bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Hypoglycemia on the Specific Quality of Life in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Comparative Cross-sectional Study of Diabetics With and Without Hypoglycemia in Xi'an, China
Authors: Chao Wu , Yiling Ge , Xinyan Zhang , Mingchao Liu , Chunni Heng , Linyuan Zhang , Yanling Du , Shizhe He , Lei Shang , Hongjuan Lang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose This study aims to explore the incidence of hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the influence of hypoglycemia on the specific quality of life in T2DM patients.Methods It was a comparative cross-sectional study consisting of 519 T2DM patients in Xi'an, China and patients were investigated by self-reported hypoglycemia and specific quality of life questionnaires during September 2019 to January 2020. Descriptive analysis, t-test, Chi-square test, hierarchical regression analysis and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used to assess the influence of hypoglycemia on the specific quality of life. Results The incidence of hypoglycemia in T2DM patients was 32.18%. The mean score of specific quality of life in diabetes without hypoglycemia was 57.33±15.36 and was 61.56±17.50 in those with hypoglycemia, which indicated that hypoglycemia had a serious impact on the quality of life diabetics (t＝-5.172, p＝0.000). In the Univariate analysis of specific quality of life, age, education background, marital status, living status, duration of diabetes, monthly income per capita were independent and significant factors associated with specific quality of life of two groups of T2DM patients (P<0.05). In the hierarchical regression analysis, the duration of the diabetes more than 11 years and the frequency of hypoglycemia more than 6 times in half a year entered the equation of specific quality of life of 519 diabetics respectively (P<0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, age, marital status and income both entered the regression equation of quality of life of the two groups (P<0.05).Conclusion Hypoglycemia will have a serious impact on the quality of life of T2DM patients. In order to improve the living quality in diabetics, effective measurements should be taken to strengthen the management of blood glucose and avoid hypoglycemia.
Quality of Life and Its Contributors Among Adults With Late-onset Pompe Disease in China
Authors: Chen Shanquan , Wang Jingxuan , Zhu Jianfeng , Chung Roger Yat-Nork , Dong Dong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Pompe disease (PD) is a rare inherited disorder caused by the deficiency of acid-ɑ glucosidase, which leads to the impairment of organ and tissue functions and causes disabilities. As the first national survey on patients with late-onset PD (LOPD) in China, this study investigated the quality of life (QOL) of adult patients with LOPD in China and explored its contributors. Methods: Data were derived from a nation-based, cross-sectional, self-response survey on rare diseases in early 2018. Answers from 68 adult Chinese patients with LOPD were used for data analysis. QOL was measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life: Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). Covariates included age, gender, education, employment, reliance on assistive devices, medication history, social support, and disease economic burden. Data were analyzed using linear regression in R.Results: For adult patients with LOPD, the average scores and standard deviations (SD) of the four dimensions of QOL were physical health=33.77 (SD=18.28), psychological health=43.81 (SD=21.70), environmental health=39.43 (SD=16.93), and social relationship=46.20 (SD=19.76); the scoring for each dimension was evaluated on a scale of 0 to 100. At the significance level of p<0.05, with increasing age, the patients experienced a significant decrease in physical health QOL (β=-0.75) and environmental health QOL (β=-0.79). Those who relied heavily on assistive devices had lower perceived physical health (β=-17.8), psychological health (β=-22.76), environmental health (β=-17.8), and social relationships (β=-22.12) than those who did not. A one-unit increase in the amount of social support, as a form of social interaction, led to a significant increase in physical health (β=0.28), psychological health (β=0.71), environmental health (β=0.72), and social relationships (β =0.70).Conclusion: Adult Chinese patients with LOPD had a lower physical health and QOL compared to their counterparts with other rare diseases. Being employed was found to affect the QOL of adult Chinese patients with LOPD in almost all dimensions. Encouraging adult Chinese patients with LOPD to be socially active and help them become more involved in social life might improve their QOL.
Mechanosensation by endothelial PIEZO1 is required for leukocyte diapedesis
Authors: Offermanns Stefan , Wang ShengPeng , Shi Yue , Moeller Tanja , Stegmeyer Rebekka , Strilic Boris , Xu Liran , Yuan Zuyi , Wettschureck Nina , Vestweber Dietmar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The extravasation of leukocytes is a critical step during inflammation which requires the localized opening of the endothelial barrier. This process is initiated by the close interaction of leukocytes with various adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on the surface of endothelial cells. It is still unclear how these initial processes induce downstream signaling events resulting in the opening of inter-endothelial junctions to allow leukocyte diapedesis. Here we show that mechanical forces induced by leukocyte-induced clustering of ICAM-1 and fluid shear stress exerted by the flowing blood synergistically activate the mechanosensitive cation channel PIEZO1 in endothelial cells. In human and mouse endothelial cells exposed to low flow, PIEZO1 mediates leukocyte-induced increases in [Ca2+]i and activation of downstream signaling events including phosphorylation of SRC, PYK2 and myosin light chain (MLC) leading to endothelial barrier opening. Mice with endothelium-specific loss of Piezo1 show decreased leukocyte extravasation in different inflammation models. We found that actin polymerization and actomyosin contraction induced by ICAM-1 clustering synergistically with fluid shear stress increase endothelial plasma membrane tension to activate PIEZO1. Our data reveal a mechanism by which leukocytes and the hemodynamic microenvironment synergize to mechanically activate endothelial PIEZO1 and subsequent downstream signaling to initiate leukocyte diapedesis.
Potent Mixed Backbone Antisense Oligonucleotide Safety Suppressed Expression of Mutant C9ORF72 Transcripts and Polypeptides: First in Human Pilot Study
Authors: Brown Robert , Tran Hélène , Moazami Michael , Yang Huiya , McKenna-Yasek Diane , Douthwright Catherine , PINTO Courtney , Metterville Jake , Shin Minwook , Sanil Nitasha , Dooley Craig , Puri Ajit , Weiss Alexandra , Wightman Nichols , Gray-Edwards Heather , Marosfoi Miklos , King Robert , Kenderdine Thomas , Fabris Dan , Bowser Robert , Watts Jonathan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Expansions of a G4C2 repeat in the C9ORF72 gene are the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), two devastating adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders. Proposed disease mechanisms include a gain of toxic functions of the G4C2 repeats, implying that selective reduction in levels of the repeat-containing transcripts would represent a treatment strategy for this disorder. In the present study, using C9-ALS/FTD patient derived cells and C9ORF72 BAC transgenic mice, we have generated and optimized antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that selectively blunt expression of G4C2 repeat containing transcripts in both the sense and anti-sense strands of C9ORF72 and effectively suppress tissue levels of polyGP dipeptides. In a single patient harboring mutant C9ORF72 with the G4C2 repeat expressions, repeated dosing by intrathecal delivery of the optimal ASO was well tolerated, leading to significant reductions in levels of CSF polyGP.
A Study on Interferential Tool Position Correcting Algorithm in Rough Machining of 3d Impeller Variable-axis Plunge Milling
Authors: Dong Lei , Wang Jie 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The plunge milling method has remarkably improved the rough machining efficiency of 3D impeller channel. However, in conventional cutter position planning for plunge milling, interference at the end of every cutter position due to sudden increase of radial depth is inevitable, which may seriously compromise the service life of machine tool and cutter, as well as the cutting efficiency at the interferential phase. This study optimized the cutter axis vector for the tool path of conventional rough machining of 3D impeller variable -axis plunge milling to make the angle between the normal vector for workpiece surface at the cutter contact point and the cutter-axis vector of adjacent tool position increase gradually from outlet to inlet at the smallest scale. Based on this, an iterative algorithm for tool center position and safety height for the cutter was provided, thus making the hub allowance of the optimized tool path for plunge milling as small as possible without affecting the subsequent machining on the premise of avoiding the interferential phenomenon. Finally, the correctness of the proposed method was verified by relevant numerical examples.
Guanidinium and phosphonium scaffolds loaded with silver nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, in vitro assessment of the antibacterial potential and toxicity
Authors: Gorbunova M. N. , Lemkina L.M. , Nechaev A.I. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
New silver nanocomposites based on polysulfones of 2,2-diallyl-1,1,3,3-tetraethylguanidiniumchloride [poly(AGC-SO2)], tris(diethylamino)diallylaminophosphonium tetrafluoroborate [poly(DAAP-BF4-SO2)] and chloride [poly(DAAP-Cl-SO2)] have been developed. UV- spectroscopy, SEM and XRD techniques were used to characterize the formation of silver nanoparticles in copolymers. Antibacterial action of new silver nanocomposites on S. epidermidis 33 and Escherichia coli (planktonic cells and biofilms) was studied. The silver nanocomposites strongly inhibited biofilms formation of S. epidermidis 33 and Escherichia coli. The silver nanocomposites based on phosphonium polysulfones have a significant cytotoxic activity against RD and MS line cells.
Docosahexaenoic Acid and Lactoferrin Effects on the Brain and Placenta in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction&nbsp;
Authors: Illa Miriam , Pla Laura , Loreiro Carla , Miranda Cristina , Mayol Montse , Kühne Britta Anna , Barenys Marta , Eixarch Elisenda , Gratacós Eduard 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with suboptimal perinatal outcomes and neurodevelopment in the offspring. We hypothesize that prenatal supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or lactoferrin (Lf) would ameliorate these consequences. At 25 days of gestation, IUGR was surgically induced in pregnant rabbits, which were randomized as follows: no treatment, or DHA or Lf administration. DHA or Lf were administrated orally once per day. Five days later, animals were delivered obtaining controls, untreated IUGR, IUGR treated with DHA and IUGR treated with Lf, and the associated placentas. At postnatal day 1, a functional evaluation was performed and, thereafter, brains were obtained. Neuronal arborization in the prefrontal cortex and the density of pre-oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum were then evaluated. Untreated IUGR pups presented a higher percentage of stillbirth, lower birth weight, and poorer neurobehavioral performance in comparison with control pups, and these are associated with structural changes in brain and placenta. Regarding treated IUGR animals, although no significant improvements were detected in perinatal data, functional and structural effects were observed in either the brain or the placenta. DHA and Lf supplements in a rabbit model of IUGR were related to neurodevelopmental improvements and an amelioration of the placental changes.
Enhancing Machine Learning Algorithms to Assess Rock Burst Phenomena
Authors: Papadopoulos Dimitrios , Benardos Andreas 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
One of the main challenges that deep mining faces is the occurrence of rockburst phenomena. Rockburst risk assessment with the use of machine learning is currently gaining increased attention, due to the fact that outperforms the widely used empirical approaches. However, the limited and imbalanced instance records, combined with the multiparametric nature of the phenomenon, can lead to unstable estimations. This study focuses on the enhancement of the prediction performance of five machine learning algorithms, including Decision Trees, Naïve Bayes, K-Nearest Neighbor, Random Forest and Logistic Regression, by utilizing the oversampling technique SMOTE (Synthetic Minority Oversampling TEchnique).The initial database consists of 249 rockburst incidents, from which approximately 70% was used as the training set and the remaining 30% as the test set. Parametric analyses were conducted regarding different indicator combinations, such as the maximum tangential stress, the rock’s uniaxial compressive and tensile strength, the stress coefficient, two brittleness coefficients and the elastic energy index. The models were trained with the original dataset and afterwards a gradual increase of the database with synthetic instances was made until the obtainment of a balanced dataset. Subsequently the creation of synthetic instances was continued until the real incidents used for training and the synthetic incidents were of the same amount. The results from the following analysis show that SMOTE technique has a considerable effect in the evaluation metrics of the models, even after the balancing of the dataset, and can be a valuable asset for the rockburst prediction.
Bark-stripping of Common Buckthorn by Goats During Managed Browsing on Bur Oak Savannas
Authors: Mundahl Neal , Walsh Ryan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Goats are being used increasingly to manage woody invasive plants in woodland habitats, but their specific impacts on those plants over a period of time during active, periodic browsing has not been documented. This study investigated bark-stripping by goats browsing on common buckthorn in savanna habitats, focusing on possible size-selective feeding and the cumulative effects of repeated, periodic browsing over a 3-year period. When surveyed after the first browsing period, bark was stripped selectively on buckthorn stems 20 to 60 mm in diameter. Approximately 60% of all stripped stems were completely girdled, but only 14-17% of stems were bark-stripped. After five browsing periods, 66% of standing stems displayed bark stripping and 39% were completely girdled. Buckthorn densities were reduced by 90% compared to the first browsing period, the decline resulting mostly from consumption of foliage and terminal shoots of small (<20 mm) buckthorn and bark-stripping resulting in top-kill in intermediate-sized (20-60 mm) plants. Large buckthorn (>60 mm) were largely unimpacted by goats. Relatively few (28%) seedling buckthorn were browsed by goats, although >90% of 2nd-year plants were browsed. Buckthorn can be managed in part via goat browsing, but repeated, periodic browsing over several to many years may be necessary to produce a significant impact, and other techniques will be needed to eliminate large, seed-producing plants.
Performance and Techno-economic Analysis of a Hybrid Photovoltaic/thermal System for Building Application in Turkey
Authors: Basaran Kivanc , Koç İlayda 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Residential buildings need demand of energy for both heat and electricity. However, it’s not always possible to meet this need by using individual panels due to the limited roof area. In addition, performing electrical and thermal energy production by using separate panels causes loss of performance and efficiency. The hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) collectors could be used in order to meet this necessity into the same collector. This paper investigates the performance and economic analysis of a PV/T collector for a building application in Turkey climatic conditions. For this purpose, the Matlab/Simulink model of the PV/T collector was prepared. The electrical and thermal performance of the PV/T collector has been investigated by changing various parameters on this model. In addition, market survey was conducted for economic analysis. 11 different input variables such as average daily irradiation, electrical and thermal efficiency, price of electricity and heating, operation and management cost, capital cost, debt to equity ratio, interest rate, discount rate and inflation rate are used to calculate the economic evaluation parameters such as net present value (NPV), levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and payback period (PBP). The results show that, the mean value of LCOE, NPV and PBP are 0.0467 €/kWh, 7905.3 € and 6 years respectively for the project size at 8.96 m2 which is consist of 7 panels in the 25 years life cycle. Also, the average electrical and thermal efficiencies are defined as 13.4% and 69.3% respectively during.
Evidence-Based Tailored Nutrition Educational Intervention Improves Adherence to Dietary Guidelines, Anthropometric Measures and Serum Metabolic Biomarkers In Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients: A Prospective Interventional Study.
Authors: Trestini Ilaria , Sperduti Isabella , Caldart Alberto , Bonaiuto Clelia , Fiorio Elena , Parolin Veronica , Zambonin Valentina , Zanelli Sara , Tregnago Daniela , Avancini Alice , Cintoni Marco , Pilotto Sara , Mele Maria Cristina , Gasbarrini Antonio , Scambia Giovanni , Milella Michele , Tortora Giampaolo , Bria Emilio , Carbognin Luisa 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The impact of the adherence to dietary guidelines of early-stage breast cancer (EBC) patients on body composition changes during treatment is not entirely defined. This study aimed to evaluate the role of an evidence-based nutrition educational intervention, according to adherence to dietary guidelines, in EBC patients.Methods: This prospective study included EBC patients, candidates for neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy. Patients received an evidence-based tailored nutrition educational intervention. The adherence to dietary guidelines, anthropometric and dietary assessments, and blood glucose and lipid profile tests were evaluated at baseline and after a 12-months nutritional intervention. Results: Two hundred and forty-three patients were enrolled (median age 49 years). At baseline, 38.3% and 23.9% of patients were overweight and obese, weight gain ≥5% and central obesity were observed in 47.3% and 52.7% of patients, respectively, and adherence to dietary guidelines was low (median Med-Diet score: 6). After 12-months of nutritional intervention (median follow-up: 22 months), adherence to dietary guidelines significantly increased (median Med-Diet score: 12, p<0.0001). High adherence to dietary guidelines (defines as Med-Diet score ≥10) significantly correlated with: 1) weight loss ≥5% (21.8% vs. 2.5%, p=0.003); 2) median BMI drop (from 25.6 kg/m2 to 24.4 kg/m2, p=0.003); 3) lower prevalence of central obesity (38.2% vs. 7.2%, p=0.01); 4) improvement in blood glucose levels and lipid profile. Conclusion: This study suggests that an evidence-based tailored nutrition educational intervention during treatment for EBC significantly increases overall adherence to dietary guidelines, and it improves both anthropometric measures and serum metabolic biomarkers in patients with high adherence.
Comparative Study of Hematological and Radiological Feature of Severe/Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19, Influenza A H7N9 and H1N1 Pneumonia
Authors: Kong Jindan , Wan Shan , Shi Sensen , Cui Songchao , Zong Xiangping , Wang Jun , Jin Jun , Zhu Mo , Zou Di , Wu Depei , Fu Jianhong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to explore useful clinical indexes for management of severe/critically ill patients with COVID-19, Influenza A H7N9 and H1N1 pneumonia by comparing hematological and radiological characteristics between them. Methods Severe/critically ill patients with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, Influenza A H7N9 and H1N1 pneumonia were retrospectively enrolled. The demographic data, clinical manifestations, hematological parameters, and radiological characteristics of three groups were compared. The influenza A was divided into two groups with/without patient death.Results In this study, 16 cases of COVID-19, 10 cases of influenza A (H7N9), and 13 cases of influenza A (H1N1) who met severe/critically ill criteria were included. Compared with COVID-19, the Influenza A (H7N9 and H1N1) groups had relatively more chronic diseases (80% and 92.3% vs 25%, P＜0.05), higher APACHE Ⅱ scores (16.00 ± 8.63 and 15.08 ± 6.24, vs 5.50 ± 2.58, P＜0.05) and higher mortality rates (40% and 46.2% vs 0%, P＜0.05). The hematological finding indicated that Influenza A H7N9 and H1N1 patients had more significant lymphocytopenia (0.59 ± 0.31 × 109/L and 0.56 ± 0.35 × 109/L vs 0.97 ± 0.33 × 109/L, P < 0.05), elevated neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR; 14.67 ± 6.10 and 14.64 ± 10.36 vs 6.29 ± 3.72, P < 0.05) compared to COVID-19. Especially in influenza A patients, NLR was significant different between the patients with or without death. Compared with the H7N9 group, ground glass opacity (GGO) on chest CT was more common in the COVID-19 group (P = 0.028), while pleural effusion was relatively rare (P = 0.001).ConclusionCompared to COVID-19, patients with Influenza A (H7N9 and H1N1) had more underlying chronic diseases and higher mortality rates. The NLR can be used as a clinical parameter for the predication of risk stratification and outcome in COVID-19 and Influenza A pneumonia. Manifestations of pleural effusion or GGO in chest CT may be helpful for the identification of different viral pneumonia.
Pre-existing and post-COVID-19 immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in cancer patients
Authors: Bilich Tatjana , Roerden Malte , Maringer Yacine , Nelde Annika , Heitmann Jonas S. , Dubbelaar Marissa L. , Peter Andreas , Hörber Sebastian , Bauer Jens , Rieth Jonas , Wacker Marcel , Berner Fiamma , Flatz Lukas , Held Stefanie , Brossart Peter , Märklin Melanie , Rammensee Hans-Georg , Salih Helmut R. , Walz Juliane S. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Cancer patients, in particular patients with hematological malignancies, are at increased risk for critical illness upon COVID-19. We here assessed antibody as well as CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses in unexposed and SARS-CoV-2-infected cancer patients to characterize SARS-CoV‑2 immunity and to identify immunological parameters contributing to COVID-19 outcome. Unexposed patients with hematological malignancies presented with reduced prevalence of pre-existing SARS-CoV-2 cross-reactive CD4+ T cell responses and signs of T cell exhaustion when compared to solid tumor patients and healthy volunteers. Whereas SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses did not differ between COVID-19 cancer patients and healthy volunteers, intensity, expandability, and diversity of SARS-CoV-2 T cell responses were profoundly reduced in cancer patients, and the latter associated with a severe course of COVID-19. This identifies impaired SARS-CoV-2 T cell immunity as determinant for dismal outcome of COVID-19 in cancer patients.