bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Procalcitonin Predicts Intensive Care Unit Admission and Mortality in Patients With A COVID-19 Infection in The Emergency Department
Authors: Tong-Minh Kirby , Does Yuri van der , Engelen Susanna , de Jong Evelien , Ramakers Christian , Gommers Diederik , Gorp Eric van , Endeman Henrik 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
IntroductionPatients with a severe COVID-19 infection often require admission at an intensive care unit (ICU) when they develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Hyperinflammation plays an important role in the development of ARDS in COVID-19. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker which may be a predictor of hyperinflammation. When patients with COVID-19 are in the emergency department (ED), PCT could be a predictor of severe COVID-19 infection. The goal of this study is to investigate the predictive value of PCT on severe COVID-19 infections in the ED. MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study including patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection who visited the ED of Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, between March and December 2020. The primary endpoint was a severe COVID-19 infection, which was defined as patients who required ICU admission, in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality after hospital discharge. PCT levels were measured during the ED visit. We used logistic regression to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of PCT on a severe COVID-19 infection, adjusting for bacterial coinfections, age, gender and comorbidities. ResultsA total of 332 patients were included in the final analysis of this study, of which 105 patients reached the composite endpoint of a severe COVID-19 infection. PCT showed an unadjusted OR of 4.19 (CI: 2.52-7.69) on a severe COVID-19 infection. Corrected for bacterial coinfection, the OR of PCT was 4.05 (2.45 – 7.41). Adjusted for gender, bacterial coinfection, age and comorbidities, PCT was still an independent predictor of severe COVID-19 infection with an adjusted OR of 3.82 (CI: 2.26-7.48).ConclusionPCT is a predictor of severe COVID-19 infections in patients with a COVID-19 infection in the ED. The routine measurement of PCT in patients with a COVID-19 infection in the ED may assist physicians in the clinical decision making process regarding ICU disposition when PCT levels are elevated.
Disaster Preparedness and Resilience at Household Level in Yangon, Myanmar
Authors: Heinkel Sophie-Bo , Thiebes Benni , Than Zin Mar , Aung Toe , Kyi Tin Tin , Mar Win Lei , Oo Saw Sandar , Miller Christian , Willkomm Marlene , Maung Win , Myint Zin Nwe , Soe Khin Khin , Spohner Regine , Kraas Frauke 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Resilience has become important in disaster preparedness and response. Unfortunately, little is known about resilience at the household level. This study presents the results of a survey into individual and household level preparedness to disaster events in Yangon, Myanmar, which is prone to natural disasters such as tropical cyclones, flooding, and earthquakes. The study aimed to understand societal resilience and to provide information that could be used to develop a holistic framework. In four different Yangon townships, 440 households were interviewed. The results of the survey indicate how risk preparedness could be improved by specific measures related to the following five factors: 1) increasing the general public’s knowledge of first-aid and its role in preparedness; 2) improving mobile phone infrastructure so that it can be used for communication during disasters, along with building up a redundant communication structure; 3) better use and organisation of volunteer potential; 4) more specific involvement of religious and public buildings for disaster response; and 5) developing specific measures for improving preparedness in urban areas, where the population often has reduced capacities for coping with food supply insufficiencies due to the high and immediate availability of food, shops and goods in regular times. The findings of this survey have led to specific recommendations for Yangon. The identified measures represent a first step in developing a more general framework. Future research could investigate the transferability of these measures to other areas and thus their suitability as a basis for a framework.
Rokitansky diverticulum with esophageo-spinal fistula leading to infective spondylodisciitis – A case report and review of literature
Authors: Kukreja Ashish , Thirugnanam Balamurugan , Janardhan Seema , Sreeniv D , Kishen Thomas J 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background- Infective thoracic spondylodiscitis secondary to spontaneous perforation of the esophageal diverticulum is a rare condition. Case Report- A 56-year-old lady with cystic lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension of nine years duration and progressive dysphagia for two years was diagnosed with mid-esophageal diverticulum five months prior to presentation. The lady presented with infrascapular chest wall pain of one month’s duration and dyspnoea and wheezing of 15 days duration. Imaging showed a mid-esophageal diverticulum at T4-T5 level with a sinus tract extending to the T2-T3 disc, reduced T2-T3 disc height with endplate irregularities, and contrast enhancement of T2-T5 vertebral bodies suggestive of spondylodiscitis. Although a percutaneous vertebral biopsy was inconclusive, the blood culture grew Streptococcus Pseudoporcinus. The esophageal diverticulum was managed with an endoluminal stent and the infective spondylodisciitis was managed with an extended course of antibiotics led to the healing of both lesions. Conclusions- A Rokitansky mid-esophageal diverticulum with esophageo-spinal fistula causing infective spondylodisciitis is a rare condition. A combined management of the leaking esophageal diverticulum using an esophageal endoluminal metallic stent and an extended course of antibiotics to treat the infective spondylodisciitis led to a good outcome.
Effects of Precipitation, Temperature and Wind in Alpine Areas on Backcountry Avalanche Accidents Reported in the Western Part of Austria within 1987-2009
Authors: Pfeifer Christian , Höller Peter 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this article, we are going to investigate the effects of snow, rain, temperature and wind on the number of backcountry and off-piste avalanche accidents. The data base of our survey is restricted on the western part of Austria (federal states Tyrol and Vorarlberg) within the winter periods 1987/88--2008/09. We are able to stratify the daily data for municipalities in Tyrol and Vorarlberg. Employing spatial kriging and hurdle models, we found a positive significant effect of the snow water equivalent measurement on avalanche accident counts (if we consider the running average over the past 3 days). The variables rain and temperature 1800 meter above sea level showed negative effects on the number of accident counts. In the case of the variable wind - ERA5 global reanalysis data turned out not to be reliable -- we had a focus on the 3 avalanche accident hot spots of Austria St. Anton am Arlberg, Lech and Sölden observing wind data of the weather stations Galzig, Warth and Obergurgl. At least in the case of St. Anton and Lech, we found significant positive effects (daily velocity totals and west wind component) on the number of avalanche counts. Calculating the daily mean wind load showed a positive effect only in the case of St. Anton am Arlberg.Finally, we tried to find conclusions in connection with `avalanche problems' such as used by several avalanche information services only finding (beside `new snow') some evidence for a `spring scenario'.
Functional Modules Analysis and Hub Gene Prognostic Values Evaluation Based on Co-Expression Network in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Liu Yujia , Hu Xiaoping , Pan Zongfu , Jiang Yuchen , Guo Dandan , Xu Tong , Sun Jiao , Huang Ping , Zhang Yiwen 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer is one of the most common fatal disease worldwide, but its mechanism and therapeutic targets are still unclear. In this study, we have analyzed the differences in gene modules and key pathways in gastric cancer patients, then elaborated the mechanism and effective treatment of gastric cancer with microarray data from the gene expression omnibus(GEO) database. Methods: GEO2R tools were used to identify differential expression genes (DEGs), String database was employed to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. We imported the PPI network into the Cytoscape software to find key nodes, and employed statistical approach of MCODE to cluster genes. After that the ClueGO was used to enrich and annotate the pathways of key modules. To investigate the relationship between the upstream regulator and hub genes, the transcriptional regulatory network was built based on TFCAT database. Results: 63 characteristic genes of gastric cancer are involved in regulation of ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion and protein digestion and absorption. SPARC, FN1, BGN and COL1A2 are four key nodes relating to tumor proliferation and metastasis, and their expression were strongly associated with poor survival (p<0.05). 13 transcription factors including PRRX1 have remarkable changes in gastric cancer, which may play a key role in hub gene regulation. Conclusions: The present study defined the gene expression characteristics and transcriptional regulatory network that promote our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of gastric cancer, and might provide new insights into targeted therapy and prognostic markers for the personalized treatment of gastric cancer.
The Spatial Variations of Water Quality and Effects of Water Landscape in Baiyangdian Lake, North China
Authors: Li Liqing , Chen Xinghong , Zhang Meiyi , Zhang Weijun , Wang Dongsheng , Wang Hongjie 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Baiyangdian Lake (BYD), a large shallow lake in North China, has complex water landscape patterns that are underlies spatial variations in water quality. In this study, we collected 61 water samples from three water landscapes (reed littoral zones, fish ponds and open water) and analyzed them for water quality parameters, such as dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP). Water landscape distribution (determined using remote sensing imagery) was then used to assess correlations between water quality parameters and water landscape proportion in differently scaled buffer zones. There was substantial variation across all subareas, with TN and TP concentrations ranging from 0.90–4.10 mg/L and 0.06–0.18 mg/L, respectively. Spatial variations in water quality were mainly caused by water landscape distribution and external nutrient inputs. There were negative correlations between DOC, TN, and TP concentrations and the area proportion of reed littoral zones in the 300 and 500 m buffers. In contrast, DOC, TN and TP concentrations were significantly positively correlated with the area proportion of fish ponds in the 100 m buffer. Furthermore, compared with reed littoral zones, a lower nitrogen to phosphorus ratio and a higher proportion of dissolved organic nitrogen and tyrosine-like proteins were found in fish ponds. These effects were mainly attributed to development of internal sediment loadings due to nutrient exchange between sediment and overlying water. Therefore, dredging-based sediment removal from fish ponds should be considered to suppress internal phosphorus loading and accelerate recovery of the BYD ecosystem.
An Efficient Chaotic Salp Swarm Optimization Approach Based on Ensemble Algorithm for Solving Class Imbalance Problem
Authors: G Rekha , V Krishna Reddy , jatoth chandrashekar , Fiore Ugo 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Class imbalance problems have attracted the research community but a few works have focused on feature selection with imbalanced datasets. To handle class imbalance problems, we developed a novel fitness function for feature selection using the chaotic salp swarm optimization algorithm, an efficient meta-heuristic optimization algorithm that has been successfully used in a wide range of optimization problems. This paper proposes an Adaboost algorithm with chaotic salp swarm optimization. The most discriminating features are selected using salp swarm optimization and Adaboost classifiers are thereafter trained on the features selected. Experiments show the ability of the proposed technique to find the optimal features with performance maximization of Adaboost.
A Successful Case of Endovascular Therapy for Severely Calcified Plaque Removed by Biopsy Forceps at the Superficial Femoral Artery
Authors: Hirano Shojiro , Funatsu Atsushi , Nakamura Shigeru , Ikeda Takanori 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundCurrently, the success rate of EVT for treating CTO of the SFA is high; however, EVT is still found to be insufficient in treating CTOs with severely calcified lesions. Even if the guidewire crosses the lesion, the calcifications may still cause difficulties during stent expansion.Main textA 78-year-old male had been reported to have intermittent claudication with chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the right superficial femoral artery (SFA). Angiography revealed severely calcified plaque at the ostium of the SFA. Stenting posed a risk of underexpansion, causing the plaque to shift to the deep femoral artery. we decided to remove the calcified plaque using biopsy forceps. After removing the extended calcified plaque, the guidewire could cross easily, and the self-expandable stent was well dilated without causing the plaque to shift to the DFA. ConclusionBiopsy forceps may be used in some endovascular cases to remove severely calcified lesions.To ensure the safety of the patient, the physician must be adept at performing this technique before attempting it.
Ant Lion Optimizer for Suppression of Ambipolar Conduction in Schottky Barrier Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Kumar Gagnesh , Agrawal Sunil 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
A mathematical model and experimental analysis of the effect of oxide thickness on ambient conduction is provided in the Schottky Barrier Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) Field Effect Transistor (SB-CNTFET). To develop them as the future of IC (integrated circuit) technology, the suppression of ambipolar behaviour in SB-CNTFET is imperative. The ambipolar nature of SB-CNTFET contributes to a high amount of leakage current. tox ≈ 49.91mm uses a dielectric of gate oxide with a thickness to inhibit the ambipolar behaviour. In an SB-CNTFET, the conductance is regulated by the electrical field at the source/drain contacts and the band bending length at the contacts is determined by tox. Therefore, the prime parameter tox that affects the Schottky barrier width and the subthreshold area. The suppression of ambipolar property is presented through experimental analysis. The SB-CNTFET is produced using high-k dielectrics such as Zirconium dioxide. This work discusses the suppression of ambipolar activity in SB-CNTFETs without reducing the Ion current using an appropriate dielectric with optimum thickness.
The Inhibition Efficiency of Blue Light And Light Intensity On The Growth Rate of Microcystis Aeruginosa
Authors: Watanabe Shunsuke , Matsunami Naoki , Ookuma Ikki , Podiapen Tannen Naythen , Fujibayashi Megumu , Iseri Yasushi , Hao Aimin , Kuba Takahiro 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Lake eutrophication is associated with the occurrence of cyanobacterial blooms which have a negative effect on other organisms. Several studies demonstrated that blue LED irradiation inhibits the growth rate of cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa, while the efficiency varies from study to study. In this paper, the focus was on the effects of light intensity on the growth of M. aeruginosa because the light intensity used in the precious studies varied from 12 to 45 μmol photons m-2 s-1. Growth experiment of M. aeruginosa was conducted with 32 μmol photons m-2 s-1 blue light and fluorescent light, and the results were compared with the findings of previous reports. Furthermore, co-culture of M. aeruginosa and diatom Nitzschia palea was also prepared. The growth rate of M. aeruginosa was 0.33 day-1 and 0.11 day-1 under fluorescent light and blue light, respectively. The blue light dropped the growth rate by 67%. Compared with previous studies, the inhibition efficiency seemed to be the best at 20 μmol photons m-2 s-1. The growth rate of N. palea was 0.62 day-1 and 0.36 day-1 under fluorescent light and blue light, respectively. Since the efficiency of N. palea by blue light (42%) was smaller than that of M. aeruginosa, blue light is considered to be a countermeasure to cyanobacterial blooms.
Metabolic Syndrome Related Gene Signature Predicts the Prognosis of Patients With Pancreatic Ductal Carcinoma. A Novel Link Between Metabolic Dysregulation and Pancreatic Ductal Carcinoma.
Authors: Cai Weiyang , Bao Wenming , Chen Shengwei , Yang Yan , Li Yan-yan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. In recent years, specific metabolic activities, which involves the development of tumor, caused wide public concern. In this study, we wish to explore the correlation between metabolism and progression of tumor.Methods: A retrospective analysis including 95 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and PDAC patients from TCGA, ICGA, and GEO database were involved in our study. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to construct the prognosis model. The potential connection between metabolism and immunity of PDAC was investigated through WGCNA. 22 types of TIICs between high-risk and low-risk groups were estimated through CIBERSORT. Moreover, the potential immune-related signaling pathways between high-risk and low-risk groups were explored through the GSEA. The role of key gene GMPS in developing pancreatic tumor was further investigated through CCK-8, colony-information, and Transwell. Results: The prognostic value of the MetS factors was analyzed using the Cox regression model, and a clinical MetS-based nomogram was established. Then, we established a metabolism-related signature to predict the prognosis of PDAC patients based on the TCGA databases and was validated in the ICGC database and the GEO database to find the distinct molecular mechanism of MetS genes in PDAC. The result of WGCNA showed that the blue module was associated with risk score, and genes in the blue module were found to be enriched in the immune-related signaling pathway. Furthermore, the result of CIBERSORT demonstrated that proportions of T cells CD8, T cells Regulatory, Tregs NK cells Activated, Dendritic cells Activated, and Mast cells Resting were different between high-risk and low-risk groups. These differences are potential causes of different prognoses of PDAC patients. GSEA and the protein–protein interaction network (PPI) further revealed that our metabolism-related signature was significantly enriched in immune‐related biological processes. Moreover, knockdown of GMPS in PDAC cells suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells, whereas overexpression of GMPS performed oppositely.Conclusion: The results shine light on fundamental mechanisms of metabolic genes on PDAC and establish a reliable and referable signature to evaluate the prognosis of PDAC. GMPS was identified as a potential candidate oncogene with in PDAC, which can be a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for PDAC treatment.
Structural Analysis And Molecular Characteristics of SARSCoV-2 Spike Protein Following S494P Point Mutation: Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Janlou Mehr Ali Mahmood , sahebjamee Hassan , Shokravi Shademan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The emergence of some mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) can increase the spread and pathogenicity due to the conformational changes and increase the stability of Spike protein. Due to the formation of different strains of SARS-CoV-2 by mutations, and their catastrophic effect on public health, the study of the effect of mutations by scientists and researchers around the world is inevitable. According to available evidence, the S494P variant is observed in several SARS-CoV-2 strains from Michigan, USA. To investigate how the S494P natural mutation alters receptor binding affinity in RBD, we performed structural analysis of wild-type and mutant spike proteins using some bioinformatics and computational tools. The results show that S494P mutation increases the spike protein stability. Also, applying docking by HADDOCK displayed higher binding affinity to hACE2 for mutant spike than wild type possibly due to the increased β-strand and Turn secondary structures which increases surface accessibly surface area (SASA) and chance of interaction. The analysis of S494P as a critical RBD mutation may provide the continuing surveillance of spike mutations to aid in the development of COVID-19 drugs and vaccines.
Texture Analysis of Myometrium-Derived T2WI in the Evaluation of Placenta Increta: An Observational Retrospective Study
Authors: Dong Lishan , Lei Zhiyi , Zhang Jiangong , Sun Zongqiong , Li Yonggang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: To develop an objective and quantitative measurement based on texture analysis of myometrium-derived T2WI to differentiate placenta accreta from increta.Methods: Participants with MRI and clinical or histopathological diagnosis of placenta increta were included. Texture analysis of T2WI was implemented on normal myometrium and placenta increta by MaZda software. Parameter selection and reduction was automatically done with Fisher discriminant method. Multivariate analysis was used for the comparison of response variables between two groups. Profile analysis was used to compare the contours of multivariable average vectors. Two-step clustering was performed to evaluate the importance of parameters.Results: Multivariate analysis showed that nine second-order parameters between normal myometrium and placenta increta were statistically significant(P﹤0.05). The t-test showed that there were two parameters (Skew and Kurtosis) that had no statistical significance. Profile analysis showed that the profiles of seven parameters were neither parallel(P﹤0.05) nor coincident(P﹤0.05). The results of two-step cluster indicated that Mean, Percentile 90% and Percentile 99% were important (predictor importance﹥0.8).Conclusion: The study showed statistically significant differences for Mean, Percentile 90% and Percentile 99% between normal myometrium and placenta increta. Texture analysis of myometrium-derived T2WI may be a useful add-on to MRI in diagnosing placenta increta.Trial registration: Registration number: ChiCTR2000038604 and name of registry: Evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of MRI multi-parameter imaging combined with texture analysis for placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAD).