bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic factors for ovarian metastases in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Chen Chao , Wang Da , Ge Xiaoxu , Wang Jian , Huang Yuhuai , Ling Tianyi , Jin Tian , Yang Jinhua , Wang Fengping , Wu Weihong , Sun Lifeng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze prognostic factors for ovarian metastases (OM) in colorectal cancer (CRC) using data from a Chinese center. In addition, the study aimed at developing a new clinical scoring system for prognosis of OS of CRC patients after surgery. Patients and methods: Data of CRC patients with OM were collected from a single Chinese institution (n = 67). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate cumulative survival of patients. Factors associated with prognosis of overall survival (OS) were explored using Cox’s proportional hazard regression models. A scoring system for determine effectiveness of prognosis was developed.Results: Median OS values for patients with or without surgery were 22 and 7 months, respectively. Size of OM, number of OM, Peritoneal Metastasis (PM), Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI), completeness of cytoreduction (CC) were associated with OS of patients through univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis using a Cox regression model showed that only CC was an independent predictor for OS. Three variables, (the size of OM >15cm, PCI ≥ 10, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) >40 ng/mL) assigned one point each were used to develop a risk score. The resulting score was used for prognosis of OS.Conclusion: Surgical treatment of metastatic sites is effective and safe for CRC patients with OM. CC-0 is recommended for improved prognosis. The scoring system developed in this study is effective for prediction of OS of patients after surgery.
Efficient photodegradation of Azucryl Red by copper doped TiO2 nanoparticles – Experimental and modelling studies
Authors: Kerrami Ahmed , Khezami Lotfi , Bououdina Mohamed , Mahtout Laila , Modwi Abueliz , Rabhi Souhila , Bensouici Faycal , Belkacemi Hayet 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This work aims to investigate the effect of copper doping on the photocatalysis performance of TiO2 nanoparticles for disposal wastewater from organic pollutants. X-ray diffraction analysis manifests the crystallization of a rutile phase for pure and copper-doped TiO2 except for 2% resulting in a rutile-to-anatase phase transformation. The crystallite size is found less affected by Cu doping; i.e. ~30 nm. BET analysis indicates a decrease in the specific surface area as the doping loading increases. Scanning electron microscopy observations reveal spherical particles at the nanometer range for pure TiO2 then larger agglomerates of ultrafine particles with Cu doping. FTIR analysis notifies the existence of hydroxyl groups that will promote the photocatalysis process. The photodegradation of Azucryl Red (AR) has been investigated under different conditions; i.e., Cu-loading, initial concentration of AR, and pH. The kinetics of the photodegradation process is further found to comply with the Lagergren kinetic law, regardless the experimental conditions. Nevertheless, the photodegradation process is not only controlled by the intra-particle diffusion mechanism, but also by mass transfer through a liquid film boundary. The maximum degradation of AR, i.e. 86%, has been achieved at pH = 5.0 during 60 minutes of contact time for the 2% Cu-doping, with effective regeneration. The Freundlich model exhibits a better fitting for AR dye photodegradation equilibrium data, compared to Langmuir, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich.
Full Spectrum EEG Response to Eyes Open Versus Eyes Closed in Children and The Development of The Alpha Rhythm
Authors: Isler Joseph R. , Pini Nicolo , Lucchini Maristella , Shuffrey Lauren C. , Morales Santiago , Bowers Maureen E. , Leach Stephanie C. , Condon Carmen , Nugent J. D. , Elliot Amy J. , Friedrich Christa , Andrew Rebecca , Fox Nathan A. , Myers Michael M. , Fifer William P. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This report examines spectrum-wide (1 to 100 Hz) differences in electroencephalogram (EEG) power between eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions in children. A high density (60 electrode) system was used to measure EEG power at 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11 years of age. Results showed spatial and frequency band differences as a function of age. Specifically, 1) the alpha peak shifts from 8 Hz at 4 years to 9 Hz at 11 years, 2) EC results in increased power at lower frequencies but decreased power at higher frequencies for all ages, 3) the sign change for the difference between EO and EC occurs in a narrow band of frequencies which changes across childhood, 4) at 4 and 5 years, EC increases lower frequency power most prominently over posterior regions; 5) in contrast, at all ages, EC decreases power above 30 Hz most prominently over anterior regions. These results extend previous findings to show EO/EC differences in higher frequencies and to the presence of developmental changes across childhood. This report demonstrates that the simple EO/EC task can provide important information about maturation of brain states and can be done with a very brief, minimal protocol.
Optimization of Expression, Purification and Secretion of Functional Recombinant Human Growth Hormone in Prokaryotic Hosts Using Modified Staphylococcal Protein A Signal Peptide
Authors: Rigi Garshasb , Rostami Amin , Ghomi Habib , Ahmadian Gholamreza , Mirbagheri Vasiqe Sadat , Jeiranikhamenh Meisam , Vahed Majid , Rahimi Sahel 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Human Growth Hormone (hGH) is a glycoprotein released from the pituitary gland. Due to the wide range of effects in humans, any disruption in hGH secretion could have serious consequences. This highlights the clinical importance of hGH production in the treatment of different diseases associated with a deficiency of this hormone. The production of recombinant mature hormone in suitable hosts and secretion of this therapeutic protein into the extracellular space can be considered as one of the best cost-effective approaches not only to obtain the active form of the protein but also endotoxin-free preparation. Since the natural growth hormone signal peptide is of eukaryotic origin and is not detectable by any of the E. coli secretory systems, including Sec and Tat, and is therefore unable to secrete hGH in the prokaryotic systems, designing a new and efficient signal peptide is essential to direct hGh to the extracellular space. Results: In this study, using a combination of the bioinformatics design and molecular genetics, the protein A signal peptide from Staphylococcus aureus was modified, redesigned and then fused to the mature hGH coding region. The recombinant hGH was then expressed in E. coli and successfully secreted to the medium through the Sec pathway. Secretion of the hGH into the medium was verified using SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis. Recombinant hGH was then expressed in E. coli and successfully secreted into cell culture medium via the Sec pathway. The secretion of hGH into the extracellular medium was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the addition of glycine was shown to improve hGH secretion onto the culture medium. Equations for determining the optimal conditions were also determined. Functional hGH analysis using an ELISA-based method confirmed that the ratio of the active form of secreted hGH to the inactive form in the periplasm is higher than this ratio in the cytoplasm.Conclusions: Since the native signal protein peptide of S. aureus protein A was not able to deliver hGH to the extracellular space, it was modified using bioinformatics tools and fused to the n-terminal region of hGh to show that the redesigned signal peptide was functional.
Diversity and Antibiotic Resistance of Aeromonas in Inflow and Outflow Water in Carp Ponds
Authors: Perliński Piotr , Mudryk Zbigniew Jan , Zdanowicz Marta 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The diversity and antibiotic resistance of the genus Aeromonas were studied in the inflow region and outflow region in three carp ponds of a commercial fish farm. The collected data indicated that the abundance of Aeromonas differed among the research water basins, regions and seasons. The results of the present study showed that Aeromonas inhabiting the water of the studied ponds strongly differed in the resistance level to tested antibiotics. This genus of bacteria was the most resistant to amoxicillin, ampicillin, clindamycin and penicillin and susceptible to streptomycin. The Aeromonas bacteria inhabiting the inflow were more resistant to tested antibiotics than those inhabiting the outflow of the studied ponds. Results of this study showed that multiple antibiotic resistance was observed among Aeromonas isolated from studied water basins which indicates the pollution of this environment with antibiotic substances. Aeromonas inhabiting the inflow and outflow regions of studied three carp ponds show different level resistence to antibiotics belonging to the different classes.
Understanding sources and processes using chemistry of fine and coarse particles simultaneously collected from different windward locations in N-NW India
Authors: Kumar Sushil , Yadav Sudesh 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
PM2.5and PM2.5-10 particles, simultaneously collected from Bikaner (BKR) and New Delhi (DEL) through Jhunjhunu (JHJ) located along S-SW wind pathduring summer in N-NW India were chemically characterized to understand their sourcesand related processes.Winds preferentially picked and trasnported PM2.5 compared to PM2.5-10 in windward direction. Ratios of mass concentrations and WSII in PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 were three or more at all sites. Thermal power plants, vehicles, and plastic burning were major contributors of SO42-, NO3- and Cl- ionsat DEL. Crustal materials, salt lakes/playas and contaminated aged particles were sources of WSIIs in PM2.5 over BKR and JHJ. In PM2.5, burning of wood and cow dung resulted in high OC/EC ratio (6.9) at BKR whereas EC emissions from vehicles lowered this ratio (3.5) at DEL. EC was dominated by char-EC compared to soot-EC. Major elements showed similar concentrations in both size particles but were depleted compared to Upper Continental Crustal (UCC) due to silica dilution effect. Ba and Sr, and Ba, Cr, Sr and Zn content showed site specific variations in PM2.5 and PM2.5-10, respectively. Trace elements in PM2.5 showed high enrichment compared to UCC at DEL due to re-suspension of roadside dust and vehicle related emissions.
How Important Is Income in Explaining Avoidance of Care Due to Cost-Sharing Payments? Results From a Mixed Methods Sequential Explanatory Study.
Authors: Salampessy Benjamin H. , Portrait France R.M. , Donker Marianne , Ismail Ismail , Hijden Eric J.E. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

The avoidance of healthcare by patients because of the costs involved has become more prevalent in recent years. Certain patient characteristics, such as income, are known to be associated with a stronger demand-response to cost-sharing. In this study, we first assess the relative importance of patient characteristics with regard to the avoidance of healthcare due to cost-sharing payments, and then employ qualitative methods in order to understand these findings better.
Methods

Survey data was collected from a Dutch panel of frequent users of healthcare. Logistic regression models and dominance analyses were performed to assess the relative importance of patient characteristics with regard to the avoidance, i.e., personal characteristics, health, skills and financial situation. Semi-structured interviews (n = 5) were conducted with those who had avoided healthcare. The verbatim transcribed interviews were thematically analyzed.
Results

Of the 7,339 respondents who completed the questionnaire, 1,048 respondents (14.3%) had avoided healthcare because of the deductible requirement. Dominance analyses revealed that an individual’s financial leeway contributed the most (34.8%) to the model’s overall McFadden’s pseudo-R2 (i.e., 0.12), followed by income (25.6%), age (19.6%) and sense of mastery (8.9%). Similar results were observed in stratified models and in population weighted models. Qualitative analyses distinguished four main themes: (1) the financial reasons and (2) personal considerations that affected the decision whether to use healthcare, (3) the perceived uncertainty in payments due to the complex design of cost-sharing programs, and (4) whether the use of healthcare was perceived as compulsory. Furthermore, ‘avoidance of healthcare’ seemed to have a negative connotation.
Conclusion

Our findings show that avoidance of healthcare depends on various factors including income, and imply that focusing solely on lowering cost-sharing payments for certain individuals will only partly reduce this avoidance. Our study underlines the need for a broader perspective in the design of cost-sharing programs.
Is Cardiopulmonary Bypass Standby Still Required for Laser Lead Extractions?
Authors: Volk Lindsay , Verghis Nina , Ikegami Hirohisa , Takebe Manabu , Russo Mark J. , Lee Leonard Y. , lemaire anthony 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: Over the last two decades there has been an increase in the number of cardiac implantable electronic devices and consequently, there has also been an increased need for lead extractions. Fibrotic attachments develop between the lead and the venous and cardiac structures that may require the use of a laser to mobilize the lead. Cardiothoracic surgeons (CTS) have traditionally provided backup for surgical emergencies for these extractions. This study evaluates the surgical outcomes of patients undergoing transvenous laser lead extractions (TLE) and determines if CTS are still needed for backup.Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing laser lead extractions at a single academic center. Lead extractions using only laser sheaths were analyzed. The clinical characteristics, complications, and mortality of the patients were evaluated.Results: One hundred and twenty-one patients underwent TLEs from January 1st, 2014 to December 31st, 2018. The majority were male (N=80, 66.1%), and the average age was 66.48 ± 14 years. The indication for removal was either laser lead malfunction or infection. A total of 30 patients (24.8%) had complications postoperatively including wound hematomas, superficial infections, and arrhythmias. The average length of stay was 9±12 for all the patients in the study. 2 patients (1.6%) had injuries that required emergency surgical repair with injuries to the posterior superior vena cava and right ventricle. Both patients survived the initial injury with one patient was discharged home on day 4 and the other succumbing to his injuries on postoperative day 20.Conclusion: Although the incidence of surgical emergencies is rare the morbidity and mortality for TLE require that surgical backup be available.
Design and Analysis of an Industrial, Progressive Die for Cutting and Forming
Authors: Skampardonis Nikolaos , TSIRKAS SOTIRIOS , Grammatikopoulos Spyridon 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Nowadays, many components which were earlier cast or machined have now been replaced by steel metal stampings. Material economy and the resultant reduction in weight and cost, high productivity and a high degree of possible precision have made press-work essential for many mass-produced products such as electronic appliances, utensils and car parts. Although, laser-cut technology is widely developed and more flexible in terms of variety of produced components, it cannot reach the extremely high productivity rates of a progressive die. Progressive die can perform a sequence of operations, in different stations at a single stroke of press. In this work, an innovative progressive die consists of two stations was designed, in order to produce a complex metal part with three different manufacturing processes. The components of the die have been calculated by mathematical formulas and empirical data, designed with Computer Aided Design software and analyzed by Finite Element Analysis tool.
Compound nerve action potential conduction changes in nerve trunk due to tension at various strains and strain rates
Authors: Pu Shanshan , Xie Wei , Wen Hao , Xiang Junhong , Yang Xiuju , Luo Jiang , Fu QianYing , Pan Zhixin , Lian Chunxiao , Shi JingJing , Chen Jie , Liu Shengxiong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study investigated compound nerve action potential (CNAP) changes of nerve trunk subjected to stretch at various strains and strain rates. An animal model of rapid stretch injury to nerve based on traffic accidents was developed in order to study CNAP changes of nerve trunk subjected to acute stretch. 18 bullfrogs were dissected and the sciatic nerves’ trunks were obtained. The nerve trunk was stretched by 6%, 12% or 18% of its length and the tensile strain rates were 30s-1 and 50s-1 respectively. The results showed that at 6% strain and 30s-1 strain rate, the amplitude, action potential duration and conduction velocity of CNAP had a slight change. When the strain and strain rate continued to be increased, the amplitude, conduction velocity and area under the curve would be decreased while the action potential duration would be increased. At 18% strain and 50s-1 strain rate, CNAP conduction was almost completely blocked. The different strains or strain rates had a significant effect on nerve signal conduction. Under the same strain, a higher strain rate would increase the probability of nerve conduction block. These findings are of great significance to study the injury mechanism of rapid nerve stretch and to evaluate the nerve functional damage level in traffic accidents.
Choroidal Thickness in Children With Type 1 Diabetes Depending On the Pubertal Status and Metabolic Parameters Analyzed By Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Marta Wysocka-Mincewicz , Andrzej Olechowski , Marta Baszyńska-Wilk , Aleksandra Byczyńska , Gołębiewska Joanna 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
To assess choroidal thickness (CT) in children with type 1diabetes (T1D) regarding their pubertal status and seek for factors influencing this parameter, using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Material and methods: 333 eyes out of 167 children with T1D without symptoms of diabetic retinopathy (mean age 12,81±3,63 years, diabetes duration 4,59±3,71 years) were enrolled. CT in all quadrants was evaluated. The studied population was divided into three groups: prepubertal, pubertal and postpubertal. The multivariate regression model was carried out using all metabolic parameter and then it was built using only the significant ones. Results: Significant differences in CT between males and females, except nasal and superior quadrants were observed. We revealed significant differences in CT between the three independent groups (Chi-square 18,6, p<0,0001). In the statistically significant multiple regression model (R=0,9, R2=0,82, p<0,0000), the serum level of free thyroxine, triiodothyronine, total hemoglobin, uric acid, low- and high-density cholesterol, daily insulin dose per kilogram, weight and level of vitamin D were significant. Conclusion: In our studied group CT increases during puberty. Metabolic parameters such as cholesterol, uric acid, thyroid hormones, and anemia even within the normal range, significantly influence the CT, which is similarly observed in other blood vessels in the body.
Anxiolytic-Like Effect of Natural Product 2-hydroxy-3,4,6-trimethoxyacetophenone Isolated From Croton Anisodontus in Adult Zebrafish via Serotonergic Neuromodulation Involvement of the 5-ht System
Authors: Silva Antonio Wlisses da , Ferreira Maria Kueirislene A. , Rebouças Emanuela L. , Mendes Francisco Rogenio S. , Moura Atilano Lucas dos S. , Marinho Marcia Machado , de Menezes Jane Eire S. A. , Marinho Emmanuel Silva , Santos Hélcio S. , Teixeira Alexandre Magno Rodrigues 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Benzodiazepines are highly effective in combating anxiety; however, they have considerable adverse effects, so it is important to discover new safe anxiolytic agents. This study was designed to investigate the anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effect of natural product 2-hydroxy-3,4,6-trimethoxyacetophenone (HTMCX) and its possible mechanisms of action in adult zebrafish. The open field and light / dark tests (n = 6 animals/group) were used to assess anxiety and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) as a seizure inducer. The 96-hour acute toxicity of HTMCX was also investigated. HTMCX (1, 3, and 10 mg / Kg; v.o.) was not toxic and affected locomotor activity. The highest doses (3 and 10 mg / Kg; v.o.) produced signs of anxiolytic action in the light / dark test, and this effect was abolished by the pizotifen (antagonist 5HTR1 and 5HTR2A / 2C), having the potential to form a complex in the same region of the site indicating that the anxiolytic effect via the serotonergic mechanism. However, the anxiolytic effect of HTMCX has not been abolished by flumazenil (antagonist GABARA), cyproheptadine (antagonist 5HTR2A), and granisetron (antagonist 5HTR3A / 3B). Therefore, HTMCX demonstrated an anxiolytic effect, suggesting that the 5HTR1 and 5HTR / 2C receptors may be involved in the pharmacological performance of this acetophenone in the central nervous system.
Translation and validation of the Chinese version of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for measuring perioperative symptom burden in patients with gynecologic cancer
Authors: Zhang Ting , Zheng Ying-ying , Yang Zhi-rong , Shi Qiuling , Wang Xin Shelley , Zhao Jun , Yang Min , Wu Chun-lin , Wang Guo-rong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Gynecologic cancers are among the most prevalent malignancies in China, and millions of gynecologic cancer patients are expected to undergo open abdominal surgery as initial treatment. The tumor- and surgery-related symptom burden are not well studied owing to a lack of a standardized and validated assessment tool in Chinese. The study was to translate and validate the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for measuring perioperative symptom burden in gynecologic cancer patients (MDASI-PeriOp-GYN) and examine the utility of the Chinese version.Methods: The MDASI-PeriOp-GYN was translated in a stepwise manner. First, two native speakers independently translated the 9 PeriOp-GYN symptom items. Then the 9 items were translated back into English by another two bilingual translators. After discussion and revision, the four translators reached an agreement. The finalized Chinese version was administered to women with three common gynecologic cancer types (cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers) recruited from the gynecological oncology department of Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute between July and October 2019. Reliability and validity of the translated version were assessed. Results: Overall, 324 women with gynecologic cancers were enrolled. Cronbach’s α values were 0.826 and 0.735 for the symptom severity and interference scales, respectively. Test-retest reliability values were 0.885, 0.873, and 0.914 for the symptom severity, PeriOp-GYN, and interference scales, respectively. Significant correlations were found between the MDASI-PeriOp-GYN-C and EORTC QLQ-C30 along with the QLQ-OV28 module (-0.608–0.871, P<0.001). Known-group validity was supported by significant differences in the scores of the four scales grouped by time intervals, surgery type, and functional status (all P<0.01). Conclusions: The MDASI-PeriOp-GYN-C is a valid and reliable tool for measuring symptoms in Chinese patients undergoing surgery for gynecologic cancers. The tool could be used in clinical practice and clinical trials to instantly gather patients’ health and quality of life data.