bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of glycogen storage disease type I on adult daily life
Authors: Garbade Sven , Ederer Viviane , Burgard Peter , Wendel Udo , Spiekerkoetter Ute , Haas Dorothea , Grünert Sarah Catharina 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

Glycogen storage disease type I (GSD I) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of carbohydate metabolism characterized by recurrent hypoglycaemia and hepatomegaly. Management of GSD I is demanding and comprises a diet with defined carbohydrate intake and the use of complex carbohydrates, nocturnal tube feeding or night-time uncooked cornstarch intake, regular blood glucose monitoring and the handling of emergency situations. With improved treatment, most patients nowadays survive into adulthood. Little research has been performed on the impact of GSD I on daily life, especially in adult patients.
Results

In this multi-centre study we assessed the impact of GSD I on adult daily life in 34 GSD I patients (27 GSD Ia, 7 GSD Ib) between 17 and 54 years (median 26 years) using a self-designed questionnaire that specifically focused on different aspects of daily life, such as job situation, social life, sports, travelling, composition of the household, night-time and day-time dietary management and disease monitoring as well as the patient’s attitude towards the disease. At the time of investigation, the majority of patients either attended school or university or were employed, while 3 patients (9%) were out of work. Most patients ranked GSD I as a disease with moderate severity and disease burden. Dietary treatment was considered challenging by many, but the vast majority of patients considered life with GSD I as well-manageable.
Conclusions

Although the management of GSD I poses a significant burden on daily life, most patients live an independent adult life, have a positive attitude towards their disease and seem to cope well with their situation.
Antidepressants and Benzodiazepines Consumption in University Workers
Authors: Norton Pedro , Pinho Paulo , Varandas Tatiana , Maggioli Sara , Amaro Joana , Gama Diana 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objectives: To estimate the prevalence in consumption of antidepressants and benzodiazepines among workers from a Portuguese university.Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with university workers who underwent an occupational health consultation between 2013 and 2014. Data was collected by the occupational physician and entered into an anonymous database. The following characteristics were evaluated: age, gender, marital status, professional category, organizational unit, academic qualifications and pharmacotherapy. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences® (SPSS®) version 23.0 for Microsoft Windows®. The discrete variables were compared with the Chi-square test and in the multivariate analysis a logistic regression model was used to calculate Odds Ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The accepted level of significance was p <0.05.Results: The sample was composed of 1853 workers, in which 6.3% only took benzodiazepines, 4.6% only took antidepressants, 3.8% took drugs simultaneously from both groups and 14,7% were found to consume at least one of them. The most used antidepressants are fluoxetine, escitalopram and sertraline and the most used anxiolytics are alprazolam, ethyl loflazepate and diazepam. Higher consumption of these drugs was more prevalent among females, those in lower status job categories and older workers. Discussion/Conclusion: The consumption of antidepressants and anxiolytics is lower than that determined for the Portuguese population in 2013, seeming to support the idea that higher levels of education are a protective factor against anxiety and depression. University workers seem to be more protected against depressive disorders and anxiety. Identifying the most vulnerable groups serves as a starting point for the analysis of how labor related stress contributes to this reality and what factors can be modified.
Effect of Combined Application of Foliar Sprays of Orthosilicic Acid (OSA) with Basal NPK Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Mbaraka Saidi Rumanzi , Abayisenga Jean Claude , Nkurunziza Christian , Rucamumihigo Francois Xavier , Habimana Sylvestre , Nguyen Loc Van , Gasangwa Ivan , Neeru Jain , Mutamuliza Eularie , Rwalinda Fabrice Musana , Rushemuka Pascal 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Benefits of silicon to plant growth and yield in higher plants has been explored recently. This study was conducted to assess the effects combined application of foliar application of Orthosilicic Acid (OSA) with basal NPK fertilizer on growth and yield of rice.
Methods
The study was conducted in Ntende site at Rwagitima marshland, Gatsibo district in the Eastern province of Rwanda. The field experiment was laid in randomized complete block design with three replications across in two cropping seasons in 2019/2020. Two recommended doses of fertilizer (RDF); 100% RDF (200 kgha− 1 NPK and 100 kgha− 1 Urea) and 75% RDF (150 kgha− 1 NPK and 75 kgha− 1 Urea) were used in combination with different doses of silixol orthosilicic acid (OSA). The Si fertilizers were applied in liquid form at panicle initiation and grain filling stages.
Results
Combined application of OSA with RDF produced better growth attributes (plant height, number of tillers, root length, flag leaf length and width) compared with using RDF only. Similarly, OSA application showed higher yield components, number of panicles, panicle weight, grain weight per panicle and 1000-grain weight. Highest yield of 5.81 t/ha which equates to 24% increase was obtained when 100% RDF + 4ml/l OSA was applied.
Conclusion
Rice fertilization with Si helps to stimulate plant growth, yield attributes and yield. Therefore, potential of Si could further be explored among rice farmers in Rwanda.
Enhancing the anode performance of microbial fuel cells in the treatment of oil-based drill sludge by adjusting the stirring rate and supplementing oil-based drill cuttings
Authors: Feng Qi , Xu Longjun , Liu Chenglun , Hao Yu , Yang Zhengxin , Zhang Teng , Liu Yanling , Su Huaren 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This was the first attempt to investigate the bioelectricity output based on solid-liquid cooperation in the microbial fuel cell (MFC) treatment of oil-based drill sludge by adjusting the stirring rate (SR) and supplementing oil-based drill cuttings (OBDCs). According to the results, the maximum power density output reached 671 mW/m2 (5.4 kW h/m2) when the stirring rate was 100 r/min and the OBDCs concentration was 2 g/L in the anode chamber, which was more than 2.4 times as high as that of the control group and significantly higher than those of other MFCs. Extremely high removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia and total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) were realized in optimization, with values of 52.3 ± 1.9% (the removal quality was 12081 ± 432 mg/L), 74.5 ± 0.2% and 58.9 ± 0.2%, respectively. Electrochemical analyses and high-throughput sequencing revealed that the cooperation of stir with OBDCs could activate microbial activity while reducing the overpotential loss in anode systems and thus responsible for the enrichment of electrogenic bacteria with extracellular electron transfer functions (such as Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria) and denitrifying bacteria (such as Bacilli and Anaerolineae and Rhodopseudomonas). Moreover, substrate characterization (via Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD)) showed that organic matter might converted into small molecules without intermediates. This investigation offers a new strategy for the treatment /application of solid and liquid produced from oil and gas fields by bioelectrochemical technology.
STAT3 Involved in Cellular Vulnerability to Isoflurane
Authors: Yang Yan , Wang Hongwei , Song Shiyu , Liu Yue , Zhang Wei , Zhang Juan , Sun Yu’e , Hao Jing , Yang Xuli , Gu Xiaoping , Ma Zhengliang , Gao Qian 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
STAT3 signaling is crucial during neural spontaneous death period, a restricted developmental time window in which the neonatal brain is vulnerable to isoflurane. Here, we designed experiments to assess whether isoflurane target STAT3 to deliver its cytotoxicity. Mice at postnatal day 7 or 21, primary cortical neurons cultured for 5 or 14 days and human neuroglioma U251 cells were treated with isoflurane. A plasmid containing human wild-type STAT3, STAT3 anti-sense oligonucleotide, STAT3 specific inhibitor STA21, proteasome inhibitor MG-132 and calcineurin inhibitor FK506 were utilized to evaluate the influence of STAT3 levels on isoflurane-induced cytotoxicity. In the present study, an upregulation of STAT3 parallel with a decline in calcineurin activity as well as a decrease in the ability of isoflurane to trigger calcineurin activity and neuroapoptosis were observed in more mature neuron or brain. STAT3 survival pathway was impaired after isoflurane exposure in U251 cells and exerted a prominent effect. STAT3 disruption exaggerated isoflurane-induced oxidative injury and apoptosis, whereas, STAT3 overexpression exhibited notable cellular protection. The blockage of calcineurin activity ameliorated neural apoptosis, dendritic spine impairment and cognitive dysfunction induced by isoflurane. Overall, these results indicated that specific regulation of STAT3 was closely related with the cellular vulnerability to isoflurane.
Characterization of novel natural fiber from manau rattan (Calamus manan) as a potential reinforcement for polymer-based composites
Authors: Ding Linhu , Han Xiaoshuai , Li Huiling , Han Jingquan , Cao Lihua , Chen Yiming , Ling Zhe , He Shuijian , Jiang Shaohua 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The study on novel natural fibers in polymer-based composites will help promote the invention of novel reinforcement and expand their possible applications. Herein, novel cellulosic fibers were extracted from the stem of manau rattan (Calamus manan) by mechanical separation. It is the first time to comprehensively analyze and study the chemical, thermal, mechanical and morphological properties of manau rattan fibers by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-Ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), single fiber tensile test and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Component analysis results showed the cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin contents of manau rattan fibers were 42, 20, and 27%, respectively. The surface of the rattan fiber was hydrophilic according to the oxygen/carbon ratio of 0.49. Manau rattan has a high crystalline index of 48.28%, inducing a high maximum degradation temperature of 332.8°C. This reveals that it can be used as a reinforcement for thermoplastic composites whose operating temperature is below 300°C. The average tensile strength can reach 273.28 MPa, which is beneficial to improve the mechanical properties of rattan fiber reinforced composites. SEM images displayed the rough surface of the fiber, which helps to enhance the interfacial adhesion between the fibers and matrices in composites. This work was also in comparison with some other natural fibers. The above analysis and research showed the great potential of manau rattan fibers as the reinforcement in polymer-based composites.
Bilateral lumbar Ultrasound-guided Erector Spinae Plane Block versus Local Anaesthetic Infiltration for Perioperative Analgesia in Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Vergari Alessandro , Frassanito Luciano , Muro Mariangela , Nestorini Roberta , Chierichini Angelo , Rossi Marco , Stasio Enrico 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundLumbar spinal surgery is associated with severe postoperative pain. We examined the analgesic efficacy of bilateral lumbar ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) with ropivacaine compared with local infiltration of ropivacaine.Methods Twenty-four patients undergoing elective lumbar arthrodesis were randomly divided into two groups. Control group received 0.375 % ropivacaine 40 ml through the wound, and ESPB group received preoperative bilateral ESPB with 0.375 % ropivacaine 40 ml. The primary outcome was postoperative pain intensity at rest using a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes included difference in pain intensity between pre-intervention and defined timepoints, total amount of opioid analgesic requested by the patients at the same timepoints, the incidence of any adverse event, and the length of hospital stay (LOS) after surgery.Results After surgery we detected a NRS value of 1.9 + 1.6 in ESPB group and 6.0 + 1.7 in Control group (p<0.05). In the ESPB group we found a significant decrease (from 6.3 ± 1.6 to 1.9 ± 1.7) of NRS score after surgery compared to pre-surgery values. About the opioid consumption we found a total sufentanil tablets consumption of 17 ± 9 and 10 ± 2 at 48h for Control group and ESPB group, respectively. Concerning LOS all patients in the Control group and 9 of the ESPB group were discharged after 72 hours; 3 patients in the ESPB group left the ward after 48 hours. Conclusion Bilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB offers improved postoperative analgesia compared with local infiltration in patients undergoing lumbar spinal surgery.Trial Registration Number on Clinicaltrial.gov: NCT04123106
EGF/bFGF Promotes Survival, Migration and Differentiation of GFP-Labeled Rhesus Monkey Neural Stem Cells Xenografted into the Rat Brain
Authors: Li Hao , Wei Jingkuan , Pan Lei , Zhang Yuhua , Guo Liyun , Qin Dongdong , Yin Yong , Hu Xintian , Wang Zhengbo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Stem cell replacement therapy is considered a promising treatment for diseases of the central nervous system. Improving the ratio of surviving transplanted cells and increasing the ratio of cells that differentiate into functional neuronal cells are the most important issues related to research on neuroregenerative medicine. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) have been reported to promote the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) in vitro, but whether they have the same effect in vivo is unclear. Methods: In this study, NSCs derived from rhesus monkey embryonic stem cells (ESCs) were resuspended in medium with or without EGF/bFGF and xenotransplanted into the rat striatum. Results: No behavioral abnormalities or teratoma formation were observed in the recipient engrafted rats. GFP-labeled cells exhibited a higher survival rate and longer migration in the EGF/bFGF group than in the control group at 2 months after transplantation. Moreover, the percentages of Tuj1+ neurons and Map2+ neurons in the EGF/bFGF group were significantly higher than those in the control group, while the percentages of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes were significantly lower in the EGF/bGFG group than in the control group. Conclusions: These findings indicate that EGF/bFGF can promote protrusion of nerve fibers and the survival and neuronal differentiation of transplanted NSCs in the recipient brain, suggesting that EGF/bFGF has a potential application for stem cell therapy.
Association of the rs4646994 in ACE gene with susceptibility to tuberculosis in a region of the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Porchera Débora Chistina Ricardo Fernandes , Braga Ana Cristina Oliveira , Leal Diana Feio Veiga Borges , Pinto Pablo Diego Carmo , Silva Mayara Natália Santana da , Santos Lucas Cauê Bezerra , Silva Cintia Helena Braga da , Costa Giovana Escribano , Barros Maria Clara Costa , Silva Cleonardo Augusto , Assumpção Paulo Pimentel , Santos Ândrea Ribeiro , Santos Sidney Emanuel Batista dos , Fernandes Marianne Rodrigues , Santos Ney Pereira Carneiro dos 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis is a global public health issue. Recent studies suggested association of host genetic factors to tuberculosis susceptibility in many populations. Polymorphisms can influence the host immune responses to tuberculosis. This study was designed to investigate the association of seventeen genetic polymorphisms with susceptibility and severity to tuberculosis in a sample of Brazilian population. Methods: This case-control study encompassed 283 active tuberculosis patients and 145 healthy subjects that had contact with the bacillus. Genotyping of 13 INDELs polymorphisms and 4 SNPs was achieved using Multiplex PCR method and TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Results: Of the 17 investigated markers, only the ACE marker (rs4646994) showed significant differences between cases and controls. Conclusions: The DEL/DEL (deletion /deletion) genotype of the ACE marker configured a protection factor for the development of tuberculosis. As there is no data in the recent literature relating this polymorphism with tuberculosis in a Brazilian population, our study has become unprecedented.
Carboxylated Nanocellulose Superabsorbent: Biodegradation and Soil Water Retention Properties
Authors: Barajas Ruth M. , Wong Vanessa , Little Karen , Patti Antonio F. , Garnier Gil 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Carboxylated nanocellulose superabsorbent polymers (SAP) can be used to increase soil water retention in agriculture. The benefits investigated are influenced by the superabsorbent structure, composition and application rate. In this study, TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl)-oxidised nanocellulose superabsorbents were prepared using three different drying techniques: freeze-dried, and oven-dried at low and high temperatures. The swelling capacity in soil water extracts was measured and compared to deionised water. Soil was amended with different application rates of these superabsorbents to evaluate the effects on water retention, microbial community and their biodegradation. The absorption performance of nanocellulose superabsorbents is affected by the concentration and type of salts in the soil water extracts. Oven-dried at 50°C SAP presents the highest ionic sensitivity attributed to its large number of accessible carboxylate groups. The water retention of the soil treatments increases with increasing application rate. Soil treated with the freeze-dried superabsorbent shows the highest water retention, whereas those amended with the 50°C oven-dried SAP remain moist the longest. The biodegradation rate of these materials depends on the application rate and nutrient availability. Carboxylated nanocellulose superabsorbents emerge as high-performance biodegradable materials for agricultural use, able to replace the current non-biodegradable petrochemical-based superabsorbents.
Antithrombotic Effects of Montelukast by Targeting Coagulation Factor XIa
Authors: Wang Dong , Zhou Yang , Qi Yingying , Song Meiru , Yao Huiqiao , Liao Christopher , Lin Haili , Huang Meijuan , Zhuo Dexiang , Jiang Longguang , Yuan Cai , Chen Yuanzhong , Huang Mingdong , Li Jinyu , Xu Peng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Current oral anticoagulants prescribed for the prevention of thrombosis suffer from severe hemorrhagic problems. Coagulation factor XIa (FXIa) has been confirmed as a safer antithrombotic target as intervention with FXIa causes lower hemorrhagic risks. In this study, by a high-throughput virtual screening, we identified Montelukast (MK), an oral antiasthmatic drug, as a potent and specific FXIa inhibitor (IC50 = 0.17 µM). Compared with the two mostly prescribed anticoagulants (Warfarin and Apixaban), MK demonstrated comparable or even higher antithrombotic effects in three independent animal models. More importantly, in contrast to the severe hemorrhage caused by Warfarin or Apixaban, MK did not measurably increase blood loss in vivo. In addition, MK did not affect the hemostatic function in plasma from healthy individuals. In contrast, MK suppressed clot formation in clinical hypercoagulable plasma samples. This study provides a lead compound of anticoagulants targeting FXIa, and suggests the exploratory clinical researches on antithrombotic therapies using MK.
ErbB Receptor Stimulation Is Required for Mouse Colon Adenoma Organoids to Form Crypts
Authors: Tan Chin Wee , Zhu Ruiyan , Kane Serena R , Au Michelle , Zhang Xiaoyu , Hirokawa Yumiko , Faux Maree C , Burgess Antony Wilks 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The majority of colon adenomas harbor genetic mutations in the APC gene. APC mutation leads to changes in Wnt signalling and cell-cell adhesion: as a consequence, intestinal crypt budding increases and the excess crypts accumulate to form adenomas that progress to colon cancer. When cultured with Wnt, R-spondin, EGF, Noggin, myofibroblast conditioned medium and Matrigel, crypts from normal mouse colon mucosa form crypt-producing organoids and can be passaged continuously. Under the same culture and passage conditions, crypts isolated from colon adenomas derived from Apcmin/+ mice typically grow as spheroidal cysts and do not produce crypts. The adenoma organoid growth requires EGF, but not Wnt, R-spondin or Noggin. However, when mouse colon adenoma spheroids are grown for more than 10 days in the presence of EGF, crypt formation occurs. EGF, EREG, β-cellulin, Neuregulin-1 or AREG are sufficient for initiating crypt formation, however, neuregulin-1 is more potent than the other EGF-family members. EGFR and ErbB2 inhibitors both prevent crypt formation in adenoma cultures. Either EGFR:ErbB2 or ErbB3:ErbB2 signalling is sufficient to initiate adenoma crypt budding and elongation. ErbB2 inhibitors may provide a therapeutic avenue for controlling and ablating colon adenomas.
Effect of Vagal Nerve Protection on Heart Rate in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Lobectomy
Authors: Liu Xiangzheng , Shang Xueqian , Chen Zhimao , Zhang Shijie 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: As a common malignant tumor worldwide, lung cancer receives substantial attention from specialists. Surgery occupies an important position in lung cancer treatment, particularly early treatment. To better improve quality of life for patients after surgery, we report our surgical approach to protect vagal nerve branches during lung cancer surgery, especially the thoracic branch, which is important to maintain a suitable heart rate after surgery.METHODS: We selected 40 patients who underwent lobectomy and systematic dissection of mediastinal lymph nodes during the same period. Patients were divided into two groups: the control group (traditional surgery) and the experimental group (surgery with vagal nerve/vagal branch protection). During surgery, vagal nerve function was preserved as much as possible.RESULTS: There were no significant differences in operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative pain, and discharge time between the two groups. Heart rate at discharge was significantly reduced in the experimental group compared with the control group (75.30 bpm vs. 86.00 bpm, respectively; P = 0.038). Heart rate at discharge was compared with heart rate at admission in both groups. The change in heart rate after surgery compared with heart rate at admission was less marked in the experimental group compared with the control group.CONCLUSIONS: Preserving the thoracic and cardiac branches of the vagus nerve during surgery can effectively reduce heart rate in patients after surgery and maintain pre-surgical heart rate.