bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prediction and assessment of the intrauterine fetal with umbilical cord around neck well-being by daily fetal movement counting chart (DFMC)
Authors: li zijun , Zhou Xin , Zheng Yaqin , Liu Min , Fu Xiaoying , Ye Aimei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Currently, FM is a sole subjective index which depends on self-assessment of pregnant women, and it can objectively reflect the well being of intrauterine fetus. It has been the focus of obstetricians' research and attention how to quantify fetal movement (FM) and change it into a relatively objective evaluation index. We sought to predict and evaluate the well being of intrauterine fetal with umbilical cord around the neck (UCAN) by performance of daily fetal movement counting chart (DFMC).
Methods

To retrospectively select 100-case pregnant women who met the enrolled requirements, and whether the fetal was intrauterine safety or not was predicted by analysis of the DFMC before delivery. According to the different perinatal outcomes after delivery, 100-cases pregnant women were divided into intrauterine safety (IUS) group (44 cases) and intrauterine unsafe (IUNS) group (56 cases). And the independent risk factors of fetal intrauterine safety, including maternal age, gestational week, umbilical artery systolic blood flow to diastolic blood flow ratio (S/D), amniotic fluid index (AFI), modified Fischer score of non stress test (NST), DFMC and mode of delivery were analyzed by multi-factors Binary Logistic Regression.
Results

Only FM and mode of delivery were independent risk factors affecting fetal safety intrauterine (all p value < 0.05). There was no remarkable difference between DFMC prediction and clinical retrospective evaluation of fetal safety in natural delivery and forceps delivery (all P value > 0.05), except in cesarean section (p < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity and Yuden index of DFMC for predicting the intrauterine safety in natural vaginal delivery were 86.5%, 90.0% and 0.77 respectively, and in cesarean section were 66.7%, 94.6% and 0.61, respectively. Abnormal DFMC may account for the highest proportion of emergency cesarean section (87.5%, 35/40).
Conclusions

DFMC can effectively predict and evaluate the well being of intrauterine fetus with UCAN. At the same time, it can also provide limited clinical proofs for pregnant women with UCAN to choose model of delivery.
Could the Crosstalk Between Mdscs and Tregs Have a Role in β-thalassemia?
Authors: Zahran Asmaa M , El-Badawy Omnia , Badawy Eman R. , Ghazaly Marwa , Saad Khaled , Mahmoud Khalid Hashim , Elhoufey Amira , Elsayh Khalid I. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Secondary-iron overload, alloimmunization, and increased risk of infections are common complications in β-thalassemia major (BTM) patients. Tregs and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play an essential role in preventing excessive immune responses. This research aimed to investigate the interaction between Tregs and MDSCs in BTM patients and their relation with disease severity.Methods: This case-control study included 26 patients with BTM and 23 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. All patients were investigated for complete blood picture, serum ferritin, and flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood to detect Tregs, MDSCs, and MDSC subsets.Results: A significant increase was observed in the frequencies of Tregs and MDSCs, particularly MO-MDSCs, in the patients compared with the controls. These cells also showed direct relations with ferritin and TLC and an inverse association with hemoglobin. Furthermore, a positive correlation was seen between Tregs and each of the total MDSCs and MO-MDSCs. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the role Tregs and MDSCs cooperatively plays in the BTM and their importance in suppressing the high activity of the immune system found in those patients due to repeated blood transfusions and antigenic stimulation.
Recurrent KRAS Mutation and Co-mutation of KIT and SF3B1 in Melanoma of the Female Genital Tract
Authors: Cai Yuan-jun , Ke Long-feng , Zhang Wen-wen , Lu Jian-ping , Chen Yan-ping 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Malignant melanoma of the female genital tract is relatively uncommon and accounts for 5% of all melanomas in women. This study aimed to identify driver genes in melanoma of the female genital tract with the purpose of enhancing understanding of disease pathogenesis and identifying potential new therapeutic targets to develop effective therapies. Methods: KIT (CD117) and BRAF expression were detected immunohistochemically. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing techniques were performed to identify the mutational status of BRAF, NRAS, KRAS, NF1, KIT, PDGFRA and SF3B1 on 19 melanomas of the female genital tract, paired with 25 cutaneous melanomas, 18 acral melanomas and 11 melanomas of nasal cavity. Results: Somatic variant analysis identified KRAS (6/19; 32%) as the most commonly mutated gene, followed by KIT (4/19; 21%), SF3B1 (3/19; 16%) and NRAS (1/19; 5%). None of the cases were found to harbor BRAF, NF1 and PDGFRA mutations in melanomas of the female genital tract. However, none of the cases were found to harbor SF3B1 and KIT mutations in cutaneous melanomas, acral melanomas and melanomas of nasal cavity. Recurrent KIT mutations, as well as mutations in the less frequently mutated genes NRAS and SF3B1, were exclusively detected in vulvovaginal melanomas, but not in tumors arising in the cervix. However, recurrent KRAS mutations were detected in similar frequencies in tumors of the vulva, vagina, and cervix. Additionally, recurrent KRAS and KIT mutations occurred predominantly in polygonal and epithelioid cell types of melanoma in the female genital tract. Immunohistochemistry revealed moderate or strong cytoplasmic CD117 expression in 6 of the 19 cases (31.6%).Conclusions: We observed that gynecologic melanoma harbored distinct mutation rates in the KIT, BRAF, SF3B1, KRAS, and NRAS genes. Our findings support the notion that gynecologic melanoma is a distinct entity from non-gynecologic melanoma, and these findings offer insights into future therapeutic options for these patients.
Urinary SARS-CoV-2 RNA is An Indicator For The Progression and Prognosis of COVID-19 Disease
Authors: Tian Maoqing , Zhang Lu , Zhu Kai , Shen Bo , Wang Gang , Song Yuan , Chen Cheng , Liang Wei , Guan Yang , Ding Guohua , Lei Tiechi , Li Xiaogang , Xie Jingyuan , Tong Yongqing , Wang Huiming 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: We aimed to analyse clinical characteristics and find potential factors predicting poor prognosis in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: We analyzed the demographic and clinical data of COVID-19 patients and detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in urine sediments collected from 53 COVID-19 patients enrolled in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January 31, 2020 to February 18, 2020 with qRT-PCR analysis, and then classified those patients based on clinical conditions (severe or non-severe syndrome) and urinary SARS-CoV-2 RNA (URNA- or URNA+). Results: We found that COVID-19 patients with severe syndrome (severe patients) showed significantly higher positive rate (11 of 23, 47.8%) of urinary SARS-CoV-2 RNA than non-severe patients (4 of 30, 13.3%, p = 0.006). URNA+ patients or severe URNA+ subgroup exhibited higher prevalence of inflammation and immune discord, cardiovascular diseases, liver damage and renal disfunction, and higher risk of death than URNA- patients. To understand the potential mechanisms underlying the viral urine shedding, we performed renal histopathological analysis on postmortems of patients with COVID-19 and found that severe renal vascular endothelium lesion characterized by increase of the expression of thrombomodulin and von Willebrand factor, markers to assess the endothelium dysfunction. We proposed a theoretical and mathematic model to depict the potential factors determining the urine shedding of SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions: This study indicated that urinary SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in urine specimens can be used to predict the progression and prognosis of COVID-19 severity.
Predictors of antibiotic prescriptions: a knowledge, attitude and practice survey among physicians in tertiary hospitals in Nigeria
Authors: Ogoina Dimie , Iliyasu Garba , Kwaghe Vivian , Otu Akan , Akase Iorhen Ephram , Adekanmbi Olukemi , Dalhat Mahmmod , Iroezindu Micheal , Aliyu Shamsudin , Oyeyemi Abisoye Sunday , Rotifa Stella , Adeiza Mukhtar Abdulmajid , Unigwe Uche Sonny , Mmerem Juliet Ijeoma , Dayyab Farouq Muhammad , Habib Zaiyad Garba , Otokpa Daniel , Effa Emmanuel , Habib Abdulrazaq Garba 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAs part of the Global Action Plan against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), countries are required to generate local evidence to inform context-specific implementation of national action plans against AMR (NAPAR). We aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding antibiotic prescriptions (APR) and AMR among physicians in tertiary hospitals in Nigeria, and to determine predictors of KAP of APR and AMR. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we enrolled physicians practicing in tertiary hospitals from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASP) by each selected hospital were assessed using a 12 item ASP checklist. We used a structured self-administered questionnaire to assess the KAP of APR and AMR. Frequency of prescriptions of 18 different antibiotics in the prior six months was assessed using a Likert’s scale. KAP and prescription (Pr) scores were classified as good (score≥80%) or average/poor (score<80%). Independent predictors of good knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAPPr) were ascertained using an unconditional logistic regression model. ResultsA total of 1324 physicians out of 1778 (74% response rate) practicing in 12 tertiary hospitals in 11 states across all six geopolitical zones participated in the study. None of the participating hospitals had a formal ASP programme and majority did not implement antimicrobial stewardship strategies. The median KAPPr scores were 71.1%, 77 %, 75% and 53.3%, for the knowledge, attitude, practice, and prescription components, respectively. Only 22.3%, 40.3%, 31.6% and 31.7% of study respondents had good KAPPr, respectively. All respondents had prescribed one or more antibiotics in the prior six months, mostly Amoxicillin-clavulanate (98%), fluoroquinolones (97%), and ceftriaxone (96.8%). About 68% of respondents had prescribed antibiotics from the World Health Organization (WHO) reserve group. Prior AMR training, professional rank, department, and hospital of practice were independently associated with good KAPPr.ConclusionsOur study suggests gaps in knowledge and attitude of APR and AMR with inappropriate prescriptions of antibiotics among physicians practicing in tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. Nigeria’s NAPAR should also target establishment and improvement of ASP in hospitals and address institutional, educational, and professional factors that may influence emergence of AMR in Nigeria.
High strain response and low hysteresis in BaZrO3-modified KNN-based lead-free relaxor ceramics
Authors: Zhang Jian , Liu Zixuan , Zhang Tao , Liu Yunfei , Lyu Yinong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The high driving electric field and the large strain hysteresis was subject to a challenge for piezoelectric actuators’ practical applications. In order to obtain the piezoceramics with giant strain and low hysteresis at small electric field, a ternary solid solution (0.97- x )(K 0.48 Na 0.52 )Nb 0.965 Sb 0.035 -0.03Bi 0.5 (K 0.18 Na 0.82 ) 0.5 ZrO 3 - x BaZrO 3 ( x = 0-0.06) was designed and synthesized by the traditional solid-state reaction method. The relationships among phase transition, microstructure, and electrical properties of the ceramics samples were systemically investigated. Under a low electric field of 4 kV/mm, the ceramic with x = 0.02 obtained a high strain of 0.29 % ( S max / E max = 729 pm/V) and a low hysteresis of 13.8 %. The excellent piezoelectric properties are mainly attributed to rhombohedral-orthorhombic-tetragonal (R-O-T) phase boundary and the relaxor-to-ferroelectric phase transition. We believe that our research can not only provide the pathway of achieving KNN-based ceramics with high strain and low hysteresis but also promote the practical application of lead-free piezoelectric actuators.
Scrutinizing the Stability and Exploring the Dependence of Thermoelectric Properties on Band Structure of 3d Metal-Based Double Perovskites: An ab-initio Analysis
Authors: Mir Shabir Ahmad , Gupta Dinesh C. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Through the conventional DFT computation, we have designed new oxide double perovskites Ba2BNiO6 (B = Fe and Co). The structural and thermodynamic stabilities are defined by optimizing the crystal energy and determination of tolerance factor and cohesive energies. Thereafter, at the optimized lattice constant, we have explored the different physical properties. The GGA+mBJ electronic band-structure depicts the semiconducting nature for Ba2CoNiO6 while half-metallic with 100% spin polarization for Ba2FeNiO6. The origin of such a diverse band profile upon changing Fe to Co is explained with the help of the orbital diagram and exchange interaction. The eg-eg interaction is strong in these perovskites compared to eg-t2g and t2g-t2g hybridization. The strong exchange interaction among eg states via O-p states happens because the B-O-Ni angle is strictly 180°. Furthermore, due to the narrow bandgaps, we have explored the transport properties to express the applicability of these materials towards thermoelectric technology. Also, herein we have investigated the dependency of transport properties on band profile. The semiconducting nature in Ba2CoNiO6 results in a high ZT~0.8 at room temperature makes it suitable for energy restoration.
Identification of prognostic biomarkers and potential regulatory axes for acute myeloid leukemia based on a competitive endogenous RNA network
Authors: Li Mingde , Chen Ying , Chen Zhaowu , Chen Ming , Huo Xingxing , Bu Su 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common heterogeneous hematological malignancy with unclear pathogenesis and high mortality. Non-coding RNAs have recently received extensive attention. This study explored the potential mechanisms of interaction during the development of AML by analyzing a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network.
Methods

To obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the transcripts and clinical AML data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Bioinformatic analysis was used to predict the function annotation and RNA interaction. The data were used to construct a ceRNA regulatory network and survival analysis was used to discover key genes and predict potential regulatory axes. Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect DEGs in HL-60 and THP-1 cell lines to verify the prediction.
Results

A ceRNA regulatory AML network with 164 lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes was constructed and visualized by Cytoscape software. Six lncRNAs were screened as potential prognostic factors for AML by survival analysis. Additionally, hsa-mir-206 and NFAT5 were discovered as key nodes in the ceRNA network. A CTB-193M12.1/hsa-mir-206/NFAT5 axis that was consistent with the ceRNA theory was identified. The qRT-PCR result showed that, compared with the normal control group, the expression of hsa-mir-206 in HL-60 and THP-1 cells was significantly decreased, while that of NFAT5 was moderately increased.
Conclusions

Therefore, the obtained ceRNA network and the CTB-193M12.1/hsa-mir-206/NFAT5 axis here may provide new view for exploring the pathogenic mechanisms of AML. NFAT5 and hsa-mir-206 were novel clinical predictors that may become key genes in AML.
Numerical optimization for the geometrical configuration of ceramics perform in ZTAP/HCCI wear resistant composites based on actual particle model
Authors: Xu Ruiju , Lu Tianlong , Zhang Jiankang , Jiang Yehua , Chong Xiaoyu , Feng Jing 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In order to reduce the thermal stress in high chromium cast iron (HCCI) matrix composites reinforced by zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) ceramic particles, finite element simulation is performed to optimize the geometrical configuration of ceramics perform. The previous model simplifies the overall structure of the ceramic particle preform and adds boundary conditions to simulate the particles, which will cause uncontrollable error in the results. In this work, the equivalent grain models are used to describe the actual preform, making the simulation results closer to the actual experimental results. The solidification process of composite material is simulated and the infiltration between molten iron and ceramic particles was realized. Thermal stress in solidification process and compression stress distribution are obtained. The results show that adding 10mm round holes on the preform can improve the performance of the composite, which is helpful to prevent the cracks and increases the plasticity of the material.
Cervico-thoracic pain and associated impairments in air force personnel: a cross-sectional cohort study
Authors: Tegern Matthias , Aasa Ulrika , Larsson Helena 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background:Pain and impaired function in the cervical region is common in Air Force personnel (AFP), but evidence is limited regarding the thoracic region. This cross-sectional cohort study examined associations between cervico-thoracic pain and physical performance among Swedish AFP and explored possible differences and similarities in test performance between fighter pilots (FP), helicopter pilots (HP) and rear crew (RC).Methods:AFP (n=73) from one airbase performed eight tests of movement control of the spine, active cervical range of motion (ROM) in all six directions and isometric strength and endurance of the cervical flexors and extensors. The association between test performance and cervico-thoracic pain (based on the ´Musculoskeletal screening protocol´ questionnaire) were analysed in a multiple binary logistic regression model.Results:For AFP with cervico-thoracic pain (30%), movement control was impaired in neck flexion (OR=3.61) and forward lean (OR=3.43) tests, together with reduced flexion ROM (OR=0.93). Test performance was in general similar between the three groups, but FP and HP could control the forward lean test to a higher degree than RC (p=0.000), FP were more flexible in lateral flexion to the right compared to HP and RC (p=0.000) and they showed higher flexor strength than RC (p=0.015).Conclusions:The impaired function associated with cervico-thoracic pain highlights the need for a deeper understanding of such relationships when designing tools to systematically optimize the physical performance and prevent pain among AFP. Studies with a longitudinal design are warranted to examine any causative associations between pain and impairments.
The predictor for Preoperative Coronal Imbalance in patients with Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis--A related analysis on spinopelvic parameters
Authors: ZHANG Zifang , QI Dengbin , WANG Tianhao , WANG Zheng , WANG Yan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The mechanism of coronal imbalance is still unclear. The relationships among CBD and major curve, L4 and L5 tilt have been reported, which were not explicit although. The aim of this retrospective study was to explore and examine the association between spinopelvic parameters and coronal balance distance (CBD) in degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) patients.Methods Following institutional ethics approval, the radiographs of 161 DLS patients were retrospectively reviewed. The coronal measurements involving CBD, L4 coronal tilt, L5 coronal tilt, fractional curve, pelvic coronal tilt, the Cobb angle and included vertebras of major curve were documented. All of those participants were divided into group A (CBD≥30mm) and group B (CBD < 30mm). Statistical analysis was performed to compare the difference of continuous and categorical variables. Pearson-Correlation, and Multiple-Regression Analysis were performed to explore the related parameter with CBD.Results The CBD in 31 (19.25%) DLS patients at pre-operation was over 30mm. With similar major Cobb angle, main curve of patients in the group A had less involving vertebras (P=0.009), but more rotation of the apical vertebra (P<0.001) compared with that in the group B respectively. Additionally, the L4 coronal tilt in group A was much larger (P=0.02). Pearson-correlation analysis showed that CBD had significant relationship with L4/L5 coronal tilt(P<0.001), weak relationship with fractional curve (P=0.027), but linearly independent with pelvic tilt and major Cobb. Stepwise Multiple- regression analysis revealed that only L4 tilt was the independent predictor for major Cobb and CBD.Conclusions The prevalence of coronal imbalance at pre-operation in DLS patients is about 20%. With similar major Cobb, the less the number of involving vertebra, the higher the incidence of coronal imbalance in DLS patients. L4 coronal tilt would be the predictive variable for progression of scoliosis and global coronal malalignment. Pelvis, the foundation of spine, had less effect on full-spine coronal balance.
Scientific Workflow Scheduling in Mobile Edge Computing Based on a Discrete Butterfly Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Lansky Jan , Mohammadi Mokhtar , Mohammed Adil Hussein , Karim Sarkhel H.Taher , Rashidi Shima , Rahmani Amir Masoud , Hosseinzadeh Mehdi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) is an interesting technology aimed at providing various processing and storage resources at the edge of the Internet of things (IoT) networks. However, MECs contain limited resources, and they should be managed effectively to improve resource utilization. Workflow scheduling is a process that tries to map the workflow tasks to the most proper set of computing resources regarding some objectives. For this purpose, this paper presents DBOA, a discrete version of the Butterfly Optimization Algorithm (BOA) that applies the Levy flight to improve its convergence speed and prevent the local optima problem. Then, DBOA is applied for DVFS-based data-intensive workflow scheduling and data placement in MEC environments. This scheme also employs the HEFT algorithm's task prioritization method to find the task execution order in the scientific workflows. For evaluating the performance of the proposed scheduling scheme, extensive simulations are conducted on various well-known scientific workflows with different sizes. The obtained experimental results indicate that this method can outperform other algorithms regarding energy consumption, data access overheads, etc.