bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Profile of Bloodstream Infections in Covid-19 Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Palanisamy Naveenraj , Vihari Nakka , Meena Durga Shankar , Kumar Deepak , Midha Naresh , Tak Vibhor , Sharma Ankur , Bohra Gopal Krishana , Kothari Nikhil , Dutt Naveen , Bhatia Pradeep Kumar , Garg Mahendra Kumar , Misra Sanjeev 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are emerging cause of significant morbidity and mortality in severe Corona virus disease (Covid-19). We aimed to assess the prevalence, clinical profile and outcome of BSIs in critically ill Covid-19 disease. Material and Methods: This was a single-centre retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Western India. All the patients (age >18 years) with reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed Covid-19 pneumonia admitted in Covid intensive care unit (ICU) between September 2020 to February 2021 were included. Hospital electronic records were searched for demographic data, time of bloodstream infection since admission, clinical profile, antimicrobial resistance pattern and clinical outcome of all patients who developed BSIs.Results: Out of 750 patients admitted in Covid ICU, 8.5% developed secondary BSIs. All severe Covid-19 pneumonia patients developed BSIs succumbed to illness. The major proportion of BSIs were gram-negative pathogens (53/64, 82.8%). Acinetobacter baumannii was the commonest isolate followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (32.8% and 21.9% respectively). Multidrug-resistance microorganisms (MDRO) were found in 57.8% of the cases. The majority of MDRO belonged to K. pneumoniae and Enterococcus groups. The proportion of gram-negative bacteria resistant to carbapenems was 47.2% (25/53). Conclusion: BSIs in severe Covid-19 patients carries a substantial mortality, which is a cause for concern. Timely initiation of empirical antibiotics and prompt de-escalation are vital to improve the outcome. At the same time, strict compliance of infection control practices should be accomplished to reduce the occurrence of MDRO.
The Therapeutic and Prognostic Value of Chemokine Receptors (CXCRs) in Skin Cutaneous Melanoma (SKCM) Progression
Authors: Huang Sumei , Wang Guangwen , Kou Mengying , Huang Yisheng , Yanhong He , Yunpeng Bai , Yingbang Li , Huang Wendong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction:Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is an aggressive cancer and associates with CXC chemokine receptors (CXCRs). CXCRs is a group of membrane protein involved in tumor initiation, progression, and outcome. However, the therapeutic and prognostic value of CXCRs in SKCM remained elusive. Methods: we used multiple, publicly available datasets for the analysis of CXCRs in SKCM. These datasets included GEPIA, UALCAN, TISIDB, DAVID 6.8, Metascape, GSCALite, and TIMER. Results: CXCR3 and CXCR4 were elevated in tumor samples in comparison to healthy ones. CXCR3, CXCR4, CXCR5, CXCR6, and CXCR7 were transcriptionally upregulated in the metastasis SKCM tissues compared to the primary tissues. The CXCR3, CXCR4, CXCR5, and CXCR6 were positively correlated to more prolonged overall survival (OS) at the transcriptional level. Meanwhile, CXCR3, CXCR4, and CXCR6 had an association with the stage in SKCM patients. The drug sensitivity analysis showed CXCR4 as a potential target of drug screening. The function of CXCRs and the neighboring genes mainly enriched in T cell activation, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and leukocyte migration. Cancer pathway analysis showed that all the CXCRs positively affect apoptosis and EMT pathway and negative effect on the cell cycle, DNA damage response, and hormone AR pathway. Furthermore, CXCR3, CXCR4, CXCR5, and CXCR6 were positively correlated with the infiltration of lymphocytes and expression of PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4. Conclusions: we found that CXCR3, CXCR4, CXCR5, and CXCR6 may provide essential clues about credible prognostic biomarkers, especially CXCR4 may be a potential target and prognostic biomarkers in the progression of SKCM.
Detection of Deletion/Insertion Polymorphism Profiles from Single Human Hair Shafts
Authors: Tie Jian , Uchigasaki Seisaku , Isobe Eiji , Iwakami Etsuko , Okuda Takahisa 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Hair is a frequently encountered biological evidence in personal identification. The amount of nuclear DNA that can be extracted from a single strand of rootless hair is most limited, making the detection of short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphisms difficult. To overcome these limitations, deletion/insertion polymorphisms (DIP) as a new type of genetic marker have shown their benefits in detecting low-copy-number DNA. The Investigator DIPplex kit contains 30 biallelic autosomal DIP and amelogenin. The analysis of DIPs combines the advantages of both STR and single nucleotide polymorphism analyses. Thus, this study aimed to detect the DIP distribution of individual hair shafts from individuals.Methods and Results: DNA was extracted from the shaft of fresh, aged, and shed hair. After DNA was evaluated, the DIP profiles were detected by capillary electrophoresis. The results indicated that the amount of DNA extracted from hair roots was much higher than that from the hair shafts in the same individual for all samples. The degradation index values of DNA from the aged hair shafts were highest. It is classified to be “mildly degraded.” Compared with their hair roots, the full DIP profiles were detected for fresh hair, 70% for aged hair, and 92% for shed hair. Contrarily, except for fresh hair shafts, only three STR loci of the aged and shed strands of hair could be amplified using AmpFlSTR MiniFiler PCR Amplification Kit.Conclusions: These results indicate that the detection of DIP profile is an effective tool for personal identification from hair shafts, including aged hair.
3D Printed Brachytherapy Jig for Reference Air Kerma Rate Calibration
Authors: Simpson-Page Emily , Hamlett Lynsey , Lew Dominika , Stephens Holly , Wilks Rachael , Kairn Tanya , Crowe Scott B 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
3D printing in modern radiotherapy provides creative autonomy which can be a valuable tool for use in brachytherapy source calibration. Radiotherapy centres may verify their brachytherapy source strength with a calibrated Farmer chamber. For this purpose, a jig was designed, 3D printed and commissioned for in-air source strength calibration. Measurements on four afterloaders with varied equipment and environments were completed. A full uncertainty budget was developed and measurements with the in-air jig were consistently within 3% of the certificate source strength. By creating a jig that is able to be customised to multiple catheter sizes and cylindrical chamber designs, centres can be provided with the option of independently checking their source strength with ease and for little cost.
Climate Change and Mass Extinction Risk in an Endemic-Rich Late Devonian Fauna
Authors: Pier Jaleigh Q. , Brisson Sarah K. , Beard J. Andrew , Hren Michael T , Bush Andrew M 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The fossil record can illuminate factors that contribute to extinction risk during times of global environmental disturbance; for example, inferred thermal tolerance is an important predictor of extinction during several mass extinctions that corresponded with climate change1,2. Additionally, members of geographically isolated biotas may face higher risk because they have less opportunity to migrate to suitable climate refugia during environmental disturbances. Here, we investigate how these two types of risk intersect in the well-preserved brachiopod fauna of the Appalachian Foreland Basin during the two pulses of the Frasnian-Famennian mass extinction (Late Devonian, ~372 Ma3,4). The selectivity of extinction supports climate change (cooling) as the primary kill mechanism in this fauna, with warm-adapted taxa going extinct preferentially. Overall, the extinction was mild relative to other regions, despite the many endemic species. However, taxa that were vulnerable to climate change went extinct more rapidly, during the first extinction pulse, such that the second pulse was insignificant. These results suggest that vulnerable taxa in geographically isolated biotas face heightened extinction risk at the initiation of environmental stress, but that other regions may “catch up” if environmental stress repeats or intensifies.
Experimental Study On The Explosion Characteristics of Hydrogen-methane Premixed Gas in Complex Pipe Networks
Authors: Jia Jinzhang , Chen Yinuo , Che Guangbo , Zhu Jinchao , Wang Fengxiao , Jia Peng 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
To explore the overpressure evolution laws and flame propagation characteristics in complex pipe networks after the addition of hydrogen to methane, we experimentally studied the explosive pressure wave and flame wave propagation laws for three different premixed gas mixtures with hydrogen-methane concentrations of 0, 10% and 20% when the equivalence ratio was 1. Experimental results indicate that the maximum explosion overpressure of the premixed gas increases with increasing distance from the explosion source, and it shows a gradually decreasing trend. In the complex pipe network, an overpressure zone is formed in the B-E-H and D-E sections of the network. The flame temperature is superimposed with the superimposition of the pressure, showing a trend of first increasing, then decreasing, then increasing, and finally decreasing in the complex pipe network. The flame arrival time increases with increasing distance, and the maximum flame speed shows a decreasing trend. The peak overpressure and maximum flame velocity of the premixed gas under a hydrogen volume fraction of 20% are 1.266 MPa and 168. The experimental research results could provide important theoretical guidelines for the prevention and control of fuel gas explosions in urban pipe networks.
Prognostic Value of CAD-RADS Classification by Coronary CTA in Patients With Suspected CAD
Authors: Huang Zengfa , Zhang Shutong , Hu Yun , Xiao Jianwei , Li Zuoqin , Yang Yang , Sun Ruihong , Wang Zheng , Li Xiang , Xie Yuanliang , Wang Xiang 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The study sought to compare Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) classification with traditional coronary artery disease (CAD) classifications and Duke Prognostic CAD Index for predicting the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with suspected CAD.Methods: 9625 consecutive suspected CAD patients were assessed by coronary CTA for CAD-RADS classification, traditional CAD classifications and Duke Prognostic CAD Index. Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox models were used to estimate all-cause mortality. Discriminatory ability of classifications was assessed using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test.Results: A total of 540 patients died from all causes with a median follow-up of 4.3 ±2.1 years. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed the cumulative events increased significantly associated with CAD-RADS, three traditional CAD classifications and Duke Prognostic CAD Index. In multivariate Cox regressions, the risk for the all-cause death increased from HR 0.861 (95% CI: 0.420 to 1.764) for CAD-RADS 1 to HR 2.761 (95% CI: 1.961 to 3.887) for CAD-RADS 4B&5, using CAD-RADS 0 as the reference group. The relative HR s for all-cause death increased proportionally with the grades of the three traditional CAD classifications and Duke Prognostic CAD Index. The ROC curve for prediction of all cause death was 0.7927 for CAD-RADS, which was non-inferior to the traditional CAD classifications and Duke Prognostic CAD Index.Conclusions: CAD-RADS classification provided important prognostic information for patients with suspected CAD with noninvasive evaluation, which was non-inferior than Duke Prognostic CAD Index and traditional stenosis-based grading schemes.
Kinematic, Workspace and Force Analysis of a five-DOF Hybrid Manipulator R(2RPR)R/SP+RR
Authors: Xu Yundou , Yang Fan , Mei Youen , Zhang Dongsheng , Zhou Yulin , Zhao Yongsheng 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In the present study, the over-constrained hybrid manipulator R(2RPR)R/SP + RR is considered as the research objective. In this paper, kinematics of the hybrid manipulator, including the forward and inverse position, are analyzed. Then, the workspace is checked based on the inverse position solution to evaluate whether the workspace of the hybrid manipulator meets the requirements, and the actual workspace of the hybrid robot is analyzed. After that, the force analysis of the over-constrained parallel mechanism is carried out, and an ADAMS-ANSYS rigid-flexible hybrid body model is established to verify the simulation. Based on the obtained results from the force analysis, the manipulator structure is design. Then, the structure optimization is carried out to improve the robot stiffness. Finally, calibration and workspace verification experiments are performed on the prototype, cutting experiment of an S-shaped aluminum alloy workpiece is completed, and the experiment verifies the processing ability of the prototype and proves that the prototype has good application prospects.
Identification of Sigma Factor 54-Regulated Small Non-Coding RNAs by Employing Genome-Wide and Transcriptome-Based Methods in Rhizobium Strains
Authors: Rajendran Kasthuri , Kumar Vikram , Raja Ilamathi , Kumariah Manoharan , Tennyson Jebasingh 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Rhizobium-legume symbiosis is considered as the major contributor of biological nitrogen fixation. In the present study, we have identified sigma factor 54-regulated sRNAs from the genome of five Rhizobium strains and integrated with the free-living and symbiotic specific transcriptome data to identify the novel putative sRNAs that are over expressed during the regulation of nitrogen fixation. A total of 1059 sRNAs were predicted from each genome of the select set of Rhizobium strains and 1,375 sRNAs were predicted from the transcriptome data of Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Target mRNA analysis revealed the functional role of putative novel sRNAs from different free-living and symbiotic strains. Those novel sRNAs were inferred to target several nodulation and nitrogen fixation genes including nodC, nodJ, nodY, nodJ, nodM, nodW, nodZ, nifD, nifN, nifQ, fixK, fixL, Fdx, nolB, and several cytochrome proteins. Further, sRNAs of Bradyrhizobium japonicum which targeted the regulatory genes of nitrogen fixation were experimentally confirmed with semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Predicted target mRNAs were functionally classified based on the COG analysis and GO annotations. Studies on this sigma factor 54-regulated sRNA identification could be a better method to relate the role of sRNAs in nitrogen metabolism during free-living and symbiotic association with legumes.
Sex Differences and Olfactory Bulb Alterations Contribute to Limbic Circuit Dysfunction and Behavioral Disturbances in Pilocarpine Model of Epilepsy
Authors: Matovu Daniel , Cavalheiro Esper A 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The olfactory bulb at the sensory and circuit level transmits information to the limbic and cortical systems for behavioral outputs, and disruption of such circuits induces behavioral disturbances in rodents. Previously, data from our laboratory showed the occurrence of behavioral disturbances in Wistar rats submitted to the pilocarpine model of epilepsy (PME) and that these alterations were sex related. Here we deepen our findings that sex-linked differences are present in PME and that male epileptic rats exhibit profound recurrent seizure patterns, namely seizure duration, severity, and distribution along the light/dark cycle different from that observed in epileptic female rats. Further, using isotropic fractionator we observed significant alterations in the number of neuronal and non-neuronal cells of the olfactory bulb, amygdala, and hippocampus following 3 months of spontaneous recurrent seizures in epileptic male and female rats. Altogether, our study suggests that neuronal and non-neuronal cell death in olfactory bulb may interfere with sex-related differential recurrent seizure patterns, limbic circuit dysfunction, and behavioral disturbances in PME. Lastly, the pilocarpine epilepsy model provides an evidence-based tool to study mechanisms of behavioral disturbances in epileptogenesis that may provide future therapeutic insights in our quest to improve the life of people with epilepsy.
Time Impacts of Treating Pervious Concrete with NaHCO3
Authors: Almeida Nara , Haselbach Liv 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Magnesium chloride deicers applications onto pervious concrete pavements can deteriorate the material, and studies investigate treatments to increase the concrete resistance to MgCl2 attacks. In this paper, pervious concrete specimens are subjected to a treatment with NaHCO3 solution, which seems to accelerate concrete carbonation and might hamper chemical reactions between MgCl2 deicer and hydroxides in cement mortar. All specimens had their compressive strength tested and the time frames before and after treatment varied. Results show that at least 2 months should be given post curing before treatment to not harm the concrete, and longer post treatment periods may be beneficial.
A VEGFR2 Antagonist Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion by Blocking the PI3K-Akt and MAPK Signaling Pathways in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Liu Chunhao , Liu Zhao , Zhao Hao , Cao Yue , Lin Yansong , Li Xiaoyi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2)-mediated signaling cascades are involved in proliferation, migration, survival, and permeability changes in vascular endothelial cells. It was thought that VEGFR2 antagonists exerted their antitumor effects by inhibiting angiogenesis in tumor tissues. However, some recent studies have found that they have significant direct antitumor effects in some tumors. The aim of this study was to explore the antitumor effects and mechanisms of VEGFR2 antagonists in thyroid cancer (TC).Methods: The antitumor efficacy of a VEGFR2 antagonist (apatinib) in TC cells was evaluated through a series of in vitro experiments, and xenograft models were used to test its in vivo antitumor activity. The antitumor mechanisms of the VEGFR2 antagonist were explored using western blotting and immunohistochemistry.Results: Compared with that in the normal human thyroid cell line HTori3, the expression of VEGFR2 in TC cell lines (including IHH4, BCPAP, TPC-1, C643, K1, and 8305C) was significantly increased, especially in the C643 and 8305C cell lines. VEGFR2 antagonist inhibited the proliferation of C643 and 8305C cells in a dose-dependent manner, significantly reduced the invasion and migration of these cells, induced G0/G1 phase arrest and promoted cancer cell apoptosis. Additionally, the antiproliferative effect of the VEGFR2 antagonist was significantly reduced after KDR gene knockdown. In vivo experiments showed that tumor growth in nude mice was significantly inhibited in response to apatinib. The western blot and immunohistochemistry results showed that the VEGFR2 antagonist significantly reduced the expression and phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and further inhibited the phosphorylation of the downstream molecules Akt and ERK1/2.Conclusions: The VEGFR2 antagonist inhibited cell proliferation, invasion and migration in TC by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways and exerted direct antitumor effects. Thus, directly targeting VEGFR2 can be an effective strategy for TC expressing VEGFR2.
Seedling size and nutrient availability in the fall determine nitrogen resorption and storage compound allocation in Quercus variabilis
Authors: Wang Jiaxi , Uscola Mercedes , Li Guolei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Aims
Soil fertility and resorption of leaf compounds in the fall can influence resource buildup in plants. However, whether intraspecific differences in seedling size can affect nutrient reserve buildup is unknown. This study examined the effects of seedling size and fall fertilization on the uptake and resorption of nitrogen (N), as well as the allocation of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) and N in cultivated Quercus variabilis Blume.
Methods
After the formation of terminal buds (T1), seedlings were stratified into small (shoot height < 30 cm) and large seedlings. During the hardening period, seedlings were treated with three different rates of 15N-enriched fertilizer (0, 12, or 24 mg N seedling− 1) and monitored until leaf fall (T2).
Results
Small seedlings had lower N resorption efficiency and resorbed proportionally less N than large seedlings. Fall fertilization notably improved N and NSC reserves, without reducing N resorption efficiency. Large seedlings allocated proportionally less N to leaves than small seedlings although both sizes seedlings absorbed similar amounts of N from fall fertilization. The priority perennial organ for NSC allocation was roots, while N allocation was dependent on the phenological growth stage of the seedling. Roots were prioritized during the rapid growth phase, while stems were prioritized during the hardening period.
Conclusions
Under same fertilizer regime during the growth phase, large seedlings tends to have lower N concentration and have higher resorption efficiency compare to small seedlings, fall fertilization can increase N storage in large seedlings and NSC levels in both seedling sizes, without affecting growth.
The Strong Correlation Between ADAM33 Expression and Airway Inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Candidate for Biomarker and Treatment of COPD
Authors: Fachri Muhammad , Hatta Mochammad , Massi Muhammad Nasrum , Santoso Arif , Wikanningtyas Tri Ariguntar , Dwiyanti Ressy , Junita Ade Rifka , Primaguna Muhammad Reza , Sabir Muhammad 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Airway inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an amplified response of the normal immune system that occurs as a result of chronic irritation by toxic substances, such as cigarette smoke. This leads to the characteristic pathological changes in the inflammatory cells of COPD patients. ADAM33 has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of COPD in East Asia by affecting airway inflammation and other immune responses. The aim of this study was to determine the potential role of ADAM33 (mRNA and soluble levels) as a biomarker of inflammation in COPD patients. Methods: This is a case control study using consecutive sampling. The COPD case and control (non-COPD) groups comprised 37 and 29 patients, respectively. We used univariate analysis to assess differences in the parameters between the groups and bivariate analysis to non-parametrically compare these parameters between the two groups. Results: We observed significantly higher mRNA levels of ADAM33 in the COPD patients (10.39 ± 1.76) as compared to that in the non-COPD individuals (6.93 ± 0.39; p < 0.001). The levels of soluble ADAM33 were also significantly higher in the COPD patients (2.188 ± 1.142 ng/ml) compared to the non-COPD individuals (0.487 ± 0.105 ng/ml; p < 0.001).Conclusion: The mRNA and soluble ADAM33 levels were significantly different in COPD patients compared to those in the parameter-matched non-COPD individuals. Thus, ADAM33 is a potential biomarker and treatment for inflammation in COPD patients.