bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel clinical nomogram for predicting 3-month unfavorable outcomes of stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Guang , Wang Jia-Hui , Yang Wen-Hao , Zhu Xiao-Qiong , Xue Jie , Li Zhi-Zhang , Kong Yu-Ming , Hu Liang , Jiang Shan-Shan , Xu Xu-Shen , yue yun-hua 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is an effective treatment for large-vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke, however, only some revascularized patients have a good prognosis. For stroke patients undergoing MT, predicting the risk of unfavorable outcomes and adjusting the treatment strategies accordingly can greatly improve prognosis. Therefore, we aimed to develop and validate a nomogram that can predict 3-month unfavorable outcomes for individual stroke patient treated with MT. Methods: We analyzed 238 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent MT from January 2018 to October 2020. The primary outcome was a 3-month unfavorable outcome, assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), 3-6. A nomogram was generated based on a multivariable logistic model. We used the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve to evaluate the discriminative performance and used the calibration curve and Spiegelhalter’s Z-test to assess the calibration performance of the risk prediction model. Results: After multivariable logistic regression, six variables (gender, bridging therapy, postoperative mTICI, stroke-associated pneumonia, preoperative creatinine and Na) remained independent predictors of 3-month unfavorable outcomes in stroke patients treated with MT, thus forming a nomogram. The area under the nomogram curve was 0.848 with good calibration performance (P = 0.946 for the Spiegelhalter’s Z-test). Conclusions: A novel nomogram consisting of gender, bridging therapy, postoperative mTICI, stroke-associated pneumonia, preoperative creatinine and Na can predict the 3-month unfavorable outcomes in stroke patients treated with MT.
A combined miR-34a and arsenic trioxide nanodrug delivery system for synergistic inhibition of HCC progression after microwave ablation
Authors: Hu Jian , Pei Wenceng , Jiang Zhenyou , Li Zihuang 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Microwave ablation (MWA) has become an alternative treatment for unresectable surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but it still faces the risk of recurrence and metastasis after treatment. Recent studies have found that miR-34a presents decreased gene expression in residual tumours after ablation therapy and can increase the therapeutic effect of arsenic trioxide on HCC, which brings new opportunities for its treatment.
Methods
A pH-sensitive charge inversion material was used to construct a nanotargeted delivery system that presents the synergistic effect of miR-34a and As2O3. We established in vitro and in vivo models of microwave ablation of HCC and performed in-depth research on dual drug systems to inhibit the rapid progression of HCC after microwave ablation in cell pyroptosis.
Results
The antitumour effect was enhanced with double-drug nanoparticles relative to a single formulation, and the therapeutic efficacy of the nanoparticles was more significant in a weakly acidic environment. Dual-drug nanoparticles could increase the N-terminal portion of GSDME, decrease the expression of Cyt-c and c-met.
Conclusions
Dual-drug nanoparticles may improve the therapeutic efficacy of HCC with insufficient ablation through Cyt-c and GSDME-N and decrease the expression levels of c-met. It is expected to provide new treatment methods for residual liver cancer after microwave ablation, prolong the survival of patients and improve quality of life.
High and daily exposure to precariousness negatively impacts the prescriptions of general practitioners to precarious populations: an observational pharmaco-epidemiological study investigating inequalities in access to health care in France
Authors: BIRAULT François , BONHEUR Lakshmipriva LE , CLODION Sandivanie , JAAFARI Nematollah , PERAULT-POCHAT Marie-Christine , THIRIOUX Bérangère 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background

The association between precariousness and lack of access to health care is well-documented. Prescribing drugs is one promising marker for this health care inequality. A recent study, carried out on the entire French population, has developed a new measurement model based on the 20 most prescribed molecules. It reports that drugs, targeting diseases known to more affect precarious populations, are under-prescribed by general practitioners (GP) to these populations. If these findings highlight unequal drugs prescriptions between populations despite epidemiological factors, it is still unknown whether a high and daily exposure to precariousness negatively impacts GPs prescriptions. Here, we investigated whether there are more inequalities in prescriptions of GPs who are highly and daily exposed to precariousness, compared to GPs who are less exposed to precariousness.
Methods

This retrospective pharmaco-epidemiological study compared the Defined Daily Dose relative to different reimbursed drugs prescribed by GPs to precarious and non-precarious patients in four French regions respectively with low and high precariousness prevalence in 2015. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVAs (Sphericity correction: Greenhouse-Geisser; Post-Hoc Tests, Bonferroni corrected).
Results

2 out of 20 molecules were significantly over-prescribed (tamsulosine and timolol) and 7 were under-prescribed (amoxicillin, econazole, ciclopirox, prednisolone, paracetamol, cromolyn sodium, ibuprofen) to precarious populations in regions with high precariousness prevalence.
Conclusions

The over-reimbursement of tamsulosine and timolol did not reflect the negative impact of exposure to precariousness on the GPs prescriptions but a failure of the health system to compensate for inequalities in access to chirurgical treatments. In contrast, the under-reimbursement of amoxicillin, ciclopirox and econazole indicated an effect of the exposure to precariousness on GPs’ prescriptions, these molecules targeting acute diseases that affect more significantly precarious than non-precarious populations. The same explanation is probably suitable for the under-reimbursement of prednisolone, paracetamol, cromolyn sodium, and ibuprofen, although their various indications render difficult to delimitate the clinical purpose at the basis of their prescription. We assume that exhausting working conditions, repeated exposures to difficult living conditions, and repeated experiences of failure impairs empathic skills in GPs, leading to burnout which negatively impacts the quality of care and, thus, prescriptions.
Palliative radiotherapy for painful lymph node metastases
Authors: Yamaguchi Kohsei , Saito Tetsuo , Toya Ryo , Tomitaka Etsushi , Matsuyama Tomohiko , Fukugawa Yoshiyuki , Watakabe Takahiro , Otsuka Hirohito , Oya Natsuo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: There is limited evidence concerning radiotherapy for painful lymph node metastases (PLM). We evaluated the effectiveness of radiotherapy for PLM using the International Consensus Endpoint in a subgroup analysis of a prospective observational study.Methods: In the primary study, 302 patients received radiotherapy for painful tumors. Among them, those treated with palliative radiotherapy for PLM were analyzed in the present study. We used the Brief Pain Inventory short form to evaluate the intensity of pain and the pain interference in patient's life. We collected the Brief Pain Inventory and analgesic data at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 months after the start of radiotherapy. Pain response was assessed using the International Consensus Endpoint. Patients were diagnosed with a predominance of other pain (POP) if non-index pain of a malignant or unknown origin was present and had a greater 'worst pain' score than the index pain.Results: Radiotherapy for PLM was performed on 25 patients. In total, 15 (60%) patients experienced a pain response. The pain response rates for evaluable patients were 66%, 67%, and 57% at 1-, 2-, and 3-month follow-ups, respectively. At baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 months, the median index pain scores were 7, 2, 0, and 0.5, respectively. At 1 month, all pain interference scores were significantly reduced from baseline. Four (16%) patients experienced POP within three months.Conclusion: Radiotherapy for PLM improved pain intensity and pain interference. Palliative radiotherapy may be a viable treatment option for PLM.
Investigation of tool-workpiece contact rate and milling force in elliptical ultrasonic vibration assisted milling
Authors: Li Zongyuan , Zhu Lida , Yang Zhichao , Ma Jian , Cao Wenbin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Elliptical ultrasonic vibration assisted milling (EUVAM) is widely used as an efficient processing method for hard-to-machining materials such as titanium alloy, superalloy, and hard-brittle materials. To uncover the mechanism of the intermittent cutting characteristics in EUVAM, the tool-workpiece contact rate model is developed by combining with the kinematic relationship between the tool edge and the workpiece in the process. According to the analysis of the contact rate model, the phenomenon that the contact rate increases rapidly with the time-varying tooth position angle in one-dimensional ultrasonic vibration assisted milling can be improved in EUVAM. In addition, considering the variation of window function and undeformed cutting thickness, a force model is established. And the experiment of EUVAM is performed to verify the model of ultrasonic milling force, and the influence of process parameters (amplitude, cutting speed, feed rate and cutting depth) on ultrasonic milling force is also analyzed.
Conjunctival sac bacterial culture of patients using levofloxacin eye drops before cataract surgery: A real-world, retrospective study
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Zhang Pei , Huang Chen , Guo Yining , Dong Xuhe , Li Xuemin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose

To reveal the association between clinical factors and conjunctival sac bacterial load and offer prophylaxis suggestions.
Methods

We retrieved real-world data (RWD) of patients using levofloxacin preoperatively. Retrieved data included information on the conjunctival sac bacterial culture, gender, presence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM), and history of hospital-based surgeries. Data was analyzed using SPSS 24.0.
Results

RWD of 15,415 cases (patients) were retrieved. Among these patients, 5,866 (38.1%) were males and 9,549 (61.9%) females. 5,960 (38.7%) patients had a history of hypertension, and 3,493 (22.7%) patients had a history of DM. 7,555 (49.0%) patients had a history of hospital-based operations. There were 274 (1.8%) positive bacterial cultures. Male patients with hypertension and DM may be at increased risk of having positive bacterial cultures (P < 0.05). Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 56, 20.4%), Kocuria rosea (n = 37, 13.5%), and Micrococcus luteus (n = 32, 11.7%) were the top 3 isolated strains. Most bacterial strains were resistant to various antibiotics except rifampin, and 82.5% (33 of 40 isolates) of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates had multidrug antibiotic resistance. Numbers of culture-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates in the male group and non-DM group were greater than those in the female and DM groups, respectively. Micrococcus luteus (n = 11, 8.8%) was found less frequently in non-hypertension group than in hypertension group.
Conclusion

Gender and the presence of hypertension and DM are risk factors for greater conjunctival sac bacterial loads. We offer a prophylactic suggestion based on the combined use of levofloxacin and rifampin. However, this approach may aggravate risk of multidrug resistance.
Preparation and characterization of PANI/MWCNT/RGO ternary composites as electrode materials for supercapacitors
Authors: Dai Huimin , Rong Li , Su Siyu , Cui Yifan , Lin Yueming , Zhang Liang , Zhu Xiaohong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Electrode materials for supercapacitors are being extensively studied at present, the structural and electrochemcial properties of which are still required to be further improved. Hence, a series of polyaniline/reduced graphene oxide binary composites (PANI/RGO, PG-i, i=2, 4, 5) and polyaniline/multi-walled carbon nanotubes/reduced graphene oxide ternary composites (PANI/MWCNT/RGO, PCG-i, i=2, 4, 5) were prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. The morphology, structure and electrochemical performance of these samples are systematically analyzed and discussed. Analysis exhibits that all the samples have abundant pore structure. By changing the ratio of components, PCG-5 shows superior comprehensive electrochemical performance, including a high specific capacitance of 478 F g-1 at 1 A g-1, a considerable capacitance retention (63.56%, from 1 to 20 A g-1, and 55.33%, from 1 to 50 A g-1) and an extraordinary cycling stability (66.28% after 3500 cycles, at 2 A g-1) in 1 M H2SO4. The results prove that the PANI/MWCNT/RGO ternary composite has great potential as supercapacitor electrodes.
Whole body muscle activity during weightlifting exercise evaluated by positron emission tomography
Authors: Yoshimizu Rikuto , Nakase Junsuke , Mochizuki Takafumi , Takata Yasushi , Shimozaki Kengo , Asai Kazuki , Toyooka Kazu , Kimura Mitsuhiro , Kinuya Seigo , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThis study investigated the whole-body skeletal muscle activity pattern of hang power clean (HPC), a major weight training exercise, using positron emission tomography (PET).MethodTwelve college weightlifting athletes performed three sets of HPC 20 times with a barbell set to 40 kg both before and after an intravenous injection of 37 MBq 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). PET-computed tomography images were obtained 50 min after FDG injection. Regions of interest were defined within 71 muscles. The standardized uptake value was calculated to examine the FDG uptake of muscle tissue per unit volume, and FDG accumulation was compared to the control group. The Mann–Whitney U-test was used to evaluate the differences in the mean SUV between groups. The difference between SUVs of the right and left muscles was evaluated by a paired t-test. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsFDG accumulation within the vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, and vastus medialis was higher than that of the rectus femoris. FDG accumulation within the triceps surae muscle was significantly higher only in the soleus. In the trunk and hip muscles, FDG accumulation of only the erector spinae was significantly increased. In all skeletal muscles, there was no difference between SUVs of the right and left muscles.ConclusionsThe monoarticular muscles in the lower limbs were active in HPC. In contrast, deep muscles in the trunk and hip were not active during HPC. HPC is not suitable for core training and needs to be supplemented with other training.
Spatial analysis of logistics ecological efficiency and its influencing factors in China: based on Super-SBM-Undesirable and spatial Dubin models
Authors: Bai Dongling , Dong Qianli , Khan Syed Abdul Rehman , Chen Yan , Wang Dongfang , Yang Lei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Improving the logistics ecological efficiency (LEE) has become a significant part of ensuring a sustainable development and tackling environmental pollution. Previous studies in the logistics industry seldom considered air pollutants and the association of spatial information. Therefore, innovatively considering SO2, NOx, and PM, this study adopted the Super-SBM-Undesirable model to calculate the LEE of 30 provinces in China from 2004 to 2017, and thereafter, developed information-based matrix to explore its influencing factors by using the spatial Dubin model. The results indicated that: (1) The overall LEE during the study period was low, presenting a U-shaped trend of an initial decrease and subsequent rise, and significant regional differences with the decreasing gradient pattern of the “Eastern-Central-Western.” (2) A spatial directionality distributed from the northeast to southwest, and a significant spatial autocorrelation were observed. (3) The industrial structure had the greatest positive influence on the local LEE, followed by the urbanization level, technology innovation level, environmental regulation, while the energy intensity was identified as the main inhibiting factor, followed by the economic level, energy structure and opening level. (4) The LEE had a significant positive spillover effect; the energy intensity and environmental regulation positively affected the LEE in neighboring areas, while the opening level had negative impacts. In addition, policy recommendations for enhancing the LEE were made.
A Nucleolus-Based Quota Allocation Model for the Bitcoin-Refunded Blockchain Network
Authors: Bolonhez Eduardo , Silva Thuener , Santos Bruno Fanzeres dos 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The Bitcoin operates in a Blockchain network under which a group of participants are responsible for adding new blocks into the chain. These participants are called miners and the ones that successfully add a block into the network receive a reward for their work. As the technology evolved over the years, this "mining" process has become more challenging with miners facing long periods without positive cash flow, while still having costs associated. This resulting business architecture has driving participants away from the technology, jeopardizing its operations, and defying its progression. In order to cope with this issue, an alternative to provide miners' financial sustainability is to join a mining pool, which main purpose is to mitigate this cash flow sparsity by sharing the (more-recurrent) rewards obtained by the group. Therefore, in this work, we propose a reward sharing methodology for mining pools based on the Nucleolus of a stochastic cooperative game. A risk-averse value functional based on the Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR) is used to characterize the game's certainty equivalent. Two numerical experiments were conducted in this work: (i) one based on a small, illustrative network; and (ii) one derived from real data of the Bitcoin-refunded Blockchain network. The focus of the experiments is on the incremental value of the proposed methodology over using intuitive allocations (uniform and based on computational power) and in what extent the relative increase in the mining likelihood by playing as a group benefits the pool stability. Finally, we discuss and numerically analyze a nested procedure based on the proposed Nucleolus-based allocation seeking for higher "fairness" in sharing the pool rewards.
COVID-19 was found in A Patient's CSF Who Presented with A Severe form of Guillain Barre Syndrome; A Successful Sudanese Story: A Case Report
Authors: Ibrahim Etedal Ahmed A. , Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Salah Elmuntasir Taha 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background:

Neurological manifestation and complications are common due to the coronavirus infectious disease COVID-19. It affects higher functions, cranial nerves and the motor system. It can lead to headaches, convulsions, mental and psychological changes like delirium and insomnia. Guillain Barre syndrome rarely occurs as a consequence of or in co-incidence with COVID-19. The authors report a case of Guillain Barre syndrome as an example of a success story in managing a complicated case of COVID-19 in an elderly male with signs of a poor prognosis.
Case presentation:

A previously healthy 70-year-old man presented (on the 25th of June, 2020) with a fever and cough followed by quadriplegia and facial weakness one week later. He tested positive for COVID-19, and a nerve conduction study revealed demyelinating neuropathy consistent with Guillain Barre syndrome. He received treatment in the form of intravenous immunoglobulin with marked improvement despite poor prognostic features.
Conclusion:

Patients with COVID-19 can present with any symptoms, including diseases of the nervous system and peripheral nerves such as Guillain Barre syndrome, which respond very well to IVIG treatment despite poor prognostic factors such as old age, gender, rapid onset of complete paralysis, lymphopenia and a ground-glass appearance on CT chest scans, which all existed in this case.
Defect Engineering of BCZT–based Piezoelectric Ceramics with High Piezoelectric Properties
Authors: Wang Xinjian , Huan Yu , Zhu Yixuan , Zhang Peng , Yang Wenlong , Li Peng , Wei Tao , Li Longtu , Wang Xiaohui 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The intrinsic conduction mechanism and optimal sintering atmosphere of (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 (BCZT) ceramics was regulated by doping Mn element in this work. By Hall and impedance analysis, the undoped BCZT ceramics exhibit a typical n–type conduction mechanism, and the electron concentration decreases with the increasing oxygen partial pressure. Therefore, the undoped ceramics exhibit best electrical properties (d33 = 585 pC/N, kp = 56%) in O2. A handful of Mn doping element would transfer the conduction mechanism from n-type into p–type. And the hole concentration reduces with the decreasing oxygen partial pressure for Mn-doped BCZT ceramics. Therefore, the Mn-doped ceramics sintered in N2 have the highest insulation resistance and best piezoelectric properties (d33 = 505 pC/N, kp = 50%). The experimental results demonstrate that the doping Mn element can effectively adjusts the intrinsic conduction mechanism and then predicts the optimal atmosphere.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Large/Giant Gallstones: Case Report and Brief Review of Literature.
Authors: Shrestha Anup , Bhattarai Shachee , Shrestha Shreya , Chand Manoj , Bhattarai Abhishek 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background Gallstones disease (GSD) is the most common biliary pathology. GSD is one of the common surgical problems in which lead people admit to the hospital in Nepal. Its prevalence is found to be 4.87%. The size of a gallstone is important, as giant/large gallstones have a higher risk of complications and present technical difficulties during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Open cholecystectomy is preferred in most cases with giant gallstones. With the availability of experienced laparoscopic surgeons and modern laparoscopic equipment LC is also feasible in large/giant gallstones. In this case report, we report 2 cases of one large and one giant gallstone each which were successfully done laparoscopically.Case Presentation Case 1 A 51 years old female presented with 5 months history of intermittent right upper quadrant colicky pain related to fatty food with no significant past medical and surgical history.Ultrasound abdomen showed normal gallbladder with multiple gallstones, largest measuring approximately 4cms. She was planned for elective LC. The gallbladder was removed out after extension of the infra-umbilical incision. On the cut section, we found multiple gallstones with one large gallstone measuring 4*3.3*3 cm and weighted 23.2 gm. Her post-operative period was uneventful. Case 2﻿ A 39 years old female, known case of hypertension under calcium channel blocker(CCB) and angiotensin receptor blocker(ARBs) presented with 5 months history of intermittent right upper quadrant colicky pain related to fatty foods with non-significant surgical history. Ultrasound abdomen showed a normal gallbladder with a single large gallstone (approximately 4.7 cm). Elective LC was performed and the gallbladder was removed out after extension of infraumbilical incision. On the cut section, we found a single giant gallstone measuring 5* 3*2.8 cm and weighted 24.7 gm. Her post-operative period was uneventful.Conclusion Large/giant gallstones are associated with a high risk of complications and cholecystectomy is warranted in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Even for large/giant gallstones, LC appears to be the treatment of choice over open cholecystectomy and should be performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon, taking into consideration the possibility of conversion to open in case of inability to expose the anatomy and any intraoperative technical difficulties.