bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy as a novel treatment for stress urinary incontinence: a randomized-controlled clinical study
Authors: Lin Kun-Ling , Chueh Kuang-Shun , Lu Jian-He , Chuang Shu-Mien , Wu Bin-Nan , Lee Yung-Chin , Wu Yi-Hsuan , Shen Mei-Chen , Sun Ting-Wei , Long Cheng-Yu , Juan Yung-Shun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the effects of low intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LiESWT) on stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods: This investigation was a multicenter, single-blind, randomized controlled trial study. 60 female SUI patients were randomly assigned to receive LiESWT with 0.25 mJ/mm2 intensity, 3000 pulses, and 3 pulses/second, once weekly for 4-week (W4) and 8-week (W8), or an identical sham LiESWT treatment without energy transmission. The primary endpoint was the changes in urine leakage as measured by pad test and validated standardized questionnaires. While the secondary endpoint was the changes in 3-day urinary diary among the baseline (W0), the W4 and the W8 of LiESWT, and 1-month (F1), 3-month (F3) and 6-month (F6) follow-up after LiESWT. Results: The results showed that 4-week LiESWT could significantly decrease urine leakage based on pad test and validated standardized questionnaire scores, as compared to the sham group. Moreover, 4-week LiESWT could significantly reduce urine leakage, but increase urine volume and attenuate urgency symptom, which showed meaningful and persistent improvement at W8, F1, F3 and F6. Furthermore, validated standardized questionnaire scores were significantly improved at W4, W8, F1, F3 and F6 as compared to the baseline (W0). Conclusions: 8-week LiESWT could attenuate SUI symptoms on physical activity, reduce urine leakage and ameliorate overactive bladder symptoms, which implied that LiESWT significantly improved the quality of life. Our findings suggested that LiESWT could serve as a potentially novel and non-invasive treatment for SUI.
Preventive Effect of Cryotherapy on Persistent Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy After Completion of Weekly Paclitaxel Therapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Shigematsu Hideo , Kimura Yuri , Itagaki Tomoko , Yasui Daisuke 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundChemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is an important adverse event of taxane-based chemotherapy, which can persist in a substantial proportion of patients for years. Cryotherapy therapy is shown to be effective in prevention of CIPN during chemotherapy, but its protective effect on persistent CIPN has not been reported. MethodsCases enrolled in a randomized trial investigating the preventive effect of cryotherapy on weekly paclitaxel-induced CIPN in breast cancer patients (UMIN000034966) were evaluated for Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Neurotoxicity (FACT-NTX) score and Patient Neurotoxicity Questionnaire (PNQ) at more than one year after completion of weekly paclitaxel. ResultsThirty-eight cases were evaluated for persistent CIPN with a median 2.3 (1.3-3.1) years after completion of weekly paclitaxel. The incidence of a significant decrease in FACT-NTX scores was numerically lower in the cryotherapy group compared with the control group (15.8% vs. 36.8%, p = 0.13). There was also a lower grade of PNQ sensory (p = 0.02) and motor (p = 0.17) in the cryotherapy group compared with the control group. ConclusionIn breast cancer patients treated with weekly paclitaxel, cryotherapy resulted in a numerical decrease in the incidence of persistent CIPN at more than one year after completion of weekly paclitaxel treatment.
RhoA G17E/Vav1 signaling induces cancer invasion via matrix metalloproteinase-9 in gastric cancer
Authors: Nakamura Satoshi , Kitazawa Masato , Miyagawa Yusuke , Koyama Makoto , Miyazaki Satoru , Hondo Nao , Muranaka Futoshi , Tokumaru Shigeo , Yamamoto Yuta , Ehara Takehito , Kuroiwa Masatsugu , Tanaka Hirokazu , Matsumura Tomio , Takeoka Michiko , Soejima Yuji 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Ras homolog family member A (RhoA), a member of the Rho family of small GTPases, and Vav1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rho family GTPases, have been reported to activate pathways related to the actin cytoskeleton and regulation of cell shape, attachment, and motility. The interaction between these molecules in lymphoma is involved in malignant signaling, but its function in epithelial malignancy is unknown. Here, we investigated the malignant signal of mutant RhoA in gastric cancer and demonstrated the potential of RhoA G17E/Vav1 as a therapeutic target for diffuse gastric cancer. Methods: The RhoA mutants R5W, G17E, and Y42C were retrovirally transduced into the gastric cancer cell line MKN74. The stably transduced cells were used for morphology, proliferation, and migration/invasion assays in vitro. MKN74 cells stably transduced with ectopic wild-type RhoA and mutant RhoA (G17E) were used in a peritoneal xenograft assay. Results: The RhoA mutations G17E and Y42C induced morphological changes in MKN74. G17E induced Vav1 expression at the mRNA and protein levels and promoted the migration and invasion of MKN74. An RNA interference assay of Vav1 revealed that RhoA G17E enhanced cancer cell invasion via Vav1. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation revealed that Vav1 and RhoA G17E specifically bind and function together through matrix metalloproteinase-9. In a peritoneal xenograft model of nude mice, RhoA G17E promoted peritoneal dissemination, whereas Vav1 knockdown suppressed it. Conclusion: Overall, our findings indicate that RhoA G17E associated with Vav1 and promoted cancer invasion via matrix metalloproteinase-9 in gastric cancer cells. Thus, RhoA G17E/Vav1 signaling in diffuse gastric cancer may be a useful therapeutic target.
Loss to follow-up after surgery in patients with hip fractures
Authors: Rui Min , Zheng Xin , Du Xingye , Shen Jianguo , Kan Peng , Hui Yujian , Ren Yajun , Lu Dong , Ren Kewei , Gu Jiaye 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Non-attendance with scheduled postoperative follow-up visits remains a common problem in orthopaedic clinical researches. The goal of this study was to determine the risk factors for loss to follow-up of hip-fracture patients postoperatively. Methods: A 1-year postoperatively retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent surgery for hip-fractures between January 2017 and December 2018. According to whether they finished the appointed follow-up schedule, the patients were divided into two groups: LTFU Group (Follow-up loss group) and FU Group (Follow-up group). Electronic Medical Records (EMR) was examined to identify the patients’ variables of interest and telephone or text message interviews were attempted on those who didn’t return for follow-up to determine the reasons for loss to follow-up. The baseline characteristics between the 2 groups were compared and the statistical differences were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: 1041 patients met the inclusion criteria were included in this study, of which 212 (20.37%) were lost to follow-up at 1 year postoperatively. The logistic regression analysis showed that old age at surgery, fracture type, distance to hospital, HA surgery and patients transport to hospital by urban-rural public traffic or bus were found to be risk factors for noncompliance with the follow-up visit. As for the reasons for loss to follow-up in in LTFU Group, 75 patients (35.4%) claimed symptoms improvement, 43 (20.3%) cited difficulties of transportation to hospital, 23 (10.8%) chose other health care institutions, and 57 (26.9%) couldn’t travel to hospital alone. Other reasons including thinking follow-up was unnecessary (n=4, 1.8%), no spare time (n=5, 2.4%) and financial problems (n=5, 2.4%). Conclusion: Loss to follow-up was common in patients with hip-fracture postoperatively. Our study suggested advanced age, difficult transport, long distance, fracture type and surgical procedures were risk factors for noncompliance.
Plant agrobiodiversity conservation and use in intensive farming systems: N-Italy as a case study.
Authors: Canella Marco , Ardenghi Nicola M.G. , Müller Jonas V. , Rossi Graziano , Guzzon Filippo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Northern Italy is an area particularly suitable for the cultivation of different crops. It used to be characterized by a high agrobiodiversity. However, it is estimated that over the last decades, this area experienced a genetic erosion of more than 95%, resulting in the loss of many traditional plant genetic resources (PGR). Nevertheless, recent surveys found an unexpectedly high agrobiodiversity which remains. The presented study aims to provide a complete overview of plant agrobiodiversity (in terms of crop landraces, old cultivars and neglected crops) in northern Italy using a mixed approach of literature research and ethnobotanical field surveys. This paper is a fundamental step towards putting in place successful on farm and ex situ conservation measures in the study area. 811 entities were found, of which 27 were identified as neglected crops, 377 as landraces (plus 124 doubtful landraces) and 99 as old cultivars (plus 184 doubtful old cultivars). 248 entities were here recorded for the first time through field surveys. It clearly emerges that by using an ethnobotanical approach, several PGR can still be found in the study area especially in small farms and home gardens. We describe hotspots of crop diversity and areas in which there is still a lack of knowledge of local agrobiodiversity. Only 43% of the PGR recorded are conserved long-term in seed banks, underlying the fact that great efforts are needed to ensure the ex situ conservation of PGR in northern Italy. Careful interventions are needed to enhance the on-farm conservation status of the crop diversity reported here by enhancing its demand and its accessibility.
The role of remittances inflow, renewable and non-renewable energy consumption in the environment: accounting ecological footprint indicators for top remittance-receiving countries
Authors: Zhang Liping , Yang Bo , Jahanger Atif 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This study determines the dynamic linkages between remittances inflow, foreign direct investment, and ecological footprint in top ten remittance-receiving counties in the presence of economic growth and renewable and non-renewable energy under the framework of Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis over the period of 1990–2018 by employing the continuously updated fully modified (CUP-FM) and the continuously updated bias-corrected (CUP-BC) estimators. The results show that remittances inflow, foreign direct investment, and non-renewable energy utilization affect the ecological footprint positively while renewable energy utilization negatively impacts on ecological footprint. This study also supports the pollution haven hypothesis and inverted U-shaped EKC hypothesis. Furthermore, in order to account for the national heterogeneity, we have executed a country-wise EKC hypothesis, the results of the full modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) support the inverted U-shaped EKC hypothesis in the case of Bangladesh, China, France, India, Pakistan, and Vietnam while displaying a U-shaped curve in Germany, Mexico, and Nigeria. Besides, the results are robust to various robustness analyses that we have executed for inspection of the reliability of our main findings. Finally, this study presents important policy implications with respect to top remittance-receiving countries.
Reappraisal of ischemia-reperfusion injury in laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Bickel Amitai , Khatib Soliman , Kakiashvilli Eli , Eilam Palzur 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Serum biochemical changes during laparoscopic surgery and positive pressure pneumoperitoneum (PP) may reflect mild oxidative stress due to the ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) mechanism. However, there is still a controversy regarding the exact mechanism of PP in creating oxidative stress and whether the induction of PP causes I/R effects at all. To elucidate this debated issue, we studied, for the first time, the changes of I/R parameters in the serum, using a reliable, independent exogenous oxidative biomarker, together with common intrinsic biomarkers of oxidative stress. Patients and Methods: Our study included 20 patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We evaluated the levels of the extrinsic and endogenous markers for oxidative stress during awareness, under anesthesia, the end of surgery (abdominal CO2 evacuation), and 2 hours afterward. Results: After an initial increase in oxidative stress following anesthesia, we did not notice any further significant rise in the levels of the synthetic exogenous and the endogenous biomarkers at the end of the surgery and 2 hours later on. However, a positive correlation was noted between the levels of both the intrinsic and extrinsic markers. Conclusions: In our study, the capability of the extrinsic biomarker to detect mild oxidative stress was not shown. Our study stresses the heterogeneous nature of the oxidative reactions and the diversity of the endogenous and exogenous biomarkers while detecting various biochemical patterns under mild oxidative stress, especially during the short period of laparoscopic surgery.
Study on Solidification of Chromium-Containing Sludge With Alkali Slag Combined With Attapulgite
Authors: Lin Huirong , Zeng Linghao , Zhang Pengpeng , Jiao Bingquan , Shiau YanChyuan , Li Dongwei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In order to solve the harm of hazardous waste chromium-containing sludge to humans and the environment, this paper uses attapulgite to strengthen alkali slag to prepare cementitious materials to solidify/stabilize chromium-containing sludge. Single-factor and orthogonal experiments were used to optimize the preparation parameters of alkali slag cementitious materials. The compressive strength, heavy metal leaching toxicity, and microscopic characterization of chromium-containing sludge solidified body were tested to investigate the solidification effect and mechanism of chromium-containing sludge. The results show that: The best content of attapulgite is 4%. The compressive strength of the solidified body decreased with the increase of chromium sludge content, and the leaching concentration of Cr and Cu increased with the rise of chromium-sludge content. The addition of attapulgite enhanced the compressive strength. Compared with the original chromium-containing sludge, the leaching concentration of heavy metals in the solidified body is significantly reduced. The XRD and FTIR analysis showed that the solidified body might solidify/stabilize heavy metals by physical encapsulation of amorphous form and chemical immobilization. This research realizes the use of waste to treat waste and provides the possibility for the application of solidified products in construction.
Individualized Cerebral Artery Protection Strategies for the Surgical Treatment of Parasellar Meningiomas Based on Preoperative Imaging
Authors: Li Yang , Zhang Xingshu , Qin Chaoying , Su Jun , Wang Xiangyu , Xiao Kai , Liu Qing 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
OBJECTIVE

Parasellar meningiomas represent a cohort of skull base tumors localize to parasellar region. Those meningiomas tend to compress, encase or even invade cerebral arteries and their perforating branches. Surgical resection of PMs is a challenging operation without damaging perforating arteries. The study aimed to analyze functional outcomes in a series of patients who underwent surgery with individualized cerebral arteries protection strategy based on preoperative imaging.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a single surgeon’s experience with microsurgical removal of PMs in 163 patients between January 2012 to March 2020. Individualized approaches with bidirectional dissection strategy were used. Cerebral Artery invasion classification, neurological outcomes, MRC Scale Muscle Strength Grading, and Karnofsky Performance Scale were used to assess the tumor vascular invasion, functional outcome, and patient quality-of-life outcomes, respectively.

RESULTS

Total resection (Simpson Grade I or II) was achieved in 114 (69.9%) patients in our series. Vision improved in 44.7% of patients with consecutive follow-up, was stable in 51.1% and deteriorated in 3.8%. Improvement in cranial nerve IIII, IV, and VI was observed in 41.1%, 36.2%, and 44.8%, respectively. The mean follow-up time was (38.8±27.9) months and KPS at the last follow-up was (89.6±8.5). Recurrence was observed in 8 (13.8%) patients with CSMs while the rate was only 3.8% and 2.8% in ACMs and MSWMs.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative imaging is of great significance in the selection of surgical approach. Maximum tumor resection and cerebral artery protection can be achieved concurrently utilizing bidirectional dissection. Those Individualized cerebral artery protection strategies not only are of great utility to neurosurgeons but also can improve patient’s quality of life.
Glycation of Apolipoprotein A-IV Impairs Angiogenesis Through The Orphan Nuclear Receptor Nur77
Authors: Liu Hongjuan , Dai Yang , Xu Yawei , Lu Lin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

Apo A-Ⅳ played an key role in Cardiovascular diseases, but the effect and mechanism of glycated apo A-Ⅳ on angiogenesis remains unclear.
Methods

In this study, we demonstrated that oral administration of glycated apoA-Ⅳ impaired blood perfusion recovery in a mouse hind-limb ischemia model. A reduction in blood perfusion recovery at day 21 was observed in the ischemic tissue of apoA-Ⅳ and glycated apoA-Ⅳ-treated mice.
Results

In this study, we demonstrated that glycated apo A-Ⅳ impaired blood perfusion recovery in a mouse hind-limb ischemia model. And in vitro study also showed that glycated apo A-Ⅳ inhibited the migration, proliferation, and tube-formation abilities of endothelial cells. Further research revealed that glycated apo A-Ⅳ regulated angiogenesis partly by interrupting Nur77. In addition, CML levels were increased in patients with Lower limb circulation (n = 30) compared with those with no limb circulation(n = 50).
Conclusions

We found impaired angiogenesis induced by glycated apo A-Ⅳ might contribute to poor coronary collateral growth by inhibit the expression of Nur77.
Forecasting of COVID-19 Reproduction Number by ARIMA Methodology and Quantile Estimation based on Best Fit Distribution by L- moments for Top-10 Affected Countries
Authors: Waqas Muhammad , Xu Songhua , Zhou Linyun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We utilized the average weekly estimated reproduction number data of COVID-19 from March (2020–2021). By applying ARIMA and L-moments methodology, short-and-long-term forecasting of R0 is made for Govt. officials and public health experts to take before-time policy measures to control the spread of novel coronavirus. This study helps medical staff to measure the expected demand of COVID-19 vaccine doses. We applied various ARIMA models on each country’s data and the best selected based on RMSE, AIC, and BIC for point and interval forecasting. Application L-Moments techniques selected GLO, GEV, and GNO distributions and quantile estimation with return period calculations. The forecasting shows that maximum countries mean R0 > 1, which is still a serious threat and can lead to heath disaster. The forecasting provided an alarming situation in the coming months for India, France, Turkey, and Spain; health experts should take strict measures because the cases rise due to the high R0 forecast. The USA, Russia, and the UK mean R0 will not suddenly increase; these countries consistent in COVID-19 R0 control. We find that even the significant population differences prevail among selected countries, the R0 is still high in maximum countries, so its a dire need to take strict control actions to minimize the R0 for public safety.
Modeling Soil Cation Exchange Capacity in Arid Region of Iran: Application of Novel Hybrid Intelligence Paradigm.
Authors: Shahabi Mahmood , Ghorbani Mohammad Ali , Naganna Sujay Raghavendra , Kim Sungwon , Hadi Sinan Jasim , Yaseen Zaher Mundher , Inyurt Samed 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The potential of the soil to hold plant nutrients is governed by cation exchange capacity (CEC) of any soil. Estimating soil CEC aids in conventional soil management practices to replenish the soil solution that supports plant growth. In the present study, a multiple model integration scheme driven by hybrid GANN (MM-GANN) was developed and employed to predict the accuracy of soil CEC in Tabriz plain, an arid region of Iran. The standalone models (i.e., artificial neural network (ANN) and extreme learning machine (ELM)) were implemented for incorporating in the MM-GANN. In addition, it was tested to enhance the prediction accuracy of the standalone models. The soil parameters such as clay, silt, pH, carbonate, calcium equivalent (CCE), and soil organic matter (OM) were used as model inputs to predict soil CEC. By the use of several evaluation criteria, the results showed that the MM-GANN model involving the predictions of ELM and ANN models calibrated by considering all the soil parameters (e.g., Clay, OM, pH, Silt, and CCE) as inputs provided superior soil CEC estimates with an NSE = 0.87. The proposed MM-GANN model is a reliable intelligence based approach for the assessment of soil quality parameters intended for sustainability and management prospects.
Investigating the Dynamic Relationships Among Disaggregate Components of Financial Development, Renewable Energy Consumption and Environmental Degradation
Authors: HABIBA UMME , Xinbang Cao 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between disaggregate components of financial development and CO2 emissions by considering the complicated and multidimensional nature of modern financial systems across the globe. Using panel data for 46 Sub Saharan Africa countries ranging from 1991 to 2016, we adopt the dynamic generalized-method-of moment system (sys-GMM) model to investigate the aforementioned objective of the study. The empirical results show that the development of financial market and its sub-measures such as financial market access, depth and efficiency further raise CO2 emissions in the region. The similar impact is found for the development of financial institution and its sub-measures. However, the development of financial market has a smaller impact on CO2 emissions compared to the development of financial institution. The results further reveal that renewable energy consumption reduces CO2 emissions significantly. An increasing role of financial markets complement renewable energy to improve the quality of the environment. The study also reveal that the relationships among these variables and CO2 emissions vary across countries due to different level of economic development. The policy implications are also discussed in the current study.