bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma Patients with Distant Metastases
Authors: Weng Huai-Yu , Yan Ting , Qiu Wang-Wang , Xi Chuang , Hou Li-Ying , Yang Zhi-Li , Qiu Zhong-Ling 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
PurposesDistant metastasis from papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is extremely rare and the long-term outcome and independent prognostic factors remain unclear.The present study aimed to investigate clinicopathological characteristics and evaluate the long-term outcomes and prognostic factors of PTMC patients with distant metastases (DM) who underwent surgery and radioactive iodine (131I) treatment.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 13,441 patients with thyroid cancer (including 1,697 cases with PTMC) who underwent 131I treatment at our institution between January 2008 and December 2019. PTMC patients with distant metastases with sufficient clinical follow-up data were enrolled in this cohort study. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier method and the prognostic factors were assessed by Cox proportional hazards. ResultsThirty-three PTMC patients with DM were enrolled in this study. The median follow-up was 75 months (range: 5–151 months).The 5-year and 10-year OS rates were 96.97% and 81.41%, respectively, and the 5-year and 10-year PFS rates were 90.46% and 69.68%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that male sex(P=0.005) , radioactive iodine refractory PTMC (P=0.033) and symptomatic DM (P=0.022) were significantly associated with worse 10-year PFS in PTMC patients with DM. No independent predictor related to poor 10-year OS found in the present study.ConclusionsThe prognosis of PTMC patients becomes worse after the development of DM. Male sex, radioactive iodine refractory PTMC and symptomatic DM were identified as independent factors associated with PFS.
Optimization in the Aqueous Two Phase Extraction of a Toxic Metabolite, Solasodine, From S. Mauritianum and Analysis via UHPLC-qTOF-MS
Authors: Mokgehle Tebogo , Madala Ntakadzeni , Gitari Wilson , Tavengwa Nikita 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Aqueous two phase extraction (ATPE) was applied in the extraction of an allelochemical, solasodine, from an invasive plant, Solanum mauritianum. Central composite design was performed which included numerical parameters such as time and mass of plant powder. The categorical factors included the type of salt used in aiding extraction such as the chaotrope (NaCl) and kosmotrope (Na2CO3). Fitting the central composite design response surface model to the experimental data generated a quadratic model with a good fit (R2 = 0.925). The linear effect of mass of plant powder was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) parameter for solasodine extraction. The optimized conditions for the extraction of solasodine in the presence of NaCl or Na2CO3 were time: 10 min and mass of plant powder: 1.2 g. Corresponding to these conditions, the maximal mean extraction based on multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transition of solasodine (m/z 414 → 396) on the UHPLC-qTOF-MS was 233.65 mg kg-1 and 413.50 mg kg-1 for NaCl and Na2CO3, respectively. The greater extraction ability of the kosmotrope was due to the higher negative charge density of the carbonate ion during salting-out. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of mass of plant powder and salting-out was shown to enhance extraction of solasodine compared to the chaotrope. The kosmotrope assisted solasodine ATPE extracts from Solanum mauritianum, can potentially be applied as antipathogenic agents in medicine while simultaneously limiting the allelopathic impact of Solanum mauritianum.
Increased PINK1 Confers a Neuroprotective Role After Glutamate Excitotoxicity in Neuronal Cells
Authors: Dou Ya-Nan , Wu Xiu-Quan , Fei Xiao-Wei , Fei Zhou 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Ischemic insults often leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal injury. The neuronal damage induced by ischemia can be partly attributed to glutamate excitotoxicity. Previous studies have indicated that PINK1 plays a neuroprotective role against ischemic brain injury via regulating mitochondrial integrity and function. However, there are few reports elucidating the expression changes and effect of PINK1 on neuronal survival in glutamate excitotoxicity model.Methods: We utilized HT22 cells and primary cortical neurons to establish glutamate excitotoxicity neuronal model. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to investigate the effects of different concentrations of glutamate on neuronal activity; RT-PCR assay was used to investigate PINK1 transcription level following glutamate excitotoxicity; Western-blot and immunofluorescence assays were used to evaluate PINK1 translation level after glutamate injury. Moreover, we established HT22 cell stable transformants by lentiviral transfection to determine the role of PINK1 on neuronal damages in glutamate excitotoxicity.Results: Different concentrations of glutamate inhibited the cell viability of HT22 line and primary cortical neurons. Following glutamate treatment at different times, the mRNA level, protein level and cellular fluorescence intensity of PINK1 firstly increased and then decreased. In addition, cells with low PINK1 expression could reinforce the inhibitory effect of glutamate on neuronal activity compared with normal cells, while high PINK1 expression showed a protective effect on neurons.Conclusion: PINK1 may play a neuroprotective role in glutamate induced neuronal excitotoxicity.
A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Muscle Strength, Spinal Shrinkage and Recovery During a Working Day of Military Police Officers
Authors: Holfinger Francielle , Rodacki Andre Luiz Felix , Tavares Janny Miriam , Neto Milton Isac Fadel , Paulo Anderson Caetano , Fowler Neil Edward , Rodadki Cintia de Lourdes Nahhas 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Military personnel has a large prevalence of back, especially those involved in patrolling routines as they are required to wear heavy protective equipment. Patrolling includes long periods sustaining the protective equipment is sustained in a sitting either on or in a motor vehicle (motorcycle or car). Thus, understanding spinal loading of Military Police Officers (MPO) after patrolling by car (CAR; n=14), motorcycle (MOT; n=14), and administrative (ADM; n=14) routines is relevant to establish preventive strategies. Design: The torque of the trunk and working and anthropometric characteristics were assessed to explain and spinal loading using stature variation measures. Precise stature measures were performed before and after a 6h journey (LOSS) and 20min after a resting posture (RECOV). The isometric peak torque of the trunk extensor (PTE.BM-1) and flexor (PTF.BM-1) muscles were measured before the working journey. Results: The LOSS was similar between CAR and MOT (4.8 and 5.8mm, respectively) after 6h of patrolling. The ADM presented the lowest LOSS (2.8mm; p<0.05). No changes in RECOV between groups were observed (p>0.05). Vibration may explain the greater spinal loading involved in CAR and MOT in comparison to the ADM. A GLM analysis revealed that only BMI was the only explanatory factor for stature loss. No independent variables explained RECOV. The ability of the trunk muscles to produce force did not influence LOSS or RECOV between groups. Conclusions: MPOs involved in CAR or MOT patrolling may require greater post-work periods and strategies designed to reduce the weight of the protective apparatus to dissipate spinal loading. The external load used in patrolling is a relevant spinal loading factor.
Effect of MnO2 and MnO2-NCNO addition on structural and nonlinear optical properties of CoWO4 ceramics
Authors: nadafan marzieh , Ghalkhani Masoumeh , Sohouli Esmail 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The nitrogen-doped carbon nano-onions (NCNOs) were prepared by annealing the ultra-dispersed aminated-nanodiamond solution under He gas at 1150°C followed by calcination at 400°C. The nanostructures of CoWO4, MnO2, CoWO4-MnO2, and CoWO4-MnO2-NCNO were synthesized through the simple precipitation method under ultrasonication followed by calcination at 450°C. The morphology, structure, and optoelectronic properties of the samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Z-scan method. The homogeneous distribution of the tiny aggregated plate-like and spongy particles throughout the nanocomposite created a highly porous nanostructure with a large surface area. The nonlinear absorption (NLA) coefficient and nonlinear refractive (NLR) index were of the order of 10-3(cm/W) and 10-8(cm2/W), respectively. In different incident intensity of laser, all synthesized samples show TPA effect implying the positive sign of NLA coefficient. MnO2 and NCNO structure have positive NLR index indicating the self-focusing optical nonlinearity. The self-defocusing effect and the negative sign of nonlinearity in the CoWO4 nanoparticles, MnO2-CoWO4, and MnO2-NCNO-CoWO4 nanocomposites are vivid. The porous structure of CoWO4 nanoparticles and trapping the light into CoWO4 nanoparticles are the main reasons for nonlinearity of this nanoparticles. Porosity is also one of the most important reasons for the nonlinear optical responses of NCNO structure. The NLR index and NLA coefficient of MnO2 decreased by increasing the incident intensity. Moreover, an increase in the incident intensity improved the nonlinear responses in the rest of samples. The present nonlinear optical results of the synthesized samples can be applied in optical devices.
Invasion front dynamics of interactive populations in environments with barriers
Authors: Azimzade Youness 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Invading populations normally comprise different subpopulations that interact while trying to overcome existing barriers against their way to occupy new areas. However, the majority of studies so far only consider single or multiple population invasion into areas where there is no resistance against the invasion. Here, we developed a model to study how cooperative/competitive populations invade in the presence of a physical barrier that should be degraded during the invasion. For one dimensional environment, we found that a Langevin equation as $dX/dt=V_ft+\sqrt{D_f}\eta(t)$ describes invasion front position. We then obtained how $V_f$ and $D_f$ depend on population interactions and environmental barrier intensity. For the 2D case, for the average interface position we found a Langevin equation as $dH/dt=V_Ht+\sqrt{D_H}\eta(t)$. Similar to the 1D case, we found how $V_H$ and $D_H$ respond to population interaction and environmental barrier intensity. Finally, the study of invasion front morphology through dynamic scaling analysis showed that growth exponent, $\beta$, depends on both population interaction and environmental barrier intensity. Saturated interface width, $W_{sat}$, versus width of the 2D environment ($L$) also exhibits scaling behavior. Comparing results for the 2D environment revealed that competition among subpopulations leads to more rough invasion fronts. Considering the wide range of shreds of evidence for clonal diversity in cancer cell populations, our findings suggest that interactions between such diverse populations can potentially participate in the geometry of the tumor border.
Identification of the gut commensal Candida parapsilosis as a causative fungus for the development of high fat-diet induced obesity in mice
Authors: Sun Shanshan , Sun Li , Wang Kai , Qiao Shanshan , Zhao Xinyue , Hu Xaomin , Chen Wei , Zhang Shuyang , Li Hantian , Dai Huanqin , Liu Hongwei 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Gut fungi is known to play many important roles in human health regulations. Herein, we investigated the anti-obesity efficacy of the antifungal antibiotics (amphotericin B, fluconazole and 5-fluorocytosine) in the high fat diet-fed (HFD) mice. Supplementation of amphotericin B or fluconazole in water effectively inhibited obesity and its related disorders, whereas 5-fluorocytosine exhibited little effects. The gut fungus Candida parapsilosis was identified as a key commensal fungus related to the diet-induced obesity by the culture-dependent method and the inoculation assay with C. parapsilosis in the fungi-free mice. In addition, the increase of free fatty acids in the gut due to the production of fungal lipases from C. parapsilosis was confirmed as one mechanism by which C. parapsilosis promotes obesity. The current study demonstrates the gut C. parapsilosis as a causal fungus for the development of diet-induced obesity in mice and highlights the therapeutic strategy targeting the gut fungi.
Outbreak of Cryptosporidium hominis in northern Sweden: persisting symptoms in a five-year follow-up
Authors: Sjöström Malin , Arvidsson Malin , Söderström Lars , Lilja Mikael , Lindh Johan , Widerström Micael 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
ObjectivesIn 2010-2011, a waterborne outbreak of the parasite, Cryptosporidium hominis, affected approximately 27,000 inhabitants in the city of Östersund, Sweden. Previous research suggested that post-infectious symptoms, such as gastrointestinal symptoms and joint pain, could persist for up to two years after the initial infection. In this study, we investigated whether the parasite caused post-infectious sequelae for up to five years after the outbreak. This prospective cohort study examined whether individuals infected during the outbreak were more likely than uninfected individuals to report post-infectious symptoms five years later. The participants completed a questionnaire on whether they experienced a list of symptoms. We analysed data using logistic regression and calculated odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.Results The analysis included 626 individuals. Among the 262 individuals infected during the outbreak, 56.5% reported symptoms at follow-up. Compared to uninfected individuals, infected individuals were significantly more likely to report watery diarrhoea, diarrhoea, swollen joints, abdominal pain, bloating, joint discomfort, acid indigestion, alternating bowel habits, joint pain, ocular pain, nausea, and fatigue at the follow-up, after adjusting for age and sex. Our findings suggested that cryptosporidiosis was mainly associated with gastrointestinal- and joint-related post-infectious symptoms for up to 5 years after the infection.
Manifestation of Waste Silicate Type Additives and Electron Beam Irradiation on Properties of Sbr/devulcanized Waste Tire Rubber Composites for Floor Tiles Applications
Authors: El-Nemr Khaled F. , Ali Magdy A. , Gad Yasser 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Virgin styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) was replaced by devulcanized waste tire rubber (DWR) 50/50 and used as a rubber base for preparing composites to depend on different silicate types at fixed content 40 phr (part per hundred part of rubber). All composites were mixed on a rubber roll mill and then subjected to electron beam irradiation to induce cross-linking at a dose of 100 kGy. Different silicate fillers were used in this study like precipitated silica (PS) 40 phr, waste glass window (WG) - PS 20/20 phr, fly ash (FA)-PS 20/20 phr, and micaosilica (MS)-PS 20/20 phr. Waste silicate was treated with (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS) and blended with PS. Mechanical properties were investigated for composites like tensile strength, elongation at break, tensile modulus, and calculation of cross-link density from mechanical. As well as, application for floor tiles included compression set and abrasion resistance measurements. All results indicated an enhancement in tensile strength, modulus, and cross-link density by adding silicate fillers and more enhanced in presence of radiation. For the application of floor tiles, the MS filler gave a good compression set and abrasion resistance followed by other silicate fillers (PS, FA), except WG.
Precision and Accuracy of a Simple Consumer-oriented Wristband Activity Tracker During Walking at Different Speeds
Authors: Konishi Shozo , Nakatani Daisaku , Nishimura Kiminobu , Shigyo Maki , Yamasaki Keita , Kurakami Hiroyuki , Takeda Toshihiro , Matsumura Yasushi , Katsu Masanori , Sakata Yasushi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objective: FAIT Tag is a wrist-worn consumer-oriented pedometer composed of a small and lightweight core and silicone wrist band. The aim of this study was to validate the measurement precision and accuracy of the FAIT Tag during walking.Results: To assess intra-subject precision, five subjects wearing a FAIT Tag performed a repeated 200-step walking test in which they walked 200 steps a total of 10 times. To assess inter-subject accuracy, 30 subjects wearing a FAIT Tag and ActiGraph walked for 3 minutes at two different speeds. Step count measured by these devices was compared with the actual step count counted visually and simultaneously by an investigator. The average intra-subject precision was 2.2. For the inter-subject precision of FAIT Tag, the concordance correlation coefficient and the absolute percentage error ranged from 0.35 to 0.39 and 5.4% to 10.0%, respectively. In conclusion, the FAIT Tag is a practical pedometer with low intra-subject error and acceptable measurement accuracy. It may be a useful tool for long-term patient monitoring and digital biomarker acquisition.
Post Covid-19 urbanization requires new standards and per capita in planning, design, and building
Authors: Shahraki Abdol Aziz 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This paper studies investment reductions in urban health protection programs in the recent decades under the umbrella of plutocratic ideas. It studies the densely populated slums with little urban spaces, narrow sidewalks, traffic jams, and degraded environmental components. This paper addresses the question of how shall we reopen post-covid-19 cities sustainably and lively? Our method to find a solution is an innovative mathematical model that suggests revision in the current regulations and standards, sizes, and per capita of urban spaces with the help of maximizing necessary investments. This paper analyzes crowded neighborhoods, urban transport sites, and polluted environments where people cannot respect world health organization protocols concerning individual and public health protection. This research aims to maximize investment in public health protection for supplying suitable urban places’ sizes. Outcomes of this research will be helpful to reopen cities in the post-covid-19 everywhere in the world.
Tocilizumab Treatment Reduces Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Saliaj  , Li BCCCP BCPS PharmD Matthew , Rizzo  , Nassar  , Nso  , Idrees Zarwa , Medina Luis A. , Novikov Anastasia , Yaghi Salim , Cuevas Francisco J. , Salafia  , Razaki BCPS PharmD Hamid , Berman Charles , Sachmechi Issac , Trandafirescu Theo , Brennessel Debra , Martin George T. , Mantis Jazila 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Aims

This study aimed to investigate the potential of tocilizumab therapy in minimizing mortality and mechanical ventilation (MV) requirements among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Methods

A single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study of 375 patients with severe COVID-19 (March 1 and April 22, 2020) included 150 patients treated with Tocilizumab and 225 consecutive control patients adjusted for age and gender. Both groups received concomitant standard of care treatments in addition to Tocilizumab. The statistical methods relied on survival analyses, conditional logistic regression models, and contingency analyses. The primary outcomes included in-hospital mortality and the MV requirement.
Results

Tocilizumab associated with improved in-hospital mortality (34.7% vs 46.7%, P = 0.0136) and lower requirement for MV on days 1, 3, and 5 after treatment (P = 0.005, P < 0.0001, and P = 0.0021, respectively). Lower mortality was observed if tocilizumab was administered within 48 hours after admission (P = 0.0226). Older age and low blood oxygen saturation on admission decreased the odds of survival (P < 0.005).
Conclusion

Our study demonstrates a significant reduction in mortality and decreased requirement of MV with tocilizumab treatment in addition to the standard of care. Early administration of Tocilizumab within 48 hours reduces the risk of mortality.
A Mobile Health App (WYZ) for Engagement in Care and Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Youth and Young Adults Living With HIV: Single-Arm Pilot Intervention Study
Authors: Saberi Parya , Lisha Nadra E , Erguera Xavier A , Hudes Estie Sid , Johnson Mallory O , Ruel Theodore , Neilands Torsten B 
Published: July 2021

Background
Youth are globally recognized as being vulnerable to HIV. Younger age has been correlated with worse health outcomes. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have the potential to interact with youth where they are, using a device they already access.

Objective
Using predefined benchmarks, we sought to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of WYZ, an mHealth app, for improved engagement in care and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among youth and young adults living with HIV. WYZ was designed and developed with input from youth and young adults living with HIV using a human-centered design approach and was based on the information, motivation, and behavioral skills framework to address common barriers to care and ART adherence among youth and young adults living with HIV.

Methods
We recruited youth and young adults living with HIV (18-29 years old) from the San Francisco Bay Area to take part in a 6-month pilot trial. Their participation included completing baseline and exit surveys, and participating in seven phone check-ins about their use of WYZ.

Results
Youth and young adults living with HIV (N=79) reported high levels of feasibility and acceptability with WYZ use. We met predefined benchmarks for recruitment (79/84, 94%), mean logins per week (5.3), tracking ART adherence (5442/9393, 57.9%), posting chat topics per week (4.8), and app crashes reported per week (0.24). The ease of app download, install, and setup, and comfort with security, privacy, and anonymity were highly rated (all over 91%). Additionally, participants reported high satisfaction for a research project that was remotely conducted. Participants used the app for shorter timeframes compared to the predefined benchmark.

Conclusions
We noted high feasibility and acceptability with WYZ. Further research to examine the efficacy of WYZ will enable youth and young adults living with HIV and their providers to make informed decisions when using, recommending, and prescribing the app for improved engagement in HIV care and ART adherence.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03587857; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03587857