bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Physical and Chemical Properties of Hemp Fiber Prepared by Alkaline Pectinase-Xylanase System
Authors: Zhao Shuyuan , Qin Zhihui , Zhang Ruiyun , Li Naiqiang , Liu Liu , Yu Jianyong , Xing Miaolei , Qu Yongshuai 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Degumming is the vital and critical step in the preparation of hemp fiber for textile application. However, the traditional chemical degumming processes use large amounts of harmful chemicals, especially strong alkalis, which have caused severe challenges to the environment. The reaction conditions of alkaline pectinase and alkaline pectinase were studied in this research, and the alkaline pectinase-xylanase system was successfully applied to the degumming of hemp fibers at mild conditions (T=55 ℃ and pH=8.0) without strong alkali. A comparative analysis of hemp fibers treated under different conditions showed that the gum removal ratio could reach about 50% within 5.5 h of alkaline pectin-xylanase system degumming, making fiber smoother and stronger. After alkaline pectin-xylanase system treatment (0.6 g pectinase, 0.3 g xylanase, 55 ℃, pH 8.0, 5.5 h), the removal ratio of pectin and hemicellulose reached 75 % and 40 %, respectively. And linear density and tenacity of the fiber was 17.4 dtex and 5.62 cN/dtex, respectively. SEM, FT-IR and XRD analysis furthermore demonstrated the excellent effects of the proposed process. The degumming fiber had better water retention performance (513 %) and moisture sorption (8.9 %), which has more excellent application prospects in the textile industry. Moreover, the method abandons the use of acid and alkali and can provide an eco-friendly degumming process for hemp fiber.
Study on rapid screening technology of antisense oligonucleotides for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Shen Huawei 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
According to the structural characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid,SARS-CoV-2 genomes were virtually segmented.After comparing with human genome,44707 SARS-CoV-2 genomes and 26 primates' genomes, 19 antisense oligonucleotides sequences were selected.Experimental results show that the combined inhibitory effect reaches 100% . Significance statement：Currently, effective methods of controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 are very limited, only physical isolation and vaccination.Although physical isolation can achieve some short-term results, but can not fundamentally solve the problem of epidemic spread.The time between the development of a vaccine and its actual use is very long.It often happens that the vaccine is developed successfully, but the epidemic situation is beyond control.If a mutant strain emerges, it will take longer.I hope that the rapid screening technology of SARS-CoV-2 antisense oligonucleotides will light up new hope for the future of mankind and contribute oriental wisdom to the world.
The Doll Therapy as a First Line Treatment for Behavioral and Psychologic Symptoms of Dementia in Nursing Homes Residents: A Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Santagata Francesca , Massaia Massimiliano , D'amelio Patrizia 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background. Patients affected by dementia are severely affected by the development of behavioral and psychologic symptoms (BPSD) which represent a burden for patients and caregivers. The use of psychotropic drugs in the control of BPSD is widely diffused, however the use of a first line non-pharmacologic approach is highly recommended. Here we evaluate the effect of doll therapy (DT) in the management of BPSD, on the reduction of caregiver burden and delirium incidence in nursing home residents by a randomized controlled trial.Methods. We enrolled fifty-two nursing homes residents living with dementia and BPSD. Subjects were randomized to DT (26) or standard treatment (ST, 26), we measured BPSD, caregiver burden and delirium with standard clinical scales at baseline, after 45 and 90 days. In order to evaluate the presence of BPSD we used Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) scale and the A.Di.CO scale, the caregiver burden was measured by the Greutzner scale and delirium by the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) scale.Results. DT was more effective in reducing agitation and aggressiveness as respect to ST. Moreover DT globally reduced the presence of BPSD as dysphoria, wandering and apathy. We observed a significant reduction of the professional caregiver burden and the incidence of delirium was significantly reduced in subjects treated with DT.Conclusions. We show that DT is more effective that ST in the control of BSPD in patients affected by moderate to severe dementia. Moreover we suggest that DT may effective in reducing the incidence of delirium.Trial Registration: Retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov the 02nd June 2, 2021 trial registration number NCT04920591
Microbiological study of periodontal disease in populations with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Valian Nasrin Keshavarz , houshmand Behzad , Ardakani Mohammadreza Talebi , Mahmoudi Shima 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: No systematic review/meta-analysis has been conducted on the microbiological profile associated with the occurrence of periodontitis in patients with HIV. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of identified bacteria in HIV-infected patients with periodontal disease.Methods: Three English electronic databases (MEDLINE (via PubMed), SCOPUS, and Web of Science) were searched systematically from the beginning to 13 February 2021. The frequency of each identified bacteria in HIV-infected patients with periodontal disease was extracted. All meta-analysis methods were performed using STATA software. Results: Twenty-two articles met inclusion criteria and enrolled into the systematic review. This review analyzed a total of 965 HIV-infected patients with periodontitis. The prevalence of periodontitis was higher in HIV-infected male patients (83% (CI95%: 76-88%)) compared to females (28% (CI95%: 17-39%)). In our study, the pooled prevalence of necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis and necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis in patients with HIV infection was 67% (CI95%: 52-82%) and 60% (CI95%: 45-74%), while a lower prevalence of linear gingivitis erythema was reported (11% (CI95%: 5-18%)). More than 140 bacterial species were identified from HIV-infected patients with periodontal disease. High prevalence of Tannerella forsythia (51% (CI95%: 5-96%)), Fusobacterium nucleatum (50% (CI95%: 21-78%)), Prevotella intermedia (50% (CI95%: 32-68%)), Peptostreptococcus micros (44% (CI95%: 25-65%)), Campylobacter rectus (35% (CI95%: 25-45%)), and Fusobacterium spp. (35% (CI95%: 3-78%)) in HIV-infected patients with periodontal disease was found.Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the prevalence of red and orange complex of bacteria in HIV patients with periodontal disease is relatively high.
Prevalence and Epidemiological Trends in Mortality Due to COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alissa Dema A. , Aburas Wejdan , Almudaiheem Hajar Y. , Aseri Zohair Al , Alrabiah Fahad , Ezzat Hatoon , Moulana Ashraf A. , Alawi Maha M. , Al-mutairy Eid , Alaama Tareef , Alamri Mohammed S. , Bamousa Manal S. , Alshehri Adel A. , Alosaimi Mohammed H. , Devol Edward Bentz , Al-jedai Ahmed H. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) created a major public health emergency and an international concern. It is an infectious respiratory illness caused by acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The international mortality rates due to COVID-19 reached 2,748,763 on March 24, 2021. We describe the prevalence, case fatality rate, and epidemiological trends of COVID-19 mortality in Saudi Arabia in this paper.Method: A systematic approach of evaluating COVID-19 related mortalities was established in Saudi Arabia. A scientific committee that evaluated all reported cases with suspicious or confirmed COVID-19 disease using a standardized electronic form. A data registry of all deaths with all clinical parameters was built based on active reporting from all healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia. Analysis of data using national and regional crude case fatality rate (cCFR) and death per 100,000 population was carried. Descriptive analysis of age, gender, nationality, and comorbidities. Mortality trend was plotted per week and compared to international figures.Results: The total reported number of deaths between March 23rd until April 9, 2021 was 6,737. cCFR was reported as 1.70%, and death per 100,000 population was reported as 19.24 which compared favourably to figures reported by several developed countries. Highest percentages of deaths were among individuals aged between 60-69 years, males (74%), individuals with diabetes (60%), and Hypertension (50%). Conclusion: Case fatality rate and death per 100,000 population in Saudi Arabia is among the lowest in the world due to multiple factors. Several comorbidities have been identified namely diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Oxidative Stress Response of PM2.5 and Mixed Toxic Gases to Rat Trachea and Lung Tissue
Authors: Wang Shouqin , Xu Jia , Yang Biao , Chen Dongmei , Zhao Hui , Jin Huanrong , zhou Weiqiang , Xiao Chun-ling 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background：We performed this study to explore the inflammation and oxidative stress responses of rat trachea and lung caused by PM2.5 and mixed toxic gas.Materials and methods：Eighty-four Wistar rats were randomly assigned to receive exposure to PM2.5 and toxic gases containing carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) or saline. Microflora in rat respiratory tract were investigated through testing secretion taken from posterior pharyngeal wall on Day 1, 7 and 30. Trachea and lung tissues were processed for scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) examinations. Cytokines in rat bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), serum and lung tissues were analyzed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time quantitative PCR.Results：Eight aerobes and seven anaerobes were firstly detected after exposure (p<0.01, respectively). Most of them are the pathogenic bacteria or opportunistic pathogen. SEM and TEM observations suggested that both normal structure of trachea and lung tissue were injured after exposure to PM2.5 with mixed toxic gas and the injure degree was concentration- and time-dependent. Interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) expression in the BALF and lung tissue markedly increased on Day 1 and 7 (p<0.01, respectively). Interferon γ (IFN-γ) did not show significant change after exposure. On Day 30, all the detected cytokines decreased and even disappeared. All detected cytokines in the serum had no significant difference before and after exposure (p>0.05, respectively).Conclusion：PM2.5 with mixed toxic gas can lead to dysbacteriosis in respiratory tract and destroy the normal structure of trachea and lung tissue. The injure degree was concentration- and time-dependent. Local inflammatory response instead of systemic reaction may be predominant in the response of rat respiratory tract to PM2.5 with mixed toxic gas.
Utilization of Bitter orange seeds as a novel source for recovery of pectin: Compositional and rheological characterization
Authors: Nejatian Mohammad , Khodaei Diako , Gavlighi Hassan Ahmadi , Zargaraan Azizollaah 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The seeds from bitter orange, a by-product from the juice making step, hold the potential to facilitate novel, easy yet high quality pectin extraction. To test this hypothesis, the pectin from orange seeds (OSP) were extracted by distilled water and its compositional parameters and rheological behavior then evaluated. Results showed that galacturonic acid was the major component of OSP (~ 425 mg/g) confirming the purity of extracted pectin, followed by glucose and some minor neutral sugars. Mw, Rn and, Rz for the OSP were 4511.8 (kDa), 61 (nm), and 61.1 (nm), respectively. Rheological measurements showed shear-thinning behavior for OSP that by increasing temperature from 5 to 45 oC, the viscosity of the gum decreased. Power law fitted as the best rheological model describing the flow behavior of OSP. Strain sweep dynamic rheological measurements confirmed an entangled network structure for OSP and the addition of NaCl to the gum dispersion, decreased the consistency coefficient from 35.6 to 23.18 Pa.sn, while the flow behavior index remained unchanged. These results demonstrate for the first time that the OSP can be used as a new source of pectin, with likely a wide range of applications in food industry.
Necessity of Standardizing the Definition of QBO Phases
Authors: Wei Ke , Chen Wen , Ma Jiao , Wang Ting 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
As one of the most mysterious and fascinating natural phenomena, the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) has an extraordinary period of ~28 months and features alternative westerly and easterly propagating downward from the upper to the lower stratosphere. The QBO is also one of the most important interannual variabilities in the atmosphere, and has dynamical influences on global circulation from the troposphere to the mesosphere, from the tropics to the poles. It also modulates the distribution of chemical constituents such as ozone and methane, and influences tropical cyclone genesis over tropical oceans. The global effect of the QBO is believed to depend on its phase and structure. However, existing definitions of the phase and strength of the QBO remain ambiguous. Previous studies considered tropical zonal winds at 70, 50, 45, 40, 30, 20, and/or 10 hPa, disregarding the propagating characteristic of the QBO in the equatorial stratosphere. In this study, we point out that the definition of the QBO can influence the interpretation of the dynamical effect and decadal variation of the QBO. Therefore, the definition of QBO phases considering the propagating characteristics of the QBO needs to be urgently standardized. By dividing the QBO evolution into multiple phases instead of only two (westerly and easterly), a deeper insight into the dynamics of the QBO, particularly its global effects, may be obtained.
Predictive Value of Serum β2‑Microglobulin for Outcomes in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Caused by Bacterial Infection
Authors: Cui Na , Feng Xiaokai , Jiang Chunguo , Wang Jing , Zhang Liming 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a heterogeneous disease with extremely high mortality. We hypothesized that the serum β2-microglobulin (β2MG) level would be elevated and be an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality in patients with ARDS.
Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 257 patients with ARDS caused by bacterial infection who were admitted consecutively into the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital from January 1, 2015 to February 28, 2021. Patients were followed for up to 28 days from diagnosis and were divided into a survival group and non-survival group according to their clinical outcomes. The serum β2MG levels and other clinical data were collected. The relationship between serum β2MG levels and 28-day mortality was explored by performing a Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, updated Charlson comorbidity index, disorders of consciousness, septic shock, albumin level, cardiac troponin I level, procalcitonin level, lactic acid level, prothrombin time, and partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio.
Results

In this cohort, 161 patients survived, and 96 patients died within 28 days of diagnosis, yielding a 28-day mortality of 37.4%. The median level of β2MG for all enrolled patients was 4.6 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2.9–8.5) mg/L. Higher β2MG levels were significantly associated with 28-day mortality when the β2MG level was analysed as a continuous variable (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.050; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.012–1.091; P = 0.010) and when it was categorized into tertiles (HR: 1.482; 95% CI: 1.069–2.045; P = 0.018). The serum β2MG level exhibited a diagnostic accuracy for predicting mortality that was not inferior to those of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation score (P = 0.153) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (P = 0.114).
Conclusions

The level of serum β2MG is elevated and is an independent risk factor of 28-day mortality in patients with ARDS, suggesting that it has predictive value for the outcomes of these patients.
Plasma p-Tau181 Outperforms Cerebrospinal Fluid Total Tau in Terms of Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Nabizadeh Fardin , Balabandian Mohammad , Rostami Mohammad Reza , Ward Richard T. , Ahmadi Niloufar , Pourhamzeh Mahsa 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with dementia, and is a serious concern for the health of individuals and government health care systems worldwide. Gray matter atrophy and white matter damage are major contributors to cognitive deficits experienced by patients with AD, as seen through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Many of these brain changes associated with AD begin to occur about 15 years before the onset of initial clinical symptoms. Therefore, it is critical to find biomarkers reflective of these brain changes associated with AD to identify this disease and monitor its prognosis and development. The level of hyperphosphorylated tau 181 (p-Tau181) in the plasma has been recently considered as a novel biomarker for the presence of AD, with increased levels in patients with AD, preclinical AD, and those experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In the current study, we examined the association of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma levels of p-Tau181 with structural brain changes pertaining to cortical thickness, cortical volume, surface area, and subcortical volume in MCI patients. In this cross-sectional study we included the information of 461 MCI patients from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort. The results of voxel-wise partial correlation analyses showed a significant negative correlation between the increased levels of plasma p-Tau181, CSF total tau, and CSF p-Tau181 and structural changes in widespread brain regions. These results provide evidence for the use of plasma p-Tau181 as a diagnostic marker for structural changes in the brain associated with the early stages of AD and neurodegeneration.
Spontaneous Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting in China: An Analysis of Reports Made to the Spontaneous Reporting System of Henan Province From 2016 to 2020
Authors: Yan Ziqi , Feng Zhanchun , Jiao Zhiming , Chen Chaoyi , Wang Ganyi , Feng Da 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) may be a serious public health problem and have received widespread attention in recent years. Objective: This study has analyzed the factors leading to the occurrence of SADRs, determined the factors affecting the prognosis of patients with severe adverse reactions at different levels of medical institutions, and finally made corresponding recommendations for the monitoring, prevention, and treatment of SADRs. Methods: We used descriptive analysis and chi-square test analysis the year, age, gender, proportion of SADRs, and the results of the ADRs in the report. Use the logistic regression to analyze the factors affecting the prognosis of SADRs in different levels of medical institutions. Result: A total of 387 642 people’s 394 037 ADRs were collected from the Henan Provincial Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Center from 2016 to 2020. Among them 35 742 cases of serious ADRs (9.1%), 96.1% were eventually relieved or cured, but 39 cases of SADRs caused death. The main causes of death included hemorrhages, organ failure, and allergies. Age, number of medication and illnesses, level of medical institution, history of adverse reactions, and type and method of medication were all factors that affected the severity of ADR. The prognosis of SADRs is worse than normal ADRs. The ADRs in autumn and winter and new adverse reactions are unique risk factors found in this study. Conclusions: The elderly and patients with multiple diseases or taking multiple drugs should pay attention to their adverse reactions. They should be closely observed within a week after taking the medicine. The supervision of patients with a history of allergies and new adverse reactions should be strengthened by primary medical institutions, and in nonprimary medical institutions should paid attention with past medical histories , and use imported drugs and biological agents with caution to ensured the safety and health of patients.
Species Distribution Model Predictions of the Critically Endangered Grey Nurse Shark in Australia
Authors: Su Guanfang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Species distribution models (SDMs) are commonly used to forecast how threatened species are influenced by climate change. The grey nurse shark (Carcharias tauras) is a critically endangered species inhabiting both the east and west coasts of Australia, with negligible genetic interchange between the two populations. I used Generalized Linear Models (GLM), Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) models and Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) to predict the distribution of the grey nurse shark. The data were a sample of presence-only data, derived from the known grey nurse shark sighting locations, from the east coasts of Australia, with pseudo-absences generated and bootstrapped from a restricted background. I verified these models using leave-one-out cross validation and model metrics including AICc, BIC, percentage of deviance explained, leave-one-out cross-validated R2, AUC, maximum Cohen’s Kappa, specificity and sensitivity. Cross-validated R2 was used as an overall comparison method across model types. I performed out-of-source validation by comparing model projection with the distributional range of the ragged tooth shark (Carcharias taurus) in South Africa. The prediction of the selected model was consistent with the current distributional range of the ragged tooth shark.
The GAIRS Checklist: A Useful Global Assessment Tool In Patients With Rett Syndrome
Authors: Fabio Rosa Angela , Semino Martina , Giannatiempo Samantha 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Rett Syndrome is a severe, neurodevelopmental disorder mainly caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene, affecting around 1 in 10,000 female births. Severe physical, language, and social impairments impose a wide range of limitations in the assessment of the abilities of Rett patients. This study proposes an analysis and first validation of a Global Assessment and Intervention in Rett syndrome (GAIRS) Checklist for assessing behavioral, intellectual, academic, neuropsychological and psychosocial manifestations in patients with Rett Syndrome. We administered the GAIRS Checklist to 113 Italian patients with Rett Syndrome aged 4-42.Aims of this study: to examine the psychometric characteristics of the GAIRS Checklist. Moreover, the aim is also to examine the validity of GAIRS with test-retest correlation, convergent validity with similar functional measurements, such as the Vineland scales, and divergent validity with severity of disease scale, such as the RARS scale and severity of neuropsychiatric evaluations.Results: All 10 subscales of GAIRS were positively and significantly related to each other and to the total GAIRS score, and the subscales showed high levels of alpha scores. Principal axis factoring suggested two factors that explain 60% of the variance. Internal Reliability, test-retest reliability and Correlation for Concurrent and Divergent Validity showed good psychometric properties.Conclusion:The GAIRS Checklist used for Rett syndrome is acceptable and feasible to complete assessment in a clinical setting. Moreover, it can detect the complexity of this disease and may suggest the next step in terms of specific training in Rett syndrome.