bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthetic Fuels Based on Dimethyl Ether as a Future Non-Fossil Fuel for Road Transport From Sustainable Feedstocks
Authors: Styring Peter , Dowson George R. M. , Tozer Isabel O. 
Published: May 2021

In this review we consider the important future of the synthetic fuel, dimethyl ether (DME). We compare DME to two alternatives [oxymethylene ether (OMEx) and synthetic diesel through Fischer-Tropsch (FT) reactions]. Finally, we explore a range of methodologies and processes for the synthesis of DME.DME is an alternative diesel fuel for use in compression ignition (CI) engines and may be produced from a range of waste feedstocks, thereby avoiding new fossil carbon from entering the supply chain. DME is characterised by low CO2, low NOx and low particulate matter (PM) emissions. Its high cetane number means it can be used in CI engines with minimal modifications. The key to creating a circular fuels economy is integrating multiple waste streams into an economically and environmentally sustainable supply chain. Therefore, we also consider the availability and nature of low-carbon fuels and hydrogen production. Reliable carbon dioxide sources are also essential if CO2 utilisation processes are to become commercially viable. The location of DME plants will depend on the local ecosystems and ideally should be co-located on or near waste emitters and low-carbon energy sources. Alternative liquid fuels are considered interesting in the medium term, while renewable electricity and hydrogen are considered as reliable long-term solutions for the future transport sector. DME may be considered as a circular hydrogen carrier which will also be able to store energy for use at times of low renewable power generation.The chemistry of the individual steps within the supply chain is generally well known and usually relies on the use of cheap and Earth-abundant metal catalysts. The thermodynamics of these processes are also well-characterised. So overcoming the challenge now relies on the expertise of chemical engineers to put the fundamentals into commercial practice. It is important that a whole systems approach is adopted as interventions can have detrimental unintended consequences unless close monitoring is applied. This review shows that while DME production has been achieved and shows great promise, there is considerable effort needed if we are to reach true net zero emissions in the transport sector, particularly long-haul road use, in the require timescales.
Preparation of High-Performance Enteromorpha Prolifera–Based Porous Carbons by Nitrogen Modification and Their Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Li Ming , Han Kuihua , Teng Zhaocai , Wang Meimei , Cao Yang , Li Xian 
Published: May 2021

This study presents a novel method to improve the electrochemical performance of porous carbons (PCs) by simply adjusting the elemental composition of their precursors with nitrogen-rich materials as additives. Nitrogen-modified enteromorpha prolifera–based (EP-based) PCs are prepared from EP and urea (or melamine). Overall, compared with the control PC without nitrogen modification, their pore structures and surface chemical properties present similar improvement. When used in supercapacitors, their specific capacitances increase by approximately 22% due to their significant development of mesopores at 2.5–7.0 nm, which increases the effective surface areas. With an appropriate amount of nitrogen-containing or oxygen-containing functional groups maintaining surface wettability, the notable increase of graphitized N improves their conductivity. Due to the higher graphitization degrees, their resistances are reduced. With more mesopores transporting ions, they exhibit excellent high-rate capacitive performance. Moreover, they show remarkable long cycle performance with the specific capacitance retention of larger than 92% after 10,000 cycles.
Demand for Family Planning Satisfied With Modern Methods in Urban Malawi: CHAID Analysis to Identify Predictors and Women Underserved With Family Planning Services
Authors: Alhassan Nurudeen , Madise Nyovani Janet 
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Family planning progress under the SDGs is measured with a novel indicator, demand for family planning satisfied with modern methods (mDFPS), which provides a better indication of modern contraceptive coverage than unmet need and contraceptive prevalence rate. Yet, few studies have examined the predictors of mDFPS and the sub-groups of women with unsatisfied mDFPS in urban Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to examine the predictors of mDFPS in urban Malawi and to identify the sub-groups of urban women underserved with modern contraceptives.Methods: The study analysed data from the 2015–16 Malawi Demographic and Health survey. The sample was comprised of 2,917 women in urban Malawi who had a demand for family planning services. We used a Chi-square (χ2) Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID) model to address the study objectives.Results: The results show that the number of living children a woman had was the most significant predictor of mDFPS. Women with one or more children, who were of Chewa, Lomwe, or Tumbuka ethnic origin and who resided in the central region had the highest mDFPS (87%). On the other hand, women with no children, and who were not exposed to FP information on television, had the lowest mDFPS (41%). Among women in union, ethnicity was the best predictor of mDFPS. Ngoni, Yao, and other ethnic minority women in union who were aged 15–19 and 40 years and above and those who were Catholic, SDA/Baptist, or Muslim had the lowest mDFPS (36%).Conclusion: This study demonstrates significant intra-urban disparities in demand for FP satisfied with modern contraceptives in Malawi. There is a need for policymakers and reproductive health practitioners to recognise these disparities and to prioritise the underserved groups identified in this study.
Comprehensive Comparison of RNA-Seq Data of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV Infections: Alternative Entry Routes and Innate Immune Responses
Authors: Cao Yingying , Xu Xintian , Kitanovski Simo , Song Lina , Wang Jun , Hao Pei , Hoffmann Daniel 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe pathogenesis of COVID-19 emerges as complex, with multiple factors leading to injury of different organs. Some of the studies on aspects of SARS-CoV-2 cell entry and innate immunity have produced seemingly contradictory claims. In this situation, a comprehensive comparative analysis of a large number of related datasets from several studies could bring more clarity, which is imperative for therapy development.MethodsWe therefore performed a comprehensive comparative study, analyzing RNA-Seq data of infections with SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, including data from different types of cells as well as COVID-19 patients. Using these data, we investigated viral entry routes and innate immune responses.Results and ConclusionFirst, our analyses support the existence of cell entry mechanisms for SARS and SARS-CoV-2 other than the ACE2 route with evidence of inefficient infection of cells without expression of ACE2; expression of TMPRSS2/TPMRSS4 is unnecessary for efficient SARS-CoV-2 infection with evidence of efficient infection of A549 cells transduced with a vector expressing human ACE2. Second, we find that innate immune responses in terms of interferons and interferon simulated genes are strong in relevant cells, for example Calu3 cells, but vary markedly with cell type, virus dose, and virus type.
Clinical Characteristics of Clonorchis sinensis-Associated Cholangiocarcinoma: A Large-Scale, Single-Center Study
Authors: Chang Jong-In , Lee Keol , Kim Dongwuk , Yang Ju-II , Park Jae Keun , Choi Kyu , Kang Soo Hoon , Lee Kwang Hyuck , Lee Kyu Taek , Lee Jong Kyun , Park Seon Mee , Park Joo Kyung 
Published: May 2021

Background:Clonorchis sinensis (CS) infection is considered a group 1 carcinogen of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). There were very few studies regarding clinical characteristics of CS-associated CCA (CACC). This study aimed to investigate clinical characteristics of patients with CCA with or without CS infection.Methods: A total of 367 patients diagnosed with CCA who underwent diagnostic tests for CS infection were enrolled. CS infection was defined as follows: at least one positive serum ELISA test, skin test, stool microscopy, or bile microscopy.Results: There were 95 (26%) patients with CS infections. The median follow-up duration was 14.9 months (range, 6.07–36.17). The following significant differences were noted among patients with CACC compared to non-CACC; diagnosis at younger age (median 62 years vs. 65 years, p = 0.018), higher male to female ratio (83.2 vs. 61.8%, p &lt; 0.001), and residence in CS-endemic area (46.3 vs. 25.4%, p = 0.014). Univariate analysis of prognostic factors indicated that tumor location, curative resection, tumor stage, and laboratory tests including CA 19-9, CEA, and bilirubin were significantly associated with overall survival, but CS infection was not. In multivariate analysis, tumor location, CEA, curative resection and tumor stage were identified as independent prognostic factors. Among patients under age 64, CACC group had lower survival rate than non-CACC group (p = 0.022).Conclusions: CACC had the following significant characteristics compared to non-CACC; diagnosis at younger age, higher male to female ratio, higher prevalence in CS endemic areas and poorer overall survival in patients under age 64.
Efficacy and Safety of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Large-Vessel Ischemic Stroke Beyond 6 h After Symptom Onset: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhongxing Ye , Zhiqiang Liu , Jiangjie Wang , Qing Chen , Jinfeng Zhang , Chaoqun Weng , Feng Li 
Published: May 2021

Background: There is considerable evidence on the benefits of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) within 6 h after symptom onset. However, uncertainties remain regarding EVT efficacy beyond 6 h after symptom onset. We undertook a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of EVT in patients with AIS &gt;6 h after symptom onset.Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Chinese Biomedical through July 2019. We included studies involving early (≤6 h) vs. delayed (&gt;6 h) EVT in selected patients with AIS, based on radiological evaluation criteria. Functional independence, successful recanalization, mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) rates were assessed.Results: Eight articles, with 3,265 patients who had undergone early EVT and 1,078 patients who had received delayed EVT, were included in the meta-analysis. Patients treated with early EVT showed a similar proportion of functional independence at 90 days [odds ratio (OR) = 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.926–1.397, P = 0.219; I2 = 36.2%, P = 0.128] as those treated with delayed EVT. Delayed EVT was also associated with no significant difference in mortality (OR = 1.015, 95% CI = 0.852–1.209; P = 0.871; I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.527), successful recanalization (OR = 1.255, 95% CI = 0.923–1.705; P = 0.147; I2 = 60.5%, P = 0.009), and sICH (OR = 0.976, 95% CI = 0.737–1.293; P = 0.871; I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.742) rates compared with early EVT.Conclusions: Among selected patients with AIS, delayed EVT showed comparable outcomes in functional independence, recanalization, mortality, and sICH rates compared with early EVT.
Fixed-Life or Rechargeable Batteries for Deep Brain Stimulation: Preference and Satisfaction Among Patients With Hyperkinetic Movement Disorders
Authors: Qiu Xian , Wang Yuhan , Lin Zhengyu , Wu Yunhao , Xu Wenying , Wu Yiwen , Sun Bomin , Ashkan Keyoumars , Zhang Chencheng , Li Dianyou 
Published: May 2021

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment for hyperkinetic movement disorders. Patients undergoing DBS can choose between the use of a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery for implanted pulse generators (IPG).Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate patient preferences and satisfaction with rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries for IPGs after undergoing DBS.Methods: Overall, 100 patients with hyperkinetic movement disorders (dystonia: 79, Tourette syndrome: 21) who had undergone DBS took a self-designed questionnaire to assess their satisfaction and experience with the type of battery they had chosen and the factors influencing their choice.Results: Of the participants, 87% were satisfied with the stimulating effects of the treatment as well as the implanted device; 76% had chosen rechargeable devices (r-IPGs), 71.4% of whom recharged the battery themselves. Economic factors were the main reason for choosing both r-IPG and non-rechargeable IPG (nr-IPG). The questionnaire revealed that 66% of the patients checked their r-IPG battery every week. The mean interval for battery recharge was 4.3 days.Conclusions: The majority of the patients were satisfied with their in-service-IPG, regardless of whether it was a r-IPG or nr-IPG. Affordability was the main factor influencing the choice of IPG. The majority of the patients were confident in recharging the battery of their r-IPG themselves; only 11% of patients experienced difficulties. Understanding the recharge process remains difficult for some patients and increasing the number of training sessions for the device may be helpful.
Atherosclerotic Components in Thrombi Retrieved by Thrombectomy for Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion Due to Large Artery Atherosclerosis: A Case Report
Authors: Eto Futoshi , Koge Junpei , Tanaka Kanta , Yoshimoto Takeshi , Shiozawa Masayuki , Hatakeyama Kinta , Toyoda Kazunori , Koga Masatoshi 
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The correlation between the composition of thrombi retrieved by mechanical thrombectomy (MT) and stroke etiology is inconclusive. We describe a case with atherosclerotic components in thrombi retrieved by MT for acute internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion.Case Presentation: A 69-year-old man with acute onset of global aphasia and right hemiplegia was transferred to our institute. His baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 24. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated acute ischemic stroke in the left parietal lobe. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed occlusion of the left ICA. MT was attempted for acute left ICA occlusion. The initial angiography showed occlusion of the proximal ICA, while intraprocedural angiography revealed a large thrombus that extended from the cervical ICA to the intracranial ICA. Successful reperfusion was achieved by five passes using stent retrievers and an aspiration catheter. A large volume of red thrombus was retrieved by each pass. The final angiogram showed successful reperfusion with modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia grade 2b and severe stenosis in the proximal ICA. Neck magnetic resonance imaging showed severe left ICA stenosis with a vulnerable plaque. Hence, his stroke etiology was determined as large artery atherosclerosis. Histopathological examination of the retrieved thrombi revealed atheromatous components, including cholesterol clefts, foam cells, and a necrotic core.Conclusions: Atherosclerotic components in retrieved thrombi might provide useful clues for diagnosing stroke pathogenesis. Further studies are warranted to clarify the utility of assessing atheromatous components in retrieved thrombi in diagnosing stroke etiology.
Differential Modulating Effect of Acupuncture in Patients With Migraine Without Aura: A Resting Functional Magnetic Resonance Study
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Luo Shilei , Yan Tianwei , Ma Wen , Wei Xiangyu , Chen Yilei , Zhan Songhua , Wang Bo 
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Migraine is a recurrent neurological disorder, the symptoms of which can be significantly relieved by acupuncture. However, the central mechanism via which acupuncture exerts its therapeutic effect in migraine is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the differences in regional homogeneity (ReHo) between patients with migraine without aura (MwoA) and healthy controls (HCs) and to explore the immediate and cumulative therapeutic effect of acupuncture in patients with MwoA using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).Methods: The study subjects were 40 patients with MwoA and 16 matched HCs. The patients with MwoA received acupuncture on 2 days per week for 6 weeks for a total of 12 sessions followed by 24 weeks of follow-up. The primary clinical efficacy outcomes were the number of days with migraine and the average severity of headache. Secondary outcomes were the Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and Self-Rating Depression Scale scores. In the migraine group, resting-state blood-oxygen-level-dependent fMRI scans were obtained at baseline and after the first and 12th acupuncture sessions to measure the ReHo value. In the HCs, only a baseline resting-state blood-oxygen-level-dependent fMRI scan was obtained.Results: Compared with the control group, the migraine group had a significantly lower ReHo value in the cerebellum, which increased after the first acupuncture session. Long-term acupuncture significantly improved migraine symptoms and mood with a therapeutic effect that lasted for at least 6 months. After 12 acupuncture sessions, there were significant increase of cerebellum and angular gyrus in the migraine group.Conclusion: These findings suggest that migraine is related to cerebellar dysfunction. Acupuncture can relieve the symptoms of migraine, improve dysfunction of cerebellum, and activate brain regions involved in modulation of pain and emotion The cumulative therapeutic effect of acupuncture is more extensive and significant than its immediate effect.
Metabolic Hormone Profiles in Breast Milk From Mothers of Moderate-Late Preterm Infants Are Associated With Growth From Birth to 4 Months in a Sex-Specific Manner
Authors: Galante Laura , Reynolds Clare M. , Milan Amber M. , Alexander Tanith , Bloomfield Frank H. , Jiang Yannan , Asadi Sharin , Muelbert Mariana , Cameron-Smith David , Pundir Shikha , Vickers Mark H. ,   the DIAMOND study team
Published: May 2021

Background:Differing environmental conditions experienced by mother-infant dyads may influence composition of the milk received by the infant. As a consequence, diverse milk compositional profiles may contribute to different postnatal outcomes, especially in infants facing adverse perinatal environments. We investigated whether variability in milk concentrations of key metabolic hormones is associated with different growth outcomes in infants born preterm, a perinatal complication known to impact on infant growth.Methods:Human milk samples were collected from 169 mothers of 191 infants enrolled in the DIAMOND trial, a randomized trial of nutrition for moderate-late preterm infants, at 5 and 10 days postpartum and again at 4 months' corrected age and analyzed for leptin, adiponectin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1. Infant weight and body composition were measured at birth, discharge and 4 months' corrected age. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine correlations between milk hormone concentrations, weight z-scores and body composition at discharge and 4 months' corrected age, and weight gain from birth to 4 months' corrected age. Sex-specific interactions were examined.Results:Higher milk IGF-1 concentrations on day 5 after birth were associated with greater infant fat-free mass at 4 months' corrected age. Milk IGF-1 concentrations at 4 months were positively associated with fat mass and fat-free mass at 4 months in boys but not girls. Milk leptin concentrations on day 5 after birth were positively associated with fat mass at discharge from hospital, but negatively associated with fat mass at 4 months' corrected age. No significant association was found for milk adiponectin concentrations.Conclusion:Milk IGF-1 and leptin concentrations in mothers of moderate-late preterm babies are associated with different growth and body composition through to 4 months' corrected age and these associations are often different in boys and girls. The sex-specific effects of nutrient and hormone exposure during early life in preterm infants warrants further investigation to optimize the nutritional care these infants receive, particularly in hospital, where the same nutrition is provided to boys and girls.
Family History and Risk of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer in the Linxian General Population
Authors: Yang Huan , Wang Jian-bing , Zhang Jin-yu , Fan Jin-hu , Qiao You-lin , Taylor Philip R. 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate family history (FH) of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer and risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), gastric cardia carcinoma (GCC), and gastric non-cardia carcinoma (GNCC) in the Linxian General Population Nutrition Intervention Trial (NIT) cohort. Methods: This prospective analysis was conducted using the Linxian NIT cohort data. Subjects with FH of UGI cancer was treated as an exposed group while the remainders were considered as a comparison group. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between FH of UGI cancer and risk of UGI cancer incidence and mortality were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsThere were 5,680 newly diagnosed UGI cancer cases during the follow-up period, with a total of 4,573 UGI cancer deaths occurred, including 2,603 ESCC, 1,410 GCC, and 560 GNCC deaths. A positive FH of UGI cancer was associated with a significantly increased risk of ESCC and GCC (Incidence: HRESCC = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.35–1.56; HRGCC = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.15–1.40; Mortality: HRESCC = 1.40, 95%CI: 1.30–1.52; HRGCC = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.14–1.42) after adjusting for age at baseline, gender, smoking status, alcohol drinking, education level, and frequency of fresh fruit and vegetable consumption. Subjects with FH in both parents had the highest risk of ESCC and GCC incidence (HRESCC = 1.65, 95%CI: 1.40–1.95; HRGCC = 1.42, 95%CI: 1.12–1.81) and deaths (HRESCC = 1.65, 95%CI: 1.38–1.97; HRGCC = 1.42, 95%CI: 1.09–1.85). Spouse diagnosed with UGI cancer did not increase the risk of any UGI cancers of the subjects. In subgroup analysis, FH of UGI cancer was shown to significantly increase the risk of GCC in non-drinkers (Incidence: HR = 1.31, 95%CI: 1.17–1.47; Mortality: HR = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.17–1.50). No associations were observed for risk of GNCC. Sensitivity analysis by excluding subjects who were followed up less than three years did not materially alter our results.ConclusionOur data point to the role of the FH of UGI cancer to the risk of ESCC and GCC incidence and mortality. The influence of family history on the risk of UGI cancer varies from different types of family members.