bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unsymmetrical cyanine dye via in vivo hitchhiking endogenous albumin affords high-performance NIR-II/photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy
Authors: Xu Pengfei , Hu Linan , Yu Cheng , Yang Weidong , Kang Fei , Zhang Mingru , Jiang Pei , Wang Jing
Published: October 2021

Herein, an unprecedented synergistic strategy for the development of high-performance NIR-II fluorophore is proposed and validated. Based on an unsymmetrical cyanine dye design strategy, the NIR-II emissive dye NIC was successfully developed by replacing only one of the indoline donors of symmetrical cyanine dye ICG with a fully conjugated benz[c,d]indole donor. This minor structural change maximally maintains the high extinction coefficient advantage of cyanine dyes. NIC-ER with endogenous albumin-hitchhiking capability was constructed to further enhance its in vivo fluorescence brightness. In the presence of HSA (Human serum albumin), NIC-ER spontaneously resides in the albumin pocket, and a brilliant ~89-fold increase in fluorescence was observed. Due to its high molar absorptivity and moderate quantum yield, NIC-ER in HSA exhibits bright NIR-II emission with high photostability and significant Stokes shift (>110 nm). Moreover, NIC-ER was successfully employed for tumor-targeted NIR-II/PA imaging and efficient photothermal tumor elimination. Overall, our strategy may open up a new avenue for designing and constructing high-performance NIR-II fluorophores.
Recent advances in selective photothermal therapy of tumor
Authors: Zhao Liping , Zhang Xu , Wang Xiaoxia , Guan Xiuwen , Zhang Weifeng , Ma Jinlong
Published: October 2021

Photothermal therapy (PTT), which converts light energy to heat energy, has become a new research hotspot in cancer treatment. Although researchers have investigated various ways to improve the efficiency of tumor heat ablation to treat cancer, PTT may cause severe damage to normal tissue due to the systemic distribution of photothermal agents (PTAs) in the body and inaccurate laser exposure during treatment. To further improve the survival rate of cancer patients and reduce possible side effects on other parts of the body, it is still necessary to explore PTAs with high selectivity and precise treatment. In this review, we summarized strategies to improve the treatment selectivity of PTT, such as increasing the accumulation of PTAs at tumor sites and endowing PTAs with a self-regulating photothermal conversion function. The views and challenges of selective PTT were discussed, especially the prospects and challenges of their clinical applications.
Semiconducting polymer nano-radiopharmaceutical for combined radio-photothermal therapy of pancreatic tumor
Authors: Shi Xiumin , Li Qing , Zhang Chuan , Pei Hailong , Wang Guanglin , Zhou Hui , Fan Longfei , Yang Kai , Jiang Bo , Wang Feng , Zhu Ran
Published: October 2021

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastatingly malignant tumor with a high mortality. However, current strategies to treat PDAC generally have low efficacy and high side-effects, therefore, effective treatment against PDAC remains an urgent need.

Results

We report a semiconducting polymer nano-radiopharmaceutical with intrinsic photothermal capability and labeling with therapeutic radioisotope 177Lu (177Lu-SPN-GIP) for combined radio- and photothermal therapy of pancreatic tumor. 177Lu-SPN-GIP endowed good stability at physiological conditions, high cell uptake, and long retention time in tumor site. By virtue of combined radiotherapy (RT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), 177Lu-SPN-GIP exhibited enhanced therapeutic capability to kill cancer cells and xenograft tumor in living mice compared with RT or PTT alone. More importantly, 177Lu-SPN-GIP could suppress the growth of the tumor stem cells and reverse epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), which may greatly reduce the occurrence of metastasis.

Conclusion

Such strategy we developed could improve therapeutic outcomes over traditional RT as it is able to ablate tumor with relatively lower doses of radiopharmaceuticals to reduce its side effects.

Graphical abstract
Pharmacists as immunizers in Lebanon: a national survey of community pharmacists’ willingness and readiness to administer adult immunization
Authors: Youssef Dalal , Abou-Abbas Linda , Farhat Suzan , Hassan Hamad
Published: October 2021

Background

Since the focus of healthcare has shifted toward prevention, pharmacists were highly encouraged to expand their practice to include immunization services. Our study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of community-based Lebanese pharmacists, in addition to their willingness to expand their practice scope to include vaccine administration.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted during the phase preceding the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine in Lebanon between 1 and 31st December 2020. Using a stratified random sampling method, data were collected from Lebanese community pharmacists (CPs) through an online survey that included information on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical experience, willingness to administer vaccines, knowledge about vaccination, attitudes towards immunization, reasons supporting utilizing pharmacists as immunizers and the requested elements to incorporate immunization in pharmacists’ practice scope. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with knowledge.

Results

A total of 412 community pharmacists participated in this survey. Of the total, 66.5% of the surveyed CPs are willing to administer vaccines. The majority of them (89.8%) had an overall good level. Out of all, 92.7% showed a positive overall attitude score toward immunization, 95.4% agreed that community pharmacists can play an important role in advertising and promoting vaccination. The main needed elements for implementing immunization services in pharmacies listed by participants were: support of health authorities (99.3%), statutory allowance (82.8%), patient demand (95.4%), pharmacist’s interest (96.1%) and continuous education and training workshops on immunization. Older CPs (50 years and above) [aOR = 0.703, CI 95% (0.598–0.812)] and those working in Bekaa and North have lower knowledge score than their counterparts. High educational level [aOR = 1.891, CI 95% (1.598–2.019)], previous experience in immunization [aOR = 3.123, CI 95% (2.652–4.161)] and working in urban areas [aOR = 3.640, CI 95% (2.544–4.717)] were positively associated with a good knowledge level.

Conclusion

Most of Lebanese community pharmacists are willing to offer immunizations. The expansion of the pharmacists practice scope to include provision of immunizations required a national plan that encompasses strengthening knowledge, training, certification for eligibility to administer vaccines, enhancing pharmacovigilance and statutory reform.
Bioinformatics analysis reveals a stem cell-expressed circ-Serpine2-mediated miRNA-mRNA regulatory subnetwork in the malignant progression of glioma
Authors: Li Guowei , Lan Qing
Published: October 2021

Background

High-grade glioma has a poor prognosis, and GSCs can have pivotal roles in glioma pathology. This study investigated GSC exosome-containing circRNA mechanisms affecting the malignant progression of glioma.

Methods

In this study, we identified differentially expressed circRNAs and constructed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network through circRNA sequencing/bioinformatics analysis. Then, we identified circRNAs that were upregulated in GSC23 cells and employed them as downstream targets in subsequent investigations. Such investigations included downstream target knockout to assess any influence on A172 cell proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis. In addition, in vivo investigations using tumor-bearing animals evaluated the in vivo influences of the selected targets.

Results

This study identified circ-Serpine2/miR-124-3p/KIF20A as a regulatory pathway in glioma. Our in vitro analysis confirmed that circ-Serpine2 could upregulate KIF20A by sponging miR-124-3p, consequently promoting A172 cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Such a signaling channel could also inhibit glioma cell apoptosis. Additionally, our research indicated that circ-Serpine2 inhibited glioma apoptosis and promoted in vivo tumor progression.

Conclusion

Circ-Serpine2 exacerbated the malignant progression of glioma mediated by the miR-124-3p/KIF20A nexus, thus providing novel predictive/prognostic biomarkers and drug targets against glioma.
Dissemination interventions to improve healthcare workers’ adherence with infection prevention and control guidelines: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Silva Marcus Tolentino , Galvao Tais Freire , Chapman Evelina , da Silva Everton Nunes , Barreto Jorge Otávio Maia
Published: October 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged health systems worldwide since 2020. At the frontline of the pandemic, healthcare workers are at high risk of exposure. Compliance with infection prevention and control (IPC) should be encouraged at the frontline. This systematic review aimed to assess the effects of dissemination interventions to improve healthcare workers’ adherence with IPC guidelines for respiratory infectious diseases in the workplace.

Methods

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster RCTs that assessed the effect of any dissemination strategy in any healthcare settings. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. We synthesized data using random-effects model meta-analysis in Stata 14.2.

Results

We identified 14 RCTs conducted from 2004 to 2020 with over 65,370 healthcare workers. Adherence to IPC guidelines was assessed by influenza vaccination uptake, hand hygiene compliance, and knowledge on IPC. The most assessed intervention was educational material in combined strategies (plus educational meetings, local opinion leaders, audit and feedback, reminders, tailored interventions, monitoring the performance of the delivery of health care, educational games, and/or patient-mediated interventions). Combined dissemination strategies compared to usual routine improve vaccination uptake (risk ratio [RR] 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.54 to 1.81, moderate-certainty evidence), and may improve hand hygiene compliance (RR 1.70; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.83, moderate-certainty). When compared to single strategies, combined dissemination strategies probably had no effect on vaccination uptake (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.07, low-certainty), and hand hygiene compliance (RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.36, low-certainty). Knowledge of healthcare workers on IPC improved when combined dissemination strategies were compared with usual activities, and the effect was uncertain in comparison to single strategy (very low-certainty evidence).

Conclusions

Combined dissemination strategies increased workers’ vaccination uptake, hand hygiene compliance, and knowledge on IPC in comparison to usual activities. The effect was negligible when compared to single dissemination strategies. The adoption of dissemination strategies in a planned and targeted way for healthcare workers may increase adherence to IPC guidelines and thus prevent dissemination of infectious disease in the workplace.

Trial registration

Protocol available at http://osf.io/aqxnp.
Clinical and radiological results of high offset tri-lock bone preservation stem in unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty at a minimum follow-up of 3 years
Authors: Peng Linbo , Ma Jun , Zeng Yi , Wu Yuangang , Si Haibo , Shen Bin
Published: October 2021

Background

Although the high offset Tri-Lock bone preservation stem (BPS) was used widely, few studies explored the clinical and radiological results. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical and radiological results of high offset Tri-Lock BPS in unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) at a minimum follow-up of 3 years.

Methods

55 patients who underwent cementless THA with high offset Tri-lock BPS from 2017 to 2018 were followed for a minimum follow-up of 3 years. Patients were assessed clinically for complications, Harris hip score (HHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Oxford Hip Score (OHS). Femoral offset (FO), acetabular offset (AO), hip offset (HO), HO difference, and leg length discrepancy (LLD) were measured on the anteroposterior (AP) pelvic radiograph. Standard pelvic AP and lateral radiographs were used to evaluate for evidence of bone ingrowth, stem subsidence, stem alignment, radiolucent line around the stem, osteolysis, loosening, ectopic ossification, and femoral stress shielding.

Results

No patients reported complications during hospitalization nor the follow-up period. At a mean follow-up of 42.5 months, the mean HHS, WOMAC, and OHS scores showed a significant improvement from preoperative to the latest follow-up. No patients reported thigh pain. No revision nor sign of radiographic loosening had been detected. The high offset Tri-Lock BPS significantly improved the FO and HO postoperatively. HO difference and LLD were balanced postoperatively. No sign of stem subsidence, radiolucent line, osteolysis, loosening, ectopic ossification, nor severe stress shielding (more than grade 3–4) were observed at the latest follow-up.

Conclusion

The high offset Tri-Lock BPS demonstrated excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes at a minimum follow-up of 3 years. HO difference and LLD between legs decreased significantly and achieved balance postoperatively. Long-term follow-up is required for a definitive conclusion.
Mechanism of exosomal miR-155 derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on stemness maintenance and drug resistance in myeloma cells
Authors: Gao Xinyu , Zhou Jin , Wang Jinghua , Dong Xiushuai , Chang Yuying , Jin Yinglan
Published: October 2021

Objective

This study was to explore the effect of exosomal miR-155 derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on stemness maintenance and drug resistance in MPC-11 multiple myeloma cells.

Methods

MPC-11 cells were transfected with mimics or inhibitors of miR-155. miR-155 expression was detected by qRT-PCR, cell condition was observed, and the expression of stemness maintenance markers OCT-4 and Nanog was observed by immunofluorescence. The expression of proteins associated with the Hedgehog signaling pathway and drug resistance was evaluated by western blot. To investigate whether exosomes affect cell behavior by horizontal delivery of miR-155, MPC-11 cells were co-cultured with exosomes isolated from BMSCs that were transfected with mimics or inhibitors of miR-155. Cell proliferation and the expression of proteins related to stemness maintenance protein and drug resistance were examined.

Results

In function assays, after miR-155-mimics transfection, the expression levels of proteins related to stemness maintenance marker, Hedgehog signaling, and drug resistance were increased in MPC-11 cells. BMSC-derived exosomes carrying miR-155 inhibited apoptosis, promoted cell division, and upregulated the expression of protein associated with stemness maintenance, Hedgehog signaling, and drug resistance.

Conclusion

Therefore, our findings indicate that exosomal delivery of miR-155 exerted the same effect as transfection did on the stemness maintenance and drug resistance of multiple myeloma cells.
Structure-guided steric hindrance engineering of Bacillus badius phenylalanine dehydrogenase for efficient l-homophenylalanine synthesis
Authors: Wu Tao , Mu Xiaoqing , Xue Yuyan , Xu Yan , Nie Yao
Published: October 2021

Background

Direct reductive amination of prochiral 2-oxo-4-phenylbutyric acid (2-OPBA) catalyzed by phenylalanine dehydrogenase (PheDH) is highly attractive in the synthesis of the pharmaceutical chiral building block l-homophenylalanine (l-HPA) given that its sole expense is ammonia and that water is the only byproduct. Current issues in this field include a poor catalytic efficiency and a low substrate loading.

Results

In this study, we report a structure-guided steric hindrance engineering of PheDH from Bacillus badius to create an enhanced biocatalyst for efficient l-HPA synthesis. Mutagenesis libraries based on molecular docking, double-proximity filtering, and a degenerate codon significantly increased catalytic efficiency. Seven superior mutants were acquired, and the optimal triple-site mutant, V309G/L306V/V144G, showed a 12.7-fold higher kcat value, and accordingly a 12.9-fold higher kcat/Km value, than that of the wild type. A paired reaction system comprising V309G/L306V/V144G and glucose dehydrogenase converted 1.08 M 2-OPBA to l-HPA in 210 min, and the specific space–time conversion was 30.9 mmol g−1 L−1 h−1. The substrate loading and specific space–time conversion are the highest values to date. Docking simulation revealed increases in substrate-binding volume and additional degrees of freedom of the substrate 2-OPBA in the pocket. Tunnel analysis suggested the formation of new enzyme tunnels and the expansion of existing ones.

Conclusions

Overall, the results show that the mutant V309G/L306V/V144G has the potential for the industrial synthesis of l-HPA. The modified steric hindrance engineering approach can be a valuable addition to the current enzyme engineering toolbox.
miR-181a regulates the host immune response against Schistosoma japonicum infection through the TLR4 receptor pathway
Authors: Tang Yixiao , Shen Yuanxi , Hong Yang , Zhang Zuhang , Zhai Qi , Fu Zhiqiang , Li Hao , Lu Ke , Lin Jiaojiao
Published: October 2021

Background

Schistosomiasis japonica is a serious zoonotic parasitic disease. Preliminary studies have shown that the expression of microRNA-181a (miR-181a) in the liver, lung and spleen tissues of susceptible host BALB/c mice and resistant host reed vole (Microtus fortis) 10 days post-infection (dpi) with Schistosoma japonicum was significantly different from pre-infection levels. This difference suggests the possibility that miR-181a expression may be related to the regulation of the hosts’ early immune response against S. japonicum infection and thereby affect the development and survival of parasites in their final hosts.

Methods

BALB/c mice, M. fortis, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-deficient mice and wild-type mice (C57BL/6) were infected with S. japonicum, and differences in miR-181a expression between BALB/c mice and M. fortis over different time points post-infection (0, 3, 7, 10 and 14 dpi) were compared. MiR-181a mimic, miR-181a inhibitor and irrelevant miRNA, as well as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a TLR4 receptor ligand, were used to transfect mouse RAW264.7 macrophages. The expression levels of the TLR4 pathway-related cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and IL-6 were detected by quantitative PCR analysis.

Results

The expression of miR-181a was significantly upregulated in the serum and liver of mice infected with S. japonicum and downregulated in the serum and liver of M. fortis. T-helper cell (Th1)-type cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, and Th2-type cytokines, such as IL-10 and IL-4, were differentially expressed in M. fortis and BALB/c mice in the early stage of infection. The expression level of miR-181a in the serum was threefold higher in TLR4-deficient mice than in wild-type mice 10 dpi with S. japonicum. The expression of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 decreased in RAW264.7 cells transfected with miR-181a mimic and increased in cells transfected with miR-181a inhibitor. miR-181a expression was downregulated and the expressions of TLR4 and three TLR4 pathway-related cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were upregulated in RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated with the TLR4 receptor ligand LPS.

Conclusion

These results suggest the possibility of mutual regulation between miR-181a and the TLR4 signaling pathway during S. japonicum infection. miR-181a may regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory factors through the TLR4 receptor pathway and participate in the immunomodulatory effect of anti-S. japonicum infection.

Graphical abstract
Development of whole-cell catalyst system for sulfide biotreatment based on the engineered haloalkaliphilic bacterium
Authors: Zhang Manqi , Xue Qiong , Zhang Shengjie , Zhou Heng , Xu Tong , Zhou Jian , Zheng Yanning , Li Ming , Kumar Sumit , Zhao Dahe , Xiang Hua
Published: October 2021

Microorganisms play an essential role in sulfide removal. Alkaline absorption solution facilitates the sulfide’s dissolution and oxidative degradation, so haloalkaliphile is a prospective source for environmental-friendly and cost-effective biodesulfurization. In this research, 484 sulfide oxidation genes were identified from the metagenomes of the soda-saline lakes and a haloalkaliphilic heterotrophic bacterium Halomonas salifodinae IM328 (=CGMCC 22183) was isolated from the same habitat as the host for expression of a representative sequence. The genetic manipulation was successfully achieved through the conjugation transformation method, and sulfide: quinone oxidoreductase gene (sqr) was expressed via pBBR1MCS derivative plasmid. Furthermore, a whole-cell catalyst system was developed by using the engineered strain that exhibited a higher rate of sulfide oxidation under the optimal alkaline pH of 9.0. The whole-cell catalyst could be recycled six times to maintain the sulfide oxidation rates from 41.451 to 80.216 µmol·min−1·g−1 dry cell mass. To summarize, a whole-cell catalyst system based on the engineered haloalkaliphilic bacterium is potentiated to be applied in the sulfide treatment at a reduced cost.
Health-related quality of life in critically ill survivors: specific impact of cardiac arrest in non-shockable rhythm
Authors: Geri Guillaume , Aissaoui Nadia , Colin Gwenhael , Cariou Alain , Lascarrou Jean-Baptiste
Published: October 2021

Background

Intensive care has a strong impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The specific impact of cardiac arrest in non-shockable rhythm is poorly known.

Patients and methods

We gathered patients included in two randomized controlled trials (AWARE and HYPERION). The HYPERION trial included ICU-treated non-shockable cardiac arrest patients. The AWARE study included ICU patients requiring mechanical ventilation. We compared the 3-months HRQOL of these patients to those of a large sample of the French general population. Physical and mental dimension were compared. Multivariable linear regression was used to pick up factors associated with HRQOL.

Results

72 and 307 patients of the HYPERION and the AWARE studies were compared to 20,574 French controls. ICU patients evidenced lower scores in all the SF-36 dimensions compared to the controls. Similar scores were observed in both HYPERION and AWARe trials. The physical component score was lower in patients from the HYPERION trial compared to those from the AWARE trials and to controls (38.6 [29.6-47.8], 35.4 [27.5-46.4] vs. 53.0 [46.0-56.7], $$\hbox {p}<0.001$$

p
<
0.001

). After adjustment for age and gender, HYPERION and AWARE trial status were associated wit lower physical component score.

Conclusion

Health-related quality of life of unshockable cardiac arrest survivors evaluated at 3 months was similar to ICU survivors and significantly lower than in individuals from general population, especially in the physical dimensions.
Carbon emission factor decomposition and carbon peak prediction based on multi-objective decision and information fusion processing
Authors: Shi Chunxue , Feng Xiwen
Published: October 2021

Global warming caused by excessive carbon dioxide emissions has seriously threatened the sustainable development of human society. How to reduce carbon dioxide emissions has become a common problem faced by the international community. This article aims to study the decomposition of carbon emission factors and the prediction of carbon peaks from the perspective of multi-objective decision-making and information fusion processing. The sample collection method and statistical analysis method are used to collect samples and simplify the algorithm. A collection experiment of carbon emission factors based on the industry of City A is designed. The experimental data collection takes into account the conversion of coal and oil products into standard coal and carbon dioxide the resulting emissions impact. The experimental results in this paper show that the simulated and real values of my country’s petroleum carbon emissions have both increased from 2000 to 2015, and the decline will be controlled in 2017. Both the simulated value and the real value of my country's coal carbon emissions have been on the rise from 2000 to 2015, and the decline will be controlled in 2017. The carbon emissions of coal are far greater than those of petroleum. The research on carbon emission factor decomposition and carbon peak prediction based on multi-objective decision-making and information fusion processing has been completed well. The research results can be used for industrial carbon emission factor decomposition and carbon peak prediction in other cities across the country.
Pricing strategies of an oligopolist in federated cloud markets
Authors: Khandelwal Yash , Dogra Arushi , Ganti Karthik , Purini Suresh , Reddy Puduru V.
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we study how an oligopolist influences the coalition structure in federated cloud markets. Specifically, we use cooperative game theory to model the circumstances under which a cloud provider prefers to join a cloud federation vis-a-vis consider taking a price offer made by an oligopolist. We consider two price offering strategies for an oligopolist: non-adaptive and adaptive. In non-adaptive strategy, an oligopolist makes a price offer to all the cloud providers simultaneously. It can be noted that the oligopolist can buy-out all the cloud providers by making a price offer which is equal to a core allocation and the total price offer made by the oligopolist is equal to the value of the grand coalition. In adaptive strategy, the oligopolist approaches the cloud providers one after another in a sequential manner. We show that by using the adaptive strategy, the oligopolist can buy-out all the cloud providers at a total price offer which is less than that of the non-adaptive strategy.
What sub-Saharan African countries can learn from malaria elimination in China
Authors: Badmos Abubakar Olaitan , Alaran Aishat Jumoke , Adebisi Yusuff Adebayo , Bouaddi Oumnia , Onibon Zainab , Dada Adeniyi , Lin Xu , Lucero-Prisno Don Eliseo
Published: October 2021

Malaria is one of the most devastating diseases plaguing the sub-Saharan African region since time immemorial. In spite of a global reduction in mortality rates, a significant proportion of deaths due to malaria is still accounted for in the region. China recently joined the 40 countries declared malaria free by the World Health Organization and became the first country in the WHO Western Pacific Region to be awarded the certification. We commented on the strategies employed by China to eliminate malaria, address challenges facing malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa, and derive lessons that could be learned in the sub-Saharan African context.
Comparative study between liver biopsy and non-invasive biomarkers in assessment of hepatic fibrosis in children with chronic liver diseases
Authors: Behairy Ola Galal , El-Shimi Ola Samir , Shalan Naglaa Hamed
Published: October 2021

Background

Liver biopsy is the gold standard for detecting the degree of liver fibrosis; however, invasiveness constitutes its main limiting factor in clinical application, so we aimed to evaluate the non-invasive biomarker formulas (APRI and FIB-4) and their modified forms by BMI z-score (M-APRI, M-FIB-4, and B-AST) compared to liver biopsy in the assessment of liver fibrosis in children with chronic liver diseases. Two hundred children aged 6.3 ± 3.8 years (98 males, 102 females) with chronic liver diseases underwent liver biopsy. The stage of fibrosis was assessed according to the METAVIR system for all children, and the following non-invasive biomarker formulas were calculated: APRI, modified APRI (M-APRI: BMI z-score × APRI), Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), modified FIB-4 (M-FIB-4: BMI z-score × FIB-4), and B-AST (BMI z-score × AST). The best cutoff value was calculated to detect early fibrosis (F1–F2) from advanced liver fibrosis (F3–F4).

Results

There were positive correlations between all studied non-invasive biomarker models (APRI, FIB-4, M-APRI, M-FIB-4, B-AST) and fibrosis score as an increase in fibrosis score was associated with an increase in mean ± SD of all studied biomarker formulas. The best cutoff values of non-invasive biomarker models in the diagnosis of early fibrosis (F1–F2) were APRI > 0.96, M-APRI > 0.16, FIB-4 > 0.019, M-FIB-4 > 0.005, and B-AST > −8 with an area under the curve above 0.7 each, while the best cutoff values of non-invasive biomarker models (APRI, M-APRI, FIB-4, M-FIB-4, and B-AST) in the diagnosis of advanced liver fibrosis (F3–F4) were >1.96, >2.2, >0.045, and >0.015, >92.1, respectively, with an area under the curve above 0.8 each.

Conclusion

APRI, M-APRI, FIB-4, M-FIB-4, and B-AST are good non-invasive alternatives to liver biopsy in the detection of liver fibrosis in children with chronic liver diseases of different etiologies especially those that include BMI z-scores in their formulas.
COVID-19 in children: an approach for multisystem inflammatory syndrome
Authors: Morsy Haneen K. , Tohamy Noha S. , Abd El Ghaffar Hager M. , Sayed Rana , Sabri Nagwa A.
Published: October 2021

Background and objectives

Children suffering from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) usually present with mild symptoms and show lower mortality rates than adults. However, there have been several recent reports of more severe hyperinflammatory presentation in pediatric COVID-19 patients. This review article aims to summarize the current literature available on the main clinical features and management approaches of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

Methods

The authors searched different indexing databases for observational and interventional studies using search terms including “Coronavirus, COVID-19, pediatric, MIS-C, Kawasaki, and inflammation.” The retrieved publications were further assessed for relevance to the topic. Only relevant articles were included in writing this review article.

Main body

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a hyperinflammatory syndrome temporally related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in pediatrics. It is characterized by persistent fever, rash, elevated inflammatory markers, and multiorgan failure with increasing rates of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal involvement. The exact pathophysiologic mechanisms of MIS-C are still unknown, but it is postulated to be due to an exaggerated immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children is diagnosed by exclusion of other underlying causes of organ failure. There is a lack of clinical evidence on the management of MIS-C. The current guidelines depend mainly on expert opinion based on the management of other hyper-inflammatory syndromes in children. Patients suffering from MIS-C are treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), corticosteroids, infliximab, tocilizumab, and anakinra.

Conclusions

Despite the growing reports on COVID-19 in children, there is still a lot to elucidate on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and subsequent management of MIS-C. Further trials are needed to investigate new approaches to manage MIS-C. Specific evidence-based guideline for management of MIS-C should be tailored to the current available information on MIS-C.
Early management of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in a hospital without neurosurgical/neuroendovascular facilities: a consensus and clinical recommendations of the Italian Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SIAARTI)
Authors: Picetti Edoardo , Berardino Maurizio , Bertuccio Alessandro , Bertuetti Rita , Boccardi Edoardo Pietro , Caricato Anselmo , Castioni Carlo Alberto , Cenzato Marco , Chieregato Arturo , Citerio Giuseppe , Gritti Paolo , Longhi Luca , Martino Costanza , Munari Marina , Rossi Sandra , Stocchetti Nino , Zoerle Tommaso , Rasulo Frank , Robba Chiara
Published: October 2021

Background

The immediate management of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients in hospitals without neurosurgical/neurointerventional facilities and their transfer to a specialized center is challenging and not well covered in existing guidelines. To address these issues, we created a consensus of experts endorsed by the Italian Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SIAARTI) to provide clinical guidance.

Methods

A multidisciplinary consensus panel composed by 19 physicians selected for their established clinical and scientific expertise in the acute management of SAH patients with different specializations (anesthesia/intensive care, neurosurgery and interventional neuroradiology) was created. A modified Delphi approach was adopted.

Results

A total of 14 statements have been discussed. Consensus was reached on 11 strong recommendations and 2 weak recommendations. In one case, where consensus could not be agreed upon, no recommendation could be provided.

Conclusions

Management of SAH in a non-specialized setting and early transfer are difficult and may have a critical impact on outcome. Clinical advice, based on multidisciplinary consensus, might be helpful. Our recommendations cover most, but not all, topics of clinical relevance.
Research on Construction Cost Estimation based on Artificial Intelligence Technology
Authors: Wang Bin , Yuan Jianjun , Ghafoor Kayhan Zrar
Published: October 2021

For the prediction of economic expenses involved in construction industry, cost estimation has become an important aspect of construction management for the prediction of economic expenses and successful completion of the construction work. Cost analysis is crucial and require expertise for accurate and comprehensive estimation. In order to effectively improve the accuracy of construction project cost, this paper establishes an estimation model based on gray BP neural network. It combines the MATLAB toolbox for program design, and learns and tests the input and output of training samples. This article determines the application of grey system theory to optimize the estimation model of Back Propagation (BP) neural network. The viability of the method established in this article, is tested by collecting the engineering cost data in Zhengzhou city and comparing between the standard BP neural network and the gray BP neural network methods. The results show that the average error of the gray system theory optimized BP neural network model designed in this paper is 2.33%. The gray BP neural network model studied in this paper can not only quickly estimate the project cost, but also has high accuracy rate. The outcomes obtained establishes a model with scientific and reasonable construction project cost estimation.
An IOT and Blockchain Approach for Food Traceability System in Agriculture
Authors: Guo Jianli , Cengiz Korhan , Tomar Ravi
Published: October 2021

The food holds a major role and at the worldwide level in human lives and societies, the agriculture sector is known to be a major employer. In all the developing countries, food supply chain is the major domains of research which need a growth. Nowadays, the world wide serious topic is a food safety and the food safety issues are tackled by the trusted food traceability system. It can track and monitor the food production whole lifespan in which the processes of food raw material cultivation/breeding, processing, transporting, and selling etc. are included. In this paper, food quality problems are discussed and the food traceability system is proposed which is based on the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain technique for agricultural products. The presented system architecture is detailed and other existing problems are also discussed. The consortium blockchain is utilized as the basic network and the traceability system can achieve more reliable and trustable devices.
Research on Data Security Detection Algorithm in IoT Based on K-means
Authors: Zhu Jianxing , Huo Lina , Ansari Mohd Dilshad , Ikbal Mohammad Asif
Published: October 2021

The development of the Internet of Things has prominently expanded the perception of human beings, but ensuing security issues have attracted people's attention. From the perspective of the relatively weak sensor network in the Internet of Things. Proposed method is aiming at the characteristics of diversification and heterogeneity of collected data in sensor networks; the data set is clustered and analyzed from the aspects of network delay and data flow to extract data characteristics. Then, according to the characteristics of different types of network attacks, a hybrid detection method for network attacks is established. An efficient data intrusion detection algorithm based on K-means clustering is proposed. This paper proposes a network node control method based on traffic constraints to improve the security level of the network. Simulation experiments show that compared with traditional password-based intrusion detection methods; the proposed method has a higher detection level and is suitable for data security protection in the Internet of Things. This paper proposes an efficient intrusion detection method for applications with Internet of Things.
Research on TCP Performance Model and Transport Agent Architecture in Broadband Wireless Network
Authors: Li Lintao , Sharma Parv , Gheisari Mehdi , Sharma Amit
Published: October 2021

The problems of Internet stability, heterogeneity, fairness of bandwidth sharing among streams, efficiency of use and congestion control have been solved in this article. This paper proposes an improved scheme of TCP proxy acknowledgement based on Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ), which improves throughput, reduces delay and saves uplink bandwidth of wireless link, and is more suitable for future asymmetric networks. The substantial improvement is observed during the experimentation as processing efficiency of protocol. The observed results revealed that overall processing time for each packet is approximately equals to one fourth of the transfer control protocol and the reduction of 59% is also observed in the utility of resources. The protocol also incorporates various simple techniques for the recovery of loss to improve the throughput in noisy wireless conditions. The results show that the adoption of the average diversity combining technology is helpful to improve the throughput and effective factor performance, and can reduce the requirement of radio link protocol (RLP) maximum retransmission times. As nearly 90% of uplink acknowledgement frames are filtered, the uplink bandwidth utilization rate is significantly improved. Decomposing large data frames into small data frames is also helpful to improve system performance.
Research on Multi-Agent Systems in a Smart Small Grid for Resource Apportionment and Planning
Authors: Yang Zhixian , Fu Kshuangchen , Paul Jhon
Published: October 2021

With the advancement in the technology, deployment of sensors in the industrial or public building is increasing rapidly. The basic aim is to obtain the data from the environment and decision making to the energy saving. The activities caused by the human results the undergoing negative change in the environment. There are many techniques available for decision making and consider the environmental factors solely which cause the energy consumption. However, user’s preferences are not adapted by the systems, but at energy consumption optimization, these systems are very successful. The end-users use the system which considers the factors and their wellbeing are get affected. The distributed generation is incorporated by the Smart Small Grid (SSG), communication network and the sensors for the more reliable, flexible and efficient grid. The energy saving system is presented in this paper which also adapts to the inhabitants preferences apart from environmental conditions consideration. The architecture of Multi-Agent System (MAS) and the agents are utilized for negotiation process performance between the users comfort preferences and optimization degree that according to these preferences, achievement of system is done. The energy consumption of 40% is obtained and in the inhabitants' behavior pattern, the algorithm was specialized. The 16.89% of reduction is obtained by the existing system and it was focused to obtain the agreement between the system and users for user preference satisfaction and the energy optimization is also performed at the same time.
Study and Research on IoT and Big Data Analysis for Smart City Development
Authors: Yu Haixia , Mihai Ion Cosmin , Srivastava Anand
Published: October 2021

With the development of smart meters, like Internet of Things (IoT), various kinds of electronic devices are equipped with each smart city. The several aspects of smart cities are accessible and these technologies enable us to be smarter. The utilization of the smart systems is very quick and valuable source to fulfill the requirement of city development. There are interconnection between various IoT devices and huge amount of data is generated when they communicate each other over the internet. It is very challenging task to effectively integrate the IoT services and processing big data. Therefore, a system for smart city development is proposed in this paper which is based on the IoT utilizing the analytics of big data. A complete system is proposed which includes various types of IoT-based smart systems like smart home, vehicular networking, and smart parking etc., for data generation. The Hadoop ecosystem is utilized for the implementation of the proposed system. The evaluation of the system is done in terms of throughput and processing time. The proposed technique is 20% to 65% better than the existing techniques in terms of time required for processing. In terms of obtained throughput, the proposed technique outperforms the existing technique by 20% to 60%.
El posicionamiento de La Voz de Galicia durante la guerra civil española (1936-1939).
Authors: Román Portas Mercedes , García González Aurora , Román Portas Lourdes
Published: October 2021

En los años anteriores a la guerra civil española, es decir en la II República, el diario coruñés La Voz de Galicia orientó sus contenidos siguiendo las indicaciones precisas que recibía de la dirección de prensa y propaganda y de los sucesivos organismos que le sucedieron. Las autoridades militares y civiles intervinieron durante aquellos años en el nombramiento de personas del consejo de administración, de directores del periódico y, de manera delegada a través de estos, del personal de la redacción. Sin embargo, la propiedad jurídica de la empresa permaneció siempre en poder de sus legítimos propietarios. La Voz de Galicia prefería poner en boca de otros sus preferencias y sus discrepancias con las iniciativas gubernamentales (Román, 1997). El objeto principal era mostrar que el periódico tomó sus medidas para incluir únicamente voces que resultaran afines al cometido común de ganar la guerra, buscando como todos apoyar al bando nacional. El artículo aborda con una metodología descriptiva y analítica el procedimiento de selección de los periodistas que cubrieron la información en aquel difícil período y muestra cómo el punto de vista de fuentes externas era considerado inevitablemente sesgado. De la misma manera, proporciona datos sobre el contexto en que se vivió el conflicto, tratando de mantener la fidelidad a los principios fundacionales del periódico.
La construcción informativa de México en la prensa española de referencia: La Vanguardia, El País y El Mundo.
Authors: Santillán Buelna José Ramón , Zuart Garduño Alberto
Published: October 2021

El presente artículo constituye un estudio sobre la construcción informativa en la prensa española de las relaciones entre España y México en los últimos años, desde la perspectiva de la Agenda setting. El objetivo principal de la investigación es comprender la imagen que de México presentan tres diarios españoles de referencia internacional. Para ello, se llevó a cabo un análisis de contenido a un total de 620 noticias de periódicos como La Vanguardia, El País y El Mundo, publicadas durante el año 2019, con la finalidad de determinar, entre otros aspectos, ciclos informativos, el lugar dónde ocurren los hechos, quienes firman las noticias, las temáticas tratadas, los protagonistas y los enfoques informativos. Entre los principales resultados encontrados se destaca que, emblemáticamente cinco de cada diez noticias aparecen publicadas en el rotativo de El País, además los corresponsales son los que firman el mayor número de informaciones vertidas y la Ciudad de México se enfatiza como el epicentro informativo. Derivado de la investigación, también se encontró que existe un predominio amplio de las temáticas de política interna por encima de las de política exterior, así como de los asuntos económicos y culturales, y la imagen que permea de forma recurrente en los diarios y proyectan es la de un país peligroso, económicamente atractivo, culturalmente sólido y como un lugar histórico de asilo.
Comunicación pública para la comprensión de las políticas culturales: el software Elum en Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.
Authors: Costa Martins Tiago , Correa Claiton , Oliveira Fernando Luis , Lins Iglesias Ícaro
Published: October 2021

O presente artigo apresenta os resultados do estudo da articulação de políticas culturais com a comunicação pública a partir da transformação dos dados abertos de governo em conhecimento plausível de interpretação para os cidadãos. Baseado nadesign science research, a pesquisa apresenta, enquanto resultado, a criação de um artefato (o software Elum) que operacionaliza a comunicação pública a partir das informações disponíveis no Tribunal de Contas do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, sobre a administração pública municipal acerca das despesas no setor cultural. Tal interesse está associado com a transparência, a accountability e o controle social, estabelecidos por dispositivos legais e traduzidos em portais de acesso à informação,portais de transparência e controle social. Os dados acessados pela pesquisa foram tratados (enquanto indicadores) e comunicados (enquanto comunicação pública) para gerar uma equivalência cognitiva entre quem os dispõe e quem tem potencial interesse em compreendê-los. Assim, prototipou-se um fluxo de relações comunicativas para o interesse público. Além disso, o estudo revela a recontextualização da comunicação pública diante de algoritmos, interfaces e dispositivos que reordenam os fenômenos sociais ligados ao exercício de observação das políticas públicas. Em conclusão, destaca-se a necessidade de a área da comunicação articular-se com outros campos do saber, tendo implicações epistemológicas (a construção do saber da comunicação diante de dados, algoritmos e interfaces) e implicações metodológicas (metodologias que possam pensar e desenvolver artefatos capazes de gerar soluções para problemas estabelecidos na realidade social).