bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Multimodal Image Registration Based on the Local Edge Histogram
Authors: Zhao Dong
Published: June 2021

Due to significant differences in imaging mechanisms between multimodal images, registration methods have difficulty in achieving the ideal effect in terms of time consumption and matching precision. Therefore, this paper puts forward a rapid and robust method for multimodal image registration by exploiting local edge information. The method is based on the framework of SURF and can simultaneously achieve real time and accuracy. Due to the unpredictability of multimodal images’ textures, the local edge descriptor is built based on the edge histogram of neighborhood around keypoints. Moreover, in order to increase the robustness of the whole algorithm and maintain the SURF’s fast characteristic, saliency assessment of keypoints and the concept of self-similar factor are presented and introduced. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves higher precision and consumes less time than other multimodality registration methods. In addition, the robustness and stability of the method are also demonstrated in the presence of image blurring, rotation, noise, and luminance variations.
Study on Critical Hydraulic Gradient Theory of Flow Soil Failure in Cohesive Soil Foundation
Authors: Zhou Mei , Dang Faning , Li Yutao , Ding Jiulong , Gao Jun
Published: June 2021

The current formula of critical hydraulic gradient is not adapted to solve critical hydraulic gradient of cohesive soil. Assume that the seepage failure mode of the cohesive soil foundation was cylindrical or inverted circular truncated cone, based on the calculation formula of the critical hydraulic gradient of Terzaghi, the analytical formula of the critical hydraulic gradient considering the influence of the shear strength of the soil was derived. Then, the seepage failure process of the clay layer was simulated numerically, and the effects of the clay layer thickness, failure radius, and shear strength indexes on the critical hydraulic slope were analyzed. The comparison results show that the numerical test results are in good agreement with the calculated results of the new formula. In addition, the critical hydraulic gradient of sandy loam and loess under different working conditions was studied severally by a self-made permeation failure instrument. The results show that the critical hydraulic gradient decreases with the increase of soil thickness and failure radius, and the maximum error between the test and the corresponding formula results is no more than 16%.
A Virus Propagation Model and Optimal Control Strategy in the Point‐to‐Group Network to Information Security Investment
Authors: Feng Liping , Han Ruifeng , Wang Hongbin , Zhao Qingshan , Fu Chengli , Han Qi
Published: June 2021

Epidemiological dynamics is a vital method in studying the spread of computer network viruses. In this paper, an optimal control measure is proposed based on the SEIR virus propagation model in point‐to‐group information networks. First, considering the need for antivirus measures in reality, an optimal control problem is introduced, and then a controlled computer virus spread model in point‐to‐group information networks is established. Second, the optimal control measure is formulated by making a tradeoff between control cost and network loss caused by virus intrusion. Third, optimal control strategies are theoretically investigated by Pontryagin’s maximum principle and the Hamiltonian function. Finally, through numerical simulations, effective measures for controlling virus spread in point‐to‐group information networks are proposed.
Overexpression of RIPK4 Predicts Poor Prognosis and Promotes Metastasis in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Liu Shaoqiu , He Lewei , Sheng Chenchen , Su Rongjia , Wu Xiaomei , Sun Yunyan , Xi Xiaowei
Published: June 2021

This study was conducted to evaluate the prognostic value of receptor‐interacting protein kinase 4 (RIPK4) in ovarian cancer (OC) and its role in tumorigenesis. RNA expression and the corresponding clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype‐Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases. The relationship between clinical‐pathological characteristics and RIPK4 expression was analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test and logistic regression. The Cox regression and the Kaplan‐Meier method were used to evaluate the relationship between clinicopathological features and overall survival (OS). Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed using Molecular Signatures Database. Scratch assay, transwell assay, and cell transfection were used to verify the function of RIPK4. Overexpression of RIPK4 was associated with the stage of OC and distant metastasis. Survival analysis revealed that patients with OC and higher expression of RIPK4 had a poorer prognosis. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that high expression of RIPK4 was associated with poor OS, as well as age and stage of OC. The areas under the curve (AUC) at 1, 4, and 8 years were 0.737, 0.634, and 0.669, respectively, according to the established OS prediction model. GSEA revealed that adherens junction, cadherin binding, and Wnt signaling pathway were enriched in the high RIPK4 expression group. Cell transfection confirmed RIPK4 was involved in the Wnt signaling pathway. RIPK4 can act as a potential prognostic molecular marker for poor survival in OC. Moreover, RIPK4 is associated with tumor metastasis and implicated in the regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway.
Dynamic Analysis of a Competition‐Cooperation Enterprise Cluster with Core‐Satellite Structure and Time Delay
Authors: Hu Wenjie , Dong Tao , Zhao Hua
Published: June 2021

Core and satellite structure is one of the common structures in enterprise clusters. In core and satellite structure, there are one core enterprise and at least two satellite enterprises. There exist a competitive relationship between satellite enterprises and a cooperative relationship between satellite enterprise and core enterprise. However, the dynamic evolution of competition‐cooperation enterprise clusters with core‐satellite structure is not well understood. In this paper, a novel competition‐cooperation enterprise cluster model with core‐satellite structure is proposed. The boundedness of the positive equilibrium is investigated. It is found that there exists upper bound of both core enterprise output and satellite enterprise output and the upper bound of core enterprise not only depends on its own production capacity but also depends on the production capacity of two satellite enterprises. Then, by selecting the production period as bifurcating parameter, the conditions of local stability and Hopf bifurcation are obtained. Once the production period passes a critical value, the output of both core enterprise and satellite enterprise loses stability and displays periodic fluctuations. This may lead to the decline of efficiency of enterprise and resource mismatch. Furthermore, the fluctuation properties are studied. Finally, a numerical example is presented to show the effectiveness of theorem.
Fusion or Gemination? Diagnosis and Management in Primary Teeth: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Ben Salem Mouna , Chouchene Farah , Masmoudi Fatma , Baaziz Ahlem , Maatouk Fethi , Ghedira Hichem
Published: June 2021

Primary double teeth (PDT), referring to either gemination or fusion, are one of the most important and frequent developmental dental anomalies that can affect children’s oral health. Many clinical complications are correlated with these anomalies, such as dental caries, malocclusions, periodontal problems, and dental anomalies in permanent dentition. The aim of this report was to describe, through two cases, a case of gemination and another of fusion, the clinical management, the consequent effects, and the possible repercussions of these two developmental abnormalities on permanent successors. The first case involved gemination of the primary maxillary left central incisor (#61) in a 6-year-old boy. The patient presented with dental caries in the geminated tooth and its contiguous primary left lateral incisor (#62). The radiological examination revealed a slight developmental delay in the permanent left lateral incisor (#22). The treatment plan involved performing a pulpotomy and restoring the dental crowns of the affected teeth. The second clinical case describes a 6-year-old girl with unilateral fusion between a primary mandibular lateral incisor (#72) and a supernumerary tooth (#72’). The treatment included restoration of the deep grooves of the fused teeth using flowable composite and coronal restoration of the contiguous left primary canine (#73). Clinical and radiological follow-ups were performed every 3 months to monitor the development of teeth. No clinical and radiological symptoms were noted during the follow-up visits. PDT may require a multidisciplinary treatment. They should be diagnosed early to avoid and treat any possible complications in both the primary teeth and their permanent successors.
The Analysis of Dynamic Changes and Prognosis of Posner–Schlossman Syndrome with Cytomegalovirus Infection and Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Sheng Qilian , Zhai Ruyi , Fan Xintong , Kong Xiangmei
Published: June 2021

Purpose. To analyze how keratic precipitate (KP) morphology changes during Posner–Schlossman syndrome (PSS) prognosis and raise medication suggestions on 2% ganciclovir eye drops. Materials and Methods. Clinical retrospective cohort study in the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. The attacked eyes of 98 eligible subjects diagnosed unilateral PSS were enrolled between 2016 and 2019. All patients were treated with intraocular pressure-lowering drugs and anti-inflammatory steroids. 2% ganciclovir eye drops were given to cytomegalovirus (CMV) immunoglobulin G (IgG) correction ratio positive patients. Frequent follow-ups and examinations were performed. KP morphology was focused and categorized into coin-shaped, mutton-fat, and pigmented. Medical histories were noted. Multidimensional analysis was given. Results. Totally 47 patients in 98 achieved all-KP disappearance. Mean treatment time was (5.13 ± 3.66) weeks. Total KP disappearance was negatively correlated with mutton-fat and pigmented KPs at the first visit (

P
=
0.020

,

P
=
0.007

) and treatment time was also longer (

P
=
0.018

,

P
=
0.014

). Mean cumulative steroids dosage for 47 subjects was (159.66 ± 161.84) drops. CMV IgG correction ratio positive patients had smaller corneal endothelial cell density (

P
<
0.005

) and larger cup-to-disc ratio (

P
=
0.017

) than negative subjects. Cumulative steroid treatment time was longer in the CMV-positive group, and overall dosage was also larger. However, due to 2% ganciclovir eye drops, daily steroid dosage was lower in the CMV-positive group. Conclusions. The disappearance of mutton-fat and pigmented KPs needed longer treatment time. Paired aqueous humor and serum CMV IgG tests were recommended in PSS patients with coin-shaped KPs. 2% ganciclovir eye drops improved prognosis; and steroids dosage reduced significantly.
A Multiagent Reinforcement Learning Solution for Geometric Configuration Optimization in Passive Location Systems
Authors: Li Shengxiang , Li Haisi , Ke Ke , Li Ou , Liu Guangyi , Ding Siyuan , Bai Yijie
Published: June 2021

Passive location systems receive electromagnetic waves at one or multiple base stations to locate the transmitters, which are widely used in security fields. However, the geometric configurations of stations can greatly affect the positioning precision. In the literature, the geometry of the passive location system is mainly designed based on empirical models. These empirical models, being hard to track the sophisticated electromagnetic environment in the real world, result in suboptimal geometric configurations and low positioning precision. In order to master the characteristics of complicated electromagnetic environments to improve positioning performance, this paper proposes a novel geometry optimization method based on multiagent reinforcement learning. In the proposed method, agents learn to optimize the geometry cooperatively by factorizing team value function into agentwise value functions. To facilitate cooperation and deal with data transmission challenges, a constraint is imposed on the data sent from the central station to vice stations to ensure conciseness and effectiveness of communications. According to the empirical results under direct position determination systems, agents can find better geometric configurations than the existing methods in complicated electromagnetic environments.
Exercise Improves Endothelial Function via the lncRNA MALAT1/miR-320a Axis in Obese Children and Adolescents
Authors: Zhao Wei , Yin Yane , Cao Huiling , Wang Yandong
Published: June 2021

Background. Endothelial dysfunction commonly occurs in obese children and adolescents, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Exercise has significant protective effects against endothelial dysfunction through regulating some noncoding RNAs. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of long noncoding RNA MALAT1 and microRNA-320a (miR-320a) with the exercise-induced improvement of endothelial dysfunction in obese children and adolescents. Methods. Sixty obese children and adolescents were included in this study, including 40 cases that received 12-week exercise training and 20 cases that received only diet control. The anthropometric and blood indices before and after exercise were recorded and compared, and the endothelial dysfunction was evaluated by examining the levels of markers, including VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin, using an ELISA assay. The expression levels of noncoding RNAs were assessed using real-time quantitative PCR, and their correlation with patients’ recorded indices and endothelial dysfunction markers was analyzed. Results. The 12-week exercise training significantly decreased the levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin and could inhibit MALAT1 but promote miR-320a expression in obese children and adolescents. The expression of MALAT1 and miR-320a was correlated with the changes in the anthropometric and blood indices of obese children and adolescents, and their correlations with endothelial dysfunction markers were obtained. Conclusion. All the data revealed that exercise has significantly protective effects against endothelial dysfunction and can regulate the expression of the MALAT1/miR-320a axis. MALAT1 and miR-320a were correlated with endothelial dysfunction markers, indicating that the MALAT1/miR-320a axis may be related with the alleviating effects of exercise on endothelial function in obese children and adolescents.
Improving Fibrin Hydrogels’ Mechanical Properties, through Addition of Silica or Chitosan-Silica Materials, for Potential Application as Wound Dressings
Authors: Becerra Natalia Y. , Restrepo Luz M. , Galeano Yessika , Tobón Ana C. , Turizo Luis F. , Mesa Monica
Published: June 2021

Fibrin is a protein-based hydrogel formed during blood coagulation. It can also be produced in vitro from human blood plasma, and it is capable of resisting high deformations. However, after each deformation process, it loses high amounts of water, which subsequently makes it mechanically unstable and, finally, difficult to manipulate. The objective of this work was to overcome the in vitro fibrin mechanical instability. The strategy consists of adding silica or chitosan-silica materials and comparing how the different materials electrokinetic-surface properties affect the achieved improvement. The siliceous materials electrostatic and steric stabilization mechanisms, together with plasma protein adsorption on their surfaces, were corroborated by DLS and ζ-potential measurements before fibrin gelling. These properties avoid phase separation, favoring homogeneous incorporation of the solid into the forming fibrin network. Young’s modulus of modified fibrin hydrogels was evaluated by AFM to quantitatively measure stiffness. It increased 2.5 times with the addition of 4 mg/mL silica. A similar improvement was achieved with only 0.7 mg/mL chitosan-silica, which highlighted the contribution of hydrophilic chitosan chains to fibrinogen crosslinking. Moreover, these chains avoided the fibroblast growth inhibition onto modified fibrin hydrogels 3D culture observed with silica. In conclusion, 0.7 mg/mL chitosan-silica improved the mechanical stability of fibrin hydrogels with low risks of cytotoxicity. This easy-to-manipulate modified fibrin hydrogel makes it suitable as a wound dressing biomaterial.
Real-Time Collection Method of Athletes’ Abnormal Training Data Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Wang Yue
Published: June 2021

Real-time collection of athletes’ abnormal training data can improve the training effect of athletes. This paper studies the real-time collection method of athletes’ abnormal training data based on machine learning. The main motivation of this paper is to collect the athletes’ abnormal training data in time, which can help to evaluate and improve the training effect. Four sensor nodes are arranged in the upper and lower limbs of athletes to collect the angular velocity, acceleration, and magnetic field strength data of athletes in training state. The data are sent to the data transmission base station through wireless sensors, and the data transmission base station transmits the data to the data processing terminal. The data processing terminal calculates the difference between the sample values of each sensor to obtain the data dispersion of each sensor. The features of each dimension data in a time domain and frequency domain are obtained by using the dispersion degree to construct 32-dimensional feature vectors, and the extracted feature vectors are input into the hidden Markov model. The forward algorithm is used to obtain the probability of the final observation sequence, so as to realize the final collection of athletes’ abnormal training data. The experimental results show that the accuracy and recall rate of the abnormal data collected by this method is higher than 98%, which requires less time.
Assessment of the Impact of Salt Iodisation Programmes on Urinary Iodine Concentrations and Goitre Rates: A Systematic Review
Authors: Machamba Almeida Abudo Leite , Azevedo Francilene Maria , Candido Aline Carare , Macedo Mariana de Souza , Priore Silvia Eloiza , Franceschini Sylvia do Carmo Castro
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Two main strategies are currently recommended for the prevention and control of iodine deficiency in the world: implementation of universal salt iodisation programmes and permanent monitoring of iodine consumption by the population. Although iodine intake and coverage iodised salt have increased in the world population, iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) may still be a public health problem in a few countries or communities. Objective. To assess the impact of salt iodisation programmes on urinary iodine concentrations and goitre rates in the world population. Methodology. A systematic review based on the PRISMA method. We obtained articles from Scopus, Science Direct, MEDLINE databases, and other sources between March and April 2020, without limitation of dates. “Iodisation” AND “urinary iodine concentrations” AND “goitre” in English, Portuguese, and Spanish without filters and clinical trial, case-control, and cross-sectional studies were included in this review. Results. Of 479 abstracts, twenty-three were eligible. Coverage on iodised salt was in the range of 16 to 98%, and 11 studies had been sufficient, whilst eight studies had adequate iodine concentration in salt and three excess. 81.8% of studies that had an adequate median of UIC had a good impact in their respective salt iodisation programmes. Conclusion. After 18 years of salt iodisation programme implementation in the 13 countries, the majority achieved sustaining elimination of IDD whilst all had adequate median UIC; however, more detailed studies are still needed to confirm that all communities are equally protected of IDD.
A Multiscale Assessment of Three Satellite Precipitation Products (TRMM, CMORPH, and PERSIANN) in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area in China
Authors: Zhang Tianyu , Yang Yu , Dong Zeyu , Gui Shu
Published: June 2021

This study evaluated three satellite precipitation products, namely, TRMM, CMORPH, and PERSIANN, over the Three Gorges Reservoir area in China at multiple timescales. The assessment covered the following aspects: the rainfall amount, extreme precipitation, and the rainy-day detection ability. Results indicated that the CMORPH and TRMM estimates of rainfall amount were reasonably good, but the PERSIANN showed a larger bias than the other two satellite products. The data precision of CMORPH was slightly better than TRMM. All three satellite products could reproduce the diurnal cycle of rainfall, i.e., more precipitation in the morning than in the evening. The CMORPH estimates were closest to the gauge observation at 3-hourly and 12-hourly timescales. The data accuracy of CMORPH data was better during the night than in the daytime. At daily timescale, the quality of TRMM data was slightly inferior to the CMORPH, whereas the PERSIANN still differed much from the ground observation. At monthly, seasonally, and yearly timescales, the performance of TRMM was comparable to CMORPH, and both of them were obviously superior to PERSIANN. The rainy-day detection ability of CMORPH and TRMM was much better than PERSIANN. The PERSIANN data tended to overestimate the light rainy days but underestimate the heavy and torrential rainy days. The CMORPH data overestimated mainly the moderate rainy days. The TRMM data overestimated the occurrence frequency of heavy rain during the winter half year (from October to the next March). Both the CMORPH and the TRMM provided good estimates of the regional average rainy days. The data accuracy of CMORPH was slightly better than TRMM, and both were far better than the PERSIANN with respect to the rainfall amount and rainy-day detection. Nevertheless, all satellite estimates showed large biases of extreme precipitation. The CMORPH estimate of the maximum 5-day precipitation was the best of all. Both the CMORPH and TRMM data overestimated the 95th percentile of precipitation, but the PERSIANN data severely underestimated it. The PERSIANN estimates of extreme precipitation amount were the best of all during the daytime, nighttime, and the whole day. The above evaluation results could facilitate the application of satellite rainfall products and provide a reference to precipitation-related studies.
PIN1 Protects Hair Cells and Auditory HEI‐OC1 Cells against Senescence by Inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Zhang Yanzhuo , Lv Zhe , Liu Yudong , Cao Huan , Yang Jianwang , Wang Baoshan
Published: June 2021

A growing amount of evidence has confirmed the crucial role of the prolyl isomerase PIN1 in aging and age‐related diseases. However, the mechanism of PIN1 in age‐related hearing loss (ARHL) remains unclear. Pathologically, ARHL is primarily due to the loss and dysfunction of hair cells (HCs) and spiral ganglion cells (SGCs) in the cochlea. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the role of PIN1 in protecting hair cells and auditory HEI‐OC1 cells from senescence. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were used to detect the PIN1 protein level in the serum of ARHL patients and C57BL/6 mice in different groups, and in the SGCs and HCs of young and aged C57BL/6 mice. In addition, a model of HEI‐OC1 cell senescence induced by H2O2 was used. Adult C57BL/6 mice were treated with juglone, or juglone and NAC, for 4 weeks. Interestingly, we found that the PIN1 protein expression decreased in the serum of patients with ARHL, in senescent HEI‐OC1 cells, and in the cochlea of aged mice. Moreover, under H2O2 and juglone treatment, a large amount of ROS was produced, and phosphorylation of p53 was induced. Importantly, PIN1 expression was significantly increased by treatment with the p53 inhibitor pifithrin‐α. Overexpression of PIN1 reversed the increased level of p‐p53 and rescued HEI‐OC1 cells from senescence. Furthermore, PIN1 mediated cellular senescence by the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In vivo data from C57BL/6 mice showed that treatment with juglone led to hearing loss. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that PIN1 may act as a vital modulator in hair cell and HEI‐OC1 cell senescence.
First-in-Human Study of PF-06647020 (Cofetuzumab Pelidotin), an Antibody–Drug Conjugate Targeting Protein Tyrosine Kinase 7, in Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Maitland Michael L. , Sachdev Jasgit C. , Sharma Manish R. , Moreno Victor , Boni Valentina , Kummar Shivaani , Stringer-Reasor Erica , Lakhani Nehal , Moreau Allison R. , Xuan Dawei , Li Ray , Powell Eric L. , Jackson-Fisher Amy , Bowers Michelle , Alekar Shilpa , Xin Xiaohua , Tolcher Anthony W. , Calvo Emiliano
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

We investigated safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of the protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7)-targeted, auristatin-based antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) PF-06647020/cofetuzumab pelidotin (NCT02222922).

Patients and Methods:

Patients received PF-06647020 intravenously every 3 weeks at 0.2–3.7 mg/kg or every 2 weeks at 2.1–3.2 mg/kg, in sequential dose escalation, following a modified toxicity probability interval method. In dose expansion, pretreated patients with advanced, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), or triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) received PF-06647020 2.8 mg/kg every 3 weeks.

Results:

The most common, treatment-related adverse events for PF-06647020 administered every 3 weeks were nausea, alopecia, fatigue, headache, neutropenia, and vomiting (45%–25%); 25% of patients had grade ≥ 3 neutropenia. Two patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities (grade 3 headache and fatigue) at the highest every 3 weeks dose evaluated. The recommended phase II dose was 2.8 mg/kg every 3 weeks. The overall safety profile observed with PF-06647020 administered every 2 weeks was similar to that of the every 3 weeks regimen. Systemic exposure for the ADC and total antibody generally increased in a dose-proportional manner. Antitumor activity was observed in treated patients with overall objective response rates of 27% in ovarian cancer (n = 63), 19% in NSCLC (n = 31), and 21% in TNBC (n = 29). Responders tended to have moderate or high PTK7 tumor expression by IHC.

Conclusions:

This PTK7-targeted ADC demonstrated therapeutic activity in previously treated patients with ovarian cancer, NSCLC, and TNBC at a dose range of 2.1–3.2 mg/kg, supporting further clinical evaluation to refine dose, schedule, and predictive tissue biomarker testing in patients with advanced malignancies.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Two Different Schedules for Cisplatin Treatment in Patients with Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Xia Wei-Xiong , Lv Xing , Liang Hu , Liu Guo-Ying , Sun Rui , Zeng Qi , Li Si-Wei , Mo Hao-Yuan , Han Fei , Luo Dong-Hua , Liu Qing , Shi Meng-Yun , Ye Yan-Fang , Yang Jing , Ke Liang-Ru , Qiang Meng-Yun , Qiu Wen-Ze , Yu Ya-Hui , Liu Kui-Yuan , Huang Xin-Jun , Li Wang-Zhong , Lv Shu-Hui , Cai Zhuo-Chen , Miao Jing-Jing , Guo Ling , Chen Ming-Yuan , Cao Ka-Jia , Wang Lin , Zhao Chong , Huang Pei-Yu , Chen Qiu-Yan , Hua Yi-Jun , Tang Lin-Quan , Qian Chao-Nan , Mai Hai-Qiang , Guo Xiang , Xiang Yan-Qun
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

Previous studies suggest that a cumulative cisplatin dose of 200 mg/m2 might be adequate in the intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) era for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC). However, two cycles of once-every-3-weeks cisplatin at 100 mg/m2 has never been prospectively compared with standard once-a-week cisplatin regimen.

Patients and Methods:

This trial was conducted at three hospitals from 2011 to 2016. Patients who met the eligibility criteria were recruited (ChiCTR-TRC-12001979) and randomly assigned (1:1) via a computer-generated sequence to receive once-every-3-weeks cisplatin at 100 mg/m2 for two cycles or once-a-week cisplatin at 40 mg/m2 for six cycles concurrently with IMRT. Primary endpoint was failure-free survival and between-group absolute difference of 10% as the noninferiority margin.

Results:

A total of 510 patients were enrolled. Median follow-up time was 58.3 months with 85.4% of 3-year failure-free survival in the once-every-3-weeks group and 85.6% in the once-a-week group. An absolute difference of −0.2% (95% confidence interval, −6.3 to 5.9; Pnoninferiority = 0.0016). Acute toxicities of grade 3 or higher occurred in 55.8% in the once-every-3-weeks group and 66.3% in the once-a-week group (P = 0.015). The most common acute toxicities were hematologic abnormalities, including leukopenia (16% vs. 27%; P = 0.0022) and thrombocytopenia (1% vs. 5%; P = 0.015). The late grade 3–4 auditory loss rate was significantly lower in the once-every-3-weeks group than the once-a-week group (6% vs. 13%; P = 0.0039).

Conclusions:

Once-every-3-weeks cisplatin as concurrent chemoradiotherapy is noninferior to once-a-week cisplatin in the treatment efficacy in the LANPC. Although both regimens are well tolerated, severe acute toxicities and late-onset auditory loss are higher in the once-a-week group.
Phase I, First-in-Human Study of the Probody Therapeutic CX-2029 in Adults with Advanced Solid Tumor Malignancies
Authors: Johnson Melissa , El-Khoueiry Anthony , Hafez Navid , Lakhani Nehal , Mamdani Hirva , Rodon Jordi , Sanborn Rachel E. , Garcia-Corbacho Javier , Boni Valentina , Stroh Mark , Hannah Alison L. , Wang Song , Castro Henry , Spira Alexander
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

PROCLAIM-CX-2029 is a phase I first-in-human study of CX-2029, a Probody–drug conjugate targeting CD71 (transferrin receptor 1) in adults with advanced solid tumors. Although the transferrin receptor is highly expressed across multiple tumor types, it has not been considered a target for antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) due to its broad expression on normal cells. CX-2029 is a masked form of a proprietary anti-CD71 antibody conjugated to monomethyl auristatin E, designed to be unmasked in the tumor microenvironment by tumor-associated proteases, therefore limiting off-tumor toxicity and creating a therapeutic window for this previously undruggable target.

Patients and Methods:

This was a dose-escalation, multicenter trial to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity of CX-2029. The primary endpoint was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and cycle 1 dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). CX-2029 was administered i.v. every 3 weeks.

Results:

Forty-five patients were enrolled in eight dose levels. No DLTs were reported in the dose escalation through 4 mg/kg. At 5 mg/kg, there were two DLTs (febrile neutropenia and pancytopenia). Following expansion of the 4 mg/kg dose to six patients, two additional DLTs were observed (infusion-related reaction and neutropenia/anemia). Both the 4 and 5 mg/kg doses were declared above the maximum tolerated dose. The recommended phase II dose is 3 mg/kg. The most common dose-dependent hematologic toxicities were anemia and neutropenia. Confirmed partial responses were observed in three patients, all with squamous histologies.

Conclusions:

The Probody therapeutic platform enables targeting CD71, a previously undruggable ADC target, at tolerable doses associated with clinical activity.

See related commentary by Oberoi and Garralda, p. 4459
Primary Pancreatic Mantle Cell Lymphoma Diagnosed via Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration
Authors: Yamai Takuo , Ikezawa Kenji , Daiku Kazuma , Maeda Shingo , Abe Yutaro , kai Yugo , Takada Ryoji , Nakabori Tasuku , Fukutake Nobuyasu , Uehara Hiroyuki , Masaie Hiroaki , Ishida Kaori , Kubo Chiaki , Ohkawa Kazuyoshi
Published: June 2021

Primary pancreatic lymphomas (PPLs) are rare, and the histological classification of these tumors is difficult. To accurately diagnose and determine the appropriate treatment for PPLs, sufficient sample amounts are necessary. Here, we report a 73-year-old man with a primary pancreatic mantle cell lymphoma. Histological samples were obtained via endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). The tumor cells predominantly composed of atypical small to medium round cells, with diffuse immunoreactivity of CD20 and cyclin D1. In addition, immunoglobulin gene H chain rearrangement was detected. The patient underwent chemotherapy, resulting in complete remission. Eight years after the initiation of chemotherapy, the patient was still alive. EUS-FNA could be a useful and safe diagnostic modality for PPLs by providing enough samples for testing.
Onychodystrophy as the Presenting Sign of Steal Syndrome
Authors: Morken Colleen M. , Mortimer Sarah , Denney Richard , Hinshaw Molly A.
Published: June 2021

A man in his 70s presented to the dermatology nail clinic with a 1-month history of worsening onychodystrophy, leukonychia, and pain in his left fifth finger. Physical examination revealed a cool hand and absent radial pulse. Ischemia was suspected, and the patient was sent to the emergency department where the diagnosis of steal syndrome was made and his previously required arteriovenous fistula was ligated. This case highlights the clinical features of steal syndrome, that nail changes should be recognized as clinical features, and that urgent triage of these patients to vascular surgery is of critical importance.
Infection Rate and Outcomes of Watchman Devices: Results from a Single-Center 14-Year Experience
Authors: Ward Robert C. , McGill Trevon , Adel Fadi , Ponamgi Shiva , Asirvatham Samuel J. , Baddour Larry M. , Holmes Jr. David R. , DeSimone Daniel C. , DeSimone Christopher V.
Published: June 2021

The Watchman device (WD) is a commonly used alternative strategy to oral anticoagulation for stroke risk reduction in patients with atrial fibrillation who have an increased bleeding risk. There are rare case reports of WD-related infection. Currently, there is no formal study that has systematically evaluated the incidence and outcomes WD-related infections. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes for WD-associated infections in a single-center cohort over a 14-year period. All patients who underwent WD implantation over a 14-year study period (July 2004 through December 2018) comprised our cohort. Baseline characteristics, procedural data, and postimplantation events were identified through a retrospective chart review. Primary study outcomes included WD-related infection, other cardiovascular device-related infection, bacteremia, and mortality. A total of 181 patients (119 males; 65.7%) with a mean age of 75 years at implantation were included in the analysis. A total of 534.7 patient years of follow-up was accrued, with an average of 2.9 years per patient. The most common indications for implantation included gastrointestinal bleeding (56 patients; 30.9%) and intracerebral bleeding (51 patients; 28.2%). During the follow-up period, 37 (20.4%) patients died. Six developed evidence of bacteremia. Only 1 developed an implantable cardioverter defibrillator infection that required a complete system extraction. None of the cohort developed a WD-related device infection during the study period. We concluded that there is a low risk of WD-related infection even in the setting of a blood stream infection.
MP-AzeFlu in Moderate-to-Severe Allergic Rhinitis: A Literature Review
Authors: Klimek Ludger , Berger William E. , Bousquet Jean , Keith Paul K. , Smith Peter , Sole Dirceu , Scadding Glenis , Kuhl Hans Christian , Nguyen Duc Tung , Kopietz Ferdinand , Koltun Arkady
Published: June 2021

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is prevalent, and many patients present with moderate-to-severe symptomatic disease. The majority of patients are not satisfied with their AR treatment, despite the use of concurrent medications. These gaps underscore the need for treatment with more effective options for moderate-to-severe AR. The authors’ objective was to review systematically the efficacy and safety of MP-AzeFlu for the treatment of AR. The primary outcomes studied were nasal, ocular, and total symptoms. Other outcomes included time to onset and of AR control, quality of life, and safety. Searches of PubMed and Cochrane databases were conducted on May 14, 2020, with no date restrictions, to identify publications reporting data on MP-AzeFlu. Clinical studies of any phase were included. Studies were excluded if they were not in English, were review articles, did not discuss the safety and efficacy of MP-AzeFlu for AR symptoms. Treatment of AR with MP-AzeFlu results in effective, sustained relief of nasal and ocular symptoms, and faster onset and time to control compared with intranasal azelastine or fluticasone propionate. Long-term use of MP-AzeFlu was safe, with benefits in children, adults, and adults aged ≥65 years. Other treatment options, including fluticasone propionate and azelastine alone or the combination of intranasal corticosteroids and oral antihistamine, do not provide the same level of efficacy as MP-AzeFlu in terms of rapid and sustained relief of the entire AR symptom complex. Furthermore, MP-AzeFlu significantly improves patient quality of life. MP-AzeFlu is a currently available combination that may satisfy all these patient needs and expectations.
Plasma Xanthine Oxidoreductase Activity Associated with Glycemic Control in Patients with Pre-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Nakatani Shinya , Ishimura Eiji , Murase Takayo , Nakamura Takashi , Nakatani Ayumi , Toi Norikazu , Nishide Kozo , Uedono Hideki , Tsuda Akihiro , Kurajoh Masafumi , Yamada Shinsuke , Mori Katsuhito , Inaba Masaaki , Emoto Masanori
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) activity plays an important role as a pivotal source of reactive oxygen species, which is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Patients with CKD have increased risk of CVD events. In the present study, factors associated with plasma XOR activity in pre-dialysis CKD patients were investigated. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, plasma XOR activity in 118 pre-dialysis CKD patients (age 68 [57–75] years; 64 males, 26 with diabetes mellitus [DM]) was determined using a newly established highly sensitive assay based on (13C2,15N2) xanthine and liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Results: Plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) were significantly and positively correlated with plasma logarithmically transformed XOR (ln-XOR) activity. In multiple regression analyses, eGFR and hemoglobin A1c or plasma glucose were significantly, independently, and positively associated with plasma ln-XOR activity after adjusting for several confounders. Plasma XOR activity was significantly higher in CKD patients with (n = 26) than in those without (n = 92) DM (62.7 [32.3–122] vs. 25.7 [13.4–45.8] pmol/h/mL, p < 0.001). A total of 38 patients were taking uric acid-lowering drugs. Multiple regression analysis of CKD patients not administered uric acid-lowering drugs (n = 80) showed no significant association between eGFR and plasma ln-XOR activity. In contrast, association between glycemic control and plasma ln-XOR activity was significant even in CKD patients without uric acid-lowering drug treatment. Conclusions: These results indicate the importance of glycemic control in CKD patients in regard to decreased XOR, possibly leading to a decrease in CVD events.
Re-Sterilisation of Single-Use Telemetric Devices
Authors: Zieglowski Leonie , Kümmecke Anna M. , Tolba René H. , Ernst Lisa
Published: June 2021

Implantable telemetric transponders for contactless measurement of physiological parameters are often used in animal-based research. After explantation, single-use devices cannot be re-implanted because of non-validated functionality and necessary re-sterilisation. This is disadvantageous because the battery life would enable a second implantation cycle in another animal. To save costs and time taken for the manufacturer’s refurbishing process, we validated and implemented a re-sterilisation protocol for single-use transponders using hydrogen peroxide gas. The described protocol was established with models, i.e., for large (n = 7) and small (n = 3) animals, of telemetric device from 2 different manufacturers (Data Science International and EMKA). All transponders, prepared according to the protocol, were previously implanted subcutaneously in the flank of pigs or rats for a duration of 21 days. Our investigations demonstrate that disinfection only is not sufficient against bacterial contamination and that sterility can only be achieved by additional gas sterilisation with hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, re-implantation of the re-sterilised transponders into pigs caused neither undesired tissue reactions along the transponder nor impairment of the measured values when compared to the first implantation and after necropsy in 4 cases. We were able to demonstrate that, using our protocol, re-implantation of reprocessed single-use telemetric devices can be performed without compromising transponder quality.
Transfer learning with GoogLeNet for detection of lung cancer
Authors: AL-Huseiny Muayed S , Sajit Ahmed Sattar
Published: June 2021

The use of computer algorithms has gained momentum in filling/assisting roles of specialists especially in early diagnosis scenarios. This paper proposes the employment of deep neural networks (DNN) to detect images with malignant nodules of lung computed tomography (CT). The method includes subjecting input images to a simple and fast pre-processing which isolates regions of interest (ROI), that’s the lungs dominated area, ridding the images of other surrounding tissues and artefacts. Centered and size normalized images are then fed to a deep neural network for training and validation. In this work transfer learning is used to readjust GoogLeNet DNN to learn this medical data. This includes allowing final layers of the DNN to evolve while restricting deep layers. In this setting, a rough, unprocessed dataset, the IQ-OTH/NCCD lung cancer dataset was used to train/validate the proposed algorithm. Experimental results show that this algorithm scores 94.38% accuracy, which outperforms benchmark method previously used with this dataset.
Deepenz: prediction of enzyme classification by deep learning
Authors: Chehili Hamza , Eddine Aliouane Salah , Bendahmane Abdelhafedh , Abdelhafid Hamidechi Mohamed
Published: June 2021

Previously, the classification of enzymes was carried out by traditional heuritic methods, however, due to the rapid increase in the number of enzymes being discovered, new methods aimed to classify them are required. Their goal is to increase the speed of processing and to improve the accuracy of predictions. The Purpose of this work is to develop an approach that predicts the enzymes’ classification. This approach is based on two axes of artificial intelligence (AI): natural language processing (NLP) and deep learning (DL). The results obtained in the tests  show the effectiveness of this approach. The combination of these two tools give a model with a great capacity to extract knowledge from enzyme data to predict and classify them. The proposed model learns through intensive training by exploiting enzyme sequences. This work highlights the contribution of this approach to improve the precision of enzyme classification.
Network analysis of Youtube videos based on keyword search with graph centrality approach
Authors: Surya Negara Edi , Andryani Ria , Amanda Riyan
Published: June 2021

Youtube is a social media that has billions of users, with this can be used as a promotional media, trends, business, and so forth. This study aims to analyze the correlation between Youtube videos by utilizing hashtags on video using graph theory. Data collection in this study uses scraping techniques taken from the Youtube website in the form of links, titles, keywords, and hashtags. The method used in this research is Social Network Analysis, the measurements used in this study are degree centrality and betweenness centrality. The results of this study indicate that the most popular hashtags with the keyword search for "viruses" are #KidflixPT, #Portugues, and #Mondo with degree centrality values equal to 0.071875. and the correlation between the most closely related videos about #Coronavirus with a value of betweenness centrality of 0.082626.
Gray level co-occurrence matrix feature extraction and histogram in breast cancer classification with ultrasonographic imagery
Authors: Djunaidi Karina , Bedi Agtriadi Herman , Kuswardani Dwina , S. Purwanto Yudhi
Published: June 2021

One way to detect breast cancer is using the Ultrasonography (USG) procedure, but the ultrasound image is susceptible to the noise speckles so that the interpretation and diagnosis results are different. This paper discusses the classification of breast cancer ultrasound images that aims to improve the accuracy of the identification of the type and level of cancer malignancies based on the features of its texture. The feature extraction process uses a histogram which then the results are calculated using the Gray Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM). The results of the two extraction features are then classified using K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) to obtain accurate figures from those images. The results of this study is that the accuracy in detecting cancer types is 80%.
ISODATA SOPC-FPGA implementation of image segmentation using NIOS-II processor
Authors: Fayçal Radjah , Lahcene Ziet , Nabil Benoudjit
Published: June 2021

This paper presents an FPGA image segmentation-binarization system based on Iterative Self Organizing DATA (ISODATA) threshold using histogram analysis for embedded systems. The histogram module computes pixels levels statistics which are used by the ISODATA algorithm module to determine the segmentation threshold. In our case, this threshold binarizes a gray-scale image into two values 0 or 255. The prototype of the complete system uses an ALTERA CYCLONE-II DE2 kit with a lot of component and interfaces, such as the SD-CARD reader or a camera to read the image to be segmented, the FPGA which will implement the intellectual property (IP) core calculation with the NIOS processor, the VGA interface to view the results, and possibly of the ETHERNET interface for data transfer via internet. The use of FPGA contains the ISODATA, histogram, NIOS processor and others custom altera IPs hardware modules greatly improves processing speed and allows the binarization application to be embedded on a single chip. For the project elaboration, we have used QUARTUS-II software for the hardware development part with VHDL description, SOPC-builder or QSYS for the integration of NIOS-system, and NIOS-II-STB-ECLIPSE for the software program with eclipse c++ langage.

 
Stress classification based on human electromagnetic radiation analysis
Authors: Tengku Zainul Akmal Tengku ‘Afiah Mardhiah , Abd Talib Abd Hafiz Qayyum , A. Jalil Siti Zura , Mohd Aris Siti Armiza
Published: June 2021

Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension due to any events that makes one feel frustrated, angry or nervous. It a situation that trigger particular biological response when encounter a threat or challenge. This paper discussed stress classification based on human electromagnetic radiation (EMR). At first, the collected radiation frequency data is analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to identify the significance points for the classification. Then, the data is classified using locally weighted learning (LWL) algorithm. The results show stress classification using EMR based on third eye and throat chakra points obtained accuracy of more than 60%.