bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Association of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Carcinoembryonic Antigen in Locally Advanced Colorectal Cancer With Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Shi Jing , Zhang Yongqi , He Xiang , Ye Hong , Cheng Liping , Jiang Chunying , Zhong Haiyang , Yu Litao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgrondWe aimed to describe 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] and carcinoembryonic antigen association levels in patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer (LARC) treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT).MethodsBetween July 2012 and September 2018, the records of 92 stage II/III colorectal cancer patients with treated with nCRT followed by radical surgery were reviewed retrospectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chemiluminescence immunoassay was used to analyze the patient’s carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and 25(OH) D concentrations in serum.ResultsThe serum levels of 25(OH) D in patients were significantly lower than healthy individuals, just like CEA levels were significantly higher than healthy individuals. The serum CEA in pre-nCRT was significantly lower than in post-nCRT patients, while the serum 25(OH) D from pre-nCRT patients was significantly higher than post-nCRT patients. Our results showed that the pre-nCRT CEA and 25(OH) D level is a risk factor of LARC. ConclusionsNeoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy induces a fall in circulating25(OH) D and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Plasma 25 (OH) D levels is a prognostic biomarker with low 25(OH) D associated with poorer survival. Thus, serum 25(OH) D and CEA levels might be of value in evaluating the pathogenesis and risk of LARC in the future. Moreover, serum CEA or 25(OH) D levels were associated with patient's clinical and pathological features providing data for risk and prognostic prediction.
Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors of Mortality Among Severe COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Elmorshedy Reham Mohamed , El-kholy Maha Mohamed , AbdelMoniem Alaa Eldin , Hassan Shimaa Abbas , Sadek Samiaa Hamdy 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background:The novel corona virus is attacking several millions of people worldwide, resulting in death of almost a million and a half-humans. The rational of the current study was to detect clinical characteristics of severe COVID- 19 patients, and assessment of risk factors for death.Methodology:This retrospective cohort study included all laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients with severe disease admitted to critical care unit in June and July 2020. All recorded data were collected,which included clinincal, radiological, and laboratory data, in addition to the outcome and duration of ICU stay.Statistical analysis was performed for obtaining descriptive information, comparison between living and dead patients,in addition to regression analysis to identify risk factors for mortality.Results:One hundred and three patients were included in the current study;cough and fever were the most common clinical presentations, and bilateral ground glass opacity was the most common radiological presentation. Patients had elevated values of neutrophils, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR), serum ferritin, CRP, and D-dimer, also had longer ICU stay ,with reduced values of lymphocytes, and PaO2/FIO2 ratio. Most of these variables were more exaggerated in dead patients compared to living ones. Older age, lower values of PaO2/FIO2 ratio, and higher values of neutrophils, NLR, and D-dimer were predictors for death.Conclusion: Cough, fever and bilateral ground glass opacity were the most common clinical and radiological presentation of severe COVID 19. Older age, lower value of PaO2/FIO2 ratio, and higher values of D- dimer, neutrophil and NLR were risk factors associated with increased risk of mortality.
Optimal Linear Weighted Cooperative Spectrum Sensing for Clustered-based Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Ye Haiyan , Jiang Jiabao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The lack of spectrum resources restricts the development of the wireless communication-oriented applications. In order to solve the problems of low spectrum utilization and channel congestion caused by the static division of spectrum resource, cognitive radio is regarded as an effective technology. Cooperative spectrum sensing with multi cognitive users can improve the low detection performance caused by channel fading or shadow effect. However, it also may lead to poor detection accuracy due to poor channel conditions of individual users. In order to solve the above problems, this paper proposes an optimal linear weighted cooperative spectrum sensing for clustered-based cognitive radio networks. In this scheme, different weight values will be assigned for cooperative nodes according to the SNR of cognitive users and the historical sensing accuracy. In addition, the cognitive users can be clustered, and the users with the better channel characteristics will be selected as cluster heads for gathering the local sensing information. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme can obtain better sensing performance, improve the detection probability and reduce the error probability.
Metagenomic Analyses of Nepoviruses: Diversity, Evolution and Identification of a Hitherto Undescribed Putative Region for Host Range in Subgroup a Species
Authors: hily jean-michel , Poulicard Nils , Kubina Julie , Reynard Jean-sebastien , Spilmont Anne-Sophie , Fuchs Marc , Lemaire Olivier , Vigne Emmanuelle 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Datamining and metagenomic analyses of 277 open reading frame sequences of bipartite RNA viruses and variants in the genus Nepovirus documented how delicate it can be to unequivocally identify species, in particular subgroup A and C species, based on some of the currently adopted taxonomic demarcation criteria. It suggests a possible need for their amendment to accommodate pangenome information. In addition, we revealed a host-dependent structure of arabis mosaic virus (ArMV) populations at a cladistic level and confirmed a phylogeographic structure of grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) populations. We also identified new putative recombinant events for species of subgroups A, B and C. The evolutionary specificity of some capsid regions of ArMV and GFLV that were previously described and biologically validated as vector determinant was circumscribed in silico. Furthermore, a C-terminal segment of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of subgroup A species was predicted as a putative host range determinant based on statistically supported higher π values for GFLV and ArMV isolates infecting Vitis spp. compared to non-Vitis infecting ArMV isolates. This study illustrated how sequence information obtained via high throughput sequencing can increase our understanding of mechanisms that modulate virus diversity and evolution and create new opportunities for advancing studies on the biology of economically important plant viruses.
A Study on Power-Controlled Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing using a Data-driven Surrogate Model
Authors: Israr Rameez , Buhl Johannes , Bambach Markus 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) provides an alternative for the production of various metal products needed in small to medium batch sizes due to its high deposition rates. However, the cyclic heat input in WAAM may cause local overheating. To avoid adverse effects on the performance of the part, interlayer dwelling and active cooling are used, but these measures increase the process time. Alternatively, the temperature during the WAAM process could be controlled by optimizing the welding power. The present work aims at introducing and implementing a novel temperature management approach by adjusting the weld-bead cross-section along with the welding power to reduce the heat accumulation in the WAAM process. The temperature evolution during welding of weld beads of different cross-sections is investigated and a database of the relation between optimal welding power for beads of various sizes and different pre-heating temperatures was established. The numerical results are validated experimentally with a block-shaped geometry. The results show that by the proposed method, the test shape made was welded with lower energy consumption and process time as compared to conventional constant-power WAAM. The proposed approach efficiently manages the thermal input and reduces the need for pausing the process. Hence, the defects related to heat accumulation might be reduced, and the process efficiency increased.
High Prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency among normotensive and hypertensive pregnant women in Ghana
Authors: Fondjo Linda Ahenkorah , Tashie Worlanyo , Owiredu William K. B. A. , Adu-Gyamfi Enoch Appiah , Seidu Laila 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Hypovitaminosis D in pregnancy is associated with adverse health outcomes in mothers, newborns and infants. This study assessed the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in normotensive pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, and evaluated the association between vitamin D deficiency and foeto-maternal outcome. Methods: This case-control study was conducted among pregnant women who visited the Comboni Hospital, in Ghana from January 2017 to May 2018 for antenatal care. A total of 180 pregnant women comprising 88 preeclamptic women (PE) and 92 healthy normotensive pregnant women (NP) were recruited. Socio-demographic, clinical and obstetric data were obtained using validated questionnaires. Blood pressure and anthropometrics were measured, and blood samples were collected for the estimation of 25(OH)D using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol) and were also estimated. Results: A total of 81.7% of the study participants had vitamin D deficiency. Of these, 88.6% of the women with PE had vitamin D deficiency compared to 75.0% in the NP. Vitamin D levels was significantly reduced in the PE women compared to the normotensive pregnant women (p=0.001). A higher proportion of the preeclamptic women who were vitamin D deficient had preterm delivery (p < 0:0001) and delivered low birth weight infants (p < 0:0001), and infants with IUGR (p < 0:0001) compared to the control group (p < 0:0001). Pregnant women with PE presented with significant dyslipidaemia, evidenced by significantly elevated TC (p=0.008), LDL (p<0.0001), triglycerides (p=0.017) and a significantly reduced HDL (p=0.001) as compared to NP. In the preeclamptic women, serum 25(OH)D showed an inverse, but not significant association with TC (β= -0.087, p=0.464), TG (β= -0.143, p=0.233) and LDL (β= -0.101, p=0.388) and a positive, but not significant association with HDL (β= 0.166, p=0.154). Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is high in both normotensive pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia but amplified in preeclampsia. Higher proportion of pregnant women with hypovitaminosis D had preterm babies and delivered low birth weight neonates. Additional studies are needed to explore the potential benefits and optimal dosing of vitamin D use in pregnancy especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
Public Knowledge of Mental Health Symptoms and Help Seeking Attitude in a Population-based Sample in Hong Kong
Authors: Fung Ada , Lam Linda CW , Chan Sandra SM , Lee Sing 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMental health symptoms can be subtle, resulting in delaying treatment. A prompt identification of mental signs and symptoms is important for preventing mental disorders in the public. This study examined whether local public have adequate knowledge to identify mental health symptoms and the need to get timely professional help.MethodsA population-based telephone surveys based on 4033 respondents aged 12 to 75 years were conducted in 2015 and 2018. Mental health knowledge and help seeking attitude were assessed using six vignettes depicting subtle and obvious symptoms of anxiety disorders, mixed anxiety and depressive disorders, and dementia. Logistic regression models were performed to examine association between mental health knowledge and help-seeking attitude.ResultsPoor knowledge in subtle symptoms are more likely to be males (t=-5.0, p<.001), younger (F=15.0, p<.001), have tertiary education (F= 15.0, p<.001), and employed (t=-2.1, p=.037). Binary logistic regression found that poor knowledge of subtle symptoms was associated with reluctance to professional help seeking.ConclusionsHighly educated working males are less proficiently in identifying subtle mental health symptoms. Poorly identified subtle symptoms is a major barrier to early professional help. Future research should explore specific interventions to increase knowledge and professional help seeking in this group.
The effect of taping on maximum plantar pressure and ground reaction force in flat-footed people after applying a fatigue protocol
Authors: Aghakeshizadeh Fatemeh , Letafatkar Amir , Ataabadi Peyman Aghaei , Hosseinzadeh Mahdi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We examined the effects of two types of antipronation taping on the lower limb kinetics in flat foot people before and after performing a physical fatigue protocol. 20 male and female with flat foot aged 22.39 ± 2.02 years old were studied under three conditions (untaping, reverse-6 taping and low-dye taping) either before or after fatigue states. A statistically significant difference was observed after applying two types of taping (reverse-6 vs. low-dye taping) in the maximum plantar pressure perceived in metatarsus 1 (P = 0.016) and lateral heel (P = 0.044). In the post-fatigue conditions, there were significant differences between the two taping types in metatarsus 4 (P = 0.024). The maximum ground reaction force in toe 1 (P = 0.001), toe 2–5 (P = 0.001), metatarsus 5 (P = 0.001), and medial heel (P = 0.001) was significantly different between reverse-6 and Low-dye tapings. The results indicated that the low-dye and reverse-6 taping types can reduce the pressure on the medial side of the foot, and push it towards the lateral side. It is therefore suggested using taping as an effective treatment for redistribution of the pressure and force in sole of the foot in people with flat foot.
The Association of Hypocomplementemia With Disease Activity in Patients With Primary Sjogren's Syndrome
Authors: Lin Wei , Xin Zhifei , Wang Jialan , Liu Yixuan , Ren Xiuying , Yang Liu , Guo Shaoying , Yang Yupeng , Li Yang , Cao Jingjing , Ning Xiaoran , Liu Meilu , Su Yashuang , Sun Lijun , Zhang Fengxiao , Zhang Wen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We assessed the prevalence of hypocomplementemia (HC), possible risk factors, and its prognosis in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). The data of 84 patients with HC admitted in Hebei General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed and compared to data of patients with normocomplementemic (NC). Logistic regression analysis was used to detect risk factors. The presence of hyper-immunoglobulin G (IgG) and anti-Ro52 was significantly higher in patients with HC. The patients with pSS with HC had higher hematologic, renal, and nervous system involvement and The European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index score (p < 0.05) and received more immunosuppressant treatments than those with NC (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that renal involvement (odds ratio [OR] = 4.09), nervous system involvement (OR = 3.82), leukopenia (OR = 2.57), and hyper-IgG (OR = 3.34) were independent risk factors for pSS with HC. Thus, HC was not an uncommon manifestation of pSS and was associated with leukocytopenia, renal and nervous system involvement, and severe disease activity. HC occurred in younger and short-term patients with pSS. Those with pSS-HC had an increased possibility to develop systemic lupus erythematosus. Such patients have distinctive clinical manifestations and worse prognosis that require extensive treatments.
Investigation of Stress Arching Above Depleting Hydrocarbon Reservoirs and Its Effect on the Compaction Drive Mechanism
Authors: Taherynia Mohammad Hossein , Aghda Seyed Mahmoud Fatemi , Fahimifar Ahmad , Koopialipoor Mohammadreza 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this paper, the compression drive mechanism, which can be considered as the most related oil drive mechanism with the reservoir geomechanical properties, has been investigated. The constant total vertical stress on the reservoir and uniaxial reservoir compaction with zero lateral strain are two main assumptions in the conventional reservoir compaction modeling. These assumptions are not considering the stress arching, which leads to a reduction in the total vertical stress and also affects the distribution of vertical and horizontal stresses. In this paper, it was tried to investigate the effects of three keys elastic parameters, including Young's modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and Biot coefficient on the reservoirs stress paths and compaction drive mechanism using numerical modeling with ABAQUS software. Based on the modeling results the reservoirs stress paths is very different from simplifying assumption in uniaxial compaction models while the total compaction of reservoir obtained using numerical modeling and uniaxial model in some cases can be equal. Also, among the three geomechanical parameters, the ratio of Young's modulus of the reservoir and surrounding rocks has a significant effect on the reservoir stress paths and compaction. The results of modeling indicate when a reservoir rock is softer than its surrounding environment, due to the arching occurrence, the total vertical stress applied to the reservoir rock reduced even to half of the initial vertical stress, which leads to the oil recovery by the compression drive mechanism will be less than 50% of the predicted value.
Polyamine Transport Is Required for Stress Responses and Capsule Production in Streptococcus Pneumoniae
Authors: Nakamya Mary F. , Ayoola Moses B. , Shack Leslie A. , Swiatlo Edwin , Nanduri Bindu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Infections due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, a commensal in the nasopharynx, still claim a significant number of lives worldwide. Genetic plasticity, antibiotic resistance, limited serotype coverage of the available polysaccharide-based conjugate vaccines confounds therapeutic interventions. Pathogenic systems that allow successful adaption and persistence in the host could be potential innovative targets for mediations. Polyamines are ubiquitous polycationic molecules and regulate many cellular processes. We previously reported that deletion of potABCD, an operon that encodes a putrescine/spermidine transporter (∆potABCD), resulted in an un-encapsulated attenuated phenotype. Here we characterize the transcriptome, metabolome, and stress responses of S. pneumoniae that is dependent on the polyamine transporter. Expression of genes involved in oxidative stress responses and the central metabolism was reduced while that of genes involved in the Leloir, tagatose, and pentose phosphate pathways was increased in ΔpotABCD. Downregulation of genes of the central metabolism will reduce production of precursors of capsule polysaccharides. Metabolomics results show reduced glutathione and pyruvate levels in the mutant. We also show that the potABCD operon protects pneumococci against hydrogen peroxide and nitrosative stress. These results show the importance of the potABCD operon and polyamine transport in pneumococcal physiology and fitness that represents a novel target for therapeutic interventions.
Synthesis, Characterization and Properties of Nitrogen Doped Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Zhu Quping 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this work, nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) were prepared by a facile chemical vapor deposition method using Fe/SBA-15 molecular sieve as the catalyst and different organic amines as carbon source and nitrogen source. The morphology, structure and composition of the obtained samples were characterized by a series of analytical techniques. The results revealed that the as-obtained N-CNTs are hollow bamboo like nanofibers with a diameter of 30-50 nm and a smooth surface. The effect of the organic amines on the yield, composition, morphology and properties of the N-CNTs were investigated. The N-CNTs prepared with diethylamine (DEA) have the highest yield (2.2 g · (g · cat) - 1). The water absorption of the as-synthesized N-CNTs samples increases with the increase of nitrogen content. The N-CNTs prepared with ethylenediamine (EDA) have the highest N/C molar ratio(0.35) and the highest water absorption (224.4 mg · g-1). The thermal conductivity (TC) of the silicon-based composites increases with the increase of N-CNTs. However, the N/C molar ratio of N-CNTs has a negative effect on the TC of silicon-based composites.
Moringa oleifera leaf extracts protect BMSC osteogenic induction following peroxidative damage by activating the PI3K/Akt /Foxo1 pathway
Authors: Liu Meiling , Ding Haifeng , Wang Hongzhi , Wang Manfeng , Wu Xiaowei , Gan Lu , Cheng Luyang , Li Xianglu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective: We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts on osteogenic induction of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) following peroxidative damage and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Conditioned medium was used to induce osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, which were treated with H2O2, Moringa oleifera leaf extracts-containing serum, or the phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor Wortmannin, alone or in combination. Cell viability was measured using the MTT assay. Cell cycle was assayed using flow cytometry. Expression levels of Akt, phosphorylated (p)Akt, Foxo1, and cleaved caspase-3 were analyzed using Western blot analysis. The mRNA levels of osteogenesis-associated genes, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen І, osteopontin (OPN), and Runx2, were detected using qRT-PCR. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and ALP activity were detected using commercially available kits. Osteogenic differentiation capability was determined using alizarin red staining. Results: During osteogenic induction of rat BMSCs, H2O2 reduced cell viability and proliferation, inhibited osteogenesis, increased ROS and MDA levels, and decreased SOD and GSH-PX activity. H2O2 significantly reduced pAkt and Foxo1 expression, and increased cleaved caspase-3 levels in BMSCs. Additional treatments with Moringa oleifera leaf extracts partially reversed the H2O2-induced changes. Wortmannin partially attenuated the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts on protein expression of Foxo1, pAkt, and cleaved caspase-3, as well as mRNA levels of osteogenesis-associated genes.Conclusion: Moringa oleifera leaf extracts ameliorate peroxidative damage and enhance osteogenic induction of rat BMSCs by activating the PI3K/Akt/Foxo1 pathway.