bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conjunctive Use of BTC and Batch Methods for Heavy Metal Transport
Authors: Hussein Mohamed Fahmy , Khater Hassan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Marginal sediments can be used to combat point-pollution by heavy metals in industrial zones. Such practice requires information on metal-concentration in the workshop discharge water. Knowledge about the reaction of the heavy metal with the sediment available in the landscape is of utmost importance. Modeling of batch experiments and breakthrough curves, BTC, supplies relevant information in this regard. We present the static batch results of Freundlich isotherms testing CdCl2 aqueous solutions equilibria with sandy loam sediments, along with column-data processed by the dynamic codes CfitM and CfitIM under saturated water flow conditions. Three Cd-concentrations (5, 20, and 40 ppm) were employed to investigate the conjunction of using two procedures for obtaining the pertinent parameters for the transport of such a heavy metal and the design of the adequate Cd-trap. The results showed the deviations of the two techniques due to differences in their theoretical concepts, mathematical formulation, and performance. The batch method showed utility in supplying first guesses for the retardation factor, R, to insert into the 4-parameter analytical code, CfitIM, applied for column BTC modeling. The iteratively-obtained-parameters of the Freundlich equation were then employed to generate the distribution coefficient, k d. The generated value was, in turn, used to get more fair guess for the retardation factor, R, to use as a fixed-value in the CfitIM code to get an in-depth insight into the BTC dynamics and to obtain the other pertinent model parameters. The BTC runs indicated that the concentration controls the distinctive adsorption and transport rate and behavior of the heavy metal in the sediment column. The most dilute solution offered the highest Cd impediment, as shown by the most significant values for the distribution coefficient, k d, and retardation factor, R. The malfunction of the sediment as a trap appeared at Cd-concentrations four to eight folds higher than the most dilute solution. However, the loamy sand trap is successful when fed with a dilute aqueous solution. A set of successive traps is to arrange in tandem lines when moderate to high concentration is to discharge from an industrial workshop. The results emphasize the utility of the mutual use of these two lab procedures for the design of adequate traps and landfills and the simulation of more complex situations in the field. The point-pollution control needs to continue running batch and BTC experiments and to carry out their corresponding modeling.
Anatomic Relationship Between the Radial Nerve and the Musculo-Fascial Structures of the Arm and Forearm: A Cadaveric and Sonographic Study
Authors: Martínez José García , Alvarez Gerard , Perez-Bellmunt Albert , Miguel Maribel , Viscor Ginés 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Radial nerve (RN) compression most commonly occurs at the level of the supinator arch (SA), also called arcade of Fröhse, but other sites of entrapment along the course of the nerve are possible. This study aimed to perform an ultrasound and anatomical examination of these entrapment sites, to provide a solid anatomical base for the differential diagnosis of lateral arm pain, to allow a more precise manual therapy approach. Methods: Nineteen fresh-frozen cadavers were examined, first on ultrasound then on anatomical dissection. Two points of possible RN entrapment were injected with dye under ultrasound guidance: where the RN crosses the lateral intermuscular septum (LIMS) and at the SA. Dissection confirmed the location of the dye at these points and allowed us to describe the relationship of the RN with the adjacent structures; the distances from each of these two points to the lateral epicondyle and the diameter of the RN were also measured. Results: The dye was observed in the correct place in all specimens. We observed a close relationship of the RN with the lateral head of triceps brachialis (LHTB) muscle and the LIMS as it passed through these structures. In both structures, longitudinal aponeurotic extensions were observed. In the anterior compartment of the arm, where the RN glides between the brachialis (B) and brachioradialis (BR) muscles, we observed varying relationships between these three structures (5% had vascular unions, 79% had union of the epimysium, and 16% muscular unions). Finally, in the forearm, just before reaching the SA, we observed a septum that compartmentalize the forearm musculature and created an aponeurotic arch through which the motor branch of the RN passed. Conclusions: Ultrasound study helps correctly identify the RN; the two points identified on US and dissection correlated well. The anatomical findings on the relationship of the RN with its surrounding structures may explain its entrapment.
WITHDRAWN: Nicotinamide Attenuates Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Complications and Increases Survival Rate in Rats: Role of Autonomic Nervous System.
Authors: Cruz Paula Lázara , Moraes-Silva Ivana Cinthya , Ribeiro Amanda Aparecida , Machi Jacqueline Freire , Melo Marcelo Dantas Tavares , Santos Fernando dos , Silva Maikon Barbosa da , Strunz Celia Maria Cassaro , Caldini Elia Garcia , Irigoyen Maria Cláudia C 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ) is a well-known model to study diabetes complications in rats and mice. The association of nicotinamide (N) with STZ has been widely used, and the severity of diabetes is attenuated. However, the mechanisms supporting this attenuation are not completely understood. Considering the key role of the autonomic nervous system in the pathophysiology of several diseases, we hypothesized that N could affect baroreflex sensitivity and autonomic modulation, thus protecting from the aggressive effects of STZ. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into control (C) and STZ-induced diabetes (D). Half of the rats from each group received a single dose of N (100mg/Kg) before STZ injection (CN and DN). All groups were followed-up for 5 weeks. Results: Body weight loss of more than 40% was observed in D throughout the period (D: 271.00±12.74 g; DN: 344.62±17.82). Increased glycemia was seen in D rats (541.28±18.68 mg/dl) while DN group had a slight decrease (440.87±20.96 mg/dl). However, insulin resistance was observed only in D. In relation to C, heart rate, mean blood pressure and diastolic function were reduced when compared to D, together with parasympathetic modulation (RMSSD D: 5.4±0.2 ms and DN: 9.3±1.2 ms) and baroreflex sensitivity. All of these parameters were improved in DN when compared to D. Improved baroreflex sensitivity and parasympathetic modulation were correlated with glycemia, insulin resistance, and body weight mass. Additionally, DN group increased survival rate. Conclusions: These results suggest that the association of nicotinamide in STZ-induced diabetic rats prevents most of the expected derangements mainly by preserving parasympathetic and baroreflex parameters.
Highly Specific and Ultrasensitive Plasma Test Detects Abeta(1-42) and Abeta(1-40) in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Thijssen Elisabeth H , Verberk Inge M.W. , Vanbrabant Jeroen , Koelewijn Anne , Heijst Hans , Scheltens Philip , Flier Wiesje van der , Vanderstichele Hugo , Stoops Erik , Teunissen Charlotte E. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma biomarkers that reflect specific amyloid beta (Abeta) proteoforms are essential to monitor treatment effects of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) therapies. Our aim was to develop and validate ready-to-use Simoa ‘Amyblood’ assays that measure full length Abeta1-42 and Abeta1-40 and compare their performance with two commercial assays. METHODS Linearity, intra- and inter-assay %CV were compared between Amyblood, Quanterix Simoa triplex, and Euroimmun ELISA. Sensitivity and selectivity were assessed for Amyblood and the Quanterix triplex. Clinical performance was assessed in CSF biomarker confirmed AD (n=43, 68±6 years) and controls (n=42, 62±5 years). RESULTS Prototype and Amyblood showed similar calibrator curves and differentiation (20 AD vs 20 controls, p<0.001). Amyblood, Quanterix triplex, and ELISA showed similar linearity (96%-122%) and intra-assay %CVs (≤3.1%). A minor non-specific signal was measured with Amyblood of +2.4 pg/mL Abeta1-42 when incubated with 60 pg/mL Abeta1-40. A substantial non-specific signal of +24.7 pg/mL Abetax-42 was obtained when 40 pg/mL Abeta3-42 was measured with the Quanterix triplex. Selectivity for Abeta1-42 at physiological Abeta1-42 and Abeta1-40 concentrations was 125% for Amyblood and 163% for Quanterix. Amyblood and Quanterix ratios (p<0.001) and ELISA Abeta1-42 concentration (p=0.025) could differentiate AD from controls. CONCLUSIONS We successfully developed and upscaled a prototype to the Amyblood assays with similar technical and clinical performance as the Quanterix triplex and ELISA, but better specificity and selectivity than the Quanterix triplex assay. These results suggest leverage of this specific assay for monitoring treatment response in trials.
A Novel Rat Model of Persistent Gouty Arthritis by Minimally Invasive Saturated Msu Embedding&nbsp;
Authors: Xu Hanlin , Li ShengKun , Xue XiaoAo , Chen ZiYi , Hua Yinghui 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Animal models are valid for in vivo research on the pathophysiological process and drug screening of gout arthritis. Intra-articular injection of monosodium urate (MSU) is commonly used to establish animal model at present, while stable MSU deposition and tophi formation were rarely reported. Method: A total of twenty-four rats were randomly allocated into six groups. Three intervention groups of rats received MSU embedment for 3-5 times, respectively. Sham groups received pseudo surgeries with normal saline (NS). Gross parameters and pathological features of synovium harvested from anterior capsule. Mechanical pain threshold tests of rats were conducted over a 96-hour period postoperatively. Result: Significant synovial swelling was detected in the MSU group compared to the sham group(P<0.05). Behavioral tests showed that the embedding of MSU resulted in prolonged mechanical hyperalgesia (P<0.05 during 2 hours to 96 hours postoperatively). MSU depositions enveloped by neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were detected where the IL-1β and TNF-α were co-expressed in embedding groups. Quantitative immunofluorescence suggested that the frequencies of MSU interventions promoted expression of proinflammatory factors (P<0.05).Conclusion: A minimally invasive surgical method was developed to establish the novel rat model of intra-articular MSU deposition. This model was proved to be a simple reproducible method to mimic the pathological characteristics of intra-articular crystal arthritis.
Genome-Wide Mapping of Histone Modifications in Two Species of Leptosphaeria Maculans Showing Contrasting Genomic Organization and Host Specialization
Authors: Soyer Jessica Louise , Clairet Colin , Gay Elise J. , Lapalu Nicolas , Rouxel Thierry , Stukenbrock Eva H. , Fudal Isabelle 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundIn plant-associated fungi, the epigenome is increasingly recognized as an important regulator of the expression of genes involved in interaction with the host plant. Leptosphaeria maculans ‘brassicae’ (Lmb) and Leptosphaeria maculans ‘lepidii’ (Lml) are closely-related phytopathogenic species that exhibit a large macrosynteny but contrasting genome structure. Lmb has more than 30% of repeats clustered in large repeat-rich regions, while the Lml genome has only a small amount of evenly distributed repeats. Repeat-rich regions of Lmb are enriched in effector genes, expressed during plant infection. The distinct genome structures of Lmb and Lml provide an excellent model for comparing the organization of pathogenicity genes in relation to the chromatin landscape in two closely related phytopathogenic fungi. Here, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) during axenic culture, targeting histone modifications typical for heterochromatin or euchromatin, combined with transcriptomic analysis to analyse the influence of chromatin organisation on gene expression.ResultsIn both species, we found that facultative heterochromatin are enriched with genes lacking functional annotation, including numerous effector and species-specific genes. Notably, orthologous genes located in H3K27me3-domains are enriched with effector genes. Compared to other fungal species, including Lml, Lmb is distinct in having large H3K9me3-domains associated with repeat-rich regions that contain numerous species-specific effector genes. ConclusionDiscovery of these two distinctive heterochromatin landscapes now raises questions about their involvement in the regulation of pathogenicity, the dynamics of these domains during plant infection, and the selective advantage to the fungus to host effector genes in H3K9me3- or H3K27me3-domains.
Prognostic and Predictive Values of MAD2L1 in Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Gao Yuan , Ouyang Xiwu , Luo Tianping , Zhu Chunfu , Qin Xihu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to investigate the expression of Mitotic arrest deficient 2-like protein 1 (MAD2L1) in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and its biological function. Methods: Our study performed bioinformatics to analyze the microarray data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and obtained the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Enrichment assay and protein-protein interaction networks analysis were conducted to extract hub genes. Mitotic arrest deficient 2-like protein 1 (MAD2L1) was investigated in tumor and adjacent nonneoplastic biliary ducts in 42 samples by immunohistochemistry. Subsequently, MAD2L1 was manipulated, and its function was examined in CCA cell lines and in vivo model. Results: 297 DEGs were extracted from the microarray data. And seven hub genes were defined through the enrichment assay and protein-protein interaction networks analysis. MAD2L1 was picked up as a novel biomarker, according to hierarchical cluster analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. MAD2L1 was specifically expressed in cancer tissues but not in the surrounding normal tissue, and 31 (73.81%) of 42 CCAs were MAD2L1 positive by immunohistochemistry. MAD2L1 expression was significantly correlated with tumor size, pathological grade, and clinical stage. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated an inverse correlation between MAD2L1 expression and overall survival. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Immunoblotting results further confirmed the results of immunohistochemistry and bioinformatic analysis from the database. In vitro and in vivo models, decreasing MAD2L1 could significantly suppress tumor growth.Conclusion: High MAD2L1 expression predicts the advanced stage of CCA. Targeting MAD2L1 may be a potential tumor suppressor and may provide the biological basis for a new therapeutic strategy.Trial registration: [2020]KY157-01. Registered 1st April 2020 - Retrospectively registered, http://114.255.48.20/login#.
Bacterial Assessment and Their Antibiotic Sensitivity Patterns of Nasal and Hand Swab Specimens From Food Handlers in Hospital Compounds in Mandalay, Myanmar: A Cross-sectional Descriptive or Observational Study
Authors: Aung Si Thu , Nwe Aung Aung 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Microbial contamination of food can occur from contaminated or infected food handlers.Methods: This study aimed to assess type of bacteria and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern of nasal and hand swab samples from food handlers working in hospital compounds, Mandalay city, Myanmar. All eligible food handlers working in the government hospital compound, Mandalay City, Myanmar, were subjected to a cross-sectional study conducted from May to August 2018. Hand and nasal swabs were collected from of food handlers for bacterial isolation and identification. Antibiotic sensitivity patterns of isolated bacteria were determined.Results: Among 111 participants, 92 (82.9%) were bacteria-positive by hand swabs and 77(69.37%) were positive by nasal swab. Among Staphylococcus aureus isolated from nasal swabs, just over a half (51.2%) were resistant to oxacillin (probably methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus). There were association between hand contamination and nasal bacterial growth (p<0.001).Conclusion: Bacterial contamination status of the food handler working in hospital compound, Mandalay city, Myanmar, was extremely high.
Derivation and Validation of the ED-SAS Score for Very Early Prediction of Mortality and Morbidity with Acute Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Miller Joseph , MD  , Safa Rawan , Marusca Georgiana , Bhatti BS Sandeep , Ahluwalia Guneet , Dandashi Jad , Acevedo Harold Gomez , Farook Naureen , Scott Ashley , Nair Vidhya , Adhami Angie , Dueweke Jeffrey , Hebbar Sudarshan , Ekstrom Leeland 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Existing scoring systems to predict mortality in acute pancreatitis may not be directly applicable to the emergency department (ED). The objective of this study was to derive and validate the ED-SAS, a simple scoring score using variables readily available in the ED to predict mortality in patients with acute pancreatitis.Methods: This retrospective observational study was performed based on patient level data collected from electronic health records across 2 independent health systems, one used for the derivation cohort and one for the validation cohort. Adult patients who were eligible presented to the ED, required hospital admission, and had a confirmed diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Patients with chronic or recurrent episodes of pancreatitis were excluded. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Analyses tested and derived candidate variables to establish a prediction score and that was subsequently applied to the validation cohort to assess odds ratio for the primary and secondary outcomes. Results: The derivation cohort included 599 patients, and the validation cohort 2011 patients. Thirty-day mortality was 4.2% and 3.9% respectively. From the derivation cohort, 3 variables were established for use in the predictive scoring score: ≥2 systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria, age >60 years, and SpO2 <96%. Summing the presence or absence of each variable yielded an ED-SAS score ranging from 0 to 3. In the validation cohort, the odds of 30-day mortality increased with each subsequent ED-SAS point: 4.4 (95% CI 1.8 – 10.8) for 1 point, 12.0 (95% CI 4.9 – 29.4) for 2 points, and 41.7 (95% CI 15.8 – 110.1) for 3 points (c-statistic = 0.77).Conclusion: An ED-SAS score that incorporates SpO2, age, and SIRS measurements provides a rapid method for predicting 30-day mortality in acute pancreatitis.
Adverse Effects of Pre-pregnancy Maternal Underweight on Pregnancy and Perinatal Outcomes in a Freeze-all Policy
Authors: Tang Shengluan , Huang Jialyu , Lin Jiaying , Kuang Yanping 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Underweight and overweight may affect reproduction and interfere with treatment of infertility. In the present retrospective analysis, we sought to evaluate the effect of low body mass index (BMI) on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in frozen–thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Methods: This study involved 8,755 FET cycles in a single IVF center during the period from January 2009 to December 2018. Both pregnancy and perinatal outcomes were assessed in women who were underweight, normal weight, and overweight as defined based on a respective BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, ≥ 18.5 BMI <24.9 kg/m2, and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2.Results: Being underweight was linked to reduced implantation rates as compared to a normal weight (33.56% vs. 37.26%). Similarly, when comparing outcomes in underweight women to those in normal weight women, rates of clinical pregnancy (48.14% vs. 53.85%) and ongoing pregnancy (43.04% vs. 50.47%) were reduced. Rates of miscarriage were markedly reduced in the normal weight group relative to the overweight group (10.73% vs. 13.37%). Perinatal outcomes were largely comparable for all groups, with the exception of very low birth weight rates (normal weight:0.58% vs. overweight: 2.03%) and very preterm delivery rates (normal weight:0.82% vs. overweight: 2.03%), which were significantly elevated for overweight mothers.Conclusions: These results indicate that being underweight is linked to negative pregnancy outcomes when undergoing FET-based IVF.
The Effect of Covid-19 on Anxiety, Quality of Work Life and Fatigue of Health Care Providers in Health Care Centers
Authors: Dehkordi Ali Hasanpour , Gholamzad Shakiba , Myrfendereski Sam , Dehkordi Ayda Hasanpour 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Covid-19 on anxiety, quality of work life and fatigue of health center staff in southwestern Iran. Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive comparative study and the statistical population of the study included the staff of health centers of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences. Using random sampling method, 181 people who had direct involvement with patients with Covid-19 were selected and compared with 261 staff in other wards who had no direct contact with patients with Covid-19. For data collection, demographic information (demographic characteristics questionnaire) , Covid-19 Anxiety Questionnaire, quality of work life and Rhoten fatigue questionnaires were used.Results: The results showed that the quality of life in both groups decreased and fatigue and anxiety caused by Covid-19 increased, but there was no statistically significant difference between anxiety derived fatigues of personnel involved with Covid-19 with personnel of other wards which were no directly faced Covid-19 patients. Regarding the quality of work life, no significant difference was observed in other components except in the component of human resource development. The results also showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between the level of anxiety caused by Covid-19 with quality of work life and fatigue.Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, Covid-19 had a negative effect on physical, mental and various aspects of quality of life of health care staff and led to increased fatigue and burnout, resulting in absence from work and its consequences.
Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma of Sigmoid Colon: A Case Report
Authors: Mei Xuepeng , Chen Xiaobin , Fan Haining , Wang Zhixin , Chen Yichong , Wang Haijiu , Zhou Ying 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Primary liposarcoma of the colon with obstruction is a rare tumor, and patients with dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the sigmoid colon have not been reported in Pubmed for decades.CASE PRESENTATION: We reported that a 75-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital due to abdominal pain and bloating. The imaging examination revealed that the sigmoid colon liposarcoma was considered malignant. She was treated with pelvic mass resection + partial colectomy + intestinal fistula. Postoperative pathological immunohistochemical prompts Differentiated sigmoid colon liposarcoma.CONCLUSIONS: We reported a rare case of dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the sigmoid colon, which is easily confused with atypical lipomatous tumors. Through this case, we hope to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the sigmoid colon.