bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Retrospective Cross Sectional Study of Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Factors of Covid 19 Patients Admitted to a Gambian Teaching Hospital
Authors: Bittaye Sheikh Omar , Jagne Abubacarr , Badjan Abdoulie , Fofana Babakunta , Barrow Ebrima , Sonko Ismaila , Danso Morikebba , Secka Ramatoulie , Jarjue Landing , Goddard George , Cham Musa , Sallah Sainabou , Joof Sohna , Sohna Momodou , Danso Maimuna , Estrada William , Ramos Julio Antonio Perez , Acevedo Marcos Antonio Sastre , Mendez Federico Carlos , Roberts Charles Adeyemi , Bittaye Mustapha , Samateh Ahmadou , Njie Ramatoulie , Nyan Ousman 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The first case of Novel coronavirus disease (COVID 19) was diagnosed in The Gambia on the 17th March 2020. We therefore investigate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of COVID 19 patients admitted at a Gambian teaching Hospital. Method: Out of 407 suspected COVID 19 patients, 137 (33.7%) tested positive for COVID 19 and were recruited. Clinical features, treatment and outcomes were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess prognostic factors of survival in our patients. Results: The median age of our patients was 60 years (19-100) and 86 (62.8%) were men. Eighty nine (64.9%) patients had co-morbidities, mostly Hypertension 51 (37.2%) and Diabetes Mellitus 47 (34.3%). The most common symptoms were cough 71 (51.8%) and dyspnea 53 (38.7%) and majority of patients presented with SPO ≤ 93% 75 (54.7%). Patients with SPO2 ≤ 93% were older 63.2 vs. 53.1 years (p=0.001), more likely to present with dyspnea (p=0.002), Cough (0.035), higher respiratory rate (p<0.001) and co-morbidities (p=0.009) compared to patients with SPO2>93%. Non survivors were older 63.2 vs 53.1 years (p=0.001), more likely to present with higher respiratory rate (p=0.014), lower oxygen saturation (p=<0.001), to be referred from lower level health facility (p=0.012) and to have Diabetes mellitus (p=0.007) as compared to survivors. Our cumulative mortality is 49 (35.8%) and mortality rate of patients referred from lower level heath facilities was 46 % as compared to 25 % for self referred patients. Multivariate analysis showed increasing odds of mortality independently associated with Age≥ 60 years (odd ratio, 2.87: 95% CI, 1.21 to 6.83, p=0.012), Diabetes mellitus (odd ratio, 3.47: 95% CI, 1.44 to 8.36, p=0.006), oxygen saturation ≤ 93% (odd ratio, 3.18: 95% CI, 1.27 to 7.99, p=0.014) and referral from lower level health facility (odd ratio, 2.87: 95% CI, 1.11 to 6.82, p=0.017).Conclusion: Older patients, patients with Diabetes Mellitus, hypoxemia or patients referred from lower level health facilities are at increased risk of death. In resource limited countries where critical care/emergency medicine resources are limited, our results may help guide the clinical management of patients with severe COVID-19.
Optimizing Genomic Selection in Dezhou Donkey Using Low Coverage Whole Genome Sequencing
Authors: Zhao Changheng , Teng Jun , Zhang Xinhao , Wang Dan , Zhang Xinyi , Li Shiyin , Li Haijing , Jiang Xin , Ning Chao , Zhang Qin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background

Low coverage whole genome sequencing is a low-cost genotyping technology. Combining with genotype imputation approaches, it is likely to become a critical component of cost-efficient genomic selection programs in agricultural livestock. Here, we used the low-coverage sequence data of 617 Dezhou donkeys to investigate the performance of genotype imputation for low coverage whole genome sequence data and genomic selection based on the imputed genotype data. The specific aims were: (i) to measure the accuracy of genotype imputation under different sequencing depths, sample sizes, MAFs, and imputation pipelines; and (ii) to assess the accuracy of genomic selection under different marker densities derived from the imputed sequence data, different strategies for constructing the genomic relationship matrixes, and single- vs multi-trait models.
Results

We found that a high imputation accuracy (> 0.95) can be achieved for sequence data with sequencing depth as low as 1x and the number of sequenced individuals equal to 400. For genomic selection, the best performance was obtained by using a marker density of 410K and a G matrix constructed using marker dosage information. Multi-trait GBLUP performed better than single-trait GBLUP.
Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that low coverage whole genome sequencing would be a cost-effective method for genomic selection in Dezhou Donkey.
Mechanism of Baicalein in Brain Injury After Intracerebral Hemorrhage by Inhibiting the ROS/NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway
Authors: Chen Xuan , Zhou Yue , Wang Shanshan , Wang Wei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating subtype of stroke with high disability/mortality. Baicalein has strong anti-inflammatory activity. This study aims to explore the mechanism of baicalein on brain injury after ICH. The model of brain injury after ICH was established by collagenase induction, followed by the evaluation of neurological severity, brain water content, the degenerated neurons, neuronal apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ICH model was treated with baicalein and silencing NLRP3 to detect brain injury. The expression of NLRP3 inflammasome was detected after treatment with ROS scavenger. The expression of oxidative stress markers and inflammatory factors were detected, and the levels of components in NLRP3 inflammasome were detected. Baicalein reduced the damage of nervous system, lesion surface, brain water content and apoptosis. Baicalein inhibited malondialdehyde and increased IL-10 by inhibiting ROS in brain tissue after ICH. Baicalein inhibited the high expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in ICH. ROS scavenger inhibited the NLRP3 inflammatory response by inhibiting ROS levels. Silencing NLRP3 alleviated the brain injury after ICH by inhibiting excessive oxidative stress and inflammatory factors. Overall, baicalein alleviated the brain injury after ICH by inhibiting ROS and NLRP3 inflammasome.
Development of an Artificial Neural Network Model and Comparison with Nomogram for Prediction of Pathological Complete Response After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Jung Ji-Jung , Kang Eunyoung , Kim Eun-Kyu , Kim Jee Hyun , Kim Se Hyun , Suh Koung Jin , Kim Sun Mi , Jang Mijung , Yun Bo La , Park So Yeon , Shin Hee-Chul 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Identifying breast cancer patients who may benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy will facilitate personalized treatment regarding chemotherapy and surgery. In our work, we developed two predictive models, nomogram and a machine learning model based on artificial neural network (ANN), to anticipate pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer. We demonstrated that high level of estrogen receptor (ER) positivity, positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status, complete response on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), abnormal CEA level after NAC, and abnormal CA15-3 level after NAC were significant predictors of pCR. A nomogram and ANN model trained to predict pCR were developed using these five predictors. The performance of the two models were tested using a fully independent test set. Validation test showed the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.789 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.707-0.871) for the nomogram and 0.876 (95% CI, 0.808-0.943) for the ANN model. Both models showed excellent performance, but the ANN model performed better in terms of accuracy and discrimination. Machine-learning algorithms hold promise in medical application and provide better prediction than nomogram.
Are there Predilection Sites for Intracranial Meningioma? A Population-Based Atlas
Authors: Hosainey Sayied Abdol Mohieb , Bouget David , Reinertsen Ingerid , Sagberg Lisa Millgård , Torp Sverre Helge , Jakola Asgeir Store , Solheim Ole 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Meningioma is the most common benign intracranial tumor and is believed to arise from arachnoid cap cells of arachnoid granulations. We sought to develop a population-based based atlas from pre-treatment MRIs to explore the distribution of intracranial meningiomas. All adults (≥ 18 years old) diagnosed with intracranial meningiomas and referred to a department of neurosurgery from a defined catchment region between 2006 and 2015 were eligible for inclusion. Pre-treatment T1 contrast-enhanced MRI weighted brain scans were used for semi-automated tumor segmentation to develop the meningioma atlas. Patient variables used in the statistical analyses included age, gender, tumor locations, WHO grade and tumor volume. A total of 602 patients with intracranial meningiomas were identified. The spatial distribution of meningioma within the brain is not uniform and there were more tumors in the frontal region, especially parasagittally, along the anterior part of the falx, and on the skull base of the frontal and middle cranial fossa. More than 2/3 meningioma patients were females (p < 0.001) who also were more likely to have multiple meningiomas (p < 0.01), while men more often have supratentorial meningiomas (p < 0.01). Tumor location was not associated with age or WHO grade. The distribution of meningioma exhibit an anterior to posterior gradient in the brain. Distribution of meningiomas is not dependent on histopathological WHO grade, but may be gender related.
Genetic Mapping And Genomic Prediction For Northern Corn Leaf Blight (Exserohilum Turcicum (Pass.) Leonard And Suggs) Resistance
Authors: Balasundara D.C. , Lohithaswa H. C. , Rahul M. , Ravikumar R. L. , Pandravada Anand , Bhatia Bhupendra S. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) of maize caused by Exserohilum turcicum is a serious foliar disease. Resistance to NCLB is complexly inherited and the highly significant genotype x environment interaction effect makes selection of resistant genotypes difficult through conventional breeding methods. Hence an attempt was made to identify the genomic regions associated with NCLB resistance and perform genomic selection (GS) in two F2:3 populations derived from the crosses CM212 × MAI172 (Population-1) and CM202 × SKV50 (Population-2). Results: Two populations, each comprising of 366 progenies, were phenotyped at three different locations in the disease screening nurseries. Linkage analysis using 297 polymorphic SNPs in Population-1 and 290 polymorphic SNPs in Population-2 revealed 10 linkage groups spanning 3623.88cM and 4261.92cM with an average distance of 12.40 cM and 14.9 cM, respectively. Location-wise and pooled data across locations indicated that QTL expression was population and environment specific. The genomic prediction accuracies of 0.83 and 0.79 were achieved for NCLB Population 1 and Population 2, respectively. The resistant progenies from both populations were advanced to derive inbred lines and crossed with four different testers in line x tester mating design to test for their combining ability. High overall general combining ability was exhibited by 21 inbred lines. Among crosses 48 % were assigned high overall specific combining ability status. Out of 136 single crosses, seven recorded significant positive standard heterosis over the best check for grain yield. The clustering pattern of inbred lines developed from the two populations revealed high molecular diversity. Conclusions: In this study, comparatively better genomic prediction accuracies were achieved for NCLB and the worth of F3 progenies with high genomic predictions was proved by advancing them to derive inbred lines and establishing their higher combining ability for yield and yield related traits.
Exosomes From Human Umbilical Cord-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviate Osteoarthritis by Balancing the Synthesis and Degradation of Cartilage Extracellular Matrix and Regulating Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Li Pengdong , Lv Shuang , Jiang Wenyue , Si Lihui , Liao Baojian , Zhao Guifang , Xu Ziran , Wang Lina , Zhang Jia , Wu Haitao , Peng Qian , Li Zhaohui , Qi Ling , Chi Guangfan , Li Yulin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint diseases and a major public health concern. Current therapies for OA can relieve symptoms but offer no potential for cartilage regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely used for the treatment of OA owing to their paracrine secretion of trophic factors, a phenomenon in which exosomes may play a major role. Here, we investigated the potential of exosomes from human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs-Exos) at alleviating OA.MethodshUC-MSCs were isolated, cultured, and identified based on the expression of MSC markers and multipotency differentiation. hUC-MSCs-Exos were harvested from hUC-MSC conditioned medium using a sequential centrifugation method. Transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, flow cytometry, and western blotting were used to identify the exosomes. The effects of hUC-MSCs-Exos on the proliferation and migration of human chondrocytes were evaluated using the cell counting kit-8, EdU-555 cell proliferation kit, and transwell assays. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the effect of exosomes on chondrocyte apoptosis. An in vitro model of human articular chondrocytes treated with interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) was used to evaluate the effects of exosomes; analyses involved using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunofluorescence, and western blotting. The role of exosomes in macrophage polarization was examined in the monocyte cell line, THP-1. Rats with surgically induced OA (ACLT+pMMx method) were intra-articularly injected with hUC-MSCs-Exos. The efficacy of exosome injections was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin and safranin-O and fast green staining, and immunohistochemistry.ResultsWe confirmed the superior efficacy of hUC-MSCs-Exos at promoting chondrocyte proliferation and migration and inhibiting chondrocyte apoptosis. Additionally, hUC-MSCs-Exos reversed IL-1β-induced injury in vitro. hUC-MSCs-Exos could inhibit the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, promote the expression of anti-inflammatory factors, and regulate the polarization of macrophages. hUC-MSCs-Exos attenuated the progression of OA and prevented severe damage to the knee articular cartilage in the rat OA model. ConclusionshUC-MSCs-Exos exerted immunomodulatory and therapeutic effects in a rat model of OA. These exosomes derived from hUC-MSCs can potentially serve as treatments for OA.
Development of Medical Radiation Shield Using Density-Enhanced Recycled Oyster Shells
Authors: Kim Seon-Chil 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
As radiation-based techniques become an increasingly important tool for medical diagnostics, medical professionals face an increasing risk from the long-term effects of scattered radiation exposure. Although existing radiation-shielding products used in medicine are traditionally lead-based, recently, attention has turned to the development of more eco-friendly materials such as tungsten, bismuth, and barium sulfate. To date, however, the proposed alternative materials have struggled to compete with lead in terms of shielding performance and economic feasibility. This study explores the potential of radiation shielding materials based on the shells of bivalve mollusks such as oysters that are discarded from aquaculture, thereby preventing them from going to landfill. In addition, a firing process for enhancing the shielding performance of the original material is proposed. Experiments showed that shielding sheets comprising 0.3-mm-thick layers of oyster shell achieve a shielding efficiency of 37.32% for the low-energy X-rays typically encountered in medical institutions. In addition, the shielding performance was improved by increasing the density of the powdered oyster shell via plastic working at 1,200°C. This raises the possibility of developing multi-material radiation shields and highlights a new potential avenue for recycling aquacultural waste.
Long-term Outcomes of Intraoperative Radiotherapy For Early-stage Breast Cancer in China: A Multicenter Real-World Study
Authors: Wang Xin , Feng Kexin , Wang Wenyan , Meng Xiangzhi , Liu Jiaqi , Yang Yang , Zhong Yuting , Li Jingruo , Wu Shikai , Li Minghui , Ma Pan , Feng Qinfu , Zeng Hongmei , Gu Yuanting , Li Xiru , Fan Zhaoqing , Wang Xiang 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: To assess the efficacy, safety, and cosmetic effects of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) combined with intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) in Chinese people. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 451 patients who received IORT at four hospitals in China. IORT was delivered directly to the mammary gland before and after surgery. The primary endpoint was ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR). The secondary endpoints were locoregional recurrence (LRR), overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), IORT-related toxicities, and cosmetic outcomes. Results: The median follow-up was 5.4 years (with a range of 1.0 to 11.9 years). The overall IBTR was 1.5%, LRR was 2.8%, and the OS rate and DFS rate were 96.2% and 99.1%, respectively. Only one (0.2%) breast cancer-related death was recorded. The cancer-related distant metastasis rate was 0.6%. There was no intraoperative or postoperative radiation-related acute hematological toxicity or other complications. Overall, 74.3% of patients graded the cosmetic effect as excellent or good. The LRR for pre-excision IORT was 3.0%, whereas that of post-excision IORT was 2.8% (pre-IORT vs. post-IORT, p=0.772). Distant metastases rate was 2.3% for pre-IORT and 1.8% for post-IORT (pre-IORT vs. post-IORT, p=0.692). The cancer-related death rate was 0.7% for pre-IORT and 0.0% for post-IORT (pre-IORT vs. post-IORT, p=0.899). The DFS rate was 94.7% in the pre-IORT group and 95.3% in the post-IORT group. (p=0.672). The LRR was 2.4%, whereas the OS rate was 99.5% after adjusting for the age of patients according to the recommended criteria by the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), and the DFS rate was 98.1%. Conclusions: IORT significantly reduced the treatment time while preserving a high degree of locoregional control and cosmetic effects.
Exploring farmers’ perception on climate-induced events and adaptation practices to protect crop production and livestock farming in Haor area of northeastern Bangladesh
Authors: Fahim Tasneem Chowdhury , Sikder Bivuti Bhushan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Bangladesh is confronting terrible impacts of climate change on agriculture across the country, especially in the low-lying area like- Haor, coastal region, and islands. This behavioral study (N = 320) examines the perception and knowledge of farmers on climate-induced events and experiences, and explores the adaptation practices they adopt to protect crop production and livestock farming from the impact of climate change in the Northeastern Haor area of the country. Using triangulation method, it is detected that farmers of the study area have erroneous idea on climate change and the causes of frequent climate extremes. Study results show that respondents’ perception and experiences on climate-induced event are verified positively with the historical trend and time-series analysis of climate indicators as well as with the findings of researchers using PRA tools and techniques. This study explores the traditional and systematic adaptation approaches of farmers which are practiced in individual or community level. The rationale of each of the approach from respondents’ side is also analyzed in the study. It is statistically tested using chi-square that some of the scientific and systematic adaptation options for crop production is predominantly influenced by the educational qualifications of the respondents. The study reveals that lack of proper information prevents subsistence farmers to find the most effective adaptation pathways.
“The medications are the decision-makers…” Making reproductive and medication use decisions among female patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a constructivist Grounded Theory
Authors: Rebić Nevena , Munro Sarah , Garg Ria , Hazlewood Glen , Amiri Neda , Baldwin Corisande , Ensworth Stephanie , Proulx Laurie , De Vera Mary A 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective
To examine how female patients with RA form decisions about having children, pregnancy, and medication use.
Methods
We employed a constructivist grounded theory design and recruited female participants who are 18 years or older, have a rheumatologist-confirmed RA diagnosis, live in Canada, and able to communicate in English or French. We collected data through semi-structured individual and focus group interviews using telephone or video conferencing technology. Data collection and analysis were iterative, employed theoretical sampling, reflexive journaling, and peer debriefing, and culminated in a theoretical model.
Results
We recruited 21 participants with a mean age of 34 years and median 10 years since RA diagnosis. Overall, 33% had never been pregnant, 57% had previously been pregnant, and 10% were pregnant at the time of interview. Of those who had experienced pregnancy, 64% had at least one pregnancy while diagnosed with RA and of those, 56% used DMARD(s) during a pregnancy. We constructed a woman-centered framework depicting the dynamic relationships between 4 decision-making processes: 1) using medications, 2) having children, 3) planning pregnancy, and 4) parenting. These processes were influenced by participants’ intersecting identities and contextual factors, particularly attitudes towards health and medications, disease onset and severity, familial support system, and healthcare provider relationship.
Conclusion
Our framework provides insight into how patients make reproductive decisions in the context of managing RA. A patient-centered care approach is suggested to support female patients with RA in making reproductive and medication choices aligning with their individual desires, needs, and values.
Preparation of g-C3N4/MoS2 Composite Material and Its Visible Light Catalytic Performance
Authors: Fan Yu , Yang Yan-ning , Ding Chen 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The g-C3N4 nanosheet was prepared by calcination method, the MoS2 nanosheet was prepared by hydrothermal method. The g-C3N4/MoS2 composites were prepared by ultrasonic composite in anhydrous ethanol. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and photoluminescence (PL) techniques were used to characterize the materials. The photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh B) by g-C3N4/MoS2 composites with different mass ratios was investigated under visible light. The results show that a small amount of MoS2 combined with g-C3N4 can significantly improve photocatalytic activity. The g-C3N4/MoS2 composite with a mass ratio of 1:8 has the highest photocatalytic activity, and the degradation rate of Rh B increases from 50% to 99.6%. The main reason is that MoS2 and g-C3N4 have a matching band structure. The separation rate of photogenerated electron-hole pairs is enhanced. So the g-C3N4/MoS2 composite can improve the photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic mechanism was proposed through the active matter capture experiment.