bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatopulmonary Syndrome is Related to The Development of Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure and Poor Prognosis in Cirrhotic Patients
Authors: Han Seul Ki , Kim Moon Young , Kang Seong Hee , Suk Ki Tae , Baik Soon Koo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background & Aims:Long-term prospective data on hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) from a large number of patients, especially in Asian patients, are lacking. We evaluated the long-term prognosis of HPS and the development of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), and related factors.Methods: A total of 142 patients with cirrhosis who underwent saline-agitated contrast echocardiography for the diagnosis of HPS were enrolled and observed prospectively from 2014 to 2019.Results: A total of 59 patients (41%) were diagnosed with HPS (24 grade 1, 23 grade 2, 12 grade 3). Thirty-eight and 37 patients died in the HPS and non-HPS groups, respectively (p < 0.01). The 5-year survival rate was 47% in the HPS group and 62% in the non-HPS group. In the Cox proportional hazards model, HPS and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score≥18, and Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) class B/C were significant risk factors for mortality after adjusting for other risk factors (HPS hazard ratio [HR] = 1.9, p = 0.01; MELD score≥18 HR = 2.3, p < 0.01; CTP class B/C HR = 2.9, p < 0.01). Compared to that in non-HPS group, the HPS group had a significantly higher incidence of ACLF during follow-up (p < 0.01) and more frequently presented with lung involvement of ACLF (p = 0.03). Conclusions:In the long-term follow-up cohort, patients with HPS showed poorer prognosis than that of patients without HPS. HPS was a risk factor for ACLF development independent of hepatic dysfunction, and lung involvement was significantly common than without patients
Design and power analysis for multi-sample single cell genomics experiments
Authors: Schmid Katharina , Cruceanu Cristiana , Böttcher Anika , Lickert Heiko , Binder Elisabeth , Theis Fabian , Heinig Matthias 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Single cell RNA-seq revolutionizes transcriptomics by providing cell type resolution for interindividual differential gene expression and expression quantitative trait loci analyses. However, efficient power analysis methods accounting for the characteristics of single cell data and interindividual comparison are missing. Here we present a statistical framework for design and power analysis of multi-sample single cell genomics experiments. The model relates sample size, number of cells per individual and sequencing depth to the power of detecting differentially expressed genes within cell types. It enables fast systematic comparison of alternative experimental designs and optimization for a limited budget. We evaluated data driven priors for a range of applications and single cell platforms. In many settings, shallow sequencing of high numbers of cells leads to higher overall power than deep sequencing of fewer cells. The model including priors is implemented as an R package scPower and is accessible as a web tool.
Investigating The Temporal Variation in the Frequency of Smog Precursors in the Ambient Air of Lahore
Authors: Shehzadi Rabia - , Mughal Tahira Aziz , Abbas Moneeza , Abrar Amina , Abbas Ali 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In present study the seasonal prevalence of smog precursors was analysed to investigate the temporal trend of smog formation in the ambient air of Lahore. Data set of three years (November 2017- April 2020) was obtained from compact ambient air quality monitoring station, installed by Environmental Protection Department on Jail Road, Lahore. Statistical analysis of dataset of smog precursors revealed that in winter, the concentration range of PM10, PM2.5, NO, NO2 was significantly higher than Punjab Environmental Quality Standards and WHO Air Quality Guidelines. Whereas in summer, tropospheric ozone recurrence was higher and showed significantly negative correlation with NO >PM2.5 >NO2 >SO2 and null association with PM10. Seasonal impact on smog precursors concentration was further approved by correlation analysis of weather component with air pollutants. According to statistical analysis, Ozone (O3) was found to have high positive correlation with temperature >wind speed >relative humidity >sunshine hour while inverse relation with air pressure while NO, NO2, SO2, PM2.5 showed positive corelation with air pressure and negative correlation with temperature, sunshine, and wind speed. These factual figures revealed that ambient air of Lahore has been experiencing reducive-type smog in winter which is acidic in nature and oxidative-type photochemical smog in summer since 2017.
The Use of Birth Control Methods by Adult Males: A Case Study of the Amasaman, Accra, Ghana
Authors: AYITTEY HANNY-SHERRY 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Adult males are largely responsible for the production of babies. One healthy male can produce as many as 100 children over a 50-year reproductive lifespan through sex with many women. On the other hand, women are restricted to the production of a limited number of children in their reproductive lifespan due to biological factors related to pregnancy and menopause. Given the propensity of men to produce many children, effective family planning and birth control rests substantially on responsible role of men. Yet, there is little information on use of birth control methods and products by adult males in Ghana. Guided by the reproductive health life cycle theory of human behaviour, this study aimed at analysing the use of birth control methods and products by adult males in Ghana using a case-study of the Amasaman Area Council, in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Methods: A scientific survey based on a random sampling procedure collected information from 300 adult males in all 39 communities of the Amasaman Area Council, Accra over two months from November to December 2019. This survey elicited information on the perceptions and use of birth control methods and acceptance of government reproductive health (RH) policies. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20. The analysis involved simple descriptive summaries of the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents and their perceptions and use of birth control method. A binary logit regression analysis was used to identify the factors that influenced current use of birth control methods by respondents. Results: The nine birth control methods and products indicated by the male respondents were in order of importance as follows: (1) traditional method of planned abstinence from the spouse for a period of time especially after the delivery of a child, (2) male condom, (3) withdrawal before ejaculation, (4) vasectomy (male sterilization), 5) rhythm or calendar method (of the woman’s monthly reproductive cycle), (6) traditional herbs, (7) outercourse (sex without penetration), (8) drinking of local gin before sex, and (9) men taking drugs to prevent pregnancy. Information from peers and friends was the major source of information. Based on the analysis, it was revealed that the likelihood of using birth control methods and products was significantly influenced by the extent of awareness of these methods and products. Conclusions: Adult male respondents largely had no external sources of information with regards to the majority of the identified birth control methods. Peers and friends were the major source of information about birth control methods. Current use of birth control methods was mainly influenced by the overall awareness of these products.
A Tin-Based Perovskite Solar Cell With an Inverted Hole-Free Transport Layer to Achieve High Energy Conversion Efficiency by&nbsp;SCAPS Device Simulation
Authors: liangsheng Hao , Tong Li , Xinxia Ma , jiang Wu , Lingxia Qiao , Xuefei Wu , Guoyu Hou , Haonan Pei , Xingbo Wang , Xiaoyu Zhang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Recently, organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have received extensive research in the field of optoelectronic materials due to their unique optical and electrical properties, especially lead-based PSCs. However, the toxicity and stability of these devices, as well as the expensive hole transport layer (HTL) and other factors inhibit their commercial production. In this work, the non-toxic tin was applied as the battery material, the perovskite solar cell adopts an inverted HTL-free structure, and the one-dimensional solar cell capacitor simulator SCAPS-1D (Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator) was adopted for numerical simulation and found that FTO/CH3 NH3 SnI3 /C60 /Au structure PSCs also showed excellent photovoltaic performance. We studied the influence of the thickness of the absorber layer, the defect density, the doping concentration of different layers, and the thickness of the electron transport layer (ETL) under different directions of illumination on the battery performance. The simulation results show that the optimized inverted HTL-free tin-based PSCs based on C60 are with inspiring performance: a short-circuit current density (JSC ) of 30.1646 mA/cm 2 , open-circuit voltage (VOC ) of 1.0465V, fill factor (FF) of 59.49% and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.78%. We also introduced light from different directions to irradiate PSCs, and the results show that the HTL-free perovskite adopting an inverted structure can retain the light intensity of the irradiated perovskite layer to the greatest extent and exhibit superior performance. Based on the inverted HTL-free tin-based PSCs, we also investigated the performance parameters of ETL batteries with different materials. This work provides new ideas for PSCs development in the future.
Hypothermal Effects on Expression of Regucalcin, A Calcium Binding Protein, in Livers of Seawater- and Fresh Water-Acclimated Milkfish, Chanos Chanos
Authors: Chang Chia-Hao , Lee Tsung-Han 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Regucalcin (RGN) is a calcium-binding protein mainly expressed in the liver. It functions in regulating activities of several calcium-dependent enzymes related to energy metabolism, antioxidant mechanisms, and apoptotic pathways. Previous proteomics analyses revealed downregulation of regucalcin in milkfish livers when acclimated to low temperature (18°C) from normal temperature (28°C). This study first identified the full-length sequence of milkfish regucalcin from livers with high similarity in the protein structure and calcium-binding function compared to the regucalcin of other animals. The mRNA and protein expression of regucalcin in livers of fresh water (FW)- and seawater (SW)-acclimated milkfish under hypothermal acclimation were further analyzed. In FW milkfish, upregulation of regucalcin was found in mRNA and protein levels from two and four days, respectively, to one week after transfer to 18°C for the two. However, in SW milkfish, upregulation of regucalcin occurred quickly and returned to the basal levels in one (mRNA expression) or two days (protein expression) up until one week after transfer. These results suggested potential roles of regucalcin in maintaining calcium homeostasis and its correlation to differential physiological responses in livers of milkfish when they were acclimated to FW and SW.
Neuroprotective Role of Diosgenin, A NGF Stimulator, Against Aβ (1–42) Induced Neurotoxicity in Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Som Swati , Antony Justin , Dhanabal Palanisamy , Sivasankaran Ponnusankar 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Diosgenin is a neurosteroid derived from the plants and has been previously reported for its numerous health beneficial properties, such as anti-arrhythmic, hypolipidemic, and antiproliferative effects. Although several studies conducted earlier suggested cognition enhancement actions of diosgenin against neurodegenerative disorders, but the molecular mechanisms underlying are not clearly understood. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of diosgenin in the wistar rats that received an intracerebroventricular injection of Amyloid-β (1–42) peptides, representing a rodent model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Animals were treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg/p.o of diosgenin for 28 days, followed by Amyloid-β (1–42) peptides infusion. Animals were assessed for the spatial learning and memory by using radial arm maze and passive avoidance task. Subsequently, animals were euthanized and brains were collected for biochemical estimations and histopathological studies. Our results revealed that, diosgenin administration dose dependently improved the spatial learning and memory and protected the animals from Amyloid-β (1–42) peptides induced disrupted cognitive functions. Further, biochemical analysis showed that diosgenin successfully attenuated Amyloid-β (1–42) mediated plaque load, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and elevated acetylcholinesterase activity. In addition, histopathological evaluation also supported neuroprotective effects of diosgenin in hippocampus of rat brain when assessed using hematoxylin-eosin and Cresyl Violet staining. Thus, the aforementioned effects suggested protective action of diosgenin against Aβ (1–42) induced neuronal damage and thereby can serve as a potential therapeutic candidate for AD.
Spectral analysis of geomagnetically induced current and local magnetic field during the 17 March 2013 geomagnetic storm
Authors: Xu Wen-Hao , Xing Zan-Yang , Balan Nanan , Liang Li-Kai , Wang Yan-Ling , Zhang Qing-He , Sun Zi-Dan , Li Wen-Bin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Geomagnetically induced current (GIC) is known to be closely related to the rate of change of local horizontal magnetic field (dBx/dt); and their spectra can give better insight into the relationship. We study the spectral characteristics of GIC measured in Finland and dBx/dt measured 30 km away during the 17 March 2013 intense geomagnetic storm (SymHMin = -132 nT). Two bursts of large GIC (up to 32A) and dBx/dt occurred at ~ 16 UT and 18 UT during the storm main phase, though their values were generally small. For the first time, the Cross Wavelet Transform (XWT) and Wavelet Coherence (WTC) techniques are used to investigate the correlation and phase relationship of GIC and dBx/dt in time-frequency domain. Their WTC correlation is strong (over 0.9) over the entire storm period, indicating dBx/dt is the main factor causing GIC and dBx/dt leading GIC. Their XWT spectra show two enclosed periods (8–42 min and 2–42 min) in the high energy region corresponding to the two bursts of activity in GIC and dBx/dt. Moreover, we use continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) to analyze the spectral characteristics of GIC and dBx/dt. It is found that the CWT and DWT spectra of the two are very similar, especially in the low frequency characteristics, without continuous periodicity. Wavelet coefficients become large when GIC and dBx/dT are large; and the third-order coefficient, which corresponds to low-frequency part, best reflects the disturbance of GIC and dBx/dt.
Role of Convection–circulation Coupling in the Propagation Mechanism of the Madden–Julian Oscillation over the Maritime Continent in Climate Models
Authors: Wang Yi-Chi , Tseng Wan-Ling , Hsu Huang-Hsiung 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study investigates the role of convection–circulation coupling on the simulated eastward propagation of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) over the Maritime Continent (MC). Experiments are conducted with the European Centre Hamburg Model Version 5 (ECHAM5) coupled with the one-column ocean model – Snow-Ice-Thermocline (SIT) and two different cumulus schemes, Nordeng (E5SIT-Nord) and Tiedtke (E5SIT-Tied). During the early phase of MJO composites, the E5SIT-Nord simulation reveals stronger intraseasonal anomalies in the apparent heat source (Q1) over the convective center, however, the E5SIT-Tied produces a stronger background Q1, suggesting that deep convection prevails over the MC but does not couple with the MJO circulation. Similarly, in the E5SIT-Tied simulation, in-column moisture is kept mostly by local deep convection over the MC, which is in contrast to the well-correlated relationship between moisture anomaly and MJO circulation in E5SIT-Nord. A case study based on an observational MJO reveals similar biases concerning of convection–circulation coupling emerges within a few days of simulations. The E5SIT-Tied simulation produces weaker heating at the convective center of the MJO than the E5SIT-Nord a few days after model initiation, resulting weaker subsidence to the east and less favorable for propagation. The present findings highlight the instantaneous responses of cumulus parameterization schemes to MJO-related environmental changes can further affect intraseasonal variability through altering convection–circulation coupling over the MC. Physical schemes of moist convection are essential to realistically represent this coupling and thereby improve the simulation of the eastward propagation of the MJO.
“Should I inhale?” - Perceptions, barriers, and drivers for medicinal cannabis use amongst Australian women with primary dysmenorrhoea: A qualitative study.
Authors: Sinclair Justin , Armour Susanne , Akowuah Jones Asafo , Proudfoot Andrew , Armour Mike 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: This study sought to investigate the perceptions, barriers and drivers associated with medicinal cannabis use among Australian women with primary dysmenorrhea. A qualitative study via virtual focus groups involving 26 women experiencing regular, moderate or greater menstrual pain explored categories including cost, associated stigma, current drug driving laws, community and workplace ethics as well as geographical isolation within the context of patient access under current Australian laws and regulations. Results: A qualitative descriptive analysis identified that dissatisfaction with current management strategies such as over-the-counter analgesic usage was the key driver for wanting to use medicinal cannabis. A number of significant barriers to use were identified including patient access to medical prescribers, medical practitioner bias, current drug driving laws, geographic location, and cost. Community and cultural factors such as the history of cannabis as an illicit drug and the resulting stigma, even when prescribed by a medical doctor, still existed and was of concern to our participants. Conclusion: Whilst medicinal cannabis is legal in all states and territories within Australia, several barriers to access exist that require government regulatory attention to assist in increasing patient adoption, including possible subsidization of cost. The high cost of legal, medicinal cannabis was a key factor in women’s choice to use illicit cannabis. Overall, the concerns raised by our participants are consistent with the broader findings of a recent Australian Senate inquiry report into barriers to patient access to medicinal cannabis in Australia, suggesting many of the issues are systematic rather than disease specific. Given the interest in use of medicinal cannabis amongst women with primary dysmenorrhea, clinical trials in this area are urgently needed.
Broadband Reflector Based on Double-Layer Subwavelength Gratings
Authors: Wang Qi , Li Rui , Gao Xufeng , Cao Shuhua , Tao Chunxian , Hong Ruijin , Zhang Dawei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A broadband reflector with a reflectance up to 97.8% over a 144 nm spectral range from 1476 to 1620 nm was proposed by comprising double-layer subwavelength gratings with one grating layer embedded in SiO2 layer. An analysis of the resonance leaky modes with overlapping gratings showed the physical mechanism of the wide broad high-reflectivity band. The structural parameter tolerance was analyzed and the variation of bandwidth was explained by combining the behaviors of the two guided mode resonances. The guided mode resonance and high refractive index contrast properties led to a good angular tolerance that exhibited an angular insensitivity (~ 11°) at 1550 nm. Overall, the broadband reflector may benefit the monolithic integration of optoelectronic devices.
Hepatic Microsporidiosis of Mudskipper, Boleophthalmus Dussumieri&nbsp;Valenciennes, 1837 (Perciformes: Gobiidae), Due to Microgemma Sp.
Authors: Vandana V.R , Poojary Nalini , Tripathi Gayatri , A Pavan-Kumar , Sanil N.K. , Valappil Rajendran Kooloth 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The present study reports a case of hepatic microsporidiosis caused by Microgemma sp in brackishwater fish, Boleophthalmus dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1837) (n = 60), from north-west coast of India. An eight-month study from September 2017 to April 2018 revealed a prevalence of 11.6% for this parasite. The microsporidian showed tissue-specific infection and did not reveal any gross pathology in infected fish. Large whitish cysts containing microspores of size 0.3–0.5 mm were observed in the liver of fish. The range of pyriform microsporidian spore size varied from 2.9–3.77 X 1.85–2.67 µm. Histological observations of infected liver revealed large xenoma of the microsporidian filled with spores and encircled by a cyst wall-like layer. Scanning electron microscopy of the spores showed a distinct groove on the anterior end of the spore for polar tube extrusion. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the DNA extracted from the microsporidian spores using primers targeting small ribosomal subunit DNA (SSU rDNA) yielded ~ 1340 bp amplicon and the genetic distance analysis showed a 0.2% variation with the reported M. tilanpasiri. Accordingly, in the phylogenetic tree, the present species of Microgemma clustered with M. tilanpasiri. Even though, the morphomeristic characters of the present Microgemma sp. was marginally different from the reported M. tilanpsasiri; the SSU rDNA showed considerably higher similarity with M. tilanpasiri. Thus, we report the species of Microgemma as Microgemma aff. tilanpasiri from a new host. This is the first report of a microsporidian from B. dussumieri and the first record of the genus Microgemma from India.
Quality of Dying in Hospital General Wards: A Cross-Sectional Study About the End of Life Care
Authors: Binda Filippo , Clari Marco , Nicolò Gabriella , Gambazza Simone , Sappa Barbara , Bosco Paola , Laquintana Dario 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND

In the last decade, access to national palliative care programs have improved, however a large proportion of patients continued to die in hospital, particularly within internal medicine wards.
OBJECTIVES

To describe how adult patients die in the medical and surgical wards of a large tertiary-level university teaching hospital in the north of Italy, comparing the care and treatments between patients whose death was rated as highly, moderately or not expected by nurses.
METHODS

Single-centre cross-sectional study. Data on nursing interventions and diagnostic procedure in proximity of death were collected after interviewing the nurse and the physician responsible for the patient. Relationship between qualitative variables involving nursing procedures was summarized by means of multiple correspondence analysis (MCA).
RESULTS

Death was highly expected by nurses in 108 out of 187 patients included, whose primary diagnosis was respiratory (33.7%). Symptoms control was inadequate for the most severely ill patients: the most prevalent were asthenia (88.3%), mild or severe pain (69.0%), urinary incontinence (66.3%) and respiratory fatigue (64.8%). Physicians rated more frequently than nurses the quality of dying as good or very good, respectively 78.6% and 57.8%. The best quality of dying seems associated to the number of nursing interventions (mostly related to ensure comfort and to prevent pressure ulcers), female sex and low Norton scoring, as suggested by MCA.
CONCLUSION

Staff in medical and surgical wards still deal inadequately with the needs of dying people. Presence of hospital-based specialist palliative care could lead to improvements in the patients’ quality of life