bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stability and feasibility of measurement of lung-to-finger circulation time by simple breath holdings in heart failure patients
Authors: Tobushi Tomoyuki , Takatoshi Kasai , Hirose Masayuki , Sakai Kazuhiro , Akamatsu Manabu , Ohsawa Chizuru , Yoshioka Yasuko , Suda Shoko , Shiroshita Nanako , Nakamura Ryo , Kadokami Toshiaki , Tohyama Takeshi , Funakoshi Kouta , Hosokawa Kazuya , Ando Shin-ichi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Lung to finger circulation time (LFCT) has been used to estimate cardiac function. We developed a new LFCT measurement device using a laser sensor at fingertip. We measured LFCT by measuring time from re-breathing after 20 seconds of breath hold to the nadir of the difference of transmitted red light and infrared light, which corresponds to percutaneous oxygen saturation. Fifty patients with heart failure were enrolled. The intrasubject stability of the measurement was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The ICC calculated from 44 cases was 0.85 (95% confidence interval:0.77-0.91), which means to have “Excellent reliability.” By measuring twice, at least one clear LFCT value was obtained in 89.1% of patients and the overall measurability was 95.7%. We conducted all LFCT measurements safely. High ICCs were obtained even after dividing patients according to age, cardiac index (CI), and New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification; 0.85 and 0.84 (≥ 75 or < 75 years group, respectively), 0.81 and 0.84 (N=28, ≥ or < 2.2 L/min/M2), 0.82 and 0.94 (NYHA Class I-II or Class III). These results show that our new method to measure LFCT is highly stable and feasible for any type of heart failure patients.
Clinical and prognostic features of patients with detailed RAS/BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer in Japan
Authors: Ikoma Tatsuki , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Kotaka Masahito , Matsumoto Toshihiko , Nagai Hiroki , Boku Shogen , Shibata Nobuhiro , Yasui Hisateru , Satake Hironaga 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: RAS/BRAF V600E mutations are the most remarkable oncogenic driver mutations in colorectal cancer (CRC) and play an important role in treatment selection. No data are available regarding the clinical and prognostic features of patients with detailed RAS/BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic CRC (mCRC) in Japan.Methods: Chemotherapy-naïve patients with mCRC were included in this study between August 2018 and July 2019. Tumor samples were collected, and RAS/BRAFV600E status was investigated. RAS/BRAFV600E status was examined using a MEBGEN RASKET-B kit and polymerase chain reaction reverse sequence-specific oligonucleotide method.Results: RAS/BRAF V600E mutations were detected in 54% of cases (KRAS codon 12 = 26%; KRAS codon 13 = 11%; minor RAS [non-KRAS codon 12 and non-KRAS codon 13] = 10%; and BRAFV600E = 7%). BRAFV600E-mutant CRC mainly existed in the right colon, whereas minor RAS-mutant CRC was predominantly present in the left colon. Minor RAS-mutant CRC was associated with shorter survival time than RAS wild-type CRC (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.45; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.92–6.57; p = 0.073) and significantly shorter overall survival than major RAS-mutant CRC (HR = 4.77; 95% CI = 1.44–15.77; p = 0.010). The KRAS codon 12 mutant group showed significantly longer overall survival than the minor RAS mutant groups (HR = 0.06; 95% CI = 0.01–0.47; p < 0.00) and had extended progression-free survival compared with the codon 13 group.Conclusions: In our multicenter study, the findings elucidated the clinical and prognostic features of patients with detailed RAS/BRAFV600E-mutant mCRC in Japan.
Lipoamino Acid-Modified GnRH Analogs with Receptor-Mediated Antiproliferative Activity in Prostate and Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Varamini Pegah , Dhiman Kimmi , Khazeni Sepideh , Mansfeld Frieda , Toth Istvan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs (e.g., triptorelin) are developed to treat hormone-dependent reproductive cancers. However, these analogs lack any significant direct antitumor activity to make them suitable for hormone-refractory reproductive cancers. In this study, we modified GnRH peptide and triptorelin to improve their stability, pharmacokinetic properties, and potency and subsequently broaden their clinical applications in cancer. We investigated biological properties of lipid-modified GnRH analogs, with/without D-amino acid substitution at position 6 to yield GnRH- and triptorelin-based derivatives, respectively, in prostate and ovarian cancer cells. We showed that the improved stability due to lipid-modification and D-amino acid substitution played a pivotal role in enhancing GnRH receptor-mediated direct antiproliferative activity (up to 4.5-fold higher than triptorelin) and gonadotropin-releasing potency. Furthermore, sex steroids played significant but contrasting roles in regulating the direct antiproliferative activity of the lipopeptides in cancer cells. The superior activity of these GnRH analogs over triptorelin renders promises for developing new GnRH receptor ligands to treat hormone-dependent and -refractory cancers, as well as emerging new targeting moieties for the delivery of anticancer agents in GnRH receptor-overexpressing cancers.
A Novel Anatomical Self-locking Plate Fixation for Both-column Acetabular Fractures: - Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Li Ming , Xu Ding , Zhang Yong , Chen Bo , Li Haiyang , Wang Shuaiyi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Both-column acetabular fractures often require multiple plates for fixation, and the risk of internal implant failure is high. The author designed a posterior anatomic self-locking plate (PASP) to avoid the shortcomings. The stability of PASP was compared with two popular reconstruction plate fixation methods, and the influence of sitting, turning right and left on implants were explored. Methods: PASP, double reconstruction plate (DRP), and cross reconstruction plate (CRP) were assembled on the finite element model of both-column fractures of the left acetabulum. A load of 600N and a torque of 8N·m were loaded on the S1 vertebral body to detect stress and displacement changes when sitting, turning right and left. Results: The peak stress and displacement of three types of fixation methods on the left both-column fractures under three types of movements were CRP > DRP > PASP. PASP has the minimal value when turning left. The maximum peak of stress and displacement of PASP are 313.5 MPa and 1.15 mm respectively when turning right. Conclusion: PASP can provide higher stability than two reconstruction plates for both-column acetabular fractures. The rational movement after posterior DRP and PASP fixation for acetabular fracture is to turn to the ipsilateral side, which can avoid implant failure.
Multidisciplinary Tumor Board Smart Virtual Assistant in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer (LACC): a proof of concept
Authors: Macchia Gabriella , Ferrandina Maria Gabriella , Patarnello Stefano , Autorino Rosa , Masciocchi Carlotta , Pisapia Vincenzo , Calvani Cristina , Iacomini Chiara , Cesario Alfredo , Boldrini Luca , Gui Benedetta , Rufini Vittoria , Gambacorta Maria Antonietta , Scambia Giovanni , Valentini Vincenzo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Aim. The first prototype of the “Multidisciplinary Tumor Board Smart Virtual Assistant” is presented, aimed to (i) Automated classification of clinical stage starting from different free-text diagnostic reports; (ii) Resolution of inconsistencies by identifying controversial cases drawing the clinician's attention to particular cases worthy for multi-disciplinary discussion; (iii) Support environment for education and knowledge transfer to junior staff; (iv) Integrated data-driven decision making and standardized language and interpretation.Patients and Method. Data from patients affected by invasive carcinoma of the cervix (LACC), FIGO stage IB2-IVa, treated between 2015 and 2018 were extracted. Magnetic Resonance (MR), Gynecologic examination under general anesthesia (EAU), and Positron Emission Tomography–Computed Tomography (PET-CT) performed at the time of diagnosis were the items from the Electronic Health Records (eHRs) considered for analysis. An automated extraction of eHR that capture the patient’s data before the diagnosis and then, through Natural Language Processing (NLP), analysis and categorization of all data to transform source information into structured data has been performed. Results. In the first round, the system has been used to retrieve all the eHR for the 96 patients with LACC. The system has been able to classify all patients belonging to the training set and - through the NLP procedures - the clinical features were analyzed and classified for each patient. A second important result was the setup of a predictive model to evaluate the patient’s staging (accuracy of 94%). Lastly we created a user-oriented operational tool targeting the MTB who are confronted with the challenge of large volumes of patients to be diagnosed in the most accurate way. Conclusion. This is the first proof of concept concerning the possibility of creating a smart virtual assistant for the MTB. A significant benefit could come from the integration of these automated methods in the collaborative, crucial decision stages.
The ATF6β-Calreticulin Axis Promotes Neuronal Survival Under Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Excitotoxicity
Authors: Nguyen Dinh Thi , Le Thuong Manh , Hattori Tsuyoshi , Takarada-Iemata Mika , Ishii Hiroshi , Roboon Jureepon , Tamatani Takashi , Kannon Takayuki , Hosomichi Kazuyoshi , Tajima Atsushi , Taniuchi Shusuke , Miyake Masato , Oyadomari Seiichi , Saito Shunsuke , Mori Kazutoshi , Hori Osamu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
While ATF6α plays a central role in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, the function of its homologue ATF6β remains elusive, especially in the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we demonstrate that ATF6β is highly expressed in the hippocampus of the brain, and specifically regulates the expression of calreticulin (CRT), a molecular chaperone in the ER with a high Ca2+-binding capacity. CRT expression was reduced to ~ 50% in the CNS of Atf6b−/− mice under both normal and ER stress conditions. Analysis using cultured hippocampal neurons revealed that ATF6β deficiency reduced Ca2+ stores in the ER and enhanced ER stress-induced death. The higher levels of death in Atf6b−/− neurons were recovered by ATF6β and CRT overexpressions, or by treatment with Ca2+-modulating reagents such as BAPTA-AM and 2-APB, and with an ER stress inhibitor salubrinal. In vivo, kainate-induced neuronal death was enhanced in the hippocampi of Atf6b−/− and Calr+/− mice, and restored by administration of 2-APB and salubrinal. These results suggest that the ATF6β-CRT axis promotes neuronal survival under ER stress and excitotoxity by improving intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis.
Evaluation of Different Tools of Precision Finishing for Cold Extruded Sun Gear With Internal-External Tooth Shapes
Authors: Liu Zuofa , Wang Xi , Feng Wenjie , Zhou Jie , Qu Zhiyuan , Liang Qiang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Due to the complex metal flow in the cold extrusion of sun gear, the teeth accuracy of formed sun gear is poor. In order to improve the accuracy of the extruded sun gear, a novel precision finishing method with different tools was proposed in this study. Finite element simulations were performed using DEFORM, and a new finite element (FE) prediction strategy was developed to obtain an in-depth understanding of the deviation distribution laws of the finished sun gear. Then, the influences of different finishing tools on tooth deformation, tool stress, forming load and tooth accuracy were examined. The investigation results show that the profile accuracy of external gear can be improved from ninth to seventh class, lead accuracy can be enhanced from tenth to eighth class, and total M value deviation of internal spline is reduced to 72.3 μm by the precision finishing method with interference mandrel. Therefore, the interference mandrel is recommended as the optimal reshaping tool for commercial production of sun gears. The simulation results are well agreed with the experimental results, which verifies the feasibility of the precision finishing method and the reliability of the FE prediction strategy.
Health-related Quality of Life of the Adult COVID-19&nbsp;Patients Following One-month Illness Experience Since Diagnosis: Findings of a Cross-sectional Study in Bangladesh
Authors: Isam Md. Ziaul , Riaz Baizid Khoorshid , Efa Syeda Sumaiya , Farjana Sharmin , Mahmood Fahad 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) stances an incredible impact on the quality of life of the patients. The disease not only denigrates the physical health of the patients but also affects their mental health. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients.Methods: The study was conducted at the National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM), Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from June to November 2020. The study enrolled 1204 adult (>18 years) COVID-19 patients diagnosed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay and completed the one-month duration of illness. The patients were interviewed with the CDC HRQOL-14 questionnaire to assess their HRQOL. The questionnaire contains three modules: the healthy days' core; the activity limitations; and the healthy days’ symptoms. Data were collected by telephone-interview and reviewing medical records using a semi-structured questionnaire and checklist respectively. Informed consent was obtained from each patient before data collection. Results: The majority of the COVID-19 patients were males (72.3%), urban residents (50.2%), and diverse service holders (49.6%). More than one-third (35.5%) of patients had comorbidity including hypertension (55.6%), diabetes mellitus (55.6%), ischaemic heart disease (16.4%), chronic lung (12.4%), kidney (2.8%), and liver (4.2%) diseases. During the one-month disease course, the majority (70.1%) of the patients had excellent/very good/good general health condition while 29.8% of the patients had fair/poor condition. The mean±SD duration of physical illness was 9.83(±7.09) days, and it was 7.97(±8.12) days for mental illness. Older age, females, and married patients were significantly associated with mean duration of diverse dimension of HRQOL. Fair/poor health condition was significantly associated with having a symptom (OR=33.22, CI=8.17-135.1) and having any comorbidity (OR=1.573, CI=1.18-2.10).Conclusion: COVID-19 pretenses a significant impact on the HRQOL of the patients including physical and mental illness during the clinical course. Our findings suggest more pragmatic preventive, promotive, and curative measures considering illness experiences of the COVID-19 patients to restore their general health, quality of life, and daily activities.
Subsurface radon gradient in parts of tremor-prone, north-central Nigeria
Authors: Suleiman Arabi , Tukur Zainab , Funtua Idris I. Isa , M. Ali A. , Kurowska Ewa , S. Musa Abdulhamid , S. Murtala A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Radon is a natural gas that originates from geogenic and cosmic material as a part of the natural decay process of uranium and thorium. Radon is reported to have been the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The US-EPA estimates that about 21,000 people die each year from radon-related (inhaled/ingested) lung cancer. Radon can escape from basement and soils where they are formed and build up indoors where they are eventually inhaled. In this study, radon activity concentration was measured from subsurface at a depth of 0.33m, 0.66m and 0.99m below ground level from 130 locations that covered the entire Federal Capital territory, Abuja-Nigeria and reported. The results obtained showed that the minimum, maximum and mean radon activity concentration (Bq/m3) from soil at 0.33, 0.66 and 0.99m below ground level are 15.20, 48,500.00 and 4,257.47 at 0.33m, 15.20, 59,600.00 and 5,061.19 at 0.66m and 10.02, 81,200.00 and 9,993.15 at 0.99m, respectively. Minimum, maximum and mean radon diffusion length (m) recorded at 0.003m are 0.05, 159.63 and 14.01m. At 0.66 and 0.99m, the values calculated are 0.005,19.62 and 1.67, and 0.003, 26.73 and 0.32, respectively. These results indicate that radon concentration increases with depth and characterized by “high” radon concentration in areas covered by biotite granite, undifferentiated schist, undifferentiated gneiss and porphyroblastic gneiss, “medium” in areas covered by coarse porphyritic biotite and medium to coarse grained biotite and “low” in areas covered by migmatite and marble. Most of the values obtained suggest health burden especially in the study areas where massive excavations for construction of housing units is going on and the likelihood of radon entering homes through opening and cracks created as building/structure settles with time.
Missense Variant in LOXHD1 is Associated With Canine Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss
Authors: Hytönen Marjo K , Niskanen Julia E , Arumilli Meharji , Knox Casey A , Donner Jonas , Lohi Hannes 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Hearing loss is a common sensory deficit both in humans and dogs. In canines the genetic basis is largely unknown, as genetic variants have only been identified for a syndromic form of hearing impairment. We observed a congenital or early-onset sensorineural hearing loss in a Rottweiler litter. Assuming an autosomal recessive inheritance, we used a combined approach of homozygosity mapping and genome sequencing to dissect the genetic background of the disorder. We identified a fully segregating missense variant in LOXHD1, a gene that is known to be essential for cochlear hair cell function and associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss in humans and mice. The canine LOXHD1 variant was specific to the Rottweiler breed in our study cohorts of pure-bred dogs. However, it also was present in mixed-breed dogs, of which the majority showed Rottweiler ancestry. Low allele frequencies in these populations, 2.6 % and 0.04 %, respectively, indicate a rare variant. To summarize, our study describes the first genetic variant for canine nonsyndromic hearing loss, which is clinically and genetically similar to human LOXHD1-related hearing disorder, and therefore, provides a new large animal model for hearing loss. Equally important, the affected breed will benefit from a genetic test to eradicate the hearing disorder from the population.
The susceptibility of the aortic root: porcine aortic rupture testing under cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Surman Timothy Luke , Abrahams John Matthew , Manavis Jim , Finnie John , Christou Chris , Williams Georgia Kate , Walls Angela , Frantzis Peter , Adams Mark , Edwards James , Worthington Michael George , Beltrame John 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

In our earlier study on the functional limits of the aneurysmal aortic root we determined the pig root is susceptible to failure at high aortic pressures levels. We established a pig rupture model using cardiopulmonary bypass to determine the most susceptible region of the aortic root under the highest pressures achievable using continuous flow, and what changes occur in these regions on a macroscopic and histological level. This information may help guide clinical management of aortic root and ascending aorta pathology.
Methods

Five pigs underwent 4D flow MRI imaging pre surgery to determine vasopressor induced wall sheer stress and flow parameters. All pigs were then placed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) via median sternotomy, and maximal aortic root and ascending aorta flows were initiated until rupture or failure, to determine the most susceptible region of the aorta. The heart was explanted and analysed histologically to determine if histological changes mirror the macroscopic observations.
Results

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) aortic flow and wall sheer stress (WSS) increased significantly in all regions of the aorta, and the median maximal pressures obtained during cardiopulmonary bypass was 497mmHg and median maximal flows was 3.96L/m. The area of failure in all experiments was the non-coronary cusp of the aortic valve. Collagen and elastin composition (%) was greatest in the proximal regions of the aorta. Collagen I and III showed greatest content in the inner aortic root and ascending aorta regions.
Conclusions

This unique porcine model shows that the aortic root is most susceptible to failure at high continuous aortic pressures, supported histologically by different changes in collagen content and subtypes in the aortic root. With further analysis, this information could guide management of the aortic root in disease.
Detection of Falciparum Malaria Imported From Africa With a Highly Specific and Sensitive Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assay
Authors: Chen Xi , Pan Maohua , Huang Yaming , Qin Pien , Wang Siqi , Si Yu , Li Xinxin , Zeng Weilin , Wu Yanrui , Duan Mengxi , Li xiaosong , Wang Xun , Zhao Hui , Zhang Jiaqi , Qin Yucheng , Zhang Yanmei , Yang Zhaoqing , Mazier Dominique , Xiang Zheng , Yang Qi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Current malaria diagnostic tests, including microscopy and antigen-detecting rapid tests, cannot reliably detect low-density infections. Molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are highly sensitive but remain too complex to be used in the ﬁeld. To complement existing diagnostic methods, a new LAMP assay for the detection and identification of Plasmodium falciparum imported from Africa was developed.Methods: A LAMP assay was developed to amplify the Actin I gene of P. falciparum. Microscopy, Nested PCR and the LAMP assay were conducted on 466 samples of suspected malaria patients imported from Africa to evaluate the new assay’s sensitivity and specificity. A plasmid construct, cultured P. falciparum, and the clinical samples were used to evaluate the the limit of detection (LOD). Results: Compared to Nested PCR, the sensitivity and specificity of the nove developed LAMP were 100 % (95% CI 98.54 - 100%) and 99.07 % (95% CI 96.68 - 99.89%) respectively. The LAMP assay was found to be highly sensitive, with the detection limit as low as 102 copies/μL and 10-fold higher detection limit than single PCR when performed on serial dilutions of the plasmid construct. The LAMP assay detected 0.01 parasites/μL, when cultured P. falciparum was used as template. The novel LAMP assay detected 1-7 parasites /μL blood in clinical samples，which is more sensitively than the commercial product (Loopamp MALARIA Pan/Pf detection kit; Eiken Chemical Co., Tokyo, Japan) for clinical samples detaction of P. falciparum, which detected >20 parasites /μL blood sample. Conclusion:For the first time, the Actin I gene of P. falciparum was used as target for LAMP primers to detect imported P. falciparum from Africa imported to China. The novel, highly specific and sensitive LAMP assay is a practical and effective diagnostic method for detecting low-density P. falciparum infections imported from Africa. For the first time, such LAMP primers were evaluated by using a plasmid construct, cultured P. falciparum and clinical samples at same work plafom, which offer excellent means of assay validation and should be considered in future studies of this kind.