bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abnormal Degree Centrality in the Right Inferior Frontal Gyrus During Urine Holding in Children With Primary Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis
Authors: Wang Mengxing , Zheng Xiangyu , Qin Zhaoxia , Ma Jun , Du Xiaoxia 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) is a common disorder among school-age children. Previous research has suggested that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is essential to maintain urine storage in bladder control. We hypothesized that children with PMNE have functional deficits in several brain regions, especially the PFC, during urine storage. In this work, we investigated 30 children with PMNE and 28 controls in a state of natural urine holding to evaluate dysfunction in the bladder control network by applying degree centrality (DC) analysis methods based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. And seed-based functional connectivity (FC) analysis was used to investigate whether the dysfunctional areas exhibited altered FC with other brain regions.Results: Compared with the typical healthy children, the children with PMNE showed increased DC in the right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). Also, the right IFG showed increased connectivity with the left middle and inferior frontal gyri and the right precuneus extending to the cuneus in the children with PMNE.Conclusion: The children with PMNE showed abnormal neural activity during urine storage and exhibited increased DC in the right IFG and increased connectivity with the left PFC and right precuneus during urine storage. These results suggest that compensatory effects may be associated with the right IFG combined with the precuneus and left PFC working together to maintain high vigilance and improve micturition's inhibition function to preserve the state of urine holding in children with PMNE.
Construction of ceRNA Network Based on TCGA and UCSC Xena Official Website to Provide Certain Help for Immunotherapy of Thyroid Cancer.
Authors: Du Junwei , Qiu Xinguang , Li Guoquan , Li Yangsen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine tumor, and papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common. Commonly used treatment methods include surgery and radiotherapy. As an emerging treatment option in recent years, immunotherapy has played an essential role in the treatment of many tumors, but there are few studies in thyroid cancer. Method: We first downloaded the mRNA and lncRNA data of thyroid cancer patients from the TCGA official website https://portal.gdc.cancer.gov/, and downloaded the miRNA of thyroid cancer patients from UCSC Xena https://xenabrowser.net/ data. Through the tumor microenvironment's immune score, tumor samples are divided into cold tumors and hot tumors. We obtained the differential genes of DEGs, lncRNA and miRNA, and jointly constructed a ceRNA network through differential analysis of the mRNA data of cold and hot tumours. Results: We first assessed the immune infiltration of the tumor microenvironment of patients with thyroid cancer, and divided the samples into cold tumors and hot tumors based on the immune score. A total of 568 up-regulated DEGs and 412 down-regulated DEGs were screened by analysing the difference between hot and cold tumours. Then we conducted a differential analysis of lncRNA and miRNA and obtained 629 differential genes of lncRNA, and 114 differential genes of miRNA. Finally, we constructed a ceRNA network for the acquired differential genes. Five miRNA-centric hubnets, hsa-mir-204, hsa-mir-128, hsa-mir-214, hsa-mir-150 and hsa-mir-338, have been identified. Conclusion: Our research has identified the immune-related mRNA, lncRNA and miRNA DEGs of thyroid cancer, and constructed a ceRNA network. This result is of great significance for exploring immune-related mechanisms of thyroid cancer and provides certain help for immunotherapy of thyroid cancer.
Time and Risk Factors for Death Among Smear-Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in the Health District of Commune VI of Bamako, Mali, 2016
Authors: Yanogo Pauline Kiswendsida , Ballayira Yaya , Konaté Bakary , Diallo Fadima , Sawadogo Bernard , Antara Simon , Méda Nicolas 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Introduction: The End Tuberculosis (TB) Strategy aims to achieve 90% reduction of deaths due to TB by 2030, compared with 2015. Mortality due to tuberculosis in Mali was 13 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2014 and 11 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2017. Risk factors for death are not known. The objective of this study was to determine the time and risk factors for death in pulmonary TB patients with positive microscopy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study from October to December 2016 in Commune VI of Bamako. Smear positive cases pulmonary tuberculosis from 2011 to 2015 were included. We reviewed the treatment registers and collected sociodemographic, clinical, biological and therapeutic data. Median time to death and hazard ratio (HR) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and a Cox regression model, respectively. Results: In total, we analysed 1362 smear positive cases of pulmonary TB including 104 (8%) HIV positive and 90 (7%) deaths. The mean age was 36 ± 13 years, the sex ratio of males to females was 2:1. Among the deaths, 48 (53%) occurred during the first 2 months of treatment. Age ≥ 45 years (HR 2.09 95% CI [1.35–3.23]), weight < 40 kg (HR 2.20 95% CI [1.89–5.42]), HIV unknown status (HR 1.96, 95% CI [1.04–3.67]) and HIV-positive (HR 7.10 95% CI [3.53–14.26]) were significantly associated with death. Conclusion: The median time to death was 2 months from the start of treatment. Independent risk factors for death were age ≥ 45 years, weight < 40 kg, unknown and positive HIV status. We recommend close monitoring of patients over 45 years, HIV testing in those with unknown status, an adequate care for positive HIV status, as well as a nutritional support for those with weight below 40 kg during the intensive phase of TB treatment.
The Hidden Burden of Adolescent Pregnancies in Rural Sri Lanka; Findings of The Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort
Authors: Agampodi Thilini Chanchala , Wickramasinghe Nuwan Darshana , Jayakodi Hemali Gayathri , Amarasinghe Gayani Shashikala , Warnasekara Janith Niwanthaka , Hettiarachchi Ayesh Umeshana , Jayasinghe Imasha Upulini , Koralegedara Iresha Sandamali , Somasiri Dulani Kanchana , Agampodi Suneth Buddhika 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAdolescent fertility is a main indicator of the Sustainable Developmental Goal (SGD) three. Although Sri Lanka is exemplary in maternal health the utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health services (SRH) by adolescents is less documented. We describe the hidden burden, associated biological and psychosocial factors and utilization patterns of pre-conceptional services among pregnant adolescents in rural Sri Lanka. MethodsThe study is based on the baseline assessment of the Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort (RaPCo) in Anuradhapura. Pregnant women newly registered from July to September 2019 were recruited to the study. The period of gestation was confirmed during the second follow-up visit (around 25-28 weeks of gestation) using ultra sound scan data. A history, clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, blood investigations were conducted. Mental health status was assessed using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). ResultsBaseline data on gestation was completed by 3,367 pregnant women. Of them, 253 (7.5%) were adolescent pregnancies. Among the primiparous mothers (n=1037), 22.4% (n=232) were adolescent pregnancies. Maternal and paternal low education level, being unmarried, and less time since marriage were statistically significant factors associated with adolescent pregnancies (p<0.05). Contraceptive usage before pregnancy, utilization of pre-conceptional health care services, planning pregnancy and consuming folic acid was significantly low among adolescents (p<0.001). They also had low body mass index (p<0.001) and low hemoglobin levels (p<0.03). Adolescent mothers were less happy of being pregnant (p<0.006) and had significantly higher levels of anxiety (p<0.009).ConclusionOne fifth of women in their first pregnancy in this study population are adolescents. Primi-parous adolescents exert poor social stability and compromised physical and mental health effects. The underutilization and/or unavailability of SRH services is clearly associated with adolescent pregnancies.
Pre-graduation Grade Inflation in Medical Training in Turkey: A Longitudinal Study From 2005 to 2020
Authors: KARADAG ENGİN 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Grade inflation in higher education institutions, that is the increase in students’ grades, has been observed since the 1960s. There are comprehensive proofs that document the allegations, prevalence and severity of grade inflation in higher education especially in American universities for the past 10 years. This study analyzes the change in the ratio of those graduated with a “very good (>2.99)” degree from medical education in Turkey within a 15-year-long period, the grade inflation (when all other factors are constant), and factors that affect the course grade. Methods: The analyses were carried out using the grade point average (GPA) of 9.618 students graduated from the medical faculty of 25 universities in Turkey, and 288.540 student grade for 7.597 courses. The study used the “real” university random effects estimator modeling considering the differences in universities with correlation, ANOVA, t-test and ANCOVA analyses. Results and Conclusion: The results revealed that there was a marginal increase in grades in medical training before graduation after checking the effects of factors that might affect the graduation grades. The 29% grade inflation detected is in line with the literature and is one of the highest values that have been reported so far. It was also detected that the ratio of graduates with a “very good (>2.99)” degree was 17% in 2005 and it increased to 46% in 2020. Additionally, the class size, academic degree of the tutor, grade, content of the course, types of the universities (public & non-profit private), accreditation of the program, and the age of the faculty are important determinants of course grades. According to these results, it is clear that both the uncontrolled expansion of medical faculties in Turkey and the decrease in quality cause an increase in grades. One of the most important results obtained is that accreditation slows down the grade inflation. Both the course grades following the accreditation process and the inflation in the graduation grades (grade inflation) slowed down significantly in the accredited faculties. This finding is an important example of the necessity of accreditation, which is referred to as the “golden standard” to improve the quality of medical education.
Surface Wave Reflection From A Metasurface Termination
Authors: Berry S J , Hibbins A P , Sambles J R 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The reflection coefficient of a microwave surface wave incident at the termination of a metasurface is explored. Two different surface types are examined. One is a square array of square metallic patches on a dielectric-coated metallic ground plane, the other a Sievenpiper ‘mushroom’ array. In the latter the surface wave fields are more confined within the structure. Comparison of the measured surface-wave reflection spectra is made with that obtained from analytic theory and numerical modelling. The reflection coefficient is shown to be dependent on both the momentum mismatch between the surface wave and the freely propagating modes as well as the different field distributions of the two modes.
Hospital Pharmacists’ Knowledge About Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors
Authors: Ukoha-kalu Blessing Onyinye , Adibe Maxwell Ogochukwu , Ukwe Chinwe Victoria 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background: Pharmacists can play an important role in hypertension treatment by helping patients improve their chances of reaching therapeutic and lifestyle goals. This study aimed to assess hospital pharmacists’ knowledge of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and their practice of primary prevention of CVD. This was a prospective cross sectional survey of all the Hospital pharmacists in Federal Medical Centre Lokoja (FMCL), and Kogi State Specialist Hospital (KSSH) both in Lokoja L.G.A of Kogi State Nigeria. A Questionnaire on diagnostic cut-off for common cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and practice of primary prevention of CVD was used for the study. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS for windows, Version 16.0. SPSS Inc. 2007.Chicago, USA) software was used for data analysis. Continuous data were presented as mean± standard deviation while categorical data were presented as percentages and frequencies. Results: About half, 20(46.5) of the hospital pharmacist were less than 40 years with a mean age of 43.44 years. The hospital pharmacist had poor knowledge of diagnostic cut-off for common cardiovascular disease risk factors. Also, the hospital pharmacists had poor practice of primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Age, gender and years of practice were associated with knowledge of CVD risk factors while age alone was associated with practice of primary prevention of CVD. Conclusion: Hospital pharmacists in Kogi state have a poor knowledge of CVD risk factors and also a poor practice of primary prevention of CVD.
High dielectric 3D scaffold to suppress Li-dendrites and increase the reversibility of anode-less Li-metal anodes
Authors: Wang Chao , Liu Ming , Thijs Michel , Ooms Frans , Ganapathy Swapna , Wagemaker Marnix 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The lithium metal anode is intensively investigated because it considerably increases Li-battery energy density. However, the formation of dendritic/mossy Li-metal microstructures amplifies electrolyte decomposition and Li deactivation. Here we investigate the impact of a high-dielectric porous scaffold, aiming to eliminate the fundamental driver for dendritic/mossy Li-metal growth, the large electrical field gradients at inhomogeneities at the anode surface. In an anode-less (Li-metal free) high-dielectric porous scaffold, this promotes dense plating as observed by operando solid-state NMR. Even in a simple carbonate electrolyte, 1M LiPF6 in EC/DMC, the high-dielectric scaffold improves the plating/stripping efficiency up to 99.82%, extending the cycle life, indicating that electrolyte decomposition is minimized by the induced compact Li-metal plating. The large porosity of the scaffolds, non-optimized and easy to prepare, enables a specific capacity beyond 2000 mA h g-1, presenting a facile approach to promote compact Li-metal plating to improve Li-metal anode efficiency and safety.
COVID-19 impacts on energy demand can help reduce long-term mitigation challenge
Authors: Kikstra Jarmo , Vinca Adriano , Lovat Francesco , Boza-Kiss Benigna , Ruijven Bastiaan van , Wilson Charlie , Rogelj Joeri , Zakeri Behnam , Fricko Oliver , Riahi Keywan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused radical temporary breaks with past energy use trends. However, how a post-pandemic recovery will impact the longer-term energy transition is unclear. Here, we present a set of global COVID-19 shock-and-recovery scenarios that systematically explore the demand-side effect on final energy and GHG emissions. Our pathways project final energy demand reductions of 12 to 40 EJ/yr by 2025 and cumulative CO2 emissions reductions by 2030 of 28 to 53 GtCO2, depending on the depth and duration of the economic downturn and demand-side changes. Recovering from the pandemic with low energy demand practices - embedded in new patterns of travel, work, consumption, and production – reduces climate mitigation challenges. A low energy demand recovery reduces carbon prices for a 1.5°C consistent pathway by 19%, lowers energy supply investments until 2030 by 2.1 trillion USD, and lessens pressure on the upscaling of renewable energy technologies.
Effects of Aerobic Training Progression on Blood Pressure in Individuals With Hypertension: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression
Authors: de Barcelos¹ Guilherme Tadeu , Heberle¹ Isabel , Coneglian¹ Juliana Cavestré , Vieira¹ Bruno Allan , Delevatti¹ Rodrigo Sudatti , Gerage¹ Aline Mendes 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective: To analyze, through a systematic review with meta-analysis, the effects of aerobic training with and without progression on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in hypertensive adults.Method: The search for the studies was carried out in the PubMed, Cochrane Central, SPORTDiscus and LILACS databases. Clinical trials that analyzed the effect of aerobic training, lasting at least six weeks, on blood pressure in hypertensive individuals comparing with a control group without intervention were selected. The selection of studies and data extraction were carried out independently by two pairs of researchers. Results: Of the 13028 studies found, 24 were selected and included in this review. There was a reduction in SBP after aerobic training with progression (-10.67 mmHg; 95% CI -15.421, -5.926; p <0.001) and without progression (-10.17 mmHg; CI -12.213, -8.120; p <0.001). DBP also decreased after aerobic training with progression (-5.49 mmHg; 95% CI -8.663, -2.310; p <0.001) and without progression (-6.51 mmHg; 95% CI -9.147, -3.868; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Aerobic training promotes a reduction in the SBP and DBP levels of adults with hypertension, regardless of whether or not the training variables progression.
Feasibility Study of a Prostate Cancer&nbsp;FLASH Therapy Treatment With Electrons of High Energy
Authors: Sarti Alessio , Maria Patrizia De , Giuseppe Battistoni , Simoni Micol De , Felice Cinzia Di , Dong Yunsheng , Fischetti Marta , Franciosini Gaia , Marafini Michela , Marampon Francesco , Mattei Ilaria , Mirabelli Riccardo , Muraro Silvia , Pacilio Massimiliano , Palumbo Luigi , Rocca Loredana , Rubeca Damiana , Schiavi Angelo , Sciubba Adalberto , Tombolini Vincenzo , Toppi Marco , Traini Giacomo , Trigilio Antonio , Patera Vincenzo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers in men and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Different therapies are adopted for its treatment and generally radiotherapy with photons (RT) is the preferred solution in almost all cases. Up to now, in addition to photons, only protons have been implemented as alternative radiotherapy. The use of Very High Energy Electron (VHEE) beams (100-200 MeV) has been suggested in literature but the needed accelerators are more demanding, as far as space and cost are concerned, with respect to standard photon devices, with only limited advantages when compared to protons or other heavy ions. In this contribution we investigate how recent developments in electron beam therapy could reshape the landscape of prostate treatments. The VHEE Treatment Planning System obtained combining an accurate Monte Carlo (MC) simulation with a simple modelling of the FLASH effect (healthy tissues sparing at very high dose rates) is compared with conventional RT. The results demonstrate that FLASH therapy with VHEE beams of 70-130 MeV could represent a valid alternative to standard RT allowing a better sparing of the healthy tissues surrounding the tumour, in the framework of an affordable technological development.
Muscle Atrophy and Artery Shrinkage of Residual Limb After Trans-Femoral Amputation: A Morphological Study
Authors: DONG RUI-QI , BAI TAO-PING , LIU YANG 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Aim: After limb amputation, patients will face many complex postoperative problems. The pathogeny of these problems usually involves blood circulation disorders, vascular lesions and other angioneurotic issues. The correlation between blood flow/vessels and those residual limb problems like the most prevalent muscle atrophy is very importent. Method: Through the case study of eight unilateral trans-femoral amputees, this research performed the morphological index analysis of residual limb muscle atrophy, arterial shrinkage and their potential correlations. Results: The atrophy level of muscles and the shrinkage level of arteries were different. Overall, Different muscles have different atrophy. Compared with the prosthesis users, those cases without using prosthesis exhibited more severe muscle atrophy and arterial shrinkage in their residual limbs. For the correlation between muscle atrophy and arterial shrinkage on the basis of blood supply relationship, there was a positive correlation expressed only in the cases using prosthesis. Conclusion: Using a prosthesis could not only effectively achieve the functional compensation for residual limb, but also promote a joint adaptation of the muscular and arterial physiological state of both the sound and amputated limbs to the new gait pattern and body balance, as well as rehabilitation process.
Differences in Morphology, Mitochondrial Genomes, and Reproductive Compatibility Between Two Clades of Aphelinus Mali in China
Authors: Min Su , Lingjun Du , Ali Muhammad Yasir , Jianing Yu , Mengyu Chi , Ziwen Teng , Yinjun Fan , Xiumei Tan , Hongxu Zhou 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Aphelinus mali (Haldeman) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) in China is comprised of two clades (Shandong and Liaoning). In order to clarify the genetic relationship of them, we compared and analyzed the morphological characteristics and the mitochondrial genome of each, and ran a hybridization experiment between these clades. Morphological results showed that both males and females of the Liaoning clade were larger than Shandong clade, in terms of whole body, abdominal lengths and antennal lengths, but there were no significant differences between clades for total lengths of the middle and hind foot of females. The arrangement of the mitochondrial genomes was same in both clades, and each contained 31 genes, including 13 protein-encoded genes, 16 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes. The highest AT levels among the 13 protein-coding genes for the two clades were the same gene (atp8) (Shandong clade, 91.52%; Liaoning clade, 90.91%). By hybridization and backcrossing, we found there was no cross incompatibility between these two clades of A. mali. Our results indicate that the historic geographical isolation between these two A. mali clades has not yet caused reproductive isolation of these two geographically separated populations, and they belong to the same species.
Red Mud-Based Polyaluminum Ferric Chloride Flocculant: Preparation, Characterization and Flocculation Performance
Authors: Cheng Yong , Xu Longjun , Liu Chenglun , Jiang Zao , Zhang Qiyuan , Zou Yi , Chen Yan , Li Jingya , Liu Xiuzhu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this work, red mud was used as raw material to extract Al and Fe with hydrochloric acid. The high-efficiency polyaluminum iron chloride (PAFC) flocculant was prepared via adjusting the pH of the leaching solution, the molar ratio of aluminum and iron, and the polymerization temperature. The effect of synthesis and flocculation conditions on the flocculation performance of aged landfill leachate was investigated. The results confirmed that the PAFC prepared at the polymerization pH of 2.5, the Al/Fe molar ratio of 8, and the polymerization temperature of 70 °C had the optimum flocculation effect. The flocculation consequences of PAFC and commercial polyaluminum iron chloride flocculant (CPAFC) under different flocculation conditions were compared. The chemical oxygen demand (COD), UV254, chroma and settlement height of PAFC at flocculant concentration of 60 g/L and solution pH of 6 were 72.2%, 79.2%, 82.9% and 9.5 cm (within 90 min), respectively. PAFC has excellent flocculation performance and can be used as a simple, potentially low-cost wastewater treatment agent in industrial applications.