bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and Outcomes In Patients With Left-Sided Infective Endocarditis Undergoing Left-Sided Valve Surgery With or Without Concomitant Tricuspid Annuloplasty
Authors: Wu Zexuan , Zhou Yuanyuan , Chen Yili , Wei Fangfei , Ye Zi , He Xin , Liang Weihao , Zhao Jingjing , Xue Ruicong , Wu Yuzhong , Zhu Wengen , Dong Yugang , Liu Chen 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: In patients with left-sided infective endocarditis (LSIE) undergoing left-sided valve surgery (LVS), the effects of concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty (TA) on clinical features and prognosis remain unknown. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study conducted in a tertiary hospital in China. A total of 207 consecutive patients ≥18 years with a definite LSIE diagnosis who underwent LVS between 2008 and 2017 were included. Patients were divided into two groups: LVS alone (n=157) and LVS+TA group (n=50), to identify differences between the clinical features, echocardiogdraphic parameters and outcomes.Results: The mean age was 44.6±15.6 years and 150 (72.5%) were male. Of the 207 patients, 71 (34.3%) patients had aortic valve involved alone, 115 (55.6%) had mitral valve involved alone and 21 (10.1%) had both valved involved. The average hospital stays were 38±16 days and the median follow-up duration was 34.4 (IQR 19.8-56.3) months. Demographic and baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups, except that the renal function in LVS alone group was better than LVS +TA group (eGFR 97.2±28.8 vs. 87.6±30.7, P=0.046). Significant reductions in left and right atrial diameter, left ventricular diameter, mitral and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) degree, and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure were reported in both groups, of which the differences were more prominent in LVS+ TA group than LVS alone group (P<0.05). The rate of postoperative complications was higher in LVS+ TA group than that in LVS group (44.0% vs. 23.6%, P=0.005). However, the in-hospital mortality and long-term mortality was similar in both groups. After multi-factor adjustment, concomitant TA was not significantly associated with in-hospital and long-term mortality.Conclusions: Concomitant TA at the time of LVS significantly improved cardiac diameter but increased postoperative complications. It might not be associated with improved survival in LSIE patients.
Coffee Intake and Trace Element Blood Concentrations in Association with Renal Cell Cancer Among Smokers
Authors: Wu Hongke , Weinstein Stephanie J. , Moore Lee E. , Albanes Demetrius , Wilson Robin Taylor 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Determine whether higher coffee intake may reduce the risk of renal cell cancer (RCC) associated with lead (Pb) and other heavy metals with known renal toxicity. Methods: We conducted a nested case-control study of male smokers (136 RCC cases and 304 controls) within the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study. Cases diagnosed with RCC at five or more years following cohort enrollment, were matched to controls on age (±7 years) and whole blood draw date (± 30 days). Conditional logistic regression (using two-sided tests) was used to test for main effects and additive models of effect modification. Results: After a mean follow-up of 16.3 years, coffee consumption was not significantly associated with renal cell cancer risk, when adjusting for blood concentrations of Cd, Hg and Pb and RCC risk factors (age, smoking, BMI, and systolic blood pressure) (p-trend, 0.134). The association with above median blood Pb and RCC (HR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.85) appeared to be modified by coffee consumption, such that RCC risk among individuals with both increased coffee intake and higher blood lead concentration was more than 3-fold higher (HR=3.40, 95% CI: 1.62, 7.13; p-trend 0.003). Conclusion: Contrary to our initial hypothesis, this study suggests that heavy coffee consumption may increase the previously identified association between higher circulating lead (Pb) concentrations and increased RCC risk. Improved assessment of exposure, including potential trace element contaminants in coffee, are needed.
Metabolic Engineering of Moorella Thermoacetica for Thermophilic Bioconversion of Gaseous Substrates to a Volatile Chemical
Authors: Kato Junya , Takemura Kaisei , Kato Setsu , Fujii Tatsuya , Wada Keisuke , Iwasaki Yuki , Aoi Yoshiteru , Matsushika Akinori , Murakami Katsuji , Nakashimada Yutaka 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Gas fermentation is one of the promising bioprocesses to convert CO2 or syngas to important chemicals. Thermophilic gas fermentation of volatile chemicals has the potential for the development of consolidated bioprocesses that can simultaneously separate products during fermentation. This study reports the production of acetone from CO2 and H2, CO, or syngas by introducing the acetone production pathway using acetyl–coenzyme A (Ac-CoA) and acetate produced via the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway in Moorella thermoacetica. Reducing the carbon flux from Ac-CoA to acetate through genetic engineering successfully enhanced acetone productivity, which varied on the basis of the gas composition. The highest acetone productivity was obtained with CO–H2, while autotrophic growth collapsed with CO2–H2. By adding H2 to CO, the acetone productivity from the same amount of carbon source increased compared to CO gas only, and the maximum specific acetone production rate also increased from 0.04 to 0.09 g-acetone/g-dry cell/h. Our development of the engineered thermophilic acetogen M. thermoacetica, which grows at a temperature higher than the boiling point of acetone (58°C), would pave the way for developing a consolidated process with simplified and cost-effective recovery via condensation following gas fermentation.
Engineering Immunomodulatory and Osteoinductive Implant Surfaces via Mussel Adhesion-Mediated Ion Coordination and Molecular Clicking
Authors: Wang Tao , Bai Jiaxiang , Lu Min , Huang Chenglong , Geng Dechun , Chen Gang , Wang Lei , Qi Jin , Cui Wenguo , Deng Lianfu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Immune action and new tissue formation are two distinct but overlapping stages involved in tissue regeneration process. However, current biomaterial design is trapped into a one-sided consideration with either focusing on the regulation of immune response or paying attention to induction of new tissue formation. Bone implants also face the same problem. In this work, we designed a dual-effect bone implant with immunomodulatory activity with direct osteogenicity by a mussel adhesion-mediated ion coordination and molecular clicking strategy. The mussel-inspired chemistry for surface adhesion, bioclickable way for molecular conjugation, and coordination means for ion loading led to an immunoactive Zn2+ ion and osteoinductive BMP-2 peptide co-modified coating on bone implants. We demonstrated that the dual-effect coating could better improve cytocompatibility and promote the polarization of macrophages to M2 phenotype in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the Zn2+ ion and BMP-2 peptide co-modified bone implants showed optimal osteogenicity and osseointegration, thus improving implant stability in vivo. We anticipate this study would provide new ideas and solutions for engineering implants with immunoactivity and tissue inductivity to precisely adapt tissue regeneration microenvironment.
Optimizing Cellulose Microfibrillation With NaOH Pretreatments for Unbleached Eucalyptus Pulp
Authors: Martins Caio Cesar Nemer , Dias Matheus Cordazzo , Mendonça Maressa Carvalho , Durães Alisson Farley Soares , Silva Luiz Eduardo , Felix Jefferson Resende , Damasio Renato Augusto Pereira , Tonoli Gustavo Henrique Denzin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to assess the effect of drying unbleached Eucalyptus cellulose fibers after the application of pretreatments in order to optimize the microfibrillation process, as well as to evaluate the efficiency of NaOH pretreatments in reducing energy consumption for production of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC). Pretreatments with 0 wt% (untreated), 5 wt% and 10 wt% NaOH were evaluated. The length and width of the fibers pretreated with NaOH decreased significantly, mainly with hasher pretreatments. The removal of hemicellulose from the fiber cell wall was an important factor concerning the degree of fibrillation of the fibers. Pretreating fibers with 5 wt% NaOH for 2 h increased the water retention value (WRV), in addition to presenting the lowest energy consumption for fibrillation, promoting energy savings of up to 48%. Pulps that were not dried after the NaOH pretreatments incurred in easier microfibrillation and lower energy consumption when comparing to the dried pulp, which shows the negative impact of drying on the fibers to obtain the MFC.
Experimental Investigation on Mechanical Behavior of Anchor and Shotcrete Support System Under Axial Pull-out Action
Authors: Liu Xiliang , Sun Feiyue , Kong Fuli , GUO Jiaqi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Based on axial pull-out performance tests of anchor and shotcrete support system with three types of plates and two kinds of shotcretes (plain and steel fiber reinforced concrete) conducted by use of the multi-functional testing system. The mechanical behavior of the anchor and shotcrete support system with the different plate and shotcrete such as the pull-out performance of support system, deformation and failure properties of shotcrete was studied and analyzed. Experimental results showed that the relationship curves between elongation and drawing force has three stages, which are elastic, yielding and strengthening. Different plate types have obvious influence on the tensile stiffness during the elastic stage. The steel fiber reinforced concrete spray layer can improve the yield strength of rockbolt under the coupling effect by the support system. The strain at the interface between the initial shotcrete layer and surrounding rock mass is greater than that of the external surface of the resprayed shotcrete layer, though they are equal far away from the rockbolt hole. The shotcrete strain values of steel fiber reinforced concrete is lower than that of plain concrete, and the shotcrete strain values decreases with the improvement of steel fiber content. For shotcrete strain values on the same position, the higher they are the steel fiber content, the lower their strain will be. The failure of plain shotcrete usually begins around of rockbolt hole, when the interfacial stress between the initial shotcrete layer and surround rock is higher than that in the initial shotcrete layer and resprayed shotcrete layer. The steel fiber can effectively improves the toughness, anti-cracking performance and prevent fracture of shotcrete from failure properties.
Climatology of Ionospheric Amplitude Scintillation on GNSS Signals at South American Sector During Solar Cycle 24
Authors: Macho Eduardo Perez , Correia Emilia , Spogli Luca , Muella Marcio Tadeu de Assis Honorato 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Scintillations are caused by ionospheric irregularities and can affect the propagation of trans-ionospheric radio signals. One way to understand and predict the impact of such irregularities on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals is through the climatological behavior of the ionospheric scintillation indexes during the different phases of a solar cycle. In this work, we investigate the amplitude scintillation index S4 during the full solar cycle 24 at South American (SA) sector, that is featured by the Ionospheric Anomaly (EIA) and by the South Atlantic Magnetic Anomaly (SAMA). We also investigate the daily variation of S4 and two case studies during geomagnetic storms. The results show a significant intensification of amplitude scintillations at northern and southern crest of EIA, especially during the southern hemisphere’s spring/summer seasons, with a higher increase during solar maximum, and after sunset. And particularly at the SAMA region, where the intensity of magnetic field lines is lower, the S4 fluctuations are much higher.
Properties Of Cellulose Nanofibers Extracted From Eucalyptus And Their Emulsifying Role In The Oil-In-Water Pickering Emulsions
Authors: Martins Lilian S. , Santos Ronaldo Gonçalves dos , Spinacé Márcia A. Silva 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this work, nanocellulose particles were obtained from eucalyptus fibers by high-pressure homogenization (CNF) and by high-intensity ultrasound (SCNF). The nanocellulose was applied as a solid emulsifier for soybean oil in water (O/W) emulsions. The adding of 0.25 - 1 wt.% of both CNF and SCNF produced stable O/W emulsions without conventional surfactants. SCNF emulsions showed the highest stability and displayed the narrowest size distribution. Zeta potential values (-40 to -70 mV) indicated an electrical barrier to the droplet coalescence. The rheological behavior of O/W emulsions stabilized with CNF and SCNF was described by the Herschel-Buckley model. O/W emulsions produced with nanocellulose particles behave as shear thinning fluid, and their behavior index ranged from 0.33 to 0.68. Both CNF and SCNF emulsions displayed maximum yield stress at a particle concentration of 0.5wt.% and 0.75wt.%, respectively. Besides, the prepared O/W emulsions using 0.5 to 1.00 wt.% CNF or SCNF did not showed phase separation until 30 days of rest. The data point out to the feasibility of using nanocellulose as a natural emulsifier, which can replace conventional surfactants.
An epigenetic GPI anchor defect impairs TLR4 signaling in the B cell transdifferentiation model for primary human monocytes BLaER1
Authors: Wegner Julia , Zillinger Thomas , Schlee-Guimaraes Thais , Bartok Eva , Schlee Martin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Antigen-presenting myeloid cells like monocytes detect invading pathogens via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and initiate adaptive and innate immune responses. As analysis of PRR signaling in primary human monocytes is hampered by their restricted expandability, human monocyte models like THP-1 cells are commonly used for loss-of-function studies, such as with CRISPR-Cas9 editing. A recently developed transdifferentiation cell culture system, BLaER1, enables lineage conversion from malignant B cells to monocytes and was found superior to THP1 in mimicking PRR signaling, thus being the first model allowing TLR4 and inflammasome pathway analysis. Here, we identified an important caveat when investigating TLR4-driven signaling in BLaER1 cells. We show that this model contains glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor-deficient cells, which lack CD14 surface expression when differentiated to monocytes, resulting in diminished LPS/TLR4 but not TLR7/TLR8 responsiveness. This GPI anchor defect is caused by epigenetic silencing of PIGH, leading to a random distribution of intact and PIGH-deficient clones after single-cell cloning. Overexpressing PIGH or 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine treatment restored GPI-anchored protein (including CD14) expression and LPS responsiveness. When studying CD14- or other GPI-anchored protein-dependent pathways, researchers should consider this anomaly and ensure equal GPI-anchored protein expression when comparing cells that have undergone single-cell cloning, e. g. after CRISPR-Cas9 editing.
A Panel of DNA Methylation Biomarkers for Detection and Improving Diagnostic Efficiency of Lung Cancer
Authors: Wei Bing , Wu Fengxin , Xing Wenqun , Sun Haibo , Yan Chi , Zhao Chengzhi , Wang Dongqing , Chen Xiaobing , Chen Yanli , Li Mingming , Ma Jie 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Although low-dose spiral computed tomography (LDCT) screening is used for the detection of lung cancer in a high-risk population, false-positive results of LDCT remain a clinical problem. Here, we developed a blood test of a novel three gene methylation panel and validated the diagnostic efficiency from a total of 351 subjects (197 controls, 154 cases). DNA methylation of short stature homeobox 2 gene (SHOX2), ras association domain family 1A gene (RASSF1A), and prostaglandin E receptor 4 gene (PTGER4) could be used as a panel of biomarkers to distinguish between malignant and benign lung disease at high sensitivity and specificity: 87.0% sensitivity [95% CI 80.2-91.5%], 98.0% specificity [95% CI 94.9-99.4%]. Sensitivity in adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, small cell lung cancer, and other lung cancer was 89.0%, 87.5%, 85.7%, and 77.8%, respectively. Notably, cancer patients in stage I and II showed high diagnostic sensitivity at 82.5% and 90.5%, respectively. Moreover, the diagnostic efficiency did not show bias toward age, gender, smoking, and the presence of other (nonlung) cancers. These findings clearly showed that this panel of DNA methylation biomarkers was effective in detecting lung cancer noninvasively and may provide clinical utility in stand-alone or in combination with current imaging techniques to improve the diagnosis of lung cancer.
Frequency and component analysis of contaminants generated in preparation of anticancer agents using Closed system drug transfer devices (CSTDs)
Authors: Sumikawa Satomi , Yakushijin Yoshihiro , Aogi Kenjiro , Yano Takuya , Hashimoto Hiroki , Tsukui Chiyuki , Noguchi Tadashi , Shiraishi Taro , Horikawa Yasuhiro , Yasuoka Yasuo , Tanaka Akihiro , Hidaka Noriaki , Tanaka Mamoru 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Occupational exposure of anticancer agents during their preparation has been recognized as a serious hazard. Closed system drug transfer devices (CSTDs) enable “safe” preparation of agents for medical personnel and ensure a safe hospital environment. However, artificial particles of infusion materials have been reported during CSTD use. Here, the incidence of insoluble fine particles during preparation of anticancer agents using CSTDs was examined. Visible insoluble fine particles were found in 465 (9.4%) of 4,948 treatment cases at Ehime University Hospital with CSTD use. Contaminants occurred more frequently during preparation of monoclonal antibodies than cytotoxic anticancer agents (19.4% versus 4.1%, respectively, P<0.01). A similar survey was conducted at nine hospitals to investigate the incidence of insoluble fine particles with or without CSTDs. Insoluble fine particles were detected in 113 (15.4%) of 732 treatment cases during preparation of monoclonal antibodies with CSTD use. In contrast, the occurrence of insoluble fine particles without CSTDs was found in only 3 (0.073%) of 4,113 treatment cases. Contamination with CSTDs might cause harmful effects on patients 4 during cancer therapy. We strongly recommend the use of in-line filters combined with infusion routes after CSTD use to avoid contamination-associated adverse events.
Outpatient Stereotactic Brain Biopsies
Authors: MATHON Bertrand , MARIJON Pauline , RICHE Maximilien , DEGOS Vincent , CARPENTIER Alexandre 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundOutpatient neurosurgery is rising popularity leading to patients’ satisfaction and cost-savings. Although several North-American teams have shown the safety of outpatient stereotactic brain biopsies, few data from other countries with different health care systems are available. ObjectiveWe therefore conducted a feasibility and safety study on the outpatient stereotactic brain biopsies. MethodsWe prospectively examined all the consecutive stereotactic brain biopsies performed in an outpatient setting at our tertiary medical center, between June 2018 and September 2020.ResultsAmong the 437 patients who underwent stereotactic brain biopsy during the study period, 40 (9.2%) patients were enrolled for an outpatient management. The sex ratio was 1 and the median age on biopsy day was 55 [41-66] years. The median distance from patients’ home to hospital was 17 kms [3-47]. 95% of patients had prebiopsy ASA score of 1 or 2 and mRs equal to 2 or less. The rate of same-day discharge was 100%. No patient experienced post-biopsy symptomatic complication necessitating readmission within the month following the biopsy. One patient (2.5%) resorted to an unplanned consultation. Histological findings obtained from brain biopsy led to a diagnosis in all patients; the most frequently found were neoplastic lesions (77.5%)ConclusionStereotactic brain biopsies can therefore be safely achieved on an outpatient setting in carefully selected patients. This process could be more widely adopted in other neurosurgical centers, without affecting the quality of patient’s health care and safety. In this article, we propose management guidelines and pre-biopsy checklist for performing ambulatory stereotactic brain biopsies.
Differences in Somatosensory Function During Premenopause and Early and Late Postmenopause in Patients With Burning Mouth Syndrome
Authors: Ozasa Kana , Noma Noboru , Watanabe Kosuke , Young Andrew , Eliav Eli , Imamura Yoshiki 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to examine the association between somatosensory dysfunction and burning mouth syndrome (BMS) in premenopausal, early postmenopausal, and late postmenopausal patients, using a standardized Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) protocol, and to determine the predictive value of thermal or mechanical perception by QST for detecting BMS.Methods: The study included 36 female participants with BMS (12 premenopausal, 10 early postmenopausal, and 14 late postmenopausal) and 42 age- and sex- matched healthy volunteers (21 premenopausal, 10 early postmenopausal, and 11 late postmenopausal). Neurophysiological tests were used to evaluate somatosensory dysfunction at the tongue.Results: Z-scores in the late postmenopausal BMS group revealed a gain of function for the cold pain threshold and heat pain threshold (Z=2.08 and 3.38, respectively). In the multiple regression analysis with the Visual Analogue Scale as the dependent variable, the vibration detection threshold predicted severity of burning mouth sensation in the premenopausal group.Conclusions: Late postmenopausal patients with BMS showed an increased response of the tongue to noxious thermal stimuli. This supports the theory that changes in sex hormones may affect trigeminal somatosensory function in particular, during the late postmenopausal stage in patients with BMS.
Smart Healthcare Management Evaluation using Fuzzy Decision Making Method
Authors: Quasim Mohammad Tabrez , Shaikh Asadullah , Shuaib Mohammed , Sulaiman Adel , Alam Shadab , Asiri Yousef 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Smart healthcare has become a health policy services that utilize technologies including wearables, the Internet of things, smartphones, etc., to access information continuously and to link patients, equipment and medical facilities, and then effectively handles and responds in an intelligent way to the needs of medical ecosystems. The smart healthcare management system digitally helps the patient to have used medical assistance and services like emergency response, diagnostic service, and surveillance services at any time and in any location. The evaluation of such a management system must be studied for innovative ideas similar to direct healthcare services. Therefore, this study proposes a Smart Healthcare Management Evaluation using Fuzzy Decision Making (SHME-FDM) method to assess the technological integration efficiency. This study thus evaluates the privacy protection of healthcare data of the smart healthcare management system using the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process- Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (Fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS). Here, this study uses the fuzzy-based neural network for healthcare predictions. The experimental analysis evaluates the accuracy, reliability and error rate of the fuzzy results. The security risk analysis findings show that the proposed fuzzy model can give the highest risk evaluation performance compared to existing models.