bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial cytoplasmic membranes synergistically enhance the antitumor activity of autologous cancer vaccines
Authors: Chen Long , Qin Hao , Zhao Ruifang , Zhao Xiao , Lin Liangru , Chen Yang , Lin Yixuan , Li Yao , Qin Yuting , Li Yiye , Liu Shaoli , Cheng Keman , Chen Hanqing , Shi Jian , Anderson Gregory J. , Wu Yan , Zhao Yuliang , Nie Guangjun
Published: July 2021

A nanovaccine based on bacterial cytoplasmic membranes and cell membranes from resected tumor tissue prevents tumor recurrence in mice.
A recombinant commensal bacteria elicits heterologous antigen-specific immune responses during pharyngeal carriage
Authors: Laver Jay R. , Gbesemete Diane , Dale Adam P. , Pounce Zoe C. , Webb Carl N. , Roche Eleanor F. , Guy Jonathan M. , Berreen Graham , Belogiannis Konstantinos , Hill Alison R. , Ibrahim Muktar M. , Ahmed Muhammad , Cleary David W. , Pandey Anish K. , Humphries Holly E. , Allen Lauren , de Graaf Hans , Maiden Martin C. , Faust Saul N. , Gorringe Andrew R. , Read Robert C.
Published: July 2021

An engineered commensal bacteria with a surface-expressed vaccine target provoked antigen-specific antibodies during pharyngeal carriage in humans.
Pan-caspase inhibition as a potential host-directed immunotherapy against MRSA and other bacterial skin infections
Authors: Alphonse Martin P. , Rubens Jessica H. , Ortines Roger V. , Orlando Nicholas A. , Patel Aman M. , Dikeman Dustin , Wang Yu , Vuong Ivan , Joyce Daniel P. , Zhang Jeffrey , Mumtaz Mohammed , Liu Haiyun , Liu Qi , Youn Christine , Patrick Garrett J. , Ravipati Advaitaa , Miller Robert J. , Archer Nathan K. , Miller Lloyd S.
Published: July 2021

A pan-caspase inhibitor, Q-VD-OPH, has therapeutic efficacy against preclinical methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
skin infection.
Environmental Free-Living Amoebae Can Predate on Diverse Antibiotic-Resistant Human Pathogens
Authors: Bornier Félix , Zas Eline , Potheret Damien , Laaberki Maria-Halima , Coupat-Goutaland Bénédicte , Charpentier Xavier
Published: July 2021

Free-living amoebae have been proposed to play an important role in hosting and disseminating various human pathogens. The resistance of human pathogens to predation by amoebae is often derived from
in vitro
experiments using model amoebae.
Oyster Heat Shock Protein 70 Plays a Role in Binding of Human Noroviruses
Authors: Zhang Zilei , Liu Danlei , Wu Qingping , Wang Dapeng
Published: July 2021

Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are the most important pathogen for nonbacterial epidemic gastroenteritis cases. Foodborne transmission plays an important role in HuNoVs infection.
RecT Recombinase Expression Enables Efficient Gene Editing in
Enterococcus
spp.
Authors: Chen Victor , Griffin Matthew E. , Maguin Pascal , Varble Andrew , Hang Howard C.
Published: July 2021

Enterococcus faecium
is widely recognized as an emerging public health threat with the rise of drug resistance and nosocomial infections. Nevertheless, commensal
Enterococcus
strains possess beneficial health functions in mammals to upregulate host immunity and prevent microbial infections.
Cotinine Hydroxylase CotA Initiates Biodegradation of Wastewater Micropollutant Cotinine in
Nocardioides
sp. Strain JQ2195
Authors: Zhao Lingling , Zhao Zhenyang , Zhang Kaiyun , Zhang Xuan , Xu Siqiong , Liu Junwei , Liu Bin , Hong Qing , Qiu Jiguo , He Jian
Published: July 2021

In the human body, cotinine is the major metabolite of nicotine, and 10 to 15% of generated cotinine is excreted in urine. Cotinine is a structural analogue of nicotine and is much more stable than nicotine.
Identification of the Coenzyme A (CoA) Ester Intermediates and Genes Involved in the Cleavage and Degradation of the Steroidal C-Ring by Comamonas testosteroni TA441
Authors: Horinouchi Masae , Hayashi Toshiaki
Published: July 2021

Studies on bacterial steroid degradation were initiated more than 50 years ago primarily to obtain materials for steroid drugs. Steroid-degrading bacteria are globally distributed, and the role of bacterial steroid degradation in the environment, as well as in humans, is attracting attention.
A Multicenter Clinical Study To Demonstrate the Diagnostic Accuracy of the GenMark Dx ePlex Blood Culture Identification Gram-Negative Panel
Authors: Wolk Donna M. , Young Stephen , Whitfield Natalie N. , Reid Jennifer L. , Thornberg Adam , Carroll Karen C. , Buchan Blake W. , Davis Thomas E. , Salimnia Hossein
Published: July 2021

Bacteremia can progress to septic shock and death without appropriate medical intervention. Increasing evidence supports the role of molecular diagnostic panels in reducing the clinical impact of these infections through rapid identification of the infecting organism and associated antimicrobial resistance genes.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Endogenous and Exogenous Recombination Events Result in Multiple FeLV-B Subtypes during Natural Infection
Authors: Erbeck Katelyn , Gagne Roderick B. , Kraberger Simona , Chiu Elliott S. , Roelke-Parker Melody , VandeWoude Sue
Published: July 2021

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a felid retrovirus with a variety of disease outcomes. Exogenous FeLV-A is the virus subgroup almost exclusively transmitted between cats.
CG Dinucleotide Removal in Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Reporters Improves HIV-1 Replication and Reporter Gene Expression for Dual Imaging in Humanized Mice
Authors: Roy Chandra N. , Benitez Moreno Mariana A. , Kline Chris , Ambrose Zandrea
Published: July 2021

Animal models are important for studying HIV-1 pathogenesis and treatments. We developed two viruses each encoding a reporter gene that can be expressed in cells after infection.
Fecal Metabolome Signature in the HIV-1 Elite Control Phenotype: Enrichment of Dipeptides Acts as an HIV-1 Antagonist but a
Prevotella
Agonist
Authors: Sperk Maike , Ambikan Anoop T. , Ray Shilpa , Singh Kamal , Mikaeloff Flora , Diez Rafael Ceña , Narayanan Ashwathy , Vesterbacka Jan , Nowak Piotr , Sönnerborg Anders , Neogi Ujjwal
Published: July 2021

HIV-1 elite controllers (EC) are a rare group among HIV-1-infected individuals who can naturally control viral replication for a prolonged period. Due to their heterogeneous nature, no universal mechanism could be attributed to the EC status; instead, several host and viral factors have been discussed as playing a role.
Structures of Substrate Complexes of Foamy Viral Protease-Reverse Transcriptase
Authors: Nowacka Marzena , Nowak Elżbieta , Czarnocki-Cieciura Mariusz , Jackiewicz Justyna , Skowronek Krzysztof , Szczepanowski Roman H. , Wöhrl Birgitta M. , Nowotny Marcin
Published: July 2021

Reverse transcriptases (RTs) are intriguing enzymes converting single-stranded RNA to dsDNA. Their activity is essential for retroviruses, which are divided into two subfamilies differing significantly in their life cycles:
Orthoretrovirinae
and
Spumaretrovirinae
.
The Effects of Packaged, but Misguided, Single-Stranded DNA Genomes Are Transmitted to the Outer Surface of the ϕX174 Capsid
Authors: Ogunbunmi Elizabeth T. , Roznowski Aaron P. , Fane Bentley A.
Published: July 2021

ssDNA viruses utilize icosahedrally ordered protein-nucleic acids interactions to guide and organize their genomes into preformed shells. As previously demonstrated, chaotic genome-capsid associations can inhibit ϕX174 packaging by destabilizing packaging complexes.
A Naturally Occurring Polymorphism in the Base of Sudan Virus Glycoprotein Decreases Glycoprotein Stability in a Species-Dependent Manner
Authors: Lennemann Nicholas J. , Dillard Jacob , Ruggio Natalie , Cooney Ashley L. , Schaack Grace A. , Davey Robert A. , Maury Wendy
Published: July 2021

Filovirus outbreaks are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Understanding the structural constraints of filoviral GPs that control virus entry into cells is critical for rational development of novel antivirals to block infection.
Mobile Elements Harboring Heavy Metal and Bacitracin Resistance Genes Are Common among Listeria monocytogenes Strains Persisting on Dairy Farms
Authors: Castro Hanna , Douillard François P. , Korkeala Hannu , Lindström Miia
Published: July 2021

Animal-derived raw materials are an important source of
L. monocytogenes
in the food industry. Knowledge of the factors contributing to the pathogen’s transmission and persistence on farms are essential for designing effective strategies against the spread of the pathogen from farm to fork.
Molecular Epidemiology of Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Japan
Authors: Mizukoshi Fuminori , Kobayashi Nobuyuki , Kirikae Fumiko , Ohta Ken , Tsuyuguchi Kazunari , Yamada Noritaka , Inoue Yoshikazu , Horiba Masahide , Kawata Noriko , Ichinose Akiko , Miyoshi-Akiyama Tohru , Kiritani Reiko , Funatogawa Keiji , Kirikae Teruo
Published: July 2021

The incidence rate of tuberculosis (TB) in Japan was 11.5 per 100,000 of the population in 2019. Of TB patients in Japan, 61.1% were aged >70 years, and 10.7% were born outside Japan, mostly in Asian countries with a high burden of tuberculosis.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Cellular Heterogeneity and Stage Transition under Temperature Stress in Synchronized Plasmodium falciparum Cells
Authors: Rawat Mukul , Srivastava Ashish , Johri Shreya , Gupta Ishaan , Karmodiya Krishanpal
Published: July 2021

The malaria parasite has a complex life cycle exhibiting phenotypic variations in two different hosts accompanied by cell-to-cell variability that is important for stress tolerance, immune evasion, and drug resistance. To investigate cellular heterogeneity determined by gene expression, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of about 12,000 synchronized
Plasmodium
cells under physiologically relevant normal (37°C) and temperature stress (40°C) conditions phenocopying the cyclic bouts of fever experienced during malarial infection.
Genome-Based Taxonomy of
Brevundimonas
with Reporting
Brevundimonas huaxiensis
sp. nov.
Authors: Liu Lina , Feng Yu , Wei Li , Zong Zhiyong
Published: July 2021

Brevundimonas
is a genus of the family
Caulobacteraceae
and comprises 33 species.
Brevundimonas
can cause various infections but remains poorly studied. In this study, we reported a novel
Brevundimonas
species,
Brevundimonas huaxiensis
, based on genome and phenotype studies of strain 090558
T
recovered from human blood.
Accuracy of Broad-Panel PCR-Based Bacterial Identification for Blood Cultures in a Pediatric Oncology Population
Authors: Garner C. D. , Brazelton de Cardenas J. , Suganda S. , Hayden R. T.
Published: July 2021

Bloodstream infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality and result in significant costs to health care systems. Rapid identification of the causative agent of bloodstream infections is critical for patient treatment and improved outcomes.
Supplemental Material: Tiny, glassy, and rapidly trapped: The nano-sized planktic diatoms in Messinian (late Miocene) gypsum
Authors: Pellegrino Luca , al. et
Published: July 2021

Sampled sites, methodology, and sample list.
Supplemental Material: Central eastern China hydrological changes and ENSO-like variability over the past 1800 yr
Authors: Jiang Shiwei , Zhou Xin , al. et
Published: July 2021

Supplemental information on the study site, sample collection, chronology, methods, sediment lithology, and the significance of proxies.
Antenatal magnesium sulfate to prevent cerebral palsy
Authors: Keir Amy K , Shepherd Emily , McIntyre Sarah , Rumbold Alice , Groves Charlotte , Crowther Caroline , Callander Emily Joy
Published: July 2021

Magnesium sulfate given to women before birth at <30 weeks’ gestation reduces the risk of cerebral palsy in their children. Our study aimed to assess the impact of a local quality improvement programme, primarily using plan-do-study-act cycles, to increase the use of antenatal magnesium sulfate. After implementing our quality improvement programme, an average of 86% of babies delivered at <30 weeks’ gestation were exposed to antenatal magnesium sulfate compared with a historical baseline rate of 63%. Our study strengthens the case for embedding quality improvement programmes in maternal perinatal care to reduce the impact of cerebral palsy on families and society.
Body image and antiretroviral therapy adherence among people living with HIV: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nyamaruze Patrick , Cowden Richard Gregory , Padgett R Noah , Govender Kaymarlin
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains a key challenge to achieving the fast-track goal of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030. To provide a more comprehensive indication of whether interventions designed to promote ART adherence might benefit from targeting body image perceptions, we aim to conduct a systematic review to synthesise existing evidence on the association between body image and ART adherence.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review of peer-reviewed observational studies and randomised controlled trials that have investigated the association between body image and adherence to ART will be performed. JSTOR, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of Science databases will be searched from 1 January 2000 to 31 March 2021. Eligible records will consider body image as either an independent variable or a mediator, whereas ART adherence will be assessed as an outcome variable. Study selection will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and study quality will be assessed using relevant tools developed by the National Institute of Health. If sufficient data are available, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Effect size estimates will be aggregated using a random effects meta-analysis approach. Publication bias and its impact will be evaluated through the use of a funnel plot and the trim-and-fill method. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach will be used to report on the overall quality of evidence.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for a systematic review protocol. Findings of the proposed systematic review will be disseminated through conference presentations and publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020212597.
Epidemiology of wheeze among preschool children: a population-based cross-sectional study from rural Sri Lanka
Authors: Rajapakse Mudiyanselage Shashanka Indeevara Rajapakse , Amarasiri Wadu Arachchige Dharshika Lakmali , Yasaratne Bannek Mudiyanselage Gedara Duminda , Warnasekara Janith , Agampodi Suneth
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of wheeze and factors associated with its severity among 3–6 years old children.

Methodology

Design

A population-based, cross-sectional study using the WHO 30 cluster methodology with probability proportionate to size sampling.

Setting

36 preschools registered at the divisional secretariat offices of Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka.

Participants

We recruited 1060 preschool children from 36 preschools aged 3–6 years.

Main outcome measurements

We used the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood questionnaire to assess the prevalence, symptomatology and associated factors of wheeze.

Results

The study sample consisted of 548 (51.70%) male and 512 (48.30%) female children with a mean age of 4.41 (±0.66) years. At least one wheezing episode ever was reported in 323 (30.47%; 95% CI 27.71% to 33.34%) children and 247 (23.30%; 95% CI 20.79% to 25.97%) children had a wheezing attack in the preceding year. Severe episodes of wheezing were reported in 76 (7.17%; 95% CI 5.69% to 8.89%) participants. However, only 27 (35.53%; 95% CI 24.88% to 47.34%) children with severe wheezing had been diagnosed as asthmatics by a clinician. The identified independent risk factors for severe wheeze were allergic rhinitis (OR 6.90; 95% CI 3.84 to 12.40), domestic dog(s) (OR 2.34; 95% CI 1.01 to 5.40), frequent consumption of skipjack tuna (OR 1.94; 95% CI 1.11 to 3.39) and passive smoking (OR 1.70; 95% CI 0.93 to 3.11) while living in a house with a cement floor is a protective factor (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.80).

Conclusion

Wheezing commonly affects one-fourth of preschool children in rural Sri Lanka. Severe wheezing is often not diagnosed as asthma despite frequent symptoms, probably due to hesitancy in labelling preschool children as asthmatics. Allergic rhinitis, domestic dogs, frequent consumption of Skipjack tuna fish and exposure to passive smoking were independent risk factors for severe wheeze.
Development and internal validation of a multivariable prediction model for 6-year risk of stroke: a cohort study in middle-aged and elderly Chinese population
Authors: Yu Qi , Wu Yuanzhe , Jin Qingdong , Chen Yanqing , Lin Qingying , Liu Xinru
Published: July 2021

Objective

To develop and internally validate a prediction model for 6-year risk of stroke and its primary subtypes in middle-aged and elderly Chinese population.

Design

This is a retrospective cohort study from a prospectively collected database.

Participants

We included a total 3124 adults aged 45–80 years, free of stroke or myocardial infarction at baseline in the 2009–2015 cohort of China Health and Nutrition Survey.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The outcome of the prediction model was stroke. Investigated predictors were: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), hypertension (HBP), drinking status, smoking status, diabetes and site. Stepwise multiple Cox regression was applied to identify independent predictors. A nomogram was constructed to predict 6-year risk of stroke based on the multiple analysis results. Bootstraps with 1000 resamples were applied to both C-index and calibration curve.

Result

The overall incidence of overall stroke was 2.98%. Age, gender, HBP and TC were found as significant risk predictors for overall stroke; age, gender, HBP and LDL-C were found as significant risk predictors for ischaemic stroke; age, gender, HBP, BMI and HDL-C were found as significant risk predictors for haemorrhagic stroke. The nomogram was constructed using significant variables included in the model, with a C-index of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.72 to 0.76), 0.74 (95% CI: 0.71 to 0.77), and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.78 to 0.84) for overall stroke, ischaemic stroke, and haemorrhagic stroke model, respectively. The calibration curves demonstrated the good agreements between predicted and observed 6-year risk probability.

Conclusion

Our nomogram could be convenient, easy to use and effective prognoses for predicting 6-year risk of stroke in middle-aged and elderly Chinese population.
Patient-level and hospital-level variation and related time trends in COVID-19 case fatality rates during the first pandemic wave in England: multilevel modelling analysis of routine data
Authors: Bottle Alex , Faitna Puji , Aylin Paul P
Published: July 2021

Background

A report suggesting large between-hospital variations in mortality after admission for COVID-19 in England attracted much media attention but used crude rates. We aimed to quantify these variations between hospitals and over time during England’s first wave (March to July 2020) and assess available patient-level and hospital-level predictors to explain those variations.

Methods

We used administrative data for England, augmented by hospital-level information. Admissions were extracted with COVID-19 codes. In-hospital death was the primary outcome. Risk-adjusted mortality ratios (standardised mortality ratios) and interhospital variation were calculated using multilevel logistic regression. Early-wave (March to April) and late-wave (May to July) periods were compared.

Results

74 781 admissions had a primary diagnosis of COVID-19, with 21 984 in-hospital deaths (29.4%); the 30-day total mortality rate was 28.8%. The crude in-hospital death rate fell in all ages and overall from 32.9% in March to 13.4% in July. Patient-level predictors included age, male gender, non-white ethnic group (early period only) and several comorbidities (obesity early period only). The only significant hospital-level predictor was daily COVID-19 admissions in the late period; we did not find a relation with staff absences for COVID-19, mechanical ventilation bed occupancies, total bed occupancies or bed occupancies for COVID-19 admissions in either period. Just 4 (3%) and 2 (2%) hospitals were high, and 5 (4%) and 0 hospitals were low funnel plot mortality outliers at 3 SD for early and late periods, respectively, after risk adjustment. We found no strong correlation between early and late hospital-level mortality (r=0.17, p=0.06).

Conclusions

There was modest variation in mortality following admission for COVID-19 between English hospitals after adjustment for risk and random variation, in marked contrast to early media reports. Early-period mortality did not predict late-period mortality.
Effects of infliximab on lung and circulating natural killer cells, CD56+ T cells and B cells in sarcoidosis
Authors: Kullberg Susanna , Rivera Natalia V , Grunewald Johan , Eklund Anders
Published: July 2021

Background

Tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is pivotal in sarcoid granuloma formation, and inhibitors of TNF-α offer an attractive third-line treatment option in sarcoidosis. The sarcoid inflammation is characterised by an exaggerated T helper 1 response, and evidence indicates a contribution of dysregulated and/or deficient NK (natural killer) cells, CD56+ T cells and B cells.

Objectives

Insight into how TNF-α inhibitors influence these cells may provide more information on inflammatory mechanisms in sarcoidosis and improve understanding of such treatment. We therefore evaluated treatment effects of the TNF-α inhibitor infliximab on lung and peripheral blood (PB) NK, CD56+ T cells and B cells.

Methods

Fifteen patients were assessed with PB samples, spirometry and CT scan, and 11 of them also underwent bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) close to start of infliximab treatment. These investigations were repeated after 6 months of treatment.

Results

Twelve out of 15 patients disclosed a clinical improvement at follow-up. Median percentage of BAL fluid (BALF) CD56+ T cells increased while a decrease was seen in PB (p<0.05 and 0.005, respectively). No significant changes were observed for NK cells. There was a trend towards increased median percentage of PB B cells (p=0.07), and a negative correlation was observed between PB and BALF B cells after treatment (p<0.05).

Conclusion

In conclusion, 6 months of infliximab treatment in patients with sarcoidosis, of whom the majority benefited from the treatment, influenced immune cells in the lung and circulation differently, highlighting the importance of investigating several compartments concomitantly when evaluating treatment effects on the inflammatory activity.
Clinical outcomes of patients with corticosteroid refractory immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced enterocolitis treated with infliximab
Authors: Alexander James L , Ibraheim Hajir , Sheth Bhavisha , Little Jessica , Khan Muhammad Saheb , Richards Camellia , Hunter Nikki , Chauhan Dharmisha , Ratnakumaran Raguprakash , McHugh Kathleen , Pinato David J , Nathan Paul , Choy Julia , Crusz Shanthini M , Furness Andrew , Turajlic Samra , Pickering Lisa , Larkin James , Teare Julian P , Papa Sophie , Speight Ally , Sharma Anand , Powell Nick
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) have changed the treatment landscape for many cancers, but also cause severe inflammatory side effects including enterocolitis. CPI-induced enterocolitis is treated empirically with corticosteroids, and infliximab (IFX) is used in corticosteroid-refractory cases. However, robust outcome data for these patients are scarce.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter (six cancer centers), cohort study of outcomes in patients treated with IFX for corticosteroid-refractory CPI-induced enterocolitis between 2007 and 2020. The primary outcome was corticosteroid-free clinical remission (CFCR) with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grade 0 for diarrhea at 12 weeks after IFX initiation. We also assessed cancer outcomes at 1 year using RECIST V1.1 criteria.

Results

127 patients (73 male; median age 59 years) were treated with IFX for corticosteroid-refractory CPI-induced enterocolitis. Ninety-six (75.6%) patients had diarrhea CTCAE grade >2 and 115 (90.6%) required hospitalization for colitis. CFCR was 41.2% at 12 weeks and 50.9% at 26 weeks. In multivariable logistic regression, IFX-resistant enterocolitis was associated with rectal bleeding (OR 0.19; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.80; p=0.03) and absence of colonic crypt abscesses (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.13 to 8.05; p=0.03). Cancer non-progression was significantly more common in patients with IFX-resistant enterocolitis (64.4%) as compared with patients with IFX-responsive enterocolitis (37.5%; p=0.013).

Conclusion

This is the largest study to date reporting outcomes of IFX therapy in patients with corticosteroid-refractory CPI-induced enterocolitis. Using predefined robust endpoints, we have demonstrated that fewer than half of patients achieved CFCR. Our data also indicate that cancer outcomes may be better in patients developing prolonged and severe inflammatory side effects of CPI therapy.
Effect of cardiosphere-derived cells on segmental myocardial function after myocardial infarction: ALLSTAR randomised clinical trial
Authors: Ostovaneh Mohammad R , Makkar Raj R , Ambale-Venkatesh Bharath , Ascheim Deborah , Chakravarty Tarun , Henry Timothy D , Kowalchuk Glen , Aguirre Frank V , Kereiakes Dean J , Povsic Thomas J , Schatz Richard , Traverse Jay H , Pogoda Janice , Smith Rachel D , Marbán Linda , Marbán Eduardo , Lima Joao A C
Published: July 2021

Background

Most cell therapy trials failed to show an improvement in global left ventricular (LV) function measures after myocardial infarction (MI). Myocardial segments are heterogeneously impacted by MI. Global LV function indices are not able to detect the small treatment effects on segmental myocardial function which may have prognostic implications for cardiac events. We aimed to test the efficacy of allogeneic cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) for improving regional myocardial function and contractility.

Methods

In this exploratory analysis of a randomised clinical trial, 142 patients with post-MI with LVEF <45% and 15% or greater LV scar size were randomised in 2:1 ratio to receive intracoronary infusion of allogenic CDCs or placebo, respectively. Change in segmental myocardial circumferential strain (Ecc) by MRI from baseline to 6 months was compared between CDCs and placebo groups.

Results

In total, 124 patients completed the 6-month follow-up (mean (SD) age 54.3 (10.8) and 108 (87.1%) men). Segmental Ecc improvement was significantly greater in patients receiving CDC (−0.5% (4.0)) compared with placebo (0.2% (3.7), p=0.05). The greatest benefit for improvement in segmental Ecc was observed in segments containing scar tissue (change in segmental Ecc of −0.7% (3.5) in patients receiving CDC vs 0.04% (3.7) in the placebo group, p=0.04).

Conclusions

In patients with post-MI LV dysfunction, CDC administration resulted in improved segmental myocardial function. Our findings highlight the importance of segmental myocardial function indices as an endpoint in future clinical trials of patients with post-MI.

Trial registration number

NCT01458405.
Tidal effects in 4D Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet black hole spacetime
Authors: Li Jing , Chen Songbai , Jing Jiliang
Published: July 2021

We have investigated tidal forces and geodesic deviation motion in the 4D-Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet spacetime. Our results show that tidal force and geodesic deviation motion depend sharply on the sign of Gauss–Bonnet coupling constant. Comparing with Schwarzschild spacetime, the strength of tidal force becomes stronger for the negative Gauss–Bonnet coupling constant, but is weaker for the positive one. Moreover, tidal force behaves like those in the Schwarzschild spacetime as the coupling constant is negative, and like those in Reissner–Nordström black hole as the constant is positive. We also present the change of geodesic deviation vector with Gauss–Bonnet coupling constant under two kinds of initial conditions.
EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON CHINESE SECTORAL INDICES: A MULTIFRACTAL ANALYSIS
Authors: DE ARAÚJO FERNANDO H. A. , FERNANDES LEONARDO H. S. , TABAK BENJAMIN M.
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we analyze 26 Chinese sectoral indices and evaluate the effects of the crisis caused by COVID-19 on its efficiency. We calculated the degree of multifractality in the pre- and post-COVID-19 period and found that it increases, albeit unevenly, for the economic sectors. The results suggest that global crises can affect the efficiency of the stock markets in an unequal way, with important implications for portfolio management, risk management, financial regulation and the development of predictive models.
AVERAGE FERMAT DISTANCE OF A FRACTAL TREE
Authors: MA YING , CHEN CHEN , XI LIFENG
Published: July 2021

The Fermat problem of triangle is interesting in plane geometry. Considering the Fermat problem within a fractal, we study the average Fermat distance of three random points on a self-similar tree by using the method of finite pattern.
Some remarks on Nonnil-coherent rings and ϕ-IF rings
Authors: Qi Wei , Zhang Xiaolei
Published: July 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be a commutative ring. If the nilpotent radical [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is a divided prime ideal, then [Formula: see text] is called a [Formula: see text]-ring. In this paper, we first distinguish the classes of nonnil-coherent rings and [Formula: see text]-coherent rings introduced by Bacem and Ali [Nonnil-coherent rings, Beitr. Algebra Geom. 57(2) (2016) 297–305], and then characterize nonnil-coherent rings in terms of [Formula: see text]-flat modules, nonnil-injective modules and nonnil-FP-injective modules. A [Formula: see text]-ring [Formula: see text] is called a [Formula: see text]-IF ring if any nonnil-injective module is [Formula: see text]-flat. We obtain some module-theoretic characterizations of [Formula: see text]-IF rings. Two examples are given to distinguish [Formula: see text]-IF rings and IF [Formula: see text]-rings.
On linear relations for special L-values over certain totally real number fields
Authors: Kuga Seiji
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we give linear relations between the Fourier coefficients of a special Hilbert modular form of half integral weight and some arithmetic functions. As a result, we have linear relations for the special [Formula: see text]-values over certain totally real number fields.
Using 3D Convolutional Neural Networks for Real-time Detection of Soccer Events
Authors: Rongved Olav A. Nergård , Hicks Steven A. , Thambawita Vajira , Stensland Håkon K. , Zouganeli Evi , Johansen Dag , Midoglu Cise , Riegler Michael A. , Halvorsen Pål
Published: July 2021

Developing systems for the automatic detection of events in video is a task which has gained attention in many areas including sports. More specifically, event detection for soccer videos has been studied widely in the literature. However, there are still a number of shortcomings in the state-of-the-art such as high latency, making it challenging to operate at the live edge. In this paper, we present an algorithm to detect events in soccer videos in real time, using 3D convolutional neural networks. We test our algorithm on three different datasets from SoccerNet, the Swedish Allsvenskan, and the Norwegian Eliteserien. Overall, the results show that we can detect events with high recall, low latency, and accurate time estimation. The trade-off is a slightly lower precision compared to the current state-of-the-art, which has higher latency and performs better when a less accurate time estimation can be accepted. In addition to the presented algorithm, we perform an extensive ablation study on how the different parts of the training pipeline affect the final results.
A Countermeasure Method Using Poisonous Data Against Poisoning Attacks on IoT Machine Learning
Authors: Chiba Tomoki , Sei Yuichi , Tahara Yasuyuki , Ohsuga Akihiko
Published: July 2021

In the modern world, several areas of our lives can be improved, in the form of diverse additional dimensions, in terms of quality, by machine learning. When building machine learning models, open data are often used. Although this trend is on the rise, the monetary losses since the attacks on machine learning models are also rising. Preparation is, thus, believed to be indispensable in terms of embarking upon machine learning. In this field of endeavor, machine learning models may be compromised in various ways, including poisoning attacks. Assaults of this nature involve the incorporation of injurious data into the training data rendering the models to be substantively less accurate. The circumstances of every individual case will determine the degree to which the impairment due to such intrusions can lead to extensive disruption. A modus operandi is proffered in this research as a safeguard for machine learning models in the face of the poisoning menace, envisaging a milieu in which machine learning models make use of data that emanate from numerous sources. The information in question will be presented as training data, and the diversity of sources will constitute a barrier to poisoning attacks in such circumstances. Every source is evaluated separately, with the weight of each data component assessed in terms of its ability to affect the precision of the machine learning model. An appraisal is also conducted on the basis of the theoretical effect of the use of corrupt data as from each source. The extent to which the subgroup of data in question can undermine overall accuracy depends on the estimated data removal rate associated with each of the sources described above. The exclusion of such isolated data based on this figure ensures that the standard data will not be tainted. To evaluate the efficacy of our suggested preventive measure, we evaluated it in comparison with the well-known standard techniques to assess the degree to which the model was providing accurate conclusions in the wake of the change. It was demonstrated during this test that when the innovative mode of appraisal was applied, in circumstances in which 17% of the training data are corrupt, the degree of precision offered by the model is 89%, in contrast to the figure of 83% acquired through the traditional technique. The corrective technique suggested by us thus boosted the resilience of the model against harmful intrusion.
Two-dimensional (P,Q)-Mellin transform and applications
Authors: Jain Pankaj , Basu Chandrani , Panwar Vivek
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we have introduced and studied two-dimensional [Formula: see text]-Mellin transform which extends the known results of two-dimensional [Formula: see text]-Mellin transform. We provide its several basic properties, the appropriate convolution, the inversion formula and the Parseval-type relations. Some applications of [Formula: see text]-Mellin transform have been pointed out in solving integral equations. Finally, a Titchmarsh-type theorem has been proved.
Max and Min matrices with hyper-Fibonacci numbers
Authors: Solmaz Tuğçe , Bahşi Mustafa
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we study characteristic polynomials, determinants, inverses and Hadamard inverses of the Max and Min matrices with the hyper-Fibonacci numbers.
Update on Nexceris’ Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stack Technology
Authors: Kopechek David , Swartz Scott , Arkenberg Gene , Dogdibegovic Emir
Published: July 2021

Nexceris has been active in the development of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology since 1995. In recent years, advancements have been achieved through innovations in SOFC stack materials, design, and operation. These advancements have increased technical maturity, improved durability, and reduced stack cost. With high current density (0.5–0.7 A/cm²) and single pass fuel utilization (70–80%) capabilities, Nexceris’ lightweight SOFC stacks are enabling for power systems that require both high gravimetric power density and electrical efficiency. Moreover, Nexceris’ SOFC technology has been demonstrated to be resilient against large thermal gradients and rapid load changes. Current SOFC work at Nexceris includes stack and system demonstrations, scale-up of stack manufacturing capabilities, and development of a 10-kW stack module. This paper will provide an update on the status and capabilities of Nexceris’ SOFC stack technology and cost-saving approaches to stack fabrication.
Sputtered Thin-Film Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Minh Nguyen Q. , Lee Yoon Ho , Tran Quang Tuyen , Ren Haowen , Fullerton Eric E. , Wu Erik A. , Meng Ying Shirley
Published: July 2021

An all-sputter process has been developed and optimized to fabricate high-performance thin-film solid oxide fuel cells (TF-SOFCs) using conventional materials. The process involves sequential sputtering of cell components onto a porous substrate. An example structure comprises of an anode such as nickel-yttria stabilized zirconia (Ni-YSZ), an electrolyte such as YSZ, an interlayer such as gadolinium doped ceria (GDC), and then a cathode such as lanthanum strontium cobalt perovskite (LSC)-GDC. These are sputtered onto a porous substrate such as anodized aluminum oxide (AAO). Process conditions and sputtering procedures have been tailored and engineered to produce components with desired structural characteristics, i.e., a fully dense electrolyte and interlayer and a porous anode and cathode. The porous electrodes show a columnar structure with branch-like nano-fibers. Sputtered TF-SOFCs exhibit superior performance at reduced temperatures; for example, the peak power density was about 3.0 W/cm2 at 650oC (with H2 for the cell Ni-YSZ/YSZ/GDC/LSC-GDC) and the peak power density was about 2.6 W/cm2 at 700oC (with CH4 for the cell Ni-YSZ/YSZ/GDC/LSC-GDC).
Fabrication and Characterization of Functional Ceramic Films by Solution Spray Pyrolysis: Correlations with the Thermal Decomposition Characteristics of the Constituent Salts
Authors: Krestou Athina , Barmpatsis Andrew , Tsanaktsidis Costas , Matsouka Charitini , Nalbandian Lori , Kiratzis Nikolas Euripides
Published: July 2021

Thin films of ceramic or ceramic-metal (cermet) electrodes with appropriate structure and morphology are always sought as either electrodes or electrolytes in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) or electrolyzers (SOECs) requiring different morphological and structural characteristics for optimal function. Requirements for the electrodes and electrolytes differ in each case and these dictate operational conditions of the adopted fabrication methods. The solution spray pyrolysis fabrication technique (SSP) is based on molecular deposition and it involves spraying of a solution of suitable constituent metal salts onto a heated substrate. In the present communication, we use this technique to fabricate thin films of Gadolinia (10mole%) stabilized Ceria (CGO10) on dense Zr0.92Y0.08O2-x (YSZ) and La0.3Sr0.7FeO3 (LSF70) substrates and La0.75Sr0.25MnO3 (LSM) and CuO-CeO2 on dense YSZ substrates. Focus is on the thermal characteristics of the constituent salts with respect to correlations with the appropriate deposition temperatures as well as the effect of deposition time.
Experimental Investigation of an Anode Supported SOFC Stack Under High Direct Internal Reforming Conditions
Authors: Hauck Maximilian , Herrmann Stephan , Fischer Felix , Weinrich Jeremias , Steinrücken Benjamin , Spliethoff Hartmut
Published: July 2021

Direct internal reforming (DIR) of hydrocarbons like methane can help improve both economics and efficiency of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems. However, DIR can potentially damage SOFC stacks due to thermal gradients and resulting stresses. In this paper, we present experimental data from the operation of an anode supported short stack from Ningbo SOFCMAN Energy Technology. Natural gas was used as fuel, and the stack was operated under varying degrees of DIR. The reforming level was adjusted using an electrically heated reformer, and monitored with an online gas analysis. Increasing the degree of DIR had a moderate adverse effect on the stack performance. These results show that operation of stacks from Ningbo SOFCMAN Energy Technology under high degrees of DIR is feasible, while some performance decrease has to be expected.
Jet Fuel Desulfurization for Portable Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Du Yanhai , Panthi Dhruba , Feng Hai
Published: July 2021

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are capable of utilizing energy-dense hydrocarbon fuels such as jet fuels for highly efficient power generation. Currently, a major challenge for using the jet fuel (e.g. JP-8) in SOFC power systems is its sulfur content, which poisons the SOFC anode and fuel reforming catalysts. The reduction of sulfur to <1 ppmw is generally desired and required to ensure reliable SOFC operation. Our research aimed at developing a lightweight, compact desulfurization reactor for onboard application in portable fuel cell systems. After several versions of improvements, including the use of a selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing method, we have developed a miniature one-piece stainless-steel reactor which can remove >99.5% sulfur in the jet fuel with the final sulfur concentrations close to a sub-ppm level. The reactor could be adapted to the desulfurization of other liquid hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline and diesel.
Performance Analysis of Ammonia in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Nuggehalli Sampathkumar Suhas , Sun Xiufu , Joris Steve , Van Herle Jan , Middleton Peter Hugh , Frandsen Henrik Lund
Published: July 2021

Ammonia (NH3) has 17.8 wt% hydrogen and is easily liquified at 25°C and 8 bar pressure. Ammonia is carbon-free and can be produced sustainably at large scale and low cost. Solid oxide fuel cells generate electricity with efficiencies greater than 60% and can use ammonia as fuel without the need for external cracking. In this work, a single-cell SOFC was characterized using the in-situ ammonia decomposition reaction (Int-ADR) and compared with the ex-situ ammonia decomposition reaction (Ext-ADR), and pure hydrogen (H2 100%), between temperatures of 750°C and 850°C. Constant load tests performed at 800°C with 84% fuel utilization reached the LHV efficiency of 58%. The open-circuit voltage (OCV) of Int-ADR was similar to that of Ext-ADR, confirming that usage of ammonia as fuel in the Ni-YSZ anode involved two steps (i) ammonia decomposition into nitrogen and hydrogen and (ii) electrochemical conversion of hydrogen into steam.
The Correlation of EIS and Performance of Button-Size and Industrial-Size Planar SOFCs Under Different Operating Conditions
Authors: Liang Jingjing , Wang Yige , Lyu Zewei , Wang Yige , Sun Zaihong , Han Minfang
Published: July 2021

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been widely used in the performance evaluation and degradation diagnosis of SOFC. However, it was found that the EIS results measured at OCV did not necessarily reflect the output performance at high current density. A button cell with an active area of 0.45 cm2 and an industrial-size cell with an active area of 100 cm2 with similar components of porous Ni-YSZ|YSZ|GDC|GDC-LSCF porous were prepared and tested to investigate the correlation between the evolution of performance and EIS at OCV. It was found that the activation process and the humidity degree of fuel gas had a significant impact, i.e. the EIS measured at OCV did not directly correlate with the output performance at high current density. However, the EIS measured at OCV could reflect the output performance after activation process.
Lessons Learned from Operating a Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell at 1.25 a/cm2 for One Year
Authors: Chen Ming , Tong Xiaofeng , Ovtar Simov
Published: July 2021

Conventional Ni/yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) fuel electrode supported solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) demonstrate acceptable long-term durability when operated at below -1 A/cm2. These cells suffer however severe degradation at above -1 A/cm2, where a large part of the cell resistance increase is associated with the Ni/YSZ electrode. In this work, by introducing Ce0.8Gd0.2O2-
d (CGO) nanoparticles into the Ni/YSZ electrode, we reduce the cell degradation down to 39 mV/kh when operated at 810oC and -1.25 A/cm2. A steam supply failure at 4000 h causes certain damage to the cell, resulting in higher degradation in the second half of the one-year period. A degradation-mitigation strategy is successfully tried out by increasing the operating temperature to 836oC eventually. The test is successfully terminated after reaching one year, demonstrating an average degradation rate of 39 mV/kh over the one-year period. The current work shows high potential for modifying conventional SOEC cells for use in high current density electrolysis applications.
Performance and Processes of Pure CO2 Electrolysis in Solid Oxide Cells
Authors: Dittrich Lucy , Duyster Tobias , Foit Severin , Vinke I. C. , Eichel Rüdiger-A. , De Haart L. G. J. (Bert)
Published: July 2021

Pure carbon dioxide (CO2) electrolysis presents a sustainable method for the production of carbon monoxide (CO). CO is an important feedstock for producing base chemicals for the chemical industry. High-temperature CO2 electrolysis in solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) make it possible to recycle climate-damaging CO2 and utilize renewable energy sources for the conversion to CO. We thoroughly investigated the direct CO2 electrolysis electrochemically with respect to the process parameters temperature, fuel utilization, load, flow rates, and CO2:CO feed gas ratio. With faradaic efficiencies of about 100% and high current densities of up to 1.5 A∙cm,-2 the results show the high potential of pure CO2 electrolysis.
Performance Investigation and Optimization of a SOEC Stack Operated Under Industrially Relevant Conditions
Authors: Königshofer Benjamin , Höber Michael , Boškoski Pavle , Nusev Gjorgji , Juričić Ɖani , Hochenauer Christoph , Subotic Vanja
Published: July 2021

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) are a highly efficient technology for producing green hydrogen using only steam and electricity from renewable sources. However, different applications and associated operating conditions can lead to performance deterioration and microstructural degradation of SOECs. In this context, different factors such as the input gas composition, the operating temperature, or the applied current profile can have significantly different effects on the performance and long-term stability of the technology. In this study, various industrially relevant operating conditions were applied to a ten-cell stack to determine their impact on stack performance and electrode processes as well as to provide a solid basis for optimized operation.
B-Site Sc Doping of La0.6Ca0.4Fe0.8Ni0.2O3-
d as an Electrode for Solid Oxide Cells
Authors: Tian Yunfeng , Wang Xinxin , Ling Yihan , Chi Bo , Pu Jian
Published: July 2021

In this work, perovskite-type oxide La0.6Ca0.4Fe0.7Sc0.1Ni0.2O3-δ (LCFSN) was synthesized by the conventional wet chemical method and firstly characterized as the electrode for symmetrical solid oxide electrochemical cells (SSOCs). The microstructure and electrochemical performance of SSOCs based on this electrode was investigated. The maximum power density of the cell reaches 0.234 W/cm2 at 800°C and has good stability in short-term test in fuel cell mode. In electrolysis cell mode, it displays an electrolysis current density as high as 0.757 A/cm2 for CO2 electrolysis when the temperature and applied voltage are 800°C and 1.8 V, respectively. The cell also exhibits excellent durability in electrolysis cell mode. The results suggest that the SSOCs based on this symmetrical electrode has a very promising prospect.