bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photo-excitation band-structure engineering of 2H-NbSe2 probed by time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Watanabe Mari , Suzuki Takeshi , Someya Takashi , Ogawa Yu , Michimae Shoya , Fujisawa Masami , Kanai Teruto , Itatani Jiro , Saitoh Tomohiko , Shin Shik , Okazaki Kozo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We investigated the nonequilibrium electronic structure of 2H-NbSe2 by time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We find that the band structure is distinctively modulated by strong photo-excitation, as indicated by the unusual increase in the photoelectron intensities around EF. In order to gain insight into the observed photo-induced electronic state, we performed DFT calculations with modulated lattice structures, and found that the variation of the Se height from the Nb layer results in a significant change in the effective mass and band gap energy. We further study the momentum-dependent carrier dynamics. The results suggest that the relaxation is faster at the K-centered Fermi surface than at the G-centered Fermi surface, which can be attributed to the stronger electron-lattice coupling at the K-centered Fermi surface. Our demonstration of band structure engineering suggests a new role for light as a tool for controlling the functionalities of solid-state materials.
Leveraging Open Data to Reconstruct the Singapore Housing Index and Other Building-level Markers of Socioeconomic Status for Health Services Research.
Authors: Lim Daniel Yan Zheng , Wong Ting Hway , Feng Mengling , Ong Marcus Eng Hock , Ho Andrew Fu Wah 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSocioeconomic status (SES) is an important determinant of health, and SES data is an important confounder to control for in epidemiology and health services research. Individual level SES measures are cumbersome to collect and susceptible to biases, while area level SES measures may have insufficient granularity. The ‘Singapore Housing Index’ (SHI) is a validated, building level SES measure that bridges individual and area level measures. However, determination of the SHI has previously required periodic data purchase and manual parsing. In this study, we describe a means of SHI determination for public housing buildings with open government data, and validate this against the previous SHI determination method.MethodsGovernment open data sources (e.g. data.gov.sg, Singapore Land Authority OneMAP API, Urban Redevelopment Authority API) were queried using custom Python scripts. Data on residential public housing block address and composition from the HDB Property Information dataset (data.gov.sg) was matched to postal code and geographical coordinates via OneMAP API calls. The SHI was calculated from open data, and compared to the original SHI dataset that was curated from non-open data sources in 2018. Results10077 unique residential buildings were identified from open data. OneMAP API calls generated valid geographical coordinates for all (100%) buildings, and valid postal code for 10012 (99.36%) buildings. There was an overlap of 10011 buildings between the open dataset and the original SHI dataset. Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.999 for the two sources of SHI, indicating almost perfect agreement. A Bland-Altman plot analysis identified a small number of outliers, and this revealed 5 properties that had an incorrect SHI assigned by the original dataset. Information on recently transacted property prices was also obtained for 8599 (85.3%) of buildings.ConclusionSHI, a useful tool for health services research, can be accurately reconstructed using open datasets. This method provides more updated data at lower cost. This application highlights the potential for leveraging open data to enable healthcare research
Dead level contour technical design parameters required for sustainable crop production in semi-arid areas of Zimbabwe
Authors: Gumbo Douglas , Wuta Menas , Nyagumbo Isaiah 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly exposed to risks such as erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, and frequent droughts that threaten sustainable crop production. This study assessed the effectiveness of dead level contours with innovations (DLC INN), dead level contours with infiltration pits (DLC INFIL), dead level contours with open channels (DLC OPEN) and standard graded contours (SGCs) in harvesting and storing water in the channel, improving crop conditions during the critical stages of maize growth on different soil textural groups in the Zvishavane District of Zimbabwe. The DLC INFIL, DLC OPEN and DLC INN outperformed the SGC under medium- and heavy-textured soils, with yields ranging between 1.7 and 2.36 t/ha compared to 0.9 t/ha for the SGC. For light textured soils, the DLC INN had the highest maize yield, averaging 0.8 t/ha. On heavy textured soils using DLC INN, DLC INFIL and DLC OPEN, smallholder farmers may use a spacing interval of 24–27 m. On medium textured soils, DLC INN and DLC INFIL can be used at a spacing interval of 18–21 m and 12 to 15 m with DLC OPEN. On light textured soils, farmers are advised to invest in DLC INN only, using a spacing interval of 12–15 m.
Climate change in MATOPIBA region of Brazil using Thornthwaite (1948) classification
Authors: OLIVEIRA-APARECIDO LUCAS Eduardo , Dutra Alexson Filgueiras , Lorençone Pedro Antonio , Neto Francisco de Alcântara , Lorençon João Antonio , Leite Marcos Renan Lima 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Identify the climatic characterization of a region and its spatial and temporal variation, as well as its changes in the face of climate change events, is essential for agrometeorological studies because they can assist in the planning of strategies that reduce the negative impacts generated in the cultures exposed to critical climatic conditions. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the climatic conditions of the MATOPIBA region and its changes in scenarios of climate change using the classification index of Thornthwaite (1948). Daily time series of rainfall and temperature data in the 1950–1990 period were used, arranged in a 0.25º × 0.25º grid, covering 467 points over the studied region. The data set was used to estimate climatological water balance and climate index Thornthwaite (1948), and obtain the trends climatological according to IPCC (2014) climate change projections, with changes in the average air temperature (+ 1.5°C and − 1.5°C) and precipitation (+ 30% and − 30%). The MATOPIBA region is characterized by its humid, dry subhumid, and Moist subhumid climate, with the rainy seasons, between October and April, and drought, from May to September, well defined. In MATOPIBA climate change scenarios, climatic extreme indices tend to alter the pattern, frequency, and distribution of climate class, which can increase climate risk and impact crop production. Therefore, the results obtained can be used to develop strategies to mitigate the vulnerability of crops to climate change conditions.
Prognosis of Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer in Middle-Aged Patients: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Bao Feng , Wu Li-rong , Deng Zhi-gang , Xiang Chun-hua , Li Guo-qiang , Zhi Xing , Liu Wen , Wang Dong , Xian-yu Jian-bo , Shang Jianying 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The prognosis of middle-aged patients with CRC treated by laparoscopic resection (LR) is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the survival outcomes of LR compared with open resection (OR) for patients with CRC and 45-65 years of age.Methods: This retrospective cohort study used the data from a database of all consecutive colorectal resections performed between January 2009 and December 2017. Propensity score matching (PSM) was done to handle the selection bias based on age, gender, body mass index (BMI), tumor location, AJCC stage, and admission year. Univariate and multivariate COX regression model was used to identify risk factors of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).Results: After PSM, 217 patients were included in each group. There were no differences in OS and PFS between the two groups (all P>0.05). There was less blood loss for LR (P<0.001), but the other complications were similar between the two groups. The multivariate analysis showed that high histological grade (hazard ratio [HR]=2.262, 95%CI: 1.334-3.836, P=0.002), stage III (HR=1.744, 95%CI: 2.360-25.406, P=0.001), stage IV (HR=47.905, 95%CI: 14.430-159.033, P<0.001), and adjuvant therapy (HR=0.547, 95%CI: 0.358-0.838, P=0.006) were independently associated with OS. High preoperative CEA (HR=1.585, 95%CI: 1.049-2.394, P=0.029), high histological grade (HR=2.128, 95%CI: 1.272-3.558, P=0.004), stage III (HR=5.562, 95%CI: 1.980-15.624, P=0.001), and stage IV (HR=26.338, 95%CI: 9.090-76.315, P<0.001), were independently associated with OS. LR was not associated with OS and PFS.Conclusions: In middle-aged patients with CRC, OR and LR have similar survival outcomes and complications.
Targeting autophagy with hydroxychloroquine potentiates ponatinib- and axitinib-induced cell death in BCR-ABL T315I-containing CML
Authors: han biqing , Yao Dandan , Jiang Yongfang , Chen Liyan , Zhou Shuqiu , Li Jingjing , Wang Limengmeng , Fu Shan , Lin Yu , Huang He , Dai Haibin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose

Because of the dose-dependent increased risk of cardiovascular events we tried to lower the dose of ponatinib without reducing its efficacy in the treatment of BCR-ABL T315I-containing CML. Combination with hydroxychloroquine can enhance the efficiency of ponatinib and axitinib through autophagy inhibition in CML cell with T315I.
Methods

Cell viability, cell cycle, cellular senescence, formation of cell clones and apoptosis assay were taken to test the efficiency of medicine. Lentiviral vectors containing shRNA was used to block autophagy and to verify the mechanism of the medicine. Establish tumor models in nude mice, and verify the experimental results in vivo.
Results

ponatinib and axitinib killed 32Dp210-T315I cells as well as inducing autophagy, which promoted their survival under pressure from TKIs. By inhibiting autophagy, HCQ enhanced the killing effect of ponatinib and axitinib on 32Dp210-T315I cells. In vivo HCQ also enhanced the killing effect of axitinib on 32Dp210-T315I cells.
Conclusion

HCQ combined with ponatinib may be a new strategy for treating CML and ALL that harbor the T315I mutation. Thus, this combination may make it possible to reduce the dose of ponatinib and reduce its side effects without compromising efficacy.
Exploring the use of Circumsporozoite Protein (CSP) as Diagnostic Biomarker for Specific Detection of Plasmodium Knowlesi
Authors: Tan Jia Hui , Lau Yee Ling 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMalaria has been a public health concern for many years. People living in Southeast Asia are now threatened by Plasmodium knowlesi infection which can cause severe complications if not treated immediately. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) targeting at P. knowlesi infection is essential for rapid diagnosis especially in resource limited settings. In this study, circumsporozoite protein (CSP) was assessed using in silico analysis and antibody detection approach to act as a P. knowlesi diagnostic biomarker in RDTs.MethodsAnimal ethics approval was obtained for animal immunization work. Two peptide epitopes specific for P. knowlesi CSP (PkCSP) were identified from amino acid sequence alignment and were used as immunogen to raise antibodies in animal models. The reactivity of the anti-peptide antiserums was evaluated against recombinant PkCSP using Western Blot assays. Results Mouse anti-peptide antiserum generated was able to react with recombinant PkCSP. Western blot assay showed that the mouse anti-peptide antiserum did not probe on any protein in P. knowlesi total protein extract, indicating the absence of PkCSP in the erythrocytic stage. This finding was further confirmed by using anti-recombinant PkCSP antiserum raised in mice models. ConclusionOur study has demonstrated that CSP is not suitable to be used as a diagnostic biomarker for P. knowlesi specific detection. More studies should be done to screen for suitable biomarkers for specific P. knowlesi detection in RDT to allow prompt disease management and epidemiological surveillance.
The physical health of people with severe mental illness in Bangladesh and Pakistan: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Zavala Gerardo Antonio , Haidar Asiful , Prasad-Muliyala Krishna , Aslam Faiza , Huque Rumana , Khalid Humaira , Murthy Pratima , Nizami Asad T , Rajan Sukanya , Shiers David , Siddiqi Najma , Siddiqi Kamran , Boehnke Jan R 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPeople with severe mental illness (SMI) die earlier than the general population, primarily due to physical disorders. There is limited information on physical illnesses and health-risk behaviours in people with SMI in low and middle-income countries.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey in adults with SMI attending specialist mental health services in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Data were collected on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), their risk factors, health-risk behaviours, treatments and health risk modification advice (using questions from the WHO STEPwise approach to Surveillance of NCDs (STEPS)) and on common mental disorders, health-related quality of life and infectious diseases. We performed a descriptive analysis, and compared weighted prevalence for these variables in our survey with prevalence for the general population in the STEPS reports from Bangladesh and Pakistan.ResultsWe recruited 2,344 participants with bipolar disorder (36.7%), non-affective psychosis (42.2%), and depression with psychosis (21.1%). Eight percent had diabetes, 24.7% hypertension and 3.1% tuberculosis. 43.4% were overweight or obese, and half had hypercholesterolemia. Most participants with diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were previously undiagnosed; of those diagnosed only around half were receiving treatment. Fifty-four percent of men and 17.2% of women used tobacco; 46.9% and 87.1% did not meet WHO recommendations for physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake respectively. Compared with the general population, people with SMI were more likely to have diabetes (O.R.=1.56,95%C.I.=1.30 to 1.88 Bangladesh), hypercholesterolemia (O.R.=2.35,95%C.I.=2.08 to 2.65 Bangladesh) and overweight or obesity (O.R.=1.97, 95%C.I.=1.75 to 2.22 Bangladesh; O.R.=1.61,95%C.I.=1.40 to 1.86 Pakistan). They were less likely to receive tobacco cessation (O.R.=0.33,95%C.I.=0.26 to 0.42 Bangladesh; O.R.=0.42,95%C.I.=0.31 to 0.55 Pakistan), and weight management advice (O.R.=0.51,95%C.I.=0.41 to 0.63 Bangladesh; and O.R.=0.65,95%C.I.=0.51 to 0.82 Pakistan).ConclusionDespite the high prevalence we found significant gaps in detection, prevention and treatment of NCDs and their risk factors in people with SMI.RegistrationISRCTN88485933; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN88485933
Multi-dimensional Accessibility Barriers in Care Services for the Rural Elderly with Disabilities: A Qualitative Study in China
Authors: Wang Yuan , Qi Cai Yun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
As the aging of the population increases, the number and growth rate of disabled elderly people in rural China are significant. However, their special care needs and barriers to accessibility have been neglected in existing research. This paper covers a multi-dimensional investigation into accessibility barriers in care services for elderly people with disabilities in rural China.
Methods
In-depth interviews with 13 rural disabled elderly people in China took place using qualitative methods.
Results
Based on a welfare pluralism approach, the results showed that in comparison with urban areas, care services for disabled elderly people in rural areas are more subject to social barriers. This can be seen in the limited state (lack of resources, rigorous qualification of eligibility, uneven distribution, and irregular implementation); the absent market (low levels of consumption, high cost pressures, self-exclusion, and traditional cultural constraints); absent NGOs and volunteers (difficulties in access for NGOs and volunteers outside the area and formation difficulties of local NGOs and volunteers); as well as low-quality care in households and communities (unprofessional care from the spouse, unsustainable care from offspring, and unavailable community-based care).
Conclusion
A multi-subject support network should be established to remove accessibility barriers to care service provision for elderly people with disabilities in rural areas through active intervention and interaction.
A Retrospective Analysis of Surgery in Prestyloid Parapharyngeal Tumors: Lateral Approaches vs Transoral Robotic Surgery
Authors: Porcuna David Virós , Muñoz Laura Pardo , Soria Constanza Viña , Nicastro Viviana , Viarnès Mar Palau , Guisasola Carlos Pollán 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Introduction Surgery is the standard treatment for most tumors in the prestyloid parapharyngeal space (PPS) but it can be a challenging procedure because of the anatomical complexity of the area. Prestyloid surgery can be performed with various lateral approaches or with a medial approach using transoral robotic surgery (TORS) – either alone or in combination with a transcervical incision. Here we report our experience in the surgical management of prestyloid PPS tumors. Materials and Methods We have retrospectively compared results with lateral or medial approaches to surgical resection of prestyloid tumors. Between 2015 and 2020, 28 patients with prestyloid PPS tumors underwent surgery at our center: 14 with lateral approaches, including transcervical, transcervical-parotid, and transcervical-mandibular, 12 with TORS, and two with TORS plus a transcervical incision. Surgical time, post-surgical complications, length of hospital stay, need for feeding tube, and relapse-free survival in the two patient groups. Results Pleomorphic adenoma was the most frequent tumor and 60.7% of the tumors were benign. Tumor volume and maximum length were similar in patients undergoing surgery with a lateral approach and in those undergoing TORS. Intraoperative image guidance and ultrasound were used in 33% of TORS. TORS was associated with less surgical time, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays. Survival rates were similar in the two groups. Conclusion The medial approach by TORS offers better surgical results in prestyloid tumors than the open lateral approach and can be refined by intraoperative guidance.
Molecular Deficits Relevant to Concussion Are Prevalent In Football Players Entering the NFL Draft
Authors: Kunces Laura J , Keenan John A , Schmidt Caleb M , Schmidt Michael A. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundFactors influencing individual susceptibility to brain acceleration forces or to poor outcomes in brain injury are not well understood. Characterization of blood variants in athletes entering the highly competitive contact environment of professional football, when coupled with longitudinal follow-up of future concussion incidence and trajectory, may provide additional insight into factors that influence brain injury. We observed the metabolic phenotype of collegiate football players entering the 2016 National Football League (NFL) draft. The principal aims were to characterize the molecular status of individual athletes and quantify the prevalence of athletes with multiple concurrent molecular deficits. MethodsBlood was taken from 30 elite American collegiate football players seven weeks before the NFL scouting combine and 15-weeks before entering the NFL draft. ResultsAverage results revealed undesirable values in Omega-3 Index (avg ± std, 4.66 ± 1.16 %), AA:EPA fatty acid ratio (29.13 ± 10.78), homocysteine (11.4 ± 3.4 µmol/L), vitamin D (30 ± 11.4 ng/mL), and RBC magnesium (4.1 ± 0.8 mg/dL). Using sport optimized reference ranges from previously published research, 10% presented with 3, 40% presented with 4, and 50% of athletes presented with 5 undesirable values at once. ConclusionWe conclude molecular deficits in this cohort entering the NFL draft were common, with a significant number of athletes presenting with multiple abnormalities, all with relevant influence on brain health and function. This data warrants extensive metabolic phenotyping and prophylactic precision nutrition countermeasures for athletes entering contact environments.
Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Clinicopathological Features of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Song Jun-Long , Li Ling-Rui , Yu Xi-Zi , Zhan Ling , Xu Zhi-Liang , Li Juan-Juan , Sun Sheng-Rong , Chen Chuang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a risk factor for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Whether MetS impacts the aggressiveness of DTC is still unclear. We carried out this study to clarify this issue.Methods: We evaluated 455 consecutive DTC patients treated with surgery. The patients were divided into three groups based on their number of MetS components: patients without any MetS components, patients with one to two MetS components, and patients with three to five MetS components. The clinical features and histological aggressiveness of DTC at the time of diagnosis were evaluated.Results: A total of 455 patients were included in this study. Eighty-five patients had three or more metabolic components and were diagnosed as having MetS. Those patients with one or two metabolic components had higher risks for bilaterality (OR = 1.90, 95% CI:1.04–3.46) and capsule invasion (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.05–2.70). MetS was a risk factor for larger tumors (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.25–4.06), more lymph node metastasis (OR=3.14, 95% CI: 1.68-5.87), multifocal tumor (OR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.30–4.35), bilateral disease (OR = 3.39, 95% CI: 1.67–6.90), capsule invasion (OR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.15–4.45), and extrathyroid invasion (OR = 4.44, 95% CI: 1.67–11.81) after correction for age, sex, and the thyroid-stimulating hormone level (TSH).Conclusions: In our hospital-based cohort study, MetS was associated with the aggressiveness of DTC. This association was still significant after being adjusted for age, sex, and TSH.