bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A&nbsp;Combination of Serum Biomarkers in Elderly Patients with Sarcopenia: A Cross-sectional Observational Study.
Authors: Ying Lin , Zhang Qin , Zhou Jian-ying , Yang Yun-mei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background:The pathogenesis of sarcopenia in the elderly has not yet been fully understood. This study aimed to explore the relationship between sarcopenia and several serum biomarkers in elderly population. Methods:It was an observational cross‐sectional study of data collected from 70 patients (>60 years old, 61.4% men) .According to the criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS), subjects were divided into a sarcopenia group and a non-sarcopenic group.We compared age, body mass index (BMI) ,biochemical indexes, skeletal muscle mass, handgrip strength (HS), gait speed (GS), skin-fold thickness, muscle thickness, bone mineral density(BMD) and IL-6,IL-10,IL-17A ,TNF-α levels between these groups.Results: Of the 70 subjects, 35 patients were diagnosed with sarcopenia according to the AWGS criteria. The number of men was higher than that of women in both groups. The patients with sarcopenia were older and had lower BMI and muscle thickness, but higher SARC-F questionnaire scores. However, the difference in BMD and skin-fold thickness between these two groups was not statistically significant. Higher IL-6, IL-17A, and TNF-α levels were observed in participants with sarcopenia (P < 0.05). Patients with sarcopenia seemed to have a lower IL-10 level. Positive associations were present between the severity of sarcopenia and IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α levels, while there was an inverse correlation between the presence of sarcopenia and the IL-10 level. Conclusions: Our research found that in sarcopenic elderly subjects, the serum levels of several biomarkers, such as IL-6, IL-17A, and TNF-α, were higher than those in non-sarcopenic elderly persons.In summary, chronic inflammation plays an important role in the development of sarcopenia. Further studies are needed to explore the possible molecular mechanisms and discover new therapeutic targets.
Exploring the Barriers of Moral Courage from Iranian Nurses' Point of View: A Qualitative Study
Authors: rakhshan mahnaz , mousazadeh noushin , hakimi hamideh , Hosseini Fahimeh alsadat 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Nursing is a caring profession. Due to the nature of their, nurses need moral courage to deliver safe nursing care. Research results have reported a low level of moral courage in the majority of nurses. So the current study aimed to explore the barriers to the formation of moral courage nurses who work in hospitals.Methods: In this qualitative study, conventional content analysis was used to explain the barriers to moral courage in hospital nurses. Data was gathered using in-person, semi-structured in-depth interviews. Interviews were conducted from March to September 2020. Purposeful sampling was used and sampling was continued until data saturation was reached. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Participants were 19 nurses working in hospitals in Iran. Results: Three main themes extracted including organizational failure, deterrent individual identity, and defeated professional culture as well as six categories and eighteen sub-categories.Conclusions: The results of this study revealed the barriers to moral courage which were usually overlooked in previous quantitative studies. It appears that the elimination of these barriers is an effective step in the improvement of nurses’ competencies and delivered care. The results of this study can be helpful in the development of management programs to identify the factors affecting nurses' moral courage and how to improve it.
Patterns of disease detection using 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT imaging in men with biochemical recurrence post prostatectomy being considered for salvage radiotherapy: a prospective trial
Authors: Koschel Samantha , Taubman Kim , Sutherland Tom , Yap Kelvin , Chao Michael , Guerrieri Mario , Benson Angela , Starmans Michelle , Byrne Graeme , Ong Grace , Macleod Craig , Foo Marcus , Wong Lih Ming , Gyomber Dennis , Ng Michael 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT is increasingly used in men with biochemical recurrence post-prostatectomy to detect local recurrence and metastatic disease at low PSA levels. The aim of this study was to assess patterns of disease detection, predictive factors and safety using 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT versus diagnostic CT in men being considered for salvage radiotherapy with biochemical recurrence post-prostatectomy.Methods We conducted a prospective trial recruiting 100 patients with biochemical failure post-prostatectomy (PSA 0.2-2.0ng/mL) in men referred for salvage radiotherapy from August 2018 to July 2020. All patients underwent a PSMA PET/CT using the 18F-DCFPyL tracer and a diagnostic CT. The detection rates of 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT vs diagnostic CT were compared and patterns of disease are reported. Clinical patient and tumour characteristics were analysed for predictive utility. Thirty-day post-scan safety is reported.Results Of 100 patients recruited, 98 were suitable for analysis with a median PSA of 0.32ng/mL. 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT was positive or equivocal in 52% compared to 19.6% for diagnostic CT. Local recurrence was detected on 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT in 29.2%, nodal disease was seen in 29.6% and bony metastases in 7.1%. Both ISUP grade group (p = 0.003) and pre-scan PSA (p = 0.061) were significant predictors of 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT positivity, and logistic regression generated probabilities combining the two showed improved prediction rates. No significant safety events were reported post 18F-DCFPyL administration.Conclusions 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT increases detection of disease in men with biochemical recurrence post-prostatectomy compared to diagnostic CT. Men being considered for salvage radiotherapy with a PSA > 0.2ng/mL should be considered for 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT scan.Clinical Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number: ACTRN12618001530213. Registration date 13.9.2018 http://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375932&isReview=true
The Prevailing O Serogroups Among the Serologically Differentiated Clinical Proteus Spp. Strains in Poland
Authors: Drzewiecka Dominika , Palusiak Agata , Siwińska Małgorzata , Zabłotni Agnieszka 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In the years 2006-2011, 617 Proteus spp. strains isolated mostly from urine and wounds or other clinical sources from infected individuals were collected in Łódź, Poland. P. mirabilis species was dominating (86.9%), followed by P. genomospecies, P. vulgaris , and P. penneri . Ninety four per cent strains were recognized as S (smooth) forms. P. mirabilis exhibited the most intensive swarming growth. Serological studies (involving ELISA – enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting using native and adsorbed rabbit antisera) enabled classification of 80% S isolates into respective Proteus O serogroups among the 83 ones, described so far. The remaining strains seemed to be serologically unique. Detailed serological analysis confirmed that the recently described in Poland O78 serogroup is the most widespread. Also, 14 other serogroups have been found to predominate, being represented by ten or more strains. No unique structural feature of the prevalent O serotypes has been indicated. The observed big serological variety may suggest a low rate of Proteus spp. strains’ transmission between patients or rapid changes in their lipopolysaccharides. However, the prevalence of some O serogroups indicates that particular serotypes may be in some ways beneficial to the strains producing these kinds of O antigen.
Effects of grain size and temperature, on the output voltage generation of Energy harvester using ZnO nanowires (oxidized with O2).
Authors: Ahmad Mansoor , Ahmad M.K. , Nafarizal N. , Soon C.F. , Ismail N.M.A.N , Suriani A.B. , Mohamed A. , Mamat M.H. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Here, we report high output voltage generation via oxidized ZnO nanowires. A thorough study has been carried out to observe the behavior of ZnO nanowires under reduced grain size and high temperature conditions. Study has revealed that piezoelectric output voltage generated by ZnO based VING (vertically integrated nanowire generator) has been gradually increased, as the diameter of nanowires is decreased. Secondly, it has also been observed that maximum peak voltage has been further enhanced, if nanowires are oxidized at high temperature. ZnO nanowires ̴ 200 nm have produced maximum peak voltage 2.283 V at room temperature and if oxidized at 200o C then output voltage has been further raised to 2.638 V Having output power density 365.7 mW/cm2, similarly ̴ 100 nm ZnO nanowires have produced maximum voltage of 2.598 V At room temperature and at 200o C the value is elevated to 2.835 V and ̴ 50 nm ZnO nanowires have generated 3.38 V at room temperature and when oxidized at 200o C voltage has been raised to 3.465 V with power density of 511.3 mW/cm2. The values have been significantly improved by our earlier reported values.
Geology and Geotechnical Investigations of the Anambra Basin, Southeastern Nigeria: Implication for Gully Erosion Hazards
Authors: Ocheli Azuka , Ogbe Ovie Benjamin , Aigbadon Godwin Okumagbe 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundGeologic and geotechnical conditions of soils where Nanka and Ajali Formations outcropped in Anambra Basin, Southeastern Nigeria were investigated and accessed. This was done using detailed mapping and mechanical soil laboratory tests to unravel the genesis and continued expansion of gully erosion in the study areas. ResultsField study revealed that gully erosions are more pronounced in the study area with poor vegetation cover and a high degree of slope steepness. Grain size analysis revealed that the soils of the Nanka Formation have an average sand content value of 90.90% (sandy) and silt content value of 3.0% (low fine portions). The plasticity index of the fine portions indicates that the soils are weak plastic, with a mean value of 5.29%. The soils have an average cohesion value of 0.30kg/cm2 indicating a very weak cohesion. The soils are highly permeable; with an average value of 2.67x10-3 cm/sec. The compaction test further revealed that the soils are loosely compacted. The soils for the Ajali Formation have an average sand content value of 95.10% (sandy) and silt content value of 1.43% (low fine portions). The plasticity index of the fine portions indicates that the soils are weak plastic, with a mean value of 2.70%. The soils have an average cohesion value of 0.30kg/cm2 indicating a very weak cohesion. The soils are highly permeable; with an average value of 2.70x10-3 cm/sec. The compaction test revealed that the soils are loosely compacted.ConclusionsAfter field surveys and laboratory analyses, it was found that the gully erosions have been developing respectively on steep slopes and non-vegetated areas, and their genesis facilitated by the cohesionless and very permeable nature of the sandy formations. Following those key findings, it was proposed many practices (agronomic and engineering mainly) that can help mitigate the formations as well as the expansion of this very damaging hazard type. The potential implications of these gully erosion include damaging of buildings, residential houses, bridges and roads, loss of farmland and vegetation, isolation of villages and towns, increased migration of inhabitants as well as degradation of agricultural fertile land.
Investigating the Effect of Hydrogen-Rich Water on Liver Cell Injury and Liver Cancer by Regulating GP73/ TGF-β Pathway
Authors: Gao Yuanren , Jiang Shuai , Xing Ying , Hou Yingwen , Yang Yi , Hou Xunbo , Chen Wanbin , Zhang Jingwen , Chen Luhao , Liu Yan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundLiver cancer is an extremely heterogeneous malignant disease among tumors identified to date. In recent years, a large number of studies have found that low-concentration hydrogen or hydrogen-rich water or hydrogen-saturated physiological saline has a protective effect on many diseases. Observing the intervention effect of hydrogen-rich water and speculate whether its effect is regulated by GP73/TGF-β signaling pathway would provide a basis for clinical treatment using hydrogen in liver cancer.MethodThe(N-nitrosodiethylamine) DEN-induced LX-2 hepatocyte injury model, hepatocarcinoma cell(HepG2 cells), and normal hepatic stellate cell LX-2 and HepG2 co-culture system were treated with hydrogen-rich water, and the cell viability was measured by the Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)method. Also, the supernatant was collected to determination the transforming growth factor (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and osteopontin (OPN) content. Subsequently, qPCR method was employed to detect the expression of GP73, TGF-β, and Smad2 mRNA in the cell. Total cell protein was extracted, and the level of GP73, TGF-β, and Smad2 proteins in the cells was detected by Western blot.ResultAfter the intervention of hydrogen-rich water, DEN increases the activity of LX-2 hepatocytes, inhibits the secretion of TGF-β, downregulate the expression of GP73, TGF-β, and Smad2 mRNA in the injured LX-2 cells, inhibits the expression of GP73 and TGF-β proteins, and exerts a protective effect on injured cells. The intervention with hydrogen-rich water in HepG2 liver cancer cells inhibits the expression of GP73 mRNA and protein in the cells, upregulates the expression of TGF-β mRNA and protein, inhibits the expression of OPN, and exerts an anti-proliferation effect on liver cancer cells. In the co-culture system of LX-2 and HepG2, the effect of hydrogen-rich water showed different effects with the altered ratio of the two cells in the system.ConclusionHydrogen-rich water has a protective effect on liver cell damage and an inhibitory effect on liver cancer cells, which is effectuated by regulating the GP73/TGF-β signaling pathway.
Measurement of Green Total Factor Productivity on Chinese Pig Breeding: From the Perspective of Regional Differences
Authors: Zhong Shen , Li Junwei , Zhang Dehua 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
China has a vast territory and abundant resources, and there are significant differences in the development of pig breeding in different regions. As the main component of Chinese residents’ daily meat consumption, it is of great significance to improve people's living standards and conform to the national sustainable development strategy to raise pork production and reduce pollution emissions. In view of this, based on the minimum distance to weak efficient frontier model, this paper constructs Metafrontier-Malmquist-Luenberger index considering negative output under the common frontier to comprehensively evaluate pig breeding green total factor productivity (PBG). The results manifest that: (1) No matter under the common frontier or the group frontier, PBG presents large temporal and spatial differentiation characteristics. Compared with the eastern region and the central region, the western region has obvious advantages in PBG. (2) PBG has shown a downward trend as a whole, which is mainly due to the technical retrogression. (3) Compared with small-scale and medium-sized PBG, large-scale PBG has apparent superiorities. Based on the above outcomes, combined with the actual situation of China, this paper finally raises policy recommendations for improving PBG.
Analysis of Discharge Channel Characteristics Based on Three-Phase Flow Dielectric Characteristics in USV-MF Assisted WEDM-LS
Authors: Wang Yan , Yang Jie , Xiong Wei , Chai Hua-Yi , Wang Rui 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this paper, considering the effects of the characteristics of the three-phase flow dielectric in the discharge gap flow field on the discharge channels in the ultrasonic vibration and magnetic field assisted low speed WEDM, the model of discharge channel including discharge position and size of discharge channel is established and analyzed. Firstly, given working conditions of cutting workpiece with large thickness, a mechanism of bubble-particle bridging breakdown was proposed. Then a prediction model of the discharge point position in USV-MF assisted WEDM-LS under three-phase flow dielectric characteristics based on the breakdown mechanism was performed, and FEM software COMSOL was used to simulate and analyze this model. By comparing with the experimental results of discharge point position captured by high speed camera, the accuracy of the prediction results of discharge point position in USV-MF assisted WEDM-LS was verified, showing that this model can more accurately explain the dielectric breakdown in cutting workpiece with large thickness. Next, the model of radius of discharge channel including magnetic field intensity, electric field intensity, medium pressure and surface tension of discharge channel was established, and the influence of ultrasound and magnetic field on the size of discharge channel was analyzed theoretically. The radius of discharge channel in USV-MF assisted WEDM-LS was obtained by solving the partial differential equation in MATLAB. According to discharge point position and radius of the plasma discharge channel, surface morphology of workpiece was simulated by COMSOL. Finally, the experiment of photographing the discharge channel in USV-MF assisted WEDM-LS was carried out to verify the above model. It shows that the trend of the simulated results of discharge channel position is the same as that of the experimental results, and the error between the peak height value of the simulated surface morphology of workpiece and that of the experimental surface morphology of workpiece is within 6%.
Effect of P10 Cemented Carbide Cutting Tools Subjected to Electromagnetic Coupling Field Treatment on the Surface Roughness of Machined 45 Steel
Authors: Zhong Fu , Yuan Min , Meng Dehao , Wang Li , Wang Jie , Liu Jian , Huang Kunlan , Tian Yankang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Reducing the surface roughness of machined workpieces is of great interest owing to its potential for improving the quality of finished items and decreasing the cost of machining processes by reducing the need for post processing. This paper contributes to this research by analyzing the effect of P10 cemented carbide cutting tools subjected to pulsed electromagnetic coupling field processing (EMCFP) treatment on the surface roughness of machined 45 steel workpieces. The effects of untreated and EMCFP-treated cutting tools on workpiece surface roughness, tool lifetime, friction coefficient, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra, dislocation density and residual stress are compared. The experimental results demonstrate that EMCFP treatment can reduce the average surface roughness of workpieces by 39.2%, enhance tool lifetime by a factor of 1.92, reduce the friction coefficient by 11.4%, increase the intensities of peak EPR signals, increase the dislocation density by 38% and decrease the residual stress of the tool flank face by 51.4% . This research provides scientific data and technical support for EMCFP technology with important scientific significance.
Seasonal Prediction Skills in the CAMS-CSM Climate Forecast System
Authors: Liu Bo , SU Jingzhi , MA Libin , TANG Yanli , RONG Xinyao , LI Jian , CHEN Haoming , LIU Boqi , HUA Lijuan , WU Renguang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The seasonal predictability in the CAMS-CSM climate forecast system is evaluated with a set of retrospective forecast experiments during the period of 1981-2019. The CAMS-CSM, which has been registered for the sixth phase of the coupled model intercomparison project (CMIP6), is an atmosphere-ocean-land-sea ice fully coupled general model. The assimilation scheme used in the forecast system is the 3-dimentional nudging, including both the atmospheric and oceanic components. The analyses mainly focus on the seasonal predictable skill of sea surface temperature, 2-m air temperature, and precipitation anomalies. The analyses revealed that the model shows a good prediction skill for the SST anomalies, especially in the tropical Pacific, such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. The anomaly correlation coefficient (ACC) score for ENSO can reach 0.75 at 6-month lead time. Furthermore, the extreme warm/cold Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) events are successfully predicted at 3- and even 6-month lead times. The whole ACC of IOD events between the observation and the prediction can reach 0.51 at 2-month lead time. There are reliable seasonal prediction skills for 2-m air temperature anomalies over most of the Northern Hemisphere, where the correlation is mainly above 0.4 at 2-month lead time, especially over the East Asia, North America and South America. However, the seasonal prediction for precipitation still faces a big challenge. The source of precipitation predictability over the East Asia can be partly related to strong ENSO events. Additionally, the anomalous anticyclone over the western North Pacific (WPAC) which connects the ENSO events and the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) can be well predicted at 6-month lead time.
Real-World Efficacy and Safety of Pangenotypic Direct-Acting Antivirals Against Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Kao-Chi , Tung Shui-Yi , Wei Kuo-Liang , Shen Chen-Heng , Hsieh Yung-Yu , Chen Wei-Ming , Chen Yi-Hsing , Chen Chun-Hsien , Yen Chi-Wei , Xu Huang-Wei , Tung Wei-Lin , Hung Chao-Hung , Lu Sheng-Nan , Chang Te-Sheng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background/Purpose of StudyClinical trials have demonstrated excellent efficacy and safety of pangenotypic direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, there are limited large-scale real-world data on these pangenotypic DAAs. This study examined the results of two pangenotypic regimens, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL), in a real-world setting in Taiwan.MethodsAll HCV patients treated with GLE/PIB or SOF/VEL from August 2018 to April 2020 at the Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital were included. The primary end point was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment cessation (SVR12). Adverse events (AEs) were also reported.ResultsA total of 1 356 HCV patients received pangenotypic DAA treatment during the study period: 742 patients received GLE/PIB and 614 received SOF/VEL. The rates of SVR12 for GLE/PIB and SOF/VEL were 710/718 (98.9%) and 581/584 (99.5%), respectively, by per-protocol analysis, and 710/742 (95.7%) and 581/614 (94.6%), respectively, by evaluable population analysis. Eleven patients (GLE/PIB: 8, SOF/VEL: 3) did not achieve SVR12. The most common AEs for GLE/PIB and SOF/VEL were pruritus (17.4% vs. 2.9%), abdominal discomfort (5.8% vs. 4.4 %), dizziness (4.2% vs. 2%), and malaise (3.1% vs. 2.9%). Laboratory abnormalities were uncommon, with <1% of patients exhibiting elevated total bilirubin or aminotransferase levels with both regimens. There were five drug discontinuations owing to AEs (bilirubin elevation: 3, dermatological issues: 2).ConclusionIn real-world practice, the pangenotypic DAAs GLE/PIB and SOF/VEL are effective and well tolerated, achieving high SVR12 rates for patients with all HCV genotypes.
The impact of air quality on its Baidu index: grey model analysis
Authors: Tu Leping , Chen Yan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
To investigate the relationship between air quality and its Baidu index, we collect the annual Baidu index of air pollution hazards, causes and responses. Grey correlation analysis, particle swarm optimization and grey multivariate convolution model are used to simulate and forecast the comprehensive air quality index. The result shows that the excessive growth of the comprehensive air quality index will lead to an increase in the corresponding Baidu index. The number of search for the causes of air quality has the closest link with the comprehensive air quality index. Strengthening the awareness of public about air pollution is conducive to the improvement of air quality. The result provides a reference for relevant departments to prevent and control air pollution.