bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between the level of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide and in-hospital mortality in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD without a history of coronary ischemic heart disease: a retrospective study
Authors: Cui Jiyun , Liu Jie , Wang Jing , Lv Meng , Xing Chunyan , Chu Yanbiao 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Previous studies suggested that plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level was often elevated in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and was associated with increased mortality. However, most studies did not consider the fact that conditions such as coronary ischemic heart disease can also increase BNP level. Therefore, we aimed to explore the association between BNP level and in-hospital mortality in patients with AECOPD without a history of coronary ischemic heart disease.Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, patients who were diagnosed with AECOPD using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Nineth Revision (ICD-9 codes) between January 2017 and December 2019. All data were obtained from electronic patient files and medical data intelligence platform of Jinan Central Hospital. BNP level was determined within 24 hours after admission, and the value was log2 transformed. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcome was a composite outcome of in-hospital mortality or invasive mechanical ventilation.Results: A total of 300 patients were included in this study. Univariate cox regression analysis showed that the unadjusted HRs of the primary and secondary outcomes were 1.85 (95% CI, 1.39-2.47) and 1.45 (95% CI, 1.20-1.75), respectively. After adjustment for age, sex, past medical history, smoking status, drinking status, CURB65 (Confusion, Urea > 7mmol/L, Respiratory rate≥30/min, Blood pressure systolic < 90 mmHg or diastolic <60 mmHg and age > 65 years), arterial partial pressure of O2(PaO2), the adjusted HRs of the primary and secondary outcomes were 3.65 (95% CI, 2.54-5.26) and 1.43 (95% CI, 1.14-1.97), respectively. The results of subgroup analysis by age, sex, and lung function were robust. This study was retrospective, so there was no clinical trial registration.Conclusions: The plasma log2BNP level was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality and a composite outcome of in-hospital mortality or invasive mechanical ventilation.
Biological assessment of contaminated shooting range soil using earthworm biomarkers
Authors: Česynaitė Jūratė , Praspaliauskas Marius , Pedišius Nerijus , Sujetoviene Gintare 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The contamination in shooting range soils is widely know ecological problem around the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the toxic effects of contaminated shooting range soil on physiological and biochemical endpoints of Eisenia fetida . A shooting range located in Alytus, Lithuania was chosen as a object to assess the site–specific soil toxicity to earthworm E. fetida . The elevated concentrations of Pb, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn in soil was found along with lower organic matter content and higher soil density, especially closer to the target line. Significant weight loss was observed in earthworms exposed to soil of the most contaminated shooting range site. Significantly higher concentrations of Pb, Cu, Fe, Ni, Sb was determined in the tissues of adult worms from the very end of the shooting range. No juveniles were observed in the most contaminated soil, higher concentrations of Pb, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn were found in the tissues of juveniles exposed to the contaminated soil of study sites were concentrations of lead were lower compared to the most contaminated site, but higher compared to control. Exposure to contaminated soil caused antioxidant system alterations and lipid peroxidation. It was observed a compensatory mechanism between the activities of GR and glutathione S-transferase (GST) under trace elements induced toxicity.
Unveiling the key factor for the phase reconstruction and exsolved metallic particle distribution in perovskites
Authors: Kim Hyunmin , Lim Chasung , Kwon Ohhun , Jeong Hu Young , Choi Sihyuk , Han Jeong Woo , Kim Guntae 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The exsolution of transition metals in perovskite oxides has been actively researched for intelligent catalyst design in energy-related applications. To significantly increase the amount of exsolved particles, the complete phase reconstruction from simple perovskite to Ruddlesden-Popper (R-P) perovskite is greatly desirable. However, a comprehensive understanding of key parameters affecting the phase reconstruction to R-P perovskite is still unexplored. Herein, the oxygen vacancy formation energies (Evf-O) from PrO and TO2 in Pr0.5(Ba/Sr)0.5TO3-δ (T = Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) are proposed as the important factor in determining the type of phase reconstruction in perovskites. Furthermore, using in-situ temperature & environment-controlled X-ray diffraction measurements, we mapped out the phase diagram and found the optimum ‘x’ range required for the complete phase reconstruction to R-P perovskite (x ≥ 0.3) in Pr0.5Ba0.5-xSrxFeO3-δ (PBSF) system. Among PBSF, the (Pr0.5Ba0.2Sr0.3)2FeO4+δ – Fe metal (R-PBSF30) has the smallest size of exsolved Fe metal particles when the phase reconstruction occurs from simple perovskite under reducing condition. The exsolved nano-Fe metal particles exhibited high particle density and are well-distributed on the perovskite surface, showing great catalytic activity in fuel cell mode (1.23 W cm-2 at 800 oC) and high syngas production by co-electrolysis of CO2 and H2O (–1.62 A cm-2 at 1.5 V, 800 oC).
Distribution characteristics, pollution assessment, and source identification of heavy metals in soils around a landfill-farmland multi-source hybrid district
Authors: Liu Honghua , Wang Yuan , Dong Jie , Cao Lixue , Yu Lili , Xin Jia 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Heavy metal pollution is one of the negative impacts deriving from municipal solid waste landfills. Due to the multiple pollution transport pathways (including leachate, runoff, and waste gas) and complex and co-existing potential pollution sources (such as agricultural activities) around landfills, a combination of different pollution assessment methods and source identification tools are required to address pollution distribution and potential risks. In this study, the distribution of eight heavy metals (chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg)) around a landfill were analyzed using 60 topsoil samples. There are no environmental pollution and human carcinogenic risk posed by the heavy metals for the time being. However, high concentration of Cr in soil would cause non-carcinogenic risk for adults in the study area. Besides, the geo-accumulation indices of Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, As, and Hg confirmed anthropogenic accumulation of these heavy metals in soils. Additionally, the potential ecological risk index indicated that Hg posed considerable risk to the eco-environment around the landfill. Sources of the heavy metals in the study area were attributed to natural sources (22.1%), agricultural activities (27.6%), and the landfill (50.3%). As the greatest contributor, the landfill affected heavy metal distribution in nearby surface soils mainly via surface runoff and waste gas. The continuous accumulation of heavy metals and non-carcinogenic risk for adults suggests the necessity for continuous monitoring of heavy metal content and migration around the landfill. This study provides a reference for local authorities in the study area.
A Simple, Precise, and High-Speed Die Edge Detection Framework for the Semiconductor Industry
Authors: Tan Xiao Jian , Leow Wai Zhe , Cheor Wai Loon 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper presents an automated high-speed die edge detection method that is meant to be implemented in non-destructive die-level defects inspection in the semiconductor industry. This paper specifically aims to achieve high accuracy (or yield) of greater than 99.95% with stable performance within a short computation time (i.e., less than 30 ms), provided the targeted unit-per-hour (UPH) is at 30,000. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method, the proposed method is validated using three production units (i.e., Production units A: 6000 units; Production unit B: 3500 units; Production unit C: 4000 units) and is benchmarked to two common edge detection methods that are widely implemented in the semiconductor industry nowadays (i.e., cross-correlation and normalized cross-correlation methods). The results obtained show that the proposed method is capable to perform die edge detection with promising accuracy and stable performance by achieving 100.0% yield in all three production units and outperformed the benchmarking methods. Also, the overall computation time (considering die edge detection and die rotation) of the proposed method is short, which is approximately 30 ms.
Antibiotics prescription for targeted therapy of pediatric invasive pneumococcal diseases in China: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Chen Tian-ming , Li Wen-hui , Wang Fang , Tan Kun , Zhu Qing-xiong , Zhou Kai , Liu Shi-hua , Liu Jing , Bi Jing , Deng Hui-ling , Chen Xue-xia , Li Juan , Wang Yu-min , Zhao Qing , Zhu Liang , Ma Hui-xuan , Li Zhi , Deng Ji-kui , Zhu Chun-hui , Wu Kang-kang , Lin Ai-wei , Li Shuang-jie , Wang Dong-meng , Cai Hui-jun , Zhao Shi-yong , Lu Xu-dong , Ye Lan , Dong Fang , Zhang Wen-shuang , Yang Yong-hong , Liu Gang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is a major cause of bacterial meningitis, septicemia and pneumonia in children. Inappropriate choice of antibiotic can have important adverse consequences for both the individual and the community. Objective: To evaluate antibiotics therapy for children with IPD (invasive pneumococcal diseases) in China.Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted in 14 hospitals from 13 provinces in China. Antibiotics prescription, clinical features and resistance patterns of IPD cases from January 2012 to December 2017 were collected. Appropriateness of targeted antibiotics therapy was assessed.Results: 806 IPD cases were collected. The non-susceptibility rates of S. pneumonia to penicillin and cefotaxime were 40.9% and 20.7% respectively in 492 non-meningitis cases, whereas those were 73.2% and 43.0% respectively in 314 meningitis cases. Carbapenems were used in 21.3% of non-meningitis cases and 42.0% of meningitis cases. For 390 non-meningitis cases with isolates susceptible to cefotaxime, vancomycin and linezolid were used in 17.9% and 8.7% of cases respectively. For 179 meningitis cases with isolates susceptible to cefotaxime, vancomycin and linezolid were prescribed in 55.3% and 15.6% of cases respectively. Overall, therapies resulted inappropriate in 361 (44.8%) of 806 IPD cases, including 232 (28.8%) cases with inappropriate use of carbapenems, 169 (21.0%) cases with inappropriate use of vancomycin and 62 (7.7%) cases with inappropriate use of linezolid.Conclusions: Antibiotic regimens for IPD definite therapy were often excessive with extensive prescription of carbapenems, vancomycin or linezolid in China. Antimicrobial stewardship programs should be implemented to improve antimicrobial use.
HiSpike: A high-throughput cost effective sequencing method for the SARS-CoV-2 spike gene
Authors: Fass Ephraim , Zizelski Gal Valenci , Rubinstein Mor , Freidlin Paul , Rosencwaig Shira , Kutikov Inna , Werner Robert , Ben-Tovim Nofar , Bucris Efrat , Zuckerman Neta , Mor Orna , Mendelson Ella , Dveyrin Zeev , Rorman Efrat , Nissan Israel 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The changing nature of the corona virus of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic poses unprecedented challenges to the world’s health systems. New and virulent emerging spike gene variants, such as the UK 20I/501Y.V1 and South African 20H/501Y.V2, could jeopardize global efforts to produce immunity and reduce mortality. These challenges require effective real-time genomic surveillance solutions that the medical community can quickly adopt. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mediates host receptor recognition and entry into the cell and therefore, it is most susceptible to generation of variants with increased transmissibility and pathogenicity. The spike protein is also the primary target of neutralizing antibodies in COVID-19 patients and the most common antigen for induction of effective vaccine immunity. Therefore, tight monitoring of the spike protein gene variants is key to mitigating COVID-19 spread and vaccine escape mutants. Currently, the ARTIC method for SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing is applied worldwide. However, this method commonly requires more than 96 hours (4–5 days) from start to finish and at present high sample sequence demands, sequencing resources are quickly exhausted. In this work, we present HiSpike, a method for high-throughput targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) of the spike gene. This simple three-step method can be completed in less than 30 hours and can sequence 10-fold more samples compared to the conventional ARTIC method and at a fraction of the cost. HiSpike was proven valid, and has identified, at high quality, multiple spike variants from real-time field samples, such as the UK and the South African variants. This method will certainly be effective in discovering future spike mutations. Therefore, running HiSpike for full sequencing of the spike gene of all positive SARS-CoV-2 samples could be considered for near real-time detection of known and emerging spike mutations as they evolve. HiSpike provides affordable sequencing options to help laboratories conserve resources, hence it provides a tool for widespread monitoring, that can support critical knowledge-based decisions.
The Effect of a Combined Modified Pectoral and Stellate Ganglion Block on Stress and Inflammatory Response in Patients Undergoing Modified Radical
Authors: Geng Jun , Wang Jing , Zhang Yaowen , Song Wenxiang , Zhu Junjia , Chen Jianqing , Wu Zhen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Surgical resection is the primary and most effective method for removing breast tumors, but it is associated with significant stress and inflammatory responses. Previous studies have indicated that these responses can be influenced by anesthetic method. While regional anesthesia has been shown to attenuate stress and inflammatory responses associated with surgical procedure, the effectiveness of combined nerve blocks has not been investigated. Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate whether the combination of a pectoral nerve block (PNB) and stellate ganglion block (SGB) is more effective than a PNB alone in reducing stress and inflammatory responses in women undergoing modified radical mastectomy.Methods: A total of 50 breast cancer patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II were enrolled and randomly allocated to receive either a (1) preoperative ultrasound-guided PNB (20 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine) only (control group, n = 25) or (2) ultrasound-guided PNB (20 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine) combined with a SGB (5 mL of 0.15% ropivacaine) (SGB group, n = 25). The primary outcome was neuroendocrine levels at different time points during the 72-hour postoperative period. Assessed neuroendocrine variables included cortisol, glucose, interleukin (IL)-6, interleukin (IL)-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, hemodynamic variables, sleep quality on the night of surgery, and side effects after surgery.Results: A total of 50 patients completed the study. Cortisol levels were significantly lower in the SGB group compared to the control group at the end of the surgery. Glucose levels at the time of incision were lower in the SGB group than in the control group. The SGB group exhibited significantly lower IL-6 and TNF-a levels compared to the control group at 24 hours post-surgery. There was no significant difference in perioperative IL-10 levels between the two groups. Pain scores up to 12 hours postoperatively were significantly lower in the SGB group, which also exhibited better perioperative hemodynamic stability. Patients in the SGB group reported a better sleep quality on the night of the operation than those in the control group. No side effects were observed in either group.Conclusions: In patients undergoing a modified radical mastectomy, the combination of a SGB and PNB can more effectively blunt perioperative stress and inflammatory responses, as well as postoperative acute pain, compared to a PNB alone. A combined block approach also results in more stable perioperative hemodynamics and a better postoperative sleep quality.
MED29, A Subunit of the Mediator Complex, Possesses Oncogenic Characteristics in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Wu haifang , Chen Ling , Wu Yiguo , Lou Weiming , Nie Penghui , Tang Xiaoli , Fu Fen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Somatic copy number alteration (SCNA) usually accompanies the appearance of tumours; one common example is the 19q13.2 region amplification (AMP). Studies have shown that the 19q13.2 AMP might worsen the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer, and mediator complex subunit 29 (MED29) might be an amplified effector gene within this region. In this study, the role and molecular mechanism of MED29 in ovarian cancer (OvCa), one of the three major tumours in gynaecology, were discussed.Results: According to the transcriptome and survival data from the TCGA database, 19q13.2 AMP corresponded with a worse prognosis of OvCa patients (P = 0.0253), and individuals with 19q13.2 AMP showed increased levels of MED29 mRNA. From the GSE29450 dataset, we found that the gene expression of MED29 was significantly upregulated in OvCa and overexpression of MED29 in OvCa was related to shorter survival. Additionally, pathway analysis based on RNA-seq data indicated that MED29 could activate the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation. Moreover, knockdown of MED29 obvious inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of OVCAR3 and A2780 cells and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M transition in vitro.Conclusion: MED29 could be used as a potential therapeutic target for OvCa treatment.
Emission Inventory and Control Policy for Non-road Construction Machinery in Tianjin
Authors: zhang qijun , wei ning , Yang Lei , Feng Xi , zhang yanjie , Wu lin , Mao hongjun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The establishment of a non-road construction machinery emission inventory forms the basis for the analysis of pollutant emission characteristics and for the formulation of control policy. We analysed and investigated data on populations, emission factors and activity levels for the construction machinery in Tianjin to estimate an emission inventory. Finally, a variety of emission reduction scenarios were used to simulate emission reductions and propose the most effective control policy. The results show that total emissions of CO, HC, NOx, PM10 and PM2.5 from non-road construction machinery in Tianjin of 2018 reached 4180.78, 951.44, 5833.85, 383.92 and 365.70 t, respectively. Forklifts, excavators and loaders were the three most important emission sources in Tianjin. There are clear differences in the emissions of different districts. Large machinery emissions were mainly distributed across the Binhai New Area, which includes high volumes of port machinery and tractors in Tianjin Port. Based on various emission reduction scenarios, the effect of emission reductions is estimated. The IAD affected the reduction of CO and HC emissions with RR values of 17.6% and 17.3%, respectively, while EMO affected the mitigation of PM10 and PM2.5 emissions and RR values by 18.0% and 18.4%, respectively. The emission reduction control policy for non-road construction machinery is proposed, including the accelerated updating of non-road machinery emission standards; integrating diesel engine research and development institutions to accelerate the development of vehicle after-treatment technology; and establishing a cooperation mechanism for scientific research institutes, government departments and enterprises in the control of non-road mobile machinery emissions.
Ultrafast carrier-lattice interactions and interlayer modulations of Bi2Se3 by X-ray free electron laser diffraction
Authors: Kim Sungwon , Kim Youngsam , Kim Jaeseung , Choi Sungwook , Yun Kyuseok , Kim Dongjin , Lim Soo Yeon , Kim Sunam , Chun Sae Hwan , Park Jaeku , Eom Intae , Kim Kyung Sook , Koo Tae-Yeong , Ou Yunbo , Katmis Ferhat , Wen Haidan , Dichiara Anthony , Walko Donald , Landahl Eric , Cheong Hyeonsik , Sim Eunji , Moodera Jagadeesh , Kim Hyunjung 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
As a 3D topological insulator, bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) has potential applications for electrically and optically controllable magnetic and optoelectronic devices. Understanding the coupling with its topological phase requires studying the interactions of carriers with the lattice on time scales down to the sub-picosecond regime. Here we use an X-ray free-electron laser to perform time-resolved diffraction to investigate the ultrafast carrier-induced lattice contractions and interlayer modulations in Bi2Se3 thin films. The lattice contraction depends on the carrier concentration and is followed by an interlayer expansion accompanied by oscillations. Using density functional theory (DFT) and the Lifshitz model, the initial contraction can be explained by van der Waals force modulation of the confined free carrier layers. Band inversion, related to a topological phase transition, is modulated by the expansion of the interlayer distance. These results provide insight into instantaneous topological phases on ultrafast timescales.
A Prothrombotic Thrombocytopenic Disorder Resembling Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Following Coronavirus-19 Vaccination
Authors: Greinacher Andreas , Thiele Thomas , Warkentin Theodore E. , Weisser Karin , Kyrle Paul , Eichinger Sabine 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background. Vaccines are important for managing the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. However, following widespread vaccination using a recombinant adenoviral vector encoding the spike protein antigen of SARS-CoV-2 (AZD1222, AstraZeneca), reports have emerged of some vaccine recipients developing unusual thrombotic events and thrombocytopenia. We investigated whether such patients could have a prothrombotic disorder caused by platelet-activating antibodies directed against platelet factor 4 (PF4), as is known to be caused by heparin and sometimes other environmental triggers.Methods. We summarized the clinical and laboratory features of 9 patients in Germany and Austria who developed thrombosis and thrombocytopenia events following AZD1222 vaccination. Serum from four patients was used to test for anti-PF4/heparin antibodies, both by immunoassay and by platelet activation assays performed in the presence of heparin, PF4, or both.Results. The 9 patients (8 female; median age, 36 [range, 22—49) presented with thrombosis beginning 4 to 16 days post-vaccination: 7 patients had cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), 1 had pulmonary embolism, and 1 had splanchnic vein thrombosis and CVT; 4 patients died. None had received heparin prior to symptom onset. All four patients tested strongly positive for anti-PF4/heparin antibodies by immunoassay; all 4 patients tested strongly positive in the platelet activation assay in the presence of PF4 independently of heparin. Platelet activation was inhibited by high concentrations of heparin, Fc receptor-blocking monoclonal antibody, and intravenous immunoglobulin.Conclusions. The AZD1222 vaccine is associated with development of a prothrombotic disorder that clinically resembles heparin-induced thrombocytopenia but which shows a different serological profile.