bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) polysaccharides: prebiotic potential &amp; health properties, a Clinical Trial
Authors: Noorbakhsh Hamid , Khorasgani Mohammad Rabbani 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Polysaccharides are among the most abundant biopolymers with glycosidic linkages and diverse branches. They have shown many biological activities, including prebiotic and hypoglycemic effects, anti-inflammation, and gut microbiota modulation. In this study, date flesh polysaccharide (DFP) and date seed polysaccharide (DSP) were extracted using the ultrasonic-alkaline extraction method. Chemical structure, functional properties, prebiotic potential, and metabolite formation of Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis with extracted polysaccharides were investigated. Structural analysis of DSP showed substitution of mannose and conformation of galactopyranosyl, mannopyranosyl, and xylopyranosyl, while DFP showed D-glucosyl residues with β configuration with galactopyranosyl and rhamnopiranosyl groups. DSP showed a strong proliferation effect on B. animalis (9.32 ± 0.05 log CFU.g− 1) and L. plantarum (8.66 ± 0.06 log CFU.g− 1). Moreover, B. animalis produced higher short-chain fatty acids when cultured with DSP. Results of a 28-day date fruit (50 gr/day) or date seed (30 gr/day) powder intervention (TRN: IR.UI.REC.1400.023, 2021.07.17) on blood biomarkers revealed that date seed powder could significantly reduce TG, CRP, FBS, and increase RBC and RDW (p < 0.05). Taken together, DSP had a higher prebiotic, hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory potential compared to DFP. Therefore, date polysaccharides could be further developed as a potential functional product.
Decreased plasma neuropeptides in first-episode schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder: associations with clinical symptoms and cognitive function
Authors: Yu Hua , Ni Peiyan , Zhao Liansheng , Tian Yang , Li Mingli , Li Xiaojing , Wei Wei , Wei Jinxue , Deng Wei , Du Xiangdong , Wang Qiang , Guo Wanjun , Ma Xiaohong , Coid Jeremy , Li Tao 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
There is an urgent need to identify differentiating and disease-monitoring biomarkers of schizophrenia, bipolar disorders (BD), and major depressive disorders (MDD) to improve treatment and management.
Methods
We recruited 54 first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients, 52 BD patients, 35 MDD patients, and 54 healthy controls from inpatient and outpatient clinics. α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH), β-endorphins, neurotensin, orexin-A, oxytocin, and substance P were investigated using quantitative multiplex assay method. Psychotic symptoms were measured using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), manic symptoms using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and depressive symptoms using 17 item-Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). We additionally measured executive function using the computerized Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) given to all participants.
Results
α-MSH, neurotensin, orexin-A, oxytocin, and substance P were decreased in the three patient groups compared with controls. Neurotensin outperformed all biomarkers in differentiating patient groups from controls. There were no significant differences for 6 neuropeptides in their ability to differentiate between the three patient groups. Higher neurotensin was associated with better executive function across the entire sample. Lower oxytocin and higher substance p were associated with more psychotic symptoms in FES and BD groups. β-endorphin was associated with early morning wakening symptom in all three patient groups.
Conclusion
Our research shows circulating neuropeptides have the potential to differentiate severe mental illnesses from controls. These neuropeptides are promising treatment targets for improving clinical symptoms and cognitive function in FES, BD, and MDD.
Device Simulations with A U-Net Model Predicting Physical Quantities in Two-Dimensional Landscapes
Authors: Lee Wen-Jay , Hsieh Wu-Tsung , Fang Bin-Horn , Kao Kuo-Hsing , Chen Nan-Yow 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Although Technology Computer-Aided Design(TCAD) simulation has paved a successful and efficient way to significantly reduce the cost of experiments under the device design, it still encounters many challenges as the semiconductor industry goes through rapid development in recent years, ie. Complex 3D device structures, power devices. Recently, although machine learning has been proposed to enable the simulation acceleration and inverse‑design of devices, which can quickly and accurately predict device performance, up to now physical quantities (such as electric field, potential energy, quantum-mechanically confined carrier distributions, and so on) being essential for understanding device physics can still only be obtained by traditional time-consuming self-consistent calculation. In this work, we employ a modified U-Net and train two models to predict the physical quantities of a MOSFET in two-dimensional landscapes for the first time. Errors in predictions by the two models have been analyzed, which shows the importance of a sufficient amount of data to prediction accuracy. The computation time for one landscape prediction with high accuracy by our well-trained U-Net model is much faster than the traditional approach. This work paves the way for interpretable predictions of device simulations based on convolutional neural networks.
Correction of severe lower limb deformity with digital hexapod external fixator based on CT data
Authors: Lu Yufeng , Li Jinfeng , Qiao Feng , Xu Zhaochen , Zhang Baogang , Jia Bin , He Jinlong , Qi Liang , Wang Min , Fei Chen , Cao Xiaoming 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
purpose: The current study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of our self-developed digital six-axis external fixator technique for correction of severe deformities of the lower extremities.Patients and Methods: From January 2017 to December 2020, our institution used self-developed digital hexapod external fixator technology（QSF） based on CT data to slowly correct 28 severe tibial deformities, and 15 femurs underwent osteotomy and internal fixation. The mean age was 32.6±14.3 years, and the mean follow-up was 23.3±16.1 months. MAD, mFTA, MPTA, LLD, mLDFA at preoperative and final follow-up, and LEFS, KSS and functional score at preoperative and final follow-up were compared.Results: The QSF adjustment time was 21.4±10.8 days, and the healing time of the tibial osteotomy site was 17.6±7.0 weeks. Preoperative MAD, mFTA, MPTA were 54.1±26.2 mm, 167.7±15.7°, 75.2±12.0°, respectively. At last follow-up, MAD was 8.2±9.9 mm, mFTA was 177.6±3.4°, and MPTA was 87.6±2.4°. Significant improvement was achieved after operation. Preoperative LLD, mLDFA were 13.8±18mm, 83.7±10.8°, at last follow-up were 7.6±7.6mm, 87.8±2.6mm, no significant difference before and after operation. The LEFS, KSS and functional scores improved from 51.6 ± 11.2, 68.5 ± 11.7, 67.8 ± 11.2 to 72.3 ± 6.1, 92.9 ± 3.4, 94.2 ± 6.3, respectively. Conclusions: The QSF technique can accurately correct severe multiplanar deformities of the tibia in adults. Combined with femoral osteotomy to correct femoral deformity, satisfactory lower extremity alignment can be obtained. The technology has the advantages of simple operation, reliable fixation, less trauma and less complications.Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
High Frequency of Low Expression Genotypes in Mexican Population for the TYMS Gene Predicted From the TSER and G&gt;C Variants
Authors: Faviola Favela-Mendoza Alma , Dinorah Godínez-López Andrea , Mariana Chávez-Arreguin , Velazquez Alonso José Aguilar , Gabriela Martínez-Cortes , Rangel-Villalobos Héctor 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background. The TYMS gene contains one of the 68 very important polymorphisms because affect the expression level of the thymidylate synthetase (TS), such as TSER that is involved in the toxicity and therapeutic response to 5'-Fluoracil (5’-FU), the drug of choice for different cancers. However, the inclusion of additional TYMS variants have improved the association with the expression levels. Although the TSER variants have been studied in the Mexican population, genotypes including the G>C SNP in the TYMS gene are completely unknown in this country. Methods and results. A Mexican population sample (n= 156) was genotyped for the TSER and G>C polymorphisms by PCR and PCR-RFLPs followed by PAGE and silver staining, respectively. Allele and genotype frequencies were estimated, and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was demonstrated for both TYMS variants in the studied population sample. For TSER, the most frequent allele was 2R (52.56%), as well as the genotype 2R/3R (42.3%). Comparison with Latin American, European, and American (USA) populations suggest a heterogeneous worldwide distribution (FST-value=0.01564; P-value=0.0000). When the G>C variant was included, a high frequency of the genotypes 2RG/2RG, 2RG/3RC, and 3RC/3RC was observed (84.6%). This finding allows predicting a high frequency of low expression for the thymidylate synthase (TS) in the Mexican population, which can predispose to peculiar treatment responses of 5´-FU, methotrexate, and pemetrexed. Conclusion. This study justifies obtaining the pharmacogenetic profile of TYMS variants in candidate Ca patients for 5´-FU treatment, given the high frequency of low TS expression in the Mexican population.
Atom-economic and Self-reported Thiol Activation through Visible Light Induced Photo-rearrangment for Efficient Click-ligation
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Zhang Fang , Deng Long , Guo Huichao , Xia Tong , Mao Wenxuan , Zhang Junji 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Photo-induced thiol release offers great opportunities for spatial/temporal regulation over selectivity and efficiency of thiol-ene ligations. Conventional means mainly count on photo-caged thiol precursors design, which may inevitably produce fragmented “wastes” during photo-activation and possibly turn on a series of undesirable side reactions. Additionally, the commonly used light sources (< 450 nm) remarkably restrict the potential bio-applications because of bio-toxicity and limited tissue penetration. To tackle these setbacks, we presented herein a novel family of photo-responsive 2-methylthiophene/benzo[b]thiophene perylene bisimides that generated free thiols with green light (λ = 530 nm) via a “waste-free” photo-rearrangement mechanism. The in situ photo-unmasked thiols thus enabled a subsequent Michael addition with electron-deficient substrates (e.g., maleimide). By virtue of the intrinsic fluorescence evolution from the rearrangement of perylene bisimides scaffold, the whole process of thiol formation could be self-reported, potentiating this newly-exploited, visible-light-initiated click system for future applications in biomaterials fabrication and in vivo bio-conjugation/bio-labelling.
The comparison of clinical outcomes of the peak–trough-based versus trough-based vancomycin therapeutic drug monitoring approaches in elderly patients
Authors: Wang Liming , Lin Xiaolan , Wang Ling , Ye Hong , Lin Yuxing , Junshan Ruan , Shi Songjing 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
BackgroundVancomycin AUC/MIC (area under the curve/minimum inhibitory concentration) has been proposed as a therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) target to dose vancomycin. It is time-consuming to estimate AUCs using traditional methods. A two-point trough-peak method is more straightforward for calculating the vancomycin AUC. However, the technique and the AUC/MIC target have not been validated in Chinese patients. Aim To assess the clinical outcomes of vancomycin therapy in Chinese older adults using the two-point peak-trough method for predicting vancomycin AUC.MethodThe patients were divided into study and control groups according to TDM approaches. A trough-based TDM was used in the control group (target trough level 15-20 mg/L). A two-point trough-peak TDM approach was employed in the study group (target AUC/MIC ≥ 400). The effect of vancomycin was evaluated in terms of clinical findings, laboratory values, and bacteriologic responses. The effects of treatment and kidney functions were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 200 patients were enrolled, 80 in the study group and 120 in the intervention group. The average age was 69.8±7.1 years. Staphylococcus aureus (34%) was the most common Gram-positive bacteria. No vancomycin-related nephrotoxicity was observed in either group. The percentages of patients with an excellent response to vancomycin therapy were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group, 90% (72/80) versus 73.3% (88/120), P = 0.0039. ConclusionThe two-point peak-trough method is practical for obtaining vancomycin AUC. The AUC/MIC≥ 400 target demonstrates treatment efficacy and safety in Chinese adults.
Exposure to socio-political unrest and wellbeing of older people in Hong Kong
Authors: Lai Daniel W. L. , Liu Emma H.S. , Yan Elsie C.W. , Wong Gloria H.Y. , Li Jessica J. , Lee Vincent W.P. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
BackgroundThe social unrest in the second half of 2019 in Hong Kong came with conflicts, confrontations, and violence which affected almost everyone in the city. AimThis study examined the impacts of the social unrest on the wellbeing of older people, an area that was seldomly addressed in the public discourse and literature. MethodsNarrative interviews were conducted with 63 participants aged 60 and above. ResultsParticipants experienced challenges during the social unrest, including disturbance to family and social life, reduced incomes which affect quality of life, and difficulties in socializing with friends and accessing medical services. The social unrest caused emotional disturbance, giving rise to feelings of panic, fear, insomnia, depression, annoyance, and anger. Participants reported different coping strategies, ranging from moving to other places, to avoiding going to risky areas and watching news. ConclusionThe stakeholders’ awareness of the problem and mental health promotion is required to alleviate the multiple layers of negative impacts.
Emergency Physician Professionalism: 360 - Degree Perceptions of Healthcare Providers and Patients in Thailand and USA Cultural Context
Authors: Narajeenron Khuansiri , Tarapan Tanawat , Dukovic Jasmina , Sutham Krongkarn , Imsuwan Intanon , Dadeh Ar-aishah , Nakornchai Tanyaporn , Bengiamin Deena , Chakravarthy Bharath , Anderson Craig , Eiam-Ong Somchit , Hoonpongsimanont Wirachin 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: We previously demonstrated generational perspectives of emergency physician professionalism (EPP) defined by healthcare providers and patients in the USA. The present study aimed to further explore EPP perceptions among healthcare providers and patients from emergency departments in the USA and Thailand. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study in university-based emergency departments was performed in the USA and Thailand from July 2016 to January 2017. Participants were enrolled from seven centers (USA=2, Thailand=5). All participants were pooled and categorized into two groups: healthcare providers and patients. The former group consisted of attending physicians (APs), nurses, residents, and 4th and 1st year medical students (MS4s and MS1s, respectively). Each participant independently ranked 39 cards describing qualities of EPP. Descriptive statistics, quantitative cultural consensus, and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess the data. Results: The total number of participants was 984, with the majority from Thailand (n = 683; 69.41%). The groups of APs, nurses, residents, MS4s, MS1s, and patients included 89, 196, 135, 197, 170, and 197 subjects, respectively. In the USA, APs had a wider range of ages (30-68) than those in Thailand (29-49). APs and nurses had more experiences of unprofessional EPP than MS4s, MS1s, and patients. Thai MS1s started medical school earlier than students in the USA. Both MS4s and MS1s in the USA had more healthcare work-related experiences. All cohorts agreed that having excellent knowledge and procedural skills is the most important behavior for EPP, while wearing a white coat is the least important. The overall data demonstrated a pattern of borderline cultural consensus regarding EPP (eigenvalue ratio = 3.07, mean competency = 0.5, and negative competency = 3.15%), with a validity of 0.95. There was no cultural consensus among healthcare providers and patients.Conclusion: This is the first study showing EPP perceptions in healthcare teams and patients from the USA and Thailand. All participants selected the same rankings of the most and least important EPP-related issues. However, no absolute cultural consensus among healthcare providers and patients was identified. Therefore, more studies on the aspects of EPP are required.
Exploring the impacts of a coffin-lying experience on life and death attitudes of medical and nursing students
Authors: Chiou Ruei-Jen , Tsai Po-Fang , Han Der-Yan 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Physicians and nurses often exhibit strong negative emotional and behavioral reactions when patients they care for pass away, and death education helps them cope with these difficulties. When implementing death education, the literature shows that experiential activities are more effective than lecturing, and progressive exposure is the best way to reduce death anxieties. This study examined the effects of coffin-lying, an activity sometimes seen in Asian cultures, on life and death attitudes of medical and nursing students.
Methods
During a period from 2020 to 2021, 134 medical and nursing students from a medical university in northern Taiwan voluntarily participated in this study. Among them, 53 were in the experimental group, who participated in a coffin-lying activity for nearly 3 hours, and the other 81 were in the control group. All participants filled out questionnaires 1 week before the activity (T1), 1 week after the activity (T2), and 6 ~ 11 weeks after the activity (T3). Three waves of data were analyzed by a repeated-measure analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results
The “fear of death” and “death avoidance” between the experimental and control groups significantly differed at T2 and T3, and the effects of “love and care” and “feeling of existence” were only manifested at T2. In addition, there were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups in “natural acceptance”, “approach acceptance”, or “escape acceptance”.
Conclusions
The coffin-lying activity based on desensitization is effective in improving “fear of death” and “death avoidance”, and the effects were extended to 6 ~ 11 weeks. Coffin-lying is not only a well-designed activity that quickly reduces negative tendencies toward death, but it is also worth adopting by medical and nursing schools to make death education more comprehensive.
Observer design for Interconnected Takagi-Sugeno systems with Immeasurable Premise Variables
Authors: ouhib lamia , Kara Redouane 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
This paper deals with observer design for a class of Interconnected Takagi-Sugeno systems with Immeasurable Premise Variables. Asymptotic stability and -stability of Luenberger-like Interconnected Multiple Observers are examined. Finsler’s Lemma is used to relax -stability conditions through the introduction of additional slack variables. The designed conditions are expressed as Linear Matrix Inequalities. The proposed approaches are applied in simulation to a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) system and a four-tank system.
Ginsenoside Rg1 attenuates neurogenesis disorder and neuronal apoptosis in the rat hippocampus after spinal cord injury may involve BDNF/ERK signaling
Authors: Xie Zhiping , Wang Zhihua , Xie Shenke , Wu Zhiwu , Zhou Wu , Li Chengcai , Li Meihua 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Our previous results have demonstrated that spinal cord injury(SCI) can induce hippocampus injury and depression in rodents. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) is one of the main active ingredients of Panax ginseng, which is efficient to prevent neurodegenerative disorders. However, no reports explain the effects of Rg1 in SCI-induced hippocampus injury. Neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling is important in neural differentiation, protection, and regeneration. However, the changes of BDNF/ERK signaling in the hippocampus after SCI is unclear. We used a rat compression SCI model to assess the changes of BDNF/ERK signaling in the hippocampus after SCI, and investigate the effects of Rg1(intraperitoneal injection) on the injured hippocampus. Western blotting and morphological assays demonstrated that BDNF/ERK signaling is altered in the hippocampus at 5 weeks after SCI. In addition, SCI attenuates neurogenesis and enhances the expression of cleaved caspase-3 in the hippocampus. Moreover, Rg1 could attenuate the expression of cleaved caspase-3, and improve neurogenesis and the expression of BDNF/p-ERK signaling in the rat hippocampus. The results thus suggested that SCI decreases the expression of BDNF/p-ERK signaling, and Rg1 could attenuate the changes of hippocampus after SCI. We speculate that the protective effects of Rg1 in hippocampus injury after SCI may involve BDNF/p-ERK signaling. Rg1 may serve as a therapeutic pharmaceutical product in the future when seeking to counter SCI-induced hippocampus injury.
Effects of statin use on primary patency, mortality, and limb loss in patients undergoing lower-limb arterial angioplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Braun Stela Karine , Jorge Daiane Wagner , Bortolanza Geovani , Rocha João Batista Teixeira da 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to determine whether the administration of statins before, during or after lower-limb arterial angioplasty was associated with improved primary patency, mortality, and limb loss through a meta-analysis.
Methods
All studies on statin administration in patients undergoing lower-limb arterial angioplasty that reported the outcomes of interest (primary patency, mortality and limb loss) were included in a meta-analysis.
Results
Nine studies were included in this meta-analysis. Statin use in patients undergoing lower-limb arterial angioplasty was associated with improved primary patency at 12 (12.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.86–18.28, p < 0.0001) and 24 months (7.19, 95% CI: 1.02–13.37, p = 0.02), decreased mortality in 39% at 12 months (relative risk (RR): 0.61, 95% CI: 0.55–0.74, p < 0.00001) and improved amputation-free survival (AFS) in 35% (Hazard ratio: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.46–0.793, p = 0.0198). However, statin use was not associated with decreased limb loss among patients in the included studies (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.56–1.04, p = 0.08).
Conclusion
Statin therapy was associated with significantly improved patency, overall survival, and AFS but not with limb loss after lower-limb arterial angioplasty.