bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LncRNA DIRC1 is a novel prognostic biomarker and correlated with immune infiltrates in Stomach adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Zhongying , Lin Yuning , Li Ying , Chen Yongquan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background:The potential application value of LncRNA DIRC1 has not yet been explored, and the purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between DIRC1 and Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.Methods:Wilcoxon rank sum test, Chi-square test, Fisher test and logistic regression were used to evaluate relationships between clinical-pathologic features and DIRC1 expression.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves were used to describe binary classifier value of DIRC1 using area under curve (AUC) score.Kaplan Meier method was used to assess the impact of DIRC1 on prognosis and the impact of DIRC1-related hub genes on prognosis.GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were used to predict the function of differentially expressed genes(DEGs) associated with DIRC1.Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to predict biological states or processes associated with DIRC1.Immune infiltration analysis was performed to identify the significantly involved functions of DIRC1.Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were established and 10 hub genes identified with Cytoscape software. ResultsIncreased DIRC1 expression in STAD was associated with T stage (P=0.004),Race (P=0.045), Histologic grade(P=0.029) and Anatomic neoplasm subdivision(P=0.034).ROC curve suggested the significant diagnostic ability of DIRC1 (AUC=0.779). High DIRC1 expression predicted a poorer Overall survival (P=0.004,HR:1.63; 95% CI: 1.17-2.27; P=0.034).GO and KEGG analysis demonstrated that DIRC1 is related to epidermis,collagen-containing extracellular matrix,receptor-ligand activity,protein digestion and absorption,etc.GSEA demonstrated that E2F target, G2M checkpoint, Myc target, interferon γ reaction were differentially enriched in the high DIRC1 expression phenotype. SsGSEA and Spearman correlation revealed the relationships between DIRC1 and macrophages,DC, and Th1 cells were the strongest. Coregulatory proteins were included in the PPI network, higher expressions of 4 hub genes were associated with worse prognosis in STAD.ConclusionsDIRC1 expression was significantly correlated with poor survival and immune infiltrations in STAD, and it may be a promising prognostic biomarker in STAD.
Validation of a practice-oriented floor spectra formulation through actual data from the 2016/2017 Central Italy earthquake
Authors: Abbati Stefania Degli , Cattari Serena , Lagomarsino Sergio 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Analytical expressions for the floor spectra evaluation play a key role for a correct definition of the seismic input induced to non-structural elements or local mechanisms in existing buildings. They have to be able to properly assess the possible amplification phenomena, but also to correctly describe the effects of nonlinearities due to structural damage. Due to the complexity of such phenomena, data on existing structures hit by earthquakes constitute a precious source for a better understanding of the topic and the validation of analytical expressions. In this framework, the paper aim is twofold. On one hand, it evaluates the entity of seismic amplification through experimental evidence from in-situ measurements on existing monitored structures. On the other hand, it presents the application of an analytical expression for the floor spectra already developed by the Authors to two unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. The case-studies are the former Fabriano courthouse (Ancona, Italy) and the Pizzoli’s town hall (L’Aquila, Italy). They were both hit by the 2016/2017 earthquake in Central Italy and are permanently monitored by the Italian seismic monitoring system of the Italian Department of Civil Protection (DPC). With the aim of the validation, the paper shows the comparison between experimental and analytical floor spectra for various minor events and mainshocks of the Central Italy earthquake. Since the two case-studies exhibited different damage level (from slight to moderate, respectively), the comparison allowed to verify the reliability of the expression both in the pseudo-elastic and moderate nonlinear fields.
Impact of Malakit intervention on perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to malaria among workers in clandestine gold mines in French Guiana: results of multicentric cross-sectional surveys over time
Authors: Longchamps Cécile , Galindo Muriel , Lambert Yann , Sanna Alice , Mutricy Louise , Garancher Laure , Adenis Antoine , Nacher Mathieu , Suarez-Mutis Martha , Cairo Hedley , Hiwat Helene , Vreden Stephen , Douine Maylis 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BackgroundClandestine gold miners remain key hosts for malaria in French Guiana (FG) who contribute to imported malaria cases in Suriname and Brazil. The Malakit intervention, implemented in FG borders with Suriname and Brazil, provided gold miners with training on malaria and kits for self-diagnosis and self-treatment. Having shown a likely impact on malaria transmission, Suriname has now implemented it in routine care for cross-border moving populations. However, a decrease in malaria transmission is frequently associated with a decrease in risk perception, knowledge, and good practices regarding malaria. This study aims to describe the evolution of the perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to malaria among clandestine gold miners between 2015 and 2019 and to estimate the impact of Malakit on the FG/Suriname border. MethodThe primary outcome was the overall KAP score over time and among participants and not participantsin the Malakit intervention. A propensity score matching analysis and an inverse probability of treatment weighing analysis were used to estimate the Average Treatment effect on the Treated and the Average Treatment Effect of Malakit respectively.ResultsPerception and knowledge scores were significantly lower in 2019 compared to 2015 ( -0.27 and -0.23 points respectively, p<0.001) while attitude and practice scores were higher (respectively +0.16 and +0.47 points, p<0.001). The overall KAP score was significantly higher among participants in Malakit with both propensity score matching (+0.72 points, 95%IC [0.29; 1.15]) and inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis (+0.70 points, 95%IC [0.34; 1.05]).ConclusionWe observed a decrease in perception and knowledge about malaria but an improvement of attitudes and practices as the incidence of malaria decreased. The Malakit intervention seems to have a significant positive impact on the overall KAP related to malaria.The integration of this strategy into malaria control programs could help to improve the KAP, even in areas where malaria is nearly eliminated, through optimal training and health empowerment. TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov registration number : NCT03695770
Spatial Variation of The Delay and Long-Run Effects In The Occurrence of Covid-19 Deaths Among European Countries
Authors: Hadianfar Ali , Rastaghi Sedighe , Sharak Nooshin Akbari , Saki Azadeh , Mishra Pradeep 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Over the past two years, the COVID-19 disease has become a global problem, affecting the health systems and economies of countries throughout the world. New cases and hospitalizations associated with the disease appear to affect the number of deaths caused by coronavirus infection. COVID-19 causes a variable number of hospital deaths each day, and the projected mortality rate fluctuates according to the daily tally of new cases. Using a distributed-lag model, this study tries to quantify the influence of COVID-19 new cases on death rates in Europe.Material and method: The "European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control" database was used to gather information on daily Covid-19 cases and deaths in 49 European nations. In the first half and second half of 2020, each of the 49 countries was fitted with the Distributed Lag Model (DLM).Results: The European continent saw an average of 13.5 days between daily Covid-19 new cases and mortality. For the first half and second half of 2020, results from the fitting of the Distributed Lag Model showed that there was a wide range of values for mean delay and long-term effects in Europe.Conclusion: European countries differ in terms of the mean delay and long-term impacts for the first and second half of 2020, according to the findings of the study. Understanding the time lag between new cases and deaths in the COVID-19 pandemic will help policymakers and governments use medical resources more effectively and provide better healthcare interventions that are more impactful.
Phenolic acids and antioxidant regulation in Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp) growing in acidic and nutrient deficient grassland and savanna soils
Authors: Makaure Brenda , Aremu Adeyemi , Gruz Jiri , Magadlela Anathi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
PurposeSoil acidity and nutrient stress in grassland and savanna ecosystems are the major abiotic factors affecting crop production thus contributing to food insecurity. Some plants including crop legumes may thrive in acidic and nutrient stressed soil environments by regulating their secondary metabolites. In this study, we investigated how four Vigna unguiculata varieties regulated their phenolic acid concentrations and antioxidant capacities to better adapt to acidic and nutrient deficient grassland and savanna ecosystems.MethodsFour V. unguiculata varieties (IT18, Batch white, Brown mix and Dr Saunders) were grown in soils collected from four geographically distinct areas (Bergville, Ashburton, Izingolweni, Hluhluwe) in KwaZulu-Natal covering grassland and savanna ecosystems. Plants were analyzed for nutrient composition, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization percentage, root nodulating bacteria. Identification and quantification of phenolic acids was also done on both above ground and below ground plant parts. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity of the different V. unguiculata varieties was also determined. ResultsThere were differences in plant biomass and nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition across the four V. unguiculata varieties, with high arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization of greater than 58%. V. unguiculata was nodulated by several bacterial strains including Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Delftia, Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium All four V. unguiculata varieties had variations of phenolic acids across all soil types with vanillic acid and protocatechuic acid being the most abundant and constituted 22.59% and 17.22%, respectively of the total quantified phenolic acids. Principal component analysis showed that the four V. unguiculata varieties responded differently to the different soil types with respect to phenolic acid production. There were variations in correlations between the phenolic acids and plant biomass, plant nutrition, soil nutrition and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi infection. Varieties IT18 and Batch white had relatively higher oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) across the four soil types and comparably higher plant biomass relative to Brown mix and Dr Saunders.ConclusionOverall, the current findings demonstrated that V. unguiculata has the potential of adapting to acidic and nutrient stressed grassland and savanna conditions through production of phenolic acids and enhanced antioxidant capacity.
Assessment of cardiac function by pulse wave analysis. A computational study
Authors: Piccioli Francesco , Valiani Alessandro , Alastruey Jordi , Caleffi Valerio 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The development of methodologies that provide a comprehensive assessment of cardiac function from pulse wave analysis in the systemic circulation could avoid current practice using expensive, invasive and operator-dependent measurement techniques. This work addressed this topic computationally. A cardiovascular model, constituted of a lumped-parameter model of the left part of the heart coupled to a one-dimensional model of the arterial network, was validated using reference pulse waveforms in turn verified by comparison with in vivo measurements. The validation was specifically designed to verify the performance of the model in returning physiological pulse waves for assigned cardiac properties. Successively, a sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the effects of variations in cardiac parameters on central and peripheral pulse waves. Results show that left ventricle contractility, stroke volume, cardiac cycle duration and heart valves impairment are determinants of central waveforms morphology, pulse pressure and its amplification. Contractility of the left atrium has negligible effects on vascular pulse waves. Results also suggest that it may be possible to infer left ventricular dysfunction by analysing the timing of the dicrotic notch. This study suggests which cardiac properties can be extracted from central and peripheral pulse waves to assess cardiac function.
A soft supernumerary hand for rehabilitation in sub-acute stroke: a pilot study on spasticity
Authors: Trompetto Carlo , Catalano Manuel G. , Farina Alessandro , Grioli Giorgio , Mori Laura , Ciullo Andrea , Pittaluga Matteo , Rossero Martina , Puce Luca , Bicchi Antonio 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In sub-acute stroke patients, task-specific training is the most effective rehabilitation treatment for the upper limb. However, in those patients with severe paresis and initial spasticity, task-specific training could increase the risk to develop severe spasticity in the following months. Four sub-acute patients, at high risk of developing spasticity, underwent task-specific training using a supernumerary, aesthetically and functionally anthropomorphic, soft robotic hand (SoftHand-X), driven by the residual movements of the patient's paretic hand. A 1-year follow up was done. All subjects presented a remarkable recovery of upper limb function. No worsening of spasticity was found. The proposed SoftHand-X-based rehabilitation technique for task-specific training in sub-acute stroke patients does not increase the risk of developing severe spasticity.
Appropriateness of Long-Term Medications Administered in Tube-Fed Geriatric Patients in Home Health Care; Cross Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Bifari Ibtihaj Nasseraldeen , Alharbi Yusuf Ahmed , Bifari Nisrin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background:Medication delivery via enteral feeding tube require a specific precaution. As many medications are incompatible to be administered via feeding tube. Some medications are not acceptable to be crushed owing to the risk of obstruct the feeding tube, diminish drug efficacy or drug toxicity. While others will interact with the feeding formula and limit its absorption. this study aims to evaluate the prevalence of medication errors that occur during the administration of oral drugs using enteral feeding tubes in geriatric population in home health care.MethodologyThis is a cross sectional observational study conducted in ministry of health governmental hospital in Makkah city, Saudi Arabia. Oral drug administration was examined in 46 individuals in 2020. Demographic information, medical records and pharmaceutical prescription information regarding each patient was evaluated. The errors including improper dosage form and drug-nutrient interaction were measured per various guidelines.Result:A significant proportion of investigated populations had inappropriate drug administration. The majority of patients (86.9 percent) got improper dosage form by enteral feeding tube mainly gastrointestinal medicines. While drug-nutrient interaction was prominent in 36.9 percent of the patients with highly prevalent among neurological medicines. All patients’ caregiver obtained guidance by doctors and nurses solely. Gender, age, hospital, Type of ET, and educator were not associated with significant differences in appropriateness of dosage form or administration time.Conclusion:health care practitioners should display greater attention when choosing drugs dosage type for tube-fed patients and medication administration timing.
Molecular Characterization of Staphylococci Recovered from Hospital Personnel and Frequently Touched Items in Tianjin, China
Authors: Liu Yuting , Chen Liqin , Xu Zhen 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BackgroundStaphylococci are major hospital-associated pathogens, and acquisition of Antimicrobial resistant genes poses a great challenge for the management of hospital-acquired infections. To our knowledge, little is known about the intra-hospital genotypes of staphylococci recovered from hospital environment and personnel in China. In this study, we provide insights into the molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistant staphylococci recovered from frequently touched items and personnel in a large hospital of Tianjin, China. MethodsSamples were collected from hospital personnel and frequently touched items respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests and molecular characterization was performed to determine the antimicrobial resistance and genetic features of staphylococci, Results One-hundred and ninety-five staphylococci were recovered, and 85 methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRCoNS) were identified. One-hundred and eighty-three isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic. Staphylococci were found to harbour SCCmec type I, II, IV, V, VI and IX elements. In addition, 1 S. aureus was determined to be ST25, and the majority of MRSE isolates belonged to ST59 and ST89. Three new sequence types (STs) were identified. Conclusions One (2%) frequently touched surfaces was contaminated by S. aureus, and 39% (37/49) of frequently touched surfaces were contaminated by MRCoNS in Tianjin, China. MRSE (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis) that was identified in frequently touched items was not significantly affected by the MRSE recovered from hospital personnel. Hospital items and personnel may act as reservoir of antimicrobial resistant staphylococci, and cleaning strategies should be carried out to eradicate the dissemination of antimicrobial resistant staphylococci in the hospital.
Biomechanical study of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) augmented by different instrumentations: a finite element analysis
Authors: Cai Xin-Yi , Bian Han-Ming , Chen Chao , Ma Xin-Long , Yang Qiang 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: To explore the biomechanical differences in oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) augmented by different types of instrumentation.Methods: A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) model of an intact L3-S1 lumbar spine was built and validated. The intact model was modified to develop five OLIF surgery models (stand-alone OLIF; OLIF with lateral plate fixation [OLIF+LPF]; OLIF with unilateral pedicle screws fixation [OLIF+UPSF]; OLIF with bilateral pedicle screw fixation [OLIF+BPSF]; OLIF with translaminar facet joint fixation + unilateral pedicle screw fixation [OLIF+TFJF+UPSF]) in which the surgical segment was L4-L5. Under a follower load of 500 N, a 7.5-Nm moment was applied to all lumbar spine models to calculate the range of motion (ROM), equivalent stress peak of fixation instruments (ESPFI), equivalent stress peak of cage (ESPC), equivalent stress peak of cortical endplate (ESPCE), and equivalent stress average value of cancellous bone (ESAVCB).Results: Compared with the intact model, the ROM of the L4-L5 segment in each OLIF surgery model decreased by > 80%. The ROM values of adjacent segments were not significantly different. The ESPFI, ESPC, and ESPCE values of the OLIF+BPSF model were smaller than those of the other OLIF surgery models. The ESAVCB value of the normal lumbar model was less than the ESAVCB values of all OLIF surgical models. In most postures, the ESPFI, ESPCE, and ESAVCB values of the OLIF+LPF model were the largest. The ESPC was higher in the stand-alone OLIF model than in the other OLIF models. The stresses of several important components of the OLIF+UPSF and OLIF+TFJF+UPSF models were between those of the OLIF+LPF and OLIF+BPSF models.Conclusions: Our biomechanical FE analysis indicated the greater ability of OLIF+BPSF to retain lumbar stability, resist cage subsidence, and maintain disc height. Therefore, in the augmentation of OLIF, bilateral pedicle screw fixation may be the best approach.
A 90-day Oral Exposure to Food-grade Gold at Relevant Human Doses Impacts the Gut Microbiota and the Local Immune System in a Sex-dependent Manner in Mice
Authors: Evariste Lauris , Lamas Bruno , Ellero-Simatos Sandrine , Khoury Laure , Cartier Christel , Gaultier Eric , Chassaing Benoit , Feltin Nicolas , Devoille Laurent , Favre Georges , Audebert Marc , Houdeau Eric 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Edible gold (Au) is commonly used as a food additive (E175 in EU) for confectionery and cake decorations, coatings and in beverages. Food-grade gold is most often composed of thin Au sheets or flakes exhibiting micro- and nanometric dimensions in their thickness. Concerns about the impact of mineral particles used as food additives on human health are increasing with respect to the particular physico-chemical properties of nanosized particles, which enable them to cross biological barriers and interact with various body cell compartments. In this study, male and female mice were exposed daily to E175 or an Au nanomaterial (Ref-Au) incorporated into food at relevant human dose for 90 days in order to determine the potential toxicity of edible gold.Results: E175 or Ref-Au exposure in mice did not induce any histomorphological damage of the liver, spleen or intestine, nor any genotoxic effects in the colon and liver despite an apparent higher intestinal absorption level of Au particles in mice exposed to Ref-Au compared to the E175 food additive. While exposure to Ref-Au did no impacted intestinal microbiota, a marked alteration in the gut microbiota characterized by an increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and Proteobacteria abundance as well as a decreased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was observed following E175 treatment of female mice compared to males. Moreover, increased production of IL-6, TNFα and IL-1β were observed in the colon of female mice at the end of the 90-day exposure to E175, while in contrast, decreased IL-6, IL-1β, IL-17 and TGFβ levels were found in the male colon.Conclusions: These results revealed that a 90-day exposure to E175 added to the diet alters the gut microbiota and intestinal immune response in a sex-dependent manner in mice. Within the dose range of human exposure to E175, these alterations remained low in both sexes and mostly appeared to be nontoxic. However, at the higher dose, the observed gut dysbiosis and the intestinal low-grade inflammation in female mice could favour the occurrence of metabolic disorders supporting the establishment of toxic reference values for the safe use of gold as food additive.