bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Higher Survival Rate Associated with Thymosin Alpha 1 use in Critical COVID-19: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Li Yichen , Li Jie , Ke Jia , Cheng Sijing , Zhu Lixin , Shen Lihan , Fu Rao , Gu Jieruo , Jiao Na , Huang Yibo , Zou Yifeng , Yan Guangjun , Zhu Ruixin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCurrently no satisfactory pharmaceutical intervention is available for COVID-19. This retrospective study aimed to determine the therapeutic effect of thymosin alpha1 in critical COVID-19. ResultsWe enrolled 109 critically ill severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 RNA positive patients from 15 hospitals. The mortality rate in critical patients treated with thymosin alpha1 was 11%, compared to 56% in critical patients not treated with thymosin alpha1. With confounding factors adjusted in multivariate logistic regression, thymosin alpha1 treatment was identified as a protective factor for critical COVID-19. ConclusionOur observation advocates the treatment of critical COVID-19 with thymosin alpha1.
Photocatalytic aerobic oxidative carbonylation of methane by iron terpyridine catalysts
Authors: Zuo Zhiwei , Pan Hui , An Qing , Chen Hui , Chen Yuegang , Made Alexander van der , Smits Joost , Bavel Sander van 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Employing methane as a C1 feedstock for commodity chemicals represents a sustainable and empowering opportunity for chemical catalysis. However, practical demands of industrial development have imposed serve challenges to utilize co-effective catalysts and reagents as well as ecologically benign conditions for highly efficient and selective C(sp3)–H bond functionalizations, constantly driving the development of catalytic strategies. The aerobic oxidative carbonylation of methane represents an ideal approach for sustainable acetic acid synthesis, yet poses a longstanding challenge in selectivity for C2:C1 products. In recent years, metallaphotocatalysis in which photoredox catalysts operate in synergy with transition metal catalysts to facilitate both 1- and 2-electron reaction steps, has provided intriguing opportunities to achieve selective cross-couplings otherwise unattainable. Here, we demonstrate the utilization of an iron terpyridine catalyst to facilitate multiple 1- and 2-electron processes, including photoexcitation, radical generation, oxidative radical capture and carbonylation, in the form of methane aerobic carbonylation to acetic acid. High levels of catalytic efficiency (turnover numbers up to 31480) and selectivity (C2/C1 ratio up to 142:1) have been achieved with a robust iron terpyridine photocatalyst at ambient temperature under LED irradiation. Importantly, this practical catalytic manifold has been adapted to the selective oxidative carbonylation of various feedstock alkanes.
Prevalence and Correlates of Suicide Attempt in Chinese Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Yang Fan , Li Guangyun , Zhang Shufang , Tong Jun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The suicidal behaviors in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) have been extensively studied in western countries. However, few data are available on the suicidal behaviors, especially suicide attempt (SA), in Chinese BPD patients. Methods: 84 Chinese BPD patients were included and the following data were collected: the demographics, comorbidity of DSM-Ⅳ axis Ⅰ and axis Ⅱ diagnoses of mental disorders, times of hospitalization, and history of SA. All patients self-completed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-Ⅱ, Beck Depression Inventory-Ⅱ, Buss & Perry Aggression Questionnaire, Child Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form and Beck Hopelessness Scale. Results: 52 (61.9%) patients reported SA(s) during their lifetime. Univariate logistic regression analysis found eleven variables associated with SA in BPD patients, including female, unemployment, times of hospitalizations, major depressive disorder (MDD), motor impulsiveness, hostility, self-aggression, total score of aggression, depressive symptoms, emotional neglect and total score of abuse. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified three correlates of SA from variables above: MDD, hostility, and self-aggression. Self-aggression showed a weak correlative trend. Conclusions: Chinese BPD patients are at a great risk of suicide; the treatment of MDD and reduction of aggression might be helpful for the suicide prevention in clinical management of Chinese BPD patients.
An Ego-Centred Approach for the Evaluation of Spatial Effects on Health in Urban Areas Based on Parametric Semi-Variogram Models: Concept and Validation
Authors: Sauzet Odile , Breiding Janne , Zolitschka Kim , Breckenkamp Jürgen , Razum Oliver 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Neighbourhood is a complex structure but of high relevance for health. Its operationalisation remains however a challenge. The aim of this work is to present an approach for the evaluation of spatial eﬀects on health. For this, we propose to estimate two parameters providing a measure of an average neighbourhood or spatial eﬀect at city level without having to predeﬁne any notion of physical neighbourhood. Methods: We present the statistical method to estimate the parameters of this correlation neighbourhood by ﬁtting an exponential model to the empirical semi-variogram at short distances. With a simulation study, we show for which sample size and sampling density the method performs well and illustrate how to use the method with data from a birth cohort using the outcome birthweight. Results: For small sample sizes (500) the method provides reliable estimates if the density of observations is high. For larger sample sizes other parameters inﬂuencing the quality of estimates are the maximal distance at which the semi-variograms are estimated. Conclusions: Given the complexity of spatial scales relative to neighbourhood spatial processes, our approach oﬀers the possibility to incorporate existing approaches to the operationalisation of neighbourhood in quantitative analyses while providing a measure of the part of health inequalities which could be possibly due to unmeasured spatial exposure as well as a measure of their spatial scale.
Understanding Patient Journey in Ulcerative Colitis Prior to Biologic Initiation: A 5-Year Exploration
Authors: Wang Yiting , Makadia Rupa , Knoll Christopher , Hardin Jill , Voss Erica , Fife Daniel , Davis Kourtney , Sloan Sheldon 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background There has been a more pronounced shift toward earlier, more aggressive therapies in Crohn’s disease than in ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of this study was to describe the pre-biologic treatment and health care experience, including co-morbidities and overall health care utilization, for UC patients who initiated biologic therapies in the five years prior to the initiation of the first biologic agent.MethodsUC patients who initiated a biologic agent approved for UC between 9/15/2005 and 1/30/2018 were identified from the IBM® MarketScan® Commercial claims database. The date of the first recorded UC biologic exposure was defined as the index date, and ≥ 5 years of pre-index records were required to evaluate patients’ treatment, disease progression and overall health care utilization prior to initiating biologic agents.ResultsAmong the 1891 eligible patients, treatment with oral corticosteroids, 5-aminosalicylates, and other non-biologic immunomodulators all increased progressively across the five years prior to the index. From within year-five to within year-one prior to the index, the median duration of oral corticosteroids increased from 34 to 88 days per year and the proportion of patients who experienced more extensive/pancolitis disease increased from 16% to 59%. Overall, the frequency of all-cause health care visits also increased.ConclusionsPatients with UC experienced increasing morbidity and treatment burden in the five years prior to initiating biologic therapy. To achieve sustained remission and mucosal healing with reduced corticosteroids in UC management, better risk stratification is needed to help identify patients for more timely biologic treatment.
The Role of Different Linkage Disequilibrium Patterns in Genomic Prediction: The gBULP Based Exploratory Method in Tehran Cardiometabolic Genetic Study
Authors: Akbarzadeh Mahdei , Dehkordi Saeid , Roudbar Mahmoud , Riahi Parisa , Sargolzaei Mehdi , Guity Kamran , Sedaghati-khayat Bahareh , Lanjanian Hossein , Azizi Fereidoun , Daneshpour Maryam 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Current GWAS discoveries have discovered novel clinical improvements in recent decades, such as estimating whole-genome risk. Genetic prediction of traits has substantial impacts on public health care and disease prevention. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns on genomic prediction accuracy and SNP-based heritability estimation for four lipid profile traits.Results: This family-based study included 11,798 individuals ranging from 3 to 80 ys, extracted from Tehran Cardiometabolic Genetic Study (TCGS). LD patterns were considered on different thresholds (0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9) to create subsets of SNPs. We have compared the prediction accuracy and SNP-based heritability estimation of the selected SNPs within these patterns as well as randomly selected SNPs with equal sizes. Subsets of SNPs selected based on LD patterns had a higher prediction accuracy level than subsets of SNPs selected randomly, and when the LD threshold increases, the difference tends to zero. The results were consistent when the prediction accuracy of subsets were adjusted for their SNP numbers in all traits. For all traits, when the number of SNPs was adjusted, between LD threshold 0.01 and 0.2, both prediction accuracy and SNP-based heritability have a dramatic rise. After substantial growth, there was a steady decline, and they reach a peak at an LD threshold between 0.2 and 0.3.Conclusions: This research indicated that having selected subsets of SNPs based on the LD threshold always outperform randomly selected SNPs for prediction objectives. However, determining the specific LD threshold for prediction purposes might be controversial since achieving the highest level of prediction accuracy, when the number of SNPs is adjusted, prompts different results (in our case, 0.3 when the SNP number was adjusted and 0.9 when the SNP number is not adjusted). Finally, we concluded that choosing the LD threshold as a tool to boost genetic prediction accuracy should be used with intense care.
Parental Experiences in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Mengesha Endalkachew , Zelellw Desalegne , Asfaw Likawunt , Tesfa Mulugeta , Debela Mitiku , Ambaw Fentie 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Neonatal intensive care settings are important to save the lives of sick neonates; however, parents are challenged by many stressful conditions during their stay outside the rooms of intensive care units. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the lived experiences of parents in a neonatal intensive care unit at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: In this study, a phenomenological qualitative approach was used to explore parental experience and data were collected using in-depth interviews from purposively selected parents. In addition, a thematic approach was used to analyze the data using Open Code Software Version 4.02. Results: In this study, parents found to developed psychological problems like anxiety, stress, worry, hopelessness and state of confusion. Emotional related conditions were anger, crying, sadness, frustration, dissatisfaction, regret, disappointment, feeling bad, self-blaming, nervousness, disturbance and lack of self-control. Parents expressed that health care providers showed indiscipline, lack of commitment and not cooperative at all. Conclusion: Parents of neonates in the intensive care unit were challenged due to a shortage of money and traveling a long distance. Psychological and emotional factors were identified as major stressors of parents during their stay in the NICU. Hence, providing psycho-emotional supports, strengthening parents–healthcare providers’ interaction, and scale up neonatal intensive care unit service into the primary health care unit are recommended.
Ecosystem Services in Short Rotation Coppice Forestry on Former Arable Land
Authors: Krēsliņa Vita , Lazdiņa Dagnija , Brumelis Guntis 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The rising global population size has placed increasing demands for acquisition and sustainable use of renewable resources and carbon sink. One of the ways to meet this demand and realise Green deal is by planting fast growing trees such as Alnus incana, Betula pendula, Salix sp., Populus tremuloides x Populus tremula for short rotation forestry (SRF) or short rotation coppice (SRC). The area of these plantations is increasing. The main benefit of these plantations is renewable wood energy. There can be also additional benefits for ecosystem services if the plantation is fully used. The aim of the study was to describe the ecosystem services offered by SRC and SRF in comparison to intensive agriculture. We studied the occurrence of herbaceous plant species in an experimental tree stand in Skriveri district in Latvia. The cover of plants was estimated in plots. The results showed a multitude of other ecosystem services offered by the plantation. In grassland belts between tree rows, provisioning ecosystem services included plants for medicinal purposes and teas, as well as forage species for livestock feed. Regulating ecosystem services included nectar plants for pollination with added value of honey production. The most intensive blooming and pollen season was from April to October, when 20 species of nectar plants were blooming. Trees and herbs with microbial nitrogen fixing associations had potential for soil improvement. The fast-growing trees can sequester carbon and mitigate climate change. Compared to cultivated grassland with one or a few species, SRC and SRF provides a greater variety of ecosystem services.
Sniffer Worm, C. elegans, as a Toxicity Evaluation Model Organism with Sensing and Locomotion Abilities
Authors: Kim Jun Sung , Park Sang-Kyu , Lee Haeshin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The probability of objects fabricated by three-dimensional (3D) printing exhibiting local defects is higher than that detected in products of conventional casting-based manufacturing. Multistep layer-by-layer procedures in additive manufacturing are the main reason. Light intensity and/or penetration depth, inhomogeneity of components, and variations in nozzle temperature are factors that create local defects. Defect regions are sources of toxic component release, but methods to identify them in printed materials have not been reported. Existing assays for evaluating material toxicity are based on extraction, and these toxicological assays use living creatures to passively detect harmful agents in extracted solutions. Thus, the development of an active system for identifying sites of toxicity sources is a critical and urgent issue in 3D printing technologies. Herein, we introduce an animal model system, C. elegans, for toxicity evaluation. C. elegans crawls toward safe regions but avoids toxically dangerous areas. The ‘sensing’ and ‘locomotion’ abilities of C. elegans are unparalleled among existing underwater and animal models, providing immediate indications to help find toxicity source sites.
Cooperation or Confrontation? —— Prediction of COVID-19 Pandemic Situation via Deep Learning
Authors: Hong Zhonghua , Fan Ziyang , Tong Xiaohua , Zhou Ruyan , Zhang Yun , Han Yanling , Wang Jing , Yang Shuhu , Xu Lijun , Luan Kuifeng , Xie Huan , Feng Yongjiu , Liu Shijie , Chen Peng , Jin Yanmin , Xu Xiong , Liu Sicong , Wei Chao , Wang Chao 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is the most serious catastrophe since the Second World War. To more accurately observe the epidemic under the influence of policies and provide policy adjustments before the official presidential transition in the United States, we use a three-layer superimposed Long-Short-Term-Memory (LSTM) model to predict the epidemic development trend to mid-January, 2021. The proposed model provides more accuracy and stability relative to Susceptible-Exposed-Infective-Recovered (SEIR), modified stacked au-to-encoder, and single-layer LSTM models. The performance effects of the measures in China and five countries with severe epidemics are analysed and summarised. The model shows that the error rate of China, five countries and the world is less than 1.4%. According to forecasts, the epidemic situations in the United States, India, and Brazil, caused by untimely, inappropriate policies, lax regulations and insufficient public cooperation, remain very severe, with cases continuing to increase by tens of thousands. The number of cumulative confirmed cases worldwide will exceed 84.58 million by mid-January, 2021; however, the mortality rate will gradually decrease. Based on analysis of measures (including China’s effective prevention and control policies), we found that there are performed tremendous different efficiency even using same positive policy for different countries because of various cooperation between people and governments. It is essential to maintain self-protection to prevent the epidemic from deterioration or regenerating, especially, wearing mask and maintaining a safe distance.
Effect of Sterilization on 3-point Dynamic Response to in Vitro Bending of an Mg Implant
Authors: Becerra Luis Humberto Campos , Rodríguez Marco Antonio Loudovic Hernández , Arroyo Raúl Lesso , S Hugo Esquivel , Castro Alejandro Torres 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of the study is to characterize a biomedical magnesium alloy and highlighting the loss of mechanical integrity due to the sterilization method. Ideally, when using these alloys is to delay the onset of degradation so that the implant can support body loads and avoid toxicological effects due to the release of metal ions into the body. Methods: The experimentation was carried out according to the standards of ASTM-F-1264 and ISO-10993-5 for mechanical and biological tests respectively, this testing methodology is carried out in accordance with the monographs of the Pharmacopoeia for the approval of medical devices and obtaining a health registration. An intramedullary implant (IIM) manufactured in magnesium (Mg) WE43 can support loads of the body in the initial period of bone consolidation without compromising the integrity of the fractured area. A system with these characteristics would improve morbidity and health costs by avoiding secondary surgical interventions. As a property, the fatigue resistance of Mg in aggressive environments such as the body environment undergoes progressive degradation, however, the autoclave sterilization method drastically affects fatigue resistance, as demonstrated in tests carried out under in vitro conditions. Coupled with this phenomenon, the relatively poor biocompatibility of Mg WE43 alloys has limited applications where they can be used due to low acceptance rates from agencies such as the FDA. However, Mg alloy with elements such as yttrium and rare earth elements (REEs) have been shown to delay biodegradation depending on the method of sterilization and the physiological solution used.Results: With different sterilization techniques, it may be possible to keep toxicological effects to a minimum while still ensuring a balance between the integrity of fractured bone and implant degradation time. Therefore, the evaluation of fatigue resistance of WE43 specimens sterilized and tested in immersion conditions (enriched Hank's solution) and according to ASTM F-1264, along with the morphological, crystallinity, and biocompatibility characterization of the WE43 alloy allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the mechanical and biological properties of WE43. Conclusions: These results will support decision-making to generate a change in the current perspective of biomaterials utilized in medical devices (MDs), to be considered by manufacturers and health regulatory agencies. An implant manufactured in WE43 alloy can be used as an intramedullary implant, considering keeping elements such as yttrium-REEs below as specified in its designation and with the help of a coating that allows increasing the life of the implant in vivo.
Clinical Outcomes of T4a Papillary Thyroid Cancer With Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Involvement: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Na Han-Seul , Kwon Hyun-Keun , Shin Sung-Chan , Cheon Yong-Il , Seo Myeonggu , Lee Jin-Choon , Sung Eui-Suk , Lee Minhyung , Kim In-Joo , Kim Bo-Hyun , Lee Byung-Joo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Preoperative vocal cord palsy (VCP) may indicate locally invasive papillary thyroid cancer (PTC); using this relationship, we evaluated the clinical outcomes and risk factors for recurrence in post-thyroidectomy T4a PTC patients with recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) involvement. We retrospectively investigated thyroidectomy patients, recorded their clinical factors, recurrence rate, and pathological findings, and analysed the relationship between recurrence rate and clinical factors. Of 72 patients, 37 (51%) had preoperative VCP and 35 (49%) had normal preoperative vocal cord movement with confirmed intraoperative RLN invasion. Tracheal and esophageal invasion was observed in 13 (18%) and 15 (21%) patients, respectively. Thyroid cancer recurred in 18 (25%) patients over 58 months, resulting in 2 (3%) deaths. Recurrence was not associated with surgical extent, organ invasion, enlarged tumour size, or lymph node infiltration (p > 0.05). The recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients with positive resection margins (p < 0.05). T4a PTC patients with RLN involvement showed a poor prognosis. The recurrence rate was not affected by preoperative VCP, intraoperative detection of RLN invasion, nerve resection, nerve preservation by shaving, lymph node metastasis, or tracheal or esophageal invasion. The most important prognostic factor for recurrence was a positive resection margin.