bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for severe COVID-19
Authors: Shi Lei , Wang Lifeng , Xu Ruonan , Zhang Chao , Xie Yunbo , Liu Kai , Li Tiantian , Hu Wei , Zhen Cheng , Wang Fu-Sheng 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has placed a global public burden on health authorities. Although the virological characteristics and pathogenesis of COVID-19 has been largely clarified, there is currently no specific therapeutic measure. In severe cases, acute SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to immune disorders and damage to both the adaptive and innate immune responses. Having roles in immune regulation and regeneration, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) serving as a therapeutic option may regulate the over-activated inflammatory response and promote recovery of lung damage. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a series of MSC-therapy clinical trials has been conducted. The findings indicate that MSC treatment not only significantly reduces lung damage, but also improves patient recovery with safety and good immune tolerance. Herein, we summarize the recent progress in MSC therapy for COVID-19 and highlight the challenges in the field.
Machine learning on properties of multiscale multisource hydroxyapatite nanoparticles datasets with different morphologies and sizes
Authors: Liu Ziteng , Shi Yinghuan , Chen Hongwei , Qin Tiexin , Zhou Xuejie , Huo Jun , Dong Hao , Yang Xiao , Zhu Xiangdong , Chen Xuening , Zhang Li , Yang Mingli , Gao Yang , Ma Jing 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMachine learning models for exploring structure-property relation for hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANPs) are still lacking. A multiscale multisource dataset is presented, including both experimental data (TEM/SEM, XRD/crystallinity, ROS, anti-tumor effects, and zeta potential) and computation results (containing 41,976 data samples with up to 9768 atoms) of nanoparticles with different sizes and morphologies at density functional theory (DFT), semi-empirical DFTB, and force field, respectively. Three geometric descriptors are set for the explainable machine learning methods to predict surface energies and surface stress of HANPs with satisfactory performance. To avoid the pre-determination of features, we also developed a predictive deep learning model within the framework of graph convolution neural network with good generalizability. Energies with DFT accuracy are achievable for large-sized nanoparticles from the learned correlations and scale functions for mapping different theoretical levels and particle sizes. The simulated XRD spectra and crystallinity values are in good agreement with experiments.
Genomics, social media and mobile phone data enable mapping of SARS-CoV-2 lineages to inform health policy in Bangladesh
Authors: Cowley Lauren A. , Afrad Mokibul Hassan , Rahman Sadia Isfat Ara , Mamun Md Mahfuz Al , Chin Taylor , Mahmud Ayesha , Rahman Mohammed Ziaur , Billah Mallick Masum , Khan Manjur Hossain , Sultana Sharmin , Khondaker Tilovatul , Baker Stephen , Banik Nandita , Alam Ahmed Nawsher , Mannoor Kaiissar , Banu Sayera , Chowdhury Anir , Flora Meerjady Sabrina , Thomson Nicholas R. , Buckee Caroline O. , Qadri Firdausi , Shirin Tahmina 
Published: September 2021

AbstractGenomics, combined with population mobility data, used to map importation and spatial spread of SARS-CoV-2 in high-income countries has enabled the implementation of local control measures. Here, to track the spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Bangladesh at the national level, we analysed outbreak trajectory and variant emergence using genomics, Facebook ‘Data for Good’ and data from three mobile phone operators. We sequenced the complete genomes of 67 SARS-CoV-2 samples (collected by the IEDCR in Bangladesh between March and July 2020) and combined these data with 324 publicly available Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) SARS-CoV-2 genomes from Bangladesh at that time. We found that most (85%) of the sequenced isolates were Pango lineage B.1.1.25 (58%), B.1.1 (19%) or B.1.36 (8%) in early-mid 2020. Bayesian time-scaled phylogenetic analysis predicted that SARS-CoV-2 first emerged during mid-February in Bangladesh, from abroad, with the first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reported on 8 March 2020. At the end of March 2020, three discrete lineages expanded and spread clonally across Bangladesh. The shifting pattern of viral diversity in Bangladesh, combined with the mobility data, revealed that the mass migration of people from cities to rural areas at the end of March, followed by frequent travel between Dhaka (the capital of Bangladesh) and the rest of the country, disseminated three dominant viral lineages. Further analysis of an additional 85 genomes (November 2020 to April 2021) found that importation of variant of concern Beta (B.1.351) had occurred and that Beta had become dominant in Dhaka. Our interpretation that population mobility out of Dhaka, and travel from urban hotspots to rural areas, disseminated lineages in Bangladesh in the first wave continues to inform government policies to control national case numbers by limiting within-country travel.
Effects of low-frequency noise from wind turbines on heart rate variability in healthy individuals
Authors: Chiu Chun-Hsiang , Lung Shih-Chun Candice , Chen Nathan , Hwang Jing-Shiang , Tsou Ming-Chien Mark 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWind turbines generate low-frequency noise (LFN, 20–200 Hz), which poses health risks to nearby residents. This study aimed to assess heart rate variability (HRV) responses to LFN exposure and to evaluate the LFN exposure (dB, LAeq) inside households located near wind turbines. Thirty subjects living within a 500 m radius of wind turbines were recruited. The field campaigns for LFN (LAeq) and HRV monitoring were carried out in July and December 2018. A generalized additive mixed model was employed to evaluate the relationship between HRV changes and LFN. The results suggested that the standard deviations of all the normal to normal R–R intervals were reduced significantly, by 3.39%, with a 95% CI = (0.15%, 6.52%) per 7.86 dB (LAeq) of LFN in the exposure range of 38.2–57.1 dB (LAeq). The indoor LFN exposure (LAeq) ranged between 30.7 and 43.4 dB (LAeq) at a distance of 124–330 m from wind turbines. Moreover, households built with concrete and equipped with airtight windows showed the highest LFN difference of 13.7 dB between indoors and outdoors. In view of the adverse health impacts of LFN exposure, there should be regulations on the requisite distances of wind turbines from residential communities for health protection.
Understanding the role of wettability distribution on pore-filling and displacement patterns in a homogeneous structure via quasi 3D pore-scale modelling
Authors: Jahanbakhsh Amir , Shahrokhi Omid , Maroto-Valer M. Mercedes 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMost numerical simulation studies have focused on the effect of homogenous wettability on fluid flow dynamics; however, most rocks display spatially heterogeneous wettability. Therefore, we have used direct numerical simulations (DNS) to investigate wettability heterogeneity at pore-scale. We have built a quasi-3D pore-scale model and simulated two-phase flow in a homogenous porous media with homogenous and heterogeneous wettability distributions. Five different heterogeneous wettability patterns were used in this study. We observed that heterogenous wettability significantly affects the evolution of fluid interface, trapped saturation, and displacement patterns. Wettability heterogeneity results in fingering and specific trapping patterns which do not follow the flow behaviour characteristic of a porous medium with homogenous wettability. This flow behaviour indicates a different flow regime that cannot be estimated using homogenous wettability distributions represented by an average contact angle. Moreover, our simulation results show that certain spatial configurations of wettability heterogeneity at the microscale, e.g. being perpendicular to the flow direction, may assist the stability of the displacement and delay the breakthrough time. In contrast, other configurations such as being parallel to the flow direction promote flow instability for the same pore-scale geometry.
N6-methylandenosine-related lncRNAs play an important role in the prognosis and immune microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hu YuHai , Chen YiPing 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive, fatal tumor. N6-methylandenosine (m6A) methylation is the major epigenetic modification of RNA including lncRNAs. The roles of m6A-related lncRNAs in PDAC have not been fully clarified. This study aims to assess gene signatures and prognostic value of m6A-related lncRNAs in PDAC. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) dataset were explored to identify m6A-related lncRNAs. Univariate, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox regression were performed to construct the m6A-related lncRNAs prognostic riskscore (m6A-LPR) model to predict the overall survival (OS) in the TCGA training cohort. Kaplan–Meier curve with log-rank test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to evaluate the prognostic value of the m6A-LPR. Furthermore, the robustness of the m6A-LPR was further validated in the ICGC cohort. Tumor immunity was evaluated using ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms. A total of 262 m6A-related lncRNAs were identified in two datasets. In the TCGA training cohort, 28 prognostic m6A-related lncRNAs were identified and the m6A-LPR including four m6A-related lncRNAs was constructed. The m6A-LPR was able to identify high-risk patients with significantly poorer OS and accurately predict OS in both the TCGA training cohort and the ICGC validation cohort. Analysis of tumor immunity revealed that high-risk groups had remarkably lower stromal, immune, and ESTIMATE scores. Moreover, high-risk groups were associated with significantly higher levels of plasma B cells and resting NK cells infiltration, and lower levels of infiltrating resting memory CD4 T cells, monocytes, and resting mast cells. Our study proposed a robust m6A-related prognostic signature of lncRNAs for predicting OS in PDAC, which provides some clues for further studies focusing on the mechanism process underlying m6A modification of lncRNAs.
Virtual and augmented reality in the vestibular rehabilitation of peripheral vestibular disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Heffernan Austin , Abdelmalek Mohammed , Nunez Desmond A. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractVestibular rehabilitation therapy is an established treatment for patients with vestibular dysfunction. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can be utilised in vestibular rehabilitation. Evidence of the efficacy of VR and AR delivered rehabilitation in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders is reviewed. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsychInfo, PsychBITE, OTSeeker, Ei Compendex, IEE, Clinical trials.gov and WebofScience databases were searched. Reduction in vestibular dysfunction symptoms 0–3 months post-intervention was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included long-term symptom improvement and side effects. Risk of bias assessment and meta analyses were planned. Five studies meeting eligibility criteria were included. Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores 0–3 months post-intervention were reported by four studies. Meta-analysis identified a 1.13 (95% CI, − 1.74, − 0.52) standardized mean difference reduction in DHI in VR and AR treated patients compared to controls. Side effects reported by two studies were reduced by week four of VR intervention. Bias assessment identified DHI scores and side effects to be at high risk or of some concern. Adjunct VR interventions reduced patient DHI significantly more than vestibular rehabilitation alone 0–3 months post-intervention in adult patients diagnosed with unilateral vestibular disease. High quality studies are needed.
Infection after the use of INFIX in Pelvic Ring Injuries
Authors: Vaidya Rahul , Amar Karun , Woodbury Derrek , Washington Austen 
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to report on infection with anterior subcutaneous internal pelvic fixation (INFIX) for pelvic ring injuries and the outcomes of treatment. Methods: An IRB-approved retrospective study was performed using trauma databases of a level one and level two trauma center from 2012–2018. Infection after the INFIX procedure was diagnosed in 10 of 179 cases. Treatment included formal irrigation and debridement, removal of the hardware, and culture-specific antibiotics. Patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. Recorded outcomes include X-rays, Majeed scores, and the presence of any loss of reduction using reduction parameters. Results: Time to detect the infection was 54.2 ± 24.3 days (range 24–90, median 56 days). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacteria isolated. The average follow-up was 830 ± 170 days (range 575–1088 days). All patients went on to the radiographic union. There were no recurrent infections or osteomyelitis at the latest follow-up. Patients maintained their reduction after INFIX removal (KI), and Majeed scores ranged from 72 to 96 (seven good, three excellent). Discussion: Infections after using the INFIX procedure were dealt with by irrigating and debriding the wounds, removing the INFIX with culture-specific antibiotics for 2–6 weeks. Implants were maintained for at least 25 days, and there was no loss of reduction. There were no long-term sequelae noted in this small series or the literature review included in this paper.
Cushing Syndrome is Associated with Increased Stage N2 Sleep and
Decreased SWS Partially Reversible After Treatment
Authors: Ismailogullari Sevda , Karaca Zuleyha , Firat Sedat Tarik , Unluhizarci Kursad , Kelestimur Fahrettin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the sleep parameters of patients
with Cushing syndrome (CS) at the time of diagnosis and 12-months after
treatment. Thirty four newly diagnosed patients with endogenous CS (17 with
ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma, 17 with adrenal CS) and 23 controls with
similar age were included in the study. Two polysomnography (PSG) recordings
were performed; one at the time of diagnosis and the other 12 months after
resolution of hypercortisolemia. Control group had only baseline PSG. Based on
the PSG findings, stage N2 sleep was found to be prolonged, stage N3 and REM
sleep were shortened in patients with CS. Average heart rate and mean Apnea
Hypopnea Index (AHI) score were higher in patients with CS than the control
subjects. Sixteen (47.1%) patients with CS and 4 (17.4%)
controls had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA; AHI ≥5). There were no
significant differences in sleep parameters of patients according to the
etiology of CS (adrenal vs. pituitary) patients. Following 12-months of
treatment, a significant decrease in stage N2 sleep and a significant increase
in stage N3 sleep were detected, but there was no change in terms of AHI. In
conclusion, Cushing syndrome has disturbing effects on sleep structure and these
effects are at least partially reversible after treatment. However, the
increased risk of OSA was not reversed a year after treatment indicating the
importance of early diagnosis and treatment of CS.
Options for Low Rectal Cancer: Robotic Total Mesorectal Excision
Authors: Quezada-Diaz Felipe F. , Smith J. Joshua 
Published: September 2021

AbstractLow rectal cancers (LRCs) may offer a difficult technical challenge even to experienced colorectal surgeons. Although laparoscopic surgery offers a superior exposure of the pelvis when compared with open approach, its role in rectal cancer surgery has been controversial. Robotic platforms are well suited for difficult pelvic surgery due to its three-dimensional visualization, degree of articulation of instruments, precise movements, and better ergonomics. The robot may be suitable especially in the anatomically narrow pelvis such as in male and obese patients. Meticulous dissection in critical steps, such as splenic flexure takedown, nerve-sparing mesorectal excision, and distal margin clearance, are potential technical advantages. In addition, robotic rectal resections are associated with lower conversion rates to open surgery, less blood loss, and shorter learning curve with similar short-term quality of life outcomes, similar rates of postoperative complications, and equivalent short-term surrogate outcomes compared with conventional laparoscopy. Robotic surgery approach, if used correctly, can enhance the skills and the capabilities of the well-trained surgeon during minimally invasive procedures for LRC.
Cerebral Abscess Caused by Listeria monocytogenes: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Cipriani Debora , Trippel Michael , Buttler Klaus-Jürgen , Rohr Eva , Wagner Dirk , Beck Jürgen , Schnell Oliver 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackground Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic gram-positive, facultative intracellular bacterium that causes invasive diseases mostly in pregnant women and immunosuppressed patients. Despite the predilection toward the central nervous system (CNS), it usually causes meningitis and meningoencephalitis, whereas brain abscesses are very uncommon.Case presentation We describe the case of a 69-year-old homeless patient with a brain abscess due to L. monocytogenes who was successfully treated surgically by a guided stereotactic aspiration and antibiotic therapy with ampicillin and gentamicin. Our patient was discharged after 4 weeks of therapy without neurologic deficits. Additionally, we provide a review of the literature of brain abscesses caused by L. monocytogenes.Conclusions This case highlights the need to drain cerebral abscesses and culture pus to correctly treat patients with antibiotics, especially given the high mortality rate of this infectious entity.
How to Analyze the Diagnostic Performance of a New Test? Explained with Illustrations
Authors: Dhamnetiya Deepak , Jha Ravi Prakash , Shalini Shalini , Bhattacharyya Krittika 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDiagnostic tests are pivotal in modern medicine due to their applications in statistical decision-making regarding confirming or ruling out the presence of a disease in patients. In this regard, sensitivity and specificity are two most important and widely utilized components that measure the inherent validity of a diagnostic test for dichotomous outcomes against a gold standard test. Other diagnostic indices like positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, accuracy of a diagnostic test, and the effect of prevalence on various diagnostic indices have also been discussed. We have tried to present the performance of a classification model at all classification thresholds by reviewing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the depiction of the tradeoff between sensitivity and (1–specificity) across a series of cutoff points when the diagnostic test is on a continuous scale. The area under the ROC (AUROC) and comparison of AUROCs of different tests have also been discussed. Reliability of a test is defined in terms of the repeatability of the test such that the test gives consistent results when repeated more than once on the same individual or material, under the same conditions. In this article, we have presented the calculation of kappa coefficient, which is the simplest way of finding the agreement between two observers by calculating the overall percentage of agreement. When the prevalence of disease in the population is low, prospective study becomes increasingly difficult to handle through the conventional design. Hence, we chose to describe three more designs along with the conventional one and presented the sensitivity and specificity calculations for those designs. We tried to offer some guidance in choosing the best possible design among these four designs, depending on a number of factors. The ultimate aim of this article is to provide the basic conceptual framework and interpretation of various diagnostic test indices, ROC analysis, comparison of diagnostic accuracy of different tests, and the reliability of a test so that the clinicians can use it effectively. Several R packages, as mentioned in this article, can prove handy during quantitative synthesis of clinical data related to diagnostic tests.
The “thinking meme” meme
Authors: Ritchie L. David 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAfter a brief flurry of attention following its introduction byDawkins (1976), the concept ofmemeshas largely disappeared from mainstream social and cognitive science discourse. A significant exception is Dennett’s (1995; 2017) writings on the philosophy of mind. In his most recent book,Dennett (2017)develops what he presents as a comprehensive account of cultural evolution, based on the claims that memes, defined as a “way of behaving(roughly) that can be copied, transmitted, remembered, taught…,” develop through evolutionary processes more or less identical to the processes through which biological organisms and their genes evolve, and that both memes and genes are active agents in their own evolution. Although Dennett presents some very interesting ideas about the co-evolution of culture and human brains, he couches his argument in a system ofpersonification, organism, war, andobjectmetaphors that implicitly assign mental activities including intending, competing, and planning to memes. In this paper I analyze Dennett’s metaphors and argue that they effectively distract attention from the psychological and cultural processes that actually determine whether a behavior pattern (i.e. ameme) is learned, remembered, and reproduced (none of which Dennett acknowledges). I then show how the substance of Dennett’s argument can be rephrased in language that avoids the obfuscating effect of his metaphors. In addition to countering a common metaphor-based misconception in evolution theory, this analysis illustrates the importance of close attention to the entailments of conceptual metaphors used as theoretical arguments.
Chip-based quantum communications
Authors: Wang Qingqing , Zheng Yun , Zhai Chonghao , Li Xudong , Gong Qihuang , Wang Jianwei 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Quantum communications aim to share encryption keys between the transmitters and receivers governed by the laws of quantum mechanics. Integrated quantum photonics offers significant advantages of dense integration, high stability and scalability, which enables a vital platform for the implementation of quantum information processing and quantum communications. This article reviews recent experimental progress and advances in the development of integrated quantum photonic devices and systems for quantum communications and quantum networks.