bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research and Design of a Wing-Wall-Free Guardrail in Transition Between the Subgrade and the Bridge
Authors: Shen Linlin , Hu Ran , Wang Tingyu 
Published: July 2022

Considering the difficulty and high cost of guardrail installation in the transition between the highway subgrade and the bridge, this paper proposes a wing-wall-free guardrail based on comprehensive research. It has carried out a performance analysis of material Q690 before proposing the scheme. It is found that this type of material has high yield strength and tensile strength as well as high plasticity. Accordingly, the guardrail structure of the transition section of the wing-wall-free guardrail is designed, and the DYNA numerical simulation is carried out to optimize the structure. Moreover, vehicle crash tests are used to verify the performance of the newly designed guardrail. The results of the above-mentioned research methods are as follows: the vehicle crash tests show that the wing-wall-free guardrail can reach a protection level of Grade SB, with a collision energy of 280 KJ. All performance indicators meet the industry standards. The guardrail can be used in the transition between W-beam subgrade guardrails and concrete or combined bridge barriers. This proposed guardrail is beautifully designed with low cost and great conveniency for installation and maintenance.
Demographic Characteristics, Comorbidities, and Length of Stay of COVID-19 Patients Admitted Into Intensive Care Units in Saudi Arabia: A Nationwide Retrospective Study
Authors: Al-Otaiby Maram , Almutairi Khalid M. , Vinluan Jason M. , Al Seraihi Ahad , Alonazi Wadi B. , Qahtani Mohammad Hassan , Aljeri Thamer , Alhumud Manal A. , Alobaidi Nadhar , Alhurishi Sultana A. 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundThis study aimed to describe the demographic characteristics and determine the risk factors associated with disease severity and length of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay in a cohort of COVID-19 patients admitted into ICU in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis was a national, multi-center, retrospective cross-sectional study of all COVID-19 cases admitted into different ICUs in Saudi Arabia between March 2020 and September 202l. Demographic, clinical features, comorbidities, and length of stay (LOS) data were retrieved from the national Health Electronic Surveillance Network (HESN) and Taqassi databases at the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) for subsequent analyses. We used multiple linear regression models to determine risk factors associated with critical outcomes (including LOS in ICU) among COVID-19 cases.ResultsA total of 12,436 COVID-19 patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 59.57 ± 18.30 years and 7,679 (62%) were &lt;65 years old. COVID-19 was more common in males (N = 7,686, 61.9%) and Saudi nationals (N = 8,516, 68.5%). The clinical characteristic findings showed that 36.3% of patients required invasive ventilation whilst 65.4% received tracheostomies for ventilation, and 4% were on dialysis. Our analysis revealed that 2,978 (23.9%) patients had one comorbidity, 4,977 (47.4%) had two or more comorbidities, and diabetes (48.2%) was the most prevalent comorbidity, followed by hypertension (44.2%), and chronic cardiovascular disease (10.5%). Thirteen variables emerged as significant predictors of LOS in ICU using multiple linear regression analyses, with invasive ventilation as the strongest predictor of LOS in the ICU (beta = −0.68, p = 0.001) and hospital admission (beta = −0.65, p = 0.001).ConclusionsCOVID-19 continues to affect millions of people around the world, with a mortality rate of about 2–3% of all infected patients. Our analysis revealed that comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and older age were significant risk factors associated with a poorer prognosis and longer duration of stay in hospitals and ICU.
Effects of the Prolong Life With Nine Turn Method (Yan Nian Jiu Zhuan) Qigong on Brain Functional Changes in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Terms of Fatigue and Quality of Life
Authors: Xie Fangfang , Guan Chong , Gu Yuanjia , You Yanli , Yao Fei 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundChronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by persistent fatigue, which often leads to physical and psychological damage. The Prolong Life with Nine Turn method (PLWNT) Qigong is considered as one of the complementary treatments for improving symptoms in patients with CFS. In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to explore the effects of PLWNT intervention on the subjects with CFS.MethodsThirty four CFS patients were randomly divided into PLWNT group and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group. Both groups were taught by a highly qualified professor at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine once a week and were supervised online during the remaining 6 days at home, over 12 consecutive weeks. We calculated the regional rs-fMRI index amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) for all subjects. To study the changes of the brain network, we used the brain regions with significant differences in ALFF as the regions of interest for whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) analysis. The Multi-dimensional Fatigue Inventory 20 (MFI-20) and Short Form 36-item Health Survey (SF-36) were used for clinical symptom assessment to explore the possible correlation between the rs-fMRI indicators and clinical variations.ResultsThe ALFF values of the right superior frontal gyrus (SFG), and left median cingulate gyrus (DCG) were increased, whereas those of the left middle occipital gyrus (OG), right middle OG and left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) were decreased in PLWNT group. The FC values between the DCG and middle temporal gyrus (MTG), and those between the left OG and the right OG were enhanced. In addition, the SF-36 were positively with the left OG (r = 0.524), SFG (r = 0.517), and DCG (r = 0.533), MFI-20 were negatively with the SFG (r = −0.542) and DCG (r = −0.578). These results were all corrected by FWE (voxel level p &lt; 0.001, cluster level p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionCFS patients have abnormal regional spontaneous neuronal activity and abnormal functional connections between regions after PLWNT intervention. PLWNT can relieve the fatigue symptoms of CFS patients and improve their quality of life. The study was registered in the American Clinical Trial Registry (12/04/2018). Registration Number is NCT03496961.
Novel PLA2G6 Pathogenic Variants in Chinese Patients With PLA2G6-Associated Neurodegeneration
Authors: Wan Yalan , Jiang Yanyan , Xie Zhiying , Ling Chen , Du Kang , Li Ran , Yuan Yun , Wang Zhaoxia , Sun Wei , Jin Haiqiang 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundPLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration (PLAN) is a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative diseases caused by biallelic PLA2G6 mutations, covering diseases such as infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD), atypical neuroaxonal dystrophy (ANAD), dystonia parkinsonism (DP), and autosomal recessive early-onset parkinsonism (AREP). The study aims to report the clinical and genetic features of a series of PLAN patients.MethodsThe clinical and radiological findings of five Chinese patients from three families were collected. Whole-exome next generation sequencing (NGS) was applied to identify the genetic causes. Co-segregation analysis of the detected candidate variants were performed in their families. The pathogenicity of identified novel variants was predicted by in silico analysis.ResultsNGS revealed compound heterozygous variants of PLA2G6 gene in all five patients. There were six PLA2G6 variants identified, including two known variants (c.116G&gt;A, c.238G&gt;A) and four novel variants (c.2120dupA, c.2071C&gt;G, c.967G&gt;A, c1534T&gt;A). ACMG predicts c.2120dupA to be pathogenic, c.2071C&gt;G and c.1534T&gt;A to be likely pathogenic, and c1534T&gt;A to be of uncertain significance. Clinically, four patients fell into the diagnosis of ANAD, and 1 into the diagnosis of AREP. Brain imaging revealed cerebellar atrophy, iron deposition in bilateral globus pallidus, and substantia nigra in three cases.ConclusionsFour novel pathogenic variants were discovered and the pathogenic variant spectrum of the PLA2G6 gene was expanded.
Association Between Previous Stroke and Severe COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study and an Overall Review of Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Huayao , Chen Junnian , Fang Shuangfang , Chen Xiaoling , Pan Xiaobin , Lei Hanhan , Zhang Yixian , Lin Hailong , Yuan Qilin , Xia Pincang , Liu Nan , Du Houwei 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the association between previous stroke and the risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).MethodsWe included 164 (61.8 ± 13.6 years) patients with COVID-19 in a retrospective study. We evaluated the unadjusted and adjusted associations between previous stroke and severe COVID-19, using a Cox regression model. We conducted an overall review of systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the relationship of previous stroke with the unfavorable COVID-19 outcomes.ResultsThe rate of severe COVID-19 in patients with previous stroke was 28.37 per 1,000 patient days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.65–75.59), compared to 3.94 per 1,000 patient days (95% CI: 2.66–5.82) in those without previous stroke (p &lt; 0.001). Previous stroke was significantly associated with severe COVID-19 using a Cox regression model (unadjusted [hazard ratio, HR]: 6.98, 95% CI: 2.42–20.16, p &lt; 0.001; adjusted HR [per additional 10 years]: 4.62, 95% CI: 1.52–14.04, p = 0.007). An overall review of systematic review and meta-analysis showed that previous stroke was significantly associated with severe COVID-19, mortality, need for intensive care unit admission, use of mechanical ventilation, and an unfavorable composite outcome.ConclusionPrevious stroke seems to influence the course of COVID-19 infection; such patients are at high risk of severe COVID-19 and might benefit from early hospital treatment measures and preventive strategies.
Decoding the Heterogeneity of Malignant Gliomas by PET and MRI for Spatial Habitat Analysis of Hypoxia, Perfusion, and Diffusion Imaging: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Bailo Michele , Pecco Nicolò , Callea Marcella , Scifo Paola , Gagliardi Filippo , Presotto Luca , Bettinardi Valentino , Fallanca Federico , Mapelli Paola , Gianolli Luigi , Doglioni Claudio , Anzalone Nicoletta , Picchio Maria , Mortini Pietro , Falini Andrea , Castellano Antonella 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundTumor heterogeneity poses major clinical challenges in high-grade gliomas (HGGs). Quantitative radiomic analysis with spatial tumor habitat clustering represents an innovative, non-invasive approach to represent and quantify tumor microenvironment heterogeneity. To date, habitat imaging has been applied mainly on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), although virtually extendible to any imaging modality, including advanced MRI techniques such as perfusion and diffusion MRI as well as positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate an innovative PET and MRI approach for assessing hypoxia, perfusion, and tissue diffusion in HGGs and derive a combined map for clustering of intra-tumor heterogeneity.Materials and MethodsSeventeen patients harboring HGGs underwent a pre-operative acquisition of MR perfusion (PWI), Diffusion (dMRI) and 18F-labeled fluoroazomycinarabinoside (18F-FAZA) PET imaging to evaluate tumor vascularization, cellularity, and hypoxia, respectively. Tumor volumes were segmented on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and T1 post-contrast images, and voxel-wise clustering of each quantitative imaging map identified eight combined PET and physiologic MRI habitats. Habitats’ spatial distribution, quantitative features and histopathological characteristics were analyzed.ResultsA highly reproducible distribution pattern of the clusters was observed among different cases, particularly with respect to morphological landmarks as the necrotic core, contrast-enhancing vital tumor, and peritumoral infiltration and edema, providing valuable supplementary information to conventional imaging. A preliminary analysis, performed on stereotactic bioptic samples where exact intracranial coordinates were available, identified a reliable correlation between the expected microenvironment of the different spatial habitats and the actual histopathological features. A trend toward a higher representation of the most aggressive clusters in WHO (World Health Organization) grade IV compared to WHO III was observed.ConclusionPreliminary findings demonstrated high reproducibility of the PET and MRI hypoxia, perfusion, and tissue diffusion spatial habitat maps and correlation with disease-specific histopathological features.
The Spectrum of Vestibular Disorders Presenting With Acute Continuous Vertigo
Authors: Yao Qingxiu , Li Zhuangzhuang , Xu Maoxiang , Jiang Yumeng , Wang Jingjing , Wang Hui , Yu Dongzhen , Yin Shankai 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveTo explore the composition of vestibular disorders presenting with the acute vestibular syndrome (AVS).MethodsWe performed a case analysis of 209 AVS patients between January 2016 and December 2020. These patients were grouped into different disorder categories according to the relevant diagnostic criteria.ResultsWe classified the 209 patients into 14 disorder categories, including 110 cases of vestibular neuritis, 30 of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss with vertigo, 17 of the first attack of continuous vertigo with migraine, 15 of Ramsay Hunt syndrome, 11 of acute labyrinthitis secondary to chronic otitis media, 8 of vestibular schwannoma, 6 of posterior circulation infarction and/or ischemia, 3 of cerebellar abscess secondary to chronic otitis media, 3 of AVS caused by trauma or surgery, 2 of AVS with down-beating nystagmus, 1 of multiple sclerosis of the medulla oblongata, 1 of epidermoid cyst of the posterior cranial fossa, 1 of a probable acute otolithic lesion, and 1 of AVS without measurable vestibular dysfunction.ConclusionWhen a group of disorders present with AVS, characteristic clinical manifestations and imaging help with an accurate diagnosis.
Gemcitabine Plus Anlotinib Is Effective and Safe Compared to Gemcitabine Plus Docetaxel in Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Wang Xin , Wang Jiaqiang , Zhang Peng , Li Chao , Wang Bangmin , Liu Guancong , Yao Weitao 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to compare gemcitabine (G) plus docetaxel (D) versus G plus anlotinib (A) for advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS).MethodsWe retrospectively investigated 122 patients with locally advanced or metastatic STS who were treated with either G+D or G+A between July 2016 and October 2021 and compared the efficacy and toxicity of G+D and G+A. The primary endpoints were median progression-free survival (PFS) and the proportion of patients with grade ≥3 adverse events. We also analyzed differences in the clinical efficacy of G+D and G+A in leiomyosarcoma, and the differences in the clinical efficacy of G+D and G+A as first-line therapy.ResultsOverall, 122 patients were included (81 patients receiving G+D and 41 patients receiving G+A) with a median age of 55 years. The main histological types are leiomyosarcoma, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, and liposarcoma. After a median follow-up of 25 months, PFS did not differ between patients treated with G+D and those treated with G+A (median PFS: 5.8 months and 6.8 months, p = 0.39), and overall survival (OS) was similar (median OS: 14.7 vs. 13.3 months, p = 0.75) with a similar objective response rate (18.5% vs. 14.6%, p = 0.17), whereas the proportion of patients with grade ≥3 adverse events treated with G+D was significantly higher than those treated with G+A (68% vs. 44%, p &lt; 0.05). Subgroup analysis of leiomyosarcoma patients (47.5% of the patients) and first-line treatment patients (46.7% of the patients) shows that PFS was not significantly different between the two groups (LMS: median PFS: 6.5 months vs. 7.5 months, p = 0.08; first-line treatment: median PFS: 6.2 months vs. 7.1 months, p = 0.51).ConclusionCompared with gemcitabine plus docetaxel for advanced STS, gemcitabine plus anlotinib achieved a similar response rate on median PFS and OS, but lower toxicity. These results suggest that gemcitabine plus anlotinib may be an effective and safe strategy for advanced STS.
Recent Advances on the Role of ATGL in Cancer
Authors: Zhang Renshuai , Meng Jingsen , Yang Shanbo , Liu Wenjing , Shi Lingyu , Zeng Jun , Chang Jing , Liang Bing , Liu Ning , Xing Dongming 
Published: July 2022

The hypoxic state of the tumor microenvironment leads to reprogramming lipid metabolism in tumor cells. Adipose triglyceride lipase, also known as patatin-like phospholipase= domain-containing protein 2 and Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), as an essential lipid metabolism-regulating enzyme in cells, is regulated accordingly under hypoxia induction. However, studies revealed that ATGL exhibits both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing effects, which depend on the cancer cell type and the site of tumorigenesis. For example, elevated ATGL expression in breast cancer is accompanied by enhanced fatty acid oxidation (FAO), enhancing cancer cells’ metastatic ability. In prostate cancer, on the other hand, tumor activity tends to be negatively correlated with ATGL expression. This review outlined the regulation of ATGL-mediated lipid metabolism pathways in tumor cells, emphasizing the Hypoxia-inducible factors 1 (HIF-1)/Hypoxia-inducible lipid droplet-associated (HIG-2)/ATGL axis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)/G0/G1 switch gene 2 (G0S2)/ATGL axis, and fat-specific protein 27 (FSP-27)/Early growth response protein 1 (EGR-1)/ATGL axis. In the light of recent research on different cancer types, the role of ATGL on tumorigenesis, tumor proliferation, and tumor metastasis was systemically reviewed.
Genomics Analysis and Nomogram Risk Prediction of Occult Lymph Node Metastasis in Non-Predominant Micropapillary Component of Lung Adenocarcinoma Measuring ≤ 3 cm
Authors: Wang Kun , Xue Mengchao , Qiu Jianhao , Liu Ling , Wang Yueyao , Li Rongyang , Qu Chenghao , Yue Weiming , Tian Hui 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundThe efficacy of sublobar resection and selective lymph node dissection is gradually being accepted by thoracic surgeons for patients within early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nevertheless, there are still some NSCLC patients develop lymphatic metastasis at clinical T1 stage. Lung adenocarcinoma with a micropapillary (MP) component poses a higher risk of lymph node metastasis and recurrence even when the MP component is not predominant. Our study aimed to explore the genetic features and occult lymph node metastasis (OLNM) risk factors in patients with a non-predominant micropapillary component (NP-MPC) in a large of patient’s cohort with surgically resected lung adenocarcinoma.MethodsBetween January 2019 and December 2021, 6418 patients who underwent complete resection for primary lung adenocarcinoma at the Qilu Hospital of Shandong University. In our study, 442 patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma with NP-MPC with a tumor size ≤3 cm were included. Genetic alterations were analyzed using amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR). Abnormal protein expression of gene mutations was validated using immunohistochemistry. A nomogram risk model based on clinicopathological parameters was developed to predict OLNM. This model was invalidated using the calibration plot and concordance index.ResultsIn our retrospective cohort, the incidence rate of the micropapillary component was 11.17%, and OLNM was observed in 20.13% of the patients in our study. ARMS-PCR suggested that EGFR exon 19 del was the most frequent alteration in NP-MCP patients compared with other gene mutations (frequency: 21.2%, P&lt;0.001). Patients harboring exon 19 del showed significantly higher risk of OLNM (P&lt; 0.001). A nomogram was developed based on five risk parameters, which showed good calibration and reliable discrimination ability (C-index = 0.84) for evaluating OLNM risk.Conclusions.Intense expression of EGFR exon 19 del characterizes lung adenocarcinoma in patients with NP-MCP and it’s a potential risk factor for OLNM. We firstly established a nomogram based on age, CYFRA21-1 level, tumor size, micropapillary and solid composition, that was effective in predicting OLNM among NP-MCP of lung adenocarcinoma measuring ≤ 3 cm.
High-Energy Enteral Nutrition in Infants After Complex Congenital Heart Surgery
Authors: Ni Ping , Chen Xi , Zhang Yueyue , Zhang Mingjie , Xu Zhuoming , Luo Wenyi 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundMalnutrition is common in complex congenital heart disease (CCHD). The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of early initiation of high-energy enteral nutrition (EN) with regular energy EN in infants after surgery for CCHD.MethodsThis is a subgroup analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) which was conducted in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) of the largest pediatric heart center in China. Eighty children with CCHD after surgery were from two groups, the intervention group (n = 40) was given high-energy EN and the control group (n = 40) was given regular energy EN. We analyzed the effects of the two interventions on outcomes such as caloric attainment rate, gastrointestinal intolerance, duration of mechanical ventilation, and anthropometry at discharge.ResultsThere was no difference in the daily milk intake between the two groups, but the calorie intake (50.2 vs. 33.4, P &lt; 0.001), protein intake (1.1 vs. 0.9, P &lt; 0.001) and caloric attainment rate were higher in the intervention group (77.5 vs. 45.0%, P = 0.003). In addition, the incidence of pneumonia (P = 0.003) and duration of mechanical ventilation (P = 0.008) were less in the intervention group, and biceps circumference and triceps skinfold thickness at hospital discharge were greater than those in the control group (P &lt; 0.001). We have not found statistical differences in gastrointestinal intolerance, glycemic fluctuations, incidence of pressure ulcers, length of CICU stay and postoperative hospital days between the two groups.ConclusionsEarly initiation of high-energy EN may be safe and effective in infants after complex cardiac surgery. Low doses high-energy EN did not increase gastrointestinal intolerance or glycemic fluctuations and also improved post-operative nutrition by increasing caloric and protein intake without increasing fluid intake.