bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel antibodies detect additional α-synuclein pathology in synucleinopathies: potential development for immunotherapy
Authors: Nimmo Jacqui T. , Verma Ajay , Dodart Jean-Cosme , Wang Chang Yi , Savistchenko Jimmy , Melki Ronald , Carare Roxana O. , Nicoll James A. R. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) aggregation is the primary characteristic of synucleinopathies including Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Immunotherapy targeting α-Syn has shown promising results in animal models of the disease. This study investigates the target specificity of three different active vaccines for pathological α-Syn aggregates found in human brain tissue from synucleinopathies.

Methods
Guinea pigs were immunised with 3 vaccines developed by United Neuroscience, and IgG fractions purified from the resulting immune sera (IGG-1, IGG-2 or IGG-3) were used to perform immunohistochemical staining of human cases of PD, DLB and MSA. The resulting immunoreactivity was compared to a commercially available α-Syn antibody from Novacastra (NOV) commonly used for diagnostic purposes. Images were captured from the substantia nigra (SN), temporal lobe, internal capsule, insular cortex and putamen and quantified for the percentage area with α-Syn immunoreactivity. Lewy bodies (LB) and Lewy neurites (LN) were further analysed in PD and DLB cases.

Results
Vaccine-generated antibodies detected more α-Syn pathology compared to NOV. The levels of α-Syn immunoreactivity varied between brain region and disease type with IGG-3 recognising the highest levels of α-Syn in most cases and in all brain regions that are affected early in disease progression. IGG-3 had a high recognition for glial inclusions found in MSA which are known to have a more compact conformation. Slot blot analysis confirmed the specificity of IGG-3 for native oligomers and fibrillar α-Syn. Higher levels of α-Syn were recognised by IGG-2 in cortical regions, and by IGG-3 in SN of PD and DLB cases. This was due to increased immunolabelling of LNs in these brain regions suggesting that IGG-2 and IGG-3 recognised additional α-Syn pathology compared to IGG-1 and NOV. Whether the unique binding properties of the antibodies produced in guinea pigs will translate in the clinic remains to be addressed, which is the main limitation of this study.

Conclusions
These vaccines induce antibodies that bind α-Syn oligomers and aggregates in the human brain and specifically support the choice of the vaccine generating IGG-3 (i.e. UB-312) as a candidate for clinical trials for synucleinopathies.
Cost-effective joint optimisation of BBU placement and fronthaul deployment in brown-field scenarios
Authors: Marotta Andrea , Correia L. M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this work, one proposes a model to evaluate the optimal deployment of Centralised Radio Access Network (C-RAN) architecture elements, i.e. Base Band processing Units (BBUs) and fronthaul links, in a brown-field scenario, in which traditional base stations are already deployed and a physical network is present. The proposed optimisation framework jointly optimises BBU placement and accesses network infrastructures deployment. It clusterises the Remote Radio Heads in the scenario through a Multicommodity Flow approach and solves the minimum cost fronthaul network deployment through a Rooted Delay-Constrained Minimum Spanning Tree approach. Optical fibre and microwave links are considered as fronthaul infrastructures. The proposed optimisation framework is validated through a comparison with a theoretical output for a canonical scenario, being afterwards applied to a real scenario. A cost analysis for different scenario configurations is presented, and trade-offs and guidelines for a cost optimal deployment of C-RAN are provided. The analysis of results for the real scenario of the city of Lisbon and its surrounding areas shows that the delay budget in the fronthaul network highly impacts on capital expenditures as well as on operational ones. It is shown that a larger delay budget enables an annual cost reduction up to 72% in urban areas and 54% in rural ones.
Global existence and exponential stability of coupled Lamé system with distributed delay and source term without memory term
Authors: Boulaaras Salah , Doudi Nadjat 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we prove the global existence and exponential energy decay results of a coupled Lamé system with distributed time delay, nonlinear source term, and without memory term by using the Faedo–Galerkin method. In addition, an appropriate Lyapunov functional, more general relaxation functions, and some properties of convex functions are considered.
Revealing the organic dye and mordant composition of Paracas textiles by a combined analytical approach
Authors: Sabatini Francesca , Bacigalupo Martina , Degano Ilaria , Javér Anna , Hacke Marei 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The object of this study is a wide selection of dyed cotton and camelid samples from an important collection of 2000-year-old Paracas textiles, now at the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú (MNAAHP; Lima; Peru) and at the National Museum of World Culture (NMWC; Gothenburg; Sweden). The threads, chosen as representative of the whole palette, were selected from eighteen different textiles. A combined spectroscopic and spectrometric analytical approach was selected to characterize the organic and inorganic composition of this wide set of samples. In particular, technical photography was used to gain a general overview of the samples, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was employed for identifying the mordants and mapping the elemental distribution in the threads, while liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector and with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC–DAD, HPLC–HRMS) were used for characterizing organic dye composition. This study provides fundamental information on the mordants or other inorganic auxiliaries used in the dyeing processes, rarely investigated up to now, and to the varieties of vegetal sources employed in Paracas textiles. The widening of the Andean dyestuff database is highly important not only to acquire knowledge on Paracas culture, but also to ease the dye characterization of archaeological textiles from the Peruvian region and South American area in general.
Application of gene expression programming, artificial neural network and multilinear regression in predicting hydrochar physicochemical properties
Authors: Abdulsalam Jibril , Lawal Abiodun Ismail , Setsepu Ramadimetja Lizah , Onifade Moshood , Bada Samson 
Published: November 2020

AbstractGlobally, the provision of energy is becoming an absolute necessity. Biomass resources are abundant and have been described as a potential alternative source of energy. However, it is important to assess the fuel characteristics of the various available biomass sources. Soft computing techniques are presented in this study to predict the mass yield (MY), energy yield (EY), and higher heating value (HHV) of hydrothermally carbonized biomass using Gene Expression Programming (GEP), multiple-input single output-artificial neural network (MISO-ANN), and Multilinear regression (MLR). The three techniques were compared using statistical performance metrics. The coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error (MAE) and mean bias error (MBE) were used to evaluate the performance of the models. The MISO-ANN with 5-10 to 10-1 and 5-15-15-1 network architectures provided the most satisfactory performance of the three proposed models (R2 = 0.976, 0.955, 0.996; MAE = 2.24, 2.11, 0.93; MBE = 0.16, 0.37, 0.12) for MY, EY and HHV, respectively. The GEP technique’s ability to predict hydrochar properties based on the input parameters was found to be satisfactory, while MLR provided an unsatisfactory predictive model. Sensitivity analysis was conducted, and the analysis revealed that volatile matter (VM) and temperature (Temp) have more influence on the MY, EY, and HHV.
To stimulate or not to stimulate? A rapid systematic review of repetitive sensory stimulation for the upper-limb following stroke
Authors: Stockley Rachel C. , Hanna Kerry , Connell Louise 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundRepetitive sensory stimulation (RSS) is a therapeutic approach which involves repeated electrical stimulation of the skin’s surface to improve function. This rapid systematic review aimed to describe the current evidence for repetitive sensory stimulation (RSS) in rehabilitation of the upper-limb for people who have had a stroke.Main textMethods: Relevant studies were identified in a systematic search of electronic databases and hand-searching in February 2020. The findings of included studies were synthesized to describe: the safety of RSS, in whom and when after stroke it has been used, the doses used and its effectiveness.ResultsEight studies were included. No serious adverse events were reported. The majority of studies used RSS in participants with mild or moderate impairments and in the chronic stage after stroke. Four studies used RSS in a single treatment session, reporting significant improvements in strength and hand function. Findings from longitudinal studies showed few significant differences between control and experimental groups. Meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity of included studies.ConclusionsThis review suggests that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of RSS for the upper-limb after stroke in clinical practice. However, this review highlights several clear research priorities including establishing the mechanism and in whom RSS may work, its safety and optimal treatment parameters to improve function of the upper-limb after stroke.
Geneticus Investigatio: a technology-enhanced learning environment for scaffolding complex learning in genetics
Authors: Deep Anurag , Murthy Sahana , Bhat Jayadeva 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBioscientists such as geneticists and molecular biologists regularly demonstrate the integration of domain concepts and science inquiry practices/skills while explaining a natural phenomenon. The complexity of these concepts and skills becomes manifold at the tertiary undergraduate level and are known to be challenging for learners. They learn these in silos as part of theory classes, practical labs, and tutorial sessions while in an industry, they will be required to integrate and apply in a given authentic context. To support learners in this process, we have designed and developed Geneticus Investigatio (GI), a technology-enhanced learning (TEL) environment for scaffolding complex learning in the context of Mendelian genetics. GI facilitates this complex learning by the integration of domain concepts and science inquiry practices through inquiry-driven reflective learning experiences, which are interspersed with inquiry-based learning steps in an authentic context along with metacognitive reflection. In this paper, we present two cycles of iterative design, development, and evaluation of GI, based on the design-based research (DBR) approach. In the first DBR cycle, we identified the pedagogical design features and learning activities of GI based on an exploratory study with bio-science instructors for facilitating complex learning. We then report a pre-post classroom study (N = 37) in which we investigated the learning and perceptions of usability and usefulness of GI. The results indicate high learning gains after interacting with GI and learner perceptions that activities in GI help learn concepts and inquiry practices along with its integration. It is followed by the identification of interaction and other difficulties by the learner, which were triangulated with different data sources. It provided insights into the pedagogical and design changes required in GI. The revised version of GI was evaluated with a quasi-experimental classroom study (N = 121). The results indicate that the drawbacks of the previous version of GI were addressed. The main contributions of this research are a pedagogical design for facilitating complex learning and its implementation in the form of GI TEL environment.
The association between area of residence and sufficient antenatal tetanus vaccination in women ages 15–49 in Afghanistan: an analysis of the 2015 DHS dataset
Authors: Sherley Jillian , Newton Sam 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundNeonatal tetanus (NT) is a deadly nervous system disorder that is endemic to Afghanistan. Administering sufficient doses of tetanus toxoid containing vaccine (TTCV) during pregnancy can pass antibodies to the fetus and therefore prevent NT. Using survey data, we investigated the association between area of residence (urban or rural) and sufficient antenatal TTCV coverage among women aged 15–49 years in Afghanistan during their most recent pregnancy in the past 5 years that resulted in a live birth. Mother’s education level was also assessed as a potential effect modifier.MethodsSecondary analysis was performed on data from the 2015 Afghanistan Demographic and Health Survey (AfDHS). The 2015 AfDHS was a nationally representative survey with participants selected in a stratified two-stage sample design from urban and rural areas across Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. Data were analyzed on 19,737 women ages 15–49 that had a live birth in the 5 years preceding the survey. The relationship between area of residence and sufficient antenatal TTCV was assessed in a multivariable logistic regression model, adjusting for several confounding variables.Results55.1% (95% CI = 51.6–58.5%) of urban women and 53.9% (95% CI = 49.7–57.9%) of rural women had sufficient tetanus vaccination coverage in their most recent pregnancy. In multivariate analysis, there was strong evidence for greater odds of sufficient antenatal tetanus vaccination in rural areas (OR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.18–2.24,p = 0.003). There was no effect modification on this association by mother’s education level.ConclusionsWomen in rural areas of Afghanistan have greater odds of receiving sufficient antenatal tetanus vaccination than women in urban areas. Further study into factors contributing to this urban-rural disparity is needed. Targeted antenatal tetanus vaccination strategies for urban and rural women will be necessary as Afghanistan continues to work towards NT eradication.
Endophytic establishment of the fungal entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuil., in cucumber plants
Authors: Rajab Lobna , Ahmad Mohammad , Gazal Ibtisam 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
The fungus, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuil., is one of the most important entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs). Recently, its new role was discovered in nature, to be an endophyte in plants. It has been reported as an endophytic fungus in many monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants.

Main body
The study was conducted to evaluate the ability of the fungus, B. bassiana, to colonize and persist in cucumber plants under laboratory conditions and to detect its systemic growth inside the plant tissues in addition to pathogenicity in the plant. The isolate, B195, of the fungus, B. bassiana, was used. Five different inoculation methods were followed: seed dusting, seed immersion, soil drench, seedling drench, and foliar spray. The fungus, B. bassiana, could persist inside different cucumber tissues up to 90 days from inoculation. Soil drench provided the highest recovery rates, while foliar spray gave the lowest rates. Colonization rates reached 94.44 and 73.68% for stem and 68.26 and 37.79% for root, 30 and 90 days post soil drench, respectively, while in foliar spray, it reached 33.51 and 16.45%, after 30 and 90 days post-treatment, for the stem and 9.45 and 0% for the root, respectively. No negative effects were observed in inoculated plants or on fungal pathogenicity.

Conclusion
Results showed for the first time the ability of the fungus, B. bassiana, isolate B195, to artificially colonize and survive in different parts of cucumber plants under laboratory conditions by different inoculation methods and to grow systemically in plant tissues. This study is considered a preliminary study to the utilization of the fungus, B. bassiana, as an endophyte in cucumber plants to reduce the density of insect pests.
Dealing with prostate cancer? Don’t let histiocytic lesions fool you!
Authors: de Souza Maiara Ferreira , de Moraes Diogo Diniz , da Costa Talita Porto , Andrade Juarez Araújo , de Macêdo Huarne João José Tenório , Paraíso Augusto , Athanazio Daniel Abensur 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Prostate adenocarcinoma has well known benign mimickers. Histiocytic proliferations usually impose differential diagnosis with high-grade component of acinar adenocarcinoma (Gleason pattern 5).

Case presentation
We present herein three cases of histiocytic lesions of the prostate in which accurate recognition avoided inappropriate upgrading (malakoplakia associated with prostate adenocarcinoma, two cases) and false positive diagnosis at biopsy (xanthoma with signet ring morphology).

Conclusion
In needle biopsies, pathologists should have a low threshold to perform immunostains when considering a differential diagnosis between high-grade carcinoma and a histiocytic lesion. In prostatectomy specimens, abrupt transition to solid areas in low and intermediate grade tumors should raise concern to exclude malakoplakia. PAS and von Kossa stains are inexpensive and a valuable tool to highlight typical Michaelis–Gutmann bodies.
Insertion of central venous catheters in children undergoing bone marrow transplantation: is there a platelet level for a safe procedure?
Authors: Elgendy Ahmed , Ismail Ahmed M. , Elhawary Eslam , Badran Ahmed , El-Shanshory Mohammed Ramadan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a therapeutic procedure for the management of several hematological diseases and malignancies in pediatric population. Central venous catheters (CVCs) play a pivotal role during the process of BMT. The aim of this study was to compare the complications of CVCs placements in children undergoing BMT with platelet levels above and below 50,000/μL and also to detect if there is a platelet count for a safe insertion. This prospective study included all children who had placements of tunneled CVCs during BMT at our hospital between March 2017 and March 2020. Procedures were divided into two groups accordingly to preoperative platelet counts (above and below 50,000/μL). Data were compared between both groups regarding postoperative complications including bleeding or catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSIs).

Results
Forty-six CVC insertions were performed in 40 patients. There were 20 procedures below 50,000/μL (median 27,500; range 5000–42,000) inserted with perioperative platelet transfusions, and their postoperative levels were median 59,500/μL, range 18,000–88,000. Allogeneic BMT was adopted in 39 patients (97.5%). Beta thalassemia major was the commonest indication (21/40, 52.5%), followed by acute lymphocytic leukemia in six patients (15%). There were nine postoperative complications (bleeding n = 2 and CRBSIs n = 7) encountered in all placements. Four of them occurred in insertions below 50,000/μL (two bleeding complications that managed conservatively, and two CRBSIs). Post-procedural morbidities regarding bleeding or CRBSIs did not differ significantly between both groups (p value = 0.099 and 0.695, respectively).

Conclusions
Postponement of CVC insertions in thrombocytopenic children due to the fear of potential complications seems unwarranted, as it has no significant impact on the morbidity. Placements of such catheters can be safe under cover of perioperative platelet transfusions irrespective of the preoperative platelet count.
The “branching external jugular vein”: an unreported clinically significant anatomic variation
Authors: Shalaby Mohamed Sameh 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
The reported overall success rate for central venous catheter (CVC) insertion into the external jugular vein (EJV) is less than other central veins. A contributing factor for this might be the well-documented anatomical variations of the EJV. However, there are no reports correlating these anatomical variations with successful CVC insertion. Our aim was to evaluate the EJV anatomical variations and their clinical relevance.

Results
All CVCs inserted over the study period were prospectively recorded with emphasis on the times the EJV was accessed, operative difficulties and any anatomical variations with their influence on CVC insertion. Over 15 months, 36 CVCs were inserted, 17 (47%) into EJV. For EJV line insertions, age is 39 days–14 years, 9 into right EJV. Operative difficulty was encountered in 4 patients (24%) where the catheter was inserted into EJV but failed to thread into a satisfactory position. In all 4 patients, further dissection revealed EJV branching into a bigger anterior branch which follows the course of main EJV yet not leading to the right atrium (RA) and a smaller posterior branch leading to RA. Regarding the 4 cases of “the branching EJV”, age is 2–14 years, 3 males:1 female and 3 left:1 right EJV. The overall success rate for CVC insertion through the EJV in this study was 100% including the 4 cases with “the branching EJV”.

Conclusions
This is the first report describing “the branching EJV” and its clinical relevance to CVC insertion.
Attenuation of pedestrian-induced vibrations in girder footbridges using tuned-mass dampers
Authors: Garcia-Troncoso Natividad , Ruiz-Teran Ana , Stafford Peter J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis article presents a numerical assessment of pedestrian-induced vibrations for a wide range of girder footbridges before and after the installation of tuned-mass dampers (TMD). Realistic pedestrian loads are defined using a stochastic model that represents the key characteristics of pedestrians and their intra- and inter-subject variability with the aim of ensuring an accurate estimation of the dynamic response. A comprehensive set of numerical analyses have been performed considering different cross sections, structural materials, span lengths (up to 100 m), and pedestrian flows. The optimal TMD characteristics, number and location, required to reduce the accelerations, down to a level that fulfils serviceability criteria, are identified. Design recommendations for girder footbridges implementing damping devices at the design stage are also included.