bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Value of Combined Pleural IL-33, ADA and Peripheral T-SPOT.TB for Tuberculous Pleurisy
Authors: Fenhua Jin , Daohui Wang , Hui Lin , Xiaodong Xia , huang wen 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background To investigate the correlation between pleural fluid interleukin-33 (IL-33) and adenosine deaminase （ADA） and peripheral blood tuberculosis T cell spot detection (T-SPOT.TB), and the combined value of the three tests for the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy.Method 79 patients with pleural effusion admitted from June 2017 to December 2018 were enrolled. They were divided into tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) group (57 cases, 72.2%) and malignant pleural effusion group (17 cases,21.5%), pneumonia-like pleural effusion group (5 cases, 6.3%). Correlation between pleural fluid IL-33,pleural effusion ADA and peripheral blood T-SPOT.TB was analyzed, comparison of the three separate and combined diagnostic efficacy was also performed.Result The levels of IL-33, ADA and peripheral blood T-SPOT.TB in patients with TPE were significantly higher than those in non-TPE (P<0.001). The level of pleural fluid IL-33 was positively correlated with pleural effusion ADA and peripheral blood T-SPOT.TB. The Area under the ROC curve（AUC）of TPE diagnosed by pleural IL-33, ADA and peripheral blood T-SPOT.TB were 0.753, 0.912 and 0.865, respectively. AUC for combined detection of pleural effusion IL-33, ADA and peripheral blood T-SPOT.TB is the largest, with a value of 0.962. Specificity is 100% and sensitivity is 88.5%.Conclusion Combined detection of pleural effusion IL-33, ADA and peripheral blood T-SPOT.TB can improve the diagnostic efficacy of tuberculous pleurisy.
Validation of subscales of the Severe Asthma Questionnaire (SAQ) using exploratory factor analysis (EFA)
Authors: Lanario Joseph W. , Hyland Michael , Menzies-Gow Andrew , Mansur Adel H , Dodd James W. , Fowler Stephen J , Jones Rupert C , Masoli Matthew 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe Severe Asthma Questionnaire (SAQ) is a health related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaire validated for use in severe asthma. It is scored using the mean value of 16 items (SAQ score) in addition to a single item global rating of HRQoL (SAQ-global). The aim was to validate clinically relevant subscales using exploratory factor analysis (EFA).MethodsThe SAQ was completed, along with measures of asthma control and EQ5D-5L by patients attending six UK severe asthma centres. Clinical data were included in the analysis. EFA using principal axis factoring and oblimin rotation was used to achieve simple structure of data. Results460 patients with severe asthma participated, 65% women, mean age 51 (16-83) yrs. A three factor solution achieved best fit and showed that the SAQ items formed three distinct but inter-correlated groups of items where items were grouped in a way that was consistent with item content. The three subscales were differentially associated with clinically relevant variables (lung function and mood). Males and females interpreted the question of night disturbance in different ways.ConclusionsThis paper provides a template for best practice in the use of EFA when validating HRQoL subscales. The SAQ can be scored as three subscales with content reflecting three different constructs people with severe asthma use when making judgements about their lives. The subscale ‘My Life’ assesses the impact of severe asthma on different life activities, ‘My Mind’ assesses the perceived emotional impact and ‘My Body’ the impact of extra-pulmonary symptoms and side effects.
Microbial upgrading of acetate into 2,3-butanediol and acetoin by E. coli W
Authors: Novak Katharina , Kutscha Regina , Pflügl Stefan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Acetate is an abundant carbon source and its use as an alternative feedstock has great potential for the production of fuel and platform chemicals. Acetoin and 2,3-butanediol represent two of these potential platform chemicals. Results The aim of this study was to produce 2,3-butanediol and acetoin from acetate in Escherichia coli W. The key strategies to achieve this goal were: strain engineering, in detail the deletion of mixed acid fermentation pathways E. coli W ΔldhA ΔadhE Δpta ΔfrdA 445_Ediss and the development of a new defined medium containing five amino acids and seven vitamins. Stepwise reduction of the media additives further revealed that diol production from acetate is mediated by the availability of aspartate. Other amino acids or TCA cycle intermediates did not enable growth on acetate. Cultivation under controlled conditions in batch and pulsed fed-batch experiments showed that aspartate was consumed before acetate, indicating that co-utilization is not a prerequisite for diol production. The addition of aspartate gave cultures a start-kick and was not required for feeding. Pulsed fed-batches resulted in the production of 1.43 g l-1 from aspartate and acetate and 1.16 g l-1 diols (2,3-butanediol and acetoin) from acetate alone. The yield reached 0.09 g diols per g acetate, which accounts for 26 % of the theoretical maximum.Conclusion This study for the first time showed acetoin and 2,3-butanediol production from acetate as well as the use of chemically defined medium for product formation from acetate in E. coli. Hereby, we provide a solid base for process intensification and the investigation of other potential products.
Alimentary System is Directly Attacked by SARS-COV-2 and Further Prevents Immune Dysregulation Caused by COVID-19
Authors: Chen Sai , Zhou Jing , UG Xiaoqi Ou , Cheng Wei , Qin Yun , Guo Yingqiang , Jiang Yunhan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background. SARS-COV-2 causes digestive system symptom, the effect of which remains equivocal.Methods. Patients with COVID-19 were classified into 4 groups according to symptom. The study traced the onset and duration of symptoms, compared laboratory examinations and conducted bioinformatic analysis. Immune indices were further analyzed.Results. By March 16, 25 patients with COVID-19 and 13 with suspect COVID-19 were admitted to West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Digestive system symptom group had the highest level of ESR (mm/h, P＜0.0001), serum ferritin (ng/ml, P＜0.0001), hepatic enzymes (P＜0.05), and retentive lymphocyte count/percentage (P＜0.05) and its subsets (P＜0.05). Combined group (respiratory combined with subsequent digestive system symptom) had the highest level of IL-6 (pg/ml, P=0.0046), CRP (mg/L, P=0.0004) and moderate lymphocyte depletion. Respiratory system symptom and asymptomatic groups suffered the most from lymphocyte depletion (P＜0.05). Bioinformatic analysis indicated co-expression of binding related proteins of SARS-COV-2 (ACE2, TMPRSS2 and Furin) in small intestine. CD147 was extensively expressed in alimentary tract. CTSL, PIKfyve, TPC2 and CTSB could be detected with ≥moderate expressions in a variety of organs including alimentary system.Conclusions. Alimentary system is directly attacked by SARS-COV-2 other than hyperinflammation and immune dysregulation. Involvement of alimentary system might further protect mild and moderate cases from lymphocyte depletion caused by COVID-19.
Parametric model construction of solid mechanics based on wireless environment and cloud computing mode
Authors: Jian Longji , Song Feifei , Huang Yuansong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Traditional parametric models of solid mechanics have disadvantages such as poor lightweight level of cloud data and low integrity of operations of solid mechanics. To solve the above problems, a parametric model for solid mechanics in engineering research based on cloud computing models is designed. By calculating the number of cloud data copy optimizations, the upper limit of resources required for engineering research is estimated, and the specific values is assessed by continuously cycling the demand, so as to complete the basic conflict analysis, and set up a cloud computing engineering research environment. On this basis, the modeling index is selected. By analyzing the sensitivity of the index, the purpose of optimizing the modeling parameters is achieved, and a new solid mechanics parametric model is constructed. Analyzing and contrasting the experimental data shows that after applying the parametric model of solid mechanics in the engineering research based on the cloud computing model, the lightweight level of cloud data can be increased by up to 24 levels, and the operational integrity of solid mechanics can be increased by about 30%.
Advanced Care Planning During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Ceiling of Care Decisions and Their Implications for Observational Data
Authors: Straw Sam , McGinlay Melanie , Drozd Michael , Slater Thomas A , Cowley Alice , Kamalathasan Stephe , Maxwell Nicholas , Bird Rory , Koshy Aaron O , Prica Milos , Patel Peysh A , Relton Samuel D , Gierula John , Cubbon Richard M , Kearney Mark T , Witte Klaus K 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundObservational studies investigating risk factors in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have not considered the confounding effects of advanced care planning, such that a valid picture of risk for elderly, frail and multi-morbid patients is unknown. We aimed to report ceiling of care and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) decisions and their association with demographic and clinical characteristics as well as outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsRetrospective, observational study conducted between 5th March and 7th May 2020 of all hospitalised patients with COVID-19. Ceiling of care and CPR decisions were documented using the Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment (ReSPECT) process. Unadjusted and multivariate regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with ceiling of care decisions and death during hospitalisation.ResultsA total of 485 patients were included, of whom 409 (84·3%) had a documented ceiling of care which was level one for 208 (50·9%), level two for 75 (18·3%) and level three for 126 (30·8%). CPR decisions were documented for 451 (93·0%) and 336 (74·5%) were not for resuscitation. Advanced age, frailty, White-European ethnicity, a diagnosis of any co-morbidity and receipt of cardiovascular medications were associated with ceiling of care decisions. In a multivariate model only advanced age (odds 0·89, 0·86-0·93 p<0·001), frailty (odds 0·48, 0·38-0·60, p<0·001) and the cumulative number of co-morbidities (odds 0·72, 0·52-1·0, p=0·048) were independently associated. Death during hospitalisation was independently associated with age, frailty and requirement for level two or three care.ConclusionCeiling of care decisions were made for the majority of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, broadly in line with known predictors of poor outcomes in COVID-19, but with a focus on co-morbidities suggesting ICU admission might not be a reliable end-point for observational studies where advanced care planning is routine.
Pannexin-1 Characterization after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats
Authors: Huang Yu , Lin Jin , Chen Xuanwei , Lin Jianhua 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Pannexin-1 (Panx-1) is a homomeric membrane semi-channel mostly expressed in the central nervous system of mammals, including neurons and glial cells. Panx-1 channels are highly permeable to calcium and Adenosine Triphosphatase (ATP), it plays an important role in Hypoxic injury of cerebral ischemia through a variety of signal pathways, nerve cell apoptosis and inflammatory response. However, its specific role in spinal cord injury (SCI) is not clear. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the characterization of Panx-1 after SCI in rats, and further analysis were made on its effect and possible mechanism in SCI in order to provide the experimental evidence for potential interfering target spot on SCI therapy.
Methods

A rat SCI model (Allen’s model) was established by NYU Impactor-III and the hind limb motor function of rats was observed by BBB score. The expression of Panx-1 was detected by Real-time PCR and Western Blot. The correlation between Panx-1 expression and the BBB score in rats after SCI was analyzed to reveal the role of Panx-1 in SCI.
Results

We found that the BBB score gradually recovered after SCI, but declined significantly at day 2 after SCI. Real-time PCR and Western Blot detection showed that compared with the normal control group and the sham operation group, the expression of Panx-1 increased significantly with time after SCI, and reached a peak at day 2 after SCI. Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation between the expression of Panx-1 protein and the BBB score of rat hind limb motor function at day 1, day 2, day 3 and day 5 after SCI.
Conclusions

The characterization of of Panx-1 expression after SCI in rats suggests that Panx-1 had a significant effect on the motor function recovery after SCI, and it was one of the important mechanisms that aggravate the secondary injury after SCI in rats. This provided experimental basis for further exploring the potential intervention target of SCI.
Is It Possible to Define Reference Values for Radiographic Parameters Evaluating Juvenile Flatfoot Deformity? A Case-Control Study
Authors: Hamel Johannes , Hörterer Hubert , Harrasser Norbert 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundNumerous radiographic parameters are described to evaluate juvenile flexible flatfeet. Reference values for these measurements are based on few studies. The purpose of this study was to determine boundary values among the most widely used radiographic measurements to evaluate juvenile flatfeet.MethodsTwenty-two patients with normal hind-, midfoot configuration (group A: control group; 22 feet, mean age: 12,1 years) and 19 patients with flatfoot deformity (group B: study group; 22 feet, mean age: 12,4 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Nine radiographic parameters were measured (Talocalcaneal-angles, Calcaneal-pitch-angle, Costa-Bartani-angle, Talo-metatarsal-I-angles, Talo-first-metatarsal-base-angle, Talo-navicular-coverage, Calcaneus-fifth-metatarsal-angle). ROC curve analysis was used to calculate optimal differentiating thresholds of each parameter.ResultsFour out of nine parameters (TC-dp, TC-lat, Calc-MTV, Calc-P) were not statistically different between the groups and their ability to distinct between normal foot and flatfoot was low (AUC values= 0,660 - 0,819). Calculation of reference values for these parameters was not performed due to threshold ranges between the groups of >10°. Reference values could be defined only for three parameters: TMTInd >(-)31°, TMTIB >(-)7,5°, TMT-lat >(-)13,5°. The TMTInd was shown to be a very reliable and valid combination of two measurements (TMTIB and TMT-lat) in the differentiation of normal feet and flatfeet (AUC=0,998).ConclusionThe calculation of reference values for established radiographic parameters used to evaluate juvenile flatfeet is difficult for most parameters. The TMTInd as a combination of TMTIB and TMT-lat has been shown to be reliable and valuable to distinct normal feet from flatfeet.
An Unusual Ectopic Thymoma in the Lung&nbsp;and Anterior Mediastinum:&nbsp;A Case Report
Authors: Meng Rui , WU Lu , LI Zhenyu , LI Qianwen , ZHU Kuikui , ZONG Yan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Ectopic thymoma, a subtype of thymomas, is a rare clinical entity. Understanding the pathogenesis and evolution of Ectopic thymoma may lead to greater insight into tumor initiation and maintenance and may guide therapeutic interventions. We report a case of a multiple thymoma in the lung and anterior mediastinum.Case presentation: we presented a case of 62-year-old man with type A ectopic pulmonary thymoma and thymoma in the anterior mediastinum, which were diagnosed postoperatively. Mediastinal lesion resection and thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge resection were performed. The tumors were completely resected, and the patient was disease-free and without recurrence. we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES), and found eight gene mutations that was co-mutated in both lesions. Consistent with a previous exome sequencing analysis of Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma, HRAS was also observed in mediastinal lesion and lung lesion tissues. We also evaluated the intratumor heterogeneity of nonsilent mutations, and the mediastinal lesion tissue has higher degree of heterogeneity in detected variants, and the pulmonary tissue has a relatively low amount of variant heterogeneity. Conclusions: Ectopic thymoma is a highly rare clinical entity. Full recognition of its Molecular characteristics will help to better diagnose this disease.
Unique Light-gated Ion Channel Properties of a Novel Modular Cation Channelrhodopsin from an Evolutionary Important Terrestrial Green Alga
Authors: Tashiro Rintaro , Sushmita Kumari , Hososhima Shoko , Sharma Sunita , Kateriya Suneel , Kandori Hideki , Tsunoda Satoshi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Channelrhodopsins are a family of microbial rhodopsins that function as a light-gated ion channel. We report the molecular properties of a novel channelrhodopsin KnRh3 from an evolutionary important filamentous terrestrial alga Klebsormidium nitens. KnRh3 is constituted of a 7-transmembrane domain, followed by a long C-terminus moiety that encodes a peptidoglycan binding domain (FimV). When functionally expressed in mammalian cells, KnRh3 showed light-induced cation channel currents. The maximum action spectrum exhibited was at 430 nm and 460 nm, the former making KnRh3 one of the most blue-shifted channelrhodopsins characterized thus far. The channel closure rate was relatively fast (τ0ff = 10 ms). Surprisingly, photocurrent kinetics were affected by the C-terminus moiety of KnRh3. When this moiety was truncated to various lengths, this prolonged the channel open lifetime by more than 10-fold. We identified two arginine residues, R287 and R291, those are crucial for altering the kinetics. We propose that electrostatic interaction between the 7-TM domain and the C-terminus domain accelerates the photocycle. The most blue-shifted action spectrum of KnRh3 serves as a novel prototype of channelrhodopsin for studying the molecular mechanism of color tuning. In addition, KnRh3 would expand the optogenetics tool kit, especially for when short wavelength excitation is required.
DeepSOCIAL: Social Distancing Monitoring and Infection Risk Assessment in COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rezaei Mahdi , Azarmi Mohsen 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Social distancing is a recommended solution by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to minimise the spread of COVID-19 in public places. The majority of governments and national health authorities have set the 2-meter physical distancing as a mandatory safety measure in shopping centres, schools and other covered areas. In this research, we develop a generic Deep Neural Network-Based model for automated people detection, tracking, and inter-people distances estimation in the crowd, using common CCTV security cameras. The proposed model includes a YOLOv4-based framework and inverse perspective mapping for accurate people detection and social distancing monitoring in challenging conditions, including people occlusion, partial visibility, and lighting variations. We also provide an online risk assessment scheme by statistical analysis of the Spatio-temporal data from the moving trajectories and the rate of social distancing violations. We identify high-risk zones with the highest possibility of virus spread and infection. This may help authorities to redesign the layout of a public place or to take precaution actions to mitigate high-risk zones. The efficiency of the proposed methodology is evaluated on the Oxford Town Centre dataset, with superior performance in terms of accuracy and speed compared to three state-of-the-art methods.
The predictive factors that are associated with the number of sutures used during meniscal repair
Authors: Song Xiaoxiao , Chen Dongyang , Xinsheng Qi , Jiang Qing , Xia Caiwei 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
PurposeTo investigate factors associated with the consumption of a large number of sutures during arthroscopic meniscus repair procedures.MethodsAll patients who received meniscal repair, with or without concomitant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2019 were included in the current study. Demographic data (sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and injury-to-surgery interval) and surgical data (the site of the tear, side of the meniscus, presence of an ACL rupture or not and the number of sutures) were retrospectively collected from our medical records. The number of sutures was divided into two groups (1–2 sutures versus > 2 sutures). The stitching process was implemented through an all-inside technique using a meniscal repair device (Fast-Fix; Smith & Nephew). According to the length and stability of the meniscal tear, one to seven sutures were used. Univariate analysis consisted of chi-square tests. Multivariate logistic regression was then performed to adjust for confounding factors.ResultsA total of 242 patients, including 168 males and 57 females, was finally included. In the univariate analysis, we found that those patients who underwent meniscus repair within one month after meniscus tear were more likely to need fewer sutures than those who underwent surgery more than one month after injury (70/110 versus 59/115, p = 0.062). In total, 75/109 (68.8%) lateral meniscal tears were repaired with fewer sutures than medial (34/72, 47.2%) and bilateral meniscus injuries (20/44, 45.4%; p = 0.003). In the multivariate analysis, we found that the duration of injury (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.16–3.64, p = 0.013), presence of an ACL injury (OR, 3.76; 95% CI, 1.97–7.21, p < 0.001) and the side of the meniscus (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.14–0.65, p = 0.002) were associated with the number of sutures used during meniscal repair procedures.ConclusionsPatients who underwent meniscal repair within one month after meniscus tear, especially lateral menisci tears, were more likely to need fewer sutures.Study DesignCase-control study; level of evidence, 3.