bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for developing acute respiratory distress syndrome in sepsis patients: a retrospective study from a tertiary hospital in China
Authors: Shi Yuequan , Wang Liang , Yu Sihan , Ma Xiaochun , Li Xu 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the risk factors for ARDS as well as for the severity of ARDS in patients with sepsis. Methods: We retrospectively collected the characteristics of septic patients from the intensive care unit of the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University from January 2017 to September 2018. Logistic regression was used in determining the risk factors. Results: 529 patients with sepsis were enrolled and 179 developed ARDS. The most common infection sites were acute abdomen (n=304) and pneumonia (n=117). Multivariate analysis showed that patients with pancreatitis and peripancreatic infection (odds ratio [OR], 3.601; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.429 to 9.073, P =0.007), pneumonia (OR, 3.486; 95% CI, 1.890 to 6.430, P<0.001 ), septic shock (OR, 2.163; 95% CI, 1.429 to 3.275, P <0.001), a higher sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (OR, 1.241; 95% CI, 1.155 to 1.333, P <0.001) and non-pulmonary SOFA score (OR, 2.849; 95% CI, 2.113 to 3.841, P <0.001) were independent risk factors for ARDS. Moreover, pneumonia is associated with increased severity of ARDS (OR, 2.512; 95% CI, 1.039 to 6.067, P =0.041). Conclusions: We determined five risk factors for ARDS development in sepsis patients. Moreover, pneumonia is significantly associated with an increased severity of ARDS.
Proteomic profiling reveals KRT6C as the hereterodimer partner for KRT9 in epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma
Authors: Li Peiyao , Qi Jialin , Zhong Yuhui , Ding Aoli , Ding Ting , Xie Pingping , Xiao Heng 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (EPPK), a highly penetrant autosomal dominant genodermatosis, is characterized by diffuse yellow keratoses on the palms and soles, with distinct erythematous border. The keratin 9 gene (KRT9) is restrictedly expressed in the suprabasal layer of palmoplantar epidermis, whose mutations are responsible for EPPK. To date, phenotypic therapy is the primary treatment for EPPK, so that the disease cannot be cured radically. Therefore, unveiling the pathogenic mechanism serves as an essential path to exploring the more fundamental treatment. Because KRT9 pairs with another type II keratin-binding partner to function as cytoskeleton protein in epidermis for EPPK, identifying the interaction partner is an essential first step in revealing their biological function.Results: In this study, we obtained KRT9-interacting proteins in the human sole skin by using co-immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectroscopy. Among the KRT9-interacting proteins, we proved that keratin 6C (KRT6C) is the hereterodimer partner for KRT9 by reverse co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence assay and quantitative co-localization analysis. The in silico model for KRT6C/KRT9 built by SWISS-MODEL and PyMOL shows a typical coiled-coil structure in their 2B domains. The proteomics analysis by Metascape shows that KRT6C/KRT9 keratin pair is in a densely connected protein-protein network, where proteins participate jointly in regulating cytoskeleton organization and keratinization processes.Conclusions: This study shows that co-immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectroscopy provides a sensitive and reliable approach, which helps discover the previously unidentified hereterodimer partner KRT6C for KRT9 in a native endogenous environment. The acknowledgement of KRT6C/KRT9 pairwise relationship may help re-classify the genetic cutaneous disorders EPPK and PC-K6c at a molecular-based level, and lay foundation for deciphering the keratin network potentially contributing to function abnormalities in EPPK and even PC-K6c.
How does the need for IVF affect pregnancy complications among multiple gestations? The study of a large American population database including almost 100,000 multiple gestations.
Authors: MANDOURAH SAMAR , Badeghiesh Ahmad , Baghlaf Haitham , Dahan Michael H. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
IntroductionThis study’s aim is to compare pregnancy outcomes in multifetal gestations that were conceived spontaneously compared to in vitro fertilization (IVF). Few population-based studies have addressed this topic.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study using the Health Care Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) database. Our study cohort included 90,552 multifetal gestations conceived spontaneously and 3,219 IVF conceptions, from 2008-2014, inclusively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed comparing maternal and neonatal outcomes, whilst adjusting for confounding variables. Subject was conducted using ICD-9 codes for multifetal gestation: 651.X and 76.1 and ICD-9 code for IVF: 23.85. Each pregnancy was included once.Results IVF multifetal gestations had increased risk of pregnancy induced hypertension (aOR 1.31, 95% CI 1.20- 1.43), gestational hypertension (aOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.04 - 1.41), preeclampsia (aOR 1.31, 95% CI 1.19 - 1.45), gestational diabetes (aOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.13- 1.41) and placenta previa (aOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.32 - 2.19). IVF delivery outcomes were more likely complicated by cesarean section (aOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.10 - 1.33), preterm premature rupture of membranes (aOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.16 - 1.52), chorioamnionitis (aOR 1.71, 95% CI 1.37 - 2.14), postpartum hemorrhage (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.26 - 1.63) and transfusions (aOR 1.48, 95%CI 1.26 - 1.74). IVF neonatal outcomes were more likely complicated by small for gestational age (aOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.12 - 1.41) and congenital anomalies (aOR 1.82, 95% CI 1.29 - 2.57). IVF was not found to increase risks of eclampsia, preterm delivery, operative vaginal delivery, hysterectomy or intrauterine fetal demise. ConclusionWomen with IVF multifetal pregnancies were more likely to have complications with risks increased 20% to 70%. The role of infertility versus the need for IVF and the type of IVF protocol used should be further evaluated.
Anomaly Prediction of CT Equipment Based on IoMT Data
Authors: Wang Changxi , Zhou Haopeng , Wu Tong , Liu Qilin , Liu Haowen , Li Kang , Zhuo Yixuan , Li Zhenlin , Huang Jin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Large-scale medical equipment, extensively implemented in medical services, is of vital importance for diagnosis but vulnerable to various failures. Most of hospitals conduct regular maintenance for their medical equipment and have been suffering from medical-equipment-related incidents for years. Currently, the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has emerged as a crucial technology to monitor the real-time status of medical equipment. In this paper, we develop a IoMT system of Computed Tomography (CT) equipment in the West China Hospital of Sichuan University and meanwhile, select machine-learning algorithms to effectively store, preprocess and analyze the data. Specifically, a data-driven framework is proposed to predict the anomalies of CT equipment successfully. In this framework, the first step is data preprocessing, where we average the original non-uniform data and use linear interpolation to handle missing data. The second step is feature construction, where sliding time window is applied to fully reflect historical information. The third step is features selection, where the seven features that perform best are selected. Finally, we use two methods to split the training and test set, and apply random oversampling to deal with those imbalanced data before putting them into models. The results show that the prediction precision and recall of our method are 70% and 81%, respectively. The proposed method could distinguish the state of CT equipment and be used as a reference for practical maintenance by early prediction, where unexpected anomalies of medical equipment could be reduced. It also brings new insights about how to handle non-uniform and unbalanced time series data in the practical cases.
A Capacitively Coupled Digital Isolator with CMTI of 162 kV/μs and Data Rate of 230 Mbps
Authors: Zeng Jingbo , Yang Yuhao , Jiang Chenfei , Peng Yifeng , Xi Jianxiong , He Lenian 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This paper presents a small-size on-chip capacitively coupled digital isolator with superior Common Mode Transient Immunity (CMTI) and high operational speed performances. It employs a gate-cross-coupled common gate pre-amplifier with an active zero load and a high-pass filter before the pre-amplifier. By applying the proposed technique, the high-frequency gain retains to high value, while the low-frequency gain is greatly attenuated. The high-pass filter, which is designed based on the technology structure of the on-chip isolation capacitance, is applied to further cancel the influence of Common Mode Transient (CMT) and aid in the transmission of high-frequency signal. Furthermore, differential On-Off Keying (OOK) modulation is adopted to eliminate CMT noise. For the purpose of increasing the operation speed performances, the work utilizes the Voltage-Current high-speed comparator with fast feed-forward path as Schmitt trigger and level shift, and employs the envelop-comparator, integrator and filter as demodulator. Thus, it significantly reduces the propagation delay and speeds up the data rate. As a result, both high CMTI and operational speed performances are achieved simultaneously. Fabricated in a 0.18 µm isolated CMOS technology, the area of the isolation element, i.e., the capacitor is 2×104 µm2. The measurement results of a test chip are an over 162 kV/µs CMTI, a 230 Mbps data rate, a 6 ns propagation delay, a 1.5 mA dynamic current and 14 kV isolation breakdown voltage. The characteristics are superior to those of conventional digital isolators.
On the Nonexistence of Some Griesmer Codes with Dimension Four
Authors: Ma Wen , Luo Jinquan 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In coding theory, it is important to construct codes meeting certain types of bounds. The codes meeting the Griesmer bound are called Griesmer codes. In this paper, we prove the nonexistence of some Griesmer codes of dimension four over finite fields of cardinality eight and nine. Moreover, we improve 24 cases on code lengths for given minimal distance and dimension 4. Two cases on precise lower bound of code lengths have also been determined.
Combination of Exosomal MiRNA Markers with BI-RADS for Accurate Diagnosis of Breast Tumor
Authors: Zhou Yonggang , Zhou Xueying , Li Zhelong , Jin Jinglan , Xing Changyang , Sun Wenqi , Duan Yunyou , Yuan Lijun 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Early and accurate identification of breast masses is of vital importance in clinic. Ultrasound imaging is an efficient strategy for breast mass screening, while the accuracy needs further improvement. Plasma exosomes have recently been suggested as promising candidate as disease markers. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential of plasma exosomal miRNAs in differentiation of breast masses.
Methods
Plasma exosomes were collected from patients with benign or malignant breast masses using a novel, facile, low-cost, and effective method of sequential salting-out and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based approaches. Plasma exosomal miRNAs were extracted and profiled by RNA sequencing. Differential exosomal miRNAs were then tested by qPCR for screening of potential biomarkers. The diagnostic efficiencies of exosomal miRNAs alone or in combination with breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) in differentiation of breast masses were evaluated on a validation cohort via analysis of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results
Prior salting-out strategy yielded exosomes with higher purity, thus guaranteeing the accuracy of exosome-based diagnosis. miRNA sequencing showed different exosomal miRNA expressions between patients with malignant or benign breast masses, among which, hsa-miR-423-5p, hsa-miR-103a-3p and hsa-let-7i-5p were chosen and tested for diagnostic ability. ROC curve showed that these three miRNAs could serve as promising biomarkers, with hsa-miR-423-5p showing the highest diagnostic efficiency. Combination of exosomal miRNAs with BI-RADS further improved the diagnostic efficacy.
Conclusions
Plasma exosomal miRNAs could serve as excellent biomarkers for breast mass diagnosis and could significantly improve diagnostic accuracy when combined with BI-RADS.
Prognostic role and clinical association of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio with immune infiltrates in gastric cancer
Authors: He Qifei , Zhuang Qianzheng , Fan Biao , He Liu , Li Lin , You Wei , Xing Xiaofang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a vital index for systemic inflammation and prognostic indicator for gastric cancer (GC). More details between NLR and prognosis were still obscure. The objective of this study was to analyze the role of NLR in different prognostic models and subgroups, and explore the mediating effects of immune infiltrates between NLR and survival.Methods: A total of 924 patients underwent D2 radical gastrectomy were enrolled in this study. According to the level of NLR, patients were divided into two groups, the high and low NLR groups. Clinical parameters, indexes related to immune infiltrates, and survival were compared between the two groups. Prognostic models, interaction analysis and mediating effects analysis were performed to investigate the clinical association of NLR, immune infiltrates, and survival.Results: The infiltration of CD3+ and CD8+ T cells was significantly different in the two NLR groups. The level of NLR was an independent prognostic predictor of GC. The NLR-adjusted pTNM staging models had better predictive value for patient prognosis when compared with the traditional pTNM staging system. In addition, an interaction effect exists between NLR and MMR status on the prognosis of GC (P-interaction <0.01). High level of NLR correlated with a better prognosis in patients with dMMR, while associated with a worse prognosis in patients with pMMR. Lastly, the mediating effect analysis revealed that the infiltration level of CD3+ T cells was the mediating factor between NLR and survival (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The level of NLR is an independent prognostic predictor of GC. Adding an index representing the level of NLR can improve the prognostic prediction value of TNM staging system in GC patients. The effect of NLR on prognosis is partly mediated by CD3+ T cells infiltration.
WITHDRAWN: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Islam-Based Interventions (IBIs) and Pharmacotherapy (PTh) for Patients with Major Depressive Disorder-Mild (MDD-m): A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Abbas Qasir , Shahbaz Nudrat , Rauf Umara , Anwar Nida , Baig Khawar Bilal , Ramzan Zoobia , Shahzadi Mafia 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Major depressive disorders (MDD) is common worldwide, and it causes significant functional impairment. Evidence-based therapies significantly address MDD symptoms severity; therefore, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy (PTh), cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), and Islam-based interventions (IBIs) to treat symptoms severity of patients MDD-m. Methods: This RCT was conducted by the Department of Applied Psychology, Government College University Faisalabad, from December 20, 2020, to October 31, 2021, at different hospitals in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Patients with MDD-m were allocated to three different evidence-based treatment approaches (i.e. PTh, CBT, & IBIs). Patients Health Questionnaire; Positive & Negative Affect Scale, Digit Span Scale, Standard Progressive Matrices, Self-Esteem Scale and Decision-Making Questionnaire were administered. SPSS version 27 was used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 210 were approached, 159 were assessed for eligibility, and 118 met the inclusion criteria, including males 66(55.94%) and females 52(44.06%) with the age range of 22 to 46 years. Findings reported all the treatment interventions produced significant treatment outcomes to reduce the depressive symptoms and improve memory, reasoning ability, decision-making skills, self-esteem, and wellbeing. PTh was an effective supportive intervention, while CBT and IBIs played an effective role as reeducative constructive therapies. Conclusion: All three interventions seem to be effective for major depressive disorder with mild severity, and CBT and IBIs emerged as more efficient and constructive therapies for MDD-m.
Aerobic Glycolysis Induced by mTOR/HIF-1α Promotes Early Brain Injury after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage via Activating M1 Microglia
Authors: Sun Xin-Gang , Chu Xue-Hong , Liu Shao-Yu , Godje Ivan Steve Godje , Hu Hui-Yu , Zhang Yi-Bo , Zhu Li-Juan , Wang Hai , Sui Chen , Huang Juan , Shen Ying-Jie 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
M1 microglial activation is crucial for the pathogenesis of early brain injury (EBI) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and there is growing evidence that glucose metabolism is frequently involved in microglial activation. However, the molecular mechanism of glycolysis and its role in M1 microglial activation in context of EBI are not yet fully understood. In this study, firstly, the relationship between aerobic glycolysis and M1 microglial activation as well as SAH-induced EBI was researched in vivo. Then, intervention on mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) was performed to investigate the effects on glycolysis-dependent M1 microglial activation and EBI, and its relationship with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in vivo. Next, Hif-1α was inhibited to analyze its role in aerobic glycolysis, M1 microglial activation and EBI in vivo. Lastly, both in vivo and in vitro, mTOR inhibition and Hif-1α enhancement were administered simultaneously, and the combined effects were further confirmed again. The results showed that aerobic glycolysis and M1 microglial polarization were increased after SAH, and glycolytic inhibition could attenuate M1 microglial activation and EBI. Inhibition of mTOR reduced glycolysis-dependent M1 microglial polarization and EBI severity by down-regulating HIF-1α expression, while enhancement had the opposite effects. Blockading HIF-1α had the similar effects as suppressing mTOR, while HIF-1α agonist worked against mTOR antagonist when administered simultaneously. In conclusion, the present study showed new evidence that aerobic glycolysis induced by mTOR/HIF-1α might promote EBI after SAH by activating M1 microglia. This finding provided new insights for the treatment of EBI.
Rapid Prototyping of Parafilm ® -based analytical microfluidic devices using laser ablation and thermal fusion bonding
Authors: Wei Yuanyuan , Wang Tianle , Wang Yuye , Ho Yi-Ping , Ho Ho-Pui 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Parafilm ® is a thermoplastic film extensively used in laboratories for sealing or protecting flasks or cuvettes. In this paper, we report a simple, low-cost, biocompatible and detachable microfluidic chip incorporating easily accessible polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), PVC and glass slides as the substrate materials, along with Parafilm ® as the bonding material. Multi-layer microfluidic chips can be fabricated by laser ablation followed by thermal fusion of constituent layers. A CO2 laser ablation method was employed to cut substrates as well as the Parafilm ® to obtain desired patterns. A thermal fusion bonding method was developed to bond the substrates in a single step. The patterned Parafilm ® was sandwiched in the PMMA, PVC or glass layers, and heating of the assembly with the addition of a static pressure, various functional microfluidic elements including microvalves, micropumps, and bioreactors were demonstrated. With Parafilm ® serving as a flexible membrane integrated to a fluidic channel, it was possible to implement a microvalve. A peristaltic micropump consisting of a sequence of interconnected gas-actuated microvalves was also fabricated. In addition, the biocompatibility of the PLT (Parafilm ® based laser ablation and thermal fusion bonding fabrication method) fabricated bioreactor was validated by culturing GFP-expressing E. coli, results showed bacterium were able maintain growth in a 7-day post-cultivation. In summary, the reported fabrication scheme, offers an inexpensive and versatile alternative for rapid prototyping of common microfluidic devices.
A Study of Blended E-Learning Platforms for Continuing Education During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Ghana
Authors: Quainoo Michael Asante , Pasawano Tiamyod 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This study had the following objectives; 1) to outline the challenges University of Cape Coast students faced with using e-learning platforms during the pandemic; 2) to test whether there is a relationship between ICT training input and the ability to use e-learning platforms effectively for learning 3) to compare students’ scores before and after taking a lesson through a blended e-learning format and 4) assess students’ satisfaction with using the blended e-learning format. Using means, the Chi-Squared Test of Association and the Paired Sample T-Test, the study revealed that students at the University of Cape faced challenges with the cost associated with using e-learning platforms, lack of stable internet connectivity, lack of physical connection with others, and the inability to navigate the platforms effectively. The study also revealed that there is a significant association between having ICT training and the ability to use e-learning platforms effectively. Results from the experiment also revealed that the blended e-learning instruction was highly effective and that the students recorded a high posttest score of 24.73 compared to the pre-test score of 17.7. Finally, the students’ satisfaction questionnaire also revealed that the students were generally very satisfied with the use of the blended e-learning approach.
Simultaneous resection of synchronous colorectal liver metastasis – feasibility and development of a prediction model
Authors: Kazi Mufaddal , Patkar Shraddha , Patel Prerak , Kunte Aditya , Desouza Ashwin , Saklani Avanish , Goel Mahesh 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Timing of resection for synchronous colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) has been debated for decades. The present study aimed to assess the feasibility of simultaneous resection of CRLM in terms of major complications and develop a prediction model for safe resections. Methods: Retrospective single-center study of synchronous, resectable CRLM, operated between 2013 and 2021. Upper limit of 95% confidence interval (CI) of major complications (≥grade IIIA) was set at 40% as the safety threshold. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of morbidity. Prediction model was internally validated by bootstraped estimates, Harrel’s c-index, and correlation of predicted and observed estimates. Results: Ninety-two patients were operated of which 41.3% were rectal cancers. Major hepatectomy (≥ 4 segments) was performed in 25 patients (27.2%). Major complications occurred in 20 patients (21.7%; 95% CI: 13.8% – 31.5%). Predictors of complications were the presence of comorbidities and major hepatectomy (AUC – 0.692). Unacceptable level of morbidity (≥40%) was encountered in patients with comorbidities that underwent major hepatectomy. Conclusions: Simultaneous bowel and CRLM resection appear to be safe while caution should be exercised in combining major liver resections with bowel resection in patients with comorbid conditions.