bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geology, geochemistry, and genesis of the Alvand sapphire-bearing syenitic pegmatite, Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, Hamedan Province, northwest Iran
Authors: Gholami Zahra , Etemadi Bijan , Rasti Soqra , Taghipour Batoul 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Alvand blue sapphire is related to the igneous rocks of Alvand pluton, located in the Sanandaj–Sirjan zone, Hamadan area. The main geological unit is the Alvand batholith including gabbro, granite, and granitoid. Sapphire occurs within the desilicated pegmatite dykes intruding magmatic-metamorphic lithologies, closely to metasomatic zones. Sapphire-bearing rocks are situated in the central zone of aplitic-pegmatitic composite dykes. In addition to sapphire, the rocks contain albite, microcline, and orthoclase as major minerals, the absence of quartz is noticeable. The whole-rock geochemical characteristics show a relatively silica-poor and alumina-rich composition of syenitic sapphire-bearing rocks. According to peraluminous and S-type signatures, aplite and pegmatites indicate crustal magma origin. The slight increase of Al2O3/TiO2 ratio in the sapphire-bearing pegmatites may suggest mobilization of Al, which either by melt mobilization through alkaline hydroxide-complexation or by alkali-bearing high-temperature fluids such as Na-Al-Si-O polymers. Also based on strong enrichment in Th, sapphire may be formed by late-stage fluids. The high Ti, Fe, and Ga parallel to the low Cr and V contents indicate a magmatic-metasomatic origin of the Alvand sapphire.
Neutrophil IL-1β secretion induced by ExoS expressing Pseudomonas aeruginosa is dependent on NLRP3 and Gasdermin D
Authors: Minns Martin , Lima Tatiane , Liboro Karl , Abbondante Serena , Marshall Michaela , Rietsch Arne , Dubyak George , Pearlman Eric 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Macrophages infected with Gram-negative bacteria expressing flagellin or Type III secretion system (T3SS) structural proteins are known to activate the NLRC4 inflammasome, resulting in caspase-1 and Gasdermin D (GSDMD) cleavage, IL-1β secretion and pyroptotic cell death. We examined the role of these mediators in IL-1β secretion by neutrophils infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PAO1 that expresses the Type III secretion system (T3SS) effectors ExoS and ExoT. We found that IL-1β secretion by neutrophils was dependent on expression of the T3SS needle and translocon proteins. Although pro-GSDMD and pro-GSDME were processed in PAO1 infected neutrophils, only GSDMD was required for IL-1β secretion. PAO1 – induced IL-1β secretion by macrophages was NLRC4 dependent, IL-1β secretion by neutrophils utilized NLRC4 only in the absence of P. aeruginosa exoenzymes. Instead, PAO1 – induced IL-1β secretion required NLRP3, which mediated by ExoS ADP ribosyl transferase activity. Overall, these findings reveal fundamental differences between neutrophils and macrophages in IL-1β secretion in response to pathogenic bacteria.
Cholinergic signals promote esophageal squamous cell carcinoma metastasis by activating EGFR/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Tao , Ge Bei-Bei , Liu Chang , Xu Li-Juan , Wei Bin , Gao Yong 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Increasing evidence has shown that the nervous system plays a vital role in the regulation of tumorigenesis. However, the regulatory mechanism of the parasympathetic nervous system in the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has not been elucidated.
Methods
Vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) protein expression was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and parasympathetic nerve density was analyzed in human ESCC tissues. The co-culture model of ESCC cells and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) was established in vitro. The effects of cholinergic stimulation on cell growth, migration and invasion were investigated through CCK-8, Transwell and wound healing assays using acetylcholine (ACh). PCR and western blotting were utilized respectively for the purpose of detecting Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related transcripts proteins. M3 muscarinic receptor (CHRM3) was knocked down using small interfering RNA (siRNA). RNA sequencing explored the possible altered gene transcriptome and signal pathways, which were further verified by Western blotting and CO-IP analysis.
Results
The intensity of parasympathetic nerve in ESCC was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues, and was positively correlated with higher clinical staging and poorer prognosis. Co-incubation with DRG enhanced the migration and invasion ability of ESCC cells in vitro. Moreover, exogenous choline stimulation enhanced the migration, invasion ability together with EMT of ESCC cells, while CHRM3 knockdown were opposite. Mechanistically, cholinergic activation enhanced the phosphorylation levels of EGFR and AKT through CHRM3, which bound directly to EGFR.
Conclusion
We revealed a critical role of cholinergic signals ACh/CHRM3 in mediating the effects of parasympathetic nerve activity on ESCC through the EGFR/AKT signaling pathway, which might provide a novel therapeutic target for ESCC.
Mortality from Diseases of the Circulatory System in Brazil and its Relationship with Social Determinants Focusing on Vulnerability
Authors: Bastos Luiz Antonio Viegas de Miranda , Bichara Jose Lucas Peres , Villela Paolo Blanco , Nascimento Gabriela da Silva , de Oliveira Glaucia Maria Moraes 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Deaths from diseases of the circulatory system (DCS) and ischemic heart diseases (IHD) are declining, but slowly in developing countries, emphasizing its probable relationship with determinants of social vulnerability. Objectives: To analyze the temporal progression of mortality rates of DCS and IHD from 1980 to 2019 and the association of the rates with the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI) and Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) in Brazil. Methods: We estimated the crude and standardized mortality rates of DCS and IHD and analyzed the relationship between the obtained data and the MHDI and SVI. Data on deaths and population were obtained from the DATASUS. The MHDI and the SVI of each federative unit were extracted from the websites Atlas Brasil and Atlas da Vulnerabilidade Social, respectively. Results: The age-standardized mortality rates of DCS and IHD showed a downward trend nationwide, which was unequal across the federative units. There was an inversely proportional relationship between the standardized mortality rates of DCS and IHD and the MHDI. The downward mortality trend was observed when the indices were greater than 0.70 and 0.75, respectively. The SVI was directly proportional to the standardized mortality rates of DCS and IHD. An upward mortality trend was observed with an SVI greater than 0.35.Conclusions: Social determinants represented by the MHDI and the SVI were related to mortality from DCS and IHD across the Brazilian federative units. The units with most development and least social inequalities had the lowest mortality from these causes. The most vulnerable die the most.
An investigation of 51 publications by a single author due to doubts about data integrity.
Authors: Muriithi Francis Githae , Gurrin Lyle C , Mol Ben W , Thornton Jim G 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: We noticed two unusual three-arm randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from Menoufia University, a centre where several fabricated papers in Obstetrics and Gynaecology have recently been identified. We, therefore, evaluated the published studies by the lead author, Dr M. Rezk, for research integrity. Methods: We searched for RCTs and cohort studies authored by Dr Rezk, and compared recruitment periods, numbers and study submission dates. We read the publications carefully to identify any unusual features.Results: Dr Rezk authored 51 studies, 17 RCTs and 34 cohort studies. Two pairs of RCTs (four trials) showed extensive data copying of baseline and outcome data. Another set of four trials and two cohort studies each recruited identical patients from the same hospital over overlapping time periods. The reported recruitment rates in two of those RCTs were implausible, and there were frequent examples of identical baseline data between the same two RCTs and a third trial. In 15 of the trials, we were able to compare the number of participants allocated to each group. In two, the method of randomisation (shuffled cards) would result in exactly equal-sized groups. In eight of the other thirteen, exactly equal-sized groups were achieved, and in two further trials, differential loss to follow-up led to exactly equal-sized groups for analysis.Nineteen of 34 cohort studies were reported to be prospective or to include a prospective component, but 11 of these were received by the journal before the last participant could have been followed up. One cohort reported a biologically implausible rate of disease and another an implausible recruitment rate. Two cohorts of women with hypertension in pregnancy reported identical summary statistics on multiple occasions in the tables displaying baseline characteristics. Two other cohorts of women with rheumatic heart disease in pregnancy, with identical recruitment criteria and overlapping recruitment periods, reported implausible differences in baseline BMI and neonatal mortality. Finally the probability of observing the excess of even numbered categorical variables reported in Dr Rezk’s papers overall is infinitesimal.Conclusions: Our assessment of the work of Dr Rezk shows prima facie evidence of data fabrication. We call for an investigation of these studies, including assessment and re-analysis of the original data. Until then, the studies of Dr Rezk should neither directly nor through meta-analysis be used to inform clinical practice.
Prevention of Muscle Atrophy in ICU Patients without Nerve Injury by Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Bao Weiwei , Yang Jiajia , Li Mingna , Chen Kang , Ma Zhen , Bai Yuehong , Xu Yiming 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Extensive muscle atrophy is a common occurrence in orthopaedics patients who are bedridden or immobilized. The incidence is higher in intensive care unit (ICU) inpatients. There is still controversy about how to use neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in ICU patients. We aim to compare the effectiveness and safety of NMES to prevent muscle atrophy in intensive care unit (ICU) patients without nerve injury.Methods: ICU patients without central and peripheral nerve injury were randomized into experimental group Ⅰ (Exp I: active and passive activity training (APAT) + NMES treatment on the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscle), experimental group Ⅱ (Exp II: APAT + NMES treatment on gastrocnemius alone), and control group (Ctl: APAT alone). Changes in the strength of gastrocnemius, the ankle range of motion, and the muscle cross-section area of the lower leg were evaluated before and after the intervention. Also, changes in prothrombin time, lactic acid, and C-reactive protein were monitored during the treatment.Results: The gastrocnemius muscle strength, ankle joint range of motion, and cross-sectional muscle area of the lower leg in the three groups showed a downward trend, indicating that the overall trend of muscle atrophy in ICU patients was irreversible. The decrease in gastrocnemius muscle strength in Exp I and Exp II was smaller than that in the control group (P <0.05), but there was no difference between Exp I and Exp II. The decrease in active ankle range of motion and cross-sectional area of the lower leg Exp I and Exp II was smaller than that in the control group (P < 0.05), and the decrease in Exp I was smaller than that of Exp II (all P < 0.05). The curative effect in Exp I was better than in Exp II. There were no significant differences in the dynamic changes of prothrombin time, lactic acid, and C-reactive protein during the three groups (P> 0.05).Conclusion: In addition to early exercise training, NMES should be applied to prevent muscle atrophy for patients without nerve injury in ICU. Also, simultaneous NMES treatment on agonist/antagonist muscle can enhance the effect of preventing muscle atrophy.Trial registration: This study was prospectively registered in China Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn) on 16/05/2020 as ChiCTR2000032950.
Plasma metagenomic next-generation sequencing of microbial cell-free DNA detects pathogens in patients with suspected infected pancreatic necrosis
Authors: Li Weiqin , Hong Donghuang , Wang Peng , Zhang Jingzhu , Li Kaiwei , Ye Bo , Li Gang , Zhou Jing , Tong Zhihui , Ke Lu , Shi Songjing 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is a life-threatening complication of acute pancreatitis (AP). Timely diagnosis of IPN could facilitate appropriate treatment, but there is a lack of reliable non-invasive screening tests. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of plasma metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) based on circulating microbial cell-free DNA in patients with suspected IPN.Methods: From October 2020 to October 2021, 44 suspected IPN patients who underwent plasma mNGS were reviewed. Confirmatory diagnosis of IPN within two weeks after the index blood sampling was considered the reference standard. The confirmation of IPN relied on the microbiological results of drains obtained from the necrotic collections. The distribution of the pathogens identified by plasma mNGS was analyzed. Positive percent agreement (PPA) and negative percent agreement (NPA) were evaluated based on the conformity between the overall mNGS results and culture results of IPN drains. In addition, the clinical outcomes were compared between mNGS positive and negative patients.Results: Across all the study samples, thirteen species of bacteria and five species of fungi were detected by mNGS. The positivity rate of plasma mNGS was 54.55% (24/44). Of the 24 mNGS positive cases, twenty (83.33%, 95%CI, 68.42-98.24%) were consistent with the culture results of IPN drains. The PPA and NPA of plasma mNGS for IPN were 80.0% (20 /25; 95% CI, 64.32 – 95.68%) and 89.47% (17/19; 95% CI, 75.67 – 100%), respectively. Compared with the mNGS negative group, patients in the positive group had more new-onset septic shock (12 (50.0%) vs. 4 (20.0%), p=0.039). Conclusion: IPN relevant pathogens can be identified by plasma mNGS, potentially facilitating appropriate treatment. The clinical application of mNGS in this cohort appears feasible.
Secret Shopper Studies: An unorthodox design that measures inequities in healthcare access
Authors: Rankin Kelsey A. , Mosier-Mills Alison , Hsiang Walter , Wiznia Daniel H. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Secret shopper studies are particularly potent study designs that allow for the gathering of objective data for a variety of research hypotheses, including but not limited to, healthcare delivery, equity of healthcare, and potential barriers to care. Of particular interest during the COVID-19 pandemic, secret shopper study designs allow for the gathering of data over the phone. However, there is a dearth of literature available on appropriate methodological practices for these types of studies. To make these study designs more widely accessible, here we outline the case for using the secret shopper methodology and detail best practices for designing and implementing them.
Optimizing an Adaptive Fuzzy Logic Controller of a 3-DOF Helicopter with a Modified PSO Algorithm
Authors: Naderi Shokoufeh , Blondin Maude Josée , Rezaie Behrooz 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This paper investigates the controller optimization for a helicopter system with three degrees of freedom (3-DOF). To control the system, we combined fuzzy logic with adaptive control theory. The system is extensively nonlinear and highly sensitive to the controller’s parameters, making it a real challenge to study these parameters’ effect on the controller’s performance. Using metaheuristic algorithms for determining these parameters is a promising solution. This paper proposes using a modified particle swarm optimization (MPSO) algorithm to optimize the controller. The algorithm shows a high ability to perform the global search and find a reasonable search space. The algorithm modifies the search space of each particle based on its fitness function value and substitutes weak particles for new ones. These modifications have led to better accuracy and convergence rate. We prove the efficiency of the MPSO algorithm by comparing it with the standard PSO and six other well-known metaheuristic algorithms when optimizing the adaptive fuzzy logic controller of the 3-DOF helicopter. The proposed method’s effectiveness is shown through computer simulations while the system is subject to uncertainties and disturbance. We demonstrate the method’s superiority by comparing the results when the MPSO and the standard PSO optimize the controller.
Photocatalytic Degradation Characteristics of ZnO Thin Films: Investigation on Solvent’s Influence
Authors: Saidani Tarek , RASHEED Mohammed , Zaabat M. , Barille R. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Using a sol-gel dip coating process, this research created on glass substrates, ZnO thin films are formed with a range of solvents (2-methoxyethanol and ethanol). The goal of this study is to determine how solvent type affects structural, photocatalytic, morphological, optical, and electrical characteristics of ZnO films. Hall effect, AFM, XRD, and UV–vis spectroscopy has been employed to characterize the films. The findings indicate that the solvent used greatly affects the characteristics of ZnO films. Photocatalytic effectiveness of the produced photocatalysts by Methylene blue (MB) photodegrades in a dilute aqueous solution when exposed to UV-A light have been determined. The findings indicate the sample created using ethanol is more efficient than the sample made using 2-methoxyethanol.
A Novel Suture Bridge Anchor Fixation Technique to Treat Inferior Pole Fractures of Patella：a Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Chen Bingqian , wang zhengfei , qu xiaohong , fang xiaowen , chen zhi , qian yufeng , wang xuesong 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background:
The fracture of the lower pole of patella is common and the fracture block is small and mostly comminuted. The traditional surgical methods include steel wire tension band fixation and inferior patellar resection, which have many disadvantages. In order to overcome the disadvantages of traditional surgery, we innovated and improved the double row anchor suture bridge technology to the treat the inferior patellar fracture. This study is to investigate the method, technique and clinical efficacy of double-row anchor suture bridge technique in the treatment of inferior pole fractures of patella.
Methods:
Between January 2019 and March 2021, 36 patients with inferior pole fractures of patella underwent the surgery with the double-row anchor suture bridge technique. The study sample consisted of 19 males and 17 females, aged 31–72 years old. There were 17 cases of right fractures and 19 cases of left fractures, all of which were closed fractures. 28 injury cases were caused by falls while 8 injury cases were from car accidents. All of the patients were ethnic Chinese. The operation time, amount of intraoperative bleeding and complications were recorded. Radiological assessments and Bostman score were performed 1, 3 and 6 months post-operation and at the most recent follow-ups.
Results:
The operation time was 54–76 minutes and the intraoperative blood loss was 28–46 ml. All incisions healed in one stage and stitches were removed after 2 weeks. No complications such as incision infection, flap necrosis and nerve injury occurred. Patients in this group were followed up for 10–18 months, with an average follow-up of 12 months. All fractures healed in 10–20 weeks, with an average healing time of 12 weeks. At the last follow-up, the Bostman score was (27.5 ± 3.3), excellent in 34 cases and good in 2 cases, with an excellent rate of 94.4%. The range of motion of the knee joint was (-2.6 ± 2.0)° when the knee was extended and (120 ± 5.0)° when the knee was bent. The muscle strength of quadriceps femoris was grade 5.
Conclusion:
Double-row anchor suture bridge technique is applied to inferior pole fractures of patella by virtue of its various effects, such as the complete preservation of the inferior pole fragments during the operation, satisfactory fracture reduction, firm fixation, and meeting patients’ requirements for early postoperative ambulation. In summary, double-row anchor suture bridge technique is an ideal surgical procedure for the treatment of the inferior pole fracture of patella with safety, reliability and high satisfaction.
Network Analysis of Preictal iEEG Reveals Changes in Network Structure Preceding Seizure Onset
Authors: Sumsky Stefan , Greenfield L. John 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objective: Seizures likely result from aberrant network activity and synchronization. Changes in brain network connectivity may underlie seizure onset. We used a novel method of rapid network model estimation from intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) data to characterize pre-ictal changes in network structure prior to seizure onset. Methods: We analyzed iEEG data from 20 patients from the iEEG.org database. Using 10 second epochs sliding by 1 second intervals, a multiple input, single output (MISO) state space model was estimated for each output channel and time point with all other channels as inputs, generating sequential directed network graphs of channel connectivity. These networks were assessed using degree and betweenness centrality.Results: Both degree and betweenness increased at seizure onset zone (SOZ) channels 37.0 ± 2.8 seconds before seizure onset. Degree rose in all channels 8.2 ± 2.2 seconds prior to seizure onset, with increasing connections between the SOZ and surrounding channels. Interictal networks showed low and stable connectivity.Significance: A novel MISO model-based network estimation method identified changes in brain network structure just prior to seizure onset. Increased connectivity was initially isolated within the SOZ and spread to non-SOZ channels before electrographic seizure onset. Such models could help confirm localization of SOZ regions.
Ethical Value Inclinations and Academic Ethical Values Of Postgraduate Health Science Students
Authors: Denat Yıldız , Tuğrul Emel 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Introduction: In postgraduate education, it is important to adopt academic ethical values as well as ethical values. The aim of this study was to examine the ethical value Inclinations and academic ethical values of postgraduate health science students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 203 postgraduate students enrolled in the Health Sciences Institute. Data were gathered with a “Personal Data Form,” the “The Inclination to Ethical Values Scale” and the “Academic Ethics Values Scale”. Results: The students' inclination to ethical values and their sensitivity to academic ethical values were quite high level and particularly greater among doctoral thesis students and the nursing students. A positive and moderate correlation was pound between the students’ inclination to ethical values and their sensitivity toward academic ethics values. Conclusions: It was found that ethical values and academic ethical values were higher in nursing graduate students than in other health science students.