bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Risk Factors of Bladder Neck Contracture Following Transurethral Surgery of Prostate
Authors: Chen Yi Zhong , Lin Wun-Rong , Chow Yung-Chiong , Tsai Wei-Kung , Chiu Allen W. , Chen Marcelo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Backgrounds: The aim of the present study was to investigate the preoperative parameters associated with bladder neck contracture (BNC) after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or Thulium vaporesection, vapoenucleation or enucleation of the prostate (ThuP) and to compare the incidence of BNC after TURP and ThuP. Methods: Between March 2008 and March 2020, 2,363 patients received TURP and 1,656 patients received ThuP at Mackay Memorial Hospital. A total of 62 patients developed BNC. These BNC patients were age-and operation-matched to 124 randomly sampled TURP/ThuP controls without BNC. Results: Multivariate analysis showed that when compared with patients without BNC, those with BNC had smaller prostates (43.0±18.95 ml vs 57.2±19.84 ml, p<0.001), lower resection weight (11.64±11.75 g vs 16.67±12.84 g, p=0.001), shorter operative times (43.0±30.9 min vs 57.2±34.5, p<0.001), and slower resection speed (0.124±0.081 g/min vs 0.151±0.952 g/min, p=0.041). A greater proportion of BNC patients had history of cerebrovascular accidents (11/62 vs 7/124, p=0.009), coronary artery disease(14/48 vs 16/108, p=0.03), chronic kidney disease (14/62 vs 11/124, p=0.01), and two or more comorbidities (29/62 vs 27/124, p=0.001). A ROC curve predicted that a prostate volume <42.9cm3 was associated with a notably higher rate of BNC. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that incidence of BNC was the same in TURP and ThuP and low prostate volume, low resection speed and ≥2 comorbidities were positively correlated with the development of BNC after TURP or ThuP.
A Network-Biology led Computational Drug repurposing Strategy to prioritize therapeutic options for COVID-19
Authors: Khurana Pankaj , Varshney Rajeev , gupta Aporv 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The alarming pandemic situation of novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (nSARS-CoV-2) infection, high drug development cost and slow process of drug discovery have made repositioning of existing drugs for therapeutics a popular alternative. It involves the repurposing of existing safe compounds which results in low overall development costs and shorter development timeline. In the present study, a computational network-biology approach has been used for comparing three candidate drugs i.e. quercetin, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and 2-deoxy-glucose (2-DG) to be effectively repurposed against COVID-19. For this, the associations between these drugs and genes of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) diseases were retrieved and a directed drug-gene-gene-disease interaction network was constructed. Further, to quantify the associations between a target gene and a disease gene, the shortest paths from the target gene to the disease genes were identified. A vector DV was calculated to represent the extent to which a disease gene was influenced by these drugs. Quercetin was quantified as the best among the three drugs, suited for repurposing with DV of -70.19, followed by NAC with DV of -39.99 and 2-DG with DV of -13.71. The drugs were also assessed for their safety and efficacy balance (in terms of therapeutic index) using network properties. It was found that quercetin was a forerunner than other two drugs.
Impact of Device Scaling on the Electrical Properties of MoS2&nbsp;Field-effect Transistors
Authors: Arutchelvan Goutham , Smets Quentin , Verreck Devin , Ahmed Zubair , Gaur Abhinav , Sutar Surajit , Jussot Julien , Groven Benjamin , Heyns Marc , Lin Dennis , Asselberghs Inge , Radu Iuliana 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Two-dimensional semiconducting materials are considered as ideal candidates for ultimate device scaling. However, a systematic study on the performance and variability impact of scaling the different device dimensions is still lacking. Here we investigate the scaling behavior across 1300 devices fabricated on large-area grown MoS2 material with channel length down to 30 nm, contact length down to 13 nm and capacitive effective oxide thickness (CET) down to 1.9 nm. These devices show best-in-class performance with transconductance of 185 μS/μm and a minimum subthreshold swing (SS) of 86 mV/dec. We find that scaling the top-contact length has no impact on the contact resistance and electrostatics of three monolayers MoS2 transistors, because edge injection is dominant. Further, we identify that SS degradation occurs at short channel length and can be mitigated by reducing the CET and lowering the Schottky barrier height. Finally, using a power performance area (PPA) analysis, we present a roadmap of material improvements to make 2D devices competitive with Silicon gate-all-around devices.
Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Work and Private Life, Mental Well-Being and Self-Rated Health in German and Swiss Employees: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tušl Martin , Brauchli Rebecca , Kerksieck Philipp , Bauer Georg 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 crisis has radically changed the way people live and work. While most studies have focused on prevailing negative consequences, potential positive shifts in everyday life have received less attention. Thus, we examined the actual and perceived overall impact of the COVID-19 crisis on work and private life, and the consequences for mental well-being (MWB), and self-rated health (SRH) in German and Swiss employees.Methods: Cross-sectional data from 2,118 German and Swiss employees (18–65 years) were collected. Using logistic regression, we analyzed how sociodemographic factors and the actual changes in work and private life routines were associated with participants’ perceived overall impact of the COVID-19 crisis on work and private life. Moreover, we explored how the perceived impact and the actual changes were associated with MWB and SRH.Results: About 30% of employees reported that their work and private life had worsened, whereas about 11% reported improvements in work and 14% in private life as a result of the crisis. Mandatory short-time work was strongly associated with perceived negative impact on work life, while work from home, particularly if experienced for the first time, was strongly associated with a perceived positive impact on work life. Concerning private life, younger age, living alone, reduction in leisure time, and changes in quantity of caring duties were strongly associated with perceived negative impact on private life. In contrast, living with a partner or family, short-time work, and increases in leisure time and caring duties were associated with perceived positive impact on private life. Perceived negative impact of the crisis on work and private life was associated with lower MWB and SRH. Moreover, perceived positive impact on private life was associated with higher MWB. Finally, mandatory short-time work was negatively associated with MWB and SRH, and an increase in leisure time was positively associated with MWB and SRH.Conclusion: The results of this study show the differential impact of the COVID-19 crisis on people’s work and private life as well as the consequences for MWB and SRH. This may inform target groups and situation-specific interventions to ameliorate the crisis.
Forests can help diminish the number of dengue cases in Costa Rica
Authors: Piaggio Matias , Pacay Eduardo , Robalino Juan , Ricketts Taylor 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Approximately 3.9 billion people are at risk of infection with dengue fever, a group of viruses transmitted by mosquitos.1,2 In 2019 Central America has suffered a strong dengue epidemic.3 Costa Rica has almost doubled the number of dengue cases between in the first 24 epidemilogical weeks of 2019 regarding the same period in the previous year.4 In the Americas, forest cover is thought to diminish anthropogenic habitats for mosquito larvae, as well as increase the presence of their predators.5,6 Here we estimate the marginal effects of increasing forest cover on dengue prevalence, using econometric models to relate hospital admission records and forest cover maps from 2001 and 2011. We find that increasing the percentage of forest cover significantly decreased both the number of hospital admissions for dengue and the probability of an outbreak. Using the same models, we predict that increasing forest cover by one percentage point would have avoided between 85 to 103 dengue hospital admissions per year. This represents savings between USD 21,500 to 295,000 per year, depending on the severity of dengue cases. Our study shows that forest conservation can be a public health investment that increases welfare both by avoiding sickness and by reducing associated health care expenditures. Understanding the contribution of nature to diminish the risk of disease outbreaks turn even more urgent and important under the COVID-19 global pandemic the world has faced in 2020.7,8
Resting Energy Expenditure in Elite Athletes: Development of New Predictive Equations Based on Anthropometric Variables and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Derived Phase Angle
Authors: Marra Maurizio , Vincenzo Olivia Di , Cioffi Iolanda , Sammarco Rosa , Morlino Delia , Scalfi Luca 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAn accurate estimation of athletes’ energy needs is crucial in diet planning to improve sport performance and to maintain an appropriate body composition. This study aimed to develop and validate in elite athletes new equations for estimating resting energy expenditure (REE) based on anthropometric parameters as well as bioimpedance analysis-(BIA) derived raw variables and to validate the accuracy of selected predictive equations.MethodsAdult elite athletes aged 18-40 years were studied. Anthropometry, indirect calorimetry and BIA were performed in all subjects. The new predictive equations were generated using different regression models. Prediction accuracy of the new equations was assessed and compared with the one of five equations for estimating REE in normal-weight subjects and three athletes-specific predictive formulas as suggested in the literature.ResultsOne-hundred and twenty-six male athletes from different sport specialties were randomly assigned to the calibration (n=75) or validation group (n=51). REE was directly correlated with individual characteristics, except for age, and raw BIA variables. Most of the equations from the literature were reasonably accurate at the population level (bias ±5%). The new equations showed a mean bias -0.3% (Equation A based on anthropometric parameters) and -0.6% (Equation B based on (BIA) derived raw variables). Individual accuracy was ~75% in six out of eight of the selected equations and was even higher for Equation A (82.4%) and equation B (92.2%).ConclusionIn elite athletes, BIA-derived phase angle is a significant predictor of REE. The new equations have a very good prediction accuracy at both group and individual levels. The use of PhA as predictor of REE requires further research with respect to different sport specialties, training programs and training level.
Determinants of Knowledge and Attitude Towards Breastfeeding Using Validated Instruments in Pregnant Women From a Rural Setting in Ethiopia
Authors: Ahmed Misra Abdulahi , Fretheim Atle , Argaw Alemayehu , Magnus Jeanette H. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundUnderstanding the important underlying determinants of maternal knowledge and attitude towards breastfeeding guides the development of context-specific interventions aimed at increasing the rates of optimal breastfeeding practices. However, studies that used validated instruments to assess breastfeeding knowledge and attitude are nonexistent in Ethiopia.ObjectiveTo assess the level and determinants of breastfeeding knowledge and attitude using validated instruments in pregnant women who participated in breastfeeding education and support intervention in a rural district in Ethiopia.Methods468 pregnant women in their second or third trimester were interviewed at baseline to assess their knowledge and attitude towards breastfeeding practices using locally adapted and validated instruments. We used the Afan-Oromo versions of the Breastfeeding Knowledge Questionnaire (BFKQ-AO) and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS-AO). Breastfeeding knowledge and attitude scores were standardized based on the distribution of the population and multiple linear regression models were fitted to identify the independent determinants knowledge and attitude.Results52.4% of the mothers had a high level of knowledge while 60.9% of the women had a neutral attitude towards breastfeeding. In a multiple linear regression model, the maternal occupation was the only predictor of the overall BFKQ-AO score (0.56 SD; 95% CI, 1.28, 4.59 SD; P=0.009). Age (0.57 SD; 95% CI, 0.24, 0.90 SD; P=0.001), parity (-0.24 SD; 95%CI, -0.47, -0.02SD; P=0.034), antenatal care visits (0.41 SD; 95% CI, (0.07, 0.74 SD; P=0.017) and the BFKQ score (0.08 SD; 95% CI, 0.06, 0.09 SD; P<0.000) were predictors of the IIFAS-AO score.Conclusions﻿Although more than half of the respondents had adequate knowledge about breastfeeding, most women had a neutral attitude towards breastfeeding. Occupation of mothers was an independent predictor of breastfeeding knowledge, whereas age, parity, antenatal care visits, and breastfeeding knowledge score were predictors of breastfeeding attitude. Thus, policymakers and managers should address these factors when planning educational interventions on breastfeeding to improve knowledge and attitude thereby improving breastfeeding practices.
System Pharmacology-Based Strategy to Investigate Core Component Group and Molecular Mechanisms of Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction in the Treatment of Gbm
Authors: Lin Zhiying , Wang Kexin , Yang Runwei , Li Zhiyong , Yi Guozhong , Lu Aiping , Pan Xinghua , Liu Yawei , Peng Junxiang , Zhang Zhu , Guan Daogang , Huang Guanglong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundXuefu Zhuyu Decoction (XFZYD) is a well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula that has many pharmacological effects, including enhancing immune function, improving hemorheology and regulating blood vessels bidirectionally. Modern pharmacological and clinical studies showed that XFZYD could ameliorate curative effect of glioblastoma (GBM). The aim of this study was to interpret core components and the hidden molecular mechanisms of XFZYD on GBM. MethodsHere, a novel network pharmacology strategy, which combined pharmacological data, next generation sequencing data, pharmacokinetic parameters and a novel node importance calculation method was designed to decipher the potential therapeutic mechanism of XFZYD on GBM. The partial components in core component group (CCG) were evaluated by in vitro expriments. We identified 117 chemical components analysis through ADME screening, then component-target network and GBM related genes were integrated as the component-target-pathogenic gene (C-T-P) network. ResultsThe results show that the enriched pathways of targets in the key functional network could cover 77.92% of the enriched pathways of pathogenic genes. A novel cumulative contribution rate (CCR) calculation model was designed and captured CCG with 21 components. The statistics results indicate that 15 enriched pathways of the targets of CCG were overlap with pathogenic genes enriched pathways. Finally, some core components in CCG were validated by in vitro experiments. Conclusion﻿The results show that our proposed stategy for decoding CCG and infering the underlying mechanism with good reliability and accuracy. The validation results indicate that the CCG play a therapeutic role on GBM by targeting to PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. Our strategy provides methodological reference for the optimization and secondary development of TCM formula.
Renewable Energy and Population for Sustainable Development in the Southeast Asian Countries
Authors: Vo Duc Hong , Vo Anh The 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe energy – environment – growth nexus has been examined for the Southeast Asian countries mainly using time series data. Few studies have been conducted using panel data. The roles of renewable energy and population have largely been ignored in previous studies. As such, this study is conducted to investigate a dynamic causal link between renewable energy usage, population, carbon emissions, and economic growth. Unlike previous panel data studies for the ASEAN region, a relatively new and advanced panel vector autoregressive model and the Granger non-causality test for heterogeneous panels are utilized using a sample of seven ASEAN countries for almost three decades since 1990.ResultsKey findings from this paper are as follows. First, energy consumption does lead to CO2 emissions - a 1 per cent increase in energy consumption will lead to an increase of about 0.34 per cent CO2 emissions which is lower than previously reported. Second, renewable energy usage explains a substantial proportion of the change in economic growth and energy consumption. Renewable energy also responds to population. Third, a bidirectional Granger causality between renewable energy, carbon emissions and population.ConclusionsWe argue that moderating population growth and extending renewable energy usage are important to achieve sustainable economic development in the ASEAN region.
Association Between Iron Deficiency and Febrile Seizure? A Case Control Study in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Noorbakhsh Samileh 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective: Febrile convulsion (FC) is the most common form of seizures disorder (3-4%) in childhood with good prognosis. Some evidences indicate that iron deficiency (ID) might play a role in initiation of FC. The aim of this case‐control study was to evaluate, the role for ID in pathogenesis of FC (febrile convulsion). We studied 35 FC children and 35 controls (febrile diseases without convulsion) Methods; In this case–control study, 70 chidren admitted in pediatrics department (2014-2016) were studied. Cases included 35 children with FC ( mean age: 2.191 ± 0946 years); 62.9% male,37.1% female .The Controls consisted 35 children with febrile diseases without convulsion (( mean age: 1.93 ± 1.433 years) 65.7% male,34.3% female.Two militter of peripheral blood collected within the first day of admission in hospital. The blood were tested for CBC, HB ,MCV,MCH,MCHC in 2 groups. The remaining blood in an acid‐propylene tube were centrifuged and serum was preserved in‐80°C.Serum ferritin was estimated by EIAS test for the cases and controls .Data were analyzed by SPSS 13.HB ,,MCVMCH,MCHC ,and serum ferritin level were compared between 2 groups using appropriate statistical tools . The Ferritin level cut-off in serum for differentiating between 2 groups was constructed by receiver-operating-characteristic curve(ROC). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, of test was calculated.Results: The mean age of cases were 2.191 ± 0946 vs 1.93 ± 1.433 years in controls .Mean Hemoglobin level (11.6 ± 079 vs 11.86± 071; p value= 0.2); MCV (75.8 ± 4.3 vs 77.62± 4.1,p value= 0.08); serum ferritin levels (54.57 ± 24 vs 58.31± 23, p value= 0.64) had not significant difference between 2 groups. The ferritin level 36ng/ml; had 74.3% sensitivity, 20% specifity, 56% PPV, 52% NPV, Positive likelihood Ratio: 1.3; Negative likelihood Ratio: 0.93 to discriminate 2 groups. In our opinion, ID could not lead to FC in all children, but in some cases with genetic basis; ID raises the threshold for seizures. Due to high prevalence of ID (26%) especially in your Iranian population, adding the Iron to diet might be helpful in decreasing FC in susceptible cases.Conclusion: The present study is the first to report the ferritin cut off level which discriminates the FC cases from non convulsive febrile children. Ferritin cut off (36ng/ml has an acceptable sensitivity (74.3% ) but poor specifity (20%) and just 56% PPV, and 52% NPV to differentiate the FC cases from non convulsive febrile children. In our opinion, ID could not lead to FC in all children, but in some cases with genetic basis; ID raises the threshold for seizures. Due to high prevalence of ID (26%) especially in your Iranian population, adding the Iron to diet, might be helpful in decreasing FC in susceptible cases.
Thermal Cycling Behavior of Bi-layer Yb2Si2O7/SiC EBC&nbsp;Coated Cf/SiC&nbsp;Composites in Burner Rig Tests
Authors: Chen Sian , Chen Pengju , Duan Junjie , Chen Maolin , Xiao Peng , Li Yang , Li Y. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
To improve the oxidation resistance of carbon fiber reinforced SiC ceramic matrix composites (Cf/SiC) at high-temperature and high-speed gas scour environment in burner rig tests, a novel bi-layer Yb2Si2O7/SiC EBC was prepared on the surface of Cf/SiC composites by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and sol-gel method united with air spraying. Results show that bi-layer Yb2Si2O7/SiC coating showed better oxidation resistance for Cf/SiC specimens before 20 thermal cycles (300 min), which can efficiently prevent the oxidation of Cf/SiC specimens in a gas scour environment at 1773 K for 300 min with a weight loss of 5.93 × 10-3 g·cm-2. After 20 thermal cycles (≥300 min), the weight loss of the coated specimen is rapidly increased due to the formation of penetrating cracks. After the corrosion of 36 thermal cycles (540 min), some obvious annular corrosion pit area were found on the surface of Yb2Si2O7 outer coating, the center of the corrosion pit was easier to be the origin area of the cracks due to the greater impact force of the gas.
High Arsenic Levels Increase Activity Rather Than Diversity or Abundance of Arsenic Metabolism Genes in Paddy Soils
Authors: Zhang Si-Yu , Xiao Xiao , Chen Song-Can , Zhu Yong-Guan , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundArsenic (As) is a toxic metalloid pervasively present in the environment. Microorganisms have evolved the capacity to metabolize As, and As metabolism genes are ubiquitously present in the environment even in the absence of high concentration of As. However, the As metabolism genes diversity, relative abundance, and transcriptional activity in response to different As levels remain unclear, limiting our understanding of the microbial activities that control the fate of an important environmental pollutant. To address this issue, we applied metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to paddy soils showing a gradient of As concentrations to investigate As resistance genes (ars), including arsR, acr3, arsB, arsC, arsM, arsI, arsP and arsH as well as energy-generating As respiratory oxidation (aioA) and reduction (arrA) genes.ResultsSomewhat unexpectedly, the relative DNA abundances and diversity of ars, aioA and arrA genes were not significantly different between low and high (~10 vs ~100 mg kg-1) As soils. By comparison to available metagenomes from other soils, geographic distance rather than As levels drove the different composition of microbial communities. Arsenic significantly increased ars genes abundance only when its concentration was higher than 410 mg kg -1. In contrast, between low and high (~10 vs ~100 mg kg-1) As soils, metatranscriptomics revealed a significant increase in transcription of ars and aioA genes, which are induced by arsenite, the dominant As species in paddy soils, but not arrA genes, which are induced by arsenate. Co-occurrence patterns of arsR, acr3, and arsM genes were revealed by network analysis corroborating that the arsR, acr3 and arsM genes are usually organized in a single ars operon. The transcriptome level response appeared to be community-wide as opposed to taxon-specific. ConclusionsHigh As levels increased the activity of As metabolism genes rather than their abundance or diversity in paddy soils. These findings advance understanding of how microbes respond to high As levels and the diversity of As metabolism genes in paddy soils, and indicated that future studies of As metabolism in soil, and likely other environments, should include the function (transcriptome) level.