bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Histologies on Clinical Outcomes of Spinal Metastases Treated with Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy
Authors: Guo Lanlan , Xu Qingqing , Ke Lixin , Wu Ziwei , Zeng Ziyi , Chen Lei , Lu Lixia , Chen Yuanyuan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose

To evaluate the impact of histologies on outcomes of spinal metastases treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and identify the correlated prognostic factors.
Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients who underwent SBRT with no prior radiation for spinal metastases between October 2015 and October 2020 at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to balance the distribution of related baseline characteristics. The endpoints included overall survival (OS), local control (LC), pain relief, and time to pain relief.
Results

A total of 202 consecutive patients with 345 spinal metastases were treated with a median follow-up time of 16.02 months (range, 0.73–57.90 months). The 1- and 2-year OS rates were 57% and 50%, respectively. The median survival was 35.63 months. A higher Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score at consult predicted for better OS (P = 0.020). The presence of pain at enrollment assessed by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) predicted for worse OS (P = 0.038). The 1-year LC rate was 92.0%. The pain relief rate was 76.30% (103/135 patients). Younger age was identified to be prognostic for better pain relief (P = 0.037). In the univariate and multivariate analysis, no variable was independently associated with time to pain relief. As for toxicity, no Grade ≥ 3 toxicity was observed.
Conclusions

SBRT is feasible and appears to be an effective treatment paradigm for patients with spinal metastases, with limited accepted toxicities.
Clinical Significance of Serum Levels of ROM (Reactive Oxygen Metabolites) in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated With Biologic Agents as a Predictor for the CDAI-, SDAI-, and Boolean-Remission
Authors: Nakajima Arata , Terayama Keiichiro , Sonobe Masato , Akatsu Yorikazu , Saito Junya , Norimoto Masaki , Taniguchi Shinji , Takahashi Hiroshi , Aoki Yasuchika , Nakagawa Koichi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
We previously showed that reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) serum levels were associated with the DAS28 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, we aimed to investigate whether ROM would be predictive of the CDAI-, SDAI- or Boolean-remission. Fifty-one biologic agents (BA)-naïve RA patients were included in this observational study. Associations between ROM, C-reactive protein (CRP), MMP (matrix metalloproteinase)-3, DAS28-ESR, CDAI, SDAI, and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) at 12 weeks and the DAS28-, CDAI-, SDAI-, and Boolean-remission at 52 weeks were investigated. The DAS28-, CDAI-, SDAI- and Boolean-remission rates at 52 weeks were 66.7, 52.9, 54.9 and 54.9%, respectively. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that ROM and HAQ at 12 weeks were associated with the CDAI-, SDAI- and Boolean-remission at 52 weeks. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses demonstrated that the cut-off value for CDAI remission was 389.5 U.Carr, and that for SDAI and Boolean remission was 389.5 U.Carr. ROM at 12 weeks of initial treatment with BAs was a predictor for the CDAI-, SDAI-, and Boolean-remission at 52 weeks. Serum levels of ROM may be a useful biomarker in the current treatment strategy aiming at the early remission of RA.
Uplift Resistance Capacity of Anchor Piles used in Marine Aquaculture
Authors: Gui Fukun , Kong Jianqiao , Feng Dejun , Qu Xiaoyu , Zhu Fang , You Yang 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Anchor piles are widely used in marine aquaculture, and their uplift resistance capacity largely determines their safety, especially in harsh ocean environments. However, a practical guide on its design and installation is wanting. Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of the initial tension angle, pile diameter, embedded depth, and pile configuration on the uplift resistance capacity of anchor piles for marine aquaculture under oblique loads. The results show that increasing the initial tension angle of circular and square single piles can significantly improve the uplift resistance capacity. The failure load of the square single pile was slightly higher than that of the circular single pile. Increasing the pile diameter can effectively improve the failure load and delay the development speed of the pile top displacement. Increasing the embedded depth can effectively improve the failure load and increase the lateral displacement of the pile top. The uplift resistance capacity of the dual anchor piles was better than that of the single anchor piles. The layout configuration has little effect on the failure load, but has a large effect on the displacement development.
Mechanism of Tripterygium Wilfordii for the Treatment of Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Shi Honghong , Hou Yanjuan , Su Xiaole , Qiao Jun , Wang Qian , Guo Xiaojiao , Gao Zhihong , Wang Lihua 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background

Tripterygium wilfordii has been widely used for idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN), while the pharmacological mechanisms are still unclear. This study is aimed at revealing potential therapeutic targets and pharmacological mechanism of tripterygium wilfordii for the treatment of IMN based on network pharmacology.
Methods

Active components of tripterygium wilfordii were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. IMN-associated target genes were collected from GeneCards database, DisGeNET database, and OMIMI database. VENNY 2.1 was used to identify the overlapping genes between active compounds of tripterygium wilfordii and IMN target genes. Using STRING database and Cytoscape 3.7.2 software to analyze interactions among overlapping genes. The Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment of the targets were analyzed using the Rx64 4.0.2 software, colorspace, stringi, DOSE, clusterProfiler, and enrichplot packages.
Results

A total of 153 compounds-related genes, 1485 IMN-related genes were obtained, and 77 overlapping genes between them were identified. The protein–protein interactions network indicated that the targets AKT1, TNF, VEGFA, TP53, PTGS2, CXCL8, MAPK8, STAT3, JUN, and CASP3 play an important role in the treatment effect of tripterygium wilfordii for IMN. The enrichment analysis showed that the main pathways of targets were AGE signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway.
Conclusion

This study reveals potential mechanisms of multi-component and multi-target of tripterygium wilfordii for the treatment of IMN based on network pharmacologic approach, and provide a scientific basis for further experimental studies.
Molecular Investigation of Fibronectin-Binding Protein Genes and Capacity of Biofilm Production in Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated From Clinical Samples
Authors: Soghondicolaei Hossein Jafari , Ahanjan Mohammad , Gholami Mehrdad , Mirzaei Bahman , Goli Hamid Reza 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Biofilm production increases Staphylococcus aureus resistance to antibiotics and also host defense mechanisms. The current study aims to evaluate the biofilm formation by S. aureus and to determine the prevalence of fibronectin-binding protein genes, also its correlation with drug resistance. In this study, 100 clinical isolates of S. aureus were collected. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates was evaluated by the disk agar diffusion method. The ability of biofilm formation in the studied isolates was also determined by microplate colorimetric assay. Then, all isolates were screened by polymerase chain reaction for the fnbA and fnbB genes. Out of 100 clinical isolates of S. aureus, the highest and lowest antibiotic resistance rates were against penicillin (94%) and vancomycin (6%). Thirty-two cases were found to be multi-drug resistant (MDR) among the all strains. The ability of biofilm production was observed in 89% of the isolates. The PCR results showed that the prevalence of fnbA and fnbB genes were 91% and 17%, respectively. Moreover, 100% and 21.8% of the MDR strains harbored the fnbA and fnbB genes respectively. The ability to form biofilm in MDR isolates of S. aureus is more than non-MDR isolates, especially fnbA positive ones. As the bacteria in the biofilm are difficult to kill by antibiotics, attention to the removal or control of the biofilm production seems to be necessary.
Machining-Reliability-based Optimization of Process Parameters for Marine Diesel Engine Block Hole System Using HJ-PSO
Authors: ZHOU HONGGEN , Yang Weibin , SUN LI , JING XUWEN , LI GUOCHAO , Cao Liping 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The processing quality of the block hole system affects the working performance of the marine diesel engine block directly. Choosing an appropriate combination of process parameters is a prerequisite to improve the accuracy of the block hole system. Uncertain fluctuations of process parameters during the machining process would affect the process reliability of the block hole system, resulting in an ultra-poor accuracy. For this reason, the RBF method is used to establish the relationship between the verticality of the cylinder hole and process parameters, including cutting speed, depth of cut, and feed rate. Taking the minimum cylinder hole verticality as the goal and setting the process reliability constraints of the cylinder hole based on Monte Carlo, a reliability optimization model of processing parameters for cylinder hole is established in this paper. Meanwhile, an improved particle swarm algorithm was designed to solve the model, and eventually, the global optimal combination of process parameters for the cylinder hole processing of the diesel engine block in the reliability stable region was obtained.
Effects of the Full Coverage Policy of Essential Medicines on Inequality in Medication Adherence: A Longitudinal Study in Taizhou, China
Authors: Guo Zhi-gang , Zheng Li-guang , Fu Meng-yuan , Li Huang-qian-yu , Bai Lin , Guan Xiaodong , Shi Lu-wen 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
The full coverage policy for essential medicines (FCPEMs) was proposed and implemented in Taizhou city of Zhejiang Province of China to promote equal access and adherence to medicines. This study aimed to examine the effects of FCPEMs on the inequality in medication adherence among local patients with hypertension and diabetes, and to explore their influencing factors
Methods
We collected electronic health records of patients with hypertension and diabetes of three districts of Taizhou from 2011–2016. With the implementation time of FCPEMs being different, we applied a retrospective longitudinal study design and selected the records of 1 baseline year before and 3 follow-up years after following the implementation of FCPEMs. All data entries of the same patient were aggregated and generated a dataset with 4-year longitudinal data. The concentration index (CI) and its decomposition method were employed to measure the factors contributing to inequality in medication adherence and the role played by FCPEMs.
Results
The sample size of the 4 years retrospective longitudinal data rose from 264,836 to 315,677, 340,512 and 355,676 individuals and the proportion of the patient taking the free medicines were 17.6–25.0% and 29.8% after FCPEMs. The proportion of patients with high adherence increased from 39.9–51.6%, 57.2%, 60.5% and CI changed from 0.073 to -0.011, -0.029, -0.035, where the rate of the contribution of FCPEMs were 54.792%, 1.223% and − 19.092% and ranked 2nd, 7th and 2nd after the implementation of FCPEMs. The changes in CI of medication adherence for every two years were − 0.084, -0.018, -0.006, and the contribution of FCPEMs were − 0.006, 0.006, 0.007, ranking the 2nd, 2nd and 1st and mainly attributed to the changes of CI of FCPEMs.
Conclusions
The medication adherence of patients with hypertension and diabetes improved after the implementation FCPEMs in Taizhou, but the inequality did not show a consistent rate of improvement. In general, FCPEMs contributed to improvements in the inequality in medication adherence. FCPEMs could be a protective factor against the income-related inequalities, but this would need further investigations and to be accompanied by other systematic efforts.
METTL14 Suppresses Pyroptosis and Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Down-Regulating TINCR lncRNA
Authors: Meng Liping , Lin Hui , Huang Xingxiao , Wen Jingfan , Wu Shengjie 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most important epigenetic regulation of RNAs, such as lncRNAs. However, the underlying regulatory mechanism of m6A in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is very limited. In this study, we sought to define the role of METTL14-mediated m6A modification in pyroptosis and DCM progression.Methods: DCM rat model was established and qRT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect the expression of METTL14 and TINCR. Gain-and-loss functional experiments were performed to define the role of METTL14-TINCR-NLRP3 axis in pyroptosis and DCM. RNA pulldown and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were carried out to verify the underlying interaction.Results: In vivo and in vitro studies showed that pyroptosis was tightly involved in DCM progression. METTL14 was downregulated in cardiomyocytes and hear tissues of DCM rat tissues. Functionally, METTL14 suppressed pyroptosis and DCM via downregulating lncRNA TINCR, which further decreased the expression of key pyroptosis-related protein, NLRP3. Mechanistically, METTL14 increased m6A methylation level of TINCR gene, resulting in its downregulation. Moreover, the m6A reader protein YTHDF2 was essential for m6A methylation and mediated the degradation of TINCR. Finally, TINCR positively regulated NLRP3 through increasing its mRNA stability.Conclusions: Our work revealed the novel role of METTL14-mediated m6A methylation and lncRNA regulation in pyroptosis and DCM, which could help extend our understanding the epigenetic regulation of pyroptosis in DCM progression.
Nanoceria Seed Priming Improves Salt Tolerance in Rapeseed Through Modulating ROS Homeostasis and α-Amylase Activities
Authors: Khan Mohammad Nauman , Li Yanhui , Khan Zaid , Chen Linlin , Liu Jiahao , Hu Jin , Wu Honghong , Li Zhaohu 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Salinity is a big threat to agriculture by limiting crop production. Nanopriming (seed priming with nanomaterials) is an emerged approach to improve plant stress tolerance; however, our knowledge about the underlying mechanisms is limited. Results: We used cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) to prime rapeseeds and investigated the possible mechanisms behind nanoceria improved rapeseed salt tolerance. We synthesized and characterized polyacrylic acid coated nanoceria (PNC, 8.5 ± 0.2 nm, -43.3 ± 6.3 mV) and monitored its distribution in different tissues of the seed during the imbibition period (1, 3, 8h priming). Our results showed that compared with the no nanoparticle control, PNC nanopriming improved germination rate (12%) and biomass (41%) in rapeseeds under salt stress (200 mM NaCl). During the priming hours, PNC were located mostly in the seed coat, nevertheless the intensity of PNC in cotyledon and radicle was increased alongside with the increase of priming hours. During the priming hours, the amount of the absorbed water (52%, 14%, 12% increase at 1, 3, 8h priming, respectively) and the activities of α-amylase were significantly higher (175%, 309%, 295% increase at 1, 3, 8h priming, respectively) in PNC treatment than the control. PNC primed rapeseeds showed significantly lower content of MDA, H2O2, and •O2— in both shoot and root than the control under salt stress. Also, under salt stress, PNC nanopriming enabled significantly higher K+ retention (29%) and also significantly lower Na+ accumulation (18.5%) and Na+/K+ ratio (37%) than the control. Conclusions: Our results suggested that besides the more absorbed water and increased α-amylase activities, PNC nanopriming improves salt tolerance in rapeseeds through maintaining ROS homeostasis and Na+/K+ ratio. It adds more knowledge regarding the mechanisms underlying nanopriming improved plant salt tolerance.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Cell-Free DNA Methylation Profiling with MeDIP-Seq Identified Potential Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xin , Li Tao , Niu Qiang , Qin Chang Jiang , Zhang Ming , Wu Guang Ming , Li Hua Zhong , Li Yan , Wang Chen , Du Wen Fei , Wang Chen Yang , Zhao Qiang , Zhao Xiao Dong , Wang Xiao Liang , Zhu Jian Bin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: To verify the feasibility of genome-wide plasma cell-free DNA(cfDNA) methylation profiling for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.Methods: We performed a genome-wide cfDNA methylation profiling study of colorectal cancer patients by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation coupled with high throughput sequencing (MeDIP-seq).Results: Compared with the control group, 939 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) located in promoter regions were found in colorectal cancer patients, 16 of these DMRs were hypermethylated and the remaining 923 were hypomethylated. In addition, these hypermethylated genes, mainly including PRDM14, RALYL, ELMOD1, and TMEM132E, were validated and confirmed in colorectal cancer by using publicly available DNA methylation data.Conclusions: Our study indicates that MeDIP-seq can be used as an optimal approach for analyzing cfDNA methylomes, and the differentially methylated genes obtained by MeDIP-seq can be used as potential biomarkers for clinical application in patients with colorectal cancer.
Microfluidic Device Engineered to Study the Trafficking of Multiple Myeloma Cancer Cells Through the Sinusoidal Niche of Bone Marrow
Authors: Sui Chao , Zilberberg Jenny , Lee Woo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable B cell malignancy characterized by the accumulation of monoclonal abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM). It has been a significant challenge to study the spatiotemporal interactions of MM cancer cells with the embedded microenvironments of BM. Here we report a microfluidic device which was designed to mimic several physiological features of the BM niche: (1) sinusoidal circulation, (2) sinusoidal endothelium, and (3) stroma. The endothelial and stromal compartments were constructed and used to demonstrate the device’s utility by spatiotemporally characterizing the CXCL12-mediated egression of MM cells from the BM stroma and its effects on the barrier function of endothelial cells (ECs). We found that the egression of MM cells resulted in less organized and loosely connected ECs, the widening of EC junction pores, and increased permeability through ECs, but without significantly affecting the number density of viable ECs. The results suggest that the device can be used to study the physical and secreted factors determining the trafficking of cancer cells through BM. The sinusoidal flow feature of the device provides an integral element for further creating systemic models of cancers that reside or metastasize to the BM niche.
Bacillus Benefits the Growth of Ambrosia Artemisiifolia by Increasing Available Nutrient Levels
Authors: Zhang Fengjuan , Sun Jianru , Wang Chang , Li Chunying , Chen Xue , Xu Haiyun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
AimsBacillus, a gram-positive bacterium, has multiple beneficial traits which help the plants in nutrients acquisition, either directly or indirectly. However, the mechanisms that mediate the positive or negative impact of Bacillus on exotic or native species are poorly understood. Our objective was to determine whether the quantitative and/ or qualitative differences in the Bacillus community present on the exotic Ambrosia artemisiifolia and the native Setaria viridis provide a competitive advantage to the invader over native species. MethodsA. artemisiifolia monoculture, mixture of A. artemisiifolia and S. viridis and S. viridis monoculture were designed in the field experiment. Bacillus diversity in their rhizospheres was analyzed using 16S rRNA and their effects on the competitive growth of A. artemisiifolia and S. viridis were tested in greenhouse experiment.ResultsThe Shannon index, species richness, and evenness index of Bacillus diversity in the rhizosphere soil of A. artemisiifolia in the monoculture treatment were lower than in the mixture treatment. The relative abundance of Bacillus megaterium in the rhizosphere soil of A. artemisiifolia was higher than that in the rhizosphere soil of S. viridis. Whether Bacillus in the rhizosphere soil of A. artemisiifolia or B. megaterium inoculation enhanced the relative competitiveness of A. artemisiifolia and inhibited that of S. viridis by altering their carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations. ConclusionsA. artemisiifolia invasion influenced Bacillus communities, especially B. megaterium. The higher abundance of B. megaterium in A. artemisiifolia rhizosphere creates higher levels of the available nutrient than that in native S. viridis.
Laparoscopic vs open pancreaticoduodenectomy- An updated meta-analysis of randomized control trials.
Authors: Vasavada Bhavin , Patel Hardik 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: There is ongoing debate regarding the usefulness of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy. This study aimed to analyze all the randomized control trials published including the most recent one.Material and methods: The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and MOOSE guidelines. Heterogeneity was measured using Q tests and I2. The random-effects models were used to summarize the relative risks, odds ratios, and mean differences as appropriate.Results: 4 RCTs were included consisting of 818 patients. 411 patients were in the laparoscopic group and 407 in the open pancreaticoduodenectomy group. Weighted baseline patient characteristics were similar except more patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and more males were there in the open pancreaticoduodenectomy group. There was no difference in-hospital stay,90 days complications rate, 90 days mortality, R1 resection, postoperative pancreatic fistula, delayed gastric emptying, post pancreatectomy hemorrhage, bile leak between the two groups. Operative time was more in the laparoscopic group. Blood loss [mean difference − 132.12 ml (-172.60,-91.65)] and surgical site infection [Risk ratio 0.41 ( 0.17-1.0)] were significantly lesser in laparoscopic group.Conclusion: There was no benefit in-hospital stay or clinical outcomes after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy. Blood loss and surgical site infection were lesser in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Partial Wave Direct Method Solution to Phase Problem
Authors: Pullooru Bhanumoorthy 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
We present the quantum theory derived partial wave direct method solution to phase problem. We cast crystal diffraction as a boundary value problem with Maxwell-Schrödinger equation as the governing partial differential equation. We show that phases of transforming sub-amplitudes in definite momentum eigen series become physically measurable as experimental azimuthal angles in the stationary spherical coordinate system with polar axis aligned along primary beam.