bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time until treatment initiation is associated with catheter survival in peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis
Authors: Oki Rikako , Tsuji Shiho , Hamasaki Yoshifumi , Komaru Yohei , Miyamoto Yoshihisa , Matsuura Ryo , Yamada Daisuke , Doi Kent , Kume Haruki , Nangaku Masaomi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction: For peritonitis, a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), we investigated the relation between duration from the sign (PD effluent abnormalities) to treatment with appropriate antibiotics (ST time) and catheter removal. Design, setting, participants: For 62 PD hospital patients, data of PD-related peritonitis (n=109) were collected retrospectively. We examined ST time and PD catheter removal times using univariate and multivariate analyses.Results: The catheter removal rate in the delayed ST time group (>=24 hr) was higher than that in early ST time group (<24 hr) (38 vs. 16%, p= .02). Concomitant tunnel infection and delayed ST time were associated with catheter removal (OR[95%CI]: 32.3 [3.15–329] and 3.52 [1.11–11.1]). Rates of catheter removal and re-development of peritonitis within 1 month after starting treatment were higher in the delayed ST time group (p= .02). PD duration at peritonitis and the first peritonitis episode were associated with delayed ST time (1.02 [1.00–1.04] and 3.42 [1.09–10.7]). Conclusion: Significant association was found between PD catheter removal and the start of treatment more than 24 hrafter appearance of abnormal effluent. Education for patients about prompt visitation at the onset of peritonitis with long PD duration might improve outcomes.
High-Performance Polymer Ion Conductors Enabled by Decoupled Fast Ions in Molecular Channels
Authors: Hu Liangbing , Yang Chunpeng , Wu Qisheng , Xie Weiqi , Zhang Xin , Zheng Jin , Garaga Mounesha , Ko Byung Hee , Mao Yimin , Brozena Alexandra , He Shuaiming , Dai Jiaqi , Tyagi Madhu Sudan , Jiao Feng , Greenbaum Steve , Hu Yan-Yan , Briber Robert , Isogai Akira , Xu Kang , Qi Yue 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
While solid-state batteries are tantalizing for achieving improved safety and higher energy density, solid ion conductors currently available fail to satisfy the rigorous requirements for battery electrolytes and electrodes. Inorganic ion conductors allow fast ion transport, but their rigid and brittle nature prevents good interfacial contact and impedes device integration and stability. Conversely, flexible polymeric ion conductors provide better interfacial compatibility and mechanical tolerance, but suffer from inferior ionic conductivity (< 10−5 S cm−1 at room temperature) due to the coupling of ion transport with the polymer chain motion1-3. In this work, we report a general design strategy for achieving one-dimensional (1D), high-performance polymer solid-state ion conductors through molecular channel engineering, which we demonstrate via Cu2+-coordination of cellulose nanofibrils. The cellulose nanofibrils by themselves are not ionic conductive; however, by opening the molecular channels between the cellulose chains through Cu2+ coordination we are able to achieve a Li-ion conductivity as high as 1.5×10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature—a record among all known polymer ion conductors. This improved conductivity is enabled by a unique Li+ hopping mechanism that is decoupled from the polymer segmental motion. Also benefitted from such decoupling, the cellulose-based ion conductor demonstrates multiple advantages, including a high transference number (0.78 vs. 0.2–0.5 in other polymers2), low activation energy (0.19 eV), and a wide electrochemical stability window (4.5 V) that accommodate both Li metal anode and high-voltage cathodes. Furthermore, we demonstrate this 1D ion conductor not only as a thin, high-conductivity solid-state electrolyte but also as an effective ion-conducting additive for the solid cathode, providing continuous ion transport pathways with a low percolation threshold, which allowed us to utilize the thickest LiFePO4 solid-state cathode ever reported for high energy density. This approach has been validated with other polymers and cations (e.g., Na+ and Zn2+) with record-high conductivities, offering a universal strategy for fast single-ion transport in polymer matrices, with significance that could go far beyond safe, high-performance solid-state batteries.
Experimental Study on Variation Laws of Electrical Parameters and Surface Temperature Rise Effect of Coal Samples in An Applied Direct Current Field
Authors: Yang yunpeng , Wen zhihui , Si leilei , Xu xiangyu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Joule heats which are generated by coals in an applied electric field are directly correlated with variation laws of electrical parameters of coals. Moreover, the joule heating effect is closely related with microstructural changes and relevant products of coal surface. In the present study, a self-developed applied direct current (DC) field was applied onto an experimental system of coals to investigate variation laws of electrical parameters of highly, moderately and lowly metamorphic coal samples. Moreover, breakdown voltages and breakdown field intensities of above three coal samples with different metamorphic grades were tested and calculated. Variation laws of electrical parameters of these three coal samples in 2kV and 4kV DC fields were analyzed. Results show that internal current of all coal samples increases continuously and tends to be stable gradually after reaching the “inflection point” at peak. The relationship between temperature rise effect on anthracite coal surface in an applied DC field and electrical parameters was discussed. The temperature rise process on anthracite coal surface is composed of three stages, namely, slowly warming, rapid warming and slow cooling to stabilize. The temperature rise effect on anthracite coal surface lags behind changes of currents which run through coal samples. There’s uneven temperature distribution on anthracite coal surface, which is attributed to the heterogeneity of coal samples. In the experiment, the highest temperature on anthracite coal surface 65.8℃ is far belower than the lowest temperature for pyrolysis-induced gas production of coals 200℃. This study lays foundations to study microstructural changes and relevant products on coal surface in an applied DC field.
Changes in complement activation products after anti-VEGF injection for choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration and pachychoroid disease
Authors: Tanaka Keiichiro , Oguchi Yasuharu , Oomori Tomoko , Ishida Yumi , Shintake Hiroaki , Tomita Ryutaro , Kasai Akihito , Ogasawara Masashi , Sugano Yukinori , Itagaki Kanako , Ojima Akira , Machida Takeshi , Sekine Hideharu , Sekiryu Tetsuju 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We evaluated changes in the complement system resulting from anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in eyes with age-related choroidal neovascularization (CNV) including neovascular age-related macular degeneration, pachychoroid neovasculopathy, and polypoidal choroidal neovasculopathy. We measured the concentrations of the complement activation products (C3a, C4a), VEGF, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in the aqueous humor during intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for CNV. The VEGF level decreased significantly (P < 0.001), while the C3a and C4a levels increased significantly (P < 0.001 for both comparisons) 1 month after two monthly anti-VEGF injections. The VEGF level was correlated with the C3a (R = 0.328, P = 0.007) and C4a (R = -0.237, P = 0.055) levels at baseline, but the correlation between the VEGF and C3a levels (R = -0.148, P = 0.242) changed significantly (P = 0.028 by analysis of covariance) after anti-VEGF treatment. The C3a increase after anti-VEGF therapy did not change the visual outcomes in eyes with CNV for 1 year. Dysregulation of the complement system can be induced by excessive reduction of intraocular VEGF after anti-VEGF therapy.
Putrescine-functionalized carbon quantum dot nanoparticles (Put-CQD) effectively prime grape (Vitis vinifera cv. Sultana) against salt stress
Authors: Gohari Gholamreza , Panahirad Sima , Sadeghi Mostafa , Akbari Ali , Zareei Elnaz , Zahedi Seyed Morteza , Bahrami Mohammad Kazem , Fotopoulos Vasileios 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSalinity is an important global problem with destructive impacts on plants leading to different biochemical and metabolic changes in plants through induced oxidative stress that disturbs metabolism, growth, performance and productivity of plants. Given that putrescine (Put) and carbon quantum dots (CQDs), individually, have promising effects on different plants processes, the idea of their combination in a nano-structure “Put-CQD” caused to its synthesizing for doubled positive effects. The current study aimed to investigate the application of newly-synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) consisting of CQDs and Put on grapevine (Vitis vinifera cv. Sultana) under salinity stress conditions. For this purpose, Put, CQDs and Put-CQD NPs at 5 and 10 mg L-1 concentrations were applied as chemical priming agents on ‘Sultana’ grapes 48 h prior salinity imposition (0 and 100 mM NaCl). ResultsSalinity significantly decreased (P≤0.05) morphological parameters, photosynthesis pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and membrane stability index. In addition, salinity enhanced MDA, H2O2, proline and antioxidant enzymes activity. The results revealed that Put-CQD NPs, particularly at 10 mg L-1 concentration, alleviated the destructive impacts of salinity stress by improving leaf fresh and dry weights, K+ content, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence and SPAD parameters, free proline content, total phenolics and antioxidant enzymatic activities (CAT, APX, GP and SOD), while decreasing Na+ content, EL, MDA and H2O2 levels. ConclusionTo conclude, Put-CQD NPs represent an innovative priming treatment that could be effectively applied on grapevine to improve plant performance under salinity stress conditions.
A Homogeneous Split-Luciferase Assay for Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Anti-SARS CoV-2 Antibodies
Authors: Stagljar Igor , Owen Shawn , Yao Zhong , Drecun Luka , Aboualizadeh Farzaneh , Kim Sun Jin , Li Zhijie , Valcourt Emelissa J , Manguiat Kathy , Wood Heidi , Plenderleith Simon , Yip Lily , Li Xinliu , Zhong Zoe , Yue Feng Yun , Snider Jamie , Tomic Jelena , Drebot Michael A. , McGeer Allison , Ostrowski Mario , Mubareka Samira , Rini James 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
To meet the urgent demand for better diagnostic tools to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we developed a homogeneous immunoassay to detect IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. This assay is based on a tri-part Nanoluciferase (tNLuc) approach, in which the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and protein G, fused respectively to two different tNLuc tags, are used as antibody probes. Target engagement of the probes allows reconstitution of a functional luciferase in the presence of the third tNLuc component. The assay is performed directly in liquid phase of patient sera and enables rapid, quantitative and low-cost detection. We show that tNLuc maintains a similar sensitivity to ELISA, while its readouts are highly consistent with various neutralizing antibody assays. This proof-of-principle study suggests potential applications in diagnostics and disease and vaccination management.
The Correlation Between Tumor-associated Macrophage Infiltration and Progression in Cervical Carcinoma
Authors: Guo Fan , Kong Wei na , Zhao Gang , Cheng Zhen zhen , Ai Le , Lv Jie , Feng Yang chun , Ma Xiu min 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a particularly important role in the progression, invasion and metastasis of cervical carcinoma (CC). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are significant components of cervical cancer microenvironment. However, the result of studies on the correlation between TAMs and progression in CC is still controversial. This research is aimed at investigating the relationship between TAMs and progression in CC.Method: A total of 100 patients with CC were included in this study. The correlation between TAMs and clinicopathologic features was studied. Also, a systematic literature search was conducted from legitimate electronic databases. This is the first meta-analysis to specifically evaluate the role of different types of TAMs in TME of cervical cancer.Results: In the meta-analysis, high stromal CD68+ TAMs density was relevant to lymph node metastasis (WMD = 11.89, 95% CI 5.30 to 18.47). At the same time, CD163+ M2 TAM density was associated with lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.09 to 5.37; WMD = 39.37, 95% CI 28.25 to 50.49) and International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) stage (WMD = -33.60, 95% CI -45.04 to -22.16). This was confirmed in 100 experimental studies of CC. It supported a critical role of TAMs as a prospective predictor for cervical cancer.Conclusion: Taken together, CD68+ TAM and CD163+ M2 TAM infiltration in cervical cancer was association with tumor progression. And CD163+ M2 TAM infiltration was associated with more advanced FIGO stage and lymph node metastasis in CC.
Predictive Effect of Triglyceride‑Glucose Index on Clinical Events In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Acute Myocardial Infarction: Results From an Observational Cohort Study In China
Authors: Zhang Yue , Ding Xiaosong , Hua Bing , Liu Qingbo , Gao Hui , Chen Hui , Zhao Xue-Qiao , Li Weiping , Li Hongwei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Triglyceride glucose (TyG) index is considered a reliable alternative marker of insulin resistance and an independent predictor of cardiovascular outcomes. However, the prognostic value of TyG index in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains unclear. Methods: A total of 1932 consecutive patients with T2DM and AMI were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into tertiles according to their TyG index levels. The incidences of major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCEs), including all-cause death, non-fatal MI, non-fatal stroke, cardiac rehospitalization and revascularization, were recorded. The TyG index was calculated as the ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) ×fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL)/2].Results: Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the incidences of cardiac rehospitalization (p=0.001), revascularization (p<0.001) and composite MACCEs (p=0.027) increased with TyG index tertiles. Multivariable Cox regression models revealed that the TyG index was positively associated with all-cause death, cardiovascular death, cardiac rehospitalization, revascularization and composite MACCEs. The addition of TyG index to a baseline risk model had an incremental effect on the predictive value for composite MACCEs [AUC: 0.663 vs. 0.708, p<0.001].Conclusions: The TyG index was significantly associated with MACCEs, suggesting that the TyG index may be a valid marker for risk stratification and prognosis in patients with T2DM and AMI.Trial registration: retrospectively registered
Bupivacaine inhibits a small-conductance calcium-activated potassium type 2 channel (SK2) in HEK293 cells
Authors: Chen Hongfei , Xia Fangfang , Jin Zhousheng , Fu Zhijian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Bupivacaine blocks many ion channels in the heart muscle, which could cause severe cardiotoxicity. Small conductance calcium-activated potassium type 2 channels (SK2 channels) are widely distributed in the heart cells and are involved in relevant physiological functions. However, whether bupivacaine can inhibit SK2 channels is still unknown. This study investigated the effect of bupivacaine on SK2 channels.Methods: The SK2 channel gene was transfected into human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK-293 cells) with Lipofectamine 2000. The whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to study the effect of bupivacaine on SK2 channels. Concentration-response relationship of bupivacaine for inhibiting SK2 current (0 mV) was fitted to a Hill equation, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value was determined.Results: Bupivacaine inhibited the SK2 channels reversibly in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 value of bupivacaine, ropivacaine and lidocaine on the SK2 current was 16.5, 46.5, and 77.8 µM, respectively. The degree of SK2 current inhibition by bupivacaine was dependent on the intracellular concentration of free calcium.Conclusions: The results of this study suggested a new inhibitory effect of bupivacaine on SK2 channels. Future studies should be concerned with the effects of SK2 on bupivacaine cardiotoxicity.
Knowledge of face masks and attitudes to re-sterilisation among healthcare workers
Authors: O'Byrne Ciara , Kenny Fred , Eustace Sarah , Gibbons John 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction: COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March 2020. With the sudden surge in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), significant concerns regarding the ongoing availability emerged. One solution proposed is re-sterilization of respirator masks and this has been commenced in some parts of the world. On review of the literature, very little is documented regarding knowledge of masks and the attitudes of healthcare workers towards using re-sterilised masks.Methods: A comprehensive questionnaire was used to assess general knowledge and attitudes around facemasks and respirators.Results: There were 190 respondents. There were significant gaps in knowledge and understanding of when particular face masks should be worn. One third had significant concerns about ongoing availability. One third had concerns about the quality of the masks as the pandemic continued. Only 10% of respondents underwent formal face-fitting. 80% of respondents stated they would wear a re-sterilised mask. A further 15% would use a re-sterilised mask but required certain reassurances. 5% of our respondents would not use a re-sterilised mask under any circumstances.Discussion: Ensuring an adequate understanding of face masks is crucial among HCWs and this study highlights a need for further education. It also demonstrates a general acceptability among HCWs towards the use of re-sterilised face masks.
Deficiencies in the formation and regulation of anther cuticle and tryphine contribute to male sterility in cotton PGMS line
Authors: Zhang Meng , Liu Ji , Ma Qiang , Qin Yuan , Wang Hantao , Chen Pengyun , Ma Liang , Fu Xiaokang , Zhu Longfu , Wei Hengling , Yu Shuxun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Male sterility is a simple and efficient pollination control system that is widely exploited in hybrid breeding. In upland cotton, CCRI9106, a photosensitive genetic male sterile (PGMS) mutant isolated from CCRI040029, was reported of great advantages to cotton heterosis. However, little information concerning the male sterility of CCRI9106 is known. Here, comparative transcriptome analysis of CCRI9106 (the mutant, MT) and CCRI040029 (the wild type, WT) anthers in Anyang (long-day, male sterile condition to CCRI9106) was performed to reveal the potential male sterile mechanism of CCRI9106.Results: Light and electron microscopy revealed that the male sterility phenotype of MT was mainly attributed to irregularly exine, lacking tryphine and immature anther cuticle. Based on the cytological characteristics of MT anthers, anther RNA libraries (18 in total) of tetrad (TTP), late uninucleate (lUNP) and binucleate (BNP) stages in MT and WT were constructed for transcriptomic analysis, therefore revealing a total of 870,4 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). By performing gene expression pattern analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks construction, we found down-regulation of DEGs, which enriched by the lipid biosynthetic process and the synthesis pathways of several types of secondary metabolites such as terpenoids, flavonoids and steroids, may crucial to the male sterility phenotype of MT, and resulting in the defects of anther cuticle and tryphine, even the irregularly exine. Furthermore, several lipid-related genes together with ABA-related genes and MYB transcription factors were identified as hub genes via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Additionally, the ABA content of MT anthers was reduced across all stages when compared with WT anthers. At last, genes related to the formation of anther cuticle and tryphine could activated in MT under short-day condition.Conclusions: We propose that the down-regulation of genes related to the assembly of anther cuticle and tryphine may lead to the male sterile phenotype of MT, and MYB transcription factors together with ABA played key regulatory roles in these processes. The conversion of fertility in different photoperiods may closely relate to the functional expression of these genes. These findings contribute to elucidate the mechanism of male sterility in upland cotton.
Genome-wide association mapping reveals potential novel loci controlling stripe rust resistance in a Chinese wheat landrace diversity panel from the southern autumn-sown spring wheat zone
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Yu Can , Cheng Yukun , Yao Fangjie , Long Li , Wu Yu , Li Jing , Li Hao , Wang Jirui , Jiang Qiantao , Li Wei , Pu Zhien , Qi Pengfei , Ma Jian , Deng Mei , Wei Yuming , Chen Xianming , Chen Guoyue , Kang Houyang , Jiang Yunfeng , Zheng Youliang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Stripe rust, caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a serious foliar disease of wheat. Identification of novel stripe rust resistance genes and cultivation of resistant varieties are considered to be the most effective approaches to control this disease. In this study, we evaluated the infection type (IT), disease severity (DS) and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) of 143 Chinese wheat landrace accessions for stripe rust resistance. Assessments were undertaken in five environments at the adult-plant stage with Pst mixture races under field conditions, in addition, IT was assessed at the seedling stage with two prevalent Pst races (CYR32 and CYR34) under controlled greenhouse conditions.Results: Seventeen accessions showed stable high-level resistance to stripe rust across all environments under field tests, while four accessions showed resistance to the Pst races CYR32 and CYR34 at the seedling stage. Combining phenotypic data from the field and greenhouse trials with 6404 markers covering the whole genome, we detected 17 quantitative trait loci (QTL) on 11 chromosomes for IT associated with seedling resistance and 15 QTL on seven chromosomes for IT, final disease severity (FDS) or AUDPC associated with adult-plant resistance. Four stable QTL detected on four chromosomes, which explained 9.99%–23.30% of the phenotypic variation, were simultaneously associated with seedling and adult-plant resistance. Integrating a linkage map of stripe rust resistance in wheat, 27 QTL overlapped with previously reported genes or QTL, while four and one QTL conferring seedling and adult-plant resistance respectively were mapped distantly from previously reported stripe rust resistance genes or QTL and may be novel resistance loci.Conclusions: Our results provided an integrated view of stripe rust resistance resources in a Chinese wheat landrace diversity panel from the southern autumn-sown spring wheat zone. The identified resistant accessions and resistance loci will be useful in the ongoing effort to develop new wheat cultivars with strong resistance to stripe rust.