bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated admission lactate levels in the emergency department are associated with increased 30-day mortality in non-trauma critically ill patients
Authors: Bernhard Michael , Döll Stephanie , Kramer Andre , Weidhase Lorenz , Hartwig Thomas , Petros Sirak , Gries André 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Elevated blood lactate levels were reported as useful predictors of clinical outcome and mortality in critically ill patients. To identify higher-risk patients, this investigation evaluated the relationship between patient mortality and admission lactate levels during the management of non-trauma critically ill patients in the emergency department (ED).

Methods
In this prospective, single centre observational study in a German university ED, all adult patients who were admitted to the ED resuscitation room were evaluated between September 1, 2014 and August 31, 2015. Blood samples for blood gas analysis, including lactate levels, were obtained immediately at admission. Study endpoint was 30-day mortality.

Results
During the study period, 532 patients were admitted to the resuscitation room of the ED. The data of 523 patients (98.3%) were available. The overall 30-day mortality was 34.2%. Patients presenting to the resuscitation room with admission lactate levels < 2.0 mmol/l had a 30-day mortality of 22.7%, while admission lactate levels above 8.0 mmol/l were associated with higher mortality (8.0–9.9 mmol/l: OR: 2.83, 95%CI: 1.13–7.11, p = 0.03, and ≥ 10 mmol/l: OR: 7.56, 95%CI: 4.18–13.77, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
High lactate levels at admission are associated with an increased 24-h and 30-day mortality. These measurements may be used not only to predict mortality, but to help identify patients at risk for becoming critically ill. The breakpoint for mortality may be an ALL ≥8.0 mmol/l.
SIRT1-modified human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate experimental peritoneal fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway
Authors: Guo Yanhong , Wang Liuwei , Gou Rong , Wang Yulin , Shi Xiujie , Pang Xinxin , Tang Lin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Peritoneal fibrosis is a serious complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). Combination therapies are emerging as a promising treatment for tissue damage. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of SIRT1-modified human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) for peritoneal fibrosis.

Methods
SIRT1 was overexpressed in hUCMSCs to establish SIRT1-modified hUCMSCs. Co-culture and transplantation experiments were performed in TGF-β-stimulated Met-5A cells and peritoneal damage rodent model to assess the therapeutic potential of SIRT1-modified hUCMSCs for peritoneal fibrosis through qPCR, Western blot, and peritoneal function analyses.

Results
SIRT1-modified hUCMSC administration had more potent anti-fibrosis ability than hUCMSCs, which significantly inhibited the expression of fibrotic genes and suppressed EMT process, increased ultrafiltration volume, and restored homeostasis of bioincompatible factors in dialysis solution. Mechanistically, SIRT1-modified hUCMSCs attenuated peritoneal fibrosis through reducing peritoneal inflammation and inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway in peritoneal omentum tissues.

Conclusion
SIRT1-modified hUCMSCs might work as a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of peritoneal dialysis-induced peritoneal damage and fibrosis.
Efficient ammonia production from food by-products by engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Tatemichi Yuki , Kuroda Kouichi , Nakahara Takeharu , Ueda Mitsuyoshi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAmmonia is used as a fertilizer for agriculture, chemical raw material, and carrier for transporting hydrogen, and with economic development, the demand for ammonia has increased. The Haber–Bosch process, which is the main method for producing ammonia, can produce ammonia with high efficiency. However, since it consumes a large amount of fossil energy, it is necessary to develop an alternative method for producing ammonia with less environmental impact. Ammonia production from food by-products is an appealing production process owing to unused resource usage, including waste, and mild reaction conditions. However, when food by-products and biomass are used as feedstocks, impurities often reduce productivity. Using metabolic profiling, glucose was identified as a potential inhibitor of ammonia production from impure food by-products. We constructed the recombinant Escherichia coli, in which glucose uptake was reduced by ptsG gene disruption and amino acid catabolism was promoted by glnA gene disruption. Ammonia production efficiency from okara, a food by-product, was improved in this strain; 35.4 mM ammonia was produced (47% yield). This study might provide a strategy for efficient ammonia production from food by-products.
Existence of solutions for tripled system of fractional differential equations involving cyclic permutation boundary conditions
Authors: Matar Mohammed M. , Amra Iman Abo , Alzabut Jehad 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce and study a tripled system of three associated fractional differential equations. Prior to proceeding to the main results, the proposed system is converted into an equivalent integral form by the help of fractional calculus. Our approach is based on using the addressed tripled system with cyclic permutation boundary conditions. The existence and uniqueness of solutions are investigated. We employ the Banach and Krasnoselskii fixed point theorems to prove our main results. Illustrative examples are presented to explain the theoretical results.
Construction of the type 2 poly-Frobenius–Genocchi polynomials with their certain applications
Authors: Duran Ugur , Acikgoz Mehmet , Araci Serkan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractKim and Kim (Russ. J. Math. Phys. 26(1):40–49, 2019) have studied the type 2 poly-Bernoulli polynomials. Inspired by their work, we consider a new class of the Frobenius–Genocchi polynomials, which is called the type 2 poly-Frobenius–Genocchi polynomials, by means of the polyexponential function. We also derive some new relations and properties including the Stirling numbers of the first and second kinds. In a special case, we give a relation between the type 2 poly-Frobenius–Genocchi polynomials and Bernoulli polynomials of order k. Moreover, motivated by the definition of the unipoly-Bernoulli polynomials given in (Kim and Kim in Russ. J. Math. Phys. 26(1):40–49, 2019), we introduce the unipoly-Frobenius–Genocchi polynomials via a unipoly function and give multifarious properties including derivative and integral properties. Furthermore, we provide a correlation between the unipoly-Frobenius–Genocchi polynomials and the classical Frobenius–Genocchi polynomials.
Pulse rate variability: a new biomarker, not a surrogate for heart rate variability
Authors: Yuda Emi , Shibata Muneichi , Ogata Yuki , Ueda Norihiro , Yambe Tomoyuki , Yoshizawa Makoto , Hayano Junichiro 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWith the popularization of pulse wave signals by the spread of wearable watch devices incorporating photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, many studies are reporting the accuracy of pulse rate variability (PRV) as a surrogate of heart rate variability (HRV). However, the authors are concerned about their research paradigm based on the assumption that PRV is a biomarker that reflects the same biological properties as HRV. Because PPG pulse wave and ECG R wave both reflect the periodic beating of the heart, pulse rate and heart rate should be equal, but it does not guarantee that the respective variabilities are also the same. The process from ECG R wave to PPG pulse wave involves several transformation steps of physical properties, such as those of electromechanical coupling and conversions from force to volume, volume to pressure, pressure impulse to wave, pressure wave to volume, and volume to light intensity. In fact, there is concreate evidence that shows discrepancy between PRV and HRV, such as that demonstrating the presence of PRV in the absence of HRV, differences in PRV with measurement sites, and differing effects of body posture and exercise between them. Our observations in adult patients with an implanted cardiac pacemaker also indicate that fluctuations in R-R intervals, pulse transit time, and pulse intervals are modulated differently by autonomic functions, respiration, and other factors. The authors suggest that it is more appropriate to recognize PRV as a different biomarker than HRV. Although HRV is a major determinant of PRV, PRV is caused by many other sources of variability, which could contain useful biomedical information that is neither error nor noise.
The anti-apoptotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin on acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in rats
Authors: Guo Jie , Cao Xiaolu , Hu Xianmin , Li Shulan , Wang Jun 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Acrylamide (ACR) formed during heating of tobacco and carbohydrate-rich food as well as widely applied in industries has been known as a well-established neurotoxic pollutant. Although the precise mechanism is unclear, enhanced apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation have been demonstrated to contribute to the ACR-induced neurotoxicity. In this study, we assessed the possible anti-apoptotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin, the most active component in a popular spice known as turmeric, on the neurotoxicity caused by ACR in rats.

Methods
Curcumin at the dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg was orally given to ACR- intoxicated Sprague-Dawley rats exposed by ACR at 40 mg/kg for 4 weeks. All rats were subjected to behavioral analysis. The HE staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) staining were used to detect histopathological changes and apoptotic cells, respectively. The mRNA and protein expressions of apoptosis-related molecule telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) were detected using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured as the indicators for evaluating the level of oxidative stress in brain. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokinestumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the cerebral homogenates were detected using ELISA assay.

Results
ACR-induced weigh loss, deficits in motor function as well as pathological alterations in brains were significantly improved in rats administrated with 50 and 100 mg/kg curcumin. TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells in curcumin-treated ACR intoxicated brains were less than those in the ACR model group. Curcumin administration especially at the dose of 100 mg/kg upregulated the TERT mRNA expression and enhanced the number of TERT-positive cells in ACR-intoxicated cortex tissues. Moreover, curcumin treatment reduced the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β and MDA, while increased the GSH contents as well as the SOD and GSH-Px activities in the cerebral homogenates, in comparison to ACR control group.

Conclusions
These data suggested the anti-apoptotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin on ACR-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Maintaining TERT-related anti-apoptotic function might be one mechanism underlying the protective effect of curcumin on ACR-intoxicated brains.
Prediction of microvascular invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma: value of volumetric iodine quantification using preoperative dual-energy computed tomography
Authors: Kim Taek Min , Lee Jeong Min , Yoon Jeong Hee , Joo Ijin , Park Sae-Jin , Jeon Sun Kyung , Schmidt Bernhard , Martin Sedlmair 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
To investigate the potential value of volumetric iodine quantification using preoperative dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) for predicting microvascular invasion (MVI) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods
This retrospective study included patients with single HCC treated through surgical resection who underwent preoperative DECT. Quantitative DECT features, including normalized iodine concentration (NIC) to the aorta and mixed-energy CT attenuation value in the arterial phase, were three-dimensionally measured for peritumoral and intratumoral regions: (i) layer-by-layer analysis for peritumoral layers (outer layers 1 and 2; numbered in close order from the tumor boundary) and intratumoral layers (inner layers 1 and 2) with 2-mm layer thickness and (ii) volume of interest (VOI)-based analysis with different volume coverage (tumor itself; VOIO1, tumor plus outer layer 1; VOIO2, tumor plus outer layers 1 and 2; VOII1, tumor minus inner layer 1; VOII2, tumor minus inner layers 1 and 2). In addition, qualitative CT features, including peritumoral enhancement and tumor margin, were assessed. Qualitative and quantitative CT features were compared between HCC patients with and without MVI. Diagnostic performance of DECT parameters of layers and VOIs was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results
A total of 36 patients (24 men, mean age 59.9 ± 8.5 years) with MVI (n = 14) and without MVI (n = 22) were included. HCCs with MVI showed significantly higher NICs of outer layer 1, outer layer 2, VOIO1, and VOIO2 than those without MVI (P = 0.01, 0.04, 0.02, 0.02, respectively). Among the NICs of layers and VOIs, the highest area under the curve was obtained in outer layer 1 (0.747). Qualitative features, including peritumoral enhancement and tumor margin, and the mean CT attenuation of each layer and each VOI were not significantly different between HCCs with and without MVI (both P >  0.05).

Conclusions
Volumetric iodine quantification of peritumoral and intratumoral regions in arterial phase using DECT may help predict the MVI of HCC.
An interferometric ex vivo study of corneal biomechanics under physiologically representative loading, highlighting the role of the limbus in pressure compensation
Authors: Wilson Abby , Jones John , Tyrer John R. , Marshall John 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
The mechanical properties of the cornea are complex and regionally variable. This paper uses an original method to investigate the biomechanics of the cornea in response to hydrostatic loading over the typical physiological range of intra-ocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations thereby increasing understanding of clinically relevant corneal biomechanical properties and their contributions to the refractive properties of the cornea.

Methods
Displacement speckle pattern interferometry (DSPI) was used to measure the total surface displacement of 40 porcine and 6 human corneal-scleral specimens in response to pressure variations up to 1 mmHg from a baseline of 16.5 mmHg. All specimens were mounted in a modified artificial anterior chamber (AAC) and loaded hydrostatically. Areas of high strain in response to loading were identified by comparing the displacements across different regions.

Results
The nature of the response of the corneal surface to loading demonstrated high regional topographic variation. Mechanical properties were shown to be asymmetrical, and deformation of the limbal and pre-limbal regions dominated these responses respectively with over 90% (N-T) and 60% (S-I) of the total maximum displacement occurring in these regions indicating high-strain. In contrast, the curvature of the central cornea remained relatively unchanged merely translating in position.

Conclusions
The limbal and pre-limbal regions of the cornea appear to be fundamental to the absorption of small pressure fluctuations facilitating the curvature of the central cornea to remain relatively unchanged. The differential mechanical properties of this region could have important implications for the application of corneal surgery and corneal crosslinking, warranting further investigation.
Two efficient methods for solving fractional Lane–Emden equations with conformable fractional derivative
Authors: Malik Adyan M. , Mohammed Osama H. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce two reliable efficient approximate methods for solving a class of fractional Lane–Emden equations with conformable fractional derivative (CL-M) which are the so-called conformable Homotopy–Adomian decomposition method (CH-A) and conformable residual power series method (CRP). Furthermore, the proposed methods express the solutions of the non-linear cases of the CL-M in terms of fractional convergent series in which its components can be computed in an easy manner. Finally, the results are given by graphs for each case of the CL-M at different values of α in order to demonstrate its accuracy, applicability, and efficiency.
B-mode ultrasound, color Doppler, and sonoelastography in differentiation between benign and malignant cervical lymph nodes with special emphasis on sonoelastography
Authors: Abdelgawad Ehab Ali , Abu-samra Manal F. , Abdelhay Nasr Mohammed , Abdel-Azeem Hoda Mokhtar 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Enlarged cervical lymph nodes are the most commonly encountered neck lumps. Ultrasonography is the most extensively used tool for classification of superficial lymph nodes due to its availability and low cost. Ultrasound (US) elastography refers to a non-invasive imaging technique that can describe tissue displacement (i.e., strain) or stiffness in response to a given force.
The aim of this study is to compare between B-mode sonography, color Doppler, and sonoelastography in assessment of enlarged deep cervical lymph nodes.

Results
The prevalence of benign lymph nodes was 26 out of 84 (31%). Lymphomatous lymph nodes were 22/84 (26.2%), while metastatic lymph nodes were 36/84 (42.8%). Color Doppler evaluation of nodal vascular pattern was of high sensitivity (91.7%), specificity (80.8%), and accuracy (88.6%) for differentiating metastatic and benign nodes (P value was < 0.001). There was a significant difference between elasticity scores of benign and malignant lymph nodes (P < 0.001). The most frequent score in the malignant group was 3 (21/27) (77.8%) while the most frequent score in the benign group was 2 (5/11) (45.5%). The mean strain ratio (strain index) for malignant lymph nodes (mean 3.2 ± 0.8) was significantly greater than that for benign lymph nodes (mean 1.1 ± 0.8).

Conclusion
Ultrasound elastography with its high sensitivity and specificity is a helpful improvement in US for the assessment of cervical lymph nodes, in which biopsies should be performed.
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies of genito-urinary system on fetal magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Gupta Saryu , Mohi Jaswinder Kaur , Gambhir Puneet , Mohi Manjit Kaur 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study is to elucidate the spectrum of commonly encountered anomalies affecting fetal genito-urinary system (GUS) on fetal MRI and examine its utility in providing better morphological information resulting in improved diagnostic accuracy and in detecting additional malformations. The study also aims to highlight the promising role of fetal MRI in the detection and characterization of renal fusion anomalies like the horseshoe kidney or developmental abnormalities such as renal agenesis/ectopia.

Results
The mean age of study participants was 29 years ± 3 years. The gestation age of pregnant mothers ranged from 18 weeks and 1 day to 39 weeks and 0 day. Amniotic fluid was reduced or absent in 41% (N = 13) and normal in 59% (N = 18) of participating mothers. Overall, urinary obstruction was the commonest anomaly encountered (29%) followed by the multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) (22%). Bilateral renal disease was seen in all mothers having features of anhydramnios {B/L MCDK (N = 3), autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) (N = 2), posterior urethral valves (PUV) (N = 2), B/L renal agenesis (N = 3), and megacystis (N = 1)}. Fusion anomalies (horseshoe kidney) and rotation anomaly (malrotation) were detected in one case each. Additional extrarenal findings were seen on fetal MRI in 35% (N = 11) cases.

Conclusions
Fetal MRI improves diagnostic accuracy in anomalies affecting the fetal kidney and genito-urinary systems by better morphological delineation. It has the ability to detect additional extra-renal malformations and perform a more accurate assessment of associated pulmonary hypoplasia. The diffusion-weighted sequence is particularly useful in confirming the diagnosis of renal agenesis/ectopia.
Structural brain abnormalities in schizophrenia in adverse environments: examining the effect of poverty and violence in six Latin American cities
Authors: Crossley Nicolas A. , Zugman Andre , Reyes-Madrigal Francisco , Czepielewski Leticia S. , Castro Mariana N. , Diaz-Zuluaga Ana M. , Pineda-Zapata Julian A. , Reckziegel Ramiro , Gadelha Ary , Jackowski Andrea , Noto Cristiano , Alliende Luz M. , Iruretagoyena Barbara , Ossandon Tomas , Ramirez-Mahaluf Juan P. , Castañeda Carmen P. , Gonzalez-Valderrama Alfonso , Nachar Ruben , León-Ortiz Pablo , Undurraga Juan , López-Jaramillo Carlos , Guinjoan Salvador M. , Gama Clarissa S. , de la Fuente-Sandoval Camilo , Bressan Rodrigo A. 
Published: August 2020

SummaryBackgroundSocial and environmental factors such as poverty or violence modulate the risk and course of schizophrenia. However, how they affect the brain in patients with psychosis remains unclear.AimsWe studied how environmental factors are related to brain structure in patients with schizophrenia and controls in Latin America, where these factors are large and unequally distributed.MethodThis is a multicentre study of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with schizophrenia and controls from six Latin American cities. Total and voxel-level grey matter volumes, and their relationship with neighbourhood characteristics such as average income and homicide rates, were analysed with a general linear model.ResultsA total of 334 patients with schizophrenia and 262 controls were included. Income was differentially related to total grey matter volume in both groups (P = 0.006). Controls showed a positive correlation between total grey matter volume and income (R = 0.14, P = 0.02). Surprisingly, this relationship was not present in patients with schizophrenia (R = −0.076, P = 0.17). Voxel-level analysis confirmed that this interaction was widespread across the cortex. After adjusting for global brain changes, income was positively related to prefrontal cortex volumes only in controls. Conversely, the hippocampus in patients with schizophrenia, but not in controls, was relatively larger in affluent environments. There was no significant correlation between environmental violence and brain structure.ConclusionsOur results highlight the interplay between environment, particularly poverty, and individual characteristics in psychosis. This is particularly important for harsh environments such as low- and middle-income countries, where potentially less brain vulnerability (less grey matter loss) is sufficient to become unwell in adverse (poor) environments.