bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Efficacy of Single Pill Combinations of Azilsartan Medoxomil/Chlorthalidone and Losartan/Hydrochlorothiazide in Patients with Hypertension and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Kobalava Zh. D. , Safarova A. F. , Gudieva Kh. M. , Markova M. A. , Petrosyan A. E. 
Published: May 2022

Aim. To study the effects of azilsartan medoxomil/chlorthalidone (AZM/CTD) and losartan/hydrochlorothiazide (LOS/HCT) combinations for NTproBNP levels, 6-minute walk test results, hydration status along with their antihypertensive efficacy according to clinical and 24-hour blood pressure in patients with hypertension and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).Material and methods. An open randomized study included 56 patients with uncontrolled or untreated hypertension and HFpEF. Patients randomized to receive the AZM/CTD 40/12.5 mg/day (group 1; n=28) or LOS/HCT 100/12.5 (group 2; n=28) within 4 weeks. Patients who did not achieve the target BP <140/<90 mm Hg study drug dose was intensified: in the first group, an increase in the dose of AZM/CTD 40/25 mg/day, in the second group, an increase in the dose of LOS/HCT 100/25 mg/day. The observation period was 12 weeks. All patients underwent a clinical examination with an assessment of symptoms and/or signs of HF, laboratory and instrumental studies, including NT-proBNP, ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring, applanation tonometry, a 6-minute walk test (6MWT), echocardiography. In order to assess the status of hydration, bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) was performed. HFpEF was diagnosed according to the HFA-PEFF algorithm. The results were considered statistically significant at p<0.05.Results. After 12 weeks, 92% of patients in the first and 78% of patients in the second group reached the target clinical BP (р<0,05). Average daily BP <130/ <80 mm Hg was reached by 82% of patients treated with the combination of AZM/CTD, compared with 67% treated with the combination of losartan/HCT (p<0.05). After 12 weeks, patients from both groups showed a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, central blood pressure, and a decrease in pulse wave velocity, which was more significantly significant in the first group of patients (p<0.05). During therapy in both groups of patients, a significant decrease in the level of NT-proBNP was observed: in the first group from 300 [199; 669] pg/ml to 156 [157; 448] pg/ml (p=0,003), in the second group from 298 [180; 590] pg/ml to 194 [140; 360] pg/ml (p=0,006), an increase in the distance during the 6MWT from 317 [210; 398] m to 380 [247; 455] m (p=0,006) in in the first group and an improvement in the hydration status according to the BIA data, but more significantly significant in the first group (p<0.001).Conclusion. In patients with hypertension and HFpEF, therapy with the AZM/CTD combination compared with LOS/HCT is accompanied by a more pronounced antihypertensive effect in terms of ambulatory and peripheral blood pressure, central blood pressure, NTproBNP levels, increased distance in 6MWT and achievement of euvolemia status.
Economic assessments of intervention strategies in the prevention of frailty for elderly of 60 years and over living at home: a systematic review
Authors: Kehoua Gilles , Goff Myriam Le , Gayot Caroline , Laroche Marie-Laure , Druet-Cabanac Michel , Tchalla Achille 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Introduction: The objective was to conduct a systematic review of economic assessment of interventional strategies, in the prevention of frailty in elderly of 60 years and over living at home. Methods: The keywords were searched in databases such as Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Embase. Articles published in English and French between 31/10/2010 and 31/12/2021 were included. The CHEERS statement reading grid was used to assess the quality of the studies in terms of economic assessments. Results: The search had identified nine relevant research studies, including seven randomised controlled trials and two quasi-experimental studies. Of these studies, we classified them into three programs: five studies on frailty screening, three studies on falls prevention and one study on the analysis of drugs and treatments prescribed and delivered. According to the cost-effectiveness plan of these programs, four studies had no conclusion on economic results, two studies had a dominant strategy, less expensive and more efficient, and three studies had a dominated strategy, more expensive and not efficient. Only 40% of the studies were of good quality. Conclusion: Only two multidimensional and interdisciplinary intervention strategies were highly efficient, cost-effective and improved the quality of life of elderly. Economic results were more mixed. Many methodological weaknesses were present in these studies.
Oncological and Reproductive Outcomes for Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Combined with Aromatase Inhibitors or Levonorgestrel-releasing Intrauterine System Fertility-Sparing Treatment in Women with Endometrial Cancer or Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia: A single-center retrospective analysis of 179 cases
Authors: Chen Junyu , Cao Dongyan , Yang Jiaxin , Yu Mei , Zhou Huimei , Cheng Ninghai , Wang Jinhui , Zhang Ying , Peng Peng , Shen Keng 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) combined with levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) or aromatase inhibitor (AI) in women with endometrial carcinoma (EC) and atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) who wish to preserve their fertility.
Methods
179 EC/AEH patients who were contra-indicated or unsuitable for high-dose oral progestin were included in our study. Patients were treated with the combination of GnRHa with LNG-IUS (group GLI: GnRHa IH every 4 weeks and LNG-IUS insertion constantly) or combination of GnRHa with AI (group GAI: GnRHa IH every 4 weeks and oral letrozole 2.5mg, daily). Histological evaluation was performed every 3–4 months. After achieving complete remission (CR), maintenance treatments including LNG-IUS, cyclical oral contraceptives or low-dose cyclic progestin were recommended until they began attempting to conceive. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of PUMCH in 07-07-2009 (S-244)
Results
Overall, 169 (94.4%) patients achieved CR, 96.7% in AEH and 93.3% in EC patients. The CR rate in GLI and GAI was 93.5% and 95.8%, respectively. The median time to CR was 6 (3–18) months, 4 (3–10) months in AEH and 8 (3–18) months in EC patients. After a median follow up of 27.5 months, 41 (24.3%) women developed recurrence with the median recurrence time of 17 (6–77) months. Of the patients with CR, 134 cases desired to conceive, 42 (32.3%) women became pregnant, 24 (17.9%) of them successfully delivered and 5 (3.7%) were in pregnancy, while 13 of them miscarried.
Conclusion
GnRHa combined treatment achieved good oncological and reproductive outcomes. Future larger multi-institutional studies should be designed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Clinical value of combination detection of direct antiglobulin test and serum albumin globulin ratio in severe hyperbilirubinemia caused by ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn: A single-center retrospective analysis
Authors: Duan Ling , Chen Ping , Hu Hongbing , Tu Na 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
To analyze clinical application of combination detection of direct antiglobulin test(DAT) and albumin globulin ratio(AGR) in severe hyperbilirubinemia caused by ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn(ABO-HDN).
Methods
The measurement of DAT, AGR and combination detection of DAT and AGR was done to predict severe ABO-HDN hyperbilirubinemia in 270 full-term infants based on whether the infants received transfusions of blood components. The infants were divided into three groups according to the results of DAT and ARG and compared the differences of phototherapy day and hospitalization day of the three groups.
Results
Of 270 cases enrolled in this study, 69 infants were DAT positive. ROC curve analysis showed that DAT cutoff value > ± with a sensitivity of 39.4% and a specificity of 83.9% and AGR cutoff value < 2.05 with a sensitivity of 54.1% and a specificity of 85.7%, the AUCs for DAT, AGR and combination detection of DAT and AGR were 0.621, 0.740 and 0.750 respectively. The phototherapy day and hospitalization day were significantly longer in group of AGR < 2.05 and DAT > ± than that of group of AGR < 2.05 and group of DAT > ±.
Conclusions
DAT and ARG could be early predictors for the severity ABO-HDN hyperbilirubinemia and combination detection of DAT and AGR could further increase its predictive value.
Milk production of Ankole crossbreds and Holstein Friesian cattle in different production environments of Rwanda
Authors: Manzi Maximillian , Ntawubizi Martin , Hirwa Claire d’andre , Strandberg Erling 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the productive performance of dairy cattle in three different agroecological zones of Rwanda: Congo-Nile/Western, Central plateau/Central, and Eastern plateau/East agroecological zones. A single-visit multi-subject survey was conducted to obtain information on the dairy cattle performance from 51 farms. The breed groups were classified as Ankole x Holstein Friesian (AF), other Ankole crossbreds (AX) and pure Holstein Friesian (F). F had higher milk yield than AF in all zones and AF had higher milk yield than AX, except in the Western zone. Across all zones, F produced 10 L more than AX and 6 L more than AF per day. Cows in the Eastern zone had the highest milk yield, which was contrary to our expectation, because the Western zone receives more annual rainfall, and hence should have a better pasture level. The large difference in performance of Holstein Friesians and its crossbreds in different agroecological zones indicates that considerable improvement could be achieved by improving the production environment.
Intensive Care Unit Length of Stay and Mortality Comparison between On-pump and Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
Authors: Ibrahim Rita Zahara , Joyo Ericko Ongko 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) techniques, both on-pump (ONCABG) and off-pump (OPCABG), were compared recently in order to seek the most effective technique to reduce the cost of prolonged intensive care unit length of stay (ICU LOS) and mortality. This study aim to compare ICU LOS and mortality in ONCABG and OPCABG
Methods
Secondary data was used in this study. Statistical analyses were performed in SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC). The analyses included descriptive statistics for all variables, generalized linear models for ICU LOS, and logistic regression for mortality. All models were fitted in bivariate and multivariate forms to consider multiple factors (i.e., age, sex, race, EF, comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity). Statistical significance was determined at the level of alpha = 0.05.
Results
Demographic data of 1569 patients shows variance of characteristics. The analysis shows significant and longer ICU LOS in OPCABG (Mean = 0.558; SE = 0.026 vs Mean = 0.408; SE = 0.633; p < 0.001). Similar results were demonstrated after adjustment of covariates effects (OPCABG Mean = 0.816; SE = 0.073 vs ONCABG Mean = 0.661; SE = 0.091). Logistic regression shows that there was no significant difference of mortality in OPCABG and ONCABG, both in the unadjusted (OR = 1.165, 95%, CI = 0.485-2.8) and the adjusted model (OR = 1.165, 95% CI = 0.482–2.817).
Conclusion
ICU LOS was significantly longer in OPCABG patients than in ONCABG patients. There was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups.
Role of advanced paleomagnetic and paleogeographic studies for unmasking anthropological site structures: Implementation for the northern part of the Levantine Corridor
Authors: Eppelbaum Lev V , Katz Y. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The study of the ancient anthropological sites of the Levantine Corridor is very significant for understanding the evolution of ancient hominins and the time of their dispersal from East Africa to the Caucasus and Eurasia. The paleomagnetic studies and event stratigraphy of the latest Cenozoic for the Levantine region are comprehensively generalized. Compiled combined paleomagnetic-facial chart enabled the exact correlation of the northern Levantine ancient hominin sites. For a thorough analysis of the well-studied anthropological site of Ubeidiya (northern Israel), used the following principal methodologies: paleogeographic analysis combined with examination of hydrospheric disturbances, analysis of cyclic stratigraphy, generalization of detailed paleomagnetic data, biostratigraphic correlation, lithological-facial analysis, event stratigraphy, and structural-tectonic studies. Methods of comparative analysis of several anthropological sites surrounding the site of Ubeidiya were also employed. Comprehensive paleomagnetic mapping and profiling have been applied to a few areas in the northern part of the Levantine corridor. It can reveal some essential tectonic-structural peculiarities of the sites disposed of this strip. Because of the combined multifactor analysis, the age of this site was increased by 1 million years to 2.6–2.1 million years since its foundation. The new recognized age requires a revision of the entire global process of dispersal of primitive man from Africa to the north.
Recyclable and Thermally Responsive Self-healing Waterborne Polyurethane Based on Diels-alder Reaction
Authors: Cheng Bing-Xu , Bi Chang-Shun , Li Qing , Zhao Si-Qi , Wu Wei , Huang Chong-Xing , Zhao Hui 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
A type of waterborne polyurethane with excellent self-healing and recyclable properties was successfully prepared by introducing Diels-Alder (DA) reaction groups into the polymer matrix. The results showed that all obtained waterborne polyurethane dispersions with a particle size of about 400 nm, had good dispersibility and storage stability, which was confirmed by the zeta potential and the particle size test. FT-IR was used to verify the thermal reversibility of DA and the retro-DA reaction on the WPU-DA films. In addition, the thermal stability of the WPU-DA films was significantly improved due to the introduction of the DA bond. The cross-linked waterborne polyurethane had good reprocessability and had great potential application prospects in intelligent materials.
A Push-pull Mechanism Between Prrt2 and B 4 Differentially Regulates Membrane Exposure and Biophysical Properties of Nav1.2 Sodium Channels
Authors: Valente Pierluigi , Marte Antonella , Franchi Francesca , Sterlini Bruno , Casagrande Silvia , Corradi Anna , Baldelli Pietro , Benfenati Fabio 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Proline-Rich Transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) is a neuron-specific protein implicated in the control of neurotransmitter release and neural network stability. Accordingly, PRRT2 loss-of-function mutations associate with pleiotropic paroxysmal neurological disorders, including paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia, episodic ataxia, benign familial infantile seizures, hemiplegic migraine. PRRT2 is a negative modulator of the membrane exposure and biophysical properties of Na+ channels NaV1.2/NaV1.6 predominantly expressed in brain glutamatergic neurons. NaV channels form complexes with β-subunits that facilitate the membrane targeting and the activation of the α-subunits. The opposite effects of PRRT2 and β-subunits on NaV channels raises the question of whether PRRT2 and β-subunits interact or compete for common binding sites on the α-subunit, generating Na+ channel complexes with distinct functional properties. Using a heterologous expression system, we have observed that β-subunits and PRRT2 do not interact with each other and act as independent non-competitive modulators of NaV1.2 channel trafficking and biophysical properties. PRRT2 antagonizes the β4-induced increase in expression and functional activation of the transient and persistent NaV1.2 currents, without affecting resurgent current. The data indicate that β4-subunit and PRRT2 form a push-pull system that finely tunes the membrane expression and function of NaV channels and the intrinsic neuronal excitability.
Temperature-controlled laser thermal therapy system using a newly developed laparoscopic system equipped with an ultra-compact thermographic camera
Authors: Harada Manabu , Morimoto Yuji , Ohara Mutsuki , Ohya Jun , Masamune Ken , Itazaki Yujiro , Sugihara Takao , Tsujimoto Hironori , Kishi Yoji , Ueno Hideki 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Laser thermal therapy is one of the treatments for malignant tumors. We developed a thermal endoscope using an ultra-compact thermo-sensor and established a new laparoscopic laser thermal therapy system to heat cancer tissue at an appropriate temperature, focusing on the fact that thermographic cameras are capable of two-dimensional temperature mapping. Hpatocellular carcinoma (N1S1) cells were implanted into the livers of SD rats (n=13) to create orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma. Six of the rats underwent laparoscopic laser thermotherapy (70°C, 5 min) using the newly developed system, and the others underwent laparoscopic insertion only. Lesion volume measurement and histological evaluation were performed in all of the rats. The laparoscopic laser thermal therapy system provided stable temperature control. In the case of 70°C for the set temperature, the temperature of the target cancer was maintained within the range of 68-72°C for 93.2% of the irradiation time (5 min). The median volume of the tumors that were thermally treated was significantly smaller than that of the untreated tumors. The newly developed laparoscopic laser thermal therapy system was capable of maintaining the temperature of the tumor surface at any desired temperature and was proven to be effective in the treatment of the rat hepatocellular carcinoma model.
Manually Controlling Branched Flow of Light
Authors: Huang Chuanfu , Wang Zheng 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Branched flow is a fundamental natural phenomenon of wave propagation, which can reflect the characteristics of energy transmission in nonlinear medium. Recently, branched flows of light have been clearly observed from laser beam irradiation on soap films1. Here, we apply the quasiparticle notation suggested by our previous work to generate branched flow of light2, e.g., a simple experiment was designed by exploring light interacting with tiny glass spheres in a background of pure water. The images indicate that branched flow of light can be successfully produced from the point of contact between the laser beam and the glass spheres. Moreover, two different approaches have been applied to simulate and interpret the experimental findings, and the observed branched flow of light can be attributed to the newly proposed concept of the main branched flow of light, while the sub-branched flow of light that could not be detected experimentally due to scattered light from imperfect glass pellets. These discoveries may have significant implications for manually controlling or a better understanding of branched flow of light.
Chicken-derived RSPO1 and WNT3 contribute to maintaining longevity of chicken intestinal organoid cultures
Authors: Oost Miriam J. , Ijaz Adil , Haarlem Daphne A. van , Summeren Kitty van , Velkers Francisca C. , Kraneveld Aletta D. , Venema Koen , Jansen Christine A. , Pieters Raymond H.H. , Klooster Jean Paul ten 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Intestinal organoids are advanced cellular models, which are widely used in mammalian studies to mimic and study in vivo intestinal function and host-pathogen interactions. Growth factors WNT3 and RSPO1 are crucial for the growth of intestinal organoids. Chicken intestinal organoids are currently cultured with mammalian WNT3a and RSPO1, however, maintaining their longevity has shown to be challenging. Based on the limited homology between mammalian and avian RSPO1, we expect that chicken-derived factors are required for the organoid cultures. We examined the effect of chicken-specific WNT3 and RSPO1 in combination with Prostaglandin E2 and a Forkhead box O1-inhibitor on the development of chicken intestinal organoids. Isolated crypts from embryonic tissue of laying hens were successfully cultured for 15 passages in the presence of chicken-derived WNT3 and RSPO1, whereas no growth was observed when mammalian factors were used. Furthermore, stem cells maintained their ability to differentiate into goblets, enterocytes, and enteroendocrine cells for the 3D and 2D structures. The chicken intestinal organoids can be an important tool to study responses of the intestinal epithelium to pathogens, drugs or feed additives.
Vegetation shadow casts impact remotely sensed reflectance from permafrost thaw ponds in the Subarctic forest-tundra zone.
Authors: Freitas Pedro , Vieira Gonçalo , Mora Carla , Canário João , Vincent Warwick F. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Thermokarst lakes and ponds are a common landscape feature resulting from permafrost thaw, but their intense greenhouse gas emissions are still poorly constrained as a feedback mechanism for global warming because of their diversity, abundance and remoteness. Thermokarst waterbodies may be small and optically diverse, posing specific challenges for optical remote sensing regarding detection, classification and monitoring. This is especially relevant when accounting for external factors that affect water reflectance, such as scattering and vegetation shadow casts. In this study in the forest-tundra zone of northern Canada, we evaluated the effects of shadowing across optically diverse waterbodies. We used ultra-high spatial resolution multispectral data and digital surface models obtained from Unmanned Aerial Systems for modelling and analyzing shadow effects on water reflectance at Earth Observation satellite overpass time. Our results show that shadowing causes variations in reflectance, reducing the usable area of remotely sensed pixels for waterbody analysis in small lakes and ponds. The effects were greater on brighter and turbid inorganic thermokarst lakes embedded in postglacial silt-clay marine deposits and littoral sands, where the mean reflectance decrease was from − 51 to -70%, depending on the wavelength. These effects were also dependent on lake shape and vegetation height and were amplified in the cold season due to low solar elevations. Remote sensing will increasingly play a key role in assessing thermokarst lake responses and feedbacks to global change, and this study shows the magnitude and sources of optical variations caused by shading that need to be considered in future analyses.
Psychological flexibility and work engagement among Chinese nurses: Mediating role of self-compassion and negative emotions
Authors: Yang Yan , Ma Anna , Wang Lina , Chen Han , Xie Mengyao , Chang Hongjuan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Work engagement affects nurses’ job performance and the quality of nursing. The question of how to enhance the level of work engagement has received more attention in the health care sector. Psychological flexibility, self-compassion, and emotions may be useful for improving work engagement. The purpose of this study is to analyse the mediating effects of self-compassion and negative emotions between psychological flexibility and work engagement of Chinese nurses during infectious disease pandemics.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,569 Chinese nurses. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to determine the mediating effect of self-compassion and negative emotions on the relationship between psychological flexibility and work engagement.Results:Work engagement was inversely connected with psychological flexibility (r = − 0.251, P< 0.001) . Self-compassion and negative emotions played a partially mediating role on the associations of psychological flexibility with work engagement (β1 = − -0.021, β2 = − -0.044).Conclusion: Hospital administrators should develop concrete measures that incorporate negative emotions and self-compassion in interventions targeting psychological flexibility, which may enhance the level of work engagement during infectious disease pandemics.