bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cancer Services During the COVID-19&nbsp;Pandemic: Systematic Review of Patients’ and Caregivers’ Experiences
Authors: Dhada Symran , Stewart Derek , Cheema Ejaz , Hadi Muhammed Abdul , Paudyal Vibhu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Cancer patients have faced intersecting crises in the face of COVID-19 pandemic. This review aimed to examine patients’ and caregivers’ experiences of accessing cancer services during the COVID-19 pandemic and perceived impact of the pandemic on their psychological wellbeing.Methods A protocol-led (CRD42020214906) systematic review was conducted by searching six databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE and CINAHL for articles published in English-language between 1/2020-12/2020. Data were extracted using a pilot-tested, structured data extraction form. Thematic synthesis of data was undertaken and reported as per the PRISMA guideline. Results A total of 1110 articles were screened of which 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies originated from 10 different countries including the US, UK, India and China. Several themes were identified which were categorised into seven categories. Postponement and delays in cancer screening and treatment, drug shortages and inadequate nursing care were commonly experienced by patients. Hospital closures, resource constraints, national lockdowns and patient reluctance to use health services because of infection worries contributed to the delay. Financial and social distress, isolation; and spiritual distress due to the uncertainty of rites as well as fulfilment of last wishes were also commonly reported. Caregivers felt anxious about infecting cancer patients with COVID-19. Conclusions Patients and caregivers experienced extensive impact of COVID-19 on cancer screening, treatment and care, and their own psychological wellbeing. Patient and caregiver views and preferences should be incorporated in ensuring resilient cancer services that can minimise the impact of ongoing and future pandemic on cancer care and mitigate patient fears. Protocol Registration Published protocol registered with Centre for Review and Dissemination CRD42020214906 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=214906)
Re-emergence of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus in a Piglet-producing Farm in Jiangxi Province in China in 2020
Authors: Gao Qi , Zheng Zezhong , Wang Heng , Zhang Guihong , Gong Lang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundOn October 30, 2020, piglets and sows in the farrowing house of a pig farm in Jiangxi showed clinical symptoms such as anorexia, watery diarrhea, and vomiting. Epidemiological test, clinical necropsy, and RT-PCR test were carried out on the pig farm for diagnosis. After comprehensive considerations, the disease was judged as porcine epidemic diarrhea virus infection. ResultsThereafter, a series of comprehensive prevention and control measures such as emergency vaccination with autogenous vaccines were adopted. Half a month after inoculation with autogenous vaccines for the farm, the mortality rate of newborn piglets in the farrowing house began to decline, and production gradually returned to being stable. The second-generation sequencing analysis and phylogenetic analysis showed that the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) sequence obtained from the stool and small intestine samples of the diseased pigs on the farm was 97.8% homologous to the vaccine strain. At the same time, antibody testing found that the vaccinated pigs on the pig farm had satisfactory immune response.ConclusionThis case indicating that the PEDV outbreak on the pig farm might aggravate owing to the strain being mutated and could escape the immune protection of the existing vaccine. This case has accumulated technical data for the clinical prevention and control of porcine epidemic diarrhea.
Three Dimensional Morphometric Differences of Resected Distal Femur and Proximal Tibia in Osteoarthritis and Normal Knees
Authors: Dong Xiang-hui , Huang Xiang-hui , Chen Ming , Chang Yan-hai , Ling Ming , Yang Bo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: There is a paucity of data concerning the morphological differences of resected distal femur and proximal tibias in osteoarthritis (OA) and normal knees. The objective of this study was to determine if morphometric differences exist in resected distal femur and proximal tibia surface between OA and normal knees in Chinese population. Methods: Ninety-eight OA knee and ninety-six normal ones, taken from Chinese population, were measured by computed tomography for femoral mediolateral (fML), medial anteroposterior (fMAP), lateral anteroposterior (fLAP), medial condylar width (fMCW), lateral condylar width (fLCW) and tibial mediolateral (tML), middle anteroposterior (tAP), medial anteroposterior (tMAP), lateral anteroposterior (tLAP) dimensions to determine the morphologic differences between OA and normal knees. Results: The average tMAP and fMCW dimensions were 50.2 ± 3.3 mm, 28.7±2.3 mm for OA, and 48.8 ± 3.8 mm, 27.1±2.2 mm for normal knees, respectively. There were signiﬁcant differences between OA and normal knees with regard to tMAP and fMCW dimensions (p<0.05). Conclusions: The study revealed the morphological differences of tMAP and fMCW between the OA and normal groups, which may provide guidelines for designing better knee implants that are more size-matching for OA knees.
Low Cerebrospinal Fluid Beta Amyloid1-42 in Patients with Tuberculous Meningitis
Authors: Stroffolini Giacomo , Guastamacchia Giulia , Audagnotto Sabrina , Atzori Cristiana , Trunfio Mattia , Nigra Marco , Stefano Alessandro Di , Perri Giovanni Di , Calcagno Andrea 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTuberculous meningitis (TBM) is an important disease leading to morbidity, disability and mortality that primarily affects children and immune-depressed patients. Specific neuromarkers predicting outcomes, severity and inflammatory response are still lacking. In recent years an increasing number of evidences show a possible role for infective agents in developing neurodegenerative diseases. MethodsWe retrospectively included 13 HIV-negative patients presenting with meningeal tuberculosis. Lumbar punctures were performed for clinical reasons and CSF biomarkers were routinely available: we analyzed blood brain barrier permeability (CSF to serum albumin ratio, “CSAR”), intrathecal IgG synthesis, (CSF to serum IgG ratio), inflammation (neopterin), amyloid deposition (Aβ1-42), neuronal damage (T-tau, P-tau, 14.3.3) and astrocytosis (S-100 β). ResultsPatients were 83% male and 67 % Caucasian with a median age of 51 years (24.5-63.5 IQR). Apart from altered CSAR (median value 18.4, 17.1-30.9 IQR), neopterin (14.3 ng/ml, 9.7-18.8) and IgG ratios (15.4, 7.9-24.9), patients showed very low levels of Aβ1-42 in their CSF (348.5 pg/mL,125-532.2). Protein 14.3.3. tested altered in 38.5% cases. T-tau, ptau and S100Beta were in the range of normality. Altered low level of Aβ1-42 correlated over time with classical TBm findings and altered neuromarkers.ConclusionsCSF Biomarkers from patients with TBM were compatible with inflammation, blood brain barrier damage and impairment in amyloid-beta metabolism. Amyloid-beta could be tested as a prognostic markers, backing the routine use of available neuromarkers. To our knowledge this is the first case showing such low levels of Aβ1-42 in TBM; its accumulation, drove by neuroinflammation related to infections, can be central in understanding neurodegenerative diseases.
The Relationship Between Bite Force, Morphology, and Diet in Southern African Agamids.
Authors: Tan Wei Cheng , Measey John , Vanhooydonck Bieke , Herrel Anthony 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Many animals display morphological and behavioural adaptations to the habitats in which they live and the resources they exploit. Bite force is an important whole-organism performance trait that allows an increase in dietary breadth, the inclusion of novel prey in the diet, territory and predatory defence, and is important during mating in many lizards. Methods: Here, we study six species of southern African agamid lizards from three habitat types (ground-dwelling, rock-dwelling, and arboreal) to investigate whether habitat use constrains head morphology and bite performance. We further tested whether bite force and head morphology evolve as adaptations to diet by analysing a subset of these species for which diet data were available. Results: Overall, both jaw length and its out-lever are excellent predictors of bite performance across all six species. Rock-dwelling species have a flatter head relative to their size than other species, possibly as an adaptation for crevice use. However, even when correcting for jaw length and jaw out-lever length, rock-dwelling species bite harder than ground-dwelling species. Diet analyses demonstrate that body and head size are not directly related to diet, although greater in-levers for jaw closing (positively related to bite force) are associated to an increase of hard prey in the diet. Ground-dwelling species consume more ants than other species. Conclusions: Our results illustrate the role of head morphology in driving bite force and demonstrate how habitat use impacts head morphology but not bite force in these agamids. Although diet is associated with variation in head morphology it is only partially responsible for the observed differences in morphology and performance.
Identification and Characterization of Wheat - Aegilops Comosa 7M/7A Disomic Substitution Lines with Stripe Rust Resistance
Authors: Zuo Yuanyuan , Dai Shoufen , Song Zhongping , Xiang Qin , Li Wenjia , Liu Gang , Li Jian , Xu Donghe , Yan Zehong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Aegilops comosa (MM, 2n = 2x = 14), an important diploid species belonging to wheat tertiary gene pools, contains many excellent genes/traits, including disease resistance for wheat breeding. In this study, three sister lines, NAL-32, NAL-33, and NAL-34, were identified from a wheat - Ae. comosa distant cross using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) combined with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray analysis. Genetically, NAL-32 contained neither an alien nor translocation chromosome, whereas NAL-33 and NAL-34 had disomic 7M/7A substitution chromosomes but differed in the absence (NAL-33) or presence (NAL-34) of 1BL/1RS translocation chromosomes. The substitution of 7M/7A in NAL-33 and NAL-34 was verified using wheat 55 K SNP arrays but 1BL/1RS translocation in NAL-34 was not. The two 7M/7A substitution lines, NAL-33 and NAL-34, had similar stripe rust resistance, and both showed higher stripe rust resistance than NAL-32 and their parents, suggesting that stripe rust resistance in NAL-33 and NAL-34 was derived from the 7M of Ae. comosa and that their resistance was likely irrelevant to 1BL/1RS translocation. Meanwhile, the three NAL lines also showed higher grain weights (grams per 50 grains) than one to three of their three wheat parents, and the two 7M/7A substitution lines, NAL-33 and NAL-34, had larger seed size-related traits than NAL-32, suggesting that both the 7M and 1BL/1RS chromosomes had positive effects on seed size-related traits. The results provide important bridge materials that can potentially be used for transferring stripe rust resistance, as well as seed size-related traits from Ae. comosa to wheat.
Novel CD44-Targeting and pH/redox Dual-Stimuli Responsive Core-Shell Nanoparticles Loading Triptolide to Combat Breast Cancer Growth and Lung Metastasis
Authors: Shi Jinfeng , Ren Yali , Ma Jiaqi , Luo Xi , Li Jiaxin , Wu Yihan , Gu Huan , Fu Chaomei , Cao Zhixing , Zhang Jinming 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe toxicity and inefficient delivery of triptolide (TPL) in tumor therapy have greatly limited its clinical application. Therefore, we fabricated a CD44-targeting and tumor-microenvironment pH/redox sensitive nanosystem, composed by hyaluronic acid-Vitamin E succinate (HA-VE) and Poly (β-Amino Esters) (PBAEss) polymers, to enhance the suppression of breast cancer proliferation and lung metastasis of TPL. ResultsThe generated TPL/NPs had the high drug loading efficiency (94.93 ± 2.1%) and a desirable average size (191 nm). Mediated by PBAEss core, TPL/NPs displayed a pH/redox dual stimuli drug release profile in vitro. Based on HA coating, TPL/NPs exhibited selective tumor-cellular uptake and high tumor-tissue accumulation capacity via targeting CD44. As a consequence, TPL/NPs showed higher cell proliferation suppression, pro-apoptosis and cell cycle arrest activities, and stronger inhibitory effects on cell migration and invasion than free TPL in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Importantly, TPL/NPs also showed higher efficacy in shrinking tumor size and block lung metastasis in a 4T1 breast cancer mice model at equivalent or lower TPL dosage compared to free TPL, with the decreased systemic toxicity. Histological immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical analyses in tumor and lung tissue revealed that TPL/NPs induced a high level of apoptosis, suppressed expression of matrix metalloproteinases, which all these contributed to inhibit tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis. ConclusionCollectively, our results demonstrate that TPL/NPs, which integrates tumor active-targeting and pH/redox responsive drug release, pro-apoptosis, and anti-mobility, represent a promising candidate in halting breast cancer progression and metastasis while minimizing systemic toxicity.
Microstructure, Mechanical Behavior and Crystallographic Texture in a Hot Forged Dual Phase Stainless Steel.
Authors: Badji Riad , Cheniti Bellel , Kahloun Charlie , Chauveau Thierry , Hadji Mohammed , Bacroix brigitte 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this work, the hot forging behavior of a dual phase stainless steel in the temperature range of 850 – 1250 °C was investigated. The study revealed the occurrence of a significant cracking phenomenon for processing temperatures below 950 °C that was attributed to the combined effect of intermetallic precipitation and severe deformation. EBSD examination highlighted the occurrence of continuous dynamic recrystallization in both ferrite and austenite microstructures for processing temperatures above 1050 °C. Increasing the hot forging temperature to 1250 °C increased the low angle grain boundaries fraction and lowered the one of the high angle grain boundaries. This was accompanied by a gradual change in the crystallographic texture of the material. The mechanical behavior investigation showed that the steel plasticity, sharply dropped after forging at 850°, was gradually recovered after hot forging at temperatures above 1050°C. This was confirmed by nanoindentation measurements that revealed a remarkable increase of the hardness and young modulus of the steel after hot forging at 850°C and 950°C due to the dislocation nucleation and the s phase precipitation at g/δ interface. The enhancement of dislocation movement at the vicinity of the grain boundaries due to the absence of s phase as well as the dynamic recovery and recrystallization occurring in the temperature range of 1050°C - 1250 °C improved the global mechanical properties of the hot forged steel.
Bionic-inspired Construction of Zn(4,4'-dipy)(OAc)2/Bacterial Cellulose Composite Membrane for Efficient Separation Synergistically Adsorption of Nitrogen and Phosphorus
Authors: Zheng Xudong , Sun Wen , Wei Ning , Bian Tingting , Zhang Yi , Li Lingli , Zhang Yuzhe , Li Zhongyu , Ou Hongxiang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Phosphorus and nitrogen flow to water leads to eutrophication and depletion of reserves. Bionic-inspired tannin modification is proposed for preparing a tannin-modified La-Zn(4,4'-dipy)(OAc)2/bacterial cellulose composite membrane for simultaneous adsorption of total phosphorus and ammonia nitrogen in water. Its physical and chemical properties were characterized by XRD, SEM, FT-IR, TGA and other characterization. La-Zn(4,4'-dipy)(OAc)2 nanomaterial achieved effective adhesion on the tannin-modified bacterial cellulose membrane. Adsorption experiments showed that the composite membrane can both adsorb total phosphorus and ammonia nitrogen, and adsorption capacity of ammonia nitrogen is better than that of total phosphorus. The maximum adsorption capacities of ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorus are 482.35 mg/g and 374.71 mg/g. In the binary solution, the adsorption capacity of the composite membrane to ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorus decreased, but the adsorption capacity to phosphorus decreased slightly. Results of adsorption experiments showed that the adsorption process of nitrogen and phosphorus by the composite membrane belongs to single-layer adsorption, and the calculation results of the kinetic equation are in accordance with the quasi-second-order, and the adsorption equilibrium of the composite membrane was reached within 360 min. In short, the composite membrane has a better adsorption and separation effect both on ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorus.
Nucleoside Transporter-guided Cytarabine Conjugated Liposomes for Intracellular Methotrexate Delivery and Cooperative Choriocarcinoma Therapy
Authors: Fei Weidong , Zhao Yunchun , Wu Xiaodong , Sun Dongli , Yao Yao , Wang Fengmei , Zhang Meng , Li Chaoqun , Qin Jiale , Zheng Caihong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The gestational trophoblastic tumor seriously endangers child productive needs and the health of women in childbearing age. Nanodrug-based therapy mediated by transporters provides novel strategy for the treatment of trophoblastic tumors. Focus on the overexpressed human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) on the membrane of choriocarcinoma cells (JEG-3), the cytarabine (Cy, a substrate of ENT1) grafted liposome (Cy-Lipo) was introduced for targeted delivery of methotrexate (Cy-Lipo@MTX) for choriocarcinoma therapy in this study. The ENT1 has high affinity for Cy-Lipo and can mediate the endocytosis of the designed nanovehicles into JEG-3 cells. The ENT1 protein maintains its transporting function through circulation and regeneration during endocytosis. Therefore, Cy-Lipo-based formulations achieved high tumor accumulation and retention in pharmacokinetic and distribution studies. More importantly, the designed Cy-lipid conjugation exhibited a synergistic therapeutic effect on choriocarcinoma. Finally, Cy-Lipo@MTX exerts an extremely powerful anti-choriocarcinoma effect with fewer side effects. This study suggests that the overexpressed ENT1 on choriocarcinoma cells holds a great potential to be a high-efficiency target for the rational design of active targeting nanotherapeutics.
Computer-aided engineering (CAE) simulation for the robust gating system design: Improved process for investment casting defects of 316L stainless steel valve housing
Authors: Ho Ming-Hsiu , Kao Yi Chen , Huang Cheng-Fu , Lee Sheng-Chan , Chan Chien-Wei , Fuh Yiin-Kuen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Defects in investment casting will inevitably reduce the lifetime and degrade the casting quality and increase manufacturing costs, accordingly. In particular, shrinkage porosity was numerically conducted, and a retained melt modulus model was implemented to analyze highly probable regions. The proposed casting schemes of gating designs are compared by quality of casting (shrinkage porosity) and practical feasibility in terms of small hole drilling machinability. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasible plan with the lowest PES (percentage of elements with shrinkage porosity) while promoting the near net shape casting with minimum machining cost and increase material usage. Virtual thermo-dynamical sensors were adopted in the simulations to indicate the impacts of different gating system of pattern assembly on the cooling gradient and direction of solidification. The best-case scenario of investment casting conditions was chosen to fabricate valve housing in an investment casting foundry. Experimental results of X-ray image differentiated nearly none of the pernicious defects that typically occurred with proposed casting, authenticating the proposed scheme's efficacy accordingly.
Cultural Adaptation of a Scalable Psychological Intervention for Burundian Refugee Adolescents in Tanzania: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Singh Aneeha , Nemiro Ashley , Malik Aiysha , Guimond Marie-France , Nduwimana Estella , Likindikoki Samuel , Annan Jeannie , Tol Wietse A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: There is an urgent need for evidence-based, scalable, psychological interventions to improve the mental health of adolescents affected by adversity in low-resource settings. Early Adolescents Skills for Emotions (EASE) was developed by the WHO as a brief, transdiagnostic, group intervention for early adolescents exhibiting internalising problems, delivered by trained and supervised non-specialist providers. This study describes the cultural adaptation of EASE for Burundian adolescents living in Mtendeli refugee camps in Tanzania.Methods: A phased approach to adaptation of the EASE intervention and its implementation, was adopted and comprised of: (1) a desk review to synthesize existing research on mental health issues in conflict-affected Burundian communities, (2) a rapid qualitative assessment involving free listing and key informant interviews with multiple stakeholders, (3) cognitive interviews with end users, and (4) a two-part adaptation workshop involving the implementing partner staff, members of the refugee community and mental health experts. We applied the Bernal framework to systematically document and track adaptations across eight dimensions of the intervention.Results: Problems associated with worry, stress, sadness, shame and fear were identified as amongst the most critical mental health concerns, alongside a range of experiences of different forms of violence (such as gender-based violence, violence when fleeing from their homes) and associated problems. Problems associated with violence that included past experiences of fleeing as well as ongoing problems of gender-based violence in the camp. The most significant adaptations that were required included providing options for low literacy of participants, safety planning to address the high prevalence of sexual violence, simplification of strategies for the benefit of the end users and of non-specialist facilitators, and implementation changes to consider involvement of refugee incentive workers. A majority of changes were across dimensions of language, people, metaphors, content, methods and context, while there were fewer changes regarding the goals and concepts of EASE. Conclusions: The approach to adaptation of a psychological intervention suggested both minor and major required changes. Adaptations based on the findings of this study are anticipated to enhance relevance and acceptability of the EASE intervention and its delivery for camp-residing Burundian refugees in Tanzania.