bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protective Effects of Ulinastatin Combined With Thrombomodulin Against Lipopolysaccharide Induced Liver and Kidney Injury in Septic Rats
Authors: Zhang Xiong , Su Chenlin , Zhao Shuxin , Yang Jiaying , Anger Etienne Empweb , Li Xiaoxing , Feng Chen , Liao Qianwen , Li Ji , Yu Feng 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Sepsis, a systemic inflammatory disease that leads to life-threatening organ functions disorders, such as liver and kidney injury. Ulinastatin (UTI) and Thrombomodulin (TM) are active macromolecules isolated from human urine. UTI and TM have been found to have therapeutic effects on inflammatory diseases. In this study, we verified protective effect of UTI combined with TM on liver and kidney injury caused by sepsis, and further explored the mechanisms.Methods: The sepsis model was established by intravenous injection of LPS into the tail vein of rats. Blood, liver and kidney tissues were collected after injection of UTI or TM. ELISA was used to measure serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The characteristic functional indexes of liver and kidney in serum and multiple coagulation function indexes of rats were detected via corresponding kits. Histological changes of liver and kidney tissues were investigated by HE staining. Apoptosis in liver and kidney tissues were examined by TUNEL staining, and the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins were also analyzed. HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway in liver and kidney tissues were examined by Western Blot. PCNA-positive cells were detected by immunohistochemistry. The survival rate of rats in each group was statistically analyzed.Results: UTI combined with TM reduced LPS-induced secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α in the serum. The drug combination reduced the liver and kidney functional indicators ALT, AST, BUN and Cr, and ameliorated liver and kidney pathology injury of rats. It inhibited apoptosis of liver and kidney cells via down-regulating the expression of apoptotic protein Bax, Cleaved caspase-3, up-regulating the expression of anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2, and promoted the proliferation of liver and kidney cells. The drug combination reversed the up-regulation of HMGB1, TLR4, and phosphorylated NF-κB protein mediated by LPS. Anticoagulation test indicated UTI does not affect the anticoagulant effect of TM when they are used in combination. Moreover, the drug combination significantly improved the survival rate of septic rats. Conclusions: These results indicate that UTI combined with TM plays a key role in protecting liver and kidney injury in septic rats, which will suggest a promising treatment for sepsis-induced organ injury.
Preoperative Lymphocyte to Monocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Prognosis for Patients Treated with Resection of Renal Cell Carcinoma with Venous Tumor Thrombus
Authors: Lv Zheng , Feng Hua-Yi , Wang Tao , Ma Xin , Zhang Xu 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) in patients with renal cell carcinoma and venous tumor thrombus (RCC-VTT) after surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical data of 144 consecutive patients with RCC and level I-IV VTT after surgery. Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess and compare survival. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were constructed to identify the independent prognostic factor for survival. The Harrell concordance index was used to assess the predictive accuracy. Results: Decreased preoperative LMR was significantly correlated with clinicopathologic features that are associated with tumor progression. Decreased preoperative LMR was an independently risk factor for decreased OS (P < 0.05) and PFS (P < 0.05). To evaluate PFS, integrating LMR to each model led to an increased predictive accuracy of 6.9% for TNM staging model (P = 0.014), 6.8% for UISS model (P = 0.006), 3.4% for SSIGN model (P = 0.017), respectively. Incorporating LMR into SSIGN model led to an increased predictive accuracy of 6.5% for OS (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Preoperative LMR is an independent prognostic factor for patients with RCC-VTT after surgery. Adding preoperative LMR to the prognostic models enhance their predictive accuracy.
A Novel Technique of Transpedicular Opening-wedge Osteotomy for Treatmtent of Rigid Kyphosis in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Zheng Guangbin , Hong Zhenghua , Wang zhangfu , Zheng Binbin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTo investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of a novel vertebral osteotomy technique, transpedicular opening-wedge osteotomy (TOWO) for correcting rigid thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).Methods18 AS patients underwent TOWO for correcting rigid thoracolumbar kyphosis. Radiographic parameters were compared before surgery, 1 week after surgery and at last follow-up. SRS-22 questionnaire was assessed before surgery and at last follow-up to evaluate clinical improvement. The operating time, estimated blood loss and complications were analyzed. ResultsThe mean operating time and estimated blood loss were 236 minutes and 595 ml, respectively. Sagittal parameters improved significantly after surgery. The height of anterior column of osteotomized vertebrae was increased significantly at 1 week after surgery and last follow-up when compared to preoperative, but the height of middle column did not changed significantly. SRS-22 scores were improved significantly at last follow-up than preoperative. Solid fusion was achieved in all patients after 12 months follow-up, no screw loosening, screw pull out or rod breakage was noticed at last follow-up. ConclusionsTOWO could achieve a satisfactory kyphosis correction by opening anterior column instead of vertebral body decancellation and posterior column closing, which simplified the osteotomy procedure and improved the surgical efficacy.
Fire Performance of Automated Tall Car Park Structures
Authors: Ayva Burak , Selamet Serdar 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Automated tall car park structures are modern alternatives to conventional parking structures to save space and volume in highly demanded parking regions in urban areas. -The design of such structures has significant knowledge gaps especially in regarding the effects of fire spread between passenger cars. The purpose of this study is to estimate the horizontal and vertical fire spread between passenger cars in automated tall car park structures and provide fire safety design to eliminate fire spread and possible structural collapse. The fire spread between cars is established by estimating irradiance heat flux of each car component. An 8-floor automated tall car park structure is designed in accordance with European standards. The results show that steel car pallets underneath cars reach to 1000 degree Celsius in early phases of fire, which could potentially cause a structural failure. Without any fire protection on the structure, the fire spreads to the neighboring cars in 25 minutes and to the cars above in 20 minutes. Significant fire protection is needed to eliminate fire spread between passenger cars. A more effective sprinkler system is also proposed to suppress the car fire.
Statins’ safety and impact on the clinical outcomes in COVID-19 critically ill patients: A Multicenter, Cohort Study
Authors: Sulaiman Khalid Al , Aljuhani Ohoud , Korayem Ghazwa B. , Altebainawi Ali F. , Harbi Shmeylan Al , Shaya Abdulrahman Al , Badreldin Hisham A. , Kensara Raed , Harthi Abdullah Al , Alghamdi Jahad , Alawad Ahad , Alotaibi Rand , Kharbosh Abdullah , Muqati Hessa Al , Alhuwahmel Abdulmohsen , Almusallam Mohammed , Sulaihim Ibrahim Al , Alanazi Bader , Al-Dosari Bodoor S. , Vishwakarma Ramesh , Alsaeedi Alawi S. , Ghamdi Ghassan Al , Al-Dorzi Hasan M 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose

The complications of Severe Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are attributed to the overproduction of early response proinflammatory cytokines, causing a systemic hyperinflammatory state. Statins are potentially a potent adjuvant therapy in COVID-19 infection due to their pleiotropic and anti-inflammatory effects, which are independent of their cholesterol-lowering activity. This study investigates the impact of statin use on the outcome of critically ill patients with COVID-19.
Methods

A multicenter, retrospective cohort study of all adult critically ill patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Eligible patients were classified into two groups based on statin use during ICU stay and were matched with a propensity score which was based on patient’s age and admission APACHE II and SOFA scores. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Other outcomes were considered secondary...
Results

A total of 1049 patients were eligible; 502 patients were included after propensity score matching (1:1 ratio). The 30-day (hazard ratio 0.75 (95% CI 0.58, 0.98), P = 0.03) and in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio 0.69 (95% CI 0.54, 0.89), P = 0.004) were significantly lower in patients who received statin therapy on multivariable cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Moreover, patients who received statin have a lower risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia (OR 0.48(95% CI 0.32, 0.69), P = < 0.001), lower levels of markers of inflammation on follow up and no increased risk of liver injury.
Conclusion

The use of statin during ICU stay in COVID-19 critically ill patients may have a beneficial role and survival benefits with a good safety profile.
Role of a New Age-adjusted D-dimer Cutoff Value for Preoperative Deep Venous Thrombosis Exclusion in Elderly Patients With Hip Fractures
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Zhu Yanbin , Tian Yunxu , Tian Miao , Li Xiuting , Zhang Yingze 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to describe the characteristics of plasma D-dimer level with increasing age and establish a new age-adjusted D-dimer cutoff value for excluding preoperative lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in elderly patients with hip fractures.Methods: This was a retrospective study of elderly patients who presented with acute hip fracture in our institution between June 2014 and May 2020. All patients underwent D-dimer test and duplex ultrasound. Patients were divided into six 5-year-apart age groups. The optimal cutoff value for each group was calculated by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, whereby the new age-adjusted D-dimer cutoff value was determined. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated and compared when different D-dimer cutoff values were applied, i.e. conventional 0.5mg/L, previously well-established age-adjusted cutoff value (age*0.01 mg/L) and the new age-adjusted D-dimer cutoff value herein. Results: There were 2759 included, 887 males and 1872 females, with an average age of 77.8 years. 280 patients were diagnosed with preoperative DVT. The optimal cutoff values for the six age groups were 0.715 mg/L, 1.170 mg/L, 1.620 mg/L, 1.665 mg/L, 1.690 mg/L and 1.985 mg/L, respectively and the calculated age-adjusted coefficient was 0.02 mg/L. With this new coefficient applied, the specificity was 61.3%, clearly higher than those for conventional threshold (0.5mg/L, 36.9%) or previously established age-adjusted D-dimer threshold (age*0.01 mg/L, 22.2%). In contrast, the sensitivity was lower than that (58.9% vs 85.0% or 77.1%) when D-dimer threshold of 0.5 mg/L or age-adjusted cutoff value (age*0.01 mg/L) was used. The other indexes as PPV (14.7%, 11.0% and 12.1%) and NPV (93.0%, 92.9% and 93.5%) were comparable when three different D-dimer thresholds were applied. Conclusions: The use of the new age-adjusted D-dimer threshold increased the proportion of elderly hip fracture patients in whom preoperative lower limb deep vein thrombosis could be safely excluded.
Comparative Analyses of Volatile Metabolites Associated With Gene Expression From Non-climacteric and Climacteric Melon.
Authors: Los Kamila Karoline de Souza , Schemberger Michelle Orane , Reis Leticia , Stroka Marília Aparecida , Galvão Caroline Weigert , Etto Rafael Mazer , Forney Charles F. , Domingues Daniele Santos , de Almeida Mariana Celano Menezes , Ayub Ricardo Antonio 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is an important species in the cucurbits family with a large economic importance in the world. Two melon cultivars commercially important in Brazil are the cultivars ‘Yellow’ and ‘Gaúcho’. In addition to the economic importance, these two cultivars display phenotypic differences in aroma, a major trait determining fruit quality. Volatile organic compounds (VOC) impart the different aroma found in these fruit and its biosynthesis is associated with fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. Using SPME-GC–MS and RT-qPCR techniques, volatile production and expression of seven genes (CmLOX9, CmLOX18, CmBCAT1, CmArAT1, CmPDC1, CmADH1 and CmAAT1) were determined during maturation and ripening. The climacteric melon ‘Gaúcho’ had a greater number and higher concentration of volatiles than that in the non-climacteric ‘Yellow’ melon. 2-Methylallyl acetate, 4-amino-1-butanol, 2-methylbutanol and ethyl 2-methylpropanoate were found in high concentrations in ripe climacteric ‘Gaúcho’ melons and were major contributors to its strong fruity aroma, but high concentrations of these volatiles were not found in non-climacteric ‘Yellow’ melons. The lipid pathway played a strong role in determining aroma composition in non-climacteric ‘Yellow’ melons. Most volatiles decreased during maturation and ripening explaining the non-aromatic characteristic of this cultivar. In climacteric ‘Gaúcho’ melons, the amino acid pathway was the main one related to the biosynthesis of esters, which contribute to the aroma of this cultivar. Volatile products of the branched chain amino acid pathway correlated with CmADH1 and CmAAT1 expression demonstrating their role in volatile synthesis of this climacteric melon cultivar. In addition, CmPDC1 contributes to the formation of aldehydes at the beginning of this pathway.
CD8+ T Cell Densities and Stromal PD-L1 but not Tumoral PD-L1 Associated with Favorable Prognosis in Schistosomal Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Weixia , Jing Hongyan , Liu Jican , Bu Dacheng , Zhang Yingyi , Zhu Ting , Lu Kui , Xu Yanchao , Cheng Meihong , Liu Jing , Yao Junxia , Huang Sinian , Wang Limei 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Backgroud: It was known that the expression of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) was correlated with CD8+ T cells, which could produce IFNγ. The effect of infection of Schistosoma japonicum on CD8+ T cells and then on PD-L1 expression was unknown and the utility of CD8+ TILs as a biomarker for schistosomal CRC (SCRC) has rarely been reported. Methods: A total of 338 patients with CRC were enrolled. Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to evaluate the expression of PD-L1, infiltration by CD8+ T cells. Results: In the total cohort, results showed that CD8+ TIL density was positively correlated with tumoral and stromal PD-L1 expression (p＜0.05). But there were no correlation between schistosomiasis and CD8+ TILs and PD-L1. Furthermore, CD8+ TIL density, schistosomiasis, TNM stage, lymph nodes positive for CRC and gender were independent predictive factors for overall survival (OS) (p＜0.05). Stromal PD-L1(sPD-L1) but not tumoral PD-L1(tPD-L1) expression was correlated with OS but it was not an independent predictor (p=0.046). In patients without schistosomiasis, CD8+T cells and sPD-L1 were associated with better OS (p＜0.05). In patients with schistosomiasis, CD8+T cells were independent prognosis factor (p=0.05). Conclusions: The study showed that CD8+ TILs was an independent predictive factor for OS in CRC and SCRC patients. The expression of PD-L1 was positively associated with CD8+TILs density. There were no correlation between schistosomiasis and CD8+TILs and PD-L1. Stromal PD-L1 but not tPD-L1 was significantly associated with OS, whereas it was not an independent prognostic factor.
High SPAG5 Expression Is Associated With Oncological Features in Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Arora Mohit , Kumari Sarita , Singh Jay , Palanichamy Jayanth Kumar , Qamar Imteyaz , Chauhan Shyam S. , Chopra Anita 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Sperm-associated Antigen 5 (SPAG5, also called astrin) is a mitotic spindle protein. SPAG5 has emerged as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target in a variety of cancers. However, its expression and role in endometrial cancer (EC) remain to be studied. Using multi-omic authoritative datasets from the TCGA and CPTAC studies, we characterized theexpression, regulation of SPAG5 and its association with clinicopathological and molecular features in EC. SPAG5 was observed to be overexpressed in tumor tissues compared to controls and receiver operating characteristic analysis suggested that its mRNA levels are an excellent predictor of tumor presence (AUC>0.98). SPAG5 overexpression was associated with serous histology and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) defined molecular subtypes. Analysis of DNA methylation levels at SPAG5 genomic regions exhibiting negative correlation to SPAG5 expression. Further, SPAG5 expression was associated with copy number gain in EC. Univariate and multivariate survival analysis revealed that higher SPAG5 expression was independently associated with poor patient outcomes in EC. Additionally, gene set enrichment analysis of SPAG5 correlated genes revealed its association with numerous oncological pathways which suggest its critical involvement in this malignancy.
The Correlation Between Facet Joint Parameters and the Location of Lumbar Disc Herniation in the Young Population
Authors: Ke Song , Wang Naiguo , Yang Ming , Zhang Wentao , Sun Tianze , Li Zhonghai 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Facet joint parameters have been discussed as substantial factors in the development of LDH. However, the correlation between facet joint parameters and the location of LDH in the corresponding segment is still unclear. The objective of this study was to demonstrate a clearly relationship between facet orientation (FO), facet tropism (FT) and lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in young individuals.Methods: Between June 2017 and December 2019, 529 patients having single-level LDH (L4-5 or L5-S1) between 18 and 35 years old with a less than 2 years clinical history were included. Another 122 age-matched patients with no LDH were enrolled as the control group (N-LDH group). Based on the location of herniation, cases in LDH group were divided into three groups (LDHL, LDHR, and LDHM). We investigated the correlation between facet joint parameters and the location of LDH.Results: The FOA in L4-5 and L5-S1 level were significantly lower while FT were higher in LDH group than N-LDH group respectively. In terms of the correlation between the facet joint parameters and the location of LDH, the level of LDH, the FOL, FOR, and FT were significantly varied among the three groups. There is a significant association between the different location of LDH and different FO of bilateral facet joints in L4-5 while not in L5-S1 level.Conclusion: The facet joint parameters abnormality have an significant association with the development of LDH. Young individuals with higher FT and/or lower FO should be paid more attention to preventing the occurrence of LDH. There was more location of IVD herniated on the ipsilateral location with lower FO of facet joint when FT existed in L4-5 level.
Apoptin Causes Apoptosis in HepG-2 Cells by Inducing Stress Injury in the Endoplasmic Reticulum
Authors: Li Yiquan , Bai Bing , Shang Chao , Cong Jianan , Fang Jinbo , Li Wenjie , Li Shanzhi , Xiu Zhiru , Song Gaojie , Liu Zirui , Yang Xia , Zhu Guangze , Li Xiao , Jin Ningyi , Zhu Yilong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Apoptin is derived from the chicken anemia virus and exhibits specific cytotoxic effects against tumor cells. In our previous study, we demonstrated that Apoptin induced significant changes in the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) related proteins and caused a strong and lasting ERS response. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of ERS injury induced by Apoptin on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the apoptotic pathway in mitochondria. ERS injury induced the intracellular levels of calcium (Ca2+) were determined by electron microscopy, flow cytometry and fluorescence staining. Mitochondrial injury was determined by mitochondrial membrane potential and electron microscopy. The relationship between Ca2+ level and mitochondrial injury on Apoptin-treating cells was analyzed using Ca2+ chelator, flow cytometry and fluorescence staining. Western blotting was used to investigate the levels of key proteins in the ER and the apoptotic pathway in mitochondria. We also investigated the in vivo effects of ERS injury on the ER and the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway via the immunohistochemical analysis of tumor tissues from HepG-2 cells acquired from nude mice undergoing xenografts. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that Apoptin caused ERS injury and an imbalance in Ca2+, damaged the structure of the mitochondria, and increased the expression levels of Caspase-12, CHOP, AIF, HtrA2, Smac/Diablo, and Cyto-C. In summary, Apoptin induced apoptosis in HepG-2 cells via ERS and the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. This study showed that Apoptin induced apoptosis in HepG-2 cells via ERS injury.
The Efficiency of Hand Sanitizers Against Microbes From Coins
Authors: hashash sandy yasser , Menawi Wafaa , Hashash Suha , Namrouty Iman , Bashoti Hana , Abdullah Noor 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Objective:This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of hand sanitizers against bacteria from circulating coins during COVID 19 era.Method:22-coin samples have been collected by the research group from taxi drivers in Nablus city, Then the samples were transferred in a sterile plastic bag to the Microorganism Laboratory (17B1140) at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at An-Najah National University. The collected coins were swabbed with normal saline and cultured on nutrient agar for enrichment. After their appearance, the grown colony has been sub-cultured on Blood, MacConkey, and Uri select, for identification with the assistance of microscopical examination and chemical tests for confirmation. To answer the question of the study, four different sanitizers have been applied to measure their antimicrobial activity against microbes from circulating metal coins. Result:The results showed that sanitizer A (Hand sanitizer gel) (ג'ל להיגיינת הידיים ללא צורך , בשטיפה ובמים) is the most effective one of the four sanitizers that were used, followed by sanitizer (D)(HiGeen )(JO), then sanitizer (C)(National ) (PS), while sanitizer (B)(Icona London) (UK) was the least effective one.Conclusion:The research group have conducted research on coins circulated from taxi drivers during COVID 19 era, hence the number of isolated bacteria was low, due to the current sterilization and prevention behaviors like the using of sanitizers containing 70% of alcohol, which was the best among the used types in the current study as well as it has been observed that excessive use of alcohol- based hand sanitizers can cause microorganisms resistant and or less affected to repeated use of hand sanitizer. Hence, Hand sanitizers may need to be used appropriately in combination with other procedures.