bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geographical Clustering Analysis of Birth Defects in Guangxi
Authors: Peng Zhenren , Wei Jie , Qin Jie , Chen Biyan , Huang Xiuning , Song Pengshu , Liang Lifang , Qiu Xiaoxia , Liang Junrong , Wei Hongwei , He Sheng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Birth defects (BD) is a big public health issue in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. The overall prevalence of BD in Guangxi is about 1% and higher than most other provinces of China. However, the geographical clustering variations in BD of Guangxi has not been described. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore and detect the spatial clustering patterns of BD prevalence across a well-defined geographic space. The data were obtained from Guangxi birth defects monitoring network (GXBDMN) from 2016 to 2020, which collected socio-demographic and clinical information from perinatal infants between 28 weeks of gestation and 7 days postnatal. The spatial autocorrelation analysis and hot spot analysis will be used to explore the geographical clustering of BD prevalence in 70 counties and 41 districts of Guangxi in this study. A total of 44,418 perinatal infants were born with BD from 2016 to 2020. The overall prevalence of BD was 122.47/10,000 [95% confidence interval (CI): 121.34-123.60/10,000]. The local indicators of spatial association (LISA) statistic and Gi* statistic showed that the spatial clustering patterns of BD prevalence changed over time, and the largest High-High clustering area and hot spot area were both identified in the city of Nanning. Therefore, the spatial clustering patterns of BD prevalence in Guangxi is very significant. Spatial cluster analysis can provide reliable and accurate spatial distribution patterns in BD control and prevention.
Designing And Simulation Analysis Of A Rocket In Ansys
Authors: Asthana Yashraj 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this era of science, man is not limited to the earth, instead, is touching the soil of other planets too. Science has made it possible for humans to reach anywhere anytime by any means. One of the greatest inventions is Transportation. This transportation is not only limited to earth but is possible in the Space also. There are Space Vehicles or space crafts indulged in these operations. Energy is needed to operate them. The amount of this energy can be varied depending upon the structure of the vehicle and the forces opposing its movement. So, analysis is important to justify its structure and to calculate the forces exerted on it. Thus, this research includes analysis of a Rocket in Ansys software and determination of drag force acting on it and average pressure acting on it due to the environmental factors. Subjected to these factors we will design and manufactured the required Rocket for our mission.
The World’s Deadliest Outbreak During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Proposed Analytical Approach to Estimate Excess Mortality in Ecuador During the First Year of the Pandemic.
Authors: Fernandez-Naranjo Raul Patricio , Vasconez Eduardo , Simbaña-Rivera Katherine , Lister Alex , Landazuri Samanta , Ortiz-Prado Esteban 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Latin America is the most affected region by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of excessive mortality. Diagnostic and health care capabilities are limited in this region, deficiencies resulting in poor contact tracing, insufficient medical treatment and an unprecedented number of deaths. One of the key issues to estimate the pandemic's actual impact is to track deaths as one of the most reliable indicators when SARS-CoV-2 under-diagnosis is evident.Objective: This study's objective was to estimate the number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 based on excess mortality data in Ecuador.Methodology: An ecological study of all-cause mortality recorded in Ecuador during the year 2020. In order to calculate the total excess death relative to the historical average for the same dates in 2017, 2018 and 2019, a Poisson fitting analysis was used to identify trends on officially recorded all-caused deaths and those attributed to COVID-19. A bootstrapping technique based on central tendency measures was used to emulate the sampling distribution of our expected deaths estimator μdeaths by simulating the data generation and model fitting processes.Results: In Ecuador, during the first year of the pandemic, at least 115,070 deaths were recorded. At least 42,453 of those were catalogued as excessive mortality when comparing with the last 3-years average (2017-2019). Ecuador is the country with the highest recorded excess mortality in the world with 6 / 100,000 deaths per capita in one single day while Peru had 2 / 100,000. This value represents an additional 408% of the expected fatalities. The province with the highest number of excess deaths was Santa Elena on Ecuador's coast, with more than 154% increment versus previous years.Conclusions: Adjusting for population size and time, the hardest-hit country due to the COVID-19 pandemic was Ecuador. The mortality excess rate shows that the SARS-CoV-2 virus spread rapidly in the country, especially in the coastal province of Santa Elena and Guayas. Our results and the new proposed methodology could help to address the actual death toll situation during the early phase of the pandemic in Ecuador.
Head-to-Head Comparison of [68Ga]Ga-P16-093 and [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 in Dynamic PET/CT Evaluation of the Same Group of Recurrent Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Wang Guochang , Hong Haiyan , Zang Jie , Liu Qingxing , Jiang Yuanyuan , Fan Xinrong , Zhu Zhaohui , Zhu Lin , Kung Hank F. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: This study was prospectively designed to evaluate the early dynamic organ distribution and tumor detection ability of [68Ga]Ga-P16-093, which was compared with [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 in the same group of recurrent prostate cancer patients.Methods: Twenty patients with recurrent prostate cancer were enrolled. In two consecutive days, each patient underwent a 60-min dynamic PET/CT scan after intravenous administration of 148–185 MBq (4–5 mCi) [68Ga]Ga-P16-093 and [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617, respectively. Following a low-dose CT scan, serial dynamic PET scans were performed from head to proximate thigh at 9 time points (30 sec/bed at 4, 7, 10, 13 and 16 min, 1 min/bed at 20, 30 and 45 min, and 2 min/bed at 60 min). Standardized uptake values were measured for semi-quantitative comparison.Results: [68Ga]Ga-P16-093 PET/CT revealed a significantly higher tumor uptake at 4 min (SUVmax 7.88 ± 5.26 vs. 6.01 ± 3.88, P < 0.001), less blood pool retention at 4 min (SUVmean 5.12 ± 1.16 vs. 6.14 ± 0.98, P < 0.001) and lower bladder accumulation at 60 min (SUVmean 31.33 ± 27.47 vs. 48.74 ± 34.01, P = 0.042) than [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 scan. Significantly higher [68Ga]Ga-P16-093 uptakes were also observed in the parotid gland, liver, spleen and kidney. Besides, [68Ga]Ga-P16-093 exhibited a better detection ability than [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 (366 vs. 321, P = 0.009).Conclusions: [68Ga]Ga-P16-093 showed advantages over [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 with higher tumor uptakes, tumor-to-blood pool ratio and detection ability, less blood pool and bladder accumulation in recurrent prostate cancer patients.Trial registration [68Ga]Ga-P16-093 and [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT Imaging in the Same Group of Prostate Cancer Patients (NCT04796467, Registered 12 March 2021, retrospectively registered)URL of registry https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04796467
DMAG, a Novel Countermeasure for the Treatment of Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Lin Jing , Zeng Jing , Liu Sha , Shen Xin , Jiang Nan , Wu Yue-Song , Li Hong , Wang Long , Wu Jianming 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Thrombocytopenia is one of the most common hematological disease that can be life-threatening caused by bleeding complications. However, the treatment options for thrombocytopenia remain limited. Methods: In this study, giemsa staining, phalloidin staining and flow cytometry were firstly used to identify the effects of 3,3'-Di-O-methylellagic acid 4'-glucoside (DMAG), a natural ellagic acid derived from Sanguisorba officinalis L. (SOL) on megakaryocyte differentiation in HEL cells. Then, thrombocytopenia mice model was constructed by X-ray irradiation to evaluate the therapeutic action of DMAG on thrombocytopenia. Next, network pharmacology approachs were carried out to identify the targets of DMAG. Moreover, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrich-ment analyses were performed to elucidate the underling mechanism of DMAG against thrombocytopenia. Finally, Molecular docking simulation, molecular dynamics simulation and western blot analysis were used to explore the relationship between DAMG with its targets.Results: DMAG significantly promoted megakaryocyte differentiation and maturation of HEL cells. DMAG administration accelerated platelet recovery and megakaryopoiesis in thrombocytopenia mice. Network pharmacology revealed that ITGA2B, ITGB3, VWF, PLEK, TLR2, BCL2, BCL2L1 and TNF were the core targets of DMAG. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses suggested that the core targets of DMAG were enriched in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, hematopoietic cell lineage, ECM-receptor interaction and platelet activation. Molecular docking simulation and molecular dynamics simulation further indicated that ITGA2B, ITGB3, PLEK and TLR2 displayed strong binding ability with DMAG. Finally, western blot analysis evidenced that DMAG up-regulated the expression of ITGA2B, ITGB3, VWF and PLEK. Conclusion: DMAG plays a critical role in promoting megakaryocytes differentiation and platelets production and might be a promising medicine for the treatment of thrombocytopenia.
Beyond “Sex Prediction”: Estimating and Interpreting Multivariate Sex Differences and Similarities in the Brain
Authors: Sanchis-Segura Carla , Aguirre Naiara , Cruz-Gómez Álvaro Javier , Félix Sonia , Forn Cristina 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Previous studies have shown that machine-learning (ML) algorithms can “predict” sex based on brain anatomical/ functional features. The high classification accuracy achieved by ML algorithms is often interpreted as revealing large differences between the brains of males and females and as confirming the existence of “male/female brains”. However, classification and estimation are quite different concepts, and using classification metrics as surrogate estimates of between-group differences results in major statistical and interpretative distortions. The present study illustrates these distortions and provides a novel and detailed assessment of multivariate sex differences in gray matter volume (GMVOL) that does not rely on classification metrics. Moreover, modeling and clustering techniques and analyses of similarities (ANOSIM) were used to identify the brain areas that contribute the most to these multivariate differences, and to empirically assess whether they assemble into two sex-typical profiles. Results revealed that multivariate sex differences in GMVOL: 1) are “large” if not adjusted for total intracranial volume (TIV) variation, but “small” when controlling for this variable; 2) differ in size between individuals and also depends on the ML algorithm used for their calculation 3) do not stem from two sex-typical profiles, and so describing them in terms of “male/female brains” is misleading.
Uncovering Early Events in Primary Epstein-Barr Virus Infection Using a Rabbit Model
Authors: Reguraman Narendran , Hassani Asma , Philip Pretty , Khan Prof Gulfaraz 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic herpesvirus implicated in the pathogenesis of several malignant and non-malignant conditions. However, a number of fundamental aspects of the biology of EBV and the mechanism(s) by which this virus induces pathology remain unknown. One major obstacle has been the lack of a suitable animal model for EBV infection. In this study, using our recently established rabbit model of EBV infection, we examined the early events following primary EBV infection. We show that, both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed animals were readily susceptible to EBV infection. However, immunosuppressed animals showed marked splenomegaly and widespread infection. Following EBV infection, the virus primarily targeted naïve IgM+, CD20+, CD21+ and CD79a+ B cells. Infected cells expressed varying sets of viral latent/lytic gene products. Notably, co-expression of latent and lytic proteins was not observed. Infected cells in type 0/1 latency (EBER+), were small and proliferating (Ki67+). By contrast, cells in type 2/3 latency (LMP1+), were large, non-proliferating (Ki-67−) and p53+. Although infected B-cells were widely present in splenic follicles, they did not express germinal center marker, BCL-6. Taken together, this study shows for the first time, some of the early events following primary EBV infection in an animal model.
Standardized sampling applied for VOCs emitted by feces using a Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor (µ-CTE)
Authors: Ratiu Ileana Andreea , Mametov Radik , Ligor Tomasz , Buszewski Bogusław 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are increasingly wished to be used in diagnosis of diseases. They present strategic advantages, beside classical methods used, such as simplicity and non-invasively of performant sample collection methods/ systems available our days. However, standardized sampling methods are required in order to achieve reproducible results. In the current study we developed a method to be used for feces sampling using a Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor (µ-CTE). Design Expert software (with Box–Behnken design) was used to predict the solutions. Therefore by using the simulation experimental plan that was further experimentally verified, a sampling time of 19.6 min, at a sampling temperature of 30.6 °C by using a flow rate of 48.7 mL/min provided the higher response. The developed method was validated by using correlation tests and Network analysis, that both proved the validity of the developed model.
Analysis on Variation and Potential Source Regions of Greenhouse Gases Concentrations at Akedala Station, China
Authors: Zhao Zhujun , He Qing , Zhao Quanwei , Li Hanlin , Lu Zhongqi , Wang Jianlin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The research on the variation of greenhouse gases concentrations in typical regions is one of the significant tasks to cope with climate change. Especially at present, the number of extreme weather events is gradually increasing and the trend of global warming is becoming increasingly obvious, the study on variation of greenhouse gases concentrations and their potential source regions can contribute to a scientific formulation of policies regarding greenhouse gas emission reduction as well as to the coordinated development of human and environment. Based on the data of greenhouse gases of Akedala Station from 2009 to 2019, this research studies characteristics of the time series and seasonal trends of greenhouse gases at this station and testes whether abrupt change exists by applying the linear trend analysis method, the contrastive and statistical analysis method and Mann-Kendall method. In addition, Pearson Correlation Coefficient is used to determine the correlation and homology among the four greenhouse gases and backward trajectories model is also used to explore the potential source regions of greenhouse gases at Akedala Station in different seasons. The greenhouse gases concentrations at Akedala Station show a trend of year-on-year growth, with CO2 concentrations ranging from 389.80×10− 6 to 408.79×10− 6 (molar fraction of substances, same below), CH4 concentrations ranging from1890.07×10− 9 to 1976.32×10− 9, N20 concentrations ranging from 321.26×10− 9 to 332.03×10− 9, and SF6 concentrations ranging from 7.04×10− 12 to 10.07×10− 12, the growth rate of which is similar to the decadal average growth rate in the northern hemisphere. There exist obvious seasonal variations, with CO2 concentrations showing high in winter and low in summer and CH4 showing a distinct “W”- shaped trend while N20 and SF6 showing little difference between the four seasons. A relatively strong correlation and homology exist among the four greenhouse gases except in summer, and the analysis based on backward trajectories model shows that the Akedala Station is influenced by the airflow from northwest or southwest throughout the year. Besides, the concentrations of greenhouse gas are closely related to source region of the emissions, biological and non-biological sources, monsoon, and atmospheric photochemical processes.
Two Case Reports of Chorea-acanthocytosis and Review of Literature
Authors: Huang Shuangfeng , Zhang Junliang , Tao Manli , Lv Yaodong , Xu Luyao , Liang Zhigang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc), as the most common subtype of neuroacanthocytosis syndrome, is characterized by the presence of acanthocytes and neurological symptoms. It is thought to be caused by the VPS13A (vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein 13A) mutations. This article reports two confirmed cases of ChAc and summarizes some suggestive features, which provide direction for the diagnosis and treatment of acanthocytosis in the future.Case presentation: Here, we present two cases of ChAc diagnosed based on typical clinical symptoms, neuroimaging features, genetic findings of VPS13A, and response to the symptomatic treatment. Conclusions: Chorea-acanthocytosis is a rare neurodegenerative disease with various early clinical manifestations. The final diagnosis of the ChAc can be established by either genetic analysis or protein expression by Western blotting. Supportive treatments and nursing are helpful to improve the quality of the patient’s life. Nevertheless, it is imperative to investigate the impact of neuroimaging and neuropathological diagnosis in a larger group of ChAc in future studies.
Construction and Validation of a Nomogram for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with Liver Metastases: A Population-Based Analysis
Authors: Zhao Ruhan , Dai Yunnan , Li Xinyang , Zhu Cuimin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the United States, and the common metastatic sites in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are bone, brain, adrenal gland, and liver, respectively, among which patients with liver metastases have the worst prognosis.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1963 patients diagnosed with NSCLC combined with liver metastases between 2010 and 2015. Independent prognostic factors for patients with liver metastases from NSCLC were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Based on this, we developed a nomogram model via R software and evaluated the performance and clinical utility of the model by calibration curve, receiver operating characteristic curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA).Result: The independent prognostic factors for NSCLC patients with liver metastases included age, race, gender, grade, T stage, N stage, brain metastases, bone metastases, surgery, chemotherapy, and tumor size. The area under the curve predicting OS at 6, 9, and 12 months was 0.793, 0.787, and 0.784 in the training cohort, and 0.767, 0.771, and 0.773 in the validation cohort, respectively. Calibration curves of the nomogram showed high agreement between the outcomes predicted by the nomogram and the actual observed outcomes, and the DCA further demonstrated the value of the clinical application of the nomogram.Conclusion: By analyzing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, we established and verified a prognostic nomogram for NSCLC patients with liver metastases, to personalize the prognosis of patients. At the same time, the prognostic nomogram has a satisfactory accuracy and the results are a guide for the development of patient treatment plans.
Purification of Native Histidine-Rich Protein 2 (Nhrp2) from Plasmodium Falciparum Culture Supernatant, Infected Rbcs, and Parasite Lysate
Authors: Singh Balwan , McCaffery Jessica N , Kong Amy , Ah Yong , Wilson Scott , Chatterjee Sayan , Tomar Deepak , Aidoo Michael , Udhayakumar Venkatachalam , Rogier Eric 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Despite the widespread use of histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2)-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), purified native HRP2 antigen is not standardly used in research applications or assessment of RDTs used in the field.Methods: This report describes purification of native HRP2 (nHRP2) from the HB3 P. falciparum culture strain. As this culture strain lacks pfhrp3 from its genome, it is an excellent source of HRP2 protein only, and does not produce the closely-related HRP3. The nHRP2 protein was isolated from culture supernatant, infected red blood cells (iRBCs), and whole parasite lysate using nickel-metal chelate chromatography. Biochemical characterization of nHRP2 from HB3 culture was conducted by SDS-PAGE and western blotting, and nHRP2 was assayed by RDT, ELISA, and bead-based immunoassay.Results: Purified nHRP2 was identified by SDS-PAGE and western blot as a ~60 kDa protein that bound anti-HRP-2 monoclonal antibodies. Mouse anti-HRP2 monoclonal antibody was found to produce high optical density readings between dilutions of 1:100 and 1:3,200 by ELISA with assay signal observed up to a 1:200,000 dilution. nHRP2 yield from HB3 culture by bead-based immunoassay revealed that both culture supernatant and iRBC lysate were practical sources of large quantities of this antigen, producing a total yield of 292.4 µg of nHRP2 from two pooled culture preparations. Assessment of nHRP2 recognition by RDTs revealed that Carestart Pf HRP2 and HRP2/pLDH RDTs detected purified nHRP2 when applied at concentrations between 20.6 to 2060 ng/mL, performing within a log-fold dilution of commercially-available recombinant HRP2. The band intensity observed for the nHRP2 dilutions was equivalent to that observed for P. falciparum culture strain dilutions of 3D7 and US06 F Nigeria XII between 12.5 and 1,000 parasites/µl.Conclusions: Purified nHRP2 could be a valuable reagent for laboratory applications as well as assessment of new and existing RDTs prior to their use in clinical settings. These results establish that it is possible to extract microgram quantities of the native HRP2 antigen from HB3 culture and that this purified protein is well recognized by existing monoclonal antibody lines and RDTs.
A highly active repeating fast radio burst in a complex local environment
Authors: Li Di , Niu C.H. , Aggarwal Kshitij , Zhang Xian , Chatterjee Shami , Tsai Chao-Wei , Yu Wenfei , Law Casey , Burke-Spolaor Sarah , Cordes James , Zhang Yongkun , Ocker Stella , Yao Jumei , Wang P. , Feng Yi , Niino Yuu , Bochenek Christopher , Cruces Marilyn , Connor Liam , Jiang Ji-an , Dai Shi , Luo Rui , Li Guodong , Miao C.C. , Niu J.R. , Anna-Thomas Reshma , Stern Daniel , Wang Weiyang , Yuan Mao , Yue Youling , Zhou D.J. , Yan Zhen , Zhu Weiwei , Zhang Bing 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The central engine of fast radio bursts (FRB) is not yet understood. Due to the interaction between the pulse and the intervening plasma, the dispersion sweep of FRBs provides a unique probe of its environment and the ionized baryon content of the intergalactic medium. Active repeaters has been shown to be associated with persistent radio source (PRS), and dense, energetic, magnetized plasmas. Here we report the discovery and localization of a new, extremely active repeater, FRB 190520, which is co-located with a compact PRS and identified with a dwarf host galaxy of high star formation at a redshift z=0.241. The estimated host galaxy contribution DMhost≈912+69−108pc cm−3 is nearly an order of magnitude higher than the average of FRB host galaxies and much larger than the contribution from the intergalactic medium, suggesting caution in inferring redshifts for FRBs without accurate host galaxy identifications. This represents the second source after FRB 121102 with confirmed association between FRB and compact PRS. The dense, complex host galaxy environment and the association with PRS may point to a distinctive origin or an earlier evolutionary stage for highly active repeating FRBs.