bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association Between Time to Stent Dysfunction and the Anti-Tumour Effect of Systemic Chemotherapy Following Stent Placement in Patients With Pancreaticobiliary Cancers and Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kobayashi Satoshi , Ueno Makoto , Nagashima Shuhei , Sano Yusuke , Kawano Kuniyuki , Fukushima Taito , Asama Hiroyuki , Tezuka Shun , Morimoto Manabu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (mGOO) occasionally occurs due to pancreaticobiliary cancer. Endoscopic duodenal stenting (DS) is a common treatment for MGOO. However, it has been reported that DS does not have a sufficient time to stent dysfunction for it to be used in patients who have a greater potential lifespan. Nowadays, systemic chemotherapy for pancreaticobiliary cancer has developed, and its anti-tumour effect would make time to stent dysfunction longer. We therefore retrospectively evaluated the association between objective response to systemic chemotherapy followed by DS and time to stent dysfunction in patients with advanced pancreaticobiliary cancer. Methods: This retrospective study included 109 patients with advanced pancreaticobiliary cancer who received systemic chemotherapy after DS. Patients who showed complete or partial response were defined as responders. The rest were defined as non-responders. Time to stent dysfunction was compared between responders and non-responders using the landmark analysis, at 2 months after DS. Death without recurrence of MGOO was considered as a censored case for time to stent dysfunction. Results: The combination and monotherapy regimens were adopted for 41 and 68 patients, respectively. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 3.2 4 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4-4.0) and 6.0 months (95% CI, 4.6-7.3). Objective response was observed in 21 patients (19.3%). Patients who received combination regimens had longer progression-free survival and higher response rate than those with monotherapy regimens; progression-free survival was 5.1 months (95% CI, 3.1-7.0) and 2.6 months (95% CI, 1.6-3.5) with a p-value of <0.001, and response rate was 39.0% and 7.4% with a p-value <0.001, respectively. Median time to stent dysfunction was 12.5 months (95% CI, 8.4-16.5) in the entire cohort. In 89 patients, responders had longer time to stent dysfunction than non-responders: 17.4 months (95% CI, 17.3-17.5) and 7.1 months (95% CI, 1.6-12.5) with a p-value of 0.031. Conclusion: Longer time to stent dysfunction is expected when systemic chemotherapy following DS suppresses tumour progression. DS is slated to be a standard treatment for MGOO, even in patients with pancreaticobiliary cancer and a long lifespan.
Betaine Induced Autophagy to Protect Neurons Against Amyloid Beta in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Meng Qingmian , Chen Yan , Chen Ying , Wang Lijun , Zhao Lan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Alzheimer disease is a neurodegenerative disease, which is accompanied by the accumulation of amyloid beta and tau hyper phosphorylation. The objective of this study is to investigate amyloid-beta clearance through autophagy in HMC3 cells by betaine.Methods: In this study HMC3 cells were used. LC3, P62, p-AKT, p-MTOR, Beclin1, ATG 5, ATG 7, ATG 12 and beta-actin were studied by western blot. LC3 was studied by confocal microscopy. Neuroprotection and cell viability were assessed by MTT assay. Confocal microscopy and ELISA studied amyloid-beta clearance. Student's T-test was used to compare the treated vs untreated groups.Results: We have identified betaine an autophagy inducer in microglia HMC3 cells. We have further tried to establish the mechanism of betaine for autophagy induction. Betaine was able to induce autophagy through the PI3K/AKT pathway. Further, we investigated the clearance of amyloid-beta by betaine through autophagy induction. Betaine was also able to reduce the toxicity of amyloid-beta in human SHSY-5Y cells. A known down of LC3 reverses the protective effect of betaine against amyloid-beta in differentiated SHSY5Y cells.Conclusion: Betaine induced autophagy, clears amyloid-beta and protects SHSY-5Y cells against amyloid-beta. Based on these data, betaine can be further studied for anti-Alzheimer therapy.
Poor Nutritional Status Among Human Filarial Lymphedema Patients in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tenkorang Gloria Ofosu , Amewu Emmanuel Kobla Atsu , Asiedu Samuel Opoku , Kini Priscilla , Aglomasa Bill Clinton , Koranteng Kelvin , Larbi Amma , Tandoh Marina , Kwarteng Alexander 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease with several infection phenotypes. In addition to mass drug administration, host immune response contributes to microfilariae clearance. An important influence of immunity, nutritional status, remains to be evaluated among filarial lymphedema patients. This study sought to assess the nutritional status of LF patients and its association with the pathology.
Methods

As cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the nutrition status of lymphedema patients in Ahanta West, Ghana. To obtain sociodemographic and nutrition data, a structured questionnaire was administered to the study participants. Anthropometry and 24-hour food recall were used to assess the nutritional status of participants.
Results

While all and 71 (82.6%) had adequate carbohydrate and protein intakes respectively, 83 (96.5%) had inadequate intake of fat. There were widespread inadequate nutrients intakes that were associated with stage of lymphedema: fat, r = -0.267, p = .024; carbohydrate, r = 0.305, p = .010; sodium, r = -0.259, p = .029; copper, r = -0.249, p = .036; selenium, r = -0.265, p = .025; pantothenic acid, r = -0.265, p = .025; vitamin B6, r = -0.270, p = .023; vitamin B12, r = -0.288, p = .015; and vitamin A, r = -0.276, p = .020.
Conclusion

The study shows widespread malnutrition among the participants. A nutritional intervention is recommended to complement current management strategies of filarial lymphedema.
Experimental Design Methodology for Global Active Noise Control in Enclosed Space
Authors: Jeong Ikchae , Park Youngjin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to propose an experimental design methodology for global active noise control in an enclosed space. We aim to control the noise caused by an internal noise source. Since each enclosed space has different acoustic characteristics, it is difficult to design different controllers suitable for each enclosed space. So, we decided to design a controller that could be used universally. The basic concept is the collocation of noise source and control speakers to generate a sound field opposite in phase to the noise source in a free field. For implementation of the proposed method, we propose a configuration method of control speakers and error microphones, and an active noise control algorithm. Also, to confirm the applicability of the proposed method, we design a controller in an anechoic chamber, which represents a free field condition, and perform active noise control in other enclosed spaces with the controller designed for the anechoic chamber. The experimental results show that the solution calculated in the free field condition can be used in other enclosed spaces without any modifications.
Association Between Obesity and Incident Colorectal Cancer: An Analysis Based on Colorectal Cancer Database in the Cancer Genome Atlas
Authors: Yongxian Su , Tonghua Chen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

To investigate gene factors of colorectal cancer (CRC) in obesity and potential molecular markers.
Methods

Clinical data and mRNA expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was collected and divided into obese group and non-obese group according to BMI. The differential expressed genes (DEGs) were screened out by “Limma” package of R software based on (|log2(fold change)|>2 and p < 0.05). The functions of DEGs were revealed with Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis using the DAVID database. Then STRING database and Cytoscape were used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and identify hub genes. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess the potential prognostic genes for CRC patients.
Results

It has revealed 2055 DEGs in obese group with CRC, 7615 DEGs in non-obese group and 9046 DEGs in total group. MS4A12, TMIGD1, CA2, GBA3 and SLC51B were the top five downregulated genes in obese group. A PPI network consisted of 1042 nodes and 4073 edges, and top ten hub genes SST, PYY, GNG12, CCL13, MCHR2, CCL28, ADCY9, SSTR1, CXCL12 and ADRA2A were identified in obese group. PDCD11 may well predict overall survivals of CRC patients in non-obese group. The survival time of obese group was shorter than that of non-obese group, but there was no significant difference.
Conclusions

PDCD11 may be a potential molecular marker for non-obese patients with CRC.
Simulation-based training following a theoretical lecture enhances the performance of medical students in the interpretation and short-term retention of 20 cross-sectional Transesophageal Echocardiographic views: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Yang , Yuan Zong-yi , Zhang Han-ying , Yang Xue , Qian Duo , Lin Jing-yan , Song Hai-bo , Zhu Tao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUNDBoth simulation-based training and video-based training are known to serve as educational adjuncts for learning TEE among medical students. In the present study, we hypothesized that simulation-based training would better enhance the performance of medical students in the interpretation of 20 cross-sectional views compared to video-based training.METHODSA total of 120 4th -year undergraduate medical students were enrolled in the present study. The study began with a pre-test of all the participants, followed by a 90-min theoretical lecture, after which the participants were required to undertake a post-test. Subsequently, the participants were randomly divided into the video-based group (Group V) and simulation-based group (Group S). Next, Group V received 60 min of TEE video learning, while Group S received 60 min of TEE simulator training. After the respective training, both the groups undertook the retention-test 1 and retention-test 2, one week and one month later, respectively. The overall accuracy demonstrated in each test was used to assess the performance of the participants in the interpretation of 5 views selected randomly from a set of 20 cross-sectional views.RESULTSNo statistically significant differences were observed in the overall accuracy in the pre-test and the post-test between the two groups. However, better overall accuracy was observed in Group S in both retention-test 1 and retention-test 2 compared to Group V.CONCLUSIONSFollowing a 90-min theoretical lecture, simulation-based training better enhanced the performance of medical students in the interpretation and short-term retention of 20 cross-sectional views compared to video-based training.
Two-photon Excitation Fluorescent Spectral and Decay Properties of Retrograde Neuronal Tracer Fluoro-Gold
Authors: Miller Matthew Q. , Hernández Iván Coto , Chacko Jenu V. , Minderler Steven , Jowett Nate 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Fluoro-Gold is a fluorescent neuronal tracer suitable for targeted deep imaging of the nervous system. Widefield fluorescence microscopy enables visualization of fluoro-gold, but lacks depth discrimination. Though scanning laser confocal microscopy yields volumetric data, imaging depth is limited, and optimal single-photon excitation of fluoro-gold requires an unconventional ultraviolet excitation line. Two-photon excitation microscopy employs ultrafast pulsed infrared lasers to image fluorophores at high-resolution at unparalleled depths in opaque tissue. Deep imaging of fluoro-gold-labeled neurons carries potential to advance understanding of the central and peripheral nervous systems, yet its two-photon spectral and temporal properties remain uncharacterized. Herein, we report the relative two-photon excitation spectrum of fluoro-gold between 720 nm and 1100 nm, and its fluorescence decay rate in aqueous solution and murine brainstem tissue. We demonstrate unprecedented imaging depth of whole-mounted murine brainstem via two-photon excitation microscopy of fluoro-gold-labeled facial motor nuclei. Optimal two-photon excitation of fluoro-gold occurred at 730 nm, while maximum lifetime contrast was observed at 760 nm with mean fluorescence lifetime of 1.4 ns. Whole-mount brainstem explants were readily imaged to depths in excess of 450 µm via immersion in refractive-index matching solution.
Effect of Heat Treatment on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of SiC/SiC Composites With Three-Dimensional Carbon Network
Authors: Chen Jie , Liu Yongsheng , Zhang Yunhai , Wang Jing , Cao Liyang , Pan Yu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
SiC/SiC composites with high thermal conductivity shows promising application in field of fusion reactors. In this work, CNTs papers were fabricated by a vacuum filtration strategy while using pitch-based carbon fibers to build a network structure into SiC/SiC composite (SiC-CNTs-C/SiC, SCCS). The thermal conductivity and related mechanical properties before and after heat treatment at different temperature were investigated. The bonding between CNTs paper layers and SiC matrix were mainly mechanical. Compared to the composite without transfer channels, the bending strength of SCCS (434.54MPa) increased by 19% due to the reinforcement of transfer channels from the network structure. However, the damage to SiC fibers resulting from high temperature treatment adversely affected the mechanical properties. The disorder degree of SiC matrix and SiC fibers decreased after heat treatment while mean free path of phonons increased, which are conducive to heat transfer. Contracted to room temperature, the measured thermal conductivity at 1600℃ was 53.83 W/(m·K) in vertical direction and 29.85 W/(m·K) in plane. In summary, heat treatment apparently enhanced thermal conductivity of SCCS composites while partly sacrificed the mechanical properties.
Upper Limb Sensory Evaluations in Women With Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema Receiving Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy: An Ultrasonographic Study
Authors: Baran Emine , Özçakar Levent , Özgül Serap , Aksoy Sercan , Akbayrak Türkan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate if/how the presence of lymphedema affected the sensation of the upper limb, and to assess whether complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) had a favorable impact on the sensory testings.Methods: A total of 27 patients with unilateral stage 2 breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) were included in the study. Bilateral ultrasonographic (epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat thicknesses) and circumferential measurements were peformed at 10 cm distal to the elbow crease. Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM), static and moving two-point discrimination, pressure pain threshold (PPT) and tactile localization tests were also applied at the same site. After their initial evaluation, all patients underwent CDP phase 1 program (five times a week, for three weeks). All the evaluations were repeated at the end of their treatment as well.Results: Before CDP, affected sides had significantly higher values than the unaffected sides in terms of SWM (p<0.001), static (p=0.002) and moving two-point discrimination (p=0.011), PPT (p=0.001), and tactile localization (p<0.001) values. After CDP, SWM (p=0.002), static (p=0.009) and moving two-point discrimination (p=0.024), PPT (p=0.014) and tactile localization (p<0.001) values decreased significantly on the affected sides.Conclusion: BCRL seem to reduce light touch, static and moving two-point discrimination, PPT and tactile localization sensations whereas CDP seems to improve these sensory perceptions in women with BCRL. Of note, ultrasonographic measurements also appear to be promising for prompt and convenient follow up in the management of these patients. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT04296929Date of registration: March 5, 2020
CRISPR-Based Diagnostic Method For Chlamydia Trachomatis in Patients With Non-Gonococcal Urethritis
Authors: Huang kaichen , Yu Hailing , Lin Guanfeng , Wu Yingsong , Zhang Zhigao , Zhang Xiaoyan , Chen Hong , Zhang Zhen , Liu Tian-Cai 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) is a type of urethritis that is transmitted by sexual contact. About 20%–50% of NGU cases are caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Most NGU cases are asymptomatic, but failure to intervene promptly can lead to severe sequelae of the reproductive system and other complications. Here, we aimed to develop a technique to routinely screen for C. trachomatis infections to prevent such adverse consequences. The proposed approach involves the use of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) RNA (crRNA) that is complementary to the cryptic plasmid fragments of C. trachomatis (i.e., the target sequence). In the presence of the target sequence, the RNase activity of the Cas13a protein is activated, and it cleaves a quenched RNA fluorescent probe such that fluorescence will be emitted. The proposed molecular diagnostic method based on the CRISPR-Cas13a technology leverages the high DNA-amplification efficiency of recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and the high specificity of crRNA. The sensitivity of the C. trachomatis-dsDNA detection based on CRISPR-Cas13a was 10 fM. A one-pot method based on CRISPR-Cas13a detection and qPCR was also developed. The results obtained by the two methods were closely correlated: χ2 = 81.798 based on a Chi-squared test (P < 0.001), κ = 0.975 based on a Cohen’s kappa test (P < 0.001), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve area was 0.991 (95% confidence interval: 0.970–1.000 P < 0.001) with a sensitivity of 0.982 (95% confidence interval: 0.890–0.999) and specificity of 1.000 (95% confidence interval: 0.863–1.000). Further, the method can be carried out at room temperature and yields results within 1 hour. The developed technique does not require expensive instruments and, thus, can meet the needs of community hospitals and other institutions for screening. Future research to develop lyophilized reagents could enable the application of this technique to point-of-care testing.
The 6th Amino Acid Mutation of Rep Protein Had No Effect on PCV2b but Enhanced PCV2d Virus Replication in Vitro
Authors: Wu Xiaoyan , Wang Shuo , Xin Changxun , Li Chen , Shi Jianli , Peng Zhe , Liu Chang , Han Hong , Yang Ying , tian yao , Li Jiaxin , Xu Shaojian , Li Jun , Zhang Fan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the etiological agent that primary cause of post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). The major genotypes, PCV2a, PCV2b and PCV2d, are highly prevalent, but now replaced with 2b and 2d in swine population in worldwide. Rep protein is the key protein for viral replication. Compared a large number of Rep protein amino acid (aa) sequences, we found that there were three sites with regular changes between 2b and 2d. In order to analyze the effect of key sites on viral replication, we used site-directed mutagenesis to mutate the 6th aa of Rep (alternations with asparagine and serine) between PCV2b and PCV2d, Two wild-type and two mutant viruses infectious clones were rescued by non-contaminated porcine kidney-15 (PK-15) cells. Real-time quantitative PCR and a one-step growth curve were used to determine viral load to assess the replication of rescued viruses. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the PCV2b mutation and the wild-type PCV2b virus in vitro, while the mutation ofPCV2d enhanced viral replication.
Old Drug, New Target: inhaled Lithium attenuates changes in Lung Mechanics in Bleomycin induced animal model of Lung Fibrosis
Authors: Idelevich Pavel , Reed Kenneth M 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis remains an incurable disease with poor prognosis. Recently the focus in research on the possible pathogenesis of this debilitating illness has shifted, at least in part, to premature accelerated aging of lung tissue as a driving force leading to fibrosis. Telomere shortening as a marker of premature aging, may play an important role in an approach to understand idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis pathophysiology. The goal of this study was to test the effect of inhaled lithium on pulmonary fibrosis, as a potential new treatment modality. The reason for such an approach was based upon observational results published in several articles demonstrating the ability of lithium to elongate telomeres of patients on long-term lithium treatment for bipolar disorder. Results: We conducted an animal study in a Bleomycin induced model of pulmonary fibrosis to investigate this hypothesis. Results of this study have shown a beneficial effect of inhaled lithium. Mice were protected from changes in gas exchange (hypoxia) as well as from changes in lung mechanics, experiencing reversion of these changes that are characteristic of pulmonary fibrosis in the Bleomycin induced model of pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusion: Taking in account the multiple cellular and physiological effects of lithium we do not want to be bound by one theory of the beneficial action of inhaled lithium to Bleomycin induced lung fibrosis. Given these positive preliminary results we suggest that further studies are indicated to expound upon the therapeutic implications of this approach to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Preparation of CuCrO2 anisotropic delafossite-type thin film by electrospinning on glass substrates
Authors: Weng Chia-Hsuan , Huang Rong-JUN , Sakthinathan Subramanian , Chiu Te-Wei , Dong Chaofang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Anisotropic CuCrO2 thin films were successfully prepared on glass substrate by the electrospinning method followed by annealing at 600°C. The directionality of the nanowires increased with increases in rotation speed. In addition, the structural formation and optoelectronic behavior of the CuCrO2 thin films have been studied by X-ray powder diffraction studies, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Hall effect measurement and UV-vis spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction studies revealed a delafossite properties of the CuCrO2. The electrical conductivity in the parallel and vertical directions of the films produced at 2000–3000 rpm differed by two to three orders of magnitude. The optical transmittance properties of the CuCrO2 thin films was improved by increasing the rotation speed.