bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends of Follow-Up Clinic Visits and Admissions Three-Months Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia: an Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: Abebe Workeabeba , Worku Alemayehu , Moges Tamirat , Tekle Nuhamin , Amogne Wondowossen , Haile Tewodros , Mekonen Desalew , Habtamu Abebe , Deressa Wakgari 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Following the first report of the COVID-19 case in Ethiopia on the 13th of March 2020, the country adopted a lockdown policy to contain the spread of the virus. Responding to the health-care burden imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic had to be coupled with ensuring essential health care services. This study assessed the impact of COVID-19 on the trends of non-COVID follow-up visits and admissions at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective, time-series study with the 1st case of COVID-19 report as a reference time examined the trend in follow-up visits and admissions between December 1st, 2019 and May 31st, 2020. A comparison of health care utilization between December 2019 to May 2020 and its equivalent period in 2018/19 was also done. A data abstraction tool was used to collect secondary data from the hospital’s electronic medical recordings and logbooks of each unit. Results: A total of 7,717 visits from eight follow-up clinics and 3,310 admissions were collected during three months before the onset of COVID-19. During the following three months after the pandemic, 4,597 visits and 2,383 admissions were collected. Overall, a 40.4% decrease in follow-up visits and a 28% decline in admissions were observed during the COVID-19. The drop in the daily follow-up visits was observed for both genders. The number of visits in all follow-up clinics in 2019/2020 decreased when compared to the same months in 2018/19(p<0.05). Follow-up visits were substantially lower for renal patients (-68%), patients with neurologic problems (−53.9%), antiretroviral treatment clinics (−52.3%), cardiac patients (−51.4%). Although pediatric emergency admission was significantly lower (−54.1%) from the baseline (p=0.04), admissions from the general pediatric and adult wards did not show a significant difference. Conclusions: Significant decreases in-hospital follow-up clinic visits were observed during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health guidance on how best to access care, more for patients with serious illnesses are required. Promoting self-care, alternatives health-care services like home-based care, and phone clinics might be considered for patients with mild symptoms. Further studies needed to track the long-term effect of the pandemic among non-COVID-19 patients.
Mathematical Modeling and Transcriptome Profiling of Breast Cancer Cells During Tamoxifen Treatment Reveal Multiple Trajectories for Resistant Subtypes
Authors: Magi Shigeyuki , Ki Sewon , Ukai Masao , Naito Atsuhiko , Suzuki Yutaka , Okada Mariko 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Cancer cells acquire drug resistance through following non-resistant, pre-resitant and resistant stages. Although the molecular mechanism of drug resistance is well investigated, the process of drug resistance acquisition remains largely unknown. Here, we elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the process of drug resistance acquisition by sequential analysis of gene expression patterns in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer cells. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of tamoxifen-treated cells revealed that tamoxifen-resistant cells can be subgrouped into two, one showing cancer stem cell-like metabolic regulation and the other showing high expression of genes encoding adhesion molecules and histone modifying-enzymes. Pseudotime analyses showed a cell transition trajectory to the two resistant subgroups that stems from shared pre-resistant state. An ordinary differential equation model based on the trajectory fitted well with the experimental results of cell growth. Based on the established model, it was predicted that inhibition of transition to both subtype would be required to prevent the appearance of tamoxifen resistance.
CRT Silencing Inhibits ECM Synthesis in HGFs Cultured on Three-Dimensional PLGA Scaffolds Via Inhibiting The CaN/NFAT3 Signalling Pathway
Authors: Wei Hui , Chen Zhixing , Min Hsuyin , Ma Qinqin , You Yuting , Gao Biyun , Mo Shuixue 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The stability of orthodontic treatment is believed to be greatly affected by the compression and contraction of gum tissue, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. The aim of the current study was to explore the effects of mechanical forces on CRT, CaN, NFAT3, p-NFAT3 and COL-I expression in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) cultured on three-dimensional (3D) poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds. A mechanical force of 25 g/cm2 was applied to HGFs for 0, 6, 24, 48, and 72h. The expression of CRT, CaN, NFAT3, p-NFAT3, and COL-I were examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analysis. The application of mechanical force on HGFs cultured on the 3D PLGA scaffolds led to a significant increase in CRT, CaN, and COL‑I expression, as well as a reduction in p-NFAT3 expression. The mechanical force effects were reversed by silencing CRT. By lowering the CRT expression, p-NFAT3 was upregulated, while CaN and COL‑I were downregulated in HGFs. These findings suggested that downregulation of CRT inhibited extracellular matrix synthesis, potentially via CaN/NFAT3 signalling pathway. Therefore, CRT may serve as a potential therapeutic target against gingival fibrosis.
Identification of the active sites of Cu-ZnO catalysts for water gas shift and CO hydrogenation reactions
Authors: Zhang Zhenhua , Chen Xuanye , Kang Jincan , Yu Zongyou , Tian Jie , Gong Zhongmiao , Jia Aiping , You Rui , Qian Kun , He Shun , Teng Botao , Cui Yi , Wang Ye , Zhang Wenhua , Huang Weixin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 catalysts are used as the industrial catalysts for water gas shift (WGS) and CO hydrogenation to methanol reactions. Herein, via a comprehensive experimental and theoretical calculation study of a series of ZnO/Cu nanocrystals inverse catalysts with well-defined Cu structures, we report that the Cu-ZnO catalysts undergo Cu structure-dependent and reaction-sensitive in situ restructuring during WGS and CO hydrogenation reactions under typical reaction conditions, forming the active sites of CuCu(100)-hydroxylated ZnO ensemble and CuCu(611)Zn alloy, respectively. These results conclude the long-existing debates and provide the feasible guideline for optimizing the structures of Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 catalysts.
Long Non-Coding RNA CRNDE is Involved in Resistance to EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor in EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancer via eIF4A3/MUC1/EGFR Signaling
Authors: Takahashi Satoshi , Noro Rintaro , Seike Masahiro , Zeng Chao , Matsumoto Masaru , Yoshikawa Akiko , Nakamichi Shinji , Sugano Teppei , Hirao Mariko , Matsuda Kuniko , Hamada Michiaki , Gemma Akihiko 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Introduction: Acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) is an intractable challenge for many clinical oncologists. The mechanisms of resistance to EGFR-TKIs are complex. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may play an important role in cancer development and metastasis. However, the biological process between lncRNAs and drug resistance to EGFR-mutated lung cancer remains largely unknown.Methods: Osimertinib- and afatinib-resistant EGFR-mutated lung cancer cells were established using a stepwise method. Microarray analysis of non-coding and coding RNAs was performed using parental and resistant EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and evaluated by bioinformatics analysis through medical-industrial collaboration.Results: Colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) and DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 5 (DGCR5) lncRNAs were highly expressed in EGFR-TKI-resistant cells by microarray analysis. RNA-protein binding analysis by medical-industrial collaboration revealed eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A3 (eIF4A3) bound overlappingly to CRNDE and DGCR5. The CRNDE downregulates the expression of eIF4A3, mucin 1 (MUC1), and phospho-EGFR. Inhibition of CRNDE activated the eIF4A3/MUC1/EGFR signaling pathway and apoptotic activity, and restored sensitivity to EGFR-TKIs.Conclusions: The results showed that lncRNA CRNDE is associated with the development of resistance to EGFR-TKIs in EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells. CRNDE may be a novel therapeutic target to conquer EGFR-mutant NSCLC.
A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of an Improved Double-Lumen Tube Ventilation Control Device Versus A Conventional Device in Thoracic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Liu Chang , Wang Xin , Wang Yue , Zhao Yuanyu , Guan Huiwen , Sun Xufang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: To improve the conversion efficiency between single-lung and double-lung ventilation after Double-lumen tube(DLT) intubation, we invented a Y-shaped rotatable adjustment between three-lumen tube and double-lumen tube connector (YRC). The performance of YRC was studied with the traditional Y-shaped reconnector (YC) as the control. Methods: A total of 60 adult patients who underwent thoracic surgery with double-lumen endotracheal tube insertion were included in the study. The subjects after endotracheal tube insertion were randomly divided into two groups: YRC connecting group (YRC group, n=30) and a traditional connector connecting group (YC group, n=30), respectively. Primary endpoints were intubation time and conversion time of single-lung ventilation to double-lung ventilation. The secondary endpoints of this study were the internal gas volume of the two joints, airway pressure, and the time required for sputum aspiration during the operation. Results: Intubation time in YRC group was shorter than that in YC group (89.75±14.28s vs 107.80±14.96s, p=0.00). Compared with the YC group, the time required for ventilation conversion between single-lung and double-lung ventilation during the operation in the YRC group were significantly shortened (3.60±1.20svs9.05±2.53s, p=0.00). The internal gas volume in YRC (17.20ml) is smaller than YC (24.12ml). There was no statistical difference in airway pressure and the time required for sputum aspiration between YRC group and YC group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Compared with the traditional connectors, the YRC can improve the conversion efficiency between single-lung ventilation and double-lung ventilation with double-lumen endotracheal tube, save positioning time, and can be safely used for the anesthesia management of double-lumen endotracheal tube. Trial registration: This clinical research was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(www.chictr.org.cn,ChiCTR2000040188).
Comprehensive Molecular Characterization and Identification of Prognostic Signature in Stomach Adenocarcinoma on The Basis of Energy-Metabolism-Related Genes
Authors: Chang Jinjia , Wang Xiaoyu , Li Wenhua , Tan Cong , Sheng Weiqi , Xu Midie 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is a leading cause of cancer deaths, but its molecular and prognostic characteristics has never been fully illustrated. Methods: We describe a comprehensive molecular evaluation of primary STAD based on comprehensive analysis of energy-metabolism-related gene (EMRG) expression profiles. Results: On the basis of 86 EMRGs that were significantly associated to patients’ progression-free survival (PFS), we propose a molecular classification dividing gastric cancer into two subtypes: Cluster 1, most of which are young patients and display more immune and stromal cell components in tumor microenvironment (TME) and lower tumor priority; and Cluster 2, which show early stages and better PFS. Moreover, we construct a 6-gene signature that can classify the prognostic risk of patients after a three-phase training, test and validation process. Compared with patients with low-risk score, patients with high risk score had shorter overall survival. Furthermore, calibration and DCA analysis plots indicate the excellent predictive performance of the 6-gene signature, and which present higher robustness and clinical usability compared with three previous reported prognostic gene signatures. According to gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), gene sets related to the high-risk group were participated in the ECM receptor interaction and hedgehog signaling pathway.Conclusions: Identification of the EMRG-based molecular subtypes and prognostic gene model provides a roadmap for patient stratification and trials of targeted therapies.
The Risk Prediction Model for Healthcare-Associated Infections among Elderly Patients Underwent Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Feng Yuejing , Yao Hongwu , Li Jie , Du Mingmei , Gao Xibao , Liu Yunxi , Zhou Chengchao 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The elderly are a high-risk group of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), and the effective prediction model may be beneficial to HAIs control. Methods: The data were obtained from Hospital Infection Surveillance System. The BP-ANN model was conducted according to univariate analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), the prediction accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were used to estimate the predicted performance. The final weight coefficients were calculated to illustrate the relative importance of indicators. Results: Of 688 elderly patients underwent PD, 83 (12.06%) were diagnosed with HAIs. 9 significant factors (P<0.05) including weight, fever, continuous fever for more than three days, blood routine abnormal percentage, ever livered in intensive care unit (ICU), antibacterial combination, postoperative antibacterial use days, ventilator use and urinary catheter use days were included into prediction model. The prediction accuracy in testing sets was 93.79%, and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.67 and 0.97. The contribution level of 9 significant factors were 10.65%, 8.54%, 10.17%, 9.64%, 9.26%, 10.02%, 12.53%, 11.90% and 17.29%, respectively. Conclusions: The 9-9-1 BP-ANN prediction model underpinned by complex factors in this study has relatively excellent performance for HAIs prediction among elderly patients after PD. Urinary catheter use days, postoperative antibacterial use days, ventilator use, weight and continuous fever for more than three days are the top five contribution indicators for HAIs prediction, which should be fully taken into consideration when developing HAIs prediction for the PD patients.
Plastic and low-cost zero thermal expansion alloy by a natural dual-phase composite
Authors: Yu Chengyi , Lin Kun , Jiang Suihe , Cao Yili , Li Wenjie , Wang Yilin , Chen Yan , An Ke , You Li , Kato Kenichi , Li Qiang , Deng Jinxia , Xing Xianran 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Zero thermal expansion (ZTE) alloys are not only of great scientific significance, but also of great application value due to their unique dimensional stability, high thermal and electrical conductivities. However, the practical application and further development of ZTE alloys are limited by their inherent brittleness because ZTE and plasticity are generally incompatible in a single material. Besides, ZTE alloy is highly sensitive to composition, so conventional methods such as alloying or the design of multiphase to improve its mechanical properties are inapplicable. In this study, we report a one-step eutectic reaction method to overcome this contradiction: by melting 4 atom% holmium with pure iron to form a natural dual-phase composite. The composite shows unprecedented comprehensive advantages such as moderate plasticity and strength, axial zero thermal expansion, good thermal stability and low cost, making it the first plastic ZTE alloy other than Invar. Through the joint study of synchronous X-ray diffraction, in-situ neutron diffraction and microscopy, the critical role of dual-phase synergy mechanism on both thermal expansion regulation and mechanical property enhancement is revealed. These results indicate that eutectic reaction is likely to be a general and effective method for the design of high-performance intermetallic compound-based ZTE alloys.
Moisture-induced autonomous surface potential oscillations for energy harvesting
Authors: Long Yu , He Peisheng , Shao Zhichun , Kim Han , Yao Archie , Peng Yande , Xu Renxiao , Lee Seung-Wuk , Zhong Junwen , Lin Liwei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
A variety of autonomous oscillations in nature such as heartbeats and biochemical reactions have been widely studied and utilized for applications in the fields of bioscience and energy technology, etc. Here, we report a unique phenomenon of moisture-induced electrical potential oscillations on P(MEDSAH-co-AA) polymers during the diffusion of water molecules. Using the moisture in the ambient environment as the activation source, this self-excited chemoelectrical reaction could have broad influences and usages in surface-reaction based devices and systems. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, an energy harvester is constructed to demonstrate the continuous energy production for more than 15000 seconds with an energy density of 16.8 mJ/cm2. A 2-Volts output voltage has been produced to power a liquid crystal display (LCD) with five energy harvesters connected in series toward practical applications.
Non-invasive in vivo optical monitoring of human placental oxygenation
Authors: Wang Lin , Cochran Jeffrey , Ko Tiffany , Baker Wesley , Abramson Kenneth , He Lian , Busch David , Kavuri Venki , Linn Rebecca , Parry Samuel , Yodh Arjun , Schwartz Nadav 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Direct assessment of human placental blood oxygenation can provide valuable information about placental function and, potentially, detect dysfunction. Currently however, no bedside tools exist for non-invasive monitoring of placental oxygenation. Here we report a continuous, non-invasive in vivo method to probe placental oxygen hemodynamics using deep penetrating Frequency Domain Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy (FD-DOS) with concurrent ultrasound (US) imaging. This multi-modal instrument facilitates assessment of placental oxygenation properties from image reconstruction algorithms that integrate anatomical US information about layer morphology with information from optics about functional hemodynamics. Tissue phantom experiments, simulations, and human subject studies validate the approach and demonstrate sensitivity to placental tissue located £ 5 cm below the surface. In a pilot study (n=24), human placental oxygen hemodynamics are measured non-invasively during maternal hyperoxia. Initial results suggest placental response to maternal hyperoxia may serve as a tool to detect placenta-related adverse pregnancy outcome and maternal vascular malperfusion of placenta, weeks before delivery.
Effects of Clavien-Dindo classification on long-term survival of patients with advanced gastric cancer after radical resection:A propensity score-matched study
Authors: Yan Wenwu , Du Jun , Li Qingyi , Yao Changsheng , Zhu Mengxiang , Wang Jinguo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background The impact of postoperative complications (POCs) classified by the Clavien-Dindo (C-D) system on long-term survival after radical resection in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) is not yet clear.Methods This study analyzed 531 patients with AGC who underwent radical resection in an institution between January 2015 and December 2017. Patients were divided into two groups according to the occurrence of POCs and recorded according to C-D classifications.The long-term survival outcomes of the entire cohort after propensity score matching (PSM) were compared.Results After PSM, there was no significant difference in baseline data between the complications (C) group (n = 92) and the non-complications (NC) group (n = 92). Survival analysis showed that the 5-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) were lower in the C group (48.9% vs. 62.0%, p = 0.040; 38.5% vs. 54.9%, p = 0.005; respectively). Subgroup analysis showed that severe complications (C-D grade > II) were associated with a decrease in 5-year OS and RFS compared with the matched NC group (40.0% vs. 62.0%, p = 0.008; 29.4% vs. 54.9%, p = 0.001; respectively). Multivariate analysis confirmed adjuvant chemotherapy, tumor size, and complications were independent risk factors for poor survival outcomes. Further multivariate analysis showed that older age, combined excision, and comorbidities were independent risk factors for POCs.Conclusions Severe complications reduced the survival outcome of patients.Older age, combined excision, and comorbidities were independent risk factors for POCs. More attention should be paid to perioperative management of patients with high risk factors for complications.
Effects of Sevoflurane Exposure on Apoptosis and Cell Cycle of Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes, and Immunologic Function
Authors: ji zhimin , Wu Wanjun , zhou Fan , Hu Junfang , Xu Qiuping , Yang Weibin , Peng Xueyong , Wang XInguo , Zhang Cheng , Li Li 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Waste anesthetic gases (WAGS) leaked from new-type halogenated inhalational anesthetics such as sevoflurane were reported to pose a risk for the health of operation room personnel. The effects of WAGS on peripheral blood lymphocytes remain yet controversial. Purpose: The present study was undertaken to examine whether occupational exposure to sevoflurane has detrimental effects on the peripheral blood lymphocytes of exposed medical personnel in vivo. Methods: A cohort of 56 medical residents were divided into exposed group (n=28) and control group (non-exposed group) (n=28). Gas chromatograph was used to measure the concentration of sevoflurane in the medical resident’s breathing zone during surgeries under inhalation anesthesia in exposure group. The collection time lasted for one hour. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated from venous blood and then apoptosis and cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry. EDTA-anticoagulated whole blood was harvested to analyze the lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry. Immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG) were quantified by immunoturbidimetry.Results: The average concentration of sevoflurane in exposed group was 1.03 ppm with a range from 0.03 ppm to 2.24 ppm. Sevoflurane had no significant effect on the apoptosis and cell cycle of peripheral blood lymphocytes in the exposed group relative to the control group (P>0.05). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the lymphocyte subsets and the levels of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG) between the two groups (P>0.05).Conclusion: Occupational exposure to low-level sevoflurane has no significant effect on the peripheral blood lymphocytes of operating room staff, but this conclusion needs to be confirmed by multicenter and long-term follow-up studies with large samples.Trial registration number and date of registration：ChiCTR2000040772, December 9, 2020 (Retrospective registration)