bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defining GP Practices from an Urban Versus Rural Perspective: The Case of Czechia
Authors: Šídlo Luděk , Bělobrádek Jan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: This study is an attempt to demonstrate the potential for classifying GP practices in Czechia along an urban versus rural dimension and to compare the structure of areas thus defined with the OECD territorial typology. The aim is to ascertain whether a general approach to distinguishing regions is transferrable and could be used to define GP practices in Czechia. Methods: In this study two variants are considered using data supplied to the authors by the largest health insurance company in Czechia, using geographical information systems. The results were then compared with the OECD regional typology, in which areas are classified as predominantly urban, intermediate, and predominantly rural. Results: The two GP practice typologies were then found to correspond closely to the OECD typology, but the most recent variant is more suitable. A high degree of similarity was evident in the categorisation of urban regions, and therefore practices, and slightly less so in the rural type areas. The most problematic aspect is defining the intermediate type, which has its own peculiarities and has to be considered within the wider context. Conclusions: Despite some structural differences, we can state that the main thinking behind the OECD typology is transferrable and can be used to determine urban versus rural healthcare providers, especially primary care ones. Nonetheless, the results point to further research avenues, especially on how to best to define the intermediate category so greater accuracy can be achieved in determining the resulting urban versus rural polarity.
Thymol-based Chitosan Nanogels Have Strong Antibacterial and Anti-biofilm Effects on Multidrug-resistant Pathogens
Authors: Gharaghie Tohid Piri , Beiranvand Sheida , Shirin Neda Jegargoshe , Elahianfar Yalda , Ghahari Somayeh , Ghahari Sajjad 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In the present study, the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of Thymol-based chitosan nanogels were investigated. After clinical screening of MDR strains from the hospital environment, the morphological characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles were identified using SEM, DLS, XRD and FTIR and the efficiency of encapsulation, stability and drug release were evaluated. The expression of OmpA and PgaB biofilm genes were determined by q-Real-Time PCR and the antibacterial and cytotoxic properties of the nanoparticles were determined by well diffusion and MTT methods, respectively. Nanoparticles with a size of 82.71 nm, encapsulation efficiency of 76.54% and stability up to 60 days at 4 °C were prepared. The results of the biological study showed strong antibacterial properties of Thymol-based chitosan nanoparticles by reducing the expression of OmpA and PgaB biofilm genes at a significant level of P ≤ 0.05 and reducing antibiotic resistance compared to the free drug thymol and chitosan nanogels. Thymol-based chitosan nanogels at concentrations of 0.125 to 256μg/mL showed the lowest cytotoxicity against HEK-293 compared to chitosan and free Thymol nanogels. The results showed very strong antibacterial properties of Thymol-based chitosan nanogels against MDR strains such as Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas as the challenging bacteria of the century.
Study On The Application Value of Thromboelastic Graph in The Condition Assessment of Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Wang Kaiyang , Teng Yunjie , Wu Tingting , Ma Yitong , Xie Xiang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background:To explore the application value of thromboelastic graph (TEG) in the assessment of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Results: 1.R time (min), K time (min) and LY30(%) in the STEMI group were lower than those in the NSTEMI group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The Angle(°) and MA values in the STEMI group were higher than those in the NSTEMI group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). 2.R time(min), K time(min) and LY30(%) gradually decreased with the increase of the number of coronary artery lesions, while Angle(°) and MA value(mm) gradually increased. 3. R time (min), K time (min) and LY30(%) gradually decreased with the aggravation of coronary artery lesions, while Angle(°) and MA value (mm) gradually increased. 4. R time (min), K time (min) and LY30(%) were negatively correlated with Gensini score (r=-0.456, -0.418, -0.483, P<0.001).Angle(°) and MA value(mm) were positively correlated with Gensini score (r=0.531, 0.569, P<0.001).Conclusion: Thromboelastic graph (TEG) can be used as an effective indicator for predicting the condition of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), evaluating the severity of coronary artery disease, and guiding clinical treatment.
Clinicopathologic Features of TDO2 Overexpression in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Pham Quoc Thang , Taniyama Daiki , Sekino Yohei , Akabane Shintaro , Babasaki Takashi , Kobayashi Go , Sakamoto Naoya , Sentani Kazuhiro , Oue Naohide , Yasui Wataru 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2) is the primary enzyme catabolizing tryptophan. Several lines of evidence revealed that overexpression of TDO2 is involved in anoikis resistance, spheroid formation, proliferation, and invasion and correlates with poor prognosis in some cancers. The aim of this research was to uncover the expression and biofunction of TDO2 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
Methods

To show the expression of TDO2 in RCC, we performed qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in integration with TCGA data analysis. The interaction of TDO2 with PD-L1, CD44, PTEN, and TDO2 expression was evaluated. We explored proliferation, colony formation, and invasion in RCC cells line affected by knockdown of TDO2.
Results

RNA-Seq and immunohistochemical analysis showed that TDO2 expression was upregulated in RCC tissues and was associated with advanced disease and poor survival of RCC patients. Furthermore, TDO2 was co-expressed with PD-L1 and CD44. In silico analysis and in vitro knockout of PTEN in RCC cell lines revealed the ability of PTEN to regulate the expression of TDO2. Knockdown of TDO2 suppressed the proliferation and invasion of RCC cells.
Conclusion

Our results suggest that TDO2 might have an important role in disease progression and could be a promising marker for targeted therapy in RCC.
A Charge Balanced Vertical Power MOSFET With Record High Balliga’s Figure of Merit: Design and Investigation
Authors: Nigar Hafsa , Alkhammash Hend I , Loan Sajad A 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this work, we design and simulate a high-performance vertical power MOSFET with a charge balanced drift layer, which modulates the RON-BV relation from super quadratic to linear. The proposed device is designed with a super junction drift layer which modulates the RON-BV relation from super quadratic to linear. The proposed device has the source and channel regions isolated from the super junction drift layer. This results in a significant improvement in the performance of the proposed device in comparison to the other conventional devices, in terms of Balliga’s figure of merit. A 2D TCAD simulation study reveals that the proposed device with an epitaxial layer thickness of 50μm shows an ON resistance of 3.84mΩ.cm2 for a break down voltage of 833V, which is the lowest among the resistances reported in the previous literature at this breakdown voltage. Further, the study of charge imbalances and the capacitance analyses including the calculation of gate charge has also been done. The values of Balliga’s figure of merit (FOM) calculated for all the drift thicknesses of the proposed structures are significantly outperforming the conventional super junction structures reported so far.
Novel Fibrous Silica-Copper Sulfide Nanocomposite (KCC1-CuS): Synthesis and Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Humic Acid
Authors: Mohammadi Neda , Allahresani Ali , Naghizadeh Ali 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The present study aims to test the degradation ability of KCC-1/CuS nanocomposite as a new photocatalyst for Humic acid (HA) degradation. The degradation process was accomplished using a photocatalytic reaction under irradiation by UV light. Structural characteristics of synthesized nanoparticles were done using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Furthermore, the effect of important degradation variables such as pH (3–11), nanocatalyst dosage (0.005-0.1 g/L), HA concentration (2–15 mg/L), and contact time (0–90 min) were investigated. SEM and TEM images showed that the size of KCC-1/CuS nanocomposite was approximately 50 nm. According to the results of the study, the maximum degradation of HA was 89.5% in the photocatalytic degradation process of HA by KCC-1/CuS nanocomposite under UV light at the optimum condition of pH = 3, nanocomposite dose of 0.1 g/L, HA concentration of 2 mg/L and contact time of 90 min.
Generation of Second Harmonics of Relativistically Self-Focused q-Gaussian Laser Beams in Underdense Plasma with Axial Density Ramp
Authors: Gupta Naveen , Kumar Sandeep 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
An investigation on frequency doubling of intense laser beams through the phenomenon of second harmonic generation (SHG) in underdense plasmas has been presented. In order to increase the efficiency of S.H.G the density profile of plasma has been considered in the shape of upward ramp. When laser beam with frequency !0 propagates through plasma, it makes the plasma electrons to oscillate at pump frequency. These oscillations of plasma
electrons in the presence of thermal velocity generate a plasma wave at frequency !0. The generated plasma wave beats with the pump beam to double its frequency. Variational theory has been adopted to find semi analytical solution of the wave equation for the slowly varying envelope of the laser beam. By using hydrodynamic fluid model of plasma,
nonlinear current density for SHG has been obtained. Emphasis are put on investigation of the effect of various laser and plasma parameters on propagation dynamics of pump beam and the power of generated second harmonics.
Continued functions and perturbation series: Simple tools for convergence of diverging series in $O(n)$-symmetric $\phi^4$ field theory at weak coupling limit
Authors: Abhignan Venkat , R. Sankaranarayanan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We determine universal critical exponents that describe the continuous phase transitions in different dimensions of space. We use continued functions without any external unknown parameters to obtain analytic continuation for the recently derived 7-loop $\epsilon$ expansion from $O(n)$-symmetric $\phi^4$ field theory. Employing a new blended continued function, we obtain critical exponent $\alpha=-0.01211$ for the phase transition of superfluid helium which matches closely with the most accurate experimental value. This result addresses the long-standing discrepancy between the theoretical predictions and precise experimental result of $O(2)$ $\phi^4$ model known as "$\lambda$-point specific heat experimental anomaly". Further we have also examined the applicability of such continued functions in other examples of field theories.
Single particle combinatorial multiplexed liposome fusion mediated by DNA
Authors: Malle Mette , Loffler Philipp , Bohr Soeren , Sletfjerding Magnus , Risgaard Nikolaj , Jensen Simon , Zhang Min , Hedegård Per , Vogel Stefan , Hatzakis Nikos 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Combinatorial high throughput methodologies are central for both screening and discovery in synthetic biochemistry and biomedical sciences. They are, however, often reliant on large scale analyses and thus limited by long running time and excessive materials cost. We herein present Single PARticle Combinatorial multiplexed Liposome fusion mediated by DNA (SPARCLD), for the parallelized, multi-step and non-deterministic fusion of individual zeptoliter nanocontainers. We observed directly the efficient (>93%), and leakage free stochastic fusion sequences for arrays of surface tethered target liposomes with six freely diffusing populations of cargo liposomes, each functionalized with individual lipidated ssDNA (LiNA) and fluorescent barcoded by distinct ratio of chromophores. The stochastic fusion results in distinct permutation of fusion sequences for each autonomous nanocontainer. Real-time TIRF imaging allowed the direct observation of >16000 fusions and 566 distinct fusion sequences accurately classified using machine learning. The high-density arrays of surface tethered target nanocontainers ~42,000 containers per mm2 offers entire combinatorial multiplex screens using only picograms of material.
Naringenin and Metformin Enhance the Antitumor Effect of Doxorubicin Against Experimental Models of Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Pateliya Bharat , Burade Vinod , Goswami Sunita 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide and is curable in patients at an early stage. The present work is aimed to evaluate the potential of naringenin and metformin concomitant addition with doxorubicin chemotherapy against experimental breast carcinoma models. The antitumor potential of drugs under the study was evaluated in vivo against methylnitrosourea (MNU)- induced breast cancer in rats and 4T1- induced orthotropic mouse model. Tumor-bearing animals were randomly divided into various groups to assess the effect of each single drug and concomitant drug treatments. Parameters like tumor growth, body weight, survival rate, blood glucose, hematology and histology study were determined. There was significant reduction in tumor weight and an observed decrease in tumor multiplicity in naringenin and metformin concomitant addition with doxorubicin treatment as compared to doxorubicin alone against MNU-induced breast carcinoma. Likewise, significant reduction of tumor volume and tumor weight was also observed in 4T1 mouse model suggesting combination treatment enhanced antitumor activity in vivo. Further, histology of tumor biopsies presented enhanced antitumor activity of doxorubicin through increasing tumor necrosis. Hematological parameters, body weight and survival data presented better safety of combination treatment without compromising efficacy using lower dose of doxorubicin as compared to large dose of doxorubicin alone. These results demonstrate that naringenin and metformin enhanced the antitumor effect of doxorubicin in animal models of breast carcinoma and useful as an adjunct to increase the effectiveness of doxorubicin at lower dose.
Limitations in Cataract Surgical Services in Children in Ethiopia: A Nationwide Survey of Pediatric Cataract Surgeons
Authors: Asferaw Mulusew , Tolesa Kumale , Sherief Sadik Taju , Tadegagne Bezawit , Sintayehu Mandefro , Worku Addisu , Wondale Teshager , Girma Emebet , Gizachew Zelalem , Gilbert Clare , Woodruff Geoffrey 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Bilateral cataract is a significant cause of blindness in Ethiopia. This study aimed to identify the resources available for cataract surgery in children, and to assess current surgical practices, surgical output and factors affecting the outcome of surgery in Ethiopia. Methods: A Google Forms mobile phone questionnaire was emailed to nine ophthalmologists known to perform cataract surgery in young children.Results: All nine responded. All but one had received either 12- or 3-5-month’s training in pediatric ophthalmology with hands-on surgical training. The other surgeon had received informal training from an experienced colleague and visiting ophthalmologists. Five worked in the capital, Addis Ababa, and they worked in six public referral hospitals and one private center. Over 12 months (2017-2018) 508 children underwent surgery; 84 (17%) children had bilateral and 424 (83%) had unilateral cataract, mainly following trauma (mean 66 (range 18-145 standard deviation (SD) ±47) eyes/surgeon). There were substantially fewer surgeons per million population (nine for 115 million population) than recommended by the World Health Organization and they were unevenly distributed across the country.Methylcellulose and rigid intraocular lenses were generally available but less than 50% of facilities had a sharp vitrectomy cutter and cohesive viscoelastic. Mean travel time outside Addis Ababa to a facility offering pediatric cataract surgery was 10 hours. Conclusion: Despite the high number of cases per surgeon, the output for bilateral cataracts was far lower than required. More well-equipped ophthalmologists trained in pediatric cataract surgery are urgently required, with deployment to under-served areas.
Incidence of heart valve disease in women treated with the ergot-derived dopamine agonist bromocriptine
Authors: Clausen Marianne F. , Rørth Rasmus , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Westergaard Lucas Malta , Weeke Peter E. , Gislason Gunnar , Køber Lars , Fosbøl Emil , Kristensen Søren Lund 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Ergot-derived dopamine agonists are thought to induce fibrotic changes in cardiac valve leaflets. We sought to determine the incidence of heart valve disease in women treated with bromocriptine compared with age and sex matched controls from the background population.
Methods
In nationwide Danish registries we identified female patients treated with bromocriptine in the period 1995–2018. Patients were included at date of second redeemed prescription and were matched 1:5 with controls from the background population based on age, sex and year of inclusion by use of incidence density sampling. The outcomes were hospital admission for or outpatient diagnosis of heart valve disease, and death as competing risk. Incidence rates, cumulative incidence curves, and adjusted cox-proportional hazard models adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors were used to assess outcomes in bromocriptine users vs. controls.
Results
A total of 3035 female bromocriptine users and 15175 matched controls were included. Median age at inclusion was 32 years (Q1-Q3, 28–37 years). Both bromocriptine users and controls had few comorbidities and low use of concomitant pharmacotherapy. Within 10 years of follow-up, 11 patients (0.34%, 95 % CI 0.13%-0.55%) and 44 controls (0.29%, 95 % CI 0.20–0.37) met the primary endpoint of heart valve disease, p = 0.63. The adjusted cox regression analysis yielded a hazard ratio of 0.96 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55–1.69, p = 0.89).
Conclusions
Treatment initiation with ergot-derived dopamine agonist bromocriptine in younger women with few comorbidities, was associated with a low absolute long-term risk of heart valve disease, not significantly different from the risk in age and sex matched population controls. Thus, indicating a low clinical yield of pre-treatment echocardiographic screening in this patient population in accordance with current guidelines.
Electroacupuncture enhance therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells transplantation in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Deng Li , Zhou Ling , Zhu Yan , Fan Guangbi , Tang Huajun , Zheng Yujie , Gao Xiaoqing , Guo Kan , Zhou Peng , Yang Chaoxian 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Previous studies have showed the beneficial effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on experimental intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) animal. Enhancement of the treatment efficacy of MSCs in ICH is essential, considering the diseases association with high rates of disability and mortality. Some auxiliary methods to enhance the beneficial efficacy of MSCs have been introduced. However, the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs transplantation in hemorrhagic stroke and its potential mechanism is not explored.
Methods
ICH rat models were established using collagenase and heparin. 48 h after ICH induction, the rats were randomly divided into model control (MC), MSCs transplantation (MSCs), EA stimulation (EA) and MSCs transplantation combined with EA stimulation (MSCs + EA) groups. We used mNSS test and gait analysis to assess neurological function of rats, and PET/CT to evaluate the volume of hemorrhage focus and level of glucose uptake. The concentrations of MDA, SOD, NSE, S100B and MBP in serum or plasma were examined with ELISA. Neural differentiation of MSCs, and the expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, Arg-1 and iNOS proteins around hematoma were detected by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining respectively. Western blot was carried out to analyze the expression levels of COX4, OGDH, PDH-E1α, Bcl-2 and Bax proteins. TUNEL staining was used to estimate cell apoptosis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the ultrastructure and number of mitochondria.
Results
Our data showed that EA promoted neuron-like differentiation of transplanted MSCs and the expressions of BDNF and NGF proteins in ICH rats. The score of mNSS and the gait analysis showed that the recovery of the neurological function in the MSCs + EA group was better than that in the MSCs and EA groups. EA improved the structures of brain tissue, and alleviated brain injury further after MSCs transplantation in ICH rats. When compared with the MSCs and EA groups, the level of glucose uptake and numbers of mitochondria and Arg-1 positive cells in MSCs + EA group increased significantly, but the numbers of apoptotic cells and iNOS positive cells and volume of hemorrhage focus reduced. The expressional levels of COX4, OGDH, PDH-E1α and Bcl-2 proteins increased, while the expressional levels of Bax protein decreased compared with those in the MSCs and EA groups.
Conclusion
Our results reveal that EA improve therapeutic efficacy of MSCs transplantation in ICH rats.