bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial and Temporal Variation of the Near-Surface Wind Environment in the Sahara Desert, North Africa
Authors: Shi Weikang , Dong Zhibao , Chen Guoxiang , Bai Ziyi , Ma Fang 
Published: January 2022

The Sahara Desert is the largest source of dust on Earth, and has a significant impact on global atmospheric changes. Wind is the main dynamic factor controlling the transport and intensity of dust in the Sahara Desert. This study comprehensively analyzed the spatial and temporal variation in the wind regime of the Sahara Desert from 1980 to 2019 using data from 17 meteorological stations to improve awareness of global atmospheric changes and the intensity of regional aeolian activities. All wind speed parameters decreased from northwest to southeast. While there were significant differences in the trends of temporal variation in wind speed among the different regions, there was an overall decreasing trend across the Sahara Desert, with an average wind speed of 0.09 m s−1 10 a−1. This decrease was closely related to wind frequency. The easterly, westerly, and northerly winds dominated, with more complex wind direction in the northern region. Seasonal differences in wind direction were observed in all regions. The wind direction frequency of wind speeds &gt;6 m s−1 exceeded those with wind speeds &lt;6 m s−1 in the western and northern regions, whereas other regions showed an opposite pattern. The highest drift potential (DP) and resultant drift potential (RDP) were found in the western and northern regions, and during spring and winter. There was a trend of decreasing annual variation in DP and RDP in all regions. The directional variability (RDP/DP) indicated mostly intermediate and high variability in wind direction. Resultant drift direction (RDD) indicated that a mainly southwest wind direction. No apparent trends in temporal variation in RDD and RDP/DP were observed. Total DP was strongly influenced by DP and the magnitude and frequency of strong winds in the prevailing wind direction. No strong correlation between wind regimes and dune types was observed in this desert, indicating the complexity of factors affecting dune morphology.
Intra-Articular Injection of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Loaded With Graphene Oxide Granular Lubrication Ameliorates Inflammatory Responses and Osteoporosis of the Subchondral Bone in Rabbits of Modified Papain-Induced Osteoarthritis
Authors: Liu Aifeng , Chen Jixin , Zhang Juntao , Zhang Chao , Zhou Qinxin , Niu Puyu , Yuan Ye 
Published: January 2022

AimThis study is to investigate the effects of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) loaded with the graphene oxide (GO) granular lubrication on ameliorating inflammatory responses and osteoporosis of the subchondral bone in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) animal models.MethodsThe KOA animal models were established using modified papain joint injection. 24 male New Zealand rabbits were classified into the blank control group, GO group, UCMSCs group, and GO + UCMSCs group, respectively. The concentration in serum and articular fluid nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), type II collagen (COL-II), and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) was detected using ELISA, followed by the dissection of femoral condyles and staining of HE and Micro-CT for observation via the microscope.ResultsGO granular lubrication and UCMSCs repaired the KOA animal models. NO, IL-6, TNF-α, GAG, and COL-II showed optimal improvement performance in the GO + UCMSCs group, with statistical significance in contrast to the blank group (P &lt;0.01). Whereas, there was a great difference in levels of inflammatory factors in serum and joint fluid. Micro-CT scan results revealed the greatest efficacy of the GO + UCMSCs group in improving joint surface damage and subchondral bone osteoporosis. HE staining pathology for femoral condyles revealed that the cartilage repair effect in GO + UCMSCs, UCMSCs, GO, and blank groups were graded down.ConclusionUCMSCs loaded with graphene oxide granular lubrication can promote the secretion of chondrocytes, reduce the level of joint inflammation, ameliorate osteoporosis of the subchondral bone, and facilitate cartilage repair.
Glacier Runoff Variation Since 1981 in the Upper Naryn River Catchments, Central Tien Shan
Authors: Saks Tomas , Pohl Eric , Machguth Horst , Dehecq Amaury , Barandun Martina , Kenzhebaev Ruslan , Kalashnikova Olga , Hoelzle Martin 
Published: January 2022

Water resources in Central Asia strongly depend on glaciers, which in turn adjust their size in response to climate variations. We investigate glacier runoff in the period 1981–2019 in the upper Naryn basin, Kyrgyzstan. The basins contain more than 1,000 glaciers, which cover a total area of 776 km2. We model the mass balance and runoff contribution of all glaciers with a simplified energy balance melt model and distributed accumulation model driven by ERA5 LAND re-analysis data for the time period of 1981–2019. The results are evaluated against discharge records, satellite-derived snow cover, stake readings from individual glaciers, and geodetic mass balances. Modelled glacier volume decreased by approximately 6.7 km3 or 14%, and the majority of the mass loss took place from 1996 until 2019. The decreasing trend is the result of increasingly negative summer mass balances whereas winter mass balances show no substantial trend. Analysis of the discharge data suggests an increasing runoff for the past two decades, which is, however only partly reflected in an increase of glacier melt. Moreover, the strongest increase in discharge is observed in winter, suggesting either a prolonged melting period and/or increased groundwater discharge. The average runoff from the glacierized areas in summer months (June to August) constitutes approximately 23% of the total contributions to the basin’s runoff. The results highlight the strong regional variability in glacier-climate interactions in Central Asia.
Determinants of Stillbirth From Two Observational Studies Investigating Deliveries in Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Milton Rebecca , Zara Modibbo Fatima , Watkins William John , Gillespie David , Alkali Fatima Ibrahim , Bello Murjanatu , Edwin Chinagozi Precious , Habib Sa ad Fatima , Hood Kerenza , Iregbu Kenneth , Kassim Aishatu , Khalid Rashida Yakubu , Muhammad Maryam Yahaya , Mukaddas Aisha Sani , Ogudo Ese , Tukur Fatima Muhammad , Walsh Timothy Rutland 
Published: January 2022

Background:Stillbirths are a poignant representation of global inequality. Nigeria is documented to have the second highest rate; yet, the reporting system is inadequate in most Nigerian healthcare facilities. The aim was to identify the determinants of stillbirth among deliveries in the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital (MMSH), Kano, Nigeria.Methods:Two study designs were used: a case-control study (S1) and a prospective cohort study (S2). Both studies were carried out at the MMSH. For S1, stillbirths were retrospectively matched to a livebirth by time (target of 24 hours' time variation) to establish a case-control study with a 1:1 ratio. Eligibility into S2 included all mothers who were presented at the MMSH in labour regardless of birth outcome. Both were based on recruitment durations, not sample sizes (3 months and 2 months, respectively, 2017–2018). The demographic and clinical data were collected through paper-based questionnaires. Univariable logistic regression was used. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore relationships between area type and other specific factors.Findings:Stillbirth incidence in S2 was 180/1,000 births. Stillbirth was associated with the following factors; no maternal education, previous stillbirth(s), prematurity, living in both semi-rural and rural settings, and having extended time periods between rupture of membranes and delivery. Findings of the multivariable analysis (S1 and S2) indicated that the odds of stillbirth, for those living in a rural area, were further exacerbated in those mothers who had no education, lived in a shack, or had any maternal disease.Interpretation:This research identifies the gravity of this situation in this area and highlights the need for action. Further understanding of some of the findings and exploration into associations are required to inform intervention development.Funding:This collaboration was partially supported by funding from Health and Care Research Wales.
The β-NGF/TrkA Signalling Pathway Is Associated With the Production of Anti-Nucleoprotein IgG in Convalescent COVID-19
Authors: Usai Carla , Gibbons Joseph M. , Pade Corinna , Li Wenhao , Jacobs Sabina R. M. , McKnight Áine , Kennedy Patrick T. F. , Gill Upkar S. 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThe presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection varies from asymptomatic to severe COVID-19. Similarly, high variability in the presence, titre and duration of specific antibodies has been reported. While some host factors determining these differences, such as age and ethnicity have been identified, the underlying molecular mechanisms underpinning these differences remain poorly defined.MethodsWe analysed serum and PBMC from 17 subjects with a previous PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and 10 unexposed volunteers following the first wave of the pandemic, in the UK. Anti-NP IgG and neutralising antibodies were measured, as well as a panel of infection and inflammation related cytokines. The virus-specific T cell response was determined by IFN-γ ELISPOT and flow cytometry after overnight incubation of PBMCs with pools of selected SARS-CoV-2 specific peptides.ResultsSeven of 17 convalescent subjects had undetectable levels of anti-NP IgG, and a positive correlation was shown between anti-NP IgG levels and the titre of neutralising antibodies (IC50). In contrast, a discrepancy was noted between antibody levels and T cell IFN-γ production by ELISpot following stimulation with specific peptides. Among the analysed cytokines, β-NGF and IL-1α levels were significantly different between anti-NP positive and negative subjects, and only β-NGF significantly correlated with anti-NP positivity. Interestingly, CD4+T cells of anti-NP negative subjects expressed lower amounts of the β-NGF-specific receptor TrkA.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the β-NGF/TrkA signalling pathway is associated with the production of anti-NP specific antibody in mild SARS-CoV-2 infection and the mechanistic regulation of this pathway in COVID-19 requires further investigation.
Case Report: Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing for Diagnosis of Human Encephalitis and Endophthalmitis Caused by Pseudorabies Virus
Authors: Yan Weiqian , Hu Zhiping , Zhang Yingchi , Wu Xiaomei , Zhang Hainan 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe objective of our study was to report a case of encephalitis and endophthalmitis caused by pseudorabies virus (PRV), identified using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS).Case PresentationA 54-year-old worker, from a swine slaughterhouse, developed signs of severe encephalitis, including fever, disturbance of consciousness, hypopnea, and status epilepticus, after finger injury at work. The PRV sequences were successfully identified from the blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and aqueous humor of the patient through mNGS, which was further verified using a Sanger sequencing.ConclusionOur case emphasizes the importance of mNGS in early diagnoses of infectious diseases, and gives a clue that PRV can spread across species and infect human. It is necessary to carry out a skin protection and education about disease prevention for people who have close contact with swine.
Correlations Between Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Parameters of Salivary Glands and Dry Eye Tests in Patients With Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Huang Xiaoyu , Xu Lingjuan , Wang Wei , Hu Weikun , Li Xinyu , Zhang Hong , Chen Jing , Li Guigang 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveTo evaluate the correlations between Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) parameters of salivary glands and dry eye parameters in patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS).MethodsA total of 28 patients with SS participated in this prospective study. Dry eye assessments include tear film break-up time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining scoring (CFS), Schirmer's I test (SIT) examination and SPECT of salivary gland. The following quantitative parameters were derived from SPECT imaging for salivary glands: Uptake index (UI), the time needed to achieve the minimum counts after Vit C stimulation (Ts), and excretion fraction (EF). The relation between the aforementioned parameters and TBUT, CFS and SIT were analyzed with SPSS 22.0 software.ResultsAll the 28 eyes of the 28 subjects were examined. The mean SIT was 6.04 ± 4.64 mm/5 min (0–18 mm/5 min); the mean CFS was 3.07 ± 2.65 (0–10) and the mean BUT was 2.11 ± 1.97 s (0–9 s). The mean EF value was 0.52 ± 0.12 (0.26–0.75) in parotid glands and 0.45 ± 0.10 (0.30–0.67) in submandibular glands, respectively. The mean UI value was 9.33 ± 1.68 (6.03–13.20) in parotid glands and 9.92 ± 1.48 (7.08–12.60) in submandibular glands, respectively. The mean Ts (min) was 5.32 ± 3.01 (2.00–12.00) in parotid glands and 11.09 ± 7.40 (2.00- 29.00 min) in submandibular glands, respectively. It was found that EF positively correlates with SIT in patients with SS (r = 0.499 and 0.426 in parotid glands and submandibular glands, with P &lt; 0.05), while no significant correlation was found between the UI, Ts and CFS, TBUT (P &gt; 0.05).ConclusionsThe EF was positively correlated with SIT in patients with SS, it could reflex the dysfunction of salivary glands in SS patients. So, EF may be a valuable parameter for the diagnosis of SS patients with lacrimal gland secretion dysfunction.
Novel Plasma Biomarker-Based Model for Predicting Acute Kidney Injury After Cardiac Surgery: A Case Control Study
Authors: Zhang Yichi , Zhao Haige , Su Qun , Wang Cuili , Chen Hongjun , Shen Lingling , Ma Liang , Zhu Tingting , Chen Wenqing , Jiang Hong , Chen Jianghua 
Published: January 2022

Introduction:Acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery is independently associated with a prolonged hospital stay, increased cost of care, and increased post-operative mortality. Delayed elevation of serum creatinine (SCr) levels requires novel biomarkers to provide a prediction of AKI after cardiac surgery. Our objective was to find a novel blood biomarkers combination to construct a model for predicting AKI after cardiac surgery and risk stratification.Methods:This was a case-control study. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was applied to Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset GSE30718 to seek potential biomarkers associated with AKI. We measured biomarker levels in venous blood samples of 67 patients with AKI after cardiac surgery and 59 control patients in two cohorts. Clinical data were collected. We developed a multi-biomarker model for predicting cardiac-surgery-associated AKI and compared it with a traditional clinical-factor-based model.Results:From bioinformatics analysis and previous articles, we found 6 potential plasma biomarkers for the prediction of AKI. Among them, 3 biomarkers, such as growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2, IL1RL1), and soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) were found to have prediction ability for AKI (area under the curve [AUC] &gt; 0.6) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. They were then incorporated into a multi-biomarker model for predicting AKI (C-statistic: 0.84, Brier 0.15) which outperformed the traditional clinical-factor-based model (C-statistic: 0.73, Brier 0.16).Conclusion:Our research validated a promising plasma multi-biomarker model for predicting AKI after cardiac surgery.
The Positive Rate of Nucleic Acid Testing and the Epidemiological Characteristics of COVID-19 in Chongqing
Authors: Liang Xiaohua , Sun Yajun , Xiao Lun , Ren YanLing , Tang Xian 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to analyze the positive rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleic acid testing (NAT), cases of and deaths due to SARS-CoV-2, and the epidemiological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 to identify high-risk populations.MethodsA retrospective study in Jiulongpo district of Chongqing was conducted by performing continuous observations of the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 NAT, analyzing the data of close contacts of patients and asymptomatic carriers, and collecting epidemiological data. Data were collected from January 20, 2020, when the first case of SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported, to March 26, 2020. Descriptive statistical analysis and Cochrane–Mantel–Haenszel analysis were used to compare the positive detection rates and positive diagnostic rates of different exposure groups.ResultsA total of 7,118 people received 10,377 SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid tests in one district, and the SARS-CoV-2 positive rates were 0.40% (18/4446) and 0.15% (4/2672) in people receiving one and ≥ two nucleic acid tests (p = 0.06), respectively. Those with suspected cases (12.35%) and close contacts (8%) had higher positive rates than people tested at fever clinics (0.39%) (p &lt; 0.001). The median latency (range) of cases was 5 (2, 9) days, and the median time from diagnosis to recovery was 22 (14, 25) days. One recovered patient received a positive test result at 28 days after recovery when she attempted to donate blood. Six clustered cases, including one patient who died, indicated persistent human-to-human transmission. One patient who was diagnosed after death was found to have infected 13 close contacts. People working in catering and other public service departments (36.36%) and people who are unemployed and retirees (45.45%) have an increased risk of infection compared with technical staff (9.09%) and farmers (9.09%).ConclusionThe total positive rate was low in the tested population, and more effective detection ranges should be defined to improve precise and differentiated epidemic control strategies. Moreover, in asymptomatic carriers, SARS-CoV-2 tests were positive after recovery, and patients with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection who die may pose serious potential transmission threats.
A Low Advanced Lung Cancer Inflammation Index Predicts a Poor Prognosis in Patients With Metastatic Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lu Ping , Ma Yifei , Kai Jindan , Wang Jun , Yin Zhucheng , Xu Hongli , Li Xinying , Liang Xin , Wei Shaozhong , Liang Xinjun 
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Inflammation plays a crucial role in cancers, and the advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) is considered to be a potential factor reflecting systemic inflammation.Objectives: This work aimed to explore the prognostic value of the ALI in metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and classify patients according to risk and prognosis.Methods: We screened 318 patients who were diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC in Hubei Cancer Hospital from July 2012 to December 2013. The formula for ALI is body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) × serum albumin (Alb, g/dl)/neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Categorical variables were analyzed by the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. The overall survival (OS) rates were analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier method and plotted with the R language. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the relationship between ALI and OS.Results: According to the optimal cut-off value determined by X-tile software, patients were divided into two groups (the ALI &lt;32.6 and ALI ≥32.6 groups), and the median OS times were 19.23 and 39.97 months, respectively (p &lt; 0.01). A multivariable Cox regression model confirmed that ALI and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for OS in patients with NSCLC. OS in the high ALI group was better than that in the low ALI group (HR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.03–1.89; p = 0.03).Conclusions: Patients with a low ALI tend to have lower OS among those with metastatic NSCLC, and the ALI can serve as an effective prognostic factor for NSCLC patients.
The Influence of Cerebral Arterial Circle on Prominent Hypointense Vessel Signs in Patients With Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion
Authors: Yang Lei , Yu Ling , Qin Wei , Li Yue , Yang Shuna , Li Xuanting , Hu Wenli 
Published: January 2022

Background and PurposePrevious studies on the presence of asymmetrical prominent cortical and medullary vessel signs (APCV/APMV) and collateral circulation in patients with internal carotid artery occlusion internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO) are rare, and the conclusions are inconsistent. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between the presence of APCV/APMV and collateral circulation in patients with ICAO.MethodsPatients with acute ischemic stroke with ICAO were recruited in this study. All 74 patients were divided into two groups depending on the presence of APCV and APMV. The status of the cerebral arterial circle (CAC) was graded as poor or good. The poor CAC was defined as MCA was invisible. Severe stroke was defined as cerebral watershed infarction (CWI) or territorial infarction (TI). Clinical and radiological markers were compared between these two groups. Logistic regression was used to investigate the association between the APCV/APMV and clinical and radiological markers.ResultsA total of 74 patients with ICAO were enrolled. Forty-three patients (58.1%) presented with an APCV and APMV was found in 35 (47.2%) patients. Compared with patients with non-APCV, patients with APCV had a more severe stroke (P = 0.038) and had a significantly higher incidence of poor CAC (P = 0.022) than those with APCV. Patients with APMV had a more severe stroke (P = 0.001). Logistic regression showed that poor CAC was independently associated with APCV and severe stroke were independently associated with APMV.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that poor CAC was independently associated with the presence of the APCV in patients with ICAO. Severe stroke was independently associated with the APMV.
Consolidation Tumor Ratio Combined With Pathological Features Could Predict Status of Lymph Nodes of Early-Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhao Liang , Bai Guangyu , Ji Ying , Peng Yue , Zang Ruochuan , Gao Shugeng 
Published: January 2022

IntroductionStage IA lung adenocarcinoma manifested as part-solid nodules (PSNs), has attracted immense attention owing to its unique characteristics and the definition of its invasiveness remains unclear. We sought to develop a nomogram for predicting the status of lymph nodes of this kind of nodules.MethodsA total of 2,504 patients between September 2018 to October 2020 with part-solid nodules in our center were reviewed. Their histopathological features were extracted from paraffin sections, whereas frozen sections were reviewed to confirm the consistency of frozen sections and paraffin sections. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses and Akaike information criterion (AIC) variable selection were performed to assess the risk factors of lymph node metastasis and construct the nomogram. The nomogram was subjected to bootstrap internal validation and external validation. The concordance index (C-index) was applied to evaluate the predictive accuracy and discriminative ability.ResultsWe enrolled 215 and 161 eligible patients in the training cohort and validation cohort, respectively. The sensitivity between frozen and paraffin sections on the presence of micropapillary/solid subtype was 78.4%. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that MVI, the presence of micropapillary/solid subtype, and CTR &gt;0.61 were independently associated with lymph node metastasis (p &lt; 0.01). Five risk factors were integrated into the nomogram. The nomogram demonstrated good accuracy in estimating the risk of lymph node metastasis, with a C-index of 0.945 (95% CI: 0.916–0.974) in the training cohort and a C-index of 0.975 (95% CI: 0.954–0.995) in the validation cohort. The model’s calibration was excellent in both cohorts.ConclusionThe nomogram established showed excellent discrimination and calibration and could predict the status of lymph nodes for patients with ≤3 cm PSNs. Also, this prediction model has the prediction potential before the end of surgery.