bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Difference in Burden Experienced by Male and Female Caregivers of Dementia Patients in Lebanon: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mrad Zaki Abou , Bidikian Aram , El-Asmar Rudy , Hallak Razan , Khoury Dana , Tadros Bakhos , Timonian Michael , Mohamed Ahmed A. , Fakih Lina , Bazzoun Fatima Haidar , Chaaya Monique , Ghusn Husam 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background Studies have shown that dementia caregivers are inclined to sacrifice their well-being leaving them susceptible to an increased risk of anxiety, low quality of life, and depression. With the proportion of female caregivers being unusually high, most studies focused exclusively on the burden of care in female caregivers, resulting in a knowledge gap regarding male caregiver burden. This study aimed to assess the difference in the burden of care experienced by male and female caregivers of dementia patients and the association of burden of care with psychological wellbeing according to gender. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey of dementia patients’ caregivers from various locations in Lebanon, administered over the phone using structured questionnaires from February to April 2019. The population consisted of 50 females and 11 males' informal unpaid caregivers above the age of 18 in daily contact with the patient. The sample was conveniently selected and identified through two main non-profit organizations. The patient and the caregiver’s sociodemographic information were recorded. The psychological distress was measured using the General Health Survey Questionnaire (GHQ 12) whereas the burden of care was measured using the Zarit Burden Interview 22 (ZBI 22). Results A large proportion of caregivers reported a severe level of burden (41 %). Only item 17 of the ZBI questionnaire (Feeling of life loss control since relative’s illness) was substantially higher among females. Of the caregivers, 70.5% experienced moderate to severe distress, being significantly higher in females. The sex of caregivers was the only socio-demographic factor significantly associated with the burden of care. Female caregivers who experienced severe burden had significantly higher odds of distress compared to those with no or mild to moderate burden (adjusted OR=15.55). No association among male caregivers.Conclusion This study demonstrated that female caregivers experience a greater burden compared to males when assessed about anger. This could be explained by the different gender roles imposed by the Lebanese society on its members. Caregivers should be part of the holistic treatment of dementia patients since they represent an essential pillar of the informal care provided.
Positive feedback loops exacerbate the influence of superspreaders in disease transmission
Authors: Wanelik Klara , Begon Michael , Fenton Andy , Norman Rachel , Beldomenico Pablo 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Superspreaders are recognised as being important drivers of disease spread, most recently having played a major role in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, models to date have assumed random occurrence of superspreaders, irrespective of whom they were infected by. Evidence suggests though that this may not be the case, and that those individuals infected by superspreaders may be more likely to become superspreaders themselves, hence creating a positive feedback loop. This could happen, for example, through superspreaders releasing high infective doses that cause high infection intensities in newly-infected individuals, which increases the likelihood that they, in turn, will become superspreaders. Here, we examine the effects of such a positive feedback loop on (1) the final epidemic size, (2) the basic reproductive number, R0, and (3) the peak prevalence of superspreaders. We show that positive feedback loops can have a profound effect on the outcome of an epidemic, even when the transmission advantage of superspreaders is moderate, and despite peak prevalence of superspreaders remaining low. We argue that positive superspreader feedback loops in different infectious diseases, including SARS-CoV-2, should be investigated further.
Diagnostic Accuracy Of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Values Combined With Γ-Glutamyl Transpeptidase-To-Platelet Ratio Parameters For Predicting Hepatitis B-Related Fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Xin , Li Feng , Ye Xiaohang , Lu Daoyan , Liu Xingxiang 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: The accuracy of non-invasive liver fibrosis diagnosis based on the apparent diffusion coefficient value combined with the γ-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelet ratio model to predict the degree of hepatitis B-related fibrosis has not been reported. This study aimed to evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of the apparent diffusion coefficient value combined with the γ-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelet ratio for liver fibrosis grading.Methods: The data of 180 patients with chronic hepatitis B diagnosed by liver biopsy were analyzed.The apparent diffusion coefficient value, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelet ratio, as well as their combination were assessed in different cirrhosis stages using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to evaluate their value in diagnosing hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients.Results: We observed that liver fibrosis stages were inversely associated with apparent diffusion coefficient values (r=−0.691, P<0.001), and positively associated with the γ-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelet ratio parameters (r=0.502, P<0.001). The area under the curve for diagnostic efficacy of apparent diffusion coefficient values, the γ-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelet ratio parameters, and their combination for F≥2 liver fibrosis was 0.831, 0.749, and 0.858, respectively, and for F≥3 was 0.872, 0.771, and 0.903, respectively.Conclusions: Using apparent diffusion coefficient values combined with γ-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelet ratio parameters was better than using apparent diffusion coefficient values or γ-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelet ratio parameters alone (all P<0.01). The combined diagnostic tool may improve the accuracy of chronic hepatitis B-related liver fibrosis diagnosis, especially for F≥3.
Experimental observation of permanent magnet rotation
Authors: Tong Weiming , Chen Bihe 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Why does the Earth rotate? At present, several theories on Earth rotation remain hypotheses. Hence, the aim of this study was to obtain experimental evidence of the relationship between the rotational force and magnetic field so that we can use experimental devices to demonstrate the rotation relationship among the planets and the sun. Each permanent magnet rotating under the action of an external force is installed on the shaft of DC motor; each magnetic ball designed to rotate in a magnetic field is placed in the center of a hollow sphere that can float on the water. Using the above setup, the experimental methods and procedures based on this research can be used to observe the rotation behaviour of a permanent magnet in a magnetic field, understand the reason for its rotation, and determine the strength of the rotational force of the permanent magnet in the magnetic field.
Identification, Molecular Characterization and Pathological Features of Orf Virus in Sheep and Goats in Punjab Province, Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Irtaza , Khan Muti , Aslam Asim , Rabbani Masood , Anjum Ahsan 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Orf virus (ORFV) causes an acute, contagious, skin disease of sheep and goats which is economically important. The objectives of this study were to identify ORFV and to explore its pathological and phylogenetic profiles in 350 goats and 91 sheep of 14 districts of Punjab, Pakistan, from July 2020 to July 2021. Skin scrapings (total no of samples=441) of suspected animals were subjected to polymerase chain reactions, phylogenetic analysis and pathological observations. The partial length of GIF/IL-2 gene (408 bp) was successfully amplified in 58/441 samples. Phylogenetic analysis of GIF/IL2 gene showed that the study isolates belonged to ORFV-cluster I, together with the viruses reported in India and China. Pakistan ORFV isolates were shared 97.6-98.7% nucleotide and 97.6-100% amino acid identities with the reference strain (NC_005336). Moreover, Chinese ORFV-isolates were detected unique multiple amino acid substitutions (F11L, Q21H, D27N, I46V, N49S, N82D, D103N, S129G) with study isolates. Naturally infected animals were anorexic, emaciated, dull, and depressed. The macroscopic lesions included multifocal to coalescing, ulceration followed by proliferative papules, pustules, and crust formation on the epidermis of gums, lips, mouth commissure, muzzles, nose and udder. Histopathological examination revealed hyperplasia, anastomosing rete ridges formation and degenerative changes, including spongiosis and vacuolation of epidermal cells. Keratinocytes exhibited eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies with pyknotic and karyorrhexis nuclei. This is the first report on molecular characterization of ORFV from Pakistan, with insight into its pathogenesis and comparative analysis of pathological alterations and genetic diversity between ORFV strains reported in different geographical areas.
Verification of Effect of Acquisition Time for SwiftScan on Quantitative Bone Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Using an Anthropomorphic Phantom
Authors: Shiiba Takuro , Sekikawa Yuya , Tateoka Shinji , Shinohara Nobutaka , Inoue Yuuki , Kuroiwa Yasuyoshi , Tanaka Takashi , Kihara Yasushi , Imamura Takuroh 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: SwiftScan (GE Healthcare) is a recently developed scanning technique with data acquisition during detector static and rotation. The influence of image quality using SwiftScan on quantitative bone single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) remains unclear. This study clarifies the effect of the acquisition time for SwiftScan on the image quality and quantification of bone SPECT compared to step and shoot mode (SSM) using 99mTc-filled anthropomorphic phantom (SIM2 bone phantom).Results: The coefficient of variance (CV), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), full width at half maximum (FWHM), and recovery coefficient (RC) of SwiftScan and SSM were recorded at various overall acquisition times (5, 7, 17, and 32 min) when the fixed reconstruction parameters (subsets 10 and iterations 5) were compared. The CV of SSM was higher than that of SwiftScan in short-time acquisition (less than 7 min), whereas the CV of SSM and SwiftScan are equivocal in long-time acquisition (more than 17 min). The CNR of SwiftScan was higher than that of SSM in short-time acquisition, whereas the CNR of SSM was equivocal or higher than that of SwiftScan in long-time acquisition. The FWHM of SSM (15.2–16.5 mm) and SwiftScan (15.4–15.9 mm) was almost constant when the acquisition time was 7 min or longer. However, SwiftScan (22.6 mm) and SSM (18.6 mm) showed high FWHM values at 5 min acquisition, deviating from the actual size (10 mm). For the RC of SwiftScan and SSM, was no evident difference between them was observed.Conclusions: SwiftScan on quantitative bone SPECT provides improved CV and CNR in short-time acquisition (less than 7 min) with quantitativeness similar to SSM. Therefore, using SwiftScan in clinical settings instead of the SSM scan protocol in short-time acquisition (less than 7 min) might provide higher quality diagnostic images than SSM. Our results would provide important information on the use of SwiftScan.
Combined α- and β-adrenergic receptor activation triggers thermogenesis by the futile creatine cycle
Authors: Kazak Lawrence , Rahbani Janane , Scholtes Charlotte , Lagarde Damien , Hussain Mohammed Faiz , Roesler Anna , Dykstra Christien , Bunk Jakub , Samborska Bozena , O’Brien Shannon , Tripp Emma , Pacis Alain , Angueira Anthony , Johansen Olivia Sveidahl , Cinkornpumin Jessica , Hossain Ishtiaque , Lynes Matthew , Zhang Yang , White Andrew , Pastor William , Chondronikola Maria , Sidossis Labros , Klein Samuel , Kralli Anastasia , Cypess Aaron , Pedersen Steen , Jessen Niels , Tseng Yu-Hua , Gerhart-Hines Zachary , Seale Patrick , Calebiro Davide , Giguere Vincent 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Noradrenaline is the primary physiological regulator of adipocyte thermogenesis in response to decreased environmental temperature1. However, the molecular factors and effector pathways that lie downstream of noradrenaline-stimulated thermogenesis are still not fully understood but are purportedly driven by cAMP downstream of β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) activation. Furthermore, while the transcriptional mechanisms regulating Ucp1 are well-characterized2, the transcriptional regulation of UCP1-independent thermogenesis is largely unknown. Here, we show that brown adipose tissue (BAT) is primed to respond to environmental cold by triggering coordinated α-adrenergic receptor (αAR) and βAR signaling to induce the expression of thermogenic genes of the futile creatine cycle3,4. Using fat-specific loss-of-function models, we reveal that EBFs, ERRs, and PGC1α are required for the cold-stimulated transcriptional induction of the futile creatine cycle in vivo. Through the application of chemogenetics, we demonstrate that combined fat-selective Gαs (activated by βARs) and Gαq (activated by αARs) signaling elevates whole-body energy expenditure to a greater extent than either signaling pathway alone in a manner that is dependent on the key effector protein of the futile creatine cycle, CKB3. Moreover, genetic and pharmacological studies reveal that CKB is necessary for nearly all of the α1AR-stimulated component of brown adipocyte-intrinsic respiration and is thus critical for the full activation of noradrenaline-stimulated thermogenesis. Thus, the futile creatine cycle is integrated into facultative and adaptive thermogenesis through coordinated α1AR and β3AR signaling.
Efficacy of Chitosan Paste as Intracanal Medication Against Enterococcus Faecalis and Candida Albicans Biofilm Compared with Calcium Hydroxide in an In Vitro Root Canal Infection Model
Authors: Thienngern Pasika , Panichuttra Anchana , Ratisoontorn Chootima , Aumnate Chuanchom , Matangkasombut Oranart 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background

Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans are frequently found in persistent endodontic infection and are resistant to calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), a commonly used intracanal medication. Thus, an effective and safe antimicrobial medication against such refractory infection is necessary in endodontic retreatment, so we aimed to test the efficacy of chitosan paste against these microorganisms compared with Ca(OH)2 in root canals of extracted human teeth.
Methods

Thirty-six sterilized human root samples prepared from extracted premolars and upper maxillary incisors were infected with E. faecalis for 14 days, while 32 were infected with C. albicans for 48 hours, for mature biofilm formation. The samples were assigned to 6 groups of intracanal medications: no medication (negative control), 20% Polyethylene glycol (PEG), 20% Propylene glycol (PG), Chitosan+PEG, Chitosan+PG, and Ca(OH)2. After 7 days, intracanal surface dentin was harvested using Protaper next, resuspended, serially diluted and spread on Brain-Heart-Infusion agar (for E. faecalis) and Yeast Extract-Peptone-Dextrose agar (for C. albicans) for colony count. Antimicrobial efficacy was determined as percentage of remaining colony forming unit (CFUs) relative to negative control and analyzed using One-way ANOVA and post-hoc Games-Howell test. The significance level was set at 0.05.
Results

For E. faecalis, chitosan+PEG and chitosan+PG medication significantly reduced viable bacteria compared with negative control, PEG and PG ( P = 0.001, 0.003, 0.024, respectively for chitosan+PEG; P = 0.002, 0.003, 0.014, respectively for chitosan+PG ). Chitosan+PG also had significantly higher antibacterial activity than Ca(OH)2 (P =0.039). For C.albicans, chitosan+PEG and chitosan+PG, but not Ca(OH)2, showed a significantly lower level of remaining CFUs compared with negative control (P = 0.013 and 0.005, respectively).
Conclusion

Chitosan paste showed good efficacy as intracanal medication in reducing viable E. faecalis and C. albicans biofilm during 7 days in root canals. In particular, Chitosan+PG was significantly more effective against E. faecalis than Ca(OH)2. Therefore, it could be developed as an effective alternative medication in endodontic retreatment.
Transcriptome Analysis of Sheep Embryos In vivo Based on Single Cell RNA-Seq
Authors: Fang Di , Tao Weikun , Wang Jie , Huang Fei , Gao Qinghua 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objective: The purpose of the present study was to explore the transcriptome differences of sheep embryos. Embryos were at different developmental stages in order to assess the differences of the function, classification and metabolic pathway of differentially expressed genes and to provide a theoretical basis for revealing the regulatory mechanism of sheep early embryo development.Methods: 8-cell, 16-cell, morula and blastocysts were collected and the sequencing library was constructed by the Smart-Seq2 amplification technology. The transcriber was sequenced by Illumina HiSeqXten high-throughput sequencing technology and the effective sequences were analyzed by functional annotation and related bioinformatic analysis.Results: The results indicated that the Clean reads of 8-cell, 16-cell, morula and early blastocysts embryos were 441698590-48957974, of which 93.71-95.29% reads were compared with the reference genome sequence of sheep; 10 were compared with alternative splicing types of transcription terminal site (TTS) and with the transcription start site (TSS), which accounted for the largest proportion in sheep embryo transcripts. There were 171170-211487 sites of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 6435-8023 transcripts of novel transcripts in sheep embryos respectively. We used FDR < 0.05 and Fold Change > 2 as the criteria to screen for differential genes by comparing pairwise differences at four stage during embryo development. A total of 8281 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified, including 840 in E16vsE8, 6631 in E32vsE16, 810 in BlavsE32. Using the GO enrichment analysis, we explored the function of the DEGs. No significant difference was found at E16 vs E8.At E32 vs E16,Cellular components contained 127 significance terms (P < 0.05), 92 terms were significant enriched in molecular function, And biological processes involved 338 significance terms; At Bla vs E32,Cellular components contained 7 significance terms (P < 0.05). A total of 40 significance KEGG pathway terms were enriched in E32 vs E16.Conclusions: In this study, individual embryonic transcriptome sequencing of sheep was established for high-throughput sequencing and analysis of the transcriptomes of sheep 8-cell, 16-cell, morula, and early blastocysts. The number of differentially expressed genes was identified at different stages of sheep embryo development and the function, classification and metabolic pathway of differentially expressed genes were obtained. The current study offers substantial information on the identification of the sheep embryo transcriptome, revealing the molecular regulatory mechanism of sheep embryo development. and selects 30 key genes, and its function needs further exploration and research.
Efficacy and Safety of Immuno-based Therapy Versus Standard of Care in Extensive-stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer: An Updated Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Liu Kun , Zhu Youwen , Zhou Xue , Zhu Xiaolu , Peng Libo , Dai Youyi , Zhu Hong 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Introduction

Several clinical studies have shown the emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) could break the standard of care and generate clinical benefits for Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer (ES-SCLC). We aim to assess the efficacy and safety of immuno-based therapy in patients with ES-SCLC.

Methods

Our search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for clinical studies published in English between Jan 1, 2000, and Nov 30, 2021. We extracted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events (AEs), and we calculated the 95% CI together with the incidence. In addition, subgroup analysis was performed for patients with brain metastasis, smoking, and liver metastasis.

Results

We identified 200 records, of which 6 studies (2,905 patients) were included. The combined results showed that immuno-based therapy significantly prolonged OS (HR,0.78; 95%CI, 0.71 to 0.86; p < 0.00001), PFS (HR, 0.81,95%CI, 0.75 to 0.87; p < 0.00001) and ORR (HR, 1.06; 95%CI, 1.00 to 1.11; p = 0.03). Serious AEs (≥ 3 grade) were more frequent with immuno-based therapy [Risk Ratio (RR), 1.08; 95%CI, 1.02 to 1.14; p = 0.007]. Besides, the most common serious AEs were neutropenia (25.1%; 95%CI, 18.9% to 32.6%), anemia (12.2%; 95%CI,9.6% to 15.4%) and thrombocytopenia (8.3%; 95%CI 5.7% to 11.9%). Compared with standard of care, no obvious immuno-based therapy benefit was found for ES-SCLC patients with brain metastases at diagnosis (HR, 1.14; 0.87 to 1.46; p = 0.32) and smoking (HR, 0.88, 95%CI, 0.73 to 1.06; p = 0.19).

Conclusion

Our study reveals that immuno-based therapy better improves the OS and PFS than standard chemotherapy in ES-SCLC patients. Hence, our results provide new insights into the efficacy and safety of ICIs combination strategies for guiding clinical practice.
Vision-Based UAV Distribution Line Inspection Using Deep Learning
Authors: Chen Xuruoyan , Zhuang Jiedong , Wang Haijie , Xie Min , Zheng Enhui 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Regular inspection of distribution line is an important link to maintain the normal operation of distribution network. Using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) instead of manpower can save the cost of inspection. With the universal application of vision sensor in UAV and the rapid development of deep learning, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) is applied to the detection of power line in UAV visible images. In view of the lack of application environment inspection methods for distribution line, a vision-based UAV distribution line inspection method using deep learning and a dataset for the deep learning method of distribution line inspection task are proposed in this paper. The method proposed predicts distribution line area through the encoder-decoder structure network firstly. Image processing operation and sampling clustering are used to remove the interference. Finally, the UAV tracking direction of distribution power line is calculated according to the detected distribution line. The method can reach an inspection speed of nearly 77ms per frame, the range of heading deviation error can reach (-1.52°, 1.36°), the tracking rate nearly 100%. Through the test of network and inspection method on dataset, the results show that the method proposed in this paper can be effectively, quickly and accurately applied to UAV distribution line inspection.