bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Optical, Electrical, and Surface Characteristics of InGaN Thin Films at Non-Flow and Small Nitrogen Flow Cases
Authors: Mantarcı Asim 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
InGaN films in the non-flow and a small flow of nitrogen cases were fabricated by the RFMS (Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputter) method to compare crucial physical characteristics of its material. From the XRD analysis, application of small nitrogen flow in InGaN thin film growth has been observed to result in changes in the crystal size, texture coefficient, and crystal structure parameters of the film. AFM results showed both films obtained have tightly packed granular, and almost homogeneous, and Nano-structural properties, but they are different in roughness, as increased by applying small nitrogen flow. Optical conductance peaks of the material in non-flow and small flow case were 1.3957 x 1010 and 1.1496 x 1010 (S/m), showed a decrement in optical conductance by small nitrogen flow. In the same manner, electrical conductance peaks of the material in non-flow and small flow case were 5.2512 x 1012 and 5.2236 x 1012 (S), showed a decrement in electrical conductance by small nitrogen flow. In addition, the electrical conductivity of the InGaN material has been obtained at higher than the optical conductivity value of the InGaN material in both cases. Also, it was noticed that direct allowed optical band gap energy non-flow and small flow cases were 2.4701 and 2.5225 eV, displayed increased by applied small nitrogen flow. Essentially, many noteworthy physical properties such as crystalline size, texture coefficient, optical/electrical conductivity, the surface roughness of the films have been compared and studied for the non-flow and a small flow of nitrogen cases.
Three-Dimensional, Problem-Based Instruction in Middle School: Do students Need to Get Down and Dirty to Learn Ecology?
Authors: Gonczi Amanda , Bergman Brenda , Huntoon Jacqueline 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study analyzes 143 6 th -grade students’ open-ended responses prior to and following their participation in a three-dimensional, problem-based ecology curriculum unit. By the end of the unit, students were more likely to make accurate claims about the direct ( p = 0.003) and indirect effects ( p = 0.000) of a decrease in size of a top predator population. In addition, on a near-transfer assessment question, students were more likely to articulate long-term effects and feedback loops that reflected systems reasoning on the post-test as compared to the pre-test ( p = 0.015). Students were also more likely to make comparisons between graphs on the post-test than pre-test ( p = 0 .000). There was evidence of far-transfer learning in regards to the mediating effect of food abundance on a predator population, but not in regards to the influence of an abiotic factor on populations. In light of these findings, ecology learning progressions may need to be more fine-grained to distinguish between students’ ability to identify and reason about specific cause and effect relationships in ecosystems. The findings also suggest three-dimensional problem-based learning provides an effective alternative to field-based ecology curriculum in K-12 classrooms.
Plasma EBV miRNAs Profiles Reveal Potential Biomarkers for clinical prognosis of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome-related Lymphoma
Authors: Chen Ying , Hui Jiangjin , Peng Xiaorong , Huang Ying , Xu Yan , Zhu Biao 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background:Acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related lymphoma (ARL) is closely related to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. However, there are few studies on the occurrence and development of EBV microRNAs (miRNAs) in ARL patients.Methods:The plasma of 5 EBV-infected ARL patients and 8 EBV-infected HIV patients were screened for EBV miRNAs differentially expressed between the two groups through a customized EBV microRNA quantification chip. The plasma of 35 EBV-infected ARL patients and 20 EBV-infected HIV patients was verified by qRT-PCR expanded samples. And we gave a further analysis of the correlation between differentially expressed EBV miRNAs and clinical indicators in ARL patients.Results:1. There were differential expressions of EBV miRNAs in the plasma of EBV-infected ARL patients and EBV-infected HIV patients. It was found that ebv-miR-BART2-5p, ebv-miR-BART8-3p, ebv-miR-BART15, ​​ebv-miR-BART19-5p expression was significantly up-regulated and ebv-miR-BART9-5p expression was significantly down-regulated; 2. EBV miRNAs with significantly different expressions in the screening results were expanded and verified by qRT-PCR, and the differential expression was found to be consistent with the screening results; 3. The relative expression levels of ebv-miR-BART8-3p,ebv-miR-BART19-5p and ebv-miR-BART9-5p in plasma were positive correlated with the international prognostic index (IPI) score of Lymphoma, eastern cooperative oncology group (ECOG) scores are the incidence of lymphoma B symptoms (P = 0.03, 0.01, and 0.04, respectively);4. EBV miRNAs could be used as biomarkers for ARL prognosis evaluation.Conclusions:The expression of ebv-miR-BART2-5p, ebv-miR-BART8-3p, ebv-miR-BART15, ebv-miR-BART19-5p, ebv-miR-BART9-5p and ebv-miR-BART6-3p in ARL patients were highly different; and ebv-miR-BART8-3p, ebv-miR-BART19-5p, ebv-miR-BART9-5p could be used as the biomarkers of the prognosis of ARL evaluation.
Increased COVID-19 Infection Susceptibility and Adverse Outcomes Due to Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Xiaomin , Mazidi Mohsen , Kirwan Richard , Li Yixuan , Zhao Bingtong , Kandiah Jayanthi , Wang Youfa 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objectives: Study bidirectional relationships between weight gain, obesity and COVID-19 infection risk during the pandemic.Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, MedRxiv, and WHO COVID-19 Database were searched till June 2, 2020. Newspaper and internet article sources were identified using a media database. Meta-analysis was conducted using random- and fixed effect models.Results: Ten studies published from 5 countries met inclusion criteria; five studies (provided 17 analyses/types of results) were included in meta-analysis. The studies suggested bidirectional relationships and some dose-response relationships. Meta-analysis showed obesity was associated with increased COVID-19 infection risk (Odds ratio, OR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.41, 2.02). COVID-19 risk increased with obesity (OR=1.43 (1.18, 1.73)) and severe obesity (OR=1.96 (1.49, 2.59)). Obesity was positively associated with COVID-19 mortality (OR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.20, 2.25) and its severity: admission to intensive care unit (ICU) (OR=2.01 (1.25, 3.23)), and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) use (OR=8.20 (2.10, 31.91)). We also observed a stronger association in younger age groups (β=-0.29 (-0.47 to -0.10)).Conclusions: Obesity was positively associated with higher COVID-19 infection risk, severity, and mortality. Appropriate treatment of COVID-19 patients with obesity and weight management are warranted.
Calcium/Calmodulin-Stimulatable Adenylyl cyclases are required for the potentiating effect of acute glucocorticoid exposure in the hippocampal synapse
Authors: Udeh-Momoh Chinedu T , Piers Thomas , Yi Jee-Hyun , Waite Eleanor , Whitehead Garry , Whitcomb Daniel , Lightman Stafford L , Cho Kwangwook K , Conway-Campbell Becky 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Experience-dependent synaptic plasticity is important for learning and memory and regulated by the functions of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) glutamate receptors. The stress hormone glucocorticoid, exerts effects on synaptic plasticity through functional modification of these receptors. In this study, we have investigated the mechanisms underlying synaptic potentiation during acute stress and glucocorticoid treatment. We report that stress-induced glucocorticoid increase augments the postsynaptic localisation and phosphorylation of calcium permeable AMPAR, GluA1 and enhances long-term potentiation (LTP) observed 60 minutes following high frequency stimulation. These effects could be reproduced in adrenalectomized rats by the administration of a stress-equivalent dose of corticosterone. The observed response was blocked by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist RU-486, thus potentially mediated by the GR. Glucocorticoid treatment further increased expression of hippocampal adenylyl cyclases (ACs), AC1 and AC8, implicating this class of enzymes as mediators of hyper-glucocorticoid effect on synaptic plasticity. In support of this, selective pharmacological AC inhibition with SQ22536 ablated the glucocorticoid modulation of AMPA-dependent neuronal plasticity and enhancement of LTP. These data support a key role for calcium/calmodulin-sensitive adenylyl cyclase enzymes in facilitating the modulatory actions of glucocorticoid hormones on a substrate for cellular mechanism of learning and memory, via AMPA receptor activation.
Midkine Promotes the Proliferation of Airway Smooth Muscle Cells Induced by LPS Through Notch2 Pathway
Authors: Huang Qi Feng , Deng Tang , Li Lihua , Qian Jin , Li Qi , Lin Kaiwen , Sun Dongmei , Xu Shuangqin , Wang Hangfei , Wu Xinxin , Liu Xiaoran 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Airway smooth muscle cells (ASMC) can produce a variety of cytokine during inflammation, causing changes in the components of the extracellular matrix, which are related to airway remodeling. Midkine (MK) can promote the chemotaxis of various inflammatory cells and release inflammatory factors. Whether Notch and Midkine together affect the proliferation and apoptosis of airway smooth muscle cells is unclear.Objective: To study the mechanism of Midkine on LPS-induced acute lung injury caused by airway smooth muscle cells.Methods: Airway smooth muscle cells were cultured in vitro and divided into 5 groups: control group, lipopolysaccharide group (LPS), Non-targeted siRNA group, MKsiRNA group, Notch inhibitor group (LY411575). The cell proliferation level was detected by CCK-8. The apoptosis level was detected by flow cytometry. The changes of cytokine in the Midkine/Notch2 signaling pathway were detected by Westernblot, qPCR and cellular immunofluorescence.Results: Midkine and Notch2 were highly expressed in the LPS group. MKsiRNA can effectively block the expression of Midkine induced by LPS while down-regulating the expression of Notch2. This result is the same as that of Notch inhibitor (LY411575). Exogenous Midkine promoted the proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells and reduced the rate of apoptosis in the LPS group. When the expression of Midkine was blocked, the proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells in the LPS group was significantly reduced, while apoptosis increased. Inhibiting the expression of Notch, the proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells in the LPS group decreased, and apoptosis increased.Conclusions: Midkine/Notch2 signaling pathway plays an important role in regulating airway smooth muscle cell proliferation and apoptosis in airway inflammation.
Prevalence and correlates of major injuries among older adults in India: Results of a national cross-sectional survey in 2017-2018
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The study aimed to examine the prevalence and correlates of injury among older adults in India. Methods: The study included 72,262 individuals (45 years and older) from the cross-sectional 2017-2018 Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1.Results: More than one in ten participants (12.9%) had a major injury in the past 2 years, 2.3% had a road traffic injury, 9.4% had a fall injury and 1.9% had other injuries in the past 2 years. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, having 5-9 years education (Adjusted Odds Ratio-AOR: 1.14, 95% Confidence Interval-CI: 1.01-1.79), having sleep problems (AOR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.23-1.57), having two or more chronic conditions (AOR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05-1.39), functional disability (AOR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.04-1.35), pain (AOR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.63-2.02), binge drinking (AOR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.03-1.55), tobacco use (AOR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.10-1.36), poor near vision (AOR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.03-1.33), and hearing problems (AOR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.11-1.52) were positively associated with past two years major injury. Compared to Scheduled tribe, Scheduled caste (AOR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.54-0.78), and other backward class (AOR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.76-0.96), having high subjective socioeconomic status (AOR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.75-0.97), and urban residence (AOR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.73-0.93) were negatively associated with past two years major injury. Younger age and male sex were associated with road traffic injury and older age and female sex with were associated with fall injury. Rural residence was associated with fall and other injury. Poor grip strength was positively associated with fall and other injury. Having depressive symptoms and vigorous physical activity were associated with other injury Conclusion: More than one in ten participants (12.9%) had a major injury in the past 2 years, and several risk factors were found that can be utilized in injury prevention strategies in India.
Dysnatremia in Covid -19 Disease Characteristics of Patients, Clinical Manifestation and Outcome in Pakistan.
Authors: Saeed Faiza , Alam Ashar , Memon Shoukat , Chughtai Javeria , Ahmed Shahzad , Tariq Sobia , Salman Beena , Imtiaz Salman 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background.Imbalance of serum sodium in the form of hypo and hypernatremia has bad prognostic impact, and linked with increase morbidity and mortality. Covid 19 is a deadly viral infection can be complicated with either of the two state. This increases the complications associated with the covid 19 infection.Material and method.This is the observational cohort study, conducted at The Indus Hospital Karachi, from March 2020 to September 2020. All patients were divided in to three groups on the basis of their serum sodium level, and distribution of variables was observed in all these three groups. To observe the effect of dysnatremias on outcome, binary logistic regression was run and odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were obtained.Results.We included 655 patients, in which 70.7% were male, while 29.3% were female. Mean age was 54 ± 15.5 with minimum of 1 year and maximum of 95 year. Hyponatremia was more common 154(23.5%) than hypernatremia 79(12.1%) patients. Dysnatremia were common in patients of age group of 51 – 65 years (Hyponatremia 72(46.8%) hypernatremia 36(45.6%). Hyponatremia didn’t show any significant effect on the clinical manifestation, critical illness and outcome of the patients except drowsiness (p=0.022). On the other hand hypernatremia had highly significant effect on clinical manifestation, critical illness and outcome of the patients. The patients who had hypernatremia died 16.8 times more than patients with normal sodium (p= 0.001).Conclusion.Dysnatremias has profound impact on the outcome of covid patients. We found development of hypernatremia has devastating effect on patient survival.
Development and internal verification of the hospitalization risk score to triage COVID-19 patients upon admission: a multicenter nested case-control study.
Authors: Peng Hongbing , Hu Chao , Deng Wusheng , Huang Lingmei , Luo Baowei , Wang Xingxing , Long Xiaodan , Li Honghui , Huang Xiaoying 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Novel coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has a large population base of infection, and only worsening cases required hospitalization. A hospitalization risk score of COVID-19(HRS-COVID-19) to identify and treat worsening patients early thus seems crucial.Method: We conducted a multicenter nested case-control study with 200 cases enrolling confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 patients from four designated hospitals before worsened. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator(LASSO), Directed Acyclic Graph(DAG)and Change-in-Estimate(CIE) screened out independent risk factors for HRS-COVID-19 from demographic, clinical and imaging data of the cases. The HRS-COVID-19 was evaluated by the area under curve(AUC), calibration curve, decision curve and clinical impact curve; internal validation by the bootstrap-resampling(boot=1000); and through a nomogram and a network calculator to show.Results: In the nested case cohort, 50 patients reached the compound endpoint(requiring hospitalization) and 150 patients were able to avoid hospitalization. Dyspnea, incubation period, age, lymphocyte count, C-reactive protein and semi-quantitative CT scores were included in HRS-COVID-19. The HRS-COVID-19 has good fitting(Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness,P=0.45); high discrimination(AUC 0.980,95%CI, 0.965-0.996); with excellent calibration and clinical benefits. We make a free online risk calculator (https://hospitalization-risk-score-of-covid-19.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/).Conclusion: In the study, the HRS-COVID-19 based on the clinical characteristics at admission is helpful for early identification and active treatment of aggravated high-risk COVID-19 patients.
Obese Adolescents Have Reduced Mentalizing Ability
Authors: Taheri Alaleh , Mazaheri M. Ali , Zabihzadeh Abbas , Robinson Paul 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Obesity affects both mental health and the quality of life, and it also causes diseases associated with increased mortality. The aetiology of obesity is thought to be multifactorial with biological, psychological and social elements. The psychological realm includes the capacity to be aware of one’s own and others’ mental states, that is mentalizing. We hypothesized that poor mentalizing might contribute to the development and/or persistence of obesity among adolescents. The present study aims to investigate the components of the mentalization model to better identify the psychological status of obese adolescents. Methods: This study was carried out on 100 adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 years who were either obese (N=50, Mean age=17.04, Mean BMI=30.24) or normal weight (N=50, Mean age=16.94, Mean BMI=20.95). All completed the reflective functioning questionnaire (RFQ), reading the mind in the eyes test (RMET), difficulties in emotional regulation scale (DERS), and Toronto alexithymia scale (TAS). Results: Multivariate analysis of variance, univariate analysis of variance, and independent t-test were used. Lower certainty and higher uncertainty on the RFQ were confirmed in the OB group indicating reduced mentalizing ability. Misperception and misinterpretation of emotional states conveyed in the eyes in the RMET were consistent the RFQ results. Alexithymia, including difficulty recognizing, expressing and reflecting on emotions, was also found and this also fits with poor mentalizing capacity. The OB group had difficulty in all components of DERS, apart from the “Strategies” subscale. Conclusion: Mentalization or reflective function is significantly poorer in obese, compared to normal weight adolescents. Poor mentalizing could be a cause of obesity, a factor leading to its persistence, or a consequence of obesity. Further research is required to differentiate these possibilities.Level of evidence Level III: case-control analytic study.
Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) of Patients With End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) on Hemodialysis in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kim Sujin , Nigatu Yemisrach , Araya Tekebash , Dereje Nebiyu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) depend on hemodialysis as a lifesaving treatment for the remainder of their lives. However, the health related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients on hemodialysis is much more underappreciated in resource limited countries, since the hemodialysis is mostly unaffordable or unavailable. Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from August 01 to October 31, 2019. All patients (n = 125) who were on hemodialysis in five selected public and private hospitals were included in the study. Data were administered by trained nurses by using a standardized Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL™-36) questionnaire. Clinical data were extracted from the patients’ medical charts. HRQOL was categorized as low, if the overall mean score was ≤50, or as high, if the overall mean score was >50. Factors associated with lower HRQOL were identified by Multi-variable binary logistic regression analysis and expressed by adjusted odds ratio (aOR). Results: The mean age of the study participants was 50.33 years (±15.07) and more than two-thirds (68.8%) of the patients were males. The mean score of HRQOL was 49.08±11.09, with 45.4% of them had lower HRQOL. In the multi-variable model, unemployed patients (aOR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.10 – 5.90; p-value = 0.03) and patients who had hemodialysis 2 times per week (aOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.07 – 3.83; p-value = 0.04) were associated with lower HRQOL. In the further sub-group analysis, elderly patients had higher odds of having lower mean score on the burden of kidney disease (BKD) (aOR = 2.07; 95% CI 1.18 – 4.13; p-value = 0.02) as compared to the younger patients.Conclusions: A substantial proportion of the patients with ESKD on hemodialysis in Addis Ababa had lower overall HRQOL which is associated with their unemployment status and frequency of hemodialysis per week. Therefore, not only the clinical treatment but also quality of life of patients with chronic dialysis should be given special attentions during the patients’ care.
Direct Z-scheme GdFeO3/g-C3N4 heterostructures with outstanding photocatalytic activity
Authors: Li Li , Wang Fengwu , Feng Jiajun , Guo Siqi , Xu Mai , Wang Longde , Quan Guiying 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The direct Z-scheme GdFeO3/g-C3N4 photocatalysts used without any mediators were obtained using an ultrasonic synthesis approach. The composites’ structures, elemental composition and morphologies, as well as optical, electrochemical and catalytic properties, were thoroughly analyzed. GdFeO3/g-C3N4-3:7 composite exhibited an excellent enhanced light-harvesting ability and low recombination rate, which manifested into an outstanding visible-light driven activity, 7.7 and 2.3 times more than of stand-alone g-C3N4 and GdFeO3, respectively. A mechanism responsible for the photocatalytic property enhancement was proposed. The stability and reusability of the GdFeO3/g-C3N4 composites make them excellent materials for practical applications related to the removal of organic pollutants from the wastewater.
Facile Method for Delivering Chikungunya Viral Replicons Into Mosquitoes and Mammalian Cells
Authors: Lin Hui-Chung , Chiao Der-Jiang , Lin Chang-Chi , Kuo Szu-Cheng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Reverse genetics is an important tool in the elucidation of viral replication and the development of countermeasures; however, these methods are impeded by laborious and inefficient replicon delivery methods. This paper demonstrates the use of a baculovirus to facilitate the efficient delivery of autonomous CHIKV replicons into mosquito and mammalian cells in vitro as well as adult mosquitoes in vivo. The efficacy of this approach was verified via co-localization among an eGFP reporter, nsP1, and dsRNA as well as through the inhibition of an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) null mutation (DDAA) in nsP4, or the treatment of a known antiviral compound (6-azauridine). We also investigated the correlation between CHIKV replicon-launched eGFP expression and the effectiveness of CHIKV replicon variants in inducing IFN-β expression in human cell lines. This delivery method based on a single vector is applicable to mosquito and mammalian cells in seeking to decipher the mechanisms underlying CHIKV replication, elucidate virus–host interactions, and develop antivirals. This study presents an effective alternative to overcome many of the technological issues related to the study and utilization of autonomous arbovirus replicons.