bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An improved Top‐K algorithm for edge servers deployment in smart city
Authors: Qin Zengshi , Xu Fei , Xie Yue , Zhang Zhuoya , Li Gaojie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn smart city IoT applications, the deployment of edge servers has problems such as unbalanced servers load and low servers utilization. Therefore, we study the edge servers deployment problem in mobile edge computing environments for smart cities through an improved Top‐K algorithm in this paper. This algorithm comprehensively considering the distance between base stations and edge servers, the weight ratio of base stations in the base station cluster, the coverage of edge servers, and the upper limit of computing tasks, which aims to reduce the access delay of tasks and deployment cost of edge servers, balance the load among edge servers, improve quality of user experience (QoE), and quality of service (QoS) of the smart city. Firstly, deploy an edge server at the base station with the most tasks and divide base station clusters according to the minimum distance strategy. Then, the location of edge servers adjusted according to the cumulative sum of the weight ratio of base station tasks and distance product in each base station cluster. Finally, the simulation results show that the deployment strategy in this paper is better than other methods in terms of server utilization, load balancing and cost, and is slightly better than other algorithms in terms of delay.
KRAS/GNAS‐testing by highly sensitive deep targeted next generation sequencing improves the endoscopic ultrasound‐guided workup of suspected mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas
Authors: Schmitz Daniel , Kazdal Daniel , Allgäuer Michael , Trunk Marcus , Vornhusen Sylke , Nahm Anna‐Maria , Doll Matthias , Weingärtner Simon , Endris Volker , Penzel Roland , Kirchner Martina , Brandt Regine , Neumann Olaf , Sültmann Holger , Budczies Jan , Kienle Peter , Magdeburg Richard , Hetjens Svetlana , Schirmacher Peter , Bergmann Frank , Rudi Jochen , Stenzinger Albrecht , Volckmar Anna‐Lena 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPancreatic cysts or dilated pancreatic ducts are often found by cross‐sectional imaging, but only mucinous lesions can become malignant. Therefore, distinction between mucinous and non‐mucinous lesions is crucial for adequate patient management. We performed a prospective study including targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) of cell‐free DNA in the diagnostic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided workup. Pancreatic cyst(s) or main duct fluid obtained by EUS‐guided FNA was analysed by carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytology and deep targeted NGS of 14 known gastrointestinal cancer genes (AKT1, BRAF, CTNNB1, EGFR, ERBB2, FBXW7, GNAS, KRAS, MAP2K1, NRAS, PIK3CA, SMAD4, TP53, APC) with a limit of detection down to variant allele frequency of 0.01%. Results were correlated to histopathology and clinical follow‐up. One hundred and thirteen patients with pancreatic cyst(s) and/or a dilated pancreatic main duct (≥5 mm) were screened. Sixty‐six patients had to be excluded, mainly due to inoperability or small cyst size (≤10 mm). Forty‐seven patients were enrolled for further analysis. A final diagnosis was available in 27 cases including 8 negative controls. In 43/47 (91.5%) of patients a KRAS‐ and/or GNAS‐mutation was diagnosed by NGS. 27.0% of the KRAS‐mutated and 10.0% of the GNAS‐mutated lesions harbored multiple mutations. KRAS/GNAS‐testing by NGS, cytology, and CEA had a sensitivity and specificity of 94.7/100%, 38.1/100%, and 42.1/75.0%, respectively. KRAS/GNAS‐testing was significantly superior to CEA (P = .0209) and cytology (P = .0016). In conclusion, KRAS/GNAS‐testing by deep targeted NGS is a suitable method to distinguish mucinous from non‐mucinous pancreatic lesions, suggesting its usage as a single diagnostic test. Results must be confirmed in a larger cohort.
Financing needs, spending projection, and the future of health in Brazil
Authors: Rocha Rudi , Furtado Isabela , Spinola Paula 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this paper we adopt a growth accounting projection model to estimate and characterize health‐financing needs in Brazil as well as to assess the extent to which financing needs may diverge from spending capacity in the future. We estimate an annual increase of 0.71% in the share of projected financing needs relative to GDP, with excess growth rates being 0.74% and 0.69% for the public and private health sectors, respectively. Institutional reforms and public spending restrictions may leverage public–private segmentation in health financing throughout the next decades, thus potentially leading to losses of equity in the system. Our projections contribute to a scant empirical literature on health financing sustainability in low‐ and middle‐income countries and shed light on the role of spending capacity and institutional constraints over the path towards universal health coverage.
Use of gloves for the prevention of COVID‐19 in healthy population: A living systematic review protocol
Authors: Morales María Belén , Ortiz‐Muñoz Luis , Duarte Anselmi Giuliano , Rada Gabriel ,   COVID‐19 L·OVE Working Group
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsThe efficacy of using gloves by the general population to prevent COVID‐19 is unknown. We aim to determine the efficacy of routine glove use by the general healthy population in preventing COVID‐19. This is the protocol of a living systematic review.MethodsWe adapted an already published common protocol for multiple parallel systematic reviews to the specificities of this question. We will conduct searches in PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), grey literature, and in a centralized repository in L·OVE (Living OVerview of Evidence). L·OVE is a platform that maps PICO questions to evidence from Epistemonikos database. In response to the COVID‐19 emergency, L·OVE was adapted to expand the range of evidence it covers and customized to group all COVID‐19 evidence in one place. The search will cover the period until the day before submission to a journal. We will include randomized trials evaluating the effect of use of gloves in healthy population to prevent COVID‐19 disease. Randomized trials evaluating the effect of use of gloves during outbreaks caused by MERS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV, and nonrandomized studies in COVID‐19 will be searched in case no direct evidence from randomized trials is found.Two reviewers will independently screen each study for eligibility, extract data, and assess the risk of bias. We will perform random‐effects meta‐analyses and use GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome.A living, web‐based version of this review will be openly available during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We will resubmit it if the conclusions change or there are substantial updates.
The effects of age onDNAfragmentation, the condensation of chromatin and conventional semen parameters in healthy nonsmoking men exposed to traffic air pollution
Authors: Rubes Jiri , Sipek Jaroslav , Kopecka Vera , Musilova Petra , Vozdova Miluse , Prinosilova Petra , Topinka Jan , Pastorkova Anna , Svecova Vlasta , Sram Radim J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundNumerous studies have investigated age‐based declines in semen traits, but the impact of paternal age on semen parameter values remains inconclusive.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to detect an impact of age on semen quality was studied in healthy nonsmoking men exposed to traffic air pollution.MethodsSemen samples from 150 Prague City policemen aged 23 to 63 years were examined for standard semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation and high DNA stainability.ResultsA significant positive correlation was found between age and %DFI (r= .359,P < .001), and negative correlations were found between age and sperm vitality (r= −.247,P < .001), the % acrosome‐intact sperm (r= −.202,P= .013) and the % normal sperm heads (r= −.204,P= .012). A weak but significant negative correlation was found for high DNA stainability (% HDS) vs age (r= −.161,P= .050). No significant correlation was detected between male age and the other investigated semen quality parameters. At ages of 23 to 30, 31 to 40, 41 to 50, and 51 to 63 years, the mean %DFI values were 12.7 ± 7.18, 14.7 ± 7.42, 19.6 ± 11.25, and 34.2 ± 15.08, respectively.ConclusionOur study shows a strong relationship (P < .001) between the age of men and sperm DNA fragmentation in an occupational cohort at risk of exposure to heavy traffic‐related air pollution in a large city center.
Time‐series of δ26Mg values in a headwater catchment reveal decreasing magnesium isotope variability from precipitation to runoff
Authors: Novak Martin , Andronikov Alexandre , Kram Pavel , Curik Jan , Veselovsky Frantisek , Stepanova Marketa , Prechova Eva , Sebek Ondrej , Bohdalkova Leona 
Published: March 2021

AbstractData on temporal variability in Mg isotope ratios of atmospheric deposition and runoff are critical for decreasing the uncertainty associated with construction of isotope mass balances in headwater catchments, and statistical evaluation of isotope differences among Mg pools and fluxes. Such evaluations, in turn, are needed to distinguish between biotic and abiotic contributions to Mg2+ in catchment runoff. We report the first annual time‐series of δ26Mg values simultaneously determined for rainfall, canopy throughfall, soil water and runoff. The studied 55‐ha catchment, situated in western Czech Republic, is underlain by Mg‐rich amphibolite and covered by mature spruce stands. Between 1970 and 1996, the site received extremely high amounts of acid deposition and fly ash form nearby coal‐burning power plants. The δ26Mg values of open‐area precipitation (median of −0.79‰) at our study site were statistically indistinguishable from the δ26Mg values of throughfall (−0.73‰), but significantly different from the δ26Mg values of soil water (−0.55‰) and runoff (−0.55‰). The range of δ26Mg values during the observation period decreased in the order: open‐area precipitation (0.57‰) > throughfall (0.27‰) > runoff (0.21‰) > soil water (0.16‰). The decreasing variability in δ26Mg values of Mg2+ from precipitation to soil water and runoff reflected an increasing homogenization of atmospheric Mg in the catchment and its mixing with geogenic Mg. In addition to atmospheric Mg, runoff also contained Mg mobilized from the three major solid Mg pools, bedrock (δ26Mg of −0.32‰), soil (−0.28‰), and vegetation (−0.31‰). The drought of summer 2019 did not affect the nearly constant δ26Mg value of runoff. Collectively, our data show that within‐catchment processes buffer the Mg isotope variability of the atmospheric input.
Uptake and safety of community‐based “screen‐and‐treat” with thermal ablation preventive therapy for cervical cancer prevention in rural Lilongwe, Malawi
Authors: Chinula Lameck , Topazian Hillary M. , Mapanje Clement , Varela Amanda , Chapola John , Limarzi Laura , Stanley Christopher , Hosseinipour Mina , Gopal Satish , Tang Jennifer H. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMalawi has the highest invasive cervical cancer (ICC) mortality rate worldwide, and ICC is the leading cause of cancer death among women. In 2004, Malawi adopted visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and ablative treatment with cryotherapy. However, screening coverage has remained low (<30%) and few women (<50%) who require ablative treatment receive it. Additional barriers include long distances to health facilities and challenges with maintaining gas supplies. Thermal ablation is a safe and effective alternative to cryotherapy. We assessed the safety and uptake of community‐based ICC screening with VIA and same‐day treatment using a handheld thermocoagulator (HTU) in rural Malawi. We held educational talks alongside community leaders and conducted VIA screening in nonclinic community settings to nonpregnant women aged 25 to 49 years without history of hysterectomy or genital cancer/precancer. Eligible women received same‐day thermal ablation and HIV testing/counseling. We collected cervical biopsies before treatment and followed up women at Weeks 6 and 12, with repeat biopsy at Week 12. Between July and August 2017, 408 (88%) of 463 eligible women underwent VIA. Overall, 7% (n = 30) of women had a positive VIA, of whom 93% (n = 28) underwent same‐day thermal ablation. Among the 30 VIA‐positive women, 5 had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, 4 had CIN 2/3 and 21 had benign histologic findings. Abnormal vaginal discharge (60%) and light vaginal bleeding (52%) were the most reported adverse events. There was high uptake of the community‐based ICC screening in the study population and treatment was safe in this setting. Similar strategies that minimize false‐positive results are urgently needed in Malawi.
Fabrication of nanocomposite/nanofibrous functionally graded biomimetic scaffolds for osteochondral tissue regeneration
Authors: Hejazi Fatemeh , Bagheri‐Khoulenjani Shadab , Olov Nafiseh , Zeini Darya , Solouk Atefeh , Mirzadeh Hamid 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOne of the main challenges in treating osteochondral lesions via tissue engineering approach is providing scaffolds with unique characteristics to mimic the complexity. It has led to application of heterogeneous scaffolds as a potential candidate for engineering of osteochondral tissues, in which graded multilayered‐structure should promote bone and cartilage growth. By designing three‐dimensional (3D)‐nanofibrous scaffolds mimicking the native extracellular matrix's nanoscale structure, cells can grow in controlled conditions and regenerate the damaged tissue. In this study, novel 3D‐functionality graded nanofibrous scaffolds composed of five layers based on different compositions containing polycaprolactone(PCL)/gelatin(Gel)/nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) for osteoregeneration and chitosan(Cs)/polyvinylalcohol(PVA) for chondral regeneration are introduced. This scaffold is fabricated by electrospinning technique using spring as collector to create 3D‐nanofibrous scaffolds. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, mechanical compression test, porosimetry, and water uptake studies were applied to study each layer's physicochemical properties and whole functionally graded scaffold. Besides, biodegradation and biological studies were done to investigate biological performance of scaffold. Results showed that each layer has a fibrous structure with continuous nanofibers with improved pore size and porosity of novel 3D scaffold (6–13 μm and 90%) compared with two‐dimensional (2D) mat (2.2 μm and 19.3%) with higher water uptake capacity (about 100 times of 2D mat). Compression modulus of electrospun scaffold was increased to 78 MPa by adding nHA. The biological studies revealed that the layer designed for osteoregeneration could improve cell proliferation rate in comparison to the layer designed for chondral regeneration. These results showed such structure possesses a promising potential for the treatment of osteochondral defects.
Deletion of Rptor in Preosteoblasts Reveals a Role for the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) Complex in Dietary‐Induced Changes to Bone Mass and Glucose Homeostasis in Female Mice
Authors: Tangseefa Pawanrat , Martin Sally K. , Arthur Agnieszka , Panagopoulos Vasilios , Page Amanda J. , Wittert Gary A. , Proud Christopher G. , Fitter Stephen , Zannettino Andrew C.W. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTThe mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) complex is the major nutrient sensor in mammalian cells that responds to amino acids, energy levels, growth factors, and hormones, such as insulin, to control anabolic and catabolic processes. We have recently shown that suppression of the mTORC1 complex in bone‐forming osteoblasts (OBs) improved glucose handling in male mice fed a normal or obesogenic diet. Mechanistically, this occurs, at least in part, by increasing OB insulin sensitivity leading to upregulation of glucose uptake and glycolysis. Given previously reported sex‐dependent differences observed upon antagonism of mTORC1 signaling, we investigated the metabolic and skeletal effects of genetic inactivation of preosteoblastic‐mTORC1 in female mice. Eight‐week‐old control diet (CD)‐fed Rptorob−/− mice had a low bone mass with a significant reduction in trabecular bone volume and trabecular number, reduced cortical bone thickness, and increased marrow adiposity. Despite no changes in body composition, CD‐fed Rptorob−/− mice exhibited significant lower fasting insulin and glucose levels and increased insulin sensitivity. Upon high‐fat diet (HFD) feeding, Rptorob−/− mice were resistant to a diet‐induced increase in whole‐body and total fat mass and protected from the development of diet‐induced insulin resistance. Notably, although 12 weeks of HFD increased marrow adiposity, with minimal changes in both trabecular and cortical bone in the female control mice, marrow adiposity was significantly reduced in HFD‐fed Rptorob−/− compared to both HFD‐fed control and CD‐fed Rptorob−/− mice. Collectively, our results demonstrate that mTORC1 function in preosteoblasts is crucial for skeletal development and skeletal regulation of glucose homeostasis in both male and female mice. Importantly, loss of mTORC1 function in OBs results in metabolic and physiological adaptations that mirror a caloric restriction phenotype (under CD) and protects against HFD‐induced obesity, associated insulin resistance, and marrow adiposity expansion. These results highlight the critical contribution of the skeleton in the regulation of whole‐body energy homeostasis. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Cystatin C and interleukin‐6 for prognosticating patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis
Authors: Padia Gaurav , Mahajan Bhawana , Kumar Ajay , Sonika Ujjwal , Dahale Amol S , Sachdeva Sanjeev , Dalal Ashok , George Roshan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and AimSystemic inflammation and organ dysfunction/failure can complicate acute decompensation (AD) of cirrhosis with progression to acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF), leading to increased mortality. There are few studies on serum biomarkers predicting renal dysfunction (RD) or ACLF in AD. Serum cystatin C (CysC) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were evaluated for predicting RD, ACLF, and mortality in AD patients.MethodsConsecutive AD patients seen from January 2018 to June 2019 were included. IL‐6 and CysC were measured in serum at the time of index presentation. Patients were followed for 90 days or until primary (development of RD) or secondary outcomes (development of ACLF or mortality). Multivariate analysis was performed to find whether CysC and IL‐6 can independently predict primary and secondary outcomes.ResultsA total of 124 patients were screened; 88 patients were included. On follow up, 22 (27.3%) developed RD, 11 (11/57, 19.3%) developed ACLF, and 21 (24%) died. The CysC predicted RD (odds ratio [OR] 7.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.70–23.53, P = 0.001) and ACLF (OR 5.486, 95% CI 1.456–20.6, P = 0.012) development. IL‐6 was not an independent predictor of RD (P = 0.315), ACLF (P = 0.168), and mortality (P = 0.225).ConclusionSerum CysC can predict the development of RD and ACLF in patients of cirrhosis with AD.
A palaeoecological view of the last Neanderthals at the crossroads of south‐central Europe and the central Mediterranean: long‐term stability or pronounced environmental change with human responses
Authors: Karavanić Ivor , Banda Marko , Radović Siniša , Miko Slobodan , Vukosavljević Nikola , Razum Ivan , Smith Fred H. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTThis paper presents palaeoecological reconstructions and late Neanderthal responses to environmental conditions in two different palaeoecological zones (continental south‐central Europe and the eastern Adriatic) during MIS 3. Our interpretations are based on the available records of climatic conditions, characteristics of Mousterian industries and site characteristics. A variety of data obtained by different methods of analyses (sediments and biological remains) were used for palaeoecological reconstructions, while hominin behaviour was examined from various perspectives based on lithic remains (technology, typology, raw material use), subsistence strategies, land use and site structures. In both regions, Neanderthals practised a broad exploitation of different faunal and lithic resources available to them and successfully adapted to local environments. Based on a variety of evidence, we offer a new synthesis and examine whether continental south‐central Europe and the Adriatic really acted as refugia during the time of late Neanderthal occupations. We also consider the possible causes and/or timing of Neanderthal disappearance in these regions.
The last 750 ka in loess–palaeosol sequences from northern France: environmental background and dating of the western European Palaeolithic
Authors: Antoine Pierre , Coutard Sylvie , Bahain Jean‐Jacques , Locht Jean‐Luc , Hérisson David , Goval Emilie 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTThis study presents an overview of Middle Pleistocene loess–palaeosol sequences (LPS) in northern France and discusses the palaeoclimatic significance of the pedosedimentary record in the context of western European LPS and of global climatic cycles for the last 750 ka. In this area, the oldest loess deposits (early Middle Pleistocene) are preserved in sedimentary traps (leeward scarps of fluvial terraces and dissolution sinkholes). They result from local deflation processes reworking Pleistocene sandy fluvial deposits or relicts of Tertiary sands. A large extension of typical calcareous loess over the landscape, the Loess Revolution, is then observed during MIS 6, with heavy mineral assemblages testifying to long‐distance transport from the polar desert area of the dried eastern Channel. A correlation scheme is proposed between the global records of northern France in continental environments and both global palaeoclimatic records and other main western European LPS. After 30 years of research, northern France LPS stand as a fundamental archive of the impact of interglacial–glacial climatic cycles as well as millennial events. Finally, these works provide a robust chronoclimatic framework for the study of the western European Late Acheulean and Middle Palaeolithic and for the relative dating of the various fluvial terraces that they fossilise.