bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Cerebral Amyloid Pathology Based on Plasma Amyloid and Tau Related Markers
Authors: Chen Ting-Bin , Lin Kun-Ju , Lin Szu-Ying , Lee Yi-Jung , Lin Yi-Cheng , Wang Chen-Yu , Chen Jun-Peng , Wang Pei-Ning 
Published: October 2021

Background and Purpose:Pyroglutamate-modified β-amyloid peptide (AβpE) is crucial for AD pathophysiological process. The potential associations of plasma AβpEand total tau (t-tau) with brain Aβ burden and cognitive performance remain to be clarified.Methods:Forty-six subjects with unimpaired cognition, mild cognitive impairment, or very mild dementia were enrolled. Plasma levels of AβpE3−40, t-tau, and Aβ42 were quantified by immunomagnetic reduction (IMR) assays. We analyzed individual and combined biomarker correlations with neuropsychological scores and Aβ positivity determined by18F-florbetapir positron emission tomography (PET).Results:Both plasma AβpE3−40levels and AβpE3−40/t-tau ratios correlated negatively with short-term memory and global cognition scores, while correlating positively with PET standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs). Among the biomarkers analyzed, the combination of AβpE3−40in a ratio with t-tau had the best discriminatory ability for Aβ PET positivity. Likewise, logistic regression analysis showed that AβpE3−40/t-tau was a highly robust predictor of Aβ PET positivity after controlling for relevant demographic covariates.Conclusion:Plasma AβpE3−40/t-tau ratios correlate with cognitive function and cerebral Aβ burden. The suitability of AβpE3−40/t-tau as a candidate clinical biomarker of AD pathology in the brain should be examined further in larger studies.
Treatment of the Carotid In-stent Restenosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Huang Hao , Wu Lingshan , Guo Yinping , Zhang Yi , Zhao Jing , Yu Zhiyuan , Luo Xiang 
Published: October 2021

Background and Purpose: In-stent restenosis (ISR) after carotid artery stent (CAS) is not uncommon. We aimed to evaluate therapeutic options for ISR after CAS.Methods: We searched PubMed and EMBASE until November 2, 2020 for studies including the treatment for ISR after CAS.Results: In total, 35 studies, covering 1,374 procedures in 1,359 patients, were included in this review. Most cases (66.3%) were treated with repeat CAS (rCAS), followed by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) (17.5%), carotid endarterectomy (CEA) (14.3%), carotid artery bypass (1.5%), and external beam radiotherapy (0.4%). The rates of stroke &amp; TIA within the postoperative period were similar in three groups (PTA 1.1%, rCAS 1.1%, CEA 1.5%). CEA (2.5%) was associated with a slightly higher rate of postoperative death than rCAS (0.7%, P = 0.046). Furthermore, the rate of long-term stroke &amp; TIA in PTA was 5.7%, significantly higher than rCAS (1.8%, P = 0.036). PTA (27.8%) was also associated with a significantly higher recurrent restenosis rate than rCAS (8.2%, P = 0.002) and CEA (1.6%, P &lt; 0.001). The long-term stroke &amp; TIA and recurrent restenosis rates showed no significant difference between rCAS and CEA.Conclusions: rCAS is the most common treatment for ISR, with low postoperative risk and low long-term risk. CEA is an important alternative for rCAS. PTA may be less recommended due to the relatively high long-term risks of stroke &amp; TIA and recurrent restenosis.
Better Screening Value of Sylvian Fissure Ratio on Cognitive Decline Among Female Compared to Male: An Observational Study in Elderly Patients With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease in Soochow
Authors: Qin Yiren , Ai Dannan , Jordan Ashly E. , Guo Xiaoning , Li Tan , Diao Shanshan , Zhao Hongru , Liu Yang , Xue Qun , Wang Yueju , Fang Qi 
Published: October 2021

Background: Cognitive decline (CD) occurs frequently in elderly patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). In China, elderly patients are more likely to enter healthcare in community hospitals where no magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is available. This study aimed to explore the screening value of Sylvian fissure ratio (SFR) on CD and compare its gender difference from community-transferred patients.Methods: We performed a single-center, observational study (collected between April 1, 2016, and March 1, 2019) to evaluate the association between Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and SFR in 203 eligible community-transferred patients. Baseline characteristics of patients were collected during hospitalization. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to estimate the effect of variables on MoCA, and interactions between select variables were analyzed in different models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the discriminative effect of SFR to severe CD.Results: We identified that a meaningful SFR cutoff of 0.05 had important screening value (likelihood ratio test, p = 0.067) on CD. The ratio had a lower screen value in males when compared to females (adjusted β, −5.54; 95% CI, −8.78 to −2.30 vs. adjusted β, −1.01; 95% CI, −2.84 to 0.82). The gender difference was further verified by ROC curve analysis, in which this discriminative effect was more potent in females (from 0.878 to 0.948) compared to males (from 0.838 to 0.837).Conclusion: An SFR of 0.05 may be more useful to distinguish CD in female patients with CSVD than male patients in whom the syndrome is suspected clinically.
Deep Learning Radiomics to Predict PTEN Mutation Status From Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Glioma
Authors: Chen Hongyu , Lin Fuhua , Zhang Jinming , Lv Xiaofei , Zhou Jian , Li Zhi-Cheng , Chen Yinsheng 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesPhosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) mutation is an indicator of poor prognosis of low-grade and high-grade glioma. This study built a reliable model from multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for predicting the PTEN mutation status in patients with glioma.MethodsIn this study, a total of 244 patients with glioma were retrospectively collected from our center (n = 77) and The Cancer Imaging Archive (n = 167). All patients were randomly divided into a training set (n = 170) and a validation set (n = 74). Three models were built from preoperative MRI for predicting PTEN status, including a radiomics model, a convolutional neural network (CNN) model, and an integrated model based on both radiomics and CNN features. The performance of each model was evaluated by accuracy and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).ResultsThe CNN model achieved an AUC of 0.84 and an accuracy of 0.81, which performed better than did the radiomics model, with an AUC of 0.83 and an accuracy of 0.66. Combining radiomics with CNN will further benefit the predictive performance (accuracy = 0.86, AUC = 0.91).ConclusionsThe combination of both the CNN and radiomics features achieved significantly higher performance in predicting the mutation status of PTEN in patients with glioma than did the radiomics or the CNN model alone.
Gaultheria leucocarpa var. yunnanensis for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis—An Assessment Combining Machine Learning–Guided ADME Properties Prediction, Network Pharmacology, and Pharmacological Assessment
Authors: Wang Xiuhuan , Sun Youyi , Ling Ling , Ren Xueyang , Liu Xiaoyun , Wang Yu , Dong Ying , Ma Jiamu , Song Ruolan , Yu Axiang , Wei Jing , Fan Qiqi , Guo Miaoxian , Zhao Tiantian , Dao Rina , She Gaimei 
Published: October 2021

Background: Dianbaizhu (Gaultheria leucocarpa var. yunnanensis), a traditional Chinese/ethnic medicine (TC/EM), has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for a long time. The anti–rheumatic arthritis fraction (ARF) of G. yunnanensis has significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities and is mainly composed of methyl salicylate glycosides, flavonoids, organic acids, and others. The effective ingredients and rudimentary mechanism of ARF remedying RA have not been elucidated to date.Purpose: The aim of the present study is to give an insight into the effective components and mechanisms of Dianbaizhu in ameliorating RA, based on the estimation of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties, analysis of network pharmacology, and in vivo and in vitro validations.Study design and methods: The IL-1β–induced human fibroblast-like synoviocytes of RA (HFLS-RA) model and adjuvant-induced arthritis in the rat model were adopted to assess the anti-RA effect of ARF. The components in ARF were identified by using UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MSn. The quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models were developed by using five machine learning algorithms, alone or in combination with genetic algorithms for predicting the ADME properties of ARF. The molecular networks and pathways presumably referring to the therapy of ARF on RA were yielded by using common databases and visible software, and the experimental validations of the key targets conducted in vitro.Results: ARF effectively relieved RA in vivo and in vitro. The five optimized QSAR models that were developed showed robustness and predictive ability. The characterized 48 components in ARF had good biological potency. Four key signaling pathways were obtained, which were related to both cytokine signaling and cell immune response. ARF suppressed IL-1β–induced expression of EGFR, MMP 9, IL2, MAPK14, and KDR in the HFLS-RA .Conclusions: ARF has good druggability and high exploitation potential. Methyl salicylate glycosides and flavonoids play essential roles in attuning RA. ARF may partially attenuate RA by regulating the expression of multi-targets in the inflammation–immune system. These provide valuable information to rationalize ARF and other TC/EMs in the treatment of RA.
Quality Control of Glehniae Radix, the Root of Glehnia Littoralis Fr. Schmidt ex Miq., Along its Value Chains
Authors: Chen Yuan , Lei Lujing , Bi Yaqiong , Jiang Linlin , Guo Wenfang , Wang Jianhua , Li Minhui 
Published: October 2021

Glehniae Radix (GR) is one of the major medicinal materials in China. The global demand for GR, especially in Asian countries, is constantly increasing, and the supply of wild medicinal materials falls short of the demand. Previous studies have shown that the production and processing modes of different value chains (VCs) impact the quality of medicinal materials. After 4 years of field and market research, this study includes interviews with stakeholders in the VCs, integrates different types of VCs, and further analyzes the VCs. GR characteristics were also assessed; the length and upper-middle diameter of the collected samples were measured, and the effective components of the samples were determined to rank the GR samples according to their quality. The effective components were further analyzed by the K-means clustering method. Concomitantly, the local price (the sales price of the place where the medicinal materials are produced) and market price (the sale price of medicinal materials in the market) of GR in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, and Anguo, Hebei, were documented, and the ARIMA (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average) method was used to predict the GR price. Ten VCs are summarized in this article. The results showed that the income of the staff at the beginning of the VC is inadequate. Regarding GR origin, Inner Mongolia GR showed higher quality than that of other areas. As a result, the price of medicinal materials is relatively high, which corresponds to the market price of the survey. The forecast results showed that the market price of GR would increase slightly in the future, which could provide reference for the selection of medicinal materials cultivation in the future. Through the study, it was found that the vertical integration in the VCs of GR could guarantee not only the benefit of the growers but also the traceability of the medicinal materials, which further guarantees the quality of the medicinal materials. However, the complex relationship between the cultivation area and the quality of the medicinal materials is not clear, which should be addressed in future research.
Comparing the Self-Reported Personality Disorder Traits and Childhood Traumatic Experiences Between Patients With Schizophrenia Vs. Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Zhao Nan , Shi Dianhong , Huang Juan , Chen Qiuying , Wang Qiang 
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Personality disorder (PD) and childhood traumatic experience (CTE) are well- recognized risk factors for the development of schizophrenia (SZ) and major depressive disorder (MDD). The relationship between CTE and PD is extremely close, and both conditions can affect subsequent psychiatric disorders. Little is known about the differences of these factors in patients with SZ and those with MDD.Materials and Methods: A total of 1,026 outpatients participated in the study, including 533 (51.9%) with SZ and 493 (48.1%) with MDD who were sequentially sampled. The PD traits were assessed using the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire Fourth Edition Plus (PDQ-4+). The Child Trauma Questionnaire Short Form (CTQ-SF) was used to assess childhood adversities. The scores and associations of PDQ-4+ and CTQ-SF between patients with SZ and those with MDD were compared.Results: The MDD group exhibited more PD traits and more childhood emotional neglect than the SZ group. In patients with MDD, the correlation between PD traits and CTE was significantly higher than that in patients with SZ. Patients with SZ vs. those with MDD showed different PD traits and CTE. The schizotypal and antisocial PD traits, as well as sexual abuse and physical neglect CTE, were significantly related to SZ. In contrast, the borderline, narcissistic and avoidant PD traits, and emotional abuse/neglect CTE were significantly associated with MDD.Discussion: These findings indicated a robust relationship between CTE and PD traits. Moreover, patients with SZ or MDD, have different interactive patterns. Both CTE and PD traits have the potential to be premorbid risk factors that could be targeted for preventative interventions.
Solving the Large-Scale TSP Problem in 1 h: Santa Claus Challenge 2020
Authors: Mariescu-Istodor Radu , Fränti Pasi 
Published: October 2021

The scalability of traveling salesperson problem (TSP) algorithms for handling large-scale problem instances has been an open problem for a long time. We arranged a so-called Santa Claus challenge and invited people to submit their algorithms to solve a TSP problem instance that is larger than 1 M nodes given only 1 h of computing time. In this article, we analyze the results and show which design choices are decisive in providing the best solution to the problem with the given constraints. There were three valid submissions, all based on local search, including k-opt up to k = 5. The most important design choice turned out to be the localization of the operator using a neighborhood graph. The divide-and-merge strategy suffers a 2% loss of quality. However, via parallelization, the result can be obtained within less than 2 min, which can make a key difference in real-life applications.
Previous Extrapulmonary Malignancies Impact Outcomes in Patients With Surgically Resected Lung Cancer
Authors: Lee Hsin-Ying , Hsieh Min-Shu , Liao Hsien-Chi , Chen Pei-Hsing , Chiang Xu-Heng , Tsou Kuan-Chuan , Tsai Tung-Ming , Chuang Jen-Hao , Lin Mong-Wei , Hsu Hsao-Hsun , Chen Jin-Shing 
Published: October 2021

Background: As the overall survival of patients with cancer continues to improve, the incidence of second primary malignancies seems to be increasing. Previous studies have shown controversial results regarding the survival of patients with primary lung cancer with previous extrapulmonary malignancies. This study aimed to determine the clinical picture and outcomes of this particular subgroup of patients.Materials and Methods: We included 2,408 patients who underwent pulmonary resection for primary lung cancer at our institute between January 1, 2011 and December 30, 2017 in this retrospective study. Medical records were extracted and clinicopathological parameters and postoperative prognoses were compared between patients with lung cancer with and without previous extrapulmonary malignancies.Results: There were 200 (8.3%) patients with previous extrapulmonary malignancies. Breast cancer (30.5%), gastrointestinal cancer (17%), and thyroid cancer (9%) were the most common previous extrapulmonary malignancies. Age, sex, a family history of lung cancer, and preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels were significantly different between the two groups. Patients with previous breast or thyroid cancer had significantly better overall survival than those without previous malignancies. Conversely, patients with other previous extrapulmonary malignancies had significantly poorer overall survival (p &lt; 0.001). The interval between the two cancer diagnoses did not significantly correlate with clinical outcome.Conclusion: Although overall survival was lower in patients with previous extrapulmonary malignancies, previous breast or thyroid cancer did not increase mortality. Our findings may help surgeons to predict prognosis in this subgroup of patients with primary lung cancer.
Identification of Thermophilic Aerobic Sporeformers in Bedding Material of Compost-Bedded Dairy Cows Using Microbial and Molecular Methods
Authors: Giambra Isabella J. , Jahan Yeasmin , Yin Tong , Engel Petra , Weimann Christina , Brügemann Kerstin , König Sven 
Published: October 2021

Compost-bedded pack barns (CBP) are of increasing interest in dairy farming due to their positive effect on animal welfare. The temperature and the moisture content of the bedding material characterising the composting process can promote the growth of thermophilic aerobic sporeformers (TAS). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine CBP bedding material characteristics, such as moisture content and temperature, and to determine TAS species. The dilution, the heat inactivation of all non-TAS species and the incubation of 13 bedding samples from four CBP groups resulted in a mean TAS amount over all samples of 4.11 log10 cfu/g bedding material. Based on the subsequent sequencing of parts of the 16S rRNA-gene of 99 TAS colonies, the TAS species Aneurinibacillus thermoaerophilus, Bacillus licheniformis, Geobacillus thermodenitrificans, Laceyella sacchari, Thermoactinomyces vulgaris and Ureibacillus thermosphaericus were identified. The moisture content of the bedding material, the relative humidity above the bedding material and the sampling season significantly affected the amount of TAS. The moisture content or relative humidity above the bedding material significantly influenced the concentration of Ureibacillus thermophaericus or Laceyella sacchari. Consequently, an optimal CBP management including a dry lying surface and an optimal composting process will contribute to a moderate microbial, especially TAS amount, and TAS species distribution.
EVALUACIÓN DEL CRECIMIENTO DE Lactobacillus casei Y PRODUCCIÓN DE ÁCIDO LÁCTICO USANDO COMO SUSTRATO EL SUERO DE LECHE DE VACUNO
Authors: Escobar Luis Fernando , Rojas Carlos Andrés , Giraldo Germán Antonio , Padilla-Sanabria Leonardo 
Published: October 2021

El Lactobacillus casei es un microorganismo que se utiliza como probiótico ya que genera actividad antagónica contra patógenos causantes de desordenes gastrointestinales, debido a su capacidad inmunomoduladora y a cambios de pH generados por la producción de ácido láctico. Por esta razón, este trabajo se ha enfocado en evaluar la producción del microorganismo y del ácido láctico, adaptando como sustrato un subproducto de la industria láctea (lacto-suero), que es un gran contaminante al vertido a los cuerpos de agua, para esta investigación el lactosuero es desproteinizado y enriquecido con diferentes cantidades de glucosa. Se lograron estandarizar curvas de crecimiento bacteriano en lacto-suero con una producción celular de 5,9x1010 UFC/mL en 75 h, y de ácido láctico de 70,39 y 76,24 g/L en 93 h, con 0% y 5% de glucosa respectivamente. Igualmente se estandarizó un proceso de liofilización para conservar el Lactobacillus casei producido durante la investigación. Finalmente, se verificó la pureza de la cepa a través del kit API 50CH.
Assessment of Agility in Elderly Population of Islamabad
Authors: Khan Maheen , Bashir Sana , Hussain Humaira , Saman Tayyaba , Fatima Rida , Shafi Hina 
Published: October 2021

Background: Agility is considered as one of the important components of physical fitness. In older adults, it is of utmost importance in response to any stimulus. The objective of this study was to determine normative values of agility in elderly population of Islamabad.
Methods: A Cross-Sectional Survey was conducted in community settings of Islamabad from February–July 2019 after approval by the Ethical Review Committee of Foundation University Islamabad. The calculated sample size was found to be 267, but due to missing data, analysis was done on 250(100 females and 150 males). Participants were selected by convenient sampling. Physically independent participants were included and diseased population (severe musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary disorders), decreased functional status affecting hearing, vision, memory recall was excluded from the study. PAR-Q was utilized in uncovering any possible health risks linked to exercise. For evaluation of agility, the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD) Agility Test was performed. Agility scoring is based on time in seconds, with higher score representing less agility, and agility score of less than 62 represents good agility. Data were analyzed through SPSS version 21.
Results: The mean age, BMI and agility score of participants were 60.7±5.81 years, 26±4.30 kg/m² and 22.42±5.2 respectively. There was significant difference (P<0.001) in agility between males and females, with the mean agility score higher in females as compared to males. Similarly, Agility score was significantly high in females as compared to males in BMI range of 18.5 to >30 and all age categories.
Conclusion: Elderly population of Pakistan has good agility score
An Islamic Approach towards Nurturing Learners’ Morals in Institutions of Higher Learning in Uganda
Authors: Hassan Amina , Rehema Kaggwa 
Published: October 2021

This study explored an Islamic approach towards nurturing students’ moral values in institutions of higher learning in Uganda. The purpose of this study was to highlight the moral values that are emphasized among Muslim students at higher education institutions and the ways these moral values are nurtured in the students at this level. The study was qualitative and used phenomenological approaches. Methods of data collection included a literature review and interview of respondents knowledgeable in Islamic education to tap the tacit knowledge they have on moral development. These were selected from departments teaching Islamic Studies. Data were analyzed using the content analysis method. The study found the moral values inculcated to include prayer, respect, greeting, regulating free mixing, proper dress code, helping, cleanliness, and many more. Three major methods used to instill moral values were found. First, learning moral values through teaching various subjects in the curriculum like an introduction to Islam, integration of knowledge, and use of visual aids. Second, supporting moral development through students’ leaders and associations, guidance and counseling, da’awa work, and disciplinary committee. Third, through a practical method of role modeling, and practicing moral values.