bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic variants associated with serum alanine aminotransferase levels among patients with hepatitis C virus infection: A genome‐wide association study
Authors: Liu Po‐Chun , Chan Chi , Huang Yu‐Han , Chen Yen‐Ju , Liao Shu‐Fen , Lin Yu‐Ju , Huang Claire , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Jen Chin‐Lan , Wang Li‐Yu , Yang Hwai‐I , Shen Chen‐Yang , Chen Chien‐Jen , Lee Mei‐Hsuan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractInformation on genetic variants associated with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels remains limited. A genome‐wide association study was performed to identify single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with ALT levels. The ALT‐associated SNP was further evaluated for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. A cohort of 892 anti‐HCV seropositive patients was used for genome‐wide SNP array to examine the associations with baseline ALT levels. SNPs <10−5 were further tested for associations with serial ALT levels then validated in 486 anti‐HCV seropositives. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals of SNPs associated with ALT. The SNP was evaluated for HCC risk by using Cox's proportional hazards models. After quality control, 803 participants with 564,464 SNPs were included in the analysis. Of these, 12 SNPs were associated with ALT (p < 10−5). Among the participants, 158 (19.7%) had ALT persistently ≤15 U/L, 327 (40.7%) ever >15 U/L but never >45 U/L, and 318 (39.6%) ever >45 U/L during follow‐up. The rs568800 was associated with serial ALT levels, and this was replicated in the external population significantly (p < .05). The A allele (vs C) of rs568800 was associated with ALT >15 U/L but ≤45 U/L and ALT >45 U/L, with the adjusted ORs of 1.41 (1.11–1.78) and 1.86 (1.34–2.60), respectively. The adjusted HRs for HCC were 2.09 (0.90–4.89) for AC and 2.64 (1.13–6.17) for AA (CC as a reference). In conclusion, the rs568800 was associated with serum ALT levels and HCC risk. Clinical utility should be evaluated among patients who have received antivirals.
Deep learning for noninvasive liver fibrosis classification: A systematic review
Authors: Anteby Roi , Klang Eyal , Horesh Nir , Nachmany Ido , Shimon Orit , Barash Yiftach , Kopylov Uri , Soffer Shelly 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsWhile biopsy is the gold standard for liver fibrosis staging, it poses significant risks. Noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis is a growing field. Recently, deep learning (DL) technology has revolutionized medical image analysis. This technology has the potential to enhance noninvasive fibrosis assessment. We systematically examined the application of DL in noninvasive liver fibrosis imaging.MethodsEmbase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore databases were used to identify studies that reported on the accuracy of DL for classification of liver fibrosis on noninvasive imaging. The search keywords were “liver or hepatic,” “fibrosis or cirrhosis,” and “neural or DL networks.” Risk of bias and applicability were evaluated using the QUADAS‐2 tool.ResultsSixteen studies were retrieved. Imaging modalities included ultrasound (n = 10), computed tomography (n = 3), and magnetic resonance imaging (n = 3). The studies analyzed a total of 40 405 radiological images from 15 853 patients. All but two of the studies were retrospective. In most studies the “ground truth” reference was the METAVIR score for pathological staging (n = 9.56%). The majority of the studies reported an accuracy >85% when compared to histopathology. Fourteen studies (87.5%) had a high risk of bias and concerns regarding applicability.ConclusionsDeep learning has the potential to play an emerging role in liver fibrosis classification. Yet, it is still limited by a relatively small number of retrospective studies. Clinicians should facilitate the use of this technology by sharing databases and standardized reports. This may optimize the noninvasive evaluation of liver fibrosis on a large scale.
Dam Wars: Are Ethiopia, Turkey, and Iran Leading to Water Armageddon?
Authors: Bani Salameh Mohammed 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWater shortages are a global problem; the world is moving fast toward a fresh‐water crisis. Water resources are unevenly and irregularly distributed, and the Middle East is one of the driest regions in the world. Three‐quarters of its land mass is arid, and most water resources originate outside the region. Continuing current practices will plunge the region deeper into crisis, creating conditions where conflicts and wars over scarce resources at local or national levels become inevitable.
Self‐assessed foot health in older people with rheumatoid arthritis—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Stolt Minna , Kilkki Mia , Katajisto Jouko , Suhonen Riitta 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundFoot and ankle problems are especially common in patients with RA, causing significant disability and limitation in daily activities. Previous studies have mainly focussed on foot problems in the adult population whilst the evidence of foot health in the older population is scarce.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to analyse self‐assessed foot health and associated factors in older people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsThe study applied a descriptive cross‐sectional survey design and recruited older people with RA from the member register of one patient association. We collected the data in January 2019 with the Self‐administered Foot Health Assessment Instrument, and sociodemographic and foot‐related background questions and analysed the data with descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsOlder people with RA had many self‐reported foot problems. The most common problems were foot pain, dry skin and thickened toenails. In addition, structural deformities of the foot were prevalent. The level of foot health associated with the amount of daily walking or standing, and using walking or running shoes outdoors. Individuals who had consulted a physician due to their foot problems had more structural deformities in the foot. Foot problems limited their ability to perform daily activities.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that older people with RA not only live with a long‐term health condition, but they also live with complex foot problems. Older people with RA need healthcare services due to their foot problems. There is a need to develop and implement care practices to alleviate foot pain and support and promote foot health and functional ability in older people with RA.Implication for practiceUnderstanding the nature and consequences of foot problems in older people with RA allows healthcare professionals to perform more accurate clinical foot evaluations and develop effective interventions to prevent further foot problems.
Does the effect of adrenaline on intraoral 2% lidocaine contribute to haemodynamic instability?: A prospective, randomized double blinded study
Authors: Soman Harshad , Senthil Kumar M. S. , Nanda Kumar T. R. , Radhakrishnan Kannan , Loganathan Deepanandan , Nazir Kaul Ronak 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimEvaluation of the cardiac status and cardiovascular changes in hypertensive patients during minor oral surgical procedures injected with 2% lignocaine with 1:80,000 and 1:200,000 adrenaline.Materials and methodsA prospective, randomized, double‐blinded study compares and analyses the cardiovascular changes by monitoring vital signs, electrocardiogram and oxygen saturation, and the pain gradient of known cardiac patients treated with one or more hypertensive drugs. The efficacy and safety of two concentrations of adrenaline in 2% lidocaine in minor oral surgical procedures are evaluated.ResultsTwo percent of lignocaine with 1:80,000 adrenaline causes more haemodynamic changes than local anaesthetic (LA) with 1:200,000 adrenaline in patients with controlled hypertension.ConclusionTwo percent lignocaine with 1:80,000 adrenaline has no significant advantage over 2% lignocaine with 1:200,000 adrenaline for minor oral surgical procedures within the 30‐min duration. LA with 1:200,000 concentration of adrenaline provides similar quality of anaesthesia to 1:80,000 adrenaline concentration of the LA drug.
Global Systemic Risk and Resilience for Novel Coronavirus and COVID‐19
Authors: Wu Desheng Dash , Mitchell Jade , Lambert James H. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis Special Issue is dedicated to issues and challenges related to pandemic risk and resilience, with a focus on policy and operations of global systems in the COVID‐19 pandemic. The cascading effects of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases to the global economy are a critical interest. Measures to confront the ongoing pandemic are an urgent need. Data analysis at regional and global scales is helping to prioritize response and resilience across locations of high risks. The risk sciences are available for addressing human health and infection risks; the evaluation of risk management strategies and tradeoffs; risk perception as it relates to information processing and receiving risk communication; and tracking system resilience as it relates to various imposed measures.
AMF: Aggregated Mondrian Forests for Online Learning
Authors: Mourtada Jaouad , Gaïffas Stéphane , Scornet Erwan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRandom forest (RF) is one of the algorithms of choice in many supervised learning applications, be it classification or regression. The appeal of such tree-ensemble methods comes from a combination of several characteristics: a remarkable accuracy in a variety of tasks, a small number of parameters to tune, robustness with respect to features scaling, a reasonable computational cost for training and prediction, and their suitability in high-dimensional settings. The most commonly used RF variants, however, are ‘offline’ algorithms, which require the availability of the whole dataset at once. In this paper, we introduce AMF, an online RF algorithm based on Mondrian Forests. Using a variant of the context tree weighting algorithm, we show that it is possible to efficiently perform an exact aggregation over all prunings of the trees; in particular, this enables to obtain a truly online parameter-free algorithm which is competitive with the optimal pruning of the Mondrian tree, and thus adaptive to the unknown regularity of the regression function. Numerical experiments show that AMF is competitive with respect to several strong baselines on a large number of datasets for multi-class classification.
In vitro activity of lactoferricin solution against Malassezia pachydermatis from otitis externa in dogs and cats
Authors: Corona Antonio , Vercelli Antonella , Bruni Natascia , Guidi Eleonora , Cornegliani Luisa 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundMalassezia pachydermatis is a commensal organism of the skin, yet it may induce dermatitis and/or otitis. Lactoferricin (Lfcin) is an antimicrobial peptide obtained by the pepsin‐mediated digestion of lactoferrin, a multifunctional innate‐defence milk protein. The antibacterial activity of Lfcin is thought to cause alteration of bacterial membrane permeability, thus inducing cell death.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro antifungal activity of different dilutions of Lfcin solution against M. pachydermatis strains isolated from ears of dogs and cats with otitis externa.Methods and materialsFifty clinical Malassezia isolates from 40 dogs and 10 cats were tested. A dilution method in microtitre plates was used starting with a 20% Lfcin water solution. The different dilutions were 2:1 (13.3%), 1:1 (10%), 1:2 (6.7%), 1:5 (3.3%) and 1:10 (1.8%). Results were expressed as the value at which the growth of 50% (minimal fungicidal concentration MFC50) and 90% (MFC90) of yeast cells was inhibited.ResultsAll strains showed susceptibility to 20% Lfcin solution (100%). With 1:5 and 1:10 dilutions corresponding to 3.3% and 1.8% Lfcin solutions, all strains showed resistance. The MFC50 and MFC90 values were observed at 13.3% and 20% Lfcin solutions.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe results indicated that Lfcin solution exhibits the antimicrobial activity specific to antimicrobial peptides. In particular, the 20% solution can be effective in killing M. pachydermatis isolated strains. Some susceptibilities also are evident at lower concentrations of ≤6.7% for four strains.
Exchange transfusion in the management of critical pertussis in young infants: a case series
Authors: Son Pham Thai , Reda Abdullah , Viet Do Chau , Quynh Nguyen Xuan Thuy , Hung Dang The , Tung Tring Huu , Huy Nguyen Tien 
Published: May 2021

Background and objectivesIt is proposed that severe leucocytosis mainly contributes to pulmonary hypertension by blocking pulmonary capillaries and restricting blood flow. Exchange transfusion (ET) in pertussis has been demonstrated as a safe and useful technique for depleting the leucocyte mass. We aim to discuss four cases of pertussis‐induced respiratory distress and the effectiveness of ET in such a setting.Materials and methodsWe conducted a retrospective case series at the Infectious Disease Department of Children’s Hospital 2 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and included four pertussis patients that were confirmed by PCR tests on respiratory secretions, presented with severe leucocytosis and respiratory distress and required mechanical ventilation.ResultsAmong the included patients, three underwent a double volume ET for leucodepletion, two of whom were discharged after the procedure with proper vitals and laboratory test results. On the other hand, one patient died despite ET, performed late in the course of the disease. Exchange transfusion was not performed in the last patient who died as well.ConclusionEarly ET may be a useful and rapid life‐saving treatment in children with critical pertussis and severe leucocytosis before cardiopulmonary complications appear.
Application of Scalar Filtered Density Function to Turbulent Flows Under Supercritical Condition
Authors: Sheikhi Reza , Hadi Fatemeh 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The scalar filtered density function (FDF) methodology is extended and employed for large eddy simulation (LES) of turbulent flows under supercritical condition. To describe real fluid behavior, the extended methodology incorporates the generalized heat and mass diffusion models along with real fluid thermodynamic relations which are derived using the cubic Peng–Robinson equation of state. These models are implemented within the stochastic differential equations comprising the scalar FDF transport. Simulations are conducted of a temporally developing mixing layer under supercritical condition and the results are assessed by comparing with data generated by direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the same layer. The consistency of the proposed FDF methodology is assessed. The LES-FDF predictions are shown to agree favorably with the DNS data and exhibit several key features pertaining to supercritical turbulent flows.
Ultra-Low Wear and Anti-Oxidation Properties of Microcrystalline Graphite Oxide-Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide Composite Nanoadditives in the Poly-Alpha-Olefin Base Oil
Authors: Wang Kai , Chang Qiuying , Gao Rongqin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Graphite-based materials and hydrothermal synthetic magnesium silicate hydroxide (MSH) had shown outstanding performances as lubricant additives. In this paper, microcrystalline graphite oxide-magnesium silicate hydroxide (MGO-MSH) composite additives using pre-oxidized MGO as one of the precursors were prepared at a mild hydration condition, and their tribological properties in poly-alpha-olefin oil (PAO 10) were demonstrated by a four-ball tester. The tribological results showed that the optimal concentration of MGO-MSH in oil was 0.3 wt% under 600 N, 600 rpm. Meanwhile, the average wear scar diameter of the ball samples tested in composite-suspending oil was reduced by 36.3% compared with that obtained by pure PAO 10. By means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), it was verified that MGO was involved in the synthesis of MSH, and MSH was anchored on MGO during the hydrothermal process. In addition, it was confirmed that carbon-containing tribo-film was formed on the smooth wear region of the wear scar and was of excellent anti-oxidation wear properties.
Patella Apex Influences Patellar Ligament Forces and Ratio
Authors: Wheatley Mitchell G. A. , Clouthier Allison L. , Thelen Darryl G. , Rainbow Michael J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe relationship between three-dimensional shape and patellofemoral mechanics is complicated. The Wiberg patella classification is a method of distinguishing shape differences in the axial plane of the patella that can be used to connect shape differences to observed mechanics. This study uses the Wiberg patella classification to differentiate variance in a statistical shape model describing changes in patella morphology and height. We investigate how patella morphology influences force distribution within the patellofemoral joint. The Wiberg type I patella has a more symmetrical medial and lateral facet while the type III patella has a larger lateral facet compared to medial. The second principal component of the statistical shape model described shape variation that qualitatively resembled the different Wiberg patellas. We generated patellofemoral morphologies from the statistical shape model and integrated them into a musculoskeletal model with a twelve degrees-of-freedom knee. We simulated an overground walking trial with these morphologies and recorded patellofemoral mechanics and ligament forces. An increase in patellar ligament force corresponded with an increase in patella height. Wiberg type III patellas had a sharper patella apex which related to lower ratios of quadriceps tendon forces to patellar ligament forces. The change in pivot point of the patella affects the ratio of forces as well as the patellofemoral reaction force. This study provides a better understanding of how patella morphology affects fundamental patella mechanics which may help identify at-risk populations for pathology development.
Analysis of Motion Characteristics of a Controllable Ventilated Supercavitating Vehicle Under Accelerations
Authors: Zou Wang , Liu Tingxu , Shi Yongkang , Wang Jiaxin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The development of a maneuverable underwater high-speed vehicle is worthy of attention and study using supercavitation drag reduction theory and technology. The supercavity shape determines the hydrodynamics of the vehicle, and especially during a maneuver, its unsteady characteristics have a significant impact on the motion stability of the vehicle. The three-dimensional dynamic model of a ventilated supercavitating vehicle is established using the unsteady supercavity dynamic model based on the rigid body dynamics theory as an extension of the vehicle's longitudinal dynamic model in our recent work. The vehicle's accelerating and decelerating motions are simulated in the straight flight state using a self-developed numerical method based on the vehicle's dynamic model with the designed control law. Motion characteristics are analyzed on the evolution laws of the vehicle's motion state variables and control variables and the supercavity's characteristic parameters (i.e., ventilation cavitation number, supercavity maximum diameter, and supercavity length) in the acceleration motions. The evolution laws in the accelerating and decelerating motions are compared, and the effects of the acceleration on the laws are further analyzed. This study lays the foundation for the in-depth study of the hydrodynamic characteristics and motion stability of ventilated supercavitating vehicles in maneuvering states.
Effect of Dielectric Material and Package Stiffness on the Power Generation in a Packaged Triboelectric Energy Harvesting System for Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Hossain Nabid Aunjum , Yamomo Geofrey George , Willing Ryan , Towfighian Shahrzad 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The objectives of this study are to experimentally investigate the effects of the dielectric material and the package stiffness on the durability and the efficiency of a previously developed triboelectric-based instrumented knee implant prototype. The proposed smart knee implant may provide useful information about prosthesis health and its functionality after a total knee replacement (TKR) by routine monitoring of tibiofemoral load transfer without the need for any external power source. The triboelectric powered load sensing by the proposed TKR system needs to be functional throughout the entire life of a knee replacement. The power output of the triboelectric system depends on the surface charge generations and accumulations on its dielectric material, and the force that transmits through its housing into the tribo-materials. The properties of the dielectric material and the package stiffness can significantly influence the reliability of the proposed device. For such a TKR system, a compliant mechanism with the ideal material selection can improve its state of the art. We investigated the performance of three vertical contact mode triboelectric generators made with three different dielectric materials: polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). To investigate the effect of package stiffness, we tested two Ti–PDMS–Ti harvesters inside a polyethylene and a Ti6Al4V package. At 1500 N of sinusoidal loads, the harvesters could generate 67.73 μW and 19.81 μW of mean apparent power in parallel and single connections in the polyethylene package, which was 32 and 17 times greater than the power recorded in the Ti assembly, respectively.
Comparative Study of the Wear Behavior of B4C Monolayered and CrN/CrCN/DLC Multilayered Physical Vapor Deposition Coatings Under High Contact Loads: An Experimental Analysis
Authors: Silva F. J. G. , Casais R. C. B. , Baptista A. P. M. , Marques M. J. , Sousa V. M. C. , Alexandre R. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
There are several ways to characterize the wear resistance of coatings in the laboratory, almost all of them applying relatively low contact pressure, both punctually and over surface contact. Pin-on-disc, reciprocal sliding, and micro-abrasion wear tests are quite common configurations for this purpose. Thus, a gap was identified in terms of characterization of hard physical vapor deposition (PVD) coatings subject to higher levels of contact pressure. This study aims to study and compare the wear behavior of two different coatings made by PVD, a B4C (Boron Carbide) monolayer, less used, and another following a multilayer structure of CrN/CrCN/DLC, to identify the wear mechanisms involved in quite different coatings. Both coatings were initially characterized in terms of chemical composition, thickness, morphology, structure, hardness, and adhesion to the substrate, being subsequently tested in laboratory equipment for wear tests following the block-on-ring configuration and relatively high levels of contact pressure, with a view to study the failure mechanisms of the coatings and their wearrate. CrN/CrCN/DLC multilayered coatings presented a better overall wear behavior, whereas B4C coating showed a good wear behavior regarding the load and configuration used, but in line with the behavior already observed when other wear testing configurations had been used. Thus, under the conditions imposed, CrN/CrCN/DLC coating is the best option when high contact pressure is applied to the coated surfaces.