogeneously within the concrete structure. SEM image of the composite also shows the presence of the C-S-H structure surrounding the CNTs, that confirms the cites of nanotubes for higher growth of C-S-H. Besides, agglomeration of CNTs and the presence of Ettringites observed in the transition zone between the silica aerogel and cementitious materials. Moreover, flowability, water absorption, microscopy, XRD, and semi-adiabatic calorimetry results were analyzed in this study.
Liver Morbidity in Patients Negative for Overt HBV&nbsp;and HCV&nbsp;Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: a Hospital-based Study
Authors: Alduraywish Abdulrahman , Kishk Rania , Omar Wafaa , Taher Ibrahim , Omar Hamdy , Louis Nageh , Ragheb Mostafa 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is an increasing health problem worldwide. Older age, diabetes and hypertension, acute kidney damage are among some of the factors that play a role in ESRD. This study aims at exploring liver morbidity (LM) among hemodialysis (HD) patients in an endemic country. Methods: The study included 142 patients aged 12 to 75 years; 53.5% were males. Data were retrieved from files and all participants were examined by abdominal ultrasonography and tested for liver functions and markers and viremia of HCV and HBV. Results: Three patterns of LM were found in 62 (43.7%); fatty in 30, fibrous in 19 and hepatitis in 13. The duration of renal impairment (p=0.02), duration of hemodialysis (p=0.011), and total dialysis sessions (p=0.007) were associated with LM. ALT and AST >40 IU/L levels were elevated in 9.9% and 9.2% of patients. All 14 patients with high ALT showed evidence of LM (p=0.017) compared to 4 of 13 patients with elevated AST (p<0.001). The ROC curve revealed ALT and AST cut-off points of 16.5 and 25.5 IU/L to discriminate LM. According to the new values, 58.5% and 40.1% of the studied participants had high ALT and AST. Conclusion: LM is common among EDKD patients undergoing hemodialysis despite the limited role of ALT and AST. The use of ultrasonography and the new lower levels of ALT and AST could improve the screening approach of LM.
A Novel Color Image Encryption Scheme Based on Cellular Neural Network and Chen's Chaotic System
Authors: Zhang Renxiu , Yu Longfei , Jiang Donghua , Ding Wei , Song Jian , He Kuncheng , Ding Qun 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
With the explosive development of communication technology, digital images are more widely stored and transmitted on the network as a medium of communication among people. At the same time, the security of the digital image has become the focus of people's attention, and it is also the hotspot and difficulty of current research. Therefore, a novel color image encryption scheme is proposed in this paper by combining the 6-dimensional cellular neural network (CNN) and Chen's hyperchaotic system. In the proposed scheme, the initial keys and switching function generated by the plaintext image are utilized to control the CNN to complete the scrambling operation. Then, using the Chen's hyperchaotic system to diffuse the scrambled image for realizing higher security. Finally, the simulation tests and security performance analyses on the proposed encryption scheme are carried out. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme has an excellent encryption effect compared with other advanced image cryptography systems.
Isotope separation of 176Lu a precursor to 177Lu medical isotope using broadband lasers
Authors: Mv Suryanarayana 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
A new photoionization scheme accessible by Rhodamine dye lasers is proposed for the isotopeseparation of 176Lu.
5d6s2 2D3/2 (0.0 cm-1) - 573.8130 nm -> 5d6s6p 4Fo3/2 (17427.28 cm-1) - 609.6007 nm -> 6s6p2 4P3/2 (33831.46 cm-1) ---> Autoionization State---> Lu+
Optimum conditions for the isotope separation have been derived and compared with thepreviously reported work. The enrichment of ~ 49% can be obtained with > 12 mg / hourproduction rates even when broadband lasers with bandwidth of 500 MHz employed for the twostep excitation. The simplified system requirements for the photoionization scheme with a highproduction rate is expected reduce the global shortage of 176Lu for medical applications.
In-Situ Stress Measurements and Stress Accumulation Level Analysis of Coal Mines in Northern Ordos Basin
Authors: Yang Donghui , Ning Zhangxuan , Li Yongming , Lv Zhaoheng , Qiao Yuandong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
For non-directional drilling cores, the sample selection and test method for Kaiser effect (KE) in-situ stress measurement were proposed, and the magnitude and direction of its principal stresses were theoretically derived. Based on this method, the KE of 423 samples in Burtai and Baode coal mines in northern Ordos Basin (NOB) were tested. The results show that σH, σh and σv vary with depth and location, and their values increase with increasing of depths. Generally, horizontal stresses play a leading role. There are main stress regimes in NOB: σH > σh > σv (Burtai, <172m; Baode, <170m) and σH > σv > σh (Burtai, 170-800 m; Baode, 170-400 m), and the σv > σH > σh stress regime is mainly distributed in moderately deep to deep coal mines. For rock masses with a depth of 350m, k ((σH + σh) / 2σv) tends to 1, indicating that deep critical state will gradually emerge. The test results were compared with those of overcoring method (OC), elastic strain recovery (ASR) and micro-hydraulic fracturing (HF). The relative errors of σH, σh and σv are 14.90%, 19.67%, 15.47% (Burtai) and 10.74%, 22.76%, 19.97% (Baode), and they are all within a reasonable range required by the project, which verifies the reliability of KE method. The dominant orientation of σH (Burtai, NE-NNE; Baode, NEE) was obtained by using paleomagnetic technology, which is consistent with that (NE-NEE) of earthquake focal mechanisms in this area. Based on Byerlee-Anderson theory, the stress accumulation level of mine rock mass was discussed. Under dry rocks or hydrostatic pressure rocks, the friction coefficient of faults is both low, which is less than the lower limit (0.6) of strike-slip faults slip, indicating that the fracture stress with a low level around the study area is lower than the friction limit stress. The stress accumulation level in Baode mine is slightly larger than that in Burtai mine.
The Aiming Device for Cervical Distractor Pin Insertion: A Developmental and Experimental Study
Authors: Bunmaprasert Torphong , Luangkittikong Sittichai , Tosinthiti Mengghong , Nivescharoenpisan Supachoke , Raphitphan Raphi , Sugandhavesa Nantawit , Liawrungrueang Wongthawat , Riew K.Daniel 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Restoration of cervical lordosis after anterior discectomy and fusion is a desirable goal. Proper insertion of the vertebral distraction or Caspar pin can assist lordotic restoration by either putting the tips divergently or parallel to the index vertebral endplates. With inexperienced surgeons, the traditional free-hand technique for Caspar pin insertion may require multiple insertion attempts that may compromise the vertebral body and increase radiation exposure during pin localization. Our purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of pin insertion aiming device for vertebral distraction pin insertion.Methods: A Smith-Robinson approach and anterior cervical discectomy were performed from C3 to C7 in 10 human cadaveric specimens. Caspar pins were inserted using a novel pin insertion aiming device at C3-4, C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7. The angles between the cervical endplate slope and Caspar pin alignment were measured with lateral cervical imaging.Results: The average Superior Endplate-to-Caspar Pin angle (SE-CP) and the average Inferior Endplate-to-Caspar Pin angle (IE-CP) were 6.2 ± 2.0° and 6.3 ± 2.2° respectively. For the proximal pins, the SE-CP and the IE-CP were 4.0 ± 1.1°and 5.2 ± 2.4° respectively. For the distal pins, the SE-CP and the IE-CP were 7.7 ± 1.4° and 6.2 ± 2.0° respectively. No cervical endplate violations occurred.Conclusion: The novel Caspar pin insertion aiming device can control the pin entry points and pin direction with the average SE-CP and average IE-CP of 6.2 ± 2.0° and 6.3 ± 2.2°, respectively. The study shows that the average different angles between the Caspar pin and cervical endplate are less than 7°.
Evaluation of Pleural Fluid Cytology for the Diagnosis of Malignant Pleural Effusion: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Pairman L , Beckert Lutz E.L. , Dagger Mark , Maze Michael J 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAs median survival time for patients with malignant pleural effusions (MPE) is nine months, rapid and accurate diagnosis is important. Cytological examination of pleural fluid has a good specificity but imperfect sensitivity. Published estimates of sensitivity vary substantially and predictors of false negative cytology are not well established. We aim to establish a local estimate of pleural fluid cytology sensitivity and identify risk factors for false negative cytology.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who had cytology testing of pleural fluid at Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand 21 July 2017 to 31 October 2019. Data on patient demographic, clinical and pleural fluid characteristics were collected. MPE was defined by positive pleural fluid cytology, tissue histology, or multi-disciplinary meeting consensus. We estimated sensitivity of the first pleural cytology assessment. We performed multivariate logistic regression to ascertain patient groups at greatest risk of false negative results. ResultsOf 156 patients with confirmed malignant pleural effusion included in our study, the initial pleural fluid cytology was diagnostic in 117, providing a sensitivity (95% confidence interval) of 75.0% (67.4-81.6%). The sensitivity was 79.0% (66.8-88.3%) for lung cancer, 91.3% (72.0-98.9%) for breast cancer and 33.3% (95% CI 11.8-61.6%) for mesothelioma. Cloudy appearance of pleural fluid (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04-0.84), but not pH, lactate dehydrogenase or polynuclear cell ratio, reduced the odds of false negative pleural cytology.ConclusionPleural fluid cytology was sensitive in diagnosing MPE due to primary lung and breast cancer, however it had low sensitivity in mesothelioma. Clinicians should be particularly alert to the high likelihood of false negative results when suspecting mesothelioma and consider early use of biopsy.
Molecular Characterization and Expression Analysis of Annexin B3 and B38 as Secretory Proteins in Echinococcus Granulosus
Authors: Song Hongyu , He Xue , Du Xiaodi , Hua Ruiqi , Xu Jing , He Ran , Xie Yue , Gu Xiaobin , Peng Xuerong , Yang Guangyou 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Cystic Echinococcosis is a parasitic zoonotic disease, which poses a threat to public health and animal husbandry, and causes significant economic losses. Annexin is a kind of phospholipid binding protein with calcium ion binding activity, which has many functions.Methods: Two annexin protein family genes (EgAnxB3 and EgAnxB38) were cloned and molecular characterized using bioinformatic analysis. The immunoreactivity of rEgAnxB3 and rEgAnxB38 was investigated using western blotting. The distribution and transcript levels of EgAnxB3 and EgAnxB38 in different developmental stages of Echinococcus granulosus were analyzed by immunofluorescence localization and quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR, and their secretory characteristics were analyzed preliminary. The phospholipid-binding activities of rEgAnxB3 and rEgAnxB38 were also tested.Results: EgAnxB3 and EgAnxB38 are conserved and contain calcium binding sites. Both rEgAnxB3 and rEgAnxB38 could be specifically recognized by the serum samples from E. granulosus-infected sheep, which have strong immunoreactivity. EgAnxB3 and EgAnxB38 were distributed in all stages of E. granulosus and had high transcript levels in the 28-day strobilated worms. They were found in liver tissues near the cysts. In addition, rEgAnxB3 had Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding properties.Conclusions: EgAnxB3 and EgAnxB38 contained calcium-binding sites, and rEgAnxB3 had Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding properties. rEgAnxB3 and rEgAnxB38 had strong immunoreactivity. EgAnxB3 and EgAnxB38 were transcribed in PSCs and worms. They were expressed in all stages of E. granulosus, and distributed in the liver tissues near the hydatid cyst, indicating that EgAnxB3 and EgAnxB38 are secreted proteins that play an crucial role in the development of E. granulosus.
The Effects of EMMPRIN/CD147 on Late Function and Histopathological Lesions of the Renal Graft
Authors: Nalewajska Magdalena , Opara-Bajerowicz Martyna , Safranow Krzysztof , Pawlik Andrzej , Ciechanowski Kazimierz , Kwiatkowski Sebastian , Kwiatkowska Ewa 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background/Aims:Chronic kidney disease is associated with renal fibrosis, develops with the participation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts from epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In cancer research, the key role of the glycoprotein EMMPRIN/CD147 in EMT has been proven. We evaluates how CD147/EMMPRIN affects long-term renal graft function and renal biopsy specimen lesions. Patients and methods:49 renal graft recipients who had a renal biopsy within the last 18 months were retrospectively reviewed. The mean period after kidney transplantation (Tx) was 70 months. At their most recent appointments, their concentrations of CD147/EMMPRIN were evaluated. Renal function at their most recent appointment was assessed, and so was the occurrence of delayed graft function (DGF) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (EGFR) at 1 year and the subsequent years of the follow-up period. Renal biopsy specimen lesions, mainly those related to renal fibrosis and tubular atrophy, were evaluated.Results: EMMPRIN concentration correlated positively with eGFR at the most recent appointment and with eGFR at 1 and 2 years after Tx, with p<0.05, R-0.69, R-0.39 and R-0.40, respectively. CD147/EMMPRIN levels correlated positively with urine protein concentrations, with p<0.05 and R=0.73. A positive correlation was found with the severity of renal biopsy specimen lesions such as CI, CT, CG, MM and AH ( p<0.05, R=0.39, R=0.29, R=0.41, R=0.32 and R=0.40, respectively). Patients with a history of DGF had higher CD147/EMMPRIN concentrations (<0.05).Conclusions:EMMPRIN/CD147 is a glycoprotein that is linked to poorer long-term renal graft function. Also, its high concentration is associated with exacerbated IF/TA lesions and proteinuria.
Lumbar Posterior Muscle and Local Kyphosis in Patients with Degenerative Thoracolumbar Kyphosis: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Xu Shuai , Guo Chen , Liang Yan , Zhu Zhenqi , Liu Haiying 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Purpose: To explore the relationship between thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), body mass index (BMI) and the content of lumbar posterior muscles in patients with degenerative thoracolumbar kyphosis (DTLK) combined with lumbar stenosis syndrome (LSS).Methods: 126 patients with DTLK and LSS (DTLK group) and 87 patients with simple LSS (control group) were retrospectively included with well-matched demographics. TLK and lumbar lordosis (LL) were obtained on the X-ray of the whole spine. Lumbar crossing indentation value (LCIV) was introduced to evaluate the content of the lumbar muscles, with was measured from T12-L1 to L4-L5 at T2-MRI axial imaging. Three subgroups of normal weight, overweight and obesity were respectively divided into in both groups according to BMI. Three subgroups of increased LL, normal LL normal and decreased LL were also divided into in DTLK group.Results: The mean LCIV (mLCIV) of the DTLK group was less than control group and LCIV showed an increasing trend in DTLK group from T12-L1 to L4-L5. Different from control group, there were no significances in gender and BMI distribution of mLCIV in DTLK group (P>0.05). LCIV in increased LL subgroup was larger than that of normal LL and less LL subgroup (P<0.01). There were no relationship between TLK and BMI in both groups. BMI was positively correlated with mLCIV in control group(P=0.004). TLK and LCIV were negatively correlated (P<0.001) in DTLK group with LCIV=13.75-0.48×TLK.Conclusion: LCIV in DTLK group was less than control group with no gender- and BMI-difference. LCIV and TLK were mutually predictable in DTLK with LCIV=13.75-0.48×TLK.