bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of influenza surveillance systems in Australia, China, Malaysia and expert recommendations for influenza control
Authors: Guerche-Séblain Clotilde El , Fougerolles Thierry Rigoine De , Sampson Kim , Jennings Lance , Buynder Paul , Shu Yuelong , Sekawi Zamberi , Yee-Sin Leo , Walls Tony , Vitoux Olivier , Yin J. Kevin , Wong Ada , Schellevis Francois , Vanhems Philippe 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The Western Pacific Region (WPR) is exposed each year to seasonal influenza and is often the source of new influenza virus variants and novel pathogen emergence. National influenza surveillance systems play a critical role in detecting emerging viruses, monitoring influenza epidemics, improving public disease awareness and promoting pandemic preparedness, but vary widely across WPR countries. The aim of this study is to improve existing influenza surveillance systems by systematically comparing selected WPR influenza surveillance systems. Methods: Three national influenza surveillance systems with different levels of development (Australia, China and Malaysia) were compared and their adherence to World Health Organization (WHO) guidance was evaluated using a structured framework previously tested in several European countries consisting of seven surveillance sub-systems, 19 comparable outcomes and five evaluation criteria. Based on the results, experts from the Asia-Pacific Alliance for the Control of Influenza (APACI) issued recommendations for the improvement of existing surveillance systems. Results: Australia demonstrated the broadest scope of influenza surveillance followed by China and Malaysia. In Australia, surveillance tools covered all sub-systems. In China, surveillance did not cover non-medically attended respiratory events, primary care consultations, and excess mortality modelling. In Malaysia, surveillance consisted of primary care and hospital sentinel schemes. There were disparities between the countries across the 5 evaluation criteria, particularly regarding data granularity from health authorities, information on data representativeness, and data communication, especially the absence of publicly available influenza epidemiological reports in Malaysia. This dual approach describing the scope of surveillance and evaluating the adherence to WHO guidance enabled APACI experts to make a number of recommendations for each country that included but were not limited to introducing new surveillance tools, broadening the use of specific existing surveillance tools, collecting and sharing data on virus characteristics, developing immunization status registries, and improving public health communication.Conclusions: Influenza monitoring in Australia, China, and Malaysia could benefit from the expansion of existing surveillance sentinel schemes, the broadened use of laboratory confirmation and the introduction of excess-mortality modelling. The results from the evaluation can be used as a basis to support expert recommendations and to enhance influenza surveillance capabilities.
Optimizing nitrogen fertilizer use for more grain and less pollution
Authors: Ren Keyu , Xu Minggang , Li Rong , Zheng Lei , Liu Shaogui , Reis Stefan , Wang Huiying , Lu Changai , Zhang Wenju , Gao Hui , Duan Yinghua , Gu Baojing 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Optimal nitrogen (N) management is critical for efficient crop production and agricultural pollution control. However, it is difficult to implement advanced management practices on smallholder farms due to a lack of knowledge and technology. Here, using 35,502 on-farm fertilization experiments, we demonstrated that smallholders in China could produce more grain with less N fertilizer use through optimizing N application rate. The yields of wheat, maize and rice were shown to increase between 10% and 19% while N application rates were reduced by 15–19%. These changes resulted in an increase in N use efficiency (NUE) by 32–46% and a reduction in N surplus by 40% without actually changing farmers’ operational practices. By reducing N application rates in line with official recommendations would not only save fertilizer cost while increasing crop yield, but at the same time reduce environmental N pollution in China. However, making progress towards further optimizing N fertilizer use to produce more grain with less pollution would require managements to improve farmers’ practices which was estimated to cost about 11.8 billion US dollars to implement.
Efficacy and Safety of rt-PA Intravenous Thrombolysis in Patients with Wake-up Stroke: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Hongfa , Luo Jianghong , Zhang Fang , Zhang Ziliang , Gu Wei , Hong Jiankun , Chen Jianping , Zhong Shanquan , Huang Ying 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is one of the most effective therapies for patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, wake-up stroke (WUS) is typically excluded from intravenous thrombolytic therapy because the time of symptom onset is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis in patients with WUS by meta-analysis.
Methods
We completed a systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and SinoMed and included relevant studies of WUS patients covering rt-PA thrombolysis and nonthrombolysis (published from January 1, 2000, to February 28, 2021, with no language restrictions). Primary outcomes included safety outcomes and functional outcomes. Safety outcomes was measured according to the incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH) and mortality within 90 days. Efficacy outcomes was measured based on 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. We assessed pooled data using either a random-effects model (when P < 0.10, I2 > 50%) or a fixed-effects model (when P > 0.10, I2 < 50%).
Results
Nine studies with 913 patients were included in the meta-analysis. All patients had ischemic stroke confirmed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The incidence of mRS 0–2 was significantly higher in the rt-PA thrombolysis group compared with the nonthrombolysis group. And rt-PA thrombolytic WUS patients did not differ significantly from nonthrombolytic WUS patients in terms of 90-day mortality. However, the rate of SICH was also significantly higher in the rt-PA thrombolysis group than that in the nonthrombolysis group.
Conclusions
Patients with WUS who received rt-PA thrombolysis had a significant positive effect within 90 days. In addition, although there is no significant increase in mortality, we need to be aware of the risk of intracranial hemorrhage transformation associated with rt-PA thrombolysis despite no obvious increase in mortality. The safety of rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis should be closely monitored in patients with WUS.
Improvement of Formability and Corrosion Resistance of Az31&nbsp;Magnesium Alloy by Pulsed Current-assisted Laser Shock Forming
Authors: Liu Huixia , Sun Yuhao , Ma Youjuan , He Yanchen , Wang Xiao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study adopted a novel pulse current-assisted laser shock AZ31B sheet micro-forming method (EP-LSF). The mechanism of improving the formability of AZ31B Magnesium Alloy by pulse current assisted laser shock forming and the reason of improving the corrosion resistance were studied for the first time. Through laser shock free bulging experiment, tensile test, optical microscope (OM), and X-ray diffraction, the change in formability was studied. After pulse current assisted laser shock forming, the forming height of AZ31B magnesium alloy increases by 28.8%, the thinning rate decreases by 6.7%, and the strain rate sensitivity coefficient increases to 0.1452. The results show that the decrease of grain size and texture density is the reason why EP-LSF can further improve the formability of AZ31B magnesium alloy. The changes in corrosion resistance were studied by scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical tests. The results show that after EP-LSF, the corrosion current density of AZ31 magnesium alloy decreased, and the electrochemical impedance increased, indicating that this method further improved the corrosion resistance.
Visceral Adiposity Index Outperforms Conventional Anthropometric Assessments as Predictor of Diabetes Mellitus in Elderly Chinese: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Tsou Meng-Ting , Chang Yu-Chen , Hsu Ching-Ping , Kuo Yang-Che , Yun Chun-Ho , Huang Wei-Hsin , Hu Kuang-Chun , Liu Chia-Yuan , Chen Ying-Ju , Sung Kuo-Tzu , Liu Chuan-Chuan , Hung Chung-Lieh , Kuo Jen-Yuan , Chen Tung-Ying , Hung Ta-Chuan , Yeh Hung-I 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the predictive performance of diabetes (DM) by using adiposity indices compared to body mass index and waist circumference. MethodsAmong 8249 consecutive subjects who attended the Nationwide Health Check Up System for Senior Citizens between 2008 and 2018 (≥ 65 years), we examined the associations of several adiposity indices with DM risk, and further explored gender differences. ResultsAmong all adiposity indicators, Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) alone demonstrated the highest discriminatory ability for diabetes mellitus by area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) (0.65, 0.68, and 0.66 for men, women, and all participants, respectively), regardless of gender, with optimal cut-offs set as 126.09 in men and 117.77 in women, respectively. Compared with body shape index (ABSI), CVAI was strongly associated with baseline DM (adjusted OR: 4.16 [3.35–5.17] for 4th vs 1st quartile groups, P < 0.001), which was more pronounced in elderly women (P interaction < 0.05). Over a median of 5.25 years (IQR: 3.07–6.44 years) follow-up, Cox regression models showed higher predictive ability of CVAI rather than the ABSI. Further, this independently predicted new-onset DM (adjusted HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.18–1.34) and composite endpoint of new DM and death (adjusted HR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.10–1.25, both P < 0.001) among those without baseline DM. ConclusionsOur population-based data demonstrated that Chinese visceral adiposity index may serve as a superior clinical indicator of diabetes when compared with conventional anthropometric indices among elderly Chinese, especially in women.
Effect of Melatonin and Insulin on Oxidative Stress in Spleen, Impairment of Adherent Leukocytes Activity and Inflammatory Response in Lps Treated Diabetic Mice
Authors: Sutradhar Sangita , Deb Anindita , Singh Shiv Shankar 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The present study evaluated the protective effect of melatonin and insulin from LPS and diabetes-induced oxidative stress, impairment of peritoneal leukocyte functions, and inflammation in Swiss albino mice. Diabetes was induced in Swiss albino mice by streptozotocin treatment. Experimental mice were divided into two sets. Set-1 contains control, diabetic, melatonin, insulin, and melatonin+insulin groups of mice. In set-II, all groups of mice were challenged with a single dose of LPS (50mg/mice). Lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes (SOD, Catalase, GPx) activity, non-enzymatic GSH level, Nrf2/HO-1 expression, phagocytic index, intracellular ROS generation, and proinflammatory cytokines were measured. Diabetic as well as LPS treated diabetic mice showed significantly increased lipid peroxidation, suppressed antioxidant defence system, and down regulated Nrf2/HO-1 expression in spleen tissues; suppressed phagocytic index and increased ROS generation in adherent peritoneal leukocytes and increased level of circulatory proinflammatory cytokines. Either treatment of melatonin or insulin significantly improved the harmful effects caused by both of LPS treatment and of diabetes in experimental mice. Simultaneous treatment of melatonin and insulin effectively ameliorated the LPS, as well as diabetes, caused oxidative load, impairment of adherent peritoneal leukocyte function, and improved the level of circulatory proinflammatory cytokines. In the present study, we have noted that combined treatment of melatonin and insulin was more effective in attenuation of diabetes and LPS induced devastating effects in laboratory mice. Therefore, the present study may suggest a combinatorial approach in the therapeutic use of melatonin and insulin to improve such devastating conditions.
Experimental and Numerical Study on the Explosive Welding of Niobium-Steel
Authors: Wang Jian , Li Xiao-jie , Wang Yu-xin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The aim of this work is to study the use of explosive welding to produce Niobium-Steel composite plate, which is used in nuclear industry equipment material manufacturing. The welding parameters was determined by weldability window and numerical simulation was used to predict the wave shape of the welding interface. The morphology of the interface wave was observed by scanning electron microscope. Component measurement around interface waves. The experimental samples were investigeted using mechanical tests. The results show that the explosion parameters optimized by theory and numerical simulation can be used to obtain a niobium-steel composite plate with better welding quality. It can be proved that the welding quality is better by observing the interface wave and testing the mechanical properties, it can be seen that the melting zone of the welding interface is composed of niobium and steel by the composition analysis instrument. The morphology of the welding interface wave is consistent with the numerical simulation results, and the numerical simulation shows the changes of temperature, strain, and stress during the welding process.
Pleural Involvement in Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ji Xiaoqing , Wang Lixia , Lu Jiameng , Sun Fei , Peng Haiying , Jiang Yunxiu , Lu Degan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Sarcoidosis is a chronic, multisystemic granulomatosis of unknown origin that can aﬀect multiple organs throughout the body with variable progression and prognosis. Although the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes are almost always affected in sarcoidosis, involvement of the pleura remains uncommon.Case presentation: A 69-year-old female presented with dry cough, dyspnea on exertion and fatigue. She was diagnosed with pleural sarcoidosis based on the histological examination of the pleural biopsy and was treated with oral prednisone. Her complaints regressed two weeks later and the left pleural effusion almost disappeared four weeks later.Conclusions: Pleural involvements in sarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pleural effusion and pleural nodules.
Enhancement of Phenolics Content and Biological Activities of Longan (Dimocarpus Longan Lour.) Treated with Thermal and Aging Process
Authors: Hong-in Preaploy , Neimkhum Waranya , Punyoyai Chanun , Sri Suwannee , Chaiyana Wantida 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study is the first to successfully produce novel black Dimocarpus longan by undergoing thermal and ageing process. Pericarp, aril, and seed of black D. longan were macerated in 95% v/v ethanol. Their chemical compositions were investigated by Folin–Ciocalteu assay, aluminium chloride assay, and high-performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant activities were evaluated in terms of radical scavenging and iron (III) reducing capacity. Enzyme inhibitory assay was used to evaluate the hyaluronidase inhibition. Black D. longan seed extract contained the significantly highest content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds (p < 0.05). Each gram of the extract contained 53.6 ± 0.9 mg of gallic acid, 19.8 ± 2.9 mg of corilagin, and 24.5 ± 0.7 mg of ellagic acid. This extract was the most potent anti-hyaluronidase and antioxidant with the strongest free radical scavenging activity and reducing power. Therefore, it was proposed as functional food and further used in the pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical industries.
Exploring Community Tuberculosis Program in the Pastoralist Setting of Ethiopia: a Qualitative Study of Community Health Workers' Perspectives in Borena Zone, Oromia Region
Authors: Megerso Abebe , Deyessa Negusie , Jarso Godana , Tezera Robel , Worku Alemayehu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top ten causes of death and thee first cause of death due to single infectious disease in the world. Nevertheless, access to TB prevention and control is not uniform even within a country, The community TB program is designed to improve the access in Ethiopia. Exploring the program performance from the perspectives of its implemters in a pastoral setting remains important.Method: We conducted a qualitative study using an interpretive description method in the pastoralist community setting of Ethiopia. Study participants were recruited from geographically dispersed areas. Data were collected through in-depth interview using semi-structured guides and audio recordings during February 01-30, 2020. The interview guide was developed based on consultation with TB program experts and clinicians treating TB patients in the study area. Notes were taken at the interview to enrich the transcription of the data. The interview was conducted by the principal investigator. The subsequent data collection was informed by emerging ideas from forgoing interview transcriptions. The interview continued until data saturation was achieved.Results: One hundred and fisty six codes, nine categories and three themes emanated. The first theme was an inadequate community TB performance and some of its codes include inadequate presumptive TB case identification and compromised DOTs service delivery. The second theme was factors contributing to the performance. Community factors, lack of physical access to health facilities and indirect non-medical cost are some of categories under this theme. The final theme was related to solutions and its categories include a need for active community involvement and modification of service delivery approaches.Conclusion:Community TB performance is inadequate in the pastoralist community and many factors contribute to the inadequate performance. Aligning the program to the context of the pastoralist community setting is required to improve the performance.
Characteristics of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism: Evaluation Using Coronary Artery Computed Tomography Angiography
Authors: Zhou Xin-zhu , Shi Rui , Wang Jin , Shi Ke , Liu Xi , Li Yuan , Gao Yue , Guo Ying-kun , Yang Zhi-gang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has recently been acknowledged as an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the characteristics of CAD in patients with SCH are not fully understood. This study aims to evaluate the features of CAD in patients with SCH using coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA).Materials and Methods: From 1 April, 2018 to 30 June, 2020, 234 consecutive SCH patients with coronary plaques identified on CCTA were included retrospectively. They were further subdivided into different degree of SCH groups (mild SCH vs. moderate SCH vs. severe SCH: 143 vs 62 vs 28) and different gender groups (men with SCH vs. women with SCH:116 vs 118). The distributions and types of plaques, luminal narrowing, segment involvement scores (SIS) and segment stenosis scores (SSS) were evaluated and compared among the different groups.Results: Patients with severe SCH had fewer calcified plaques (0.7 ± 0.9 vs. 2.0 ± 1.9, p < 0.001) and more non-calcified plaques (0.9 ± 1.0 vs. 0.3 ± 0.5, p < 0.001) than those with mild SCH. As the SCH condition worsened, the proportion of non-calcified plaques significantly increased. Whereas there were no significant discrepancies in SIS and SSS among patients with different grades of SCH (all p > 0.05). Men with SCH had higher SIS (3.9 ± 2.3 vs. 3.0 ± 2.3, p = 0.004) and SSS (7.8 ± 5.4 vs. 5.4 ± 3.0, p = 0.002) than women. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis demonstrated that grades of SCH (Moderate SCH, odds ratio [OR]: 2.11; 95% CI 1.03–4.34, p = 0.042; severe SCH, OR: 10.00; 95% CI 3.82–26.20, p < 0.001, taken mild SCH as a reference) was independently associated with the presence of non-calcified plaques, whereas sex (B: 1.67; 95% CI 0.27–3.10, p = 0.009) was independently associated with SSS. Conclusions: Severe SCH is associated with non-calcified plaques, and men with SCH have higher total plaque burden than women. We suggest that it is important to evaluate for coronary plaque in SCH patients, especially those with severe SCH and men with SCH.
Research on the Effects of Propofol and Sevoflurane on the Expression of Prognostic-Related Genes in Glioblastoma
Authors: An Yi , Zhao Lei , Wang Tianlong , Li Dongguo , Li Lixia , Li Zhongjia , Liang Chuanyu , Wang Pei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Glioblastoma is one of the most common malignant brain tumors with high recurrence and mortality. The first choice for treatment is surgical resection under general anesthesia. Previous studies have demonstrated that general anesthetics are correlated with the prognosis of patients with malignant tumors, but the mechanisms remain unclear.Methods: In this study, surgical specimens were analyzed with gene microarray to explore the influences of propofol and sevoflurane on the expression of prognostic-related genes in glioblastoma. Through the construction of gene regulatory network and analyzing the network properties, we screened out the core genes related to the prognosis of glioblastoma and perform survival analysis to elucidate the potential effects of propofol and sevoflurane on the prognosis of glioblastoma patients.Results：In this study, 16 Hub genes (NDUFA4, NDUFA6, NDUFV2, CYCS, NDUFB2, MGST2, CYC1, ATP5G1, MRPS2, PPP2R1A, GSTM3, GSTK1, MAPK3, NDUFB7, ATP5D and MGST3 ) related to the prognosis of glioblastoma were screened out and their expression was down-regulated. GO and KEGG pathway analysis showed the Hub genes were closely related to mitochondrial function and oxidative phosphorylation pathway (has 00190). The down-regulated expression of NDUFB2 and MGST2 genes after propofol treatment may be associated with better prognosis of glioblastoma.Conclusions: General anesthetics can alter the expression of prognostic-related genes in glioblastoma. Changes in NDUFB2 and MGST2 gene expression levels can affect the overall survival of patients with glioblastoma, and other Hub genes may affect the prognosis of glioblastoma patients by interfering the energy metabolism process of tumor cells.Trial registration:Registration number: ChiCTR-IOR-16010180Date of registration: 18th, December, 2016