bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of additional core stability exercises in improving dynamic sitting balance, standing balance, lower-limb spasticity, falls and gait in subacute stroke patients (CORE-trial). Study protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cabanas-Valdés Rosa , Boix-Sala Lidia , Grau-Pellicer Montserrat , Guzmán-Bernal Juan Antonio , Caballero-Gómez Fernanda Maria , Urrùtia Gerard 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTrunk impairment produces disorders of motor control, balance, and gait that are correlated with increased risk of falls and reduced mobility in stroke survivors. This creates disability and dependency to perform their activities of daily living. Alterations in body alignment occur, requiring treatment strategies focused on improving the postural control. bearing. Core stability exercises (CSE) are a good strategy to improve local strength of trunk, dynamic sitting, standing balance, and gait. There is some evidence about its effectiveness but it is still necessary to run a large multicenter trial to ratify that existing evidence.MethodsThis is a single-blind multicenter randomized controlled trial. Two parallel groups are compared and both perform the same type of therapy. A control group (CG) (n=110) performs conventional physiotherapy (CP) (1 hour per session) focused on improving balance. An experimental group (EG) (n=110) performs CSE (30 minutes) in addition to CP (30 minutes) (1 hour/session in total). EG is divided in two subgroups, in which only half of patients (n=55) perform CSE plus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Primary outcome measures are dynamic sitting, assessed by Spanish-version of Trunk Impairment Scale and stepping, assessed by Brunel Balance Assessment. Secondary outcomes are postural control, assessed by Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke patients; standing balance and risk of fall assessed by Berg Balance Scale; gait speed by BTS G-Walk (accelerometer); rate of falls, lower-limb spasticity by Modified Ashworth Scale; activities of daily living by Barthel Index; and quality of life by EQ-5D-5L. These are evaluated at baseline (T0), at 3 weeks (T1), at 5 weeks -at the end of the intervention (T2), at 17 weeks (T3) and at 29 weeks (T4). Study duration per patient is 29 weeks (a 5-week intervention, followed by a 24-week post-intervention). DiscussionThe study will provide useful information on the short and long term effects of a physiotherapy rehabilitation program based on core stability exercises performed in subacute phase.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03975985. Data registration June 5th, 2019. Retrospectively registered. Date of registration in primary registry: June 5, 2019. Protocol version 1
Simulation of β - Ga2O3 based MOSFETs for Depletion and Enhancement Mode Operation
Authors: Kachhawa Pharyanshu , Chaturvedi Nidhi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This paper reports on TCAD-simulation of beta-gallium oxide ( β - Ga 2 O 3 ) MOSFET with the channel recessed into a 1 µ m thick Si-doped (1 × 10 18 cm - 3) epitaxial layer. We optimized gate recess thickness to achieve both, depletion and enhancement mode operation. The simulated β - Ga2O3 MOSFET structures show optimum depletion-mode and enhancement-mode characteristics for 150 nm and 15 nm active channel thickness, respectively. A comparative study is also done to analyze the thermal and electrical effects by simulating hetero-epitaxial β - Ga 2O3 layer on sapphire substrate and homoepitaxial β - Ga2O3 layer on β - Ga 2 O 3 substrate. MOSFET devices based on β - Ga 2 O 3 layers on sapphire substrates show improved performance compared to devices based on β - Ga2O3 layers on β - Ga 2 O 3 substrates in terms of drain current, trans-conductance and breakdown voltage. β - Ga 2 O 3 epitaxial layers on sapphire substrates exhibit a drain current density of 77.7 mA/mm with a peak trans-conductance of 2.28 mS/mm for D-mode operation and 27.3 mA/mm drain current density with a peak trans-conductance of 3.92 mS/mm for E-mode operation. In contrast, MOSFET devices based on β - Ga 2 O 3 epitaxial layers on β - Ga 2 O 3 substrates show a drain current density of 64.1 mA/mm for D-mode operation and 22.2 mA/mm drain current density with 3.2 mS/mm peak trans-conductance for E-mode operation. MOSFET devices based on β - Ga 2 O 3 epitaxial structures on sapphire and on β - Ga 2 O 3 substrates show reliable switching properties with sub-threshold swing of 95.98 mV/dec and 87.05 mV/dec respectively as well as a high I on =I off ratio of 10 11 . These simulation results show potential of laterally scaled β - Ga 2 O 3 MOSFETs for power switching applications.
Real-Time Particle Size Analysis Using Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement as a Process Analytical Technology Tool for a Continuous Microencapsulation Process
Authors: Muhaimin Muhaimin , Chaerunisaa Anis Yohana , Bodmeier Roland 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The online real-time particle size analysis of the microencapsules manufacturing process using the continuous solvent evaporation method was performed using focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM). In this paper, we use FBRM measurements to investigate the effects of polymer type and compare the size distributions to those obtained using other sizing methods such as optical microscope and laser diffraction. FBRM was also utilized to measure the length-weighted chord length distribution (CLD) and particle size distribution (PSD) online during particle solidification, which could not be done with laser diffraction or nested sieve analysis. The chord lengths and CLD data were taken at specific times using an online FBRM probe mounted below the microparticle. The timing of the FBRM determinations was coordinated with the selection of microparticle samples for particle size analysis by optical microscope and laser diffraction calculation as a reference. For all three produced batches tested, FBRM, laser diffraction, and sieve analysis yielded similar results. Hardening time for the transformation of emulsion droplets into solid microparticles occurred within the first 10.5, 19, 25, 30, and 55 minutes, according to FBRM results. The FBRM CLDs revealed that a larger particle size mean resulted in a longer CLD and a lower peak of particle number. The FBRM data revealed that the polymer type had a significant impact on microparticle CLD and the transformation process.
Lymphocyte Disturbance in The [Asp521Asn] ZAP70 Mutation and An Overview of All Phenotype/Genotype
Authors: Lee Wen-I , Lin Yung-Feng , Ho Ching-Huang , Chen Shih-Hsiang , Hsu Mei-Hsin , Wu Ren-Chin , Lee Wan-Fang , Jaing Tang-Her , Jing-Long Huang , Tsai Shih-Feng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background. Activated Zeta (ζ)-chain-associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP70) phosphorylates the TCRαβ:CD3:ζ-complex to diversify the initial TCR signal. Patients with the ZAP70 mutations could present with the phenotype of immune dysregulation. Methods. We identified the first Taiwanese boy with the ZAP70 mutation, assessed downstream signaling, investigated lymphocyte disturbance and analyzed all available phenotype/genotype for optimal treatment.Results. With the [Asp521Asn]ZAP70 mutation, the infant who had hypogammaglobulinemia, eosinophilia, isolated CD8 lymphopenia, and impaired lymphocyte proliferation experienced recurrent pneumonia, refractory diarrhea, transient hematuria and autoimmune hepatitis. Decreased CD3/CD28 downstream phosphorylation of AKT, ZAP70 and Ca2+ influx related to the Th2-skewing T follicular helper cells, expanded transitional B, increased CD21-low B cells and lower Treg cells. To speculate clinical course for effective treatment, we overviewed 45 available published patients. Except for two asymptomatic post-transplant infants, common pathogens were oral candida (n=9), PJP (n=7), CMV (n=5), varicella (n=4), parainfluenza (n=3) and disseminated BCG (n=3). Their phenotypes of immune dysregulation mainly included IBD-like diarrhea (n=12), dermatitis (n=7), hepatosplenomegaly (n=3) and nephritic syndrome (n=3). Founder-effect or hot-spot mutations (32/90 alleles) involving the kinase domain clustered on intron 12 [1624-11G>A] (in 24) and exon 12[1520C>T] (in 8). Eleven died of sepsis (n=3), CMV pneumonitis (n=2), viral encephalitis, disseminated measles-vaccine infection, ARDS, HLH-like, EBV-lymphoproliferative disorder, and lymphoma each. Whatever developing opportunistic infections (p=0.2240), immune dysregulation (p=0.5268), or failure to thrive (p=0.5215), those who receiving HSCT had significantly better prognosis (p=0.0003). Conclusions. The Asp521Asn-ZAP70 hinders TCR-CD3 downstream phosphorylation and disturbs lymphocyte subgroup “profiles” leading to autoimmune/autoinlfmmation. The lymphocyte disturbance should be validated in large-scale studies. Receiving HSCT is a significantly better survival factor, rather than mutation types, opportunistic infections, or immune dysregulation.
Tumor Microbiome Diversity Influence Papillary Thyroid Cancer invasion
Authors: Bao Guoqiang , Yuan Lijuan , Yang Ping , Chen Songhao , Wei Gang , Lu Jianguo , Hu Xie , Yang Lin , He Xianli 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer with higher incidence, the difficulty considered in PTC therapeutic process could be the property. Therefore, it is so important to know the factors that may indicate the progression course of cancer. In this study, we dissect the PTC intra-tumor microbiota and its role in influencing the tumor progression by 16S RNA sequences. The role of the PTC intra-tumor microbiome composition in 80 PTC patients was explored in this study. Overall substantial abundance of microbiome in PTC tumors from all patients were detected. We found that PTC patients with advanced lesion (T3 or T4) had significantly higher tumor bacteria diversity than the patients with relative mild lesion (T1/T2). Importantly, we identified a signature of three tumor bacterial taxa (Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, Sphingomonas) highly predictive of PTC tumor invasion status. These data suggest that microbial host factors, independent of the genomic composition of the tumor, may determine tumor behaviors and patients’ outcomes. Furthermore, the correlation between specific bacterial genus and thyroid hormones or autoimmune thyroid disease-related antibodies may also indicate the potential contribution of microbiome in the relation between autoimmune thyroid disease or the irregular thyroid function and PTC progression.
Identification of a Potential Alternative Splicing Prognostic Signature Associated With Immune Infiltrates of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Li Yan , Han Yue , Wang Xiaoyin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: The mortality rate of ovarian cancer (OC) ranks the first in gynecological tumors, which seriously threatens women's health and life. In recent years, alternative splicing (AS) has gradually been considered to play a key role in immune infiltrates of tumor. However, the prognostic significance of AS events related to immune infiltrates in OC remains unknow. The aim of our research was to investigate the potential prognostic value of AS events associated with immune infiltrates in OC.Methods: The RNA sequences (RNA-seq) and clinical data were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The AS event data was obtained from TCGA SpliceSeq database. Single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was performed to calculate the abundance of 28 immune cell types in samples from TCGA-OV dataset. A consensus clustering algorithm was used to group the OC patients. Differential expression analysis was used to identify differentially expressed AS events (DEASs) between groups. Univariate Cox regression analysis was implemented to screen for AS events with prognostic value. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression analyses was used to further narrow the AS events with prognostic value and construct an alternative splicing prognostic signature for predicting the prognosis of OC patients. Results: The OC patients from TCGA database were classified into two groups (cluster.A and cluster.B) based on the 28 types of TIIC using a consensus clustering algorithm. The patients in the cluster.A group had increased immune infiltrates compared with the cluster.B group. 3616 DEASs were acquired and 171 DEASs have prognostic value (p<0.05). 28 DEASs with prognostic value (p<0.001) were fitted into LASSO Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression analyses. A prognostic signature with 18 DEASs was constructed to predict the prognosis of OC patients. Each patient obtained a riskscore and the patients were classified into high-and low-risk group using the median riskscore as a cutoff. Kaplan-Meier curve revealed that the patients in high-risk group have poor outcome. Conclusions: Collectively, our research identified an alternative splicing prognostic signature associated with immune infiltrates of OC, which may provide new directions for the immunotherapy of OC patients.
Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant (Ozurdex) in the Treatment of Macular Edema: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Elgendy Hussein Mohamed Khairy 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) in the management of macular edema (ME) of varied etiology, particularly in case of diabetic macular edema (DME).Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective, observational, cohort study based on the data retrieved from the medical records of the patients with ME who were administered with dexamethasone intravitreal implant during 2013 to 2018. At baseline, a complete ophthalmologic evaluation, including measurement of visual acuity (VA), central retinal thickness (CRT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) was performed for all patients in the clinic. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patients’ demographic and disease related data. Data were analyzed using XLSTAT statistical software for descriptive analysis. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.Results: A total 114 patients with ME were included in this study. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was found to be the main etiology (80%; 91 out of 114 patients) and systemic comorbidity (92 out of 114) and those patients were considered as diabetic macular edema (DME) patients. All 114 patients received dexamethasone intravitreal implant and then followed up for next six months. Furthermore, 20.2% (23/114) and 0.9% (1//114) patients received the second Ozurdex injection alone or in combination with anti-VEGF, respectively, during the follow-up period on PRN basis. The CRT significantly reduced from baseline (480 µm) to 320 µm (p=0.0001) during six-month period with maximum reduction occurring in first three months. The pre-treatment mean VA (0.92 LogMAR) also significantly improved to 0.75 LogMAR (p=0.01) following three months of treatment. Mean pre-injection IOP increased from 15 mmHg to 21 mmHg in patients receiving dexamethasone implant. However, with the use of anti-glaucoma medication, the IOP was reduced to the baseline value.Conclusions: Dexamethasone intravitreal implant can be considered as an effective and safe treatment modality for ME patients, particularly the DME patients.
Sol-Gel Auto-Combustion Synthesis and Luminescence Properties of GdCaAl3O7:RE3+(RE=Eu, Tb, Eu@Tb) Phosphors For Near-Ultraviolet Light-Triggered Indoor Illumination
Authors: Zhou Haoran , Chen Xin , Jiang L.W. , Wu Anhua , Luo Laihui , Chen Hongbing 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The color-tunable GdCaAl3O7: RE3+ (RE=Eu, Tb, Eu@Tb) phosphors were synthesized via an ultrafast sol-gel auto-combustion synthesis method. The XRD (X-ray diffraction) patterns confirmed the forming of GdCaAl3O7 tetragonal phase, and the SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) images indicated that the obtained products presented honeycomb-like structure due to the gas releasing during the auto-combustion process. The EDS (Energy dispersion spectra) results suggest that Eu3+ and Tb3+ were well incorporated into the host matrices of GdCaAl3O7. The luminescent properties, concentration quenching mechanism, energy transfer mechanism, luminescent dynamics, thermal stability and product practicability of GdCaAl3O7: R3+ (RE=Eu, Tb, Eu@Tb) phosphors were investigated systematically. All the GdCaAl3O7: RE3+ (RE=Eu, Tb, Eu@Tb) products presented the characteristic emission of doped RE3+. Using GdCaAl3O7: 50% Tb3+@3.0% Eu3+ as yellow-emitting phosphors in combination with commercial BAM: Eu2+ blue-emitting phosphors and a NUV chip can successfully package a warm white LED device with high color rendering index (CRI, 86.3) and low correlated color temperature (CCT, 3348 K) that was very suitable for near-ultraviolet light-triggered indoor illumination.
Studies of a New-style Resonator on Electro-mechanical Coupling Bandgap Control of a Locally Resonant Piezoelectric/elastic Phononic Crystal Double-layer Nonlocal Nanobeam
Authors: Qian Denghui , Zhang Jian , Wang Jianchun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The paper proposed a model of a locally resonant (LR) piezoelectric/elastic phononic crystal (PC) nanobeam with periodically attached “spring-mass” resonator and additional spring between upper and lower nanobeams, as well as horizontal spring between mass and foundation. Euler beam theory and nonlocal piezoelectricity theory are coupled and introduced to plane wave expansion (PWE) method to calculate the band structures of such a model with different parameters. Numerical results and further analysis demonstrate that all the bands of double-layer nanobeam can be divided into symmetric and antisymmetric ones. Adding additional and horizontal springs play a role in control the symmetric and antisymmetric bands respectively, which make wider band gaps be opened than corresponding single-layer nanobeam. Moreover, the change of parameters of electro-mechanical coupling fields and resonator can be applied to effectively control the starting frequencies and widths of band gaps, which can provide a theoretical basis for active control of vibration. Effects of geometric and non-dimensional nonlocal parameters on band gaps are also discussed. All the studies are expected to be applied to actively control vibration propagation in the field of nano electro-mechanical system (NEMS).
Feasibility and efficacy of mass testing for SARS-CoV-2 in a UK university using swab pooling and PCR
Authors: Warne Ben , Enright Jessica , Metaxaki Marina , Fuller Stewart , Samworth Richard J. , Weale Gillian , Holgate Jon , Samtani Vijay , Brierley Craig , Aggarwal Dinesh , Hilborne Sarah , Kahkeshi Mahin Bagheri , Berry Sarah , Douthwaite Julie A. , Orton Alexandra L. , Clarke Rebecca , Danaei Darius , Dyer Rory , Glew Rob , Lambson Oliver , Dahal Aastha , Margolis Ben , Murphy Edna , Russell Matthew , Braithwaite Vickie S. , Faulkner Kathryn , Wright Elizabeth , Chaudhry Afzal , Mactavous Lenette , Dhada Maharshi , Parlikad Ajith ,   University of Cambridge Asymptomatic COVID-19 Screening Programme Consortium, Greatorex Jane , Leslie Ian , Neely Andy , Rees Steve , Shaw Ashley , Vinnell Martin , Sheridan Linda , Watkins Emmeline , Baker Stephen , Goodfellow Ian G. , Lehner Paul J. , Liddell Kathleen , Clark Roger , Howes Rob , Weekes Michael P. , McFarlane Duncan , Maxwell Patrick H. , Matheson Nicholas J. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 without symptoms is well described, and may be mitigated by mass testing. Nonetheless, the optimal implementation and quantitative real-world impact of this approach remain unclear. During a period of rising SARS-CoV-2 prevalence, students at the University of Cambridge were enrolled in a voluntary programme of weekly PCR-based asymptomatic screening. Swab pooling by household reduced the total testing capacity required by five-fold, without affecting laboratory workflows or compromising test sensitivity. Participation remained >75% throughout the study period. 299/671 (45%) of students diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 were either identified or pre-emptively quarantined because of the screening programme. After a negative screening test, the risk of developing COVID-19 over the following 7 days was decreased by 51%. Modelling transmission using parameters from our study suggests a reduction in R0 of up to 31% attributable to weekly screening. We therefore demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of regular, voluntary mass testing for COVID-19.
Mismatch negativity as an index of target engagement for excitation/inhibition-based treatment development: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, single-dose cross-over study of the serotonin type-3 receptor antagonist CVN058
Authors: Sehatpour Pejman , Javitt Daniel , De Baun Heloise , Carlson Marlene , Margolin David , Carlton Mark , Brice Nicola , Kantrowitz Joshua 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Serotonin type-3 receptor (5-HT3R) antagonists show potential as a treatment for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. CVN058, a brain-penetrant, potent and selective 5-HT3R antagonist, shows efficacy in rodent models of cognition and was well-tolerated in Phase-1 studies. We evaluated the target engagement of CVN058 using mismatch negativity (MMN) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Subjects were stable outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder treated with antipsychotics. Subjects were not permitted to use other 5-HT3R modulators or serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Each subject received a high (150mg) and low (15mg or 75mg) oral dose of CVN058 and placebo in a randomized order across 3 single-day treatment visits separated by at least 1 week. The primary pre-registered outcome was amplitude of duration MMN. Amplitude of other MMN deviants (frequency, intensity, frequency modulation and location), P50, P300 and auditory steady state response (ASSR) were exploratory endpoints. 19 of 22 randomized subjects (86.4%) completed the study. Baseline PANSS scores indicated moderate impairment. CVN058 150mg led to significant improvement vs. placebo on the primary outcome of duration MMN (p = 0.02, Cohen’s d = 0.48). A significant treatment effect was also seen in a combined analysis across all MMN deviants (p < 0.001, d = 0.57). Effects on location MMN were independently significant (p < 0.007, d = 0.46). No other significant effects were seen for other deviants, doses or EEG measures. There were no clinically significant treatment related adverse effects. These results show MMN to be a sensitive target engagement biomarker for 5-HT3R, and support the potential utility of CVN058 in correcting the excitatory/inhibitory imbalance in schizophrenia. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03669250