bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Co-distribution of light at night (LAN) and COVID-19 incidence in the United States
Authors: Meng Yidan , Zhu Vincent , Zhu Yong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Light at night (LAN) as a circadian disruption factor may affect the human immune system and consequently increase the susceptibility or severity of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. COVID-19 infections spread differently in states in the United States (US). The current analysis aimed to test whether there is an association between LAN and COVID-19 cases in 4 selected US states: Connecticut, New York State, California and Texas.Methods: We analyzed clustering patterns of COVID-19 cases in ArcMap and performed the multiple linear regression model using data of LAN and COVID-19 incidence with adjustment for confounding variables including population density, percent below poverty, and racial factors. Results: Hotspots of LAN and COVID-19 cases are located in large cities or metro-centers for all 4 states. LAN intensity is associated with cases/1k for overall, and lockdown durations in New York State, and Connecticut (P <0.001), but not in Texas and California. The overall cases rates are significantly associated with LAN in New York State (P <0.001) and Connecticut (P <0.001). Conclusions: We observed a significant positive correlation between LAN intensity and COVID-19 cases-rate/1k, suggesting that circadian disruption of ambient light may increase the COVID-19 infection rate possibly by affecting an individual's immune functions. Furthermore, differences in demographic structure and lockdown policies in different states play an important role in COVID-19 infections.
MDA5 score--A Novel Lung Computed Tomography Scoring Method for Anti-Melanoma Differentiation-associated Gene 5-positive Dermatomyositis
Authors: Xu Wenwen , Wu Wanlong , Zhang Danting , Chen Zhiwei , Zheng Yu , Tao Xinwei , Zhao Jiangfeng , Wang Kaiwen , Wang Xiaodong , Ye Shuang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5)-positive dermatomyositis (DM)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a life-threatening disease with a 6-month mortality as high as 50%. Evaluation of pulmonary high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is crucial in the prognostic prediction. This study aimed to develop a novel CT visual scoring method for anti-MDA5 positive DM-ILD.Methods: A prospective cohort of hospitalized patients with anti-MDA5 positive DM-ILD was analyzed, and was further divided into a derivation dataset and a validation dataset. The primary outcome was the six-month all-cause mortality since the time of admission. Three components of baseline pulmonary CT images, i.e., ground glass opacity (GGO), consolidation and fibrosis were semi-quantitatively calculated in different lung lobes. The multivariable COX proportional hazards model was used to identify independent prognostic risk factors and corresponding coefficients, based upon which a scoring model was constructed. In addition, an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm-based analysis and an idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)-based scoring were conducted as comparators. The prediction accuracy of different methods was measured and compared by Harrell concordance index (C-index). Results: Overall, 173 eligible patients were included. A novel GGO and consolidation-weighted CT visual scoring model for anti-MDA5 positive DM-ILD, namely ‘MDA5 score’, was developed with C-index values of 0.80 (95%CI 0.75-0.86) in the derivation dataset (n=116) and 0.84 (95%CI 0.71-0.97) in the validation dataset (n=57), respectively. While, the AI algorithm-based analysis, namely ‘AI score’, yielded C-index 0.78 (95%CI 0.72-0.84) for the derivation dataset and 0.77 (95%CI 0.64-0.90) for the validation dataset. ‘MDA5 score’ outperformed and IPF-based scoring (‘IPF score’) with respect to discrimination and clinical usefulness.Conclusions: The novel derived ‘MDA5 score’ may serve as an applicable prognostic predictor for anti-MDA5 positive DM-ILD and facilitate further clinical trial design. The AI based CT quantitative analysis from COVID-19 provided a promising solution for ILD evaluation.
Diagnostic Performance of SPECT/CT Versus Diffusion-Weighted Mri in Characterization of Indeterminate Osseous Lesions Detected on Bone Scan
Authors: Khalil Maha , Abdelhafez Yasser Gaber , Kandeel Ahmed A. , Seifeldein Gehan S , Atta Haisam 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Characterization of solitary osseous lesions on planar bone scintigraphy (PBS) is challenging. In this pilot study, we aimed to explore the diagnostic performance of 99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy using SPECT/CT in comparison to magnetic resonance imaging including diffusion-weighted imaging (MR-DWI) in patients with solitary indeterminate osseous lesions detected on PBS. Methods: This pilot study prospectively recruited 46 cancer patients who underwent PBS, with a finding of a solitary osseous lesion that was deemed indeterminate by two nuclear medicine physicians not involved in subsequent reading. A targeted SPECT/CT and MR-DWI were read independently by two nuclear medicine physicians and two radiologists, respectively, on a 5-point probability score. The final diagnosis of disease status was formulated from subsequent clinical/imaging follow-up within six months. Results: Agreement between SPECT/CT readers was 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI]:0.51-0.85) and 0.99 (95%CI:0.99-1.00) between MR-DWI readers. According to the follow-up, 16/46 patients proved to have osseous metastasis. The area under the curve (AUC) from ROC analysis was 0.79 (95%CI:0.65-93) for SPECT/CT and 0.73 (95%CI:0.57-0.89) for MR-DWI. No statistically significant difference was noted regarding sensitivity or specificity. MR-DWI was more accurate for lesions located in the appendicular skeleton (n=17; AUC=0.92,95%CI:0.68-1.0) compared to axial lesions (n=29; AUC=0.65,95%CI:0.45-0.81). The performance of SPECT/CT was comparable for both sites. Diagnostic indices from both modalities were comparable for sclerotic and non-sclerotic lesions on the CT part of SPECT/CT.Conclusions: In this exploratory report, no significant difference was seen in the overall diagnostic performance between SPECT/CT and MR-DWI for characterization of solitary indeterminate osseous lesions depicted on PBS. MR-DWI results were more reproducible; however, the overall accuracy of MR-DWI varied according to lesion site, density patterns on CT, and the primary tumor type. Such differences were less obvious with SPECT/CT.
Molecular Phenomics of Gut Ecosystem in COVID-19 Patients&nbsp;
Authors: Yan Zhixiang , He Feixiang , He Huanhuan , Li Dan , Pang Pengfei , Fang Zhaoxiong , Jiang Guanmin , Huang Siwen , Li Kexue , Gu Zhiqiang , Shi Honggang , Zhang Zhenyi , Zhu Huijin , Lin Lu , Li Jialin , Yan Ru , Xiao Fei , Li Xiaofeng , Shan Hong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Gut ecosystem has profound effects on host physiology and health. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were frequently observed in patients with COVID-19. Compared with other organs, gut antiviral response can result in more complicated immune responses because of the interactions between the gut microbiota and host immunity. However, there are still large knowledge gaps in the impact of COVID-19 on gut molecular profiles and commensal microbiome, hindering our comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and the treatment of COVID-19.Results: We performed longitudinal stool multi-omics profiling to systemically investigate the molecular phenomics alterations of gut ecosystem in COVID-19. Gut proteomes of COVID-19 were characterized by disturbed immune, proteolysis and redox homeostasis. The expression and glycosylation of proteins involved in neutrophil degranulation and migration were suppressed, while those of proteases were upregulated. The variable domains of Ig heavy chains were downregulated and the overall glycosylation of IgA heavy chain constant regions, IgGFc-binding protein, and J chain were suppressed with glycan-specific variations. There was a reduction of beneficial gut bacteria and an enrichment of bacteria derived deleterious metabolites potentially associated with multiple types of diseases (such as ethyl glucuronide). The reduction of Ig heave chain variable domains may contribute to the increase of some Bacteroidetes species. Many bacteria ceramide lipids with a C17-sphingoid based were downregulated in COVID-19. In many cases, the gut phenome did not restore two months after symptom onset.Conclusions: Our study indicates widely disturbed gut molecular profiles which may play a role in the development of symptoms in COVID-19. Our findings also emphasis the need for ongoing investigation of the long-term gut molecular and microbial alterations during COVID-19 recovery process. Considering the gut ecosystem as a potential target could offer a valuable approach in managing the disease.
The Trend of Women’s Autonomy in Refusing Risky Sex and Associated Factors in Ethiopia: Evidence From 2011 &amp; 2016 EDHS&nbsp;Data
Authors: Asabu Melkamu Dires 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Risky sexual behavior is a major public health concern of Ethiopians. Although studying the autonomy of women in refusing risky sex is significant to take proper actions, the issue is not yet studied. Accordingly, this population-based nationwide study was aimed at assessing the trends of women’s autonomy in refusing risky sex and its associated factors in Ethiopia.Method: The sample was limited to married women of 2011 (n=8369) and 2016 (n=8403) Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data. Women's autonomy in refusing risky sex was measured based on wives' response to 'not having sex because of husbands have other women. To examine associated factors, sociodemographic variables were computed using binary logistic regression. Result: The finding revealed that the trend of women’s autonomy in refusing risky sex had declined from 78.9% in 2011 to 69.5% in 2016. Women aged from 25-34 were less likely autonomous in refusing sex (AOR=.764;95%CI=.605,.965), in comparison with women aged less than 24 years old. The autonomy of women with primary, secondary, and higher educational status were AOR=1.607;95%CI:1.379,1.874, AOR=2.208;95%CI:1.639,2.975, and AOR=3.221;95%CI:1.647,6.300 respectively. The autonomy of women from rich households was more likely higher (AOR=1.523;95%CI:1.28,1.813) in comparison to women from poor households. The autonomy of women in Tigray, (AOR=2.938;95%CI:2.025,4.263), Afar (AOR=1.497;95%CI:1.111,2.017), Amhara (AOR=4.870;95%CI:3.388,7.000), Benishangul Gumuz (AOR=.568;95%CI:.406,.796), SNNP (AOR=1.900;95%CI:1.355,2.664), Harari (AOR=.516;95%CI:.372,.716), and Addis Ababa (AOR=3.809;95%CI:2.227,6.516) when compared with autonomy of women who resides Dire Dawa.Conclusion: The autonomy of women in refusing risky sex has declined from 2011 to 2016. This infers that currently, women are more victimized than previously. Hence, possible interventions like empowering women shall be taken to protect women from certain health problems of risky sexual behavior.
Influence of Defect States and Thickness of Interface Layer On High Efficiency of c-Si/a-Si:H Heterojunction Solar Cells With Higher Bandgap a-Si:H(p) Layer By Simulation
Authors: Kanneboina Venkanna 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper presents the influence of defect states and thickness of interface layer on high efficiency of c-Si/a-Si:H heterojunction solar cells with higher bandgap emitter a-Si:H(p) layer by AFORSHET simulation tool. At first, the performance of Ag/ZnO/a-Si:H(p)/ a-Si:H(i)/ c-Si(n)/ a-Si:H(i)/ a-Si:H(n)/Ag heterojunction solar cells was studied by altering the thickness of a-Si:H(p) and a-Si:H(i) layers. The best values of open circuit voltage (Voc) (764.8 mV), short circuit current density (Jsc) (43.15 mA/cm2), fill factor (FF) (85.71) and efficiency(ɳ) (28.28%) were obtained at 3 nm of a-Si:H(p) and a-Si:H(i) layer. In the same structure, c-Si(n) interface was introduced in between c-Si(n) and a-Si:H(i) layer. It is found that the solar cell performance was not changed by varying defect density from 109-1014 cm-3 for thin (5 and 10 nm) interface layer and estimated values are 761.7 mV, 38.83 mA/cm2, 86.09%, 25.46% correspond to Voc, Jsc, FF, ɳ respectively. For very thick interface layer, defect density has shown huge impact on the device performance. At 1 µm, the Voc, FF and ɳ values have been changed from 760.2 to 653.2 mV, 85.9 to 80.76% and 22.94 to 18.47% for the defect density of 109 to 1014 cm-3 respectively.
Reduced regional cerebral blood flow measured by 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT in microgravity simulated by 5-day dry immersion
Authors: Guillon Laurent , Kermorgant Marc , Charvolin Thomas , Bonneville Fabrice , Bareille Marie-Pierre , Cassol Emmanuelle , Beck Arnaud , Beaurain Marie , Peran Patrice , Lotterie Jean-Albert , Traon Anne Pavy-Le , Payoux Pierre 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose Neuro-ophthalmological changes defined as spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome have been reported after long duration space flights. The pathophysiology of this syndrome remains unclear, with the possible involvement of elevated intracranial pressure. Changes in blood flow in the brain, evaluated indirectly by Doppler, have been reported in flight. However, the effects of microgravity on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) are not known. We therefore investigated changes in rCBF in a 5-day dry immersion (DI) model. Moreover, we tested thigh cuffs as a countermeasure to prevent potential microgravity-induced modifications in rCBF.Methods 18 healthy male participants underwent 5-day DI with or without a thigh cuffs countermeasure. They were randomly allocated to a control (n = 9) or cuffs (n = 9) group. rCBF was measured 4 days before DI (Pre-DI) and at the end of the fifth day of DI (Post-DI), using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with radiopharmaceutical 99mTc-hexamethyl propylene amine oxime (HMPAO). SPECT images were processed using statistical parametric mapping (SPM12) software.Results At DI5, we observed a significant decrease in rCBF in 32 cortical and subcortical patterns, with greater hypoperfusion in the occipital region (occipital peak level: z = 4.51, puncorr < 0.001) and basal ganglia (putamen peak level: z = 4.71, puncorr < 0.001; caudate nuclei peak level: z = 3.80, puncorr < 0.001). No significant difference was found between the control and cuffs groups on variations in rCBF at DI5.Conclusion 5-day DI induces a relative decrease in rCBF in cortical and subcortical regions. Nevertheless, the consequences of this decrease for brain function and mechanisms need further investigation.
Effet of edge fluorination and chlorination on structures, stability, electronic and charge transport properties of benzo[o]bistriphenyleno[2,1,12,11-efghi:2',1',12',11'-uvabc]ovalene molecule : DFT study.
Authors: Bouba Marius Ousmanou , Nya Fridolin Tchangnwa , Ngui Christine Yvette , Ndjaka Jean Marie 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We have investigated the structures, electronic properties, hole and electron mobilities of ﬂuorinated and chlorinated nanographene of benzo[o]bistriphenyleno[2,1,12,11-efghi:2',1',12',11'-uvabc]ovalene (TCHG) molecules, us- ing the density functional theory (DFT) and Markus-Hush charge transfer theory. The calculated geometric parameters and the IR spectrum for chlorinated TCHG are in good agreement with the experimental data. Our theoretical investigations have shown that ﬂuorination and chlorination signiﬁcantly reduce the bandgap energy of TCHG. The obtained adiabatic electron aﬃnities (AEAs) values are 2.76 and 2.93 eV respectively, indicating the air-stable materials. The calculation of charge carriers mobilities in chlorinated dimer shows that the mobility of the electrons is ten times that of the holes, suggesting an n-type behavior. We have shown that the ﬂuorination and chlorination of TCHG are promising pathways for the design of new materials useful in optoelectronics
Transurethral Seminal Vesiculoscopy for Intractable Hematospermia: Experience From 144 Patients
Authors: Chen Wei-Kang , Yu Dong-Dong , Chen Zhi-Xia , Li Peng-Fei , Cai Jian , Liu Yu-Peng , Wu Zhi-Gang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose: to describe the methodology of transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy and the anatomy of the area of the verumontanum, and to determine the safety of this procedure, especially in terms of postoperative complications. Methods: This retrospective observational study enrolled 144 patients with intractable hematospermia from May 2011 and August 2019. A 4.5/6.5-Fr vesiculoscope was inserted into the seminal vesicle to deal with the positive findings. The solution of quinolones was used to rinse each seminal vesicle. Results: In this study, Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy was successfully performed in 139 patients (96.53%). Hematospermia was alleviated or disappeared in 116 (80.56%) patients by less than half a year after surgery. Common intraoperative manifestations were hemorrhage, stones, utricle polyps and cysts. The surgical approach in our study were categorized into four types, including 24 (16.7%), 73 (50.7%), 42 (29.2%), and 5 (3.5%) cases in Type A (natural opening of the ejaculatory duct), B (trans-duct fenestration), C (trans-utricle fenestration), and D (not founded), respectively. Sexual function change was recorded in 12 patients of 111 patients, especially by the method of trans-utricle fenestration, including 8 (7.21%), 3 (2.70%), and 1 (0.90%) patients in shorter intravaginal ejaculatory latency time, worse erection hardness and loss of orgasm, respectively. Conclusion: Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy is an effective and safe procedure for the management of hematospermia. The anatomy of the distal seminal tract should be understood more deeply and Wu’method (uncover-curtain method) needs to be promoted to verify its universality and safety. Besides, the complications of the function dysfunction should be discussed in the future in multi-center clinical trials.
How to choose infra-acetabular screw? Option of All-In or In-Out-in Screw Based on Computed Tomography Measurement of Infra-Acetabular Corridor
Authors: Lu Quanyi , Zhou Runtao , Gao Shichang , Liang Anlin , Yang Mingming , Yang Haitao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The infra-acetabular corridor is quite narrow, which makes a challenge for the orthopedists to insert the screw. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the infra-acetabular corridor diameter (IACD) and the minimum thickness of medial acetabular wall(MTMAW), and to clarify the way of screw placement. Methods: The Computed tomography (CT) data of 100 normal adult pelvises (50 males and 50 females respectively) were collected and pelvis three-dimensional(3D) reconstruction was performed by using Mimics software and the 3D model was imported into Geomagic Studio software. The perspective of acetabulum was carried out orienting from iliopubic eminence to ischial tuberosity and the IACD was measured by placing virtual screws which was vertical to the corridor transverse section of "teardrop". The relationship between IACD and MTMAW was analyzed. When IACD was ≥ 5 mm, 3.5mm all-in screws were placed. When IACD was < 5 mm, 3.5mm in-out-in screws were placed. Results: The IACD of males and females were (6.15 ± 1.24) mm and (5.42 ± 1.01) mm and the MTMAW in males and females were (4.40 ± 1.23) mm and (3.60 ± 0.81)mm respectively. The IACD and MTMAW in males were significantly wider than those of females (P < 0.05), and IACD was positively correlated with MTMAW (r = 0.859), the regression equation was IACD = 2.111 + 0.917 MTMAW. In the all-in screw group, 38 cases (76%) were males and 33 cases (66%) were females respectively. The entry point was located at posteromedial of the apex of iliopubic eminence, and the posterior distance and medial distance were (8.03±2.01)mm and (8.49±2.68)mm respectively in males. As for females, those were (8.68±2.35)mm and (8.87±2.79)mm respectively. In the in-out-in screw group, 12 cases (24%) were males and 17 cases (34%) were females, respectively. The posterior distance and medial distance between the entry point and the apex of iliopubic eminence were (10.49±2.58)mm and (6.17±1.84)mm respectively in males. As for females, those were (10.10±2.63)mm and (6.63±1.49)mm respectively. The angle between the infra-acetabular screw and the sagittal plane was medial inclination (0.42 ± 6.49) °in males, lateral inclination (8.09 ± 6.33) °in females, and the angle between the infra-acetabular screw and the coronal plane was posterior inclination (54.06 ± 7.37) °. Conclusions: The placement mode of the infra-acetabular screw(IAS) can be determined preoperatively by measuring the MTMAW in the CT axial layers. Compared with all-in screw, the in-out-in screw entry point was around 2mm outwards and backwards, and closer to true pelvic rim.
Treating Hypernasal Speech in Children with Infantile-Onset Pompe Disease: Effectiveness of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
Authors: Zeng Yin-Ting , Liu Wen-Yu , Torng Pao-Chuan , Hwu Wuh-Liang , Lee Ni-Chung , Lin Chun-Yi , Chien Yin-Hsiu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Children with infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD) demonstrate hypernasality. This study aimed to evaluate whether continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) training, effective in reducing hypernasality in subjects with velopharyngeal insufficiency, may reduce hypernasality in children with IOPD. Five children with IOPD were enrolled to partake in an 8-week, 6-day-per-week regimen of CPAP training at home, involving 8 week baseline, 8 week CPAP training, and 8 week follow-up outcome assessment combined with regular speech therapy once per week. The outcomes included the degree of hypernasality (DH), the percentage of consonants correct (PCC), and the speech intelligibility score (SIS). C-statistic analysis with an α of .05 (z ≥ 1.645) and visual analysis were used to assess speech changes. Three patients completed the study. During the CPAP training phase, the DH, PCC, and SIS were significantly improved compared with the baseline (p ≤ .05). At the follow-up phase, both DH and SIS were improved compared with the baseline (p ≤ .05), but the PCC had returned to the baseline level (p ≥ .05). CPAP training demonstrated effectiveness in reducing nasal sounds in IOPD patients. Further studies involving training younger children with normal hearing may help elucidate the persistence of the effects in children with IOPD.