bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Sodium Pyruvate on Exercise-Induced Lactic Acidosis and Exercise Performance
Authors: Yang Yanping , Qiu Junqiang , Wang Mengyue , Feng Lin , Luo Dan , Gao Ruirui , Zhou Fangqiang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The beneficial effects of pyruvate on lactic acidosis and energy metabolism have been studied. The ability to attenuate acidosis and improve aerobic system contribution are essential for team sports athletes to perform multiple sprints in a limited time. This study aimed to investigate the impact of pyruvate supplementation on energy metabolism and lactic acidosis during high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and to evaluate its role in repeated sprint exercise (RSE) performance.Methods: Fourteen national-level male soccer athletes from China Football College (age: 20 ± 2 years, body fat: 13.11 ± 3.50%) participated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Each subject underwent two HIIE and RSE tests after one week of supplementation with 0.1g/kg/d of pyruvate or placebo. Venous blood gas (pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-), base excess (BE) and oxygen partial pressure (pO2)) were measured at baseline, pre-HIIE, post-HIIE, pre-RSE and post-RSE. Finger-stick capillary lactate were collected at baseline, immediately after each bout of HIIE, and 3, 5, 7 and 10 min post HIIE. The energy system contributions during HIIE and exercise performance of RSE were analyzed. Results: Blood pH (p < 0.01), HCO3- (p < 0.01) and BE (p < 0.01) were significantly lower than their baseline levels at post-HIIE, pre-RSE and post-RSE in both Group pyruvate (PYR) and Group placebo (PLA), respectively. Blood pH, HCO3- and BE were significantly improved in PYR at pre-HIIE (p < 0.01), post-HIIE (p < 0.01) and pre-RSE (p < 0.01) than in PLA. Furthermore, blood BE remained higher in PYR than in PLA until the end of RSE (p < 0.05). Blood pO2 was higher at post-HIIE (p < 0.05), pre-RSE (p < 0.01) and post-RSE (p < 0.01), compared to baseline, in two groups and further higher in PYR than in PLA at post-HIIE (p < 0.05) and post-RSE (p < 0.05). During HIIE, the contribution of the aerobic system in the fourth bout of HIIE was higher in PYR than in PLA (p < 0.05). The contribution of the anaerobic energy was higher than that of the aerobic energy in PLA (p < 0.01), but without difference in PYR (p > 0.05). In addition, compared with PLA, the relative peak power (RPP) of the first and fifth sprints, the relative average power (RAP) of the fifth sprint and the average of RPP and RAP during RSE were significantly improved in PYR (p < 0.05). However, the blood lactate (p > 0.05), PD% of each bout (p > 0.05) or average PD% of RSE (p > 0.05) showed no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Pyruvate supplementation with 0.1g/kg/d for a 1-week enhances aerobic metabolism and buffers exercise-induced metabolic acidosis but not lactic acidosis during HIIE, improving RSE performance in moderate acidosis. Thus, after 1 week pyruvate supplementation, athletes are expected to balance aerobic and anaerobic energy contributions and attenuate metabolic acidosis during team sports, improving exercise performance.
Velocity vector imaging echocardiography and N- terminal pro- brain natriuretic peptide study of people with preclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yu Li , Zhou Qichang , Long Xiangdang , Peng Qinghai , Yang Zurong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: To investigate whether familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) gene mutation carriers without overt left ventricular hypertrophy have subclinical changes in left ventricular function.Methods: We studied Eighteen HCM families with pathogenic mutations, 45 patients with overt HCM (gene positive/phenotype positive (G+/P+)), 40 patients without myocardial hypertrophy (gene positive/phenotype negative G+/P-)), and 48 genotype-negative related healthy controls. Conventional echocardiography and velocity vector imaging (VVI) were performed, and blood levels of N- terminal pro- brain natriuretic peptide (NT- pro- BNP) were analyzed.Results: Although the global longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain was similar between the G+/P- group and the control group, the longitudinal strain of basal inferoseptum and basal anteroseptum was lower in G+/P- patients than in controls, while the basal and middle inferolateral longitudinal strains were significantly higher. Compared with the controls, G+/P+ patients had significantly lower global and segmental longitudinal and radial strains. There were no significant differences between the normal control and G+/P+ groups for global and segmental circumferential strains. The middle of the left ventricle (LV) was clockwise in G+/P+ patients (opposite to normal).The rotation angle of the mid LV rotation in the G+/P+ group were significantly higher than those in the G+/P- subjects and controls. The NT-proBNP levels were higher in G+/P+ patients than in G+/P- people and controls.Conclusions: Sarcomere gene mutation carriers without overt left ventricular hypertrophy have subclinical segmental systolic dysfunction. Velocity vector imaging is feasible for differentiating HCM, G+/P- patients from controls.
High Photodegradation Performance of ZnO Nanoparticles Supported on Porous Zeolite Na-a: Effects of ZnO Loading
Authors: Munguti Lawrence Kioko , Dejene Francis Birhanu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Zeolite Na-A supported ZnO nanocomposites (ZnO/Zeolite Na-A NCs) were synthesized at low temperature (70 ℃) via the sol-gel process and characterized by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for structural, morphological, optical and bonding properties. The textural properties and porosity were obtained by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) technique. The obtained XRD and microscopy results indicated that the obtained nanopowders were crystalline in nature and no collapse of the structure of zeolite Na-A. In addition, the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles occurred mainly on the surface of the zeolite support. It is clear that the zeolite supported ZnO nanoparticles were more dispersed as compared to the pure ZnO with improved porosity and high surface area. Photocatalytic activity for the ZnO/zeolite Na-A was tremendously increased which was attributed to the synergetic combined effects of both ZnO and zeolite aluminosilicate network such as increased surface area (SBET), high adsorption and restrained charge recombination.
Artificial Selection Optimizes Clonality in Chaya (Cnidoscolus Aconitifolius)
Authors: Munguía-Rosas Miguel A. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In angiosperms, clonality is a derived trait and is present in several wild and cultivated plant species. Therefore, over time, natural and artificial selection have optimized the novel function of being a propagule in organs whose previous function was exclusively vegetative. Although increased resource storage and resistance to desiccation have been suggested as the main adaptations for clonality in crops, there is little empirical evidence to support this assertion. Here, I assessed the changes that the stems of chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius), a clonal crop, have undergone through domestication and evaluated their performance as propagules. To infer which traits have been optimized by artificial selection, I compared stem traits and their performance in root development and clone survival between wild and domesticated plants. I found that, relative to their wild ancestors, the stems of domesticated chaya have a greater storage capacity for water and starch. Additionally, the stems of domesticated plants produced more roots, shoots and leaves, and their clones lived longer. My results strongly suggest that artificial selection has optimized water and starch storage by stems in chaya. Because these traits also confer greater fitness, they could be considered adaptations to clonal propagation.
Prognostic Impact of the Controlling Nutrition Status Score in Patients With Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Nakamura Nobuhiko , Kanemura Nobuhiro , Lee Shin , Fujita Kei , Morishita Tetsuji , Takada Eri , Shibata Yuhei , Kasahara Senji , Goto Hideko , Fukuno Kenji , Hara Takeshi , Yamada Toshiki , Sawada Michio , Tsurumi Hisashi , Shimizu Masahito 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The controlling nutritional status (CONUT) is a simplified nutritional index calculated from serum albumin, total cholesterol, and the total lymphocyte count. Although the CONUT score is an independent prognostic factor in several hematological malignancies, the prognostic impact of the CONUT score in peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is unclear. This study evaluated the prognostic impact of the CONUT score on overall survival (OS) in patients with PTCL. A multicentre, retrospective, cohort study including 99 patients with PTCL was conducted. The CONUT score was significantly higher in the non-survivor group (median 5, range 0-12) than in the survivor group (median 3, range 0-11) (P = 0.026). The CONUT score was an independent prognostic factor in a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model (hazard ratio 1.118, 95% confidence interval 1.020-1.225, P = 0.017). The Cox proportional hazards model with restricted cubic spline showed an S-shaped relationship between the CONUT score and OS. No significant effect-modification by the International Prognostic Index (IPI) was observed, and the CONUT score affected the prognosis of PTCL regardless of the IPI (P for interaction = 0.208). In conclusion, the CONUT score is an independent prognostic factor in patients with PTCL irrespective of IPI categories.
Multiple Synaptic Connections Into a Single Cortical Pyramidal Cell or Interneuron in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex of Adult Mice
Authors: Lee Jung-Hyun Alex , Miao Zhuang , Chen Qi-Yu , Li Xu-Hui , Zhuo Min 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The ACC is an important brain area for the processing of pain-related information. Studies of synaptic connections within the ACC provide an understanding of basic cellular and molecular mechanisms for brain functions such as pain, emotion and related cognitive functions. Previous study of ACC synaptic transmission mainly focused on presumably thalamic inputs into pyramidal cells. In the present study, we developed a new mapping technique by combining single neuron whole-cell patch-clamp recording with 64 multi-channel field potential recording (MED64) to examine the properties of excitatory inputs into a single neuron in the ACC. We found that a single patched pyramidal neuron or interneuron simultaneously received heterogeneous excitatory synaptic innervations from different subregions (ventral, dorsal, deep, and superficial layers) in the ACC. Conduction velocity is faster as stimulation distance increases in pyramidal neurons. Fast-spiking interneurons (FS-IN) show slower inactivation when compared to pyramidal neurons and regular-spiking interneurons (RS-IN) while pyramidal neurons displayed the most rapid activation. Bath application of non-competitive AMPA receptor antagonist GYKI 53655 followed by CNQX revealed that both FS-INs and RS-INs have AMPA and KA mediated components. Our studies provide a new strategy and technique for studying the network of synaptic connections.
Case report of A 72-year-old Man with Diaphragmatic Hernias and Thoracic Gastropericardial Fistula after Esophagectomy for 18 Years
Authors: Xu Xinjian , Yan Zhaoyang , He Ming 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Both diaphragmatic hernias and thoracic gastropericardial fistula rarely occurred simultaneously on patients with radical esophagectomy.Case presentation: A 72-year-old man presented to our hospital with one day of nausea, vomiting and acute left chest pain. He had radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer 18 years ago. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed diaphragmatic hernias and air collection within pericardial space. While an operation of diaphragmatic hernia repair was decisively performed to prevent further serious complications, the thoracic gastropericardial fistula was also found unusually. Conclusion: Diaphragmatic hernias and thoracic gastropericardial fistula may occasionally coexist in patients with esophagectomy. Upper GI radiograph with water-soluble contrast agent is a better diagnosis tool than CT in visualizing the fistula.
Effect of Proximity to Bed on 30° and 45° Inclined Dense Jets: A Numerical Study
Authors: Ramezani Mohammadmehdi , Abessi Ozeair , Firoozjaee Ali Rahmani 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Employing inclined dense jets is a common way for the disposal of brine effluent from coastal desalination plants. This paper numerically analyzes the mixing and geometrical properties of 30° and 45° inclined dense jets when they discharge close to the bed. For this purpose, two series of numerical simulations were developed. First, the nozzle acts as a free jet when it is placed far enough from the lower boundary. Meanwhile, in the second series, the distance between the nozzle tip and seabed is substantially reduced. Consequently, by comparing these two series, the effect of proximity to bed on the behavior of dense jets is investigated. The governing equations are solved by modifying a solver within the CFD package of OpenFOAM. The numerical results are presented in comparative figures and compared to the previous works. Comparisons indicated that the numerical model predicts the geometrical characteristics of dense jets in good agreement with the past experimental studies. However, the dilution predictions are conservative. It has been observed that proximity to the bed has almost no appreciable effects on the behavior of 45° jets. However, for 30° jets, when the bed proximity parameter ( Y0/LM ) falls below 0.14, normalized values of horizontal and vertical locations of centerline peak and return point dilution are slightly reduced while the terminal rise height remains untouched.
HSPB1 Promotes Doxorubicin-induced Cardiomyocyte Pyroptosis by Inhibiting AATF
Authors: Tang Yao , Liu Yaxiu , Fu Shuang , Zheng Xinbin , Li Mingrui , Hu Jia , Ma Yeshuo , Yin Deling 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Doxorubicin (DOX) has been widely used for the treatment of different kinds of cancers. However, the adverse effects, especially cardiotoxicity, which limit the long-term use of DOX. Although some signaling pathways have been investigated to be participated in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, however, the mechanisms underlying DOX-induced cardiotoxicity need to be further investigated. Recent study suggested that heat shock proteins (HSPs) play a role in cell apoptosis and pyroptosis. However, we do not know yet whether heat shock protein beta-1 (HSPB1), a member of HSPs family, is involved in DOX-induced cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of HSPB1 and apoptosis antagonizing transcription factor (AATF) in DOX-induced pyroptosis in cardiomycytes.Results: We found that DOX remarkably enhanced the expression of HSPB1 but reduces AATF expression in cardiomyocytes. We also found that either inhibition of HSPB1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) or overexpression of AATF by transfection of AATF plasmid significantly attenuated DOX-induced cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. Moreover, HSPB1 interacts with AATF. Furthermore, inhibition of HSPB1 and AATF restores the DOX-induced cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. Conclusion: Our findings reveal a novel pathway that cardiomyocyte pyroptosis is regulated through HSPB1-AATF-caspase-3-GSDME pathway following DOX treatment, suggesting that HSPB1-AATF-dependent pyroptosis may provide a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce cardiotoxicity induced by DOX.
A Case of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome With Cerebral Sparganosis and Review of the Literature.
Authors: Liu Chun , Zhong Chen , Wang Min , Zhou Guoqiang , Wang Nin , Liu Yan , Shaban Ummulbanin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAIDS existing with cerebral sparganosis is rare. Due to atypical symptoms of sparganosis, diagnosis and treatment are difficult and the misdiagnosis rate is very high. This paper analyzes the clinical data of the first case of AIDS existing with cerebral sparganosis in our hospital and reviews the relevant literature. It discusses the clinical manifestations, imaging features, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease and provides a reference for the treatment of AIDS existing with parasitic encephalopathy (cerebral sparganosis). Cerebral sparganosis has been reported worldwide especially in Asian countries. To date, this is the first reported case of sparganosis in HIV/AIDS patient.Case presentationA 34-year-old newly diagnosed HIV Chinese woman from Guanxi province presented at our hospital with a history of recurrent seizures for 5 years. The initial diagnosis was epilepsy but she was later diagnosed with cerebral sparganosis at our facility after thorough history, examination and investigations. Considering her immune status, she was treated with high dose praziquantel instead of surgery with significant improvement. She also received Zidovudine + Lamivudine + Nevirapine as the first-line antiretroviral treatment due to its high permeability across the blood-brain barrier.ConclusionClinicians should pay attention to this rare entity in cases of HIV/AIDS-related encephalopathies which can be easily misdiagnosed as toxoplasmosis or cerebral tuberculosis. Thorough epidemiological history, clinical presentations, serologic and radiological tests are essential to reach the correct diagnosis and rule out other infections. Although the standard treatment for cerebral sparganosis is surgery, we opted for pharmacological treatment in consideration of immunological complications.This case calls for more studies for standard treatment in HIV patients with cerebral sparganosis and requires clinicians to consider this rare entity when dealing with HIV related encephalopathies.
Lamp1 controls CXCL10-CXCR3 axis regulated macrophage polarization and autophagy
Authors: Gu Wei , Li Lexing , Sun Xueyan , Ali Mohammad Ishaque , Yao Lun , Liu Jie , Dai Hanchuan , Liu Guoquan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundHigh expression of CXCL10 and its receptor CXCR3 is a response in inflammatory tissues and cells. Macrophage polarization and autophagy play important roles in macrophage related inflammatory. The cellular function of CXCL10-CXCR3 axis in macrophages is not well addressed. In this report, we determined the roles of CXCL10-CXCR3 axis in macrophage polarization and autophagy. ResultsFirst CXCL10 promotes the expression of M2 polarization markers (Arg1, Mrc1, Mmp9, VEGFa) and decreases the expression of M1 markers (IL-1b, IL-6, TNFa). In contrast, CXCR3 antagonist AMG487 promotes the expression of M1 markers and inhibits that of M2 markers. Next, we found that activation of CXCR3 by CXCL10 promotes the expression of autophagy proteins (Atg5-Atg12 complex, p62, LC3-II, and Lamp1) and AMG487 inhibits their expression. Moreover, knockdown Lamp1 by siRNA not only inhibits CXCR3 activation induced autophagy, but also switches the CXCL10-CXCR3 from M2 polarization to M1 polarization. CXCR3 activation caused the JNK expression decreased, and JNK inhibitor SP600125 treatment potentiates the CXCR3 activation induced Lamp1 expression and M2 polarization. In conclusion, ConclusionsCXCL10-CXCR3 axis regulates the macrophage polarization and autophagy via the inhibitory JNK and Lamp1, and Lamp1 controls the switch of CXCR3 mediated M1/M2 polarization and acts as a linker between polarization and autophagy.
Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Among Hong Kong Chinese Childhood Cancer Survivors
Authors: HO Ka Yan , Lam Katherine K.W. , W Xia , Chung J.O.K. , Cheung Ankie T. , Ho Laurie L.K. , Chiu S. Y. , Chan G.C.F. , Li William H.C. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSleep disruption is a prevalent symptoms reported by survivors of childhood cancer. However, there is no validated instrument for assessing this symptom in this population group. To bridge the literature gap, this study translated and adapted the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for Hong Kong Chinese cancer survivors and examined its psychometric properties and factor structure. Methods A convenience sample of 402 Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors aged 6–18 years were asked to complete the Chinese version of the PSQI, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC), Fatigue Scale-Child (FS-C)/Fatigue Scale-Adolescent (FS-A), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). To assess known-group validity, 50 pediatric cancer patients and 50 healthy counterparts were recruited. A sample of 40 children were invited to respond by phone to the PSQI 2 weeks later to assess test–retest reliability. A cutoff score for the translated PSQI used with the survivors was determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results The Chinese version of the PSQI had a Cronbach alpha of 0.71, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.90. Childhood cancer survivors showed significantly lower mean PSQI scores than children with cancer, and significantly higher mean scores than healthy counterparts. We observed positive correlations between PSQI and CES-DC scores and between PSQI and FS-A/FS-C scores, but a negative correlation between PSQI and PedsQL scores. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the translated PSQI data best fit a three-factor model. The best cutoff score to detect insomnia was 5, with a sensitivity of 0.81 and specificity of 0.70.Conclusion The Chinese version of the PSQI is a reliable and valid instrument to assess subjective sleep quality among Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors. The validated PSQI could be used in clinical settings to provide early assessments for sleep disruption. Appropriate interventions can therefore be provided to minimize its associated long-term healthcare cost. Trial registrationThis study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with the reference number NCT03858218.
Factors associated with caregiving status and caregiver burden for patients with Alzheimer's disease in China
Authors: Li Yuxian , Jin Haiqiang , Zhou Jiong , Xu Jun , Tian Jiayu , Chen Siwei , Luan Xiaoting , Du Ailian , Zhu Feiqi , Kou Xiaowen , Sun Wei , Chen Luzeng , Qiu Jianxing , Wang Huali , Xie Hengge , Sun Yongan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is rapidly in China, which puts a great deal of pressure on the patient’s family and society. The way of patient care deserves social attention. This study focused on the caregiving status and the relationship between caregivers’ burden and patient factors based on the Chinese pension system.
Methods

This is a large-scale, multicenter cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the two types of caregiving (family care and nursing care), and the caregiver burden of patients with AD. A total of 1675 patients with a definite diagnosis of probable AD from 30 provincial, municipal, and autonomous regions of mainland China were enrolled from August 2019 to December 2019. Caregivers of AD patients completed the questionnaire under the guidance of trained investigators. The characteristics of patients and caregivers were summarized by descriptive statistics.
Results

Among the 1675 AD patients, 1522 (90.87%) patients adopted family care. There was a significant correlation between the housing condition, annual income, self-care ability, and the choice of caregiving (P < 0.05). According to the caregiver burden inventory score, 28.90% of the caregivers had a low burden, 57.01% had a medium burden and 14.09% had a heavy burden, concerning the patient's age, caring style, self-care ability, etc. The burden of the caregivers in the nursing facilities is relatively high than that of family care (P < 0.05).
Conclusion

Family care is the main way of care for AD patients in China. Caregiving status is affected by living place, patient income and severity of the disease. The burden of family caregivers of AD is generally high, especially patients with disabilities.