bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glycerol Electrocatalytic Reduction Using an Activated Carbon Composite Electrode: Understanding the Reaction Mechanisms and an Optimization Study
Authors: Md. Rahim Siti Aqilah Nadhirah , Lee Ching Shya , Aroua Mohamed Kheireddine , Wan Daud Wan Mohd Ashri , Abnisa Faisal , Cognet Patrick , Pérès Yolande 
Published: February 2022

The conversion of biomass-derived glycerol into valuable products is an alternative strategy for alleviating energy scarcity and environmental issues. The authors recently uncovered an activated carbon composite electrode with an Amberlyst-15 mediator able to generate 1,2-propanediol, diethylene glycol, and acetolviaa glycerol electrocatalytic reduction. However, less attention to mechanistic insights makes its application to industrial processes challenging. Herein, two proposed intermediates, acetol and ethylene glycol, were employed as the feedstocks to fill the gap in the mechanistic understanding of the reactions. The results discovered the importance of acetol in producing 1,2-propanediol and concluded the glycerol electrocatalytic reduction process has a two-step reduction pathway, where glycerol was initially reduced to acetol and consecutively hydrogenated to 1,2-propanediol. At 353 K and 0.28 A/cm2, 1,2-propanediol selectivity achieved 77% (with 59.8 C mol% yield) after 7 h of acetol (3.0 mol/L) electrolysis. Finally, the influences of the temperature, glycerol initial concentration, and current density on the glycerol electrocatalytic reduction were evaluated. The initial step involved the C-O and C-C bonds cleavage in glycerol plays a crucial role in producing either acetol or ethylene glycol intermediate. This was controlled by the temperature, which low to moderate value is needed to maintain a selective acetol-1,2-propanediol route. Additionally, medium glycerol initial concentration reduced the hydrogen formation and indirectly improved 1,2-propanediol yield. A mild current density raised the conversion rate and minimized the growth of intermediates. At 353 K and 0.21 A/cm2, glycerol (3.0 mol/L) electrocatalytic reduction to 1,2-propanediol reached the maximum yield of 42.3 C mol%.
Comparative Study of Diagnostic Efficacy of Single Phase-Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography and Dual Phase-Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Guan Xuechun , Lan Qiaoqing , Liang Yi , Ke Honghong , Chen Siqi , Long Liling 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveWe compared the efficacy of single phase-computed tomography pulmonary angiography (SP-CTPA) and dual phase-computed tomography pulmonary angiography (DP-CTPA) for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE).MethodsWe recruited 1,019 consecutive patients (359 with PE) who underwent DP-CTPA (phase I: pulmonary artery phase; phase II: aortic phase) for suspected PE between January and October 2021. Phase I of DP-CTPA was used as SP-CTPA, and the final clinical diagnosis (FCD) was used as the gold standard.ResultsThree hundred fifty-two cases of PE were detected by both methods, with the same sensitivity of 98.1% (99.6–99.5%). Using SP-CTPA, 142 cases [13 pulmonary insufficiency artifacts (PIA) and 129 systemic-pulmonary shunt artifacts (S-PSA)] were false-positive with specificity of 78.5% (75.3–81.6%). No false-positive was found with DP-CTPA, with specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 1, and negative predictive value of 0.990 (Net Reclassification Improvement = 0.215; P &lt; 0.05). According to FCD, the positive results of SP-CTPA were divided into PIA, S-PSA, and true-positive (TPSP−CTPA) groups, and pairwise comparisons were performed. The bronchiectasis and hemoptysis rate in S-PSA group was higher than that in PIA and TP groups (P &lt; 0.001), and the pulmonary hypertension (PH) rate in PIA group was higher than that in S-PSA and TP groups (P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe diagnostic efficiency of DP-CTPA for the diagnosis of PE was high. SP-CTPA may misdiagnose PIA (common in patients with PH) and S-PSA (common in patients with bronchiectasis and hemoptysis) as PE.
Methylome and Transcriptome-Based Integration Analysis Identified Molecular Signatures Associated With Meningitis Induced by Glaesserella parasuis
Authors: Guo Ling , Cheng Hongxing , Fu Shulin , Liu Jun , Zhang Yunfei , Qiu Yinsheng , Chen Hongbo 
Published: February 2022

Glaesserella parasuis (G. parasuis) can elicit serious inflammatory responses and cause meningitis in piglets. Previous epigenetic studies have indicated that alterations in host DNA methylation may modify the inflammatory response to bacterial infection. However, to date, genome-wide analysis of the DNA methylome during meningitis caused by G. parasuis infection is still lacking. In this study, we employed an unbiased approach using deep sequencing to profile the DNA methylome and transcriptome from G. parasuis infected porcine brain (cerebrum) and integrated the data to identify key differential methylation regions/sites involved in the regulation of the inflammatory response. Results showed that DNA methylation patterns and gene expression profiles from porcine brain were changed after G. parasuis infection. The majority of the altered DNA methylation regions were found in the intergenic regions and introns and not associated with CpG islands, with only a low percentage occurring at promoter or exon regions. Integrated analysis of the DNA methylome and transcriptome identified a number of inversely and positively correlated genes between DNA methylation and gene expression, following the criteria of |log2FC| &gt; 0.5, |diffMethy| &gt; 0.1, and P &lt; 0.05. Differential expression and methylation of two significant genes, semaphoring 4D (SEMA4D) and von Willebrand factor A domain containing 1 (VWA1), were validated by qRT-PCR and bisulfite sequencing. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses demonstrated that DNA methylation inversely correlated genes in G. parasuis infected porcine brains were mainly involved with cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), bacterial invasion of epithelial cells, RIG-1-like receptor signaling pathways, and hematopoietic cell lineage signaling pathways. In addition, a protein-protein interaction network of differentially methylated genes found potential candidate molecular interactions relevant to the pathology of G. parasuis infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to integrate the DNA methylome and transcriptome data from G. parasuis infected porcine brains. Our findings will help understanding the contribution of genome-wide DNA methylation to the pathogenesis of meningitis in pigs and developing epigenetic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the treatment of G. parasuis induced meningitis.
Non-alcoholic/Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Helicobacter pylori Additively Increase the Risk of Arterial Stiffness
Authors: Choi Ji Min , Park Hyo Eun , Han Yoo Min , Lee Jooyoung , Lee Heesun , Chung Su Jin , Lim Seon Hee , Yim Jeong Yoon , Chung Goh Eun 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection have a close association with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is characterized by metabolic dysfunction in NAFLD. We investigated the synergistic effects of NAFLD/MAFLD and Hp infection on the risk of arterial stiffness in an asymptomatic population.MethodsWe included individuals who underwent abdominal ultrasonography, anti-Hp IgG antibody evaluations and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) during health screening tests between January 2013 and December 2017. Arterial stiffness was defined using CAVI. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the independent and synergistic effects of NAFLD/MAFLD and Hp infection on the risk of arterial stiffness.ResultsAmong 3,195 subjects (mean age 54.7 years, 68.5% male), the prevalence of increased arterial stiffness was 36.4%. In the multivariate analysis, subjects with NAFLD but without Hp infection and those with both NAFLD and Hp infection had a significantly higher risk of increased arterial stiffness [odds ratio (OR) 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–2.26, and OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.63–3.06, respectively], than subjects without Hp infection and NAFLD. Regarding MAFLD, Hp infection additively increased the risk of arterial stiffness in subjects with MAFLD (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.64–2.78).ConclusionsAn interactive effect of Hp infection on the risk of arterial stiffness in individuals with NAFLD/MAFLD was observed. Hp infection additively increases the risk of arterial stiffness in subjects with NAFLD or MAFLD.
Assessment of Sarcopenia Related Quality of Life Using SarQoL® Questionnaire in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Iacob Speranta , Mina Victor , Mandea Matei , Iacob Razvan , Vadan Roxana , Boar Voichita , Ionescu Georgeta , Buzescu Dan , Gheorghe Cristian , Gheorghe Liana 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionSarcopenia, malnutrition, physical deconditioning, and frailty contribute to a significantly altered quality of life (QoL) in patients with cirrhosis and sarcopenia.AimTo investigate the sarcopenia-linked alterations of QoL by SarQoL® questionnaire in patients with end-stage liver disease.MethodsConsecutive patients with liver cirrhosis, admitted to our department between May and August 2021, completed the SarQoL® questionnaire by themselves. They were evaluated for sarcopenia according to the 2019 European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) definition [hand grip cut-offs and skeletal muscle index (SMI) calculation at CT scan].ResultsA total of 71 patients with liver cirrhosis were included in the study, with a median age of 54 years. Sarcopenia was present in 31.2% of patients with Child-Pugh class A, in 58.3% with class B, and in 93.5% with class C. The SarQoL® score was statistically significant and lower in Child-Pugh class C vs. class B and class A (70.2 vs. 66.5 vs. 52.5 points, p = 0.0002). The SarQoL® score was evaluated according to different complications of cirrhosis, with statistically significant lower scores in patients with sarcopenia (p &lt; 0.0001), in patients with ascites requiring paracentesis (p = 0.0006), and in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (p &lt; 0.0001). A cut-off level of 75.9 points for SarQoL® score can accurately detect sarcopenia in patients with end-stage liver disease [area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of.823, SE of 92.1%, SP of 45.5%, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 66 and 83.3%, respectively, correctly classified 73.2% of cirrhotic patients with sarcopenia].ConclusionsThe use of SarQoL® questionnaire in cirrhotic patients can, at the same time, evaluate the quality of life and identify subjects with sarcopenia and altered QoL.
Impact of a Nutrition Education Intervention on Salt/Sodium Related Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of University Students
Authors: Cheikh Ismail Leila , Hashim Mona , Jarrar Amjad H. , Mohamad Maysm N. , Al Daour Rameez , Al Rajaby Radhiya , AlWatani Sara , AlAhmed Amna , Qarata Shaikha , Maidan Fatima , Saleh Sheima T. , Stojanovska Lily , Al Dhaheri Ayesha S. 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundSalt reduction strategies help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) by reducing high blood pressure. This study aimed to assess salt related knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) before and after administering an evidence-based nutrition education workshop.MethodsNinety non-medical university students were recruited to investigate KAP related to dietary salt intake. The KAP components were assessed before, immediately after, and 4-weeks after administering an evidence-based educational workshop and leaflet.ResultsKnowledge and attitudes related to salt improved significantly immediately post-intervention but were not fully retained after 4-weeks. Five of the 13 evaluated practices improved after 4-weeks: trying to buy low-salt foods increased from 10 to 19% (P = 0.022), rarely adding salt to food during cooking increased from 5 to 16% (P = 0.019), rarely adding salt to food at the table increased from 29 to 42% (P = 0.011), tried to reduce salt intake increased from 26 to 41% (P = 0.014), and tried to use spices to reduce salt increased from 31 to 45% (P = 0.044).ConclusionsThe educational intervention had a positive impact on salt-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices, but the effect was not fully retained on the long-term. Periodic educational interventions should be considered to refresh knowledge and reinforce practices.
Is Performance of Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed tomography (CT) or Contrast-enhanced CT Efficient Enough to Guide the Hilar Lymph Node Staging for Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Authors: Chu Li , Liu Shuai , Guo Tiantian , Zou Liqing , Li Bin , Ni Jianjiao , Yang Xi , Chu Xiao , Liang Fei , Li Yida , Sun Yuyun , Li Qiao , Yin Fang , Li Guodong , Zhu Zhengfei 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionWe evaluated the diagnostic performance of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) and contrast-enhanced CT in the detection of hilar lymph node metastasis (LNM) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) to determine their value in guiding hilar lymph node staging and delineating radiation target volume.MethodsConsecutive patients with ESCC who underwent both PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT before radical lymphadenectomy and esophagectomy at our institution from September 2009 to November 2018 were enrolled. The sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of FDG-PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT for diagnosing hilar LNM were calculated.ResultsOf the 174 patients included, contrast-enhanced CT predicted nine positive cases, while PET/CT predicted one, and eight (4.6%) were identified as pathologically positive for their resected hilar lymph nodes. The SE, SP, PPV, and NPV of PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT were 0.000, 0.994, 0.000, and 0.954; and 0.125, 0.952, 0.111, and 0.958, respectively. The specificity showed a significant difference (P=0.037). PET/CT is slightly more specific than contrast-enhanced CT.ConclusionsPET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT may be useful tools for predicting the negativity of hilar LN status, but they are not recommended for guiding the hilar lymph node staging and the delineating of hilar LNM in radiotherapy planning of ESCC patients based on their low PPV.
Cryptogenic Ischemic Stroke in Migraine: Role of Patent Foramen Ovale
Authors: Gollion Cédric , Lerebours Fleur , Barbieux-Guillot Marianne , Fabry Vincent , Larrue Vincent 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionMigraine with aura (MWA) has been associated with cryptogenic ischemic stroke (CIS) after adjustment for the presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) assessed by a transcranial Doppler. This study aimed at evaluating the association of MWA with causal PFO assessed by Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in CIS.MethodsPatients aged 18–54 years consecutively treated for first acute ischemic stroke in a university hospital stroke unit, between January 2017 and December 2019, were included in this cross-sectional study. Associations between migraine subtypes and PFO were tested for all PFO, possibly causal PFO (PFO with large shunt and/or atrial septal aneurysm [ASA]), and the probably causal PFO subset (large shunt and/or ASA, plus risk of paradoxical embolism [RoPE] score ≥ 7). We adjusted the association between migraine subtypes and possibly causal PFO, which included the probably causal subset for age, sex, large artery atherosclerosis, and small vessel disease.ResultsA total of two hundred and two patients with CIS were included, of whom 42/202 (20%) had MWA, 32/202 (15%) had migraine without aura, and 128/202 (63%) had no migraine. MWA was associated with possibly causal PFO (OR = 4.0, 95%CI [1.78–9.3], P &lt; 0.001) and with probably causal PFO (OR = 5.4, 95%CI [2.37–13], P &lt; 0.001). In a multinomial logistic regression analysis, MWA remained associated with possibly causal PFO (OR = 3.24, 95% CI [1.45–7.2], P = 0.004).ConclusionIn a young adult population with CIS, MWA was strongly associated with possibly causal PFO, i.e., with a large shunt or combined with an interatrial septal aneurysm.
An Artificial Neural Network Model for Pediatric Mortality Prediction in Two Tertiary Pediatric Intensive Care Units in South Africa. A Development Study
Authors: Pienaar Michael A. , Sempa Joseph B. , Luwes Nicolaas , Solomon Lincoln J. 
Published: February 2022

ObjectivesThe performance of mortality prediction models remain a challenge in lower- and middle-income countries. We developed an artificial neural network (ANN) model for the prediction of mortality in two tertiary pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in South Africa using free to download and use software and commercially available computers. These models were compared to a logistic regression model and a recalibrated version of the Pediatric Index of Mortality 3.DesignThis study used data from a retrospective cohort study to develop an artificial neural model and logistic regression model for mortality prediction. The outcome evaluated was death in PICU.SettingTwo tertiary PICUs in South Africa.Patients2,089 patients up to the age of 13 completed years were included in the study.InterventionsNone.Measurements and Main ResultsThe AUROC was higher for the ANN (0.89) than for the logistic regression model (LR) (0.87) and the recalibrated PIM3 model (0.86). The precision recall curve however favors the ANN over logistic regression and recalibrated PIM3 (AUPRC = 0.6 vs. 0.53 and 0.58, respectively. The slope of the calibration curve was 1.12 for the ANN model (intercept 0.01), 1.09 for the logistic regression model (intercept 0.05) and 1.02 (intercept 0.01) for the recalibrated version of PIM3. The calibration curve was however closer to the diagonal for the ANN model.ConclusionsArtificial neural network models are a feasible method for mortality prediction in lower- and middle-income countries but significant challenges exist. There is a need to conduct research directed toward the acquisition of large, complex data sets, the integration of documented clinical care into clinical research and the promotion of the development of electronic health record systems in lower and middle income settings.
Trans-umbilical Single-Site Plus One Robotic Assisted Surgery for Choledochal Cyst in Children, a Comparing to Laparoscope-Assisted Procedure
Authors: Lin Shan , Chen Jianglong , Tang Kunbin , He Yufeng , Xu Xinru , Xu Di 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveWe introduce the trans-umbilical single-site plus one robotic-assisted surgery for the treatment of pediatric choledochal cyst. Compare the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between the new method and traditional laparoscopy-assisted procedure.MethodWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 51 children diagnosed with choledochal cysts and received surgery from June 2019 to December 2020 at our department. About 24 patients who underwent the robot-assisted procedure were selected as the R group, and 27 patients who underwent the laparoscope-assisted procedure were selected as the L group. We compare the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between the two groups.ResultNo significant differences were found in demographic information between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05). The median total operative time, median port/trocar installation time, and median wound suture time of the R group were a little longer than the L group (217.63 ± 5.90 vs. 199.37 ± 5.13 min; 30.71 ± 3.18 vs. 6.11 ± 1.15 min; 30.79 ± 1.82 vs. 20.40 ± 3.12 min, respectively; P &lt; 0.001). However, the R group had shorter choledochal cyst excision time and mean hepaticojejunostomy anastomosis time than the L group (52.04 ± 2.74 vs. 59.26 ± 3.23 min; 52.42 ± 2.72 vs. 60.63 ± 3.30 min, respectively, P &lt; 0.001). The mean extracorporeal Roux-y jejunojejunostomy time of two groups has no remarkable difference (P &gt; 0.05). The R group also had less mean volume of blood loss (7.04 ± 1.16 vs. 29.04 ± 18.21 mL; P &lt; 0.001). The R group had a shorter indwelling time of gastric tube, anal exhaust time, water feeding time, solids feeding time, and hospital stay time than the L group (P &lt; 0.05). The R group had a lower early complication rate than the L group (4.2 vs. 29.63%; P = 0.026). No statistical differences were identified between the two groups in late or any single complication (0.00 vs. 11.11%; P &gt; 0.05).ConclusionsA resection of the choledochal cyst and a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy can be performed much more precisely by single-site plus one robotic-assisted surgery. Patients can achieve rapid recovery, and the umbilical incision is more concealed and beautiful. Combing the experience of single-site surgery with robot-assisted surgery, the operators can implement the technique in children safely and feasibly.
Endoscopic Treatment for Pediatric Esophageal Stenosis Induced by Chemical Burn, Congenitally, or After Surgical Repair of Esophageal Atresia
Authors: Zhou Bingyi , Peng Hailing , Han Liu , Liang Chengbai , Lv Liang , Wang Xuehong , Liu Deliang , Tan Yuyong 
Published: February 2022

ObjectivesTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic treatment for congenital pediatric esophageal stenosis or pediatric stenosis that develops after a chemical burn or surgical repair of esophageal atresia.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 15 pediatric patients who underwent endoscopic treatments (dilation and/or stenting and/or incision) for congenital esophageal stenosis or esophageal stenosis that developed after a chemical burn or surgical repair of esophageal atresia, between January 2010 and January 2019. The patients were periodically followed-up to assess the safety and efficacy of treatment by comparing the diameter of stricture and dysphagia score before and after procedures, and complications or recurrence.ResultsAll children successfully underwent the procedures. Fourteen of the 15 patients received endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) as the first step of treatment, but EBD alone only resolved the symptoms in two patients. The remaining patients received other comprehensive treatments, such as EBD with endoscopic incision (EI), EBD with stent replacement, or a combination of EBD, stent replacement, and EI. Eleven (11/15, 73.3%) patients experienced symptomatic relief after endoscopic treatment, and recurrence was noted in four patients on 3–36 months after the final endoscopic treatment. All four patients underwent esophageal surgery to relieve their symptoms. Until October 2021, all patients experienced symptom relief, and their dysphagia scores decreased from 3–4 to 0–1 during the follow-up period of 8–121 months. The average diameter of stenosis was increased from 0.34 cm (range 0.2–0.7 cm) to 1.03 cm (range 0.8–1.2 cm). No severe complications occurred during endoscopic treatment and follow-up.ConclusionsEndoscopic treatment is safe and effective for pediatric esophageal stenosis that is congenital or induced by chemical burns or surgical repair of esophageal atresia. Comparative large-scale studies are required to confirm our findings.