bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demographic factors affecting the quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Lee Tian-Shyug , Liu Hsiang-Chuan , Tsaur Wei-Guang , Lee Shih-Pin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) affects the quality of life (QOL) of elderly people, this study examines the demographic characteristics and QOL of patients with knee OA and identifies demographic characteristics that affect the QOL of these patients.
Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 30 healthy controls and 60 patients with mild-to-moderate bilateral knee OA aged between 55 and 75 years were enrolled. All participants completed a questionnaire containing questions on 10 demographic characteristics and the Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and their QOL scores in the eight dimensions of the SF-36 were evaluated.
Results

In the OA group, significant correlations were observed between monthly disposable income and physical and mental health components. Monthly disposable income was found to considerably affect the QOL of patients with knee OA.
Conclusion

Monthly disposable income is a crucial factor affecting the QOL of patients with bilateral knee OA. The findings of this study may provide a reference for formulating preventive strategies for healthy individuals and for future confirmatory research.
Trial registration:

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Fu Jen Catholic University (FJU-IRB NO: C107179).
Identification of Novel Variants in 8 Families With Meige Syndrome Using Whole-exome Sequencing
Authors: Wang Zhi-Bin , Qu Jian , Zhang Ying , Shu Yi , Zhou Hong-Hao , Mao Xiao-Yuan , Liu Zhao-Qian 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Meige syndrome is a type of cranial dystonia characterized by blepharospasm and infraorbital dystonia and may be related to movement disorders of the mandibular and facial muscles, mouth, jaw, tongue, pharynx and cervical muscles. However, the etiopathogenesis of this disease condition remains unknown. Our present study aimed to find clues to the pathogenic factors of Meige Syndrome using whole-exome sequencing. Results: The study included 13 clinically diagnosed patients with Meige syndrome, a subtype of facial dystonia, from eight families (marked as Family 1 to Family 8) and two matched controls in two of the eight families. The genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood for whole-exome sequencing (WES). Quality control filtering, genome repeat filtering, genomAD/1000g filtering, exonic & splicing site filtering, hazard filtering, Varsome (ACMG) filtering were used to find the genes predicted to be damaging in Meige Syndrome. Among 582,715 SNP or indel variants. One variant in PALM3 (rs374267554, NC_000019.9:g.14167249G>A) passed our analysis and detection criteria. We verified the variant site using Sanger sequencing in another 48 patients. Structural analysis of the PALM3 variant predicted its potential effects on pathogenicity.Conclusions: Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the impact of the PALM3 variant on the pathogenicity of Meige Syndrome. Sequencing PALM3 in larger Meige Syndrome cohorts and functional studies will need to be performed to further elucidate the association between PALM3 and the disease.
Acupoint Nanocomposite Hydrogel for Simulation of Acupuncture and Targeted Delivery of Triptolide Against Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ren Shujing , Liu Heng , Wang Xitong , Bi Jiquan , Lu Shengfeng , Zhu Chenqi , Li Huizhu , Chen Rui , Chen Zhipeng 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAttenuating the inﬂammatory response and relieving pain are two therapeutical goals for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are often associated with many adverse effects due to nonspecific distribution. New drug delivery systems with effective targeting ability and other complementary strategies are on urgent need to be explored. To achieve this goal, an acupoint drug delivery system that can simulate acupuncture in relieving pain and targeted deliver anti-inflammatory drugs is constructed, which can co-deliver 2-chloro-N (6)-cyclopentyl adenosine (CCPA) and triptolide (TP). ResultsWe have successfully demonstrated that the nanocomposite hydrogel composed of TP-Human serum album nanoparticles (HSA NPs) and CCPA could effectively treat the RA. We found that this combination therapy can enhance analgesic effects while the mechanical pain threshold was 5.2 times compared with model group, and the thermal pain threshold was 1.4 times. Acupoint nanocomposite hydrogel could not only improve the accumulation of the designed nanomedicine in arthritic paws (13.5% higher than those in non-acupoint at 48h), but also cooperate with nanomedicine to exert synergetic improvement of inflammation and reduction of systemic toxicity. Furthermore, it can regulate inflammatory factors and restore the balance of Th17/Treg cell which provide a novel effective treatment strategy for RA.ConclusionThis novel therapeutic approach-acupoint nanocomposite hydrogel, builds a bridge between acupuncture and drugs which sheds light on the combination of traditional and modern medicine.
Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside Inhibits the β-catenin/MGMT Pathway by Upregulating miR-214-5p to Reverse Chemotherapy Resistance in Glioma Cells
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Chen Li , Ding Deping , Li Ziheng , Cheng Li , You Qiuyun , Zhang Shunbo 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Overcoming resistance to alkylating agents has important clinical significance in glioma. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) has a tumor-suppressive effect on tumor cells. However, whether it plays a role in temozolomide resistance in glioma is still unclear. We construct a TMZ-resistant glioma LN-18/TR cells, observe the effect of C3G on TMZ resistance in these cells, and explore the role of miR-214-5p in chemoresistance.Results show that β-catenin and MGMT were significantly upregulated in LN-18/TR cells. C3G upregulated miR-214-5p and enhanced the cytotoxic effect of temozolomide on LN-18/TR cells. C3G downregulated β-catenin and MGMT. The miR-214-5p mimic downregulated β-catenin and MGMT in LN-18/TR cells, whereas the miR-214-5p inhibitor had the opposite effect. The miR-214-5p inhibitor significantly blocked the cyanidin-3-O-glucoside-induced downregulation of β-catenin and MGMT. C3G or the miR-214-5p mimic enhanced temozolomide-induced apoptosis in LN-18/TR cells, whereas the miR-214-5p inhibitor blocked this effect. Further, C3G or miR-214-5p agomir combined with TMZ could significantly inhibit the growth of LN-18/TR tumors. Our research has discovered the potential signaling mechanism associated with C3G-mediated suppression of TMZ resistance in LN-18/TR cells through miR-214-5p, which can facilitate the treatment of MGMT-induced resistance in glioma cells.
Efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light and Meibomian Gland Expression Treatments in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhou Qi , Liu Chao , Gao Zi-Qing , Li Juan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose: This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light treatment (IPLT) combined with meibomian gland expression treatments(MGXT) in meibomian gland dysfunction.Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared the efficacy of IPLT and MGXT in the treatment of dry eye disease (DED). The meibomian gland yielding secretion score was the primary outcome, whereas the secondary outcomes included the Meiboscore, tear breakup time in seconds, Standard Patient Evaluation for Eye Dryness and Corneal Fluorescein Staining .Results: This study consisted of 6 trials with 326 patients. Significantly greater improvement was observed in meibomian gland yielding secretion score at 1 month [MD: 13.69 (95% CI, 11.98, 15.40)] and at 3 months [MD: 11.03 (95% CI, 10.27, 11.80)], low meibomian gland yielding secretion score at 1 month [MD: 6.92 (95% CI, 5.49, 8.34)] and at 3 months MD: 6.80 (95% CI, 5.01, 8..59)], up meibomian gland yielding secretion score at 1 month [MD: 6.41 (95% CI, 4.12, 8.70)] and at 3 months [MD: 8.06 (95% CI, 5.70, 10.42)] and tear breakup time at 1 month [MD: 2.38 (95% CI, 1.83, 2.92)] and at 3 months [MD: 1.82 (95% CI, 1.48, 2.19)] in the IPL-MGX group than in the MGX group.Conclusions: IPL-MGX is safer and more efficacious as compared to the MGX alone in the treatment of patients with MGD-related dry eye. We recommend discussing the decision with the ophthalmologist for an appropriate choice.
Identification and Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria From Patients With Hospital Acquired Pneumonia in Southwest of Iran; Evaluation of Biofilm Production and Molecular Typing of Bacterial Isolates
Authors: Mazloomirad Farzad , Hasanzadeh Sajad , Sharifi Asghar , Nikbakht Gordafarin , Roustaei Narges , Khoramrooz Seyed Sajjad 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundHospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) HAP is the most second nosocomial infection and the most common infection in the intensive care unit. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria, their biofilm formation and molecular typing in sputum samples from patients with HAP in southwest of Iran.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 58 patients with HAP were included in this study. Clinical samples including sputum andendotracheal aspirate collected from each patient under aseptic conditions and were sent to the Microbiology Laboratory.Isolation and detection of bacteria were performed by culture and polymerase chain reaction methods.Biofilm formation was evaluated using by Congo red Agar or microtiter plate assay.A rep- PCR typing method was used for typing of gram-negative bacteria. MRSA isolates were typed using SCCmec typing method. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 15 and chi-square test.ResultsUsing culture method, bacteria identified in 52 (89.7 %) of patients. Acinetobacter baumannii was the most prevalent (37%) organism and followed by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. All of the A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa were biofilm producer. 12 cases (80%) of S. aureus isolates were MRSA and 91.6% of MRSA were SCCmec type III. The rep -PCR analysis showed 7 different patterns in 20 A. baumannii, 6 patterns in 13 P. aeruginosa and 4 patterns in 6 E. coli. Most of the A. baumanii isolates were multi drug resistant. Conclusion﻿A. baumanii was more prevalent in VAP, while S. aureus as a major pathogen in N- VAP that maybe related to tendency of A. baumannii to the aquatic environment. Biofilm production ability in bacteria increased antibiotic resistance, development of chronic and persistent infection in HAP. Based on rep- PCR typing method we concluded that bacteria transmitted from patients or health care workers among different wards of hospital. Colistin can be used as a treatment in gram negative MDR isolates.
Intraventricular hemorrhage clot clearance rate as an outcome predictor in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A retrospective study
Authors: Park Hae Gi , Kim Sunghan , Chung Joonho , Jang Chang Ki , Park Keun Young , Lee Jae Whan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
The development of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is linked with higher mortality and poor neurological recovery. Previous studies have investigated the effect of the amount and distribution of the initial IVH on the prognosis of aSAH. However, no studies have assessed the relationship between the changes in IVH over time and the prognosis of aSAH. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the clearance rate of IVH, which can be represented by the IVH clot clearance rate (CCR), on the outcomes of aSAH.
Methods
The IVH CCR was calculated based on the difference between the initial and follow-up modified Graeb scores (mGS), which were assessed by initial and 7-day follow-up brain computed tomography, respectively. Poor functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 3–6. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to assess the relationships between IVH CCR and other risk factors and the prognosis of patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to identify cut-off values of IVH CCR for predicting poor functional outcome.
Results
In total, 196 consecutive patients were diagnosed with aSAH between January 2014 and March 2018. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 67 patients were finally included in the study. The univariate analysis revealed that a lower IVH CCR (p < 0.001), higher initial mGS (p < 0.001), older age (p < 0.001), higher initial Hunt and Hess grade (p < 0.001), presence of delayed infarction (p = 0.03), and presence of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (p = 0.004) were significantly related to poor functional outcome. The multivariable analysis revealed that IVH CCR (odds ratio [OR] 0.941; p = 0.029), initial mGS (OR 1.632; p = 0.043), age (OR 1.561; p = 0.007), initial Hunt and Hess grade (OR 227.296; p = 0.030), and delayed infarction (OR 5310.632; p = 0.023) were independent predictors of poor functional outcome. Optimal cut-off values of IVH CCR and mGS for poor outcome were 36.27%, and 13.5, respectively (all p < 0.001).
Conclusions
The IVH CCR might have an important predictive value on poor functional outcome in patients with aSAH and IVH, along with initial mGS, age, initial Hunt and Hess grade, and delayed infarction.
Effect of Agro Waste Saline Treated Cellulose Nanofiller on Mechanical, Visco Elastic and Thermal Behaviour of Epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Rajan S. Thanga Kasi , J Nagarajan K , BALAJI A N , Basha K. Sathick 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
A New Factor Predicting Excessive Femoral Anteversion in Patients with Recurrent Patellar Dislocation
Authors: Dong Conglei , Hao Kuo , Zhao Chao , Wang Fei 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose Determining a new imaging method on full-leg standing lower limb radiographs to predict excessive femoral anteversion in patients with patellar dislocation.Methods This study included 119 patients with patellar dislocation from January 2014 to January 2021. The femoral anteversion and tibial torsion were measured by CT scanning. The medial condylar angle was measured by the full-leg standing lower limb radiographs. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between rotation parameters and medial condylar angle.Results Included patients were divided into DFO group and control group according to whether they received derotational femoral osteotomy (DFO) operation or not. There were significant statistical differences in femoral anteversion, tibial torsion and medial condylar angle between DFO group and control group (P < 0.05). This showed that there was a smaller medial condylar angle in patients undergoing DFO operation. Correlation analysis showed that the values of femoral anteversion were significantly correlated with medial condylar angle (r= -0.719, P < 0.001). Conclusion This study showed that medial condylar angle had a negative correlation with excessive femoral anteversion on the full-leg standing lower limb radiographs. The medial condylar angle can be a good predictor of femoral anteversion and can be used to guide the performance of DFO to treat patellar dislocation in clinical practice.
Multi-criteria Decision Analysis for Health Technology Assessment of Intensive Care Ventilators for Pediatric Patients.
Authors: Andellini Martina , Faggiano Francesco , Picardo Sergio Giuseppe , Testa Giuseppina , Perrotta Daniela , Bianchi Roberto , Nocchi Federico , Capussotto Carlo , Bassanelli Elena , Derrico Pietro , Pirozzi Nicola , Pecchia Leandro , Ritrovato Matteo 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe technological complexity and heterogeneity of intensive care ventilator models currently available on the market together with the heterogeneity in pediatric patients (0 to 18 years old), make the choice of the best machine for pediatric healthcare setting crucial.This paper is aimed at addressing all the critical aspects linked to the implementation of intensive care ventilators in a pediatric setting, highlighting the most relevant technical features and describing the methodology to conduct health technology assessment (HTA) for supporting the decision-making process.Four ventilators models were included in the assessment process. A decision-making support tool (DoHTA method) based on Analytic Hierarchy Process, was applied. 28 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were identified, defining the safety, clinical effectiveness, organizational, technical, and economic aspects. The Performance scores of each ventilator have been measured with respect to KPIs integrated with the total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis, leading to a final rank of the four possible technological solutions. ResultsThe final technologies’ performance scores reflected a deliver valued, contextualized, and shared outputs, detecting the most performant technological solution for the specific hospital context. HTA results had informed and supported the pediatric hospital decision-making process. ConclusionsThis study, identifying and discussing the pros and cons of innovative features of ventilators and all the evaluation criteria and aspects to be taken into account during the evaluation process, can be considered as a valuable proof of evidence as well as a reliable and transferable method for conducting a decision making process in a hospital context.
Investigating and Correlating Photoelectrochemical, Photocatalytic, and Antimicrobial Properties of TiO2 Nanolayers
Authors: Seiß Volker , Helbig Uta , Lösel Ralf , Eichelbaum Maik 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Semiconducting transition metal oxides such as TiO2 are promising photo(electro)catalysts for solar water splitting and photoreduction of CO2. Titania admixtures are also used in paints and building materials or as coating on window glass and medical devices, giving the modified materials antimicrobial, self-or even air-cleaning properties. Although TiO2 is an effective catalyst for all these applications, it is mechanistically important to distinguish between photoelectrocatalytic, photocatalytic and antimicrobial processes. In the former, TiO2 is usually electrically contacted as photoanode, i.e. only the oxidation reaction takes place at the titania surface. In the two latter applications, TiO2 works as heterogeneous catalyst and has to catalyze a complete redox cycle. The underlying common and diverging rate-determining photochemical and photoelectrochemical mechanisms are still not well understood. Here, we thus present a systematic structural, photoelectrocatalytic, photocatalytic and antimicrobial study to directly compare and correlate these properties. We prepared TiO2 thin films on flourine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates by a sol-gel spin-coating technique. The materials were annealed at temperatures between 200 and 600°C and their morphologies were studied by GIXRD, FESEM and EDX. Photoelectrochemical properties were measured by linear sweep voltammetry, photoelectrochemical impedance spectroscopy, chopped light chronoamperometry, and intensity modulated photocurrent/ photovoltage spectroscopy. For comparison, photocatalytic rate constants were determined by methylene blue and Escherichea coli degradation and correlated with the deduced photoelectrocatalytic parameters.
Nonlinear Vibration-Damping Investigation of a Vertical Cantilever Beam Simulation Aircraft tail via NTDSC Procedure
Authors: Taha Ashraf Taha El-sayed , Bauomy H.S. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
A nonlinear time delay saturation controller (NTDSC) used to minimize the vibrations of a vertical cantilever beam simulated as an airplane tail and exposed to harmonic force. A modified form of saturation-based controllers is given to lessen system vibrations. The perturbation technique is used to generate an approximate solution to evaluate the nonlinear behavior of this model. Time histories of the primary system and the controller are shown to demonstrate the reaction with and without control. The time-history response, as well as the impacts of the parameters on the system and controller, were simulated numerically using the MATLAB program. The Routh-Hurwitz criterion was used to show the stability investigation at simultaneous resonance. The impact of controller parameters and time delays on system response curves are examined. Time-delays are explored in the control loop for their implications on controller performance and system stability. The impacts of time delay are also investigated in order to establish the operation's safe zone. Validation curves are provided to show how closely the perturbation and numerical solutions are related. A comparison is made with recently released papers.
New Diagnostic Parameter for Neonatal Sepsis: Red Cell Distribution Width Fluctuations
Authors: Guo Bin-Fang , Wang Yu-Chun , Xu Ping-Ping 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the role of red cell distribution width (RDW) fluctuations in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study of the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database (version 1.4), newborns with sepsis were matched with patients without sepsis to analyze RDW as a diagnostic marker. Those newborns were analyzed based on gestational age, sex, and ethnicity. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to evaluate RDW fluctuation for sepsis diagnosis. Results: A total of 2456 neonates were included. RDW fluctuations showed better accuracy than the maximum RDW did (area under the curve (AUC): 0.88 vs. 0.81, sensitivity 92.10% vs. 78.70%; specificity 71.70% vs. 69.30%, respectively). Furthermore, logistic regression analysis showed a positive association between RDW fluctuation and the diagnosis of sepsis (odds ratio 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–1.18) after adjusting for gestational age, hemoglobin, and white blood cell count. Conclusion: RDW fluctuations might be a potential diagnostic marker for NICU patients with sepsis.