bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic and Predictive Impact of MGMT Promoter Methylation Status in High Risk Grade 2 Glioma
Authors: Haque Waqar , Teh Caitlyn , Butler E. Brian , Teh Bin S. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMGMT promoter methylation has been associated with favorable prognosis and survival outcomes in patients with glioblastoma and grade 3 glioma. However, the effects of promoter methylation of MGMT in patients with grade 2 gliomas have not been established. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the prognostic impact and predictive values of MGMT methylation in patients with grade 2 glioma.MethodsThe National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried (2004-2016) for patients with newly diagnosed grade 2 glioma. Demographics and clinical characteristics of these patients were examined. Statistics included Kaplan-Meier overall survival (OS) analysis alongside Cox proportional hazards modeling.ResultsA total of 11,223 patients met the selection criteria; 1,252 patients (11%) had MGMT testing. Of the patients who had MGMT testing, 58.5% were MGMT methylated (mMGMT), and 43.5% were MGMT unmethylated (uMGMT). mMGMT patients had greater median overall survival (77.3 months) than both uMGMT patients (42.6 months) and patients with no MGMT status reported (61.9 months (p<0.001 for both). mMGMT was also associated with improved OS, when compared to patients with uMGMT, for patients receiving adjuvant chemoradiation or adjuvant radiation therapy.ConclusionsThis is the largest study to date demonstrating both the prognostic and predictive impact of MGMT methylation on patients with grade II glioma. The current results show that mMGMT is a prognostic factor and possibly a predictive biomarker for grade II glioma patients. MGMT methylation status can be used to determine and stratify patients by risk levels, and thus select patients for treatment intensification.
Electrification Potential of U.S. Industrial Boilers and Assessment of the GHG Emissions Impact
Authors: Schoeneberger Carrie , Zhang Jingyi , McMillan Colin , Dunn Jennifer B. , Masanet Eric 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Electrification is a key strategy for decarbonizing the industrial sector. Industrial process heating, which still relies heavily on fossil fuel combustion and accounts for the majority of sector wide GHG emissions, is a particularly attractive electrification target. Electrifying industrial boilers represents a cross-cutting opportunity for GHG emissions reductions, given their widespread use in most manufacturing industries. Yet, there are gaps in the understanding of the current population of conventional industrial boilers in the United States that preclude a characterization of boiler electrification’s technical potential to reduce fuel consumption and GHG emissions. In this study, we develop an up-to-date dataset of the industrial boiler population in the U.S. and quantify the county-level electricity requirements and net changes in fuel use and GHG emissions under the current electric grid and theoretical future grid scenarios. Our results show an increase of 105 MMmtCO2e and 73 MMmtCO2e in GHG emissions from boiler electrification, with and without the replacement of byproduct fuels, respectively, under the current electric grid. GHG emissions savings are currently possible only in certain regions of the U.S. unless future grids are decarbonized. We also provide recommendations for policy makers and manufacturing facilities that would advance the electrification of industrial boilers in locations and industries toward fuel savings and GHG emissions reductions.
Sex Differences in the Relationship of Hip Strength and Functional Performance to Chronic Ankle Instability Scores
Authors: Lu Junlan , Wu Zhigang , Adams Roger , Han Jia , Bin Cai 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Preliminary studies have reported differences in strength and functional performance between sexes for patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury or reconstruction. Similar sex differences may occur in chronic ankle instability (CAI) populations. Factors like hip abduction strength and functional performance may be contributors to sex differences in CAI populations, but their presence and magnitude is unclear. While decreased hip abductor strength, functional performance, and self-reported instability scores have all been shown in association with CAI, any sex difference in the relationship between these indicators is unclear. The study was to determine if sex differences are present in the relationship between these indicators in individuals with CAI.Methods：Thirty-two women and twenty-nine men with unilateral CAI took part. Hip abductor strength and functional performance were respectively assessed using a hand-held dynamometer and the figure-8-hop test. All 61 participants scored the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) for self-reported ankle instability.Results: Normalized hip abductor strength and functional performance measures for females were lower than for males. The self-reported ankle instability CAIT score, where higher values represent less instability, was significantly and positively correlated with normalized hip abductor strength and functional performance on the affected side in females (all p < 0.01), but not in males (all p > 0.19).Conclusions: Sex differences were observed in the relationships of normalized hip abductor strength and functional performance to CAIT scores from the CAI, holding for females but not males, and suggesting that evaluation and rehabilitation strategies should be sex-specific.
Modified Lateral Pressure Formula of Shallow and Circular Silo Considering the Elasticities of Silo Wall and Storage Materials
Authors: Xu Zhijun , Liang Pengfei 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
For the shallow and circular silo(SCS), when the aspect ratio is between 1.0 and 1.5, the lateral pressure especially dynamic pressure may cause destruction if the size of the silo is large. In general, the lateral pressures should be calculated simultaneously according to the shallow silo and the deep silo calculation formulas based on Rankine’s earth pressure theory and Janssen’s theory, respectively, and the larger value of them should be adopted. However, whether the two formulas are reasonable needs to be verified. This paper proposed a modified calculation method of lateral pressure on the silo wall of SCS, considering the elasticities of silo wall and storage materials. The availability of shallow silo and deep silo methods, and the modified method were compared with the experiment and simulation. The results show that the Rankine’s formula is too conservative for the static lateral pressure, and the results of the modified method and Janssen formula are close to that of the experimental and simulation. For the dynamic lateral pressure calculation, Rankine theory is unsafe for the discharging load. The relative error of the dynamic lateral pressure based on Janssen theory is between 20% and 30%, which is too large. The dynamic lateral pressure calculated by the modified method is in good agreement with that of the experimental and simulation, and the relative error is less than 10%. Therefore, the modified method of lateral pressure formula is reasonable, which can provide guidance for the safety design of silo structure.
The Effect of Chronic Disease Management on the Treat-to-Target of Gout: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jia Ertao , Hu Shasha , Zhan Zhiying , Ma Wukai , Geng Hongling , Zhu Haiqiong , Zhong Li , Yao Xueming , Wei Jiaxin , Xie Jingjing , Xiao Yuya , Jiang Yubao , Qiu Xia , Xiao Min , Zhang Yanying , Tang Dabin , Zhang Jianyong 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: The treat-to-target (T2T) strategy is essential for patients with gout. However, the rate of T2T is low. This study aimed to explore doctor-led chronic disease management on the T2T of gout, survey the rate of T2T and assess the predictors associated with poor control of serum urate levels (SUA) in a large population of patients with gout receiving urate-lowering treatment (ULT). Methods: A multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted. We surveyed the relevant information of outpatients who received ULT for more than six months using electronic questionnaires, including demographics, disease-related conditions, comorbid conditions, and management. The patients with gout were divided into the SUA > 360 µmol/L and ≤ 360 µmol/L, and the patient characteristics between the two groups were compared. We analyzed the predictors of SUA > 360 µmol/L and poor disease control.Results: We collected 425 (90.8% of the patients) valid questionnaires. There were significant differences in the gender, education level, regular visits, medication adherence, diabetes, economic burden and community doctor's help between the SUA > 360 µmol/L (n=311, 73.18%) and ≤ 360 µmol/L (n=114, 26.82%) groups. The predictors of SUA >360 µmol/L were general medication adherence (OR=2.35; 95% CI 1.17–4.77; p=0.016), poor medication adherence (OR=4.63; 95% CI 2.28–9.51; p<0.001) and community doctor’s help (OR=0.60; 95% CI 0.37–0.97; p=0.036 for full model, OR=0.58; 95% CI 0.36–0.93; p=0.023 for simplified model). There were significant differences in the gender, regular visits, medication adherence, gout popular science, established health files, and community doctor’s help between the not well controlled (n=361, 84.94%) and well controlled (n=61, 14.35%) groups. The predictors of not well controlled were Tophi (OR=2.48; 95% CI 1.17–5.61; p=0.023), general medication adherence (OR=2.78; 95% CI 1.28–6.05; p=0.009), poor medication adherence (OR=6.23; 95% CI 2.68–14.77; p<0.001) and no gout popular science (OR=4.07; 95% CI 1.41–13.91; p=0.015).Conclusion: The T2T and well controlled rates were very low. The medication adherence, the community doctor’s help and gout popular science which was the doctor-led chronic gout management should be further improved to increase the T2T and well controlled rate.Trial registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR2000034700, Registered 15 July 2020. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=55778
Estimating Cardiovascular Health Gains From Eradicating Indoor Cold in Australia
Authors: Singh Ankur , Mizdrak Anja , Daniel Lyrian , Blakely Tony , Baker Emma , Alfonzo Ludmila Fleitas , Bentley Rebecca 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background

Exposure to cold indoor temperature (<18 degrees Celsius) increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and has been identified by the WHO as a source of unhealthy housing. While warming homes has the potential to reduce CVD risk, the reduction in disease burden is not known. We simulated the population health gains from reduced CVD burden if all homes in Australia were adequately warm.
Methods

The health effect of eradicating cold housing through reductions in CVD was simulated using proportional multistate lifetable model. The model sourced CVD burden and epidemiological data from Australian and Global Burden of Disease studies. The prevalence of cold housing in Australia was estimated from the Australian Housing Conditions Survey. The effect of cold indoor temperature on blood pressure (and in turn stroke and coronary heart disease) was estimated from published research.
Results

Eradication of exposure to indoor cold could achieve a gain of undiscounted one and a half weeks of additional health life per person alive in 2016 (baseyear) in cold housing through CVD alone. This equates to 0.447 (uncertainty interval: 0.064, 1.34; 3% discount rate) HALYs per 1,000 persons over remainder of their lives through CVD reduction. One-fifth of the total health gains are achievable between 2016 and 2035. Although seemingly modest, the gains outperform currently recommended CVD interventions including dietary advice for adults (0.017 per 1000 people, UI: 0.01, 0.027), lifestyle program for adults (0.024, UI: 0.01, 0.027) and Community Heart Health Program (0.141, UI: 0.071, 0.221).
Conclusion

Cardiovascular health gains achievable through eradication of cold housing are comparable with lifestyle and dietary interventions. The benefits of housing improvement are also substantial in other social domains (comfort, heating bills and energy efficiency).
Optimizing NK-92 Serial Killers: Gamma Irradiation, CD95/FasLigation, And NK Or LAK Attack Limit Cytotoxic Efficacy
Authors: Navarrete-Galvan Lydia T , Guglielmo Michael , Amaya Judith Cruz , Smith-Gagen Julie , Lombardi Vincent C. , Merica Rebecca , Hudig Dorothy 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: The NK cell line NK-92 and its genetically modified variants are receiving attention as immunotherapies to treat a range of malignancies. However, since NK-92 cells are themselves tumors, they require irradiation prior to transfer and are potentially susceptible to attack by patients’ immune systems. Here, we investigated NK-92 cell-mediated serial killing for the effects of gamma-irradiation and ligation of the death receptor Fas (CD95), and NK-92 cell susceptibility to attack by activated primary blood NK cells. Methods: To evaluate serial killing, we used 51 Cr-release assays with low NK-92 effector cell to target Raji, Daudi or K562 tumor cell (E:T) ratios to determine killing frequencies at 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-hours. Results: NK-92 cells were able to kill up to 14 Raji cells per NK-92 cell in eight hours. NK-92 cells retained high cytotoxic activity immediately after irradiation with 10 Gy but the cells surviving irradiation lost >50% activity one day after irradiation. Despite high expression of CD95, NK-92 cells maintained their viability following overnight Fas/CD95-ligation but lost some cytotoxic activity. However, one day after irradiation, NK-92 cells were more susceptible to Fas ligation, resulting in decreased cytotoxic activity of the cells surviving irradiation. Irradiated NK-92 cells were also susceptible to killing by both unstimulated and IL-2 activated primary NK cells (LAK). In contrast, non-irradiated NK-92 cells were more resistant to attack by NK and LAK cells. Conclusions: Irradiation is deleterious to both the survival and cytotoxicity mediated by NK-92 cells and renders the NK-92 cells susceptible to Fas-initiated death and death initiated by primary blood NK cells. Therefore, replacement of irradiation as an antiproliferative pretreatment and genetic deletion of Fas and/or NK activation ligands from adoptively transferred cell lines are indicated as new approaches to increase therapeutic efficacy.
Indigenous Goat Selection and Breeding Practices in Pastoral areas of West Guji zone, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Muluneh Teshager , Awoke Wondim 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Placing relevant breeding objectives and identification of indigenous breeding practices is crucial to integrating modern development in animal breeding into purposeful industry programs. Hence, the objective of this study was to identify selection criteria and indigenous breeding practices of the goat in Abaya and Galan district southern Oromia, part of Ethiopia. Data were collected from 180 households through interview schedules and focus group discussions. The effective population size and inbreeding rate of the community were calculated using ΔF = 1/2Ne. Conformation, growth rate, coat color for buck and conformation, twining ability, age at sexual maturity, kidding interval, and color for females are selection criteria for replacement of stock in the study area. In both districts, farmers have relatively similar production and breeding objectives. Conformation is hub selection criteria for replacement of breeding flock. The study area has liable by inbreeding 0.22 in Abaya and 0.29 in Galan. Goat in the study area is prolific twinning birth (72.22%). Trait preferences of farmers in goats were conformation, growth rate, twinning, and kidding interval. Hence adopting a community-based goat breeding program that is suited to study areas which aimed at improving preferred traits is relevant.
The Economic Impact of Payments for Water-related Ecosystem Services on Protected Areas: A Synthetic Control Analysis
Authors: Zhang Jianmei , Zhu Jiwei , Liu Yu , Lu Nan , Fang Wenxing 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Payments for water-related ecosystem services (PWES) are increasingly popular in promoting water ecological conservation, and their impacts on development are of considerable interest. This study estimates the economic impact of PWES on protected areas by applying the synthetic control method. Using the Middle Route of the South to North Water Diversion Project in China as a case study, we find that per capita GDP in protected areas increased markedly relative to a synthetic control region, and PWES has a positive economic impact. In addition, we conduct a variety of placebo tests to verify the validity and robustness of the results. We believe that the main factor of the positive economic impact lies in the development of the ecological-economic industrial system. This study provides a baseline for synthetic control analysis of PWES to compare regions of interest and their counterfactuals, and the findings of the case study provide reference to the protected areas for their economic development.
Physical Activity Associates with Greater Antibody Persistence through 6 Months after the Second Dose of CoronaVac in Patients with Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Gualano Bruno , Lemes Ítalo R. , Silva Rafael , Pinto Ana Jessica , Mazzolani Bruna , Smaira Fabiana I. , Sieczkowska Sofia M. , Aikawa Nadia , Pasoto Sandra , Medeiros-Ribeiro Ana C. , Saad Carla , Neves Emily , Silva Clovis , Swinton Paul , Hallal Pedro , Roschel Hamilton , Bonfa Eloisa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the association between physical activity and persistent anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies 6 months after two-dose schedule of CoronaVac in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) patients. This was a prospective cohort study within an open-label, single-arm, phase 4 vaccination trial (clinicaltrials.gov #NCT04754698), conducted at a tertiary referral hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. ARD patients aged ≥18 underwent a two-dose schedule of CoronaVac (Sinovac Life Sciences, China). Persistent immunogenicity 6 months after the full-course vaccination was assessed using seroconversion rates of total anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG, geometric mean titers of anti-S1/S2 IgG (GMT), and frequency of positive neutralizing antibodies (NAb). Physical activity was assessed trough questionnaire (active being defined as ≥150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity). Physically active (n=421) and inactive (n=327) ARD patients were similar for most characteristics; however, active patients were significantly younger (p<0.001), had less chronic inflammatory arthritis (p<0.001) and less frequently used biologic agents (p<0.001) than inactive ones. Six months after full-course vaccination, being male (p<0.001), use of prednisone (p<0.01) and biologics (p<0.001) were associated with poor immunogenicity, while being physically active was associated with better humoral response (p<0.01). Adjusted point estimates from logistic regression models indicated greater odds of seroconversion rates (OR: 1.5 [95%CI: 1.1 to 2.1]) and NAb positivity (OR: 1.5 [95%CI: 1.0 to 2.1]) in physically active patients and approximately 43% greater GMT (42.8% [95%CI: 11.9 to 82.2]) than inactive ones. In conclusion, among immunocompromised patients, being physically active was associated with an increment in antibody persistence through 6 months after a full-course of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.
WITHDRAWN: Drama and Vocals Relation in Singing: a Comparative Study
Authors: Khalifa Samar 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Dramatic situations are more presented in the Eastern countries and this appears in the mass communicative projects that reveals the elevated status of the sense and the feelings. In the contrary, dramatic situations appear to be colder in the Western countries. This paper investigates the relation between drama and vocals in a comparison between Western and Eastern songs.
Neutralizing potency of COVID-19 vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Mattiuzzi Camilla , Henry Brandon M. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: We carried out a literature search for summarizing currently published evidence on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant neutralizing properties of serum or plasma collected from recipients of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines.Methods: An electronic search was conducted in Medline and Scopus, using the keywords “vaccine” AND “Omicron” OR “B.1.1.529” AND “SARS-CoV-2” AND “neutralization” OR “antibodies”, with no language or date limits (i.e., up to December 27, 2021). Studies with complete information on neutralization properties of COVID-19 vaccines against the Omicron variant, with or without the adjunctive effects of booster vaccine doses, were included.Results: Our final analysis included 10 published studies. In all, decreased neutralisation of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron B.1.1.529 variant was evidenced in post-vaccination samples, ranging between -4.3 folds to absence of neutralization compared to an ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain. In all studies the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose was effective to elicit sustained enhancement of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron B.1.1.529 neutralisation, with such increase being comprised between 10-42 folds compared to the pre-booster period.Conclusion: Vaccine boosters seem strongly advisable for limiting the risk of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) breakthrough infections.
Climate Change Influence On Ontario Corn Farms’ Income.
Authors: Kornprobst Antoine , Davison Matt 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Our study quantifies the impact of climate change on the income of corn farms in Ontario, at the 2068 horizon, under several warming scenarios. It is articulated around a discrete- time dynamic model of corn farm income with an annual time-step, corresponding to one agricultural cycle from planting to harvest. At each period, we compute the income of a farm given the corn yield, which is highly dependent on weather variables: temperature and rainfall. We also provide a reproducible forecast of the yearly distribution of corn yield for the regions around ten cities in Ontario, located where most of the corn growing activity takes place in the province. The price of corn futures at harvest time is taken into account and we fit our model by using 49 years of county-level historical climate and corn yield data. We then conduct out-of-sample Monte-Carlo simulations in order to obtain the farm income forecasts under a given climate change scenario, from 0 ° C to + 4 ° C.