bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Plasma Vitamin B6 With Coronary Heart Disease in Patients Undergoing Diagnostic Coronary Angiography: New Insight on Sex Differences
Authors: Hu Lihua , Li Yuxi , Liu Zhihao , Fan Fangfang , Xu Benjamin , Xu Richard , Song Yun , Chen Ping , Wei Yaping , Jia Jia , Zhang Long , Weng Haoyu , Shi Qiuping , Zhang Nan , Wang Xingang , Zheng Bo , Zhang Yan , Li Jianping 
Published: December 2021

Aim: To date, findings on the overall and sex-specific effects of plasma pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP, active coenzyme form of vitamin B6) on the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) have been inconsistent. This study sought to advance our understanding on the association of plasma PLP with risk of CHD, with particular attention paid to sex differences and effect modifiers.Methods: We conducted a hospital-based, case-control study on suspected CHD patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography. A total of 429 CHD cases and 429 controls matched by age, sex, and operation time were included in the final analysis. Plasma PLP was assessed using LC-MS. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between plasma PLP and a first CHD event.Results: The mean (SD) plasma PLP levels were 8.4 (6.3) in male cases and 9.0 (11.0) in female cases, and 9.5 (8.5) in male controls and 12.5 (12.9) in female controls. Each 1 ng/mL increment in log2PLP was associated with a 28% lower risk of CHD in overall population. When stratified by sex, plasma PLP was significantly and independently associated with CHD in women (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.50–0.80), but not in men (OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.67–1.09). The association of plasma PLP with CHD risk was modified by sex (adjusted Pinteraction = 0.022).Conclusions: We found a significant, inverse linear association between plasma PLP and CHD in Chinese women, but not in men. Our findings warrant additional investigation.
Spatial and Temporal Resolution Improvement of Actual Evapotranspiration Maps Using Landsat and MODIS Data Fusion
Authors: Salehi Hamid , Shamsoddini Ali , Mirlatifi Seyed Majid , Mirgol Behnam , Nazari Meisam 
Published: December 2021

Producing daily actual evapotranspiration (ETa) maps with high spatial resolution has always been a challenge for remote sensing research. This study assessed the feasibility of producing daily ETa maps with a high spatial resolution (30 m) for the sugarcane farmlands of Amir Kabir Sugarcane Agro-industry (Khuzestan, Iran) using three different scenarios. In the first scenario, the reflectance bands of Landsat 8 were predicted from the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) imagery using the spatial and temporal adaptive reflectance fusion model (STARFM) algorithm. Also, the thermal bands of Landsat 8 were predicted by the spatiotemporal adaptive data fusion algorithm for temperature mapping (SADFAT). Then, ETa amounts were calculated employing such bands and the surface energy balance algorithm for land (SEBAL). In the second scenario, the input data needed by SEBAL were downscaled using the MODIS images and different methods. Then, using the downscaled data and SEBAL, daily ETa amounts with a spatial resolution of 30 m were calculated. In the third scenario, ETa data acquired by MODIS were downscaled to the scale of Landsat 8. In the second and third scenarios, downscaling of the data was carried out by the ratio, regression, and neural networks methods with two different approaches. In the first approach, the Landsat image on day 1 and the relationship between the two MODIS images on day 1 and the other days were used. In the second approach, the simulated image on the previous day and the relationship between the two consecutive images of MODIS were used. Comparing the simulated ETa amounts with the ETa amounts derived from Landsat 8, the first scenario had the best result with an RMSE (root mean square error) of 0.68 mm day−1. The neural networks method used in the third scenario with the second approach had the worst result with an RMSE of 2.25 mm day−1, which was however a better result than the ETa amounts derived from MODIS with an RMSE of 3.19 mm day−1. The method developed in this study offers an efficient and inexpensive way to produce daily ETa maps with a high spatial resolution. Furthermore, we suggest that STARFM and SADFAT algorithms have acceptable accuracies in the simulation of reflectance and thermal bands of Landsat 8 images for homogeneous areas.
The Effect of Vitamin C on Pathological Parameters and Survival Duration of Critically Ill Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Majidi Nazanin , Rabbani Faezeh , Gholami Somayeh , Gholamalizadeh Maryam , BourBour Fatemeh , Rastgoo Samira , Hajipour Azadeh , Shadnoosh Mahdi , Akbari Mohammad Esmail , Bahar Bojlul , Ashoori Narjes , Alizadeh Atiyeh , Samipoor Forough , Moslem Alireza , Doaei Saeid , Suzuki Katsuhiko 
Published: December 2021

IntroductionVitamin C has been reported to have beneficial effects on patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin C supplementation on pathological parameters and survival duration of critically ill patients with COVID-19.MethodsThis clinical trial was conducted on 120 hospitalized critically ill patients infected with COVID-19. The intervention group (n = 31) received one capsule of 500 mg of vitamin C daily for 14 days. The control group (n = 69) received the same nutrition except for vitamin C supplements. Measurement of pathological and biochemical parameters was performed at baseline and after 2 weeks of the intervention.ResultsFollowing 2 weeks of vitamin C supplementation, the level of serum K was significantly lower in the patients compared with the control group (3.93 vs. 4.21 mEq/L, p &lt; 0.01). Vitamin C supplementation resulted in a higher mean survival duration compared with that of the control group (8 vs. 4 days, p &lt; 0.01). There was a linear association between the number of days of vitamin C intake and survival duration (B = 1.66, p &lt; 0.001). The vitamin C supplementation had no effect on blood glucose, mean arterial pressure, arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), kidney function, cell blood count (CBC), hemoglobin (Hb), platelet (Plt), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), albumin, hematocrit (Hct), and other serum electrolytes including sodium (Na), calcium, and phosphorus (P).ConclusionThe present study demonstrated the potential of vitamin C supplementation in enhancing the survival duration of critically ill patients with COVID-19.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://www.irct.ir/trial/55074, identifier IRCT20151226025699N5
The Impact of Lifetime Work and Non-work Physical Activity on Physical Fitness Among White – and Blue – Collar Retirees: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Trzmiel Tomasz , Pieczyńska Anna , Zasadzka Ewa , Pawlaczyk Mariola 
Published: December 2021

Objective: The literature offers significant amount of data on the effects of occupational activity on health, with a distinct link between retirement and health among the most frequently tackled topics. Studies on the relationship between past occupational activity and physical fitness among older retirees remain scarce. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of physical activity on physical fitness in white- and blue-collar retirees.Methods: A total of 200 participants (aged ≥60) were included in the study. Lifetime physical activity was assessed using the Lifetime Physical Activity Questionnaire. Mean MET/week/year values of total Physical Activity and for each domain separately (occupational, sports, household) were calculated. Participants were stratified to blue- or white- collar group. Physical performance, hand-grip strength (HGS) and pulmonary function were assessed.Results: Mean total MET/week/year values for the blue- and the white-collar workers were 140.48 ± 55.13 and 100.75 ± 35.98, respectively. No statistically significant differences in physical performance scores were found between the white- and blue- collar groups. Adjustment for age, sex weight and height revealed a statistically significant association between work-related PA FEV*1 in the blue-collar group. White – collar workers presented higher odds ratio for membership in highest quartile in regard to short physical performance battery test score.Conclusion: Only minimal association of type of occupation on physical fitness were found despite statistically significant differences between mean intensity and duration of sports- and work-related lifetime physical activity. These findings may indicate that the type of past work is not an independent factor influencing the state of a person in old age. Large-scale investigations with physically fit and unfit participants, are necessary.
Muscle Electrical Impedance Properties and Activation Alteration After Functional Electrical Stimulation-Assisted Cycling Training for Chronic Stroke Survivors: A Longitudinal Pilot Study
Authors: Hu Chengpeng , Wang Tong , Leung Kenry W. C. , Li Le , Tong Raymond Kai-Yu 
Published: December 2021

Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is a sensitive assessment for neuromuscular diseases to detect muscle inherent properties, whereas surface electromyography (sEMG) is a common technique for monitoring muscle activation. However, the application of EIM in detecting training effects on stroke survivors is relatively few. This study aimed to evaluate the muscle inherent properties and muscle activation alteration after functional electrical stimulation (FES)-assisted cycling training to chronic stroke survivors. Fifteen people with chronic stroke were recruited for 20 sessions of FES-assisted cycling training (40 min/session, 3–5 sessions/week). The periodically stimulated and assessed muscle groups were quadriceps (QC), tibialis anterior (TA), hamstrings (HS), and medial head of gastrocnemius (MG) on the paretic lower extremity. EIM parameters [resistance (R), reactance (X), phase angle (θ), and anisotropy ratio (AR)], clinical scales (Fugl-Meyer Lower Extremity (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and 6-min walking test (6MWT)] and sEMG parameters [including root-mean square (RMS) and co-contraction index (CI) value] were collected and computed before and after the training. Linear correlation analysis was conducted between EIM and clinical scales as well as between sEMG and clinical scales. The results showed that motor function of the lower extremity, balance, and walking performance of subjects improved after the training. After training, θ value of TA (P = 0.014) and MG (P = 0.017) significantly increased, and AR of X (P = 0.004) value and AR of θ value (P = 0.041) significantly increased on TA. The RMS value of TA decreased (P = 0.022) and a significant reduction of CI was revealed on TA/MG muscle pair (P &lt; 0.001). Significant correlation was found between EIM and clinical assessments (AR of X value of TA and FMA-LE: r = 0.54, P = 0.046; X value of TA and BBS score: 0.628, P = 0.016), and between sEMG and clinical scores (RMS of TA and BBS score: r = −0.582, P = 0.029). This study demonstrated that FES-assisted cycling training improved lower limb function by developing coordinated muscle activation and facilitating an orderly myofiber arrangement. The current study also indicated that EIM can jointly evaluate lower extremity function alteration with sEMG after rehabilitation training.Clinical Trail Registration: The study was registered on the Clinical Trial Registry (trial registration number: NCT 03208439, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03208439).
Preconditioning With Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxia Attenuates Stroke Damage and Modulates Endocytosis in Residual Neurons
Authors: Wan Yaqi , Huang Lu , Liu Yanmin , Ji Weizhong , Li Changxing , Ge Ri-li 
Published: December 2021

Background: Moderate hypobaric hypoxia induces cerebral ischemic tolerance. We investigated the optimal method for applying hypobaric hypoxia preconditioning at 5,000 m to ischemic brain tissue and combined it with proteomics to determine the mechanisms underlying this effect.Methods: Male SD rats were randomly grouped as S (sham, n = 20), M (middle cerebral artery occlusion [MCAO], n = 28), H2M (intermittent hypobaric hypoxia preconditioned MCAO group, 2 h/day, 10 days, n = 20), H6M (intermittent hypobaric hypoxia preconditioned MCAO group, 6 h/day, 10 days, n = 28), and HpM (persistent hypobaric hypoxia preconditioned MCAO group, 10 days, n = 28). The permanent MCAO model was established based on the Zea Longa method. Infarction was assessed with the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining. The total protein expression of the neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3 (caspase-3), cleaved-caspase-3, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) was determined using western blotting. We assessed the peri-infarct cortex's ultrastructural changes. A label-free proteomic study and western blot verification were performed on the most effective preconditioned group.Results: The H6M group showed a lower infarct volume (p = 0.0005), lower mNSS score (p = 0.0009) than the M group. The H2M showed a lower level of IL-6 (p = 0.0213) than the M group. The caspase-3 level decreased in the H2M (p = 0.0002), H6M (p = 0.0025), and HpM groups (p = 0.0054) compared with that in the M group. Cleaved-caspase-3 expression decreased in the H2M (p = 0.0011), H6M (p &lt; 0.0001), and HpM groups (p &lt; 0.0001) compared with that in the M group. The neurons' ultrastructure and the blood-brain barrier in the peri-infarct tissue improved in the H2M and H6M groups. Immunofluorescence revealed increased NeuN-positive cells in the peri-infarct tissue in the H6M group (p = 0.0003, H6M vs. M). Protein expression of Chmp1a, Arpc5, and Hspa2 factors related to endocytosis were upregulated in the H6M compared with those of the M group (p &lt; 0.05 for all) on western blot verification of label-free proteomics.Conclusions: Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia preconditioning exerts a neuroprotective effect in a rat stroke model. Persistent hypobaric hypoxia stimulation exhibited no significant neuroprotective effect. Intermittent hypoxic preconditioning for 6 h/day for 10 days upregulates key proteins in clathrin-dependent endocytosis of neurons in the cortex.
Comparison of the Effects of Oral Midazolam and Intranasal Dexmedetomidine on Preoperative Sedation and Anesthesia Induction in Children Undergoing Surgeries
Authors: Cai Yu-Hang , Wang Cheng-Yu , Li Yang , Chen Jia , Li Jun , Wu Junzheng , Liu Hua-Cheng 
Published: December 2021

Background and Purpose: Premedication with either oral midazolam or intranasal dexmedetomidine prior to surgery remains less than ideal. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the combination of those two drug regimens would have any beneficial effects on the preoperative sedation and the children’s compliance during anesthesia inhalation induction.Experimental Approach: One hundred thirty-eight children aged 2–6 years were randomly allocated into three groups: Group M with oral midazolam 0.5 mg kg−1, Group D with intranasal dexmedetomidine 2 μg kg−1, and Group M + D with intranasal dexmedetomidine 1 μg kg−1 plus oral midazolam 0.5 mg kg−1. The primary outcome was the children’s compliance during inhalation induction with sevoflurane. The secondary outcomes included the preoperative sedative effects, behavior scores, parental separation anxiety scores, and the postoperative incidence of emergence agitation and recovery time.Results: Subjects in Group M + D showed higher satisfaction scores of compliance (p = 0.0049) and mask acceptance (MAS) (p = 0.0049) during anesthesia inhalation induction. Subjects in Group M + D had a significantly shorter time than those in Groups M and D to achieve the desired sedation level (p &lt; 0.001) and remained at a higher sedation score in the holding area and up to the anesthesia induction after drug administration (p &lt; 0.001).Conclusion and Implications: We conclude that pediatric patients premedicated with intranasal dexmedetomidine 1 μg kg−1 plus oral midazolam 0.5 mg kg−1 had significantly improved anesthesia induction compliance, and quicker onset to achieve and maintain a satisfactory level of sedation than those premedicated separately with two drugs. Therefore, the combined premed regimen is a greater choice when we are expecting a higher quality of sedation and a smoother anesthesia induction in children undergoing the surgeries.
ESBL Producing Escherichia coli in Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants: An Invisible Threat to Public Health in Rohingya Camps, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md. Sakib , Ali Sobur , Hossain Monir , Uddin Salman Zahir , Moniruzzaman M. , Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Shohael Abdullah Mohammad , Islam Md. Shafiqul , Ananya Tazrina Habib , Rahman Md. Mominur , Rahman Mohammad Ashfaqur , Worth Martin , Mondal Dinesh , Mahmud Zahid Hayat 
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Human faecal sludge contains diverse harmful microorganisms, making it hazardous to the environment and public health if it is discharged untreated. Faecal sludge is one of the major sources of E. coli that can produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs).Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and molecular characterization of ESBL-producing E. coli in faecal sludge samples collected from faecal sludge treatment plants (FSTPs) in Rohingya camps, Bangladesh.Methods: ESBL producing E. coli were screened by cultural as well as molecular methods and further characterized for their major ESBL genes, plasmid profiles, pathotypes, antibiotic resistance patterns, conjugation ability, and genetic similarity.Results: Of 296 isolates, 180 were phenotypically positive for ESBL. All the isolates, except one, contained at least one ESBL gene that was tested (blaCTX−M−1, blaCTX−M−2, blaCTX−M−8, blaCTX−M−9, blaCTX−M−15, blaCTX−M−25, blaTEM, and blaSHV). From plasmid profiling, it was observed that plasmids of 1–211 MDa were found in 84% (151/180) of the isolates. Besides, 13% (24/180) of the isolates possessed diarrhoeagenic virulence genes. From the remaining isolates, around 51% (79/156) harbored at least one virulence gene that is associated with the extraintestinal pathogenicity of E. coli. Moreover, 4% (3/156) of the isolates were detected to be potential extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) strains. Additionally, all the diarrhoeagenic and ExPEC strains showed resistance to three or more antibiotic groups which indicate their multidrug-resistant potential. ERIC-PCR differentiated these pathogenic isolates into seven clusters. In addition to this, 16 out of 35 tested isolates transferred plasmids of 32–112 MDa to E. coli J53 recipient strain.Conclusion: The present study implies that the faecal sludge samples examined here could be a potential origin for spreading MDR pathogenic ESBL-producing E. coli. The exposure of Rohingya individuals, living in overcrowded camps, to these organisms poses a severe threat to their health.
A Systematic Review to Guide Future Efforts in the Determination of Genetic Causes of Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Carey Andrew Z. , Blue Nathan R. , Varner Michael W. , Page Jessica M. , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Quinlan Aaron R. , Branch D. Ware , Silver Robert M. , Workalemahu Tsegaselassie 
Published: December 2021

Background: Pregnancy loss is the most common obstetric complication occurring in almost 30% of conceptions overall and in 12–14% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Pregnancy loss has strong genetic underpinnings, and despite this consensus, our understanding of its genetic causes remains limited. We conducted a systematic review of genetic factors in pregnancy loss to identify strategies to guide future research.Methods: To synthesize data from population-based association studies on genetics of pregnancy loss, we searched PubMed for relevant articles published between 01/01/2000-01/01/2020. We excluded review articles, case studies, studies with limited sample sizes to detect associations (N &lt; 4), descriptive studies, commentaries, and studies with non-genetic etiologies. Studies were classified based on developmental periods in gestation to synthesize data across various developmental epochs.Results: Our search yielded 580 potential titles with 107 (18%) eligible after title/abstract review. Of these, 54 (50%) were selected for systematic review after full-text review. These studies examined either early pregnancy loss (n = 9 [17%]), pregnancy loss &gt;20 weeks' gestation (n = 10 [18%]), recurrent pregnancy loss (n = 32 [59%]), unclassified pregnancy loss (n = 3 [4%]) as their primary outcomes. Multiple genetic pathways that are essential for embryonic/fetal survival as well as human development were identified.Conclusion: Several genetic pathways may play a role in pregnancy loss across developmental periods in gestation. Systematic evaluation of pregnancy loss across developmental epochs, utilizing whole genome sequencing in families may further elucidate causal genetic mechanisms and identify other pathways critical for embryonic/fetal survival.
Teaching Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction—A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Fischer Sebastian , Diehm Yannick F. , Kotsougiani-Fischer Dimitra , Gazyakan Emre , Radu Christian A. , Kremer Thomas , Hirche Christoph , Kneser Ulrich 
Published: December 2021

Microsurgical breast reconstruction demands the highest level of expertise in both reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery. Implementation of such a complex surgical procedure is generally associated with a learning curve defined by higher complication rates at the beginning. The aim of this study was to present an approach for teaching deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) and transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flap breast reconstruction, which can diminish complications and provide satisfying outcomes from the beginning. DIEP and TUG flap procedures for breast reconstruction were either performed by a senior surgeon (>200 DIEP/TUG, ”no-training group”), or taught to one of five trainees (>80 breast surgeries; >50 free flaps) in a step-wise approach. The latter were either performed by the senior surgeon, and a trainee was assisting the surgery (“passive training”); by the trainee, and a senior surgeon was supervising (“active training”); or by the trainee without a senior surgeon (“after training”). Surgeries of each group were analyzed regarding OR-time, complications, and refinement procedures. A total of 95 DIEP and 93 TUG flaps were included into this study. Before the first DIEP/TUG flap without supervision, each trainee underwent a mean of 6.8 DIEP and 7.3 TUG training surgeries (p > 0.05). Outcome measures did not reveal any statistically significant differences (passive training/active training/after training/no-training: OR-time (min): DIEP: 331/351/338/304 (p > 0.05); TUG: 229/214/239/217 (p > 0.05); complications (n): DIEP: 6/13/16/11 (p > 0.05); TUG: 6/19/23/11 (p > 0.05); refinement procedures (n): DIEP:71/63/49/44 (p > 0.05); TUG: 65/41/36/56 (p > 0.05)), indicating safe and secure implementation of this step-wise training approach for microsurgical breast reconstruction in both aesthetic and reconstructive measures. Of note, despite being a perforator flap, DIEP flap required no more training than TUG flap, highlighting the importance of flap inset at the recipient site.