bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subclinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Children and Adolescence With Thalassemia Intermedia
Authors: Isa Tafreshi Roya , Radgoodarzi Mohammad , Arjmandi Rafsanjani Kadijeh , Soheilipour Fahimeh 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundCardiac complications are important causes of morbidity in patients with thalassemia intermedia (TI). We aimed to assess left ventricular (LV) function, using new tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) indices, in order to diagnose early ventricular impairment in asymptomatic children and adolescence with the TI.Materials and MethodsWe investigated possible differences in echocardiographic systolic and diastolic parameters between a population of 28 asymptomatic patients (mean age, 13.6 ± 5.7 years) and 35 age-matched healthy control members. All of them underwent 2-D, pulsed Doppler, and tissue Doppler echocardiographic studies for the assessment of the LV mass, Trans-mitral velocities, mitral annular systolic and diastolic velocities, myocardial performance index (MPI), and myocardial acceleration during isovolumic contraction (IVA). The cardiac iron load was estimated by magnetic resonance imaging T2*.ResultsLeft ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was found in 13 (46.4%) patients. We found significantly reduced TDI-derived peak systolic myocardial velocity (s′) in patients, whereas no significant difference was identified between the patients and control group members when the IVA was compared. The ratio of peak mitral inflow velocity to annular early diastolic velocity (E/e′) of the mitral valve as an index of the diastolic function was significantly higher in patients (9 ± 1 vs. 6 ± 1, p &lt; 0.05). Choosing a TDI-derived MPI &gt; 0.33 as a cutoff point, the global LV dysfunction was detected with a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 80%. The patients with LVH significantly exhibited higher values of TDI-MPI and lower values of s′ velocity and IVA when compared against the subjects with normal LV mass.ConclusionSubtle LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction develops early in young patients with the TI who have normal cardiac iron concentration. Moreover, LV remodeling as a main cardiac adaptive response plays a principal role in developing myocardial impairment.
β2-Microglobulin is a Novel and Reliable Biomarker for Predicting Ischemic Stroke Recurrence: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hu Fu-yong , Wu Wentao , Liu Qiuwan , Wu Juncang , Guo Hualing , Yang Jing , Wu Zhuqing , Jiang Ke , Wang Guoping , Qian Yu , Ge Wei , Qun Sen 
Published: June 2022

Immune and inflammatory mechanisms play key roles in the development and outcome of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). β2-Microglobulin (β2M) is the light chain of major histocompatibility complex-1 (MHC-1), which can directly and quickly reflect the immune and inflammatory state of the body. Previous studies have shown a close relationship between β2M and AIS, but its relationship with the recurrence of AIS has not been reported. This study attempted to explore the relationship between β2M and the recurrence of AIS. A single-center AIS cohort involving 135 patients was followed for approximately 26–46 months. Clinical and laboratory data from the patients were collected when hospitalized. The endpoint was the occurrence of recurrent AIS after patients were discharged. Propensity score matching was used to match cohort groups. Cox regression analysis was used to predict risk factors for recurrent AIS, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to calculate the optimal cutoff value for discriminating recurrence in patients with AIS. The rate of recurrence was 29.6% [95% CI, 21.8%–37.3%] in the follow-up group. Patients with higher levels of serum β2M had a higher risk of AIS recurrence than patients with lower levels of β2M (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.214 [95% CI, 1.557–6.633]; adjusted hazard ratio after matching, 5.831, [95% CI, 2.052–16.572]). A β2M value of 2.31 mg/L was calculated by ROC analysis as the optimal cutoff value for AIS recurrence (area under the curve 0.770, [95% CI, 0.687–0.853]). As a quick responder to the body’s immune and inflammatory states, β2M may be a novel and reliable biomarker in predicting AIS recurrence.
Therapeutic Efficacy of Carvacrol-Loaded Nanoemulsion in a Mouse Model of Schistosomiasis
Authors: Xavier Edilaine S. , de Souza Rafael L. , Rodrigues Vinícius C. , Melo Camila O. , Roquini Daniel B. , Lemes Bruna L. , Wilairatana Polrat , Oliveira Elquio E. , de Moraes Josué 
Published: June 2022

Since praziquantel is the only drug available to treat schistosomiasis, a neglected parasitic disease that affects more than 240 million people worldwide, there is an urgent demand for new antischistosomal agents. Natural compound-loaded nanoparticles have recently emerged as a promising alternative for the treatment of schistosomiasis. Carvacrol is an antimicrobial monoterpene present in the essential oil extracted from several plants, especially oregano (Origanum vulgare). In this study, a carvacrol nanoemulsion (CVNE) was prepared, characterized, and administered orally (200 mg/kg) in a mouse infected with either immature (prepatent infection) or adult (patent infection) Schistosoma mansoni. For comparison, data obtained with an unloaded nanoemulsion (blank formulation), free carvacrol, and the drug of reference praziquantel are also presented. CVNE was more effective than free carvacrol in reducing the worm burden and egg production in both patent and prepatent infections. Favorably, CVNE had a high effect in terms of reducing the number of worms and eggs (85%–90%) compared with praziquantel (∼30%) in prepatent infection. In tandem, carvacrol-loaded nanoemulsion markedly improved antischistosomal activity, showing efficiency in reducing worm and egg burden, and thus it may be a promising delivery system for the treatment of schistosomiasis.
17β-Estradiol Treatment Improves Acetylcholine-Induced Relaxation of Mesenteric Arteries in Ovariectomized UC Davis Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Rats in Prediabetic State
Authors: Razan Md Rahatullah , Akther Farjana , Islam Rifat A. , Graham James L. , Stanhope Kimber L. , Havel Peter J. , Rahimian Roshanak 
Published: June 2022

We recently reported sex differences in mesenteric arterial function of the UC Davis type-2 diabetes mellitus (UCD-T2DM) rats as early as the prediabetic state. We reported that mesenteric arteries (MA) from prediabetic male rats exhibited a greater impairment compared to that in prediabetic females. However, when females became diabetic, they exhibited a greater vascular dysfunction than males. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the female sex hormone, estrogen preserves mesenteric arterial vasorelaxation in UCD-T2DM female rats at an early prediabetic state. Age-matched female Sprague Dawley and prediabetic (PD) UCD-T2DM rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and subcutaneously implanted with either placebo or 17β-estradiol (E2, 1.5 mg) pellets for 45 days. We assessed the contribution of endothelium-derived relaxing factors (EDRF) to acetylcholine (ACh)-induced vasorelaxation, using pharmacological inhibitors. Responses to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and phenylephrine (PE) were also measured. Additionally, metabolic parameters and expression of some targets associated with vascular and insulin signaling were determined. We demonstrated that the responses to ACh and SNP were severely impaired in the prediabetic state (PD OVX) rats, while E2 treatment restored vasorelaxation in the PD OVX + E2. Moreover, the responses to PE was significantly enhanced in MA of PD OVX groups, regardless of placebo or E2 treatment. Overall, our data suggest that 1) the impairment of ACh responses in PD OVX rats may, in part, result from the elevated contractile responses to PE, loss of contribution of endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH) to vasorelaxation, and a decreased sensitivity of MA to nitric oxide (NO), and 2) the basis for the protective effects of E2 may be partly attributed to the elevation of the NO contribution to vasorelaxation and its interaction with MA as well as potential improvement of insulin signaling. Here, we provide the first evidence of the role of E2 in protecting MA from early vascular dysfunction in prediabetic female rats.
Network Analysis of the Relationship Between Trait Depression and Impulsiveness Among Youth
Authors: Zhang Jingxuan , Li Kuiliang , Xue Yitong , Feng Zhengzhi 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveBoth impulsiveness and trait depression are the trait-level risk factors for depressive symptoms. However, the two traits overlap and do not affect depressive symptoms independently. This study takes impulsiveness and trait depression into a whole construct, aiming to find the complex associations among all facets and explore their relative importance in a trait network. It can help us find the key facets that need consideration in preventing depression.Materials and MethodsWe used the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) and Trait Depression Scale (T-DEP) as measuring tools, conducted network analysis, and applied the Graphic Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (GLASSO) algorithm to estimate the network structure and compute the linkage and centrality indexes. The accuracy and stability of the indexes were estimated through bootstrapping. All the computations were performed by R script and packages.ResultsWe found that “trait anhedonia” was connected with “non-planning” and “cognitive” impulsiveness, while “trait dysthymia” was connected with “motor” impulsiveness. “Cognitive” impulsiveness had a statistically significant higher expected influence than “motor” impulsiveness and had the trend to be dominant in the network. “Trait dysthymia” had a statistically significant higher bridge expected influence than “cognitive” impulsiveness and had the trend to be the key facet linking impulsiveness with trait depression. “Non-only children” had higher network global strength than “only children.” All indexes were accurate and stable.ConclusionThe present study confirms the complex associations among facets of trait depression and impulsiveness, finding that “cognitive” impulsiveness and “trait dysthymia” are the two key factors in the network. The results imply that different facets of impulsiveness should be considered respectively regarding anhedonia and dysthymia. “Cognitive” impulsiveness and “trait dysthymia” are critical to the prevention of depression.
Impact of Xpert MTB/RIF on Outcomes of Adults Hospitalized With Spinal Tuberculosis: Findings From a Comparative Cohort in Beijing, China
Authors: Fan Jun , An Jun , Shu Wei , Tang Kai , Shang Yuanyuan , Xue Yi , Qin Shibing , Pang Yu 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundSpinal tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, causing increased morbidity and lifelong disabilities. Here, we conducted a retrospective study to determine the impact on patient outcomes of the Xpert MTB/RIF test vs. phenotypical drug susceptibility testing for spinal TB.MethodsIn-patients with spinal TB were enrolled in 2013 and 2017 at Beijing Chest Hospital. Data were collected from an electronic patient record system that documented demographic and clinical characteristics. All the patients were routinely followed-up at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery during outpatient treatment.ResultsA total of 361 patients affected by spinal TB were enrolled in our analysis, including 178 patients in 2013 and 183 patients in 2017. In 2013, the cumulative postoperative recurrence rate of patients with spinal TB was 23% (41/178), which was significantly higher than that in 2017 (8.2%, 15/183, P &lt; 0.001). Additionally, the patients with spinal TB diagnosed in 2013 relapsed significantly sooner than those in 2017 (P &lt; 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, rifampicin (RIF) resistance was associated with the recurrence of spinal TB. The turnaround time of Xpert ranged from 1 to 3 days, with a median of 1 day (IQR: 1–2). For the phenotypic drug susceptibility test (pDST)-based algorithm, the median turnaround time was 67 days, considerably longer than that of the Xpert-based algorithm (P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe RIF resistance is an independent risk factor for postoperative recurrence in patients with spinal TB. Early detection of RIF resistance due to the application of Xpert is an effective strategy to reduce spinal TB recurrence.
Global Burden and Trends of Norovirus-Associated Diseases From 1990 to 2019: An Observational Trend Study
Authors: Zhang Xiaobao , Chen Can , Du Yuxia , Yan Danying , Jiang Daixi , Liu Xiaoxiao , Yang Mengya , Ding Cheng , Lan Lei , Hecht Robert , Yang Shigui 
Published: June 2022

IntroductionAs an important pathogen causing diarrheal diseases, the burden and change in the death rate of norovirus-associated diseases (NADs) globally are still unknown.MethodsBased on global disease burden data from 1990 to 2019, we analyzed the age-standardized death rate (ASDR) of NADs by age, region, country, and Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) level. The discrete Poisson model was applied in the analysis of NADs' spatiotemporal aggregation, the Joinpoint regression model to analyze the trend of death burden of NADs over 30 years, and a generalized linear model to identify the risk factors for the death rate from NADs.ResultsThe ASDR of NADs significantly decreased by a factor of approximately 2.7 times, from 5.02 (95% CI: 1.1, 11.34) in 1990 to 1.86 (95% CI: 0.36, 4.16) in 2019 [average annual percent change (AAPC) = −3.43, 95% CI: −3.56, −3.29]. The death burden of NADs in 2019 was still highest in African regions despite a great decline in recent decades. However, the ASDR in high SDI countries presented an uptrend [0.12 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.26) in 1990 and 0.24 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.53) in 2019, AAPC = 2.52, 95% CI: 2.02–3.03], mainly observed in the elderly over 70 years old. Compared to children under 5 years old, the 2019 death rate of elderly individuals over 80 years old was much higher in high SDI countries. The generalized linear model showed that factors of the number of physicians (RR = 0.67), the proportions of children under 14 years old (RR = 1.21), elderly individuals over 65 years old (RR = 1.13), educational level (RR = 1.03) and urbanization proportion (RR = 1.01) influenced the ASDR of NADs.ConclusionsThe death burden of NADs has remained high in developing regions over the last three decades and has increased among the elderly in countries with high SDI levels, even though the global trend in NAD-associated deaths has decreased significantly in the past three decades. More effective public health policies against NADs need to be implemented in high SDI regions and for the elderly.
The Burden of Trachea, Bronchus, and Lung Cancer Attributable to Occupational Exposure From 1990 to 2019
Authors: Li Haifeng , Guo Jingwen , Liang Hongsen , Zhang Ting , Zhang Jinyu , Wei Li , Shi Donglei , Zhang Junhang , Wang Zhaojun 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesOccupational exposure to carcinogens is associated with trachea, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer. The objective of this study was to provide global and regional estimates of the burden of TBL cancer associated with occupational carcinogens (OCs) between 1990 and 2019.MethodsAge-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates (ASDR) of TBL cancer related to exposure to OCs at the global and regional levels were extracted for 1990–2019 from the Global Burden of Disease 2019. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze trends in the ASMR and ASDR of TBL cancer burden related to OCs, and the annual percent change and the average annual percent change (AAPC) were recorded.ResultsThe mortality from TBL cancer related to exposure to OCs increased globally. The ASMR and ASDR decreased in both sexes and in men between 1990 and 2019. The AAPC of ASMR and ASDR decreased in men between 1990 and 2019, but increased in women. Asbestos accounted for the highest death number and beryllium accounted for the lowest; diesel engine exhaust caused the largest percentage change in death number (145.3%), in ASDR (14.9%), and in all ages DALY rates (57.6%). Asbestos accounted for the largest death number in high social development index (SDI) countries, whereas low-middle SDI countries had the largest percent change (321.4%). Asbestos was associated with decreased ASDR in high SDI countries and increased ASDR in low-middle SDI countries, and similar changes were observed for other OCs.ConclusionsThe overall mortality and DALYs of TBL cancer burden related to OCs showed a decreasing trend between 1990 and 2019, whereas death number increased. Asbestos accounted for the highest death number. TBL cancer burden related to OCs decreased to different degrees in high, low, low-middle, and middle SDI countries, which showed variable levels of TBL cancer burden related to exposure to OCs (except asbestos).
SENP1 Aberrance and Its Linkage to Clinical Features, Adjuvant Regimen, and Prognosis in Patients With Surgical Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Yang Qian , Yang Mengmeng , Zhang Jun , Ma Yuquan 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundSmall ubiquitin-like modifier-specific protease 1 (SENP1) plays vital roles in cancer progression and chemoresistance, but its prognostic value in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is vague. This study aimed to explore the correlation of SENP1 with clinical features, adjuvant chemotherapy regimen, and prognosis in patients with surgical NSCLC receiving adjuvant chemotherapy.MethodsTumor and adjacent tissues were collected from 157 patients with surgical NSCLC receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Meanwhile, tumor tissue and paired adjacent tissue specimens were obtained to evaluate SENP1 protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay; among which, 102 pairs were used to detect SENP1 messenger RNA (mRNA) by reverse transcription quantitative PCR.ResultsSENP1 IHC score and SENP1 mRNA expression were increased in tumor tissue than adjacent tissue (p &lt; 0.001). Besides, elevated SENP1 IHC score was correlated with &gt; 5 cm tumor size (p = 0.045), lymph node metastasis occurrence (p = 0.003), and advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage (p = 0.012); meanwhile, increased SENP1 mRNA expression was associated with histopathological subtype (p = 0.011), lymph node metastasis occurrence (p = 0.008), and higher TNM stage (p = 0.015). Besides, no correlation was found in SENP1 IHC score (p = 0.424) or mRNA expression (p = 0.927) with specific adjuvant chemotherapy regimen. Additionally, both the SENP1 protein (high) (p = 0.003) and mRNA high (p = 0.028) were correlated with poor disease-free survival (DFS), while SENP1 protein high was also associated with shorter overall survival (OS) (p = 0.029). Furthermore, SENP1 protein (high vs. low) was independently associated with unsatisfying DFS [p = 0.009, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.798] and OS (p = 0.049, HR = 1.735).ConclusionSENP1 may serve as a potential biomarker to improve the management of patients with surgical NSCLC receiving adjuvant chemotherapy.
Learning Curve Analysis of Microvascular Hepatic Artery Anastomosis for Pediatric Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Initial Experience at A Single Institution
Authors: Zhou Wanyi , Dai Xiaoke , Le Ying , Xing Huiwu , Tan Bingqian , Zhang Mingman 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundThe incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis in pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is significantly higher than that in adults, and is closely related to the surgeon’s experience with hepatic artery anastomosis. However, there are few studies on the learning curve of hepatic artery anastomosis among surgeons.MethodsWe collected data related to 75 patients who underwent pediatric LDLT and hepatic artery anastomosis independently by the same surgeon. Cumulative sum method (CUSUM) was used to analyse the duration of hepatic artery anastomosis and determine the cut-off value. Patients were divided into two phases according to CUSUM. We analysed the intraoperative and postoperative data and survival outcomes of the included patients.ResultsTotal anastomosis duration decreased with an increased number of completed procedures, and the average duration was 42.4 ± 2.20 min. A cut-off value and two phases were identified: 1–43 cases and 44–75 cases. Intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in phase 2 than in phase 1. The immediate functional changes of total bilirubin (TBIL) and direct bilirubin (DBIL) were significantly also lower in phase 2 than in phase 1. Other functional outcomes, postoperative complications, and the long-term survival rate were not significantly different between the two phases.ConclusionsTechnical competence in pediatric LDLT hepatic artery anastomosis may be achieved after completing 43 cases. It is a safe procedure with a surgical loupe that can be systematized and adopted by pediatric surgeons with sufficient experience via a relatively long learning curve.
Analisis Faktor Jasa Penerbangan Niaga Berjadwal yang Berpengaruh Pada Kepuasan Konsumen Angkutan Udara Dengan Menggunakan Servqual (Kasus: Rute Bandung â€“ Surabaya Yang Dilayani Oleh Pt XYZ)
Authors: Darwin Darwin 
Published: June 2022

Persaingan perusahaan angkutan udara semakin meningkat maka untuk meraih konsumen diperlukan pemahaman apa yang diharapkan mereka dalam pelayanan karena tarif bukan lagi sebagai tolok ukur dalam merebut pasar namun kualitas pelayanan perusahaan yang akan membuat mereka loyal. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggali faktor yang penting dalam memenuhi kepuasan konsumen dengan pendekatan konsep Servqual. Sejumlah 250 kuesioner disebarkan kepada para penumpang, hanya 90 % yang bisa diolah. Hasil pengolahan data menunjukan bahwa kepuasan penumpang merupakan kombinasi linier dari faktor berikut.
KP = -1,310 + 0,528F1 + 0,166F2 + 0,221F3 + 0,190F4+ 0,190F5
Dengan nilai R (koefisien korelasi) sebesar 0,947 dan R2 (koefisien determinasi) sebesar 0,897 hal ini berarti model yang terbentuk mampu menjelaskan keterkaitan yang kuat antara variabel dependen (Kepuasan Penumpang) dengan variabel independen (Dimensi kualitas layanan) Dari Tabel ANOVA diperoleh nilai F hitung sebesar 292,904 dengan tingkat signifikansi di bawah 0,005 berarti variabel independen secara keseluruhan sudah signifikan. Dimana F1(Keselamatan dan Keamanan), F4 (Empati), F2 (Aksesibilitas), F5 (Kenyamanan dan Kesenangan) dan F3 (Waktu). Sedangkankan konstanta â€“1,310 menunjukkan pengaruh variabel lain belum terdeteksi dalam penelitian ini.
Pengaruh Limbah Batu Onyx Pengganti Agregat Kasar Beton Terhadap Pola Retak Balok Beton Bertulang
Authors: Aqli Kharimatul , S Edhi Wahyuni , Wisnumurti Wisnumurti 
Published: June 2022

Kerikil pembentuk beton dengan volume sekitar 60% sampai 80% volume agregat. Limbah pecahan onyx dari pengrajin onyx setiap harinya mencapai 500 kg. Struktur beton bertulang didesain untuk memenuhi kriteria keamanan (safety) dan layak pakai (serviceability). Kriteria perilaku beton bertulang salah satunya adalah pola retak. Benda uji yang dibuat yaitu silinder dan balok beton bertulang dengan dimensi 0,15 x 0,25 x 2 meter. Pengujian kuat tekan dengan menggunakan compression machine. Dilakukan pengujian lentur selanjutnya dilakukan pengamatan pola retak.Kuat tekan rata â€“ rata beton normal lebih besar dari kuat tekan rata â€“ rata beton limbah onyx yaitu sebesar 7.858 %. Pola retak kedua balok beton bertulang normal dan onyx memiliki kecenderungan retak lentur, dan retak lentur geser pada balok beton bertulang limbah onyx. Kecenderungan jumlah retak yang sama yaitu 9 retakan bagian depan dan 10 retakan bagian belakang. Jumlah retak menjalar ke atas pada retak maksimum balok beton bertulang onyx lebih banyak dengan 10 retakan dan balok beton bertulang normal 9 retakan. Beton bertulang normal memiliki kuat tarik dan lebih getas dari balok balok beton bertulang limbah onyx. Keruntuhan lentur yang terjadi cenderung sama yaitu under reinforced dengan ditandai retak pada daerah tarik.