bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Uniaxial Strain On Characteristic Frequency of Scaled SiGe HBT With Embedded Stress Raiser
Authors: Kong Senlin , Wang Guanyu , Zhou Chunyu , Wen Jianhao , Ling Peng , Xiang Yingcong 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In order to further improve the performance of scaled silicon-germanium (SiGe) heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) and consider the compatibility with mature CMOS process, a novel SiGe HBT is designed by introducing the embedded Si1−yGey stress raiser into the collector. In the proposed HBT structure, the collector region is subjected to additional uniaxial stress, to enhance the characteristic frequency. The effect of embedded Si1−yGey stress raiser on the frequency performance with different Ge mole fractions is simulated and analyzed by employing SILVACO®TCAD tools. The simulation results show that the high frequency performance of the device can be significantly improved by applying additional uniaxial stress in the collector. At y = 0.3, the current gain of the device is increased by approximately 6% compared to the case where no stress is applied to the collector region (y = 0). Taking the uniform SiGe base case with the Ge fraction of 0.25 as an example, by adjusting the Ge fraction of the stress raiser, the peak values of fT and fmax reach about 507.7 GHz and 730.7 GHz, respectively. Compared with the traditional SiGe HBT without any additional stress in the collector region, fT and fmax are respectively increased by 29.1% and 71.5%. When y = 0.1, the proposed device has the best frequency characteristics due to the peak value of the fT ×fmax product.
Evaluation of Factors Affecting Online Teaching of Medical Courses for MBBS Students During the Novel Coronavirus Epidemic
Authors: Tian Fang , Miao Chaoyang , Guo Yanni , Ding Xiaofan , Yan Bingchun , Qian Li 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBSS) students are the largest group of international students. Due to the breakout of COVID-19, most international students have returned to their home countries. From March 2020, the MBBS undergraduate students of Yangzhou University were taught online since March 2020. For MBBS students，the effect of online teaching remains unknown. Methods: This study was conducted in Yangzhou University in June 2021, including 295 MBBS international undergraduate students. The objective conditions, environment, teacher factors, personal factors, advantages, and disadvantages of online teaching were evaluated for each student by using a self-completed structured anonymous questionnaire. At the same time, Pearson chi-square analysis was conducted to evaluate the factors affecting online teaching satisfaction (teaching attitude, teacher-student interaction, teacher evaluation, learning effect, online teaching management). Results: Most students’ hardware was well equipped and their network could meet the need of online learning (240 of 280, 85.71%). Most students (263 of 280, 93.93%) had a quiet environment during online teaching. With respect to factors conducive to online teaching, students rated the importance of teachers from the aspects of knowledge level, teaching methods, class attitude, interaction with students, English proficiency, homework correction and pre-class guidance. In terms of students' attention, 76.78% students' attention was concentrated and 85.36% students had a positive attitude towards online teaching. Four factors (teaching attitude, teacher-student interaction, learning effect and management of online teaching) appeared to be associated with teaching effect satisfaction. Conclusion: This study investigates the various factors involved in conducting online education during the pandemic and provides suggestions for improving the quality and effectiveness of online education for MBBS students.
Factors Associated with Microdamage to Single-Use Flexible Ureteroscope: Prospective Ex Vivo Post-Use Analysis
Authors: Sugino Teruaki , Taguchi Kazumi , Unno Rei , Hamamoto Shuzo , Ando Ryosuke , Okada Atsushi , Yasui Takahiro 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This prospective ex vivo study investigated microdamage to single-use flexible ureteroscopes (fURS) after ureteroscopy and endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS). The performance of 30 WiScope devices (OTU Medical, San Jose, CA, USA) was examined immediately after use, dividing them into three equal groups: ureteroscopy and ECIRS in the prone and supine positions. The overall scope microdamage assessment included the scope deflection, bending radius, resolution, and water flow rate. Additionally, we analyzed the association between scope status and surgical parameters. The deflection, bending radius, and resolution remained similarly above the thresholds in all groups. However, the water flow rate was below the threshold in seven scopes (70%) in the ureteroscopy group and none in the ECIRS groups (P = 0.001). Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses demonstrated that basket wire catheter use was associated with an increased risk for overall scope microdamage (odds ratio [OR], 22.70; P = 0.006 and OR, 22.40; P = 0.019, respectively). Stone size, total laser energy, and surgical position were not associated with a risk for scope microdamage. In conclusion, ureteroscopy was more closely associated with scope damage than ECIRS, and basket wire catheter use seemed to inflict more damage to the fURS.
Diet Quality and Dietary Acid Load in Relation to Cardiovascular Disease Mortality: Results From Fasa PERSIAN Cohort Study
Authors: Fereidouni Sahar , Hejazi Najmeh , Homayounfar Reza , Farjam Mojtaba 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Dietary intake is a determining factor in the morbidity and the mortality of chronic disorders. However, not many documents have investigated this relationship. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), Alternative healthy eating index (AHEI), Mediterranean dietary score (MDS), DASH score, and dietary acid load with cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Method: 2158 CVD patients (mean age of 54.73 ± 8.62 years) from the Fasa Cohort Study, Iran participated in the current study. Diet quality indices including DII, AHEI, MDS, DASH, and dietary acid load (NEAP score) were computed using a validated 125-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Cox regression analyses were used to determine HRs and 95% CIs. Results: During a follow-up of 3 years, we documented 59 CVD deaths. After adjusting for relevant confounders (age, gender, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, family history of CVD, and HTN) in the final model, we found that higher DII scores and dietary acid load were significantly related to increased mortality due to CVD (HR =1.11; 95% CI =1.01-1.24 and HR =1.02; 95% CI =1.01-1.03). However, the DASH score was insignificantly associated with decreased CVD mortality by 20.4% (HR =0.79; 95% CI =0.57-1.09). There was no significant relationship among AHEI score, MDS, and CVD mortality. Conclusions: This study showed that increasing dietary acidity and the use of inflammatory food compounds could contribute to CVD mortality. Also, adherence to the DASH diet may be associated with a reduced CVD mortality.
Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Parsaei Amirhossein , Mehdipour Aida , Ghadimi Hamidreza , Kooshki Ashkan Mohammadi , Shajari Parisa , Masoumi Maryam , Torabi Pouya , Azizi Hossein , Amini Behnam , Karimi Hanie , Dehghanbandaki Hojat , Moradi Soroush 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BackgroundCompared to the healthy population, the psychological impact of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) on patients' lives could dramatically lower their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Our goal is to analyze OHRQoL in RA patients and look into the role of disease activity, dental health index, and Temporomandibular disorders score in maintaining their oral health.MethodsIn a cross-sectional comparative study, we compared a random sample of 40 RA patients with 40 age- and gender-matched healthy controls in terms of oral health and OHRQoL. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), number of decayed, filled, or missing teeth (DMFT), and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) were among the oral health factors studied (OHIP-14). This study also looked at the link between the RA disease activity score (DAS28) and oral health factors.ResultsRA patients had a significantly higher mean than healthy controls in total oral function, total psychosocial impact, OHIP-14 sum score, OHIP-14 extent score, TMD score and the number of missed teeth (Mann-Whitney U test, P-value<0.05). After adjustment for DMFT, only the oral function score of OHIP-14 had a significant correlation with disease activity (Mann-Whitney U test, P-value<0.05). The TMD sum score significantly correlated with disease activity regardless of adjustment for DMFT (Spearman's Correlation test, P-value<0.05 for both). The number of decayed teeth and missed teeth showed a positive correlation with increased disease activity (Coefficient =0.239 and 0.245, P-value<0.05 for both).ConclusionsPatients with RA are less satisfied with their oral health than healthy controls. In RA patients, the number of missing teeth and temporomandibular disorders was substantially greater, and the number of missing teeth and temporomandibular diseases increased significantly with increased disease activity. Although OHRQoL was inversely connected with RA activity, after correcting for decaying, missing, and filled teeth, only the oral function score of OHIP-14 exhibited a slight connection to DAS28.
Ganoderma lucidum Methanolic Extraction as a Potent Phytoconstituent: Characterization, in-vitro Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Mousavi Seyyed Mojtaba , Hashemi Seyyed Alireza , Gholami Ahmad , Omidifar Navid , Chiang Wei-Hung , Neralla Vijayakameswara Rao , Yousefi khadije , Shokripour Mansoureh 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Ganoderma lucidum has attracted tremendous attention due to its exceptional antimicrobial and anticancer properties that can be delicately tuned by controlling the initial extraction content and concentration. In the present experiment, we detailed the characterization, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic performance of Ganoderma lucidum as a potential multi-functional therapeutic agent.Methods: In this study, we used FTIR, XRD, FESEM, EDX, and HPLC techniques to evaluate the samples, which were then followed by disc diffusion and microdilution broth methods to test its antibacterial effects against four Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. MTT assay was applied to determine the cytotoxic activity of this natural product against MCF-7 and K562 cancer cell lines.Results: The results revealed that the inhibitory effects of this product had higher antibacterial activity against E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The IC50 values of 0.5 and 0.75 mg/mL were obtained for MCF-7 and K-562 cancer cell lines, which confirmed the higher anticancer activity of the GLME against breast cancer cells compared to blood cancer cells.Conclusions: Hence, these data provide pioneer insights into the therapeutic usage of Ganoderma lucidum for treating breast and blood cancers. This work is motivated by research studies looking for pharmacological products to address chronic and acute diseases, where further resources and studies are required to explore such products' adverse effects and toxicity.
Reliance on immunity from prior infection is not secure for hospital infection control
Authors: Parker Eleanor , McClure Myra O , Tedder Richard S 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
There has been much discussion on the general principle of "naturally-acquired” immunity arising from recovery from SARS CoV 2infection, and this recovery state contributing to the prevalence of immunity to reinfection, often referred to as Herd Immunity. This has led to the belief that hospital staff previously infected are safe and do not require vaccine. We demonstrate here that this may be a misplaced notion because the avidity with which the antibody from a person recovered from corona virus infection, even if of a high titre, is low. Effete antibody of low avidity is, therefore, unlikely to impact on the incidence of infection in the population, or indeed protect the individual. By contrast, a single immunisation of a previously-recovered individual by vaccine significantly increases the antibody avidity.
The Effect of appointment spacing model of care on virological suppression and associated factors among HIV positive individuals on antiretroviral therapy at public health facilities of Debre Markos town, northwest Ethiopia: Interrupted time series design.
Authors: Belay Yizengaw Dememew , Moges Nurilign Abebe , Teshome Muluken , Tefera Kenaw Tegegne 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Appointment spacing model (ASM) of care is crucial for HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in order to improve service quality, and patient’s clinical outcomes including viral suppression. However, there is a paucity of information about the effectiveness of ASM on viral suppression. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level and trends of virological suppression and associated factors among clients on antiretroviral therapy enrolled into ASM in northwest Ethiopia.
Methods
An interrupted time-series study design was conducted among 272 adults HIV clients who were stable and enrolled in ASM. They were selected by using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected from the patient′s charts, registration books, and computer databases using abstraction sheets. Regression coefficients with a 95% confidence interval (CI) computed and variables having less than 0.05 P-value in the segmented regression model were considered significant predictors of virological suppression.
Result
This study revealed that virological suppression was decreased from the baseline of 99.22–96% after the implementation of ASM. The trends of virological suppression were significantly decreased by 1.38(95%CI: -2.2, -0.5, P-value=0.0007) after the implementation of ASM. Poor adherence was the most influential variable that caused level and trend decrements over time (P-value=0.04).
Conclusion
The level of virological suppression was significantly reduced after the implementation of ASM. The most significant factor associated with decreased levels and trends over time was poor adherence. It would be beneficial to assess and maintain good adherence of clients on antiretroviral therapy throughout the clinical visit during the implementation of ASM.
Comparative analysis of benign and malignant parotid gland tumors: A retrospective study of 992 patients
Authors: Lee Dong Hoon , Jung Eun Kyung , Lee Joon Kyoo , Lim Sang Chul 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We analyzed and compared the clinical characteristics of benign and malignant parotid gland tumors.PATIENTS and METHODS: A total of 992 patients who underwent surgical treatment for parotid gland tumors from January 2010 to December 2020 were included in this study. This study population was subdivided into benign (n = 812, 81.9%) and malignant parotid gland tumors (n = 180, 18.1%).RESULTS: Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign tumor and mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor. The patients with malignant parotid gland tumors were older than the patients with benign lesions. The duration of symptoms was longer in patients with benign parotid gland tumors compared to those with malignant lesions. The size of the malignant tumors was larger than that of the benign lesions. Preoperative fine-needle aspiration cytology had a diagnostic sensitivity of 50.3%, diagnostic specificity of 98.7%, a positive predictive value of 89.5%, a negative predictive value of 89.9%, and accuracy of 89.9% for diagnosing malignant parotid gland tumors. For benign parotid gland tumors, superficial parotidectomy was most frequently performed, and for malignant parotid gland tumors, total parotidectomy was most frequently performed. Facial palsy was observed in 19.4% of the patients with malignant parotid gland tumors compared to 5.4% of those with benign tumors.CONCLUSION: The clinical features of benign and malignant parotid gland tumors showed differences in age, symptoms, duration of symptoms, size and site of the parotid tumors, surgical procedures, and postoperative facial nerve palsy.
Reliability and Feasibility of Visual Grading Systems and Quantitative Indexes on [99mTc]Tc-DPD Imaging for Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Bae Sungwoo , Gil Joonhyung , Paeng Jin Chul , Park Eun-Ah , Lee Seung-Pyo , Choi Hongyoon , Kang Keon Wook , Cheon Gi Jeong , Lee Dong Soo 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: We aimed to evaluate the reliability and feasibility of visual grading systems and various quantitative indexes of [99mTc]Tc-DPD imaging for cardiac amyloidosis (CA).Methods: Patients who underwent [99mTc]Tc-DPD imaging with suspicion of CA were enrolled. On the planar image, myocardial uptake was visually graded using Perugini’s and Dorbala’s methods (PS and DS). As [99mTc]Tc-DPD indexes, heart-to-whole body ratio (H/WB) and heart-to-contralateral lung ratio (H/CL) were measured on planar image. SUVmax, SUVmean, total myocardial uptake (TMU), and C-index were measured on SPECT/CT. Inter-observer agreement of the indexes and their association with visual grading and clinical factors were evaluated.Results: A total of 152 [99mTc]Tc-DPD images, of which 18 were positive, were analyzed. Inter-observer agreement was high for both DS (k = 0.95) and PS (k = 0.96). However, DS showed a higher correlation with quantitative indexes than PS. Inter-observer agreement was also high for SPECT/CT indexes, particularly SUVmax. SUVmax was significantly different between different DS groups (P = 0.014–0.036), and showed excellent correlations with H/WB and H/CL (r = 0.898 and 0.910). SUVmax also showed significant differences between normal, AL, and ATTR pathology (P = 0.022–0.037), and a significant correlation with extracellular volume on cardiac MRI (r = 0.772, P < 0.001).Conclusions: DS is a visual grading system for CA that is more significantly matched with quantitative indexes than PS. SUVmax is a reliable quantitative index on SPECT/CT, with a high inter-observer agreement, correlations with visual grade and cardiac MRI findings.
Mitigating Inequalities In Community Care Needs Of Older Adults With Dementia: An Integrated Model Of Community Care Operated Under The Proportionate Universalism Principle
Authors: Chan Siu-Ming , Chung Gary Ka-Ki , Kwan Michelle Ho-Wing , Woo Jean 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: With reference to the medico-social integrated day care model of the Cadenza Hub for older people with dementia, we examined whether services subsidized by the publicly funded graded financial support of the Community Care Service Voucher for the Elderly (CCSV) could mitigate social inequalities in community care needs of older adults and their caregivers.Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews with 14 caregivers of active day care service users with dementia were conducted between June and August 2021. The transcribed data were closely read to capture key themes using thematic analyses.Results: The emerged themes included (i) Tremendous caregiving burden in the absence of community care support; (ii) Struggle in choosing care services; (iii) Benefits of the day care service; (iv) Financial support to ensure equitable access to community care; and (v) The role of NGO and social worker in bridging the information gap. Conclusions: The integrated day care of the Cadenza Hub appeared to have addressed the unmet needs of older adults with dementia and their caregivers, including the socioeconomically disadvantaged with the CCSV support.
Occurrence of phthalate acid esters (PAEs) in protected agriculture soils and implications for human health exposure
Authors: Li Xianxu , Li Na , Wang Can , Wang Anyu , Kong Wenjia , Song Peipei , Wang Jun 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In order to understand the occurrence of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in protected agriculture soils and assess their potential health risks to humans, this study explored six priority PAEs in representative protected agricultural soils, and conducted a health risk assessment of PAEs homologs in humans. Results showed that bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) were the most abundant PAEs congeners in the present study, with mean concentrations of 318.68 µg/kg and 137.56 µg/kg, respectively. Di-n-octyl phthalate (DOP) and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) concentrations were relatively low, and dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) were not detected in all samples. DBP concentrations in soils were higher than the allowable concentration standard value. Additionally, soil pH and organic matter were key environmental parameters which may play the vital roles to the occurrence of organic pollutants. Heath risk assessment results indicated that dermal contact was the predominant human exposure route under non-dietary conditions. Furthermore, children obtained higher health risk scores than adults, suggesting that children may be more vulnerable to PAEs than adults. In summary, the overall health risk scores were at an acceptable level, which revealed PAEs in protected agricultural soils posed an insignificant health risk to neither adults nor children. These results provide insights for assessing soil environmental safety and ecological risks in protected agricultural soil.
Serum creatinine / cystatin C ratio is a surrogate marker for sarcopenia in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Ohkubo Hirotsugu , Fujita Kohei , Nakano Akiko , Takeda Norihisa , Fukumitsu Kensuke , Fukuda Satoshi , Kanemitsu Yoshihiro , Uemura Takehiro , Tajiri Tomoko , Maeno Ken , Ito Yutaka , Oguri Tetsuya , Ozawa Yoshiyuki , Murase Takayuki , Niimi Akio 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The serum creatinine / cystatin C (Cr/CysC) ratio has attracted attention as a marker for sarcopenia, but has not been studied in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study aimed to confirm the utility of the serum Cr/CysC ratio in predicting sarcopenia and to investigate its clinical relevance.Methods: This cross-sectional study prospectively enrolled patients with stable IPF. IPF was diagnosed through multidisciplinary discussions according to the 2018 international guidelines, and sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the 2019 consensus report of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were evaluated using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (CAT), and King’s Brief Interstitial Lung Disease (K-BILD) questionnaire. The associations between serum Cr/CysC ratio and the presence of sarcopenia and other clinical parameters, including PROs scores, were examined.Results: A total of 49 Japanese patients with IPF with a mean age of 73.0 ± 7.7 years and a percent predicted forced vital capacity of 80.4 ± 15.5%, were enrolled. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 18 patients (36.7%), and the serum Cre/CysC ratio was 0.86 [0.76–0.94] (median [interquartile range]). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses for detection of sarcopenia according to the serum Cr/CysC showed that the area under the curve, optimal cutoff value, specificity, and sensitivity were 0.85, 0.88, 0.65, and 0.94, respectively. Sarcopenia was identified in 13% of patients with a high serum Cr/CysC ratio (≥0.88) and 60% with a low serum Cr/CysC ratio (<0.88) (P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the serum Cr/CysC ratio was an independent predictive marker of worse PROs evaluated using mMRC (P<0.05), CAT (P<0.05), and K-BILD (P<0.05). Conclusions: This study showed that the serum Cr/CysC ratio can be used as a surrogate marker of sarcopenia in patients with IPF. Furthermore, it is important to pay attention to the serum Cr/CysC ratio because a lower serum Cr/CysC ratio is associated with worse PROs.