bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The polyphenol/saponin-rich Rhus tripartita extract has an apoptotic effect on THP-1 cells through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Tlili Hajer , Macovei Anca , Buonocore Daniela , Lanzafame Manuela , Najjaa Hanen , Lombardi Anita , Pagano Andrea , Dossena Maurizia , Verri Manuela , Arfa Abdelkarim Ben , Neffati Mohamed , Doria Enrico 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Hyperactivation of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of cellular growth, proliferation, and more in general, is a common phenomenon in most types of cancers. Thus, natural substances targeting this pathway can be of great therapeutic potential in supporting the treatment of tumor patients. Rhus tripartita (Ucria) Grande is a plant growing in desertic areas which is traditionally used for the treatment of several diseases in Tunisia. In the present work, the biochemical profile of the main compounds present in the plant leaf extract was determined and the anti-leukemic potential of the plant extracts against acute monocytic leukaemia (AML) THP-1 cells was investigated.
Methods

After HPLC identification of some phenolic compounds present in the plant extract and the quantification of saponin content, the cytotoxic effect of Rhus tripartita extracts on THP-1 cell culture was evaluated using the colorimetric MTT assay for cell viability. THP-1 cells were incubated with medium containing the relative IC50 concentrations of total plant extract, saponin extract and some standard compounds (rutin (R); kaempferol (K); mixture of catechin, epicatechin, and epicatechin-gallate (CEEG); ellagic acid (EA). Finally, qRT-PCR and western blotting analysis were used to evaluate the effect of some flavonoids present in a crude extract of polyphenols and the total extract of saponins on cell survival and apoptosis.
Results

Analysis of expression level of some gene (PIK3CA, PTEN, AKT1, mTOR, EIF4E, RPS6KB1, and TSC1) involved in the mTOR pathway and the phosphorylation of S6 and AKT proteins allowed to observe that a total Rhus tripartita extract and some of the compounds found in the extract controls THP-1 cell proliferation and apoptosis via regulation of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway.
Conclusion

Rhus tripartita-induced inhibition of cell cycle and induction of apoptosis may involve the mTOR pathway. Therefore, Rhus tripartita extract may be a useful candidate as a natural anti‑cancer drug to support the treatment of AML.
A printed millimeter-wave modulator and antenna array for low-complexity Gigabit-datarate backscatter communications
Authors: Daskalakis Spyridon , Georgiadis Apostolos , Kimionis John , Tentzeris Manos 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In this article, a low cost ink-jet printed millimeter-wave RF front-end for low-complexity Gigabit-datarate backscatter communications was designed, fabricated and measured. The RF front-end consists of a microstrip 5×1 series-fed patch antenna
array and a single E-pHEMT transistor, supporting a plethora of modulation formats, including binary phase shift keying
(BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), and quadrature amplitude modulation (16-QAM). The circuit was additively
manufactured using inkjet printing with silver nanoparticle (SNP) inks on a flexible liquid crystal polymer (LCP) substrate. A
mmWave transceiver was also designed in order to capture and downconvert the backscattered signals and route them for
digital signal processing. A bit rate of 2 Gbps of backscatter transmission is demonstrated at millimeter-wave frequencies 24-28
GHz, expanding the potential of backscatter radio as an ambitious low-energy, low-complexity communication system for future
IoT devices. By pushing the circuit complexity to a central station/access point, the radio’s footprint is minimized, which allows
additive manufacturing, resulting in significant implementation savings and compatibility with flexible platforms. The wideband
operation of these systems will enable broadband wireless transmission with less than 0.17 pJ/bit front-end consumption
at 2 Gbps and combined with sensing with low-power sensors and can be integrated with wearables for challenging mobile
applications in 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Hypertension Among Adults living in the City of Bandundu, Republic Democratic Republic of the Congo. A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study.
Authors: Mukoso Ferdinand , Nkodila Aliocha , Lepira François , Bayauli Pascal , Lubenga Yves , Kingama Benjamin , Shambo Joseph , Ndongala Tresor , Kamuanga Zéphirin , Nsu'kier Oscar , Lukanu Philippe , M'buyamba Jean René , Longo Benjamin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background and aim: In limited resource settings, reliable epidemiological data generated from hypertension high risk geographical areas or people is a prerequisite for the planning of proven and effective interventions. The aim of the present survey was to assess the prevalence, awareness, control and factors associated with hypertension in adults living in the port City of Bandundu, located in the southwestern part of DRC.Methods: a cross-sectional survey using a modified WHO STEPwise questionnaire for data collection during face-to face interviews was conducted from 1st May to 30th October 2018. A multistage cluster sampling method was used and inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years and informed consent. Information on demographic parameters, behavioral lifestyles, anthropometric and blood pressure (BP) measurements was obtained. Hypertension was defined as an average of two BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg or self-reported history of antihypertensive medication use. Independent factors associated with hypertension were identified using logistic regression analysis. P<0.05 defined the level of statistical significance. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 34,5% (Women 36,6 %). Older age (p<0.001), subclinical atherosclerosis (p= 0.021), sleep duration <8 hours (p<0.002), diabetes mellitus (p<0.001), and obesity (p= 0.009) emerged as main cardiovascular risk factors associated with hypertension.Conclusion: Hypertension was characterized by a high prevalence, low rate of awareness and suboptimal BP control, high cardiovascular risk and associated sleep duration and obesity as modifiable risk factors.
Pre-operation on 3D-print Model Can Improve Curative Effect of Percutaneous Kyphoplasty (PKP)
Authors: shen yuxin , xing Shitong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The 3D-print technology has been widely used in the medical field. The purpose of this study is to investigate the advantages of 3D-print model pre-operation for percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP).Methods: Before the operations of 25 Osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures (OVCF) cases as the experimental group, and 35 cases of the same disease in the same period were retrospectively selected as the control group without pre-operation. The 3D-print model was made by CT imagine. The puncture point and insertion angle were determined by the pre-operation on that model. The data recorded included data about operation time/fluoroscopy times/Changing channel times and preoperative and postoperative VAS(Visual Analogue Score), JOA(Japanese Orthopedic Association) score, Cobb’s angles.Results: There are significant advantages in the 3D printing group compared with the control group in the time of operation, the number of tunnel changes and the number of perspectives (p<0.05). The postoperative Cobbs angle is significantly improved (p<0.05) in both the short and long term compared with the control group. The recent postoperative VAS score is significantly lower than that in the control group (p<0.05), and there is no significant difference in the long-term postoperative VAS score. There is no significant difference between the two groups of JOA functional score and improvement index.Conclusions: preoperation with 3D-print model can significantly improve the accuracy, reduce the change times of tunnels, shorten the operation time and reduce the number of fluoroscopy. Postoperative pain can be better relieved.
Distribution of Fluoroquinolone Resistance Determinants in Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae Clinical Isolates Associated with Bloodstream Infections in China
Authors: Zhan Qing , Xu Yanlei , Wang Bingjie , Yu Jingyi , Shen Xiaofei , Liu Li , Cao Xingwei , Guo Yinjuan , Yu Fangyou 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background The rate of fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance among the carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is considerably high. The present study aimed to investigate the distribution of fluoroquinolone resistance determinants in CRKP clinical isolates associated with bloodstream infections (BSIs).Result A total of 149 carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates causing bloodstream infections (BSIs) collected from 11 Chinese teaching hospitals from 2015 to 2018 were investigated for the prevalence of fluoroquinolone resistance determinants including plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes and spontaneous mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs) of the gyrA and parC genes. Among 149 CRKP clinical isolates, 117 (78.5%) exhibited resistance to ciprofloxacin. The substitutions (Ser83→IIe/phe) and (Asp87→Gly/Ala) of GyrA were found among 112 (75.2%) of 149 isolates. And the substitution (Ser80→IIe) of ParC was found in 111 (74.5%) of 149 isolates. Seventy point five percent (105/149) CRKP isolates had at least two mutations within gyrA as well as a third mutation in parC. No mutation of QRDRs was found in 31 sensitive CRKP isolates. Eighty-nine (56.9%) of 149 were found to carry PMQR genes including qnrS1 (43.0%), aac(6')-Ib-cr (16.1%), qnrB4 (6.0%), qnrB2 (2.7%) and qnrB1 (1.3%). Nine isolates contained two or more PMQR genes, with one carrying four PMQR genes including aac(6')-Ib-cr, qnr-S1, qnrB2 and qnrB4). The co-existence rate of PMQR determinants and mutations of QRDRs in gyrA and parC reached 68.5% (61/89). Seventy-four (83.1%, 74/89) PMQR-positive isolates harbored ESBL genes. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis found that the ST types of PMQR-negative isolates were more concentrated relative to PMQR-positive isolates.Conclusion Mutations in QRDRs of gyrA and parC were the key factor leading to the high prevalence of fluoroquinolones resistance among CRKP causing BSIs. PMQR genes can promote QRDRs and increase the resistance level of CRKP to fluoroquinolones in clinical settings. ST11 CRKP isolates with the same substitution patterns in QRDRs spread throughout hospitals in China.
Search Strategy for Rare Microstructure to Optimize Material Properties of Filled Rubber
Authors: Kojima Takashi , Washio Takashi , Hara Satoshi , Koishi Masakata 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
A shortcut to understand the microstructure-property relationship is sampling and analysis of microstructures that induce the desired material property. In the case of filled rubber, the simulation of complex filler morphology involves hundreds of filler particles. This requires a large amount of iterative sampling, because the number of parameters is when using coordinates of the n particles as the search objective. Furthermore, the morphology that induces the desired property, e.g. extremely high modulus, only occurs rarely. In this paper, we propose an effective three-step search method for the filler morphology. In the first step, the replica exchange Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) was employed to discretely search among a wide range of morphologies. In this step, we reduced the filler morphology space in sampling by introducing distributed filler candidate points and spin function. In the second step, the gradient descent method was applied to search for the desired morphology locally in the high-dimensional space , starting from the morphologies obtained by the replica exchange MCMC. Lastly, the coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) simulations were performed to validate the morphologies actually show the desired properties, because the surrogate model of CGMD was employed in the first 2 steps for the efficient search. Using the proposed method, we demonstrate the search for morphologies that induce high elastic modulus.
Continuous Blood Purification on Influenza-associated Neurological Disease in Children: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ni Jingwen , Fang Kenan , Zhao Zhe , Wang Zhiyuan , Huang Qian , Li Lele , Yang Guiying , Guo Huizi , Hong Xiaoyang , Li Shujun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Due to lack of proven therapies，we evaluated the effect of CBP on Influenza-Associated Neurological Disease in children.Methods: A single-center, retrospective, cohort study was conducted in Luoyang, Henan province China from January 2018 to January 2020. The children with Influenza-associated neurological disease (<18 years old) were enrolled into this study. The children with CBP indications and the parents’ consent received CBP, and the others were treated with maximal intensive care due to failure of parents consent. The outcomes were compared between CBP group and non-CBP group.Categorical variables were presented as percentage and compared by Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. Continuous variables were expressed as median (interquartile ranges) and compared with non-parametric independent sample test. Statistical analyses were finished by SPSS (version 26.0) and p < 0.05 (2 tailed) was considered statistically significant.Results: 30 influenza children with Influenza-associated neurological disease were enrolled in this study. 18 received CBP and other 12 were treated with maximal intensive care. There were no differences between CBP and non-CBP children in age, sex, body weight, type of influenza virus, neurological complications, Glasgow score, PIM-2 score and PCIS at admission (p > 0.05). The inflammatory factors (CRP, PCT and IL-6) of 30 cases were tested at admission and after 3 days of admission. In CBP group, the level of IL-6 decreased significantly at 3-day of admission (p = 0.003), the level of CRP and PCT also decreased, but there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). In the non-CBP group, there were no significant difference on level of CRP, PCT and IL-6 between at admission and 3-day of admission (p > 0.05). The 28-day mortality in the CBP group was significantly lower compared to non-CBP group (11.11% vs 50%, p = 0.034).Conclusions: CBP could Reduce inflammatory factors and may reduce 28-day mortality and improve neurologic function of influenza children.Trial registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx (ChiCTR2000031754).
Identification Novel Biomarker for Acute Aortic Dissection Using 4D-Label-Free Proteomics
Authors: wang mengmeng , wang baozhu , Maitusun Maitudi , chen bangdang , Adi Dilare , shao meihua , lu chenfei , zhong jing , ma yitong , ma xiang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose: we aimed to identify potential candidate biomarkers in aorta tissue from AAD patients. Methods: We used 4D label-free quantification (4D-LFQ) mass spectrometry to screen differentially expressed proteins in aorta tissues of AAD patients. Then we performed protein annotation, unsupervised hierarchical clustering, functional classification, functional enrichment and cluster, and protein-protein interaction analyses. Parallel Reaction Monitoring (PRM) technology was used to accurately and quantitatively confirm the selected target proteins. Results: A total of 3350 proteins were identified. Taking 1.5 times as the differential expression threshold, 139 were upregulated and 108 were downregulated as compared to the control groups. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the differential proteins were mainly distributed in extracellular matrix and cytoplasm. And their functions mainly involve cell migration and proliferation, inflammatory cell activation, cell contraction, muscle organ development and other processes. PRM technology accurately quantified the selected 20 target proteins, and found SAA1, LBP, MPO, and ENG were confirmed to be enriched in the aorta tissue of AAD patients. Conclusions: This is the first application of a 4D-LFQ-PRM workflow to identify and validate biomarkers in AAD patients. SAA1, LBP, MPO, and ENG represent novel biomarkers for the pathogenesis of AAD and might be a therapeutic target in the future.
Modelling of Potential Tsunami in Makassar Strait, Indonesia: Submarine Landslide-Induced Tsunami Simulations
Authors: Gumbira Gugum , Wibowo Mardi , Khoirunnisa Hanah , Karima Shofia , Kongko Widjo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Tsunami modelling of potential landslide-induced tsunami in Makassar Strait is carried out to quantify possible damage to the nearby cities. Two numerical models are used to represent the wave generation and propagation by using NHWAVE and FUNWAVE models, respectively. The simulations consist of a series of scenarios based on distinct size of the landslide volume. Four landslides with volume 5, 8, 70, and 200 km 3 are used as tsunami sources in the initiation stage. The sources are evenly distributed in the Strait addressing different landslide location. Maximum wave heights of 1.5 m are found in the area between Palu and Bangkir from case 1 and around Talok from case 2 simulations. The empirical run-up calculation of 7.5 m is estimated at the land for the presented wave height. The value significantly elevates the case 3 and 4 proportional to the volume values. The waves impact more than half of coastline with maximum value found in the Sulawesi side. Interestingly, wide and narrow shelf next to Kalimantan Island plays an important role in reducing the tsunami hazard level.
From Infancy to Middle-Adolescence Nonlinear Physical Growth in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Wake Senahara Korsa , Zewotir Temesgen , Muluneh Essey Kebede 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Modeling the growth curve of height has a significant role in understanding the growth trajectories over time and generated mathematical functions that depict the expected height of children at a particular age. However, modeling the mathematical growth functions for physical height is not well studied in low- and middle-income countries. Modeling and identifying nonlinear growth curves that adequately describe the growth trajectories in low- and middle-income countries were the aims of this study. Methods: The data were obtained from the Young Lives study. Longitudinal measures of height from infancy to middle-adolescence were collected from low- and middle-income countries. A number of nonlinear growth trajectories were studied through the family of three-parameter nonlinear mixed-effects models. Results: This study examined the performances of different growth curves for the height growth trajectories. The Logistic curve was chosen among the three-parameter nonlinear growth curves for modeling the growth trajectories from infancy to middle-adolescence. Gender and country have significant effects on the three parameters of growth curves. Males had higher asymptotic height and a lower rate of growth than females. Females reached asymptotic height earlier and shorter at asymptotic height than males. Children with low asymptotic height grow faster than those with higher asymptotic height. Compared to Ethiopian children, Indian and Peruvian children had lower asymptotic height, but Vietnamese children had higher asymptotic height. Ethiopian children approached adult height earlier than Indian children, but later than Peruvian children. However, there was no significant difference in the rate of growth between Ethiopian and Vietnamese children. Conclusions: This study concludes that the Logistic growth curve was found to be the best growth curve to describe the height growth trajectories. Children in Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam showed different growth parameters. Further enhancements may be attained with the incorporation of other plausible covariates.
Performance and Preference of Problem Based Learning (Pbl) and Lecture Based Learning Among Selected Medical Students of Nepal
Authors: Yadav Saroj Adhikari , Poudel Sangeeta , Gautam Swotantra , Pandey Oshna , Jaiswal Dhiraj , Malla Bhupendra , Thakur Brajesh 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aims to compare student’s understanding and knowledge retention when taught through PBL (Problem Based Learning) and Lecture, and compare student’s perception about PBL and Lecture in medical education. Method: This is cross-sectional study done among medical students of PBL based medical school. Ethical approval was taken from IRC-PAHS. To assess understanding and knowledge retention, 50 vignettes based Multiple Choice Questions were administered, half of which were taught through PBL sessions and remaining half were taught in didactic Lectures during basic science years of medical school. To assess student's preference on PBL and Lecture, separate pre-validate perception questionnaire was used.Result: Out of 107 students, 99 participated in understanding and knowledge retention questionnaire and 107 filled perception questionnaires. Understanding and knowledge retention of students was found to be same for topics taught by PBL and Lecture with median score of 17 and 16 respectively. PBL was preferred more for physiology(59.81%), pathology(51.40%) and pharmacology(53.27 %) concepts, and Lecture was more preferred for anatomy(78.50%), biochemistry(45.79%), and microbiology(42.99%) topics. Many students wanted same concepts to be taught through both PBL and Lecture, especially for anatomy. Combined Lecture by group of faculties and community-based programs were preferred for Community Health Science (CHS) contents and hospital ward-based teaching was preferred for Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM) rather than PBL or Lectures.Conclusion: Understanding and knowledge retention is same for topics taught by either PBL or Lecture during basic science years of undergraduate medical education. Students prefer PBL for physiology, pathology and pharmacology related concepts, conventional didactic Lecture for physiology and microbiology, and combination of Lecture and PBL sessions for Anatomy.
Comorbidities of COVID-19 Patients With Low Cycle Threshold (Ct) Value of Nucleocapsid (N) Gene: An Application to Cluster-Based Logistic Model.
Authors: RUDRA SUJAN , DAS SHUVA , HOQUE MD. EHSANUL , KALAM ABUL , RAHMAN MOHAMMAD ARIFUR , SHIZUKA SWAGATA NANDY , RAHMAN TAZRINA 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a health crisis throughout the world. The widely used Real-time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) method is most capable of describing the patient’s condition. Comorbidities can make patients more critical.Methods: In this study, we shed light on the low cycle threshold (Ct) value of the N gene in the rRT-PCR test of the COVID-19 patients who had comorbidities, cure rate, and the needfulness of ICU (Intensive Care Unit) management. We had conducted the research in the Molecular Biology Laboratory of Chittagong Medical College between May and August 2020, then took the telephone interview with 300 positive patients who fulfilled the study criteria. We applied cluster-based logistic regression to analyze the data.Results: Low Ct value of the N gene found 1.324 times more in Type 2 DM patients and 1.871 times higher in hypertensive patients, and hospitalized patients are 2.480 times more vulnerable to shift in ICU.Conclusions: While infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) frequently causes severe diseases, suspected cases with comorbid conditions should go through the rRT-PCR as early as possible.