bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanomesh-patterning on multilayer MoS2 field-effect transistors for ultra-sensitive detection of cortisol
Authors: Park Heekyeong , Baek Seungho , Jeong Bongjin , sen Anamika , Kim Sehwan , Park Yun Chang , Kim Sunkook , kim young jun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Absence of functional groups on the basal plane of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) significantly hinders the performance of MoS2 field-effect transistor-based biosensor (bio-FET). We present a novel method for creating nano-scale holes on a MoS2 channel using block copolymer lithography, where the edge areas on the nanoholes were used to form covalent linkage between the capture molecules of cortisol aptamer and the MoS2 channel. The comparative analysis of Raman and XPS spectra well supported the formation of the nanoholes on MoS2 together with the concomitant increase in the edge area. The performance of the nanomesh bio-FET was studied by comparing its detection behavior for cortisol with that of a bio-FET manufactured with pristine MoS2. The nanomesh MoS2 bio-FET detected cortisol 109 times as low as that by the pristine MoS2 bio-FET. The selectivity of the nanomesh bio-FET was validated by detection experiments with other steroid hormones and antigens. Additionally, clinical applicability was demonstrated by performing experiments in artificial saliva and human serum.
Assessment of China’s Contribution in Regional Network for Asian Schistosomiasis: A Questionnaire Survey
Authors: Li Hongmei , Qian Yingjun , Yang Kun , Ding Wei , Huang Lulu , Ma Xuejiao , Duan Lei , Wang Duoquan , Guan Yayi , Xiao Ning , Zhou Xiao-Nong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background The Regional Network for Asian Schistosomiasis and other Helminth Zoonoses (RNAS+) was launched 20 years ago, which has established close partnerships for counties endemic with Asian schistosomiasis and other helminthiasis, and provided an ideal regional platform for experts in the fields of control and research of parasitic diseases in Asian countries, as well as policy-making. As one of the initiating countries, China has provided significant techinal and financial supports to the regional network. This paper is to assess those contributions from China side to support the development of RNAS+.Methods An anonymous, web-based questionnaire was designed to acquire the relevant responses. The content included the basic information of respondents, China’s contributions, challenges and recommendation for the RNAS+’s development. Each participant was asked to indicate a score from 0 to 10 to assess the China’s contribution’s value, while “0” represented no contribution, and “10” was 100% contribution. The participants who leave E-mail address in the 2017 to 2019 RNAS+ annual workshops were enrolled. SPSS 20.0 was used for statistics analysis.Results A total of 71 participants enrolled, and 41 of them responded to the survey. Those were from Indonesia(n=8, 19.5%), China(n=7, 17.1%), Thailand(n=7, 17.1%), Cambodia(n=5, 12.2%), Philippines (n=4, 9.8%), Vietnam(n=3, 7.3%), Myanmar(n=2, 4.9%), Laos(n=1, 2.4%), and other 4 respondents (9.8%) were the international observers. Most of respondents are familiar with RNAS+ (34/41, 82.93%). According to the survey, China’s contribution is mainly responsible in the improving of capacity building, funding support, coordination, and cooperation programmes, and the average score of China’s contribution in the above four fields were 8.92, 8.64, 8.75, and 8.67, respectively. The overall assessment score is 8.81. The challenges of RNAS+ is lack sustainable funding and skills, and most of participants point out that they need China’s support continually.Conclusions This survey showed that China plays an important contribution in the development of RNAS+. This network-type organization on disease control and research can yet be regarded as a great potential pattern for China to enhance regional cooperation.
CS-GAN for High-Quality Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Authors: Cao Ying , Wang Lihui , Huang Jianping , Cheng Xinyu , Zhang Jian , Yang Feng , Zhang Pengpeng , Yang Jie , Zhu Yueming 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Compressed sensing magnetic resonance imaging (CS-MRI) is a promising technique for accelerating MRI speed. However, image quality in CS-MRI is still a pertinent problem. In particular, there is little work on reducing aliasing artefacts in compressed sensing diffusion tensor imaging (CS-DTI), which constitute a serious obstacle to obtaining high-quality images. Method: We propose a CS-DTI de-aliasing method based on conditional generative adversarial (cGAN), called CS-GAN, to tackle de-aliasing problems in CS-DTI with highly undersampled k-space data. The method uses a nested-UNet based generator, a ResNet-based discriminator, and a content loss function defined in both image domain and frequency domain. Result and Concludions: Compared to existing state-of-the-art de-aliasing methods based on deep learning, our method achieves superior imaging quality in terms of both diffusion weighted (DW) image quality and DTI diffusion metrics. Moreover, even at extremely low sampling ratio and low SNR, our method can still reconstruct texture details and spatial information.
Serum alanine aminotransferase activity is age- and sex-depended but independently predicted by body mass index in both sexes. The Tromsø study
Authors: Bekkelund Svein Ivar 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

High and low levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) especially in elderly but the roles of sex and age are unexplained. This study investigated sex- and age-related variation of serum ALT and associations between ALT and CVD risk factors in men and women in a Caucasian population.
Methods

This study used cross-sectional data from Tromsø 6 in 2555 men (mean age 60.4 years) and 2858 women (mean age 60.0 years). Associations were assessed by variance analysis and multivariable logistic regression of odds to have abnormal ALT.
Results

Abnormal ALT was detected in 113 (4.4%) men and 188 (6.6%) women. ALT correlated negatively with age in men (r = -0.231, p < 0.001) and positively in women (r = 0.124, p < 0.001). A linear inversed association between age and ALT in men and a non-linear inversed U-trend in women with maximum level between 60–64 years were found. Age was independently associated with ALT in men only [OR 1.05 (95% CI 1.04, 1.07), p < 0.001] and body mass index (BMI) was independently associated with ALT in both sexes.
Conclusion

The relationship between age and ALT was opposite directed in men compared to women, and linearly and independently in men only. Neither BMI as the strongest associated CVD risk factor in both sexes nor other risk components could explain this. Separate sex-analyses should be used in studies investigating the role of ALT as a disease marker.
Secondary Infertility: A Neglected Aspect of Buerger’s Disease
Authors: Ziaeemehr Aghigh , Sharebiani Hiva , Taheri Hossein , Fazeli Bahare 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Aim: During the gathering of demographic data for the biobank on Buerger’s Disease (BD), we found that, after the clinical manifestation of BD, the patients usually became infertile, and the age of their last child was compatible with the time of disease diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the underlying cause of secondary infertility in BD patients.Method: Anti-sperm antibodies (ASA), testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the sera of 39 male BD patients were measured and compared with 39 age-matched Caucasian male controls.Results: Six patients declared that they suffered from impotency. The ASA level was positive in 25.6% of the patients and 2.4% of the controls (p = 0.003, CC = 6.96). The mean levels of testosterone in the patients and controls were 393.12 ± 32.9ng/dl and 354.37 ± 30.9ng/dl, respectively. The mean levels of LH in the patients and controls were 0.88 ± 0.12mIU/r and 0.85 ± 0.1mIU/r, respectively. The mean levels of FSH in the patients and controls were 4.1 ± 0.35mIU/r and 3.56 ± 0.33mIU/r, respectively. No significant difference in the serum levels of testosterone, LH, or FSH was found between the patients and controls (p > 0.05). The spermograms of three ASA-negative patients demonstrated impaired sperm motility.Conclusion: Anti-sperm antibodies, disturbed genital circulation, autonomic dysfunction and sperm motility may be responsible for secondary infertility in Buerger’s Disease. Ethical code: MUMS-941842
Powdered over fresh milk preference and hygienic dairy practices in Sri Lanka
Authors: Rupasinghe Ruwini , Morey Ryen , Michele Miller , Manoji Achala , Salgado Ayesha , Jinadasa Rasika , Smith Woutirna , Wickramasinghe Saumya 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

The majority of Sri Lankans may select imported powdered milk over fresh milk, and a significant portion of Gross Domestic Product in Sri Lanka is spent on dairy products imports. Demand for fresh milk may be hindered by consumer preference towards powdered milk consumption and the lack of hygienic standards for fresh milk. The current study was conducted to identify factors contributing to consumer preference for powdered milk and to evaluate hygienic best practices of dairy farms.
Methods

The study took place in Kandy district, Sri Lanka. Two surveys were conducted: the first survey included questions concerning demographics and reasons for milk preference was administered to a randomly selected population (n = 561); the second survey focused on hygienic practices in dairy farms, and was administered to owners of dairy farms (n = 195). Milk samples were collected from individual cows and bulk tanks and analyzed for coliform counts. Regression approaches were used to evaluate associations of demographic variables with milk preference, farm management practices with mastitis history, and coliform counts.
Results

A large consumer preference was observed for powdered milk (86%), and females were 2.2 times more likely to select powdered milk than males (P = 0.03). Availability was the main reason for powdered milk preference, whilst taste was the main reason for selecting fresh milk. Coliform counts were higher in most of the analyzed bulk milk samples and rinsing bulk milk tanks with warm water showed a significant reduction in milk coliform counts. Washing the teats with warm water had a lower mastitis risk when compared to washing teats with regular water.
Conclusions

Study revealed that in order to create a fresh milk drinking culture in Sri Lanka there needs to be a mechanism to make it more accessible to the consumers. Fresh milk marketing strategies need to be focused more on the female consumers. Farmer education on good hygienic practices, elimination of inefficiencies in both milk production and collection process, standardization of milk quality according to the number of microorganisms in milk would improve the quality of dairy products in Sri Lanka.
Polygenic risk score for early prediction of sepsis risk in the polytrauma screening cohort
Authors: Lu Hongxiang , Wen Dalin , Sun Jianhui , Du Juan , Qiao Liang , Zhang Huacai , Zeng Ling , Zhang Lianyang , Jiang Jianxin , Zhang Anqiang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Increasing genetic variants associated with sepsis have been identified by candidate-gene and genome-wide association studies, but single variant conferred minimal alterations in risk prediction. Our aimed to evaluate whether a weighted genetic risk score (wGRS) that aggregate information from multiple variants could improve risk discrimination of traumatic sepsis.Methods: 64 genetic variants potential relating to sepsis were genotyped in Chinese trauma cohort. Genetic variants with mean decrease accuracy (MDA) > 1.0 by random forest algorithms were selected to construct the multilocus wGRS. Area under curve (AUC) and Net reclassification improvement (NRI) were adopted to evaluate the discriminatory and reclassification ability of wGRS.Results: Seventeen variants were extracted to construct the wGRS in 883 trauma patients. The wGRS was significantly associated with sepsis after trauma (OR = 2.19, 95%CI = 1.53–3.15, P = 2.01 × 10− 5) after adjusted by age, sex, and ISS. Patients with higher wGRS have an increasing incidence of traumatic sepsis (Ptrend=6.81 × 10− 8), higher SOFA (Ptrend=5.00 × 10− 3) and APACHE II score (Ptrend=1.00 × 10− 3). The AUC of risk prediction model incorporating wGRS into the clinical variables was 0.768 (95%CI = 0.739–0.796), with an increase of 3.40% (P = 8.00 × 10− 4) versus clinical factors-only model. Furthermore, the NRI increased 25.18% (95%CI = 17.84–32.51%) (P = 6.00 × 10− 5).Conclusions: Our finding indicated that genetic variants could enhance the predictive power of risk model for sepsis and highlighted the application among trauma patients, suggesting that the sepsis risk assessment model will be a promising screening and prediction tool for high risk population.
Self-reported psychological disorders among the mothers of children with an autism spectrum disorder, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and typically developed children
Authors: Al-Ansari Ahmed Malalla , Janahi Mohammed Ismail , AlTourah Abdulrahman Jamal , Jahrami Haitham Ali , Rajab Mansour Bin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among mothers of children of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), type 1 diabetes, and typically developed (TD).Method. The study sample comprised mothers of children with ASD ( Group 1; n = 116), diabetes mellitus (Group 2; n = 43 ), and a control group of mothers with TD children.ResultsBoth groups 1 and 2 had higher scores of depression (37.86), anxiety (4.58), and stress (29.81) in DASS-21 in comparison to control (P = 0.015). On PSS-14 The mean score on PSS-14 were: group 1 (27.61), group 2 (28.63) and control (25.87) (p = 0.004). Group 1 scored higher scores for depression domain (p = 0.046) whereas group 2 for anxiety domain (p = 0.034) and stress domain (p = 0.009) in comparison to TD group on DASS-21.ConclusionMothers of children with ASD should be assessed for the presence of depression following diagnosis. Mothers of children with type 1 diabetes required careful monitoring for the effects of anxiety and stress on their mental health, therefore their ability to cope with a management plan.
Assessment of Lymphocytosis in Patients with Pertussis in the Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Taye Solomon , Tessema Belay , Gelaw Baye , Moges Feleke 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Pertussis is a severe and prolonged coughing disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. In 2014, an estimated 24.1 million pertussis cases, resulting in 160,700 deaths were reported worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess lymphocytosis in patients with pertussis in the Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pertussis patients who met the clinical case definition for pertussis in the Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. The study was conducted from July 2018 to February 2019 and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 321 participants, and samples were analyzed using real-time PCR. Blood specimens were collected from 321 study participant and total lymphocyte count was conducted using fully automated haematology analyzer.Results: One hundred nine study participants were positive for Bordetella species. Lymphocytosis was found in 15/109 (13.8%) of the PCR confirmed pertussis patients. Of those 15 PCR confirmed participants, 53.3% had lymphocytosis grading ‘high’ (>51%) followed by 20% ‘moderately high’ (>70%) and 26.7% had ‘very high’ (>85%). Amongst participants with lymphocytosis and PCR confirmed pertussis, 11/15 (73.3%) were less than 1 year old.Conclusions: This study revealed the importance of lymphocyte count in the diagnosis of pertussis. Thus, in combination with other laboratory tests, incorporation of lymphocyte count in pertussis suspected patients is recommended.
Pulmonary Hemodynamics and Ventilation in Patients With COVID-19-related Respiratory Failure and ARDS
Authors: Becker André , Seiler Frederik , Muellenbach Ralf M. , Danziger Guy , Mang Sebastian , Omlor Albert , Jentgen Christophe , Kamphorst Maren , Wehrfritz Holger , Lotz Christopher , Mertke Thilo , Wilkens Heinrike , Bals Robert , Lepper Philipp M. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: It has been suggested that COVID-19-associated severe respiratory failure (CARDS) might differ from usual acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to failing auto-regulation of pulmonary vessels and higher shunt. We sought to investigate pulmonary hemodynamics and ventilation properties in patients with CARDS compared to patients with ARDS of pulmonary origin. Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of consecutive adults with laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 patients treated on our ICU in 04/2020 and comparison of the data to matched controls with ARDS due to respiratory infections treated on our ICU from 01/2014 to 08/2019 and for whom pulmonary artery catheter data were available. Results: CARDS patients (n = 10) had similar ventilation characteristics as compared to ARDS (n = 10) patients. Still, mechanical power applied by ventilation was significantly higher in CARDS patients (23.4 ± 8.9 J/min) than in ARDS (15.9 ± 4.3 J/min; p<0.05). COVID-19 patients had similar pulmonary artery pressure but significantly lower pulmonary vascular resistance, as cardiac output was higher in CARDS vs. ARDS patients (p<0.05). Shunt fraction and dead space were similar in CARDS compared to ARDS (p>0.05) and was in both groups correlated with hypoxemia. The arterio-venous pCO2 difference (DpCO2) was elevated (CARDS 5.5±2.8 mmHg vs. ARDS 4.7±1.1 mmHg; p>0.05) as was P(v-a)CO2/C(a-v)O2 ratio (CARDS mean 2.2±1.5 vs. ARDS 1.7±0.8; p>0.05). Conclusions: Respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients seems to differ only slightly from ARDS regarding ventilation characteristics and pulmonary hemodynamics. Differences are mainly due to increased CO2 production in CARDS patients. Our data indicate microcirculatory dysfunction. More data needs to be collected to assure these findings and gain more pathophysiological insights in COVID-19 and respiratory failure.
Clinical Course and Risk Factors for Liver Injury of Severe and Critical Patients With COVID-19: A Single-centered, Retrospective, Observational Study
Authors: Liu Jingyuan , Du Chunjing , Yang Siyuan , Pu Lin , Xiang Pan , Li Ang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The information regarding the clinical course of COVID-19 patients with liver injury is very limited, especially in severe and critical patients. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics and clinical course of patients admitted with severe and/or critical SARS-CoV-2 infection in liver function, as well as explore the risk factors that affect liver function in the enrolled COVID-19 patients.Methods: Information on clinical characteristics of 63 severe and critical patients with confirmed COVID-19 were collected and analyzed.Results: The incidence of abnormal aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin in the critical group was obviously higher than in the severe group (81.48%, 81.49%, 62.67%, and 45.71%, 63.88%, 22.86%, respectively, p＜0.05). The time for liver parameters to reach their peak or trough was approximately 2-3 weeks. No significant difference was observed in cycle threshold values of open reading frame 1ab and nucleocapsid protein gene on admission or at the peak among liver injury group, abnormal group and normal group (p＞0.05). Patients with invasive ventilator, decreased percentage of neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte, and SOFA score ≥ 2 (p＜0.05) were the independent factors associated with liver injury.Conclusions: Abnormal liver tests are commonly observed in severe and critical patients with COVID-19. The time of 2-3 weeks after admission should be paid attention to patients with critical COVID-19 in case of the occurrence of liver injury. As independent risk factors for the occurrence of liver injury, regarding decreased ratio of neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes, the requirement of invasive ventilator, and SOFA score ≥2 , patients with these abnormal parameters should be of particular concerned during hospitalization.
Fecal microbiota Profiling in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Type Symptoms
Authors: Cui Xiufang , Wang Haiyang , Ye Ziping , Li Yi , Qiu Xinyun , Zhang Hongjie 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND
The intestinal microbiota is thought to be involved in the occurrence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in remission (IBDR) with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)-type symptoms, but the specific distinct profile of these bacteria remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to investigate this issue by conducting a cross-sectional study.
METHODS
IBS patients were diagnosed according to Rome Ⅳ criteria, IBD diagnosed according to the criteria of European Crohn & Colitis Organization (ECCO), IBDR patients with IBS-type symptoms were defined according to related IBS-type symptoms meeting the Rome IV criteria in IBDR patients, and were included Crohn’s disease in remission (CDR) and ulcerative colitis in remission (UCR) based on Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (DAI) and Mayo Scoring System respectively. Healthy controls come from the physical examination center and exclude people with underlying diseases. All enrolled subjects were divided into six groups, as followed: Health Control, IBS, CDR with IBS-type symptoms (CDR-IBS+), CDR without IBS-type symptoms (CDR-IBS−), UCR-IBS+ and UCR-IBS−. We collected fresh fecal samples from all subjects and applied 16S rRNA sequencing analysis to detect the structure and diversity of the microbiota among different groups.
RESULTS
A total of 97 subjects were included in this study, of which 18 were health controls, 34 IBS patients, 25 CDR and 20 UCR. The richness of intestinal microbiota in CDR-IBS−was significantly lower than that in the control and IBS groups based on the analysis of observed species and Chao index (P < 0.05). The observed species index in CDR-IBS+ was significantly higher than CDR-IBS− group (median index: 254.8 vs 203, P = 0.036). No difference was found in Alpha diversity between UCR-IBS+ and UCR-IBS−. At phylum level, there was no significant difference between UC or CD with IBS-type symptoms and those without related symptoms. At genus level, the number of Faecalibacterium in CDR-IBS+ increased significantly while Fusobacterium decreased compared with CDR-IBS−(mean relative abundance of Faecalibacterium: 20.35% vs 5.18%, P < 0.05; Fusobacterium: 1.51% vs 5.2%, P < 0.05). However, compared with UCR-IBS - group, the number of Faecalibacterium in UCR-IBS + group decreased, while the number of Streptococcus increased, but there was no statistical difference in the genus structure. Regardless of the phylum or genus level, the abundance and composition of the microbiota of IBS patients were not distinct from those of healthy people.
CONCLUSIONS
CD patients in remission with IBS-type symptoms may be related to the increase of Faecalibacterium and decrease of Fusobacterium. UC patients in remission with IBS-type symptoms cannot be explained by changes in the abundance and structure of intestinal microbiota from our across-sectional study.