bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physiological Effects of the Combined Stresses of Freeze-thaw, Acid Precipitation and Deicing Salt on Alfalfa Seedlings
Authors: Bao Guozhang , Tang Wenyi , An Qirui , Liu Yaoxin , Tian Jiaqi , Zhao Nan , Zhu Saning 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Backgroud: Frequent phenomenon of freeze-thaw, together with widely used deicing salt and intense acid rain , often occurs in northeast China, causing damages to plants in defferent perspectives such as the permeability of biological membrane, osmotic adjustment, and photosynthetic system. Aiming to explore the resistant to freeze-thaw (F), acid rain (A) and deicing salt (D) of alfalfa, Medicago sativa CV. Dongmu-70 was used as experimental material and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), soluble protein, soluble sugar, proline and chlorophyll were tested. Results: With the temperature decreased, the MDA content in seedlings of group under combined stress (A-D-F) increased and was significantly higher than that of group F by 69.48~136.40%. Osmotic substances like soluble sugar and proline, compared with group CK, were higher, while soluble protein content was lower. The chlorophyll contents in seedlings of treatment groups were lower than that of group CK, however, displayed a non-significant change during free-thaw cycle. Conclusion: It can be observed that the injury of permeability of biological membrane and photosynthetic system inside alfalfa caused by stresses. Meanwhile, alfalfa maintain osmotic balance by adaptively increasing the potentials of osmotic substances like soluble sugar and proline. Furthermore, the influence of freeze-thaw and deicing salt stress is more significant, while the mixed stresses of acid rain with two factors mentioned above has little effect on plants.
Diagnostic Performance of APRI and FIB-4 for Confirming Cirrhosis in Indonesian HIV/HCV Co-infected Patients
Authors: Yunihastuti Evy , Wicaksana Bramantya , Wiraguna Andrian , Hidayah Ainum Jhariah , Amelia Fhadilla , Natali Veritea , Widhani Alvina , Sulaiman Andri Sanityoso , Kurniawan Juferdy 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background After successful of antiretroviral therapy, highly effective direct acting antiviral (DAA) make HCV elimination reasonable in HIV/HCV co-infected patients. However, in achieving this target, there are still barriers to start DAA treatment, particularly in the area of liver fibrosis assessment that determine the duration of therapy. We aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of APRI and FIB-4 for diagnosing cirrhosis in HIV/HCV co-infected patients using hepatic transient elastography (TE) as gold standard. Method This is a retrospective study on HIV/HCV co-infected patients who concomitantly performed hepatic TE measurement, APRI, and FIB-4 evaluation before HCV treatment initiation at a tertiary hospital in Jakarta from 2014 to 2019. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of indirect biomarkers for liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≥ 12.5 kPa was determined by receiver operator characteristics curves. Results 223 HIV/HCV co-infected patients on stable antiretroviral therapy were included, of whom 91.5% were male with mean age of 37 (SD 5) years. Only 28.7% of patients were classified as cirrhosis (F4). Using TE as gold standard (≥12.5 kPa), the low threshold of APRI (1) had specificity 95%, sensitivity 48.4%, correctly classified 81.6% of patients, with moderate performance, AUC at 0.72 (95% CI 0.63-0.80). The optimal cut-off of FIB-4 was 1.66 [specificity 92.5%, sensitivity 53.1%, AUC at 0.73 (95% CI 0.65-0.81)] and correctly classified 81.1% of the patients. Conclusion APRI score ≥ 1 and FIB-4 score ≥1.66 had moderate performance with high specificity in diagnosing cirrhosis. These biochemical markers could be used while TE is not available.
Integrated bioinformatics analysis of aberrantly-methylated differentially-expressed genes and pathways in age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Shen Yinchen , Li Mo , Liu Kun , Xu Xiaoyin , Zhu Shaopin , Wang Ning , Guo Wenke , Zhao Qianqian , Lu Ping , Yu Fudong , Xu Xun 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) represents the leading cause of visual impairment in the aging population. The goal of this study was to identify aberrantly-methylated, differentially-expressed genes (MDEGs) in AMD and explore the involved pathways via integrated bioinformatics analysis. Methods: Data from expression profile GSE29801 and methylation profile GSE102952 were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. We analyzed differentially-methylated genes and differentially-expressed genes using R software. Functional enrichment and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were performed using the R package and Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes online database. Hub genes were identified using Cytoscape. Results: In total, 827 and 592 genes showed high and low expression, respectively, in GSE29801; 4117 hyper-methylated genes and 511 hypo-methylated genes were detected in GSE102952. Based on overlap, we categorized 153 genes as hyper-methylated, low-expression genes (Hyper-LGs) and 24 genes as hypo-methylated, high-expression genes (Hypo-HGs). Four Hyper-LGs ( CKB , PPP3CA , TGFB2 , SOCS2 ) overlapped with AMD risk genes in the Public Health Genomics and Precision Health Knowledge Base. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that Hypo-HGs were enriched in the calcium signaling pathway, whereas Hyper-LGs were enriched in sphingolipid metabolism. In GO analysis, Hypo-HGs were enriched in fibroblast migration, membrane raft, and coenzyme binding, among others. Hyper-LGs were enriched in mRNA transport, nuclear speck, and DNA binding, among others. In PPI network analysis, 23 nodes and two edges were established from Hypo-HGs, and 151 nodes and 73 edges were established from Hyper-LGs. Hub genes ( DHX9 , MAPT , PAX6 ) showed the greatest overlap. Conclusion: This study revealed potentially aberrantly MDEGs and pathways in AMD, which might improve the understanding of this disease.
Quality improvement education for medical students: a near-peer pilot study
Authors: McGeorge Elizabeth , Coughlan Charles , Fawcett Martha , Klaber Robert 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background

Quality improvement (QI) is an essential component of modern clinical practice. Front-line professionals offer valuable perspectives on areas for improvement and are motivated to deliver change. In the UK, all junior doctors are expected to participate in QI in order to advance to the next stage of their training. However, UK undergraduates receive no standardized training in QI methodology. This is perpetuated within medical schools by a lack of teaching capacity and competing priorities, and may lead to tokenistic engagement with future QI projects.

Methods

We describe a near-peer teaching programme designed to introduce students to QI methodology. This programme was conceived and delivered in full by junior doctors and used existing resources to ensure high quality teaching content. 111 fifth-year medical students from the University of Cambridge were taught in interactive, participative workshops that encourage them to develop their own QI change ideas and projects. Core topics included the model for improvement, driver diagrams, stakeholder engagement, measurement for improvement and analysing and presenting data. Students completed surveys before and immediately after this intervention to assess their understanding of and confidence in utilizing QI methodology. Questionnaires were also completed by junior doctor tutors.

Results

Analysis of questionnaires completed before and immediately after the intervention revealed statistically significant improvements in students’ self-reported understanding of QI (p<0.05) and confidence in applying techniques to their own work (p<0.05). Students expressed a preference for QI teaching delivered by junior doctors, citing a relaxed learning environment and greater relevance to their stage of training. Tutors reported increased confidence in using QI techniques and a greater willingness to engage with QI in future.

Conclusions

In this single-centre study, near-peer teaching produced significant improvements in students’ self-reported understanding of QI and confidence in applying QI methodology. Near-peer teaching may constitute a sustainable means of teaching essential QI skills at undergraduate level. Future work must evaluate objective measures of student engagement with and competence in conducting QI.
Evaluation of 24 protocols for the production of platelet-rich fibrin
Authors: Miron Richard J , Chai Jihua , Fujioka-Kobayashi Masako , Sculean Anton , Zhang Yufeng 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to evaluate 24 protocols for the production of platelet rich fibrin (PRF) produced via horizontal centrifugation to better understand cell separation following protocols at various times and speeds. Methods All protocols were compared utilizing a recent method to quantify cells in PRF in 1 mL sequential layers pipetted from the upper layer downwards until all 10 mL were harvested. In total, 960 complete blood counts (CBCs) were investigated. Both solid and liquid-based PRF protocols were investigated following 24 protocols involving 6 relative centrifugal force (RCF) values (100,200,400,700,1000 and 1200g) at 4 centrifugation times (3,5,8 and 12 minutes). Results In general, platelets could more easily accumulate in the upper 4 layers when compared to leukocytes owing to their lower cellular density. Protocol time seemed to have a greater impact on the final cell layer separation when compared to the effect of speed. Protocols of greater than 8 minutes at 400 g led to no leukocyte accumulation in the upper PRF layers (found specifically within the buffy coat). Protocols at or below 200 g were unable to effectively accumulate platelets/leukocytes. The optimal centrifugation speed and time for solid-PRF ranged between 400 -700 g for 8 minutes. It was noted that variability in patient baseline platelet/leukocyte/erythrocyte counts (hematocrit) significantly affected cell layer separation. This finding was more pronounced at lower centrifugation speeds. Conclusions Within the investigated ranges, a protocol of 700 g for 8 minutes presented the highest yield of platelets/leukocytes evenly distributed throughout the upper PRF layers.
Design, synthesis, in silico studies and biological evaluation of 5-((E)-4-((E)-(substituted aryl/alkyl)methyl)benzylidene)thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives
Authors: Kumar Harsh , Deep Aakash , Marwaha Rakesh Kumar 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background : Looking at the extensive biological potential of thiazolidine-2,4-dione (TZD) moiety, a new series of thiazolidine-2,4-dione analogues was synthesized. Different spectral techniques ( 1 H-NMR, IR, MS etc.) were used to confirm the chemical structures of the synthesized analogues. These synthesized compounds were screened for their antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. Results and discussion : The antimicrobial screening was carried out against selected strains of fungi and bacteria using serial tube dilution method. The antioxidant potential was assessed using stable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method. Further, the interaction between synthesized thiazolidine-2,4-dione compounds and DNA gyrase was explored using molecular docking studies. Various ADME parameters were also studied to evaluate the drug likeness of the synthesized compounds. Conclusion: In antimicrobial evaluation, the compounds 4 , 9 , 11 , 12, 13 , 15 and 16 displayed promising activity against selected strains of microbes. Antioxidant evaluation found compound 6 having IC 50 = 9.18 μg/mL to be the most potent compound in the series. The molecular docking study revealed compounds 4 ( dock score = -4.73) and 7 (dock score = -4.61) with decent docking score, possess good interaction inside the ATP binding pocket of DNA gyrase and therefore can be used as lead structure for further optimizing into potent antimicrobial molecule.
Anemia and perioperative mortality in Non-cardiac Surgery patients: a secondary analysis based on a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Luo Xueying , Liu Baoer , Zheng Sujing , Yang Liping , Li Ya , Hu Haofei , He Jinsong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Evidence regarding the relationship between anemia and perioperative prognosis is controversial. The study was conducted to highlight the specific relationship between anemia and perioperative mortality in non-cardiac surgery patients over 18 years of age. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of the electronic medical records of 90,784 patients at the Singapore General Hospital from January 1, 2012 to October 31, 2016. Multivariate regression, propensity score analysis, doubly robust estimation, and an inverse probability-weighting model was used to ensure the robustness of our findings. Results We identified 85,989 patients, of whom75, 163 had none or mild anemia and 10,826 had moderate or severe anemia. 8,857 patients in each study exposure group had similar propensity scores and were included in the analyses. In the doubly robust model, postoperative 30-day mortality rate was increased by 0.51% (n = 219) in moderate or severe anemia group (odds ratio, 1.510; 95% CI, 1.049 to 2.174) compared with none or mild anemia group (2.47% vs. 1.22%, P<0.001). Moderate or severe anemia was also associated with increased postoperative blood transfusion rates (OR, 5.608; 95% CI, 4.026 to 7.811, P < 0.001).There was no statistical difference in ICU admission rate among different anemia groups within 30 days after surgery (P=0.104). Discussion: In patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery over 18 years old, moderate or severe preoperative anemia would increase the occurrence of postoperative blood transfusion and the risk of death, rather than ICU admission within 30 days after surgery.
Influence of cement-augmented pedicle screws with different volumes of polymethylmethacrylate in osteoporotic lumbar vertebrae over the adjacent segments: A 3D finite element analysis
Authors: Guo Hui-zhi , Zhang Shun-cong , Guo Dan-qing , Ma Yan-huai , yuan Kai , Li Yong-xian , Peng Jian-cheng , Li Jing-lan , Liang De , Tang Yong-chao 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is commonly used for cement-augmented pedicle screw instrumentation (CAPSI) to improve the fixation stability and reduce the risk of screw loosening in the osteoporotic thoracolumbar spine. Biomechanical researches have shown that various dose of cement (1-3ml) can be injected to enhance screw stability. To date, there have been no studies on the relationship between adjacent segment degeneration and the volume of PMMA. This study aimed to explore the influence of CAPSI with different volumes of PMMA in osteoporotic lumbar vertebrae over adjacent segments by using finite element analysis.Methods: Seven different finite element models were reconstructed and simulated under different loading conditions, including (1) an intact model, (2) three single-level CAPSI models with different volumes of PMMA (1, 1.73, and 2.5 ml), and (3) three double-level CAPSI models with different volumes of PMMA (1, 1.73, and 2.5 ml). To improve the accuracy of the finite element analysis, the models of the injectable pedicle screw and bone cement were created by using a three-dimensional scanning machine and the CAPSI patient’s CT data, respectively. The range of motion (ROM), the stress of intervertebral discs, and the stress of facet in the adjacent segment were comparatively analysed among the different models.Results: The ROMs of the different segments were compared with experimental data, with good agreement under the different load conditions. Compared with the intact model, the ROM, disc stresses, and facet stress in adjacent segments were found to be higher in the six operative models. Otherwise, with a larger volume of PMMA injected, the ROM, disc stresses, and facet stress slightly increased at the adjacent segment. However, the differences among the augmented models were insignificant for all loading cases.Conclusions: CAPSI could increase the incidence of disk degeneration in the adjacent segment, while within a certain range, different volumes of PMMA provided an approximate impact over the adjacent segment degeneration.
Application of Median Lethal Concentration (LC50) of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Their Antigens in Vaccine Development
Authors: Saganuwan Saganuwan Alhaji 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objective: Lack of ideal mathematical models to qualify and quantify both pathogenicity, and virulence is a dreadful setback in development of new antimicrobials and vaccines against resistance pathogenic microorganisms.Hence, the modified arithmetical formula of Reed and Muenchhas been integrated with other formulas and used to determine bacterial colony forming unit/ viral concentration, virulence and immunogenicity from LC50s established in the laboratories. Results: Microorganisms’antigens tested are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcuspneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice and rat, Edwardsiellaictaluri, Aeromonashydrophila, Aeromonasveronii in fish, New Castle Disease virus in chicken, Sheep Pox Virus, Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus and Hepatitis A virus in vitro, respectively. The LC50s for the pathogens using different routes of administrations are 1.93 x 103(sheep poxvirus) and 1.75 x 1010 for Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC29213) in rat respectively. Titre index (TI) equals N log10 LC50 and provides protection against lethal dose in graded fashion which translates to protection index. N is the number of vaccine dose that could neutralize the LC50. Hence, parasite inoculum of 103 to 1011could be used as basis for determination of median lethal dose(LD50), LC50 and median bacterial concentrations (BC50)determination, pathogenic dose for immune stimulation should be sought at concentrations less than LC10.
The Role of NMDA receptors in rat propofol self-administration
Authors: Chen Bei ping , Huang Xi-xi , Dong Dong-mei , Wu Hui , Zhu Tian-qi , WANG Ben-fu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Aim Propofol is among the most frequently used anesthetic agents, and it has the potential for abuse. The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are key mediators of both neural plasticity and development, as well as of addiction and neurodegeneration. Herein we explored the role of these receptors in rat propofol self-administration. Methods Rats were trained to self-administer propofol (1.7 mg/kg/infusion) using an FR fixed ratio schedule of the course of 14 sessions (3 h/day). After training, rats were intraperitoneally administered the non-competitive NDMA receptor antagonist MK-801, and then 10 minutes later were subjected to a propofol self-administration session. Results: After training, rats had acquired the ability to self-administer propofol successfully, as evidenced by a significant and stable rise in active nose-pokes leading to propofol administration relative to control nose-pokes (P<0.01) and became stable. Relative to control rats, rats that had been injected with 0.2 mg/kg MK-801 exhibited significantly more propofol infusions (F(3, 28)=4.372, P<0.01), whereas infusions were comparable in the groups administered 0.1 mg/kg and 0.4 mg/kg. In addition, MK-801 failed to alter numbers of active (F(3, 28)=1.353, P>0.05) or inactive (F(3, 28)=0.047, P>0.05) responses in study groups. Animals administered 0.4 mg/kg MK-801 exhibited significantly fewer infusions than animals administered 0.2 mg/kg (P=0.006, P<0.01). In contrast, however, animals in the 0.4 mg/kg MK-801 group exhibited a significant reduction in the number of active nose poke responses (F(3, 20)=20.8673, P<0.01) and the number of sucrose pellets (F(3, 20)=23.77, P<0.01), with increased locomotor activity (F(3, 20)=22.812, P<0.01). Conclusion These findings indicate that NMDA receptors may play a role in regulating rat self-administration of propofol.
Quantitative assessment of German Holstein dairy cattle colostrum and impact of thermal treatment on quality of colostrum viscosity and immunoglobulins
Authors: Hassan Abdulwahed Ahmed , Ganz Sebastian , Schneider Florian , Wehrend Axel , Khan Izhar U.H. , Failing Klaus , Bülte Michael , Abdulmawjood Amir 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to determine the color, fat, viscosity, IgG concentration, %Brix and refractive index of fresh postpartum colostrum of German Holstein dairy cattle and assess the impact of different thermal treatments on the visual and dynamic viscosity, in association to IgG concentration, of colostrum that can be used for pasteurization process. Results: Of the total 40 fresh postpartum colostrum, the color of colostrum (white-pale yellow to yellow and dark-yellowish), fat (1.4 - 8.2 100 g-1), IgG (4 - 116 mg mL-1), %Brix (8.5 - 35.4%), refractive index (1.3454 - 1.3905 nD), visual (ranging from watery to liquid and thick) and dynamic (4.9 - 219 cp) viscosity, were recorded. Statistical analysis between visual and dynamic viscosity of fresh colostrum showed significant correlation coefficients (rs = 634). Moreover, a significant correlation between viscosity and three IgG concentrations was observed. Heat-treated colostrum showed dynamic viscosity ranged from 25 to 3066 cP, where dynamic viscosity of colostrum before- and after heat-treatment showed no significant correlation. Treated colostrum containing IgG concentration ≤80 mg mL-1 at 60°C/60 min and ≤68 mg mL-1 at 63.5°C/30 min showed no significant change in the viscosity and can successfully be applied for pasteurization of first postpartum colostrum.