bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcome of Intracerebral Cavernoma Treated by Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Based on a Double-blind Assessment of Treatment Indication
Authors: Shen Chiung-Chyi , Sun Ming-Hsi , Yang Men-Yin , You Weir Chiang , Sheu Meei-Ling , Chen Yen–Ju , Chen Ying-Ju , Sheehan Jason , Pan Hung-Chuan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The benefit and the risk profile of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for intracerebral cavernoma remains incompletely defined in part due to the natural history of low incidence of bleeding and spontaneous regression of this vascular malformation. In this study, we retrieved cases from a prospectively collected database to assess the outcome of intracerebral cavernoma treated with Gamma Knife using a double blinded review process for treatment.Methods: From 2003 to 2018, there were 94 cases of cavernoma treated by Gamma Knife radiosurgery doubly blinded assessed by two experienced neurological and approved for Gamma Knife treatment. All the patients received Gamma Knife radiosurgery with margin dose of 11-12 Gy and afterwards were assessed for neurological outcome, radiologic response, and quality of life.Results: The median age of the patients was 48(15-85) years with median follow up of 77(26-180) months post SRS. The mean treated volume was 1.93±3.45cc. In those who has pre-SRS epilepsy, 7 of 16(43.7%) achieved seizure freedom (Engel I/II) and 9 of 16 (56.3%) achieved decreased seizures (Engel III) after SRS. Rebleeding occurred in 2 cases (2.1%) at 13 and 52 months post SRS. The radiologic assessment demonstrated 20 (21.3%) cases of decreased cavernoma volume, 69(73.4%) were stable, and 5 (7.3%) increased size. Eight-seven of 94 (92.5%) cases at the last follow up achieve improvement in their quality of life, but 7 cases (7.4%) showed a deterioration. In statistical analysis, the effective seizure control class (Engel I/II) was highly correlated with patient harboring a single lesion (p<0.05) and deep seated location of the cavernoma (p<0.01). New neurological deficits were highly correlated with decreased mental (p<0.001) and physical (p<0.05) components of quality of life testing, KPS (p<0.001), deep seated location (p<0.01), and increased nidus volume (p<0.05). Quality of life deterioration either in physical component (p<0.01), mental component (p<0.01), and KPS (p<0.05) was highly correlated with increased cavernoma volume.Conclusion: Low margin dose Gamma Knife radiosurgery for intracerebral cavernoma offers reasonable seizure control and improved quality of life while conferring a low risk of treatment complications including adverse radiation effect.
Curcumin Inhibits Advanced Glycation End Products-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Chondrocyte Via Upregulaed AMPKα/PGC-1a Pathway
Authors: Yang Qingshan , Jin Tao , Shi Yucong , Chen Zhixin , Wu Shujin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Aims: Aging is considered a hallmark of cartilage degradation and OA pathogenesis. Formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) contributes to prominent features of osteoarthritis, which might be damaged the chondrocyte mitochondrial function demonstrated in our previous study. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) are two critical bioenergy sensors to maintain cartilage homeostasis.The study was undertaken to test whether curcumin, a well-known polyphenolic compound, inhibited AGEs-induced chondrocyte mitochondrial dysfunction and the mechanism involved the AMPKa-PGC-1α pathway. Methods and Results: We knocked down AMPKa and PGC-1α by small interfering RNA. We assessed mitochondrial mitochondrial potential, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content and ATP production by JC-1 method, rt-pcr and assay kit, respectively. Our results showed that curcumin could significantly increased the mitochondrial biogenesis capacity in both cartilage explants and primary cultured chondrocyte induced by AGEs, correlated with concomitant induction of phosphorylation of AMPKa and PGC-1a. In parallel, curcumin significantly increased the expression of NRF2 and TFAM decreased by AGEs. In addition, curcumin attenuated AGEs-induced mitochondrial ROS generation, increased SOD2 expression, attenuated chondrocyte catabolic responses to AGEs such as release of NO, MMP-3 and MMP-13. However, curcumin had decreased capacity to increase each of those same effect readouts in AGEs treated AMPKa -siRNA or PGC-1α-siRNA chondrocyte. Conclusions: In conclusion, curcumin might maintain AGEs-decreased mitochondrial function via AMPKa-PGC-1α pathway to limit oxidative stress, thus leading to protecting cartilage matrix from degradation.
Effect of Chenodeoxycholic Acid as Dye Co-Adsorbent and ZnO Blocking Layer in Improving The Performance of Rose Bengal Dye Based Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Biswas Rajat , Chatterjee Suman 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Effective suppression of dye aggregation on the photoanode surface of dye sensitized solar cell plays a key role in improving the solar cell efficiency. Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) is a very popular anti dye aggregation material used in Dye sensitized solar cells. However, the selection of an improper concentration of CDCA may lead to decreased solar cell efficiency by lowering the open circuit voltage and short circuit current as a consequence of reduced dye loading. The influence of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) as a dye co-adsorbent on the performance of DSSCs fabricated using Rose Bengal dye was studied in this paper. The concentration of the CDCA solution was varied to identify the optimum value for the best device performance. Aside from this, the effect of a very thin and compact ZnO blocking layer was also investigated to reduce the recombination. With photovoltaic parameters such as short circuit current density (Jsc) = 1.98 mA/cm2, open circuit voltage (Voc) = 0.58 V, and fill factor (FF) = 0.43, the traditional cell displayed an overall conversion efficiency of 0.50 %, while the power conversion efficiency was found to be increased to 0.97 % ( Jsc = 2.80 mA/cm2, Voc= 0.64, FF = 0.58 ) when CDCA was added at optimised concentration of 8 mM. Reduced dye aggregation and increased electron injection in the presence of CDCA may be accounted for the DSSC's remarkable improvement in efficiency. Moreover, the combined effect of 8 mM CDCA and the compact ZnO blocking layer dramatically enhanced the efficiency further to 1.23 % (Jsc = 3.09 mA/cm2, Voc= 0.66, FF = 60 ). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) analysis revealed that the addition of CDCA as a co-adsorbent in the dye solution and addition of ZnO blocking layer resulted in significantly improved electron lifetime and reduced electron recombination yielding improved Jsc, Voc and η.
2,6-Bis(E)-4-Methylbenzylidine)-Cyclohexan-1-One As A Fluorescent-On Sensor For Ultra-Selective Detection Of Chromium Ion In Aqueous Media
Authors: Sadia Maria , Khan Jehangir , Shah Syed Wadood Ali , Naz Robina , Ali Faiz 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In current decade, curcumin and its analogues have been broadly used in biological field. However, there are relatively fewer studies regarding their fluorescence based applications for chromium ion sensing in water samples. This article, hereby, reports the synthesis, FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopic analyses and optical description of 2,6-bis(E)-4-methylbenzylidine)-cyclohexan-1-one (sensor C), as a fluorescence-on sensor for trace level sensing of chromium. The sensor C exhibited an ultra-selective response to chromium among the tested heavy metal ions. Different parameters were optimized like pH, effect of concentration of sensor C, metal ion and contact time. The binding stoichiometry of C :Cr3+ was calculated to be 2:1 (Job’s plot) with a significantly low detection limit of 2.3×10− 9 M. Sensor C were practically employed for detection of chromium in spiked water samples.
Study on Ecological Allocation of Mine Water in Mining Area based on Long Term Rainfall Forecast
Authors: guanjun lei , Liu Changshun , wang wenchuan , Yin Jun-xian , Wang Hao 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Based on the mine water produced by mining, in order to improve the ecological environment, the optimal allocation of mine water resources is studied. In order to reduce the uncertainty of the calculation results of ecological water demand, the wolf colony algorithm neural network model is used for long-term rainfall forecast. Combined with the forecast annual rainfall, the ecological water demand is classified and calculated. The results show that the ecological water demand based on rainfall forecast can reduce the allocation of water resources in wet years to ecological aspects, so that the surplus water resources can be used in industries, irrigation and other aspects that can create economic benefits, and improve the utilization efficiency of water resources. The ecological allocation model of mine water based on long-term rainfall forecast can reduce the uncertainty of regional water resources allocation based on rainfall forecast, which has good guiding significance and practical value for the optimal allocation of water resources in arid and water shortage areas.
An Innovative VMAT Technique for Left-sided Breast Cancer Patients With Postmastectomy Radiotherapy (PMRT) Evaluated by Ratio of Heart Volume in Tangent Line (RHVTL)
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Li Daming , Peng Feng , Tan ZhiBo , Yang PengFei , Peng ZhaoMing , Li Xin , Liu YaJie , Wang YueNan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
For patients with left-sided breast cancer (LBC), postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) has been shown to improve the overall survival and many advanced planning techniques was adopted in PMRT. We aim to use an innovative VMAT technique to enhance the conformity of PTV and reduce the scattering dose of surrounding OARs, thereby reducing the long-term toxicity of the heart as well as ipsilateral lung (IL). The study further analyzes the more appropriate treatment planning techniques for personalized LBC patients with PMRT. 35 LBC patients were retrospectively selected undergoing PMRT. The PTV included lymph nodes, chest walls, excluding internal mammary nodes, where 95% of PTV receiving the prescription dose of 50Gy (2Gy/fraction) with three different techniques, VMAT, IMRT, Hybrid VMAT. Furthermore, the ratio of Heart Volume in Tangent line and heart volume (RHVTL) was proposed to evaluate the relative antonymy position between patient's heart and PTV, which hypothetically represents the complexity of treatment planning. The data from this study showed that for LBC patients undergoing PMRT, the CI from VMAT was 0.85 (IMRT and H-VMAT were 0.77 and 0.83), the heart D mean was 502.9cGy (IMRT and H-VMAT were 675.6cGy and 687cGy) and the V20 of IL was 21.3 as the lowest of the three techniques, but the dose of the contralateral breast (CB) and contralateral lung increased noticeably. In H-VMAT and IMRT, the mean heart dose was significantly related to RHVTL, with R-values of 0.911 and 0.892 respectively, while the values in VMAT was 0.613, thus the VMAT technique was relatively unaffected by the difficulty of treatment plan. For RHVTL values exceed than 0.06, the mean heart dose under VMAT technique raised by 98.7cGy compared to the RHVTL value of less than 0.06, but H-VMAT and IMRT increased by 233cGy and 261.58cGy individually. This study illustrates that separated fields and adjacent fields in VMAT technique obtained the optimal conformality and lowest doses of heart in three techniques for LBC with PMRT. Thus, based on the results of our preliminary study, the VMAT technique is highly recommended when RHVTL is exceeded 0.06.
Fitness Consequences of Oviposition Choice by an Herbivorous Insect on a Host Plant Colonized by an Endophytic Entomopathogenic Fungus
Authors: Zhu Hui , Fu Jun , Wang Han , Bidochka Michael J. , Duan Mingyi , Xu Wenjing , Sui Li , Ren Bingzhong , Li Qiyun , Zhang Zhengkun 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), often considered as a bioinsecticide, are also able to colonize and establish a symbiotic relationship with plants as an endophyte. Recent studies demonstrated that endophytic EPF can enhance plant growth and are antagonistic to fungal pathogens. These newly emerging, but not yet fully understood, ecological roles suggest the possibility that EPF may further mediate oviposition preferences and offspring performance of an herbivorous insect. However, such EPF-mediated effects and underlying mechanisms are largely unexplored. Here, we examined the hypothesis that the endophytic EPF Beauveria bassiana can modulate oviposition behavior of the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis. We observed that O. furnacalis females preferred to lay eggs on B. bassiana inoculated maize plants. This is likely attributed to the net effects of plant volatile profiles induced by B. bassiana, with an increase in emitted amount of insect-attractive compounds 2-ethyl-1-hexanol and 3-hexen-1-ol and a decrease in insect-repellent compounds β-caryophyllene, naphthalene, and α-pinene. This finding provides an example of EPF-induced plant volatile-mediated interaction between plants and insects. However, fewer O. furnacalis larvae, pupae, and adults survived on the oviposition-preferred maize possibly due to lower plant nitrogen content. These results indicated that oviposition selection by O. furnacalis did not reflect the maximization of offspring fitness following B. bassiana inoculation. We suggest that fitness consequences of oviposition preferences should be considered when incorporating EPF as a biopesticide and as a potential biofertilizer within an integrated pest management programs.
Two new Zn(II)/Cu(II) compounds: photoluminescent and photocatalytic properties, and protective activity on Parkinson disease
Authors: Wang Ning , Huang Fang-Jie , Zhao Mang-Suo , Shi Bing-Xin , Wei Yan , Qiao Li-Yan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Two coordination polymers, that is [Zn(pdc)(im)(H2O)]n (1) and [Cu(pdc)(im)2]n·n(H2pdc) (2) (H2pdc = terephthalic acid, im = imidazole), were hydrothermally synthesized via the reactions of H2pdc and im in combination with Zn(II) or Cu(II) ions. Compound 1 shows intense blue luminescence and compound 2 shows good photocatalytic activity for the methyl violet degradation under the irradiation of ultraviolet light. In addition, the assessment of the two compounds’ application values against Parkinson's disease (PD) were carried out and their specific mechanism was tested simultaneously. First of all, the real time RT-PCR was implemented and the relative expression levels of NMDA receptor on neurons were measured. Besides, the Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis assay was utilized for the assessment of the influence of the compounds on the dopaminergic neuron death rate.
Functional Capacity of Patients with Advanced Gastrointestinal and Breast Cancer Pre-treatment - a Cross-Sectional Comparison to Healthy Age-matched Women
Authors: Stücher Katrin , Bolling Claus , Vogt Lutz , Dignass Axel , Banzer Winfried 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The aim of the study was to compare the functional status of patients with advanced gastrointestinal and breast cancer prior treatment to healthy age-matched volunteers. Methods: In this 3-arm cross-sectional study female patients with advanced cancer (UICC ≥ III) (gastrointestinal: n=17; 68.4±5.6years; BMI: 24±5.1kg/m2; breast: n=17; 64.1±7.8years; BMI: 23.6±3.7kg/m2) before first-line chemotherapy and 17 healthy age-matched women (68.6±5.8years; BMI 24.6±3.2kg/m2) were included. The functional status was assessed using the short physical performance battery (SPPB). A capacitive force platform was used for gait speed recordings during free level walking. Maximal isometric voluntary contraction force (MIVF) of the quadriceps muscle was assessed by a strain gauge force system. Body composition was obtained from bioelectrical-impedance-analysis. Physical activity was assessed via accelerometry. Results: Compared to the healthy controls and to patients with breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer patients have lower values in the SPPB (10.4±1.3vs.8.9±2.0 vs.6.8±2.6; p<.01), phase angle (5.4±0.5°vs.5.2±0.5°vs.4.5±0.8°; p<.01), MIVF (8.8±1.9vs.9.2±3.5vs.6.0±2.1N/kg; p<.01), and gait speed (5.0±0.6vs.4.6±0.5vs. 3.6±1.1km/h; p<.01). The daily steps were significantly lower in gastrointestinal cancer patients compared to healthy women (3407±2408;8774±3975, p<.01).Conclusions: Already prior treatment patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer have a reduced functional status compared to breast cancer patients and healthy controls. Gait speed, phase angle and MIVF are below cut-off values for a low prognosis of survival. This physical deconditioning prior treatment might influence the toxicity of the therapy. Thus, supportive interventions to improve the functional status and to support the treatment in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer seems to be of high concern.Trial Registration: Registered study at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02677129).
Brain Functional Connectivity Changes in Middle-Aged Hong Chuan Tai Chi Players
Authors: Shi Zhenguo , Xu Lei , Xie Hui , Zhang Xiangliang , He Qiang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Tai Chi has been shown an effective strategy to improve cognitive function in older populations while the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This cross-sectional study was performed to examine the brain functional connectivity changes in middle-aged Hong Chuan Tai Chi practitioners. The changes in cerebral oxygenation were measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy. NIRS signals were obtained from left and right prefrontal cortex, motor cortex and occipital cortex in 18 Hong chuan Tai Chi practitioners (age:55.78 ± 2.64y) and 22 demographically matched healthy Tai Chi-naïve controls (age:54.69 ± 3.10y). Global cognition was measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale, and spontaneous oscillations in cerebral oxygenation between three cortexes in five frequency intervals (I, 0.6-2Hz; II, 0.145-0.6Hz; III, 0.052-0.145Hz; IV, 0.021-0.052Hz; V, 0.0095-0.021Hz) was analyzed by wavelet phase coherence. Compared with age-matched Tai Chi-naïve controls, Hong Chuan Tai Chi practitioners had better global cognition, showed higher functional connectivity between left and right prefrontal cortex, motor cortex, occipital cortex in intervals I, III, VI and V. These findings showed that middle-aged Hong Chuan Tai Chi practitioners had higher functional connectivity between prefrontal cortex, motor cortex and occipital cortex, as well as the coordination of left and right brain, which maybe the contributing factors to higher global cognition.
Evaluation of Changes In Carotid Artery Elasticity And The Associated Risk Factors In Patients With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease By Measuring Carotid Pulse Wave Velocity Using Ultrafast Ultrasound
Authors: Wang Yue , Ge Lili , Li Yuhong 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the early changes in carotid artery elasticity in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by measuring carotid ultrafast pulse wave velocity (UFPWV). Methods: Data of 89 patients with NAFLD (observation group) and 155 healthy people (control group) were collected. The clinical and laboratory indices, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and PWV at the beginning of systole (PWV-BS), and the end of systole (PWV-ES) were compared and statistically analyzed. Results: Body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, IMT, PWV-BS, and PWV-ES in the NAFLD group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05), while the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, IMT, PWV-BS, and PWV-ES values increased with the increasing severity of NAFLD (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated that PWV-BS and PWV-ES were positively correlated with age, BMI, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), SBP, DBP, TC, TG, and LDL-C (P < 0.05), and negatively correlated with HDL-C (P < 0.05). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the factors influencing PWV-BS included BMI, FPG, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C (P < 0.05), whereas the factors influencing PWV-ES included BMI, FPG, SBP, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C (P < 0.05). Conclusion: UFPWV measurement can detect the significant increase in PWV-BS and PWV-ES in patients with NAFLD. This can provide a theoretical basis for early intervention in carotid atherosclerosis.
RNA Interference Mediates Livin Gene Silencing to Enhance Chemosensitivity of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma in Vitro
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Yuanjun , Yang Nannan , Lu Jian , Huang Wei , Wang Zhongmin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose RNA interference (RNAi) was used to silence the expression of Livin gene in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line (PANC1), and to investigate the chemosensitivity of PANC1on gemcitabine after the Livin gene knockdown.Methods Using LipofectamineTM2000 as a carrier, a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting Livin gene was transfected into PANC1 cells. The mRNA and protein expression of Livin, cleaved PARP (cPARP) and caspase-3 (cCaspase-3) in PANC1 cells were measured by RT-PCR and Western Blot. The protein bands density was analyzed by Image J software, and expressed by the density ratio with the corresponding internal control protein (β-actin). The density ratios of the cPARP and cCaspase-3 protein bands were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Student's t-test for comparison of multiple or two groups. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results Livin mRNA expression of PANC1 cells significantly decreased after transfection with Livin-siRNA # 1. The cPARP and cCaspase-3 induced by 50 nM gemcitabine were stronger than those induced by 25 nM after 48 hours and 72 hours in PANC1 cells.But the cPARP and cCaspase-3 induced by 100 nM gemcitabine did not significantly change compared with 50 nM. After transfection of Livin-siRNA # 1, cPARP and cCaspase-3 induced by both 25 nM and 50 nM gemcitabine were enhanced. This indicated that the apoptosis of PANC1 cells induced by gemcitabine was enhanced after Livin knockdown.Conclusions RNAi-targeted Livin promotes apoptosis of PANCl cells in vitro through PARP and caspase-3 pathways, and enhances its chemosensitivity to gemcitabine.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Diabetic Retinopathy in Quzhou, China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Cheng Zian , Jiang Xianchen , Zhu Weifen , Zhang Xinxin , Ying Xiaofang , Liu Shanshan , He Qian 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objectives
To assess the prevalence and risk factors for fundus status among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using fundus screening in four towns of Quzhou city, Zhejiang province of China.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 230 T2DM patients of four towns in Quzhou city, Zhejiang province of China. Participants were examined for the diabetes related fundus abnormalities and possible risk factors.
Results
Almost half of the T2DM patients (53.04%) reported with diabetic retinopathy (DR). Patients with diabetic retinopathy had longer duration of diabetes (P < 0.001) and higher HbA1c (P < 0.01). Risk factors for development of diabetic retinopathy included duration of diabetes and HbA1c. The prevalence of DR increased with the prolongation of the disease duration. The prevalence of DR was 28.79% in the group of disease duration < 5 years, 46.25% in the group of disease duration 5–10 years, 72.92% in the group of disease duration 10–15 years and 88.57% in the group of disease duration ≥ 15 years. What’s more, the prevalence of DR also increased with the increment of HbA1c levels. The prevalence of DR was 44.62% in the group of HbA1c < 7%, 53.13% in the group of HbA1c 7%-8%, 62.92% in the group of HbA1c ≥ 8%.
Conclusion
The prevalence of DR was disturbingly high. Risk factors for DR were similar to other studies and included duration of diabetes and HbA1c. Thus, good glycemic control remains the core foundation of managing DR.