bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations of Fertility History and Cognitive Decline, Depression, Chronic Disease Comorbidity in West China: Results from WCHAT Study
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Chen Xiaoyan , Hou Lisha , Hu Fengjuan , Xia Xin , Luo Shuyue , Zhang Gongchang , Peng Xuchao , Yue Jirong , Dong Birong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to investigate the association between fertility history and cognition function, depression and chronic comorbidity in west China.MethodsWe included 4,276 women aged 50 or older in our study, and we analyzed associations between parity history and cognitive decline, depression, chronic disease comorbidity in west China using univariate and multivariate models. Multivariate models were adjusted for age, ethnic groups, occupation, marriage status, educational level, life style factors, sleeping time and so on. ResultsOf 4,276 women in west China, 18.4% were either childless or had one child, 33.8% had two children, 23.7% had three children, and 24.1% had four or more children. Compared to low parity (0-1 children), having 4 or more children was significantly associated with depression (OR 1.379, 95%CI 1.046-1.819), chronic disease comorbidity (OR 1.714, 95%CI 1.252-2.346), mild cognitive decline (OR 2.179, 95%CI 1.503-3.159) and moderate/severe cognitive decline (OR 1.806, 95% CI 1.064-3.067). Conclusions This study indicated that high parity was significantly associated with poorer cognitive functioning, depression and chronic disease comorbidity. For a better mid-late life health, reproductive women should plan their number of desired children.
Mifepristone Inhibited the Expression of B7-H2, B7-H3, B7-H4 and PD-L2 in Adenomyosis
Authors: Qin Xiaoyan , Sun Wenjing , Wang Chong , Li Mingjiang , Zhao Xingbo , Li Changzhong , Zhang Hui 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe immune mechanism was shown to be involved in the development of adenomyosis. The current study aims to evaluate the expression of immune checkpoint B7-H2, B7-H3, B7-H4 and PD-L2 in adenomyosis and to explore the effect of mifepristone on the expression of these immune checkpoints. MethodsThe expression of B7-H2, B7-H3, B7-H4 and PD-L2 in normal endometria and adenomyosis treated with or without mifepristone was determined by immunohistochemistry analysis.ResultsIn adenomyosis, the expression of B7-H2, B7-H3 and B7-H4 was increased in the eutopic and ectopic endometria compared with normal endometria, both in the proliferative and secretory phase. Moreover, the expression of B7-H2 and B7-H3 was higher in adenomyotic lesions than in the corresponding eutopic endometria, both in the proliferative and secretory phase. The expression of PD-L2 was higher in adenomyotic lesions than in normal endometria, both in the proliferative and secretory phase. In secretory phase but not the proliferative phase, the expression of B7-H4 and PD-L2 in adenomyotic lesion showed a significantly higher level than that in the corresponding eutopic endometria. In normal endometria and eutopic endometria, the expression of B7-H4 showed elevated expression in proliferative phase compared with that in the secretory phase, while this change altered in ectopic endometria with decreased B7-H4 expression in proliferative phase than the secretory phase. In addition, the expression of B7-H2, B7-H3, B7-H4 and PD-L2 was significantly decreased in adenomyosis after treated with mifepristone.ConclusionsExpression of immune checkpoint proteins B7-H2, B7-H3, B7-H4 and PD-L2 is up-regulated in adenomyosis and down-regulated with mifepristone treatment. The data suggests that the B7 immunomodulatory molecules are involved in the pathophysiology of adenomyosis.
EOG Elicited by Rhythmic&nbsp;Auditory Predicts the Depth of Sedation During Sevoflurane Anesthesia
Authors: Liu Jun , Wang Guozheng , Hang Fan , Dong Kangli , Zhang Delin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Several electroencephalographic (EEG) variables have been used to estimate changes in human brain electrical activity during changing states of consciousness as a clinical monitoring tool to anesthesia and sedation. However, the EEG signal is weak and extremely susceptible to suppression interference. The use of EEG variables as anesthesia monitors is still controversial. Recent studies have shown a new language paradigm that elicited rhythmic brain responses and ocular muscle activity tracking sentence rhythms in speech. Electrooculogram (EOG) driven by rhythmic auditory stimulation has a larger amplitude than EEG variables and a higher temporal resolution than event-related brain potentials, which may be a potential monitor of anesthetic depth.Methods: Twenty-five patients inhaled sevoflurane via laryngeal mask for induction of anesthesia. The initial concentration of sevoflurane was set to 0.4% and increased by 0.1% every 1 min until loss of consciousness. During the entire operation, rhythmic auditory stimulation was presented binaurally to elicit ocular muscle activity.Results: When the end-tidal sevoflurane concentration (Etsevo) was low, the EOG had a significant spectral peak at 0.5 Hz, which is the same frequency as the rhythmic auditory stimulation, and then the peak value of EOG decreased with the increase of Etsevo. Peak value of EOG spectrum under the rhythmic auditory stimulation (PERA) showed significant differences in different depth of sedation (wakefulness: 84.0 ± 22.8, light sedation: 47.0 ± 27.7, deep sedation: 10.9 ± 16.5, P<0.01). PERA is correlated well with Etsevo (-0.75, P<0.01) and was able to predict the sedation depth during the induction period of anesthesia well (PK = 0.92 ± 0.08).Conclusion: We found that the ocular muscle activity synchronizes to the rhythmic auditory stimulation structures during induction with sevoflurane. With the increase of Etsevo, the synchronizing ability of the ocular electricity to rhythmic auditory stimulation gradually weakens and eventually disappears. Based on this evidence, the EOG driven by a rhythmic auditory stimulation may be a new and reliable approach to characterize and predict anesthetic depth objectively. Trial registration: The research project was registered at chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR1900026590, 2019/10/15).
Environmental Performance of Soapberry (Sapindus Mukorossi Gaertn.) Cultivation in Southeast China based on a Life Cycle Assessment: A Potential Feedstock for Forest-based Biodiesel
Authors: Liu Shiqi , Liu Jiming , Gao Yuan , Xi Benye , Chen Zhong , Chang Shiyan , Gao Shilun , Zhao Guochun , Weng Xuehuang , Jia Liming 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Sapindus mukorossi G. has been considered as a potential feedstock for forest-based biodiesel in China. To optimize the cultivation of soapberry and ensure its sustainable supply, an environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted using a chronological approach combined with extrapolation. Soapberry plantations with two degrees of cultivation intensities were comparatively analyzed. For the studied environmental categories, nitrogen fertilization accounted for half or more of the global warming potential, primary energy demand, acidification and eutrophication potential. The main contributors to ozone depletion were pesticides and potassium fertilizer. The plantations with a relatively low cultivation intensity presented better environmental performance, mainly due to the lower input of fertilizers, but they are not a priority choice for soapberry cultivation because of low yield. Stakeholders should focus on how to reduce the environmental impacts of the plantations with a relatively high cultivation intensity in this area. Overall, classified management, increasing the yield, reducing the inputs of chemicals and decreasing the unproductive years are the key ways to improve the environmental performance of soapberry cultivation in Southeast China. Woody biomass carbon should be included in LCAs, and 3.71-5.11 t CO2 can be fixed by soapberry plantations per ha year, indicating that soapberry cultivation provides a net carbon sink.
Sequential Finger-tapping Learning Mediated by the Primary Motor Cortex and Fronto-parietal Network: A Combined MRI-MRS&nbsp;Study
Authors: Maruyama Shuki , Fukunaga Masaki , Sugawara Sho K. , Hamano Yuki H. , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Sadato Norihiro 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The primary motor cortex (M1) is crucial for motor learning. However, the interaction of the M1 with other brain areas during motor learning remains unclear. We hypothesized that the fronto-parietal execution network (FPN) provides the learning-related information that is crucial for flexible cognitive control required for practice. We assessed the network-level changes during sequential finger-tapping learning “as fast and as accurately as possible”, by combining magnetic resonance spectroscopy, task functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and resting-state fMRI methods using a 7T MR machine. An increase in the glutamate/GABA ratio in the right M1 was positively correlated with task performance improvement. There was a motor learning-related increase in preparatory activity in the fronto-parietal region, with an overlap between the FPN and sensorimotor network (SMN). The learning-related increments in M1-seeded functional connectivity with the FPN, but not the SMN, were positively correlated with changes in the glutamate/GABA ratio in M1. These connectivity changes were more prominent in the parietal region than in the frontal region. Our findings indicate that motor learning driven by cognitive control is associated with local variation in the excitatory-inhibitory balance in the M1 that reflects remote connectivity with the FPN, thereby representing the formation of declarative procedural skills.
Quality by design (QbD) based fabrication of atazanavir loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for lymph targeting: Bioavailability enhancement using chylomicron flow block model and toxicity study
Authors: Gurumukhi Vishal , Bari Sanjaykumar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Atazanavir (ATV) is widely used as anti-HIV agent with poor aqueous solubility which requires fabrication of novel drug delivery system to enhance therapeutic activity and safety. For this purpose, the quality by design (QbD) based ATV loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to address the challenges of bioavailability and its safety on oral administration. Herein, the main objective was to identify the influencing variables for the production of quality product. Considering this objective, quality target product profile (QTPP) was assigned and a systematic risk assessment study was performed to identify the critical material attributes (CMAs) and critical process parameter (CPP) having an influence on critical quality attributes (CQAs). Lipid concentrations, surfactant concentrations, and pressure of high-pressure homogenizer were identified as CMAs and CPP. ATV-NLCs were prepared by emulsification-high pressure homogenization method and further lyophilized to obtain solid-state NLCs. The effect of formulation variables (CMAs and CPP) on responses like particle size (Y1), polydispersity index (Y2), and zeta potential (Y3) was observed by central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The data were statistically evaluated by ANOVA for confirmation of a significant level (P<0.05). The optimal conditions of NLCs were obtained by generating design space and desirability value. The lyophilized ATV-NLCs were characterized by DSC, PXRD, and FT-IR analysis. The morphology of NLCs was revealed by TEM and FESEM. In vitro study suggested a sustained release pattern of drug (92.37±1.03 %) with a mechanism of Korsmeyer-Peppas model (r2 =0.925, and n=0.63). In vivo evaluation in Wistar rats showed significantly higher (p<0.001) plasma drug concentration of ATV-NLCs as compared to ATV-suspension using chylomicron flow block model. The relative bioavailability of ATV-NLCs was obtained to be 2.54 folds. Thus, a safe and promising drug targeting system was successfully developed to improve bioavailability and avoiding first-pass effect ensures to circumvent the acute-toxicity of liver.
Production of Some Higher Alcohols and Acetate Esters from Rice Bran by Yeasts Metabolisms of Kluyveromyces Marxianus and Debaryomyces Hansenii
Authors: Güneşer Onur , Yuceer Y. Karagul , Hoşoğlu Müge İşleten , Toğay Sine Özmen , Elibol Murat 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the biosynthesis of flavor compounds from rice bran by yeast metabolisms. The microbial growth and flavor biosynthesis of Kluyveromyces marxianus and Debaryomyces hansenii in rice bran by microbial fermentation were investigated. Growth of both yeasts was assessed by the calculation of specific growth rates and doubling time. Their aroma biosynthesis was evaluated by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Spectrum™ sensory analysis. The specific growth rate (µmax) and doubling time (td) of K. marxianus were calculated as 0.16/h and 4.21 h respectively, D. hansenii had 0.13/h of µmax and 5.33h of td. K. marxianus and D. hansenii significantly produced higher alcohols and acetate esters from rice bran at high levels. Results showed that K. marxianus can produce 827.27 µg/kg of isoamy alcohol, 169.77 µg/kg of phenyl ethyl alcohol and 216.08 µg/kg phenyl ethyl acetate during 24 h batch fermentation. Isovaleric acid was also synthesed by K. marxianus at high level (4013 µg/kg) in the batch fermentation of 96 hours. The highest concentration of of isoamyl alcohol and phenyl ethyl acetate was determined as 415.64 µg/kg and 135.77 µg/kg, respectively at 24 h fermentation of D.hansenii. Fermented cereals and rose were defined as characteristic flavor descriptors for the fermented rice bran samples. Rose flavor term in fermented rice bran samples were found to associate with phenyl ethyl alcohol, phenyl ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate and guaiacol. The valorization of rice bran can be achieved with the production of natural flavor compounds by yeast metabolisms.
Determination of Infiltration Model Parameters Using Basic Soil Physical Properties
Authors: Rasool Tabasum , Dar Abdul Qayoom , Wani Mushtaq Ahmad 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Quantification of infiltration rate is a time-consuming process because of its variability and challenges in the accurate estimation of infiltration model parameters. In this study predictive equations for parameters of Horton, Kostiakov, Modified Kostiakov and Philip infiltration models were developed using basic soil-properties. The model-parameters were initially determined applying non-linear Levenberg Marquardt algorithm (LMA) on field-observed infiltration data and were subsequently determined by predictive equations developed after applying regression analysis to investigated soil-properties. Regression analysis was carried-out using stepwise-regression (SR) where all the measured soil-properties were used, and by applying principal component analysis (PCA) prior to multiple linear-regression for reducing number of predictors. The results revealed that developed equations using stepwise regression and the ones developed after applying PCA were able to explain 40- 78% and 10- 50% of variation respectively. The performance evaluation of developed regression equations at two information levels along with LMA for prediction of infiltration model-parameters was carried out by computing an overall performance index (OPI), which combines relative weight of different statistical indicators, namely, Coefficient of Determination (R2), Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (ENS), Willmott’s Index of Agreement (W), Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). Performance evaluation revealed, LMA with highest OPI-value is most suitable to ascertain parameters of studied infiltration models. However, for selected models using parameters determined at two information levels, it was observed that there exists no significant difference in OPI-value of computed infiltration rates suggesting that equations developed after PCA can be used successfully for determination of infiltration model-parameters.
Elevated Temperature Effects on the Properties of Self Compacting Mortar Containing Nano Materials and Zircon Sand
Authors: Ruben Sahaya , MA Raja , M SOPHIA 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The present research work tries to assess the performance of self compacting mortar containing zircon sand as substitute for river aggregate in combination with nano alumina and nano silica as additive for cement. The fresh state results as observed through slump cone and mini V funnel showed positive effects of zircon sand balancing the negative effect of nano particles addition on workability. The mechanical properties, durability and microstructure of the mortar were assessed by conducting experiments at normal temperature and after subjecting to temperatures of 2000C, 4000C, 6000C and 8000C. The results indicate that addition of nano alumina and nano silica contributed towards the mechanical strength enhancement at elevated temperatures in combination with zircon sand which is a very good refractory material. The durability of the self compacting mortar at elevated temperatures enhanced due to the combined action of nano materials and zircon sand which is evident through microstructure analysis.
Benefits and Barriers: A Qualitative Study of Online Social Participation Among Widowed Older Adults in Southwest China
Authors: Hong Yan , Fu Jingjing , Kong Dehui , Liu Siqi , Zhong Zhu , Tan Jing , Luo Yu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: With the development of information and communication technology, online activities are increasingly becoming part of the daily life of the older adults. As the elderly would face changes in social interactions and activities due to widowhood, the importance of online participation may be more prominent in this group. However, in-depth evidence on the experiences of online social participation among widowed older adults is relatively sparse. This study aimed to explore widowed older adults' perceptions regarding online social participation in southwestern China.Methods: A qualitative design of exploratory research was adopted. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 19 widowed older adults between September-December 2020. The Colaizzi’s method was performed for data analysis. Results: Two major themes “benefits” and “barriers” were identified from the original data analysis. Subcategories concerning the category of “benefits” were “benefit perception (convenience, flexible time, supplementation)”, “health promotion”, “emotional comfort”, “social connection”. Subcategories of “barriers” included “worries: personal economic loss”, “concerns: security of digital device”, “troublesome: the diversity of online social participation”, “difficulties: using digital media”.Conclusions: Online social participation of the elderly is a topic worth exploring. The widowed older adults can truly feel the benefits of online social participation, which can be as an important measure to facilitate successful aging, but there are also barriers for social participation. The level of participation is relatively low. It is recommended to increase the access to use digital media of the elderly, and improve their ability to use it through the support of relatives and friends, as well as targeted education. Meanwhile, companies need to consider the age-friendly design of digital media systems, and the government should further improve the network management system to create a safer network environment.
Measurement of the nociceptive flexion reflex threshold in critically ill patients - a monocentric prospective observational study
Authors: Zujalovic Benedikt , Mayer Benjamin , Walter Steffen , Gruss Sascha , Stitz Ronald , Stitz Pauline , Barth Eberhard 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background Pain detection and treatment is a major challenge in the care of critically ill patients. However, in addition to the risk of analgesic undersupply, there is also the risk of overanalgesia. In the perioperative context, the measurement of the nociceptive flexion reflex threshold has become established for measuring the level of analgesia. To date, however, it is unclear whether measurement of NFRT can be usefully applied to noncommunicating, ventilated, and analgosedated ICU patients. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether NFRT measurement correlates with the Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) in critically ill, analgosedated, and mechanically ventilated patients and whether it can also detect possible overanalgesia.Methods In this prospective, observational, single-center study, 114 patients were included. All patients were admitted to the surgical Intensive Care Unit of the University hospital Ulm, Germany. First measurements of the NFRT and the Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) were conducted within 12 hours after admission. In the further observation period, a structured pain assessment was performed at least twice daily until extubation (Group A: BPS + NFRT, Group B: BPS). Univariate analysis was performed to evaluate possible associations between NFRT measurement and baseline characteristics. Furthermore, mixed linear regression modeling was used to evaluate possible effects of administered analgesics or sedatives on NFRT. Results NFRT correlates negatively with the Behavioral Pain Scale. NFRT was almost twice as high in patients with a RASS of -5 compared with patients with a RASS ≥ -4 (RASS -5 - NFRT: 59.40 vs. RASS -4 - NFRT: 29.00, p < 0.001). By means of NFRT measurement, potential overanalgesia could not be detected.Conclusion The NFRT measurement reliably correlates negatively with the Behavioral Pain Scale in critically ill patients. In patients with RASS scores ≤ -4, in whom analgesia level is often difficult to assess, NFRT measurement provides guidance in the assessment of nociceptive processes. However, in order to detect possible overanalgesia and to derive therapeutic consequences, a defined stimulus threshold must be determined for the critically ill patient, above which the absence of pain can be safely assumed.Trial Registration Retrospectively registered at German Clinical Trials Register, registration number DRKS00021149, date of registration: March 26, 2020. https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00021149
Nematicidal Streptomyces against Meloidogyne incognita by hydrosoluble macromolecules
Authors: Hu Qianru , Yang Minmin , Bo Tingting , Li Yuxin , Wu Caimi , Mo Minghe , Liu Yajun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Although actinomycetes, which produce antibiotics, have been reported to produce nematicidal metabolites, macromolecules with nematicidal activities have rarely been described. Results: The culture filtrates of Streptomyces albogriseolus strain DN41 and S. fimicarius strain D153 presented 82.13 % and 86.96 % nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita, respectively, after 12 h. A pot experiment highlighted that these culture filtrates were characterised by significant efficacy. The biocontrol efficiency of strain DN41 reached 61.68 % and that of strain D153 68.33 % after 30 days at a dose of 100 mL pot-1. The active metabolites produced by the two strains were hydrosoluble and sensitive to heat, with molecular weights above 8000 Da for DN41 and of 1000–8000 Da for D153. However, these metabolites were negative to protein reaction. A chemical characteristic test indicated that these active metabolites were polar polymers that contained a large amount of sugar and phenolic hydroxyl compounds. Conclusions: These results revealed S. albogriseolus strain DN41 and S. fimicarius strain D153 as potential agents for the control of root-knot nematodes, as hydrosoluble macromolecules have good compatibility and are convenient for practical application.