bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL-15-Induced Lymphocytes As Adjuvant Cellular Immunotherapy For Gastric Cancer
Authors: Hu Yuefeng , Liu Dong , Cui Peilin , Zhang Wen , Chen Hao , Piao Chunmei , Lu Yongcheng , Liu Xuesong , Wang Yue , liu Jingwei , Lu Xu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
To test the antitumor potential of adoptive cell therapy (ACT)-transferred lymphocytes in a mouse model of human gastric cancer, and evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of combining lymphocytes as adjuvant therapy with first-line chemotherapy in patients with gastric cancer. A human gastric cancer xenograft model was constructed in sublethally irradiated 6–8-week old NCG male mice. MKN-45 cells (1 × 106 cells/mouse) were subcutaneously injected into the flanks. After tumors had become palpable, the mice were randomized into control, ACTIL-2, and ACTIL-15 groups. Human lymphocytes were injected into the mouse tail veins. In addition, 63 patients who had histological or cytologically confirmed stage III–IV gastric cancer randomly received S-1 plus oxaliplatin plus ACTIL-15 (a combination therapy group) or S-1 plus oxaliplatin alone (chemotherapy group). In the mice, treatment with ACTIL-15 cells inhibited tumor growth upon adoptive transfer, and mice that received ACTIL-15 cells had a significantly longer survival (P < 0.05, ACTIL-15 vs. ACTIL-2). In the human study, the median survival of patients in the combination therapy group was 472 days (95% confidence interval (CI), 276–668 days), whereas the median survival of patients in the chemotherapy group was 266 days (95% CI, 200–332 days; P < 0.05). Eleven percent (7/63) of patients had adverse reactions, but the reactions did not interfere with treatment. Adoptive transfer of ACTIL-15 cells in a mouse model of gastric cancer and patients with advanced gastric cancer treated with S1 and oxaliplatin improved survival with an acceptable safety profile.
Research on the Impact Resistance of the Periodic Helicoidal Multilayer Bionic Structure Based on Osteon Microstructure
Authors: Liu Yuxi , Li Ai-hua , Chen Bin , Li Yan-hua 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: As a typical biological material, bone have excellent mechanical properties and plays an important role in supporting the animal body and protecting organs, osteon is an important part of bone. It is found that the osteon is composed of thin and thick lamellae which are periodic and approximately concentric, every 5 lamellae is a cycle, the periodic helix angle of mineralized collagen fibers in two adjacent sub-lamellae is 30°. Four biomimetic composite models with different fiber helix angles were established and fabricated according to the microstructure of mineralized collagen fibers in osteon. Based on the impact analysis of four kinds of bionic composite models, the effects of the fiber periodic helicoidal structure on the impact resistance and energy dissipation of multi-layer bionic composite were investigated. Results: The analysis results show that the fiber helix angle affects the impact damage resistance and energy dissipation of multi-layer fiber reinforced composites. Among the four kinds of multi-layer composite models, the composite model with helix angle of 30° has better comprehensive ability to resist impact damage. The test results show that the impact damage area of the specimen with 30° helix angle is smallest among the four types of bionic specimens, which is consistent with the results of finite element impact analysis. Furthermore, in the case of no impact damage, the smaller the fiber helix angle is, the more uniform the stress distribution is and more energy is dissipated in the impact process. Conclusions: The periodic helicoidal structure of mineralized collagen fibers in osteon are the result of natural selection of biological evolution. This structure can effectively improve the ability of cortical bone to resist external impact. The research results can provide useful guidance for the design and manufacture of high-performance and strong impact resistant biomimetic composites.
EOR and Reservoir preservation in Rag-e Sefied Oil and Gas Field: With Base of Reservoir Fluid Geochemistry
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Hossein , Niknam Abas , Torghabeh Amir Karimian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Mineral ions are present in aqueous solutions in most industrial and operational processes, including oil operation. Accurate analysis and sampling of the formation water and its dissolved minerals during the operation of the oil industry can be a valuable solution for the efficient management of oil production from the reservoir. Therefore, in this study, evaluation of inorganic ions and their concentration in formation water for 6 well samples in the Rag-e Sefid Oil and Gas Field was considered. According to the results of this study, calcium, sodium and magnesium cations as well as sulfate, bicarbonate and chloride anions are soluble inorganic ions in the Rag Sefid Oil Field Formation. Also, in this study formation of inorganic sediment CaSO4, CaSO4.2H2O, CaCO3 and MgCO3 was studied. Based on the operating conditions of the Rag-e Sefid Oil and Gas field, the formation of calcium sulfate and calcium carbonate mineral deposits is significant. With base of geochemical analysis in reservoir rock samples and ions ratios these reservoir is good for preservation. The results thus provide more accurate predictions in terms of where to find gas reservoirs in the Zagros basin, and can lead to significantly better exploitation of these resources and also estimation of rate of sedimentation for EOR.
Transmission dynamics, heterogeneity, and controllability of SARS-CoV-2 in the rural area
Authors: Li Yuying , Hu Taojun , Gai Xin , Zhang Yunjun , Zhou Xiao-Hua 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundsFew studies examine the transmission dynamics and heterogeneity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in rural areas and clarify rural–urban differences. Moreover, the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) relative to that of vaccination in rural areas is uncertain.MethodsWe addressed this knowledge gap using an improved statistical stochastic method based on the Galton–Watson branching process considering both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. Data were collected from the epidemiological records of 1136 SARS-2-CoV infections after the rural outbreak in Hebei, China, between 2 January and 20 February 2021.ResultsThe estimated average reproductive number R and dispersion parameter k (k < 1 indicating strong heterogeneity) in the rural area were 0.55 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45–0.68) and 0.14 (95% CI: 0.10–0.20), respectively. Although age group and contact-type distributions significantly differed between urban and rural areas, the \(R\) and \(k\) did not. Further, simulation results based on pre-control parameters (R = 0.81, k = 0.27) showed that in the vaccination scenario (80% efficacy and 55% coverage), the cumulative secondary infections will be reduced by more than half; however, NPIs are more effective than vaccinating 65% of the population. The presence of asymptomatic infections might affect the estimation of R but showed no significant effect on estimating transmission heterogeneity.ConclusionThe government should pay equal value to SARS-CoV-2 transmission in rural and urban areas and conduct specific prevention and control measures in rural areas. Older adults and children should receive particular attention in such policies, and community contact should be minimized. Moreover, the government must consider a country’s economy and governance when conducting vaccination and NPIs.
Translation and Cultural Adaptation of the Pectus Excavatum Evaluation Questionnaire From English to Catalan and Spanish
Authors: Jorge Irene de Haro , Tarrado Xavier , Cazalla Asteria Albert , Garcia-Smith Natalie , Fernandez-Candial Alba , Salcedo-Gil Carlos 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background:Pectus excavatum is the most common congenital chest wall deformity. It can have a negative effect in exercise tolerance. However, cosmetic features are the most frequent concerns in these patients. The pectus excavatum evaluation questionnaire is a patient-reported outcome (PRO) tool to measure the physical and psychosocial quality of life changes after surgical repair of pectus excavatum. No specific tool has been developed in our languages to evaluate PRO in pectus excavatum patients. Our aim is to translate and culturally adapt the pectus excavatum evaluation questionnaire to European Spanish and Catalan.Methods:Guidelines for translation of PRO were followed. The pectus excavatum evaluation questionnaire, consisting of 34 items, was translated from English to Spanish and to Catalan. Three forward translations and one back translation were performed for each language. Cognitive debriefing interviews were developed.Results:The reconciliation of the forward translations revealed a 14.7% of inconsistencies for each language. The Spanish back translation showed a 64.7% of disagreement with the source, the Catalan 58.8%. Changes in each reconciled version were made to amend the diverting items. 10 patients and their parents participate in the cognitive debriefing for each language, 5 patients had been operated and 5 had not. 4 patients out of 10, for each language, showed difficulties for understanding one of the pectus excavatum evaluation questionnaire items, thus also resulted in a modification of the reconciled version.Conclusion:The translation and cultural adaptation process resulted in the development of a European Spanish and a Catalan version of the pectus excavatum evaluation questionnaire for application in Spanish and Catalan pectus excavatum patients.
To Control Floating Drug Delivery System in a Simulated Gastric Environment by Adjusting the Shell Layer Formulation
Authors: Hsu Yu Tung , Kao Chen Yu , Ho Ming-Hua 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundGastroretentive drug delivery system (GDDS) are novel systems that have been recently developed for treating stomach diseases. The key function of all GDDS systems is to control the retention time in the stomach. However, research into the bulk density or entanglement of polymers, especially regarding their effects on drug float and release times, is scarce. MethodsIn this research, we prepared the floating core-shell beads carrying tetracycline. The ratio of chitosan and xanthan gum in the shell layer was changed to modify polymer compactness. Tetracycline was encapsulated in the alginate core. ResultsUsing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques, we observed that the shell formulation did not change the bead morphology. The cross-sectional images showed that the beads were highly porous. The interaction between anionic xanthan gum and cationic chitosan made the shell layer dense, resisting to the mass transfer in the shell layer. Due to the high mass transfer resistance to water penetration, the longer float and delivery time were caused by the dense surface of the beads. The cell culture demonstrated that floating core-shell beads were biocompatible. Importantly, the beads with tetracycline showed a significant prolonged anti-bacterial effect. ConclusionResearch results proved that the floating and releasing progress of core-shell beads can be well controlled by adjusting the shell layer formulation that could promote the function of gastroretentive drugs.
Comparative performance study of different types of solar dryers for sustainability in agriculture applications
Authors: Asnaz Melike Sultan Karasu , Dolcek Ayse Ozdogan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Postharvest food loss increases rapidly every year in the world due to the inability to preserve food. Crop drying, which aims to reduce the moisture content to a certain level, is a method used to extend the shelf life of the food, and prevent it from spoiling. Solar drying is becoming a popular option to replace mechanical dryers due to the high cost of energy, and the increased awareness of consumer orientation to clean energy products. In this study, three different low-cost solar dryers of natural convection dryer (NCD), forced convection dryer (FCD), and heat pump integrated solar dryer (HPD) were examined, and mushroom (agaricus bisporus) drying experiments were carried out on each. In this study, three main research topics were determined: (i) to analyse the drying characteristics of mushroom slices in different thicknesses (0.5cm, 1cm and in half), (ii) to determine the effect of pretreatment on the drying time, (iii) to compare the collector efficiencies. For these purposes, 12 experiments were conducted between 9:00-18:00, the average daily solar irradiance was around 790W/m 2 . In 10 drying experiments out of 12, it was observed that the samples were completely dried out within the experiment period, while the drying process of the half-cut mushrooms in NCD and FCD were completed after 18:00. The results show that cutting thin slices of mushrooms reduced the drying time by an average of 40.83 mins. Also, the process of pretreatment caused shorter drying time by an average of 26.66 mins, almost 7% in all cases. The average thermal efficiencies were found 59.74%, 67.66%, and 77.45% for NCD, FCD and HPD, respectively. According to the results of this study, the most affecting factor in the overall drying process is found to be drying air which is hot and holds less moisture. In addition, it turned out that the drying rate increases with the increase of the temperature and speed of the drying air.
Fungal diversity, woody debris, and wood decomposition in managed and unmanaged Patagonian Nothofagus pumilio forests
Authors: Gallo Ana Laura , Silva Patricia Valeria , Bernal Pablo López , Moretto Alicia Susana , Greslebin Alina G. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Fungal diversity, woody debris, and wood decomposition were assessed in Nothofagus pumilio forests with and without forest management. A plot in a managed forest (MF) and a plot in an unmanaged control forest (C) were established in three sites in Chubut, Argentina. On each plot, forest structure, volume of woody debris, temperature, and humidity were recorded. Basidiomata of aphyllophoroid fungi were recorded in the fall and spring for 2 years. A decomposition assay with branches and twigs in two decay classes (DC) was established, and mass loss was measured after 3 and 2 years of field incubation respectively. To evaluate fungal diversity and mass loss within MF and C, generalized linear mixed-effects models (GLMM) were performed. Neither richness nor abundance differed between treatments, and community composition was similar. Only branches in DC2 showed greater mass loss in MF than in C. The volume of CWD was greater in MF and had a positive effect on fungal richness. A few aphyllophoroid species showed significant differences in abundance between treatments. Forest management in the conditions evaluated did not generate evident changes in fungal diversity, nor in wood decomposition. However, the differences observed in mass loss of DC2 could indicate that there were some factors operating in the past, that are no longer seen in the present, which may have accelerated decomposition. This highlights the need for studies evaluating changes in canopy cover, microclimate and fungal community, including potential key species, over a period starting just after the forest management.
IFN-γ mediated signaling improves fungal clearance in experimental pulmonary mucormycosis.
Authors: Santos Amanda Ribeiro dos , Fraga-Silva Thais Fernanda , Donanzam Débora de Fátima Almeida , Santos Rodolfo Ferreira dos , Finato Angela C. , Soares Cleverson Teixeira , Lara Vanessa Soares , Almeida Nara Lígia Martins , Andrade Maria Izilda , de Arruda Olavo Speranza , de Arruda Maria Sueli Parreira , Venturini James 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We established three immunocompetent murine models of pulmonary mucormycosis to determine the involvement of the adaptive immune response in host resistance in pulmonary mucormycosis, a rapidly fatal disease caused mainly by Rhizopus spp. Immunocompetent BALB/c, C57BL/6, and Swiss mice were inoculated with R. oryzae via the intratracheal route. The inoculation resulted in an angioinvasive infection that spread to the brain, spleen, kidney, and liver. After 7 and 30 days of R. oryzae infection, C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice showed the lowest fungal load and highest production of IFN-γ and IL-2 by splenocytes, respectively. Swiss mice showed a higher fungal load 30 days p.i. and was associated with a weak development of the Th-1 profile. To confirm our findings, R. oryzae-infected IFN-γ-/- mice were evaluated after 60 days, where the mice still showed viable fungi in the lungs. This study showed, for the first time, that pulmonary mucormycosis in three widely used mouse strains resulted in an acute fungal dissemination without immunosuppression whose outcome varies according to the genetic background of the mice . We also identified the partial role of IFN-γ in the efficient elimination of R. oryzae during pulmonary infection.
Phacoemulsification after Trabeculectomy in Uveitis Associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease: Intermediate-Term Visual Outcome, IOP Control and Trabeculectomy Survival
Authors: Almobarak Faisal A. , Alharbi Ali , Aljadaan Ibrahim , Aldhibi Hasan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
PurposeTo evaluate the visual outcome, intraocular pressure control and survival of trabeculectomy after phacoemulsification in eyes with prior trabeculectomy in uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH).DesignRetrospective comparative study.MethodsEyes with uveitic glaucoma associated with VKH who underwent mitomycin C (MMC)-enhanced trabeculectomy were included. Eyes were divided into two groups: the first study group included eyes that later underwent cataract surgery in the form of phacoemulsification, and the second control group included eyes that did not have cataract surgery. The main outcome measures were changes in the visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of antiglaucoma medications, IOP control and trabeculectomy survival. ResultsThere were no significant differences in the final visual acuity (0.78 (±0.9) and 0.92 (±1.1), p=0.80)) nor IOP (14.21 mmHg (±5.8) and 12.16 mmHg (±6.1), p=0.29), but there was a difference in the antiglaucoma medications (1.58 (±1.5) and 0.53 (±1.0), p=0.02) between the study and control group, respectively. There was no difference in the overall trabeculectomy survival (p=0.381, Log Rank), but more eyes in the study group converted to qualified success after phacoemulsification and required more medications to control the IOP.ConclusionPhacoemulsification after trabeculectomy seems to be a safe procedure in eyes with combined vision threatening complications of VKH, although the visual improvement was limited. Nevertheless, more medications were required to control the IOP, thereby affecting IOP control; but such medication did not affect trabeculectomy survival. Therefore, patient counselling before surgery is essential.
A Pilot Study to Compare the Standardized Patient's Perception of Empathy Among the American Medical Graduates and International Medical Graduates Applying for Residency Training in the United States
Authors: Kumar Mukaish , Govindarajan Raghav 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background:Empathy is an essential ingredient of patient-centered care. Traditional neurology clerkship does not provide a structured way to teach, evaluate and inculcate the virtue of empathy among our medical students while dealing with various complex neurological conditions. We designed an innovative Objective Structured Clinical Evaluations (O.S.C.E.s) entitled as Empathetic Neurological Care (ENC) O.S.C.E.s as a part of clerkship evaluation to assess empathy among American Medical Graduates (A.M.G.s) and International Medical Graduates (I.M.G.s) and establish the need of training of empathy skills to future professionals.Study Objective: We aim to illustrate the model of Empathetic Neurological Care (ENC) O.S.C.E. & to report the comparative analysis of empathy scores among the A.M.G.s and I.M.G.s.Methods: This is a pilot study comparing empathy among A.M.G.s and I.M.G.s, measured by the Standardized Patients (SPs) using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (7-point Likert type scale) during pre-designed ENC-OSCEs. The proposed curriculum included complex neurological cases involving breaking bad news (e.g., delivering the diagnosis of A.L.S.), opioid addiction counseling, disclosing medical error (stroke), and explaining the diagnosis of non-epileptic seizures.Results: 12 students (6 AMGs, 3 Males/ 3 Females and 6 IMGs 4 Males/2 Females) completed the OSCE. A.M.G.s scored higher in empathy scores graded by S.P.s than I.M.G.s (P=0.0004). Conclusion: A.M.G.s scored higher empathy as compared to I.M.G.s by the S.P.s during ENC-OSCEs. We highlight the importance of focused empathy training with assessment during neurology clerkship rotations for A.M.G.s & the need of formal curricular training as a part of the orientation program at the beginning of residency training for I.M.G.s.
A Universal Predictor-corrector Algorithm for Numerical Simulation of Generalized Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Odibat Zaid 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study introduces some remarks on generalized fractional integral and differential operators, that generalize some familiar fractional integral and derivative operators, with respect to a given function. We briefly explain how to formulate representations of generalized fractional operators. Then, mainly, we propose a predictor-corrector algorithm for the numerical simulation of initial value problems involving generalized Caputo-type fractional derivatives with respect to another function. Numerical solutions of some generalized Caputo-type fractional derivative models have been introduced to demonstrate the applicability and efficiency of the presented algorithm. The proposed algorithm is expected to be widely used and utilized in the field of simulating fractional-order models.
An Integrated Mixed Methods Approach to Clarifying Delivery, Receipt and Potential Benefits of CHW-Facilitated Social Support in a Health Promotion Intervention
Authors: Ingram Maia , Coulter Kiera , Doubleday Kevin , Espinoza Cynthia , Redondo Floribella , Wilkinson-Lee Ada , Lohr Abby , Carvajal Scott C. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Social support plays a critical role in physical and emotional heath, making it an important component of community health worker (CHW) health promotion interventions. Different types of support operate in different ways, however, and the relationship between the nature of CHW support and the subsequent health benefit for their clients is not well understood. This paper describes an integrated mixed methods study of the emotional, informational, appraisal and tangible support CHWs provided to Latinx community members residing in three US-Mexico border communities. Using a cohort (n = 159) from a CHW community-based intervention, we identify and describe four clusters of social support in which participants are characterized by life situations that informed the types of social support provided by the CHW. We examine the association between each cluster and client perceptions of social support over the 6-month intervention. Participants who received higher levels of emotional support from the CHW experienced the greatest post intervention increase in perceived social support. Study findings suggest that CHWs may be adept at providing non-directive social support based on their interaction with a client rather than a health outcome objective. Health promotion interventions should allow CHWs the flexibility to tailor provision of social support based on their assessment of client needs.