bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy in treatment of obese adolescents with lumbar disc herniation：A retrospective study
Authors: Yu Haijiang , Zhu Bin , Liu Xiaoguang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Obese patients are at risk of complications such as poor wound healing and increased infection rates after spinal surgery. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) has advantages over conventional open surgery in the treatment of obese adult patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) because it can decrease perioperative complications and enhance satisfaction degrees of patients. However, no clinical studies have evaluated the efficacy of PELD in obese adolescents with LDH. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PELD in the treatment of obese ALDH.Methods: We retrospectively collected clinical data from 208 patients with single-segment ALDH who underwent PELD treatment in our hospital between January 2015 and December 2019. According to the body mass index classification standard of obesity for adolescents in our country, the patients were divided into obese and non-obese groups (control group). Based on the preoperative baseline data of the two groups, propensity score matching was performed to select patients from the two groups for the comparative study. Perioperative data included operative time, intraoperative blood loss and length of postoperative hospitalization. The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and modified MacNab criteria were recorded as the main indicators of the surgical outcome, and the recurrence rate and incidence of complications were recorded as the minor indicators. Results: The obese and control groups included 45 patients each after 1:1 propensity score matching. Both groups showed improvements in VAS and ODI scores after surgery and at each follow-up time point (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant statistical difference in VAS and ODI scores between the two groups at each follow-up time point (p >0.05). In addition, the differences in operative time, intraoperative blood loss, length of postoperative hospitalization, incidence of complications, and recurrence rate were not statistically significant between the two groups (p >0.05). At the final follow-up, there was no significant difference in the excellent and good rate of MacNab classification between the two groups (p >0.05). Conclusion: PELD is a safe and effective minimally invasive technique for the treatment of obese patients with ALDH. The efficacy of PELD in obese and non-obese patients with ALDH was comparable.
Recent progress in the experimental and theoretical studies on the barium zirconate proton conductors: A review
Authors: Hossain M. Khalid , Biswas M.C. , Chanda R.K. , Rubel M.H.K. , Khan M.I. , Hashizume K. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
There have been significant developments of solid-state-ion conducting energy materials and perovskite-based oxides those exhibit excellent proton conduction at intermediate temperatures. In contrast to high-temperature oxygen ion-conducting oxides or low-temperature proton-conducting polymers, perovskite oxides have obtained distinguished attention because of their diversified structural aspects and potential applications. Highly stable and conductive electrolytes with improved electrochemical and thermochemical properties are in great demand in numerous fields such as portable electronics and transport systems, energy storage, fuel cells, etc. This review focuses on recent development in the proton-conducting performance of BaZrO 3 (BZO) energy materials. This study aims to integrate the fundamentals of proton conducting BZO perovskites in the prospect of the recent development in materials science and computational engineering. Therefore, in the first half of this review, the basic overview of the BZO perovskites structure, fundamentals of working principles, fabrication, and processing methods underlying the successful development of these materials with superior performance is discussed. The second part principally concentrates on the significant improvement towards higher conductive BZO perovskite fabrication with the help of theoretical studies via density functional theory (DFT) based first-principles calculation and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation followed by the prominent applications in low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells. The presented information on in-depth analysis of the physical properties of barium zirconate from experimental and theoretical studies will guide aspirants in further conducting research in this field near future.
Suppression of miR-21-5p by Ginsenoside Rb1 Prevents Atherosclerosis and Attenuates Endothelial Dysfunction by Inducing&nbsp;KRIT1
Authors: Zhou Tiangang , Sun Dehua , Hou Yunfeng , Zhang Zhonghui 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is a risk factor contributing to atherosclerosis (AS)-related complications. MiR-21-5p is a potential therapeutic target for treating ED and can be modulated by ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1). In the current study, the anti-ED effects of Rb1 were explored by focusing on miR-21-5p/KRIT1 axis.
Methods

ED was induced in rats using high-fatty diet (HFD) method and treated with Rb1. The changes in hemodynamics parameters, blood lipid level, systemic inflammation, and miR-21-5p/KRIT1 axis were detected in vivo. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were subjected to oxLDL to induce in vitro ED model and then handled with Rb1. The role of miR-21-5p in the function of Rb1 was further assessed by inducing its level in HUVECs.
Results

It was shown that the administrations of Rb1 improved hemodynamics parameters, decreased blood lipid levels, and suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine production in HFD rats, which was associated with the down-regulation of miR-21-5p and the up-regulation of KRIT1. In HUVECs, Rb1 suppressed apoptosis, inhibited inflammation, down-regulated miR-21-5p level, and induced KRIT1 level. The overexpression of miR-21-5p counteracted the protective effects of Rb1 on HUVECs by increasing cell apoptosis and inflammation.
Conclusions

The findings confirmed the protective effects of Rb1 against ED depended on the inhibition of miR-21-5p.
Relating CYP2B6 Genotype and EFV Resistance Among Women Living With HIV With High Viremia in Uganda: A Nested Cross-Sectional Study.
Authors: BUZIBYE ALLAN , Wools-Kaloustian Kara , Olagunju Adeniyi , Twinomuhwezi Ellon , Yiannoutsos Constantin , Owen Andrew , Neary Megan , Matovu Joshua , Banturaki Grace , Castelnuovo Barbara , Lamorde Mohammed , Khoo Saye , Waitt Catriona , Kiragga Agnes 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundWe investigated the association between CYP2B6 polymorphisms and efavirenz drug resistance among women living with HIV started on anti-retroviral therapy during pregnancy and with high viremia during post-partum.MethodsThis was a cross sectional study. Women between 6-12 weeks post-partum with viral load >1000 copies/ml were eligible. Sanger sequencing to detect resistant mutations and host genotyping were performed. We categorized efavirenz metabolizer genotype according to the AIDS clinical trials group algorithm as slow, intermediate and extensive; and compared efavirenz resistance among the metabolizer genotypes.Results Over a one-year period (July 2017-July 2018), three hundred and thirty two women were screened of whom 112 (34.8%) had viral load ≥1000 copies/ml of whom 62 had whole blood available for genotyping. Fifty-nine of these women had both viral resistance and human host genotypic results. We observed a higher frequency of efavirenz resistance among slow metabolizers (47% versus 34% in extensive and 28% in intermediate, metabolizers) but due to low numbers, this was not statistically significant. ConclusionsOur findings raise the possibility that CYP2B6 polymorphism may contribute to efavirenz drug resistance in women started on antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy and with high viremia in the post-partum period. If confirmed in a larger study, this would have important implications for all patients in sub-Saharan Africa receiving efavirenz and add further support to the changes in World Health Organization policy to switch away from efavirenz as first line antiretroviral therapy in countries with a high prevalence of CYP2B6 polymorphisms.
Microstructural Evolution and Hardness of Rapidly Solidified Hypereutectic Al-Si Surface Layers Produced by Laser Remelting
Authors: Abboud Jaafar , Kayitmazbatir Metin , Misra Amit , Mazumder Jyoti 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
A laser rapid solidification technique was employed to remelt and refine the microstructure of Al-25wt.%Si and Al-30wt.%Si alloyed layers produced by laser melting. The microstructure of the as-fabricated Al-Si layers consisted of irregular polygonal primary Si crystals of size 5 to 7 µm, fine α-Al dendrites, and Al-Si eutectic. Laser rapid remelting results showed a significant refinement of all the solidified phases with increasing scan speed and decreasing laser power. At the lowest laser power (800W), the sizes of the primary Si crystals were reduced to a sub-micron level and an interwoven network of nano-sized eutectic colonies was obtained. The higher cooling rates, resulted in a reduction in the amount of the α-Al phase especially those surrounding the primary Si, thereby stimulating the eutectic Si fibers to grow from the pre-existing primary Si crystals and increased the proportion of the fibrous eutectic. Transmission electron microscopy revealed fibrous eutectic, which was internally nano-twinned, with a diameter approaching as low as 10-15 nm for the highest cooling rate. The hardness measured by nanoindentation of the eutectic in the remelted Al-25wt.%Si layer increased with decreasing the eutectic spacing (ʎ) reaching a maximum value of 3.15GPa.
Intratumor Bacterial Presence and Serum Amyloid A in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Waal Greta M , Villiers Willem JS , Rigby Jonathan , Roberts Timothy , Pretorius Etheresia 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background & Aims:The initiation, development, and progression of many cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), are associated with environmental factors. A significant link exists between specific bacterial infections and cancer incidence, with a strong association between chronic infection, chronic inflammation and colorectal carcinogenesis. Recently, we reported significantly increased levels of lipopolysaccharide in CRC patient blood, compared to that of healthy individuals. By analysing CRC tumors, this study aims to contribute to the identification of (novel) markers/factors associated with CRC tumorigenesis.Methods: Colorectal tumor samples from newly diagnosed (histologically confirmed) CRC patients (n = 24) and morphologically normal colon biopsies (n = 10) were collected and analysed in a cross-sectional study. Immunohistochemistry protocols and statistical signal analysis were used to detect specific bacteria and proteins of interest in human colorectal tissue. Furthermore, the presence of structural protein changes in CRC tumor tissues, compared to control tissues, was investigated using the fluorescent amyloidselective Amytracker™ 630 marker and confocal microscopy.Results: We show an intratumor bacterial presence in CRC patients, with high levels of Escherichia coli strongly associated with CRC. High levels of intratumor serum amyloid A are also strongly associated with CRC. Furthermore, Helicobacter pylori is elevated, but to a smaller degree, and only when we account for data imbalance. We also report a significantly enhanced amyloid-specific fluorescence signal in CRC tumors, compared to control tissues.Conclusions: The role that infections play in a variety of cancers, including CRC, is increasingly recognized, and we provide evidence of a bacterial presence in CRC tumors. The analysis of CRC tumors, in addition to CRC blood, offers unique opportunities to investigate factors that may fuel colorectal carcinogenesis, and to ultimately identify novel markers that are associated with CRC.
Y-27632, a ROCK Inhibitor, Improved Laser-induced Shock Wave (LISW)-induced Cochlear Synaptopathy in Mice
Authors: Koizumi Yutaka , Mizutari Kunio , Kawauchi Satoko , Sato Shunichi , Shiotani Akihiro , Kakehata Seiji 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Recently, a pathological condition called cochlear synaptopathy has been clarified, and as a disorder of the auditory nerve synapses that occurs prior to failure of hair cells it has been recognized as a major cause of sensorineural hearing loss. However, cochlear synaptopathy is untreatable. Inhibition of rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK), a serine-threonine protein kinase, has been reported to have neuroprotective and regenerative effects on synaptic pathways in the nervous system, including those in the inner ear. We previously demonstrated the regenerative effect of the ROCK inhibitor, Y-27632, on an excitotoxic cochlear nerve damage model in vitro. In this study, we aimed to validate the effect of ROCK inhibition on mice with cochlear synaptopathy induced by laser-induced shock wave (LISW) in vivo. After the elevation of ROCK1/2 expression in the damaged cochlea was confirmed, we administered Y-27632 locally via the middle ear. The amplitude of wave I in the auditory brainstem response and the number of synapses in the Y-27632-treated cochlea increased significantly. These results clearly demonstrate that ROCK inhibition has a promising clinical application in the treatment of cochlear synaptopathy, which is the major pathology of sensorineural hearing loss.
Genome-wide association analysis for rice salt tolerance at seedling and reproductive stages
Authors: Chen Gang , Hu Keming , Zhao Jianhua , Guo Feifei , Shan Wenfeng , Jiang Qiuqing , Zhang Jingqiao , Guo Zilong , Feng Zhiming , Chen Zongxiang , Wu Xiaoxia , Zuo Shimin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Salinity is one of the main adverse environmental factors severely inhibiting rice growth and decreasing grain productivity. Developing rice varieties with salt tolerance (ST) is one of the most economical approaches to cope with salinity stress. However, the valuable resources for rice breeding towards ST remain to be identified. In this study, the salt tolerance of 220 rice accessions from RDP1, representing five subpopulations, were evaluated at both seedling and reproductive stages.
Results

An apparent inconsistency was found for ST between the two stages. Through a gene-based / tightly linked genome-wide association study, a total of 214 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to 251 genes, significantly associated with 16 ST-related indices, were detected at both stages. Eighty-two SNPs with low frequency favorable (LFF) alleles in the population were proposed to hold high breeding potential in improving rice ST. Fifty-four rice accessions collectively containing all these LFF alleles were identified as donors of these alleles. Through the integration of meta-QTL for ST and the response patterns of differential expression genes to salt stress, thirty-one candidate genes were suggested to be involved in the regulation of rice ST.
Conclusions

In total, the present study provides valuable information for further characterizing ST-related genes and for breeding ST varieties across whole developmental stages through marker-assisted selection (MAS).
Transverse and Axial Resolution of Femtosecond Laser Surgery
Authors: Wang Yao L. , Grooms Noa W. F. , Chung Samuel H. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Femtosecond lasers are capable of precise ablation inside transparent media, including glass and in vivo samples. The transverse and axial resolution of damage inside the bulk are important parameters of ablation. The transverse resolution is straightforward to measure, but the axial resolution is much more difficult to measure and rarely performed. Using a 1040-nm, 400-fs pulsed laser, we performed ablation inside glass with a transverse and axial resolution of 0.75 µm. By fitting damage spot measurements to theoretical predictions, we find an ablation threshold of 6.4 x 1012 W/cm2. We also ablated neuron cell bodies and fibers in C. elegans and demonstrate submicrometer resolution in both the transverse and axial directions, consistent with our results in glass. Using simple yet rigorous methods, we define the resolution of laser ablation in transparent media along all directions.
Flavobacterium Difficile sp. nov., Isolated from a Freshwater Waterfall
Authors: Chen Wen-Ming , You Ya-Xiu , Young Chiu-Chung , Lin Shih-Yao , Sheu Shih-Yi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
A bacterial strain designated KDG-16T is isolated from a freshwater waterfall in Taiwan and characterized to determine its taxonomic affiliation. Cells of strain KDG-16T are Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, motile by gliding, rod-shaped and form light yellow colonies. Optimal growth occurs at 20-25 oC, pH 6-7, and with 0% NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and an up-to-date bacterial core gene set reveal that strain KDG-16T is affiliated with species in the genus Flavobacterium. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences shows that strain KDG-16T shares the highest similarity with Flavobacterium terrigena DSM 17934T (97.7%). The average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain KDG-16T and the closely related Flavobacterium species are below the cut-off values of 95-96, 90 and 70%, respectively, used for species demarcation. Strain KDG-16T contains iso-C15:0, iso-C15:1 G and iso-C17:0 3-OH as the predominant fatty acids. The polar lipid profile consists of phosphatidylethanolamine, one uncharacterized aminophospholipid, one uncharacterized phospholipid, two uncharacterized aminolipids and two uncharacterized lipids. The major polyamine is homospermidine. The major isoprenoid quinone is MK-6. Genomic DNA G+C content of strain KDG-16T is 31.6%. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic data obtained, strain KDG-16T is considered to represent a novel species in the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium difficile sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KDG-16T (=BCRC 81194T =LMG 31332T).
Novel Imaging and Clinical Manifestations of Ndmsba Disorder Caused by a Homozygous Missense Variant of Plaa
Authors: Dehghani Ali , Razmara Ehsan , Rasoulinezhad Maryam , Bitarafan Fatemeh , Tavasoli Ali Reza , Garshasbi Masoud 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPhospholipase A-2-activating protein (PLAP) has essential roles in biological pathways. Neurodevelopmental disorder with progressive microcephaly, spasticity, and brain anomalies (NDMSBA) is a complex neurodevelopmental disease caused by defects in the PLAA gene (MIM: 603873). Herein, we aimed to detect the potential genetic factors contributing to the NDMSBA phenotype in a 2.5-year-old affected male in an Iranian consanguineous family.ResultsAfter meticulously performing neuroimaging and clinical examinations, due to heterogeneity of neurodevelopmental diseases, the proband was subjected to paired-end whole-exome sequencing (WES). The brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed lissencephaly, polymicrogyria, severe subcortical, deep and deep white matter signal abnormalities, thinning of the corpus callosum, and severe vermis atrophy. Interestingly, we detected a novel homozygous missense variant, NM_001031689.3:c.2264A>G;p.(Asp755Gly) in the PLAA gene. To the best of our knowledge, this variant is the second one identified within the PUL domain (PLAP, Ufd3p, and Lub1p) of PLAP and also the sixth reported variant throughout the PLAA gene. In silico analyses underscored the pathogenicity of the variant. ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated severe cerebral and cerebellar white matter signal abnormalities, hypertelorism, strabismus, and drooling in the proband as the novel manifestation of NDMSBA that in turn caused by a novel likely pathogenic missense variant. Further studies are required to confirm how this variant contributes to NDMSBA.
Efficacy And Safety of Empagliflozin Continuation in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Hospitalised For Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Pérez-Belmonte Luis M , Ricci Michele , Sanz-Cánovas Jaime , Millán-Gómez Mercedes , Osuna-Sánchez Julio , Ruiz-Moreno Maria I. , Bernal-López M. Rosa , López-Carmona Maria D. , Lara José P. , Gómez-Huelgas Ricardo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background: Sodium−glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors have been shown to reduce hospitalisations for acute decompensated heart failure in patients with and without type 2 diabetes. However, there is little evidence on their use in hospitalised patients. This work aims to analyse the glycaemic and clinical efficacy and safety of empagliflozin continuation in patients with type 2 diabetes hospitalised for acute decompensated heart failure.Methods: This real-world study included non-critically ill patients with diabetes hospitalised for acute decompensated heart failure and treated with empagliflozin for at least three months prior to the hospitalisation between 2017 and 2020. According to our in-hospital antihyperglycaemic protocol, patients could be treated with two possible regimens: a basal-bolus insulin regimen and an empagliflozin-basal insulin regimen. Our primary endpoints were difference in glycaemic control, as measured via mean daily blood glucose level, and differences in the visual analogue scale dyspnoea score, NT-proBNP levels, diuretic response, and cumulative urine output. Safety endpoints were also analysed. A propensity matching analysis was used to match a patient on one regimen with a patient on the other regimen. The probability of starting the regimes was estimated with a logistic regression model including variables that could have affected treatment assignment or outcomes as independent variablesResults: After a propensity matching analysis, 91 patients were included in each group. There were no differences in mean blood glucose levels (152.1 ± 17.8 vs 155.2 ± 19.7 mg/dl, p=0.289). At discharge, NT-proBNP levels were lower and cumulative urine output greater in the empagliflozin group versus the basal-bolus insulin group (1,652 ± 501 vs 2,101 ± 522 pg/mL, p=0.032 and 16,100 ± 1,510 vs 13,900 ± 1,220 ml, p=0.037, respectively). Patients who continued empagliflozin had a lower total number of hypoglycaemic episodes (36 vs 64, p<0.001). No differences were observed in adverse events, length of hospital stay, or in-hospital deaths.Conclusions: For patients with acute heart failure, an in-hospital antihyperglycaemic regimen that includes continuation of empagliflozin achieved effective glycaemic control, lower NT-proBNP, and greater urine output. It was also safer, as it reduced hypoglycaemic episodes without increasing other safety endpoints.