bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emergency admissions of ambulatory care sensitive conditions at a Japanese local hospital: An observational study
Authors: Shinotsuka Manami , Matsumura Shin , Okada Tadao 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundEmergency admissions of ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) are a key marker of quality of primary care and are used nationwide in some countries including the UK and Australia. There are still little data on ACSCs available in Japan. This study aimed to provide the descriptive data of the current state of ACSCs at a local hospital in Japan.MethodsThis is an observational study of retrospective chart review. The study setting is Funabashi Futawa Hospital (FFH), an acute care private hospital in Funabashi City, Japan. We analyzed the shares of admissions of ACSCs out of all admissions at FFH from April 2014 to March 2015.Results5380 charts were reviewed. Emergency admissions were 3275 cases (61%) of all admissions. Emergency admissions for ACSCs accounted for 946 cases (28.9%) of all emergency admissions. Chronic ACSC is the most common subcategory. Urinary tract infection accounted most for admissions of acute ACSCs (138 cases, 4.2% of all emergency admissions). Asthma accounted most for admissions of chronic ACSCs (139 cases, 4.2%). Pneumonia accounted most for admissions of vaccine‐preventable ACSCs (99 cases, 3.0%).ConclusionsThis is one of the first reports describing ACSCs in Japan. Most common reasons for ACSCs were similar to the previous data from the UK, except COPD ranked lower and asthma ranked higher, respectively. Comparison among different facilities (horizontal) and over time in the same institution (longitudinal), as well as analyzing relationships between other markers of primary care quality and ACSCs, will be necessary in the future.
Synthesis of isoniazid‐1,2,3‐triazole conjugates: Antitubercular, antimicrobial evaluation and molecular docking study
Authors: Badar Adinath D. , Sulakhe Shubham M. , Muluk Mahesh B. , Rehman Naziya N. M. A. , Dixit Prashant P. , Choudhari Prafulla B. , Rekha Estharla Madhu , Sriram Dharmarajan , Haval Kishan P. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn the present study, a series of new isoniazid‐1,2,3‐triazole conjugates (5a‐k) was synthesized via click chemistry approach. The newly synthesized compounds were assessed for their in vitro antitubercular and antimicrobial activities. The compound 5g has displayed potent antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (Mtb) with MIC value 1.56 μg/mL. The active compounds were screened for their cytotoxicity profile by MTT assay against RAW 264.7 cell line. The four compounds have shown good in vitro antimicrobial activities against both antibacterial and antifungal pathogens. A molecular docking study was accomplished to identify the probable mode of action of synthesized derivatives. These compounds have shown excellent binding affinity toward Enoyl‐acp reductase (INHA) and DNA gyrase.
Effect of matrices and additives on phosphorylated and ketodeoxyoctonic acid lipids A analysis by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Jabbar Siddiqui Amna , Le Sénéchal Caroline , Vilain Sébastien , Buré Corinne 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLipid A is a major compound of the outer membrane of gram‐negative bacteria and is a key factor of bacterial virulence. As lipid A's structure differs among bacterial species and varies between strains of the same species, knowing its modifications is essential to understand its implications in the infectious process. To analyze these lipids, matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) is a well‐suited method that is fast and efficient. However, there are limitations with the matrix and additives used, such as the suppression of signal or prompt fragmentations that could give a false overview of lipid A composition in biological samples. For a comprehensive analysis of the entire lipid A species present in a sample, we tested 16 matrices and 11 additives on two commercial lipids A. The first commercial one contains single phosphorylation group, and the second contains two phosphorylation and two ketodeoxyoctonic acid (KDO) groups. The lipid A containing KDO groups was essentially detected by the 3‐hydroxypicolinic acid (3‐HPA) matrix, whereas the monophosphorylated lipid A could be detected by 13 matrices out of the 16. We also demonstrated that the signal of diphosphorylated lipid A can be enhanced with the use of additives in the matrix. Our study indicated that the best conditions to obtain a clear signal of both lipids A without prompt fragmentation was the use of 3‐HPA with 10mM trifluoroacetic acid (TFA).
Therapeutic drug monitoring of valproic acid using a dried plasma spot sampling device
Authors: Li Yanyan , Jiang Yi , Cao Haiwei , Lin Hua , Ren Wenbo , Huang Jing , Zhang Jie 
Published: June 2020

AbstractValproic acid (VPA) dosing needs to be individualized for epilepsy patients through therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). The patients must show up in the clinic at the therapeutic window time to venipuncture sample. Dried plasma spot (DPS) sampling is an alternative way to replace conventional venipuncture sampling. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a DPS‐based liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method to monitor VPA in a routine clinical laboratory setting. We compare the DPS with the wet plasma method of clinical samples by LC–MS/MS. The method was linear over the dynamic range of 10–200 μg/ml (covering entire therapeutic range) with a correlation coefficient r2 ≥ 0.995. Both the DPS and wet plasma methods were fully validated for the accuracy, precision, recovery, and matrix effect. The analyte stability was examined under conditions mimicking the sample storage, transport, and analysis procedures. A clinical study with epilepsy patients receiving VPA (n = 35) showed that, after correction for hematocrit (HCT), plasma concentrations can be successfully calculated from the DPS quantification results. Passing–Bablok regression coefficients showed no proportional bias between estimated and measured plasma concentrations. Similar agreement was found by Bland–Altman plots. The dried sample could be mailed to the clinical lab to test by regular mail service. So DPS can be used for drug monitoring with self‐sampling strategy at the patient's convenient time and place specially for ambulatory patients not attending a clinic.
Preparation and Properties of UCST‐Type Thermoresponsive Polypeptide Bearing Amide Pendants
Authors: Huang Linjie , Sun Liwei , Zhou Congping , Ling Ying , Lu Hua , Luan Shifang , Tang Haoyu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThermoresponsive polypeptides bearing amide pendants with an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) under physiologically relevant solution conditions are developed. A series of poly(γ‐propanyl‐l‐glutamate)s bearing amide pendants (PPLGn‐Am) with different molecular weight (or degree of polymerization, DP) is prepared by copper mediated 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition. While fourier transform infra‐red and CD analysis reveal random coil conformation of the PPLGn‐Am in the solid‐state and in aqueous solutions, respectively, PPLGn‐Am shows reversible UCST‐type phase behaviors in deionized water (DI) water and phosphate‐buffered saline. Variable temperature UV–vis spectroscopy indicates that the UCST‐type cloud point temperature (Tcp) in the range of 25–75 °C can be readily tuned by molecular weight (or DP), polymer concentration, and incorporation of hydrophobic (i.e., n‐hexyl) pendants. Moreover, PPLGn‐Am is readily degraded by proteinase K within 48 h. The results indicate that UCST‐type thermoresponsive and biodegradable polypeptides in aqueous solutions can be constructed by conjugation of amide pendants which shall provide guidance for future UCST polymer designs.
Dynamic Covalent Chemistry Enables Reconfigurable All‐Polysaccharide Nanogels
Authors: Abdi Fatma , Michel Raphaël , Poirot Robin , Dakir Malika , Sancey Lucie , Ravaine Valérie , Auzély‐Velty Rachel 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDynamic covalent bonds are established upon molecular recognition of sugar derivatives by boronic acid molecules. These reversible links can be used in a cross‐linking method to fabricate polymer‐based responsive nanosystems. Herein, the design of the first dynamic nanogels made entirely of polysaccharides (PS) is reported. Based on PS chains alternately modified with phenyl boronic acid groups and sugar moieties, these colloids self‐assemble in physiological conditions and combine the biocompatible nature of their PS backbone with the reconfiguration capacities of their cross‐linking chemistry. These dynamic nanogels are easily prepared, stable for a long time, pH responsive, and efficiently internalized by cancer cells.
Enhancing anticancer activity of checkpoint immunotherapy by targeting RAS
Authors: Ward Antonio B. , Keeton Adam B. , Chen Xi , Mattox Tyler E. , Coley Alex B. , Maxuitenko Yulia Y. , Buchsbaum Donald J. , Randall Troy D. , Zhou Gang , Piazza Gary A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractApproximately 30% of human cancers harbor a gain‐in‐function mutation in the RAS gene, resulting in constitutive activation of the RAS protein to stimulate downstream signaling, including the RAS‐mitogen activated protein kinase pathway that drives cancer cells to proliferate and metastasize. RAS‐driven oncogenesis also promotes immune evasion by increasing the expression of programmed cell death ligand‐1, reducing the expression of major histocompatibility complex molecules that present antigens to T‐lymphocytes and altering the expression of cytokines that promote the differentiation and accumulation of immune suppressive cell types such as myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, regulatory T‐cells, and cancer‐associated fibroblasts. Together, these changes lead to an immune suppressive tumor microenvironment that impedes T‐cell activation and infiltration and promotes the outgrowth and metastasis of tumor cells. As a result, despite the growing success of checkpoint immunotherapy, many patients with RAS‐driven tumors experience resistance to therapy and poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, RAS inhibitors in development have the potential to weaken cancer cell immune evasion and enhance the antitumor immune response to improve survival of patients with RAS‐driven cancers. This review highlights the potential of RAS inhibitors to enhance or broaden the anticancer activity of currently available checkpoint immunotherapy.
A 17q24.3 duplication identified in a large Chinese family with brachydactyly‐anonychia
Authors: Liu Mohan , Zhang Xueguang , Liu Hongqian , Shen Ying 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundBrachydactyly (BD) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disease characterized by shortness of the fingers and/or toes, which has been classified into the subtypes A–E. However, the exact cause and mechanism of BD remain to be illuminated. Here, we aim to reveal the clinical and genetic characteristics of a subtype of BD, brachydactyly‐anonychia.MethodsIn this study, a large Chinese family with three members affected by brachydactyly‐anonychia was investigated. Both whole‐exome sequencing and microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) were performed on this family and the results of copy number variation (CNV) were verified by quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR).ResultsAll the affected individuals showed short fingers and toes as well as missing nails; and the absence of middle phalanges in figure II‐V of the upper and lower extremities was observed by X‐ray examination. A duplication involving in the region of 17q24.3 was detected by CGH. The results of qPCR also represented this duplication in 17q24.3 in all the patients.ConclusionIn summary, our findings suggest that 17q24.3 duplication is the genetic cause of brachydactyly‐anonychia in this family, which support the prior report that brachydactyly‐anonychia is associated with 17q24.3 duplication, and further indicates the pathogenic correlation between BD and CNVs.
Microbial Products and Metabolites Contributing to Alcohol‐Related Liver Disease
Authors: Gao Bei , Emami Atoosa , Nath Shilpa , Schnabl Bernd 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAs a serious public health concern, alcohol‐related liver disease is associated with dysregulations in the intestinal barrier function and the gut microbiota. The liver and gut communicate via the gut–liver axis, through which microbial products and metabolites translocate to the liver. Here, the current knowledge of various microbial products and metabolites which contribute to the alcohol‐related liver diseases, including bile acids, indole‐3‐acetic acid, butyrate, long‐chain fatty acids, endotoxin, cytolysin, β‐glucan, and candidalysin is reviewed. Some of these might serve as therapeutic targets for alcohol‐related liver disease.
Automatic arterial input function selection in CT and MR perfusion datasets using deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Winder Anthony , d’Esterre Christopher D. , Menon Bijoy K. , Fiehler Jens , Forkert Nils D. 
Published: June 2020

PurposeThe computation of perfusion parameter images requires knowledge of the arterial blood flow in the form of an arterial input function (AIF). This work proposes a novel method to automatically identify AIFs in computed tomography perfusion (CTP) and dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion‐weighted MRI (PWI) datasets using a deep convolutional neural network (CNN).MethodsOne‐hundred CTP and 100 PWI datasets of acute ischemic stroke patients were available for model development and evaluation. For each modality, 50 datasets were used for CNN training and 20 for validation using manually selected AIFs and non‐arterial tissue concentration time curves. Model evaluation was performed using the remaining 30 independent validation datasets from each modality with manual AIF selections provided by two experts as ground truth. Additionally, AIFs were also extracted using an established automatic shape‐based algorithm for comparison purposes. The extracted AIFs were compared using normalized cross‐correlation and shape features as well as using the Dice similarity metric and volume of the corresponding hypoperfusion (Tmax > 6 s) lesions.ResultsThe cross‐correlation values comparing the manual AIFs and those extracted by the proposed CNN method were significantly greater than those comparing the manual AIFs to the shape‐based comparison method. Likewise, hypoperfusion lesions generated using the manually selected AIFs and CNN‐based AIFs showed higher Dice values compared to hypoperfusion lesions generated using the comparison AIF extraction method. Shape features for AIFs generated by the proposed method did not differ significantly from the manual AIFs, with the exception that the CNN‐derived AIFs for the PWI datasets showed marginally greater peak heights.ConclusionDeep convolutional neural network models are viable for the automatic extraction of the AIF from CTP and PWI datasets.
Counselors network for intrusion detection
Authors: Quincozes Silvio E. , Raniery Carlos , Ceretta Nunes Raul , Albuquerque Célio , Passos Diego , Mossé Daniel 
Published: June 2020

SummaryIntrusion detection systems (IDSs) are a fundamental component of defense solutions. In particular, IDSs aim to detect malicious activities on computer systems and networks by relying on data classification models built from a training dataset. However, classifiers' performance can vary for each attack pattern. A common technique to overcome this issue is to use ensemble methods, where multiple classifiers are employed and a final decision is taken combining their outputs. Despite the potential advantages of such an approach, its usefulness is limited in scenarios where (i) multiple expert classifiers present divergent results, (ii) all classifiers present poor results due to lack of representative features, or (iii) detectors have insufficient labeled signatures to train their classifiers for a specific attack pattern. In this work, we introduce the concept of a counselors network to deal with conflicts from different classifiers by exploiting the collaboration among IDSs that analyze multiple and heterogeneous data sources. Empirical results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed architecture in improving the accuracy of the intrusion detection process.
Stabilization of linear time‐varying reduced‐order models: A feedback controller approach
Authors: Mojgani Rambod , Balajewicz Maciej 
Published: June 2020

SummaryMany of the commonly used methods in model‐order reduction do not guarantee stability of the reduced‐order model. This article extends the eigenvalue reassignment method of stabilization of linear time‐invariant ROMs, to the more general case of linear time‐varying systems. Through a postprocessing step, the ROM is controlled to ensure the stability while enhancing/maintaining its accuracy using a constrained nonlinear lease‐square minimization problem. The controller and the input signals are defined at the algebraic level, using left and right singular vectors of the reduced system matrices. The choice provides a control on the upper bound of the growth of the energy of the reduced system. The optimization problem is applied to several time‐invariant, time‐periodic, and time‐varying problems, and the reproductive and predictive capabilities of the proposed method, with respect to novel inputs and the system parameters, are evaluated.
A robust scheme based on novel‐operational matrices for some classes of time‐fractional nonlinear problems arising in mechanics and mathematical physics
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Hamid Muhammad , Khalid Muhammad Saif Ullah , Haq Rizwan Ul , Liu Moubin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we present a novel approach based on shifted Gegenbauer wavelets to attain approximate solutions of some classed of time‐fractional nonlinear problems. First, we present the approximation of a function of two variablesu(x,t) with help of shifted Gegenbauer wavelets and then some novel operational matrices are proposed with the help of piecewise functions to investigate the positive integer derivative (DxandDt), fractional‐order derivative (and), fractional‐order integration (and) and delay terms (and) of approximated functionu(x,t). In order to transform the discussed nonlinear problem into linear problem Picard iterative scheme has been adopt. The current scheme converts the discussed highly nonlinear time‐fractional problem into system of linear algebraic equation the help of developed operational matrices and Picard idea. Analysis on the error bound and convergence to authenticate the mathematical formulation of the computational algorithm. We solve various test problems, such as the van der Pol oscillator model, generalized Burger–Huxley, neutral delay parabolic differential equations, sine‐Gordon, parabolic integro‐differential equation and nonlinear Schrödinger equations to show the efficiency and accuracy of linearized shifted Gegenbauer wavelets method. A comprehensive comparative examination shows the credibility, accuracy, and reliability of the presently proposed computational approach. Also, this scheme can be extended conveniently to other multi‐dimensional physical problems of highly nonlinear fractional or variable order of complex nature.
Correlation between premonitory urges and tic symptoms in a Chinese population with tic disorders
Authors: Gu Yi , Li Ying , Cui Yonghua 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTImportanceTics usually start around 4–6 years old and affect about 1% of school‐age children. Premonitory urges (PUs) are sensory phenomena that precede tics and are often described as unpleasant feelings. Recent evidence supports a relationship between PUs and tic severity, but reports are conflicting. In addition, there is no report of PUs in the Chinese population.ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between PUs and tic symptoms in the Chinese population with tic disorders.MethodsWe recruited 252 Chinese individuals with chronic tic disorders (age 5–16 years). The Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) was used to assess tic symptoms, and the Premonitory Urge for Tics Scale (PUTS) was used to assess PUs. We calculated Spearman correlations between PUTS and YGTSS scores, and constructed a linear regression model to predict the tic symptom severity by PUs.ResultsThere was a significant positive correlation between PU severity (PUTS scores) and motor tic severity, total tic severity, tic‐caused impairment (YGTSS scores) (P < 0.05). PU severity was a significant positive predictor of tic symptom severity (standardized beta coefficient = 0.174, t = 2.786, P = 0.006).InterpretationWe provide evidence for a correlation between PUs and tic symptoms. PU severity predicts tic symptom severity. Further research on PUs is needed to clarify the shared brain mechanism with tics, and their role in tic expression. A suitable tool to assess PUs in younger children is also needed.
Short fixation with a 3‐rod technique for posterior hemivertebra resection in children younger than 5 years old
Authors: Guo Dong , Yao Ziming , Qi Xinyu , Li Chengxin , Zhang Xuejun 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTImportanceCongenital hemivertebra is commonly treated with posterior hemivertebra resection with bilateral transpedicular fixation. However, implant‐related complications are common in children younger than 5 years old who undergo this surgical procedure.ObjectiveTo present the preliminary clinical and radiological outcomes of children younger than 5 years old treated by posterior hemivertebra resection and 3‐rod fixation technique.MethodsFrom January 2016 to December 2017, 14 consecutive patients of congenital scoliosis with 16 hemivertebrae were retrospectively reviewed, including 5 girls and 9 boys, aged between 25 and 55 months old (average, 37.6 months). All patients underwent posterior hemivertebra resection with short fixation with bilateral pedicle screws and a convex lamina hook. Surgical complications and corrective outcomes were assessed based on the clinical charts and spinal radiographs with a minimum 24‐month follow‐up.ResultsThe mean Cobb angle of the main curve was 38.4° before surgery, 8.5° after surgery, and 8.7° at final follow‐up. In the compensatory cranial curve, the preoperative Cobb angle of 16.8° was corrected to 8.1° postoperatively and was 10.3° at final follow‐up. In the compensatory caudal curve, the preoperative Cobb angle of 15.9° improved to 5.3° postoperatively and was 7.8° at final follow‐up. The segmental kyphosis was corrected from 13.5° to 0.5° and was 1.1° at final follow‐up. There were no crankshaft phenomena, no proximal kyphosis, and no complications related to the instrumentation.InterpretationPosterior hemivertebra resection with instrumentation with bilateral pedicle screws and a convex lamina hook can achieve rigid fixation and deformity correction.