bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical Investigation of Simultaneous Refractive index Sensor using 1D multichannel photonic crystal device
Authors: Bouzidi A. , Bria D. , El-Khozondar Hala J. , Vigneswaran D , Patel Shobhit K. , Ramanujam N.R. , Ahmed Kawsar 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
We present a multichannel sensor for the simultaneous monitoring of three different samples. established from a one-dimensional photonic crystal, this device is formed by an alternating layer of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) with three defect layers containing the samples to be monitored. Numerical studies claim that three transmission peaks appear in the bandgap, these transmission peaks are caused by the three samples infiltrated in the defect layers. In real-time detection purposes, it is possible to exploit these transmission peaks. In addition, peak frequencies have the advantage of being susceptible to sample concentrations. With this photonic structure, a sensitivity of 800 nm per unit of refractive index (RIU) is reached.
The research of the relationships between patent foramen ovale and ischemic stroke in elderly patients
Authors: Sun Xu Chao , Jiang Wenjing , Zhao Yan , Ma Lin , Lin Yan , Ma Jun 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Research indicates that abnormal embolism caused by patent foramen ovale (PFO) may play an important role in cryptogenic stroke (CS). However, most researches has focused on young patients, and whether abnormal embolism caused by PFO also plays an important role in elderly CS is uncertain. The purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical characteristics of elderly patients with PFO, and to explore the correlation between elderly PFO and ischemic stroke.Methods 62 elderly patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke admitted to Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from April 2014 to April 2019 were selected as the Test Group. 62 non-stroke patients in our hospital's physical examination center and outpatient clinic were selected as the Control Group. Collect clinical data of patients for retrospective analysis.Results The incidence of PFO in the Test Group was significantly higher than that in the Control Group, the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The proportion of large and medium shunt patients in the Test Group was significantly higher than that in the Control Group (p < 0.05). The proportion of patients with migraine in the PFO (+) group in the Test Group was significantly higher than the stroke patients in the PFO (-) group (p < 0.05).Conclusions The shunt volume of the PFO is related to ischemic stroke and may be a risk factor for ischemic stroke.
Genome-Wide Transcriptomic Analysis of N-Caproic Acid Production in Ruminococcaceae Bacterium CPB6 with Lactate Supplementation
Authors: TAO YONG , Lu Shaowen , Wang Yi , Wei Cuicui 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: n-Caproic acid (CA) is gaining increased attention due to its high value as a chemical feedstock. Our recent studies have demonstrated that lactate can be an attractive energy substrate for the production of CA. However, little is known about the potential molecular mechanism for CA production triggered by the supplementation of exogenous lactate at the gene transcriptional level. Results: 5% lactate was supplemented into the fermentation with Ruminococcaceae bacterium CPB6 for CA production. Results showed that lactate supplementation led to earlier CA production and higher final CA titer and productivity. Transcriptional analysis was carried out using RNA-Seq for the culture with lactate supplementation compared to the control (without lactate supplementation). It has been indicated that there were only 34 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two groups at the exponential phase, of which 15 were upregulated, and 19 were downregulated by more than two-fold. A total of 245 DEGs were identified between the two groups at the stationary phase, of which 123 were upregulated and 122 were downregulated. These DEGs cover crucial functional categories. Specifically, 5 genes responsible for the reverse β-oxidation pathway, 11 genes encoding ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, 6 genes encoding substrate-binding protein (SBP) and 4 genes encoding phosphotransferase system (PTS) transporters were strikingly upregulated in response to the addition of lactate. These genes would be candidates for future studies aiming at understanding the regulatory mechanism of lactate conversion into CA, as well as for the improvement of CA production in strain CPB6. Conclusion: This study suggested that lactate supplementation can promote CA production by altering the expression patterns of genes involved in the essential metabolic pathways, such as central pyruvate metabolism, the reverse β-oxidation pathway, ABC and PTS transports. The findings presented herein reveal unique insights into the biomolecular effects of lactate on CA production at the gene transcriptional level.
A comparative study of fractional order models on state of charge estimation for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Tian Jinpeng , XIONG Rui , Shen Weixiang , Wang Ju 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
State of charge (SOC) estimation for lithium ion batteries plays a critical role in battery management systems for electric vehicles. Battery fractional order models (FOMs) which come from frequency-domain modelling have provided a distinct insight into SOC estimation. In this article, for the first time, we compare five state-of-the-art FOMs in terms of SOC estimation. Firstly, characterisation tests on lithium ion batteries are conducted, and the experimental results are used to identify FOM parameters. Parameter identification results show that increasing the complexity of FOMs cannot always improve accuracy. The model R(RQ)W shows superior identification accuracy than the other four FOMs. Secondly, the SOC estimation based on a fractional order unscented Kalman filter is conducted to compare model accuracy and computational burden under different profiles, memory lengths, ambient temperatures, cells and voltage/current drifts. The evaluation results reveal that the SOC estimation accuracy does not necessarily positively correlate to the complexity of FOMs. Although more complex models can have better robustness against temperature variation, R(RQ), the simplest FOM, can overall provide satisfactory accuracy and generalisation ability. It can also maintain high accuracy even under the occurrence of sensor drift.
Primary and secondary three-month outcomes of a cluster-randomized trial of home-based postpartum contraceptive delivery in Southwest Trifinio, Guatemala
Authors: Harrison Margo , Bunge-Montes Saskia , Rivera Claudia , Jimenez-Zambrano Andrea , Heinrichs Gretchen , Bolanos Antonio , Asturias Edwin , Berman Stephen , Sheeder Jeanelle 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Design This a cluster-randomized parallel arm pragmatic trial to observe the association of home-based postpartum contraceptive provision, including the contraceptive implant, with implant utilization rates at 3 months post-enrollment. Methods In a region of rural Guatemala referred to as the Southwest Trifinio, twelve communities are served by a community-based antenatal and postnatal care program. The communities were combined into eight clusters based on 2017 birth rates and randomized to receive the home-based contraceptive delivery (condoms, pills, injection, implant) during the routine 40-day postpartum visit. All participants receive comprehensive contraceptive counseling beginning at the first antenatal visit, so control clusters received this as part of routine care; this education preceded the study intervention. Results Of 208 women enrolled in the study, 108 were in four intervention and 100 in four control clusters. Three-month contraceptive initiation rates were 56.0% in the control clusters compared to 76.8% in the intervention clusters, p < 0.001. Women in control clusters overwhelmingly opted for the injectable contraceptive (94.6%) while women in intervention clusters chose both the injection (61.5%) and the implant (33.7%), p < 0.001. Implant use by 3 months, the primary outcome of the study, was significantly higher in the intervention arm (25.9%) compared to the control arm (2.0%), p < 0.001, OR 18.8 CI [4.3, 81.4]. Conclusion Our study was designed to respond to previously identified barriers to contraceptive uptake, and it was successful. Not only did it increase overall use of contraception by 3 months, but it shifted that contraceptive use away from short-acting methods in favor of longer-acting methods, with high continuation and satisfaction rates and no adverse outcomes reported.
Pathogens in the upper respiratory tract of Congolese children with radiologically confirmed pneumonia
Authors: Birindwa Archippe Muhandule , Kasereka Jerry Kikwaya , Geravandi Shadi , Gonzales-Siles Lucia , Mwilo Mambo , Tudiakwile Léonard Kanku , Mwindja Néné Luhiriri , Muhigirwa Balthazar , Kashosi Théophile Mitima , Manegabe Jeaniere Tumusifu , Mihigo Elie Bugashane Bwa , Mushobekwa Stay Saili , Mungo Clement , Nordén Rickard , Andersson Rune , Skovbjerg Susann 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Acute pneumonia remains a leading cause of death among children below 5 years of age in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), despite introduction of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in 2013. Pathogens in the nasopharynx of hospitalised children with pneumonia have not been studied previously in DR Congo. Here we compare clinical characteristics, risk factors and nasopharyngeal occurrence of bacteria and viruses between children with severe and non-severe pneumonia
Methods
Between June 2015 and June 2017, 116 children aged from 2 to 59 months hospitalised due to radiologically confirmed pneumonia at Panzi referral university hospital, Bukavu, eastern DR Congo were included in the study and sampled from nasopharynx. A multiplex real-time PCR assay for detection of 15 different viruses and 5 bacterial species was performed and another multiplex PCR assay was used for pneumococcal serotype/serogroup determination.
Results
During the study period 85 (73%) of the children with radiologically confirmed pneumonia met the WHO classification criteria of severe pneumonia and 31 (27%) had non-severe pneumonia. The fatality rate was 9.5%. Almost all (87%) children were treated with antibiotics before they were hospitalised, in most cases with amoxicillin (58%) or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (20%). Children with severe pneumonia were more commonly treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole before hospitalisation than children with non-severe pneumonia (OR 4.75; 95%CI 1.04–21.65, p = 0.043), as were children who died at the hospital as compared to children who recovered (OR 3.98; 95%CI 1.1–14.4, p = 0.035). Any viral or bacterial nucleic acids present at high levels in nasopharynx were significantly associated with severe pneumonia as compared with non-severe cases (52% versus 29%, p = 0.032). High levels of pneumococci or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were associated with fatal outcome. One or more serotypes/serogroups could be identified in 61 patients, and out of all identified pneumococcal serotypes 31/83 (37%) were non-PCV13 serotypes.
Conclusions
The occurrence of any bacteria or any viruses at high levels, irrespective of species, was associated with severe pneumonia. High levels of RSV or pneumococci were associated with higher risk of fatality. Pre-hospitalisation treatments with broad spectrum antibiotics were common but were associated with a more severe outcome.
Association of hypertension and incident diabetes in Chinese adults: a retrospective cohort study using propensity-score matching
Authors: Wu Yang , Hu Haofei , Cai Jinlin , Chen Runtian , Zuo Xin , Cheng Heng , He Yongcheng , Yan Dewen 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Previous studies have revealed that hypertension is one of major risk factors of incident diabetes. However, reliable quantification of the relationship between hypertension and diabetes risk is limited, especially in Chinese people. We aimed to investigate the association between hypertension and risk of incident diabetes in a large cohort of Chinese population.
Methods

This was a retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study. We enrolled 211809 Chinese adults without diabetes at baseline between 2010 and 2016. The target independent and dependent variable were hypertension at baseline and incident diabetes during follow-up respectively. The one to one propensity score matching using a non-parsimonious multivariable logistic regression was conducted to balance the confounders between 28,946 hypertensive patients and 28,946 non-hypertensive participants. The doubly robust estimation method was used to investigate the association between hypertension and incident diabetes.
Result

After propensity-score matching, the cumulative incidence of diabetes among hypertensive and non-hypertensive participants were 1627.690 per 100,000 person-years and 1414.422 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. In the propensity-score matching cohort, compared to the non-hypertensive participants, the risk of incident diabetes increased by 14.0% among hypertensive subjects (HR = 1.140, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.058–1.229, P = 0.00063). After adjusting for the demographic and clinical covariates, diabetes risk increased by 13.1% in the hypertensive group (HR = 1.131, 95%CI: 1.049–1.220, P = 0.00143). And diabetes risk increased by 15.4% among hypertensive subjects after adjusting for the propensity score (HR = 1.154, 95%CI:1.070–1.244, P = 0.00019).In the subgroup analysis, compared to non-hypertensive participants with low propensity score, the risk of incident diabetes increased by 2.6 times among hypertensive patients with high propensity score (HR = 3.610,95%CI: 2.604–5.005,P < 0.00001). In the sensitivity analysis, the risk of diabetes in the hypertensive group increased by 11.7% in the original cohort (HR = 1.117༌95%CI: 1.044–1.196,P = 0.00134) and 19.9% in the weighted cohort(HR = 1.199༌95%CI: 1.149–1.250,P < 0.00001), respectively.
Conclusion

Hypertension was associated with a 13.1% increase in the risk of developing diabetes in Chinese adults. Additionally, compared to non-hypertensive participants with low propensity score, the risk of incident diabetes increased by 2.6 times among hypertensive patients with high propensity score.
Pediatric hypophosphatasia: lessons learned from a retrospective single-center chart review of 50 children
Authors: Vogt Marius , Girschick Hermann , Schweitzer Tilmann , Benoit Clemens , Holl-Wieden Annette , Seefried Lothar , Jakob Franz , Hofmann Christine 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare, inherited metabolic disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the ALPL gene that encodes the tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase TNAP (ORPHA 436). Its clinical presentation is highly heterogeneous with a remarkably wide-ranging severity. HPP affects patients of all ages. In children HPP-related musculoskeletal symptoms may mimic rheumatologic conditions and diagnosis is often difficult and delayed. To improve the understanding of HPP in children and in order to shorten the diagnostic time span in the future we studied the natural history of the disease in our large cohort of pediatric patients.
Sex differences in Alzheimer’s-related Tau biomarkers and a mediating effect of testosterone
Authors: Sundermann Erin , Panizzon Matthew S. , Chen Xu , Andrews Murray , Galasko Douglas , Banks Sarah J. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Women show greater pathological Tau biomarkers than men along the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continuum, particularly among apolipoprotein ε-E4 (APOE4) carriers; however, the reason for this sex difference in unknown. Sex differences often indicate an underlying role of sex hormones. We examined whether testosterone levels might influence this sex difference and the modifying role of APOE4 status. Analyses included 172 participants (25 cognitively normal, 97 mild cognitive impairment, 50 AD participants) from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (34% female, 54% APOE4+, aged 55–90). We examined the separate and interactive effects of plasma testosterone levels and APOE4 on cerebrospinal fluid phosphorylated-tau181 (p-Tau) levels in the overall sample, and the sex difference in p-Tau levels before and after adjusting for testosterone. A significant APOE4-by-testosterone interaction revealed that lower testosterone levels related to higher p-Tau levels among APOE4 carriers regardless of sex. As expected, women had higher p-Tau levels than men among APOE4 carriers only, yet this difference was eliminated upon adjustment for testosterone. Results suggest that testosterone is protective against p-Tau particularly among APOE4 carriers. The lower testosterone levels that typically characterize women may predispose them to pathological Tau, particularly among female APOE4 carriers.
High-throughput sequencing-based analysis of the composition and diversity of endophytic bacterial community in seeds of upland rice
Authors: Wang Zhishan , Zhu Yongqiang , Jing Ruixue , Wu Xianyu , Li Ni , Liu Hai , Zhang Xiaoxia , Wang Weiping , Liu Yang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Upland rice is an ecotype crop formed by long-term domestication and evolution of rice in the dry land without water layer. Generally, its stem and leaf are thick and luxuriant, its leaf is wide and light, its root system is developed, its root hair is abundant, its osmotic pressure of root and cell juice concentration of leaf are high, and it is drought resistant, heat-resistant and water absorbing. The purpose of this study is to reveal the “core flora” of endophytes in upland rice seeds by studying the diversity and community structure of endophytes in upland rice seeds, and to reveal the impact of soil environment on the formation of endophyte community structure in upland rice seeds by comparing with soil environment microorganisms in upland rice habitats. In this study, the high-throughput sequencing technology based on the Illumina Hiseq 2500 platform was used to study the structure and diversity of endophytic bacterial communities using upland rice varieties collected in different places and soil samples from their unified planting sites as materials. There are 42 endophytic OTUs coexisted in the 14 samples. At the phylum level, the first dominant phyla was Proteobacteria (93.81–99.99%) in all 14 samples. At the genus level, Pantoea (8.77% -87.77%), Pseudomonas (1.15–61.58%), Methylobacterium (0.40–4.64%), Sphingomonas (0.26–3.85%), Microbacterium (0.01–4.67%) and Aurantimonas (0.04–4.34%), which are probably the core microflora in upland rice seeds, served as the dominant genera that coexisted in all upland rice seeds tested. Compared with the soil microbial community structure in the upland rice uniform planting site, it was found that it had little effect on the endophytic community structure in upland rice seeds. This study is of great significance for the isolation, screening, functional evaluation and re-action of some functional microorganisms in upland rice in order to improve its agronomic traits. It also provides a certain reference for the interaction between microorganisms and plants.
Total marrow and lymphoid irradiation with helical tomotherapy: A practical implementation report
Authors: Chilukuri Srinivas , Sundar Sham , Thiyagarajan Rajesh , Easow Jose , Sawant Mayur , Krishanan Ganapathy , Panda Pankaj Kumar , Sharma Dayananda S , Jalali Rakesh 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objective To standardize the technique and resources for total marrow and lymphoid irradiation (TMLI) as part of the conditioning regimen before allogenic bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) using helical tomotherapy.Methods We used this technique in our first 5 patients requiring TMLI. Patients were immobilized using a mask and a whole-body vacuum cushion. CT scanning was performed in head first supine (HFS) and feet first supine (FFS) orientations with an overlap at mid-thigh. Target consisted of the entire skeleton, spleen, sanctuary sites and major lymphatics whereas lungs, kidneys, aero-digestive tract, bowel, parotids, heart and liver were defined as organs at risk (OAR). Treatment was performed in two parts based on 2 different plans generated in HFS and FFS orientations with an overlap at the mid thigh. Patients along with the immobilization device were manually rotated by 180° to change the orientation after the delivery of HFS plan. The dose at the junction was contributed by a complementary dose gradient from each of the plans. Plan was to deliver 95% of 12Gy to 98% of CTV with dose heterogeneity < 10% and pre-specified OAR doe constraints. Megavoltage-CT was used for position verification before each fraction. Patient specific quality assurance and an in-vivo film dosimetry to verify junction dose were performed in all patients.Results Treatment was delivered in two daily fractions of 2Gy each for 3 days with at least 8-hours gap between each fraction. The target coverage goals were met in all the patients. The average person-hours per patient were 16.5, 21.5 and 25.75 for radiation oncologist, radiation therapist and medical physicist respectively. Average in-room time per patient was 9.25 hours with an average beam-on time of 3.32 hours for all the six fractions. Conclusion This report comprehensively describes technique and resource requirements for TMLI and would serve as a practical guide for departments keen to start this service. Despite being time and labor intensive, it can be implemented safely and robustly. We will be using this methodology in a prospective phase II trial to study safety and feasibility of dose escalated TMLI as part of conditioning regimen before ABMT.
Contribution of glutaredoxin-1 to Fas s-glutathionylation in ethanol-induced liver injury
Authors: Sun Xiaomin , Deng Qin , Zhang Yunfei , Chen Jingyu , guo chunbao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

The reversible glutathionylation modification (PSSG) of Fas augments apoptosis, which can be reversed by the cytosolic deglutathionylation enzyme glutaredoxin-1 (Grx1), but its roles in alcoholic liver injury remain unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of genetic ablation of Grx1 on Fas-SSG in regulating ethanol-induced injury.
Methods

The role of Grx1 in alcoholic liver injury was investigated in Grx1 knockout mice. Alcoholic liver injury was achieved by feeding mice with a liquid diet containing 5% ethanol for 2 weeks.
Results

We demonstrated that ethanol-fed mice had increased Grx1 activity and oxidative damage in the liver. On the other hand, Grx1-deficient mice had more serious liver damage when exposed to ethanol compared to that of wild-type mice, accompanied by increased alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, Fas-SSG, cleaved caspase-3 and hepatocyte apoptosis. Grx1 ablation resulted in the suppression of ethanol-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling, its downstream signal, and Akt signaling cascades, which are required for protection against Fas-mediated apoptosis. Accordingly, blocking NK-κB prevented Fas-induced apoptosis in WT mice but not Grx1-/- mice. Furthermore, the number of Kupffer cells and related proinflammatory cytokines, including Akt, were lower in Grx1-/- livers than those of the controls.
Conclusions

Grx1 is essential for adaptation to alcohol exposure-induced oxidative injury by modulating Fas-SSG and Fas-induced apoptosis.