bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonographic study of female perineal body and its supportive function on pelvic floor
Authors: Zhou Minzhi , Shui Wen , Bai Wenkun , Wu Xing , Ying Tao 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Purpose The first aim of this study was to observe the morphology of perineal body (PB) through two-dimensional (2D) high-frequency ultrasound. Secondary aims were to estimate PB tissue properties using shear wave elastography (SWE) technology, and to explore the supportive mechanism of PB on levator hiatus (LH) and different pelvic compartments preliminarily. Methods This retrospective study investigated 258 women who went to urogynecological clinic. Women were divided into different groups after clinical examination and ultrasound scan. 2D ultrasound with SWE technology was peformed to observe the morphology of PB and estimate elastic module. The supportive function of PB on pelvic compartments was evaluated by studying the relationship between the mobility of PB and bladder, uterus and anorectal junction. The supportive function of PB on LH was evaluated by studying the measurements varieties. ANOVA and Pearson analysis were used for statistical analysis.Results Four representative ultrasonic manifestations of PB morphology were presented in our study. The PB diameters and Young’s modulus showed statistical difference between groups. Compared with bladder and uterus, the mobility of PB is more related to anorectal junction. There was no statistical difference between the changes of both PB morphology measurements and Young’s modulus and LH dimensions.Conclusion The study confirmed that it was feasible to observe the morphology of PB and evaluated elastic function by ultrasound scan. PB is influenced by parity and strongly associated with posterior pelvic compartment. PB has no significant effect on limiting the size of LH.
Pediatric Surgical Waitlist in LMICs during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Klazura Greg , Park Paul , Yap Ava , Laverde Ruth , Bryce Emma , Cheung Maija , Bioh Ernestina , Hamilton Sacha , Kisa Phyllis , Kakembo Nasser , Ugazzi Michele , Situma Martin , Borgstein Eric , Derbew Miliard , Negash Samuel , Tadesse Amezene , Bvulani Bruce , Ki Bertille , Toussaint Tapsoba , Bokhary Zaitun , Sama Godfrey , Ameh Emmanuel , Mulewa Mulenga , Mwansa Jonathan , Onah Ifeanyichukwu , Amado Vanda , Ugarte Daniel , Massaga Fabian , Byabato Samwel , Adeyemo Wasiu Lanre , Ogunlewe Olugbemiga , Nandi Bip , Ozgediz Doruk 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Purpose: COVID-19 led to significant reduction in surgery worldwide. Studies, however, of the effect on surgical volume for pediatric patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are limited.Methods: A survey was developed to estimate waitlists in LMICs for priority surgical conditions in children. The survey was piloted and revised before it was deployed over email to 19 surgeons. Pediatric surgeons at 15 different sites in 8 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and Ecuador completed the survey from February 2021 to June 2021. The survey included the total number of children awaiting surgery and estimates for specific conditions. Respondents were also able to add additional procedures. Results: Public hospitals had longer wait times than private facilities. The median waitlist was 90 patients and the median wait time was 2 months for elective surgeries.Conclusion: Lengthy surgical wait times affect surgical access in LMICs. COVID-19 had been associated with surgical delays around the world, exacerbating existing surgical backlogs. Our results revealed significant delays for elective, urgent and emergent cases across Sub-Saharan Africa. Stakeholders should consider approaches to scale the limited surgical and perioperative resources in LMICs, create mitigation strategies for future pandemics, and establish ways to monitor waitlists on an ongoing basis.
Effect of acute salinity on the biochemical, antioxidant and digestive pepsin enzyme activities in juvenile freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens)
Authors: Amankwah Justice Frimpong , Jin Wu , Ma Xueyan , Xu Pao , Wen Haibo , Li Hongxia 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
A lethal dose toxicity experiment was set up to determine the salinity level which could kill half of the freshwater drum under different salinities of (0 mg/L, 5000 mg/L, 7500 mg/L, 10000 mg/L, 12500 mg/L, 15000 mg/L, 17500 mg/L, 20000 mg/L, 25000 mg/L). It was then observed that the freshwater drum swarm normally and survived up to a salinity level of 15000 mg/L with death occurring in a dose dependent manner. Based on the knowledge obtained from the lethal toxicity experiment, an acute salinity experiment was piloted to ascertain the effect of varying salinity levels of (0 mg/L, 7500mg/L and 15000mg/L) on biochemical, antioxidant, and digestive pepsin activities in the juvenile freshwater drum (A. grunniens). During the experiment, 15 fish with an initial weight of 46.5 ± 0.05 were cultured in plastic tanks (140L) in three (3) replicates across the different salinity levels and at different sampling points of 0, 4, 12, 24, 48 and 96 hours. In the experimentation, Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate transaminase (AST) activities were significantly affected at different salinity levels and time points (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) were observed to be significantly affected in their activities in the different salinity levels and time. The digestive pepsin activities detected in the juvenile (A. grunniens) exhibited significant differences across the different salinity levels and time (P < 0.05). The results revealed that no severe damage were observed in the fish organs across the different salinity levels and sampling time and as such the juveniles can survive and swim normally up to a salinity level of 15000mg/L. However further experiment should be undertaken for longer periods.
Design of a new electrochemical aptasensor based on screen printed carbon electrode modified with gold nanoparticles for the detection of fumonisin B1 in maize flour
Authors: Naghshbandi Behnaz , Adabi Mohsen , Bagheri Kamran Pooshang , Tavakolipour Hamid 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
A new aptasensor for the detection of fumonisin B1 (FB1) in the maize samples was developed based on DNA- aptamer recognition and electrochemical technique. A thiol-modified single stranded DNA (ss-HSDNA) was immobilized on screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) electrodeposited by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The morphology and structure of SPCE and AuNPs/SPCE were evaluated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The SEM results demonstrated that the SPCE had a flat sheet-like structure and the AuNPs were homogeneously electrodeposited on the SPCE. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments in the [Fe(CN)6]-3/-4 solution were conducted to investigate each step of electrode modification as well as aptasensor performance. Aptamer-FB1 interaction prevented the electron transfer permitting the determination of FB1 in the range of 0.5-500 ng/L with a low detection limit (0.2 ng/mL). The designed aptasensor was also showed high selectivity, acceptable repeatability and reproducibility, good long-term stability and excellent recovery. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between the findings achieved via the designed aptasensor and HPLC. Therefore, a simple construction process and fine electrochemical performance of the proposed aptasensor have a great potential for the detection of FB1 in maize samples.
Plasma levels and tissue expression of liver-type fatty acid-binding protein in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Chang Chi-Chang , Hsu Chia-Chang , Yu Teng-Hung , Hung Wei-Chin , Kuo Shyh-Ming , Chen Chia-Chi , Wu Cheng-Ching , Chung Fu-Mei , Lee Yau-Jiunn , Wei Ching-Ting 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) is widely expressed in hepatocytes and plays a role in lipid metabolism. It has been demonstrated to be overexpressed in different types of cancer; however, few studies have investigated the association between L-FABP and breast cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the association between plasma concentrations of L-FABP in breast cancer patients and the expression of L-FABP in breast cancer tissue.
Method
A total of 196 patients with breast cancer and 57 age-matched control subjects were studied. Plasma L-FABP concentrations were measured using ELISA in both groups. The expression of L-FABP in breast cancer tissue was examined using immunohistochemistry.
Result
The patients had higher plasma L-FABP levels than the controls (7.6 ng/mL (interquartile range 5.2–12.1) vs. 6.3 ng/mL (interquartile range 5.3–8.5), p = 0.008). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed an independent association between L-FABP and breast cancer, even after adjusting for known biomarkers. Moreover, the rates of pathologic stage T2 + T3 + T4, clinical stage III, positive HER-2 receptor status, and negative estrogen receptor status were significantly higher in the patients with an L-FABP level greater than the median. Furthermore, the L-FABP level gradually increased with increasing stage. In addition, L-FABP was detected in the cytoplasm, nuclear, or both cytoplasm and nuclear of the all breast cancer tissue examined, not in the normal tissue.
Conclusions
Plasma L-FABP levels were significantly higher in the patients with breast cancer than in the controls. In addition, L-FABP was expressed in breast cancer tissue, which suggests that L-FABP may be involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer.
Calcium phosphate cement with icariin-loaded gelatin microspheres as a local drug delivery system for bone regeneration
Authors: Liu Ning , Huang Shuo , Guo Fang , Zhai Shafei , Wang Danyang , Li Fang , Liu Changkui 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Icariin (ICA), a main active ingredient of Herba Epimedium, could promote bone formation, inhibit bone resorption and alleviate inﬂammatory responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ICA on the inhibition of bacteria associated with peri-implantitis, and fabricate a calcium phosphate cement with ICA-loaded gelatin microspheres as a local drug delivery system efficiently promoting bone formation and alleviating inflammation. Results: The encapsulation efficiency of gelatin microspheres reached the maximum value of 76.26 ± 3.97%, when the concentration of ICA was 0.5 mM. Gelatin microspheres with ICA revealed a controlled release profile, gelatin microspheres with 0.5 mM ICA exhibited a higher ICA release profile than the other groups during a 21 d monitoring span. The results of SEM, XRD and FTIR demonstrated successful fabrication of the ICA-loaded calcium phosphate cement. In addition, the ICA-loaded composite cement promoted the proliferation of BMSCs and significantly stimulated the differentiation and maturation of BMSCs. In vivo, H&E and Masson staining experiments demonstrated that the CPC/GMs(ICA) material exhibited better capacity for bone regeneration than CPC/GMs and CPC, and the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in the tissue around CPC/GMs(ICA) material was significantly lower than CPC/GMs and CPC in IHC staining (P < 0.05).Conclusion: In this study, ICA exhibited limited antibacterial activity against bacteria associated with peri-implantitis. A composite material of calcium phosphate cement with ICA-loaded gelatin microspheres was developed, which not only promoting osteoinductivity and bone formation, but also alleviating inflammation, demonstrating its potential as a promising bone substitute material for treatment of peri-implantitis.
The Modulation Classification Methods in Ppm-vlc Systems
Authors: Ağır Tuba Tanyıldızı , Sönmez Mehmet 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Intelligent methods have been applied to many fields for a long time. Recently, Visible Light Communication (VLC) systems widely include learning and classification models to improve their performances. The classification of L- Pulse Position Modulation (L-PPM) formats is crucial for VLC systems since the modulation order L is very effective for providing energy efficiency and increasing the transmission capacity. In this paper, therefore, it is reported for the first time, the classification of PPM schemes in VLC systems by using Decision Tree, K-nearest neighbor (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and a Direct Decision-based Linear Model (LM) technique. A novel feature extraction model is derived to be able to classify the type of PPM modulation schemes. A comparison has been given to observe the performance of classification schemes by taking into account the level of Signal to Noise Ratio and the transmission distance between receiver and transmitter. The KNN method gives the best accuracy performance against other schemes at the SNR of 25dB and the distance of 2.32m and more, while the Tree model is superior to KNN at the distances of 2.25m and 2.20m. Additionally, it has been obtained the best accuracy of 97.85% by the Decision Tree Model at the distance of 2.20m.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking Myocardial Strain Analysis in Suspected Acute Myocarditis: Diagnostic Value and Association with Severity of Myocardial Injury
Authors: Gao Qian , Yi Wenfang , Gao Chao , Qi Tianfu , Li Lili , Xie Kaipeng , Zhao Wei , Chen Wei 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Albeit that cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) has enabled quantitative assessment of global myocardial strain in the diagnosis of suspected acute myocarditis, the cardiac segmental dysfunction remains understudied. The aim of the present study was using CMR-FT to assess the global and segmental dysfunction of the myocardium for diagnosis of suspected acute myocarditis.Methods: 47 patients with suspected acute myocarditis (divided into impaired and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] groups) and 39 healthy controls (HCs) were studied. A total of 752 segments were divided into three subgroups, including segments with non-involvement (SNi), segments with edema (SE), and segments with both edema and late gadolinium enhancement (SE+LGE). 272 healthy segments served as the control group (SHCs).Results: Compared with HCs, patients with preserved LVEF showed impaired global circumferential strain (GCS) and global longitudinal strain (GLS). Segmental strain analysis showed that the peak radial strain (PRS), peak circumferential strain (PCS), and peak longitudinal strain (PLS) values significantly reduced in SE+LGE compared with SHCs, SNi, SE. PCS significantly reduced in SNi (-15.3±5.8% vs. -20.3±6.4%, p<0.001) and SE (-15.2±5.6% vs. -20.3±6.4%, p<0.001), compared with SHCs. The area under the curve (AUC) values of GLS (0.723) and GCS (0.710) were higher than that of global peak radial strain (0.657) in the diagnosis of acute myocarditis. Model with updated Lake Louise Criteria could result in a further increase in diagnostic performance.Conclusions: Global and segmental myocardial strain were impaired in patients with suspected acute myocarditis, even in the edema or relatively non-involved regions. CMR-FT may serve as an incremental tool for assessment of cardiac dysfunction and provide important additional imaging-evidence for distinguishing the different severity of myocardial injury in myocarditis.
The association of CD209 promoter variants with tuberculosis infection susceptibility, AIDS development, and treatment response outcomes among an HIV-1 Moroccan population
Authors: BABA Hanâ , Fayssel Naouar , Bouqdayr Meryem , Ouladlahsen Ahd , Bensghir Rajaa , Marih Latifa , Sodqi Mustapha , Amar Laila , Saih Asmae , Zaidane Imane , Filali Kamal Marhoum El , Kettani Anass , Wakrim Lahcen 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Transmission of Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) to permissive CD4+T cells requires the dissemination of virus from sites of infection to secondary lymphoid organs, where extensive viral replication occurs in CD4+T cells. Several studies demonstrated that DC-SIGN (Dendritic Cell-Specific Intercellular adhesion molecule-3-Grabbing Non-integrin) molecules located on the surface of Dendritic Cell subsets showed high-affinity binding to HIV-1 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). It is exploited by HIV-1 and Mtb as a part of their immune evasion strategy. In this study, we investigated the possible involvement of DC-SIGN encoding gene CD209 variants in the development of tuberculosis (TB) among HIV-1 infected patients as well as AIDS development and treatment response outcomes in a Moroccan population. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CD209 promoter − 336A > G (rs4804803) and − 139G > A (rs2287886) were investigated. Two hundred eighteen Moroccan subjects living with HIV-1 were genotyped using direct DNA sequencing. Out of 218 patients, 90 were co-infected with Mtb. Stratification of patient was performed according to TB status: as HIV-1+/TB- and HIV-1+/TB+ patients and their AIDS status as: AIDS and Non-AIDS patients. Our results revealed that genotype and allele frequencies of the − 336A > G and − 139G > A polymorphisms were not significantly different between HIV-1+/TB- and HIV-1+/TB+ patients (p > 0.05). Likewise, the development of AIDS doesn’t appear to be affected by these two SNPs either (p > 0.05). Haplotype analysis showed that none of the 4 possible haplotypes is associated with HIV-1 and TB co-infection (p > 0.05). Interestingly, the analysis of the − 139 G > A genotype distribution according to the HIV-1 viral load showed an improvement in AG and GG patients, after ART, compared to AA patients (p = 0.0069 and p = 0.0476; respectively). Overall, -336A > G and − 139G > A polymorphisms don’t influence the susceptibility of HIV-1 infected individuals to develop TB and AIDS. However, -139G > A polymorphism may affect the response to treatment as measured by RNA viral load levels. Further investigations are needed for a better understanding of the role of DC-SIGN in HIV-1 infection to provide new therapeutic pathways.
Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Image-Guided System in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Retrospective Chart Review Study in China
Authors: Wang Zaixing , Liu Chunling , Tan Baoying , Sun Guoqing , Pang Poucheok , lv Kangchen , Xie Hui , Ou Xiong , Zeng Xianhai , Xuan Jianwei 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Image-guided system (IGS) has been gradually applied in the field of rhinology, making functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) a truly minimally invasive and precise surgery. This study was based on real-world data from China hospitals and aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the IGS navigation system in FESS.Methods: This was a two-center retrospective chart review of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who underwent FESS, including open frontal sinus between July 1, 2018 and December 31, 2019 in China. The intervention group consisted of 100 patients who underwent FESS with the IGS navigation system (IGS group), and the control group consisted of 100 patients who underwent conventional FESS (Non-IGS group). Data were collected from surgical notes and hospital medical records. The primary endpoints for clinical effectiveness and safety were rehospitalization rate due to bleeding, reoperation rate due to bleeding, and reoperation rate due to recurrence.Results: There were no cases of rehospitalization due to bleeding, reoperation due to bleeding, and reoperation due to recurrence in the IGS group. In the non-IGS group, there were four cases of rehospitalization due to bleeding; all four patients underwent hemostasis surgery with an incidence of 4.00% (P=0.121). No cases of reoperation due to recurrence were in the non-IGS group. The total hospitalization cost was 17,391.51 CNY in the IGS group and 17,538.13 CNY in the non-IGS group per patient, with no statistical difference between the two groups (P=0.715). Compared with the non-IGS group, the IGS group had an overall cost saving of 146.62 CNY per patient. Although the procedure-related medical costs of IGS group were increased by 1,286.12 CNY compared with the non-IGS group, this was more than offset by other costs.Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that the IGS may reduce occurrence of rehospitalization and reoperation due to postoperative bleeding. Although the use of navigation technology increased the cost of surgery, its clinical effectiveness brought other medical cost savings, resulting in no significant difference in the overall cost of navigation surgery compared to conventional surgery. The IGS should be considered cost-effectiveness in the treatment of FESS.
Clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicinal preparations containing hawthorn on hyperlipidemia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Li , Chen Yang , He Ning , Miao Jun , qian Zhi-Yong 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: In China, traditional Chinese medicinal preparations (TCMPs) containing hawthorn (crataegus) are widely recognized for their efficacy in treating hyperlipidemia (HLP). There has been no systematic study of the effects of TCMPs containing hawthorn on patients with HLP. The purpose of this study is to evaluate systematically the efficacy of TCMPs containing hawthorn for treating HLP through a clinical evidence-based study.Materials and methods: The meta-analysis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Meta-analyses. An extensive search of 8 electronic databases was conducted to locate relevant randomized controlled trials published between 2010 and 2021. Methodological quality and independent evaluation were conducted using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4. The primary outcome of the study was the Clinical Effective Rate (CER). Secondary outcomes included triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).Results: The results of the meta-analysis showed that, in comparison to conventional treatment alone, TCMPs containing hawthorn significantly decreased CER (RR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.13~1.24, P<0.05), TC (MD=-0.54, 95% CI: -0.84~-0.24 P<0.05) and LDL-C (MD=-0.25, 95% CI: -0.40~-0.11, P<0.05) and increased HDL-C (MD= 0.26, 95% CI :0.03~0.48, P<0.05). As a result of a varying baseline level of TG, a post-intervention meta-analysis was not possible.Conclusion: TCMPs containing hawthorn have been demonstrated to be superior to conventional treatments in clinical trials for HLP, indicating that they would be a useful addition to conventional treatment for HLP. To confirm the effectiveness and safety of TCMPs that contain hawthorn in the treatment of HLP, more rigorous, long-term randomized controlled clinical trials are required.