bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TIFA Protein Expression is Associated with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Chang Hao-Chih , Wei Tong-You Wade , Wu Pei-Yu , Tsai Ming-Daw , Yu Wen-Chung , Chen Chen-Huan , Sung Shih-Hsien 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor-interacting protein with a forkhead-associated domain (TIFA), a key regulator of inflammation, may be involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). A total of 48 PAH patients (age 50.1±13.1 years, 22.9% men), 25 hypertensive subjects, and 26 healthy controls were enrolled. TIFA protein expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured. Pulmonary arterial hemodynamics were derived from right heart catheterization. PAH patients had the highest expression of TIFA, TNF-α, and IL-1β. TIFA protein expression was significantly associated with IL-1β (r=0.94; P<0.001), TNF-α (r=0.93; P<0.001), mean pulmonary artery pressure (r=0.41; P=0.006), and pulmonary vascular resistance (r=0.41; P=0.007). TIFA protein expression could independently predict the presence of PAH (odds ratio [95% confidence interval per-0.1 standard deviation]: 1.72 [1.37-2.16]; P<0.001) and outperformed echocardiographic estimation. Ex vivo silencing of TIFA protein expression in PBMCs led to the suppression of the cellular expression of IL-1β and TNF-α. IL-1β and TNF-α mediated 80.4% and 56.6% of the causal relationship between TIFA and PAH, respectively, supporting the idea that TIFA protein is involved in the pathogenesis of PAH.
A Blockchain-Based Spatial Data Trading Framework
Authors: hui liu , Tai WeiPeng , Wang Yaofei , Shenling Wang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
With the increasing utilization of space related data, the demand for spatial big data sharing and trading is growing rapidly, which promotes the emergence of spatial data market. However, in conventional data markets, both data buyers and data sellers have to use a centralized trading platform which might be dishonest. Blockchain is a decentralized distributed data storage technology, which uses the traceability and unforgeability to confirm and record each transaction, can solve the disadvantages of the centralized data market, however, it also introduces the problems of security and privacy. To address this issue, we propose a blockchain-based spatial data trading framework with Trusted Execution Environment to provide a trusted decentralized platform, including data storage, data query, data pricing and security computing. Based on this framework, a spatial data trading demonstration system was implemented and its feasibility and security were verified.
Preoperative Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) after Femoral Neck Fracture in the Elderly, the Incidence, Timing, Location and Related Risk Factors
Authors: Niu Shuai , Li Juan , Zhao Yan , Ding Dianzhu , Jiang Guangwei , Song Zhaohui 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective
to investigate the epidemiologic characteristics of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture
Methods
Retrospective analysis was performed on elderly patients with femoral neck fractures admitted to two institutions from January 2016 to October 2019. Duplex ultrasonography (DUS) was used to detect DVT. Patients' hospitalization medical records were retrieved to collect the data, which were related to demographics, comorbidities, injury and laboratory results on admission. Patients with preoperative DVT were defined as the case group and those without DVT as control group, and compared using the univariate analyses. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent factors associated with DVT.
Results
Totally, 980 patients met the predefined criteria and were included. Sixty-seven patients were diagnosed to have preoperative DVT, with incidence of 6.8% for overall, 1.7% for proximal and 5.1% for distal DVT. The mean time from injury to diagnosis of DVT was 6.0 ± 4.7 days (median, 5.0). Most (76.1%) patients with DVT had thrombi solely in the injured extremity, in contrast with 14.9% (10/67) in the uninjured and 9.0% (6/67) in both injured and uninjured extremity. Multivariate analysis showed chronic renal insufficiency, current smoking status, delay to DUS and PLT > 220*109/L were independent factors for DVT.
Conclusion
Preoperative DVT is not very prevalent following elderly femoral neck fractures, but with a certain proportion in the uninjured extremity, necessitating the more attention. These identified risk factors aid in patient counseling, individualized risk assessment and risk stratification, and should be kept in mind.
Prognostic Value of Lymphovascular Invasion&nbsp;in Stage Ⅱ Colorectal Cancer Patients with an Inadequate Examination of Lymph Nodes.
Authors: Gao Zhenyan , Cao Huihua , Xu Xiang , Wang Qing , Wu Yugang , Lu Qicheng 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundLymphovascular invasion (LVI) is defined as the existence of cancer cells in lymphatics or blood vessels. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of LVI in stage Ⅱ colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with inadequate examination of lymph nodes (ELNs) and further combined LVI with the TNM staging system to determine the predictive efficacy for CRC prognosis. Adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) was then evaluated for stage Ⅱ CRC patients with LVI positivity (LVI +).MethodsThe clinicopathologic records of 1420 CRC patients treated at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between February 2007 and February 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. LVI was examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Kaplan-Meier analysis followed by a log-rank test was used to analyze survival rates. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using a Cox proportional hazards model. The Harrell’s concordance index (C-index) was used to evaluate the accuracy of different systems in predicting prognosis.ResultsThe LVI status was significantly associated with pT stage, degree of differentiation, tumor stage, serum CEA and CA19-9 levels, perineural invasion (PNI) and KRAS status. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of stage Ⅱ patients with < 12 ELNs and LVI + was less than stage ⅢA. Multivariate analyses showed that LVI, pT-stage, serum CEA and CA19-9 levels, PNI and KRAS status were significant prognostic factors for stage Ⅱ patients with < 12 ELNs. The 8th TNM staging system combined with LVI showed a higher C-index than the 8th TNM staging system alone (C-index, 0.895 vs. 0.833). Among patients with LVI + the ACT group had a significantly higher 5-year OS and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) than the surgery alone (SA) group (5-year OS, 66.7% vs. 40.9%, P = 0.004; 5-year DFS, 64.1% vs. 36.3%, P = 0.002).ConclusionsLVI is an independent prognostic risk factor for stage Ⅱ CRC patients. Combining LVI with the 8th TNM staging system improved the predictive accuracy for CRC prognosis. ACT in stage Ⅱ CRC patients with LVI + is beneficial for survival.
Serial Measurement of Pancreatic Stone Protein for the Early Detection of Sepsis in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Prospective Multicentric Study
Authors: Pugin Jérôme , Daix Thomas , Pagani Jean-Luc , Morri Davide , Giacomucci Angelo , Dequin Pierre-François , Guitton Christophe , Que Yok-Ai , Zani Gianluca , Brealey David , Lepape Alain , Creagh-Brown Ben , Wyncoll Duncan , Silengo Daniela , Irincheeva Irina , Girard Laurie , Rebeaud Fabien , Maerki Iwan , Eggimann Philippe , François Bruno 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe early recognition and management of sepsis improves outcomes. Biomarkers may help in identifying earlier sub-clinical signs of sepsis. We explored the potential of serial measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and pancreatic stone protein (PSP) for the early recognition of sepsis in patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU).MethodsThis was a multicentric international prospective observational clinical study conducted in 14 ICUs in France, Switzerland, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Adult ICU patients at risk of nosocomial sepsis were included. A biomarker-blinded adjudication committee identified sepsis events and the days on which they began. The associations of clinical sepsis diagnoses with the trajectories of PSP, CRP, and PCT in the 3 days preceding these diagnoses of sepsis were tested for markers of early sepsis detection. The performance of the biomarkers in sepsis diagnosis was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.ResultsOf the 243 patients included, 53 developed nosocomial sepsis after a median of 6 days (interquartile range, 3–8 days). The association of clinical sepsis diagnosis with an increase in a biomarker value in the 3 days preceding this diagnosis was stronger for PSP (p = 0.003) than for PCT (p = 0.025) and CRP (p = 0.009). The area under the ROC curve at the time of clinical sepsis was similar for all markers (PSP, 0.75; CRP, 0.77; PCT, 0.75).ConclusionsWhile the diagnostic accuracy for sepsis of PSP, CRP and PCT were similar in this cohort, serial PSP measurement demonstrated an increase of this marker the days preceding the onset of signs necessary for a clinical diagnosis the sepsis. This observation justifies further evaluation of the potential clinical benefit of serial PSP measurement in the management of critically ill patients developing nosocomial sepsis.Trial registrationThe study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (no. NCT03474809), on March 16, 2018.https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03474809?term=NCT03474809&draw=2&rank=1
Evaluation of the Effect of Supervised Antimalarial Treatment on P. Vivax Malaria Recurrences
Authors: Dinelly Kelry Mazurega Oliveira , Vitor-Silva Sheila , Brito-Sousa Jose Diego , Sampaio Vanderson Souza , Silva Milena Gabriela Oliveira , Siqueira André Machado , Peterka Cássio , Rodovalho Sheila , Omena Aretha Gomes , Monteiro Wuelton Marcelo , Lacerda Marcus Vinicius Guimaraes de , Melo Gisely 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundRelapses in vivax malaria have posed great challenges to malaria control, accounting for a great proportion of reported cases. Knowing the real effectiveness of 7 day primaquine (PQ) scheme is crucial to understand not only the cost-effectiveness of implementing new anti-hypnozoite drugs but how health education strategies can guarantee better compliance and be reinforced. This study aimed the evaluation of the daily supervised treatment effect with chloroquine and PQ (in consented patients) versus prescription without supervision (non-consented patients), and the outcome was the passive detection of new positive thick blood smears until 180 days, based on the official data records from the National Malaria Control Program. The recurrences seen in the real life were therefore used as a surrogate for true relapses. Patients under supervised treatment had a lower risk of recurrence until day 180 when compared to the unsupervised treatment (17.9% vs 36.1%; p=0.027). The lack of consent in the non-supervised group (which followed standard of care in the real life) enabled proper comparison, as consent itself could lead to better compliance in this group. Future studies should scale such analysis to different settings in the Brazilian Amazon.
Continuous Cultures of Plasmodium Falciparum Established in Tanzania From Patients With Acute Malaria
Authors: Urio Florence Humphrey , Mkombachepa Matilda , Rwegasira Gration , Makene Twilumba , Ngasala Billy , Mselle Teddy , Makani Julie , Luzzatto Lucio 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMalaria morbidity and mortality, almost entirely from Plasmodium falciparum, are still rampant in Africa: therefore, it is important to study the biology of the parasite and the parasite-host cell interactions. In vitro cultivation of Plasmodium falciparum is most useful for this purpose, as well as for investigating drug resistance and possible new therapies. Here we report that the Trager & Jensen continuous culture of P. falciparum can be established in a laboratory in Tanzania with minimal facilities and with modest expenditure.MethodsAn in vitro set-up of continuous culture of P. falciparum was carried out in 2016 to 2020 at Muhimbili university of health and allied sciences, Dar-es salaam. Parasite samples were obtained from patients with acute malaria, frozen parasites and live cultures. Data was collected and analyzed using GraphPad Prism version 8.ResultsWe have successfully achieved exponential growth of existing strains that are used worldwide, as well as of parasites in clinical samples from patients with acute malaria. In the aim to optimize growth we have compared human serum and bovine serum albumin as components of the culture media. In addition, culture synchronization has been achieved using sorbitol.ConclusionThis experimental system is now available to our institution and to researchers aiming at investigating drug sensitivity and mechanisms of protection against Plasmodium falciparum that accrue from various genes expressed in red cells.
Energy Analysis and Verification of a Constant Pressure Elastic Strain Energy Accumulator Based on Exergy Method&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Authors: Du Hongwang , Yang Dongdong , Xiong Wei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Aiming at problems of low energy storage efficiency and unstable energy output of existing accumulators, this paper proposes a novel constant pressure elastic strain energy accumulator based on the rubber material hyperelastic effect, which can store and release energy with steady constant pressure. Based on exergy analysis method, constant pressure elastic strain energy accumulator charging/discharging energy storage efficiency is analyzed. Then Mullins effect on the rubber airbag multiple charging/discharging cycles is studied. Finally, a test platform is set up to verify the energy storage efficiency, expansion and contraction pressure stability of the rubber accumulator during charging/discharging cycles. Compared with enthalpy analysis method, experiment results show that energy storage efficiency calculation by the exergy analysis method is more accurate. In more than 200 cycle tests, rubber airbag energy storage efficiency is always higher than 76%, and expansion pressure and contraction pressure errors under steady state are less than 2.92e-3MPa and 1.79e-3MPa, respectively. The results show that the rubber airbag can be used as an effective energy storage component, which is very meaningful for energy recovery in pneumatic or hydraulic systems.
Research on Active Dustproof of Coal Handling System
Authors: Zhou Man Yi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Coal handling system of Power plant(CHP) is easy to produce dust, which is the most serious place of coal dust pollution in thermal power plant. With the gradual improvement of national environmental protection requirements, the control of coal dust becomes more and more important. The author believes that we should not wait for the pollution caused by coal dust to be treated, but should take the initiative to attack, and should take the initiative to prevent dust, starting from the source of coal transportation. In the process of designing coal conveying of thermal power plant for many years, the author has carried out on-site investigation on many coal handling systems, summarized experience and obtained relevant data. Through further analysis, the main causes of coal dust are mastered, and the relevant measures of active dust control are put forward from the technical point of view, in order to provide help for the comprehensive control of coal dust in power industry.
Lamotrigine induced DRESS syndrome in a child: a case report and literature review
Authors: Lin Chien-Heng , Lin Sheng-Shing , Hong Syuan-Yu , Chen Chieh-Ho , Chou I-Ching 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundLamotrigine is an important anticonvulsant drug. Its use, however, has been limited by the risk of potentially life-threatening dermatological reactions, such as drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS).Case presentationHere, we report the case of a 7-year-6-month-old girl with a history of epilepsy who developed a skin rash with dyspnoea after 2 weeks of lamotrigine treatment, with DRESS ultimately being diagnosed. After discontinuation of the offending drug and the initiation of systemic glucocorticosteroids, the DRESS symptoms were relieved and the patient was discharged in stable condition.ConclusionAnticonvulsant drugs such as lamotrigine among the factors that induce DRESS in children. When a patient displays skin rash and systemic organ involvement following the initiation of an anticonvulsant drug, DRESS should not be overlooked as a diagnosis, and immunosuppressant drugs should be considered as an option for treating DRESS patients.
Assessment of access and utilization of Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health services&nbsp;&nbsp;in Western Ethiopia
Authors: Tilahun Temesgen , Bekuma Tariku Tesfaye , Getachew Motuma , Seme Assefa 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Despite Ethiopia's enormous effort in youth-friendly service provision, little was investigated about the challenges of accessing sexual and reproductive health services in Western Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess access and utilization of adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health services in this area.
Methods
A community-based cross-sectional quantitative method mixed with the qualitative inquiry was conducted among 771 adolescents and youths aged 15 to 24 years from February 1 to 28, 2020. Data were collected through face to face interview using pretested structured questionaries. Data were entered using EPI-INFO version 7.0 and analyzed by SPSS version 25. Descriptive analysis and logistic regressions were performed. The adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used and statistical significance was declared at P-value < 0.05. The qualitative inquiry was collected through in-depth interviews with service providers, focus group discussions, and observation checklists of service units in the study facilities.
Results
The mean age of participants was 18.99 years (SD ± 2.49). Two hundred seventeen (28.1%) of participants reported that they have ever heard about adolescents and youths' reproductive health services. Only 66 (8.6%) have ever visited health facilities for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Factors associated with the utilization of sexual and reproductive health service were age from 15 to 19 years (AOR = 0.36;95%CI:0.17,0.76), history of having sexual intercourse(AOR = 5.34;95%CI: 2.53,11.23), ever heard about sexual reproductive health service (AOR = 11.33; 95%CI: 5.59, 22.96), and visited a health facility for other health services (AOR = 5.12; 95%CI:1.72,15.24).
Conclusion
Sexual and reproductive health service utilization among adolescents and youths was found to be low. The factors associated with adolescents' and youths' sexual and reproductive health services utilization were age, history of ever having sexual intercourse, ever heard about SRH services, and visit of health facility for other services. Therefore, it is better if the concerned bodies work on improving awareness of adolescents and youths towards SRH services and integrating these services into other routine services.
A New Landmark for Positioning the Anatomical Insertions of Lateral Ankle Ligaments under Arthroscopy: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Zhou Yun-Feng , Song Bin , Zhang Zheng-Zheng , Xu Da-Zheng , Xie Ruo-Qi , Wang Ming-Wei , Li Wei-Ping , Shen Hui-Yong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Several landmarks are used to ascertain the insertions of lateral ankle ligaments, however, few could be discerned under arthroscopy. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and reliability of labeling the anterior process of fibular cartilage surface (FCAP) under arthroscopy, and to compare the distances from the new or conventional landmark to the ligament insertion.Methods: Twenty paired ankles from ten Chinese cadavers were included. A senior and a junior surgeon randomly performed the arthroscopic FCAP marking procedures for the paired ankles of a single cadaver using a Kirchner wire. The distance and direction from the anatomical FCAP' to the marked FCAP were recorded after open dissection. Reliability analysis were calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and independent sample t test. Moreover, the distance from the upper landmarks (anterior fibular tubercle or FCAP) to the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) insertion center (distance “a” or “c”), and from the ATFL to calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) footprint center was measured at the anterolateral side (distance “b”) and lateral groove (distance “d”), respectively.Results: The FCAP was located 1.23±0.29 (range, 0.77–1.67) mm) and 1.52±0.41 (range, 0.92–2.03) mm from the anatomical FCAP' in the senior and junior surgeons’ operations, respectively, which showed no significant difference between the two groups (t=-1.773, P=0.093). And the calculated ICC was 0.767 (P=0.003). The average distance “a” was 19.03±1.47 (range, 16.29–21.3) mm, significantly longer than distance “c”, 15.98±0.97 (range, 14.48–18.02) mm (t=-7.72, P<0.001). However, the distance “b” (7.43±0.54 mm; range, 6.47–8.47) and distance “d” (7.78±0.67 mm; range, 6.42–9.03) showed no statistical difference (t=1.8, P=0.08).Conclusions: The FCAP may be a useful landmark that can be utilized to ascertain anatomical insertions of lateral ankle ligaments under arthroscopy. The measured distances from the landmark to the ligament footprint center could provide spatial information that assist in endoscopic anatomical repair or reconstruction.
Treatment Outcomes of Anterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation using An Acromioclavicular Joint Hook Plate Versus a Locking Plate: A Retrospective Study.
Authors: Qu Yanzhen , Xie Xudong , Zhou Wu , Xia Tian , Cao Faqi , Mi Bobin , Ye Zhewei , Liu Guohui 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: We aimed to compare the efficacy and functional outcomes of using an acromioclavicular joint hook plate (AJHP) versus a locking plate (LP) in the treatment of anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation.Methods: Seventeen patients with anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation were retrospectively analyzed from May 2014 to September 2019. Six patients were surgically treated with an AJHP, and 11 were surgically treated with an LP. Five male and one female patients comprised the AJHP group, and nine male and two female patients comprised the LP group. The mean age of all patients was 49.5 years.Results: Reduction and fixation were performed with AJHP or LP in all 17 patients. All patients were followed up for a mean duration of 14.4 months. There were no reported complications, wound infections, or instances of plate or screw breakage. The mean operative blood loss, operative time, and length of incision in the AJHP group were significantly better than those in the LP group. Shoulder girdle movement of the AJHP group was significantly better than that of the LP group.Conclusions: This study revealed that AJHP facilitated glenohumeral joint motion, reduced the risk of rupture of mediastinal structures, required a shorter incision, and had less blood loss and a shorter duration of operation compared with LP. However, some deficiencies require further improvement.Trial registration: