bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Poria cocos polysaccharides exert prebiotic function to attenuate the adverse effects and improve the therapeutic outcome of 5-FU in ApcMin/+ mice
Authors: Yin Lin , Huang Guoxin , Khan Imran , Su Lu , Xia Wenrui , Law Betty Yuen Kwan , Wong Vincent Kam Wai , Wu Qiang , Wang Jingyi , Leong Wai Kit , Hsiao W. L. Wendy 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
As a first-line chemotherapeutic agent, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) exhibits many side effects, weakening its efficacy in cancer treatment. In this study, we hypothesize that Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCP), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with various bioactivities and prebiotic effects, might improve the therapeutic effect of 5-FU by restoring the homeostasis of the gut microenvironment and the commensal gut microflora.

Methods
ApcMin/+ mice were employed to evaluate the anti-cancer effect of 5-FU in conjunction with PCP treatment. Body weight and food consumption were monitored weekly. Polyp count was used to assess the anti-cancer effect of PCP and 5-FU. Expressions of mucosal cytokines and gut epithelial junction molecules were measured using qRT-PCR. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal DNAs was used to evaluate the compositional changes of gut microbiota (GM). Transplantation of Lactobacillus johnsonii and Bifidobacterium animalis were performed to verify the prebiotic effects of PCP in improving the efficacy of 5-FU.

Results
The results showed that PCP treatment alleviated the weight loss caused by 5-FU treatment and reduced the polyp burden in ApcMin/+ mice. Additionally, PCP treatment eased the cytotoxic effects of 5-FU by reducing the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines, increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokines; and significantly improving the gut barriers by enhancing the tight junction proteins and associated adhesion molecules. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing data showed that PCP alone or with 5-FU could stimulate the growth of probiotic bacteria (Bacteroides acidifaciens, Bacteroides intestinihominis, Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum, and the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Eubacterium). At the same time, it inhibited the growth of potential pathogens (e.g., Alistipes finegoldii, Alistipes massiliensis, Alistipes putredinis., Citrobacter spp., Desulfovibrio spp., and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans). Moreover, the results showed that transplantation of L.johnsonii and B.animalis effectively reduced the polyp burden in ApcMin/+ mice being treated with 5-FU.

Conclusion
Our study showed that PCP could effectively improve the anti-cancer effect of 5-FU by attenuating its side effects, modulating intestinal inflammation, improving the gut epithelial barrier, and modulating the gut microbiota of ApcMin/+ mice.
Ventricular fibrillation immediately after the treatment of Graves’ disease coexisting with atypical angina and long QT syndrome: a case report
Authors: Iwasaki Hajime , Suwanai Hirotsugu , Sakai Hiroyuki , Ishii Keitaro , Hara Natsuko , Satomi Kazuhiro , Takada Yasuyuki , Nagamatsu Yuki , Suzuki Ryo 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Palpitations due to Graves’ disease are often caused by supraventricular arrhythmia. However, in rare cases, the background of coronary artery disease, genetic abnormalities, or channel abnormalities can cause ventricular fibrillation, which is a lethal arrhythmia. Here, we report a case of ventricular fibrillation after administration of beta-blockers early in the course of treatment for Graves’ disease coexisting with atypical angina and long QT syndrome.

Case presentation
A 48-year-old man consulted a local general physician for chest discomfort and palpitations for approximately 2 weeks. He was diagnosed with Graves’ disease and treated with thiamazole 15 mg, bisoprolol 1.25 mg, and nitroglycerin 0.3 mg. The patient continued to experience chest discomfort the next day and visited our hospital. The patient was treated with landiolol 0.125 mg/kg/min for heart rate control, and 20 min later, electrocardiography showed a change from the R-on-T phenomenon to ventricular fibrillation. After cardiopulmonary resumption and improvement of thyroid function, a stress test was performed, which revealed coronary angina and long QT syndrome. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was implanted in the patient for secondary prevention. Since then, no fatal arrhythmia has been observed to date.

Conclusions
When beta-blockers are administered to patients with Graves’ disease who have severe chest symptoms, fatal arrhythmias are possible. ICD implantation should be considered for the secondary prevention of fatal arrhythmias.
Stimulated generation of photobiogas by morphologically tuned nanostructured ZnO and ZnO/TiO2
Authors: Mbrouk Omar , Hafez H. , Mozia Sylwia , Othman A. M. , Abdel Mottaleb M. S. A. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe photocatalytic degradation (PCD) of ethanol in an inert atmosphere on catalysis was explored in a lab-scale experiment. A morphologically tuned nanostructured controlled ZnO and ZnO/TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal process under the control of several functionally capping agents marking a milestone in photocatalysis. It is possible that this could be modified to produce photobiogas out of organic dye pollution. The photocatalysts were characterized by the use of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) surface area analyzer, Scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDX), and UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the ZnO and ZnO–TiO2 composite nanostructures was evaluated for the photodegradation of the Tartrazine (Tr) dye aqueous solution. Where the composite matrix exhibits higher photocatalytic activity than pure ZnO nanomaterials as a result of the synergistic interaction between ZnO and TiO2 particles. This is mainly due to its higher surface area than pure ZnO. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of the tuned nanostructured materials is found to be enhanced by the effect of the capping agent and controlling the morphology. This increase is accompanied by a significant shift in surface shape and band gap energy. According to the findings, the designed morphologies of pure ZnO photocatalyst impacted the formation of photobiogas from the photocatalytic decomposition of ethanol as a model of organic pollutants in wastewater. However, when using composite ZnO/TiO2 photocatalysts, the rate of CH4 formation is significantly lower than when using ZnO photocatalysts alone. This may be attributed to the synergetic effect between ZnO and TiO2 particles which leads to a remarkable reduction in the newly formed band gap energy. This may result in a fast rate of recombination between the photogenerated charge carriers (e− and h+).
Immuno-digital invasive cleavage assay for analyzing Alzheimer’s amyloid ß-bound extracellular vesicles
Authors: Yuyama Kohei , Sun Hui , Igarashi Yasuyuki , Monde Kenji , Hirase Takumi , Nakayama Masato , Makino Yoichi 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
The protracted preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) provides the opportunity for early intervention to prevent the disease; however, the lack of minimally invasive and easily detectable biomarkers and their measurement technologies remain unresolved. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized membrane vesicles released from a variety of cells and play important roles in cell–cell communication. Neuron-derived and ganglioside-enriched EVs capture amyloid-ß protein, a major AD agent, and transport it into glial cells for degradation; this suggests that EVs influence Aß accumulation in the brain. EV heterogeneity, however, requires the use of a highly sensitive technique for measuring specific EVs in biofluid. In this study, immuno-digital invasive cleavage assay (idICA) was developed for quantitating target-intact EVs.

Methods
EVs were captured onto ganglioside GM1-specific cholera toxin B subunit (CTB)-conjugated magnetic beads and detected with a DNA oligonucleotide-labeled Aß antibody. Fluorescence signals for individual EVs were then counted using an invasive cleavage assay (ICA). This idICA examines the Aß-bound and GM1-containing EVs isolated from the culture supernatant of human APP-overexpressing N2a (APP-N2a) cells and APP transgenic mice sera.

Results
The idICA quantitatively detected Aß-bound and GM1-containing EVs isolated from culture supernatants of APP-N2a cells and sera of AD model mice. The idICA levels of Aß-associated EVs in blood gradually increased from 3- to 12-month-old mice, corresponding to the progression of Aß accumulations in the brain of AD model mice.

Conclusions
The present findings suggest that peripheral EVs harboring Aß and GM1 reflect Aß burden in mice. The idICA is a valuable tool for easy quantitative detection of EVs as an accessible biomarker for preclinical AD diagnosis.
Organic matter in the pest and plant disease control: a meta-analysis
Authors: RM Silva , LP Canellas 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundPesticides have become a central public health problem and a source of environmental contamination. The use of organic matter is an important strategy to reduce synthetic agrochemicals, improve soil conditions, and increase nutrient uptake by plants. Organic matter can also induce plant resistance against biotic stress in some circumstances. However, the results reported for different types of organic matter applications are often very different form each other, thus making difficult their interpretation and hindering and discouraging their use as valuable alternative. Identifying the main factors involved in the efficacy of these sustainable methodologies and the associated research gaps is important to increase the efficiency of organic matter and reduce the use of pesticides.Materials and methodsWe performed a comprehensive meta-analysis of the current recent scientific literature on the use of organic matter as control method for pest and disease, using data reduction techniques, such as principal component analysis. We found 695 articles listing the keywords in the databases between 2010 and 2021 and selected 42 that met inclusion criteria.ResultsIn general, all organic matter reported showed a high inhibition of pests and diseases. Control effectiveness was close to 75% for fungal diseases and 67% for the pest control. The source of organic matter most frequently reported was the vermicompost. However, humic substances showed the greatest effectiveness of 74% when compared to both fungal and bacterial disease control. The concentration of humic substances ranged from 1 to 500 mg L−1, with the highest concentrations used in case of soil application.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated the potential role of organic matter as a resistance elicitor in plants, thus allowing a partial/total reduction of pesticides in crops. Despite the efficiency reported in the works, the mechanisms of induction of pest and disease control remains poorly studied.Graphical Abstract
Split-DNAzyme cooperating primer exchange reaction for sensitive miRNA detection
Authors: Luo Xuguo , Wu Hongze , Xiong Mingjie , Jiang Liyun , Jiang Zhihao , Gong Minyong 
Published: October 2022

AbstractSensitive quantification of microRNA (miRNA) plays a crucial role in early diagnosis and precise therapy of osteosarcoma. Herein, we build a label-free and sensitive miRNA quantification approach based on the activation of split-DNAzyme initiated primer exchange reaction (PER). Target miRNA cooperates the activation of split-DNAzyme with Mg2+ through assisting the assembly of DNAzyme to correct conformation, which enables the performance of PER-based nucleic acids amplification to produce a large amount of single-strand DNA (ssDNA) sequences. The G-quadruplexes (G4) in ssDNA sequences products bind with N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX (NMM) to form G4-NMM complex with the enhanced fluorescence respond. The results demonstrate that miRNA-21 can assist the activation of split-DNAzyme, and the active DNAzyme exhibits a high specificity and efficiency in inducing the subsequent PER. Based on the split-DNAzyme-assisted signal recycle and PER, the method eventually shows a high sensitivity and selectivity, providing a promising prospect for the for early stage tumor diagnosis and more precise tumor therapy.
Risk factors and outcomes of postoperative stroke in surgical treatment for giant intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Wang Hao , Lu Junlin , Chen Xin , Hao Qiang 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Giant intracranial aneurysms (GIAs) are challenges for surgical treatment. Risk factors of postoperative stroke remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the predictors of postoperative stroke in GIAs and the impact of stroke on outcomes.

Methods
We performed a retrospective medical record review of patients with GIAs who received microsurgery at our institution between 2011 and 2018. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify risk factors for postoperative stroke. The clinical and angiographic outcomes were compared between patients with and without stroke.

Results
A total of 97 patients were included in this study. Surgical modalities included direct aneurysm neck clipping in 85 patients (87.7%), trapping with the bypass in 8 (8.2%), proximal artery ligation in 1 (1%), and bypass alone in 3 (3.1%). Postoperative stroke was found in 26 patients (26.8%). Independent factors that affect postoperative stroke were recurrent aneurysm (OR, 10.982; 95% CI, 1.976–61.045; P = 0.006) and size ≥ 3.5 cm (OR, 3.420; 95% CI, 1.133–10.327; P = 0.029). Combined perioperative mortality and morbidity was 26.8%. Follow-up was achieved from 89 patients (91.8%), with a mean follow-up period of 39 months (range 19 to 94 months). Good outcomes were observed in 75 patients (84.3%) and poor outcomes were observed in 14 patients (15.7%).

Conclusions
Postoperative stroke was significantly associated with clinical outcome. Favorable outcomes can be achieved in most patients with GIAs after appropriate microsurgical modality. Recurrent aneurysm and size ≥ 3.5 cm are risk factors of postoperative stroke.
A lightweight DDoS detection scheme under SDN context
Authors: Jia Kun , Liu Chaoge , Liu Qixu , Wang Junnan , Liu Jiazhi , Liu Feng 
Published: October 2022

AbstractSoftware-defined networking (SDN), a novel network paradigm, separates the control plane and data plane into different network equipment to realize the flexible control of network traffic. Its excellent programmability and global view present many new opportunities. DDoS detection under the SDN context is an important and challenging research field. Some previous works attempted to collect and analyze statistics related to flows, usually recorded in switches, to address DDoS threats. In contrast, other works applied machine learning-based solutions to identify DDoS and achieved promising results. Generally, most previous works need to periodically request flow rules or packets to obtain flow statistics or features to detect stealthy exceptions. Nevertheless, the request for flow rules is very time-consuming and CPU-consuming; moreover may congest the communication channel between the controller and the switches. Therefore, we present FORT, a lightweight DDoS detection scheme, which spreads the rule-based detection algorithm at edge switches and determines whether to start it by periodically retrieving the ports state. A time-series algorithm, ARIMA, is utilized to determine the port statistics adaptively, and an SVM algorithm is applied to detect whether a DDoS attack does occur. Representative experiments demonstrate that FORT can significantly reduce the controller load and provide a reliable detection accuracy. Referring to the false alarm rate of 1.24% in the comparison scheme, the false alarm rate of this scheme is only 0.039%, which significantly reduces the probability of false alarm. Besides, by introducing the alarm mechanism, this scheme can reduce the load of the southbound channel by more than 60% in the normal state.
Socioeconomic factors affecting outcomes in total knee and hip arthroplasty: a systematic review on healthcare disparities
Authors: Alvarez Paul M. , McKeon John F. , Spitzer Andrew I. , Krueger Chad A. , Pigott Matthew , Li Mengnai , Vajapey Sravya P. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Recent studies showed that healthcare disparities exist in use of and outcomes after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This systematic review was designed to evaluate the currently available evidence regarding the effect socioeconomic factors, like income, insurance type, hospital volume, and geographic location, have on utilization of and outcomes after lower extremity arthroplasty.

Methods
A comprehensive search of the literature was performed by querying the MEDLINE database using keywords such as, but not limited to, “disparities”, “arthroplasty”, “income”, “insurance”, “outcomes”, and “hospital volume” in all possible combinations. Any study written in English and consisting of level of evidence I-IV published over the last 20 years was considered for inclusion. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed on the data.

Results
A total of 44 studies that met inclusion and quality criteria were included for analysis. Hospital volume is inversely correlated with complication rate after TJA. Insurance type may not be a surrogate for socioeconomic status and, instead, represent an independent prognosticator for outcomes after TJA. Patients in the lower-income brackets may have poorer access to TJA and higher readmission risk but have equivalent outcomes after TJA compared to patients in higher income brackets. Rural patients have higher utilization of TJA compared to urban patients.

Conclusion
This systematic review shows that insurance type, socioeconomic status, hospital volume, and geographic location can have significant impact on patients’ access to, utilization of, and outcomes after TJA.

Level of evidence
IV.
Social life in adult patients after Fontan procedure
Authors: Alhabdan Mohammed S. , Alzayer Eman A. , Alawami Murtadha H. , Khouqeer Fareed A. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Little is known about the social life in adult patients after Fontan palliation. The study aimed to assess the long-term social life of patients after Fontan surgery, including school achievement, employment, and marital status.

Results
We conducted a cross-sectional study on patients aged 18 years or above who had a Fontan operation for a single ventricle pathology. Our outcomes were the academic performance and marital and employment status of adult Fontan patients. Patients or their families were interviewed directly or by phone, and a set of questions were asked to address their educational level, employment, and marital status. Ninety-nine patients were included in the study. Their median age was 21 years (min–max: 18–41), and 60% were females (n= 59). The most common diagnoses were double inlet left ventricle (n= 24, 24%), tricuspid atresia (n= 21, 21%), and the unbalanced atrioventricular canal (n= 21, 21%). Fourteen patients (14%) were married, and 6 of them had children (two were females). Eleven percent were college graduates (either diploma or bachelor’s degree), and 47% were high school graduates.

Conclusions
Fontan operation could negatively affect the social life of the patients. It may affect employment patterns, educational levels, and marital status.
Ultrasonographic findings in patients with chronic kidney disease with asymptomatic hyperuricemia
Authors: Hashaad Nashwa Ismail , Ganeb Sahar Saad , Hassan Saddam A. A. , Mohamed Shimaa Hamdeen , Ibrahim Noha Hosni 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundMusculoskeletal ultrasound is a useful, noninvasive tool to detect anatomical damage in the hyaline cartilage, synovial tissue, and tendons of individuals with asymptomatic hyperuricemia. This study aimed to determine the frequency of musculoskeletal ultrasonographic findings related to hyperuricemia among CKD patients and its relation to chronic musculoskeletal pain and their quality of life.ResultsDouble contour (DC) was found in12%,18%, and 22% of the knee, ankle, and 1st MTPs joints, respectively. Hyper-echoic cloud was present in 2% and 6% of the knee and 1st MTPs, respectively. Synovitis was seen in 8%, 4%, and 16% of the knee, ankle, and 1st MTPs joints, respectively. Patellar tendon showed enthesopathy in 14% and tophus in 8% of cases. Tibialis posterior tenosynovitis was in 2% and peroneii tenosynovitis in 2%. Achilles tendon showed calcific foci in 24%, enthesopathy in 20%, and tophi in 4%. First MTPs showed erosion in 10% and tophi in 4%. There were statistically significant relations of pain index to DC, synovial thickening at the knee and at ankle joint. There were statistically significant relations of serum uric acid level to DC.There were statistically significant correlations of serum uric acid level to the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36).ConclusionsUntreated hyperuricemia might cause musculoskeletal ultrasonographic changes that could cause chronic musculoskeletal pain and decrease quality of life in chronic kidney disease patients.
Evaluation of a new emergency department avoidance model of care, the Cancer Urgent Assessment Clinic, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Haugstetter Corrine , Mason Robert , Sanmugarajah Jasotha , Hattingh H. Laetitia 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Introduction
The Cancer Urgent Assessment Clinic (CUAC) was an emergency department (ED) avoidance/unscheduled model of care implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim was to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure and infection by providing an alternative to ED for cancer patients while undergoing anticancer treatments.

Methods
The clinic incorporated a telephone triage process and face-to-face appointments 8am to 8pm, 7 days per week. CUAC operated between 23 March '20 and 31 July '20, led by a nurse practitioner candidate, oncology registrars, cancer nurse specialists, and overseen by oncology consultants. Evaluation followed a mixed-methods approach through (1) analysis of CUAC patient data, (2) comparison of ED cancer patient presentation data from a previous period (23 March 2019–31 July 2019), and (3) a patient survey.

Results
In total, 400 patients were telephone triaged via CUAC, with 166 recorded as having avoided ED. There was a reduction in the number of cancer patient admissions to the ED short stay unit during the clinic period compared with the same time-period in 2019: 130 vs. 234, associated with 615 fewer hours. Patient satisfaction was positive particularly regarding ease of access, time to treatment, confidence in assessment and treatment of cancer-related concerns, and likelihood of presenting to hospital when unwell during the pandemic.

Discussion
While initially being implemented to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure, this evaluation demonstrated the CUAC model was an efficient and potentially cost-saving model of care for the management of cancer patients with mild to moderate severity of disease and treatment-related concerns.