bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic changes in Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Gut Microbiota after H. Pylori Eradication Therapies
Authors: WANG LINGLING , Yao Haobin , Tong Tereasa , Lau KS , Leung Suet Yi , Ho Joshua WK , Leung Wai K 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Short-term antibiotics exposure is associated with alterations in microbiota and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the human gut. While antibiotics are critical in the successful eradication of Helicobacter pylori, the short-term and long-term impacts on the composition and quantity of antibiotics resistance genes after H. pylori eradication is unclear. This study used whole genome shotgun metagenomic of stool samples to characterize the gut microbiota and ARGs, before and after H. pylori eradication therapy. Results: Forty-four H. pylori-infected patients were recruited including 21 treatment naïve patients who received clarithromycin-based triple therapy (CLA group) and 23 patients who failed previous therapies, in which 10 received levofloxacin-based quadruple therapy [LEVO group] and 13 received other combinations [OTHER group] in the current study. Stool samples were collected at baseline (before current treatment), 6-week and 6-month after eradication therapy. At baseline, there was only a slight difference among the three groups on ARGs and gut microbiota. After eradication therapy, there was a transient but significant increase in gut ARGs 6-week post-therapy, among which the LEVO group had the most significant ARGs alteration compared to other two groups. For treatment naïve patients, those with higher ARG richness and ErmF abundance were prone to fail CLA eradication. For gut microbiota, the bacteria richness decreased at 6-week and there was a significant difference in microbiota community among the three groups at 6-week. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated the dynamic alterations in gut microbiota and ARGs induced by different eradication therapies, which could influence the choices of antibiotics in eradication therapy.
Prognostic Factors for Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy with Spacer Implantation in Patients with Medial Compartmental Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Fengkun , Ma Wenru , Chen Jinli , Cong Wenbin , Zhang Yingze , Yu Tengbo , Zhang Yi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: To identify the medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) prognostic factors with wedge-shaped spacer implantation (spacer-type MOWHTO) for varus medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.Methods: Patients who underwent spacer-type MOWHTO between August 2018 and September 2019 were prospectively enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups based on Western Ontario and McMasters University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores of 40 points at 1 year postoperatively: the effective group (n=88, 84.6%), with post-WOMAC scores 40 or less, and the invalid group (n=16, 15.4%), with post-WOMAC scores more than 40. The variables assessed at baseline and 1 year postoperatively including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade, hip-knee-ankle angle (HKAA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), posterior tibial slope angle (PTSA), Blackburn-Peel index (BPI), duration of symptoms and WOMAC score, were compared. Prognostic factors were analyzed using logistic regression, and the corresponding odds ratios were also calculated.Results: A total of 104 patients were enrolled in the study protocol at 1 year postoperatively. The WOMAC score decreased from 72.39±12.95 at baseline to 20.06±12.96 at 1 year postoperatively. The preoperative varus was corrected to a neutral position or to mild valgus. In addition, the PTSA was decreased. At the same time, the patellar height was not significantly changed postoperatively. Univariate analysis revealed that the significant predictors of the WOMAC score were age >70 years, BMI >30 kg/m², K-L grade IV, and pre-HKAA >10° (P<0.1 for all). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age>70 (OR=4.861) and K-L grade IV (OR=6.590) were significantly associated with the WOMAC score at 1 year postoperatively.Conclusion: Spacer-type MOWHTO is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis with varus deformity. The prognostic factors for spacer-type MOWHTO were age and K-L grade.Level of evidence: III
Neutrophil-Mediated Clinical Nanodrug for Treatment of Residual Tumor After Focused Ultrasound Ablation
Authors: Shen Jian , Hao Junnian , Chen Yini , Liu Hairong , Wu Jianrong , Hu Bing , Wang Yan , Zheng Yuanyi , Cai Xiaojun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The risk of local recurrence of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is relatively high, resulting in poor prognosis of malignant tumors. Combination of HIFU with traditional chemotherapy still remains the unsatisfactory outcome because of off-site drug uptake.Results: Herein, we proposed the strategy of inflammation-tendency neutrophil-mediated clinical nanodrug targeting therapy for residual tumor of HIFU ablation. Neutrophils as a carrier, and PEGylated liposome doxorubicin (PLD) as a nanodrug model of chemotherapy, were selected to form an innovative cell therapy drug (PLD@NEs). The targeting performance and therapeutic potential of PLD@NEs were evaluated using hepa1-6 cells and corresponding tumor-bearing mouse model. After HIFU ablation, PLD@NEs were recruited to the tumor site by inflammation, and released PLD with inflammatory stimuli, leading to targeted and localized postoperative chemotherapy.Conclusion: This effective integration takes full use of the advantages of both HIFU, chemotherapy and neutrophil, attracting more focus on the practice of improving the existing clinical therapeutics.
Cytotoxic, Apoptotic, and Genetic Evaluations of Nigella Sativa Essential Oil Nanoemulsion Against Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: Rabou Ahmad Abd , Edris Amr 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Phytochemicals and plant extracts are showing promising anticancer potentials. In the current study the volatile faction (essential oil) of Nigella sativa seeds was evaluated against some hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The essential oil was extracted and characterized by chromatographic techniques to reveal its chemical composition, especially thymoquinone. Then, the oil was fabricated in two nanoemulsion formulations (F1 and F2), which differ in their composition of surfactants. The cytotoxicity and apoptotic activities of the essential oil and its nanoemulsions were evaluated in vitro against HepG2 and Huh-7 cell lines. Normal WI-38 cell line was also included in that evaluation to study the selectivity and safety of the different formulations on normal cells. Results: Gas chromatographic analysis indicated that the essential oil is composed mainly of p-cymene (40.0%), thymoquinone (31.2%) and trans-α-thujene (12.8%). Particle size of the nanoemulsions ranged between 9.4 nm to 119.7 nm depending on the type of surfactant used in the formulation process. The pure essential oil and its two nanoemulsions (F1 & F2) showed does-dependent antiproliferative activity against both HCC cells. This activity reached its highest cell inhibition in the case of nanoemulsion (F2) where the proliferation percentage was only 21.9% and 9.2% against HepG2 and Huh-7 cells, respectively. The same nanoemulsion (F2) also showed the lowest IC50 values (55.7 and 35.5 µg/ml) against both HepG2 and Huh-7 cells, respectively, compared to 100 µg/ml for the reference drug Doxorubicin. Flow cytometric analysis also confirmed that nanoemulsion (F2) has the highest apoptotic activity compared to nanoemulsion (F1) and the pure unformulated essential oil. Genetic expressions of pro-apoptotic (Bax) and the anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) gene markers evaluation revealed that nanoemulsion (F2) has better activity in up-regulating (Bax) and down-regulate (Bcl-2) with the highest Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (69) was found against Huh-7 cells. All N. sativa nanoemulsions showed minimal cytotoxicity on the normal WI-38 cell, indicating wide safety margins due to selective properties. Conclusion: Overall, the study revealed the potentials of N. sativa essential oil, after formulation in specially tailored nanoemulsion for application as potential adjuvant liver anticancer agent.
Management of LC Type I (LC-1) Pelvic Injuries with Complete Sacral Fracture : Is there a Role for Solitary Anterior Fixation?
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Ali Syed , Fei Chen , Zhang Binfei , Wei Xing , Wang Hu , Cong Yuxuan , Deng Hongli , Fu Yahui , Zhuang Yan , Zhang Kun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Management of LC-1 type pelvic injuries, particularly in patients with complete sacral fracture (LC-1 PICSF, OTA type 61-B2.1) remains controversial. Specific indications for solitary fixation remain unclear, and there is a paucity of outcomes data in comparison to combined fixation. We undertook a retrospective study in patients with LC-1 PICSFs to compare outcomes between solitary anterior fixation and combined anterior-posterior fixation.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with enrollment from 2014 to 2015 at a single tertiary-referral center in China. Adults with operatively managed LC-1 PICSFs were enrolled. Patients with sacral displacement <1 cm as assessed by axial CT received solitary anterior ring fixation (Group A); patients with displacement ≥1 cm received combined fixation of both the anterior and posterior rings (Group B). Reduction was confirmed by manipulation under anesthesia. Patients followed up for at least 24 months post-operatively. Primary outcome was function (Majeed score). Secondary outcomes included intraoperative characteristics, pain (VAS score), quality of fracture reduction (Tornetta and Matta radiographic grading), rate of non-union, early weight-bearing status, and complication rate.Results: 68 (89%) of 76 enrolled patients completed follow-up. Patients in Group A exhibited improved operative times, less time under fluoroscopy, and less blood loss as compared to Group B. There were no significant differences between Groups A and B regarding quality of fracture reduction, rate of union, functional outcomes, or rate of complications. Notably, Group B patients were more likely to achieve full early weight-bearing.Conclusion: LC-1 PFCSFs can get benefits from ORIF; the treatment algorithm should be differently made following the degree of the sacral fractures displacement. Less than 1cm sacral fracture displacement may get good functional outcomes from solitary anterior fixation. However, for the sacral fractures displacement greater or equal to 1cm, both the anterior and posterior pelvic ring should be surgical stabilization.
Green Chitosan:Thiourea Dioxide Cleaning Gel for Manganese Stains on Granite and Glass Substrates
Authors: Campos Bruno , Marco Alexandra , Cadeco Guilhermina , Freire-Lista David M. , Silvestre-Albero Joaquin , Algarra Manuel , Vieira Eduarda , Pintado Manuela , Moreira Patrícia 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The cleaning or removal of manganese stains on Cultural Heritage has not been much tested or successful so far. The aim of this article was to assess a new green cleaning gel for Mn-rich black-blue stains on different substrates. The black-blue stains were characterized at optical and chemical level through RGB data, colorimetry, optical microscope, FTIR, XRF and XPS. Mn-stained granite found on historical churches at Vila Real (North of Portugal) and glass jars of Leclanché cells, belonging to the ISEP’s Museum (Portugal) collection, were the ideal case studies to test the efficiency of Chitosan:Thiourea Dioxide (TD) cleaning gel. TD proved to be the best candidate to reduce insoluble manganese oxides, over Hydroxylamine Hydrochloride and Hydroxymethanesulfinic Acid. Cleaning assays performed on stained granite samples collected at a historical quarry and in situ application on stained granite churches showed the complete removal of the stains. Similar results were obtained on stained glass jars. This article presents an innovative, feasible and green Chitosan gel embedded with TD and phosphoric acid, applied to the cleaning of Mn-stained granite and glass substrates.
Primary and Secondary Effects of Statin on Cerebro-Cardiovascular Disease Using the Nationwide Health Screening Data
Authors: Lee Jong Weon , Park Dougho , Cho Han Eol , Kim Jong Hun , Kim Hyoung Seop 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background and Purpose Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for cerebro-cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Limited evidence is available on the prevention effect of statin in a nationwide large population. We aim to verify the primary and secondary prevention effects of statin on CVD among not only the general adult population but also elderly over 60 years.Methods This study is a big data cohort study using propensity score-matched data from the Korean National Health Screening Cohort. Differences in the cumulative incidence of major adverse cerebro-cardiovascular events and hazard ratio between the statin-user and the non-statin-user groups were investigated.Results A propensity score-matched pairs of statin-user and non-statin-user identified 64,182 population of 40–75 years old without CVD and 24,688 with accompanying diseases. In this group, statin showed both primary (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.70–0.83, p<0.001) and secondary (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79–0.95, p=0.004) prevention effect. In the elderly over 60 years, statin only showed primary prevention effect (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76–0.96, p=0.008) in the 26,836 propensity score-matched pairs.Conclusions Statin use in the elderly showed the primary prevention effect on CVD. Taking statin is desirable for both general population of dyslipidemia patients and elders over 60 years with CVD risk factors.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Mycophenolic Acid Derivatives as Potential Anti-Toxoplasma Gondii Agents
Authors: Shang Fan-Fan , Wang Mei-Yuan , Ai Jiang-Ping , Shen Qing-Kun , Guo Hong-Yan , Jin Chun-Mei , Chen Fen-Er , Quan Zhe-Shan , Jin Lili , Zhang Changhao 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Nineteen mycophenolic acid (MPA) derivatives were designed and synthesized, and their anti-Toxoplasma activity evaluated for the first time. Among them, N-propylimidazole-modified compound E5 demonstrated the strongest activity, and the IC50 against HFF-1 (Human Foreskin Fibroblasts-1) cells following infection with T. gondii is 80.9 μM (MPA-211.5 μM) and its selectivity value is 2.2 (MPA-1.2). In vivo experiments, E5 significantly inhibited the proliferation of tachyzoites in the abdominal cavity of mice acutely infected with T. gondii (inhibition rates 46.7%), and this inhibitory effect was greater than that of spiramycin (inhibition rates 31.3%) and MPA (inhibition rates 15.9%), this indicated that E5 had significant protective effects on the host during acute Toxoplasma infection. In addition E5 significantly reduced the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the serum of infected mice, significantly increased the level of glutathione (GSH) in the liver, and significantly reduced the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), indicating that it has a significant hepatoprotective effect against T. gondii infection. Similarly, E5 can relieve hepatomegaly and splenomegaly induced by acute Toxoplasma infection. Spiramycin aggravated appetite loss in infected mice, while E5 did not. In summary, the results indicated that E5 has potential as a candidate anti-T. gondii drug.
Evaluation of Transducer and Signature Selections on the Performance of Artificial Intelligence Machine Tool Wear Prognosis
Authors: Sun I-Chun , Cheng Renchi , Chen Kuo-Shen 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The qualities of machined products are largely depended on the status of machines in various aspects. Thus, appropriate condition monitoring would be essential for both quality control and longevity assessment. Recently, with the advance in artificial intelligence and computational power, status monitoring and prognosis based on data driven approach becomes more practical. However, unlike machine vision and image processing, where data types are fixed and the performance index has already well defined, sensor selection and index for machine tools are versatile and not standardized at this moment. Without supporting of appropriate domain knowledge for selecting appropriate sensors and adequate performance index, pure data driven approach might suffer from unsatisfied prediction accuracy and needing of excessive training data, as well as the possibility of misjudgment. This would be a key obstacle for promoting data driven based prognosis in general intelligent manufacturing field. In this work, the status monitoring and prediction of a cutter wear problem is investigated to address the above concerns and to demonstrate the possible solutions by hiring a 5-axis machine center equipped with milling cutters of different wear levels. Transducers including accelerometers, microphones, current transformer, and acoustic emission sensors are mounted on the spindle, fixture, and nearby structures to monitor the milling process. The collected data are processed to extract various signatures and the key dominated indexes are identified. Finally, three multilayer perception (MLP) artificial neural network models are established. These models trained by different input features are compared to examine the influence of selected sensors and indexes on the prediction accuracy. The results show that with appropriate sensors and signatures, even with less amount of experimental data, the model can indeed achieve a better prediction. Therefore, a proper selection of indexes guided by physical knowledge based experiment or theoretical investigation would be critical.
The Impact of Cytochrome P450 3A5 Genotype on Early Tacrolimus Metabolism and Clinical Outcomes in Lung Transplant Recipients
Authors: Du Wenwen , Wang Xiaoxing , Zhang Dan , Chen Wenqian , Zhang Xianglin , Li Pengmei 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background Tacrolimus (Tac) is the cornerstone of immunosuppressant therapy after lung transplantation (LTx). It shows great inter-individual variability in pharmacokinetics, which could partly be explained by pharmacogenetic factors. Objective We aim to investigate the effect of cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) (rs776746) genotypes on early post-operative Tac metabolism and clinical outcomes in LTx recipients. Methods 90 recipients who underwent LTx from 2017 to 2019 at our institution were enrolled in the study. The effect of CYP3A5 genotype on Tac concentration, dose, dose adjusted concentration (C/D) and interaction with azole antifungals were assessed during week 1–4 after transplantation. Associations between CYP3A5 genotype and the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), length of hospital stay and mortality were analyzed. Results CYP3A5*1 carriers had lower C/D than CYP3A5*3/*3 group at all time points (p < 0.05). To reach comparable blood concentrations, CYP3A5*1 carriers required higher doses compared with CYP3A5*3/*3 group (p < 0.05). Use of azole antifungals did not blunt the effect of CYP3A5 genotypes on Tac metabolism. Logistic regression showed Tac concentration at week 1, not CYP3A5 genotype, was associated with the incidence of AKI. No statistically significant difference was found between CYP3A5 genotypes and the length of hospital stay (48 (37–68) vs 46(32–57) days, p = 0.264). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed no statistically significant difference between 30-day or 1-year mortality and CYP3A5 genotype. Conclusion CYP3A5 genotype could affect Tac metabolism early after LTx. However, it has no influence on the incidence of AKI, length of hospital stay and mortality.
Relativistically invariant Bohmian trajectories of photons
Authors: Foo Joshua , Asmodelle Estelle , Lund Austin , Ralph Timothy 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Bohmian mechanics is a nonlocal hidden-variable interpretation of quantum theory which predicts that particles follow deterministic trajectories in spacetime. Historically, the study of Bohmian trajectories has been restricted to nonrelativistic regimes due to the widely held belief that the theory is incompatible with special relativity. Here we derive expressions for the relativistic velocity and spacetime trajectories of photons in a Michelson-Sagnac-type interferometer. The trajectories satisfy quantum-mechanical continuity, the relativistic velocity addition rule. Our new velocity equation can be operationally defined in terms of weak measurements of momentum and energy. We finally propose a modified Alcubierre metric which could give rise to these trajectories within the paradigm of general relativity.
COVID-19 Social Media Information and Misinformation: a Geospatial Analysis of Inter-regional Tweet Disparities in Ghana
Authors: Hinneh Richmond Takyi , Owusu Alex Barimah 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIn an era of the global pandemic and social media dominance, trying to control the narrative on COVID-19 has been a challenging task for most governments particularly with news about the disease on various social media platforms. There have even been instances where people have sent false information about the number of confirmed cases, precautionary measures, drugs that boost the immune system which can threaten the lives of some users who are accessing this false information and misconceptions.Method This study analyzed spatial differences in Twitter misinformation on COVID-19 across 16 regions of Ghana by scraping 1,167 tweets from Twitter using API access. A total of 514 tweets were analyzed. The data were categorized into three namely; accurate information, misinformation, and other information. ResultsThe study results show that 72% of the tweets were accurate, 14% were misinformation and 14% represented other information. Among the regions, Greater Accra had the highest number of accurate information (45 tweets), and the Upper West Region recording the highest number of misinformation (12 tweets).ConclusionSpatial monitoring and management of information dissemination are useful for target setting and achievement of direct results in terms of diffusing misinformation and propagating accurate information. We, therefore, recommend official usage of Twitter for COVID-19 information dissemination as this usage will help offset possible misinformation from unformed individuals.
Electrophysiological Evidence of the Amodal Representation of Symmetry in Extrastriate Areas
Authors: Rampone Giulia , Adam Martyna , Makin Alexis D.J. , Tyson-Carr John , Bertamini Marco 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Extrastriate visual areas are strongly activated by image symmetry. Less is known about symmetry representation at object-, rather than image-, level. Here we investigated electrophysiological responses to symmetry, generated by amodal completion of partially-occluded polygon shapes. We used a similar paradigm in four experiments (N=112). A fully-visible abstract shape (either symmetric or asymmetric) was presented for 250ms (t0). A large rectangle covered it entirely for 250ms (t1) and then moved to one side to reveal half of the shape hidden behind (t2, 1000ms). Note that at t2 no symmetry could be inferred from retinal image information. In half of the trials the shape was the same as previously presented, in the other trials it was replaced by a novel shape. Participants matched shapes similarity (Exp. 1 and Exp. 2), or their colour (Exp. 3) or the orientation of a triangle superimposed to the shapes (Exp. 4). The fully-visible shapes (t0-t1) elicited automatic symmetry-specific ERP responses in all experiments. Importantly, there was an exposure-dependent symmetry-response to the occluded shapes that were recognised as previously seen (t2). Exp. 2 and Exp.4 confirmed this second ERP (t2) did not reflect a reinforcement of a residual carry-over response from t0. We conclude that the extrastriate symmetry-network can achieve amodal representation of symmetry from occluded objects that have been previously experienced as wholes.