bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hand-assisted laparoscopic resection versus total laparoscopic gastric surgery for primary gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): An analysis from a high-volume institution
Authors: Zhao Ya-Jun , Qiu Yong-Qiang , Zhong Li-Ying , Zheng Wen-Ze , Zhuang Lv-Ping , Wei Zhong , Ning Zhong-Liang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Laparoscopic resection of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is technically feasible and associated with favorable outcomes. We compared the clinical efficacy of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HLS) and total laparoscopic surgery (TLS) for gastric GISTs.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 69 consecutive patients diagnosed with a gastric GIST in a tertiary referral teaching hospital from December 2016 to December 2020. Surgical outcomes were compared between two groups.Results: Fifty-three patients (TLS group: n = 36; HLS group: n = 17) were included. The mean age was 56.9 and 58.1 years in the TLS and HLS groups, respectively. The maximum tumor margin was significantly shorter in the HLS group than in the TLS group (2.3 ± 0.9 . vs. 3.0 ± 0.8 cm; P = 0.004). The operative time of the HLS group was significantly shorter than that of the TLS group (70.6 ± 19.1 min vs. 134.4 ± 53.7 min; P < 0.001). The HLS group had less intraoperative blood loss, a shorter time to first flatus, and a shorter time to fluid diet than the TLS group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the groups in the incidence or severity of complications within 30 days after surgery. Recurrence or metastasis occurred in four cases (HLS group; n = 1; TLS group; n = 3). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that compared with TLS, HLS for gastric GISTs has the advantages of simpler operation, shorter operative time, and faster postoperative recovery.
Effects of receiver diversity on bit error rate of underwater optical wireless communication systems in weak oceanic turbulence
Authors: GÖKÇE Muhsin Caner , BAYKAL YAHYA , ATA YALÇıN 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The receiver spatial diversity techniques are employed in underwater optical wireless communication (OWC) systems to mitigate oceanic turbulence, improving the bit error rate performance. In this paper, we consider an OWC system employing a binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) modulated Gaussian beam at the transmitter and employing receiver spatial diversity at the receiver. The techniques for receiver spatial diversity systems considered in the study are selection combining (SC), equal gain combining (EGC), and the maximum ratio combining (MRC). The bit error rate (BER) performance of the OWC system operating in weak oceanic turbulence is investigated by calculating the Gaussian beam’s turbulence-induced scintillation index and the received optical intensity. It is found that the receiver spatial diversity techniques, especially EGC and MRC, are very effective for reducing the BER of an OWC system in weak oceanic turbulence.
Bond Strength Evaluation of Polymer Modified Cement Mortar Incorporated with Polypropylene Fibers
Authors: Abdulrahman Payam Ismael , Bzeni Dillshad 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Bond strength is the adhesion between an overlay and a substrate mortar, it is the key parameter ensuring the durability and having a monolithic system. A proper bond is essential to resist any stresses at the interface associated with volume-changes, freeze-thaw cycles, and vibrations, etc. Polymer-modified cement mortar (PCM) is one of the most well-known adhesive materials, used widely as a binding agent in the engineering construction. Two forms of PCM were investigated in this study. These products are known commercially as Sika MonoTop®-620, which is a form of repair material for concrete structures, and DCP Cemfix 2CS, which is occasionally used as an adhesive to connect the tiles to the concrete base. The effect of polypropylene fiber with volume fractions of 0, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 percent was investigated using three different water-to-binder ratios. A total of 24 distinct mixes were made. The compressive strength, flexural strength and bond strength of the materials were all determined. The bond strength of each mix was assessed using the Slant-Shear and Pull-off test methods. The bond strength values derived by Slant-Shear and Pull-off tests had a high correlation, it was about 85%. Furthermore, bond strength was connected with the material's compressive and flexural strength with a relation of 95% and 86% with Slant-Shear, also 80% and 76% with Pull-off, respectively.
Evaluation of sweating responses in patients with systemic connective tissue disorders using the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test
Authors: Ashida Miwa , Morimoto Shimpei , Yozaki Mariko , Ehara Daisuke , Koike Yuta , Murota Hiroyuki 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In systemic connective tissue disorders (SCTDs), eccrine sweat glands are frequently attacked by immune cells, as evidenced by pathological observations. Sweating reflects vascular activity through the autonomic nervous system, while few studies have reported sweating ability in SCTDs or the relationship between sweating ability and Raynaud's phenomenon caused by sympathetic hyperreactivity. We performed the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test on 85 patients diagnosed with systemic sclerosis, mixed connective tissue disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren’s syndrome, and dermatomyositis. Evaluations were performed once in summer and once in winter. We investigated the relationship of the axon reflex sweat volume and the reaction time to Raynaud's phenomenon, skin symptoms, and patient background. Most patients did not show a decrease in sweating compared to healthy participants, but patients with systemic sclerosis who were positive for anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies showed little or no sweating. One in three patients showed less sweating in summer than in winter, which is the opposite of the normal seasonal variation. Although no relationship was observed between the sweat volume and the total Raynaud’s condition scores, patients with pain had more sweating than those without pain. These results suggested the possible utility of measuring sweating on autonomic peripheral circulatory disorders.
A Novel PD-L1-Containing MSLN Targeting Vaccine Elicits Therapeutic Antitumor Immunity in Mice
Authors: Zeng Wuyi , Pan Jiayi , Huang Maoping , Fang Zixuan , Jia Jiangtao , Dong Jun , Zhang Rong , He Menghua , Zhong Hanyu , He Jiashan , Yang Xinyu , Shi Yi , Wang Danni , Zeng Jun , Fu Bishi , Zhong Bei , Liu Hui 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Therapeutic tumor vaccines have become an important breakthrough in the treatment of various solid tumors including lung cancer. Dendritic cells (DCs)-based tumor vaccines targeting tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) play a key role in immunotherapy and immunoprevention. However, the weak immunogenicity of TAAs and low immune response rates are a major challenge faced in the application of therapeutic tumor vaccines. Here, we tested whether targeting an attractive target Mesothelin (MSLN) and PD-L1 immune checkpoint molecule to DCs in vivo would elicit therapeutic antitumor cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response. We generated specific MSLN fragment combined with PD-L1 and GM-CSF peptide immunogen (MSLN-PDL1-GMCSF) based on the novel anti-PD-L1 vaccination strategy we recently developed for the cancer treatment and prevention. We found that DCs loaded with MSLN-PDL1-GMCSF vaccine elicited much stronger endogenous anti-PD-L1 antibody and T cell responses in immunized mice and that antigen specific CTLs had cytolytic activities against tumor cells expressing both MSLN and PD-L1. We demonstrated that vaccination with MSLN-PDL1-GMCSF potently inhibited the tumor growth of MSLN+ and PD-L1+ lung cancer cells, exhibiting a significant therapeutic anti-tumor potential. Furthermore, PD-1 blockade further improved the synergistic antitumor therapeutic efficacy of MSLN-PDL1-GMCSF vaccine in immunized mice. In summary, our data demonstrated for the first time that this PD-L1-containing MSLN therapeutic vaccine can induce persistent anti-PD-L1 antibody and CTL responses, providing an effective immunotherapeutic strategy for lung cancer immunotherapy by combining MSLN-PDL1-GMCSF vaccine and PD-1 blockade.
PBX1-SIRT1 positive feedback loop attenuates ROS-mediated HF- MSC senescence and apoptosis
Authors: Wang Yuan , Sui Yutong , Niu Ye , Liu Dan , Xu Qi , Liu Feilin , Zuo Kuiyang , Liu mingsheng , Sun Wei , Wang Ziyu , Liu Zinan , Zou Fei , Shi Jiahong , Liu Xiao mei , Liu Jinyu 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Stem cell senescence and depletion are major causes of organismal aging and aging-related diseases. The NAD–SIRT1–PARP1 axis has garnered remarkable interest owing to its significant role in regulating stem cell senescence and organismal aging. Event though our recent study showes that PBX1 overexpression attenuates hair follicle-derived mesenchymal stem cell (HF-MSC) senescence and apoptosis by regulating ROS-mediated DNA damage via downregulation of PARP1 expression, suggesting PARP1 downregulation is a common manifestation of the roles of both PBX1 and SIRT1 in the attenuation of HF-MSC senescence, and implying a potential link between PBX1 and SIRT1 via PARP1. Methods: HF-MSCs overexpressing PBX1, overexpressing both PBX1 and PARP1, downregulating SIRT1, and overexpressing PBX1 and downregulating SIRT1 were generated, and biomarkers related to cell senescence, apoptosis, DNA damage, and repair were detected at the cellular and protein levels. Results: (1) PBX1 overexpression alleviated HF-MSC senescence and apoptosis accompanied by upregulation of SIRT1 expression, downregulation of PARP1 expression, and increased intracellular NAD and ATP levels. (2) SIRT1 knockdown or PARP1 overexpression enhanced cellular senescence and apoptosis, accompanied by increased ROS accumulation and DNA damage aggravation and decreased intracellular NAD and ATP levels. (3) PBX1 overexpression rescued HF-MSC senescence and apoptosis induced by SIRT1 knockdown or PARP1 overexpression. (4) Dual luciferase reporter showed PBX1 enhanced SIRT1 expression by activating SIRT1 promoter. Conclusions: Our results reveal that a positive interaction feedback loop exists between PBX1 and SIRT1, that PBX1 is the upstream of SIRT1. To the best of our knowledge we are the first to report that there is a PBX1-SIRT1-PARP1 axis and this axis plays a critical role in alleviation of HF-MSC senescence and apoptosis. The results provide a new perspective on the mechanism of stem cell senescence and age-related disease prevention and treatment.
ERK 1 and ERK 2 gene polymorhisms has a role in PCOS pathogenesis
Authors: Guney Gurhan , Taşkın Mine Islimye , Sener Nazli , Tolu Ezgi , Dodurga Yavuz , Elmas Levent , Cetin Orkun , Sarigul Cengiz 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Ovulation is regulated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 (ERK-1) and ERK-2 signaling mechanisms, and ERK-1/2 kinases modulates the function of most of the LH-regulated genes. Defective ERK kinase signaling that is secondary to a genetic problem contributes to both ovulatory dysfunction and metabolic problems in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We planned to investigate ERK-1 and ERK-2 gene polymorphisms in PCOS for the first time in the Turkish population.Methods: 102 PCOS patients and 102 healthy controls were recruited for this patient control study. HOMA-IR, Ferriman-Gallwey score (FGS), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and body mass index (BMI) were assessed. Lipid profile levels, CRP, and total testosterone were determined. ERK-2 rs2276008 (G > C) and ERK-1 rs11865228 (G > A) SNPs were analyzed with a real-time PCR system.Results: ERK-1 and ERK-2 genotypes were found to differ between the PCOS and control groups. In patients with PCOS, ERK-1 GA and ERK-2 GC genotypes were different in terms of BMI, FGS, HOMA-IR, CRP, total testosterone, and total cholesterol levels.Conclusions: ERK-1 and ERK-2 genes are involved in PCOS pathogenesis. BMI, FGS, HOMA-IR, and CRP levels are related to the heterozygote polymorphic types of ERK-1 and ERK-2 genes.
Novel probiotic Brazilian strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum protect intestinal mucositis in experimental mice
Authors: Coelho-Rocha Nina Dias , de Jesus Luís Cláudio Lima , Barroso Fernanda Alvarenga Lima , Silva Tales Fernando da , Ferreira Enio , Gonçalves José Eduardo , Martins Flaviano dos Santos , Carvalho Rodrigo Dias de Oliveira , Barh Debmalya , Azevedo Vasco Ariston de Carvalho 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Several studies have shown the probiotic potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains. However, the efficacy of this strain in treating intestinal mucositis is little explored. Here, we investigated the gastrointestinal protective effects of nine novel L. plantarum strains isolated from Bahia, Brazil. The probiotic functionality was first evaluated, in vitro, by characterization of bile salt and low pH tolerance, antibacterial activity, and adhesion to Caco-2 cells. Antibiotic resistance profile, mucin degradation, and haemolytic activity assays were also carried out to evaluate safety features. In vivo analyses were conducted to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the strains using a mouse model of 5-FU-induced mucositis. Our results suggest that the used L. plantarum strains have good tolerance to bile salts and low pH and are able to inhibit commonly gastrointestinal pathogens. Additionally, Lp11 and Lpl2 strains exhibit high adhesion rates to Caco-2 cells (9.05 and 13.64% respectively) and no strain show haemolytic or mucolytic activity. Phenotypical resistance to aminoglycosides, vancomycin, and tetracycline is observed for most strains. Seven strains can protect against histopathological damage in a mouse model of mucositis. Gene expression analysis of immune response markers shows that five strains upregulate Il10, while four downregulate both Il6 and Il1b to inhibit mucositis. Additionally, all strains were found to reduce eosinophilic and neutrophilic infiltration; however, they are not able to prevent weight loss or reduced liquid/ food intake. Taken together, our study suggests these Brazilian L. plantarum strains are safe for human use and are potential alternatives to treat intestinal mucositis.
Integrated analysis on m6A-related prognostic lncRNA signatures associated with prognosis and tumor immunotherapy in renal papillary cell carcinoma
Authors: Dai Xinglong , Zeng Menghua , Huang Zhen , Zhang Jun , Wei Zhengqiang , Wang Ziwei 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
To elucidate the prognostic patterns of m6A-related lncRNAs and construct a prognostic model of m6A-related lncRNAs in Kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP).
Methods
We downloaded KIRP-related RNA-seq and clinical data from the TCGA dataset. Potential m6A-related prognostic lncRNAs in KIRP patients were selected by Pearson correlation test and univariate Cox analysis. KIRP patients were divided into two clusters using consensus clustering. The prognostic model of m6A-related lncRNAs was constructed to explore the relationship between m6A-related lncRNAs and clinical features and survival data using LASSO regression analysis. We also determined the relationship of risk models to tumor microenvironment (TME) and drug sensitivity.
Results
We first identified two m6A-related lncRNA pattern clusters by consensus clustering based on 32 m6A-related prognostic lncRNAs. Patients from cluster 2 were dramatically associated with poor prognosis, worse clinical grades, etc. Cluster 2 not only had higher immuneScore, ESTIMATEScore, and stromalScore but was also associated with higher levels of immune cell infiltration and expression of immune checkpoint molecules. Then, 14 m6A-related prognostic lncRNAs were selected and validated as independent and robust predictors of KIRP prognosis. Two nomograms based on age, tumor grade, clinical stage, and m6A-related lncRNAs expression were generated, showing high accuracy and reliability in predicting overall survival in KIRP patients. KIRP patients in the high-risk group had higher pN stage, pT stage, pM stage, advanced clinical stage, and higher tumor grade than the low-risk group. Importantly, cluster 2 with worse overall survival had a higher risk score than cluster 1, thus indicating consistency between the two methods for predicting survival in KIRP. Furthermore, some tumor-infiltrating immune cells, immune checkpoint molecules, and drugs sensitivity were closely related to the risk score of the prognostic model in KIRP patients.
Conclusion
We not only established a model of novel m6A-related prognostic lncRNAs with favorable prognostic value in KIRP patients, but also could provide new insights into tumorigenesis and predict treatment response in KIRP patients.
How public and private health insurance coverage mitigates catastrophic health expenditures in South Korea
Authors: Jung Hyun Woo , Kwon Young Dae , Noh Jin-Won 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Korea has instituted a private health insurance (PHI) scheme that covers the remaining expenses uncovered by the National Health Insurance (NHI). No study has yet estimated the extent to which PHI coverage lowers the economic burden of household access to health care. The current study intends to evaluate the design of Korea's PHI system in terms of coverage using a catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) indicator and compare it with NHI. Methods: This study determined the difference between the number of households subscribed to PHI and the number of households that paid benefits. Also, it compared the effects of reduced CHE through NHI benefits with those of PHI. Furthermore, it compared PHI benefit rates by income class. Finally, it analyzed the benefit contribution of NHI and PHI to CHE reduction through a two-part model with hierarchical regression. Results: Results indicated that of the 5,644 households studied, 3,769 subscribed to PHI, but only 246 households received benefits. The NHI reduced CHE incidence by 15.17%, whereas PHI only reduced CHE by 1.22%. The NHI scheme indicated reduced inequality as it provided more benefits to the low-income class, whereas the PHI paid more to the high-income class. The NHI coverage has protected households from CHE and improved equality to some extent; however, PHI coverage has had little effect on relieving CHE and has deteriorated equality. Conclusions: Korean private insurance companies, which are mostly subsidiaries of for-profit conglomerates, only pay for pre-contracted diseases, therefore, most patients do not receive benefits. Thus, Korea's private insurance system needs to improve to provide benefits to patients more generously and alleviate the financial burden of medical use.
Barriers and facilitators to shared decision-making for frail and elderly patients within the perioperative setting: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Vogel Amyn , Guinemer Camille , Fürstenau Daniel 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Shared decision-making (SDM) is an approach to enable patient-centeredness and tailored treatment pathways, within the perioperative setting. This could benefit frail and elderly patients, who suffer from multiple health issues and increased surgical vulnerability and postoperative complications, requiring individualized healthcare. However, little is known about facilitators and barriers to implementing SDM into clinical practice for the specific requirements of frail and elderly patients.The objective is to gain a comprehensive overview of original studies on facilitators and barriers to SDM perceived by clinical healthcare personnel and patients to SDM within the perioperative setting. Our aim is twofold: First, we aim at collecting and understanding facilitators and barriers regarding SDM addressed by elderly and frail patients and clinical healthcare personnel. Second, we aim at understanding the underlying approaches and methods employed in respective studies.METHODS: We conduct a scoping literature review, based on the databases MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science and report results with PRISMA-ScR. We follow the methodological framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley and the recommendations by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Restrictions relate to language: only English, French, and German language articles are considered. We developed a data charting template to organize the data extraction. We decided to conduct a scoping review to better understand key concepts and the implementation of SDM and to identify the evidence for barriers and facilitators of SDM as perceived by patients and clinical healthcare personnel.DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first scoping review to address SDM for elderly and frail patients within the perioperative setting. A preliminary search has been conducted. After removing all duplicates, we found 984 results. We assessed that a sufficient body of literature exists to conduct this scoping review.The scoping review will provide a map of the research on facilitators and barriers perceived by clinical healthcare personnel and patients regarding SDM for perioperative care. The results are meant to support researchers and clinical healthcare personnel, in determining further research initiatives and the implementation of SDM within perioperative care for elderly and frail patients. Research gaps and future directions will be addressed in the forthcoming review.Registration: https://osf.io/8fjnb/
Evaluation of cow’s and goat’s fresh cheese preservation under hyperbaric storage at room temperature up to 60 days versus refrigeration regarding nutritional and physicochemical parameters
Authors: Duarte Ricardo V. , Casal Susana , Gomes Ana M. , Delgadillo Ivonne , Saraiva Jorge A. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Two highly perishable dairy products (cow’s and goat’s fresh cheese (FC)), were stored under hyperbaric storage at room temperature (HS/RT, 50-100MPa) and compared with RF (4ºC), for 60 days. HS/RT (≥75MPa) lead to a more stable volatile organic and fatty acid profiles, reducing lipid oxidation rate, particularly for cow’s FC, resembling more to FC prior storage, contrarily to refrigerated cheeses. No variation was observed for total protein, while free amino acids increased over time after 60 days at 75/RT of 13- and 16-fold, and at 100/RT of 14- and 8-fold, respectively in cow’s and goat’s FC, which may have contributed to increased protein digestibility (5.2%) observed for goat’s FC after 60 days at 100/RT.These results indicate the overall increased preservation performance achieved by HS/RT for cow’s and goat’s FC when compared with RF, slowing down FC matrix degradation, possibly leading to considerable shelf-life extension.