bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biweekly Raltitrexed Combined With Irinotecan as Second-Line Therapy for Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Phase II Trial
Authors: Cheng Ke , Zhou Yu-Wen , Chen Ye , Li Zhi-Ping , Qiu Meng , Liu Ji-Yan 
Published: March 2022

Objective Irinotecan-based doublet chemotherapy strategy was standard second-line backbone for patients with oxaliplatin-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate tolerability and efficacy of raltitrexed combined with irinotecan biweekly administered as the second-line therapy for mCRC patients. Methods The study was a prospective, single-center, non-randomized, open-label phase II clinical trial. Patients with mCRC after failure with oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidine or its derivatives were enrolled. Irinotecan (180 mg/m2) and raltitrexed (2.5 mg/m2) were given intravenously on day 1. Cycles were repeated every 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs). Results Between December 2012 and October 2016, 33 and 35 patients enrolled were assessed for response and safety, respectively. The ORR was 8.6%, and the DCR was 71.4%. The median PFS was 4.5 months (95% CI 3.8-5.2). The median OS was 12.0 months (95% CI 8.5-15.5). Four patients received conversion therapy to no evidence of disease (NED), and 2 patients were still alive with beyond 24 months survival. The most common grade 3/4 AEs were anorexia (14.3%), vomiting (14.3%), nausea (11.4%), fatigue (8.6%), and leukopenia (8.6%). No one died from treatment-related events. The incidence and severity of toxicity were irrelevant to UGT1A1 status. Conclusions The combination of irinotecan with raltitrexed is an efficient, convenient, and acceptable toxic regimen for second-line treatment for mCRC patients.
Vibration reduction and isolation performance of a platform foundation and column base of an ancient wooden structure based on the energy transfer analysis
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Zhang Nan , Wang Juan , Yao JinBao 
Published: March 2022

Wooden structures, as the most representative structural types of the ancient Chinese architecture, are very common and have a long history. The special construction methods adopted in ancient wooden structures, such as the platform foundations and plinth connections, enabled the ancient buildings to stand for thousands of years. However, research on the vibration reduction and isolation of the unique structures is insufficient. Thus, this paper investigates the vibration reduction and isolation performance of the platform foundation and column base of ancient wooden buildings, taking the 1500-year-old Feiyun wooden pavilion as a case study. First, using the acceleration RMS, the traffic-induced vibrations were analyzed in the time domain. It was found that the platform foundation tends to amplify the horizontal vibrations, while the column base tends to reduce them. Furthermore, background vibrations were eliminated from the measured data by using the principle of energy conservation. A frequency domain analysis of the processed data showed that the horizontal traffic-induced vibrations below 16 Hz were reduced by the platform foundation, and the column base had an obvious effect on the vibration reduction and isolation below 40 Hz. Both the platform foundation and the column base demonstrated a good effect on the reduction of traffic-induced vibrations in the vertical direction. The reported research results can be used as a basis for further studies on the dynamic performance of ancient wooden structures.
Plasma advanced glycation end products and soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products as indicators of sterol content in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques
Authors: Pinto Raphael S , Ferreira Guilherme S , Silvestre Gina Camillo R , Santana Monique de Fátima M , Nunes Valéria S , Ledesma Lucas , Pinto Paula R , de Assis Sayonara Ivana S , Machado Ubiratan F , da Silva Erasmo S , Passarelli Marisa 
Published: March 2022

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are independently related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and favor cholesterol and oxysterol accumulation in macrophage foam cells. Soluble RAGE (sRAGE) impairs cellular AGE signaling alleviating the deleterious effects of AGE in atherogenesis. The association between plasma AGEs and sRAGE with the content of cholesterol, markers of cholesterol synthesis and absorption, and oxysterols in atherosclerotic plaques was evaluated in subjects undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Plasma and carotid plaques were obtained from symptomatic ( n = 23) and asymptomatic subjects ( n = 40). Lipids from plaques were extracted and sterols (oxysterols, cholesterol, desmosterol, lathosterol, sitosterol, and campesterol) were determined by using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Plasma total AGEs and pentosidine were measured by using fluorimetry and sRAGE by using ELISA. In symptomatic subjects´ atherosclerotic plaques, an increased amount of cholesterol (3x) and oxysterols [7 α-hydroxycholesterol (1.4x); 7 β−hydroxycholesterol (1.2x); 25-hydroxycholesterol (1.3x); 24-hydroxycholesterol (2.7x), and 27-hydroxycholesterol, (1.15x)], with exception to 7 ketocholesterol, were found in comparison to asymptomatic individuals. Plasma total AGEs and pentosidine significantly and positively correlated to sterols accumulated in the atherosclerotic lesion, including cholesterol, desmosterol, campesterol, sitosterol, and oxysterols. On the other hand, sRAGE inversely correlated to total AGEs and pentosidine in plasma, and with major species of oxysterols, cholesterol, and markers of cholesterol synthesis and absorption in the atherosclerotic lesion. In multiple regression analyses, it was observed a significant inverse correlation between sRAGE and 24-hydroxycholesterol and desmosterol, and a positive significant correlation between pentosidine and 24-hydroxycholesterol, 27-hydroxycholesterol, and campesterol. In conclusion, the plasma concentration of AGEs and sRAGE is a tool to predict the accumulation of sterols in atherosclerotic lesions in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, helping to prevent and improve the management of acute cardiovascular complications.
Bilateral antererior circulation stroke: A rare but threatening consequence of pituitary apoplexy. Case report and systematic literature review
Authors: Zoli Matteo , Guaraldi Federica , Rustici Arianna , Cirillo Luigi , Asioli Sofia , Mazzatenta Diego 
Published: March 2022

Background Brain stroke is a rare, life-threatening condition associated with pituitary apoplexy (PA), resulting from direct arterial occlusion due to mechanical compression secondary to the sudden enlargement of the pituitary adenoma, or to vessel vasospasm, induced by tumor hemorrhage. Case report We report the case of a 64-year-old woman with PA complicated by bilateral anterior circulation stroke due to critical stenosis of both anterior cerebral arteries (ACA). Despite the quick surgical decompression and consequent blood flow restoration, the neurological conditions of the patient did not improve and she died 18 days later. Ten other cases of anterior circulation stroke due to PA were retrieved in a systematic review of literature. Clinical and neuroradiological features of these patients and treatment outcome were assessed to suggest the most proper management. Conclusion The onset of neurological symptoms suggestive for brain stroke in patients with PA requires performing an emergency Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), including Diffusion-weighted and angiographic MR-sequences. The role of surgery in these cases is debated, however, transsphenoidal adenomectomy would permit us to decompress the ACA and restore blood flow in their territories. Although the prognosis of PA-induced anterior circulation stroke is generally poor, a timely diagnosis and treatment would be paramount for improving patient outcome.
Internal Chain of Correlation of Sagittal Cervical Alignment in Asymptomatic Subjects
Authors: Rossanez Roberto , de Rezende Pratali Raphael , Smith Justin S , Nasreddine Mohamed Ahmed , Pereira da Silva Herrero Carlos Fernando 
Published: March 2022

Study Design Cross-sectional observational study in a prospective cohort. Objective To analyze the cervical alignment characteristics and their chain of correlation in a sample of asymptomatic individuals. Methods Asymptomatic adults who had full spinal radiographs performed. Cervical radiographic parameters were measured, including upper cervical curvature (McGregor line-C2), lower cervical curvature (C2-C7), McGregor slope, and sagittal vertical axis from C2-C7 (CSVA) and T1-slope (T1S). Subjects were stratified by age into 3 groups (18-39 years, 40-59 years, and >60 years), and radiographic parameters were compared across age groups and based on sex. Results 102 asymptomatic subjects (mean age, 50 years) were included. The T1S significantly increased with age, accompanied by an increase in C2-C7 lordosis. The cervical sagittal alignment, represented by CSVA, did not significantly differ based on age. There was a close correlation among the cervical sagittal parameters, such that the CSVA may be predicted based on the T1S and C2-C7 lordosis. Comparisons of the normative values identified in the present study with those reported in previous studies demonstrate variability in what constitutes normal in different populations. Conclusion This analysis of cervical alignment in a sample of asymptomatic volunteers revealed that with increasing age there is an observed increase in the sagittal inclination of the base of the cervical spine (T1S) that is accompanied by an increase in cervical lordosis as a means of maintaining cervical sagittal alignment (CSVA). The variability in what constitutes normal values for cervical parameters suggests that further study is warranted using standardized methodologies across diverse populations.
Surgical Treatment of Spinal Metastatic Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma: A Single Institutional Cohort of 18 Patients
Authors: Du Suiyong , Hu Panpan , Yang Shaomin , Zhuang Hongqing , Wei Feng , Liu Xiaoguang , Liu Zhongjun 
Published: March 2022

Study design Retrospective Cohort Study Objectives To describe surgeries and treatment outcomes of metastatic pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) on the spine. Methods We reviewed a cohort of 18 patients with spinal PPGLs who were consecutively treated in our spinal center. Their clinical data was reviewed. The survival period and its relevant factors was then analyzed. Results The cohort included ten cases of pheochromocytomas and eight paragangliomas. The local pain and neurological deficits were the two most common symptoms. One third of the spinal PPGLs were diagnosed as functional tumors, arousing secondary hypertension. The imaging features were consistent with those of osteolytic lesions. The surgical strategies for the cohort included percutaneous vertebroplasty, neurological decompression and partial tumor resection, and total en-bloc resection. The postoperative courses were uneventful except 1 patient developed heart failure. The adjuvant therapies were implemented in 6 patients with 131I-MIBG, five with radiotherapy, two with chemotherapy, and 1 with target therapy. The median survival period was 39 months, and the overall survival rate of 1 year was 77.8% (14/18). The patients’ Karnofsky performance scores were positively correlated with the survival period ( P < .05). Conclusion Surgery is indicated for intractable local pain and neurological impairment in the patients with spinal PPGLs. Palliative surgical strategies, including neurological decompression and partial tumor resection, could bring fair outcomes, especially for the patients in poor physical conditions.
Evaluation of the Antibacterial Effects of Four Different Adhesives Against Three Bacterial Species in Two Time Periods: An In Vitro Comparative Study
Authors: Ünal Samican , Bakir S¸eyhmus , Bakir Elif Pınar 
Published: March 2022

Aim: The study aimed at evaluating the antibacterial activities of four adhesive systems against three bacterial species in two time periods. Material and Method: Four different antibacterial adhesive materials, a nonantibacterial adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond), and a vancomycin-impregnated antibiogram disc were used in the study. The antibacterial activities of Gluma 2 Bond, Clearfil SE Protect Bond (CPB) Primer, FL Bond II (FLB), and Peak Universal Bond (PUB) on Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Lactobacillus acidophilus were evaluated by the disc diffusion method. Antibiogram discs onto which the adhesive agent was dripped were placed on agar plates at intervals. Inhibition zone diameters around the discs, which were incubated, were measured. Statistical analysis was done with the one-way analysis of variance. Results: As a result of our study, it was concluded that the CPB Primer was the agent with the highest antibacterial activity, including the control group. One of the remarkable findings in our study was that CPB Primer showed the most significant effect against Streptococcus mutans among microorganisms. Although not statistically significant, the antibacterial effect of adhesive agents at the end of the 48th h was found to be higher than at the end of the 24th h ( P > .05). Conclusion: The strong antibacterial activity of the CPB Primer on all three bacteria suggests that it is a preferable adhesive agent in deep dentinal caries as well as in initial caries lesions.
Critical Thinking Questionnaire (CThQ) – construction and application of critical thinking test tool
Authors: Kobylarek Aleksander , Błaszczyński Kamil , Ślósarz Luba , Madej Martyna 
Published: March 2022

Thesis. The article presents the construction process and psychometric properties of the Critical Thinking Questionnaire (CThQ). The questionnaire is a critical thinking test tool designed for adolescents and adults. The basis for creating the questionnaire was classifying the educational goals proposed by Benjamin Bloom and spread by critical thinking practitioners.
Methods. The independent rater system was used in the construction of the test, while the psychometric properties of the test were tested on a sample of 198 people, calculating the inter-correlation and the Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient.
Result. Both assessments of the independent rater system and research checking the psychometric properties of the test indicate high reliability of the tool. Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of internal consistency was 0.87. In its final version, the test consists of 25 items, the results of which allow assessing critical thinking in 6 scales: remembering, understanding, applying, analysing, evaluating, and creating. The tool also allows checking the overall score.
Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern in Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Do Toka Wahyunita , Sjahril Rizalinda , Hamid Firdaus 
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen and causes of nosocomial infections in hospitals. Due to high antibiotic resistance and the ability to develop new resistance during antibiotic treatment, Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is difficult to eradicate because the physical treatment becomes difficult and ineffective. This study was conducted to evaluate the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains at two different hospital in Makassar. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study from March to May 2021. The research samples were taken from the results of culture and antibiotic sensitivity tests conducted at two different hospital, Hasanuddin University Hospital and Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital for the period January 1 to September 30, 2019. A total of 84 samples were cultured and tested for antibiotic sensitivity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results: Antibiotic sensitivity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was best with aminoglycoside antibiotics, gentamicin (100%) at Hasanuddin University Hospital and amikacin (95.8%) at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital. At Hasanuddin University Hospital followed by antibiotics amikacin (92.3%) and meropenem (84.6%). At Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Pseudomonas aeruginosa also showed good sensitivity to gentamicin (91.5%) and meropenem (77.5%). The sensitivity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was lowest to piperacillin/tazobactam. Conclusions: This study shows that the level of effectiveness of the antibiotics meropenem, amikacin and gentamicin is high enough and it can be used as a treatment option in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. This study can help as a reference to prevent mortality and morbidity associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.
Lithosphere beneath the Evolving Tianshan Orogen: Constraints from Xenoliths
Authors: Chen Nancy Hui-Chun , Cawood Peter A. , Iizuka Yoshiyuki 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The Ortosuu and Uchkuduk regions of the Tianshan orogen contain a volumetrically small series of basaltic rocks erupted primarily during the late Mesozoic-Paleogene. Petrology, chemical composition, and P-T geotherm data from xenoliths within the basalts characterize the nature of the lithospheric mantle beneath this orogenic belt. Two groups of clinopyroxene can be identified from the studied xenoliths based on their Mg# and trace element patterns. Group 1, primitive clinopyroxenes, has lower Mg# (86–90) and LREE-depleted patterns than group 2, depleted clinopyroxenes, which are characterized by a relatively high Mg#, 91–92, and LREE-enriched patterns. The REE distribution in group 1 clinopyroxenes suggests that they were controlled by partial melting, whereas group 2 clinopyroxenes are far more complex involving partial melting degrees of 6–11%, and later metasomatism by carbonatite and/or silicate melts. Coupled P-T estimations from geothermobarometry indicate that the more fertile group 1 xenoliths were probably derived from the uppermost mantle, and the more depleted group 2 xenoliths were likely derived from a depth close to the crust mantle boundary.
The Role of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels in Basal Ganglia Neurodegenerative
Disorders
Authors: Correa Bernardo H.M. , Moreira Carlos Roberto , Hildebrand Michael E. , Vieira Luciene Bruno 
Published: March 2022

Abstract:
Calcium (Ca2+) plays a central role in regulating many cellular processes and influences
cell survival. Several mechanisms can disrupt Ca2+ homeostasis to trigger cell death, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis.
Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) act as the main source of Ca2+ entry into electrically excitable cells, such as neurons, and they are also expressed in glial cells such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The dysregulation of VGCC activity has been reported in both Parkinson's disease (PD)
and Huntington's (HD). PD and HD are progressive neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) of the basal
ganglia characterized by motor impairment as well as cognitive and psychiatric dysfunctions. This
review will examine the putative role of neuronal VGCCs in the pathogenesis and treatment of central movement disorders, focusing on PD and HD. The link between basal ganglia disorders and
VGCC physiology will provide a framework for understanding the neurodegenerative processes that
occur in PD and HD, as well as a possible path towards identifying new therapeutic targets for the
treatment of these debilitating disorders.
Mechanism of Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Multitarget Disease-
Modifying Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Unnisa Aziz , Dua Kamal , Kamal Mohammad Amjad 
Published: March 2022

Abstract:
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, affecting
the basal nuclei, causing impairment of motor and cognitive functions. Loss of dopaminergic
(DAergic) neurons or their degeneration and the aggregation of Lewy bodies is the hallmark of this
disease. The medications used to treat PD relieve the symptoms and maintain quality of life, but currently,
there is no cure. There is a need for the development of therapies that can cease or perhaps
reverse neurodegeneration effectively. With the rapid advancements in cell replacement therapy
techniques, medical professionals are trying to find a cure by which restoration of dopamine neurotransmitters
can occur. Researchers have started focusing on cell-based therapies using mesenchymal
stem cells (MSCs) due to their abundance in the body, the ability of proliferation, and immunomodulation.
Here we review the MSC-based treatment in Parkinson's disease and the various
mechanisms it repairs DAergic neurons in parkinsonian patients.
ФОРМУВАННЯ ЗАХИСНОЇ ПОВЕДІНКИ МОЛОДИХ ЩУРІВ ЗА УМОВ ТИРЕОДИСФУНКЦІЇ
Authors: Демченко Олена , Родинський Олександр , Козлова Юлія , Козлов Сергій , Родинська Галина , Тітов Герман 
Published: March 2022

Тиреоїдна дисфункція супроводжується розладами психоемоційного статусу організму. Патогенез цих розладів потребує поглибленого дослідження. Мета роботи – дослідження нейромедіаторного механізму когнітивної активності молодих щурів за умов тиреоїдної дисфункції, що може бути основою розробки методів корекції психоемоційного компоненту даних патологій.
Матеріали і методи. Поведінкову активність досліджували в піднесеному хрестоподібному лабіринті і тесті Полсорта; формування просторової пам’яті вивчали у водному лабіринті Морріса та у 8-променевому харчовому лабіринті. Вміст гліцину, гамма-аміномасляної кислоти (ГАМК), глутамату, серотоніну у неокортексі і гіпокампі визначали хроматографічно.
Результати. За умов експериментального гіпертиреозу у молодих щурів вияв­лено підвищення кількості переходів у світлі рукави лабіринту на 88 %, а тривалості знаходження в них у 2,3 рази, а також прискорення появи першої рухової активності в тесті Полсорта на 21 %. Зменшення тривожності й оптимізація просторової пам’яті щурів супроводжувалися суттєвим підвищенням вмісту ГАМК у неокортексі (51 %), глутамату в гіпокампі (25 %) і серотоніну в корі та гіпокампі (25–33 %). Установлено, що за умов експериментального гіпотиреозу формується депресивноподібний стан, що віддзеркалено у значному підвищенні у 4.2 рази тривалості перших завмирань, а також часу появи рухової активності в тесті Полсорта на 32 %. Анксіогенний ефект супроводжується подовженням (22 %) латентного періоду захисної реакції в лабіринті Морріса. Когнітивний і поведінковий дефіцит характеризувався відсутністю накопичення ГАМК за підвищеного рівня серотоніну в неокортексі (37 %), а також суттєвим зростанням вмісту глутамату в гіпокампі (43 %).
Висновки. Підвищення вмісту ГАМК на фоні збільшення вмісту глутамату в гіпокампі при гіпертиреозі забезпечує анксіолітичний ефект і підтримку мнестичної активності щурів, а надмірне зростання вмісту глутамату в гіпокампі на тлі підвищення вмісту серотоніну в неокортексі за відсутності накопичення ГАМК при гіпотиреозі викликає екзайтотоксичний ефект і супроводжується формуванням депресивноподібного стану та погіршенням просторової пам’яті.