bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alactic Base Excess, New Potential Marker Associated for Circulatory Stress Due to Hemodialysis, a Pilot Study
Authors: Aguilera Angelica Luevanos , Diaz Juan Lopez , Ramos Jose Sosa , Nobara Texar Pereyra 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Indroduction: Circulatory stress increases mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease in renal replacement therapy by hemodialysis, the measurement of central venous saturation has been proposed as a useful tool for diagnosis but with limitations. We wanted to evaluate a new marker, the alactic base excess, to be applied in all types of hemodialysis patients to help diagnose this clinical condition.Methodology: An observational, analytical, prospective and longitudinal study was carried out in hemodialysis of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, in León, Guanajuato from May 2020 to June 2021 by determining the alactic base excess. The association of alactic base excess as a marker of circulatory stress in hemodialysis was proposed as a primary end point and mortality at 12 months was evaluated as a secondary end point.Results: An inverse association was found between the alactic base excess with the initial pH (r= -0.303, p= <0.05) and the final lactate (r= -0.297, p= <0.05), in addition to bicarbonate (r= 0.593, p= <0.05) and central venous saturation variability (r= 0.304, p= <0.05). In the analysis by subgroups, both lower tertiles had a higher risk of presenting the adverse event (HR= 0.817, [95% CI 0.21 to 3.05], p= 0.763). No association of mortality was found with the first (HR= 0.95, [95% CI= 0.73 to 1.2], p= 0.687) or final determination (HR= 1, [95% CI= 0.758 to 1.3], p= 0.99).Discussion: In this study we found that the alactic base excess proposed to diagnostic different types of acidosis is capable of identifying small changes related to circulatory stress, regardless of the chronicity of kidney failure, hemodynamic status or hemoglobin concentration, but not related to mortality.Conclusions: Alactic base excess is potentially useful to evaluate circulatory stress in conjunction with other tissue hypoperfusion markers, however it would be necessary to expand the sample size and introduce therapeutic variables to determine its clinical impact.
Investigation on the Anisotropy of Mechanical Properties and Brittleness Characteristics of Deep Laminated Sandstones
Authors: Zhai Mingyang , Wang Zenglin , Zhang Liaoyuan , Li Aishan , Zhang Zilin , Zheng Bintao , Huang Bo , Li Lianchong 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Rock brittleness is a crucial mechanical property and essential for fracability evaluation and fracturing scheme design in unconventional reservoirs. However, the influence of inherent anisotropy on deep laminated sandstone’s mechanical properties and brittleness characteristics is rarely investigated. The energy transformation and damage evolution reflected by complete stress-strain curves are analyzed during the entire process of rock rupture under compressions. A new brittleness index is established based on energy evolution during sandstone failure. Its advantages involve comprehensively considering the energy transformation characteristics at both pre-peak and post-peak stages and the capability to characterize the effect of confining pressure and bedding plane (BP) geometry on sandstone brittleness. The triaxial compression tests on sandstones are conducted to validate the reliability and accuracy of the new brittleness index. Numerical simulations are then performed to further investigate the manner in which BP angle, BP density, and confining pressure control the brittleness anisotropy of deep laminated sandstones based on the finite element method. Then the acoustic emission (AE) characteristics of anisotropic sandstone and correlations between AE mode and brittleness index are discussed. The results indicated that the anisotropy of mechanical properties and brittleness of deep laminated sandstones were significantly affected by BP angle, BP density, and confining pressure. With the increase of BP angle, the brittleness index of deep laminated sandstone decreases first and then increases, showing a U-shape variation law, whose maximum and minimum values are obtained at φ =0° and φ =45°, respectively. The AE characteristics were closely related to rock brittleness, which was jointly controlled by BP geometry and confining pressure. The results provide a basis for the brittleness and fracability evaluation and optimum hydraulic fracturing design in deep laminated sandstones.
Predictors of Pathologic Complete Response in Patients With Residual Flat Mucosal Lesions After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Case Control Study
Authors: Li Chang-Long , Guan Zhen , Zhao Yi , Sun Ting-Ting , Li Zhong-Wu , Wang Wei-Hu , Wang Lin , Wu Ai-Wen 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background:

Accurate prediction of tumor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) remains challenging. There are few studies on pathologic complete response (ypCR) prediction in patients with residual flat mucosal lesions after treatment. This study aimed to identify variables for predicting the ypCR in patients with residual flat mucosal lesions after nCRT for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).
Methods:

Patients with residual flat mucosal lesions after nCRT who underwent radical resection between 2009 and 2015 were retrospectively collected through the LARC database at Peking University Cancer Hospital. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the association between clinicopathological factors and ypCR were performed, and a nomogram was constructed by incorporating the significant predictors.
Results:

Out of the 246 patients with residual flat mucosal lesions that were included in the final analysis, 56 (22.8%) had ypCR. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that posttreatment serum carcinoembryonic antigen (post-nCRT CEA) ≤ 5 ng/ml, magnetic resonance-tumor regression grade (MR-TRG) 1 to 3, and residual mucosal lesion depth = 0 mm were significantly associated with a higher rate of ypCR. A nomogram was developed with a C-index of 0.735, and the calibration curve showed that the nomogram model had good predictive consistency.
Conclusion:

Post-nCRT CEA ≤ 5 ng/ml, MR-TRG 1 to 3, and residual mucosal lesion depth = 0 mm were predictive factors for ypCR in LARC patients with residual flat mucosal lesions after nCRT. We believe that mucosal re-evaluation before surgery is important as it may contribute to decision-making and facilitating non-operative management or organ preservation.
Exploring Long Non-coding RNA Potential Markers for Prognosis Risk based on Double Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer CeRNA Network
Authors: Huang Qi , Peng Yao , Wu Jingjing , Li Na 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study is to search for key long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) able to influence the prognosis of double hormone receptor positive (ER+PR+) breast cancer by constructing a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) topology network of RNA-seq data and miRNA-seq data. Materials and methods: Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we downloaded RNA-seq data and miRNA-seq data of ER+PR+ breast cancer and obtained lncRNA-miRNA relationship pairs by comparing with the data in moRcode database. MiRDB, miRTarBase and TargetScan databases were used to predict target genes, and thereby gaining miRNA-mRNA relationship pairs. The ceRNA network was constructed using Cytoscape, then functional enrichment analysis was performed. Cox survival analysis was carried out to explore the potential prognostic lncRNAs.Results: A ceRNA topology network was constructed and six lncRNAs, PSORS1C3, AC010536.2, IQCF5-AS1, AL021707.1, FGD5-AS1, and PART1, were found to be mostly associated with the survival of ER+PR+ breast cancer. Conclusion: Six lncRNAs with prognostic significance were identified in ER+PR+ breast cancer, providing new ideas for the diagnose and treatment of this subtype.
China’s Successful Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals to the Worst-hit City: A Lesson Learn
Authors: Zhu Pingting , Liu Xinyi , Wu Qiwei , Loke Jennifer , Lim Deborah , Xu Huiwen 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan has led Chinese health authorities to recruiting medical doctors and nurses from the least affected areas to provide care to the infected patients in Wuhan. The current study is part of a larger study where we took further steps to explain some plausible reasons for the experiences.Methods We used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to understand the subjective experiences as well as the reasons for these experiences amongst the medical doctors and nurses who had travelled form the least affected part of China to render help during Wuhan’s outbreak. Using purposive and snowball sampling, healthcare professionals were recruited from three major hospitals in Jiangsu province. Basing on the participants’ choice of venue, semi-structured interviews were conducted from 1st September to 14th November 2020 in face-to-face contexts. ResultsTen nurses and four doctors provided their informed consent for the study. The primary superordinate theme recounted how the social identity and individual’s needs were challenged by the individual’s professional ethics.ConclusionsCOVID-19 not only presents significant risks to the health of healthcare professionals, it further challenges their emotional and psychosocial wellbeing. Care should be taken in allocating support and help, with careful deployment of professional values and beliefs, so that any human resources as precious as medical doctors and nurses can be protected.
Reporting of Patient And Public Involvement (PPI) In Clinical Trials Published In Three Leading Nursing Science Journals: A Scientiometric Study
Authors: Gray Richard , Brasier Catherine , Ng Ashley H 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in identifying research questions, designing trials, and collecting, interpreting, and publishing results may positively affect the relevance, quality and impact of research. The extent of patient and public involvement in nursing clinical trials has not been previously studied. Methods: A Scientiometric study of PPI in clinical trials published in three leading nursing science journals. Randomised controlled clinical trials published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies, the Journal of Clinical Nursing, and the Journal of Advanced Nursing between January and April 2021 were identified by searching the SCOPUS database. Journal author guidelines were also review. Data were extracted against the five items of the Guidance for Reporting Involvement of Patients and the Public (GRIPP2) reporting checklist. Results: None of the journals required authors to include a patient and public involvement statement in submitted papers or to thank participants in the acknowledgement section of the paper. We included 23 randomised controlled clinical trials, of which half were conducted in Europe and 12 were supported by external grants. Authors thanked participants in the acknowledgement section often (43%) trials. There was no statement or evidence of patient and public involvement in any of the included trials.Conclusion: There was no evidence of PPI in trials published in nursing science journals. Researchers, funders, and journals need to collaborate to change cultural expectations to ensure that PPI is an emended part of clinical research.
Cytokine Profiles in the Detection of Severe Lung Involvement in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19: the IL-8 – IL-32 axis
Authors: BERGANTINI LAURA , d’Alessandro Miriana , Cameli Paolo , Otranto Ambra , Luzzi Simona , Bianchi Francesco , Bargagli Elena 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious respiratory disorder caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The pathophysiology of severe COVID-19 is associated with a “cytokine storm”, characterized by anomalous release of various pro-inflammatory cytokines which contribute to alveolar exudation and lung damage. Overproduction of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α and low of expression IFN-γ have been found in severe COVID-19 patients. The mechanism by which IL-32 exerts its signalling properties is unclear. IL-32 is a key modulator in the pathogenesis of various clinical conditions and is mostly induced by IL-8. IL-32 modulates important inflammatory pathways (including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1b), contributing to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. A total of 64 COVID-19 patients, stratifying as mild moderate and severe patients and 27 healthy controls were consecutively enrolled in the study. Serum concentrations of biomarkers including IL-1β, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-6 were quantified by bead-based multiplex analysis and Serum concentration of IL-8 and IL-32 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Interestingly, among the blood parameters, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were significantly lower in severe COVID-19 patients than in the other, on the contrary, CRP was significantly higher in severe patients than in other groups. The cytokines that best distinguished controls from COVID-19 patients were IL-8 and IL-32.The best model performance for severe group was obtained by the combination of IL-32, IL-6 and IFN-γ, and serum concentrations of CRP increased model performance, showing AUC=0.83. New insights into the cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients, highlighting specific cytokine signatures among patients with different severity of infection.
Exploiting Renewable Energy and UPS Systems to Reduce Power Consumption in Data Centers
Authors: Peng Xiaopu , Bhattacharya Tathagata , Cao Ting , Mao Jianzhou , Tekreeti Taha , Qin Xiao 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
To develop environmental friendly and energy-efficient data centers, it is prudent to leverage on-site renewable sources like solar and wind. Data centers deploy distributed UPS systems to improve efficiency, scalability, and reliability of UPS systems, thereby handling the intermittent nature of renewable energy. We propose a renewableenergy manager called REDUX to (1) offer a smart way of managing energy supply of data centers powered by grid and renewable energy and (2) maintain a desirable balance between energy cost and system performance. To achieve this overarching objective, REDUX judiciously orchestrates distribute UPS devices (i.e., recharge or discharge) to allocate energy resources when (1) grid price is at low or high states or (2) renewable energy generation is at a low or fluctuate level. REDUX not only guarantees the stable operation of daily workload conditions, but also cuts back the energy cost of data centers by improving power resource utilization. Compared with the existing strategies, REDUX demonstrates a prominent capability of mitigating average peak workload and boosting renewable-energy utilization.
Real-Time Quantitative Assessment of Transport Induced Greenhouse Gases Emissions Profile in Lagos, Nigeria.
Authors: Okafor Chinenye Lilian , Ahove Michael A , Odewumi Samuel G , MacCracken Michael , Odesanya Babatunde 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Over the years, scientists have established that when fossil fuels are burnt, the resultant effect is pollution of the ambient air with pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), oxides of nitrogen (NOX), oxides of sulfur (SOX), volatile organic hydrocarbons and particulate matter and atmospheric greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) and heat-warming or cooling aerosols such as black soot and sulfate aerosols, respectively. These pollutants become present in the atmosphere at a concentration that can affect human health, the environment, and even society as a whole. Since around 1750, human activities have increased the concentration of CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by many tens of percent over the last two centuries. The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the office of National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA), established guidelines and standards (limits) for the abatement and control of all forms of pollution through the establishment of Nigerian Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Different studies on the impacts of urban road transportation on ambient air quality carried out by scholars have suggested that most pollutant gases in the atmosphere are traffic-related as a result of the combustion of petroleum-based products like gasoline and diesel in internal combustion engines. This study deployed a quantitative technique to determine the emissions profile of transport nodes in Ikeja, Lagos through the use of AEROQUAL 500s portable air monitoring equipment. Results showed that CO, CO2 and CH4 emissions were highest during the AM peak and PM peak periods and lower during the inter-peak period, while NOx emissions were relatively stable throughout the time periods.
Where to Start? A Two Stage Residual Inclusion Approach to Estimating Influence of the Initial Provider on Health Care Utilization and Costs for Low Back Pain in the US
Authors: Harwood Kenneth , Pines Jesse , Andrilla C. Holly A. , Frogner Bianca K. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Diagnostic testing and treatment recommendations can vary when medical care is sought by individuals for low back pain (LBP), leading to variation in quality and costs of care. We examine how first provider seen by an individual at initial diagnosis of LBP influences downstream utilization and costs. Methods: Using national private health insurance claims data, individuals age 18 or older were retrospectively assigned to cohorts based on the first provider seen at the index date of LBP diagnosis. Exclusion criteria included individuals with a diagnosis of LBP or any serious medical conditions, or an opioid prescription recorded in the six months prior to the index date. Outcome measures included use of imaging, back surgery rates, hospitalization rates, emergency department visits, early- and long-term opioid use, and costs (out-of-pocket and total costs of care) twelve months post-index date. We used a common econometric technique, two-stage residual inclusion (2SRI) estimation to reduce selection bias in the choice of first provider, controlling for demographics.Results: Among 3,799,593 individuals, cost and utilization varied considerably based on first provider seen by the patient. The frequency of early opioid prescription was significantly lower when care began with an acupuncturist or chiropractor, and highest for those who began with an emergency medicine physician or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Long-term opioid prescriptions were low across most providers except physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians and APRNs. The frequency and time to serious illness varied little across providers. Total cost of care was lowest when starting with a chiropractor ($5,093) or primary care physician ($5,660), and highest when starting with an orthopedist ($9,434) or acupuncturist ($9,205). Conclusion: The first provider seen by individuals with LBP was associated with large differences in health care utilization, opioid prescriptions, and cost while there were no differences in delays in diagnosis of serious illness.
Fluometuron Removal from Agricultural Wastewater in Porous Media Filters
Authors: Gikas Georgios D. , Vryzas Zisis , Koshis Zouvanis 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In the present study, six gravity filters were constructed and evaluated for the treatment of agricultural wastewater contaminated with herbicide fluometuron. Two filter types in terms of feeding strategy (i.e., batch and continuous feeding strategies), three porous media (i.e., coarse gravel, coarse zeolite and fine zeolite) and three hydraulic residence times (i.e., 1 day, 2 days and 4 days) were evaluated to find the best design and operation parameter in fluometuron removal by adsorption on porous media. Batch experiments were also conducted and the experimental data were fitted to adsorption kinetic and isotherm models. Results showed that the experimental data fitted better to the pseudo-first order model and to the Freundlich model, and the highest fluometuron adsorption was recorded for fine zeolite. The results of filter operation indicated that the most important parameter affecting fluometuron removal is the hydraulic residence time.
Elevation of Neutrophil CEACAM1 Associated with Multiple Inflammatory Mediators was Related to Different Disease Progression in Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Wu Wei , Zhang Yi , Wang Yijie , Liu Ping , Sun Shanshan , Hong Meng , Yuan Yuan , Xia Qi , Chen Zhi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

Tissue damage, expecially blood-brain barrier (BBB) injury caused by inflammatory factor storm and stroke-associated infection (SAI) during cerebral stroke is an important factor affecting the prognosis of patients. We aim to analyze the level of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) together with the multiple inflammatory mediators at different stages of ischemic stroke (IS), as well as to investigate the role of CEACAM1 and the potential underlying mechanism in IS in the meanwhile.
Methods

The frequency of CEACAM1 positive neutrophils, neutrophil viability and levels of intracellular cytokines were detected by flow cytometry. The plasma CEACAM1, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were measured by ELISA.
Results

Compared with the normal control, the percentage of CEACAM1 positive neutrophils in the peripheral blood in the IS patients showed significant elevation, and a significant increase was also noticed in the content of plasma CEACAM1 at the subacute stage. There was a positive correlation between CEACAM1 expression rate in the neutrophils and plasma CEACAM1 and IL-10 content in the subacute group. Compared with the acute group and healthy control group, there was an instinct elevation in the level of plasma MMP-9 in the subacute group. The plasma NGAL in the subacute and stable groups was significantly higher than that of the normal control.
Conclusion

Our data showed that there was rapid elevation of CEACAM1 in the neutrophils at the acute stage of cerebral IS. We speculated that CEACAM1 may serve as an inhibitory regulator involved in the progression of focal cerebral ischemia. Moreover, the elevation of serum NGAL at the acute and stable stages may involve in the BBB injury mediated by MMP-9.