bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are Admission Laboratory Values in Isolation Valuable in Predicting Surgical Outcome in Patients With Perforated Peptic Ulcers: A Retrospective, Cohort Analytical, Observational Study
Authors: Mulder Wikus Wessel , Arko-Cobbah Emmanuel , Joubert Gina 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Perforated peptic ulcer carries noteworthy mortality, and admission status is a significant prognosticator thereof. Laboratory values are objective and readily available and, therefore, ideal for risk stratification. The objective of the study is to calculate the predictive value of admission laboratory values in patients with perforated peptic ulcers. Methods: A retrospective, cohort analytical, observational study was performed. All patients with surgically confirmed perforated peptic ulcers at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital from July 2014 to June 2019 were considered. Demographic data and admission laboratory values were collected from hospital and laboratory electronic databases and theatre books. Outcomes measured were in-hospital mortality, ICU admission and length of stay in ICU and hospital. The significance of categorical variables was calculated by Chi-square and Fisher's exact test. Logistic regression analysis considered univariately statistically significant variables. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Over the 5-year period, 188 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 46 years (15-87), with a male predominance of 71.3 % (N=134). The median length of hospital stay was seven days (1-94), and 31.4% (N=59) of patients were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Operative in-hospital mortality was 25.0% (N=47). Predicting the two categorical outcomes of in-hospital mortality and ICU admission, abnormal haemoglobin, platelet count, urea, creatinine, and potassium were statistically significant in univariate analysis. For in-hospital mortality, age (OR 1.03), haemoglobin (OR 4.36) and creatinine (OR 7.76) were significant in multivariate analysis, and for ICU admission age (OR 1.03), platelet count (OR2.94) and creatinine (OR 6.90). Urea ≥ 10.9mmol/L showed a sensitivity of 70.2% and specificity of 82.1% (AUC 0.79), and creatinine ≥ 109umol/L a sensitivity of 80.9% and specificity of 67.7% (AUC 0.80) in predicting in-hospital mortality. Conclusions: The mortality rate in patients with perforated peptic ulcer disease is still substantial. Admission laboratory values show statistical significance as outcome indicators and are valuable to assist in predicting prognostication. Abnormal high serum creatinine was the strongest single predictor of both mortality and ICU admission.
Long Memory and Time Varying Hedging Opportunities Between Clean Energy, Crude Oil and Technology Sector
Authors: YILMAZ Tayfun , ÇELİK İsmail , Zeren Feyyaz , ESEN Sinan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this paper, long memory and time varying hedging opportunities between clean energy, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil and technology share prices were analyized between 3 May 2005-16 October 2019. The relationships were investigated by DECO-FIGARCH model with daily frequencies. According to findings, it is understood that volatility clusters were determined in crude oil, alternate source energy and technology returns. Due to this useful information shocks reach to all three investment tools and being eliminated at hyperbolic speed, also the volatility spillover lasted for a long time. The most important finding of the research is that long position risks arising in both clean energy and technology sectors can be effectively and efficiently hedged with WTI futures contracts. On the other hand, it was determined that WTI can be added to the portfolio in order to reduce the risks of portfolio to be established with clean energy and technology sector.
Alcohol Use and Associated Factors among Adolescent Boys and Young Men in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Kabwama Steven Ndugwa , Matovu Joseph KB , Ssenkusu John M , Ssekamatte Tonny , Wanyenze Rhoda K. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Alcohol use leads to about 3 million deaths globally. The alcohol industry employs marketing strategies to establish their brands in the lives of young people at a time when addictive behaviors are initiated and reinforced. We conducted a survey among adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) to estimate the prevalence of alcohol use and associated factors using the Health Belief Model as the guiding framework. Methods The study was conducted among ABYM in- or out-of-school aged 10-24 years in Kampala, Uganda. We used questions adopted from the Global School-based Student Health Survey and the WHO STEPwise approach to Surveillance questionnaire to collect data. The dependent variable was alcohol use within 30 days before the interview. We also asked about predictors such as alcohol use by siblings, parents/ guardians, school status among others. We used odds ratios obtained via a logistic regression model as the measure of association.Results A total of 2500 ABYM participated, of which 262 (10.5%, 95%CI 9.3-11.7) had consumed alcohol within 30 days before the interview. Out-of-school ABYM had higher odds of consuming alcohol compared with their in-school counterparts AOR 1.55 (95%CI 1.09-2.20). Compared with ABYM whose parents/ guardians did not drink alcohol, ABYM whose both parents consumed alcohol had higher odds of consuming alcohol AOR 2.24 (95%CI 1.38-3.64) as were those with only a mother or female guardian who consumed alcohol AOR 1.95 (95%CI 1.11-3.41). ABYM with siblings that drink alcohol had higher odds of consuming alcohol AOR 2.25 (95%CI 1.80-3.52). ABYM who possessed items with an alcohol brand logo had higher odds of consuming alcohol AOR 2.00 (95%CI 1.33-3.01). Conclusions There are significant levels of alcohol consumption among ABYM which calls for interventions targeting this age group and recognizing the role of the family, school and community in prevention and promotion of use. There is need to regulate alcohol marketing and ensuring availability of alcohol dependence treatment services that build confidence among youth.
The Influence of Body Position on Bioelectrical Impedance Spectroscopy Measurements in Young Children
Authors: Lyons-Reid Jaz , Ward Leigh C , Tint Mya-Thway , Kenealy Timothy , Godfrey Keith M , Chan Shiao-Yng , Cutfield Wayne S 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Bioelectrical impedance techniques are easy to use and portable tools for assessing body composition. While measurements vary according to standing vs supine position in adults, and fasting and bladder voiding have been proposed as additional important influences, these have not been assessed in young children. Therefore, the influence of position, fasting, and voiding on bioimpedance measurements was examined in children. Bioimpedance measurements (ImpediMed SFB7) were made in 50 children (3.5 years). Measurements were made when supine and twice when standing (immediately on standing and after four minutes). Impedance and body composition were compared between positions, and the effect of fasting and voiding was assessed. Impedance varied between positions, but body composition parameters other than fat mass (total body water, intra- and extra-cellular water, fat-free mass) differed by less than 5%. There were no differences according to time of last meal or void. Equations were developed to allow standing measurements of fat mass to be combined with supine measurements. In early childhood, it can be difficult to meet requirements for fasting, voiding, and lying supine prior to measurement. This study provides evidence to enable standing and supine bioimpedance measurements to be combined in cohorts of young children.
Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage in Germany: Systematic Review
Authors: Steffen Gyde , Sperle Ida , Harder Thomas , Sarma Navina , Beermann Sandra , Thamm Roma , Bremer Viviane , Zimmermann Ruth , Dudareva Sandra 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Despite being considered as a low prevalence country for hepatitis B (HBV), some populations in Germany are at higher risk of infection. In the context of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) viral hepatitis elimination goals a valid epidemiological data base is needed to plan and monitor the national response. Prevention strategies include general and targeted HBV vaccination programmes. Objective: The aim of this work was to estimate the HBV vaccination coverage (VC) in the general population (GP) and different population groups in Germany from available evidence and to identify current evidence gaps for future research.Methods: We conducted a systematic review on HBV VC in the general population and populations at high risk of HBV exposure or severe infection in Germany. We included eligible publications (01/01/2017 to 06/06/2020) from databases Embase, Pubmed and Livivo, from a previous scoping review (including data published 01/01/2005-17/03/2017), from the national surveillance system and screened the reference lists of all publications at full text level. Risk of bias was assessed using the Hoy et al tool. Results: We included 68 publications of 67 studies and assigned them to the respective population groups. Twenty-one studies contained data among children/adolescents and three among adults from the GP (VC 65.8% - 90.5% and 22.9% - 52.1%, respectively), one among travellers to HBV endemic countries (VC 89%), 13 among immunocompromised populations (VC 11.5% - 89%), 16 among populations with occupational risk and 16 with non-occupational risk of HBV exposure (VC 63.6% - 96.5% and 4.4% - 52%, respectively). Conclusion: Comprehensive evidence at low risk of bias was identified for children/adolescents. owever, 25 years after including HBV in the national immunisation schedule, VC in Germany is still below the 95%-goal defined by WHO. For people at occupational risk of HBV exposure, VC was mostly reported to be over the WHO goal of 80%, but quality of evidence was heterogenous and should be improved. For people at non-occupational risk of HBV exposure, evidence was sparse and of low quality. The low VC highlights the need for future research to plan vaccination programmes targeting these populations.
Comparison of in Silico Strategies to Prioritize Rare Genomic Variants Impacting RNA Splicing for the Diagnosis of Genomic Disorders
Authors: Rowlands Charlie , Thomas Huw B , Lord Jenny , Wai Htoo A , Arno Gavin , Beaman Glenda , Sergouniotis Panagiotis , Gomes-Silva Beatriz , Campbell Christopher , Gossan Nicole , Hardcastle Claire , Webb Kevin , O’Callaghan Christopher , Hirst Robert A , Ramsden Simon , Jones Elizabeth , -Smith Jill Clayton , Webster Andrew R , Douglas Andrew GL , O’Keefe Raymond T , Newman William G , Baralle Diana , Black Graeme CM , Ellingford Jamie M 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The development of computational methods to assess pathogenicity of pre-messenger RNA splicing variants is critical for diagnosis of human disease. We assessed the capability of eight algorithms, and a consensus approach, to prioritize 250 variants of uncertain significance (VUSs) that underwent splicing functional analyses. It is the capability of algorithms to differentiate VUSs away from the immediate splice site as being ‘pathogenic’ or ‘benign’ that is likely to have the most substantial impact on diagnostic testing. We show that SpliceAI is the best single strategy in this regard, but that combined usage of tools using a weighted approach can increase accuracy further. We incorporated prioritization strategies alongside diagnostic testing for rare disorders. We show that 15% of 2783 referred individuals carry rare variants expected to impact splicing that were not initially identified as ‘pathogenic’ or ‘likely pathogenic’; 1 in 5 of these cases could lead to new or refined diagnoses.
Nitrocellulose Catalyzed With Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles: Advanced Energetic Nanocomposite With Superior Decomposition Kinetics
Authors: Elbasuney Sherif , Yehia M. , Ismael Shukri , El-Shaer Yasser , Saleh Ahmed 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Nanostructured energetic materials can fit with advanced energetic first-fire, and electric bridges (microchips). Manganese oxide, with active surface sites (negatively charged surface oxygen, and hydroxyl groups) can experience superior catalytic activity. Manganese oxide could boost decomposition enthalpy, ignitability, and propagation rate. Furthermore manganese oxide could induce vigorous thermite reaction with aluminium particles. Hot solid or liquid particles are desirable for first-fire compositions. This study reports on the facile fabrication of MnO2 nanoparticles of 10 nm average particle size; aluminium nanoplates of 100 nm average particle size were employed. Nitrocellulose (NC) was adopted as energetic polymeric binder. MnO2/Al particles were integrated into NC matrix via co-precipitation technique. Nanothermite particles offered an increase in NC decomposition enthalpy by 150 % using DSC; ignition temperature was decreased by 8 0C. Nanothemrite particles offered enhanced propagation index by 261 %. Kinetic study demonstrated that nanothermite particles experienced drastic decrease in NC activation energy by - 42, and - 40 KJ mol-1 using Kissinger and KAS models respectively. This study shaded the light on novel nanostructured energetic composition, with superior combustion enthalpy, propagation rate, and activation energy.
A Study of Photo-Thermoelastic Wave in Semiconductor Materials With Spherical Holes Using Analytical-numerical Methods
Authors: Alzahrani Faris S. , Abbas Ibrahim 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Analytical and numerical solutions are two basic tools in the study of photothermal interaction problems in semiconductor medium. In this paper, we compare the analytical solutions with the numerical solutions for thermal interaction in semiconductor mediums containing spherical cavities. The governing equations are given in the domain of Laplace transforms and the eigenvalues approaches are used to obtained the analytical solution. The numerical solutions are obtained by applying the implicit finite difference method (IFDM). A comparison between the numerical solutions and analytical solution are presented. It is found that the implicit finite difference method (IFDM) is applicable, simple and efficient for such problems.
Modified Isolated Cerebral Perfusion Technique for Prevention of Stroke With Aortic Arch Replacement
Authors: Maze Yasumi , Tokui Toshiya , Murakami Masahiko , Kawaguchi Teruhisa , Inoue Ryosai , Hirano Koji 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In aortic arch replacement, an isolated cerebral perfusion method has been reported in additional to axillary artery cannulation to prevent postoperative stroke. We have made changes to this method. In other words, we devised a method to reduce cerebral embolism by performing selective cerebral perfusion via an artificial graft anastomosed to the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery. This method was performed in 7 cases, and all patients were discharged alive without any neurological disorders. In the surgical procedure of the aortic arch, sufficient care must be taken in the manipulation around the brachiocephalic artery and the left subclavian artery. Our method can avoid reinsertion due to desorption of the cerebral perfusion cannula and can be expected to prevent postoperative stroke.
Design and Investigation of F-Shaped Tunnel FET With Enhanced Analog/RF Parameters
Authors: SINGH PRABHAT , YADAV DHARMENDRA SINGH 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this manuscript, a novel physically doped single gate F-shaped tunnel FET is simulated and optimized. The designed configuration is well optimized and analyzed for different source thickness, source length, drain length with different lateral tunneling lengths between the source edge and gate dielectric. Also, we optimized some stand-points like threshold voltage, ION to IOFF current ratio, ambipolar conduction range, subthreshold swing and various capacitance to rectify the analog/RF performance of single gate F-shaped TFET. Regarding this, we concurrently optimize the lateral tunneling length between source and gate with optimization of source thickness. The variation in lateral tunneling length, the potential and strength of electric field at fixed Vgs voltage is varied which leads to effective change in the ON-current, average sub-threshold swing, and turn ON-voltage. Another side, as well as the source thickness vary, the electric field variation takes place near the edge of source, which leads to variation in the ON-current and ON-voltage. The performance parameters of single gate F-TFET is compared with single gate L-TFET, which is the incentive of this submitted work. The optimized single gate F-TFET have 0.30 V turn ON-voltage with 7.4 mV/decade average sub-threshold swing and high Ion/Ioff ratio approx 1013. Besides, a significant reduction in parasitic capacitance is beneficial to enhanced RF performance with better controllability on channel.
An Asarone Producing Aspergillus Niger From Asarum Heterotropoides With Whole Genome Sequencing
Authors: Duan Fangyuan , Song Chen , Zeng Deyong , Ju Ting , Cheng Cuilin , Lu Weihong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Asarone could decrease Aβ, APP, Beclin-1level and clearing Aβ accumulation, which makes it to be one potential therapeutic agent for AD treatment. This study investigated the endophytic fungus got from Asarum heterotropoides Fr.Schmidt var. mandshuricum (Maxim.) kitag. The phylogenetic tree based on single copy orthologues at protein level got from genome sequence analysis showed that the endophytic fungus we got was Aspergillus niger. The total length of nonredundant sequences was nearly 34.7 Mb, comprising approximately 61 contigs sequences. In total, 8,755 genes were predicted to encoding proteins, and 18,611,392 high-quality clean reads were generated using the Illumina NovaSeq platform with paired-end sequencing mode. In this study, the theoretical yield of cis-asarone was higher than the traditional ways extracted from essential oil, which was evaluated according to the reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The highest yield appeared from the slant cultivation instead of liquid fermentation, and the mature black spore were the final supporter of cis-asarone. This strain was capable of producing cis-asarone and could be a fascinating reservoir of cis-asarone for further industrial manufacture.
Bioinformatic Comparison of Kunitz Protease Inhibitors in Echinococcus Granulosus and E. Multilocularis and the Genes Expressed in Different Developmental Stages of E. Granulosus
Authors: Zhang Hui , Tian Mengxiao , Qi Wenjing , Wu Juan , Zheng Huajun , Guo Gang , Zhang Liang , Ranasinghe Shiwanthi L. , McManus Donald P. , Li Jun , Zhang Wenbao 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis caused by the tapeworms Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis, respectively, are important zoonotic diseases. Protease inhibitors are crucial for the survival of both Echinococcus spp. Kunitz-type inhibitors play a regulatory role in the control of protease activity. In this study，we identified all the Kunitz-type protease inhibitors present in the genomes of these two tapeworms and analyzed the gene sequences using computational, structural bioinformatics and phylogenetic approaches to evaluate the evolutionary relationships of these genes. Results: A total of 19 genes from E. multilocularis and 23 genes from E. granulosus contained single or multiple Kunitz-domains. A neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree indicated that the E. granulosus and E. multilocularis Kunitz domain peptides were divided into three branches containing 9 clusters. Based on available transcriptome data, we analyzed the expression of these Kunitz-domain protease inhibitors in four major developmental stages of E. granulosus and found they were differentially expressed.Conclusion: We identified 19 and 23 Kunitz protease inhibitors in E. multilocularis and E. granulosus respectively; the majority of these genes were expressed in one or four stages of E. granulosus with some being highly expressed in adult worms indicating that these genes likely play different roles in the different developmental stages.
An Investigation of Clinical Features and Exploration of Comprehensive Treatments for Colorectal Vascular Malformation in Children
Authors: Huang Yanbing , Xu Menghua , Xiao Xianmin , Chen Gong , Huang Yanlei , Dong Kuiran , Zheng Shan , Sun Song 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objectives: To summarize the clinical features, treatment methods, and outcomes of the rare diseases of colorectal vascular malformation (CRVM).Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of CRVM patients admitted to the Department of Pediatric Surgery of Children's Hospital of Fudan University from 2004 to 2019.Results: A total of 23 cases (16 males, 7 females) were enrolled. The median age of symptom onset was 1.4 years. Eleven patients had been misdiagnosed, and the average time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 4.5±4.4 years. Associated vascular malformations in the skin and other parts were found in eight patients. All patients showed a positive anomalous vascular image in the rectum and surrounding areas with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) / magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The sensitivity of endoscopy in the diagnosis of CRVM was 82.6%. A total of 21 patients underwent a modified Soave procedure. The lesions were mostly restricted to the rectum and sigmoid, with an average length of 20±5.4cm. The median follow-up time was 78 months. Bloody stools reappeared within 6 months in three patients, but were cured by sclerotherapy or fulguration. At the last time of follow-up, bloody stool symptoms were absent and hemoglobin was in the normal range for all patients.Conclusions: CRVM occurs more commonly in male children than in female children. Combined with enhanced MRI, CT, and colonoscopy, CRVM diagnosis can be confirmed. The lesioned intestinal segment can be safely removed through a modified transabdominal Soave procedure, effectively curing or relieving hematochezia.
The m6A Methylation Gene SNRPC can be used as a Biomarker for the Prognosis and Immunotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Cai Jihao , Zhou Minglei , Xu Jianxin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world. Due to its complex pathogenic factors, the prognosis of HCC is poor. Therefore, a credible prognostic biomarker is urgently needed for this disease. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation plays an important role in the tumorigenesis, progression and prognosis of many tumors. However, studies on the prognostic and therapeutic value of this modification in HCC are lacking.Case Presentation: The HCC RNA-seq profiles in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases, including 421 LIHC and 440 LIRI samples respectively, were used in this study. The expressive distinction of 21 RNA methylation regulators between HCC and normal tissue were firstly assessed and SNRPC was obtained. Then the expression of SNRPC was validated as a risk factor for prognosis by Kaplan-Meier analysis and employed to establish a nomogram with T pathologic stage. By GSVA and GSEA analyses, we found SNRPC was mainly related to protein metabolism and immune process. Further, ESTIMATE, MCP-counter and single sample GSEA (ssGSEA) algorithm showed high-SNRPC expression group had lower stromal scores, a lower abundance of endothelial cells, fibroblasts and immune infiltration. Ultimately, Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) analysis exhibited high-SNRPC expression group showed non-response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, especially to a PD-1 inhibitor.Conclusion: SNRPC could serve as valuable prognostic and immunotherapeutic marker in HCC. We provide here an accurate nomogram for clinical diagnosis using SNRPC as a biomarker.