bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can Life Prior To Death Predict Quality of Death Among Older Chinese? A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: LI Jing , Song Liangjun , Peng Xizhe , Hu Zhan 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
The pursuit of a good death is crucial in aging societies. This retrospective cohort study investigated the relation between life prior to death and quality of death among older Chinese.
Methods
End-of-life data reported by relatives of participants (aged 54 and over) from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) who deceased between January 2011 and June 2019 were utilised. Life prior to death included health condition (morbid or not) and physical functioning (a latent factor with six indicators). Quality of death was assessed by painlessness and consciousness at death. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was employed to examine the factor structure of physical functioning and Structural Equation Modeling to explore associations between life prior to death and death quality based on sex and rural/urban residence.
Results
Freedom from chronic diseases was found to contribute to high-quality deaths (i.e., being painless and conscious) both directly and indirectly by enhancing physical functioning. Men and women diverged towards end-of-life: women were moderately less liable to illnesses and thus less painful at death. Yet, men functioned much better, and more often remained conscious when dying. Location’s effect was weaker: although rural residents were more prone to painful deaths than urban dwellers, this urban-rural divide was slightly narrowed by rural settlers’ relative health, which also indirectly led to their slight advantage in consciousness at death.
Conclusions
The results suggested that different dimensions of life prior to death predicted quality of death. Additionally, morbidity’s effect on functioning and death quality stresses health management’s role in improving end-of-life experiences.
Rabbit Systemic Glucose Metabolism Map by Total-Body Dynamic PET/CT Technology
Authors: Wang Haochen , Xie Xue , Duan Yanhua , Chai Leiying , Li Kun , Qiu Jianfeng , Chen Zhaoping 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: This study evaluated total-body glucose metabolism in a preclinical lab animal, the rabbit, by employing a dynamic glucose metabolic image obtained with total-body fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). Methods: The dynamic total-body PET/CT system was used to obtain glucose metabolic imaging from 10 sedated body-matched rabbits. The standard uptake value (SUV) of 18F-FDG was used to evaluate glucose metabolism. In addition, the correlation between glucose metabolism and age was assessed, as well as metabolic differences of the major organs between genders and between left- and right sides. Results: We found a statistically significant distribution of glucose in several organs across the entire body. There were no significant metabolic differences between genders and between bilateral sides in the 10 rabbits. Thereafter, we assayed the major organ SUV changes by dynamic PET/CT of the major organs. The heart, kidneys, liver, and bladder took up more 18F-FDG, whereas the skeletal muscle, brain, spinal cord, and lungs incorporated less 18F-FDG. The phenotype of SUV uptake was highly correlated with the physiological functions. However, the low 18F-FDG uptake in the brain and spinal cord was due to sedation.Conclusions: The total-body glucose metabolic atlas depicted with 18F-FDG dynamic PET/CT may be used as a reference for assessing pathological 18F-FDG uptake. Furthermore, this study could be a reference for lab animal research involving deregulated glucose metabolism.
Spatial-temporal Variation and Health Risk Assessment of Fluoride in Surface Water in the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: yang yi , Zhang Ru , Zhang Fengying , Li Yonghua 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is known as the “Asian Water Tower” and provides vital drinking water for residents of China and Southeast Asian countries. However, large-scale regional research on water quality in this climate-sensitive and eco-fragile area is still lacking. Considering that drinking from fluoride-contaminated water has posed serious health concerns worldwide, especially in Asian counties, it is urgent to clarify the spatial-temporal distribution characteristics, influencing factors, and health risk of fluoride in surface water in the TP. In this study, a total of 2697 surface water samples from major rivers and typical lakes in the TP were systematically analysed. Overall, fluoride concentrations ranged from 0.005 mg L−1 to 6.240 mg L−1 and varied among water periods, water basins and even water types. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that the distribution of fluoride concentration was closely related to regional climate and positively correlated with anthropogenic activities. Probabilistic health risk assessment revealed that potential hazards in the Inner basin remained highest for all age groups (HR>1), especially for infants and adults (HR>3), while the risks in most other water basins were acceptable (HR < 1). In addition, more than 75% of the residents affected by the surface water in the TP were assessed as having a low fluoride exposure health risk. Our findings can provide scientific support for fluorosis prevention, as well as guide water resource utilization in the TP and adjacent region.
Lung Ultrasound Signs to Diagnose and Discriminate Interstitial Syndromes in ICU Patients: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study in Two Cohorts
Authors: Heldeweg Micah L.A. , Smit Marry R. , Kramer-Elliott Shelley R. , Haaksma Mark E. , Smit Jasper M. , Hagens Laura A. , Heijnen Nanon F.L. , Jonkman Annemijn H. , Paulus Frederique , Schultz Marcus J. , Girbes Armand R.J. , Heunks Leo M.A. , Bos Lieuwe D.J. , Tuinman Pieter R. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background. Diagnosing and discriminating non-cardiogenic interstitial syndrome (NCIS) and cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE) is notoriously difficult in a mixed intensive care unit (ICU) population. We hypothesized that a comprehensive lung ultrasound exam can be used to accurately diagnose interstitial syndrome and can discriminate between NCIS and CPE.Methods. A single center prospective diagnostic accuracy study was used as derivation cohort and a post-hoc analysis of a multi-center prospective observational study as validation cohort. Consecutive adult ICU patients that received a lung ultrasound examination for clinical or study purposes were included. The reference standard was the diagnosis interstitial syndrome (NCIS or CPE) or non-interstitial syndromes (other pulmonary diagnoses and no pulmonary diagnoses) at the moment of examination based on full post-hoc clinical chart review except lung ultrasound. The index test was a comprehensive lung ultrasound examination performed and scored by a researcher blinded to clinical information.Results. 101 patients were included in the derivation and 125 in validation cohort. In the derivation cohort, patients with interstitial syndrome (n=56) were reliably discriminated from other patients based on the presence of a B-pattern (defined as ≥3 B-lines in one frame) with an accuracy of 94.7% (sens 90.9%, spec 91.1%), while specificity was higher for a bilateral B-pattern (accuracy 86.0%; sens 74.5%, spec 100%). For the discrimination of NCIS (n=29) from CPE (n=27), the presence of bilateral pleural line abnormalities had the highest diagnostic accuracy (94.6%; sens 89.3%, spec 100%) followed by consolidation (76.8%; sens 69.0%, spec 85.2%) and subtle lung sliding (67.9%; sens 62.1%, spec 74.1%). A diagnostic algorithm (BLUISH protocol) using B-pattern and bilateral pleural abnormalities had an accuracy of 0.86 (95%CI 0.77-0.95) for diagnosis and discrimination of interstitial syndromes. In the validation cohort, which included 125 patients with interstitial syndrome, pleural line abnormalities discriminated NCIS (n=101) from CPE (n=24) with a sensitivity of 30% (95%CI 21-40%) and a specificity of 100% (95%CI: 86-100%). Conclusions. Lung ultrasound can be used to diagnose and discriminate interstitial syndromes in ICU patients with moderate to good accuracy. Pleural line abnormalities are highly specific for NCIS, but sensitivity is limited.
Crop Diversification Strategy against Stunting Diversification Index: An Evidence from West Bengal, India
Authors: RAHAMAN HASIBUR 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The food basket of the world is diversifying towards high-value crops. A diversified cropping system offers multifaceted opportunities to the farmers. The nature of diversification in developing countries is significantly different at both farming and cropping levels; thus, it is felt important to investigate such a study at different land size holding. This study is conducted to examine the trends of crop diversification under different land size classes in the state of West Bengal, which assumes as a representative image of India. The study uses secondary data obtained from Agriculture Census for the year 1995-96 and 2015-16. Gibbs-Martin’s technique is employed for the calculation of the diversification index. Overall analyses reveal that the stunting change in diversification is noted in marginal, small, large, and all land classes. The implication of such growth pushes the rural economy in a skewed direction.
Clinical Results of Double Button Plate Fixation for Posterior Cruciate Ligament Avulsion Fracture
Authors: Sun Kai , Fan Meng 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background The posterior cruciate ligament plays an important role in maintaining the stability of the knee joint. To date, researchers have not reached agreement on which type of ﬁxation material should be used to treat PCL tibial avulsion fractures. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of double button plate fixation in the treatment of posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures.We retrospectively reviewed our database, which was collected prospectively. From January 2019 to January 2020, 33 patients with posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures.Hypothesis To verify the effects of double button plate fixation of PCL avulsion fractures.Methods Patients with posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures were treated with double button plate fixation. The primary outcomes of this study were surgical complications (fixation failure/displacement, implant breakage, nonunion, infection), radiological parameters, and knee function. Secondary outcomes included reoperation rates for the fixation methods and the prevalence of symptomatic hardware causing soft tissue irritation.Results The results showed that double button plate fixation have no incidence of complications and can recovery postoperative range of motion (ROM), Knee Society Score (KSS) function and Lysholm scores.Conclusion The use of double button plate fixation technology has the following advantages: less trauma, shorter operation time, convenient use of instruments and fixtures, and it does not need to be taken out again, thus avoiding secondary trauma. Moreover, the strength of the suture is large, and the tension of the posterior cruciate ligament can be fully reduced by tying the suture band. Double button plate fixation under direct vision is safe and reliable without the need for additional equipment. Even comminuted fractures can also be effectively fixed by knotting.Our results suggest that this technique is a reliable and useful alternative treatment for irreparable rotator cuff tears.Level of Evidence: Case-control study, Level III.
COVID-19 Pandemic Waves: Identification and Interpretation of Global Data
Authors: Swain Ranjula Bali , Wallentin Fan , Lin Xiang 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The mention of the COVID-19 waves is as prevalent as the pandemic itself. We scientifically identify waves and the breaking points at which they begin and end from the beginning of the pandemic till June 2021. We use the Break Least Square method to determine the significance of COVID-19 waves for global-, regional-, and country-level data. The results show that the method works efficiently in detecting different breaking points. Identifying waves at the country level is more relevant than global or regional levels. Once it begins, and irrespective of the circumstances, the COVID-19 wave takes about 48 days on average to subside. Identifying the correct breaking points is critical to evaluate the impact of various COVID-19 variants and the different pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions.
A new devise-mediated miniprep method
Authors: BAryshev Mikhail 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Small-scale plasmid DNA preparation or miniprep is a fundamental technique in estimation cloning experiments and is widely used for DNA methylation analysis in epigenetic research. Current plasmid DNA minipreps use alkali - SDS based method in a three-solution format and require the spin column-based purification steps. This procedure demands the vortexing or pipetting of pelleted by centrifugation bacteria and mixing of solutions manually. Here we describe a centrifuge/mixer-based instrument having an ability to perform centrifugation, vibration, and rotor oscillation in order to perform all steps of plasmid DNA isolation by device only. We found that applying rotor oscillation-driving mixing of solutions added in the lysis and neutralization steps, the homogeneous mixing is achieved within 5 second at rotor oscillation amplitude 45 degrees and oscillation frequency 400±30 rpm, yielding maximal quantity and quality of plasmid DNA. No increase of host chromosome presence in purified by this approach occurs for high copy number plasmids as compared to manually performed miniprep, and indeed, there is a significant decrease in the presence of chromosomal fraction in low copy number plasmids. The supercoiled form of plasmid DNA purified at a rotor oscillation amplitude of 45 degrees does not turn into open circular (OC) isoform when the plasmid is stored for one year at plus four degrees, in contrast to the plasmid purified with rotor oscillation amplitude 270, 180 and 90 degrees. The programmed time-work-efficient protocol of plasmid miniprep installed in the device gives the extreme simplicity of plasmid minipreps speeding up and facilitating the isolation of plasmid DNAs.
Petrography, multi-element geochemistry and multivariate statistical analysis of residual laterites from the Wa-Lawra Belt, NW Ghana: Implications for identifying pathfinder elements of gold
Authors: Sunkari Emmanuel Daanoba , Tetteh Samuel Edem Kodzo , Sumbobo Moses , Demir Yilmaz 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The Wa-Lawra greenstone belt is located in northwest Ghana and is largely dominated by Birimian metavolcanics, volcaniclastics, and metasediments with some intrusive suites. These rocks are capped by mineralized laterites in most localities, especially in the Kunche area. Previously, regolith materials such as laterites and soils from mixed sources were used to identify pathfinder elements of gold in the belt. However, in-situ (residual) laterites will better represent their underlying formations than transported laterites because transported laterites may contain extraneous sources of element enrichment caused by pollution, which is unrelated to gold mineralization. Therefore, in this study, petrographic studies of residual laterites and statistical analyses of trace element geochemical data of the residual laterites were performed to identify the pathfinder elements of gold in the Wa-Lawra greenstone belt. Six fresh residual laterite samples were used for the petrographic studies, which revealed the dominance of quartz, amphibole, clinopyroxene, hematite, goethite, magnetite, sphalerite, and pyrite. These minerals contribute Fe, S, Ca, Zn, and other elements to the laterites. The geochemical data of 12 residual laterite samples were used for statistical analysis. P-P plots revealed deviations from the normal distribution and outliers in the dataset. Spearman’s correlation revealed that Cu, Ag As, Pb, Fe, and S have moderate-strong positive correlation with Au. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that there are 3 multi-element associations; a) Fe, Pb, Mn, S, Co, Au, Cr, Cu, Ni, Ag; b) Ti, Zr, Sr, Ca, and c) Rb, Y, Zn, As. Factor analysis shows that the occurrence of Pb, Cu, Ag, and As is directly related to the occurrence of Au. Thus, the best multi-element association of Au for exploration purposes is Pb, Cu, Ag, and As similar to the previous findings. Single and multi-element anomaly mapping revealed that geochemical anomalies involving these elements are mainly found around the northern and southern parts of the study area on hills and ridges. The results of this study confirm what has been reported by the previous studies. However, it is recommended that gold exploration in similar terranes should be focused on areas dominated by residual laterites since they will always give a true reflection of geochemical anomalies than transported laterites.
Critical Scenario Identification for Realistic Testing of Autonomous Driving Systems
Authors: Song Qunying , Tan Kaige , Runeson Per , Persson Stefan 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Autonomous driving has become an important research area for road traffic, whereas testing of autonomous driving systems to ensure a safe and reliable operation, remains an open challenge. Substantial real-world testing or massive driving data collection does not scale, as the potential test scenarios in real-world traffic are infinite and covering large shares of them in test is impractical, thus critical ones have to be prioritized. In this study, we establish a systematic approach for critical test scenario identification with integrated tools and a workflow, to explore the most critical test scenarios and facilitate testing of the autonomous driving functions. We also demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach by using two real autonomous driving systems from the industry by collaborating with Volvo Cars. Our main contribution in this work is a feasible and complete tool-chain for critical test scenario identification that is general for testing different autonomous driving systems.
Comparative Efficacy and Acceptability of Cholinesterase Inhibitors and
Memantine Based on Dosage in Patients with Vascular Cognitive Impairment:
A Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Shi Xinxiu , Ren GuangHao , Cui Yang , Xu ZhongXin 
Published: January 2022

Background:
Considering the lack of direct comparison between cholinesterase inhibitors
and memantine in patients with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), determining how to choose the
best treatment plan remains inconclusive. Hence, we conducted the network meta-analysis to compare
the efficacy and acceptability of these drugs.

Methods:
PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase and Web of Science
were searched for double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the treatment of VCI, which
involved donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, and memantine, from database inception to January 1,
2020. Then, a network meta-analysis based on the frequency method was conducted.

Results:
Eleven RCTs were included. Compared with the placebo, in terms of efficacy, donepezil 5
mg (standardized mean difference = -1.11, 95% confidence interval = -1.88 to -0.34), donepezil 10 mg
(-1.44, -2.31 to -0.56), galantamine 24 mg (-1.99, -3.03 to -0.95), and memantine 20 mg (-1.89, -2.93
to -0.86) were more effective for the cognition of ADAS-cog, and donepezil 5 mg (0.46, 0.12 to 0.81),
donepezil 10 mg (0.76, 0.34 to 1.17), and rivastigmine 12mg (0.60, 0.10 to 1.10) exhibited superior
benefits for the cognition of MMSE. Donepezil 10 mg (-0.25, -0.44 to -0.06; -1.47, -2.79 to -0.15) exhibited
improvements for CDR-SB and EXIT25, respectively. In terms of acceptability, memantine
was found to be the best.

Conclusions:
Donepezil 5 mg, donepezil 10 mg, galantamine 24 mg, memantine 20 mg, and rivastigmine
12 mg exerted beneficial effects on cognition, and donepezil 10mg provided beneficial effects for executive
function and global status. Based on the network meta-analysis, donepezil 10 mg might be the best
choice, considering the benefits on cognition function, executive function and global status, but doserelated
adverse reactions need to be noted. In the meantime, memantine is a better comprehensive choice
in terms of efficacy and safety.
The Impact of Uremic Toxins on Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Zheng Yuqi , Ji Bin , Chen Sijun , Zhou Rong , Ni Ruiqing 
Published: January 2022

Abstract:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, pathologically characterized
by the accumulation of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is
highly prevalent in the elderly population closely associated with the occurrence of dementia. Recent
epidemiological and experimental studies suggest a potential association of CKD with AD. Both diseases
share a panel of identical risk factors, such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension. However, the relationship
between CKD and AD is unclear. Lower clearance of a panel of uremic toxin including cystatin-
C, guanidine, and adiponectin due to CKD is implied to contribute to AD pathogenesis. In this review,
we summarize the current evidence from epidemiological, experimental, and clinical studies on
the potential contribution of uremic toxins to AD pathogenesis. We describe outstanding questions and
propose an outlook on the link between uremic toxins and AD.
Cytotoxic Effects of Garcinia mangostana Pericarp Extract on Cancer Cell
Lines
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Hadi , Rashidi Roghayeh , Forouzanfar Fatemeh , Soukhtanloo Mohammad , Ghasemian Shirin 
Published: January 2022

Background:
Garcinia mangostana, commonly also called mangosteen, is an evergreen
tropical tree, and its pericarps have been used in traditional herbal medicine for different diseases.
The anticancer efficacy of the ethanolic extract from the pericarps of Garcinia mangostana was investigated
in human prostate cancer cells (PC3), melanoma cells (B16F10), breast cancer cells (MCF7),
and glioblastoma (U87) cell lines.

Methods:
3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to
measure cell viability. Propidium iodide (PI) staining and analysis on a flow cytometer were used
to identify apoptosis. Action on cell migration was evaluated by scratch assay and gelatin zymography.
Furthermore, the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA),
glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was measured. Moreover, we investigated
the synergistic efficacy with several combinations of Garcinia mangostana extract (GME)
with doxorubicin.

Results:
GME reduced cell viability in malignant cell dose time-dependently. GME-induced sub-
G1 peak in flow cytometry histogram of treated cells control representing apoptotic cell death is involved
in GME toxicity. Furthermore, GME exhibited inhibitory effects on the migration ability of
U87 cells, which was accompanied by inhibition in the activity and expression of MMP2 (matrix
metalloproteinase-2). Besides, GSH level and SOD activity were significantly reduced while there
was an increase in ROS and MDA concentration following 24 hr of GME treatment. Moreover, a
combination of GME (1.5–25 μg/mL) with Dox (6 μg/mL) displayed synergistic efficacy and cell
growth inhibition.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, GME could cause cell death in PC3, MCF7, U87, and B16F10 cell
lines, in which apoptosis plays an imperative role. Plant extract decreased the migration ability of
the cells by inhibiting the activity and expression of Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). G. mangostana
could be a promising therapeutic strategy to treat cancer in the future.