bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Study About Signal Variation with Minor Receiver Displacement in a Meeting Room at 60 GHz: Measurements and Simulations
Authors: Sheikh Muhammad Usman , Ruttik Kalle , Jantti Riku , Hämäläinen Jyri 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The aim of this work is to study the impact of small receiver displacement on a signal propagation in a typical conference room environment at a millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency of 60 GHz. While channel measurements provide insights on the propagation phenomena, their use for the wireless system performance evaluation is challenging. Whereas, carefully executed three dimensional ray tracing (RT) simulations represent a more flexible option. Nevertheless, a careful validation of simulation methodology is needed. The first target of this paper is to highlight the benefits of an in-house built three dimensional RT tool at 60 GHz, and show the effectiveness of simulations in predicting different characteristics of the channel. To validate the simulation results against the measurements, two different transmitter (Tx) positions and antenna types along with ten receiver (Rx) positions are considered in a typical conference room. In first system configuration, an omnidirectional antenna is placed in the middle of the table, while in the second system configuration a directed horn antenna is located in the corner of the meeting room. After validating the simulation results with the measurement data, in the second part of this work, the impact of a small change i.e. 20 cm in the receiver position, is studied. To characterize the impact we apply as performance indicators the received power level, root mean square delay spread (RMS-DS), and RMS angular spread (RMS-AS). The channel characteristics is considered with respect to the direct orientation (DO) i.e., the Rx antenna is directed towards the Tx antenna. Different antenna configurations at the TX and Rx side are applied to highlight the role of antenna properties on the considered channel characteristics. The validation of results show RMS errors of only 2 - 3 dB between the measured and simulated received power levels for different Tx configurations in the direction of DO. Results indicate that only a small change of the Rx position may result as a large difference in the received power level even though a line-of-sight between Tx and Rx occurs. In the considered conference room, the average standard deviation (STD) of the received power was found to be around 6:5 dB and up to 9:5 dB for directed and omnidirectional antennas, respectively. As can be expected, directed antennas offer lower value of RMS-DS and RMS-AS compared to omnidirectional antennas.
The Effect of Fibrates on Kidney Function and Chronic Kidney Disease Progression: Protocol for a Systematic Review.
Authors: Kousios Andreas , Hadjivasilis Alexandros , Kouis Panayiotis , Panayiotou Andrie 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background/Objectives: Fibrates reduce cardiovascular risk in the general population and in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although, they are commonly used as second-line agents in addition to statins for hypertriglyceridemia, their use in CKD is limited due to a decrease of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at treatment initiation. This change in GFR is reversible with fibrate discontinuation. Importantly, randomised control trials with fibrate treatment have demonstrated reduction in proteinuria and benefit for microvascular diabetic complications. In addition, a number of experimental studies have shown nephroprotective effects with fibrates through attenuation of renal fibrosis and inflammation. Thus, the effect of fibrates on renal outcomes remains undetermined. The objective of this systematic review is to summarize the evidence from randomised controlled studies and provide pooled estimates on the effect of fibrates on short- and long-term renal outcomes. Methods/Design: The study will be contacted according to the Cochrane Collaboration principles for Systematic reviews. We will include randomised trials comparing fibrate to placebo or studies comparing the addition of fibrate on statin versus statin alone and reporting on the short- and long-term effects on renal function, CKD progression and proteinuria. We will examine studies including patients with established CKD and those studies including patients at risk of developing CKD, separately. A comprehensive summary of the evidence will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Data from included studies suitable for metanalysis will be analyses accordingly to provide quantitative estimates using a random effects model. The Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized clinical trials will be utilised. The quality of the evidence from included studies will be addressed descriptively using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations).Discussion: The results of this systematic review will be informative for clinicians. A summary of high-level evidence with robust estimates of the effect of fibrates on safety and renal outcomes may be used to inform clinical practice guideline development for dyslipidaemias and primary and secondary prevention of CVD. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020187764
Clinicopathological Features of Incidental Parotid Lesions.
Authors: Al-Balas Hassan , Metwalli Zeyad , Eberson Sarah , Sada David 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to determine the histopathological spectrum and risk of primary malignancy of asymptomatic parotid lesions incidentally discovered on cross-sectional imaging.MethodsOver a 10-year period, 154 patients underwent 163 ultrasound-guided parotid lesion biopsies at our institution. This retrospective chart review included 89 lesions in 87 patients with asymptomatic parotid lesions discovered on cross-sectional imaging studies performed for unrelated clinical indications. The histopathologic findings of all sampled lesions were reviewed. We evaluated the patient demographics and pathological diagnoses of sampled parotid lesions to determine the histopathological spectrum and risk of malignancy.ResultsThe average age was 67.5 years and 92% were males. 25% of patients had bilateral lesions. The average size of the parotid lesions was 1.5 cm and 91% were located in the superficial lobe. 92.1% of lesions were benign with Warthin tumor being the most common diagnosis followed by pleomorphic adenoma. 2.3% of lesions were primary parotid malignant neoplasms, while 5.6% were metastatic lesions in patients with known malignancy.ConclusionsThe incidence of primary parotid malignant neoplasm in asymptomatic incidentally discovered parotid lesions is low. Imaging or clinical follow-up may be considered in patients with incidental parotid lesions who prefer to avoid biopsy.
Genome-wide analysis identifies critical DNA methylations within NTRKs genes in colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen Zijian , Huang Zenghong , Luo Yanxin , Zou Qi , Bai Liangliang , Tang Guannan , Wang Xiaolin , Cao Guangwen , Huang Meijin , Xiang Jun , Yu Huichuan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinases (NTRKs) are a gene family function as oncogene or tumor suppressor gene in distinct cancers. We aimed to investigate the methylation and expression profiles and prognostic value of NTRKs gene in colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods: An analysis of DNA methylation and expression profiles in CRC patients was performed to explore the critical methylations within NTRKs genes. The methylation marker was validated in a retrospectively collected cohort of 229 CRC patients and tested in other tumor types from TCGA. DNA methylation status was determined by quantitative methylation-specific PCR (QMSP).Results: The profiles in six CRC cohorts showed that NTRKs gene promoter was more frequently methylated in CRC compared to normal mucosa, which was associated with suppressed gene expression. We identified a specific methylated region within NTRK3 promoter targeted by cg27034819 and cg11525479 that best predicted survival outcome in CRC. NTRK3 promoter methylation showed independently predictive value for survival outcome in the validation cohort (P = 0.004, HR = 2.688, 95% CI = [1.355, 5.333]). Based on this, a nomogram predicting survival outcome was developed with a C-index of 0.705. Furthermore, the addition of NTRK3 promoter methylation improved the performance of currently-used prognostic model (AIC: 516.49 vs 513.91; LR: 39.06 vs 43.64, P = 0.032). Finally, NTRK3 promoter methylation also predicted survival in other tumors, including pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma and stomach adenocarcinoma.Conclusions: This study highlights the essential value of NTRK3 methylation to evaluate prognosis risk, improve current prognostic models and the potential to guide treatment in CRC and other tumors.
Bacteriological and Physicochemical Assessment of Water Quality of the Public Swimming Pools in Klang Valley Malaysia
Authors: Rosli Muhammad Naim 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Water is essential for life and it is used for various activities such as drinking, bathing, and recreational purposes and also one of the modes of the transmission of the disease. Objective: The objective of this study to assess the present of bacteriological and the standard of physicochemical quality of swimming pools’ water in Lembah Klang, Malaysia. Methodology: Seven water sample collected from outdoor and indoor swimming pools (hotel, apartment and public swimming pool) in Lembah Klang, Malaysia. The water samples were collected in sterile bottles (30 ml). Physicochemical parameters were determined using water quality testing kit pH & chlorine apparatuses. The water sample than had cultured and incubated. The presence of bacteria was counted by total bacterial count method. Result: The ranges of mean values of the various chlorine level parameters of the selected water samples investigated for the apartment, hotel and municipal were, 0.56±1.01, 0.77±0.95 and 1.19±0.91. All the physicochemical parameters except conductivity values were within the permissible limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) standards 2006 and American National Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Spas (ANSI/APSP) 2015. The mean standard plate count of water samples from the selected apartment, hotel, and municipal’s swimming pools were, 28407.14±28469.05, 8192.86±10556.36 and 3257.14±6250.17which above the WHO Guideline limit, thus signifying contamination. Conclusion: The study recommends improvement in personal hygiene of swimmers, adequate cleansing of the pools and enforcement of standards by the government.
Comparing breastfeeding experiences between mothers spending the traditional Chinese confinement period in a confinement centre and those staying at home: a cohort study
Authors: Foong Siew Cheng , Tan May Loong , Foong Wai Cheng , Ho Jacqueline J , Rahim Fairuz Fadzilah 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundEthnic Chinese mothers in Malaysia adhere to 30 days of traditional postpartum practices (the “confinement period”) aimed at recuperation after delivery. Recently there has been an emergence of confinement centres (CCs) where mothers stay and receive traditional confinement care. Ethnic Chinese mothers have low breastfeeding rates. There are concerns that practices in CCs could contribute to this but no data exists. We described mother’s breastfeeding experience at CCs and identify areas for potential improvement in breastfeeding support.MethodsEthnic Chinese mothers intending to breastfeed their healthy infants were recruited post-delivery between August and October 2017 then, at 1 and 6 months, were telephone interviewed about their experience. For every participant going to a CC, another mother going home was recruited.Chi-square test was used to compare groups and multiple logistic regression was used to assess the effect of confinement place on exclusive breastfeeding. We defined exclusive breastfeeding according to the World Health Organisation’s definition which means no other food or drink, not even water, except breast milk (including milk expressed or from a donor).Results Of 187 mothers, 88(47%) went to CCs. Significantly more were primipara and fewer had previous breastfeeding experience. Response rates for the 1- and 6- month interviews were 88%(CC) versus 97%(home); and 77%(CC) versus 87%(home).Exclusive breastfeeding rates were similar between the groups: 62%(CC) versus 56%(home) at 1 month (p=0.4); and 37%(CC) versus 42%(home) at 6 months (p=0.5). Multiple logistic regression did not show that CCs were a factor affecting exclusive breastfeeding rates at 1 month, (adjusted odds ratio(aOR) 1.7, 95% confidence interval(CI) 0.9, 3.3), or 6 months (aOR 0.9, 95% CI 0.4, 1.7). However, significantly more CC participants only fed expressed breast milk. Despite 66% of CC participants reporting that their centre supported breastfeeding, only 6(8%) CC participants compared to 66(69%) of home participants slept with their baby (p<0.001). The proportion encountering breastfeeding difficulties were similar between groups. CC participants sought help for breastfeeding problems mainly from CC staff and support groups while home participants obtained help from friends and healthcare professionals.ConclusionBreastfeeding rates appeared to be similar at CCs and home but there were gaps in how CCs supported breastfeeding. Targeted training to CC staff to support breastfeeding may result in better outcomes for mothers staying in CCs.
Clinical physiological parameters for the prediction of gram-negative bacterial infection in the emergency department
Authors: Hsu Chan-Peng , Chen Hsin-Yu , Chen Wei-Lung , Chen Jiann-Hwa , Huang Chien-Cheng , Wu Po-Han , Chung Jui-Yuan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Early detection and treatment of Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), major causative pathogens of sepsis (a potentially fatal condition caused by the body's response to an infection), may benefit a patient’s outcome, since the mortality rate increases by 5–10% for each hour of delayed therapy. Unfortunately, GNB diagnosis is based on bacterial culture, which is time consuming. Therefore, an economic and effective GNB (defined as a positive blood, sputum, or urine culture) infection detection tool in the emergency department (ED) is warranted.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in the ED of a university-affiliated medical center between January 01, 2014 and December 31, 2017. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) age ≥ 18; (2) clinical suspicion of bacterial infection; (3) bacterial culture from blood, sputum, or urine ordered and obtained in the ED. Descriptive statistics was performed on patient demographic characteristics, vital signs, laboratory data, infection sites, cultured microorganisms, and clinical outcomes. The accuracy of vital signs to predict GNB infection was identified via univariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results: A total of 797 patients were included in this study; the mean age was 71.8 years and 51.3% were male. The odds ratios of patients with body temperature ≥ 38.5°C, heart rate ≥ 110 beats per minute, respiratory rate ≥ 20 breaths per minute, and Glasgow coma scale (GCS) < 14, in predicting GNB infection were found to be 2.3, 1.4, 1.9, and 1.6, respectively. The area under the curve values for ROC analysis of these measures were 0.70, 0.68, 0.69, and 0.67, respectively.Conclusion: The four physiological parameters were rapid and reliable independent predictors for detection of GNB infection.
Sex and&nbsp;FOXP3&nbsp;gene&nbsp;rs2232365&nbsp;polymorphism may be associated with the clinical and pathological aspects of chronic viral diseases
Authors: Pereira Leonn Mendes Soares , Madureira Max Willy da Silva , de Castro Renata Bezerra Hermes , Abreu Isabella Nogueira , Conde Simone Regina Souza da Silva , Demachki Sâmia , de Sousa Maisa Silva , Queiroz Maria Alice Freitas , Silva Andrea Nazaré M. Rangel da , Lima Sandra Souza , Ishak Marluísa de Oliveira Guimarães , Ishak Ricardo , Vallinoto Antonio C. R. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) transcription factor is one of the main markers of immunological suppression in different pathological profiles, and the presence of polymorphic variants may alter the gene expression of this factor. Despite descriptions of an association between the presence of the rs2232365 polymorphism and chronic diseases, the role of the sex variant in this context has not yet been elucidated, as the FOXP3 gene is located on the human sex chromosome X. Results: To contribute to this topic, 323 women and 373 men were enrolled in the study, of which 101 were diagnosed with chronic viral liver diseases (39 women and 62 men), 67 with HTLV-1 infection (44 women and 23 men), 230 with coronary artery disease (91 women and 139 men) and 298 healthy and uninfected blood donors (149 women and men). They were genotyped for the rs2232365 polymorphism. The rs2232365 polymorphism was associated with clinical and pathological aspects and biomarkers of viral infections only in men, with functional differences between different infections. Conclusions: A relationship is suggested between sex and FOXP3 rs2232365 polymorphism, resulting in different biological repercussions.
The associations between social, built and geophysical environment and age-specific dementia mortality among older adults in a high-density Asian city
Authors: Ho Hung Chak , Fong Kenneth N.K. , Chan Ta-Chien , Shi Yuan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Although socio-environmental factors which may affect dementia have widely been studied, the mortality of dementia and socio-environmental relationships among older adults have seldom been discussed.Method: A retrospective, observational study based on territory-wide register-based data was conducted to evaluate the relationships of four individual-level social measures, two community-level social measures, six short-term (temporally varying) environmental measures, and four long-term (spatially varying) environmental measures with dementia mortality among older adults in a high-density Asian city (Hong Kong), for the following decedents: 1) all deaths: age >=65, 2) “old-old”: age >= 85, 3) “mid-old”: aged 75 - 84, and 4) “young-old”: aged 65 – 74.Results: This study identified 5438 deaths (3771 old-old; 1439 mid-old; 228 young-old) from dementia out of 228,600 all-cause deaths among older adults in Hong Kong between 2007 and 2014. Generally, regional air pollution, being unmarried or female, older age, and daily O3 were associated with higher dementia mortality, while more urban compactness and greenness were linked to lower dementia mortality among older adults. Specifically, being unmarried and the age effect were associated with higher dementia mortality among the “old-old”, “mid-old” and “young-old”. Regional air pollution was linked to increased dementia mortality, while urban compactness and greenness were associated with lower dementia mortality among the “old-old” and “mid-old”. Higher daily O3 had higher dementia mortality, while districts with a greater percentage of residents whose native language is not Cantonese were linked to lower dementia mortality among the “old-old”. Economic inactivity was associated with increased dementia mortality among the “young-old”. Gender effect varied by age.Conclusion: The difference in strengths of association of various factors with dementia mortality among different age groups implies the need for a comprehensive framework for community health planning. In particular, strategies for air quality control, usage of greenspace and social space, and activity engagement to reduce vulnerability at all ages are warranted.
Blocked pollen release prevents fruit formation in the halophyte Elaeagnus angustifolia in non-saline habitats
Authors: Guo Jianrong , Wang Baoshan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Anther development affects the reproduction of flowering plants. Halophyte Elaeagnus angustifolia can bear fruits when grown in saline soils. However, no fruits are born in non-saline soils. The possible reasons and differences in E. angustifolia under two conditions were elucidated. Results: We examined features including pollen vitality and germination, in situ pollen germination after natural and hand pollination, anthers after pollen release, and the transcriptome in anthers. No significant difference was observed in pollen vitality or stigma receptivity in E. angustifolia in non-saline vs. saline habitats. However, no pollen tubes were present in styles, and pollen grains were abundant in E. angustifolia anthers under non-saline conditions. Notably, many pollen tubes formed in styles of E. angustifolia after hand pollination in the non-saline habitat. And the differentially expressed genes in anthers from saline vs. non-saline habitats were mainly related to phytohormones, cell wall secondary thickening, transcription factors and ion transport. Conclusions: E. angustifolia fail to form fruits in non-saline habitats due to poor anther pollen release. The induction and coordinated upregulation of genes related to anther cell wall formation and JA biosynthesis likely contribute to anther dehiscence in E. angustifolia in saline habitats, whereas anther dehiscence is blocked in plants grown in non-saline habitats.
Prognostic implications of alcohol dehydrogenases in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Xiangye , Li Tingting , Kong Delong , You Hongjuan , Kong Fanyun , Tang Renxian 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy with high incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) are huge family of dehydrogenase enzymes and associated with the prognosis of various cancers. However, comprehensive analysis of prognostic implications related to ADHs in HCC is still lacking and largely unknown. Methods: The expression profiles and corresponding clinical information of HCC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Wilcoxon signed-rank test was employed to evaluate the expression of ADHs. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to investigate the association between clinicopathological characteristics and survival. GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment analyses were performed and visualized using R/BiocManager package. Results: We found that the expression of ADH1A, ADH1B, ADH1C, ADH4, and ADH6 was significantly downregulated in HCC samples compared to normal liver samples. Our univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses results showed that high expression of ADH1A, ADH1B, ADH1C, ADH4, and ADH6 was considered as an independent factor with an improved prognosis for the survival of HCC patients. Moreover, our Kaplan-Meier analysis results also revealed that high expression of AHD1A, ADH1B, ADH1C, ADH4, and ADH6 was significantly associated with good survival rate in HCC patients. In addition, GO, KEGG, and GSEA analyses unveiled several oncogenic signaling pathways were negatively associated high expression of ADHs in HCC. Conclusion: In the present study, our results provide the potential prognostic biomarkers or molecular targets for the patients with HCC.