bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Responsiveness and Convergent Validity of QLU-C10D and EQ-5D-3L in Assessing Short-Term Quality of Life Following Esophagectomy
Authors: Bulamu Norma B. , Vissapragada Ravi , Chen Gang , Ratcliffe Julie , Mudge Louise A. , Smithers Mark B , Isenring Elizabeth A. , Smith Lorelle , Jamieson Glyn G , Watson David I 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Aim: This study assessed the responsiveness and convergent validity of two preference-based measures; the newly developed cancer-specific EORTC Quality of Life Utility Measure-Core 10 dimensions (QLU-C10D) relative to the generic three-level version of the EuroQol 5 dimensions (EQ-5D-3L) in evaluating short-term quality-of-life outcomes/utilities after esophagectomy.Methods: Participants were enrolled in a multicentre 2×2 factorial randomised controlled trial to determine the impact of preoperative and postoperative immunonutrition versus standard nutrition in patients with esophageal cancer. Quality-of-life was assessed seven days before and 42 days after esophagectomy. Standardized Response Mean and Effect Size were calculated to assess responsiveness. Ceiling effects for each dimension were calculated as the proportion of the best level responses for that dimension. Convergent validity was assessed using Spearman’s correlation and the level of agreement was explored using Bland–Altman plots. Regression analysis was performed to identify which demographic and clinical factors influenced quality of life. Results: Respondents were 164, predominantly male (81%) with mean age of 63 years. Quality-of-life significantly reduced on both measures with large effect sizes (>80), and greater mean difference on QLU-C10D. Ceiling effects were observed with social activities (86%), mobility (67%), anxiety (55%) and pain (19%) dimensions on EQ-5D-3L. For QLU-C10D ceiling effects were observed with emotional function (53%), physical function (16%), nausea (35%), sleep (31%), bowel problems (21%) and pain (20%). A strong correlation (r=0.71) was observed between EQ-5D-3L anxiety and QLU-C10D emotional function dimensions. Good agreement (3.7% observations outside the limits of agreement) was observed between the utility scores. Blood loss and blood transfusion predicted EQ-5D-3L utility while smoking and tumour length >3cm were predictive of QLU-C10D utility. Changes in QLQ-C30 dimensions of emotional function, role function and pain were predictive of changes in EQ-5D-3L utility while changes in physical, social and role function as well as all the symptom scales were predictive of change in QLU-C10D utility. Conclusion: Although there is strong agreement between utility scores, QLU-C10D was more sensitive to short-term utility changes following esophagectomy. Cognisant of requirements by policy makers to apply generic utility measures in cost effectiveness studies, disease-specific measures should be used alongside the generic measures. Trial registrationThe trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12611000178943) on the 15th February 2011.
Metabolic Profiling in Mice Infected with Echinococcosis
Authors: Zhu Mingxing , Du Xiancai , Xu Hongxia , Yang Songhao , Wang Chan , Zhu Yazhou , Zhang Tingrui , zhao wei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Echinococcosis is a severe zoonotic parasitic disease, which seriously affects the health of the hosts. The diagnosis of echinococcosis depends on objective detection of clinical symptoms. However, the patient is often in the late stage of the disease when the symptoms appear, limiting the early diagnosis of echinococcosis. The treatment and prognosis of the patients are seriously hampered due to long-term asymptomatic latency. Metabolomics is a new discipline developed in the late 1990s. It reflects a series of biological responses in a pathophysiological process by demonstrating the changes in metabolism under the influence of internal and external factors. When the organism is invaded by pathogens, the alteration in characteristics of metabolites in cells becomes exceedingly sensitive. Here, we used a liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system-based metabolomics approach to determine the molecular mechanism of cystic echinococcosis (CE) and to develop an effective method for CE diagnosis. Methods: Eight-weeks-old female Balb/c mice were divided into normal and Echinococcus granulosus infection groups. To develop the Echinococcus granulosus infection model, mice were infected with protoscolex. Six weeks later, the abdomen of mice was obviously bulged. An LC-MS/MS system-based metabolomics approach was used for the analysis of the liver and feces to reveal the metabolic profiles of mice with echinococcosis. Results: We found that the metabolism of nucleotides, alkaloids, amino acids, amides, and organic acids in mice is closely interrelated with Echinococcus granulosus infectionConclusion: The metabolomics approach used in this study provides a reference for a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic and screening method for echinococcosis.
LncRNA SUMO1P3 Aggravates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis by Targeting miR-93-5p / Bin1
Authors: Lin Xuefeng , Ma Aiqun Ma 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background/AimsNon-coding RNA plays a critical role in myocardial apoptosis induced by doxorubicin (DOX). However, the specific function of Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) small ubiquitin-like modifier 1 pseudogene 3 (SUMO1P3) is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of lncRNA SUMO1P3 in myocardial apoptosis induced by DOX. MethodsQRT-PCR were used to detect the expression levels of SUMO1P3 and miR-93-5p in DOX-treated primary cardiomyocytes and rat models. QRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of Bin1 in DOX-treated primary cardiomyocytes and rat models. The relationship between SUMO1P3, miR-93-5p and Bin1 was analyzed using bioinformatics analysis and Luciferase reporter assay. The effects of DOX on the viability and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes were evaluated by flow cytometry and CCK-8. The effects of SUMO1P3 on cardiomyocyte apoptosis were analyzed by TUNEL staining and echocardiography. ResultsIn DOX-treated primary cardiomyocytes and rat models, the expression levels of SUMO1P3 and Bin1 were significantly increased, while the expression levels of miR-93-5p were significantly reduced. MiR-93-5p was a direct target gene of SUMO1P3, and Bin1 was a direct target gene of miR-93-5p. In addition, miR-93-5p reversed the protective effect of SUMO1P3 knockout on cardiomyocytes by inhibiting the expression of Bin1. ConclusionSUMO1P3 inhibited DOX-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis through miR-93-5p/Bin1 axis.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Reaction of Divinyl-Substituted Laddersiloxanes
Authors: Liu Yujia , Endo Aimi , Zhang Peiyao , Takizawa Akira , Takeda Nobuhiro , Ouali Armelle , Unno Masafumi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose Silsesquioxanes with well-defined structures have been of great interest recently because of their superior properties. Among them, laddersiloxanes (ladder-type silsesquioxanes with defined structure) were less explored because step-by-step synthesis is usually necessary. In order to investigate the properties of laddersiloxane, and apply these compounds to the monomers of high function materials, we prepared laddersiloxanes with reactive vinyl groups.MethodsThe target compounds were obtained in a two-step reaction from commercially available alkoxysilanes, and total yields were good. Three stereoisomers included in the products were fully investigated by spectroscopic methods and structures were determined. ResultsAs an extension of our previous research of constructing new laddersiloxanes, here we will describe the synthesis, characterization, and functionalization of novel divinyl-substituted laddersiloxanes. Further transformation of all products proceeded smoothly, and extended laddersiloxanes were obtained by hydrosilylation. One of the isomers was isolated and the structure was determined unequivocally by X-ray analysis. ConclusionThe laddersiloxanes described here have two reactive vinyl groups at each end of the molecule. Various reactions including hydrosilylation, polymerization, or olefin metathesis are possible, thus these compounds can be potential monomers for highly functionalized materials.
Driving after total knee and hip arthroplasty - an observational study from the perspective of rehabilitative orthopaedic therapy
Authors: Lazar Tiberiu-Adrian , Edelmann Martin , Awiszus Friedemann , Lohmann Christoph 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective

Considering the legal stipulations in Germany regarding fitness to drive a motor vehicle, the aim of this study is to find out when patients with a TKA or THA actually take up driving again after surgery; how the replaced joint, side, gender, place of residence and physician’s recommendations, influences the patient in making the decision to start driving again.
Background

For a large proportion of the population, especially those residing in the countryside, the use of a car for daily activities is indispensable. Following a TKA or THA procedure, the overseeing physician will usually recommend refraining from driving, sometimes up to 12 weeks after surgery with a major social and economical impact on patient’s life.
Methods

92 eligible participants, contained within the frame of a prospective experimental observational study, were contacted via telephone 12 weeks after surgery and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The answers were statistically analysed using SPSS®.
Discussion

There were statistically significant differences regarding operated side, gender and place of residence. Male patients drove in the 6th and 7th postoperative week, while female patients drove in the 8th and 9th postoperative week. For 58.6% of patients the reasoning for the first post-operative drive was medical: the journey to physiotherapy or to a doctor’s appointment. TKA impaired patients the most. Patients recovering from a TKA drive considerably later. Patients recovering from a right sided TKA have an increased risk by a factor of nine, not to become an “early driver”. Female patients who underwent TKA had an increased risk by a factor of 21, of becoming a “late driver”.
Conclusions

The rehabilitation following a right sided TKA proved a challenge with regard to the reuptake of driving. This should be taken into account when planning the course of therapy for patients who are regular drivers. Female patients could benefit from special training.
Trial registration:
DRKS00018693. Registered 20 September 2019 https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00018693
Andrographolide Promotes Proliferative and Osteogenic Potentials of Human Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Through the Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling.
Authors: Phunikom Naruphong , Boonmeun Nittaya , Suksen Kanoknetr , Kheolamai Pakpoom , Manochantr Sirikul , Tantrawatpan Chairat , Tantikanlayaporn Duangrat 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
IntroductionThe in vitro expansion and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow (BM-hMSCs) are considered as potential therapeutic tools for clinical applications in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, invasive sampling and reduction in number and proliferative capacity with age are the major limitations of BM-hMSCs. Recently, human placenta-derived MSCs (PL-hMSCs) obtained by a non-invasive procedure have attracted much interest. Attempts to increase the potential of PL-hMSCs would be an important paradigm in regenerative medicine. Herein, we examined the proliferative and osteogenic effect of andrographolide (AP) on PL-hMSCs. MethodsMesenchymal stem cells were isolated from full-term normal human placentas and were characterized before using. Cell cytotoxicity and proliferative effect of AP were examined by MTT and BrdU assay, respectively. The non-toxicity concentrations of AP were further assessed for osteogenic effect determined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression and activity, alizarin red staining, and osteoblast-specific gene expressions. Screening of genes involved in osteogenic differentiation related pathways modulated by AP were explored by a NanoString nCounter analysis. ResultsPL-hMSCs generated in this study met the MSCs criteria set by the International Society of Cellular Therapy. AP has no cytotoxic effect on PL-hMSCs up to 10 μM. The compound increased PL-hMSCs proliferation concomitant with increases in Wnt/ β-catenin level and activity. It also enhanced osteogenic differentiation in association with osteoblast-specific mRNA expression. Further, AP promoted bone formation and increased bone structural protein level, osteocalcin, in osteoblastic cells. Gene screening analysis showed the upregulation of genes related to Wnt/β-catenin, TGFβ/BMP, SMAD and FGF signaling pathways. ConclusionWe demonstrated, for the first time, the potential role of AP in promoting proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and osteoblast bone formation of PL-hMSCs. This study suggests that AP may be an effective novel agent for the improvement of PL-hMSCs and stem cell-based therapy for bone regeneration.
Progressive Failure Analysis of Composite/aluminum Riveted Joint Subjected to Pull-through Loading
Authors: yang yuxing , Bao Yongjie , Liu Xueshu , Wang Jinlong , Du Fengming 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The progressive failure mechanism of composite/aluminum riveted joint subjected to pull-through loading was investigated by experiments and finite element method. The pull-through tests were conducted and its load-displacement responses were analysed. A progressive damage model based on the Hashin-type criteria and zero-thickness cohesive zone method was developed by VUMAT subroutine, which was validated by both open-hole tensile test and three-point bending test. Load-displacement response, failure modes and damage propagation were analysed and compared with the experimental results. Major conclusions: 1) there are 4 obvious characteristic stages on the load-displacement curve: first load take-up stage, damage stage, second load take-up stage and failure stage; 2) relative error of stiffness, first load peak and second load peak between finite element method and experiments were 8.1%, -3.3% and 10.6%, respectively; 3) specimen was mainly broken by rivet-penetration fracture and delamination of plies of the composite laminate; 4) the material within the scope of the rivet head is more dangerous with more serious tensile damages than other regions, especially for 90° plies.
Ectopic Expression of a Novel Cold-resistance Protein 1 (BoCRP1) from Brassica Oleracea Promotes Tolerance to Cold via Modulating Stress Associated Components
Authors: Wani Umer Majeed , Sheikh Tahir Majeed , Raja Vaseem , Wani Zubair Ahmad , Jan Nelofer , Andrabi Khurshid Iqbal , John Riffat 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Cold stress is considered as a major environmental factor that adversely affect the plant growth and distribution. Therefore, there arises an immediate need to cultivate effective strategies aimed at developing stress-tolerant crops that would boost the production and minimise the risks associated with cold stress. In this study, a novel cold-responsive protein1 isolated from Brassica oleracea (BoCRP1) was ectopically expressed in a cold susceptible tomato genotype Shalimar 1 and its function was investigated in response to chilling stress. BoCRP1 was constitutively expressed in all the tissues of B. oleracea including leaf, root and stem however, its expression was found to be significantly increased in response to cold stress. Moreover, transgenic tomato plants expressing BoCRP1 exhibited increased tolerance to chilling stress (4oC) with an overall improved rate of seed germination, increased root length, reduced membrane damage and increase in accumulation of osmoprotectants. Furthermore, we observed increased transcript levels of stress responsive genes and enhanced accumulation of ROS scavenging enzymes in transgenic on exposure to chilling stress. These results are therefore strongly in support of the role of BoCRP1 in offering the plant a protective shield and heightened resilience to chilling stress by maintaining osmotic balance, utilising the cellular antioxidant system and enhancing the transcription of cold responsive genes.
A Patient of Neurocysticercosis Misdiagnosed as Tuberculous Meningitis for 26 Years: a Case Report
Authors: Wang Yiyi , Guan Hongzhi , Liu Yuan , Lu Liandi , Li Qian , Yu-Zhao  , Zhen Xiaohan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a neurological infection caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium (T. solium). The diagnosis of NCC can be challenging because of heterogeneity in clinical manifestation. Neurocysticercosis is easily misdiagnosed as tuberculous meningitis (TBM).Case presentation: We describe a case of subarachnoid neurocysticercosis with 28 years illness course misdiagnosed as TBM for 26 years. The patient presented with symptoms of repeated headache, fever, serious low back and legs pain, and vomiting, occasional seizure and lose of consciousness. The neurological assessments revealed stiff neck and right plantar and saddle numbness. Lumbar puncture results revealed obvious intracranial hypertension, pleocytosis, elevated protein level, and decreased glucose level. Magnetic resonance imaging showed meningeal enhancement of brain, cystlike structure in the lumbosacral sac and the clumping of the nerve roots of the cauda equina. Five recurrent episodes occurred in twenty-eight years. TBM was considered as a probable etiology and was treated for tuberculosis empirically with adjunctive corticosteroids for 26 years. In the first three hospitalizations, During this period, the patient was hospitalized three times. In 2016, The local hypertrophic pachymeningitis were considered as a probable etiology. She was treated with steroid pulse therapy. At her fifth relapse, in 2018, next-generation sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) identified the patient was NCC, T. solium infection. Her symptoms and CSF examination were relieved after etiological treatment. Conclusions: Neurocysticercosis is easily misdiagnosed as TBM. Meanwhile, adjunctive corticosteroids therapy can alleviate the symptom of TBM and NCC. So we suggest that NCC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of TBM. NGS of CSF is a promising tool for the diagnosis of NCC.
CMTM6 Promotes Migration, Invasion, and EMT by Interacting with and Stabilizing Vimentin in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Huang Xiaoting , Xiang Leyang , Wang Baiyao , Hu Jijie , Liu Chunshan , Ren Anbang , Du Kunpeng , Ye Gengtai , Liang Yingying , Tang Yunqiang , Yang Dinghua , Yuan Yawei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundCKLF like MARVEL transmembrane domain containing 6 (CMTM6) has been associated with the development in many kinds of cancers. However, the roles of CMTM6 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are largely unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the function of CMTM6 in HCC.MethodsWe analysed CMTM6 levels and functions using human HCC cell lines, paired HCC and adjacent non-tumorous tissues, and a tissue microarray. CMTM6 expression was silenced using short hairpin RNAs and its was overexpressed from a lentivirus vector. CMTM6 mRNA and protein levels were determined using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR and western blotting, respectively. Proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion were assessed using a Cell counting kit-8, colony formation, wound-healing, and Matrigel invasion assays, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was used to score the expression of CMTM6 in tissue samples. The localization and binding partners of CMTM6 were investigated using immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation experiments, respectively. A mouse xenograft model was used for in vivo studies.ResultsCompared with that in adjacent, non-cancerous tissue, Here, CMTM6 levels were increased in HCC tissue samples. Silencing of CMTM6 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. Conversely, CMTM6 overexpression enhanced HCC cell invasion, migration, and proliferation. Mechanistically, CMTM6 physically interacts with and stabilizes vimentin, thus inducing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which promotes proliferation, migration and invasion. Importantly, in HCC tissues, CMTM6 expression correlated positively with vimentin levels. Poor prognosis of HCC was associated significantly with higher CMTM6 expression. ConclusionsCMTM6 has an important function in HCC proliferation, migration, and invasion, via its interaction with and stabilization of vimentin. CMTM6 might represent a potential biomarker and therapeutic target to treat HCC.
Application Effect Analysis of Three Methods of Heating and Humidification for Weaning Patients in ICU
Authors: Wu Yongxing , Bai Jiyu , Zhu XingQing , Zhu Zhijing 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objectives To investigate the effects of artificial nose, Venturi device+thermostatic humidification T-tube, Venturi device+thermostatic humidification T-tube+PEEP valve in patients with tracheotomy in ICU.Design: Cohort study.Setting: Tertiary academic medical center.Patients: A total of 215 patients were engaged in this study. Clinical and laboratory examination data were used to determine the heating and humidification efficiency of 3 different methods.Methods: We conducted randomized controlled trial. Patients who successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation were enrolled, and every patient was randomized to receive one of the above three interventions. Three groups of patients were compared in terms of vital signs, the effect of artificial airway heating and humidification, and blood gas indicators. Basic patient data (age, gender, mechanical ventilation duration, ICU stay, disease type) were recorded. Vital signs include heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation; The effect of heating and humidifying the artificial airway were defined as the number of sputum suction and coughing within 24 hours, sputum characteristics, whether there is bloody sputum formation, whether there is phlegm callus formation; Blood gas indicators include pH, oxygen partial pressure, carbon dioxide partial pressure, lactic acid, residual base, and bicarbonate.Results: In terms of the heating and humidification effect of patients in ICU, the heating and humidification effect of the Venturi device+T-tube method and the Venturi device+the T-tube +PEEP valve method were significantly superior to those of artificial nasal method (sputum suction number: P =0.0001; sputum scab: P =0.03; Number of cough: P =0.007).SpO2 was significantly higher (P =0.004) in the Venturi device+T tube+PEEP valve than that in the Venturi device+T tube.Conclusion: Compared with the artificial nose method, the T-piece+venturi device and thermostatic heating and humidifying T-tube +PEEP valve method is better. In terms of improving oxygenation, the Venturi device and the thermostatic humidification T tube +PEEP valve could improve the patient's oxygen sum more than the Venturi device and the thermostatic humidification T tube.
Centers and limit cycles for a generalized kukles differential systems of degree 8
Authors: Damene Loubna , Benterki Rebiha 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this paper we provide all the global phase portraits of the generalized kukles differential systems x= y; y = x + ax8 + bx6y2 + cx4y4 + dx2y6 + ey8; symmetric with respect to the x{axis, with a2 + b2 + c2 + d2 + e2 6= 0, and by using the averaging theory up to seven order, we give the upper bounds of limit cycles which can bifurcate from its center when we perturb it inside the class of all polynomial differential systems of degree 8. The main tool used for proving these results is based in the first integrals of the systems which form the discontinuous piecewise differential systems.