bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological effects in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis from the application of a DTCP
Authors: Esposito Massimo , Sartori Marcello , Terlizzi Emilio , Antenucci Roberto , Braghieri Elena , Raggi Rossella , Benvenuti Michela , Pinotti Maria Teresa 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This article introduces the report on the difference occurred in management of ALS patients by an italian Public Health Care Service through 15 years with-and without DTCP (Diagnostic and Therapeutic Care Pathway) during three timeframes. The article illustrates Demography, Provenance and Territorial context of the patients in charge. The formalization of the staging-based ALS DTCP appears to have increased and improved the possibility of clinical taking in charge of patients.
Atmospheric Changes and Ozone Increase in Mexico City during 2020 Lockdown Period
Authors: Jeyakumar Sakthi Selvalakshmi , Ponniah Jonathan Muthuswamy , Gnanachandrasamy Gopalakrishnan , Morales-Garcia Sandra Soledad , Rodríguez-Espinosa Pedro Francisco , Muthusankar Gowrappan , Escobedo-Urias Diana Cecilia 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Atmospheric pollutant (NO2, SO2, CO, O3 and PM2.5) variations during the COVID-19 pandemic (during 2020) have been studied from Mexico City in Central America. Meteorological factors (i.e) rainfall, temperature along with relative humidity played an important role in increasing the photochemical reaction for the formation of O3 and PM2.5. Concentration pattern of O3 and PM2.5 were higher in all the stations in spite of the reduced primary pollutants. However, higher level of O3 and PM2.5 during the lockdown period in 2020 is mainly due to the air-mass exchange which happened through the broader channel in the north (Tenango del Aire Pass) and in the southeast (Cuautla-Cuernavaca valley). The higher values of particulate matter are compensated by domestic heating (“Quédate en Casa”/ Stay at Home), whereas the increase of O3 is supported by the higher solar radiation and household activities (both indoor/ outdoor). Monitoring stations (BJ, GAM, UAM, SFE) in Mexico City indicate that the level of pollutants (except GAM) were within the WHO guidelines. Comparison of pollutants with other countries indicate a spike in NO2, O3 and PM2.5 levels. Overall results indicate that the anthropogenic activities which is influenced by the meteorological parameters has affected the air quality in Mexico City and it persisted during the lockdown period.
Perfect Selective Metamaterial Absorber With Thin-Film of GaAs Layer In The Visible Region For Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Kumar Raj , Singh Bipin K , Tiwari Rajesh K , Pandey Praveen C 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we have presented a new design of a metamaterial perfect absorber (MPA) consisting of three layers of metal-dielectric-metal in which the top layer is considered of special kind square patches at different places in a unit cell. This MPA exhibits wideband, wide-angle, and polarization-independent absorption performance in the visible region. This structure originates the plasmonic resonance which is responsible for the perfect absorption in the optical region. Under a specific condition, this simulated absorber structure exhibits an extremely high broadband absorption between 591.54 nm to 704.40 nm wavelength range with near-unity absorption, and a single peak observed at 385.33 nm with absorption 94.16%. We extracted the impedance of the absorber and matched it with free space, and also demonstrated the effective permittivity and permeability. Moreover, the parametric study of the resonators, dielectric layer, and multi-band topology has also been investigated. The polarization-insensitive-based metamaterial may be utilized to improve the efficiency of different devices in the visible range. Furthermore, we have calculated the absorption of the proposed MPA under the solar radiation (AM1.5) for different structural parameters. The proposed absorber greatly enhances the conversion efficiency which is highly useful for solar cells. We also determined the short circuit current density of this absorber for different thicknesses of the GaAs layer. Al metal patches at meta-surface provide nearly similar performance in comparison with other costly metals. Therefore, the proposed structure with cheaper Al metal may be used for different devices as the perfect absorber.
m1A RNA Methylation Regulators Contribute To Malignant Progression And Have Clinical Prognostic Impact In Gliomas
Authors: Sun Hengchang , Gong Jiao , Shang Mei , Chen Yaqiong , Chen Jiahao , Chen Hongping , Li Zhaoxia , Hu Bo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background Glioma is the majority of primary malignant brain tumors in adults, accounting for over 70% of malignant brain tumors. RNA modification has been proved to be closely related to the development of various carcinomas including glioma. N1-methyladenosine (m1A) is a crucial and newly validated posttranscriptional modification in RNA. Its influence on glioma is still under elucidation. Results Gene expression and clinicopathological data of glioma were downloaded from TCGA and CGGA databases. The m1A regulators’ gene expression and its relationship with tumor malignancy grade or IDH mutation or 1p19q co-deletion status in glioma, as well as its related signaling pathway were investigated. We found that m1A regulators were dysregulated and positively associated with the WHO grade of glioma. The YTHDF2 expression was associated with the overall survival rate of glioma patients and was significantly lower in IDH mutation and the 1p/19q codeletion group. YTHDF2 mainly involved in RNA splicing, mRNA processing functions, or cell cycle relate pathways in glioma. Conclusion This study elucidated the dysregulation of m1A regulators and its potential signaling pathways in glioma, which will contribute to the further understanding of m1A RNA modification in glioma.
TPH1 Gene Polymorphism (rs211105) Influences Serotonin and Tryptophan Hydroxylase 1 Concentrations in Acute Pancreatitis Patients
Authors: Snarska Jadwiga , Fiedorowicz Ewa , Rozmus Dominika , Wroński Konrad , Latacz Maria , Kordulewska Natalia , Płomiński Janusz , Grzybowski Roman , Savelkoul Huub F.J. , Kostyra Elżbieta , Cieślińska Anna 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The role of serotonin and its metabolic pathway in the proper functioning of the pancreas has not been thoroughly investigated yet in the aspect of AP (acute pancreatitis). Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) as the rate-limiting enzyme of serotonin synthesis has been considered for possible associations in various diseases. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TPH genes have been already described in associations with psychiatric and digestive system disorders. Aim of this study was to explore association of rs211105 (T/G) polymorphism in TPH1 gene with tryptophan hydroxylase 1 concentrations in blood serum in population of acute pancreatitis patients, and to investigate this association with acute pancreatitis susceptibility. Results: To date, we have found an association between the presence of the T allele at the position rs211105 (OR = 2.47, 95% CI: 0.94-6.50, p = 0.06) under conditions of a decreased AP incidence. For TT and GT genotype in control group, the lowest concentration of TPH was associated with higher serotonin levels (TT: Rs=-0.415, p=0.0018; GT: Rs=-0,457, p=0.0066), while for AP group: the highest levels of TPH among TT genotype were associated with lower levels of serotonin (TT: Rs=-0.749, p=0.0000), and in GG genotype higher levels of TPH were associated with higher levels of serotonin (GG: Rs=-0.738, p=0.037).Conclusions: Here, the new insight of the potential role of selected genetic factor in pancreatitis development was brought. Not only the metabolic pathway of serotonin, but also factors affecting serotonin synthesis may be interesting and important point in acute pancreatitis.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Aetiology of Bacterial Pneumonia in Children in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Onwuchekwa Chukwuemeka , Edem Bassey , Williams Victor , Olajuwon Ibiloye , Jallow Musa , Sanyang Binta , Verdonck Kristien 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundBefore the introduction of vaccination to protect children from pneumonia, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type B (HiB) were the most frequent aetiological agents causing bacterial pneumonia in children under five years old. However, under the influence of these vaccines, the aetiology of childhood pneumonia appears to be changing and non-vaccine-type S. pneumoniae, non-typeable H. influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus are becoming more relevant. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review aimed at identifying the common causes of bacterial pneumonia in children in sub-Saharan Africa. We searched PubMed, Web of Science and African Index Medicus and included primary studies conducted since January 2010 that reported on the bacterial causes of pneumonia in children under five from sub-Saharan Africa. We extracted data items (about the study setting, pneumonia diagnosis, sampling, microbiological methods, and etiological agents) as well as study quality indicators.ResultsEleven studies (published in twelve records), involving 5362 pneumonia cases, were included in our review: nine were case-control studies and two were case series. S. pneumoniae was the most common bacteria identified from blood cultures in children with pneumonia (8%, 95% CI: 4 – 14%), and H. influenzae was the second most common (3%, 95% CI: 1 - 17%). Common isolates from nasopharyngeal swabs were S. pneumoniae (66%), Moraxella catarrhalis (62%), and H. influenzae (44%) were commonly identified in the nasopharynx of children Conclusion S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae remain relevant causes of bacterial pneumonia in children in sub-Saharan Africa. Our review also highlights the ubiquitous occurrence of several potentially pathogenic bacteria in the nasopharynx of children under five group and makes the case for continued research aimed at understanding how nasopharyngeal colonization results in pneumonia.
Percutaneous Osteoplasty under Fluoroscopy and Cone-Beam CT guidance for Painful Sternal Metastases
Authors: Liu Xun-wei , Wang Zhi-guo , Peng Jin , Sun Gang 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Although percutaneous osteoplasty (POP) has been widely accepted and is now being performed for the treatment of painful bone metastases outside the spine, there are only scarced reports regarding osteoplasty in painful sternal metastases.Case presentation: The paper reported four patients with painful sternal metastasis who underwent POP under fluoroscopic and cone-beam CT guidance. The patients were three men and one woman (mean age, 66.25 years). Primary tumor location in lung is 3 cases, in thyroid is 1 case. In these cases, Pain was measured using a numerical rating scale (NRS), with scores ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable). The scores on the NRS in the four patients before POP were 9, 8, 8, and 9. After POP, the NRS scores decreased to 2, 3, 2, and 2, respectively, in follow-up at 6 months. Conclusions: POP is a safe and effective treatment for pain caused by metastatic bone tumors in the sternum. However, care and at tention should be paid to the insertion of a needle and cement distribution for better treatment effect
Construction of Metabolic Pathways based on Whole Genome Sequencing Reveals Laterally- Transferred Wolbachia-like Sequences in the Setaria Digitata Genome
Authors: Rashanthy Nadarajah , Kothalawala Mahil Sharada Alwis , Mugunamalwaththa Thamarahansi Shashiprabha , de Zoysa Kasun , Chandrasekharan Naduviladath Vishvanath , Gunawardene Yasanthi Illika Nilmini Silva , Suravajhala Prashanth , Dassanayake Ranil Samantha 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Setaria digitata is a Wolbachia-free filarial parasite that causes cerebrospinal nematodiasis in non-permissive hosts such as goats, sheep and horses leading to substantial economic losses in animal husbandry. Due to its similarity to Wuchereria bancrofti, primary causing agent of human lymphatic filariasis (HLF), S. digitata can be used as a model organism to study the biology of HLF. This study was mainly aimed to bring functional analysis of metabolic pathways in S. digitata. A draft genome of 78,774,594 bases making a total of 2,075 contigs was generated. ‘BLAST2GO’ functional annotation resulted in 28112 BLAST hits with an e-value lower than 1e-4 and a sequence similarity higher than 30%. Out of a total of 2075 contigs, 1280 contigs were used to generate a total of 6055 GO annotations at a mean level of 6.488 with standard deviation of 2.675. Overall, 89.1% of mapped reads were annotated by at least one of the three categories of the GO function classification. Moreover, 111 enzymes associated with 95 distinct metabolic pathways were identified. We suggest that S. digitata may have evolved its own sequences to code for haem, riboflavin, and FAD in the absence of Wolbachia.
Fixation with Cephalic Intramedullary Nail Versus Sliding Hip Screw for Fractured Lesser Trochanter with Completeness of Lateral Wall
Authors: Lin Yu-Lien , Wang Chien-Shun , Chiang Chao-Ching , Chang Ming-Chau , Lin Chun Cheng 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Our study provides references and guidelines, backed by evidence and real world data, in determining if and which certain surgical devices are more applicable to improve the outcome of unstable intertrochanteric fracture treatments. This retrospective case-crossover study compares the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 177 elderly patients from 2010 to 2014, who underwent procedures for unstable intertrochanteric fractures, specifically, AO/OTA type 31-A1.3 fractures using either the cephalic intramedullary device (Gamma3 IM nail system, Stryker®); or the fixation with sliding hip screws method (Dynamic Hip Screw, DHS, Synthes®). Clinical outcome conclusions were based on the union rates of the fractures during the patient’s one year follow-up. Radiographic conclusions were drawn from various factors, including neck shortening, neck-shaft angle, neck medialization, posterior tilting, callus formation time, Tip-apex distance (TAD), implant failure, and modified TAD, an additional factor further explained in the paper. The study shows evidence that the cephalic intramedullary device had significantly shorter union time, and significantly reduced rates of lag screw sliding and femoral shortening as well. No significant differences with regard to malunion and cut-out of the lag screw were found. The use of the intramedullary devices led to better clinical and radiographical outcomes for this specific fracture.
Prognostic Factors of Severe Bacteraemic Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Critically Ill Immunocompetent Patients: A STREPTOGENE Sub-Study
Authors: BELLUT Hugo , PORCHER Raphael , VARON Emmanuelle , ASFAR Pierre , TULZO Yves LE , MEGARBANE Bruno , MATHONNET Armelle , DUGARD Anthony , VEINSTEIN Anne , OUCHENIR Kader , SIAMI Shidasp , REIGNIER Jean , GALBOIS Arnaud , COUSSON Joël , PREAU Sébastien , BALDESI Olivier , RIGAUD Jean‑Philippe , SOUWEINE Bertrand , MISSET Benoit , JACOBS Frederic , DEWAVRIN Florent , MIRA Jean-Paul , BEDOS Jean‑Pierre 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The presence of bacteraemia in pneumococcal pneumonia in critically ill patient does not appear to be a strong prognostic factor on its own from the existing literature, but there may be a specific pattern of factors associated with mortality in ICU patients with bacteraemic pneumococcal pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).We aimed to identify factors associated with mortality in patients admitted to intensive care for severe bacteraemic CAP. Methods: This is a post-hoc analysis of data from the prospective, observational, multicentre STREPTOGENE study in immunocompetent Caucasian adults admitted to intensive care in France, between 2008 and 2012, for bacteraemic pneumococcal CAP documented by culture and/or urinary antigenuria. Patients were divided into two groups based on initial blood culture positivity for Streptococcus pneumoniae. The primary outcome was hospital mortality. Serotypes of 339 S. pneumoniae strains were determined. Results: Of 614 included patients, 274 did and 340 did not have a blood culture positive for S. pneumoniae at admission. The only baseline difference between the groups was more frequent leukopenia in bacteraemic patients (26% vs. 14%, p =0.0002). Hospital mortality was not significantly different between groups ( p =0.11). The associations between the various prognostic parameters studied and mortality were similar in the two groups. Bacteraemic patients more often had invasive serotypes but less often had serotypes associated with high case-fatality rates ( p =0.003). Antibiotic regimens were similar in the two groups. In neither group was mortality different in patients given a beta-lactam alone vs. a beta-lactam combined with a macrolide or fluoroquinolone. Interpretation: In immunocompetent Caucasian adults admitted to intensive care for severe pneumococcal CAP, bacteraemia had no influence on mortality, regardless of the prognostic factor profile. A prospective randomised trial is warranted to confirm the absence of superiority of one treatment over others.
Structural basis of RNA polymerase inhibition by viral and host factors
Authors: Werner Finn , Pilotto Simona , Fouqueau Thomas , Lukoyanova Natalya , Sheppard Carol , Lucas-Staat Soizick , Díaz-Santín Luis Miguel , Matelska Dorota , Prangishvili David , Cheung Alan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The inhibition of RNA polymerases activity plays an important role in the regulation of transcription in response to environmental changes and in the virus-host relationship. Here we present the high-resolution structures of two such RNAP-inhibitor complexes that provide the structural basis underlying RNAP inhibition in archaea. The Acidianus two-tailed virus (ATV) encodes the RIP factor that binds to the inside the DNA-binding channel of RNAP, inhibiting transcription by occlusion of binding sites for nucleic acid and the transcription initiation factor TFB. Infection with the Sulfolobus Turreted Icosahedral Virus (STIV) induces the expression of the host factor TFS4, which binds in the RNAP secondary channel similarly to eukaryotic transcript cleavage factors. In contrast to RIP, TFS4 binding allosterically induces a widening of the DNA binding channel which disrupts trigger loop and bridge helix motifs. Importantly, the conformational changes induced by TFS4 are closely related to inactivated states of RNAP in other domains of life indicating a deep evolutionary conservation of allosteric RNAP inhibition.
Homogeneous Regions for Rainfall Distribution in the City of Rio De Janeiro Associated to the Risk of Natural Disasters
Authors: Pereira Renato Marques Sanches , Wanderley Henderson Silva , Delgado Rafael Coll 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Understanding the occurrence of natural disasters in regions where the occurrence is high is very important, it is known that the occurrence of disasters associated with intense rains are a source of research in different locations around the globe, being important not only for increasing accuracy of weather forecasting models, but important information for civil defense, where lives can be saved. The increase in the occurrence of natural disasters related to extreme rainfalls has become a problem of large urban centers, such as the city of Rio de Janeiro (CRJ). Thus, the identification of homogeneous regions for rainfall distribution (HRRD) becomes essential to identify regions at risks of floods and mass movements. The aim of this research was to identify HRRD in CRJ associated to the risk of natural disasters. The identification of homogeneous regions was carried out with the use of monthly rainfall data from 14 pluviometric stations spatially distributed in the study area between 1997 and 2018. Rainfall data were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis, and subsequently to Cluster Analysis. Cluster analysis identified 4 homogeneous groups regarding annual rainfall distribution. The result showed relevance regarding physiographic aspects that characterize the rainfall dynamics in CRJ, highlighting areas favorable to the occurrence of natural disasters.
Afforestation With Tropical N-Fixing Species in The Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest: Carbon and Nitrogen in The Soil Profile
Authors: Siqueira David Pessanha , Gama-Rodrigues Emanuela Forestieri , Caldeira Marcos Vinícius Winckler , Rezende Carlos Eduardo , Marciano Claudio Roberto , Barroso Deborah Guerra 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Aims Atlantic Rainforest biome is one of the most threatened in the world by deforestation where afforestation programs are urgently needed. N-fixing species should be prioritized in re-establishing forest covers as they can enhance soil C and N and stimulate cycling of other nutrients. Yet, tropical ecosystems play a key role in global warming and remain underestimated in the global biogeochemical balances. We aimed to investigate the effects of tropical N-fixing species on soil C and N pools after pasture conversionMethods We selected: Plathymenia reticulata, Hymenaea courbaril, and Centrolobium tomentosum 27-year-old monospecific stands. We evaluated soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrogen (STN), and the natural abundance of 13C and 15N in the soil profile up to 100 cm depth. Results SOC was higher for P. reticulata, but an opposite pattern was observed when combining only soil layers up to 30 cm soil depth. Meanwhile, STN was similar across species and d15N values showed enrichment at intermediate soil layers indicating 14N gaseous loss. Most of the SOC originated from the planted trees rather than the former pasture, except beneath C. tomentosum where C4 derived C is decreasing at a slower rate. Conclusion This study presents novel insights in the understanding of tropical N-fixing species effects on soil C and N where specific-species traits appear to mediate SOC retention to the mineral soil rather than the N-fixing ability per se.
Improvement of the Point Spread Function by Collimators’ New Configuration in Nuclear Medicine
Authors: Ashoor Mansour , Khorshidi Abdollah 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective: The collimators in which the various geometrical configurations have been suggested to optimize the sensitivity and resolution have a key role in acquiring the qualified images in nuclear medicine towards a better recognition of some diseases. Methods: In this study, a new configuration as a geometrical combination of the conical, cylindrical and spherical (CCS) volumes for parallel hole collimators which is assessed by using the volumetric-parametric method has been introduced to improve point spread function (PSF) being the collimators response on the radioactive point source. It has been simulated by the MCNPX code at the various energies values of the point source along with the traditional collimator in which included the cylindrical volume only. Results: The PSF will transmogrify from a delta function to a distribution which can correlate with a Gaussian distribution, while the scattered gamma rays were increased. The simulation results have indicated that the PSF in the CCS configuration is narrower than that of the cylindrical one at all the energies, leading the improvement of the resolution. Also, the theoretical results are agreement with the simulated ones. The more the energy value of the source, the more broaden the PSF will be due the more penetration strength. The narrower the PSF, the better the qualified image will be. Conclusion: This method may be employed to determine the accurate attenuation coefficient of absorbers as well.