bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The one-year outcomes of life-sustaining treatments in intensive care units among cancer patients at the end of life stage in Taiwan: A retrospective design.
Authors: Hsiao Fei-Hsiu , Lin Chen-Wei , Ku Shih-Chi , Wang Hao-Chien , Kuo Lu-Cheng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Terminal cancer patients’ admission to intensive care unit (ICU) remains a controversial issue and there is a lack of information about their prognosis after ICU life-sustaining treatments. This one-year study aimed to compared the impacts of life-sustaining treatments and utilization of hospital care prior to ICU admission on mortality rates between cancer and non-cancer patients at the end of life stage.
Methods

This study adopted a one-year longitudinal retrospective design. Data from chart reviewing at the general hospital with 44 beds of ICU included the terminally ill patients’ demographic background, diseases, DNR status and life-sustaining treatments, utilization of hospital care one-year prior to ICU admission, and death at ICU and one-year post-ICU discharge.
Results

The higher mortality rates at ICU and one-year after ICU discharge were found in cancer group than non-cancer group (Odds ratio = 0.742; CI = 0.511–1.012, p = 0.043) (Odds ratio = 0.225; CI = 0.121–0.417, p < 0.001). Compared with non-cancer group (14%), there were lower withdrawal rates in cancer group (6.5%). No DNR designation prior to ICU admission and near half of families (49.4%) in cancer group refused to receive hospice care consultation in ICU. After adjusting for age and APACHE II scores, mechanical ventilation (Odds ratio = 2.242; CI = 1.354–4.705, p = 0.027), enteral nutrition (Odds ratio = 1.675; CI = 1.140–2.264, p = 0.004) and parenteral nutrition (Odds ratio = 1.460; CI = 0.747–2.626, p = 0.029) significantly increased the risk of ICU mortality rates among terminal cancer patients. Moreover, enteral nutrition also increased one-year mortality rates (Odds ratio = 1.558; CI = 1.112–1.985, p = 0.014). The higher usages of hospital care from general wards were found in cancer group than non-cancer group. There were no association between utilizations of hospital care and mortality rates.
Conclusions

Higher utilizations of hospital care and no DNR designation prior to ICU admission demonstrates the delay and barrier of Chinese patients and families’ acceptance of hospice care at the end of life stage.
The higher ICU mortality rates and
lower withdrawal rates urge professionals to develop
cultural-sensitive family-centered hospice care program for
terminal cancer patients in ICU.
The additional value of lower respiratory tract sampling in the diagnosis of COVID-19. A single centre real life observational study.
Authors: Morandi Luca , Torsani Francesca , Forini Giacomo , Padovani Marianna , Carnevale Aldo , Pecorelli Anna , Piattella Marco , Guzzinati Ippolito , Papi Alberto , Contoli Marco 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Since December 2019 SARS-CoV-2 has been identified as the causal agent for severe cases of pneumonia in China and it spread all over the world, putting great pressure on Health Systems. Despite regarded as the standard procedure, sensitivity of nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) is suboptimal. In clinical/radiological suspicion of SARS-CoV-2 infection despite negative NPS test, other tests may be required to rule out the infection. Objectives: To evaluate correlations between lower respiratory tract (LRT) testing for SARS-CoV-2 in suspect patients with 2 negative NPSs and clinical symptoms, laboratory values and the CT scan review score by the Radiological Society of North America. Method: Retrospective analysis of radiological, clinical and laboratory data from patients who underwent LRT sampling (blind nasotracheal aspiration or bronchial washing) for suspected COVID-19 after 2 negative NPS. Chest CTs were reviewed by two blinded radiologist using the Radiological Society of North America score for analysis purpose.Results: SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 7 out of 59 patients (11.9%). No clinical or laboratory value were found to correlate with positive test. CT scan showed good sensitivity (71.4%) and accuracy (81.3%), with a very high NPV (95.7%). Features scored as 'typical' showed good correlation with SARS-CoV2 detection on LRT. No complications nor staff’s infections were reported. Conclusions: In suspect cases with at least 2 negative swabs CT scan revision can be helpful in ruling out SARS-CoV-2 infection. In selected cases lower respiratory tract sampling can help in confirming COVID-19 in cases with consistent CT features.
Barriers to and Motives for Engagement with respect to Exercise Programmes for Chronic Disease Management
Authors: Bourke Alison , Niranjan Vikram , O’Connor Raymond , Woods Catherine 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Insufficient physical activity (PA) is a leading risk factor for premature death worldwide. The Health Service Executive (HSE) National Exercise Referral Framework (NERF) aims to improve PA levels to manage NCDs. ULMedX is one such NERF centre offering an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) programme with the aim of intervention development to maximise adherence for optimal health benefits. Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore participants’ experiences of the motives and barriers faced for programme commitment. Identifying areas for future development were also prioritized. Design & setting: Qualitative interviews were conducted with long-term participants and people who have dropped-out (PWDO) at ULMedX.Methods: Guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour the 1-1 semi-structured interviews were performed, transcribed, and evaluated through thematic analysis. Results: Analysis was performed on 14 participants (50% female; mean age 67.3 years), comprising long term adherers (n=7; 13-month duration, 64% of classes) and PWDO (n=7; 2.8 month duration, 22% of classes). Three major factors affecting attendance emerged: social support, perceived outcomes from participation and practical barriers to attendance. Areas for future development included provision of evening and advanced classes, psychological support, more exercise variety, more educational seminars, new members start as their own group. Conclusion: Individuals were more likely to have had a better experience and commit to the programme if they believed involvement would benefit their physical and mental health, increase their exercise motivation by engendering a positive attitude to exercise, and that the ability to attend was within their control.
The Predictive Value of Vessels Encapsulating Tumor Clusters in Treatment Optimization for Recurrent Early-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Zhi-Yuan , Guo Zhi-Xing , Lu Liang-He , Mei Jie , Lin Wen-Ping , Li Shao-Hua , Wei Wei , Guo Rong-Ping 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The predictive value of vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) in recurrent early-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic significance of VETC in patients with recurrent early-stage HCC after repeat hepatic resection (RHR) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods: From December 2005 to December 2016, 138 patients receiving RHR and 188 patients receiving RFA were recruited. VETC was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining for CD34. The survival outcomes of patients with VETC pattern or not were investigated. Results: There was no significant difference between the RHR and RFA groups in disease-free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS) as determined by univariate analysis of the whole cohort. In the subgroup analysis of the VETC-positive cohort, the patients in the RHR group showed a longer median DFS time in contrast to those in the RFA group (15.0 vs 5.0 months, P=0.001). Similarly, the patients in the RHR group showed a longer median OS time in contrast to those in the RFA group (39.5 vs 19 months, P=0.001). In the VETC-negative cohort, no significant differences in DFS and OS rates between the RHR and RFA groups were observed (P>0.05).Conclusions: The results of our study suggested that RHR was relatively safe and superior to RFA in improving survival outcomes for recurrent early-stage HCC after initial hepatectomy. Furthermore, the VETC pattern may represent a reliable marker for selecting HCC patients who may benefit from RHR.
Salicylic acid has allelopathy, but wheat and faba bean intercropping can alleviate faba bean fusarium wilt under salicylic acid stress.
Authors: Lv Jiaxing , Li Yu , Chen Ling , Guo Yuting , Dong Kun , Dong Yan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe goals of this study were to evaluate the role of salicylic acid in the continuous cropping obstacle of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and explore how intercropping with wheat alleviates these obstacles. We designed a hydroponic pot experiment to study the effects of exogenous salicylic acid on the occurrence of Fusarium wilt, seedling growth, physiological resistance of faba bean and pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fabae (FOF).ResultsThe results showed that salicylic acid significantly increased the incidence and disease index of faba bean, inhibited the growth of seedlings and reduced the physiological resistance of faba bean. An in vitro study of FOF found that salicylic acid increased the ability of the organism to produce fusaric acid, cellulase and pectinase, which increased the susceptibility of faba bean to Fusarium wilt. Interestingly, intercropping with wheat significantly reduced the exudation of salicylic acid from the faba bean root system, which directly reduced the deleterious effects of salicylic acid. Alternatively, intercropping also increased the ability of faba bean to defend itself from the aspect of physiological resistance and indirectly reduced the autotoxicity of salicylic acid.ConclusionsIn conclusion, we found that salicylic acid, as an autotoxic substance, deleteriously affected the growth of faba bean, but intercropping with wheat could alleviate its autotoxicity. This finding suggests the existence of an important mechanism in which intercropping alleviates the obstacles in continuous cropping and controls Fusarium wilt.
Clinical Efficacy and Therapeutic Value of Delayed Surgery in Patients With Symptomatic Old Thoracolumbar Fractures
Authors: Li Pan , Huang Yunfei , Liang Zhuowen , Gan Lu , Wei Bin , Ye Zhengxu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy and therapeutic value of posterior decompression reduction, bone grafting fusion, and internal fixation for treatment of symptomatic old thoracolumbar fractures. Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted for 14 patients (9 men, 5 women; average age 40.1 years) with old thoracolumbar fractures who underwent posterior operation. American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scores were used to evaluate neurologic recovery. Recovery of vertebral body height, Cobb angle in the sagittal plane, spinal canal volume ratio (%) and bone graft fusion were analyzed by radiography and computed tomography on different follow-up times. Results: Mean follow-up was 27.1 months (23–36 months). Of three patients with ASIA grade A, 2 had improved postoperative urination and defecation, although no classification change. Preoperative ASIA score for eight patients with incomplete injury was grade B; four patients recovered to grade C at final follow-up. Preoperative ASIA score was C in three patients, increased to D in two patients and returned to normal E in one patient. Preoperative results showed average injured vertebra height loss rate decreased from 50.4% to 8.9%; average Cobb angle on the sagittal plane recovered from 39.6° to 6.9°; and the average spinal canal volume ratio recovered from 33.8% to 5.9%. Bony fusion was achieved; local lumbago and leg pain were relieved to some extent. No patients exhibited loosening of the fracture treated by internal fixation, pseudoarthrosis, or other related serious complications.Conclusion: Treatment of old thoracolumbar fractures by posterior decompression reduction, bone grafting fusion, and internal fixation can relieve spinal cord compression, improve neurologic function of some patients (ASIA grades B–C), effectively relieve pain, correct deformity, restore biomechanical stability, and significantly improve quality of life.
Telmisartan Potentiates Insulin Secretion Via Ion Channels, Independent of The AT1 Receptor and PPARγ.
Authors: Liu Tao , Cui Lijuan , Xue Huan , Yang Xiaohua , Liu Mengmeng , Zhi Linping , Yang Huanhuan , Liu Zhihong , Zhang Min , Guo Qing , He Peifeng , Liu Yunfeng , Zhang Yi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background and aim: Angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blockers (ARBs), as antihypertensive drugs, have drawn attention for their benefits to individuals with diabetes and prediabetes. However, the direct effects of ARBs on insulin secretion remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the insulinotropic effect of ARBs and the underlying electrophysiological mechanism. Methods: Islets isolated from Wistar rats or db/db mice were incubated with drugs under different glucose conditions for 30 minutes, then supernatant liquid was collected for insulin secretion. Intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) levels of β-cells were measured by calcium imaging technology. Patch-clamp technology was applied to detect effects on action potential duration (APD), Voltage-dependent potassium (Kv) channels, and voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC). In our in vivo experiment, the 8-week-old and 11-week-old db/db mice were separately administered acute oral acute oral telmisartan treatment (15 mg/kg), then the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed to observe the insulinotropic effect of telmisartan at 2 hours following drug intake.Results: Only telmisartan among the three ARBs（telmisartan, valsartan, and irbesartan）exhibited an insulin secretagogue role in rat islets. Independent of AT1 receptor and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), telmisartan exerted effects on ion channels including Kv channels and L-type VGCCs to promote extracellular Ca2+ influx, thereby potentiating insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we identified that telmisartan directly inhibited Kv2.1 channel on a Chinese hamster ovary cell line with Kv2.1 channel overexpression. Acute exposure of db/db mice to a telmisartan dose equivalent to therapeutic doses in humans resulted in lower blood glucose and increased plasma insulin concentration in OGTT. We further observed the telmisartan-induced insulinotropic and electrophysiological effects on pathological pancreatic islets isolated from db/db mice. Conclusions: Our results establish an important insulinotropic function of telmisartan distinct from other ARBs in the treatment of diabetes.
Topological and Metagenomic Evidence For Intensified Bacterial-Fungal Interactions in Mangrove Root Interior
Authors: Zhou Zhengyuan , Hu Ruiwen , Ni Yanmei , Zhuang Wei , Luo Zhiwen , Huang Weiming , Zhong Qiuping , Yan Qingyun , He Zhili , Wang Cheng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Plant roots host a repertoire of bacteria and fungi, whose ecological interactions could improve their functions and plant performance. However, potential interactions and underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown in root-associated microbial communities at a continuous fine-scale. Results: We analyzed microbial intra- and inter-domain network topologies, keystone taxa, and interaction-related genes across four compartments (non-rhizosphere, rhizosphere, episphere and endosphere) from a soil-mangrove root continuum, using amplicon and metagenome sequencing technologies. We found that both intra- and inter-domain networks displayed notable differences in the structure and topology across four compartments. Compared to three peripheral compartments, the endosphere was a distinctive compartment with more intensive interactions in bacterial-fungal network than in bacterial or fungal network, which could be related to three bacterial keystone taxa (Vibrio, Anaerolineae and Desulfarculaceae) detected in the endosphere as they are known to intensify inter-domain interactions with fungi and stimulate biofilm formation. Also, high abundances of genes involved in cell-cell communications by quorum sensing (rhlI, lasI, pqsH and lasR) and aerobic cobamide biosynthesis (cobG, cobF and cobA) were detected in the endosphere.Conclusions: Our results reveal intensified inter-domain interactions of endophytes in the mangrove roots, creating a distinct micro-environment to promote a biofilm life-style.
Joint 2D SSA with GSVD and binary linear programming based image super-resolution
Authors: Huang Ziyin , Chan Yui-Lam , Ling Bingo Wing-Kuen , Ye Huan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper proposes a joint two dimensional (2D) singular spectrum analysis (SSA) with the generalized singular value decomposition (GSVD) and the binary linear programming based method for performing the super-resolution. For a given low resolution image, first both the upsampling operation and a lowpass filtering are applied on each column of the image to obtain an enlarged image. Second, apply the 2D Hankelization to both the low resolution image and the enlarged image to obtain their corresponding trajectory matrices. Third, both the GSVD and the 2D de-Hankelization are applied to these two trajectory matrices to obtain their corresponding sets of the de-Hankelized 2D SSA components. Here, it is proved that the exact perfect reconstruction is achieved. In order to enhance the high frequency contents of the enlarged image, the selection of the de-Hankelized 2D SSA components is formulated as a binary linear programming problem. Computer numerical simulation results show that the proposed method outperforms the state of art methods.
Peripheral neurological involvement in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli-hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS) as a rare complication with a positive outcome in two consecutive children – Case Report
Authors: Santangelo Luisa , Netti Giuseppe Stefano , Torres Diletta Domenica , Piscopo Giovanni , Carbone Vincenza , Losito Luciana , Milella Leonardo , Lasorella Maria Luigia , Conti Pasquale , Gagliardi Delio , Chironna Maria , Bresin Elena , Trabacca Antonio , Ranieri Elena , Giordano Mario 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background. The Neurological involvement is the most common extra-renal complication of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli-hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS). On brain magnetic resonance examination, main neurological signs encompass acute lesions of the basal ganglia and the white matter, which could usually regress after Eculizumab infusion. In contrast, STEC-HUS-related peripheral nervous system (PNS) involvement is very rare and, when occurring, it requires a careful management of neurological sequelae and an intensive multidisciplinary neuro-rehabilitation program.Case presentation. Here, we present two cases of severe and complicated STEC-HUS patients with PNS-involvement who successfully required therapeutic treatment and an intensive multidisciplinary neuro-rehabilitation program.In both cases, PNS-involvement followed the recovery from STEC-HUS-related severe central neurological damage and manifested mainly with marked bilateral motor deficit and hyporeflexia/areflexia in the lower limbs. The peripheral polyneuropathy was treated with immune-suppressive therapy (methylprednisolone pulses, i.v. immunoglobulins, therapeutic plasma exchange), followed by a prolonged intensive neuro-rehabilitation program. After 8 months of neuro-rehabilitation, both patients gained complete functional recovery.Conclusions. PNS involvement during STEC-HUS is a rare event and potentially leading to severe disability. A timely clinical assessment is mandatory to set up a prompt therapeutic and neuro-rehabilitation program and to obtain a complete clinical and functional recovery.
Application of super-resolution convolutional neural network technique to improve the quality of soft-tissue window cone-beam CT images
Authors: Fukuda Motoki , Ariji Yoshiko , Nitoh Munetaka , Nozawa Michihito , Kuwada Chiaki , Nishiyama Masako , Funakoshi Takuma , Fujita Hiroshi , Katsumata Akitoshi , Ariji Eiichiro 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objectives

To assess the feasibility of using a super-resolution convolutional neural network to improve the quality of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images for visualizing soft-tissue structures.
Methods

Multidetector computed tomography (CT) images of 200 subjects who were assessed for the status of an impacted third molar were collected as training datasets. CBCT images of 10 subjects who were also examined with CT were collected as testing datasets. The training process used a modified U-Net and bone and soft-tissue window CT images. After creating a model to convert bone images to soft-tissue images, CBCT images were provided as input and the model outputted estimated CBCT images. These estimated CBCT images were then compared with soft-tissue window CBCT and CT images, using slices through approximately the same anatomical regions. Image evaluation was performed with subjective observations and histogram descriptions.
Results

The visibility of soft-tissue structures was improved by the technique, with high visibility being attained in the submandibular region, although visibility remained a little obscured in the maxillary region.
Conclusions

The feasibility of a deep learning-based super resolution technique to improve the visibility of soft-tissue structures on estimated CBCT images was verified.
A numerical simulation of realistic top coal caving intervals under different top coal thicknesses in longwall top coal caving working face
Authors: Liu Chuang , Li Huamin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In the process of longwall top coal caving, the selection of the top coal caving interval along the advancing direction of the working face has an important effect on the top coal recovery. To explore a realistic top coal caving interval of the longwall top coal caving working face, longwall top coal caving panel 8202 in the Tongxin Coal Mine is used as an example, and 30 numerical simulation models are established by using Continuum-based Distinct Element Method (CDEM) simulation software to study the top coal recovery with 4.0 m, 8.0 m, 12.0 m, 16.0 m, 20.0 m and 24.0 m top coal thicknesses and 0.8 m, 1.0 m, 1.2 m, 1.6 m and 2.4 m top coal caving intervals. The results show that with an increase in the top coal caving interval, the single top coal caving amount increases. The top coal recovery is the highest with a 0.8 m top coal caving interval when the thickness of the top coal is less than 4.0 m, and it is the highest with a 1.2 m top coal caving interval when the coal seam thickness is greater than 4.0 m. These results provide a reference for the selection of a realistic top coal caving interval in thick coal seam caving mining.