bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving the conductivity of solid polymer electrolyte by grain reforming
Authors: Wei Zhaohuan , Ren Yaqi , Wang Minkang , Huo Weirong , Hui Tang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) is considered to have great application prospects in all-solid-state li-ion batteries. However, the application of PEO-based SPEs is hindered by the relatively low ionic conductivity, which strongly depends on its crystallinity and density of grain boundaries. In this work, a simple and effective press rolling method is applied to reduce the crystallinity of PEO-based SPEs for the first time. With the rolled PEO-based SPE, the LiFePO4/SPE/Li all-solid li-ion battery delivers a superior rechargeable specific capacity of 162.6 mAh g-1 with a discharge-charge voltage gap of 60 mV at a current density of 0.2 C with a much lower capacity decay rate. The improvement of electrochemical properties can be attributed to the press rolling method, leading to a doubling conductivity and reduced activation energy compared with that of electrolyte prepared by traditional cast method. The present work provides an effective and easy-to-use grain reforming method for SPE, worthy of future application.
Inducing formation of L10-phase in concave-cube FePt nanoparticles by annealing under high magnetic field
Authors: Wu Chun , Zhuang Weibin , Niu Zhiyuan , Zhao Dong , Pei Wenli , Wang Kai , Wang Qiang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Concave-cube FePt nanoparticles (NPs) with anisotropy of shape and element were annealed under high magnetic field (HMF). The high temperature sphered the FePt NPs, and Pt content and grain size of the NPs were decreased during annealing process. The HMF strength didn’t affect the shape, size and composition of the FePt NPs, but induced the formation of L 1 0 -phase in the annealed NPs. The content and ordering degree of L 1 0 -phase increased with enhancing the HMF strength, which leaded to the increasing of coercivity in the annealed FePt NPs. This work suggests that application of the HMF annealing is an effective strategy to tune the microstructure and property of anisotropic FePt NPs.
What is the students’ opinion about using scenarios with manikins and Simulated Patients in undergraduate medical education?
Authors: Torres Kamil , Evans Phillip , Radczuk Natalia , Torres Anna 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMedical simulation has turned to be a well-developed educational technique at a postgraduate level, including, residency programs and continuing vocational training. However, its applicability has still not been clearly defined when providing education to undergraduate medical students.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to determine the opinion of undergraduate medical students about the effectiveness of manikin-based and SP-based high-fidelity scenarios for learning clinical objectives. This is considered important in a discussion about the systematic implementation of SP-based simulation in undergraduate medical education.MethodsA mixed methods approach was used to collect the evidence. Triangulation included a literature review, semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey. The study was conducted among 6th-year medical students who experienced various clinical educational techniques.ResultsStudents preferred SP-based medical simulation, as they perceived it to be more life-like than with a manikin. It was also reported to be more effective for developing non-technical skills, including communication and interpersonal skills. However, when technical skills were taken into consideration, for instance, performing invasive and non-invasive procedures, students opted for using manikins or a combination of both. ConclusionsThe study results suggest that both manikins and SPs should be included in the medical curriculum from the beginning of students’ clinical experience. A combination of both modalities would ensure acquisition of skills, both technical and non-technical, required from contemporary health care professionals.
Echocardiography-Guided Hemodynamic Management of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock in Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Alhabashy Walid S. , Shalaby Osama M. , Elgebaly Ahmed S. , Ghafar Mohammed S. Abd El 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Echocardiography (ECHO) is used to guide septic shock resuscitation, but without evidence for efficacy. Therefore, we compared the outcome of early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) and ECHO-guided management of hemodynamics in severe sepsis and septic shock. Methods: This is a single canter, randomized controlled trial conducted on 100 adult patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. Patients were assessed and treated either EGDT protocol (EGDT group) or ECHO-guided resuscitation protocol (ECHO group). Results: In this study, only 87 patients with severe sepsis/septic shock were analyzed; 45 patients in group I and 42 patients in group II. There was significant increase of norepinephrine, dobutamine doses, MV free days, time to normalization, time to weaning of vasopressors, total MV days and ICU and hospital stay in EGDT group compared to ECHO group. At 30 days, the mortality rate in EGDT group was 35.6% which was significantly higher compared to 14.3% in ECHO group. At 90 days, the overall mortality was significantly higher in EGDT group compared to Echo group (40.0% vs 16.7% respectively). Hazardous ratio of mortality was 1.630 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.123 - 2.366) and 1.653 (95% CI: 1.137 - 2.404) at 30 and 90 days respectively in EGDT group compared to ECHO group.Conclusion: In severe sepsis and septic shock, ECHO-guided management of hemodynamic resulted in decrease in mortality, lower total fluid intake, vasopressor and inotrope, earlier weaning of vasopressors and less MV days, ICU and hospital stay.
Clinical Features and Outcome Analysis of Patients Infected with Severe and Critical COVID-19 Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Xiong Yangmei , Feng Ying , Li Mengwei , Wang Jing , Zhang Xingguo , Chen Xiangyang , Rao Xin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background

Until now, information on the clinical characteristics of severe and critical patients with COVID-19 is extremely limited.The aim of the present study was to analyse the clinical features of these patients and influencing factors of clinical outcome, and explore treatment effects of prone position on COVID-19 patients with severe ARDS.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 55 COVID-19 patients in the ICU of Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from January 6 to February 15, 2020 in Wuhan, China. Case data from each patient were collected and related clinical outcomes on day 14 of ICU admission were recorded. The follow-up deadline was February 29, 2020.

Results

Of the 55 patients included, 35 were male (63.6%), with an average age of 63.0 (SD 15.2) years, and 80.0% were patients over 50 years old. The first three symptoms were fever (36 cases, 65.5%), fatigue (13 cases, 23.6%), and cough (11 cases, 20.0%). The rate of invasive mechanical ventilation was 52.7% (29 cases); on the 14th day of ICU admission, 31 patients(56.4%) were improved, and 19 (34.5%) were worsened. On the 14th day after entering the ICU, a comparative analysis showed that peripheral blood CD4, CD8, and NK cell counts in deteriorated patients were significantly lower than those in improved patients (P<0.05). Meanwhile, concentrations of IL-10, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α in deteriorated patients were higher than those in improved patients (P <0.05). Among a total of 27 prone position sessions, the oxygenation index (PaO2 / FiO2 ) of 9 prone position sessions(33.3%) improved, and the PaCO2 in arterial blood gas analysis of 5 sessions(18.5%) improved.

Conclusion

The majority of patients with severe and critical COVID-19 in the ICU were over 50 years old and male. 52.7% need invasive mechanical ventilation. On the 14th day of admission, 56.4% of the patients improved, 34.5% of the patients deteriorated. The rate of deaths during hospitalization was 21.8%. The worsening of COVID-19 patients might be related to excessive inflammatory and immune responses. In addition, prone ventilation may improve oxygenation in some COVID-19 patients with severe ARDS, but a significant mortality benefit with proning was uncertain.
Levels of knowledge regarding malaria causes, symptoms, and prevention measures among Malawian women of reproductive age
Authors: Sixpence Alick , Nkoka Owen , Chirwa Gowokani C. , Milanzi Edith B. , Mangani Charles , Mathanga Don P. , Ntenda Peter Austin Morton 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Malawi is a malaria-endemic country and approximately 6 million cases are reported annually. Improving knowledge of malaria causes and symptoms, and the overall perception towards malaria and its preventive measures is vital for malaria control. Thus, the current study investigated the levels of knowledge of the causes, symptoms, and prevention of Malaria among Malawian women.Methods: We analyzed data from the 2017 wave of the Malawi Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS). In total, 3,422 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) were sampled and analyzed. We assessed the levels of women’s knowledge about 1), causes of malaria 2) symptoms of malaria and 3) preventive measures. The tertiles of the composite score were used as the cut-offs to categorize the levels of knowledge as ‘‘low”, ‘‘medium” and ‘‘high”. Multinomial logistic regression models were constructed to assess the independent factors while taking into account the complex survey design. Results: Approximately 50% of all respondents had high levels of knowledge of causes, symptoms, and preventive measures. The high level of knowledge was 45% for rural women and 55% for urban dwellers. After adjustment for known confounders, women of age group 15–19 years adjusted odds ratio ([aOR]: 2.576; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.692–3.921), women with no formal education (aOR: 3.733; 95% CI: 2.203–6.326), women whose household had no television (aOR: 1.504; 95% CI: 1.021–2.216), women :who had not seen/heard malaria message (aOR: 1.527; 95% CI: 1.197–1.948), women of Yao tribe (aOR: 1.954; 95% CI: 1.103–3.460) and women from rural areas had low levels of knowledge about the causes of malaria, symptoms of malaria, and preventive measures.Conclusions: The levels of malaria knowledge were reported to be moderate among adult women, underscoring the need to scale up efforts on malaria education. Beside insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and prompt diagnosis, malaria can be best managed in Malawi by increasing knowledge of malaria causes, and symptoms especially for younger women, women with no formal education, women whose households have no media, women from Yao tribes and rural dwellers.
The clinicopathological and prognostic values of TAZ and YAP expression in gastric cancer
Authors: SHI SHUAI , HAN YING XIN , ZHANG RUI YU , ZHANG GANG ZHI 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif(TAZ) and Yes-associated protein(YAP) are well-known members of the Hippo signaling pathway, which may correlated with organ development regulation and interaction between organ and tumor. At the same time, it is closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors. Methods: The purpose of this study is to explore a potential marker that is specific for gastric cancer. In our study, we designed a bioinformatics analysis of the clinicopathological features of TAZ and YAP mRNA expression in gastric cancer using Kaplan-Meier plotter, Oncomine and TCGA databases. Results: According to Kaplan-Meier plotter, the mRNA expression of TAZ and YAP are negatively related with the overall post-progression and first progression survival rates of gastric cancer patients(p＜0.05), even stratified by clinicopathological features(p＜0.05). As shown in Oncomine, TAZ and YAP mRNA expression is higher in gastric cancers than gastric tissue and gastric mucosa(p＜0.05). In TCGA data, univariate analysis showed that age, TNM staging, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis was correlated with prognosis in patients with gastric cancer(p＜0.05). COX multivariate analysis showed that age and distant metastasis are risk factors affecting the survival of patients with gastric cancer(p＜0.05). Conclusion: TAZ/YAP may be employed as a good molecular market for patients and might help researchers discover a targeted inhibitor for treating gastric cancer.
A Case Report on a Large, Peduncular Intra-abdominal Hepatocellular Carcinoma Extending into the Retroperitoneum
Authors: Omer Dana M , Dozier Jordan , Cao Zongxian , Zhu Hongfa , McCain Donald 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary liver malignancy often caused by viral hepatitis infection due to chronic inflammation and persistent cytokine release. Although rare, patients may present with large, pedunculated hepatocellular neoplasms that extend into the intra-abdominal space. Here, we present a case report on a 66-year-old male who was found to have such a mass that required careful pre-operative planning to complete a challenging, yet worthwhile, surgical intervention with R0 resection. Case Presentation A 66-year-old Caucasian male with a history of Hepatitis C presented with 4-5 months of abdominal pain, distention and weight loss. Imaging revealed a large heterogenous mass attached to the left lobe of the liver, with compression of the stomach, transverse colon and abdominal wall. Biopsy revealed hepatocellular carcinoma with extensive necrosis and ultimately the patient required surgical intervention, which required resection of omentum, partial gastrectomy, hepatectomy and extensive dissection of the mass to separate the tumor from the remaining intra-abdominal structures and the retroperitoneum. Conclusion Peduncular hepatocellular carcinomas vary in presentation and difficulty of resection. The prognosis and probability of successful surgical intervention depends on the level of differentiation, early staging, size of the neoplasm and invasion into surrounding structures. In this case, R0 resection was successfully performed.
Expression and functional characterization of a novel antimicrobial peptide: human beta-defensin118
Authors: Lin Qian , Xie KunHong , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , Mao Xiangbing , Yu Jie , Luo Junqiu , Zheng Ping , Luo Yuheng , Yan Hui , He Jun 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: β-defensin 118 (DEFB118 ) is a novel host defence peptide (HDP) identified in human. To evaluate its potentials for future utilization, the DEFB118 gene was expressed in Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and the recombinant protein was fully characterized. Methods: The DEFB118 protein was obtained by heterologous expression using E. coli Rosetta (DE3). Antibacterical activity of DEFB118 were determined by using various bacterial strains. IPEC-J cells challenged by E. coli K88 were used to determine its influences on inflammatory responses. Results: The E. coli transformants yielded more than 250 mg/mL D EFB118 protein after 4 h induction by 1.0 mM IPTG. The DEFB118 was estimated by SDS-PAGE to be 30 kDa, and MALDI-TOF analysis verified it is a human β-defensin 118. Importantly, the DEFB118 showed antimicrobial activities against both Gram-negative bacteria ( E. coli K88 and E. coli DH5α) and Gram-positive bacteria ( S. aureus and B. subtilis ), with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4 μg/mL. Hemolytic assays showed that DEFB118 had no detrimental impact on cell viability. Additionally, DEFB118 was found to elevate the viability of IPEC-J2 cells upon E. coli K88 challenge. Moreover, DEFB118 significantly decreased cell apoptosis in the late apoptosis phase and down-regulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as the IL-1β and TNF-a in the IPEC-J2 cells exposure to E. coli K88. Conclusions: These results suggested a novel function of the mammalian defensins, and the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of DEFB118 may allow it a potential substitute for conventionally used antibiotics or drugs.
First report of bovine anaemia associated Theileria sinensis infection and phylogenetic analyses of partial gene sequences of Theileria and Anaplasma species detected in naturally infected Malaysian cattle
Authors: Agina Onyinyechukwu Ada , Shaari Mohd Rosly , Isa Nur Mahiza , Ajat Mokrish , Zamri-Saad Mohd , Mazlan Mazlina , Muhamad Azim Salahuddin , Kassim Afrah Alhana , Ha Lee Chai , Rusli Fairuz Hazwani , Hamzah Hazilawati 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Serious disease outbreaks in cattle are usually associated with blood pathogens. This study aims to detect blood pathogens namely Trypanosoma evansi, Theileria, Anaplasma and Mycoplasma species, and studied their phylogenetic relationships, haemato-biochemical abnormalities and erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) in Malaysian cattle. Methods: Molecular analysis was achieved by PCR amplification and sequencing of PCR amplicons of 18SrRNA gene of Theileria species, 16SrRNA genes of Anaplasma and Mycoplasma species, 16SrRNA gene of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos, MPSP gene of T. orientalis and RoTaT1.2 VSG gene of Trypanosoma evansi, in sixty-one (61) Kedah-Kelantan X Brahman cattle from Pahang, Malaysia. Haemato-biochemical analyses were performed using automated analysers while EOF was determined with the aid of saline solutions. Results: PCR amplification produced the expected fragment sizes for MPSP gene of T. orientalis, msp4 gene of Anaplasma marginale, 16S rRNA gene of C. M. haemobos, RoTaT1.2VSG gene of T. evansi. Nucleotide blast demonstrated that sequences of the PCR amplicons showed a high degree of molecular similarity in comparison with reference sequences. Analysis of 18SrRNA gene sequences of Theileria species and 16S rRNA gene sequences of Anaplasma species revealed Theileria sinensis and Anaplasma platys as additional species detected in these cattle. Theileria species was the most detected blood pathogen in the sampled cattle. The blood picture of all cattle group revealed poikilocytosis, anisocytosis, rouleaux formation and degenerative left shift. Erythrocyte fragility values of all the cattle groups were above the reference range. Anaemia of the macrocytic normochromic type was observed in the Trypanosoma evansi; and Anaplasma platys + Theileria sinensis double species co-infected cattle. Normocytic normochromic anaemia was observed in the T. sinensis infected cattle group. Significant (p<0.05) increases in serum liver and kidney parameters, total protein, globulin, total and unconjugated bilirubin and decreased albumin was observed in the Trypanosoma evansi infected cattle.Conclusion: We present the first report of anaemia associated with Theileria sinensis infection in Malaysian cattle. Because of the high occurrence of bovine theileriosis and detection of Anaplasma platys, there is an urgent need for appropriate preventive and control measures, as Theileria species and A. platys are of great economic and zoonotic importance respectively.
Highly abundant core taxa in the blow within and across captive bottlenose dolphins provide evidence for a temporally stable airway microbiota
Authors: Vendl Catharina , Nelson Tiffanie M , Ferrari Belinda , Thomas Torsten , Rogers Tracey 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The analysis of blow microbiota has been proposed as a biomarker for respiratory health analysis in cetaceans. Yet, we lack crucial knowledge on the long-term stability of the blow microbiota and its potential changes during disease. Research in humans and mice have provided evidence that respiratory disease is accompanied by a shift in microbial communities of the airways. We investigate here the stability of the community composition of the blow microbiota for 13 captive bottlenose dolphins over eight months including both sick and healthy individuals. We used barcoded tag sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Four of the dolphins experienced distinct medical conditions and received systemic antimicrobial treatment during the study. Results: We show that each dolphin harboured a unique community of zero-radius operational taxonomic units (zOTUs) that was present throughout the entire sampling period (‘intra-core’). Although for most dolphins there was significant variation over time, overall the intra-core accounted for an average of 65% of relative abundance of the blow microbiota. In addition, the dolphins shared between 4 and 52 zOTUs on any of the sampling occasions (‘inter-core’), accounting for a relative abundance between 7 and 33% of any dolphin’s airway microbiota. The majority of the intra-core and all of the inter-core zOTUs in this study are commonly found in captive and free-ranging dolphins and have previously been reported from several different body sites. The blow microbiota of sick dolphins differed significantly from that of healthy dolphins, although we did not find evidence for a common impact of antimicrobial treatment. Conclusions: The airways of dolphins were colonized by an individual intra-core ‘signature’ that varied in abundance relative to more temporary bacteria. We speculate that the intra-core bacteria interact with the immune response of the respiratory tract and support its function. This study provides the first evidence of individual-specific airway microbiota in cetaceans that is stable over eight months.
High uptake of 68Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC and 18F-DCFPyL in the peritumoral area of rat gliomas due to activated astrocytes
Authors: Oliveira Dennis , Stegmayr Carina , Heinzel Alexander , Ermert Johannes , Neumaier Bernd , Shah Nadim Jon , Mottaghy Felix M. , Langen Karl-Josef , Willuweit Antje 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Recent studies reported on high uptake of the PSMA ligands [68Ga]HBED-CC (68Ga-PSMA) and 18F-DCFPyL in cerebral gliomas. This study explores the regional uptake and cellular targets of 68Ga-PSMA and 18F-DCFPyL in three different rat glioma models.Methods F98, 9L or U87 rat gliomas were implanted into the brains of 38 rats. After 13 days of tumor growth, 68Ga-PSMA (n=21) or 18F-DCFPyL (n=17) were injected intravenously and animals were sacrificed 40 min later. Cryosections of the tumor bearing brains were analyzed by ex vivo autoradiography and immunofluorescence staining for blood vessels, microglia, astrocytes and presence of PSMA. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability was tested by coinjection of Evans blue dye (EBD). 68Ga-PSMA uptake after restoration of BBB integrity by treatment with dexamethasone (Dex) was evaluated in four animals with U87 gliomas. Competition experiments using the PSMA-receptor inhibitor 2-(Phosphonomethyl)pentane-1,5-dioic acid (PMPA) were performed for both tracers in two animals each.Results All tumors showed a strong 68Ga-PSMA and 18F-DCFPyL binding in the peritumoral area and moderate binding in the center of the tumors. PMPA administration led to complete inhibition of 68Ga-PSMA and 18F-DCFPyL binding in the peritumoral region. Restoration of BBB by Dex treatment reduced EBD extravasation but 68Ga-PSMA binding remained unchanged. Expression of activated microglia (CD11b) was low in the intra- and peritumoral area but GFAP staining revealed strong activation of astrocytes in congruency to the tracer binding in the peritumoral area. Conclusions High uptake of 68Ga-PSMA and 18F-DCFPyL in the peritumoral area of all glioma models is presumably caused by activated astrocytes. This may represent a limitation for the clinical application of PSMA ligands in gliomas. BBB permeability had a minor influence on tracer binding.