bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Industry 4.0 Maturity Follow Up Inside an Internal Value Chain: A Case Study
Authors: Alcácer Vítor , Rodrigues João , Carvalho Helena , Machado Virgílio
Published: May 2021

Social, economic, and technological recent developments leading companies to face new production challenges. Companies will need physical and virtual structures allowing cooperation and quick adaptation along all value chain. To this matter, one of the main foundations of industry 4.0 is the use of information and communication technologies systems. Many companies are using information and communication systems without integration with business partners and even also with internal departments. This gap needs to be analyzed and it can be made by measuring the status of the industry 4.0 enabling technologies adoption inside a company using maturity or readiness models transmitting knowledge and pathing initiatives to help on progress and monitorization, looking forward to the future status of the internal value chain. On a qualitative and quantitative matter, this study presents the industry 4.0 enabling technologies readiness level of three departments of an automotive company internal value chain. This case study shows different readiness level on each department and limitations to reach better levels such as potential results if the benefits of industry 4.0 enabling technologies were reach on a company that assumes to be aligned with the industry 4.0 strategy.
Doubly resonant sub-ppt photoacoustic gas detection with eight decades dynamic range
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhang Hui , Wang Qiang , Borri Simone , Galli Iacopo , De Natale Paolo , Ren Wei
Published: May 2021

Gas sensors with high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, high selectivity, fast response, and small footprint are desirable across a broad range of applications in energy, environment, safety, and public health. However, designing a compact gas sensor with ultra-high sensitivity and ultra-wide dynamic range remains a challenge. Laser-based photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) is a promising candidate to fill this gap. Herein, we report a novel method to simultaneously enhance the acoustic and light waves for PAS using integrated optical and acoustic resonators. This increases sensitivity by more than two orders of magnitude and extends the dynamic range by more than three orders of magnitude, compared with the state-of-the-art photoacoustic gas sensors. We demonstrate the concept by exploiting a near-infrared absorption line of acetylene (C2H2) at 1531.59 nm, achieving a detection limit of 0.5 parts-per-trillion (ppt), a noise equivalent absorption (NEA) of 5.7×10-13 cm-1 and a linear dynamic range of eight orders of magnitude. This study enables the realization of compact ultra-sensitive and ultra-wide-dynamic-range gas sensors in a number of different fields.
Synthesis and Characterization of Superabsorbent Hydrogels From Waste Bovine Hair Via Keratin Grafted With Acrylic Acid (AA) and Acrylamide (AAm)
Authors: Demir Aysegul Uzuner , Arican Fatih , Sancakli Aykut , Ismar Ezgi
Published: May 2021

The leather industry, due to its way of using chemicals during treatment and releasing them back to the environment makes it one of the hazardous sectors. It is not only releasing the chemicals also during the process precious biomass such as collagen and keratin discarded as waste. In this study, bovine hair which occurs during the treatments of the bovine leather process is supplied as waste and converted to superabsorbent hydrogel via grafting of keratin with monomers (Acrylic Acid (AA), Acrylamide (AAm)) in the presence of N, N'-methylene bisacrylamide (NMBA) used as a crosslinking agent and ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator. Keratin is selected to enhance the biocompatibility of the hydrogel. Thus, different keratin/monomer ratios, crosslinking agents, and initiator amounts were accepted as variables, and reaction conditions were optimized to achieve the highest swelling capacity. Synthesized hydrogels were chemically, morphologically, and thermally characterized via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA). FTIR, DSC, and TGA results confirmed the grafted structure. The maximum swelling ratio was recorded at pH 9, at the end of 48 hours as 1791%. Sponge-like hydrogels were successfully obtained, and waste keratin is successfully valorized by means of hydrogels which can be used in high-value-added areas.
Analysis the Effect of Dynamic Clustering and Lightweight Symmetric Encryption Approaches on Network Lifetime in WSNs
Authors: Abu-Ain Tarik , AHMAD RAMI , Sundararajan Elankovan A
Published: May 2021

Energy consumption and security efficiency are still main challenges in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) due to their hardware resource-constrained nature. The 6LoWPAN protocol was developed to improve WSNs communication, security, and node management optimization. Hence the protocol energy efficiency and security can be improved. In this paper, we address the WSN nodes’ power consumption by analyzing the Dynamic Cluster Head (DynCH) technique, which automates the process of selecting WSN Cluster Head (CH) nodes based on the WSN nodes’ energy and nodes’ distances among each other in mobile WSN nodes. Moreover, this analysis covers the complexity of DynCH in different environments to prove its efficiency compared to the steady CH mechanism. In addition, we present the performance analysis of different lightweight systematic block encryption algorithms along with DynCH scheme on WSNs lifetime. In particular, Speck128, FlexenTech, Tiny Encryption Algorithm (TEA), and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithms are used in order to determine the amount of energy consumed by the sensor nodes and their effect on the network lifetime. Furthermore, the lightweight key management mechanism is used to secure the data and keys exchange between WSN nodes in all different systematic encryption algorithms. The Cooja simulator with Contiki operating system are used to evaluate our analysis. Finally, the outcome of the analysis has showed that DynCH improves the wireless network lifetime by 45% compared to the steady clustering approach. Moreover, the analysis also shows that, Speck128 consumed 26%, FlexenTech consumed 52%, TEA consumed 65%, and AES consumed 78% of wireless network lifetime compared to unsecure wireless networks communication, respectively.
Research and Application of Directional Roof Cutting and Pressure Releasing Technology for Retracement Channel of 3314 Working Face in Hexi Coal Mine
Authors: Cao Jindong , Yang Xiaojie , Huang Ruifeng , Fu Qiang , Gao Yubing
Published: May 2021

The high stress of the surrounding rock of Hexi Coal Mine easily leads to severe deformation of the retracement channel and the appearance of the mine pressure during the retreat severely affects the stability of the roadway. In order to solve the above problems, a roadway surrounding rock control technology is proposed and tested. The bidirectional energy-concentrated tensile blasting technology is used to perform directional cutting to cut off the stress propagation path. Firstly, the deformation mechanism of the roof is analyzed by establishing the deformation mechanical model of the roof of the retracement channel. Then, according to the geological conditions of working face 3314 and theoretical calculation, the key parameters of roof cutting and pressure releasing of retracement channel are determined, and through the numerical analysis of its cutting effect, the length of cutting seam is 11.5m, and the cutting angle is 10°. Finally, a field test is carried out on the retracement channel of 3314 working face to verify the effect of roof cutting. The results show that the deformation of the retracement channel and the main roadway is very small. In the process of connecting the working face and the retracement channel, the maximum roof to floor convergence is 141mm, and the two sides convergence is 79mm. After the hydraulic support was retracted, the maximum roof to floor convergence of the surrounding rock is 37 mm, and the two sides convergence is 33mm. The roof cutting and pressure releasing of the retracement channel ensures the safe evacuation of the equipment and the stability of the main roadway. The cutting effect is obvious for the release of pressure, which is of great significance to engineering practice.
Correlation between Ki-67 proliferation index in invasive breast cancer and molecular signatures: EndoPredict and MammaPrint
Authors: Amezcua-Gálvez J. Eduardo , Lopez-Garcia Carlos A. , Cynthia Villarreal-Garza , Victor Lopez-Rivera , Mauricio Canavati-Marcos , Sandra Santuario-Facio , Antonio Dono , Monroig Paloma del C. , Ortiz-Lopez Rocio , Gomez-Macias Gabriela Sofia
Published: May 2021

Background: The need to identify patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) early invasive breast cancer (EIBC) who could benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy has been enhanced with the development of molecular signature tests. However, due to their high cost and limited availability alternative low-cost prognostic and predictive tests are used in clinical practice. Here, we sought to evaluate the performance of the proliferation marker Ki-67 to identify these patients and explore its association with molecular signatures and risk stratification markers. Methods: From our prospectively maintained multicenter breast cancer registry, we identified EIBC HR+ patients tested with EndoPredict or MammaPrint and Ki-67 as part of their routine workup. Patients were categorized into two groups: Group 1 (2016-2018) was evaluated using EndoPredict and Group 2 (2011 to 2018) with MammaPrint. A ≥20% Ki67 cutoff was utilized for identify high proliferative EIBC and a receiver-operative curve area under the curve (AUC) and kappa concordance were utilized to evaluate the performance of Ki-67 compared to molecular signature tests. Results: In the EndoPredict group, 54/96 patients were considered high-risk by EPclin. 57/96 patients had a Ki-67 ≥20%. However, there was no significant overall concordance between them (59.37%, κ = 0.168, p=0.09). In the MammaPrint group, 21/70 patients were considered high-risk. Ki67 ≥20% was present in 36 patients with a significant overall concordance (67.14%, κ 0.35, p<0.001). Additionally, Ki-67 was associated with the Nottingham histological grade (NHG) in both groups. Conclusion: There is a fair concordance between Ki-67 and MammaPrint risk stratification of HR + EIBC and no concordance with EndoPredict molecular signature. Cost-effectiveness analysis of these tests in developing countries are needed, until then, the use of Ki-67 seems reasonable to aid clinical decision.
Comparison of Robotic and Manual Implantation of Intracerebral Electrodes: A Single-Centre, Single-Blinded, Randomised Controlled Trial.
Authors: Vakharia Vejay N. , Rodionov Roman , Miserocchi Anna , McEvoy Andrew W. , O'Keeffe Aidan , Granados Alejandro , Shapoori Shahrzad , Sparks Rachel , Ourselin Sebastien , Duncan John
Published: May 2021

There has been a significant rise in robotic trajectory guidance devices that have been utilised for stereotactic neurosurgical procedures. These devices have significant costs and associated learning curves. Previous studies reporting devices usage have not undertaken prospective parallel-group comparisons before their introduction, so the comparative differences are unknown.We study the difference in stereoelectroencephalography electrode implantation time between a robotic trajectory guidance device (iSYS1) and manual frameless implantation (PAD) in patients with drug-refractory focal epilepsy through a single-blinded randomised control parallel-group investigation of SEEG electrode implantation, concordant with CONSORT statement.Thirty-two patients (18 male) completed the trial. The iSYS1 returned significantly shorter median operative time for intracranial bolt insertion, 6.36 min (95%CI 5.72-7.07) versus 9.06 min (95%CI 8.16- 10.06), ratio of median estimate (iSYS1/PAD) 0.70 (95%CI 0.61-0.81), p=0.0001. The PAD group had a better median target point accuracy 1.58 mm (95%CI 1.38- 1.82) versus 1.16 mm (95%CI 1.01- 1.33)), p=0.004. The mean electrode implantation angle error was 2.13o for the iSYS1 group and 1.71o for the PAD groups (p=0.023). There was no statistically significant difference for any other outcome.Health policy and hospital commissioners should consider these differences in the context of the opportunity cost of introducing robotic devices.Trial registration: ISRCTN17209025 (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN17209025)
Antiferromagnetic spatial photonic Ising machine through optoelectronic correlation computing
Authors: Ruan Zhichao , Junyi Huang , Fang Yisheng
Published: May 2021

Recently, spatial photonic Ising machines (SPIM) have been demonstrated to compute the minima of Hamiltonians for large-scale spin systems. Here we propose to implement an antiferromagnetic model through optoelectronic correlation computing with SPIM. Also we exploit the gauge transformation which enables encoding the spins and the interaction strengths in a single phase-only spatial light modulator. With a simple setup, we experimentally show the ground state search of an antiferromagnetic model with $40000$ spins in number-partitioning problem. Thus such an optoelectronic computing exhibits great programmability and scalability for the practical applications of studying statistical systems and combinatorial optimization problems.
Active Targeting Nanotheranostic System for Dual-Modality Imaging-Guided Chemo-/Photodynamic Therapy of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Han Yong , Tang Qiusha , Jia Gang , An Yanli , Ding Yinan
Published: May 2021

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most devastating types of cancers worldwide and has a remarkably poor survival rate, emphasizing the need for more effective strategies for the diagnosis and therapy of PC. Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have gained a privileged place in the biomedical field due to their outstanding properties. Besides, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) as one of the key biomarkers of pancreatic cancer stem cells, is a vital target for theranostic, diagnostic, and/or therapeutic intervention in nanomedicine. In this study, the theranostic nanosystem (EpCAM-UCMSNs-MX) was formed from the mesoporous silica-coated UCNPs functionalized with anti-EpCAM monoclonal antibody, and then one anticancer drug and photosensitizer, mitoxantrone (MX), was loaded into the mesoporous silica. The nanotheranostic system was used to target caner stem cells for realizing simultaneous dual-modality MR/UCL imaging and synergetic chemotherapy and NIR-triggered PDT. Results: After conducting series of characterizations, the nanotheranostic systems own superior uniform sphericity and long-time stability. In vitro and vivo experiments show the nanocomposites have good biocompatibility and can target caner stem cells to realize simultaneous dual-modality MR/UCL imaging. Furthermore, in comparison with UCMSNs-MX and free MX, MX-loaded UCMSNs conjugated with anti-EpCAM monoclonal antibody (EpCAM-UCMSNs-MX) are efficiently endocytosed by cancerous cells and show synergetic effect with PDT in vitro. In vivo experiments reconfirm the synergistic effects observed with the combination of EpCAM-UCMSNs-MX and PDT, which results in better treatment outcomes as compared to chemotherapy or NIR irradiation alone that fail to show any noticeable systemic toxicity.Conclusions: The resulting nanotheranostics were shown to target caner stem cells to confer simultaneous dual-modality MR/UCL imaging and induced intracellular reactive oxygen species exposed to 980 nm excitation, leading to synergetic chemotherapy and NIR-triggered PDT. These results offer a promising strategy for designing a multifunctional nanotheranostic system for dual-modality imaging-guided synergistic oncotherapy.
The Effect of Transversal Connection in the in-Plane Response of Double-Leaf Brick Masonry Walls
Authors: Scandolo Lorenzo , Podestà Stefano
Published: May 2021

The evaluation of structural safety derives from the knowledge of material properties. In case of existent masonry building, the definition of reliable mechanical parameters could be a very difficult task to be achieved. For this reason, an estimation of these values is useful, for example it is the first phase of the knowledge process, for simplified mechanical model or when NTD test is the only possibility.The transversal connection in masonry panels is a technological detail that affects the static and seismic behavior and could significantly increase the strength of the element.In this paper the effect of transversal connection in double-leaf brickwork masonry panels is evaluated by diagonal compression tests. To achieve this goal, a new set-up was designed to load each leaf independently.The results have shown an increment of about 20% in strength if transversal connection is present. If the leaves have very different mechanical parameters, the tests highlight an unexpected behavior.
Visualization of Insulin Receptor Activation by a Novel Insulin Analog with Elongated A Chain and Truncated B Chain
Authors: Xiong Xiaochun , Blakely Alan , Kim Jin Hwan , Menting John , Schafer Ingmar , Schubert Heidi , Agrawal Rahul , Gutmann Theresia , Delaine Carlie , Zhang Yi , Artik Gizem , Merriman Allanah , Lawrence Michael , Coskun Ünal , Fisher Simon , Forbes Briony , Safavi-Hemami Helena , Hill Christopher , Chou Danny
Published: May 2021

Cone snail venoms contain a wide variety of bioactive peptides, including insulin-like molecules with distinct structural features, binding modes, and biochemical properties. Here, we report a fully active humanized cone snail venom insulin with an elongated A chain and a truncated B chain, and use cryo-electron microscopy and protein engineering to elucidate its interactions with the human insulin receptor ectodomain. We reveal how an extended A chain can compensate for deletion of B-chain residues, which are essential for activity of native insulin but also compromise therapeutic utility by delaying the onset action, suggesting approaches to develop improved therapeutic insulins. Curiously, a receptor conformation present in low abundance adopts a highly asymmetric structure that displays novel coordination of a single humanized venom insulin using elements from both of the previously characterized site 1 and site 2 interactions.
Theory of Planned Behaviour Based Interventions for Health Behaviour Change in Chronic Diseases Among Low Health-literacy Population: Protocol for a Systematic Review
Authors: Paul Biswajit , Kirubakaran Richard , Isaac Rita , Dozier Marshall , Grant Liz , Weller David
Published: May 2021

Background Health behaviour can change outcomes in both healthy and diseased populations and are particularly useful in promoting compliance to treatment and maintain fidelity to care seeking and follow-up options in chronic diseases. Interventions to change health behaviour based on psychological theory more often successful than those without any underlying theory. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) is one such psychological theory which had been found to predict human behaviour with respect to disease prevention and when applied to interventions can change the outcomes of diseases. Most of the research evidence of TPB based interventions have been from developed world. Evidence is required whether TPB based interventions can be applied and works in low resource, low health literacy settings of low and middle income countries (LMICs).Methods The protocol has been developed as per PRISMA-P guidelines and incorporates PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcomes) framework for describing the methodology. Population above 18 years of age and having any chronic disease will be selected while any health or educational intervention based on constructs of TPB will be included. Comparison will be with non TPB based interventions or treatment as usual without any intervention and the primary outcome will be the behaviour change effected by the TPB based intervention. Intervention studies will be considered and relevant databases like MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and ProQuest will be explored. Data extraction will done in a standardised form and quality assessment will be done using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Tool for Assessing the Risk of Bias. Narrative synthesis of the selected studies will be done to draw the conclusions and meta-analysis will be done if the heterogeneity is less than 50% by I-2 statistics.Discussion This systematic review will provide new evidence on fidelity and effectiveness of the TPB based interventions among chronic disease patients in low health literacy population of LMIC settings. This will provide us with new knowledge of how to plan and use such interventions to change health behaviour in chronic disease patients.Systematic review registration this protocol has been registered in PROSPERO with registration no. CRD42018104890.
Joint profiling of gene expression and chromatin accessibility of amphioxus development at single cell resolution
Authors: Ma Pengcheng , Liu Xingyan , Liu Huimin , Xu Zaoxu , Ding Xiangning , Huang Zhen , Shi Chenggang , Liang Langchao , Xu Luohao , Li Xiaolu , Li Guimei , He Yuqi , Ding Zhaoli , Chai Chaochao , Wang Haoyu , Qiu Jiaying , Zhu Jiacheng , Wang Xiaoling , Ding Peiwen , Zhou Si , Yuan Yuting , Wu Wendi , Yan Yanan , Zhou Yitao , Zhou Qi-Jun , Wang Guo-Dong , Zhang Qiujin , Xu Xun , Li Guang , Zhang Shihua , Mao Bingyu , Chen Dongsheng
Published: May 2021

Vertebrate evolution was accompanied with two rounds of whole genome duplication followed by functional divergence in terms of regulatory circuits and gene expression patterns. As a basal and slow-evolving chordate species, amphioxus is an ideal paradigm for exploring the origin and evolution of vertebrates. Single cell sequencing has been widely employed to construct the developmental cell atlas of several key species of vertebrates (human, mouse, zebrafish and frog) and tunicate (sea squirts). Here, we performed single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) and single-cell assay for transposase accessible chromatin sequencing (scATAC-seq) for different stages of amphioxus (covering embryogenesis and adult tissues). With the datasets generated we constructed the developmental tree for amphioxus cell fate commitment and lineage specification, and revealed the underlying key regulators and genetic regulatory networks. The generated data were integrated into an online platform, AmphioxusAtlas, for public access at http://120.79.46.200:81/AmphioxusAtlas.
Imaging Angiogenesis in Atherosclerosis in Large Arteries with 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD PET/CT: Relationship with Clinical Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: DIETZ Matthieu , Kamani Christel H. , Deshayes Emmanuel , Dunet Vincent , Mitsakis Periklis , Coukos George , Lalonde Marie Nicod , Schaefer Niklaus , Prior John O.
Published: May 2021

BackgroundIntegrin alpha-V-beta-3 (αvβ3) pathway is involved in intraplaque angiogenesis and inflammation and represents a promising target for molecular imaging in cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical correlates of arterial wall accumulation of 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD, a specific αvβ3 integrin ligand for PET. Materials and methodsThe data of 44 patients who underwent 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD PET/CT scans were retrospectively analyzed. Tracer accumulation in the vessel wall of major arteries was analyzed semi-quantitatively by blood-pool-corrected target-to-background ratios. Tracer uptake was compared with clinically documented atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular risk factors and calcified plaque burden. Data were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlation. Results68Ga-NODAGA-RGD arterial uptake was significantly higher in patients with previous clinically documented atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (mean TBR 2.44 [2.03-2.55] vs. 1.81 [1.56-1.96], p = 0.001) and showed a significant correlation with prior cardiovascular or cerebrovascular event (r = 0.34, p = 0.024), BMI (r = 0.38, p = 0.01), plaque burden (r = 0.31, p = 0.04), and hypercholesterolemia (r= 0.31, p = 0.04).Conclusions68Ga-NODAGA-RGD holds promise as a non-invasive marker of disease activity in atherosclerosis, providing information about intraplaque angiogenesis.
Detection and Defense of Network Virus using Data Mining Technology
Authors: Li Zhijun , Jiang Xuedong
Published: May 2021

The spread of network viruses has posed a serious threat to the security of the network; therefore, it is necessary to detect and defend them effectively. This paper used Debug application programming interface (API) technology to obtain the features of API calls as viruses, filtered API calls according to information entropy, and finally used the support vector machine (SVM) model for virus detection. The experimental results showed that when the number of API was 1200, the algorithm had the best virus detection performance, with an average true positive rate (TPR) of 95.2%, a false positive rate (FPR) of 3.31%, and an overall accuracy of 95.42%; compared with the K-means algorithm and Naive Bayes algorithm, the SVM algorithm had the best performance. The results show that the proposed method is effective in virus detection and defense and can be further promoted and applied in practice.
Emergency Department Utilisation Among Older Adults - Protocol for a Systematic Review of Determinants and Conceptual Frameworks
Authors: Tang Xuan Rong , Pek Pin Pin , Siddiqui Fahad Javaid , Malhotra Rahul , Kwan Yu Heng , Ling Tiah , Ho Andrew Fu Wah , Ong Marcus Eng Hock
Published: May 2021

BackgroundOlder adults aged 65 years and above have a disproportionately higher utilization of emergency healthcare, of which Emergency Department (ED) visits are a key component. They tend to require more extensive workup, therefore spending a greater amount of time in the ED. The rise in the older adult population globally may contribute to worsening overcrowding in many EDs. When older adults visit the ED, they are at higher risk of hospitalisation and adverse events compared to younger patients. Following discharge from the ED, older adults often experience functional decline and reduction in mobility, which may not improve within a year. In this paper, we present a protocol for a systematic review of the determinants of ED utilisation among community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and above, applying Andersen and Newman’s model of healthcare utilisation. Furthermore, we aim to present other conceptual frameworks for healthcare utilisation and propose a holistic approach for understanding the determinants of ED utilisation by older persons.Methods The protocol is developed in accordance with the standards of Campbell Collaboration guidelines for systematic reviews, with reference to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review of Interventions. Medline, Embase and Scopus will be searched for studies published from 2000 to 2020. Studies evaluating more than one determinant for ED utilisation among older adults aged 65 years and above will be included. Search process and selection of studies will be presented in a PRISMA flow chart. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) determinants of ED utilisation will be grouped according to individual and societal determinants. Quality of the studies will be assessed using Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS). Discussion In Andersen and Newman’s model, individual determinants include predisposing factors, enabling and illness factors, and societal determinants include technology and social norms. Additional conceptual frameworks for healthcare utilisation include Health Belief Model, Social Determinants of Health and Big Five personality traits. By incorporating the concepts of these models, we hope to develop a holistic approach of conceptualizing the factors that influence ED utilisation among older people. Systematic review registrationThis protocol is registered on 8 May 2021 with PROSPERO’s International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews but pending confirmation.
The eGFR Change and Risk Factors in Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease Patients after Successful HCV Clearance by Direct Anti-viral Agents
Authors: Hu Yen-Chi , Lan Keng-Hsin , Lu Chia-Ling , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Hou Ming-Chih
Published: May 2021

Background –Chronic HCV infection is related not only to chronic kidney disease(CKD) but also accelerates renal deterioration. Treatment with Direct-acting antiviralagents (DAA) could slow renal function decline in some trials, but the long-termoutcomes of renal function changes following HCV elimination by DAA remainedinconclusive. Methods – This retrospective study analyzed the data of HCV infected patients withCKD stage 3 who were treated with DAA and achieved sustained virologic response at12weeks after treatment (SVR12) during 2017-2020 at a single medical center. Results – Among 130 HCV infection and CKD stage 3 patients treated with DAA, 77patients had no eGFR decline at SVR 12, and 53 patients had eGFR declined at SVR12. The eGFR change on SVR 12 can be predictor for eGFR change on SVR96 (Oddratio 3.088, p= 0.053). Patients with Diabetes Mellites (DM) (p=0.016, OR 2.6) ishighly associated with eGFR decline after DAA treatment. Renal functiondeterioration during DAA treatment is associated to long-term renal functiondecline(p=0.000). Lower HCV RNA titer(p=0.024), higher baseline MELD score(p=0.008), or con-current malignant disease under treatment(p=0.044) are more vulnerable to eGFR decrease upon DAA treatment. Conclusion –Among patients with HCV infection and CKD stage 3, comorbidity withDM, have less benefit to renal function after HCV elimination by DAA. Higherbaseline HCV RNA viral load and MELD score are precipitating factors to the renalfunction impairment. Treatment to malignant disease, either by systemic or localizedtreatment, increases the risk of renal function impairment during DAA treatment.The eGFR change on SVR 12 can be used to predict long-term eGFR change for theCKD stage 3 patients.
Molecular Remission at T cell level in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Inamo Jun , Suzuki Katsuya , Takeshita Masaru , Kondo Yasushi , Okuzono Yuumi , Koga Keiko , Kassai Yoshiaki , Takiguchi Maiko , Kurisu Rina , Yoshimura Akihiko , Takeuchi Tsutomu
Published: May 2021

Introduction.
While numerous disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have brought about a dramatic paradigm shift in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), unmet needs remain, such as the small proportion of patients who achieve drug-free status. The aim of this study was to explore key molecules for remission at the T cell level, which are known to be deeply involved in RA pathogenesis, and investigate the disease course of patients who achieved molecular remission (MR).
Methods.
We enrolled a total of 46 patients with RA and 10 healthy controls (HCs). We performed gene expression profiling and selected remission signature genes in CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells from patients with RA using machine learning methods. In addition, we investigated the benefits of achieving MR on disease control.
Results.
We identified 9 and 23 genes that were associated with clinical remission in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that their expression profiling was similar to those in HCs. For the remission signature genes in CD4+ T cells, the PCA result was reproduced using a validation cohort, indicating the robustness of these genes. A trend toward better disease control was observed during 12 months of follow-up in patients treated with tocilizumab in deep MR compared with those in non-deep MR, although the difference was not significant.
Conclusion.
We identified robust genes that represent remission status in CD4+ T cells using machine learning techniques. The current study will promote our understanding of the molecular mechanisms necessary to achieve deep remission during the management of RA.
Trial registration:
Not required.
Use of Transcriptional Age Grading Technique to Determine the Chronological Age of Sri Lankan Female Dengue Mosquitoes; Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus
Authors: Weeraratne Thilini Chathurika , Karunaratne S.H.P. Parakrama , Reimer Lisa S. , de Silva W.A.P. Priyanka , Wondji Charles S.
Published: May 2021

Background: Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are important vectors of human diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and zika. In Sri Lanka, they have been responsible for transmitting the dengue virus. One of the most important parameters that affect the likelihood of arbovirus transmission is the age structure of the mosquito population. However, mosquito age is difficult to measure with accuracy. This study aims to construct Multivariate calibration models using the transcriptional abundance of three age responsive genes: Ae15848 (calcium-binding protein), Ae8505 (structural component of cuticle), and Ae4274 (fizzy cell cycle/cell division cycle 20). Methods: Transcriptional age grading technique was applied to determine the chronological age of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus female mosquito strains from Sri Lanka using the age responsive genes; Ae15848, Ae8505, and Ae4274. Further to investigate the influence of temperature on this age grading technique. Expression levels of these three genes were quantified using reverse transcription qualitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and results were normalized against the housekeeping gene ribosomal gene S17 (RsP17).Results: The expression of Ae15848 and Ae8505 decreased with the age of mosquitoes and, showed the most significant and consistent change while expression of Ae4274 increased with age. The multivariate calibration models showed more than 80% correlation between expression of these age responsive genes and the age of female mosquitoes at both temperatures. At 270C the accuracy of age predictions using the models was 2.19 (±1.66) and 2.58 (±2.06) days for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus females, respectively. The accuracy of the model for Ae. aegypti at 230C was 3.42 (±2.74). Conclusions: An adult rearing temperature difference of 40C (230C to 270C) did not significantly affect the age predictions. The calibration models created during this study could be successfully used to estimate the age of wild Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes from Sri Lanka.
Development of a Sex-Specific Risk Scoring System for Predicting Cognitive Normal to Mild Cognitive Impairment (SRSS-CNMCI)
Authors: Luo Wen , Wen Hao , Ge Shuqi , Tang Chunzhi , Liu Xiufeng , Lu Liming
Published: May 2021

Objective: We aim to develop a sex-specific risk scoring system for predicting cognitive normal (CN) to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), abbreviated SRSS-CNMCI, to provide a reliable tool for the prevention of MCI.Methods: Participants aged 61-90 years old with a baseline diagnosis of CN and an endpoint diagnosis of MCI were screened from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database with at least one follow-up. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify risk factors associated with conversion from CN to MCI and to build risk scoring systems for male and female groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to determine the risk probability cutoff point corresponding to the optimal prediction effect. We ran an external validation of the discrimination and calibration based on the Harvard Aging Brain Study (HABS) database.Results: A total of 471 participants, including 240 women (51%) and 231 men (49%), aged 61 to 90 years, were included in the study cohort for subsequent primary analysis. The final multivariable models and the risk scoring systems for females and males included age, APOE ε4, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). The scoring systems for females and males revealed C statistics of 0.902 (95% CI 0.840-0.963) and 0.911 (95% CI 0.863-0.959), respectively, as measures of discrimination. The cutoff point of high and low risk was 33% in females, and more than 33% was considered high risk, while more than 9% was considered high risk for males. The external validation effect of the scoring systems was good: C statistic 0.950 for the females and C statistic 0.965 for the males. Conclusions: Our parsimonious model accurately predicts conversion from CN to MCI with four risk factors and can be used as a predictive tool for the prevention of MCI.
Pseudogene HSPA7 is a Poor Prognostic Biomarker in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (KIRC) and Correlated With Immune Infiltrates
Authors: Ding Chunjin , He Rundong , Zhang Jinghan , Dong Zhan , Wu Jun
Published: May 2021

Background: Pseudogenes played important roles in tumorigenesis, while there are nearly no reports about the expression and roles of HSPA7 in the cancer. Methods: Firstly,we used Logistic regression,the KS test, the GEPIA database, UALCAN database and qRT-PCR to analyze the level of HSPA7 expressed in KIRC,then we used the Cox regression and the Kaplan-Meier curve to analyze the overall survival(OS) of KIRC patients with different Clinico-pathological parameters. Thirdly, we used the multivariate Cox analysis of influencing factors to compare the correlation between the HSPA7 expression level and the clinical parameters. Finally, we used multi-GSEA analysis and the Tumor Immunoassay Resource (TIMER) database to explore the functional role of HSPA7 in KIRC. Results: The HSPA7 is highly expressed in KIRC tumor tissues, and its expression is related to clinico-pathological features and survival in KIRCpatints.GSEA analysis displayed the high expression of HSPA7 in KIRC were related to several tumor-related and immune-related pathways. With the TIMER database analysis we showed that HSPA7 levels were correlated with the CD4+ T cells, neutrophils and Dendritic Cell.Conclusions: Our study showed that HSPA7 is very important in the tumor progression and may act as a poor prognostic biomarker for KIRC tumor by modulating immune infiltrating cells.
A Single Stage Spool Valve for the Pressure Compensator of a Variable Displacement Pump – Design, Dynamic Simulation and Comparative Study With A Real Pump
Authors: Mondal Nitesh , Saha Rana , Sanyal Dipankar
Published: May 2021

The study is focused on the design of a simplified spool valve to be incorporated in the pressure compensator of a variable displacement axial piston pump in order to perform a comparative study with a commercial pump having a two stage spool valve in its compensator. The design involves evaluation of the spool size and selection of spring from static equilibrium condition to satisfy cut-in and cut-off pressure. Following the development of dynamic model of the system, a design sensitivity analysis of the spool valve has been carried out through simulation to identify the critical sizes of the parameters, which affect the pump performance. By systematic design, it is possible to have a single stage spool valve controlled pressure compensator that can produce performance of the variable displacement axial piston pump at par with the similar commercially available pump.
Pt-Rh Alloy Catalysts for Hydrogen Generation developed by Direct Current/Pulse Method
Authors: bm praveen , Devendra Bharath K , S Tripathi V , DH Nagaraju , O Nayana K
Published: May 2021

Highly active Pt-Rh alloy catalyst coatings were developed by direct current (DC) and pulse current (PC) electrodeposition method for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts. The coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) studies. Pt-Rh alloy catalyst coatings showed almost similar behavior as pure platinum metal.The Pt-Rh coating were obtained by PC method showed low over potentialfor HER. Very low slope of 41.2 mV/dec is obtained represents the Volmer-Tafel mechanistic path way for HER process. Chronopotentiometry was conducted and amount of hydrogen collected during these experiments was 24 ml for PC method 75% duty cycle sample.
Levetiracetam Serum Concentrations in Pediatric Patients: Is There a Role in Clinical Decision Making?
Authors: Arslan Müjgan , Yılmaz Murat , Karaibrahimoğlu Adnan
Published: May 2021

Monitoring of levetiracetam is not frequently used in clinical practice. This study evaluated the LEV blood level concentrations, correlation with dose, and co-medication effect to decide the need for blood concentration monitoring in pediatric patients. The children with epileptic seizures on levetiracetam therapy, aged one month-18 years, were enrolled and evaluated for gender, age, body weight, daily drug dose, comedication, and drug concentration records. 57.9% of one hundred and forty patients were on monotherapy. The mean dose of LEV was 35.40 mg/kg/day, while the mean drug concentration was 14.06 μg/ mL. The correlation between the dose and the serum concentration in the polytherapy group was poorly significant, whereas it was positive and highly significant in the monotherapy group. The mean drug concentration was within the established reference range, but concentration monitoring revealed children with serum concentrations below and above the therapeutic range. All cases in our study had the typical range of drug dose per body weight with no side effects. Conclusion: We point out that monitoring is not practical for most patients. Due to its tolerability over an extensive concentration range, the clinical assessment remains the monitoring strategy for patients with epilepsy on LEV therapy.
A Machine-learning Signature Performs as Well as Experts' Consensus to Diagnose Pelvic Lymph Node Involvement in Bladder Cancer on [18F]-FDG PET/CT: A Pathology-controlled Study
Authors: GIRARD Antoine , DERCLE Laurent , VILA-REYES Helena , SCHWARTZ Lawrence H. , GIRMA Astrid , BERTAUX Marc , RADULESCU Camelia , LEBRET Thierry , DELCROIX Olivier , ROUANNE Mathieu
Published: May 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Astragaloside Iv Suppresses Histamine-induced Inflammatory Factors and MUC5AC Overproduction in Nasal Epithelial Cells via Regulation of Inflammation-related Genes
Authors: Guo Jie , Xu Shuai
Published: May 2021

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a symptomatic allergic disease that leads to severe inflammation. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a primary active component of Astragalus membranaceus and exerts immune-regulation and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the pharmacological effect of AS-IV in the nasal epithelial cells (NECs) has not been reported. The present study aimed to assess the effect of AS-IV on inflammatory cytokines and mucin 5 subtype AC (MUC5AC) overproduction in histamine (His)-stimulated NECs and its underlying mechanism. NECs were stimulated with or without His for 24 h in the absence or presence of AS-IV. The levels of inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, IL-1β, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), eotaxin, and MUC5AC were assayed. Our findings indicated that AS-IV inhibited His-evoked release and expression of inflammatory cytokines and MUC5AC in NECs. RNA-SEQ analyses indicated the significant changes in expression levels involved in inflammation genes upon treatment of His-induced NECs with AS-IV. Our findings indicated that AS-IV inhibited His-evoked inflammatory cytokines secretion and MUC5AC overproduction in NECs, which were partly mediated by regulation of inflammation-related genes. AS-IV might be a therapeutic agent for the treatment of AR.
Risk Factors for Lymphedema After Breast Surgery: a Prospective Cohort Study in the Era of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Authors: Huertas Sira Salinas , Luzardo-González A. , Vazquez-Gallego S. , Pernas Sonia , Falo C. , Pla MJ. , Gil-Gil M. , Beranuy-Rodriguez M , Perez-Montero H. , Gomila-Sancho M. , Manent-Molina N. , Arencibia-Domínguez A. , Gonzalez-Pineda B. , Tormo-Collado F. , Ortí-Asencio M. , Terra J. , Martinez-Perez E. , Benítez-Segura A. , Campos-Delgado M. , Fernández-Montolí ME. , Valverde-Alcántara Y. , Rodriguez A. , Campos-Delgado G. , Guma A. , Ponce-Sebastià J. , Planas-Balagué R. , Catasús-Clavé M.LL , García-Tejedor A.
Published: May 2021

Introduction: We aimed to investigate the incidence of lymphedema after breast cancer treatment, to analyze the risk factors involved, and to improve existing protocols for the prevention of lymphedema. Patients and methods: This was a prospective cohort study of 232 patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer at our institution between September 2013 and February 2018. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or axillary lymphadenectomy (ALND) were mandatory in this cohort. Lymphedema was diagnosed by circumferential measurements and truncated cone calculations. Patients and tumor characteristics, as well as local and systemic therapies, were analyzed as possible risk factors for lymphedema. Results: In total, 201 patients met the inclusion criteria and had a median follow-up of 31 months (range, 1–54 months). Most cases of lymphedema cases appeared in the first 2 years. 13.9% developed lymphedema: 31% after ALND and 4.6% after SLNB (p < 0.01), and 46.7% after mastectomy and 11.3% after breast-conserving surgery (p < 0.01). The lymphedema rate increased when axillary radiotherapy (RT) was added to radical surgery: 4.3% for SLNB alone, 6.7% for SLNB + RT, 17.6% for ALND alone, and 35.2% for ALND + RT (p < 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, the only risk factors associated with the development of lymphedema were ALND and mastectomy, which had hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 7.28 (2.92–18.16) and 3.9 (1.60–9.49), respectively. Conclusions: The main risk factors for lymphedema were the most radical surgeries (ALND and mastectomy), while the risk associated with these appeared to be worsened by the addition of axillary radiotherapy. A follow-up protocol in patients with ALND for at least two years, where these risk factors are recognized, is necessary to guarantee a comprehensive control of lymphedema that provides early detection and treatment.
Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Intradiaphragmatic Extralobar Pulmonary Sequestration: a Report of 10 Cases
Authors: Han Xu , Gao Yue , Tan Zheng
Published: May 2021

Background Intradiaphragmatic extralobar pulmonary sequestration(IDEPS) is a rare type of pulmonary sequestration (PS) and has been reported in very few studies. The purpose of this study is to access diagnosis and operative treatment of an IDEPS.Methods Patients with PS who were diagnosed and treated in our center from January 2015 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, in order to identify patients with IDEPS. Clinical datas regarding diagnosis, surgical procedures and outcomes were documented.Results From January 2015 to December 2020, 215 patients with PS were surgically treated in our center, including 87 patients with extralobar pulmonary sequestration(EPS). 10 cases were identifed as IDEPS ( 2 males, 8 females; age, 5 months to 21 months). Prenatal ultrasounds and enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed the presence of IDEPS in 4 cases and 7 cases, respectively, and a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction software was perfectly performed to identify the location of the lesions in 3 cases. The surgeries were smoothly performed by laparoscopic surgery in 1 case, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in 5 cases(Group 1) and Da Vinci robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery(DVRATS) in 4 cases(Group 2). In Group 1 (5 females; the mean age, 8.0 months), the average operative duration, intraoperative blood loss volume, length of stay after operation, and postoperative thoracic catheter indwelling duration were 48 minutes, 3.8ml, 6.4 days and 2.2 days, respectively. That of Group 2(1 male, 3 females; the mean age, 9.5 months) were 80 minutes, 3.5ml, 4.3 days and 1.5 days, respectively. The IDEPS cases who followed up rang from 3 months to 36 months were included in this retrospective study and no side effect had appeared.Conclusions It’s challenging to diagnose an IDEPS through prenatal ultrasound or CT, and a 3D reconstruction software was proved to be capable to assist on the assessment of an IDEPS. We suggested early surgery to removel of an IDEPS, and the best path was accessing the mass from the chest. DVRATS or VATS for the treatment of an IDEPS is safe, feasible and effective. Furthermore, compared with VATS, DVRATS is 3D magnified view, more flexibility and precision.