bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of Variations in Mass Absorption Efficiency of Elemental Carbon Influenced by Different Measurement Techniques and Vehicle Emission
Authors: Chen Dong , An Zhaojin , Zhao Qiuyue , Xia Sijia , Li Li , Guan Miao 
Published: February 2022

An inter-comparison study of mass absorption efficiency (MAE) of elemental carbon (EC) by different sampling modes and measurements was conducted at the School of the Environment (SE) and Station for Observing Regional Processes of the Earth System (SORPES) in Nanjing from November 2015 to October 2016. Compared with offline sampling, the underestimation in MAE of online sampling was mainly due to the decreased optical attenuation (ATN) from the losing EC, and the difference in MAEs of the two types of sampling was greatly influenced by secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. Based on five temperature protocols, which include four NIOSH-derived protocols and one IMPROVE-A protocol, dependence of MAE on the temperature protocol was investigated. The main reason for the change in MAE estimation was the difference in EC determination. The result showed that low peak inert mode temperature (Tpeak) produced a small amount of pyrolysis carbon, and this carbon fraction was typically classified as organic carbon (OC), resulting in overestimation of EC and thereby underestimation of MAE. In order to study the influence of vehicle emission of highway on MAE values of EC, the simultaneous observation at SE and SORPES was conducted. The mean MAE of SE was 8.5% lower than that of SORPES. EC concentration was estimated to decrease by 0.13 μg/m3 with an increment distance of 100 m. Good correlation was found between the differential ATN for the two sites and the proportion of secondary organic carbon (SOC) at SORPES (R2 = 0.71). These results indicated that high MAE at SORPES was expected to be relevant with the dry deposition of EC from vehicle emission and the lensing effect by SOA coating.
Focus on the Predictive Value of Subclassification of Extratumoral Structural Abnormalities for Malignant Nonspiculate and Noncalcified Masses on Digital Mammography
Authors: Xu Ye , Sun Jianghong , Guo Fei , Nanding Abiyasi , Li Qiyang , Jiang Dan 
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To determine the independent risk factors associated with malignant nonspiculate and noncalcified masses (NSNCMs) and evaluate the predictive values of extratumoral structural abnormalities on digital mammography.Methods: A total of 435 patients were included between January and May 2018. Tumor signs included shape, density, and margin, which were evaluated. Extratumoral signs were classified into extratumoral structural abnormalities (parenchymal and trabecular) and halo; subclassification included contraction, distortion, pushing and atrophy sign of parenchyma, parallel, vertical, and reticular trabecula sign, and narrow and wide halo. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. The positive predictive value (PPV) of the independent predictor was calculated, and diagnostic performance was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve.Results: Of all cases, 243 (55.8%) were benign and 192 (44.2%) were malignant. Extratumoral contraction sign of parenchyma was the strongest independent predictor of malignancy (odds ratio [OR] 36.2, p &lt; 0.001; PPV = 96.6%), followed by parenchymal distortion sign (OR 10.2, p &lt; 0.001; PPV = 92%), parallel trabecula sign (OR 7.2, p &lt; 0.001; PPV = 85.6%), and indistinct margin of tumor (OR 4.3, p &lt; 0.001; PPV =70.9%), and also parenchymal atrophy sign, wide halo, vertical trabecula, age ≥ 47.5 years, irregular shape, and size ≥ 22.5 mm of tumor (OR range, 1.3-4.0; PPV range, 56.6-83.6%). The diagnostic performance of most of the extratumoral signs was between that of indistinct margin and irregular shape of tumor.Conclusion: The subclassification of extratumoral structural abnormalities has important predictive value for mammographic malignant NSNCM, which should be given more attention.
A Randomized, Single-Blind, Group Sequential, Active-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Clinical Efficacy and Safety of α-Lipoic Acid for Critically Ill Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Zhong Ming , Sun Aijun , Xiao Ting , Yao Ge , Sang Ling , Zheng Xia , Zhang Jinyan , Jin Xuejuan , Xu Lei , Yang Wenlong , Wang Peng , Hu Kai , Zhang Dingyu , Ge Junbo 
Published: February 2022

ObjectTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of α-Lipoic acid (ALA) for critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).MethodsA randomized, single-blind, group sequential, active-controlled trial was performed at JinYinTan Hospital, Wuhan, China. Between February 2020 and March 2020, 17 patients with critically ill COVID-19 were enrolled in our study. Eligible patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either ALA (1200 mg/d, intravenous infusion) once daily plus standard care or standard care plus equal volume saline infusion (placebo) for 7 days. All patients were monitored within the 7 days therapy and followed up to day 30 after therapy. The primary outcome of this study was the Sequential Organ Failure Estimate (SOFA) score, and the secondary outcome was the all-cause mortality within 30 days.ResultNine patients were randomized to placebo group and 8 patients were randomized to ALA group. SOFA score was similar at baseline, increased from 4.3 to 6.0 in the placebo group and increased from 3.8 to 4.0 in the ALA group (P = 0.36) after 7 days. The 30-day all-cause mortality tended to be lower in the ALA group (3/8, 37.5%) compared to that in the placebo group (7/9, 77.8%, P = 0.09).ConclusionIn our study, ALA use is associated with lower SOFA score increase and lower 30-day all-cause mortality as compared with the placebo group. Although the mortality rate was two-folds higher in placebo group than in ALA group, only borderline statistical difference was evidenced due to the limited patient number. Future studies with larger patient cohort are warranted to validate the role of ALA in critically ill patients with COVID-19.Clinical Trial Registrationhttp://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=49534.
Knowledge and Practice on Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis Among Nurses Working in a Regional Hospital, Nepal
Authors: Baral Mira Adhikari , Koirala Sumitra 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionTuberculosis (TB) is a highly prevalent communicable disease in Nepal. All health personnel who care for such patients are at high risk of developing tuberculosis. It is very necessary for all healthcare providers, especially nurses, who spend a lot of time with such patients, to have adequate knowledge and correct practice on the occupational safety measures to maintain health and prevent transmission of the disease. This study was carried out to assess the knowledge and practice of nurses in the prevention and control of TB infection.MethodThis study was a cross-sectional study conducted on nurses working in all wards and Outpatient Departments (OPDs) of Western Regional Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. A complete enumeration of the respondents was performed, and data were collected consecutively, using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire, from all nurses working in all the wards and OPDs of the hospital. The predictors of knowledge of TB infection prevention and control (TBIPC) were assessed using binary logistic regression.ResultsThe study findings showed that a majority of nurses had an inadequate level of knowledge and poor practice of prevention and control of TB. Regarding practice, none of the nurses reported the use of an N95 mask or a respirator during care of the patients with TB and all the nurses reported that they used chemical disinfectant (virex) to clean the room and the surfaces. However, none of them reported the use of fumigation or ultraviolet irradiation for disinfection. Nurses who were 40 years and older (p = 0.001, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 5.965, CI = 2.083–17.457) and who were currently working in the wards with isolation rooms demonstrated higher odds for knowledge on TBIPC (p = 0.010, AOR = 2.686, CI = 1.264–5.710).ConclusionsThis study showed that a majority of nurses had an inadequate level of knowledge and implemented poor safety measures for the prevention and control of tuberculosis. This increases their risk of being infected with TB infection and cross-transmission. It is recommended that the hospital plan and conduct the necessary education/training for nurses to update their knowledge, develop the organizational structure and policies, and establish a system to support and monitor the practice of health workers on the prevention and control of TB, and maintain the health and safety of nurses caring for patients with TB.
Low Serum Vitamin D Is Not Correlated With Myopia in Chinese Children and Adolescents
Authors: Li Xiaoman , Lin Haishuang , Jiang Longfei , Chen Xin , Chen Jie , Lu Fan 
Published: February 2022

PurposeThis cross-sectional study investigated the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration and myopia in two groups of Chinese children aged 6–14 years from different geographic and economic locations.MethodsA total of 294 children from a lowland area and 89 from a highland area were enrolled as two groups of study subjects. The visual acuity, ocular biometry, and automated refraction were measured. The serum level of 25(OH)D was determined by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Near vision and outdoor exposure durations were assessed with a questionnaire interview. Data were analyzed for differences using Chi-square and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. The risk factors were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.ResultsWe found that the serum level of 25(OH)D of the subjects from lowland area was 20.9 ng/mL which was higher than that of subjects from highland area (16.9 ng/mL). The median spherical equivalent refraction (SER) was −0.25 diopters(D) in lowland subjects and −0.63D in highland subjects. The prevalence of myopia was 45.2% in lowland subjects and 55.1% in highland subjects. The average axial length was similar, 23.6 mm and 23.1 mm in lowland and highland subjects, respectively. We found no statistical difference between the average SER and serum 25(OH)D concentration in subjects of either lowland or highland area. The ratio of myopia to non-myopia was also similar in subjects with three levels (sufficient, deficient, and insufficient) of serum 25(OH)D in these two areas.ConclusionsThere is no association between serum 25(OH)D concentration and myopia in the 6–14 years old Chinese children.
The Association Between Sleep Disorders and Incidence of Dry Eye Disease in Ningbo: Data From an Integrated Health Care Network
Authors: Zheng Qinxiang , Li Saiqing , Wen Feng , Lin Zhong , Feng Kemi , Sun Yexiang , Bao Jie , Weng Hongfei , Shen Peng , Lin Hongbo , Chen Wei 
Published: February 2022

PurposeTo investigate the association between sleep disorders and dry eye disease (DED) in Ningbo, China.MethodsOur data came from the Yinzhou Health Information System (HIS), including 257932 patients and was based on a 1:1 matching method (sleep disorder patients vs. patients without sleep disorders) during 2013–2020. Sleep disorders and DED were identified using ICD-10 codes. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify the association between sleep disorders and DED.ResultsThe eight-year incidence of DED was significantly higher in participants with diagnosis of sleep disorders (sleep disorders: 50.66%, no sleep disorders: 16.48%, P &lt; 0.01). Sleep disorders were positively associated with the diagnosis of DED (HR: 3.06, 95% CI: 2.99–3.13, P &lt; 0.01), when sex, age, hypertension, diabetes and other systemic diseases were adjusted. In the sleep disorders patients, advancing age, female sex, and presence of coexisting disease (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, thyroid disease, depression, heart disease, and arthritis) were significantly associated with the development of DED by the multivariate cox regression analysis (all P &lt; 0.05).In addition, there was a significantly positive association between estazolam and the incidence of DED in both sleep disorder and non-sleep disorder groups (all P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsSleep disrder was associated with a three-time increased risk of DED. This association can be helpful in effective management of both sleep disorders and DED.
Seasonal Effect on Disease Onset and Presentation in Anti-MDA5 Positive Dermatomyositis
Authors: So Ho , So Jacqueline , Lam Tommy Tsz-On , Wong Victor Tak-Lung , Ho Roy , Li Wai Ling , Lau Chak Sing , Tam Lai-Shan 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveTo investigate the seasonal variation of disease onset and presentation in an ethno-geographically homogeneous cohort of patients with anti-MDA5 positive dermatomyositis (DM).MethodsThis was a multi-centered, retrospective cohort study. Adult Chinese anti-MDA5 positive DM patients were identified from the Hong Kong Myositis Registry and the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System from 2015 to 2020. Equal number of IIM patients without anti-MDA5 antibody were selected as controls. Line blot immunoassay was used to detect the autoantibodies. The onset of disease, presenting clinical features and subsequent complications were analyzed for any seasonality.ResultsA total of 110 patients with anti-MDA5 positive DM were studied. The mean age at diagnosis was 53.0 ± 12.3 years and the mean follow-up duration was 20.6 ± 23.1 months. Two third of the patients (66%) had the clinically amyopathic phenotype. Most patients (86%) had interstitial lung disease (ILD) and 42% developed rapidly progressive ILD (RP-ILD). The mortality was 40% and the commonest cause was RP-ILD. Chi-square test showed significantly less patients had symptom onset in July to September. However, no particular seasonal pattern was observed in the anti-MDA5 negative IIM controls. RP-ILD occurred more frequently in patients with disease onset in October to December. Anti-MDA5 positive DM patients with disease onset in warmer months (April to September) were more likely to have clinical muscle involvement.ConclusionApparent seasonal patterns were noted in our ethno-geographically identical anti-MDA5 positive DM patients, but not in IIM patients in general. Certain environmental factors, particularly infection, might be implicated.
Down-Regulated miR-130a/b Attenuates Rhabdomyosarcoma Proliferation via PPARG
Authors: Pan Yi , Li Junyang , Lou Susu , Chen Wanbiao , Lin Yihang , Shen Nan , Li Youjin 
Published: February 2022

Background: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is one of the most common types of soft-tissue sarcomas in children, and it exhibits a low 5-years survival rate. The survival outcome has shown no significant improvements in the past 30 years miRNA profiling of RMS might therefore provide a novel insight into uncovering new molecular targets for therapy.Methods: We analyzed miRNA and RNA sequencing data from patients and the TARGET database to reveal the potential miRNA-mRNA axes and validated them in patients’ samples. After the miRNA antagomirs were used to silence the target miRNAs in the cell model, qRT-PCR, western immunoblotting analysis, and proliferation assays were performed to explore the interaction between miR-130a/b and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) and their effects.Results: In RMS patients, the expression of miR-130a/b was augmented, and its related PPARG gene was suppressed. Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-130a/b targeted the PPARG gene and inhibited the proliferation of human RMS cell lines. In addition, rosiglitazone maleate activated the expression of PPARG in human RMS cell lines to suppress proliferation.Conclusion: miR-130a/b regulates the malignant process in RMS by targeting PPARG. Furthermore, the PPARG agonist rosiglitazone maleate attenuated the proliferation of RD cells and might therefore be of benefit to RMS patients.
Concurrent Identification and Characterization of Protein Structure and Continuous Internal Dynamics with REDCRAFT
Authors: Omar Hanin , Hein Aaron , Cole Casey A. , Valafar Homayoun 
Published: February 2022

Internal dynamics of proteins can play a critical role in the biological function of some proteins. Several well documented instances have been reported such as MBP, DHFR, hTS, DGCR8, and NSP1 of the SARS-CoV family of viruses. Despite the importance of internal dynamics of proteins, there currently are very few approaches that allow for meaningful separation of internal dynamics from structural aspects using experimental data. Here we present a computational approach named REDCRAFT that allows for concurrent characterization of protein structure and dynamics. Here, we have subjected DHFR (PDB-ID 1RX2), a 159-residue protein, to a fictitious, mixed mode model of internal dynamics. In this simulation, DHFR was segmented into 7 regions where 4 of the fragments were fixed with respect to each other, two regions underwent rigid-body dynamics, and one region experienced uncorrelated and melting event. The two dynamical and rigid-body segments experienced an average orientational modification of 7° and 12° respectively. Observable RDC data for backbone C′-N, N-HN, and C′-HN were generated from 102 uniformly sampled frames that described the molecular trajectory. The structure calculation of DHFR with REDCRAFT by using traditional Ramachandran restraint produced a structure with 29 Å of structural difference measured over the backbone atoms (bb-rmsd) over the entire length of the protein and an average bb-rmsd of more than 4.7 Å over each of the dynamical fragments. The same exercise repeated with context-specific dihedral restraints generated by PDBMine produced a structure with bb-rmsd of 21 Å over the entire length of the protein but with bb-rmsd of less than 3 Å over each of the fragments. Finally, utilization of the Dynamic Profile generated by REDCRAFT allowed for the identification of different dynamical regions of the protein and the recovery of individual fragments with bb-rmsd of less than 1 Å. Following the recovery of the fragments, our assembly procedure of domains (larger segments consisting of multiple fragments with a common dynamical profile) correctly assembled the four fragments that are rigid with respect to each other, categorized the two domains that underwent rigid-body dynamics, and identified one dynamical region for which no conserved structure could be defined. In conclusion, our approach was successful in identifying the dynamical domains, recovery of structure where it is meaningful, and relative assembly of the domains when possible.
Association of Serum Vitamin C With NAFLD and MAFLD Among Adults in the United States
Authors: Xie Zhi-Qin , Li Hong-Xia , Tan Wen-Liang , Yang Lei , Ma Xiao-Wu , Li Wen-Xin , Wang Qing-Bin , Shang Chang-Zhen , Chen Ya-Jin 
Published: February 2022

Background and AimsDespite the remarkable progress of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), formerly named non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the disease remains poorly improved. Since increased oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to the initiation and progression of fatty liver disorders, vitamin C (VC), an antioxidant agent, might be a suitable treatment option for MAFLD. However, the lack of clinically confirmed benefits makes clinicians challenging to recommend antioxidant supplements for MAFLD individuals.MethodsHerein, the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018 data were collected to evaluate the potential association between the serum VC levels with the risk of different categories of NALFD and the newly proposed MAFLD terminology. Hepatic steatosis was defined as controlled attenuated parameter scores ≥ 263 dB/m, whereas liver fibrosis (LF) status was defined as F0–F4, with the cutoff values of median liver stiffness being 6.3, 8.3, 10.5, and 12.5 (KPa), respectively. A cross-sectional analysis was performed to calculate the odds rate and determine the potential beneficial effects of VC.ResultsA total of 4,494 participants aged more than 18 years and conducted transient elastography examinations were included. Our findings demonstrated that participants with increased serum VC status were more likely to be female predominant, more educated, and moderate drinkers. Interestingly, female participants tended to have a lower prevalence of NAFLD, MAFLD, LF, and liver cirrhosis (LC) after stratification by gender. Moreover, our results revealed that participants from the quartile three group (quartile 3: 50.5–67.0 μmol/L) experienced a slightly lower risk of MAFLD than the risk of NAFLD. Of note, the serum concentration of VC (quartile 2: 30.9–50.5 μmol/L) inversely associated with LF and LC was lower than the serum VC level (quartile 3) associated with NAFLD and MAFLD. Notably, individuals from the quartile 3 group experienced a statistically significant 32.5, 42.0, 45.7, and 71% decrease in risk of NAFLD, MAFLD, LF, and LC, respectively.ConclusionIn summary, our findings suggested an inverse association between serum VC levels and NAFLD, MAFLD, LF, or LC. Additionally, adjustment of VC supplementation according to age, gender, and ethnicity may be a promising candidate for these diseases.
The Omega-3 Index Response to an 8 Week Randomized Intervention Containing Three Fatty Fish Meals Per Week Is Influenced by Adiposity in Overweight to Obese Women
Authors: Richardson Christine E. , Krishnan Sridevi , Gray Ira J. , Keim Nancy L. , Newman John W. 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundThe Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommends consuming ~225 g/wk of a variety of seafood providing &gt;1.75 g/wk of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids to reduce cardiovascular disease risk, however individual responses to treatment vary.ObjectiveThis study had three main objectives. First, to determine if a DGA-conforming diet (DGAD), in comparison to a typical American diet (TAD), can increase the omega-3 index (OM3I), i.e., the red blood cell mol% of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Second, to identify factors explaining variability in the OM3I response to dietary treatment. Third to identify factors associated with the baseline OM3I.DesignThis is a secondary analysis of a randomized, double-blind 8 wk dietary intervention of overweight/obese women fed an 8d rotating TAD (n = 20) or DGAD (n = 22) registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02298725. The DGAD-group consumed 240 g/wk of Atlantic farmed salmon and albacore tuna in three meals with an estimated EPA + DHA of 3.7 ± 0.6 g/wk. The TAD-group consumed ~160 g/wk of farmed white shrimp and a seafood salad containing imitation crab in three meal with an estimated EPA + DHA of 0.45 ± 0.05 g/wk. Habitual diet was determined at baseline, and body composition was determined at 0 and 8wks. Red blood cell fatty acids were measured at 0, 2 and 8 wk.ResultsAt 8 wk, the TAD-group OM3I was unchanged (5.90 ± 1.35–5.80 ± 0.76%), while the DGAD-group OM3I increased (5.63 ± 1.27–7.33 ± 1.36%; p &lt; 0.001). In the DGAD-group 9 of 22 participants achieved an OM3I &gt;8%. Together, body composition and the baseline OM3I explained 83% of the response to treatment variability. Baseline OM3I (5.8 ± 1.3%; n = 42) was negatively correlated to the android fat mass (p = 0.0007) and positively correlated to the FFQ estimated habitual (EPA+DHA) when expressed as a ratio to total dietary fat (p = 0.006).ConclusionsAn 8 wk TAD did not change the OM3I of ~6%, while a DGAD with 240 g/wk of salmon and albacore tuna increased the OM3I. Body fat distribution and basal omega-3 status are primary factors influencing the OM3I response to dietary intake in overweight/obese women.