bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beneficial role of Pistacia lentiscus aqueous extract in experimental colitis: Anti-inflammatory and potential therapeutic effects
Authors: Boutemine Insaf Meriem , Amri Manel , Dorgham Karim , Amir Zine-Charaf , Benazzouz Sara , Ameur Fahima , Layaida Karim , Yssel Hans , Touil-Boukoffa Chafia 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Pistacia lentiscus L. (PL) is a flowering plant traditionally used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The extracts of this plant are endowed with strong pharmacological activities. The aim of our current study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and potential therapeutic effects of PL leaves aqueous extract (PLAE) against Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis. Materials and methods: The therapeutic effect of PLAE was evaluated after orally administration of 3% DSS alone or concomitantly with PLAE (50, 100 or 200 mg/Kg). Mucosal lesions were assessed by macroscopic and histopathological examination. In this context, hemorrhage, diarrhea, weight loss, and disease activity index (DAI) were determined daily throughout the experiment. In the same way, hematoxylin-eosin and Alcian blue staining of colonic mucosal were used to evaluate respectively mucosal damages and mucus production. Furthermore, the levels of nitric oxide (NO), and pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)] were measured in plasma, as well as in colonic explants and peritoneal macrophages cultures supernatants.Results: Administration of DSS+PLAE indicated a significant reduction in clinical score of acute colitis DAI compared to DSS alone administration. Interestingly, histological analysis of the mucosa showed that DSS+PLAE-treated groups exhibited almost normal histology evidenced by an intact epithelium structure and less inflammatory cell infiltration in the mucosa. Alcian bleu staining revealed that DSS+PLAE-treated groups displayed almost normal mucus production. Importantly, a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory mediators (NO, IL-6 and TNF-α) levels in dose dependent manner was reported in plasma, and culture supernatants of colonic explants and peritoneal macrophages from DSS+ PLAE-treated mice compared to the DSS group.Conclusion: Our results showed that the systemic and local anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous leaves extract of PL improve the clinical signs of acute colitis. Our data suggest that PLAE has beneficial effects and could constitute a promising approach against acute ulcerative colitis by targeting the deregulated immune response.
Histopathological Evaluation of A Tissue Fragment Obtained In Conjunctivo-Müllerectomy Surgery
Authors: NAHAS TATIANA RIZKALLAH , Silva Leonard M. da , Ferreira Flávio C. , de Souza Luiza A. , Freire Livia de A. , Sahtler Célia S.C.O. , Hida Ilana Y. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose

To evaluate striated skeletal muscle fibers (upper eyelid levator muscle) in specimens taken from conjunctivo-müllerectomy surgery and correlate the surgical response of elevation greater than 2 mm in this surgery.
Methods

Histopathological analysis of 20 excised conjunctivo-müllerectomy fragments for treating involutional ptosis of any magnitude with a 10% positive and satisfactory phenylephrine test to check for skeletal muscle fibers.
Results

All analyzed tissue samples only had conjunctiva and smooth muscle tissue. We attest to the absence of striated muscle fibers in these samples.
Conclusion

There are no upper eyelid levator muscle fibers in the excised tissue in conjunctivo-müllerectomy surgery. The surgical response of elevation greater than 2 mm in this surgery may only be due to the closeness of the upper eyelid levator muscle to the superior border of the tarsal plate.
Alterations of white matter abnormalities in Parkinson’s disease: a machine learning approach
Authors: qian long , xiao chaoyong , Liu Sidong , cui zaixu , hu xiao , liu weiguo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The inter-tract/region dependencies of white-matter in Parkinson’s disease are usually ignored by standard statistical tests. Moreover, it remains unclear whether the disruption of white-matter tracts/regions suffices to identify Parkinson’s disease patients from healthy controls. A machine learning approach was applied to capture the interdependencies between white-matter tracts/regions and to differentiate PD patients from healthy controls. First, the mean regional white-matter profiles, including white-matter volume, fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity, were extracted as features in Parkinson’s disease patients (N = 78) and in healthy controls (N = 91). Then, the feature selection and classification were performed using t-test and linear support vector machine, respectively. Last, the relationships between clinical variables and regional magnetic resonance indices were estimated. Our results showed the combined features (white-matter volume, fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity) had the best performance with an accuracy of 75.15% and area under curve of 0.8171, respectively. The most discriminative white-matter features were centered on the association fibers, commissural fibers, projection fibers, and striatal fibers. The discriminative regions of right anterior limb of internal capsule had positive association trends with the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale III score; while the genu of corpus callosum and right retrolenticular part of internal capsule had positively association trends with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score. Our finding showed the multivariate machine learning approach is a promising tool to detect abnormal white-matter tracts/regions in Parkinson’s disease, and provides us a multidimensional means for neuroimaging classification.
Occurrence of 8 trace elements in Rhizoma Cibotii from China and exposure assessment
Authors: Chu Zhijie , Xu Hongxia , Shao Lijun , Li Jin , Wang Xiaolin , Jiao Yanni , Jiang Dafeng , Yang Peimin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The contamination of trace elements in Chinese edible herbs has attracted a worldwide concern. In this study, the occurrence and quantitative analysis of 8 trace elements in Rhizoma Cibotii were investigated. Results demonstrated that the trace elements of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb were detected in all analyzed samples, the occurrence frequencies of As, Se and Cd were 98.3%, 96.6% and 98.3%, respectively. The highest mean levels was found in Zn (17.32 mg/kg), followed by Pb (8.50 mg/kg) and Cu (3.51 mg/kg). Based on their contamination levels, the mean exposure of individual elements was estimated. The calculated HQ values were less than 1, indicating that the contamination of trace elements in Rhizoma Cibotii did not pose significant health risks to human. This study provides baseline information on trace elements in Rhizoma Cibotii, and it is necessary to monitor its trend in future for human health.
Laboratory Plate Loading Test on Calcareous Sands from a Hydraulic fill Reef Island
Authors: Wang Xing , WU YANG , Cui Jie , Zhu Chang-qi , Wang Xin-zhi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The landforms and vertical strata distribution characteristics of Yongxing Island show that the reclaimed reef island is characterized by soft upper strata (calcareous sand) and hard lower strata (reef limestone). In this study, a series of plate loading tests was conducted to examine the influences of particle gradation, compactness, and moisture condition on the bearing mechanism and deformation properties of the calcareous sand foundation. When the foundation is shallowly buried, the relative density range corresponding to a calcareous sand foundation exhibiting local shear failure is narrower than that of a terrigenous sand foundation. For the same compactness, dry calcareous medium sand has a much larger bearing capacity and deformation modulus than dry calcareous fine sand. The effect of water on the bearing capacity of the calcareous medium sand is greater than the effect on calcareous fine sand. Its weak cementation and low permeability make the initial deformation of saturated calcareous fine sand slightly smaller than that under dry conditions. The stress dispersion angle of the calcareous medium sand foundation is 52°, which is larger than that of terrigenous sand. A larger stress dispersion angle leads to a higher bearing capacity and deformation modulus than those of terrigenous sand.
Identification of multiple sclerosis-related genes regulated by EBV-encoded microRNAs in B cells
Authors: Rang Xinming , Liu Yuan , Wang Jingguo , Wang Yifei , Xu Chaohan , Fu Jin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is driven by the interaction between genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers, particularly to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. EBV-encoded microRNAs (miRNAs) are abundantly expressed in all stages of EBV infection and latency, which can target both viral and host cellular mRNAs, allowing EBV-infected B cells to evade the host immune response. However, it remains a big gap to understand the roles of EBV miRNAs and their target genes in MS pathogenesis.Methods: We investigated the correlation between MS-related viruses infection and MS risk quantitatively by systematic analysis. All MS-related genes in B cells were obtained by integrating MS susceptibility genes and differentially expressed genes from B cells. In comparison with differentially expressed genes from B cells after EBV infection in vitro, we confirmed EBV-regulated, MS-related genes. Subsequently, we obtained target EBV miRNAs which can regulate these genes from several online databases. By constructing pathway-pathway, pathway-gene and protein-protein interaction networks, we further screened out MS-related genes and risk pathways regulated by EBV miRNAs. Finally, we identified target EBV miRNAs may directly regulate MS-related genes through bioinformatic prediction and experimental validation.Results: EBV infection showed the strongest correlation with MS risk. A total of 873 MS-related genes and 52 risk pathways in B cells were obtained. We then identified 150 MS-related genes and 18 associated risk pathways that EBV was involved in. In addition, 42 human target genes regulated by 36 EBV miRNAs overlapped with EBV-regulated, MS-related genes. Finally, 15 target EBV miRNAs and their regulated, 6 MS-related genes (MALT1, BCL10, IFNGR2, STAT3, CDK6 and FOXP1) have been confirmed as crucial pathogenic molecules, which could promote the initiation and development of MS through NF-kappa B (MALT1 and BCL10) and PD-L1/PD-1 (IFNGR2 and STAT3) pathways. Surprisingly, ebv-miR-BHRF1-2-5p directly targeting MALT1 was confirmed by our experiments, and FOXP1 was identified as a target gene of ebv-miR-BART11.Conclusions: This work identified the target EBV miRNAs and their regulated, MS-related genes and risk pathways, which may provide a novel insight into discovering diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for MS.
Macula and Optic Disc Characteristics in Methamphetamine and Crystal Methamphetamine Abusers Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Mahjoob Monireh , Maleki Ali-Reza , Askarizadeh Farshad , Heydarian Samira , Rakhshandadi Tahereh 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose

Methamphetamine and Crystal Methamphetamine abusers were compared with healthy subjects using optical coherence tomography to assess their retinal nerve fiber layer, macula, and optic disc characteristics.
Methods

Forty-one Methamphetamine and Crystal Methamphetamine abusers and 42 healthy subjects (mean ± SD of age: 35.82 ± 8.6 and 37.67 ± 9.1 years, respectively) were incorporated in this cross sectional study. The drug abusers had a history of at least five years of substance use through smoking. Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography was used to image and assess the characteristics of retinal nerve fiber layer, macular thickness, and optic disc in the study groups.
Results

The retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was significantly lower in the superior and temporal retinal quadrants of drug abusers than healthy subjects (P = 0.008 and P = 0.028, respectively). This study did not find a significant difference between drug abusers and healthy controls regarding optic to disc ratio, rim area, and disc area (P > 0.05). The comparison between the study groups showed that the reductions in perifovea and the superior quadrant of parafoveal thickness were statistically significant (P < 0.001 and P = 0.029, respectively).
Conclusion

Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography measurements showed that the retinal nerve fiber layer and macular thickness were different between Methamphetamine and Crystal Methamphetamine abusers and healthy subjects, which should be considered in clinical practice. It seems that these drug abuses can cause alterations in retinal morphology.
Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma of the Cerebellopontine Angle: Epidemiological Characteristics and Imaging Features may be Helpful for Making an Accurate Preoperative Diagnosis
Authors: Zheng Jian , Zhang Buyi , Huang Zhaoxu , Ling Hui , Dou Zhangqi , Wu Jiawei , Jin Taian , Lu Danchan , Sun Chongran 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) is rare, thus the preoperative diagnosis is still a challenge.Methods We searched the database at our institution and performed a search of English literature in PubMed and Google Scholar. Keywords used were as follows: “primary central nervous system lymphoma”; “cerebellopontine angle”; “lymphoma”. Only cases in the English language that were located in the CPA and contained adequate clinical information pertinent to the analysis were included.Results 297 cases of pathologically confirmed PCNSLs were recorded between January 2009 and October 2020 at our institution. 6 cases were located in the CPA, accounting for 2.0% of all PCNSLs. 26 cases meeting the above criteria were found in the literature. Including ours, a total of 32 patients were analyzed. Females were more frequently affected (F/M ratio, 2.2:1). There was a preponderance of left-sided lesions in the PCNSLs of the CPA (L/R ratio, 1.5:1). On CT, 80.0% of them presented as hyperdense lesions. On T1-weighted image, 66.7% appeared isointense. While on T2-weighted image (T2WI), 68.4% appeared isointense/hypointense. After contrast administration, 86.2% presented intense homogeneous enhancement.Conclusion PCNSL of the CPA is extremely rare, accounting for 2.0% of all PCNSLs in our study. There is a preponderance of females and left-sided lesions in this disease. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging with T2WI is very helpful in the preoperative diagnosis of the CPA PCNSL. Although rare, lymphoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of CPA lesions.
The Effect of Earth-air Passive Breathing on the Formation of Haze Patterns
Authors: Li Hongshou , Gong Yipu , Wang Shunren , Guo Qinglin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
As urbanization and economic growth in developing countries expands, haze has become a global environmental problem in urban areas. Haze has obvious seasonal and diurnal variations across the globe. The concentration of fine particulate matter is higher in winter and lower in summer, and its diurnal variation shows bimodal characteristics. However, the formation mechanism of this pattern is still not well understood. In this paper, the coupling between earth-air and fine particulate concentration is studied. Monitoring results have shown that the earth-air pressure generally fluctuates with the overall atmospheric pressure. There is a mechanism of ‘passive breathing’ of the earth-air, and due to the effect of seasonal/diurnal changes in soil temperature, ‘autonomous breathing’ also exists. The magnitude of the autonomous breathing effect is small (3.57 mm/d), whereas the passive breathing effect is much larger (421.25 mm/d). The correlation coefficients between volume of earth-air passive breathing and PM2.5 on yearly and daily timescales are 0.82 and 0.84 respectively. Statistical analysis suggests that when the atmospheric pressure rises, the atmospheric air is compressed, and concentration increases. At the same time, a part of the atmosphere enters the soil and causes back-mixing. When the atmospheric pressure drops, the atmospheric air expands, and the filtered earth-air enters the atmosphere, reducing the near-surface PM2.5 concentration. This results in the PM2.5 concentration changing synchronously with the earth-air passive breathing. Therefore, the passive breathing of earth-air has important impact on the formation of haze patterns, and the atmospheric pumping effect provides the main driving force.
Photo-patternable, large-area solid-state liquid metal film coated via solution shearing for soft electronics
Authors: Lee Gun-Hee , Kim Hyeonji , Lee Juhyun , Yang Congqi , Kang Heemin , Park Seongjun , Kang Jiheong , Bao Zhenan , Jeong Jae-Woong , Park Steve 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Liquid metal (LM) is considered one of the most promising conducting materials for soft electronics due to its unique combination of metal-level high conductivity with exceptional deformability and stretchability. However, their practical applicability has thus far been limited due to the challenges of generating chemically and mechanically stable film over a large-area and the need for non-standard fabrication approaches. Here, we report materials and manufacturing methods that enable multiscale patterning (from microns to centimeters) and multilayer integration of ‘solid-state liquid metal (SSLM)’ with the conventional cleanroom process. In this work, solution shearing of a polyelectrolyte-attached LM particle ink is used to generate SSLM films. The stabilized LM particles were observed to form a close-packed thin-film without particle rupture when coated under evaporative regime. This is essential in enabling a subsequent photolithographic lift-off process at wafer-scale to produce high-resolution features (~ 10 µm) of varying thicknesses irrespective of the substrate. Demonstrations of wearable multilayer tactile sensing systems and stretchable skin-interfaced electronics validate the simplicity, versatility, and reliability of this manufacturing strategy, suggesting broad utility in the development of advanced soft electronics.
Qualitative analysis of the roles of physicians and nurses in providing decision support to patients with relapsed or refractory leukemia and malignant lymphoma
Authors: Morikawa Miharu , Shirai Yuki 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose

This study clarified the roles of hematologists and expected roles of other professionals in providing decision support to patients with relapsed or refractory leukemia and malignant lymphoma.
Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 hematologists regarding the role of physicians in providing decision support and the expected roles of other professionals. Interview data were then subjected to a content analysis.
Results

Hematologists were tasked with gathering information about the patient prior to discussions; specifically, they would select required information, communicate issues in a way that patients and their families could easily understand, respect the wishes of the patients and their families, and pay attention to any emotional needs. They were also expected to alter the way information was conveyed in cases of particular severity, while explaining the options they believed were best. Regarding multidisciplinary collaboration, roles included valuing communication, managing entire teams, and encouraging active participation among other professionals. On the other hand, hematologists expected other professionals to actively participate in discussions, express opinions, share information about the patient’s situation and related discussions, and provide emotional support.
Conclusions

During interviews, hematologists conveyed information that physicians keep in mind when providing decision support to patients and explained how they prioritized treatment options. Information must be organized not only in terms of the patient’s image and hematologist’s perspective, but also in terms of the patient’s priorities and values. As such, a multidisciplinary professional team is needed to share patient information and provide multifaceted support.
Icelandic-type crust enigma solved
Authors: Kukkonen Ilmo , Foulger Gillian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Although on the mid-Atlantic extensional plate boundary, the crust beneath Iceland is unlike any produced by sea-floor spreading 1,2. It is up to 40 km thick – 6-7 times thicker than typical oceanic crust 3,4, its seismic velocity gradients are inconsistent with a solely mafic petrology, its lower part has a density approaching that of the mantle, and lithosphere thickness is up to 100 km. Furthermore, downward continuation of surface high thermal gradients predict partial melt in the lower crust that is at odds with the subsolidus state detected by seismic measurements. For the last ~ 50 years it has been assumed that its unusually large thickness results from excess magma production in a hot source 5 but it cannot explain these observations. We model jointly the seismic and thermal data and show that they are consistent with stretched continental crust 6 overlain by a few kilometres of young flood basalts. This resembles a volcanic passive margin under construction. It is mechanically feasible 7 and compatible with the composition of Icelandic lavas. This solution is the first proposed that can explain the geophysical properties of Icelandic-type crust. It has major implications for Atlantic Ocean opening, the structure of passive margins, extent of continental crust in the oceans, natural resources and limits of national seaboards.