bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis of IKZF1 gene deletions in pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Higher levels are associated with a poorer prognosis
Authors: Huang Zhizhuo , Yueping Jia , Guorui Ruan , Yingxi Zuo , Jun Wu , Aidong Lu , Yujuan Xue , Yifei Cheng , Zhang Le-ping 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To assess the prognostic effect of different levels of IKZF1 gene deletions in pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL).Methods: IKZF1 Δ2-8/ALB deletions were quantified using multiplex real-time quantitative PCR in newly diagnosed pediatric BCP-ALL patients. Seventy-four patients with IKZF1 deletions ≥ 0.01% were included. Clinical characteristics, laboratory data, and treatment outcomes were analysed.Results: The patients were divided into two groups: IKZF1 deletions < 1% (group A) and ≥ 1% (group B). Group B patients had a higher BCR-ABL1 positive rate than did group A patients. The proportions of patients who had an age at onset ≥10 years old, and white blood cell count ≥ 50×109/L were significantly higher in group B than in group A. The 3-year overall survival (OS) and 3-year event-free survival (EFS) rates in group B were 79 ± 8.8% and 62.4 ± 9.7%, respectively, being significantly lower than those in group A (97.7 ± 2.2% and 83.2 ± 5.8%, respectively). The level of IKZF1 deletions ≥ 1% and the central nervous system leukemia were independent risk factors of EFS.Conclusions: Pediatric BCP-ALL patients with high levels of IKZF1 gene deletions have a poorer prognosis than those with low levels.
Description of the Demicyclic life Cycle of Puccinia Sherardiana in Sphaeralcea Angustifolia in Mexico.
Authors: Moreno-Velázquez Magnolia , Sánchez-Pale Jesús Ricardo , Tapia-Nuño Ricardo , Camacho-Tapia Moisés , Cambrón-Crisantos José Manuel , Leyva-Mir Santos Gerardo , Tovar-Pedraza Juan Manuel , QUEZADA-SALINAS ANDRES 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
During 2017-2019, leaves and stems with dark brown lesions containing hypophyllous telia surrounded by chlorotic halos were collected from Sphaeralcea angustifolia plants located in Axapusco, State of Mexico. Based on the morphological characteristics of pycnia, aecia and telia observed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, the fungus Puccinia sherardiana was identified. Uredial stage was not present during the observation period. Identity verification was carried out by phylogenetic analysis with sequences of part of the 28S gene from ribosomal DNA. In addition, pathogenicity tests were done on S. angustifolia leaves by inoculating teliospores. The inoculated plants developed symptoms 15 days after inoculation, the signs beginning with the presence of aecia in the epidermis of the host and later telia were formed, completing the Koch Postulates. Puccinia sherardiana was previously described as a rust with a microcyclic life cycle on species of the genera Alcea, Malvastrum, Sidalcea and Sphaeralcea , belonging to the Malvaceae family, however, this study revealed that this plant pathogenic fungus has a demicyclic life cycle.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Loess Collapsibility of Oil and Gas Pipeline Based on Cloud Theory
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Zhang Manyin , Sun Zhizhong , Zhang Yimin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The comprehensive evaluation of pipeline loess collapsibility risk is a necessary means to grasp the safety risks of pipelines in the collapsible loess section, and it is also one of the key scientific basis for risk prevention, control and management. The comprehensive evaluation system of cloud theory consists of quantitative and qualitative indexes, and the evaluation system has the characteristics of randomness and fuzziness. Aiming at the problem that the common qualitative and semi-quantitative evaluation methods have strong subjectivity in dealing with the uncertainty problems such as randomness and fuzziness of the system, the cloud theory, which can effectively reflect the randomness and fuzziness of things at the same time, is introduced, and the state scale cloud and index importance weight cloud of pipeline loess collapse risk are constructed by golden section method. The uncertainty cloud reasoning process of the quantitative indexes and the expert scoring method of the qualitative indexes are proposed. The comprehensive evaluation model of loess collapsibility risk of oil and gas pipeline is established and the engineering example is analysed. The comprehensive evaluation results of 10 samples to be evaluated are basically consistent with the results of semi-quantitative method, and are consistent with the actual situation. The evaluation process softens the hard division of index boundary, simplifies the index data pre-processing, realizes the organic integration of quantitative and qualitative, integrated decision-making, and improves the accuracy, rationality and visualization of the results.
Data Mining of Coronavirus: SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV
Authors: Huh Jung Eun , Han Seunghee , Yoon Taeseon 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objectives: All three SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV belong to the Coronaviridae family. In this study we compare amino acid and codon sequence of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV using different statistics programs to understand their characteristics. Specifically, we are interested in how differences in the amino acid and codon sequence lead to different incubation periods and outbreak periods.Results: The initial question we had was to compare SARS-CoV-2 to different viruses in the coronavirus family to understand its characteristics. The result of experiments using BLAST, Apriori and Decision Tree has shown that SARS-CoV-2 had high similarity with SARS-CoV while having comparably low similarity with MERS-CoV. We decided to compare the codons of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV to see the difference. Though the viruses are very alike according to BLAST and Apriori experiments, SVM proved that they can be effectively classified using non-linear kernels. Decision Tree experiment has proved several remarkable properties of SARS-CoV-2 amino acid sequence that cannot be found in MERS-CoV amino acid sequence.The consequential purpose of this paper is to minimize the damage on humanity from SARS-CoV-2. Hence, further studies can focus on the comparison of SARS-CoV-2 virus with other viruses that also can be transmitted during latent periods.
Vaccination Status, Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Toward Hepatitis B Infection Among Students of Medical Laboratory Sciences at Sudan International University
Authors: Elhadi Ahmed , Elfaki Eman , Yassin Mustafa Eltigani 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of awareness about Hepatitis B infection, and the HBV testing and vaccination history among students of medical laboratory sciences (MLS) at Sudan international university.Results: A total of 271 students responded to the questionnaire. Among them, 67% were females, and 33% were males with a mean age of 20.93 ± 1.6 years. Only 66 (24.4%) students were vaccinated against hepatitis B, whereas 205 (75.6%) students had never been vaccinated. Out of all study participants, 121 (44.6%) had never been tested for HBV. Among the study participants, 60.4% had good knowledge about HBV, 85% had a positive attitude toward HBV, and 85% had good practices related to HBV. The mean awareness score was 18.3, with 64% of participants having satisfactory awareness about HBV. Moreover, this awareness was significantly predicted by the study level of the student (P = .000). Being on the fourth year of study was associated with satisfactory awareness about HBV (OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.188–0.889).
Hydrogen Spillover-Driven Low Temperature Synthesis of High-Entropy Alloy Nanoparticles as a Robust Catalyst
Authors: Mori Kohsuke , Hashimoto Naoki , Kamiuchi Naoto , Yoshida Hideto , Kobayashi Hisayoshi , Yamashita Hiromi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have been intensively pursued as potentially advanced materials because of their exceptional properties. However, the facile fabrication of nanometer-sized HEAs over conventional catalyst supports remains challenging, and the design of rational synthetic protocols would permit the development of innovative catalysts with a wide range of potential compositions. Herein, we demonstrate that titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a promising platform for the low-temperature synthesis of supported CoNiCuRuPd HEA nanoparticles (NPs) at 400°C. This process is driven by the pronounced hydrogen spillover effect on TiO2 in conjunction with coupled proton/electron transfer. In this process, Pd nuclei generated in the early stage act as uptake sites to enhance the migration of active hydrogen atoms, and the five component metals are simultaneously reduced by spilled hydrogen on the support rather than via direct reduction by gaseous H2. The CoNiCuRuPd HEA NPs on TiO2 produced in this work were found to be both active and extremely durable during the CO2 hydrogenation reaction. Characterization by means of various in situ techniques and theoretical calculations elucidated the specific mechanism by which the HEA NPs were formed and also established that a synergistic effect was obtained from this combination of elements.
Ablation rate after radioactive iodine therapy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer at intermediate or high risk of recurrence: a systematic review and a meta-analysis
Authors: Klain Michele , Nappi Carmela , Zampella Emilia , Cantoni Valeria , Green Roberta , Piscopo Leandra , Volpe Fabio , Manganelli Mariarosaria , Caiazzo Elisa , Schlumberger Martin , Cuocolo Alberto 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
We performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis to investigate the successful ablation rate after radioiodine (RAI) administration in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) at intermediate-high risk of recurrence.
Methods
A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was conducted according to the PRISMA statement.
Results
The final analysis included 9 studies accounting for 3103 patients at intermediate-high risk of recurrence. In these patients, the successful ablation rates ranged from 51–94% with a 71% pooled successful ablation and was higher in intermediate (72%) than in high (52%) risk patients. Despite the rigorous inclusion standards, a significant heterogeneity among the evaluated studies was observed. Higher administered RAI activities are associated with a lower successful ablation rate in the whole population and in the subgroup of high-risk patients. Further, pooled recurrence rate in intermediate risk patients achieving successful ablation was only 2% during the subsequent 6.4-year follow-up while the pooled recurrence rate was 14% in patients who did not achieve a successful ablation.
Conclusion
In a large sample of 3103 patients at intermediate-high risk of persistent/recurrent disease, 71% of patients achieved a successful ablation. In these intermediate-risk patients, the probability of subsequent recurrence is low and most recurrence occurred in those with already abnormal findings at the first control.
Effect of Silver Nano-Particles on Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of Casted (Polyvinyl alcohol/ Polyacrylamide/Polyethylene oxide) Composites for Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Abass khalid , O Karar Abdali 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The (PVA-PAAm-PEO) weight percentage blends with Ag nanoparticles as a nanocomposites (NCs) have been prepared by solution casting method. Optical microscope and SEM were used to investigated the diffusion of nanoparticles (NPs) in the blends. NPs agglomeration were clearly appears in the high weight additives. The materials have been diagnosed by optical microscopy, SEM and FTIR. The absorption spectrum records in the wavelength scope (190-1100) nm. The optical properties directly proportional with Ag nanoparticle additives except the transmittance and the energy gap were decreased. The optical parameters show that Ag doping clearly effects on the films characteristics, the optical constants enhanced. The AC electrical conductivity also calculated. This results can be applied in coatings for photographic films. The results applied as anti-bacterial to E-coli bacteria with the used additives of Ag (20-30 nm) NPs. The antibacterial effect of the prepared films also tested to be accompaniment with other applications.
Root Porosity Contributes to Root Trait Space of Wetland Monocotyledons Independently of Economics Traits.
Authors: Ye Ziqi , Ryser Peter 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Aims Root aerenchyma, a key adaptive trait to anoxic soils has rarely been integrated into trait-based plant ecology. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between root porosity and root economics-related traits among wetland plants, focusing on the effect of aerenchyma on root tissue density, a central trait in plant economics spectrum.Methods Root porosity, root tissue density with air-space included or excluded (RTD and RTDA), and other root economics-related traits were measured separately for basal and lateral roots of 16 garden-grown Ontario wetland monocots with contrasting root longevities.Results Interspecific variation in root porosity was unrelated to root economics traits and did not differ between species with long-lived or short-lived roots. Consequently, RTDA better differentiated between species with contrasting root longevities than RTD did, consistently both for basal and lateral roots. Root dry matter content (RDMC) accurately predicted RTDA. A principal component analysis showed that in the root adaptive trait space of wetland plants, the first dimension is defined by economics-related traits, the second dimension by lateral root porosity and the ratio of lateral to basal root length, and the third dimension by basal root porosity.Conclusions Interspecific variation in the aerenchyma content is independent of root economics: Wetland plants can construct economically conservative or acquisitive roots of any porosity. Consequently, to consistently express root functional relationships among wetland plant species, root tissue density should be expressed with RTDA, i.e., excluding the air space, or with the more easily measured RDMC.
Ipsilateral Vs Controlateral Approach in Tuberculum Sellae Meningiomas Surgery. A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Troude Lucas , Boucekine Mohamed , Baucher Guillaume , Farah Kaissar , Boissonneau Sébastien , Fuentes Stéphane , Graillon Thomas , Dufour Henry 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Most of tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSM) show asymmetric growth. They are usually resected through ipsilateral approaches. The access of the inferior–medial side of the ipsilateral optic nerve might be challenging, which result in increased manipulation of the compromised optic nerve. The contralateral approach has been described to avoid these technical difficulties.Objective: Assessing the long term visual and olfactory outcome, as well as recurrence rate in patients operated for TSM through ipsi- or contralateral approaches.Methods: Single center retrospective cohort study about 94 patients operated on between March 2000 and April 2018.Results: 70% of the preoperative visual acuity loss totally resolved (44%) or showed varying degrees of improvement (26%) after surgery. Seventy-two percent of the preoperative visual field defects evolved favorably (44% recovery, 28% improvement). Eight patients showed aggravated visual disturbances (9%). A contralateral approach seemed to be predictive of visual field defects improvement after surgery (OR=0.4), with borderline significant results (p=.08). There was a higher rate of postoperative olfactory nerve impairment after a contralateral approach (37%vs17%, p=.03). Total removal of the tumor fragment entering the optic canal was accomplished in 96% in the contralateral vs 75% in the ipsilateral group (p=.04). The 2-, 5- & 7-year tumor progression free survival were 100% in the Simpson Grade 2 group, and 85% (n=17), 74% (n=11) & 67% (n=5) in the Simpson Grade 4 group, respectively (p=.00). Conclusion: Resection of tuberculum sellae meningiomas through a contralateral approach seems to provide better visual outcome and tumor control at the cost of increased olfactory nerve disorders.
Effect of Lipopeptide-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles on Candida Albicans Adhesion and on the Growth of Leishmania Major
Authors: Soussi Siwar , Essid Rym , Karkouch Ines , Saad Houda , Sarra Bachkouel , Limam Ferid , Tabbene Olfa 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A strain B84 producing surfactin and bacillomycin D lipopeptides was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. B84 lipopeptides were extracted by acid precipitation, identified by mass spectrometry and loaded onto chitosan nanoparticles by ionotropic gelation process. The lipopeptide / chitosan nanoparticles have an average size of 569 nm, a zeta potential range of 38.8 mV and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 85.58 %. The treatment of C. albicans cells with encapsulated lipopeptides showed an anti-adhesive activity of 81.17 % and a decreased effect of cell surface hydrophobicity « CSH » by 25.53%. An anti-leishmanial activity was also recorded with IC50 of 14.37 µg ml-1 and 22.45 µg mL-1 against L. major promastigote and amastigote forms, respectively. Cytotoxicity studies on human cells showed low cytotoxicity effect with HC50 value of 770 µg mL-1 towards human red blood cells and LC50 value of 234.56 µg mL-1 towards macrophage Raw 264.7 cell line. These lipopeptide / chitosan nanoparticles could be used as a potential delivery system of lipopeptides to improve both their anti-adhesive effect against C. albicans cells colonizing medical devices and their anti-infectious activity against leishmania.
Identification and Validation of Prognostic Signature Incorporating Long Non-Coding RNAs and Clinical Factors in White Clear Cell Renal cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Li Yang , Shi Xue-Zhong , Jia Xiao-Can , Zhang Xue-Ning , Bao Jun-Zhe , Lu Jie , Yang Yong-Li 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: In previous studies, the prognostic model of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) was constructed through all racial subjects, however, the intrinsic genomic differences between races may lead to disparity in survival outcomes, hence the accurate prognostic model of white patients in ccRCC was needed to be explored. This research aimed to identify and validate the potential long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and clinical factors model to predict overall survival of ccRCC in white patients. Methods:LncRNA expression data and clinical factors of 459 white racial ccRCC subjects were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. According to the exclusion criteria, 76 patients were excluded from the analytical dataset, hence 383 ccRCC participants were covered in present study. Then, 383 subjects were randomized into training series (n = 255) and test series (n = 128). The model was constructed using the training series, and validated in the test series. In the training series, the prognostic lncRNA model was constructed through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis. Subsequently, the clinical variables were combined with lncRNA model to better predict the prognosis. The prognostic power of the models was verified by concordance index (95%CI) and area under time-dependent receiver operator characteristic curve (95%CI). Finally, the constructed models were validated in the test and entire series.Results:In the training series, 12 lncRNAs were confirmed as prognostic related biomarkers of ccRCC patients, among which AC012404.1, AC092296.1, AC099684.2, AC108752.1, AC131097.1, AL606519.1, and LINC02475 were seven novel candidate prognostic biomarkers. The performance evaluation of combined model incorporating 12-lncRNAs, age, and the tumor node metastasis stage showed that concordance index (95%CI) in the training, test and entire series were 0.863(0.830-0.896), 0.863(0.814-0.912) and 0.841(0.812-0.870), respectively, the 5-year area under time-dependent receiver operator characteristic curve (95%CI) in the training, test and entire series were 0.923(0.879-0.967), 0.861(0.777-0.945) and 0.879(0.834-0.924), respectively. Conclusion:This novel signature incorporating 12-lncRNAs, age, and the tumor node metastasis stage can be applied as an accurate tool for ccRCC prognostic evaluation in white patients.
Effect of Extended-Release Steroid Implants on the Contralateral Eye
Authors: Fleissig Efrat , Sigford Douglas Kenneth 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the contralateral effect of extended release steroid implants on cystoid macular edema (CME).
Methods
Retrospective study of patients with bilateral CME receiving intravitreal injections of long-acting intravitreal corticosteroid implants. Changes in CME and central subfield thickness (CST) in the contralateral eye on optical coherence tomography (OCT) were compared to an untreated control group.
Results
Thirteen study patients and 14 controls were included in the study. In the treatment group CST remained stable in all of the patients. Of the controls, CST worsened in 21.4% and remained stable in 78.6%. The mean CST (6.3 ± 30.3 vs. 27.5 ± 66.1 µm, p = 0.2) and the mean macular volume (0.08 ± 0.34 vs. -0.05 ± 0.21 mm3, P = 0.8) were not statistically different between the treatment group and control group.
Conclusion
In this study there was no statistically significant effect on CME of contralateral intravitreal corticosteroid implants.
Secure Key Management and Mutual Authentication Protocol for Wireless Sensor Network using Hybrid Approach
Authors: Sharmila  , Kumar Pramod , Bhushan Shashi , Kumar Manoj , Alazab Mamoun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) play a crucial role in developing the Internet of Things (IoT) by collecting data from hostile environments like military and civil domains with limited resources. The above applications are prone to eavesdropper due to cryptographic algorithms' weaknesses for providing security in WSNs. The security protocols for WSNs are different from the traditional networks because of the limited resource of sensor nodes. Existing key management schemes require large key sizes to provide high-security levels, increasing the computational and communication cost for key establishment. This paper proposes a Hybrid Key Management Scheme for WSNs based on Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) and a hash function to generate key pre-distribution keys. The Key establishment is carried out by merely broadcasting the node identity. The main reason for incorporating a hybrid approach in the key pre-distribution method is to achieve mutual authentication between the sensor nodes during the establishment phase. The proposed method reduces computational complexity with greater security and the proposed scheme can be competently applied into resource constraint sensor nodes