bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post-Arthroscopy Osteonecrosis of the Knee: With Special Reference to Meniscal Extrusion before and after the Medial Meniscectomy
Authors: Yamaguchi Jun , Yasuda Kazunori , Kondo Eiji , Ueda Daisuke , Yabuuchi Koji , Onodera Jun , Iwasaki Norimasa , Saito Mitsuru , Yagi Tomonori 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Post-arthroscopic osteonecrosis of the knee (PAONK) is a rare disorder condition. In addition, no studies have analyzed the relationship between the meniscus extrusion and PAONK. The purposes of this retrospective study are to report 10 cases of PAONK and to evaluate location of the MM in the joint space, including the meniscus extrusion, before and after the meniscectomy in these 10 knees. Methods: Ten knees with PAONK were found in 876 knees which had undergone arthroscopic partial meniscectomy of the medial meniscus (MM). We retrospectively collected the clinical, surgical, and radiological data of these 10 patients. To evaluate intraarticular location of the menisci in the joint space, Extrusion width and Inner width were defined on magnetic resonance images, and they were statistically compared. Results: In the 10 patients (2 men and 8 women; the age ranged between 60 and 80 years), knee pain recurred within 12 weeks after the meniscectomy. Preoperatively, the Extrusion width of the MM (the mean, 4.7 mm) was significantly greater (P<0.0001) than that of the LM (0.2 mm). At the time of diagnosis of PAONK, the Extrusion width of the MM significantly increased by 1.2 mm and the Inner width was significantly reduced by 3.9 mm, compared with the preoperative values (P<0.0001). Conclusion: This is the first report that, in each of the 10 knees with PAONK, the MM had been extruded before the meniscectomy, and then, the Inner width of the MM almost disappeared postoperatively due to not only the increased meniscal extrusion but the partial meniscal resection. This study suggested that the intraarticular abnormal location of the MM, including the meniscal extrusion, is a critical factor that should be evaluated in future studies to clarify causative factors of PAONK.
Nutritional Profile and the use "Whole Grains" Claims in Packaged Food in Brazil
Authors: Andrade Giovanna , Mais Laís Amaral , Ricardo Camila , Duran Ana Clara , Martins Ana Paula 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Although the nutrition claim “whole grains” can be found in packaged foods marketed in Brazil, the current legislation does not establish composition or labelling criteria to its use, which may confuse and misinform consumers and lead to inadequate food choices. Thus, the present study aims to assess the use of “whole grains” claims in food products marketed in Brazil, and to assess the nutritional profile of these products. Methods: We used data from 775 grain-based packaged foods collected in Brazil from April to July 2017. Using the INFORMAS’s protocol for food labelling, we estimated the prevalence of packaged foods with “whole grains” claims. The amount of whole grains was evaluated using the ingredients list. We compared the nutritional profile of the products with and without "whole grains" claims using the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) nutrient profile criteria. Results: Results show that about 19% of the assessed products had "whole grains" claims; of these, 35% did not have any whole grain among the top three ingredients. These products also had a high proportion of refined ingredients (e.g. refined flour and sugar) and were high in critical nutrients according to PAHO´s criteria. Conclusion: Our results showed the need to improve Brazilian food labeling regulation in order to determine thresholds for wholemeal flour content to allow foods to receive “whole grains” claim.
STING/NF-κB/IL-6-mediated inflammation in microglia contributes to spared nerve injury (SNI)-induced neuropathic pain
Authors: Sun Jia , Zhou Ya-Qun , Xu Bing-Yang , Li Jia-Yan , Zhang Long-Qing , Wu Jia-Yi , Gao Shao-Jie , Liu Dai-Qiang , Lan Pei-Xiang , Ye Da-Wei , Mei Wei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Innate immune response acts as a first line of host defense against damage and are initiated following the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). For double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) sensing, interferon gene stimulator (STING) was discovered to be an integral sensor, and could mediate the immune and inflammatory response. However, it is unclear the underlying mechanisms of STING in the development of neuropathic pain.
Methods

Neuropathic pain model was established by spared nerve injury (SNI). STING agonist DMXAA was introduced into BV-2 cells to assess the inflammatory response in microglia cells. Selective STING antagonist C-176 were administered in the early and late stage following SNI and the mechanical sensitivity and thermal responsiveness were assessed using Von Frey filaments and hot plate tests separately. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, recombinant IL-6 was injected intrathecally and its downstream effectors were examined. The level of dsDNA in the peripheral blood following SNI was assessed using Elisa analysis. STING signaling pathway and its downstream effectors were assessed by qPCR, western blots, Elisa and immunofluorescence staining. Meanwhile, microglia activation and proinflammatory cytokines expression were also assessed in the spinal cord.
Results

We found dsDNA was significantly increased and STING signaling pathway was activated in dorsal horn microglia following SNI, and our study using BV-2 cells showed that DMXAA significantly activated STING/TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, and increased the production of proinflammatory cytokines, as well as phosphorylated the Janus-activated kinase 2/signal transducer activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signal in microglia. Early but not late intrathecal injection of C-176 attenuated SNI-induced pain hypersensitivity, microglia activation, proinflammatory factors and phosphorylated JAK2/STAT3 in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Last, the analgesic effect of C-176 were greatly abolished by recombinant IL-6 following SNI.
Conclusions

We provided evidence clarifying dsDNA mediated activation of microglial STING signaling pathway, after which promoting expression of proinflammatory cytokines that are required for central sensitization in the spinal cord dorsal horn of SNI model. Further analysis showed that microglial STING/TBK1/NF-κB may contribute to hyperalgesia initiation via IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling. Pharmacological blockade of STING may be a promising target during the initiation of neuropathic pain.
Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Analysis of U-Box E3 Ubiquitin Ligases Gene Family Related to Drought Stress Response in Chinese white pear (Pyrus bretschneideri)
Authors: Wang Chunmeng , Song Bobo , Dai Yuqin , Zhang Shaoling , Huang Xiaosan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

The plant U-box(PUB) proteins are a family of ubiquitin ligases (E3) enzymes that involved in diverse biological processes, as well as in responses to plant stress response. However, the characteristics and functional divergence of the PUB gene family has not yet been previously studied in the Chinese White Pear (Pyrus bretschneideri).
Results

In the present study, we identified 62 PbrPUBsin Chinese white pear genome. Based on the phylogenetic relationship, 62 PUB genes were clustered into five groups. The conserved motif and gene structure analysis provided further evidence to support the classification phylogenetic tree. The PbrPUB genes were unevenly distribution on 17 pear chromosomes, chromosome 15 housed most member of PUB family, with eight PUB genes. Cis-acting element analysis indicted PUB genes might participate in diverse biological processes, especially in the response to abiotic stresses. Based on RNA-data from “Dangshansuli” at seven tissues, we found that PUB genes exhibited diverse of expression level in seven tissues, and qRT-PCR experiment further support the reliable of RNA-Seq data. To identify candidate genes associated with resistance, we conducted qRT-PCR experiment the expression level of pear seed plant under four abiotic stresses, including: ABA, dehydration, salt and cold treatment. One candidate PUB gene associated with dehydration stress was selected to conduct further functional experiment. Subcellular localization revealed PbrPUB18 gene was located on cell nucleus. Furthermore, heterologous over-expression of PbrPUB18 in Arabidopsis indicated that the over-expression of PbrPUB18 could enhance resistance in drought treatment. In conclusions, we systematically identified the PUB genes in pear, and provided valuable information for the molecular mechanism of PUB genes in pear.
Novel design of Multiband Slotted and Miniaturized Microstrip Patch Antenna for X and Ku -band Applications
Authors: Mercy P. , Wilson K. S. Joseph 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This article takes a research on a novel design of a multiband slotted microstrip patch antenna. It depicts a multi ultra wideband compressed and developed antenna with double F- slots, four rectangular slots, and side corner cuttings on the patch using partial Ground. The proposed multiband microstrip patch antenna can resonate at six unique frequencies between 8 GHz and 19 GHz in X and ku bands and execute the reflected power of − 23.8351 dB, − 32.9380 dB, − 14.6726 dB, − 22.2810 dB, − 19.0592 dB, and − 18.8137 dB at 8.6181 GHz, 12.3116 GHz, 14.1960 GHz, 15.6281 GHz, 18.1910 GHz, and 18.9447 GHz, respectively. The gained voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) is less than 1(0.3918). A maximum directivity and gain of 6.9104 dB and 6.3769 dB is achieved at the resonating bands. Moreover, the effectiveness of the proposed multi-band patch antenna has been verified through the radiation pattern and radiation efficiency of measured results. The low size, weight, and cost of the geometry of this antenna make it entice for Radar engineering, police radars for measuring the speed of the vehicles, for military applications, for navigation intentions, and in finding out the weather forecast and Satellite broadcast communication, space-crafts, wireless computer networks, etc.
A Configurable Simulator for Neural Network Processors
Authors: Hu Jian Hu Jian , Zhang Xianlong , Shi Xiaohua 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Deep learning has achieved competing results comparing with human beings in many fields. Traditionally, deep learning networks are executed on CPUs and GPUs. In recent years, more and more Neural Network accelerators have been introduced in both academia and industry to improve the performance and energy efficiency for deep learning networks. In this paper, we introduce a flexible and configurable functional NN accelerator simulator, which could be configured to simulate u-architectures for different NN accelerators. The extensible and configurable simulator is helpful for system-level exploration of u-architecture, as well as operator optimization algorithm developments. We also integrated the simulator into the TVM compilation stack as an optional back-end. Users can use TVM to write operators and execute them on the simulator. The simulator is going to be open sourced.
Biomechanical Profile of People with Diabetic Neuropathy Attended in Primary Care In East Paulista, Brazil
Authors: JORGETTO JULIANA VALLIM , Oggiam Daniella da Silva , Gamba Mônica Antar , Kusahara Denise Miyuki 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Diabetic neuropathy is one of the main complications of Diabetes Mellitus, which can lead to loss of protective sensation, motor alteration, in plantar pressure, generating deformities, abnormal gait and mechanical trauma to the feet. OBJECTIVEto evaluate the distribution of plantar pressure, sensory, motor changes and balance in people with peripheral diabetic neuropathy. METHODCross-sectional study conducted with individuals registered in the municipal public health network of a city in the east of São Paulo - Brazil, with Diabetes Mellitus and Peripheral Neuropathy identified by the Michigan Screening Instrument, sensory-motor changes by the International Consensus, static and dynamic assessments of plantar pressure using Baropodometry with BaroScan and balance using the Berg scale. RESULTSOf the 200 individuals evaluated, 52.55% had no plantar protective sensitivity, the static evaluation did not identify changes in the peak of plantar pressure, however in the dynamics the average in the right foot was 6.08 (± 2) kgf / cm2 and 6 , 7 (± 1.62) kgf / cm2 on the left foot, the center of static pressure on the right foot was lower (10.55 ± 3.82) than on the left foot (11.97 ± 3.90), pointing hyper plantar pressure. The risk of falling was high, ranging from 8 to 56 points, with an average of 40.96 (± 10.77). CONCLUSIONThe absence of protective plantar sensitivity, increased pressure, biomechanical changes lead to loss of balance and are predictive of complications in the feet due to diabetic neuropathy.
A Probabilistic Cross Sectional Imaging Atlas of Healthy Axillary and Paraclavicular Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Ernst Lucia , Borm Kai Joachim , Combs Stephanie E , Düsberg Mathias , Duma Marciana Nona 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUNDThe aim of the present study was to generate an atlas of lymphatic drainage in breast cancer patients to be used in cross sectional diagnostic and therapeutic imaging. METHODSThe distribution of healthy lymph nodes is investigated as a surrogate for lymphatic drainage in cross sectional imaging. 2094 healthy LN were contoured contralateral to the primary tumor site on PET-CT datasets of 153 breast cancer patients. Using rigid and non-rigid registration techniques 1939 LN were transferred to a “standard patient” CT data set. Thus, a healthy lymph node atlas was generated. The location of the healthy LN was compared to the RTOG and ESTRO clinical target volumes radiotherapy contouring recommendations.RESULTSThe mean volume of healthy LN was 0.17cm3±0.28cm3 and the mean diameter was 0.77cm±0.36cm. Most LN were in level I (69.20%), supraclavicular (14.80%) and level II (10.50%). The remaining LN were in the internal mammary (2.70%), intraglandular (1.80%) and level III (1.00%). The ESTRO guideline encompassed the healthy LN in 35.00% completely, in 31.10% partly and in 33.90% not at all. The RTOG encompassed 48.00% of the healthy LN completely, 28.80% in part and 23.20% not at all.CONCLUSIONOur study lead to the most comprehensive 3D-imaging atlas of healthy LN in cross sectional imaging. The results can be used to generate a strategy to further reduce the rate of lymphedema by irradiation. Further, the atlas can be used to determine the probability of a visible LN in a specific location to be healthy.
Inhibition of jack bean urease by amphiphilic peptides
Authors: Shah Zafar Ali , Hussain Sadam , Khan Serab , Ali Nawab , Shah Syed Uzair , Burki Samiullah , Ahmad Ashfaq , -Ur-Rehman Faiz -Ur-Rehman Faiz , Qureshi Muhammad Nasimullah , Shah Syed Muhammad Mukarram , Shaheen Farzana 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In the current study, amphiphilic peptides were designed and screened against Jak bean urease by using computer aided drug discovery approach. The result showed that out of thirty eight amphiphilic peptides 1, 3, 12, 18, 30, and 33 exhibit stronger binding affinity with the active site of the enzyme and establish hydrogen bonds with the nickel ions i.e. Ni 841 and Ni 842 as well as make non-polar and hydrophobic contacts with the nonpolar residues in the active site. The selected amphiphilic peptides were synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis strategy, characterized by Fast atomic bombardment mass spectroscopy (FAB-MS) and Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H and 13C-NMR) and performed in vitro urease inhibitory activity. Amphiphilic peptides 12 and 33 showed excellent urease inhibitory activity, (p < 0.001) with IC50 values 20.5 ± 0.01 µM, and 28.1 ± 0.03 µM respectively, which was considerably better than thiourea used as positive control. We suggest that these amphiphilic could be potent urease inhibitors and sever as the starting point for effective interventions.
HPV16&nbsp;E6-specific T Cell Response and HLA-A Alleles Are Related to the Prognosis of Patients With Cervical Cancer&nbsp;
Authors: Cai Hongchao , Feng Yaning , Fan Peiwen , Guo Yuping , Kuerban Gulina , Chang Cheng , Yao Xuan , Peng Yanchun , Wang Ruo zheng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: It is worthwhile to identify more epitopes as target to design T cell-based therapeutic interventions that can benefit cervical cancer patients whose disease cannot be well controlled with current treatment modalities. This study investigated T cell response to HPV16 E6 and E7 in patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Also, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A allele distribution was compared among patients and evaluated as factors to predict prognosis in these patients.Materials and Methods: This study recruited a total of 76 patients with International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIB–IIIB CSCC. Mononuclear cells were isolated from the peripheral blood before any treatment and then enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISpot) assay was employed to measure the E6 and E7-specific T cell response. HLA‐A alleles were typed using Sanger sequence‐based typing techniques with DNA extracted from the peripheral blood. The correlation between the T cell responses, HLA‐A allele distribution and patient prognosis were analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models.Results: The frequency of HPV E6-specific T cell responses in patients with pelvic lymph node metastasis was lower than that in patients without metastasis (P=0.022). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of patients were 87.5% for the multiple overlapping peptide group, 72.7% for the 1–2 overlapping peptide group, and 47.7% for the negative group (P=0.032). Cox regression analysis indicated that the presence of HLA*A02:07 was independently associated with worse OS (hazard ratio [HR] 3.042; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.348–6.862; P=0.007), while concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) was independently associated with better OS (HR 0.475; 95% CI: 0.232–0.975; P= 0.042).Conclusion: The results of our study demonstrated that the level of HPV16 E6-specific T cell response and HLA*A02:07 were correlated with prognosis in patients with advanced CSCC.
The Relationship Between the Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Arterial Stiffness in Essential Hypertensive Patients from China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yin Juan , Li Minghui , Yu Lingling , Hu Feng , Yu Yu , Hu Longlong , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) always remains in a potential association with the arterial stiffness, however, in large hypertensive patient populations, this relation is not fully discovered and needs to be studied in depth. The present analysis thus sought to further explore the association that exists between AIP and arterial stiffness in patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension in China.Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 4744 Chinese individuals with essential hypertension. AIP was defined as the base 10 logarithm of the ratio of plasma of triglycerides (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels indicates as in molar concentrations. Measurement of arterial stiffness was carried out via brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV).Results: Data were adjusted for potential confounding variables, after which a multivariate linear regression analysis revealed AIP to be positively correlated with baPWV (β = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.96 to 1.72, P < 0.001). When AIP was instead treated as a categorical variable divided into quartiles, this same relationship was observed (P for trend < 0.001). We additionally found AIP and baPWV had a stronger positive association in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) < 24 kg/m2 (P for interaction < 0.05).Conclusion: AIP and arterial stiffness were positively correlated in essential hypertension patients in China, especially in those with a BMI < 24 kg/m2.
Does Exchange Rate Impact Commodity Prices: Evidence From a Small Open Economy&nbsp;
Authors: Guei Kore Marc Antoine , CHOGA IREEN 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The paper assesses the dynamics of exchange rate and the terms of trade on industrial commodity prices. We investigate the linear and asymmetric effects of exchange rate on commodity prices using an error correction model (ECM) and a threshold autoregressive (TAR) model that allows to estimate the dynamics of different regimes. Further we employ a structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) model to examine the impact of an external shock on the terms of trade using quarterly data over the period 1992q1 to 2019q4.The results suggest that an exchange rate above or equal 4.6 has a positive and significant impact on commodity prices. Specifically, if real exchange rate is above the threshold 4.6, the price of gold, copper, and nickel increases by 0.9 %, 1.1%, and 2.7%, respectively. We also find that a 1% increase in real interest rate is associated with a 0.003% fall in the terms of trade. JEL classification: E31, E43, F3
Reducing Handoffs and Improving Patient Flow in the ED
Authors: Prabhu Vishnunarayan Girishan , Taaffe Kevin , Pirrallo Ronald , Jackson William , Ramsay Michael 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Over 145 million people visit US Emergency Departments annually. The diverse nature and overwhelming volume of patient visits make the ED one of the most complicated healthcare settings. In particular, handoffs, the transfer of patient care from one physician to another during shift transition are a common source of errors resulting from workflow interruptions and high cognitive workload. This research focuses on developing a hybrid agent-based discrete event simulation model to identify physician shifts that minimize handoffs without affecting other performance metrics. By providing overlapping shift schedules as well as implementing policies that restrict physicians from signing up a new patient during the last hour of the shift, we observed that handoffs and patient time in the emergency department could be reduced by as much as 42% and 17%, respectively.