bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation Technique of Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance of Palladium Nanospheres by Coating with Titanium Dioxide Shell for Application to Photothermal Therapy Agent
Authors: Hayakawa Yutaro , Furuya Masato , Tahara Hironobu , Kosuge Yasuhiro , Kimura Tsuyoshi , Sugawa Kosuke , Otsuki Joe 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Although plasmonic palladium (Pd) nanospheres are thermodynamically stable and have high photothermal conversion due to the free and bound electron coupling associated with the intrinsic high interband transition, they have not attracted attention as a photothermal conversion material for next-generation photothermal cancer therapy. This is because the Pd nanospheres generate the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) intrinsically in the ultraviolet region, which is far away from the biological transparent window (750–900 nm). In this study, we controlled the LSP wavelength of Pd nanospheres by coating with high refractive index TiO2 shells taking advantage of the Pd LSPR which is highly sensitive to changes in the local refractive index around the nanospheres. Our calculations indicated that the absorption cross-section at 808 nm (corresponding to the wavelength used for photothermal treatment) was increased by 2.8 times by red-shifting the LSPR and increasing the extinction intensity associated with the coating with TiO2 shell. Experiments confirmed the theoretical prediction in that the LSPR of the synthesized Pd nanospheres with a diameter of 81 nm was significantly red-shifted by coating with amorphous TiO2 shell, resulting in significant large extinction intensity at 808 nm. The photothermal conversion efficiency was estimated to be 50%. In vitro cell tests, HeLa cells incubated with 100–300 µg/mL TiO2-coated Pd nanospheres were efficiently killed by irradiating 808 nm laser (1.8 W) even though the nanospheres with the same concentrations showed little cytotoxicity. These results indicate that the Pd nanospheres coated with high refractive index shells can be promising as a photothermal therapy agent.
Survey Response Rates to a Self-Initiated Longitudinal Survey Accessed by QR Code in Six Different Regions of the United States
Authors: Halpern Lloyd M. , Zhang De-An , Velarde Abby 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
OBJECTIVEA quick response (QR) code allows rapid access to an online survey via a smart phone and may improve response rates for web-based surveys. We report the response rates for a QR code based, self-initiated longitudinal survey of opioid use and pain scores following hospital discharge in pediatric surgical patients. MATERIALS AND METHODSAll parents of pediatric patients having surgery at one of six pediatric medical facilities were asked to participate in the study from October 5, 2020 until July 15, 2021. Those who chose to participate accessed the initial Enrollment Survey using a QR code on a handout provided. The next day they received an emailed link to a daily survey until their child was not requiring opioids and had pain scores less than 4 for the previous 48 hours RESULTSA total of 1,759 families were asked to participate in the study. The parents of 44 patients completed the initial Enrollment survey by accessing the QR code (response rate 2.5%) Of those who completed the initial survey, 67% were lost to follow-up during the survey series.DISCUSSIONWe found an extremely low response rate for a self-initiated survey accessed by QR code. We found a drop in response rate with each successive daily email based survey and the loss of the majority of the initial participants by the end of the survey series. CONCLUSIONWe recommend using alternative modalities (informed consent, telephone call, weekly surveys) for initiating and delivering surveys to improve response rates for similarly designed studies.
Global Gravity Field Model from Taiji-1
Authors: Wu Liming , Xu Peng , Zhao Shuhong , Qiang Li-E , Luo Ziren , Wu Yueliang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Taiji-1 is the first technology demonstration satellite of the Taiji program of China's space-borne gravitational wave antenna. After the demonstration of the key individual technologies, Taiji-1 continues collecting the data of the precision orbit determinations, the satellite attitudes, and the non-conservative forces exerted on the S/C. Therefore, during its free-fall, Taiji-1 can be viewed as operating in the high-low satellite-to-satellite tracking mode of a gravity recovery mission. In this work, one month data from Taiji-1's observations have been selected and the techniques are developed to resolve the long term interruptions and disturbances in the measurement data due to the scheduled technology demonstration experiments. The first global gravity model TJGM-r1911, that independently derived from China's own satellite mission, is successfully built from Taiji-1's observations. Compared with gravity models from CHAMP and other satellite gravity missions, the accuracy discrepancies exist, which is mainly caused by the data discontinuity problem. As the approved extended free-falling phase with minimal disruptions and disturbances, Taiji-1 will serve as the first gravity mission satellite for China since 2022 and it will provide us the independent measurement of both the static and the monthly time-variable global gravity field.
The annual vitamin D status of world-class British swimmers following a standardised supplementation protocol for three years
Authors: Newbury Josh William , Chessor Richard J. , Evans Guy M. , Allison Richard J. , Gough Lewis A. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
British swimmers are at a heightened risk of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D): <50 nmol∙L− 1) as their large indoor training volumes often restrict sunlight exposure, especially during the winter when daylight hours are reduced. Previous research has recommended 4000 IU∙day− 1 vitamin D3 from October to March to offset vitamin D losses. However, no current study has analysed this approach over multiple seasons to assess if this is an appropriate strategy. Twenty-nine world-class British swimmers (aged 16–30 years) provided a 10 mL venous blood sample as part of their routine haematological screening in the September of three consecutive years (2018, 2019, 2020). Serum 25(OH)D was determined by radioimmunoassay and this result determined the length of the standardised vitamin D3 protocol (< 30 nmol∙L− 1: 4000 IU∙day− 1 from September to March, 30–79 nmol∙L− 1: 4000 IU∙day− 1 from October to March, > 75 nmol∙L− 1: no supplementation). Mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations increased each year (2018: 76.4 ± 28.4 nmol∙L− 1, 2019: 91.5 ± 24.8 nmol∙L− 1, 2020: 115.0 ± 36.6 nmol∙L− 1, p < 0.001), which coincided with the eradication of vitamin D deficiency after one season (prevalence, 2018: 10%, 2019: 0%, 2020: 0%). In September 2020, 35% of swimmers had a serum 25(OH)D > 125 nmol∙L− 1, although it is currently debated whether this is a concern or a benefit for athletic populations. Supplementing with 4000 IU∙day− 1 of vitamin D3 throughout the winter can therefore increase the vitamin D status of swimmers. However, more frequent testing may be required to ensure that serum 25(OH)D remains within the sufficient across the season (75–125 nmol∙L− 1).
Incidence and Determinants of Maternal Sepsis in Ghana in the midst of a pandemic
Authors: Noora Charles Lwanga , Manu Adom , Addo-Lartey Adolphina , Mohammed Abdul Gafaru , Ameme Donne , Kenu Ernest , Torpey Kwesi , Adanu Richard 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Despite being preventable, maternal sepsis continues to be a significant cause of death and morbidity, killing one in every four pregnant women globally. In Ghana, maternal sepsis is increasingly becoming a major contributor to maternal mortality. The lack of a consensus definition for maternal sepsis before 2017 created a gap in determining global and country-specific burden of maternal sepsis and its risk factors. This study determined the incidence and risk factors of clinically proven maternal sepsis in Ghana.Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study among 1476 randomly selected pregnant women in six health facilities in Ghana, from January to September 2020. Data were collected using primary data collection tools and reviewing the client’s charts. We estimated the incidence rate of maternal sepsis per 1,000 pregnant women per person-week. Poisson regression model and the cox-proportional hazard regression model estimators were used to assess risk factors associated with the incidence of maternal sepsis at a 5% significance level. Results: The overall incidence rate of maternal sepsis was 1.52 [95% CI: 1.20-1.96] per 1000 person-weeks. The majority of the participants entered the study at 10-13 weeks of gestation. The study participants' median body mass index score was 26.4 kgm-2 [22.9 - 30.1 kgm-2]. The risk of maternal sepsis was 4 times higher among women who developed urinary tract infection after delivery (aHR: 4.38, 95% CI: 1.58-12.18, p<0.05). Among those who developed caesarean section wound infection after delivery, the risk of maternal sepsis was 3 times higher (aHR: 3.77, 95% CI: 0.92-15.54, p<0.05). Among pregnant women who showed any symptoms 14 days prior to exit from the study, the risk was significantly higher among pregnant women with a single symptom (aHR: 6.1, 95% CI: 2.42-15.21, p<0.001) and those with two or more symptoms (aHR: 17.0, 95% CI: 4.19-69.00, p<0.001). Conclusions: Our findings show a low incidence of maternal sepsis in Ghana compared to most Low and Middle-Income Countries. Nonetheless, Maternal sepsis remains an important contributor to the overall maternal mortality burden. It is essential clinicians pay more attention to ensure early and prompt diagnosis. Factors significantly predicting maternal sepsis in Ghana were additional maternal morbidity, urinary tract infections, dysuria, and multiple symptoms. We recommend that Ghana Health Service should institute a surveillance system for maternal sepsis as a monthly reportable disease.
Influence of Using Food Delivery Applications on Adult Saudi Female Dietary Habits and Preferences during Covid-19 Lockdown Restrictions: Knowledge and Attitude Survey
Authors: Algheshairy Reham M. , Alhomaid Raghad M. , Almujaydil Mona S. , Alharbi Hend F. , Alsanei Wourod A. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
BackgroundFood delivery applications (FDAs) shined during COVID-19 global lockdown restrictions. As a consequence, lifestyle changes imposed a greater use of these applications over this period. These changes may reflect a strong influence on the nutritional health of individuals, in particular adult Saudi females. This cross-sectional study aims to examine the influence of using FDAs during COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on knowledge and attitude lifestyle behaviours, including dietary habits and preferences among adult Saudi females. MethodsA cross-sectional study was designed and conducted to examine the influence of using FDAs during COVID-19 between February and May 2021. Participants voluntarily submitted their answers to a survey questionnaire administered via the Google Survey platform. ResultsA total of 3667 adult Saudi female volunteers were enrolled with ages from 18 to 55 years old, residing in Saudi regions. Result illustrated that the majority of Saudi female users of FDAs were aged between 18-24 years with 64.9% , 91.5% were single and 37% were ordered food online within 1-2 days a month. There were a significant association between the influence of using FDAs during Covid-19 lockdown restrictions and age, education and average days of ordering food online (p ˂0.05)ConclusionsAlthough lifestyle changes imposed a greater use of food delivery applications (FDAs) during COVID-19 global lockdown restrictions, these changes may reflect negatively associated with individuals' dietary habits and preferences, particularly adult Saudi females. These findings can aid to promote healthy diet management globally and in Saudi Arabia unless the governments lead a great changing approach toward improving food delivery applications. Additionally, future research is recommended to maximise the positive and reduce the adverse effects of using FDAs by accessing healthy foods for all populations during and post-pandemics. Thus, to succeed, all partners, healthcare providers and stakeholders, including online food delivery app's creators, providers, policy-makers, users, and academic research and development (R&D), should work together to increase the attention and awareness of healthy eating.
Geniposide suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis via the AMPK signaling pathway to mitigate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Li Haiyan , Yang Dong-Hua , Zhang Yanmei , Zheng Fuchun , Gao Fenfei , Sun Jiajia , Shi Ganggang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis play a significant role in myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MI/RI). Geniposide was reported to show potential therapeutic use for MI/RI with its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. However, research on the specific mechanism of geniposide has not been reported.Methods: The Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI) model of animal was created in male C57BL/6J mice and the hypoxia reoxygenation model was established for the in vitro experiments. Neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) and H9c2 cells with knockdown of TXNIP or NLRP3 were used. Geniposide was administered to mice before vascular ligation. HE staining, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, echocardiography, oxidative stress and myocardial enzyme detection were used to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of geniposide. Meanwhile, pharmacological approaches of agonist and inhibitor were used to observe potential pathway for geniposide cardioprotective in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, ELISA kits were adopted to detect the levels of inflammatory factors, such as IL-1β and IL-18. The gene and protein expression of NLRP3 and pyroptosis-related factors in heart tissue were performed by immunofluorescence, RT-PCR, western blotting in vivo and in vitro, respectively.Results: Our results indicate that geniposide can reduce the area of myocardial infarction, improve heart function, and inhibit the inflammatory response in mice after MI/RI. In addition, RT-PCR and western blotting shown geniposide promoting AMPK phosphorylation to activate myocardium energy metabolism and reducing the levels of genes and proteins expression of NLRP3, ASC, N-GSDMD and cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18. Meanwhile, geniposide improved NRVMs energy metabolism, which decreased ROS levels and the protein expression of TXNIP and thus suppressed the expression of NLRP3. AMPK antagonist or agonist and siRNA downregulation of TXNIP or NLRP3 were also verify the effect of geniposide against H/R injury. Further research found that geniposide promoted the translocation of TXNIP and reduce the binding of TXNIP and NLRP3.Conclusions: In our study, geniposide can significantly inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation via the AMPK signaling pathway and inhibit pyroptosis of cardiomyocytes in myocardial tissues.
M6A regulator expression patterns predict the immune microenvironment and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Xue , Ma Changsheng , Liu Hui , Sun Zhiqiang , Luo Judong 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: The m6A methylation modification is one of the most common mRNA modifications, and involved in a variety of biological processes, such as cell death, cancer stem cell formation and tumorigenesis. Increasing evidences have demonstrated that the expression patterns of m6A regulators are significantly correlated with PD-L1 level some solid tumors, but few study has explored the function of m6A regulators in the immune microenvironment and prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Survival analysis was independently conducted for 20 m6A regulators to explore their prognostic value in NSCLC, and then the prognostic risk model based on m6A regulator expression profiles is built to stratify NSCLC patients. Also, the correlation analysis between immune infiltrating cells and m6A regulators is used to reveal the impact of m6A on immune microenvironment of NSCLC. Furthermore, to explore the function of m6A as biomarker of anit-PD-L1 therapeutic effect, we explored the associations of tumor mutation burden (TMB) and PD-L1 levels to 20 m6A regulator expression patterns in NSCLC. Results: First, the expressions of 20 m6A regulators in NSCLC tissues were significantly increased compared to normal tissues. Survival analysis revealed that three genes, METTL3, HNRNPC and VIRMA, were markedly correlated to the prognosis of NSCLC patients. In particular, cox regression analysis verified that METTL3 could be used as an independent prognostic factor to predict the survival rate of NSCLC patients. Second, the risk prognostic model built on seven m6A regulators can effectively stratify NSCLC patients, and the low-risk subgroup had better prognosis compared to high-risk group. Finally, a few m6A regulators showed significant associations with immune microenvironment, as well as TMB and PD-L1 level, suggesting that the m6A RNA methylation is indicative of therapeutic effect of anti-PD-L1 treatment. Conclusion: Our study identified some m6A regulatory factors as independent risk factors for the prognosis of NSCLC, and the expression patterns of m6A regulators are also correlated to the immune infiltration, as well as TMB and PD-L1 level in NSCLC. The m6A regulators could be used as biomarkers indicative of immunotherapy to NSCLC patients.
Robust Sliding-Backstepping Mode Control of a wind system based on the DFIG Generator
Authors: Echiheb Farah , Ihedrane Yasmine , Bossoufi Badre , Bouderbala Manale , Motahhir Saad , Ghamrasni Madiha el 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This paper presents a new contribution in the field of the optimization of the techniques of control of the wind systems, and the improvement of the quality of energy produced in the grid. The use of the Sliding Mode control technique gives quite interesting results, but its major drawback lies in the phenomenon of chattering (oscillations) which reduces the precision of the system. we propose in this work a solution to cancel this chattering phenomenon, by the implication of the adaptive Backstepping technique to control the powers of the double-fed asynchronous generator (DFIG) connected to the electrical network by two converters (network side and side machine) in the nominal part of the sliding mode model. This hybrid technique will correct errors of precision and stability and the performance of the wind system obtained in terms of efficiency, active and reactive power are very important. First, a review of the wind system was presented. Then, an exhaustive explanation of the Backstepping technique based on Lyapunov stability and optimization method has been reported. Subsequently, a validation on the Matlab & Simulink environment was carried out to test the performance and robustness of the proposed model. The results obtained from this work either by follow-up or robustness tests show a great improvement in terms of performance compared to other control techniques.
Structure Design, Performance Simulation and Plasticizing Properties of Bio-Based Copolyesters Plasticizer on PVC
Authors: Gao Chuanhui , Wang Yanqing , Gao Yiliang , Wang Rixuan , Wang Huizi , Wu Yumin , liu yuetao 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Plasticizer is an important assistant in the production process of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which can effectively improve the plasticity of PVC. However, the durability and plasticizing effect of traditional phthalate plasticizers need to be further improved. In this paper, a variety of copolyesters are designed and synthesized from succinic acid, hexanediol and other four different diols. The plasticizing performance of the copolyester is characterized by FT-IR, H-NMR, XPS and DMA. It is found that the side chain groups in the structural units of the copolyester have a great influence on its plasticizing properties. The glass transition temperature of PVC plasticized by polybutylene succinate 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol ester (PSCH) is 8.1℃ lower than the temperature of PVC which is plasticized by DOP, and the elongation at break is increased by 104.7%. The obtained copolyester plasticizer with flexible long alkane chains and polar C-Cl groups shows improved solvent extraction resistance and better compatibility between plasticizer and PVC compared DOP. It is verified that the hydrogen bonding interaction between the C = O group of plasticizers and α-hydrogen of PVC exhibited in FT-IR, XPS and solubility parameters DS is the main reason for the effective plasticizing efficiency of PSCH on PVC.
Serological screening of patients diagnosed with alveolar echinococcus disease in their home regions
Authors: Akkaş Onder , Uslu Hakan , YILMAZ Isa , AYDIN Yener , KORKUT Ercan , YILMAZ Ahmet 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This study, it was aimed to determine the ELISA prevalence of Alveolar echinococcus parasitosis in our region, to perform the specific differentiation of species by using the WB method, to diagnose and treat this disease effectively in early periods, and to inform the patients about the results quickly. Blood Samples were provided from a total of 305 participants (volunteer patients and their relatives), including 151 females (49.50%) and 154 males (50.50%), whose ages ranged between 6-85 and were diagnosed as Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and operated in concerned clinics. In this study, EgIgG ELISA was determined as positive in a total of 29 (9.5%) participants, including 17 (11.3%) female and 12 (7.8%) male. In addition, Em2-Em18 ELISA was also determined as positive in a total of 15 (4.9%) participants, including 9 (6%) females and 6 (3.9%) males. 12 (3.94 %) of these findings were observed as positive in terms of both tests. Through the verification done by Anti-EWB IgG, EM was identified in 7 (21.9%) of the female participants, EG in 1 (3.1%), and both parasites in 2 (6.2%). For male participants, EM was determined in 3 (9.3%) of them, EG in 1 (3.1%), and both parasites in 1 (3.1%). This study has shown that AE continues to threaten public health in the region. We think that in families where AE is detected positive, the reason for disease is based on nutrition; thus, it will be proper to check up all family members in the terms of infection.