bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longwall Top Coal Caving Design for Thick Coal Seam in Very Poor Strength Surrounding Strata
Authors: Jangara Hossein , Ozturk C. Atilla 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Alpu lignite field is an important coal deposit with nearly 2 billion tons of coal resources located in the middle of Turkey. The mine deposit consists of three main seams. The thickness of two of them vary from 4 m to 30 m. The surrounding rock mass is very poor in terms of strength. The high clay content and weak rock mass make mechanized mining difficult. In this research, applicability of the longwall top coal caving method was investigated. The very weak strength behavior of the coal and the surrounding strata increases the importance of research in the mine site in terms of ground control. The aim is to design the mechanized longwall mine based on ground control principles. First of all, classification of the roof, coal, inter-burden, and floor strata were classified based on geotechnical aspects. Then, cavability index, shield, and floor bearing capacity were investigated. Different methods were applied to understand the limitations of a mechanized system that is very critical due to the very low strength strata. According to the main results, roof strata was classified as immediately caving while mining height was calculated as 5 m to 6 m. Finally, the relations among geotechnical characterizations of roof and floor strata, cutting and caving heights, and required shield capacity were presented based on analytical and numerical applications. The proposed approach can be used as a ground control method for the applicability as well as the limitations of mechanized longwall mining design in weak strata conditions.
Maternal Obesity Influences Birth Weight more than Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Alfadhli Eman M 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUNDMaternal obesity and gestational diabetes (GDM) are commonly encountered during pregnancy. Both conditions are independently associated with unfavorable pregnancy consequences. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of obesity and GDM on birth weight, macrosomia, and other adverse pregnancy outcomes.METHODSThis was a prospective study involving 531 women with a singleton pregnancy attending the Maternity and Children’s Hospital, Medina, Saudi Arabia. Participants underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test between 24 and 32 weeks. The International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria were used for GDM diagnosis. BMI was assessed at the first antenatal visit, and obesity was defined as a BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2. Women were divided into 4 groups: non-GDM nonobese (reference group), GDM nonobese, obese non-GDM, and obese GDM. Clinical characteristics and adverse pregnancy outcomes were compared. RESULTSThe mean age and BMI of the participants were 30.5 years and 29.3 kg/m2, respectively. GDM was diagnosed in 50.2% of the participants, and obesity was diagnosed in 47.8% of the participants. Obese women with GDM were the oldest and heaviest among all women. The mean birth weight increased in order among the four groups; it was highest in the infants in the obese GDM group, followed by those in the obese non-GDM, GDM nonobese and reference groups. Obesity and GDM alone or in combination were associated with higher rates of macrosomia and cesarean deliveries than the reference group. Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission was higher in infants in the GDM nonobese and obese GDM groups. The rate of low Apgar score was significantly higher in infants in the obese GDM group than in infants in the reference group.CONCLUSIONSMaternal obesity seems to influence birth weight more than GDM, while GDM is associated with a greater risk of admission to the NICU. The combination of both conditions is associated with the greatest risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Identification of a six-gene signature predicting overall survival for Oxaliplatin and 5-Fluorouracil resistant Colon cancer and potential drug-repurposing
Authors: Yang Feng , Cai Shaoyi , Su Riya , Ling Li , Tao Liang , Wang Qin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major medical problem. Therefore, detailed mechanisms and predictive markers are urgently needed. The aim of this study was to identify key pathways, a robust prognostic gene signature and potential drug-repurposing.
Methods

In order to confirm the predictive markers and detailed molecular mechanisms of L-OHP and 5-Fu chemoresistant CRC, we performed weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), an unsupervised analysis method, to identify the chemoresistant CRC significantly related genes. Then, the gene prognostic model was conducted by Univariate Cox regression and Lasso penalized Cox regression analysis. Subsequently, the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and Kaplan-Meier survival curve were performed to assess the prognostic capacity of the model. Simultaneously, pathway enrichment was done to identify the key pathways involved in chemoresistant CRC. Moreover, we explored how the hub genes interacted with key pathways and transcription factors. Then, we found the potential drug target by the subcellular location fo hub genes. Finally, we identified the potential drug-repurposing by virtual screening for chemoresistant CRC according to ZINC 15 database.
Results

We identified the key pathways using KEGG over-representation test and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA): Ribosome KEGG pathway. Moreover, six hub-genes prognostic model was conducted by Univariate Cox regression and Lasso penalized Cox regression analysis. Additionally, the detailed interactions among the pathway and hub genes (RBM6, PNN, LEF1, ANO1, PAFAH1B3 and BHLHE41) were examined by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and shortest-pathway analysis. Furthermore, ANO1 was considered the potential drug target based on the subcellular location and ZINC000018043251 was verified the potential drug by virtual screening.
Conclusions

Our study identified a novel six-gene resistant signature for CRC prognosis prediction and the molecular details of these interactions between hub genes (RBM6, PNN, LEF1, ANO1, PAFAH1B3 and BHLHE41) and Ribosome key pathways. Furthermore, ZINC000018043251 was verified the potential drug for ANO1 by virtual screening, which might help to improve the outcome of CRC patients.
The Investigation of Genetic and Clinical Features in Patients with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia in Central-Southern China
Authors: Wang Chen , Zhang Yun-Jian , Xu Ci-Hao , Li De , Liu Zhi-Jun , Wu Yan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders. We describe the genetic and clinical features of a cohort of five HSP families from central-southern China. Methods Using targeted exome-sequencing technology, we investigated the genetic and clinical features in five HSP families. We review the clinical histories of these patients as well as the molecular and functional characterization of the associated gene variants. We also performed functional analyse of an intron variant of SPAST in vitro.Results We identified a known SPAST mutation (p.Pro435Leu) in a family with autosomal dominant HSP (AD-HSP) and four novel variants in three HSP families and a sporadic case. These identified four novel variants include a SPG11 nonsense variant (p.Val1979Ter), two B4GALNT1 variants (p.Ser475Phe and c.1002+2T>G), and a splicing site variant in SPAST (c.1245+5G>A). Minigene analysis of the SPAST splicing variant（c.1245+5G>A）revealed that the mutation resulted in mRNAs with a loss of exon 9. The SPG4 family carrying SPAST c.1245+5G>A exhibited obviously genetic anticipation, with a decreased age at onset and increased severity in successive generations. The proband with p.Val1979Ter variant in SPG11 showed characteristic clinical feature of early-onset, severe spasticity, and corpus callosum atrophy which were highly suggestive of the diagnosis of SPG11-associated HSP. Conclusions Our findings strongly support variable phenotype of B4GALNT1-related SPG26 and also expand the clinical and mutation spectrum of HSP caused by mutations in SPG4, SPG11, and B4GALNT1. These results will help to improve the efficiency of early diagnosis in patients clinically suspected of HSP.
Chiropractic student perspectives on the use of virtual radiography simulation: An observational study reporting on chiropractic students’ perception on the use of virtual radiography as a clinical learning tool
Authors: Shanahan Madeleine , Molyneux Tom , Vindigni Dein 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Virtual radiography provides students with an opportunity to practise their clinical skills in patient positioning and evaluating radiographic images. The purpose of this pilot study was to introduce Projection VR™, a software radiography simulation program, into a student chiropractic program and evaluate its potential application as a teaching and learning tool.
Methods

Undergraduate chiropractic students, enrolled in a radiographic course (unit within the chiropractic program), were invited to attend a scheduled laboratory where they were introduced to, and undertook purposefully designed activities using the radiography simulation. At the end of this activity, students were asked to complete an online survey to describe their perceptions of the educational value of the software program. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to evaluate outcomes.
Results

Responses were received from 44 out of the 47 students who attended the scheduled laboratory (response rate 92%). Overall students were positive about this simulation identifying that it was easy to use (95%) and that they could control the equipment as needed (95%). The main reported benefits included students being enabled to repeat tasks until they were satisfied with the results (98%) and being able to quickly assess images and determine if changes needed to be made (98%). Participants reported improvement in their understanding of the effect of exposure factors on patient radiation dose (93%) as well as their technical image evaluation (84%) and problem-solving skills (80%).
Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that virtual radiography is a valuable complementary resource in providing chiropractic students with radiographic knowledge and skills.
Cisplatin-Resistant Gastric Cancer Cells Promote the Chemoresistance of Cisplatin-Sensitive Cells via Exosomal RPS3 Mediated PI3K-Akt-cofilin-1 Signaling Axis
Authors: Sun Mengyao , Xu Bo , Wu Qiuxue , Cai Si , Chen Wenlian , Li Dong , Zhang Hui , Tang Qingfeng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Cisplatin is an important agent in first-line chemotherapy against gastric cancer (GC). However, consequential drug resistance limits its effectiveness for the treatment of GC. Exosomes which are loaded with proteins, lipids and RNAs, have been proven to transfer malignant phenotype. This study aims to explore the role and mechanism of exosomal RPS3 protein in transmitting a chemoresistance phenotype from cisplatin resistant to cisplatin sensitive gastric cancer cells.Methods: A cisplatin resistant gastric cancer cell line SGC7901R was established by continuously grafting SGC7901S cells into cisplatin-containing culture medium. Exosomes from SGC7901R and SGC7901S were obtained and confirmed through ultracentrifuge and Nano Analyzer. By LC-MS/MS analysis methods, we detected the differentially expressed proteins in SGC7901R cells exosomes and SGC7901S cells exosomes. Western blotting was used to verify the differential expression of exosomal RPS3 between cisplatin resistant and parental cell lines. Subsequently, a series of in vitro assays and a xenograft tumor model were used to observe the functions of exosomal RPS3 protein in GC.Results: SGC7901R cell derived exosomes were readily taken up by cisplatin sensitive SGC7901S cells, thus triggering off a phenotype of chemoresistance in the receptor cells. Subsequently, it was demonstrated that exosomal RPS3 was essential for inducing chemoresistance of receptor cells as shown by the acquisition of this phenotype in SGC7901S cells with enforced expression of RPS3. Further mechanism study demonstrated that cisplatin‑resistant gastric cancer cells-derived exosomal RPS3 enhanced the chemoresistance of cisplatin‑sensitive gastric cancer cells through the PI3K-Akt-cofilin-1 signaling pathway.Conclusion: Cisplatin resistant gastric cancer cells communicate with sensitive cells through the intercellular delivery of exosomal RPS3 and activation of the PI3K-Akt-cofilin-1 signaling pathway. Targeting exosomal RPS3 protein in cisplatin resistant gastric cancer cells may thus be a promising strategy to overcome cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer.
Sex-Dependent Differences in the Secretome of Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Cattaneo Maria Grazia , Banfi Cristina , Brioschi Maura , Lattuada Donatella , Vicentini Lucia M. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Cellular sex has been rarely considered as a biological variable in preclinical research, even when the pathogenesis of diseases with predictable sex differences is studied. In this perspective, proteomics, and ‘omics approaches in general, can provide powerful tools to obtain comprehensive cellular maps, thus favoring the discovery of still unknown sex-biased physio-pathological mechanisms.Methods: We performed proteomic and gene ontology (GO) analyses of secretome from human serum-deprived male and female endothelial cells (ECs) followed by ELISA validation. Apoptosis was detected by FACS and western blot techniques, and efferocytosis through the ability of the macrophage cell line RAW-264.7 to engulf apoptotic ECs. Protein expression and silencing efficacy were assessed by RT-qPCR. Results: Proteomic and GO analyses of the secretome from starved human male and female ECs demonstrated a significant enrichment in proteins related to cellular responses to stress and to the regulation of apoptosis in the secretome of male ECs. Accordingly, a higher percentage of male ECs underwent apoptosis in response to serum deprivation in comparison to female ECs. Among the secreted proteins, we reliably found higher levels of PTX3 in the male EC secretome. The silencing of PTX3 proved that male ECs were dependent on its expression to properly carry out the efferocytotic process. At variance, female EC efferocytosis was independent of PTX3 expression. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that serum-starved male and female ECs possess different secretory phenotypes that might take part in the sex-biased response to cellular stress. We identified PTX3 as a crucial player in the male-specific endothelial response to an apoptotic trigger. This novel and sex-related role for secreted proteins, and mainly for PTX3, may open the way to the discovery of still unknown sex-specific mechanisms and pharmacological targets for the prevention and treatment of endothelial dysfunction at the onset of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
ECG Heartbeat Classification Based on Signal-to-Image Transformation Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Degirmenci Murside , Ozdemir Mehmet Akif , Izci Elif , Akan Aydin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background: Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a method of recording the electrical activity of the heart and provides a diagnostic mean for heart-related diseases. An arrhythmia is any irregularity of heartbeat that causes an abnormality in one’s heart rhythm. Early detection of arrhythmia has great importance to prevent many diseases. Manual analysis of ECG signal is not sufficient for quickly identifying arrhythmias that may cause sudden deaths. Hence, many studies have been presented to developed computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems to automatically identify arrhythmias.Methods: This paper proposes a novel deep learning approach to identify arrhythmias in ECG signals. The signals are obtained from MIT-BIH arrhythmia database and are categorized according to five arrhythmia types. The proposed approach identifies arrhythmia classes by using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture trained by two-dimensional (2D) ECG beat images. CNN architecture is selected due to high image recognition performance. ECG signals are segmented into heartbeats, then each heartbeat is transformed into a 2D grayscale image. The heartbeat images are used as input for the CNN. Results: The proposed CNN model is compared to other common CNN architectures such as LeNet and ResNet-50 to evaluate the performance of our study. Overall, the proposed study achieved 99.7% test accuracy in the classification of five different ECG arrhythmias.Conclusions: Testing results demonstrate that CNN trained by ECG image representations provide outstanding classification performance of arrhythmic ECG signals and outperforms similar network architectures. Hence, the proposed approach provides a robust method for the classification of ECG arrhythmias.
Self-awareness of HbA1c and its association with glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes: A multicenter study
Authors: Almutairi Joud Shabeeb , Almigbal Turky H , Alraheem Hiba Y , Mujammami Muhammad H , AlMogbel Turki A , Alshahrani Abdullah M , Zahrani Abdullah M Al , Batais Mohammed A 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Diabetes-related complications can be prevented by maintaining good glycemic control. Despite huge efforts to obtain acceptable glycemic control among diabetics, this has not yet been achieved. Thus, there is a need to discover all factors that might affect glycemic control. Here, our main aim was to assess the association between self-awareness of Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) among Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes and glycemic control, thereby identifying those factors that might affect the glycemic control.
Methods
The data for this study was collected using questionnaires through interviews among 600 patients with type 2 diabetes. The study was conducted in outpatient diabetes clinics in tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, Qassim and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The data collection was done during the period from March and April 2018. The subject’s self-awareness about the HbA1c test was assessed based on the combined score of four questions. The latest HbA1c result before the time of data collection was obtained from medical records. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for all categorical variables used in the analysis. Means and standard deviations were calculated for continuous variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses.
Results
The mean age of the respondents was 54.7 years, and the mean duration of diabetes was 11.9 years. The prevalence of HbA1c self-awareness was approximately 40%. Overall, 63.9% accurately reported their Hemoglobin A1C Self-Knowledge (HbA1csk). The prevalence of good glycemic control (defined as HbA1c less than 7.0%) was 21.0%. Five of the participants’ characteristics were associated with better glycemic control: good HbA1c self-awareness (OR = 3.25, 95%CI: 1.15–9.24), duration of diabetes (negatively associated with glycemic control) (OR = 0.91, 95%CI: 0.87–0.95), discussed HbA1c target with the health care provider (OR = 2.42, 95%CI: 1.22–4.79), monthly income between 10,001 and 15,000 SR (OR = 2.28, 95%CI: 1.13–4.60), and number of follow up visit (OR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.63–0.94).
Conclusions
We conclude that there is a positive association between HbA1c self-awareness and glycemic control. Glycemic control was good among those who were educated about the meaning of the test, their levels, and their target goal. Awareness among health care providers regarding the role of the patient’s education about their condition might help in providing the patient with optimal care. Further studies with different experimental designs are needed to study this association, which will contribute to the development of a structured educational program.
Cerebral fat embolization with paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity syndrome and septic shock at high altitude: A case report and literature review
Authors: Li Min , Zhu Gang , Guo Hao , Ge Shun Nan , Gao Guo Dong , Qu Yan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCerebral fat embolism (CFE) syndrome at high altitude was rare complicated with paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) syndrome and septic shock. It is a challenge to differential diagnosis and treatment at high altitude. Case presentationThis case presents a CFE with PSH and septic shock of a 23-year-old man occurred at high altitude of 3800 meters above sea level, transferred by airplane successfully and cured in the department of neurosurgery, Xi`an Tangdu Hospital.Conclusions It is key that CFE with PSH can be rapid diagnosed and treatment bundles of septic shock should be initiated as soon as possible. Early neurological rehabilitation played an important role for good outcome.
Trends and Predictors of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Sexually Active Ugandan Female Youths: Evidence from Three Demographic and Health Surveys, 2006-2016
Authors: Masanja Veronicah , Wafula Solomon Tsebeni , Ssekamatte Tonny , Isunju John Bosco , Mugambe Richard K , Hal Guido Van 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Female adolescents and young women have the highest risk of curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally. Data on the prevalence of STIs among young women in Uganda are limited. In this study, we investigated the time trends and determinants of STIs among adolescent girls and young women (15-24 years) in Uganda. Methods: We estimated the percentage of women 15-24 years from three recent consecutive Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys (2006, 2011, and 2016), who reported acquiring an STI within 12 months of the studies and examined the changes over time. A pooled multivariable logistic regression was used to examine predictors of actors associated with reporting an STI were assessed using.Results: The pooled STI prevalence was 26.0%. About 22.0% of youths reported an STI in 2006. This increased to 36.3% in 2011, before declining to 23.1% in 2016. Youths aged 20-24 years reported a higher STI prevalence (27.3%) compared to young participants (23.6%). Prevalence of STIs was significantly higher among female youths with multiple total lifetime partners (adjusted odds ratio (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.4-1.6). Similarly, women who were sexually active in the last 4 weeks prior to the interview (aOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6), and women affiliated to Islam (aOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6) or other religions (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-2.9) were more likely to report an STI. Living in Northern Uganda was found protective against STIs (aOR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.7).Conclusion: The prevalence of STIs was high among female youths, 15-24 years. There is a need to adopt a holistic approach to the diagnosis and management of STIs among youths, as well as the integration of STI services in daily health care systems to increase their access to sexual and reproductive health services.