bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Molecular Subgroups in Liver Cirrhosis by Gene Expression Profiles
Authors: Zhang Ying-xue , Sun Feng-xia , Li Xiao-ling , Liu Qing-hua , Chen Zi-meng , Guo Yu-fei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Cirrhosis is a common clinical chronic progressive liver disease and has become one of the main causes of death worldwide. The condition of liver cirrhosis is complex and there is also clinical heterogeneity. Identifying liver cirrhosis based on molecular characteristics has become a challenge.Methods: To reveal the potential molecular characteristics of different types of cirrhosis, we divided 79 patients with cirrhosis into 4 subgroups based on gene expression profiles. These gene expression profiles were retrieved from the mprehensive gene expression database. In addition, these subgroups showed different expression patterns. To reveal the differences between subgroups, we used weighted gene co-expression analysis and identified six subgroup-specific gene co-expression analysis modules.Results: The characteristics ofWCGNAmodules indicate that TGF - β signaling pathway,viral protein interaction with cytokines and cytokine receptors, including a variety of chemokines and inflammatory factors, are upregulated in subgroup I, indicating that subjects in subgroup I may show inflammatory characteristics; fatty acid metabolism, biosynthesis of cofactors, carbon metabolism and protein processing pathway in endoplasmic reticulum were significantly enriched in subgroup II, which indicated that the subjects in subgroup II might have the characteristics of active metabolism; arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and Neuroactive ligand−receptor interaction are significantly enriched in subgroup IV; we did not find a significant upregulation pathway in the third subgroup.Conclusion: The subgroups classification of liver cirrhosis cases shows that patients from different subgroups may have unique gene expression patterns, which indicates that patients in each subgroup should receive more personalized treatment.
Propagation of Vortex Cosine-hyperbolic-gaussian Beams in Atmospheric Turbulence
Authors: Hricha Zoubir , Lazrek Mohammed , Yaalou Mohammed , Belafhal Abdelmajid 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In this paper, the propagation properties of a vortex cosh-Gaussian beam (vChGB) in turbulent atmosphere are investigated. Based on the extended Huygens–Fresnel diffraction integral and the Rytov method, the analytical expression for the average intensity of the vChGB propagating in the atmospheric turbulence is derived. The effects of the turbulent strength and the beam parameters on the intensity distribution and the beam spreading are illustrated numerically and analyzed in detail. It is shown that upon propagating, the incident vChGB keeps its initial hollow dark profile within a certain propagation distance, then the field loses gradually its central hole-intensity and transformed into a Gaussian–like beam for large propagation distance. The rising speed of the central peak is demonstrated to be faster when the constant strength turbulence or the wavelength are larger and the Gaussian width is smaller. The obtained results can be beneficial for applications in optical communications and remote sensing.
Non-invasive Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist in Preterm Infants With RDS: Effect of Changing Nava Levels
Authors: Lefevere Julie , Delft Brenda Van , Vervoort Michel , Cools Wilfried , Cools Filip 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We aimed to examine the effect of changing levels of support (NAVA level) during non-invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV-NAVA) in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) on electrical diaphragm activity. This is a prospective, single-centre, interventional, exploratory study in a convenience sample. Clinically stable preterm infants supported with NIV-NAVA for RDS were eligible. Patients were recruited in the first 24 hours after the start of NIV-NAVA. Following a predefined titration protocol, NAVA levels were progressively increased starting from a level of 0,5 cmH2O/µV and with increments of 0,5 cmH2O/µV every 3 minutes, up to a maximum level of 4,0 cmH2O/µV. We measured the evolution of peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) and the electrical signal of the diaphragm (Edi) during NAVA level titration. Twelve infants with a mean (SD) gestational age at birth of 30,6 (3,5) weeks and birth weight of 1454 (667) g were enrolled. For all patients a breakpoint could be identified during the titration study. The breakpoint was on average (SD) at a level of 2,33 (0,58) cmH2O/µV. With increasing NAVA levels, the respiratory rate decreased significantly. No severe complications occurred.Conclusions: Preterm neonates with RDS supported with NIV-NAVA display a biphasic response to changing NAVA levels with an identifiable breakpoint. This breakpoint was at a higher NAVA level than commonly used in this clinical situation. Immature neural feedback mechanisms warrant careful monitoring of preterm infants when supported with NIV-NAVA.Clinical trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov NCT03780842. Date of registration December 12, 2018.
Kyphoplasty With a New Device: A Comparison Study
Authors: Huang Jian , Chen Ming , Zhou Zongbo , Lu Zhifu , Fu Chuangong , Gou Xuejian , Wu Zuqing , Yan Zhaodong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Study design: Retrospective cohort study.Objective: To explore the effect of a new device for kyphoplasty.Methods: 80 patients with kyphoplasty from January 2019 to December 2020 were selected and divided into experimental group (n = 40) and control group (n = 40) according to different surgical methods. The experimental group was treated with new puncture needle puncture technology, while the control group was treated with traditional puncture needle puncture technology. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. The pain improvement was evaluated by VAS score. The operation effect was evaluated by anterior height of injured vertebral body, middle height of injured vertebral body and wedge angle of injured vertebral body. The number of fluoroscopy and the cost of operation were also evaluated.Results: Compared with the control group, the operation time and intraoperative blood loss of the experimental group were significantly less than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant. There was no significant difference in the ratio of anterior height of injured vertebral body between the two groups on the third day and the last follow-up. There was no significant difference in the ratio of middle height of in injured vertebral body between the two groups on the third day and the last follow-up. There was no significant difference in wedge angle of injured vertebral body between the two groups at the third day and the last follow-up. There was significant difference in the number of fluoroscopy between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the operation cost between the two groups.Conclusion: The new surgical method can shorten the operation time and reduce the radiation exposure rate of surgeons, but it has no effect on the operation effect and operation cost.
Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviate Concanavalin A-induced Fulminant Hepatitis by Repressing NF-κB Signaling and Glycolysis
Authors: Pan Lijie , Liu Chang , Liu Qiuli , Li Yanli , Du Cong , Kang Xinmei , Dong Shuai , Zhou Zhuowei , Chen Huaxin , Liang Xiaoqi , Chu Jiajie , xu yan , Zhang Qi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Fulminant hepatitis is a severe life-threatening clinical condition with rapid progressive loss of liver function. It is characterised by massive activation and infiltration of immune cells into the liver and disturbance of inflammatory cytokine production. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) showed potent immunomodulatory properties, and transplantation of MSCs is suggested as a promising therapeutic approach for a host of inflammatory conditions. Methods: In the current study, a well-established Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced fulminant hepatitis mouse model was used to investigate the effects of transplanting human umbilical cord MSC (hUC-MSC) on fulminant hepatitis.Results: We showed that hUC-MSCs effectively alleviate fulminant hepatitis in mouse models, primarily through inhibiting T cell immunity. RNA-sequencing of liver tissues and human T cells co-cultured with hUC-MSCs showed that NF-κB signaling and glycolysis are two main pathways involved in mediating the protective role of hUC-MSCs on both Con A-induced hepatitis in vivo and T cell activation in vitro. Conclusion: In summary, our data confirmed the potent therapeutic role of MSCs-derived from human umbilical cord on Con A-induced fulminant hepatitis, and uncovered new mechanisms that glycolysis metabolic shift mediates suppression of hUC-MSCs on T cell immunity.
Deficiency of miR-29 a/b1 Leads to Premature Aging and Dopaminergic Neuroprotection in Mice
Authors: bai xiaochen , Wang Jinghui , Zhang Xiaoshuang , Tang Yilin , Han Linlin , Fang Rong , Liu Zhaolin , Dong Hongtian , Li Qing , Ge Jingyu , Ma Yuanyuan , Yu Mei , Sun Ruilin , Wang Jian , Fei Jian , Huang Fang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. The miR-29s family, including miR-29a and miR-29b1 as well as miR-29b2 and miR-29c, are implicated in aging, metabolism, neuronal survival, and neurological disorders. In this study, the roles of miR-29a/b1 in aging and PD were investigate. MethodsmiR-29a/b1 knockout mice (named as 29a KO hereafter) and their wild-type (WT) controls were used to analyze aging-related phenotypes. After challenged with the neurotoxin MPTP, dopaminergic injuries, glial activation and mouse behaviors were evaluated. Primary glial cells were further cultured to explore the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, the levels of miR-29s in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of PD patients (n=18) and healthy subjects (n=17) were quantified. Results29a KO mice showed dramatic weight loss, kyphosis, along with increased and deepened wrinkles in skins, when compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Moreover, both abdominal and brown adipose tissues reduced in 29a KO mice, compared to their WT counterpart. However, in MPTP-induced PD mouse model, deficiency of miR-29a/b1 led to less severe damages of dopaminergic system and mitigated glial activation in the nigrostriatal pathway, and subsequently alleviated the motor impairment in 3-month-old mice. 8-month-old mutant mice maintained such a resistance to MPTP intoxication. Mechanistically, the deficiency of miR-29a/b-1 promoted the expression of neurotrophic factors in MPP+-treated primary mixed glia and primary astrocytes. In LPS-treated primary microglia, knockout of miR-29a/b-1 inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors, and promoted the expression of anti-inflammatory factors and neurotrophic factors. Knockout of miR-29a/b1 gene increased the activity of AMPK and repressed NF-κB/p65 signaling in glial cells. Moreover, we found miR-29a level was increased in the CSF of patients with PD. ConclusionsOur results suggest that 29a KO mice display the peripheral premature senility. The combined effects of less activated glial cells might contribute to the mitigated inflammatory responses and elicit the dopaminergic neuroprotection in miR-29a/b1 KO mice.
The Neuroprotective Effects of Policosanol on Learning and Memory Impairment in a Male Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Safari Samaneh , Mirazi Naser , Ahmadi Nesa , Asadbegi Masoumeh , Nourian Alireza , Komaki Alireza 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) as a neurodegenerative disease is recognized with progressive cognitive function failure, which is determined by beta-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation in extracellular space and hyperphosphorylation of intracellular Tau protein. Aβ stimulates some kinds of active oxygen and causes oxidative stresses and apoptosis. Policosanol (PCO) is a reducing lipid complement, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In the current research, the PCO effects on learning and memory impairment were investigated in a rat model of AD. Healthy adult male Wistar rats (230–250g) were divided randomly into 7 groups (n=6-7): Control, Sham (5 µL of phosphate-buffered saline, intracerebroventricular (ICV) microinjection), AD model (5 µL, ICV injection of Aβ), acacia gum (50 mg/kg, 8 weeks, gavage), PCO (50 mg/kg, 8 weeks, gavage), AD + acacia gum (50 mg/kg, 8 weeks, gavage), and AD + PCO (50 mg/kg, 8 weeks, gavage). Passive avoidance learning (PAL) and memory were assessed by shuttle box, cognitive memory by novel object recognition (NOR), and spatial memory by the Morris water maze (MWM) test. The oxidant and antioxidant parameters were examined at the end of the experiments. According to our results, ICV injection of Aβ caused reduced cognitive memory in NOR, spatial memory in MWM, and passive avoidance in PAL tests. PCO caused a recovery in cognitive memory, spatial memory, and PAL memory. Aβ plaques increased in the AD group, while PCO decreased it. Aβ increased total oxidant status and decreased total antioxidant capacity, whereas PCO reversed these parameters. Our results demonstrated that PCO has neuroprotective effects and can protect learning and memory impairments via its hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects.
Random Forest Model For Predicting IDH1 Gene Expression Based on Volumetric Texture Parameters of WHO Grade II/III Glioma and Peritumoral EdemaRandom Forest Model for Predicting IDH1 Gene Expression Based on Volumetric Texture Parameters of WHO Grade II/III Glioma and Peritumoral Edema
Authors: Lan Wenting , Feng Zhan , Zhang Yan , Zhao ZhengYa , Huang Yi , Ruan Xinzhong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: The incidence of Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) gene mutation had closed contact with the development and prognosis of WHO grade II/III glioma. This study aims to establish and evaluate the predicting random Forest model for IDH1 gene mutation based on parenchyma and peritumoral edema ADC image texture parameters of WHO grade II/III glioma. Materials and Methods: 146 patients (77 males and 69 females) with histologically confirmed anaplastic glioma were divided into training and validation groups in a ratio of 7:3 according to the requirements of Random Forest Model. The training group consisted of 102 patients (42 IDH1 mutant and 60 wild type) and the validation group included 44 patients (18 IDH1 mutant and 26 wild type). Conventional MRI features of two independent samples (IDH1 mutant and wild type) were evaluated by the Visually Accessible Rembrandt Images (VASARI) scoring system, Texture analysis (TA) of ADC image was based on the entire tumor volume and peritumoral edema and was used as Principal component analysis (PCA) to screen texture features labels. Random forest diagnosis models (VASARI+TumorADC、VASARI+TumorADC+EdemaADC) were constructed on the basis of morphological single-factor variables, texture feature labels. Result: The diagnostic accuracy of the random forest diagnosis model (VASARI+Tumor ADC) was 71.5%, the specificity was 75.40%, and the AUC was 0.769, The model (VASARI+TumorADC +peritumoral edema ADC ) was 80.9%, 79.5% ,and 0.819 correspondingly. Conclusion: The texture parameters of peritumoral edema ADC image were non-invasive markers to predict IDH1 mutational status and they have played a certain role in improving the efficiency of diagnostic model.
Geological and Geochemical Characteristics of Low-Arsenic Groundwater in The Karamay Area Between Two High Arsenic Areas of Xinjiang, China
Authors: Li Qiao , Tao Hongfei , Aihemaiti Mahemujiang , Jiang Youwei , Yang Wenxin , Jiang Jun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The groundwater of several regions in Xinjiang, China, including the Kuitun and the Manas River Basins in the Junggar Basin, is heavily polluted with arsenic. However, the arsenic content of the groundwater of the Karamay area located within the Junggar Basin is relatively low and below the recommended drinking water limit. In our study, we analyze the factors that result in this anomaly. The geological and geochemical characteristics of the water-bearing system in this area were investigated by analyzing water samples, carrying out hydrogeological surveys, and statistical techniques. Since the Carboniferous, the geological development and subsequent structural evolution resulted in a lower arsenic concentration in groundwater of the Karamay region than that of the Kuitun River Basin and the Manasi River Basin. The missing high-energy sedimentary environment in the Middle-Upper Permian and the composition of sediments controlled the characteristics of the multi-layer aquifer in this area. We find that the lack of arsenic sources, neutral and slightly alkaline environment, water injection to extract oil, and the Irtysh River Diversion to Urumqi Project, result in better groundwater quality and lower arsenic pollution in this area.
Sildenafil for Asian Adult Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Shi Qianling , Wang Zijun , Yang Nan , Ma Yanfang , Chen Yaolong , Yao Hua 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: The prognosis of patients with untreated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has historically been poor. Previous studies have recommended that sildenafil was beneficial, but the dose varies greatly. We aimed to evaluate sildenafil effectiveness and safety in dose of 20mg/three times a day (TID) for Asian adult patients with PAH. Methods: Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI and Wanfang Data) from their inception to May 2020 were searched. We included all randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies of interventions that comparing sildenafil (20mg/TID) versus placebo or symptomatic treatment for PAH Asian adults. Results: Eight studies totaling 364 participants were included. When compared to symptomatic treatment, sildenafil treated patients were more likely to walk 68.3 meters further in six-minute walk distance [mean difference (MD)=68.3 meters, 95% confidence interval (CI) 48.85 to 87.76, P＜0.00001], to achieve an improvement in systemic arterial oxygen saturation (MD=2.48%, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.71, P＜0.00001) and in score on the Borg scale of dyspnea (MD=-0.99 points, 95% CI -1.45 to -0.53, P＜0.00001). The total number of patients with WHO class III and IV also showed downtrend. When compared to placebo, sildenafil was associated with a greater reduction in the mean pulmonary artery pressure (MD=-4.13 mmHg, 95% CI -6.52 to -1.74, P=0.0007) and level of brain natriuretic peptide (MD=-86.16 pg /mL, 95% CI -103.39 to -68.93, P＜0.00001). The most adverse reactions were headache, flushing, dyspepsia, and diarrhea, which were relatively mild. Conclusions: Sildenafil in dose of 20mg/TID is well tolerated in Asian adults with PAH, and associated with statistically significant improvements in exercise capacity, cardio-pulmonary function and haemodynamic indices. The long-term prognosis still needs to be evaluated and confirmed by further trials.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020190582
PrAna: An R package to calculate and visualize England NHS primary care prescribing data
Authors: Jagadeesan Kishore Kumar , Grant James , Griffin Sue , Barden Ruth , Kasprzyk-Hordern Barbara 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
The objective of this work to calculate prescribed quantity of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in prescription medications for human use, to facilitate research on the prediction of amount of API released to the environment and create an open-data tool to facilitate spatiotemporal and long-term prescription trends for wider usage.
Design
We have developed an R package, PrAna to calculate the prescribed quantity (in kg) of an APIs by postcode using England’s national level prescription data provided by National Health Service, for the years 2015–2018. Datasets generated using Prana can be visualized in a real-time interactive web-based tool, PrAnaViz to explore spatiotemporal and long-term trends. The visualisations can be customised by selecting month, year, API, and region.
Results
PrAnaViz’s targeted API approach is demonstrated with the visualisation of prescribed quantities of 14 APIs in the Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) region during 2018. Once the APIs list is loaded, the back end retrieves relevant data and populates the graphs based on user-defined data features in real-time. These plots include the prescribed quantity of APIs over a year, by month, and individual API by month, general practice, postcode, and medicinal form. The non-targeted API approach is demonstrated with the visualisation of clarithromycin prescribed quantities at different postcodes in the BANES region.
Conclusion
PrAna and PrAnaViz enables the analysis of spatio-temporal and long-term trends with prescribed quantities of different APIs by postcode. This can be used as a support tool for policymakers, academics and researchers in public healthcare, and environmental scientist to monitor different group of pharmaceuticals emitted to the environment and for prospective risk assessment of pharmaceuticals in the environment.
Thermal Decomposition and Kinetic Analysis of a Mil-88a Metal-organic Framework
Authors: Moustafa M. G. , Aboraia Abdelaziz M. , Elmasry F. , Butova Vera V. , Soldatov Alexander 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The thermal decomposition of the MIL-88A metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is studied, for the first time, at various heating rates under air and Nitrogen. The precursors of a MIL-88A material revealed water evaporation and remaining solvent molecules in the framework structure at low-temperatures range while at the high-temperatures range, the organic skeleton collapse; in the meantime, Fe0.94O and the shell of graphitized carbon are formed. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curves of MIL-88A moved slowly to the high-temperatures region with increasing heating rates. Additionally, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) curves of MIL-88A provided a change in the peak intensity, indicating the difference in the sample weight loss. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the as-prepared sample confirmed the existence of a single hexagonal MIL-88A without any impurities of other phases. However, XRD exhibited two phases Fe0.94O and F0, after annealing. TEM of the annealed sample also asserted the creation of a carbon layer on the surface. The activation energy and kinetic parameter of the MIL-88A material offered higher values as the exothermic peak increased. Interestingly, the thermal decomposition of the MIL-88A material is effective in investigating the temperature effect on the pyrolysis process that can benefit in energy storage applications.